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Manchester United have started the 2025/26 campaign off with a wobble, and Ruben Amorim has it all to do if he is to turn things around and lead the club back into the ascendancy after so many years languishing well south of expectations.

A stuttering start to the Premier League term devolved into something of a graver concern on Wednesday evening, with League Two side Grimsby Town knocking United out of the Carabao Cup in a penalty shootout, having scored two goals apiece across the 90.

The biggest concern, undoubtedly, is that the Red Devils have been here before. Travel back to the end of the 2012/13 campaign and observe Sir Alex Ferguson’s last hurrah. There you will find Man United’s 20th league title, and there has not been another since.

United pride themselves on their deep-rooted connection with the youth scene, but it’s been a testing time in that regard too. Marcus Rashford now plies his trade for Barcelona, and Kobbie Mainoo’s struggles have come to something of a head, for the 20-year-old wants to detach himself from Amorim’s plans.

Kobbie Mainoo's Man Utd future

Man United have rejected a loan request from academy product Mainoo, with Amorim wishing to keep the prospect in his first-team squad despite limiting him to a peripheral role since replacing Erik ten Hag.

The all-action midfielder has played 73 times for United’s senior side over the past couple of years, reaching apotheosis when scoring in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, sealing silverware for Ten Hag in his second season.

Amorim appears to want Mainoo to remain in Manchester, but the young star has sat as an unused substitute for both of the club’s opening Premier League fixtures, and negotiations around an extension on his current contract, into its penultimate year, have stalled.

While retaining the services of such a young player is crucial and a core tenet of what it means to be Manchester United, Mainoos’ stance is understandable.

And if the Reds manage to pull off a deal they currently have in the pipeline, letting Mainoo leave, even just for a time, would be far more acceptable.

Man Utd lining up last-minute deal

According to Football Insider, Manchester United are plotting a last-minute move for Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, though they face stiff competition from Liverpool and Real Madrid.

Valued at around £100m by Eagles chairman Steve Parish, Wharton’s signature will not be an easy one to wrestle over to Old Trafford this summer, but that hardly means that INEOS and Jason Wilcox won’t give it their best shot, especially when considering the uncertainty around Mainoo’s future.

Though there are certain concerns that United don’t have the finances to complete such a deal, they had a vested interest in Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba before the door was closed on the Cameroonian’s exit, and he has been priced in the same financial ballpark.

Why Man Utd want Adam Wharton

Amorim’s system at Man United has seen the skipper, Bruno Fernandes, forced into a deeper berth than we have become accustomed to over the years.

The Portuguese’s technical quality and playmaking ability align with the way in which Amorim envisages United playing, but this has come at a great cost for Mainoo, who is very much on the fringes of the action.

Wharton’s arrival would only be to his countryman’s personal detriment, but there’s no question that the Palace man is one of the most exciting young midfielders in Europe, and that Amorim would hit the jackpot by securing his services.

A more creative distributor and perhaps a more wily defensive asset in the middle of the park, Wharton ranks among the top 8% of central midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes, and the top 5% for ball recoveries per 90, as per FBref.

In this way, he could be the perfect piece to replace Fernandes in this deeper berth, whose playmaking ability knows no bounds. Hailed as an “absolute magician” by journalist Liam Canning, it’s clear that someone with a similar maestro-like hold on the ball-playing game needs to step in.

1.

Bruno Fernandes

91

2.

Mohamed Salah

88

3.

Cole Palmer

86

4.

Enzo Fernandez

75

5.

Bryan Mbeumo

70

Moreover, Wharton is more of a natural middle-placed player, echoing the defensive work of Mainoo while proving himself able to progress the ball forward, by passing and carrying it forward himself, when the need arises.

He’s been described as a “generational talent” by journalist Matthew Stanger, and proved that he can get stuck in with the best of them after leaving Blackburn Rovers in the Championship and moving to Selhurst Park in January 2024, averaging three tackles per match across that Premier League season and winning 57% of his ground duels.

Therefore, Man United would land themselves a midfield fulcrum embodying exciting attributes from these two competing players, one best fit for the central berth in Amorim’s system, one catered toward the style of football that could lift United back into the ascendancy.

Mainoo might be a terrific, homegrown talent, but if United were to succeed in their bid to sign Wharton before the imminent closure of the transfer market, any frustration or sadness around his departure or regression down the ranks would be tempered by the acknowledgement that the project would be headed in the right direction.

In any case, INEOS’ willingness to rival Europe’s biggest hitters for this rising talent makes a firm comment on their desire to return to the forefront after many years away.

He's like Klopp: INEOS want "incredible" boss to replace Amorim at Man Utd

Manchester United could be set to part ways with Ruben Amorim and appoint their own Jurgen Klopp.

3 ByEthan Lamb Aug 29, 2025

Sunderland fans will be hoping their team can be instantly successful moving up to the Premier League after an action-packed summer so far in the transfer window.

Of course, it will take time for the multitude of fresh signings on Wearside to gel and get up to speed with their daunting new environment, but Regis Le Bris will just pray it clicks relatively quickly as his team tries to stave off an immediate drop back down to the Championship.

Granit Xhaka could well be the next statement addition through that door that ruffles a few feathers, with the Black Cats reportedly striking an agreement on personal terms with the ex-Arsenal midfielder to return to the Premier League. Further reports have indicated that a bid has also been lodged for the Bayer Leverkusen man.

Then, with the attack already bolstered and the midfield department brimming with quality, the defence could be next on Le Bris’ agenda to strengthen.

Sunderland prepare bid for £22m titan

The star-studded buys look as if they will continue into the Black Cats’ back line, with Sunderland now being linked to former Europa League winner Loic Bade in the heart of defence.

Recent reports have suggested that the newly promoted side are in pole position to land the imposing Frenchman, even as fellow suitors from the Premier League in Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur circle for the £25m defender’s services, alongside Marseille and Villarreal.

It still could be a tall order for Sunderland to win this race outright, even if they are reported to be in the lead for his signature currently, with a dream alternative to the 25-year-old now up their sleeve as a fresh bid is potentially prepared.

Transfer Focus

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

As per reports from Italian outlet Il Resto del Carlino, as relayed by 1000CuoriRossoblu, Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi is now tempted by a move to Wearside after initially being hesitant.

With the newly-promoted side already lodging a bid of around €20m (£17m), a heftier offer is now being prepared by the Black Cats, with the Serie A side looking for closer to €25m (£22m) to cash in.

With Lucumi’s agents also pushing for the centre-back to relocate to England, this might well be a move that is finalised in a swifter manner than Bade’s, with the Bologna number 26 sticking out as a dream alternative to the one-time France international.

Why Lucumi would be a dream Bade alternative

This chaotic summer period so far has proven that the Black Cats are unafraid to splash the cash, with a club-record £30m forked out on Habib Diarra.

Yet, there won’t be a bottomless pit of money at the Stadium of Light forever, meaning £3m saved on a defender could be a worthwhile, savvy move in the long run, especially when you weigh up Lucumi’s strengths next to his £25m counterpart.

Games played

32

31

Goals scored

0

1

Assists

1

1

Touches*

73.2

68.3

Accurate passes*

57.9 (92%)

48.6 (86%)

Tackles*

1.7

1.5

Ball recoveries*

5.5

4.3

Total duels won*

3.9

4.3

Clean sheets

10

8

Despite once being heralded as an “elite” level defender by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Bade comes up short when assessed next to Lucumi in many different areas of their defensive games across last season.

The South American centre-back trumps the Sevilla number 22 when it comes to accurate passes per 90 minutes in league action, on top of Bade also falling flat in terms of ball recoveries and tackles won.

Lucumi’s well-known composure with the ball at his feet has even seen him labelled as “ice cold” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, with this assured demeanour standing him in good stead for the intense challenges the Premier League would throw his way.

Whilst Bade might be a more notable name to an outsider looking in, the evidence here proves that Lucumi would be a fantastic, cost-effective alternative to the Frenchman.

Adingra will love him: Sunderland in talks to sign "sensational" £22.5m ace

Sunderland is continuing to negotiate a deal to snap up a £22.5m star

ByKelan Sarson Jul 22, 2025

Liverpool have reportedly had a “phone call” with the representatives of a big-money attacking player, as they look to sign a replacement for Darwin Nunez.

Slot's beautiful Jota tribute before Preston

The Reds started their pre-season with a 3-1 win away to Preston North End on Sunday afternoon, on what was an emotional occasion after the tragic passing of Diogo Jota earlier this month.

Prior to the game, Arne Slot provided some beautiful words on the Portuguese, showing exactly why he was such a perfect successor to Jurgen Klopp.

“Nothing seems to be important if we think of what has happened. But we are a football club and we need to train and we need to play again, if we want it or not. What I’ve said to the players, I can say it here as well. It’s very difficult to find the right words because we constantly debate what is appropriate. What is appropriate in our actions? What is appropriate [for] what we have to say? Can we train again? Can we laugh again? Can we be angry if there’s a wrong decision?

“And I’ve said to them, maybe the best thing for us to do is handle this situation like Jota was. And what I meant with that is that Jota was always himself, it didn’t matter if he was talking to me, to his teammates, to the staff, he was always himself. So let us try to be ourselves as well. So, if we want to laugh we laugh; if we want to cry we’re going to cry. If they want to train they can train, if they don’t want to train they can not train. But be yourself, don’t think you have to be different than your emotions tell you.”

Now, it is a case of Slot and his Liverpool players trying to achieve lots of success with Jota in their thoughts, and further signings may help in that respect. A new update has now emerged regarding a potential addition in the final third.

Liverpool have "phone call" with £78m Nunez replacement

According to journalist Sebastien Vidal on X, Liverpool have been in contact with a “phone call” to RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko’s agents about a £78m move to Anfield, coming in to replace the likely-to-leave Nunez, who scored against Preston.

Sesko feels like an ideal option to come in and lead the line for the Reds, considering it looks increasingly unlikely that they will be able to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle United.

The 22-year-old is already such a prolific and dominant striker, scoring 39 goals in 87 appearances for Leipzig, as well as 16 in 41 caps for Slovenia.

Slot's next Wirtz: Liverpool in contact to sign "the new Haaland" for £78m

Liverpool are planning to sign a new striker in the summer transfer market.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 14, 2025

If Liverpool could sign Sesko on top of Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez this summer, it would be outstanding business, with a new backup centre-back potentially the next priority after Jarell Quansah’s move to Bayer Leverkusen.

The countdown to the start of Celtic’s season is on with Brendan Rodgers having now learned the fate of his Bhoys in green and white.

It was confirmed on Friday morning, during the SPFL’s fixture launch, that the Hoops will begin their Premiership title defence at home to St Mirren on Sunday 3 August, before traveling to Pittodrie to face Aberdeen a week later.

Also, with a season-defining Champions League play-off to come at the end of August, Rodgers is eager for the club to act swiftly in the transfer market, so are they about to add defensive reinforcements?

Celtic targeting a new defender

According to a report by Sky Sports News, Celtic are ‘in talks’ with J League club Albirex Niigata, as they aim to sign Hayato Inamura, adding that the 23-year-old is ‘keen’ on a move to Parkhead.

Inamura has made just 34 professional appearances, with his team currently in the J League relegation zone, scoring his first-ever senior goal during a 3-2 defeat at Avispa Fukuoka on Saturday.

Before joining Albirex Niigata, he had come through Japan’s college system, representing Maebashi Ikuei High School and then Toyo University, but could he now be on his way to Glasgow?

The latest on Maik Nawrocki's Celtic future

As noted by Mark Walker of the National, Maik Nawrocki could leave Celtic this summer, with Tan Kesler, who is the sporting director at Pogoń Szczecin, confirming they have “talked” about the possibility of bringing him back to Poland.

However, having finished fourth in last season’s Ekstraklasa, thereby failing to qualify for Europe, the Dockers are unlikely to be able to match the £4m Celtic paid to sign Nawrocki from Legia Warszawa in the first place two years ago.

Fair to say, the centre-back has not made much of an impact since arriving in Glasgow, making just 18 appearances, scoring his first goal for the club against Aberdeen last mont

Appearances

18

Starts

12

Minutes

1,081

An unused substitute

30

% of total minutes played

11%

Thus, having started just 12 of Celtic’s 107 matches across the last two seasons, it should not come as much of a surprise that he is angling for a move this summer.

So, would Inamura be an upgrade?

Well, Anthony Joseph of Sky Sports describes him as a “left-footed centre-back” who is also capable of filling-in at left-back, which could be useful versatility.

Should he arrive, he would become Celtic’s ninth Japanese player, as the table below outlines.

Kyōgo Furuhashi

2021-2025

165

Shunsuke Nakamura

2005-09

159

Daizen Maeda

2022-present

158

Reo Hatate

2022-present

142

Tomoki Iwata

2022-24

42

Kōki Mizuno

2008-09

12

Yūki Kobayashi

2023

7

Yosuke Ideguchi

2022

6

Fair to say, there are some bona fide successes on that list, including last season’s top scorer Daizen Maeda, as well as key midfielder Reo Hatate, who would surely help Inamura acclimatise to life in Glasgow.

Analyst and scout Will Glavin describes Inamura as “tactically intelligent” as well as “comfortable building from the back”, adding that he would add “technical quality” to Rodgers’ team, concluding that this is a “low-risk investment”.

Meantime, Stephen McGowan of the Herald forecast that he will be able to compete with Auston Trusty and Liam Scales for the starting left-centre-back spot, with the place as Cameron Carter-Vickers’ partner very much still up for grabs.

So, this appears to be a sensible addition from Celtic, but one that could spell the end for often-forgotten man Nawrocki, who would find his game time even more limited, forcing him to look elsewhere for game time.

Celtic could sign a better winger than Balikwisha in "outstanding" star

Celtic are in the market to bolster their options in the wide areas this summer.

ByDan Emery Jun 20, 2025

Yet to start their summer business, Aston Villa are now reportedly preparing an official approach to sign a midfield target worth £25m as Monchi intensifies his pursuit.

Kieran Maguire: Aston Villa "most concerned" about PSR

Like Newcastle United in the last two windows, Aston Villa’s spending is seemingly catching up to them even as they continue to enjoy impressive success on the pitch. And that could see them forced into a quiet summer window unless they sell at least one key player.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire had his say on the Villans’ PSR concerns, recently saying on Sky Sports: “I think of the 20 Premier League clubs, Villa are the ones who we’re most concerned about.

Aston Villa now in the conversation for shock deal to sign £85m striker

He would take Villa’s frontline to a new level…

1 ByTom Cunningham Jun 19, 2025

“Last season, when they did qualify for the Champions League, for every £100 of revenue that Aston Villa brought in, they spent £91 on wages. Those players will have had contract step-ups for qualifying for the Champions League.

“And remember, Villa have done very well in that competition. So that will be a plus. And they have sold some players as well, in both the last summer market and the January one. But I think there is still a perception that Villa will have to box clever.

“And of all of the clubs under pressure to sell players by June 30, I guess they’re the ones who are the club that gives the most attention because their spending in the last couple of years before getting into Europe was so extensive.”

One sale that could be on the cards as a result of their concerns this summer is Emiliano Martinez. The goalkeeper has already been linked with moves to Atletico Madrid and, more concerningly, Manchester United. But as frustrating as his departure to join the latter would be, it would at least open the door for Villa to secure incomings of their own this summer.

Aston Villa preparing Raskin approach

According to TeamTalk, Monchi is now preparing an approach to sign Nicolas Raskin from Rangers with Aston Villa and their sporting director now set to intensify their pursuit of the talented midfielder.

As Rangers struggled for much of last season, Raskin was often among the few standouts and has since made an impressive start to life in the Belgium squad. Now, for just £25m, he could be on his way to the Premier League this summer.

In regards to Aston Villa’s financial problems, Raskin would also be a wise move given that he’s reportedly available for such a low fee this summer. What’s more, at just 24 years old, the Belgian is destined for bigger and better things which means that the £25m fee could rapidly turn into the ultimate bargain for all involved in the Midlands.

All signs point towards an excellent signing, but Aston Villa must first convince Rangers to sell one of their best players as they enter a new era under Russell Martin in Scotland.

Newcastle United have made contact over the signing of a superb defender likened to Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate, with a move worth over £34m mooted.

Newcastle continue to eye attacking signings

Eddie Howe will know the importance of strengthening his squad all over the pitch this summer, but it does look as though attacking signings are at the forefront of the manager’s thoughts.

Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga has been linked with a move to Newcastle, with an offer of £50m reportedly likely to be accepted by the Premier League club. The former Manchester United man enjoyed an impressive 2024/25 season and could add much-needed youth and quality to the right-hand side of Howe’s attack.

In terms of potentially audacious signings, Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is right up there for the Magpies this summer, considering he has been among the best in the world in his position over the past decade. He could provide outstanding competiton to Nick Pope.

Newcastle are also thought to be among the favourites to sign Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, as has seemingly been the case for some time now, and he could be a perfect addition at the heart of the defence, coming in as an immediate key man. Now, another central defender has been mentioned as a concrete target.

Newcastle make contact over "superb" £34m+ defender

According to LaRoma24 [via Sport Witness], Newcastle, and by extension PIF, have made contact over the signing of Roma defender Evan Ndicka this summer.

The Ivorian is likely to cost over £34m, with Arsenal in the same position as the Magpies, and the player’s representatives are said to have been informed that he could leave ahead of next season.

Ndicka is exactly what Newcastle could require at centre-back this summer, with the 25-year-old at a great age to come in and hit the ground running from the off.

The Ivory Coast international started all 38 Serie A games for Roma last season, averaging 3.8 clearances per game, and football talent scout Jacek Kulig once described him as a “superb player”.

Appearances

38

Starts

38

Minutes played

3420

Clearances per game

3.8

Aerial duel wins per game

1.6

Interceptions per game

0.9

Tackles per game

0.8

Goals

0

Assists

1

Ndicka is now an experienced footballer who has racked up 45 appearances in the Europa League and won 16 caps for the Ivory Coast, and it is easy to see him excelling in a Newcastle shirt.

He has been likened to Liverpool centre-back Konate, which bodes well given the Frenchman’s impact at Anfield, and he could ultimately be a cheaper alternative to Guehi at St James’ Park this summer.

Everton and rival Premier League club West Ham United are fighting to complete the signing of a “brilliant” player this summer, according to a new transfer rumour.

Who are Everton linked with?

There is plenty of optimism in the air among Blues supporters about a productive summer transfer window lying ahead, with plenty of funds set to be made available for new signings.

Everton have been linked with sealing a reunion with John Stones, amid doubts over his Manchester City future, which could prove to be extremely popular. Granted, his injury problems have been well-documented at times, but he would feel like a statement signing by Moyes.

Another City player, this time James McAtee, has also been mentioned as an option, with the Englishman unlikely to be able to force his way into Pep Guardiola’s plans moving forward. He could be ideal for the Blues, adding creativity in attacking areas.

With reported Everton target Liam Delap off to Chelsea, Tammy Abraham is considered an alternative option for Everton, as he potentially looks to seal a return to the Premier League this summer. The former Chelsea man has fallen out of favour at Roma, spending this season on loan at AC Milan, scoring just three goals in 28 Serie A appearances for the latter.

Everton battling West Ham for Brownhill

According to a fresh claim from Claret & Hugh, Everton and West Ham are locking horns over the signing of Burnley Player of the Year Josh Brownhill this summer, as the Clarets look to keep hold of him after their return to the Premier League.

It is described as a “straight shootout” between the two clubs, even though Leeds United get a mention in the report, with the Blues linked with signing the 29-year-old multiple times in the past and Moyes thought to be a big fan.

Brownhill feels like a player right at his peak, following an outstanding season for Burnley that saw him score 18 times in the Championship from midfield, playing a huge role in their promotion from the Championship.

The fact that Moyes wanted him during his time at West Ham can only bode well, as the update states, and the Englishman would bring box-to-box quality to Everton’s team, being hailed by Clarets manager Scott Parker early in the campaign.

“There are not enough words to compliment Browny. He’s a driving force in this team, he’s got brilliant box habits and he’s always in and around the right areas. He’s got huge quality and he’s now got nine for the season, so he’s been fundamental for us.”

Ndiaye 2.0: Everton take first steps to sign £25m ace who's "like Odegaard"

Everton appear to be targeting a player who has shades of Iliman Ndiaye…

ByRobbie Walls May 31, 2025

Granted, some may look at Brownhill’s age and wonder if a younger option should be the priority, but he could offer plenty for the next three or four years, coming straight in as a key starter, as Moyes plans for both the short-term and long haul on Merseyside.

Despite losing their last five games of the regular Championship season, Sunderland are Premier League-bound once more after Wembley produced yet more drama in a play-off final.

Tommy Watson would break Sheffield United hearts right at the death to hand his hometown club a passage up to the big time, but all these jubilant celebrations will soon be met by the crashing fear of realism as Sunderland attempt to stay afloat in such a brutal division.

Already, however, the Wearside high-flyers have been active in the transfer market to try and boost their young squad, with Enzo Le Fee about to pen a permanent Stadium of Light contract.

Away from the standout loanee joining for good, there are a whole host of other rumours involving incomings that will please fans of Regis Le Bris’ underdogs.

Sunderland's growing list of transfer targets

Amazingly, Le Fee might not be the only statement addition in the centre of the park this summer.

The rumour mill continues to churn out the wild possibility of Jordan Henderson returning to his hometown roots, whilst another flashy buy in the midfield department could soon come in the form of Manchester United winger Amad Diallo.

Yet, away from Henderson and Amad’s names being tentatively linked, Sunderland could look to improve defensively this summer by shopping in Le Bris’s native France.

As per a new report from the Daily Mirror, that has been relayed by the Sunderland Echo, the AS Monaco ace is being looked at by the Black Cats as part of an ambitious summer rebuild, meaning the old guard in the building might be moved to one side for the likes of Singo to shine.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, any move for the £20m-rated defender could prove to be an upgrade on long-serving hero, Luke O’Nien.

How Singo compares to O'Nien

O’Nien’s appearance at the final whistle at Wembley tells you all you need to know about his warrior-like character as the veteran defender celebrated with his arm in a noticeable sling.

Whilst that grit and determination might well be of value to the Black Cats in such a demanding league, the strong 30-year-old could soon take a back seat for a fresh body to arrive in the form of Singo.

After all, whilst O’Nien can play both as a right-back or as a centre-back like Singo, it’s clear from the numbers below that the 23-year-old target is more accustomed to being a Premier League-level defender for Sunderland right now, over the long-standing Wearside servant.

Games played

27

48

Goals scored

1

3

Assists

2

1

Touches*

65.9

73.5

Accurate passes*

45.1 (87%)

52.7 (87%)

Big chances created

3

1

Ball recoveries*

5.1

3.4

Clearances*

4.0

3.9

Total duels won*

4.7

3.9

Clean sheets

7

16

Indeed, Singo has already shown he can cut it with the top dogs in Ligue 1 when amassing one goal and two assists when lining up either in the heart of defence or down the right flank last season.

But, away from solely offering Sunderland a new expansive option out from the back, he also possesses that same hunger and drive to battle like O’Nien, with the “monster” Ivorian – as he’s been labelled by football analyst Ben Mattinson – actually bettering his ex-Wycombe Wanderers counterpart in terms of clearances, ball recoveries and duels won throughout last season, even when plying his trade in a top league.

Also capable of pulling off an audacious flick like this one, everything is pointing in the direction that landing the “freak athlete” – as he’s been further noted by Mattinson – would be a worthwhile addition for Le Bris’ men ahead of Premier League action finally returning, with a sprinkle here and there of quality giving the Black Cats a hopeful fighting chance at survival.

Sunderland could soon sign their next Amad in "unplayable" EFL star

Sunderland could finally win their next Amad Diallo with this tricky attacker.

ByKelan Sarson May 29, 2025

Rangers have reportedly sent scouts to watch a young striker in action, with the player in question having a release clause of just £42,000.

Rangers eyeing signings amid manager search

The Gers’ search for their next permanent manager continues, with Barry Ferguson expected to move on from his interim role at the end of the season. Russell Martin has been mentioned as an option in recent days, with the Englishman a talented young coach, despite being sacked by Southampton earlier in the season.

Current Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl has also emerged as a contender to come in as Rangers’ next manager, with the German looking increasingly likely to depart Hillsborough when the current campaign reaches its conclusion. Southampton are also reportedly keen on him, though.

England legends Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard have both been mentioned, too, with the latter impressively guiding Coventry City into the Championship playoffs this season.

In terms of possible new signings, Kevin Boma has been backed to join Rangers this summer, as they look to boost their defensive options. The Estoril centre-back has enjoyed a good season, averaging 2.9 aerial duel wins per game across 27 Primeira Liga appearances.

Rangers send scouts to watch young attacker

According to 24Sports [via Ibrox News], Rangers have watched Anorthosis striker Evagoras Charalampous in his last three appearances, with scouts sent to monitor him. The 19-year-old has a release clause of just £42,000 and the Gers are now weighing up the idea of triggering it this summer and bringing him to Ibrox.

Charalampous isn’t exactly a world-renowned name who Rangers supporters will know a huge amount about, but the young Cypriot has already scored five goals in 16 appearances for Anorthosis, making the jump up to senior level impressively, and he is a three-cap Cyprus Under-21 international, netting once in that time.

Meanwhile, Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg has said that Charalampous is “regarded as one of the top striker talents in Cyprus”, further highlighting why Rangers like the look of him.

Additional firepower is something the Gers need to focus on in the summer transfer window, giving their new manager more options in the final third and hopefully allowing them to narrow the gap on Celtic that has been so evident in the Scottish Premiership throughout this season.

Their own Postecoglou: Rangers shortlist "exciting" 4-3-3 manager

Rangers have drawn up a shortlist of new potential managers

ByRoss Kilvington May 11, 2025

Cyriel Dessers is Rangers’ top goalscorer in the league with 15 strikes this season, which shows there has been no prolific attacker for them, and they could see Charalampous as a future star.

Chelsea already have one foot in the Europa Conference League final after a convincing 4-1 victory over Swedish outfit Djurgarden away from home last night.

Goals from Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke and a double from substitute Nicolas Jackson secured the victory for the Blues, handing them a three-goal lead ahead of next week’s return leg.

Youngster Isak Alemayehu Mulugeta registered a late consolation goal for the hosts, with Enzo Maresca’s side having the advantage after a dominant showing.

The Italian could claim his first title come the end of the season with the Conference League, potentially coming up against Real Betis or Fiorentina in the final should they reach it.

Numerous players managed to impress during the victory in Sweden, potentially handing the manager a selection headache ahead of the second leg next Thursday at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea’s star performers against Djurgarden

Enzo Fernández started the game at the heart of the Chelsea midfield, once again performing to the high standards he’s set for himself, registering two assists within the first 45 minutes.

The Argentine completed 88% of the passes he attempted, three of which were into the final third, aiding Sancho and Madueke – subsequently allowing them to find the back of the net.

He wasn’t the only first-team player to star throughout the triumph, as centre-back Tosin impressed at the heart of the defence, registering a staggering 111 touches and two tackles won – the most of any player.

The 27-year-old also managed to complete 102 passes and 100% of the dribbles he attempted, having a huge impact with and without the ball at his feet against the Allsvenskan opposition.

The Europa Conference League has been a superb competition for various Blues players to stake their claim to Maresca, with multiple other players doing just that in the win last night.

The Chelsea star who’s rapidly becoming a bigger star than George

Academy graduate Tyrique George has integrated into a first-team player at Chelsea this season, taking full advantage of the opportunities that have been handed his way.

After scoring against Fulham in the Premier League nearly two weeks ago, the 19-year-old was handed a start at the top end of the pitch in the semi-final, but was unable to produce his best display.

George featured for 88 minutes of the contest, only managing 30 touches and 13 passes, unable to make a huge impact on proceedings despite the four-goal showing.

He only managed two efforts on goal, neither of which were on target, unable to take full advantage of the opportunity handed to him by Maresca to start in the final third.

However, the same can’t be said for right-back Josh Acheampong, who had an evening to remember, certainly giving the manager something to think about going forward.

The 18-year-old was handed just his sixth start of 2025, but produced a showing way beyond his tender years, playing a vital role in their victory last night.

He registered a total of 109 touches, completing 86 passes at a completion rate of 98% – thriving with the ball at his feet, looking composed despite coming under constant pressure.

Minutes played

90

Touches

109

Passes completed

86/88 (98%)

Duels won

5

Fouls won

3

Tackles won

1

Dribbles completed

1

The teenager also managed to win five duels – the most of any player on the pitch – along with three fouls won, often being a nuisance to the Swedish opposition.

As a result of his showing, Acheampong was handed a 7/10 match rating by Goal’s Richie Mills, showcasing how impressive he was during the win away from home.

After such a showing, Maresca now has a huge decision to make over his future between now and the end of the season, with the teenager more than deserving of a consistent run in the side.

There’s no denying that George ultimately failed to take his chance, with more hype needing to be directed towards Acheampong, who could save the Blues millions in the years ahead.

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