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An “outstanding” manager has now exploded into contention to replace Barry Ferguson as Rangers manager this summer, according to a report.

Gers stepping up new manager pursuit

After crashing out of the Europa League in the quarter-final, the Gers are now set for a trophyless season, which suggests major changes could be needed this summer, and it is looking increasingly likely that interim manager Ferguson is replaced.

Several top managers have been identified as potential targets, including Fenerbahce boss Jose Mourinho, with the 62-year-old believed to be among the frontrunners, although he would only be willing to join if he receives the board’s backing in the transfer market.

Having been in charge during the Light Blues’ 2020-21 Scottish Premiership title triumph, links to former manager Steven Gerrard are to be expected, and the Liverpool legend is now believed to be in pole position to replace Ferguson this summer.

Celtic and Rangers race to sign "brilliant" 11-goal Scotland international

The Bhoys are looking to beat their rivals to a deal…

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Apr 30, 2025

According to a report from TEAMtalk, the 49ers have now whittled down their shortlist to just two managers, with Gerrard being rivalled for the job by Marco Rose, who has now exploded into contention to become the new Rangers boss.

While Gerrard remains under serious consideration, there is now a feeling that the Gers could make a move for Rose, who is ready to return to work next season, having been dismissed from his role as RB Leipzig manager back in March.

The former RB Leipzig boss has shot up the list of targets, with incoming sporting director Kevin Thelwell expected to play a big role in appointing the new manager.

Ferguson is desperate to be appointed on a permanent basis, but it is now looking increasingly likely the 49ers will make an outside hire.

Rose could be "outstanding" appointment for Rangers

The German’s time at RB Leipzig may not have ended the way he would’ve wanted it to, but he enjoyed some success during his time with the Bundesliga side, winning the DfB Pokal in 2023 and the German Super Cup in the 2023-24 campaign.

Not only that, but the ex-Borussia Dortmund boss also received praise during his time at Signal Iduna Park, with Marco Reus describing the job he did during his first few months with the club as “outstanding”.

The 48-year-old, who favours a 4-4-2 formation, could be a forward-thinking appointment for Rangers, given that he likes to implement a high-pressing style of play, so it is exciting news that he is among the main candidates for the job.

There may be a desire to appoint Gerrard, given that he has already experienced success in Scotland, but Rose’s time with RB Leipzig has demonstrated he could be capable of closing the gap on Celtic and winning the title next season.

Aston Villa are battling Manchester United in the race to sign a teenager who has a release clause worth just £4 million, according to a new report.

Aston Villa's plans for the summer begin to take shape

Villa are hoping to seal a spot in next season’s Champions League, as the race to finish in the top five in the Premier League gathers pace in the final weeks of the campaign. But whether the Midlands side secure Champions League football or not, it is likely to be a busy summer for Unai Emery and co. as most summers have been since his arrival.

Aston Villa may already be close to signing an "elite" Rogers replacement

Aston Villa will be considering who they can swoop in for if Morgan Rogers departs the club.

By
Kelan Sarson

May 1, 2025

There is a lot to decide in regards to the futures of Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio, both of whom are on loan from Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, respectively. Meanwhile, rumours have started to begin regarding the future of Morgan Rogers, as he is linked with several high-profile teams in the Premier League.

But Villa’s focus will be on strengthening the team this summer, and one player they appear keen on signing is Kevin de Bruyne. It was reported last week that Villa held internal talks over signing the Belgian this summer.

It’s now been reported by Football Insider that club chiefs are ready to go and sign De Bruyne should Emery want a deal to be done. The midfielder is coming to the end of his contract at Manchester City and therefore can be picked up on a free transfer.

Aston Villa face Man Utd in race to sign £4m teenager

As well as looking at signing an experienced head like De Bruyne, the Villans also have their eye on adding more exciting youth to their team. According to Spanish reports, relayed by Sport Witness, Aston Villa are among the teams interested in signing Christian Kofane from Albacete Balompie.

The report states that as well as Villa holding a keen interest in the 18-year-old forward, Manchester United and Newcastle United are also in the race to sign the teenager. It claims that all three clubs have already made contact with Albacete Balompié over signing Kofane, but so has ‘half of Europe’, with teams such as Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Villarreal, Real Betis, Lille and AS Monaco all interested.

Kofane, who is described as a ‘sensation’ in this update, is under contract until 2031, but this report does state that he has a release clause which is worth €5 million, which is roughly £4.2 million, and this is described as easily affordable for the Premier League teams.

Kofane has gathered more attention in recent weeks, as he’s scored five goals in his last seven games. His arrival at Villa Park would likely see him join up with the club’s academy team, but the Villans must believe that Kofane has the ability to become a star for their first team, and therefore, they may be willing to trigger his release clause, given it is a small amount.

With just a couple of games to go in the Premier League this season, Chelsea sit in a superb position to claim a top-five place and secure a Champions League spot.

The Blues are two points clear of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest, but could be set for a last-day showdown with the Reds at the City Ground – in what will undoubtedly be a nervy affair.

However, regardless of what happens between now and the end of the campaign, Enzo Maresca deserves tremendous credit for the work he’s done during his first year in charge at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian has achieved a 60% win rate in the role, with the prospect of winning the Europa Conference League firmly within their own grasp ahead of tonight’s semi-final second leg against Djurgarden.

However, given their previous work in the transfer market, it would be no surprise to see them spend big again to take the side to the next level under the manager’s guidance.

The latest on Chelsea’s hunt for new signings this summer

Since Maresca took the reins back in the summer of last year, he’s desperately been in the market for a new talisman to help lead the line and take Chelsea to the next level.

Liam Delap has been one player who’s been on their shortlist over the last couple of weeks, potentially moving to the Blues after his £30m relegation release clause became active.

However, he’s not the only attacking player in their sights, with AC Milan winger Rafael Leao once again emerging on their shortlist, according to one Spanish outlet.

The report claims that the Blues have begun talks with the 25-year-old’s representatives over a move to the club after registering 23 combined goals and assists across all competitions this campaign.

It also states that the Portuguese international is seen as a top-level reinforcement for Maresca, taking the side to the left level as a result – but it’s previously been reported he could cost in the region of €80m (£64m).

Why Chelsea’s £64m target would be a better signing than Gittens

Over the last couple of months, Chelsea have been strongly linked with a move to land Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens this summer, but no deal has yet been agreed with the Bundesliga side.

The 20-year-old has impressed in Germany this campaign, registering 12 goals and three assists to date, with other English sides such as Liverpool and Arsenal also interested in his signature.

The former Manchester City youngster looks almost certain to return to England this summer, but the Blues should look to swerve a deal despite their keen interest.

Such an interest in Leao proves the club are evaluating all options to improve their attacking department, needing to make the right call over whom to land to fill the void in the final third.

When comparing the Milan star’s stats with those of Gittens, he’s managed to outperform in numerous key areas, highlighting what a superb addition he would be to Maresca’s side.

Leao, who’s been labelled “world-class” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has registered more combined goals and assists than the Dortmund star’s, whilst also completing more take-ons, showcasing the threat he possesses in attacking areas.

He’s also managed to complete more progressive carries per 90, along with more passes completed into the final third – having the tools to aid other people in improving their own tallies in the final third.

His all-round dominance doesn’t stop there, winning more of the aerial duels he’s entered, potentially offering Maresca an added option in central areas should they fail to land a new striker.

£64m may appear to be another hefty fee to splash out on a new signing, but Leao has proven in Serie A this campaign that he has all of the qualities needed to improve the Blues squad.

As a result of the latest transfer story, the hierarchy should look to forget about any deal to land Gittens in the coming months, subsequently putting all of their focus into a deal for the Milan star.

The perfect Jackson upgrade: Chelsea ready to bid for £76m "complete CF"

Chelsea are looking to add a new striker to their ranks this summer

By
Joe Nuttall

May 7, 2025

Legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson tried to sign an Arsenal icon who he thought was “absolutely perfect” for the Red Devils.

The iconic Scottish boss transformed Man Utd in an Old Trafford tenure that lasted more than 26 years, and in that time worked with a plethora of academy graduates, such as David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt and Gary Neville, turning them into first-team stars.

Arguably the best manager of all time, Ferguson won 13 Premier League titles and regularly shook up his United squad in the transfer market.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s best signings at Man Utd in pictures

As well as bringing through the famous Class of 92, Ferguson would also make a number of shrewd signings in Manchester, with one of his last being Robin van Persie from Arsenal.

The Gunners captain swapped north London for Old Trafford in 2012 and fired Man Utd to the Premier League title in his debut season. Ferguson’s assistant in Manchester, Mike Phelan, recently named Van Persie as one of Ferguson’s best signings as Man Utd boss.

“Well, obviously, Van Persie was an interesting one, because he took us to the title in Sir Alex’s final season. [He] made the difference.”

Phelan named Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Eric Cantona and Park Ji-Sung alongside Van Persie as Man Utd’s five best signings under Ferguson, but if the manager had his way, he would have signed an Arsenal player shortly after arriving at Old Trafford in the 1980s.

Ferguson tried to sign Arsenal star Tony Adams

That man was Tony Adams, with the centre-back going down as one of the greatest Premier League centre-backs of all time after his 19-year career with the Gunners.

The Englishman captained Arsenal to two Premier League titles under Arsene Wenger and made more than 650 appearances for the club in all competitions. Going down in history known as ‘Mr. Arsenal’, things could have been a lot different for Adams if Ferguson was successful in his transfer attempt.

Inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame, Ferguson previously hailed Adams, admitting he saw the defender as “a United player in an Arsenal shirt” and revealed he tried to sign Adams when he was a teenager.

Still the only player to captain a team to a league title in three different decades, Adams was also hailed by Arsene Wenger.

Adams was one that got away from Ferguson, although the defenders he had through the years at Old Trafford, such as Steve Bruce, Gary Pallister, Jaap Stam, Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, served him pretty well themselves.

Both Birmingham City and Wrexham will be attempting to unsettle the Championship after promotion, knowing full well that they have immense pulling power as teams on the rise.

After all, Chris Davies’ runaway League One champions didn’t just win Jay Stansfield by chance, with St. Andrew’s a glamorous location to now ply your trade courtesy of Tom Wagner’s mega millions boosting the once downtrodden giants.

Therefore, if they were able to tempt their top scorer down to the third tier, it’s amazing to contemplate what other earth-shattering signings they could now get in through the door.

The Blues are certainly dominating a lot of EFL conversation this summer with who they’re being linked with, with this dream XI below surely the best plausible lineup Davies could call upon when the excitement of Championship action gets underway.

1

GK – Mark Travers

Firstly, Birmingham might well believe they need to improve in-between the sticks when adjusting back up to the second tier.

Their usual number one goalkeeper Ryan Allsop only shipped 26 goals in league action last season, but if they were able to land Mark Travers – following links to the Bournemouth man – he would surely get the first-team nod over the recent promotion winner.

After all, Travers has significant experience in the Championship on his side with 76 career games at the level under his belt. To add to that, he has also kept a respectable 26 clean sheets along the way.

2

RB – Ethan Laird

Whilst there could be some change in goal, Ethan Laird will be hopeful that his secure first-team spot at right-back remains set in stone for the jump up.

The ex-Manchester United full-back was as much of an attacking menace for the Blues last season as he was a defensive warrior, as seen in his impressive five goals and four assists in league action, on top of also winning a high 6.4 duels on average per contest.

3

CB – Ben Davies

The second signing Birmingham could make is to bring loan hero Ben Davies back permanently after he was a defensive colossus all of last campaign, away from parent employers Rangers.

Davies would strike up a fine partnership with Christoph Klarer – as seen in the pair tallying up a mammoth 38 clean sheets between them – with the Blues boss hopeful that the experienced 29-year-old can look as assured in the league above if he remains put.

4

CB – Christoph Klarer

The aforementioned Klarer would love to line up alongside his ex-Preston North End teammate once more, having been near faultless next to the 6-foot-1 enforcer at the top end of League One.

The dominant Austrian is also very deserving of his plaudits, considering he managed to register seven big chances created playing out from the back, away from just merely putting his equally towering frame to good use.

5

LB – Alex Cochrane

Making up the final component of the imposing back four is former Hearts man Alex Cochrane.

Much like his partner in crime down the right, Cochrane has been able to show off his ability to create chances galore throughout the League One season, culminating in him creating a sizeable nine big chances from 42 overall clashes.

To cap off his sterling individual campaign, the 25-year-old also bagged this beauty against Stevenage in April.

6

CM – Tomoki Iwata

Heading into the midfield areas and Tomoki Iwata will be keen to prove himself as a Championship-ready talent after some stylish showings in the third tier.

Iwata would go on to be an absolute steal from Celtic when joining for around £the £800k mark, considering the Japanese midfielder would round off his first-ever EFL adventure with eight goals and two assists next to his name.

7

CM – Kanya Fuijmoto

Iwata might well be joined by a new teammate centrally, however, as Birmingham continue to be linked with a switch for Gil Vicente ace Kanya Fujimoto.

The newly promoted side must be holding out hope that Fujimoto can be Iwata 2.0 on his potential St. Andrew’s arrival, with the 28-year-old’s compatriot proving himself to be as slick as the Blues number 24 playing out in Portugal.

Whilst he is comfortable slotting in as a number ten – as seen in his five goals and five assists in league action last season – Fujimoto can also line up as a traditional central midfield option, meaning he could partner Iwata very soon in England.

8

RM – Kwame Poku

Birmingham won’t be content with just three new purchases ahead of Championship football triumphantly returning with a fourth potentially in the offing with Kwame Poku, amid reports that an offer has been made to the Peterborough star.

It’s been a drawn-out saga this summer already involving Poku and Davies’ side, but if Birmingham are finally successful in landing the tricky Ghanaian’s services over a crazy 25 other suitors, he would slot into the team effortlessly down the right wing.

Posh manager Darren Ferguson would hail Poku as “unplayable” just this season gone, and when taking his consistent brilliance above, it’s clear to see why, with a ridiculous 23 goal contributions notched up across a memorable 2024/25.

Surely, he’s now ready for the challenge of affirming himself as an EFL superstar even more in the West Midlands.

9

CAM – Jay Stansfield

Stansfield is arguably another big name when it comes to the EFL, with Birmingham fans head over heels for the former Fulham forward.

He would end his own distinguished 2024/25 campaign by firing home 19 league strikes, meaning he could absolutely terrorise Championship defences when partnered with Poku.

10

LM – Keshi Anderson

Whilst the likes of Stansfield stole most of the limelight during Birmingham’s smooth title success, Keshi Anderson also regularly put in fine performances as a more seasoned head of the group.

In all competitions, the pacey left winger would tally up a hefty nine goals and eight assists, with Davies confident now that the experienced attacker can come good in the second tier, having played here previously and somewhat struggled with ex-employers Blackpool.

After announcing the arrival of Antonio Cordero, Newcastle United have now reportedly entered talks to sign a long-term target who Eddie Howe loves in a deal worth £30m.

Newcastle announce Cordero arrival

Having spent the last two windows watching other clubs spend big and welcome key additions courtesy of their PSR concerns, Newcastle and PIF wasted no time before getting their business started this time around. Securing the addition of Cordero, the young Spanish winger will arrive at the end of his Malaga contract on July 1.

Welcoming Cordero to the club in what could be one of his final acts at the club, departing sporting director Paul Mitchell said: “Antonio is an exciting talent. We’re delighted to bring him to Newcastle United amidst interest in Spain and across Europe.He has lots of potential, and the next phase of his development will be for the club to select a loan move that will challenge him and build on his experiences.”

PIF are not done there though. In search of a winger instead of Bryan Mbeumo, who could soon be on his way to Manchester United, the Magpies have been linked with moves for the likes of Anthony Elanga as well as Brighton forward Joao Pedro.

Elanga is a name that was mentioned last summer before Newcastle were ultimately unable to make their move. One year on, however, they’ve got the necessary breathing room to spend and have reportedly already enquired about a potential deal to sign the Nottingham Forest star.

The Swede isn’t the only target that Newcastle could revisit this summer, either. Making up for last summer’s disappointment, those at St James’ Park are now “in talks” to sign a long-term target who Howe loves, according to reports.

Newcastle "in talks" to sign £30m Trafford

According to Sky Sports, Newcastle are now “in talks” to sign James Trafford from Burnley, who value their shot-stopper at just £30m this summer. The England international is a player that Howe has had ‘long-term admiration and interest in’ and wants Trafford to compete with current No.1 Nick Pope next season.

The latter has struggled on the injury front over the last 12 months and the addition of Trafford could see his place come under threat.

Newcastle’s interest in Trafford is, of course, far from new. The Tyneside club even agreed personal terms with the goalkeeper last summer before failing to negotiate a deal with Burnley.

One year on, whether that agreement remains in place or Newcastle are forced back into negotiations will be interesting to see, especially if Trafford’s stance has changed.

The dream XI Newcastle can build: No Gordon; Joao Pedro & £120m trio sign

Newcastle are looking to make sweeping changes as they step back into the Champions League.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 10, 2025

Dubbed “world-class” by Burnley boss Scott Parker, Trafford has more than earned the interest of a Champions League club and may yet arrive at Newcastle before taking Pope’s starting spot.

With The Friedkin Group looking to make some impressive statements in their first summer at the helm, Everton are reportedly ready to open talks to sign a Premier League-winning attacker.

Everton announce retained list

With the Premier League season concluded and the summer now underway, Everton have announced the list of players they remain in negotiations with in pursuit of fresh deals at the club. The Merseyside club confirmed that they are set to offer new deals to Seamus Coleman and Idrissa Gana Gueye, whilst negotiations are ongoing with the representatives of both Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Michael Keane.

Everton make approach for £29m McNeil upgrade who Van Dijk called "difficult"

Everton are planning to make some attacking changes in the transfer market this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 9, 2025

Announcing the news in a statement on their official website, Everton said: “The club is offering new contracts to Seamus Coleman and Idrissa Gana Gueye, while we continue to liaise with representatives of Michael Keane and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with the current deals of all four players expiring at the end of June.

“As previously confirmed, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Ashley Young, Joao Virginia, Asmir Begovic, Mason Holgate and Neal Maupay will leave Everton when their current contracts expire at the end of this month, with loanees Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindstrøm, Orel Mangala and Armando Broja returning to their parent clubs.”

Calvert-Lewin’s situation is particularly one to watch. Concerns over his Everton future have been rumbling on for some time now and links to the likes of Manchester United have hardly helped speculation. Now, into the final weeks of his current deal, the Toffees are still attempting to secure the forward’s future at the club.

What Calvert-Lewin’s departure would do, however, is clear room for potential arrivals. And that could yet include a Premier League winner for David Moyes this summer. In an impressive move, Friedkin have reportedly set their sights on welcoming a wantaway attacking addition who could revive his career in Merseyside.

Everton ready to open talks to sign Grealish

According to TeamTalk, Everton are now ready to open talks to sign Jack Grealish from Manchester City in a complex deal, having already identified the winger as a transfer target in recent weeks. The deal won’t come cheap, though, even if the Toffees secure the loan deal that they prefer to a permanent deal.

Grealish reportedly earns a hefty £300,000-a-week at Manchester City, which translates into £15.6m-a-year. Whether Everton are both willing to match that salary and can afford to spend such a price will be the big question this summer, especially since Grealish would instantly become their highest earner by some distance.

Earning over double Everton’s current highest-earner in Pickford, Grealish would simply have to rediscover his very best form to make any deal worthwhile for the Toffees next season.

At his best, the former Aston Villa man has earned some impressive praise, including from Pep Guardiola. The Manchester City boss dubbed Grealish “aggressive” following a pre-season draw with Barcelona last summer, only to limit the Englishman’s game time in the months that followed.

Sunderland are on the hunt for Premier League-level reinforcements and have entered the race for a prolific striker from one of Europe’s top five leagues, according to a report.

Sunderland set out stall to consolidate in the Premier League

Beating the drop will be the immediate priority for Regis Le Bris on Wearside, who will have to plan for life without duo Tommy Watson and Jobe Bellingham following their moves to Brighton & Hove Albion and Borussia Dortmund, respectively.

Despite receiving criticism, Kristjaan Speakman has explained that playoff final hero Watson’s departure being public was to promote transparency with supporters following the club’s decision to speak openly about his move to the South Coast.

Why is this relevant? Well, it could be a sign of things to come moving forward, which will hopefully lead to news surrounding incomings sooner rather than later.

Sunderland now want "exceptional" £37k-p/w star who could cost £30 million

The Black Cats are probing on the market.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Jun 13, 2025

Ishe Samuels-Smith is said to be on the Black Cats’ radar following his rise to prominence in Chelsea’s youth ranks. Meanwhile, Wolverhampton Wanderers star Tommy Doyle could also pitch up in the North East, circumstances permitting.

Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga has a £1.2 million release clause Sunderland are keen to take up. Nevertheless, recent reports suggest Le Bris may be looking to add to his pool of offensive options rather than prioritising a move for a defender.

Sunderland eyeing move for Sassuolo star Armand Lauriente

According to AS Roma Live, Sunderland are in the race to sign Sassuolo striker Armand Lauriente, and it would cost around £17 million to bring the 26-year-old to Tyneside.

Roma, Bologna, Fiorentina and Marseille are also interested in the former France Under-21 international, who will find himself playing Serie A football once again next season after his side claimed the Serie B title.

Labelled “amazing” by Jacek Kulig, Lauriente registered 19 goals and six assists in 34 appearances across all competitions and is now regarded as a hot property across Europe.

Intriguingly, the versatile forward has previously worked with Le Bris at Lorient, which may explain why the Black Cats have come to the table despite stiff competition from elsewhere.

The Premier League is the toughest in the world to crack, especially as a newly-promoted side, so it is interesting to see Sunderland set the bar high in their search for attacking potency.

Now, it remains to be seen whether they can tempt Lauriente with the prospect of starring for a returning force in the top-flight.

Leeds United are ready to arrive on the Premier League stage once again and could now be lining up a swoop for a captain in one of Europe’s top five leagues, per a report.

Leeds United urged to bring in Premier League quality

Daniel Farke was lauded for the magnificent job he did at Elland Road last term after his side gained promotion to the top flight. However, the German coach knows more than most how big the jump is between the Championship and Premier League.

Back in 2021, the 48-year-old was sacked by Norwich City after the Canaries endured a tough start to life as a newly-promoted outfit, which will be a scenario the Whites will be desperate to avoid this time around.

With bringing in Premier League quality on the agenda, Paul Robinson has urged Leeds to sign Kyle Walker-Peters after he departed Southampton under freedom of contract following their relegation last term.

He stated: “I think he’s given himself a real opportunity now of being the master of his own destiny as to where he wants to go. I think the important thing is he just doesn’t go into a squad and be a bit-part player, but he goes into a team where he gets the opportunity to play every week.

“That could be Leeds, and it’d be a very good signing. With Firpo looking like he’s moving on, there’s an immediate opportunity to get in the team, though Tottenham will also be in for him, and it may depend on regular football.”

Romano: 49ers "in negotiations" to seal "complicated" £20m+ Leeds transfer

He is ‘really appreciated’ at Elland Road.

1

By
Charlie Smith

Jun 27, 2025

Versatile Juventus star Timothy Weah could also join Leeds after he turned down the opportunity to join Nottingham Forest, potentially presenting a coup if the Whites can put forward a compelling offer to the United States international.

Now, there is every chance Farke and company could now swoop to land a midfielder from France who would fit the bill at Elland Road.

Leeds prepare bid for Himad Abdelli

According to Football Insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke, Leeds are preparing a £12 million bid for Angers captain Himad Abdelli after scouting the Algeria international for an extensive period.

Farke is said to be a huge fan of the 25-year-old, who recorded 112 ball carries in Ligue 1 last term, drawing level with the likes of Florian Wirtz and exceeding Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers.

Labelled “powerful” by Angers manager Alexandre Dujeux, Abdelli registered six goals and a solitary assist in 36 appearances last term and could become the Whites’ third signing of the summer after sealing deals for Lukas Nmecha and Jakub Bijol.

Leeds are in the market for attacking midfielders to bolster their chances of survival, and the man in question may be a cost-effective solution if all parties can come to agreement over a deal that sees Abdelli pitch up at Elland Road.

Leeds United are back in the big time, and deservedly so, shaking off their Wembley heartbreak to secure the Championship title last time out – reaching 100 points in the process.

Another year in the second tier may suggest that Daniel Farke’s side are now better prepared to make the step up to the Premier League, although is that really the case?

The team that came so close in 2024 was blessed with the dazzling duo of Georginio Rutter and Crysencio Summerville, for instance, the former having contributed 16 assists in total that season, while the latter man registered 21 goals for the Yorkshire side.

With both men having since flown the nest, question marks remain surrounding Farke’s current attacking crop. Indeed, Brenden Aaronson provided just four goal involvements during his previous Premier League stint, with Daniel James registering one fewer while on loan at Fulham during that 2022/23 campaign.

Those prior woes don’t necessarily mean that Leeds’ attacking unit will flounder again next term, although it is evident that more firepower is needed before the window is out. As it is, reports appear to suggest that the Elland Road side are working to find a solution to that problem.

Latest on Leeds' search for a forward

The Whites have so far only bolstered their attacking ranks with the free transfer addition of Wolfsburg’s Lukas Nmecha, albeit with reports earlier this week outlining that contact had been made regarding a move for Juventus’ £12m utility man, Timothy Weah.

Transfer Focus

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

Whether the United States international ends up at Elland Road remains to be seen, however, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano outlining that Ligue 1 side Marseille are also engaging in talks amid a potential move for the 25-year-old.

Elsewhere, meanwhile, French outlet Foot Mercato have noted that Leeds are among a quintet of clubs who are keen on signing Borussia Monchengladbach forward, Franck Honorat, with Farke and co said to be showing ‘strong interest’ in the Frenchman.

As per the report, the likes of Nice and Freiburg are also keeping a close eye on the 28-year-old, while both Valencia and Stade Rennais are also said to have entered the frame, with Honorat previously lining up for Brest in Ligue 1.

Valued at £11m by Football Transfers, the experienced talent has spent the last two seasons in Germany, although a fresh start could be on the horizon. Might it be worth Leeds taking a punt?

Why Honorat could be Farke's new Rutter

The signing of an exciting and versatile French talent from the Bundesliga – ring any bells?

Of course, Leeds forked out a club-record fee of £35.5m to prise the aforementioned Rutter from Hoffenheim in January 2023, with the former France U21 international shaking off a quiet first six months in Yorkshire to emerge as a real shining light under Farke’s watch.

In all, the 23-year-old registered 26 goals and assists in just 66 games prior to his £40m switch to Brighton last summer, having been the creative hub in the side in 2023/24, having created 22 ‘big chances’ in total in the second tier.

While at 28, Honorat isn’t exactly a ‘prospect’, he has been described as “one to watch” this summer by journalist Santi Aouna, having showcased his own creative flair for Gladbach in recent seasons.

Indeed, in just 56 games for the German side, the in-demand forward – who, like Rutter, can operate centrally or on the flanks – has already registered 22 assists, alongside chipping in with ten goals, having been a revelation since his 2023 switch from France.

As for last term, in particular, Honorat notably provided seven assists and created 12 ‘big chances’ in the Bundesliga, having boasted a stellar average of 2.7 key passes per game from his 19 appearances. For comparison, Rutter averaged 1.9 in that regard during 2023/24.

Had it not been for injury, the Gladbach man could well have even improved upon that return of goal involvements, albeit while still standing out as an exceptional ball carrier, after ranking in the top 15% of wingers and attacking midfielders in the Bundesliga for progressive carries per 90.

That is a trait that is no doubt shared with his compatriot, with Rutter’s dribbling prowess evidenced by the fact that he ranked in the top 4% of his peers for successful take-ons per 90 in 2023/24.

Like Rutter, Honorat may not exactly be a household name at present, but he could prove to be Farke’s next playmaking magician at Elland Road, if a deal can be struck.

Yes, competition for his signature is fierce, but that can only be a good sign…

Better signing than Krstovic: Leeds considering bid for £21m striker

Leeds are considering a move for a star who would be even better than Nikola Krstovic.

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By
Dan Emery

Jul 4, 2025