Tottenham Hotspur are firmly in the running to sign a “complete” £50 million player this summer, and Real Madrid are believed to rate him extremely highly behind-the-scenes.

Tottenham cruise into Europa League final after Bodo/Glimt

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou has a golden chance to make good on his early-season promise, with the Australian stating that he always wins trophies during his second season in charge.

Related Paratici could sign £150k-a-week Liverpool player after Tottenham return

The ex-managing director is expected to come back after his worldwide FIFA ban ends.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini May 8, 2025

The Lilywhites’ torrid season domestically, where they’ve chalked up a record-equalling 19 Premier League defeats, has placed mounting pressure on Postecoglou amid reports he could leave at the end of the season (The Telegraph).

If the 59-year-old does end up departing north London, the best parting gift possible would be winning Tottenham’s first piece of major silverware since 2008, and this is now a distinct possibility after their 2-0 win at Bodo/Glimt on Thursday evening.

Tottenham’s final Premier League fixtures

Date

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

Goals from Dominic Solanke and Pedro Porro confirmed Spurs’ place in the Bilbao final on May 21, where they will play Premier League rivals Man United in a mouth-watering contest which has the potential to save either side’s season.

Tottenham’s professionally done win, at a ground where the hosts had reigned victorious in 28 of their last 34 European matches prior, resulted in Postecoglou’s side eventually sailing through to the final with a 5-1 win on aggregate.

“The players were outstanding,” said Postecoglou on his Tottenham players after their win over Bodo/Glimt.

“They were well-prepared tonight, the staff did a great job of making sure the boys were really clear about what we needed to do. They executed it perfectly. It’s been well-chronicled in the last few days it’s a difficult place to come through, they’ve got a really imposing home record, not just with wins but with goals, I thought the lads just handled it really well, as they have throughout this European campaign, particularly the knock-out stages, and credit to them, I thought they did an outstanding job.”

Tottenham make "formal" offer to Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen

Winning the Europa League, and subsequently confirming a place in next season’s Champions League draw, could also play a crucial role in the club’s transfer plans this summer.

One of their reported targets is Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, following the Spaniard’s exceptional debut campaign on the British Isles, but competition is rife for his signature.

His £50 million release clause has piqued interest from all over the Premier League and beyond, with Real Madrid chiefs convinced he’s the best possible signing available on the market in Huijsen’s position.

That is according to Cadena SER, who also report that Tottenham have now made Huijsen a “formal” offer to join them.

While this sounds promising, a host of Spurs’ rivals have done the same, while it is also believed that the 20-year-old’s camp have hired a law firm to help facilitate a potential move to the Santiago Bernabéu.

Real appear to be Huijsen’s preference as things stand, despite Spurs’ proposal, so Postecoglou’s side face a serious battle to sign the ex-Juventus starlet.

Called a “complete” player already by Jamie Redknapp, Huijsen is very highly-rated within the beautiful game, and his next destination will be one of the big sagas of this summer.

Big summer ahead for Everton, and no mistake. David Moyes transformed the Merseyside mood when replacing Sean Dyche in January, but results in the Premier League have lulled of late.

This is understandable, but it does shine a light on the urgent need for impactful first-team additions, especially with so many players approaching the end of their Toffees contracts.

While fans are hungry to see attacking additions, Everton aren’t restricted in their scope for signings, with one of the Championship’s finest midfielders recently added to The Friedkin Group’s shortlist.

Everton chasing EFL star

As per TEAMtalk, Everton have added Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer to their shortlist of summer targets as Moyes looks to strengthen his midfield.

Joining United from Coventry City for a reported £15m fee in 2023, the 27-year-old has showcased sustained quality as a playmaker and a combative midfield presence besides.

Striking a deal with the third-place Championship side will be more difficult if they are promoted to the Premier League, but if not, Everton will be sure to make their move.

What Gustavo Hamer would bring to Everton

Five days ago, Hamer was named the Championship Player of the Season for 2024/25, a worthy winner after a fantastic campaign as the centrepiece of the Blades’ promotion push.

Though a late-season dip has pulled Chris Wilder’s team away from the automatics, they are well placed to triumph through the play-offs, especially with Hamer pulling the strings, having scored nine goals and supplied seven assists in the second tier this term, playmaking from deep or out on the left.

Hailed for his “unbelievable” quality by former teammate Oli McBurnie, Hamer ranks among the top 1% of positional peers in the Championship this year for progressive passes, the top 6% for passes attempted and the top 4% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

He’s also Prem-proven, having held his own for United in the Premier League last season, posting four goals and six assists across 34 matches, averaging two key passes per game and creating ten big chances, as per Sofascore.

A dead-ball specialist but so much more, Hamer could even shape into Everton’s next version of Ross Barkley, blessed with the same kind of robustness and gifted ability that the former Toffees youth graduate produced in his early years as a senior star on Merseyside.

Barkley left Everton for Chelsea way back in January 2018 for a £15m fee and he’s since been on something of a rollercoaster, but the argument’s there for Goodison Park remaining his most prosperous ground to this date, with former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger claiming in 2014 the rising talent was “one of the best” he had ever seen.

Still having devoted more time to Everton than any other club – by far – Barkley carried the kind of X-factor that Hamer would restore to Moyes’ team, combining with the likes of Iliman Ndiaye to create something special.

Everton

179

27

25

Chelsea

100

12

11

Luton Town

37

5

6

Aston Villa

50

7

2

OGC Nice

28

4

2

Sheffield Wednesday

13

4

0

Leeds United

4

0

1

Abdoulaye Doucoure, who is out of contract this summer, would likely need to leave to make way for Hamer, but this would be a trade-off worth committing to, with the Malian 32 years old and Everton’s highest earner at £130k per week.

Hamer’s capacity to play off the left, something Barkley has done at times throughout his career, only strengthens the case for his transfer to Bramley Moore.

Everton have some exciting attacking midfielders in their ranks, but Hamer might just take the cake if he’s welcomed to the fold this summer.

In talks to stay: Everton star is becoming more important than Branthwaite

Not all of Everton’s veterans are going to be part of the exodus this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Apr 30, 2025

Burnley will head back into the Premier League desperate to stay there for the long term, with Scott Parker also having plenty to prove as a top-flight worthy manager.

Parker has now impressively sealed three promotions up to the big time on his managerial CV, but he’s never looked like the most comfortable figure plying his trade in the top-flight away from the Championship, with a dire 30 defeats next to his name when managing at the elite level.

He will no doubt be eager to prove all his doubters wrong from the Turf Moor hot-seat, but he will be very aware that any chance he has of establishing himself as a top manager at the level will rest on the newly promoted side keeping talents such as Josh Brownhill around.

Why Burnley must keep Brownhill

Jumping up a division and staying put there is going to be a very difficult ask for Burnley, especially when you weigh up the ongoing fate that every newly promoted side that triumphantly tastes promotion immediately falls straight back to the EFL.

That’s before you further factor in the grim fact that Burnley could lose a large portion of their promotion-winning heroes this off-season, with 18-goal star Brownhill allegedly on the summer shopping lists of both Everton and West Ham United.

Losing their beloved captain to a top-flight rival would be nothing short of disastrous for Parker’s men, with Brownhill’s 18 strikes and six assists across 44 league games undoubtedly playing a huge part in Burnley’s push back up to the top-flight.

The in-demand 29-year-old has also shown he can perform up a level previously, with six goals and six assists next to his name in the Premier League to date, meaning he could be just the steadying presence the Lancashire club need to try and secure survival.

Away from Brownhill, Burnley will also need to ensure they keep their formidable defence around to try and stave off relegation, with one stern Clarets defender actually boasting a higher worth than the electric midfielder now after a breakout promotion-winning season.

The "exceptional" Burnley star worth more than Brownhill

Remarkably, across the full 46-game marathon, Burnley would only ship a minuscule 16 goals in total, leading to first-choice goalkeeper James Trafford reprotedly being on the radar of Newcastle United.

He isn’t the only defensive star being eyed up by a higher suitor, however, with Crystal Palace also reportedly keeping tabs on Clarets number 16 Maxime Esteve, after the French colossus looked near faultless all season long alongside Trafford.

The former Montpellier man would deservedly slot into the Championship team of the season, with Esteve operating as both a classy performer on the ball with 60.5 accurate passes averaged per league game, but also acting as a forceful presence when needed by picking up a whopping 30 clean sheets.

Unsurprisingly, off the back of such a sterling individual season alongside his standout teammates, Esteve’s transfer value has shot up, with Burnley definitely winning themselves a golden bargain when purchasing the 22-year-old for around the £12.5m mark just last year.

Games played

46

Goals scored

1

Assists

0

Touches*

78.0

Accurate passes*

60.5 (91%)

Ball recoveries*

3.7

Clearances*

5.0

Total duels won*

3.6

Clean sheets

30

Transfer value when joining

£12.5m

Transfer value now

£19.3m

Now, the in-demand centre-back is worth a far heftier £19.3m – as per Football Transfers – with Brownhill’s own value of £9.6m falling way short of Esteve’s bumped up valuation.

Therefore, it will likely have to be an astronomical offer put on the table for Burnley to consider parting ways with their “exceptional” – as he has been previously labelled by Parker – centre-back.

Further billed as possessing “undeniable” Premier League potential by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, it will be intriguing to see if does become even more of an imperious defender next season, whether that be lining up for Parker’s men, for Oliver Glasner’s Eagles or moving elsewhere.

Burnley have struck gold on "superstar" talent who's as good as Trafford

Burnley will hope they can succeed in the Premier League next season with this superstar already possessing top-flight quality.

ByKelan Sarson May 12, 2025

Manchester United have now held face-to-face talks over a deal for a “powerful” forward, according to The Athletic, with the deal for Matheus Cunha now edging towards completion.

Man Utd now closing in on signing Cunha

Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Man United are closing in on their first summer signing, as personal terms have almost been agreed to bring Cunha to Old Trafford, in what is expected to be a £62.5m deal.

The Brazilian is said to have “accepted the project” on offer at United, having been keen on joining for quite some time, and there is an expectation the forward will be brought to play in the number 10 role, which means Ruben Amorim is still tasked with bringing in a striker.

Amorim’s current striker options, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have fallen way short of expectations this season, netting just 17 goals between them, despite chalking up a combined 98 appearances in all competitions.

Player

Rasmus Hojlund

Joshua Zirkzee

Appearances

50

48

Goals

10

7

As such, it should be no surprise the Red Devils are now stepping up their pursuit of a new striker, and The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell has now revealed that chiefs have held face-fo-face talks with Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap.

Delap has an active £30m release clause following Ipswich’s relegation from the Premier League, making him an attractive option for some top clubs, with Chelsea also expected to enter negotiations over a deal.

The low release clause means United will be able to sign the Ipswich forward regardless of the outcome of Wednesday’s crucial Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur, which will decide whether Amorim’s side qualify for next season’s Champions League.

Related Man Utd submit offer to sign £150k-p/w Premier League star alongside Cunha

INEOS are looking to sign another Premier League player once they wrap up a deal for Matheus Cunha.

Posts 4 ByBrett Worthington May 19, 2025 "Powerful" Delap could be perfect signing for United

It is a bonus that Man Utd will be able to sign the 22-year-old regardless of whether they are triumphant in the Europa League final, and there are some other signs that he could be an ideal addition to the squad.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has singled out the Englishman for high praise this season, saying: “He’s a pivotal player for [Ipswich], there’s no denying that. I think he’s had a very good season.

“He’s got big strengths, very strong, powerful runner. Certainly knows where the goal is. He’s always had a lot of potential.”

Not only that, but Amorim is clearly in need of a consistent goalscorer, given Hojlund and Zirkzee’s struggles, and the Ipswich star has a solid goal record in the Premier League, considering he has played in a poor team, netting 12 goals.

Delap could take his game to the next level by signing for a top club, and a fee of just £30m is a bargain for a striker of his quality.

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.

Chelsea have now held talks over a deal for the “new Erling Haaland”, but a deal will not be cheap, with his current employers set to hold out for a fee of £71m, according to a report.

Blues set sights on Haaland-esque striker

Crystal Palace’s shock FA Cup final victory on Saturday ensured that Haaland is set for his first trophyless season since arriving at Manchester City, with Eberechi Eze scoring the only goal in a game that had no shortage of controversy.

The decision not to show Dean Henderson a red card for handling the ball outside the box has raised eyebrows, while there was also bemusement over the fact that Haaland opted to let Omar Marmoush take his side’s penalty, which was saved.

That said, the Norwegian’s goal record since arriving at the Etihad Stadium remains stellar, having reached the 30-goal mark in all competitions for the third season on the spin.

Season

Appearances

Goals (all competitions)

2022-23

53

52

2023-24

45

38

2024-25

42

30

As such, almost any club from across Europe would be interested in signing a striker capable of emulating the 24-year-old, and Chelsea may now have found one, with a report from Spain revealing they are locked in a thrilling battle to sign RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

The Blues are fighting it out for Sesko with Premier League rivals Liverpool, but a deal will not be cheap, with the German side set to hold out for a fee of €84m (£71m), which could be a potential stumbling block, as neither English club are willing to fork out a fee in that ballpark.

The report also states that negotiations have not been easy up to this point, which suggests that talks have already been held, but it remains to be seen whether the two parties are able to come to an agreement.

New target: Chelsea now hatch plan to sign "powerful" PSG defender for £0

The Blues are aiming to sign a Paris Saint-Germain player on a free transfer this summer.

ByDominic Lund May 18, 2025 Sesko could be the "new Erling Haaland"

Such is the 21-year-old’s potential, there have been suggestions that he could progress in a similar way to the Man City star, with scout Jacek Kulig claiming he may be the “new Erling Haaland.”

While the Slovenian is yet to be as prolific as Haaland once was in the Bundesliga, he enjoyed a solid 2024-25 campaign with Leipzig, picking up 13 goals and five assists in 33 league appearances, while also impressing in the 2023-24 season.

At the moment, Chelsea seem to be some way off striking an agreement for Sesko, but should the German side be willing to lower their asking price, there are plenty of signs he could be a fantastic long-term addition for Enzo Maresca.

Heading into their away tie with Newcastle United on Sunday, Chelsea were deep in some pretty impressive form in the Premier League.

The Blues were five league games unbeaten heading into his one – which included a stunning 3-1 victory being picked up against Arne Slot’s title-winning Liverpool – but all that positive energy came crashing down at St James’ Park as Eddie Howe’s Magpies ran out comfortable 2-0 victors.

Chelsea’s task on the day was made a lot harder by a clueless first-half red card, but there would have still been a lot to moan about from Enzo Maresca’s perspective at the full-time whistle, irrespective of his side having to play all of the second 45 minutes a man light.

Chelsea's biggest underperformers at St James' Park

Before touching on the rash red card, the likes of Noni Madueke struggled to ever get going in attack for the visitors.

Whilst Jacob Murphy and Alexander Isak busted a gut for the Toon cause up top, Madueke was timid and limp in approach, seen in the 23-year-old failing to a register a single effort on Nick Pope’s goal during his forgettable 45-minute stint, as well as losing all four of his contested duels.

Romeo Lavia would last far longer on the St James’ turf, but he wouldn’t be deserving of any praise himself come full-time either, with his lackadaisical approach early on gifting the ball to Newcastle to take the lead via Sandro Tonali.

Moreover, the usually electric Cole Palmer once again failed to spark into life with possession squandered a hefty 14 times, but the elephant in the room that remains is Nicolas Jackson’s hot-headed dismissal.

Jackson would brainlessly connect with Newcastle defender Sven Botman using his elbow, meaning the ex-Villarreal centre-forward will now be suspended for the rest of the season.

This could be the last time Chelsea fans see the 23-year-old lead the line for the Blues in the Premier League, therefore, with the pantomime villain very much turning into Stamford Bridge’s next Kai Havertz.

Chelsea's next Havertz

Much like Jackson now, Chelsea fans would regularly lament the amount of missed chances Havertz would spurn for their team when he was still on the books of the West London outfit.

That is the case despite the German popping up with 32 strikes overall – which included the now Arsenal man scoring a winner in a Champions League final.

Despite that, he would still infuriate the Stamford Bridge masses with his consistent wastefulness, seen in him missing a colossal 14 big chances in Premier League action during his final Blues season.

Games played

30

35

Goals scored

10

14

Assists

5

5

Big chances missed

19

24

Goal conversion %

13%

18%

Big chances created

6

8

Jackson has actually bagged a promising 29 strikes in total for Maresca’s men over two seasons, yet – much like Havertz – he gets regularly under the skin of the restless Chelsea fanbase with his off performances, seen in him missing a mammoth 19 big chances during the 2024/25 campaign.

Therefore, his hot-headedness away at Newcastle could be the final straw that sees Jackson – the club’s new Havertz-like scapegoat – moved on.

London Evening Standard journalist Dom Smith suggested that the £32m signing ‘ruined’ his side’s chances of a big win, handing him a dismal 2/10 post-match rating.

But, it shouldn’t be completely ruled out that the 23-year-old goes on to be a success elsewhere, with Havertz showing in flashes for Arsenal – as per his 29-goal haul from 85 appearances for Mikel Arteta’s men – that a damaging experience for the Blues isn’t the be-all-and-end-all.

As bad as Jackson: Maresca must axe Chelsea dud who lost 100% duels

Chelsea lost 2-0 away at Newcastle United to hand the Toon an advantage in the ongoing Champions League race.

ByKelan Sarson May 11, 2025

With the 49ers Enterprises looking to make their mark, Rangers are now reportedly set to sign a versatile forward who has become convinced by the Ibrox project ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 49ers' Rangers project

Set to complete their takeover of the Scottish giants, the 49ers will be hoping to turn things around at Rangers and transform the Gers into the dominant champions they once were. As seen at Elland Road and Leeds United already, too, the American owners are perfectly capable of leaving their mark on a club and achieving their goals.

However, with a new manager needed and Celtic’s Scottish Premiership dominance only growing stronger, the extent of the 49ers’ task at Rangers cannot be overstated. And they must get things right this summer.

To that end, a number of names have already been linked with the job at Ibrox. The likes of Rafael Benitez represent the experienced choice, whilst Steven Gerrard would perhaps be the one that splits the most opinions after how he left Rangers for Aston Villa in 2021. Meanwhile, other names such as Danny Rohl and Davide Ancelotti would certainly be intriguing to watch in their own right.

With the Scottish Premiership now concluded for another season too, the Gers may have their answer sooner rather than later over just who steps into the role. The end of the campaign also means the end of Barry Ferguson’s interim role in charge of the club, but he has reiterated his desire to take the permanent role more than once.

The interim boss told reporters in recent weeks: “Everybody’s got an opinion, I don’t care about people’s opinion, I know I can do the job. I know I’ve got a real good staff behind me. I’ve been asked this question two or three weeks in a row, I think it’s clear, it doesn’t scare me one single bit.”

Meanwhile, away from the dugout, it almost goes without saying that a large part of the 49ers’ project will be the recruitment that they go in pursuit of this summer, which looks set to start with a Paris Saint-Germain talent.

Rangers set to sign versatile PSG forward Oumar Camara

According to RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins, Rangers are now set to sign Oumar Camara from PSG this summer, with the versatile young forward convinced by the project in Glasgow. The teenager has captained PSG’s U19 side this season, but is set to secure a surprising move to Scotland in the coming months – likely becoming the first signing of the 49ers era.

Not just Butland: Rangers flop may have played his last game at Ibrox

Several Rangers players wont be at the club next season after the 2-2 draw with Hibs.

ByRoss Kilvington May 17, 2025

At just 18 years old, whether Camara would make an immediate impact at Ibrox remains to be seen. The winger, who can play on both sides, has enjoyed an impressive season at youth level, scoring nine goals and setting up another four in 25 games in all competitions. After failing to feature for the first team, however, the young Frenchman looks set to leave in pursuit of senior football.

Whether Camara’s reported arrival is a sign of things to come at Rangers will also be interesting to watch, as the 49ers attempt to build their project and turn things around at the Scottish club.

Nottingham Forest and Evangelos Marinakis could now imminently swoop to hijack Inter Milan’s deal for an in-form forward, according to reports in the last 48 hours.

Nottingham Forest in Champions League race as crucial summer looms

Despite wins for both Chelsea and Aston Villa on Friday night, which dealt a blow to Nuno Espirito Santo and their chances of a top-five finish, Forest remain outside contenders to qualify for next season’s Champions League draw.

Related Nottingham Forest want to sign 23 y/o captain with same agent as Gibbs-White

He could be their first signing of the summer.

Posts ByTom Cunningham May 13, 2025

A win against West Ham on Sunday is absolutely non-negotiable, but three points from their clash with the Hammers will set up a mouth-watering final day tie at home to Chelsea, where victory over Enzo Maresca’s side could pay dividends if results elsewhere go Nuno’s way.

Race for Champions League qualification with 2 games remaining

Points

2. Arsenal

68

3. Newcastle United

66

4. Chelsea

66

5. Aston Villa

66

6. Man City

65

7. Nottingham Forest

62

Their race for Europe will have a pivotal knock-on effect when it comes to their summer recruitment plans, as the financial windfalls received from Champions League qualification could help Forest splash the cash without having to worry so much about FFP and PSR.

“FFP and PSR plays a big part in the daily talk at Nottingham Forest,” said journalist Pete O’Rourke to Football Insider this week.

“Without Champions League football, it could be difficult for them to hold on to their best players. If somebody comes in with a big bid, and they’re not in the Champions League, it’s going to be very difficult for Nottingham Forest.

“They’ve got an owner who is financially sustainable and very willing to compete at the top. If players like Morgan Gibbs-White and Murillo were to leave the club, their recruitment is going to have to be good, and they’re going to have to pump some money in.

“They’ve got to toe the line with FFP and PSR rules. Gibbs-White may just fall foul of that, and he has been hand-picked by bigger and better clubs across Europe, not just in England.”

Nottingham Forest could "soon" move for Marseille star Luis Henrique

Amid the threat of a sell-to-buy summer, Marinakis and co are on the hunt for astute, quality potential new additions, and Marseille forward Luis Henrique certainly falls into that bracket.

The Brazilian has racked up nine goals and 10 assists under Roberto De Zerbi this season, and it is believed he’d cost around £25 million, which is affordable from the perspective of a Premier League side.

While Inter Milan have been in talks with Marseille over a move, the Champions League finalists are currently falling below Henrique’s price tag in terms of offers, leaving the door open for Forest.

That is according to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, who reported on X that Forest could “soon” move for Henrique and hijack Inter’s deal.

Called a “complete player” by De Zerbi, the 23-year-old Henrique is exactly the calibre of star required by Forest to keep competing at the very top.

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.