All posts by z3u9t.icu

There’s a huge buzz of excitement at Manchester United football club at the moment, and understandably so, given the backing shown by the hierarchy this summer.

The board have already completed the big-money additions of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, but the attack looks set to have landed another talent during the recent overhaul.

Striker Benjamin Sesko has flown to Manchester for his medical, after he rejected Newcastle United in favour of a £74m switch to Old Trafford ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The trio will add 48 combined goals to the side, that’s based on their league figures from last season, a tally that is four more than the rest of the Red Devils squad managed in the Premier League in 2024/25.

However, now attention must turn to other areas of the pitch if Ruben Amorim is to have the best chance of leading the side back up England’s top-flight next season.

The latest on United’s hunt for new midfielders this summer

Carlos Baleba has emerged as a surprise option for United this summer, after the club’s hierarchy made an approach to land the Brighton and Hove Albion star.

Any deal for the Cameroonian international would be yet another huge investment, with Fabian Hurzeler’s side currently demanding a fee in the region of £100m for the 21-year-old.

However, other options are currently being considered by higher-ups at Old Trafford, leading to Javi Guerra being named as a target once again by TBR Football.

Their latest report claims that the Valencia star remains keen on a move to join Amorim’s side this summer, after previously making their interest known during the summer window.

It also states that the 22-year-old could be available for as little as £25m during this window, with Carlos Corberan’s side needing to raise funds due to their current financial situation.

Why United’s £25m target would be a better signing than Baleba

Over the last couple of months, Brighton star Baleba has been one of the standout talents in the Premier League – with his mammoth price tag no surprise given their previous dealings.

He was brought in from Lille back in 2023 as a replacement for Moises Caicedo, after the Ecuadorian star completed his own £115m move to Chelsea.

Such a move to the AMEX has allowed the youngster to take his career to the next level, featuring in 34 league outings last season as the Seagulls finished the season in 8th place.

His two-year experience in England’s top division would be a massive asset to any move to Old Trafford, but there’s no denying that his current price tag has been put in place to fend off interest.

Undoubtedly, there are cheaper and more effective options out there, with Guerra potentially providing just that for United between now and the closure of the window on September 1st.

When comparing his stats to those of Baleba from the most recent campaign, the Spaniard has managed to outperform him in numerous areas, potentially being a just as effective option for the Red Devils.

Guerra, who’s been dubbed “special” by analyst Ben Mattinson, is much more comfortable in possession, completing more progressive passes per 90, with more of which being made into the final third – aiding the new trio with chances to impress at Old Trafford.

Games played

36

34

Goals & assists

6

4

Progressive passes

4.8

3.9

Progressive carries

1.8

1.4

Passes into final third

4.2

3.6

Interceptions made

1.7

1.5

Clearances made

1.7

1.4

Recoveries made

6.8

6.6

However, he’s also showcased his excellent tallies without the ball, completing more interceptions and making more clearances per 90, able to hand Amorim the deep-lying defensive option he’s hunting for as a result.

The youngster’s dominance over the Cameroonian is further shown in his tally of recoveries made per 90, able to get himself into better defensive positions per 90 – arguably being a more well-rounded option for the Red Devils.

Guerra has constantly shown in LaLiga in recent months that he’s a huge talent with bags of time to improve further on his impressive start to his professional career.

His ability to outperform Baleba further indicates how impressive he’s been, allowing United to land a better talent at a fraction of the price in their hunt for a return to their former glory.

Perfect for Cunha: PL "monster" is now keen to join Man Utd after Sesko

Manchester United have wasted no time in making moves in the market after landing Benjamin Sesko.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 8, 2025

When Liverpool smashed not just their own transfer record but the Premier League’s transfer record to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m, many associated with the Anfield club would be forgiven for thinking that was it.

Marc Guehi has been touted with a move around the £40m mark but another colossal spend was surely out of the question, right? Think again.

Anyone fancy Alexander Isak? Of course, you do. Every club in European football would love to see the Newcastle striker leading the line for them.

The trouble is, he’s rather unattainable. Every player has their price, but it feels unlikely Liverpool will make a bid of £150m, the fee the Magpies could be looking for if they are to enter negotiations.

That being said, reports have indicated in the last 24 hours that the Reds are reportedly willing to put £130m on the table. Talk about making a statement to your rivals.

Yet, with that deal looking incredibly difficult to do, they have turned their attention to Hugo Ekitike.

The latest on the Hugo Ekitike situation

On Monday, Newcastle burst into life, making Ekitike their number one target and thus beginning work on a move. That was according to David Ornstein of The Athletic.

It has since been reported by Fabrizio Romano that the Toon have lodged an official bid to sign the Eintracht Frankfurt forward. Sadly for Newcastle, that was rejected. Frankfurt want more for their French superstar.

Transfer Focus

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

Ekitike has attracted the interest of plenty this summer, namely Manchester United and Chelsea. Yet, Liverpool are now at the table.

Romano reports that if they cannot prise Isak away from St James’ Park, then they will make a play for the Bundesliga superstar instead.

It’s a remarkable ultimatum on the face of it. Give us Isak or we’ll poach your leading transfer target instead. It’s older brother behaviour from one of Europe’s elite clubs. Who can blame them, either?

It’s a situation that could become quite messy, hence why Liverpool are looking at further alternatives to bolster their forward line.

Liverpool's Isak and Ekitike alternatives

According to the Daily Mail, FSG and Co have a number of strikers on their radar this summer, including the likes of Ollie Watkins and Victor Osimhen.

One of the more standout names is Brentford striker Yoane Wissa. Also a target for Tottenham Hotspur this summer, the report notes that Liverpool have been in talks with several centre-forwards, one of which is the Bees sensation.

The Reds are weighing up their options, alright, and could have to pay around £50m or even more to prise him away from London.

How Yoane Wissa compares to Hugo Ekitike

This summer we are likely to see Darwin Nunez depart Anfield on a permanent basis.

Once a club-record signing, it simply hasn’t happened for the Uruguayan in Liverpool colours, chiefly in 2024/25 when he scored just seven goals in 47 outings.

He’s a bundle of chaotic energy. Sometimes it’s good, but for the most part, it’s a negative trait. Few forwards in Europe’s top leagues miss as many big chances as him.

During 2023/24, Nunez missed 27 big chances in the Premier League, only second to Erling Haaland. On that basis, you may not think it’s a particularly negative stat. The trouble is, while Haaland missed plenty of chances, he was also burying them at regular intervals, notching 27 league goals that year. Nunez could only manage 11.

So, if Liverpool are to go out and buy a striker to replace Nunez this summer, they need a safe and proven pair of hands. Isak, of course, is the dream buy, but in Wissa, they’d sign a similar player, someone who’s already been there and done it in the English top-flight.

Ekitike has his positives, of course he does. He’s got rangy strides and plays in a similar manner to Isak, cutting inside and burying opportunities. You don’t score 22 goals as a 22-year-old in the Bundesliga without being a good player.

Goals

19

15

Expected goals (xG)

18.59

21.67

Big chances missed

17

16

Assists

4

8

Shots off target *

0.7

1.2

Shots on target *

1.2

1.5

Conversion rate

20%

13%

Scoring frequency

154 mins

172 mins

That said, much like Nunez, he’s still raw. You sense he needs a year or two learning from another frontman should he join a big club.

Wissa, however, is 28. He’s in his prime, he knows his game perfectly, and as a Premier League-proven forward, would surely hit the ground running right away. In the words of former Brentford boss Thomas Frank, he’s “unbelievable.”

The DR Congo international scored 20 goals in 39 matches in all competitions last term, the best campaign of his career to date and he’s improving at a rapid rate. He’s ready for a big move, he’s ready to take centre stage at one of the grandest clubs in Europe, notably scoring more regularly than Ekitike last term and registering a higher conversion rate.

If you still aren’t convinced, then perhaps data-led website, FBRef, can help you out. According to the numbers, Isak was the sixth-most similar striker in the Premier League to Wissa last season. The most comparable was Kai Havertz.

What that tells us is that Wissa doesn’t just possess the carrying ability of someone like Isak, but he’s also strong in the duel. Let’s put it this way: his game feels more refined than Ekitike’s at this moment in time.

The French youngster would not be a bad signing but if Liverpool desire someone a little less chaotic, someone less raw than Nunez, Wissa is your man. He’d also be a great deal cheaper. What’s not to like?

Better than Wirtz: Liverpool preparing £113m bid to sign superstar winger

Liverpool could sign another marquee player this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 15, 2025

With Nicolas Kuhn already on his way to Como, Celtic are reportedly set to announce the departure of another player in a double departure for Brendan Rodgers.

Como reach agreement to sign Kuhn

After less than two years at the club, Kuhn is reportedly set to swap Celtic for the chance to play for Cesc Fabregas’ rising Como side in Serie A. The Bhoys will receive around £16.5m for the winger’s signature, making an instant profit of £13.5m from their initial deal, but now face the hefty task of finding a replacement for their star man.

Kuhn’s departure should fund some hefty incomings of their own, but replacing him will be an incredibly tough task. Just last season, the German enjoyed his best campaign yet with as many as 21 goals to his name in all competitions to go alongside his 15 assists. Just how Celtic replace 36 goal involvements is the big question.

It’s the type of problem they faced last summer when tasked with replacing Matt O’Riley and that’s when Kuhn stepped up. This time around, however, the Bhoys may need to turn towards the transfer market to solve their problems.

The next Engels: Celtic plot record-breaking move for "complete midfielder"

As Brendan Rodgers seeks to bolster his midfield options, the Hoops have reportedly entered the race to sign another Arne Engels for Celtic.

Jul 4, 2025

On that front, Rodgers has already welcomed the talented Benjamin Nygren as well as the likes of Kieran Tierney, who has returned from Arsenal, Ross Doohan and Callum Osmand.

Incomings should take centre stage in the coming weeks, but another exit looks set to be on the cards before Celtic get the chance to welcome further fresh faces of their own.

Hannover 96 set to sign Nawrocki

As reported by Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, Hannover 96 have reached an agreement to sign Maik Nawrocki in a loan deal with an option to buy from Celtic. Reportedly a “done deal”, the Bhoys are set to announce the defender’s departure.

Whilst Nawrocki has often struggled for game time in Scotland in the last two years, that hasn’t stopped Rodgers from handing his centre-back some words of encouragement.

The Celtic boss told reporters when asked about Nawrocki and Auston Trusty after his side thrashed Aberdeen 5-1 back in May: “It was awkward for Auston in the first half, because he was blinded a wee bit with the sun on that side. But I thought those two were strong. Defended well, goalkeeper was assured, two full-backs, excellent. It was very pleasing.”

A player who never showed his true potential at Celtic Park, Nawrocki now has the chance to take the 2. Bundesliga by storm.

Rangers’ busy transfer activity shows no sign of slowing down any time soon.

Russell Martin has now made six new signings at Ibrox since being appointed manager last month, following confirmation of Nasser Djiga’s loan move.

Fellow new recruits Max Aarons and Emmanuel Fernandez made their maiden appearances in light blue during a pre-season friendly at the weekend, so how many more will be through the door at Rangers in the coming days?

Rangers targeting a new attacker

So far, Martin has prioritised bolstering his defensive and midfield options, as the table below documents.

Lyall Cameron

Dundee

Midfielder

Compensation

Max Aarons

Bournemouth

Right-back

Loan

Joe Rothwell

Bournemouth

Midfielder

Undisclosed

Emmanuel Fernandez

Peterborough

Centre-back

£3.5m

Thelo Aasgaard

Luton Town

Midfielder

£3.5m

Nasser Djiga

Wolves

Centre-back

Loan

Now though, Rangers will need to add some attacking reinforcements.

It is possible that all three Rangers players who scored more than six goals last season will depart, given that Václav Černý has returned to Wolfsburg, following his loan spell, while Hamza Igamane and Cyriel Dessers are being courted by other clubs.

Thus, according to a report by Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Deutschland, Rangers are ‘monitoring’ Thierno Ballo, with Ajax, Mainz and others also ‘keen’ to sign him.

No potential fee is included in the report, but Football Transfers believe the 22 year old to be worth €2.3m (around £2m).

Transfer Focus

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

Ballo has had an interesting career and life to date; born in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, he moved to Austria at the age of four, spending time in the academy set-ups of LASK, Bayer Leverkusen and Viktoria Köln, before joining Chelsea as a 16 year old.

He represented the Blues over 85 times in the UEFA Youth League, EFL Trophy, FA Youth Cup and Premier League 2, without ever making a senior appearance, ultimately loaned out to Rapid Wien in 2021, before joining current employers Wolfsberger AC as a free agent a year later.

Now, could he be returning to Great Britain, only this time north of the border and for a hefty price-tag?

How Thierno Ballo would improve Rangers

Ballo’s recent form in the Austrian Bundesliga has certainly caught the eye, scoring 13 goals across league and cup during both of the last two seasons.

This is a feat three players have achieved.

Maximilian Entrup

Hartberg & LASK

12

12

24

Ronivaldo Blau-Weiß Linz

14

10

24

Thierno Ballo

Wolfsberg

12

10

22

Writer Kai Watson described the 23 year old as “rapid” and a “strong ball carrier​​​​​​​” who is a “strong finisher​​​​​​​” and a “solid creator​​​​​​​”, concluding he would be an “exciting” signing for Rangers.

Meantime, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout highlights his “great” form for Wolfsberger AC, performances that earnt the winger his senior international debut for Austria in June, introduced at half time as they smashed San Marino 4-0 in a World Cup qualifier at Stadio Olimpico di Serravalle.

This would be a particularly exciting addition for Rangers due to their lack of winger depth, a position that has been a problem since Ryan Kent’s departure on a free transfer back in 2023.

Nedim Bajrami

44

5

4

Óscar Cortés

18

1

2

Rabbi Matondo

67

8

11

Ross McCausland

66

7

7

As the table outlines, none of Rangers’ four current wide-attackers have particularly impressed, especially when compared to Kent who, in 218 appearances, scored 33 goals and registered 56 assists during five seasons in Govan.

The search to try and replace Kent over the past two seasons has largely proved unsuccessful – excluding loan moves for Abdallah Sima and Cerny – although Ballo’s form in Austria of late is certainly reason for optimism.

Thus, everything suggests that Ballo would be an excellent addition, one they’ll be desperate to get over the line before taking on Panathinaikos in Champions League qualifying on 22 July.

Rangers agree deal to sign "fantastic" player as 49ers go into overdrive

The Gers are not messing about this summer…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 10, 2025

Whilst they are yet to officially get their summer business underway, Nottingham Forest have reportedly set their sights on several rising talents and that includes a young Bundesliga left-back.

Nottingham Forest reject Elanga bid

As those at the City Ground push to welcome the likes of Timothy Weah and Samuel Mbangula, they also face a fight to keep hold of Anthony Elanga amid interest from Newcastle United. The Magpies reportedly formalised their interest with a bid worth £45m earlier this week only for Nottingham Forest to reject that bid without any counter as they look to keep hold of a key player.

Whether Newcastle return to the negotiation table remains to be seen, but Forest’s stance may not change anytime soon. The Tricky Trees will be desperate to enjoy a repeat of last season, if not better, when August arrives and keeping hold of players like Elanga will play a large part in matching those ambitions.

Given that Botafogo duo Jair Cunha and Igor Jesus are also reportedly on their way, it’s clear that Evangelos Marinakis is only in pursuit of boosting Nuno Espirito Santo’s attacking options rather than selling key men for profit.

Dream Elanga replacement: Nottingham Forest open talks to sign £12m winger

Nottingham Forest may lose Elanga this summer.

ByJoe Nuttall Jun 25, 2025

One player that the Greek owner will need to replace, however, is Harry Toffolo. The experienced left-back is now a free agent following the expiration of his contract at the City Ground and Forest would be wise to find a replacement.

To that end, it looks as though those in the Midlands have set their sights on young options who could challenge the likes of Neco Williams for years to come and that may see one particular Bundesliga talent arrive.

Nottingham Forest join Ullrich race

According to The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, Nottingham Forest have now joined the race to sign Lukas Ullrich from Borussia Monchengladbach this summer. The 21-year-old enjoyed a breakout campaign in the Bundesliga last time out and has since played his part in helping Germany reach the semi-final of the U21 Euros.

The Gladbach man particularly impressed against Elliot Anderson’s England side in the group stage, providing an excellent assist as Germany ran out 2-1 winners.

Anderson received a first-hand glimpse of the type of quality that he could benefit from next season if Nottingham Forest push on with their move to sign Ullrich.

It won’t be an easy race to win, however, given that they are joined by Premier League rivals Leeds United, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton in pursuit of the Bundesliga talent.

Gladbach, meanwhile, may not be keen to lose their defender who manager Geraldo Seoane has not been shy to praise. The manager told reporters when asked about Ullrich: “You can see that he’s got pace going forward and that he has a very good mentality. He’s confident, he’s active and he makes runs in behind. He brings a lot to the table playing as an attacking left-back.”

Aston Villa will have to sell players this summer in order to comply with PSR rules, as Unai Emery faces the prospect of losing some key figures in the dressing room.

As per a recent report from The Athletic, Villa can only register a loss of around £15 million for the 2024/2025 football financial year and remain in line with Premier League rules.

Aston Villa could be forced to accept £50m-plus Arsenal bid for mainstay

The Villans may reluctantly cash in for below value.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 19, 2025

Their marquee sales of Moussa Diaby and Jhon Duran have seriously assisted NSWE’s mission to comply with PSR for the year ending 2024/2025, as has their estimated £70 million earnings from reaching the Champions League quarter-finals last season, but they’re still walking a tightrope when it comes to PSR.

Villa’s president of footballing operations, Monchi, is reportedly working “around the clock” to secure a big-name exit before the June 30 cut-off date (Football Insider), with the Man United-linked Emiliano Martínez, Youri Tielemans and Amadou Onana among their prime contenders to be sold.

Aston Villa's president of football operations, Monchi.

A major debate is surrounding the validity of PSR and whether these tight financial restrictions create an even bigger gap between the ‘big six’ and the rest of England, with clubs like Villa forced to actively weaken themselves just to stay within certain limits.

With Villa in such a precarious position after falling short in their bid to qualify for the Champions League next season, instead having to settle for the much less lucrative Europa League prize pool, reports they could lose goalkeeper Martinez to Old Trafford are heightening.

The Argentine mainstay is rumoured to be very keen on a move to United, and he could well be the illustrious sale made by Villa chiefs in their efforts to stay within the PSR limit.

However, there are other Emery starters who could leave prior to June 30 too, with £120,000-per-week left-back Lucas Digne attracting serious interest from La Liga.

Aston Villa defender Lucas Digne in talks to join Atlético Madrid

The 52-cap Frenchman was a firm regular under Emery last season, making 45 appearances in all competitions, even if he was in and out of the starting eleven towards the back end of 24/25.

Atlético Madrid are actively pursuing a new left-back and Digne is on Diego Simeone’s radar, with Football Insider and journalist Wayne Veysey sharing news this week that he could leave for around £10 million.

Atlético are preparing an opening bid of around £8 million for the 31-year-old, who’s out of contract next summer, but this will fall short of Monchi’s desired asking price, with Villa looking to gain as much breathing room as possible between them and the PSR axe.

Digne has opened talks to join Atletico from Villa, though, so discussions between the former Everton defender’s representatives and Simeone’s side have started.

Emery being in this situation of having to sell important players, amid their efforts to become an elite-level side, is perhaps a damning indictment of PSR and how the governing bodies need to re-assess these roadblocks.

However, at least for now, Villa will need to continue dancing around it.

Tottenham Hotspur have now made an approach to sign a “superb” £34m player, who has already turned down a move to Arsenal this summer, according to a report.

Spurs eyeing new signings amid Frank pursuit

With Daniel Levy controversially dismissing Ange Postecoglou last week, the chairman has wasted no time searching for a replacement for the Australian, and widespread reports are suggesting that Thomas Frank has now agreed to take the job.

However, former Spurs boss Tim Sherwood has admitted he is “worried” about what Levy’s objective for the new manager will be, given that Postecoglou was sacked after winning a trophy, and it must be noted Frank has never won a major honour, despite doing a stellar job at Brentford.

Should the Dane be appointed, he is likely to have a say in the recruitment this summer, but the Lilywhites are continuing to assess potential options without a permanent manager in place.

That is according to a report from RMC Sport, which states Tottenham have now made an approach over a deal for AS Roma’s Evan Ndicka, having submitted an enquiry, with Premier League rivals Manchester United doing the same.

Ndicka, who is valued at €40m (£34m) is in no rush to decide his next move, and will take time to consider the offers he receives, but one thing that is clear is that he will not be heading to the Emirates Stadium, having already turned down a move to Arsenal this summer.

"Superb" Ndicka could be solid Romero replacement

Postecoglou may not be the only key Spurs figure to leave this summer, as there have been doubts over Cristian Romero’s future for quite some time, with it previously being revealed that Levy is open to sanctioning the Argentina international’s departure this summer.

Tottenham now ready to hijack move for £60m star Frank called "incredible"

Spurs have joined the race for a forward, who has left top manager target Thomas Frank impressed in the past.

ByDominic Lund Jun 8, 2025

As such, one of Frank’s most important tasks, should he become the new manager, may be to bring in a new centre-back, and there are some signs the Roma defender could be a solid option, having previously been dubbed “superb” by scout Jacek Kulig.

The 6 foot 4 colossus is certainly an imposing presence, which means he is also a threat from set-pieces, as shown when he bagged his first goal for Roma against Tottenham in the Europa League last November.

Ndicka could be a solid signing for Spurs, but it is important they get the green light from Frank or any other potential new manager before pursuing a deal.

Reliable journalist Paul Joyce has claimed that Everton are interested in sealing a stunning move for a “special” attacking player this summer.

Moyes eyeing big future at Everton

After some grim seasons of late, which have included several relegation battles in the Premier League, there is a feeling of positivity with the Toffees, not least because David Moyes has returned as manager, easily steering them to safety ahead of the move to their new stadium.

The Scot has been forceful about how he is expecting a better future at Everton with him in charge, with the hope being that funds will be made available for important transfer business.

“I think more the feeling [is] that there might be a club which is ­coming back together. Signs that before there was a real break-up, of a sort of love affair with the supporters, the ­players, the club, the owners. So we’re all trying to get back. We’re obviously all looking forward to it. If we can take what we had today to the new stadium, it’ll be something.”

New signings are needed in various areas of the pitch for Everton, not least in attack, with goals coming at a premium at times this season, with 41 goals scored in 37 games. Now, a shock rumour has emerged regarding a potential attacking signing for the Merseysiders.

Everton keen on "special" Liverpool player

According to the reliable Joyce of The Times, Everton “hold an interest” in Liverpool winger Ben Doak, seeing him as an option to bring in this summer.

The 19-year-old has spent this season on loan at Championship side Middlesbrough, with the Reds unable to give him regular playing time, and a permanent move away from Anfield could now be on the cards.

The idea of Everton signing Doak is a mouthwatering prospect, not only because of the stunning nature of taking him from rivals Liverpool, but also due to his long-term potential.

The teenage winger is already a six-cap Scotland international, and he was enjoying a fruitful time loan at Middlesbrough before injury struck in January, bagging 10 goal contributions (three goals and seven assists) in the Championship.

Doak also caught the eye of Jurgen Klopp during their time together at Liverpool, with the German clearly a big admirer of the Scot, saying: “Special boy. Really confident, has something nobody else delivers, really; this kind of dribbling, this kind of straight-forward bravery, all these kinds of things.”

Moyes' next Branthwaite: Everton plotting bid to sign "elite" £17m star

Everton are gearing up for a summer of change in the transfer market.

ByAngus Sinclair May 23, 2025

Forgetting the Liverpool connection, Doak is a hugely exciting footballer who could reach great heights with his pace and unpredictability in the coming years, and while the Reds may be hesitant to sell to their rivals, Everton should look to strike a deal.

Nottingham Forest’s plans for the transfer window suffered a dent after Nuno Espírito Santo’s side lost out in the race for Champions League qualification, instead settling for Conference League place, but Evangelos Marinakis and co appear determined to bolster the squad.

Nottingham Forest's transfer plans after Champions League blow

While missing out on a place in world football’s most prestigious competition, not to mention a spot in the Europa League, came as a sour end to an otherwise overachieving campaign at Forest, this year’s Premier League underdogs are still preparing for a European adventure next season.

Approach made: Nottingham Forest enquire to sign "underrated" £20m forward

The Tricky Trees are now making moves for a forward, having recently stepped up their pursuit.

ByDominic Lund May 28, 2025

According to an in-depth analysis of the club’s transfer plans by Telegraph reporter John Percy, Forest are targeting at least five new signings this summer as they seek to build off what was a very promising 2024/2025 overall.

Marinakis and co are extremely eager to back Nuno in the market, with the Telegraph reporting they’ll aim to recruit players who are valued around the £20-30 million mark.

Nottingham Forest’s rumoured transfer targets this summer

Target

Current club

Position

Taty Castellanos

Lazio

Striker

Jarell Quansah

Liverpool

Centre-back

Martin Baturina

Dinamo Zagreb

Attacking midfield

Adrien Truffert

Rennes

Left-back

James McAtee

Man City

Attacking midfield

While Forest are not under any pressure to sell players to appease PSR, with their balance sheet described as being in a “healthy state” (John Percy), star midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White could still be sold amid links to Man City.

Gibbs-White’s sale could fetch at least £70 million for Forest, which would go a long way to improving Nuno’s first-team in other areas, and the manager has already confirmed that City Ground officials will be working to recruit fresh blood ahead of next term.

“People in the club are dealing with next season, not us as coaching staff,” said Nuno when asked about Forest’s plans for the summer.

“This moment requires everything that you have for the responsibilities ahead of us. The recruitment staff and scouting team will be working on that and there will be the right moment to speak and sit down.”

Defensively, Forest are keen to bring in a left-back to assist this season’s breakout star Neco Williams (The Telegraph), and the addition of another centre-back cannot be ruled out either.

Nottingham Forest make offer for Botafogo defender Jair

According to South American news outlet GE Globo and their reporter Jessica Maldonado, Botafago defender Jair Cunha is attracting serious interest from Forest.

Nuno’s side have already submitted a proposal for their striker, Igor Jesus, and they’re now pursuing his central defensive teammate.

The outlet reports that Nottingham Forest have made an offer to sign Jair, and while they cannot disclose the amount, it comes in at above £11.5 million – which is the amount Botafogo paid Santos to sign the 20-year-old back in February.

As the Brazilian club reportedly evaluate this bid, it is worth noting that Jair has drawn comparisons to Liverpool legend Virgil van Dijk, and he’s described by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig as a “complete, dominant, and elegant central defender”.

He’s also able to play as both a right and left centre-back as part of a four-man defensive line, with Jair towering over most of his teammates at 6 foot 3.

The Brazilian is highly-rated and could come as an excellent back-up option behind the likes of Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic.

As rumours persist over Jean-Philippe Mateta’s future, Crystal Palace have now reportedly entered pole position to sign an impressive striker who could replace the Frenchman this summer.

Mateta could leave Crystal Palace

Following another excellent season at Selhurst Park, Mateta was always likely to find himself on the radar of several top clubs. The big question is whether he departs this summer. Recent reports have revealed his desire to push towards France’s 2026 World Cup squad with a move away part of that plan, and that could deal Palace a killer blow.

What makes matters worse is that Manchester United are reportedly among those jostling for the forward’s signature this summer. To lose Mateta to any club would be a major blow for the Eagles. To lose him to another Premier League side, however, would be more frustrating than anything.

Appearances

45

Goals

17

Assists

4

All it takes is one look at the numbers to realise exactly why Manchester United have set their sights on signing Mateta. The Crystal Palace star, who helped his side defeat Manchester City in the FA Cup final recently, has done something that both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have failed to do by reaching double figures for goals this season.

Palace will be desperate to keep their forward, of course, and Oliver Glasner is well aware of his quality. The Austrian told reporters earlier this season: “We don’t always talk because he knows what we demand of him. With his two goals today, he is amazing in the box.

“He has the feeling that a number nine must have in the box. He makes so many runs where he doesn’t get the ball. You need to suffer as a striker because you make so many runs where you don’t get the ball. He gets the reward and it decides the game for us.”

Whilst his future continues to hang in the balance, however, those at Selhurst Park are reportedly eyeing an instant replacement for Mateta this summer.

Crystal Palace leading Emegha race

According to TEAMtalk, Crystal Palace are now leading the race to sign Emanuel Emegha from RC Strasbourg this summer. The 22-year-old has enjoyed a fantastic campaign for the Ligue 1 side, who shocked the rest of France’s first division by finishing as high as seventh under Liam Rosenior.

Almost a month since football talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed his season as “fantastic”, Emegha has taken his total to 14 goals in all competitions to leave the likes of Crystal Palace in pursuit of his signature.

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At this stage, a fair few dominoes would have to fall for Emegha to become a Crystal Palace player, but if Mateta does depart, he should remain the Eagles’ top target to arrive in the coming months.