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Aston Villa have now submitted a proposal to sign a “world-class” player, who is desperate to seal a move to the Premier League this summer, according to a report.

Aston Villa set sights on midfielder amid McGinn uncertainty

John McGinn has been a fantastic servant to Villa, with the captain joining the club ahead of the promotion-winning 2018-19 season, but there is now doubt over his future, amid interest from Premier League rivals Everton.

However, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has been quick to play down suggestions McGinn could move on this summer, saying: “I am told that Unai Emery loves working with him and he is one of his key lieutenants in the squad, he is not just a normal player.

“Villa were shocked to hear him linked – not surprised but, as it stands, there are no plans to move on from him – as he showed last season, he has plenty to offer.”

Regardless of whether the Scotland international ends up departing the club, it appears as though Emery is keen to bring in a new midfielder, and a proposal has now been made for one of the Spaniard’s former players.

That is according to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), which states Aston Villa have now been in touch with Juventus over a loan deal for Douglas Luiz, who joined the Italian club for a fee of £42m last summer.

Juventus would rather hold out for a permanent deal, but a loan deal could be a more practical solution, considering they would only be able to sell Luiz at a big loss, as the Brazilian has failed to kick on since making the move to the Serie A.

Aston Villa now set to advance for "top class" £138k-p/w ace loved by Monchi

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Sean Markus Clifford

Jul 8, 2025

Having failed to adapt to the Italian league, the midfielder is thought to be desperate to return to the Premier League this summer, and a return to Villa Park is very much on the cards.

McGinn would be delighted by "world-class" Luiz returning

It appears as though McGinn is likely to remain at Villa Park, with the Scot still considered an important player by Emery, and he would surely be delighted by Luiz returning to the club, having once described his former teammate as “world-class”.

Villa fans will be well-aware of the central-midfielder’s abilities, with the maestro displaying a keen eye for goal during his final season at the club, picking up a total of nine goals and five assists in 35 Premier League outings.

The Rio de Janeiro-born midfielder also memorably scored directly from a corner against Arsenal in the 2022-23 campaign.

With Luiz keen to return to the Premier League, a move back to Villa Park may be ideal, and signing him on loan could be perfect for Aston Villa, considering their PSR concerns.

It wasn’t exactly a well-kept secret this summer that Birmingham City were interested in landing Peterborough United superstar Kwame Poku.

Unfortunately, the Blues’ drawn-out pursuit of the entertaining Ghanaian has seemingly gone cold now, as the likes of Russell Martin’s Rangers accelerate to the front of the queue for his coveted services instead.

This would have been a knock to Chris Davies and Co.’s confidence as they navigate up to the Championship, but it hasn’t stopped them from pressing on with other attacking targets, as the ambitious Blues look to close in on another statement addition up top.

Birmingham close in on statement reunion

As per a recent report from journalist Alan Nixon, the newly promoted outfit look to be edging ever closer to bringing former star Demarai Gray back to their ranks this summer.

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Much like their chase for Poku, it had been well publicised that the Blues wanted to make such a stunning reunion happen.

Now, it might well become a reality, with both Sunderland and Fiorentina, who had also been looking at signing the experienced Jamaica international in an £8m deal, left in Birmingham’s dust to seal the sublime move.

Whilst the Rangers-bound attacker had been viewed as the flavour of the month in the EFL after a sensational season on the books of Posh, landing Gray might well be an even more exciting pick-up than the 23-year-old.

Why Gray would be a more exciting signing than Poku

If Birmingham are deadly serious about going after back-to-back promotions, Gray joining will undoubtedly help them to pull off such an arduous feat, with the former Blues prodigy going on to have a lengthy career at the very top after waving St. Andrew’s goodbye in 2016.

Indeed, Gray is likely more well-known in English football now for being a Premier League regular on the books of Leicester City and Everton, than a one-time academy product emerging up the Blues ranks.

In total, the Birmingham-born forward has amassed over 200 Premier League appearances for the likes of the Foxes and the Toffees, with an impressive 19 goals and 14 assists coming his way from those contests, on top of a Premier League title astoundingly being lifted when situated at the King Power Stadium.

Gray’s G/A numbers by club

Club played for

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

Leicester

169

13

14

Birmingham

78

8

4

Everton

75

12

6

Al-Ettifaq

50

4

5

Bayer Leverkusen

12

1

2

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Poku might well have a certain level of freshness on his side – considering he has just tallied up a blistering 12 goals and 11 assists for Darren Ferguson’s men last campaign – but the table above really does speak for itself when judging the 28-year-old’s pedigree alone, with a season even under his belt in the Bundesliga when lining up for Bayer Leverkusen.

Moreover, whilst Poku was a breakout success for Posh last season, he has never actually bagged a goal in the Championship, despite ripping up the third-tier, with just a meagre two goal contributions next to his name at the difficult level from 20 clashes.

An “electric” attacker on his day – in the words of journalist Scott Saunders – his first major steps in the senior game did actually come in the Championship with his hometown club, notably netting a memorable hat-trick above three of the eight strikes he has managed in the division when donning Birmingham blue.

It will now be up to Gray to roll back the years on his expected return, with more Premier League appearances perhaps coming his way down the line.

Whilst Poku is the talk of the town as an up-and-coming ace, Gray has already cemented himself as a Championship-capable talent and beyond across his vast playing days, with another chapter soon to be added to his packed story when hopefully starring for Davies and Co.

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He could be an excellent summer addition.

Posts 1 ByHenry Jackson Jun 22, 2025

Manchester United’s front line has been the subject of various additions already this summer, as Ruben Amorim looks to overhaul his first-team squad.

The manager has already secured the signing of forward Matheus Cunha from fellow Premier League outfit Wolves, costing a fee in the region of £62.5m.

Despite the huge fee spent on the 25-year-old, more business is expected to be completed in such a department, with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo another name on their shortlist.

He’s been subject to multiple offers from the Red Devils already this window, but a deal is yet to be agreed after he stated his desire to make the switch to Old Trafford.

Other players have remained as key targets for the 40-year-old boss, who appears to be at the heart of various deals which could massively bolster the ranks at the Theatre of Dreams.

The latest on United’s hunt for added reinforcements this summer

The forward line has been the main focus for Jason Wilcox and Co this window, as seen by United’s tireless efforts to complete a move to land Cunha ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The Brazilian isn’t alone in being pursued by staff behind the scenes in Manchester, with the likes of Victor Osimhen, Kang-in Lee and Rafael Leao just three other talents currently in their sights.

However, they aren’t the only options, with Amorim’s side taking a huge step to secure the signature of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, according to Record via CaughtOffside.

It’s been reported that positive meetings have been held with the striker’s representatives and that a bid is expected to be lodged to take the Swede to Old Trafford this summer.

They also claim that the Portuguese outfit are holding out for €80m (£67m) to part ways with their talisman, who’s managed to find the net on 54 occasions throughout 2024/25.

Why United’s latest target could be Amorim’s own answer to Kane

Harry Kane is a striker who every side in world football must wish they had, considering his goalscoring exploits, which have made him one of Europe’s most sought-after talents.

The 31-year-old spent 10 years as a first-team regular at Tottenham Hotspur, racking up 280 goals and becoming their all-time record goalscorer in the process.

However, it wasn’t enough to propel Spurs to any form of silverware, subsequently moving to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023, with the Englishman carrying on his rich vein of form in front of goal.

He’s netted a staggering 82 goals in his 91 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit, with Kane evidently making the right choice to move to Germany over a switch to Old Trafford after the Red Devils’ previous interest in his services.

This summer presents Amorim’s side with the chance to land their own talisman in the form of Gyokeres, with the Sporting star comparable to the England international by FBref.

When comparing the pair’s respective figures from the recent campaign, the Swede has managed to outperform him in numerous key departments – handing United their answer to Kane should he move this summer.

The Swede, who’s been labelled a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has massively outscored the Bayern ace, whilst also managing to register a higher shot-on-target rate, handing Amorim the deadly threat in front of goal he’s desperately craved.

Games played

33

31

Goals & assists

46

35

Shot-on-target accuracy

52%

42%

Shots on target

2.2

1.7

Take-ons completed

1.9

0.8

Carries into final third

1.3

0.7

Carries into opposition box

3.1

0.7

Aerials won

1.3

1

He’s also managed to complete more take-ons and register more carries into the opposition’s area, subsequently being able to improve the tallies of other players around him.

Gyokeres’ aerial ability could also prove handy for the Red Devils, handing the side a focal point to play-off, whilst also offering an added threat from set pieces to improve their goalscoring record.

There’s no denying Kane will go down as one of the Premier League’s greatest ever goalscorers, with Gyokeres having huge pressure to replicate such success should he move to England this window.

The comparison is credit to the striker and an indication as to how impressive he’s been in recent times, potentially offering a new dimension to the club should he complete the switch in the coming months.

Van Persie 2.0: Man Utd set to be offered "incredible" Gyokeres alternative

Manchester United could be about to make a move for a player who could follow in Robin van Persie’s footsteps.

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Nottingham Forest are now interested in signing an “excellent” £29 million forward who has scored 14 goals this season, according to a new report.

Forest drop points in race for Champions League spot

It is now no wins in their last three games in all competitions for Forest, as their fight for a Champions League spot has taken a hit. Murillo rescued a point for the Reds on Monday evening after going a goal down thanks to Eberechi Eze’s penalty. The draw leaves Forest in sixth place on 61 points, two behind Chelsea and Newcastle United and one ahead of Aston Villa, who are sitting in seventh place.

Despite the dropped points, Nuno Espirito Santo was pleased with his side’s attitude and defensive performance and believes everyone in the Champions League race will give it their all. As he said, “all the teams in this big fight will give it a go”.

Nottingham Forest willing to make big offer for £42k-p/w Juventus defender

He has made a big decision about his future.

ByHenry Jackson May 3, 2025

Nuno told BBC Match of the Day: “Let’s think about the game. It was two halves, and in the first half, we were very good. It was good for us that we achieved the goal so soon after the goal for Crystal Palace. That gave us belief to fight for the game. After last week, a good attitude.

“It’s about finding ourselves again after the past three games. We defended better; it’s so obvious, against a talented opponent in Palace.

“The final games will be nervous, tight games. Everyone is fighting for something, and Selhurst Park is always a tough place to come. All the teams in this big fight will give it a go.”

Nottingham Forest want to sign £29m forward with 14 goals in 24/25

As Nuno and his team remain focused on the race for a Champions League spot, Forest chiefs and the manager are looking towards the summer transfer window. Now, according to La Opinion A Coruna, relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest want to sign winger Yeremay Hernandez from Deportivo La Coruna.

The report states that there is a good chance Hernandez leaves the Spanish side at the end of this season, despite the fact he has just signed a new contract that runs until the summer of 2030. The winger was a wanted player in the January transfer window but stayed at Deportivo, where they inserted a release clause worth €35 million, which is roughly £29 million.

As well as Forest now showing an interest in a deal this summer, AFC Bournemouth and Brentford are also keen on striking an agreement. Teams from Italy, Germany and France are also keen on signing Hernandez, who has been dubbed “excellent” by Ben Mattinson in the past.

Apps

94

Goals

22

Assists

10

However, all the teams are not going to have it easy signing the 22-year-old, as they will need to bring a lot of money and the skill to persuade Deportivo to sell one of their brightest players.

It is unclear at this stage if Forest, as well as Bournemouth and Brentford, are willing to pay Hernandez’s release clause. The Spanish U21 international has been in fine form this season, as he’s netted 14 goals in 35 La Liga 2 games.

Rangers and prospective new owners the 49ers Enterprises have been making early moves for a new Ibrox manager in Europe.

Rangers and 49ers release statement on takeover

The rumours over a takeover at Rangers involving the 49ers have gone into overdrive in recent months, with previous claims suggesting that there was confidence of a deal being completed ahead of the 2025/26 season.

In recent days, Rangers and the consortium have issued a joint statement, saying to Sky Sports: “Rangers and its existing controlling shareholders are in productive conversations with the two lead members of the Consortium, Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises Global Football Group, about the potential for the Consortium to acquire control of the club and to inject additional capital. These discussions reflect a shared recognition of the importance of Rangers FC’s long-term direction, ambitions and management.”

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One of their first tasks in Glasgow will be to appoint a new permanent manager, with the Gers currently having Barry Ferguson in interim charge until the end of the campaign after parting ways with Philippe Clement.

Ferguson is keen on the Rangers job on a full-time basis and vowed to make the club “better” if he is given the opportunity.

“In terms of in the future, managing elsewhere, no. I enjoyed my role at Rangers before, and if that’s not going to be managing, then hopefully I’ll just go back to that and enjoy what I was doing. If I get the job, I will make my club a better club. If I don’t get the job I will still support the club.”

Rangers last 5 permanent managers

Philippe Clement

2023-2025

Michael Beale

2022-2023

Giovanni van Bronckhorst

2021-2022

Steven Gerrard

2018-2021

Pedro Caixinha

2017

However, it looks as if the 49ers have other plans in mind when it comes to a new Rangers boss, going off an update from The Athletic.

Rangers and 49ers hold manager talks in Europe

According to The Athletic, relayed by Give Me Sport, Rangers and the 49ers have been holding talks with managers in Europe ahead of a potential summer move.

No specific names are mentioned, however, 49ers technical director Gretar Steinsson has held Rangers discussions with managerial candidates across Europe.

There have been a few managers in Europe who have been linked with the Ibrox role, including Jose Mourinho who is currently in charge of Fenerbahce. As we know, Ferguson and Rangers got the better of Mourinho and Fenerbahce in the Europa League earlier this year.

Marco Rose, who has links with Red Bull and by extension the 49ers due to the connection at Leeds United, is another who has been mooted as a potential target after he left RB Leipzig in March.

It will be interesting to see what route the 49ers go down in regards to bringing in a new manager, but they aren’t wasting time with Steinsson working behind the scenes.

How Aussie legspinner punked England’s batters

Matt Roller04-Nov-20232:02

Why has Zampa been such a threat?

Jos Buttler dances down the pitch to a wide legbreak and swings hard through the line of the ball, flicking his back leg as the ball flies into the upper tier of Dubai International Stadium. Two overs later, he hits an even bigger six back over the bowler’s head then knocks a single; Jonny Bairstow is on strike, and thumps consecutive sixes himself.This used to be the story when Adam Zampa played against England. After that night in Dubai, he had taken four wickets in four T20Is against them while conceding nearly 11 runs per over; across his first five ODIs against them, he took two wickets at 133.50. He might have been good enough against the also-rans, but not against this lot.But the Zampa that came up against England in Ahmedabad on Saturday night is a very different bowler to the one who used to get milked and whacked in equal measure – and England are a very different team to the side who set the standard for the rest of the world, brimming with self-assurance and bravado.Related

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Zampa bowls straighter, faster and flatter than he used to, and has reached a point where he has total confidence in where he will land the ball. “I’d say tonight is as satisfying as it feels after an ODI, in terms of my 10 overs,” he said. “My length control was as good as it’s been.”These were difficult conditions for a legspinner. There were signs of dew when Zampa came on in the 12th over, and for most of his spell he found himself bowling to Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali: in total, 45 out of the 60 balls he bowled were to left-handers.It meant he relied heavily on his googlies and rarely strayed from a good length or a straight line, targeting the top of the stumps. It was a simple plan, but England gave Zampa little reason to change things up: not only did they fail to hit a boundary in his 10-over spell, they did not even manage to hit a two off him.It was Buttler who finally tried to hit him off his length, skipping down and looking to launch him over long-off, as if trying to rekindle the spirit of that heady night in Dubai. Instead, it was Zampa who came out on top, roaring as loud as he could in celebration as Cameron Green took a simple catch.He was so consistent with his stock ball that any deviation from it seemed to bring a wicket. The ball that got Stokes might have been his worst of the night, sliding down the leg side and swept tamely to short fine leg; he tossed one up full to Moeen, who slog-swept him out to deep midwicket.The ball to Moeen was Zampa’s finally pay-out, the result of the pressure he had built up across his spell. At 49.7mph, it was significantly slower than the majorty of his spell and had enough overspin to take the top edge. “I’m known for bowling flatter and faster,” he said, “so to be able to bowl it slower and bring it back a little bit was a really satisfying wicket.”He finished with extraordinary figures of 3 for 21, the cheapest spell of his ODI career – by a distance. Australia’s decision to pick a solitary frontline spinner in their World Cup squad was a calculated gamble: with 19 wickets across seven matches, the selectors are quids in.Adam Zampa didn’t concede a boundary•Getty ImagesEven if these Australian players are significantly different to those that came before in character, there is still an underlying machismo: most of the squad used their days off at the start of the week to take golf far too seriously, then explained Glenn Maxwell’s injury away by saying that “boys will be boys” and that they “need a mum on tour”.But Zampa is a different personality. He labels golfers “floggers” and stayed in Dharamsala with his family instead. “It was really nice,” he said. “I wore a few robes, and found myself up there in the hills. I just went on a couple of treks… I was a recluse for a few days.”He certainly didn’t work on his batting, and has hardly netted all tour. You couldn’t tell from his innings at No. 10, a vital 29 off 19 balls which included a straight drive off a 92mph Mark Wood rocket, a pull for four off Chris Woakes and a drag through wide long-on off David Willey.To top it all off, he took a blinder in the field to see the back of Willey, running 25 metres from deep fine leg to square leg and diving underneath a spectacular catch. “I mean, I’m not known as the best fielder in the world,” Zampa said, “but it’s satisfying to work on stuff and things come off like that. It’s a good feeling.”Zampa used to be the bowler that England’s batters queued up to take down. On Sunday, he will head to Mumbai with Buttler, Stokes and Moeen in his pocket – and as the leading wicket-taker at this World Cup.

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