Sunderland manager Alex Neil has confirmed that there are no fresh injury concerns ahead of the League One play-off second leg against Sheffield Wednesday on Monday night.
The lowdown: Advantage Sunderland
Neil’s side head to Hillsborough with a 1-0 advantage from the first leg encounter at the Stadium of Light thanks to Ross Stewart’s strike late in the first half last Friday night.
The Black Cats were roared on by more than 44,300 vociferous supporters in the northeast, and those fans will be praying for a trip to the capital later in the month.
As Sunderland look to book a place in the Wembley showpiece for a shot at promotion to the Championship, the manager has updated the fitness situation at the club…
The latest: Neil reveals Sunderland team news
Speaking on Sunday ahead of the trip to Yorkshire (via Sunderland Echo), Neil confirmed that there were no new injuries suffered to the Sunderland matchday squad.
The 40-year-old stated: “Everyone seems to be OK. The lads were in yesterday (Saturday) afternoon, it’s always difficult after a night game in terms of your sleep.
“But they’ve had a good rest now, they’ll be back in this afternoon and then we’ll take a view on how they are. But certainly there were no additional issues for us as of yesterday.”
The verdict: Huge boost for Sunderland
Whilst Sunderland could remain without Leon Dajaku and Everton loanee Nathan Broadhead due to illness and a muscle problem respectively, Neil will be delighted to have the same 18 players from Friday at his disposal once more for another pivotal clash.
Albeit with only a slender lead, the Black Cats enjoyed the lion’s share of proceedings in the first leg, with 15 shots to the Owls’ eight and seven corners to the visitors’ three on the night (Sofascore).
Neil may look to use the same players on this occasion with a view to getting Dajaku, Broadhead and indeed Dennis Cirkin and Carl Winchester fit for a potential play-off final against either Wycombe or MK Dons.
In other news, Sunderland are now facing one big dilemma
A big Rangers transfer claim has been made over Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s plans for Ibrox centre-forward Alfredo Morelos…
What’s the talk?
Transfer insider Pete O’Rourke has revealed that Rangers are set to put a fresh deal for Morelos at the top of their to-do list, with his current terms at Ibrox set to expire in the summer of 2023.
O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “Morelos will probably be the priority because he’s probably the one who’s going to get you the biggest fee if he is to be sold right now. And if he was to sign a new contract, that would obviously enhance his price tag as well going forwards for Rangers.
“So, I think Morelos probably will be the priority if they were to keep anybody right now because he is the out and out goalscorer in that team for Rangers.”
Supporters will be buzzing
This claim will surely leave the supporters buzzing as they will want the club to be in the best possible position to keep hold of Morelos.
Whilst, as O’Rourke explains, a new contract will increase his value in the market it also gives them a bigger chance of retaining him.
They will not be forced to cash in on the striker this summer as they would not have the looming prospect of him being able to sign a pre-contract with a foreign team in January 2023, which means that they would only sell if the right offer came in for him.
The attacker has produced 19 goals and eight assists in all competitions for the Gers this season. He has proven himself to be a consistent performer at the top end of the pitch as he has chipped in with goal contributions on a regular basis in the number nine role.
In the Premiership this season, James Tavernier (7.73) is the only outfield player for Rangers with a higher average SofaScore rating than Morelos (7.32). He has been one of Gio van Bronckhorst’s top performers in the division and that is why fans will be delighted with the club wanting to tie him down to a new deal.
The supporters will surely want to see the Colombian in action for the Gers again next season and agreeing on a contract extension appears to be the best way of going about keeping him. It will allay any fears of him leaving on a free transfer next summer and put Wilson in a strong position to reject offers for his services.
AND in other news, Fewer touches than McLaughlin: Rangers dud with 0 duels won was a passenger on Sunday…
Everton should still move to sign Portuguese midfielder Matheus Nunes this summer, despite suffering a setback amid interest from Manchester City and Newcastle United.
According to Portuguese newspaper Record (via Sport Witness) Everton are all but out of the race to sign the player as he wants an ‘ambitious’ project. However, if the Toffees are successful in their battle for survival they could convince Nunes that he should sign for them.
Reports state that Man City and Newcastle are the two clubs leading the race for the £50m talent, but they will also have their attention on other targets which could leave room for Everton to hijack any agreement.
With the construction of a brand new stadium, the club are also in a position to prove to the player that there is an exciting project on Merseyside.
Time to get rid of Allan
Midfield is an area that Everton do need to improve on in the summer. There are question marks over the future of Brazilian Allan, with his contract running out next year, and the club might decide now is the right time to cut their losses and get him off their wage bill.
He is currently the joint highest-paid player at Goodison Park with a weekly wage of £120k. Signing Nunes, who is 23-years old, would be a better investment for the future.
When you compare the two players this season, the Portuguese international has performed better in many areas. His passing accuracy percentage per game betters Allan’s at 86% compared to 80%.
That area of his game has been rather suspect of late with the former Napoli man completing a remarkably alarming tally of just three passes in his last two outings.
He has also created five big chances this season as opposed to the Everton star who hasn’t created any. Even when it comes to defensive stats Allan has made one error that has led to a goal this season compared to Nunes’ 0.
The 23-year old has been labelled “one of the best players in the world” by Man City manager Pep Guardiola as an “animal” by Paulo Futre, so it’s easy to see why so may are interested in signing him.
It’s highly unlikely that Everton will be able to outbid either Man City or Newcastle, but they can offer the midfielder something different. He would be an extremely key player in the team and would likely get more game time than at the other two clubs.
He would also get to work under Premier League legend Frank Lampard who would be a perfect mentor for how to adapt. If the Toffees have the money to make this move happen, they should give it everything they can.
IN other news: Lampard can unearth a new £50m talent in Everton’s “fantastic” 19 y/o who’s “class”…
Manchester United’s central midfield department has been one that has been up for debate, with numerous players trying to stake their claim for a regular starting role.
Ruben Amorim has often struggled to find his best partnership in such an area of the pitch, leading to countless players being utilised in the middle of the park since his appointment.
However, Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro have been the manager’s duo of choice of late, with the pair starting each of the Red Devils’ five Premier League matches in a row.
The club have remained unbeaten during such a period, showcasing that the boss has made the right decision in opting for the pair instead of selecting the likes of Kobbie Mainoo.
However, with Casemiro now 33, he’s likely coming to the back end of his career at the top level, with the hierarchy already laying the foundations for a move for one player in the January window.
Man Utd’s hunt for a new midfielder in January
Over the last couple of days, it’s been reported that United are targeting a move for Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson in the upcoming January transfer window.
It’s been claimed that the Red Devils have already made an approach to Sean Dyche’s side to register their interest in landing the 23-year-old England international in the coming months.
However, any deal would be a club record, with the Reds currently demanding a fee in the region of £100m to part ways with their star man during the upcoming market.
He’s not the only midfielder in their sights at present, as Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba has once again appeared on their radar, if recent reports are to be believed.
According to one Spanish outlet, Amorim and INEOS have made the Cameroonian international their “dream” target for January, but like Anderson, he would set them back a small fortune.
They also state that a £100m deal would be needed to prise him away from the AMEX, but that the player himself would be open to a switch to move to Old Trafford in the near future.
Why United’s £100m target would end Ugarte’s career
It wouldn’t be the first time United have splashed the cash on a new central midfielder, especially after spending a reported £50m for the signature of Manuel Ugarte back in 2024.
The Uruguayan’s transfer generated huge excitement within the Red Devils fanbase, with his arrival finally handing the side the disruptive presence needed to regain possession.
However, a little over 12 months on from his switch to England’s top-flight, he’s since dropped down the pecking order, as seen by his tally of just two league starts in 2025/26.
Amorim has undoubtedly lost faith in the 24-year-old at present, with a new addition only pushing the former PSG star further down the list – which could tempt the hierarchy to cash in on his services.
Spending £100m on a new addition would be a huge statement of intent, but it would no doubt put the future signing ahead of Ugarte in the pecking order due to the fee alone.
Baleba now appears to be the most likely candidate to join the Red Devils in January, with the youngster offering an immediate and long-term upgrade on the Uruguayan.
When comparing their stats from the 2025/26 campaign, the Brighton star has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas – potentially making his £100m price tag an excellent deal.
Games played
11
9
Games started
10
2
Pass accuracy
86%
85%
Log balls completed
54%
50%
Interceptions made
1.4
1.1
Duels won
6.5
5.1
Take-on success
63%
33%
Recoveries made
5.9
5.8
The 21-year-old has completed more of the passes he’s attempted this campaign, whilst completing more of the long passes he’s attempted – highlighting the dominance he has over Ugarte in possession.
He’s also completed more of the dribbles he’s attempted, further showcasing his all-round talents with the ball at his feet in the Premier League this season.
Out of possession, Baleba has won more duels per 90, whilst making more interceptions per 90 – subsequently offering the side a more dominant option out of possession.
£100m would be a huge statement of intent from the United hierarchy, but given his tender age, Baleba would be the perfect immediate and long-term solution to their problems.
As to Ugarte, such a transfer would likely spell the end of his time in Manchester, with the board needing to offload him to avoid losing a huge chunk of their £50m investment.
Forget Sesko: Man Utd's "anxious" dud is now becoming INEOS' worst signing
Manchester United have one player who has massively struggled to meet expectations at Old Trafford.
Ruben Amorim is edging closer to his one-year anniversary since he was appointed Manchester United manager, but it’s safe to say it’s not been an easy ride in the role.
The 40-year-old was seen as the perfect man to come in and change the Red Devils’ fortunes, but his spell at Old Trafford certainly hasn’t gone the way many anticipated.
He’s only achieved a 40% win rate since taking the reins last November, losing 20 of the 48 matches he’s taken charge of across all competitions – the worst of any manager of the club post World War 2.
The 2024/25 campaign was a dismal one for all involved at the Theatre of Dreams, registering their lowest-ever Premier League finish, but he was still handed over £200m to make the changes he desired.
After just a couple of games of the new campaign, judgment may have to be reserved until the new additions are settled, but that hasn’t stopped rumours from circulating about his future in the role.
The latest on Amorim’s future at Man Utd
Despite losing two of the first five league games of the 2025/26 season, the United board have stated that they will continue to back Amorim in his quest for success at the club.
The likes of Sir Jim Ratcliffe were at the training ground last week, but it’s been claimed that they still have full faith in the Portuguese boss to transform the club’s fortunes.
However, that could all be about to change in the coming weeks, especially if the latest rumours around the current managerial situation are to be believed.
GIVEMESPORT have reported in recent days that the staff behind the scenes at Old Trafford are huge admirers of Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and could be tempted to appoint him should they part ways with Amorim.
The report also states that no move or decision on either situation has yet been made, but the 51-year-old remains a boss they’re tracking in case they decide to make a change.
Why United’s manager target is an upgrade on Amorim
The new generation of United supporters have only endured disappointment and frustration, subsequently failing to reach the heights achieved during the Sir Alex Ferguson era.
The Scotsman won 13 Premier League titles during his time in charge at Old Trafford, the most of any manager in the division’s history, with the former boss putting the Red Devils on the map.
However, since his retirement in 2012/13, the club have failed to win a single league title, with second-placed finishes in 2017/18 and 2020/21 as good as it’s got for the fans in the last decade.
Amorim will undoubtedly be hoping to change such a drought, but up to now, he’s failed to create a side and system that looks remotely close to even challenging for a European spot.
Such failures could lead to the hierarchy making a change in the next few weeks/months, with Glasner the leading candidate to take over, as seen by recent reports.
When comparing the duo’s respective stats in England’s top-flight, the Austrian has achieved a far better record, doing so with a shoestring budget compared to Amorim.
Glasner, who’s been labelled “incredible” by Pep Guardiola, has achieved a better win percentage than Amorim – leading the Eagles to a 12th-placed finish last season, ending the year three places higher than United.
Games managed
70
48
Wins
34
19
Draws
21
9
Losses
15
20
Points per game
1.76
1.38
Win percentage
48.5%
39.5%
Goals scored (per 90)
1.71
1.96
Goals against (per 90)
1.14
1.92
Trophies won
2
0
He’s also notched a better point per game record, whilst also achieving a better win percentage, highlighting how impressive he’s been since taking the reins at Selhurst Park.
Glasner has also created new history for the Eagles, winning the FA Cup against Manchester City last campaign – subsequently claiming the club their first ever major trophy.
There’s no debating that the Austrian is a phenomenal manager, with any potential move to Old Trafford giving the fanbase an added reason to be excited in the near future.
It’s unclear at present if the 51-year-old would want to leave his current employers, but it’s certainly a situation for the fanbase to keep a close eye on.
Even though the board aren’t planning for a change, it could only take a couple of poor results to change that – with Glasner needing to be the priority if the Red Devils are to have any chance of ending their drought for a league title.
Outperforming Mainoo: Man Utd must regret losing "sensational" star for £0
Manchester United made a huge mistake in allowing one young talent to leave the club on a free.
If you look closely, you will see that Everton are developing into a team of newfound modernism.
David Moyes is perhaps perceived by some as being something of a pragmatic manager, rooted in strong defensive principles and an acceptance of non-possession-based football, standing firm against the current and then attacking on the break.
But he’s long been more nuanced than that. Moyes won the Conference League with West Ham United, after all, hauling that Irons side into a team of consistency among European places. Sixth, seventh. And silverware in there too.
Everton are at a different stage, but Moyes, having only been at the club since January, when Sean Dyche was dismissed than the mood was low, has created a team that is showing signs of quality befitting a top-half-of-the-table finish in the Premier League.
Against Aston Villa at the weekend, Everton were the aggressors. It ended 0-0, but the team will take solace in their upswing in chance creation.
Man United
4
7.9
Chelsea
9
7.7
Man City
5
7.6
Brighton
4
6.6
Everton
5
6.3
Who might be the centrepiece of all this? Why, Jack Grealish, of course.
Jack Grealish's Everton rebirth
Last season in the Premier League, Everton concluded their campaign with an xG total of just 41.8, the lowest of any side not to get relegated.
It’s clear to discern a summer strategy catered toward creative additions, and Grealish has been the heart of this. Signed from Manchester City on loan for the duration of the season, the England international has returned to form spectacularly, assisting four goals across his first two starts.
A silky dribbler and an intelligent technician, Grealish had fallen from his perch over the past couple of years in Manchester, reduced to a fringe role that shunted his finer attributes.
Moyes has taken him off the leash and is being repaid with high-level creative performances. As per Sofascore’s data, the 29-year-old is averaging 2.8 key passes and 6.8 successful duels per game.
Grealish is in his prime; he’s not a young talent anymore. However, Everton might find that regardless of the playmaker’s future on Merseyside, they have a new version waiting in the wings in Tyler Dibling, who joined the club from Southampton for £42m during the summer.
But, in fact, there’s another rising star in Moyes’ squad who might prove to be Grealish 2.0.
Everton's next version of Grealish
Dibling might indeed appear the natural successor to Grealish’s place on the Premier League stage – and not just because of the hair.
The 19-year-old is fiercely talented and shares a proclivity for flashy, hard-to-stop progress on the ball.
But the man in question here is actually Charly Alcaraz, who spent the second half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Goodison Park before a permanent clause was activated and he became a fixed resident in Liverpool, leaving Brazilian side Flamengo for £13m.
A shrewd buy. So far, the one-time Southampton prospect has made 20 appearances for Everton, and he has scored three goals and provided three assists.
This season in the Premier League, the Argentina international has only started once. But then he made an impression on that opening-day defeat by Leeds United, completing both of his dribbles, winning six duels and completing 83% of his passes. Defensively, it must be said, he left something to be desired.
But no one could deny that the 22-year-old is a “special” talent, as was remarked by youth scout Antonio Mango back in 2023. Already, he is demonstrating an aptitude for creating chances, ranking among attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe in the top 16% for assists, the top 17% for goal-creating actions and the top 3% for take-on success rate, data courtesy of FBref.
That latter metric is curious. Alcaraz might not play with the same kind of relentlessness on the ball as Grealish, but he’s extremely effective when he opts to lunge forward and beat his man.
Charly Alcaraz
1.0
100%
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
1.0
100%
Michael Keane
0.3
100%
Jack Grealish
2.0
50%
Iliman Ndiaye
2.0
44%
Alcaraz hasn’t yet nailed down a starting spot in Moyes’ Everton team, not with consistency, but he’s viewed as a player who can inspire chances and put paid to inattentive defenders, boasting quick feet and combative physical traits and a desire to attack.
He’s got everything that he needs to succeed in the Premier League, and has already demonstrated his confidence and eagerness to step up when his team need him. He scored on his first league start for the Toffees, after all.
Dibling might have the higher ceiling, and that’s no discredit to Alcaraz’s skillset, but the South American is ready to make an impact for Moyes’ side and influence things from midfield. Tactically versatile, his ball-carrying ability and range of technical skills mean he can operate across a number of different berths.
Grealish has made an electric start to life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but the esteemed Premier League giant has never throughout his career been the most prolific, and thus it’s important that Everton have different players to create and attack on goal, easing his burden and indeed that of the strikers, who continue to play with question marks over their heads.
Keep a close eye on Alcaraz; he hasn’t announced himself yet in 2025/26, but the talent is undeniable, and his chance to showcase his quality will come.
Big Beto upgrade: Everton have already sold "the new Lukaku"
This centre-forward would thrive at the front of David Moyes’ Everton system.
How sad that Liverpool’s smart business sense in the transfer market will likely prevent Arne Slot’s side from becoming engaged in the frenzied crowd come August, when panic stations are manned ahead of the impending closure date.
Ah well. There are worse problems for a side to have. Liverpool, having won the Premier League with relative ease last season, have already completed a series of signings to plug gaps ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, where a title must be defended and where expectations will be heightened across tournamental fronts, where the Reds perhaps fell flat.
Still, that shiny league title softened the blow of losing the Carabao Cup final, did it not? However, we can’t deny that Liverpool suffered a dip around spring, a rough patch which limited the scope of Slot’s extraordinary success.
More quality was needed, and that’s why Richard Hughes has overseen such an imperious start to the summer market, with the sporting director now turning his head toward central defence.
Why Liverpool want a centre-back
Earlier in June, Liverpool agreed to sell Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for £30m plus add-ons. A buyback clause has been written into the contract.
Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah
The move will not be finalised until the defender completes his duties with England at the U21 European Championship, but he won’t be a Liverpool player next season.
With a question mark also hanging over Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool have set their sights on Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, who is anticipated to leave Selhurst Park this summer. Anfield has emerged as the leading suitor in the race.
We all know of Real Madrid’s expertise in warping Spanish media, but the fact remains that Konate has been left ‘disappointed’ after rejecting Liverpool’s latest contract offer, and is indeed heading into the final year of his £70k-per-week contract.
However, if Liverpool fail to get a deal for Guehi over the line, a fresh face will still be needed to strengthen the rearguard.
Liverpool register interest in Guehi alternative
According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool have entered the race for Spanish centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, who plays for Valencia in La Liga.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Though the Reds will slow the pace after their breakneck start to the window, Hughes will remain attentive to opportunities and is keeping a close eye on the 21-year-old as Arsenal begin to accelerate their own interest.
Indeed, The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed that the Gunners are locked in talks for the rising star, with a €20m (£17m) being agreed.
Valencia'sCristhianMosquerain action with Atletico Madrid's Samuel Lino
If Liverpool want to complete a hijack, they will need to move fast.
Why Liverpool want Cristhian Mosquera
Guehi would bring a certain completeness to Liverpool, and he’s proven in the Premier League besides, but he’d cost quite a fee at £50m.
If a breakthrough is found vis-à-vis Konate, would it make sense to launch such a bid, especially when Guehi already harbours certain reservations about playing time?
He’s an excellent player, but Mosquera is showing significant potential and could be a worthwhile project for Slot and his coaching team over the next few years, especially as he’s already shown a certain precocity in chalking up 90 senior appearances for Valencia, having turned 21 today.
Cristhian Mosquera for Valencia.
Across the 2024/25 campaign, the Spaniard, born and reared in Alicante to Colombian parents, Mosquera actually started 37 of Valencia’s league fixtures, with his one absence coming when his side faced Barcelona at Camp Nou. They lost 7-1.
Coincidence? Likely not. The hulking defender’s natural ease in high-pressure situations would have been perfect for that match, and when looking at how his metrics compare to Guehi’s over the players’ respective league seasons, you begin to see exactly why he’s so coveted.
Matches (starts)
37 (37)
34 (34)
Goals
1
3
Assists
0
2
Clean sheets
8
11
Touches*
65.7
64.9
Pass completion
91%
84%
Key passes*
0.0
0.5
Ball recoveries*
5.1
4.3
Dribbles (success)*
0.1 (56%)
0.4 (86%)
Tackles + interceptions*
2.4
2.6
Clearances*
3.3
4.6
Ground duels (won)*
2.3 (70%)
2.9 (63%)
Aerial duels (won)*
1.1 (45%)
2.0 (54%)
Just a reminder that Mosquera is only 21. You really can see why Arsenal are so interested in bringing him over to the Emirates. However, Mosquera’s blend of steely tackling and crisp passing play, those fundamental defensive virtues, could be developed into something world-class at Anfield.
Slot promotes a ball-playing game, and he expects his centre-halves to contribute, picking out those in space upfield to spark a devastating transition.
Cristhian Mosquera for Valencia.
And if that weren’t enough, Mosquera also ranked among the top 18% of central defenders in La Liga last term for progressive carries and the top 7% for ball recoveries per 90, as per FBref, emphasising a mobility to rival Guehi’s and indeed an athleticism which allows him to roam about, hoovering up danger and recycling it into something positive.
This is an interesting element for any defender to equip to their toolkit, but when you are so naturally talented in winning the ball back, as Mosquera is, a “truly magnificent centre-back” is created, as has been noted by talent scout Jacek Kulig.
Moreover, Mosquera’s success in the air might not be great, but it will improve. Guehi, too, finds his stronger challenges come on the ground, and so it’s curious indeed that the La Liga star is already performing to a higher standard in that regard, in fact superior to all his positional peers across Spain’s top flight as well.
No doubt, Palace have the more refined man. However, given Liverpool already boast two of the finest defenders on the globe in Konate and skipper Virgil van Dijk, does it not make sense to sign the developing star, who could learn from the superstars already under Slot’s wing ahead of a more prominent role in the coming years?
Gordon upgrade: Liverpool open first talks to sign "generational" £85m star
Liverpool might need to replace the sought-after Luis Diaz in the summer transfer market.
Chelsea’s eventful summer window so far has produced plenty of different stories emerging from behind-the-scenes, with Enzo Maresca still looking to bolster his squad further and preferably in time for the Club World Cup later this month.
BlueCo have just two more days to register new players before the competition begins, and with £97 million worth of prize money on the line, it is little surprise that Stamford Bridge chiefs want to take it seriously.
Chelsea propose "multi-player package deal" in talks for £85m forward
The Blues have held discussions.
ByEmilio Galantini Jun 6, 2025
Striker Liam Delap has already been signed from Ipswich for around £30 million, the value of his release clause, and he’s set to snub a spot in Lee Carsley’s England Under-21 squad for the Euros so he can feature at the CWC for Chelsea.
“I am definitely not disappointed,” said Carsley on Delap not leading the line for England.
“I am delighted for Liam and his family. I think it is a brilliant thing for an English centre-forward to play in the Premier League at such a prestigious club like Chelsea. Hopefully he will do really well there and push for the senior team. We will move on, we moved on quite quickly.
England's LiamDelapin action with Portugal's Francisco Chissumba
“I think we have always known that two or three of the players could move to clubs that were playing in the Club World Cup and we have been preparing for this for a while.”
In terms of who could join Delap in time for the CWC, Chelsea have a number of different plates spinning.
Ipswich Town 2-0 Chelsea
8.08
Bournemouth 1-2 Ipswich Town
8.05
Ipswich Town 2-2 Aston Villa
8.04
Ipswich Town 1-2 Southampton
7.83
Fulham 2-2 Ipswich Town
7.55
via WhoScored
Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitiké continues to among Chelsea’s top priorities, while new talks have been held over a move for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato this week (Simon Phillips). Chelsea also have a number of rumoured top targets for the wing, including Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens.
AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan, who’s about to enter the final 12 months of his contract, remains high on the agenda as well.
AC Milan's MikeMaignanreacts
Chelsea opened talks with Milan over signing Maignan, and the France international is believed to be equally keen on a move to Stamford Bridge. However, as Milan demand around £25 million to sell their captain, with Chelsea only wanting to pay £10 million (Sky Sports), they are looking to find common ground on his price tag.
Chelsea could force Robert Sanchez out if they sign Mike Maignan
According to journalist Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, if they do seal a deal for the 29-year-old, it could spell trouble for Robert Sanchez in particular.
The mainstay keeper started 32 Premier League matches under Maresca last term, but it is believed Maignan’s potential arrival could push Sanchez out of the Chelsea exit door, alongside fellow shot-stopper Djordje Petrovic.
Chelsea’s extensive backlog of keepers, which still includes £150,000-per-week outcast Kepa Arrizabalaga, needs to be trimmed.
Maignan is a truly “elite” keeper, as described by Liverpool star Alisson, so he’s definitely worth having for a cut-price fee, but it is a given that Chelsea will have to find new homes for half of the shot-stoppers in their squad as well.
Crystal Palace now have Europa League football to look forward to next season, and already the club are planning for the summer as they eye up a move to sign a “superb” Bundesliga midfielder, according to a recent report.
Wharton’s Crystal Palace future in doubt despite FA Cup win
Adam Wharton has been a standout performer since his arrival in SE25, and his performances have caught the attention of teams at home and abroad. Despite missing a large chunk of this season through a groin injury, Wharton has played 20 times in the Premier League and was a huge part of the Eagles’ FA Cup glory.
Heading into the summer transfer window, he is now very much a wanted man, as teams start to circle with significant interest. Last week, it was reported that Man United boss Ruben Amorim is personally driving the Red Devils’ move to sign Wharton. It’s claimed that United are in the strongest position to sign the Englishman this summer, but they are not the only team chasing the midfielder.
Crystal Palace join Man Utd in race to sign £19m ace who could replace Eze
Crystal Palace are among the Premier League teams chasing a player who is leaving his club this summer.
ByBrett Worthington May 19, 2025
Newcastle United have also been heavily linked with a move for the 21-year-old, while Arsenal are said to have joined the race to sign Wharton, as they plan to close the gap at the top of the table.
Liverpool are also interested in Wharton, and it’s been reported that they are planning to make a £60 million bid to sign the Palace man. However, given the Eagles have qualified for the Europa League, their stance has tightened, and it’s been claimed they wouldn’t consider any bid less than £80 million.
Crystal Palace eyeing move to sign "superb" £15m+ midfielder
And while the hope will of course be to convince the England starlet to stay put, according to Sky Germany, Crystal Palace are interested in signing Nadiem Amiri from Bundesliga side Mainz 05, making plans to buff up their midfield ranks just in case.
Sky Germany report that Amiri’s exit from Mainz is a possibility this summer, as Palace, Fulham and Borussia Dortmund are interested in signing the midfielder, as well as teams in Serie A.
The 28-year-old was asked about his future after Mainz’s final game of the season over the weekend against Bayer Leverkusen, which they drew 2-2, and the German didn’t give much away: “Go on holiday now; then we’ll see.”
Apps
30
Goals
7
Expected goals
5.47
Assists
5
Shots per game
2.1
Key passes per game
2.1
Interceptions per game
0.5
Tackles per game
1.7
Amiri, who has been dubbed “superb” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, doesn’t have a release clause in his contract, with this report claiming he could cost between 18 and 20 million euros, which is roughly £15-16 million.
The midfielder, who can operate as a number ten or more defensively, is under contract until 2028, and the fact that Mainz have qualified for Europe next season will toughen their stance, given Amiri has been an important player this season with seven goals and five assists in 30 Bundesliga games.
Chelsea are big fans of a marquee Real Madrid star as BlueCo plan to sign an “elite” level player this summer, with Enzo Maresca’s side expected to undergo a seismic overhaul.
Chelsea's transfer plans amid Champions League race
The Blues are currently attempting to seal Champions League qualification for next season, which will have a key effect on their ability to attract and pay for their desired top transfer targets.
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They’re currently level on points with Aston Villa and sit fifth by the skin of their teeth on goal difference, and things could look very different by the conclusion of the next Premier League matchweek.
2. Arsenal
68
3. Newcastle United
66
4. Man City
65
5. Chelsea
63
6. Aston Villa
63
7. Nottingham Forest
62
Chelsea simply cannot afford any slip-ups in their final two matches against Man United and European spot rivals Nottingham Forest, especially considering Stamford Bridge officials are aiming to be ambitious when the summer window reopens for business.
They will be competing in the Club World Cup as well, a tournament which could yield a seismic financial windfall of around £97 million if they win it, so Chelsea are understandably taking it seriously.
According to journalist Simon Phillips, sharing another significant update on the club’s transfer plans, Chelsea ideally want to sign two of their top targets before the CWC commences, and they’ll have a brief window from June 1 to June 10 to do so.
Phillips also reports that Chelsea have “big plans” in the works, and one of their aims is to bring in an “elite” senior player.
Chelsea would love to sign Real Madrid star Rodrygo
As per the reliable journalist, writing via his Substack, £202,000-per-week Real Madrid star Rodrygo is one man in this bracket who they seriously admire.
Albeit unlikely, Chelsea “would love” to sign Rodrygo, and he is among the men who they’d be willing to break their wage structure for, depending on if they seal their spot in the Champions League for next season.
“Chelsea would love to sign any of the above three [Harry Kane, Alexander Isak or Rodrygo], and are looking at potential opportunities around players like this,” wrote Phillips.
“Obviously all three will be seen as unrealistic and the reality is that they are very unrealistic, because we don’t want to pay over our wage structure for any players.
“However, if Chelsea get Champions League football then wage structures (with incentives) will go up at the club and players will be earning more on bonuses. This could make the overall wage package on offer a bit more appealing to players.
“We have also had it confirmed that Chelsea are prepared to break their wage structure for the right player, and the three mentioned above would fall into that category. I’m not saying we will sign any of them by the way, just that Chelsea are looking to bring ‘elite’ players I guess as well as youngsters.”
The Brazilian has starred for Real with 13 goals and 10 assists in 50 appearances this season, all while featuring as a striker, left-winger and right-winger under Carlo Ancelotti.
There is little denying he’d be an immediate upgrade to Chelsea’s wide options and further forward, but this attempted move would be a big reach to say the least, given his importance to Real and suggestions he could cost up to £131 million.