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He might still be in the job, but it feels like time has run out for Graham Potter at West Ham United.

The Englishman has been the club’s manager since January, and instead of leading them into an exciting new era, the team have regressed under him.

He has overseen 25 games with the Hammers, winning just six, drawing five and losing a staggering 14, which has seen him amass just 0.92 points per game.

The situation is so dire now that there is a real chance of relegation unless something changes, so it’s probably a good thing West Ham are now linked with someone who could be their new Sam Allardyce.

West Ham target Potter replacement

With just how badly they’re playing at the moment, it is surprising that Potter is still in the West Ham dugout, but with the number of coaches linked with the club, that could soon change.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

One of the managers most heavily touted for a move, or in his case, a return to the club, is Slaven Bilic.

However, considering he hasn’t managed in a top league for around five years, we are unsure whether he’s the right option.

Nuno Espírito Santo, on the other hand, would be a seriously exciting appointment, but as he has only just left Nottingham Forest, we aren’t sure this is a move all that likely to transpire.

Interestingly, another name has popped up, someone who would be a better fit than Bilic and more likely than Nuno: Sean Dyche.

Yes, according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, the former Everton and Burnley boss is someone the club have been in contact with in case they fire Potter.

While he might not be the most inspiring choice, he is reportedly “itching” to return to top-flight management and could be just what West Ham need, an Allardyce figure, if you will.

Why Dyche would be West Ham's new Allardyce

So, it would be fair to say that describing someone as a club’s new Allardyce might not be the best way to make fans excited about a potential appointment.

Moreover, while he didn’t send them down, and did a far better job than plenty of their recent managers, the West Ham faithful weren’t particularly enamoured with Big Sam during his four years at the club over a decade ago.

However, with the club down in the relegation zone, morale at a considerable low in the fanbase and this season’s newly promoted sides looking dangerous, what the Irons need is stability and someone to ensure the worst doesn’t happen.

That is what the former England manager was a specialist at doing and what Dyche would be able to do if he was hired to replace Potter.

The “remarkable” manager, as dubbed by former professional turned pundit Ally McCoist, was called in by Everton to save them from the drop in January 2023, and he did just that, before being replaced once the club was stable.

24/25

16th

23/24

15th

22/23

17th

21/22

18th

20/21

17th

19/20

10th

18/19

15th

17/18

7th

16/17

16th

14/15

19th

That is why he could be an excellent option for the Hammers, as he could come in for this year, get the fans back onside, make the team more difficult to play against and then make way for a more progressive coach in the summer.

Moreover, even though he was brought in to save the Toffees from going down, the Englishman’s record there was far better than Potter’s is in East London.

Games

83

25

Wins

26

6

Draws

24

5

Losses

33

14

Points per Game

1.23

0.92

For example, the former Burnley icon oversaw 83 games for the Merseysiders, of which 26 were wins, 24 were draws and 33 losses, resulting in a pretty decent points per game average of 1.23.

Ultimately, Dyche wouldn’t be the most inspiring of choices, but like with Allardyce back in the day, he’d be a safe pair of hands to ensure the worst doesn’t happen this season.

Bilic upgrade: West Ham approach "incredible" manager admired by Mourinho

The experienced manager would be a brilliant hire for West Ham United.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 22, 2025

England rookie proves his time at IPL was well spent as he dominates first ODI with 82 from 53 balls

Vithushan Ehantharajah30-May-2025″He’s definitely got that… whatever they say nowadays… ‘aura’.”The “they” Jacob Bethell refers to when searching for the term used to describe someone who commands attention and keeps it, is “kids”. The “he” is Virat Kohli, of course, his recent Royal Challengers Bengaluru teammate.Mentions of Kohli are always good for business, but in this case it is a little less transactional. Bethell, only 21 but not with modern online slang, was speaking after a devastating innings of 82 off 53 deliveries that killed Thursday’s first ODI against West Indies as a contest, even if it was not the sole difference in the eventual 238-run margin.A player-of-the-match turn – he also took 1 for 18 with the ball – had come after close to two months of bench-warming at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. In that period, he had played just twice, though that included a maiden IPL half-century in the last of those against Chennai Super Kings. It added up to a very small part in RCB’s qualification for their fourth IPL final, and their quest for that elusive maiden title.Yet there were evidently no splinters or rust to shake off, just a bit of strain from hotel-hopping which – even for someone with a nomadic upbringing that involved swapping Barbados for Birmingham at the age of 12 – still takes some getting used to.”The only thing I struggle with is the beds,” Bethell said. “A lot of these hotel beds are way too soft. I’ve got a bad back and I’m only 21, so we need to sort that out!”Not that there were any signs of a creaking body as he blammed all but 20 of his runs in boundaries. Five of them were crisp sixes – as many as the five ahead of him in the top six – with four of them coming in a final 10-over blitz that carried England, eventually, to 400 for 8.Bethell and Virat Kohli opened the batting together at RCB•Getty Images”I feel like I’m a better player now than I was a couple of months ago,” Bethell said, lauding the practice facilities and the quality of net bowlers he had encountered on a day-to-day basis at the IPL. It’s a sentiment that is now commonplace among Engish players who need to justify getting paid decent money not to play cricket in India, rather than play County Cricket in April and May.His innings against West Indies, however, adds an important undertone of sincerity, particularly when Bethell elaborates on his learnings against spin in particular, a usual sticking point for England’s 50-over team. Gudakesh Motie emerged from England’s onslaught broadly unscathed, with 0 for 39 from 7 overs. However, Bethell was able to strike 10 off four balls from the left-arm spinner, including the only boundary off Motie – a slog-sweep into the stands at midwicket.”I don’t want to give away everything,” Bethell said. “It’s just the way those batters go about playing spin, they’re clinical in how they pick length and the deliveries they try to hit for four and six.”That was nice, to have more of a power-game input into my game, rather than a bit of touch around spin as well. So then, just trying to mesh the two together would help a lot.”As for his interactions with Kohli and that exposure to the “aura”: that included invaluable time spent with the cricketer and the man. They opened together during Bethell’s twin appearances, sharing a 97-run stand on the second occasion as they pocketed half-centuries in an RCB win.Bethell may have re-opened the No.3 Test debate with his exploits at Edgbaston•AFP/Getty Images”I think he quite enjoys the overseas boys because we’re just pretty chill around him,” Bethell said. “He’s definitely got that feeling. And when he walks out to bat, it’s pretty electrifying to walk out with him.”It (advice) was just like an accumulation over the couple of months of just chatting to him. You get information that keeps coming in ways that you don’t really know, and it’s kind of just drip-fed.”It was just nice to speak to him off and on the field, away from cricket, so yeah, it was just cool to experience someone of his calibre and how he goes about doing things.”He’s got a certain intensity with him that just kind of… he flips that switch on, as soon as he crosses that line, which is pretty cool to see.”As far as mimicking Kohli’s career path, Bethell’s already playing catch-up. He may only turn 22 in October, but he’s trailing on a number of fronts, not least the century count. By 21, Kohli had eight of the 101 he currently possesses across formats, including four in first-class cricket. Bethell is still without one in 119 innings, with Thursday’s knock his fourth-highest score as a professional.Squint, however, and you could make out the merest hint of Kohli in the shifting of gears and manner in which Bethell was imposing himself on an admittedly wayward West Indian attack. Even in these early stages, it is clear Bethell’s approach to batting focuses on heaping pressure on others rather than feeling it himself.That may even include his own teammates. Just as the dust had settled from Ben Stokes’ double-speak at last week’s Zimbabwe Test – when he was quizzed on what Bethell’s eventual reintroduction might mean for Ollie Pope’s spot in the XI – the left-hander’s firm-wristed flourishes have stirred the pot once more, even after Pope had seemingly secured his India starting berth with 171.Related

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With Brendon McCullum wowed in Birmingham, as he was on last year’s Test tour of New Zealand when he said Pope versus Bethell was something they would have to work out, the No.3 for next month’s Headingley opener is not set in stone.Bethell, as the disruptor, is not worried. He remains the chaser rather than the chased, pre-occupied by the day-to-day establishing of himself in the white-ball sides to focus squarely on what Test cricket might hold for him this year. Nevertheless, this season’s highest-profile challenge is next month’s five-Test series against India, which leads into the winter’s Ashes. As for any awkwardness that his precocity may have caused his Test captain and vice last week, the IPL gave him the perfect alibi.”I was pretty far away to be honest,” he said. “I tried to stay pretty clear of social media anyway, so me not even being in England, I didn’t really hear a lot of it until I think one of my friends messaged me and said the whole thing was going on. But I haven’t really followed it.”I obviously played in New Zealand as a replacement for a replacement (replacing Jordan Cox in the XI, who was covering for Jamie Smith on paternity leave). So whatever happens, it’ll be, and when the time comes, it’ll be fine.”

Rob Yates makes 41 as Yorkshire fail to make most of England stars’ availability

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay04-May-2025Warwickshire completed a level-headed chase of 185 on day three to beat Yorkshire by five wickets at Headingley, securing their second Rothesay County Championship victory of the season.The Bears started the day on 15 without loss, and openers Rob Yates and Alex Davies contributed 41 and 31 respectively. However, they reached lunch with a 20-point haul by no means secure at 109 for four, needing 76 more.But they were able to move into the top three places in the Division One table midway through the afternoon tea thanks to first-class debutant Zen Malik, who finished 49 not out off 73 balls, including a pulled six off George Hill to win it.While Warwickshire won their second game in four at the start of this season, Yorkshire have now lost two from four and are in the top flight’s bottom three.The hosts will be mightily frustrated at the fact they were unable to capitalise on the one-game availability of England batting duo Harry Brook and Joe Root. The latter’s second-innings 90 was their best score in four innings.However, consistently, they just didn’t bowl well enough on a grassy pitch offering significant assistance for the bowlers. Overseas Australian debutant Jordan Buckingham, for example, went at more than seven runs an over across the two innings on his debut, striking only twice.And the Bears were deserved winners, backing up last month’s one-wicket success at Durham.While they didn’t dominate this fixture, they were on top for much of it and were able to capitalise on winning an important toss and bowling Yorkshire out for 205 on day one.Their new-ball seamer Ethan Bamber excelled with match figures of nine for 107. Australian Test all-rounder Beau Webster should also be credited for an excellent 85 in the first innings, which secured what proved to be a decisive 48-run lead for the visitors.Captain Davies started positively this morning. Of the seven boundaries he hit in his 31, three of them came off one Hill over. Two were clipped through the leg-side and the other handsomely driven through the covers.However, he was bowled through the gate by a beauty of an in-swinger from Ben Coad, losing his off and middle stumps in the process as the score fell to 45 for one in the 13th over – the day’s 10th.Buckingham then had Hamza Shaikh caught behind at 60 for two, immediately before a 10-minute rain delay, and Yates and Dan Mousley fell to New Zealand quick Ben Sears and Jordan Thompson respectively to boost Yorkshire before lunch.Left-handed Yates had been more reserved than his opening partner Davies, though by no means becalmed.He pulled Buckingham for four through midwicket and clipped Thompson through the same region for a couple of boundaries in as many overs as the score reached 85 for two, 100 more needed for the visitors.There would have been some nerves in the away dressing room when Yates was undone by extra bounce from Sears and edged a looping catch to Root at first slip before, at the start of the morning’s final over, Thompson uprooted Mousley’s off-stump – 109 for four in the 30th over.Though, those nerves wouldn’t have been around for long given how settled 27-year-old Malik looked in a fifth-wicket partnership of 59 with Ed Barnard.Right-hander Malik was strong on both sides of the wicket, and when he beautifully drove Thompson for four straight of mid-on to move into the thirties, Warwickshire were 136 for four needing 49 more.All-rounder Barnard, meanwhile, had an excellent game with three wickets in each innings, 41 with the bat first time around and then 37 to help get them over the line.With the Bears closing in, he even nonchalantly ramped Sears for six over third but edged the same bowler behind with 17 needed. It was a purely consolatory strike.

Newcastle United are perhaps ruing their decision to sell academy graduate Elliot Anderson last summer to Nottingham Forest. The England international, who was only capped for the first time last week, moved down to the East Midlands from his boyhood club for reasons relating to PSR.

Yet, he has gone from strength to strength at the City Ground, a testament to his ability that Newcastle fans no doubt saw at St James’ Park, too. That talent has been summed up by Thomas Tuchel, handing the youngster his England debut against Andorra last week.

Having Anderson alongside midfield options like Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Joelinton would have been excellent depth for Eddie Howe. With that being said, it gives the chance for a new academy star to break through, after someone like Lewis Miley.

Miley’s Newcastle career so far

It is easy to forget that England under-1 international Miley is just 19 years of age. He’s been in and around the first team frame at St James’ Park for a number of years, since first making his debut in the 2022/23 campaign.

In total, the Stanley-born midfielder has played 49 games for his boyhood club.

He’s managed to get himself on the scoresheet three times and has chipped in with four assists along the way, too.

Of course, it has not been easy for Miley to establish himself in the Magpies’ midfield with the aforementioned quality they have. However, his versatility may work in his favour, given he’s played as a number six as well as in his preferred number eight role.

The youngster has also struggled with injuries, missing the back end of the 2023/24 campaign and the beginning of the 2024/25 season. Since then, he has been unable to break into the side under Howe.

It remains to be seen if Miley can become Newcastle’s new Anderson, but, for now, it doesn’t seem likely that he can establish himself in the starting lineup. Instead, another teen star at the club might be the person Newcastle turn towards to replace Anderson.

Newcastle’s next Elliot Anderson

There must be something in the air at Newcastle to have developed Anderson and Miley, two young academy midfielders. Well, next on that list could be 19-year-old Alfie Harrison, a versatile midfielder who hails from Manchester.

Described as a “star in the making” by football writer Thomas Hammond, Harrison has shone for the Magpies’ youth team at under-21 level, after originally coming through the ranks at Manchester City.

After playing under-21 football in 2023/24, Harrison had his best campaign yet last season. The Mancunian midfielder, who has the first-team number 44 at St James’ Park, played 20 games in the Premier League 2, scoring three times and assisting seven.

He has also excelled in the EFL Trophy, too. The 19-year-old created three chances in his first game of the competition this season against Huddersfield Town, and also won two ground duels and one tackle, showing great all-round ability.

One of the standout features of his game is the versatility he offers. Whilst he is a midfielder by trade, Harrison can also operate out wide, which will teach him plenty of skills to add to his craft in the middle of the park.

Harrison’s U21 record

Position

Games

G/A

Central midfield

15

6

Attacking midfield

8

6

Right-wing

4

1

Right midfield

2

2

(min 45 mins played)

Stats from Transfermarkt

Losing Anderson was certainly a huge blow for the Magpies, but perhaps Howe will decide to unleash a player with the creative talent of Harrison at some stage this season.

He will certainly add quality on the ball, just like their former midfielder.

In The Pipeline

Expand Collapse

Miley is certainly a great option for Howe to have in and around the squad, but perhaps a player with the skill of Harrison will be able to leapfrog him and become the new Anderson soon enough.

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Posts ByWill Miller Sep 9, 2025

A fighting 79 from Campbell Kellaway in the face of two excellent four-wicket hauls by Jordan Buckingham and Henry Thornton kept Victoria’s Sheffield Shield final hopes alive against ladder leaders South Australia on a difficult day for batting at the Junction Oval in Melbourne.Kellaway’s innings was crucial as Victoria were bowled out for 285 on a green surface having been sent into bat. Scott Boland then removed both South Australia openers in an examining evening spell to leave the visitors under pressure on 40 for 2 at stumps on the opening day.Kellaway, who scored a maiden first-class century before the BBL, got excellent support from Blake Macdonald who was playing his first Shield match for Victoria having moved from New South Wales without a contract last winter. Macdonald had earned his place through twin Second XI centuries against Western Australia and continued that form with a steady 45.Their 122-run stand could prove vital in the context of the game and the season. Following a short rain delay to start the day, Victoria were hit by the early loss of Marcus Harris who edged a delivery from Buckingham that pitched well outside leg stump to third slip in the second over.Scott Boland was soon in the wickets•Getty Images

Kellaway and Macdonald then settled in under overcast skies and calmly guided Victoria to lunch. They went about it in different ways. Kellaway struck nine boundaries in his 79 while Macdonald cleared the rope twice off Thornton and Ben Manenti but only struck two other boundaries in his 45.Thornton got his revenge slightly fortuitously to break the partnership with the score at 126 for 1 when Macdonald gloved a hip-high short ball down the leg side trying to pull behind square.Buckingham made a decisive blow shortly after, castling Kellaway with a cracking yorker that sneaked under the bat and hit the base of off stump. That sparked a collapse as Victoria lost 3 for 0 in the space of nine balls. Harry Dixon was adjudged lbw to Buckingham for a second-ball duck, although replays suggested it may have both pitched and struck the pad outside the line of leg stump.Thornton picked up Peter Handscomb in the following over pushing away from his body to guide a catch to Nathan McSweeney in the gully.However, Victoria’s lower order salvaged the innings. Sam Harper blasted seven boundaries in a 33-ball 44 before he fell edging Buckingham to first slip in the first over after tea. Xavier Crone made 34 not out while Sam Elliott and Fergus O’Neill provided valuable contributions of 23 and 22 respectively before Thornton returned to clean up the tail.Boland then went to work in the final hour, nipping the ball both ways to cause South Australia’s top order no end of trouble. He breached the defence on Conor McInerney in the opening over, nipping one through the gate from around the wicket. He then found the outside edge of Henry Hunt who was neatly caught at second slip by Handscomb to leave the visitors 8 for 2.Boland also had close lbw shouts against both McSweeney and Jason Sangha turned down. But the pair fought through the new ball to remain unbeaten at stumps. Sangha was positive, striking three boundaries in his unbeaten 19, while McSweeney ground out 9 off 53 balls but will reset on the second morning.

Leeds United kick off their 2025/26 Premier League campaign in ten days as they prepare to welcome Everton to Elland Road for their opening game.

The Whites may have a new-look defence in place when the Toffees come to town, as Lucas Perri, Sebastiaan Bornauw, and Gabriel Gudmundsson will all be hoping to start, whilst Jaka Bijol is suspended.

Daniel Farke has only had one new attacker added to his squad during the summer transfer window so far, though, as Lukas Nmecha joined on a free transfer from Wolfsburg.

The German head coach needs more recruits at the top end of the pitch to improve his attacking options, especially in the number ten position, where Brenden Aaronson plays.

Form against the 2024/25 Championship top six
Brenden Aaronson vs	Goals	Assists
Bristol City (A)	0	0
Burnley (H)	0	0
Sunderland (A)	0	0
Sheffield United (H)	0	0
Coventry (H)	0	0
Coventry (A)	0	0
Burnley (A)	0	0
Sunderland (H)	0	0
Sheffield United (A)	0	0
Bristol City (H)	0	0
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the USA international struggled badly against the top teams in the Championship, which does not suggest that he is likely to fare well against Premier League teams.

Leeds reportedly looked at a loan swoop for Aston Villa attacking midfielder Emiliano Buendia earlier in the window, but that particular rumour has gone cold.

Why Leeds may not want to sign Emiliano Buendia

A link to the Argentina international was always going to pop up during the summer transfer window, whether there was genuine interest or not, because of his relationship with Farke.

The Leeds boss signed Buendia for Norwich in the summer of 2018 and coached him for three seasons in Norfolk, winning two Championship titles in the process. During that time, the playmaker scored 24 goals and provided 41 assists in 121 appearances for the Canaries.

This shows why Farke may want to work with the Argentine magician again, as he delivered goals and assists on a regular basis for him in East Anglia.

However, Buendia turns 29 in December and he has yet to prove that he can deliver consistent quality at the top end of the pitch at Premier League level.

Emi Buendia’s Premier League career
Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists
24/25	12	0	0
22/23	38	5	2
21/22	35	4	6
19/20	36	1	7
Stats via Transfermarkt

Leeds, if he is not available on loan, may be reluctant to spend big money on an ageing player who has not fully proven himself as an attacking threat at the top level, with no more than five goals in any of his four seasons in the Premier League.

This may be why the West Yorkshire outfit are reportedly looking at alternative options to come in and bolster their options in the number ten position before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September.

Leeds target is keen on Elland Road move

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post newsletter, as relayed by Leeds United News, Leicester City attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss is very interested in a move to Elland Road this summer.

The report claims that the player’s camp have confirmed that he is interested in signing for the Championship champions before the end of the window, and that a meeting has already been held to discuss a possible move.

Transfer Focus

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

It adds that the Whites have also made an enquiry to Leicester about a potential deal to sign the Morocco international, who reportedly has a release clause of £22m in his contract.

Tottenham Hotspur, who will be in the Champions League in the 2025/26 campaign, have also been linked with an interest in the 21-year-old talent this month.

This latest update on El Khannouss’ eagerness to sign for Leeds will, therefore, come as a big boost to the Whites, who will be hoping to beat off competition from other teams to land his signature.

Why Leeds should sign Bilal El Khannouss

The West Yorkshire outfit should be pushing to get this deal over the line as quickly as possible, now that they know that the player is keen to make it happen, because he could be Farke’s new version of Buendia.

Unlike the Aston Villa attacker, the Leicester youngster is at the start of his career, at the age of 21, and Leeds would be signing a player who is on his way up in the game.

El Khannouss, who has been hailed as“exceptional” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and improve after his debut season in England, whilst Buendia is closer to the latter stages of his career and still searching for consistency.

The £22m-rated starlet showed flashes of quality in the Premier League with the Foxes, who were relegated, as he created eight ‘big chances’ in 27 starts.

24/25 Premier League	Bilal El Khannous per 90	Percentile rank vs AMs & wingers
xAG	0.19	Top 46%
Assists	0.12	Bottom 35%
Passes attempted	43.85	Top 15%
Progressive passes	5.28	Top 14%
Passes into the final third	3.67	Top 10%
Key passes	1.73	Top 37%
Through balls	0.45	Top 16%
Stats via FBref

As you can see in the table above, El Khannouss ranked highly among his positional peers in a host of passing and creative metrics for Leicester.

He was unfortunate to only register three assists from his eight ‘big chances created’ and 0.19 xAG per 90, as his teammates failed to make the most of the high-quality opportunities that were created for them.

These statistics suggest that the Leicester dynamo has the potential to be an incredibly creative force in the number ten position for Leeds, as he was able to shine as a creator in his first year in England as a young player in a team that got relegated.

The Whites will be hoping to put up more of a fight than the Foxes did in the Premier League, which may mean that El Khannouss has even more opportunities to showcase his creativity in what will, hopefully, be a more successful team on the pitch.

Best ST since Wood: Leeds could see bid accepted for £26m "monster"

Leeds have been offered the chance to sign a star who would be their best striker since Chris Wood.

By
Dan Emery

Aug 6, 2025

Overall, the Morocco international could be Farke’s next Buendia as an impressive creative threat in the number ten position, and signing him over the former Norwich man may make more sense due to their respective ages and potential for growth in the years to come.

Despite only just signing Joao Palhinha, Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly back in the market for a midfielder and in pole position to sign a La Liga star this summer.

Frank "surprised" by Palhinha deal

After securing a loan deal with an option to buy worth around £26m, Spurs may have just landed an underrated bargain by signing Palhinha. The Bayern Munich midfielder may have endured a tough year in Germany, but it was only two seasons ago that he thrived under Marco Silva at Fulham. And now, he could be the perfect fit for Thomas Frank.

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Instantly full of praise for his new arrival, Frank admitted his surprise over Bayern’s decision to open the door for Palhinha’s exit just one year after securing his signature.

The Spurs boss told reporters: “Yeah, I was a bit surprised. Bayern went hard for him for two years and for whatever reason, which I actually don’t care about because we can get him, it was an opportunity for us.

“Sometimes everything goes a little bit in circles. Sometimes it is impossible to get a number nine. Sometimes it is impossible to get a number six. Sometimes it is impossible to get a right-back. At this moment in time, there are not many clear number sixes in the market so we are quite lucky to get him.”

“I think he is a top player. He impressed everyone in the Premier League in the two years he was with Fulham. He is a regular for Portugal. Whatever the reason [Bayern let him go maybe] is the coach, the culture, the club, himself. Sometimes it is difficult to say. My concern is that he wanted to come and we wanted him to come.”

That said, the Lilywhites may not be done there with midfield additions. Alongside Palhinha, reports are now suggesting that they could welcome a second familiar face back to the Premier League.

Tottenham willing to submit Gallagher offer

According to reports in Spain, Tottenham are now willing to submit an offer worth €50m (£44m) to sign Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid this summer. The England international is reportedly free to leave the Spanish club this summer and it is those in North London who are in pole position to secure his signature.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Gallagher

Palhinha

Minutes

1,633

673

Goals

3

0

Tackles Won P90

1.77

1.87

Ball Recoveries P90

5.91

2.27

Unlike Palhinha in his first season away from the Premier League, Gallagher received ample game time at Atletico last season. But even after with that game time, he is seemingly destined to suffer the same exit fate as the Portuguese midfielder.

A player who Frank Lampard once dubbed an “amazing character”, Gallagher could now be on his way back to the Premier League and on his way to former London rivals Spurs.

The future of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak continues to dominate headlines as he hopes to sign for Liverpool within the month.

Arne Slot has welcomed a range of high-quality signings to his fold since winning the Premier League in his first season in charge, but the cream of the summer crop perhaps lies yet ahead.

Isak was described as “the best striker in the world, bar none” by analyst Raj Chohan for his performances across the recent season, scoring 27 goals across all competitions as United qualified for the Champions League and won the Carabao Cup (against Liverpool in the final).

Liverpool have seen a £120m bid knocked back by the Magpies, and may yet return depending on developments over the coming weeks, with Isak determined to join the Premier League champions.

But this isn’t the only area that sporting director Richard Hughes will need to look at, for Slot needs another central defender if he is to succeed in attacking the many different fronts of the 2025/26 campaign.

And Hughes has a few different options in mind.

Liverpool scouting new defender

Having sold Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for £35m, Liverpool are light on their feet in central defence, with Joe Gomez’s minor Achille injury exacerbating the situation.

That’s why FSG have shown a vested interest in Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, who has just one year remaining on his contract at Selhurst Park.

Guehi would be the perfect fully-formed addition to join Virgil van Dijk and the rest, but Liverpool will not overpay.

However, previous interest in Dean Huijsen this year emphasises the need for more quality and depth at the rearguard, and Liverpool may turn to an up-and-coming talent who has performed highly on scouting tests.

Indeed, according to Liverpool correspondent Lewis Steele, the Reds have been monitoring the situation of 21-year-old defender Konstantinos Koulierakis, who plays for the German club Wolfsburg.

Koulierakis might not be ready for a starting role, week on week, for Slot’s Merseysiders, but he’s making steady progress and is highly rated.

The Greek talent has also been chased by Aston Villa and Real Madrid in 2025 and has a price tag of €50m (£42m).

Why Liverpool should sign Konstantinos Koulierakis

Described as a “mature and complete centre-back” who belies his youth and inexperience by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Koulierakis is a dynamic defender with the perfect style of play for the Premier League scene, having been likened to Manchester City star Josko Gvardiol.

As per Sofascore, the up-and-comer won 59% of his duels in the German top-flight last year and averaged 4.6 clearances per game, and his fundamental early career development in the Bundesliga could even lead him to become Van Dijk’s next version of Joel Matip.

A cult hero and a crucial part of the Jurgen Klopp era, Matip was forced into an agonising early retirement in December 2023 after injuring his knee against Fulham in the Premier League.

The towering defender joined Liverpool on a free transfer after his contract with Schalke had expired in 2016. What a signing. That assist for Divock Origi in the Champions League final stands out as the apotheosis of his illustrious career, but he provided steely support across eight seasons in total.

23/24

14

–

–

22/23

21

2

–

21/22

43

3

3

20/21

12

1

2

19/20

13

2

–

18/19

31

1

1

17/18

35

1

–

16/17

32

1

–

Known for his mazy, physique-belying runs upfield and his slick partnership with Van Dijk, the Cameroonian contributed greatly at Anfield, all the more impressive given that he was signed on a free transfer, Klopp’s second signing after replacing Brendan Rodgers.

Van Dijk once said, “I wish I had Matip’s quality!” That, surely, emphasises the level of ability that Liverpool once had in their defensive ranks, and given that Koulierakis has been considered tactically comparable to Gvardiol, it might be the perfect move to land a new partner for the Dutch skipper in Slot’s side.

The 6 foot 1 Koulierakis gained a wealth of experience in his homeland with PAOK before making the leap over to the German scene one year ago, and he actually has 106 senior appearances to his name across the two outfits, with 14 caps for Greece besides.

Ranked among the top 2% of centre-backs in the Bundesliga last season for switches too, as per FBref, Koulierakis likes to promote expansive passing play and make an impact both with crunching challenges and attacking inspiration.

In that way, he has an offensive side to his game as a central defender that offers slight shades to Matip.

Liverpool would surely prefer to sign Guehi this summer, given his experience and reputation as one of the Premier League’s best centre-backs, but Palace’s stance will make the final comment on that one.

Ibrahima Konate is believed to be hopeful that he and Liverpool might reach an agreement over a new contract, and that he would remain on Merseyside over the coming years, signing this Wolfsburg gem might prove the perfect swoop for the Reds.

Konate and Van Dijk will continue to star as Slot’s recognised defensive partnership over the next few years, but Koulierakis has proven himself to have the potential to thrive at one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

And with Real Madrid yet again registering their interest in a player somehow tied to Liverpool, FSG would be wise to forge ahead and get this one over the line as soon as possible, should the pursuit of Guehi prove fruitless.

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1 ByAngus Sinclair Aug 2, 2025

The Russell Martin regime is in full swing at Rangers, with the Ibrox side having already confirmed seven new signings this summer, with 21-year-old Djeidi Gassama the latest of those to arrive.

Following what was a largely miserable 2024/25 campaign for Rangers, excluding an encouraging Europa League run, a real overhaul is needed for the Light Blues, as they bid to close the gap at the Premiership summit.

The defensive unit, in particular, looks set to undergo noticeable change, with Martin having already brought in Emmanuel Fernandez, Nasser Djiga and Max Aarons thus far, with veteran centre-back Leon Balogun having departed on a free transfer.

With John Souttar attracting interest from abroad, alongside Turkish full-back, Ridvan Yilmaz, there looks likely to be further upheaval before the window is out, ensuring there could be a much-needed fresh look to the Gers’ backline next season.

While Martin’s free-flowing brand of football will put greater emphasis on the attacking ranks to shine, having a solid base to build from will be crucial, with recent reports indicating that a deal for experienced centre-back, Conor Coady could be in the works.

Capped ten times for England, the 32-year-old would be a worthy addition to the Ibrox dressing room, albeit with Martin and co perhaps having their eyes fixed on a far more exciting centre-back signing.

Latest on Rangers' search for a centre-back

Reports late last week revealed that the Gers were still showing an interest in bringing Coady to Glasgow, with that coming following prior claims that Rangers were actually in advanced talks for the one-time Wolverhampton Wanderers man.

A deal for the £75k-per-week star – who has a year left on his contract at the King Power Stadium – may not be too far from completion, albeit with the Gers still keeping their options open for potential alternatives in the centre of defence.

Indeed, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Old Firm side are among the clubs interested in signing Xavier Mbuyamba from Dutch outfit, Volendam, with Gent also in the mix.

Transfer Focus

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

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Romano reported that the 23-year-old – who was previously on the books at both Barcelona and Chelsea – is available for a fee of just €500k (£434k), having failed to agree to a new contract with his current side.

It is claimed that clubs in England are also keen on the former Celtic target, with the race now on to see if Rangers can secure the signature of a potentially game-changing signing.

Why Rangers need to sign Mbuyamba

As has already been explored, there is certain merit in bringing in a ‘leader’ like Coady, with the Englishman the type of figure who can replace the likes of Balogun, and Connor Goldson before him, as the centre-piece of the defence.

That said, the ageing star would be more of a short-term fix than a long-term solution, having also been part of a dismal Leicester side that slumped to relegation last time out, after making 22 Premier League appearances in 2024/25.

Mbuyamba, however, could be a star both for now and for the future, having previously been hailed as an “elegant and dominant centre-back” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who also likened him to ex-Manchester City captain, Vincent Kompany.

For those in the Premiership, a more interesting comparison has been drawn in the past between the 6 foot 5 Dutchman and his high-profile compatriot, Virgil van Dijk, with Sky Sports stating back in 2023 that such likeness has been noted by ‘coaches and media in Holland due to his similar playing style and huge potential’.

That link to Van Dijk had come amid claims that Celtic were interested in signing the then-21-year-old, although two years on, it might well be Martin and Rangers who manage to finally bring Mbuyamba to Glasgow.

While he was operating in Holland’s second tier last season, the in-demand defender did enjoy a fine campaign in all, having showcased his brilliance in both boxes, after scoring five times in 34 league outings, while providing one assist and creating five ‘big chances’, as per Sofascore.

Defensively, the towering ace also helped to keep 12 clean sheets, while averaging 2.8 tackles and interceptions per game. That dominance also saw Mbuyamba win 61% of his total duels.

Mbuyamba’s 24/25 League stats

Stat (*per game)

Record

Games (starts)

34 (34)

Goals

5

Assists

1

Big chances created

4

Key passes

0.4

Pass accuracy

86%

Tackles & interceptions

2.8

Dribbled past

0.2

Total duels won

61%

Stats via Sofascore

As for Coady, while he was operating at Premier League level, the one-time Liverpool man scored once, while averaging just 1.2 tackles and interceptions per game, alongside winning just 45% of his total duels.

That represents a noticeable drop off from his final season at Wolves in 2021/22, with the then-Old Gold skipper – who was operating as part of a back three at the time – scoring four goals, while averaging 1.5 tackles and interceptions and winning 53% of his total duels.

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Whether, at 32, Coady is merely now on the decline, or perhaps better suited to life in a back three, is up for debate, but either way, his recent woes should have alarm bells ringing for those at Ibrox.

As for Mbuyamba, the former Netherlands youth international still appears to be a player on the rise, with it an exciting prospect to consider whether or not “the new Van Dijk” – as described by journalist Tom Maston – could flourish under Martin’s watch.

On the evidence of his recent form, Coady has already hit his ceiling as a player. Mbuyamba’s potential is yet to be truly explored…

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Posts ByDan Emery Jul 15, 2025

Liverpool exceeded expectations with Arne Slot at the helm last season, winning the Premier League and comfortably at that.

It’s been a fruitful start to the transfer window for the Reds, who don’t want last year’s triumph to stand as a flash in the pan, and are instead packing Slot’s squad with enough quality to last for many years to come.

However, Trent Alexander-Arnold has left for pastures new in the Spanish capital and a few more exits could yet happen.

For example, Luis Diaz has been courted by Barcelona and Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, and with just two years remaining on his current deal, he may be among the sold this summer.

Liverpool don’t want to part with the Colombian maverick, something they informed Barca in no uncertain terms, but the transfer window is a long process indeed, and if he does go, the Reds must be ready to pounce on an alternative.

Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, it seems, is reportedly at the top of the shopping list.

Why Liverpool want Anthony Gordon

Liverpool have clearly preempted Diaz’s departure for a while, having bid to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in January before the Georgian left winger completed a £59m move from Napoli to Paris Saint-Germain.

In fact, the efforts to sign Gordon from Newcastle one year ago speak of a longer-running desire to secure a new wideman to serve as Diaz’s eventual heir.

Gordon, 24, has come off the back of a frustrating campaign in spite of his side’s silver-laden success, but he was immense in 2023/24, picking up 28 direct goal involvements, and has a connection to Anfield given he was released from Liverpool’s academy when he was just 11 years old.

But Newcastle reportedly seek at least £80m to part with the Three Lions star, and is this something that Liverpool can justify spending, given the other areas of the field that still need reinforcing?

Should Diaz go, Liverpool will need to replace him. But given that there’s a much cheaper alternative on the market, it might be better for sporting director Richard Hughes to shelve the interest in Gordon.

Liverpool open talks for new winger

As per reports in Spain – via Sport Witness – Liverpool have opened talks with Real Betis as they consider a bid for teenager winger Jesus Rodriguez.

In direct competition with Aston Villa, Liverpool have learned they will need to meet his €50m (£43m) release clause if they are to bring in one of La Liga’s brightest young talents.

Though FSG have made their initial enquiries and indeed have been scouting Rodriguez, it’s worth noting little of substance has since emerged, and this is one which could drag into the later stretches of the transfer window.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse Why Liverpool should sign Jesus Rodriguez

Rodriguez might only be 19, but he’s already proven himself to be one of the most exciting talents in Spain, breaking into Real Betis’ first team last season, featuring prominently across the latter half of the term, actually starting 15 times in the Spanish top flight.

The left-sided forward would be a far more astute purchase than Gordon, but one whose natural qualities and fast start to life on the senior stage could see him leapfrog the Englishman, all the while at a cost of less than half what Liverpool would need to pay Newcastle.

With Cody Gakpo already performing so well on the left flank at Liverpool, does it really make sense to fork out an excessive figure on a player who might not even knock him off his starting perch?

That’s why Rodriguez would be perfect, having been hailed for his “explosive” style of play by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

It’s such snappy performances that could lead Rodriguez to become Liverpool’s own version of Gordon, one whose tactical brain remains malleable in its footballing infancy, and thus could see Slot bend it in whichever direction he pleases.

League Stats 24/25 – Jesus Rodriguez vs Anthony Gordon

Stats (* per game)

Rodriguez

Gordon

Matches (starts)

21 (15)

34 (28)

Goals

2

6

Assists

0

5

Shots (on target)*

1.1 (0.4)

1.7 (0.6)

Big chances missed

2

10

Pass completion

76%

81%

Key passes*

0.4

1.5

Dribbles*

1.4

1.1

Ball recoveries*

4.7

3.6

Tackles + interceptions*

1.1

1.1

Duels won*

4.1

4.4

Data via Sofascore

Of course, Rodriguez isn’t as refined and complete in his skill set as Gordon is right now, but the Betis man is also five years the England international’s junior, still in his teenage phase.

What’s curious is that he is crisp on the ball and combative in the duel, two staples of Gordon’s tactical approach, which have seen him bloom into one of the Premier League’s finest.

Moreover, he’s proven on the continental stage his propensity for success: as per FBref, the young Spaniard ranked among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Conference League last year for successful take-ons and the top 16% for tackles per 90, highlighting both his pace and his willingness to get stuck in.

His fleet-footedness certainly suggests there’s a first-class player in there, and with Liverpool looking to sign a striker as well this season, this might prove the perfect signing to add a bit of depth while maintaining the harmony of Slot’s squad.

Slot won’t want to upset the tactical togetherness and coherence Liverpool have right now, nor will he want to take a big chunk out of the coffers before a new centre-forward has been brought in.

Rodriguez could be the perfect man to sign, should Diaz leave this summer.

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