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Leeds United are back in the big time. They are playing in the Premier League under Daniel Farke and are looking to avoid relegation at the first time of asking.

They are on one of the biggest stages at club level in Europe, playing some of the best teams in the world, and this means that the club, the manager, and the players have a big platform to showcase themselves.

Whilst some may view that in a negative sense of players looking to audition themselves to bigger clubs in the future, which does happen, there are other ways to look at it.

For example, playing in the Premier League means that the players are testing themselves against the best, and that can attract attention from their country’s international managers, opening the door to potential call-ups.

Kalvin Phillips is a prime example of that. He emerged as a regular for England under Gareth Southgate after impressing in the Premier League with Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds in the 2020/21 campaign.

Although his initial call-up came before his top-flight debut, it was during his time at the top level that saw him fully establish himself and play in a European Championship final for England.

The Leeds players who are playing for an England call-up

Farke has a clutch of English players who will be hoping that their performances in the Premier League for Leeds this season will enhance their chances of making the England squad for the World Cup next summer.

As aforementioned, the club’s promotion to the division means that their players have the platform they need to show Thomas Tuchel that they have what it takes to make the squad.

Only two players in the current Leeds team have been capped by England at senior level, James Justin and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but there are other players who may hope that their form this season can earn them a maiden call-up before the trip to America.

Leeds United’s English first-team players

Player

Age

England caps

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

28

11

James Justin

27

1

Sam Byram

32

0

Alex Cairns

32

0

Jack Harrison

28

0

Sean Longstaff

27

0

Jayden Bogle

25

0

Via Transfermarkt

Sean Longstaff, for example, has yet to be capped by England but he has produced some impressive performances for the Whites, including a goal and an assist in the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.

Jayden Bogle has also nailed down the right-back position at Elland Road and may hope that his performances can earn him a call-up. Competition from Djed Spence, Reece James, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker, and Tino Livramento, though, means that it will be difficult.

Jack Harrison, Alex Cairns, James Justin, and Sam Byram, meanwhile, are all 28 or older and are currently back-up options in West Yorkshire, which does not suggest that they will be forcing their way into England contention any time soon.

However, one thing that we have seen with England in recent years is that young players can very quickly burst onto the scene and emerge as key players for the Three Lions.

Jude Bellingham made his England debut at 17. Myles Lewis-Skelly made his at 18. Bukayo Saka, who scored against Wales last week, made his debut at 19.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

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Because of the platform that the Premier League provides, a young player can very quickly go from making their debut to being in England conversations, as Saka did at Arsenal after making his debut at the age of 17. The winger has since scored 13 goals in 46 caps for his country.

Leeds, therefore, could unearth their own Saka-type player by unleashing Harry Gray in the first-team this season, as he has the potential to be a future star for club and country.

Why Harry Gray could be a Bukayo Saka-type player

The teenage striker, who is the brother of Archie Gray, has been in fantastic form for the club at youth level, and could be in line for more first-team involvement in the near future.

Farke handed him a senior debut against Stoke City in the Championship as a 16-year-old last season, whilst the manager also placed him on the bench against Wolves in the Premier League this term as a 17-year-old, which is the same age that Saka made his top-flight bow.

Gray has scored seven goals in six matches for the U21s this season, with four goals in four Premier League 2 outings (Transfermarkt), and a hat-trick in one of his two England National League Cup appearances against Scunthorpe United.

To date, the teenage sensation has scored eight goals in 11 games for the U18s and seven goals in 13 appearances for the U21s in the Leeds academy, which shows that he has been a prolific scorer for both age groups.

Analyst Ben Mattinson claimed that he can see the striker breaking into the first-team this season because he is a “very well-rounded striker profile and one of England’s best prospects in his generation”, which is certainly high praise.

Gray, who was described as “Leeds United’s newest wonderkid” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, will have to oust Calvert-Lewin from the team if he wants to emerge as a regular starter for the Whites in the Premier League.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Premier League)

24/25 (Everton)

25/26 (Leeds)

Appearances

26

5

xG

6.75

1.34

Goals

3

1

Big chances missed

16

5

Minutes per goal

543

357

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Calvert-Lewin’s wastefulness in front of goal for Everton last season has carried over into the start of his career at Elland Road.

These statistics suggest that there could be an opening for Gray to fill if the 11-cap England international fails to turn his form around and prove that he can be a reliable striker for the Whites.

Therefore, there is a world in which the 17-year-old striker makes his breakthrough and becomes a starter for Leeds in the Premier League this season, if he can translate his prolific form at youth level over to the first-team.

Whether that would be enough to immediately put him in contention to make the England squad, that is up to Tuchel, but playing in the top-flight provides him with the potential to become the next Saka-type star to emerge as a teenage sensation for the Three Lions.

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First, though, it is down to Farke to provide Gray with an opportunity to showcase his quality in the Premier League if Calvert-Lewin continues to struggle in front of goal.

West Ham United are now weighing up a concrete approach for a “dangerous” England international, who is being targeted by a number of Premier League clubs.

West Ham in need of reinforcements

It has been nothing short of an awful start to the campaign for West Ham, having lost four of their first five Premier League games, most recently coming up short in a 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace at the London Stadium.

Consequently, the Hammers sit in 18th place, and there are serious doubts over Graham Potter’s future, with the manager recording the worst points per game of any manager in the club’s history.

Graham Potter’s West Ham record
Games	25
Wins	6
Draws	5
Losses	14
Points per match	0.92

That said, the players also need to take a share of the blame for the subpar start to the season, and it could be argued that the Irons need a fresh injection of quality in January, with their Premier League status potentially on the line.

As such, West Ham have now joined the race for a new central midfielder, according to a report from Caught Offside, which states they are weighing up a concrete approach for AC Milan’s Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who is being targeted by a number of Premier League clubs.

Newcastle United and Aston Villa are also named as potential suitors for the midfielder, with his future at the Italian club still up in the air, and previous reports have suggested £17m could be enough to get a deal over the line.

West Ham hold talks with title-winning ex-Tottenham manager to replace Potter

The Englishman’s future is very uncertain after a poor start to 25/26.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Sep 20, 2025

Loftus-Cheek’s current deal is set to run until June 2027, but Milan are set to review his contract early next year, at which point they could choose to sanction a sale, amid widespread interest from English clubs.

"Dangerous" Loftus-Cheek could be savvy signing

At just £17m, a deal for the 10-time England international wouldn’t break the bank, and there are indications he could be a success at the London Stadium, having impressed in the Premier League in the past.

The former Chelsea man has 157 Premier League appearances to his name across spells with the Blues, Fulham and Crystal Palace, during which time he picked up 31 goal contributions, and he has since gone on to catch the eye in Italy.

Gianfranco Zola said: “He’s a great player and if he can find continuity, also protecting himself from injuries, he will be a true top player. One of those who allow you to make a huge leap in quality: he breaks the balance, he gets past his man, physically very strong.

“He’s always dangerous, effective on the counter-attack, decisive in his movement. In the area, he makes his physicality count.”

Having recently returned to the England set-up, there are signs the 29-year-old may still have a lot left to give, so West Ham should undoubtedly try and get a deal done this January.

Hampshire’s first innings lead limited to 152 before the visitors reduced it to 49 by stumps on day three

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay20-Apr-2025Somerset 184 and 103 for 1 (Dickson 55*, Fuller 1-23) trail Hampshire 336 (Gubbins 82, Dawson 72, Pretorius 5-64) by 49 runs Migael Pretorius’ bowling and Sean Dickson’s batting swung the advantage away from Hampshire in their Rothesay County Championship fixture with Somerset.South African Pretorius picked up 5 for 64 as Somerset only allowed the hosts a first innings lead of 152, despite Nick Gubbins’ 82 and Liam Dawson’s 72.That edge was whittled down to 49 for the loss of just Archie Vaughan as Dickson ended his start-of-the-season drought with a calm unbeaten half-century before the dingy light descended on the Utilita Bowl.Hampshire began the day with a 10-run lead and the hopes of a large extension of that, which would mean they could win the match without batting again.But Tom Lammonby’s work with the old ball and then Pretorius’ with the new stymied them – despite managing to pick up two batting bonus points.Gubbins and Dawson had ground out a 76-run partnership the previous evening, but opened up a little in the morning – with the former taking a particular liking to Alfie Ogborne.The stand grew to 125 in a demoralising first half an hour of the day for Somerset – which also saw Dawson dropped by Tom Abell at midwicket – before the visitors began to fight back.Left-armer Lammonby had only bowled five wicketless overs in the opening two matches of the season, but his two maiden overs on the second evening had been the best on show for his side. He found good movement with the old ball and struck three times before the 80th over.Gubbins got stuck on the crease and was plumb lbw, Dawson couldn’t keep a cut shot down and was well held by Vaughan, and Brett Hampton lasted three balls before he was leg-before to a ball that swung back.Ben Brown was the constant as three of the last four batters reached double-figures in quick time but couldn’t stick around. James Fuller went first and hit 15 in 21 balls, including two stunning cover drives, but departed in the fifth over of the new cherry, as Pretorius nibbled one in to take the edge to second slip.Toby Albert – who dropped down the order because a back spasm – was lbw while falling over an angled in ball from Pretorius.And after Kyle Abbott had whacked an 11-ball 20, Pretorius completed his second five-wicket haul for Somerset with a legside catch behind to James Rew.Ogborne ended the innings when Brad Wheal – after 19 off 16 – had his stumps rearranged, leaving Brown on 30 and still yet to be dismissed on his home ground as club captain.A lead of 152 would have been below Hampshire’s hopes, but still large enough to mount a victory effort. But an increasingly flat pitch and a stout top-order batting performance quelled their hopes of a quick victory, and made the draw the favourite result, especially with rain forecast on the final day.Vaughan and Dickson’s opening partnerships list had read a dismal: 21, 14, 4 and 14 but they roused to 50 with little fuss. Vaughan departed after looping a catch up for deep square leg for the second match in a row, but Dickson battened down the hatches and refused to give away his wicket.The former Kent batter had a top score of 11 in five innings this season but never looked in danger – except for a wild unprovoked swing which barely missed his leg stump – to reach his fourth fifty for Somerset in 108 balls.Bad light brought tea forward by 10 minutes, and when they belatedly returned, only four overs of spin were possible before things turned terminally dark.

Abdullah Shafique scored an impressive 66 off 38 balls, but lacked support as Lahore Qalandars slumped to an eight-wicket defeat

Danyal Rasool11-Apr-2025Islamabad United got their title defence off to a robust start, brushing aside Lahore Qalandars by eight wickets in the PSL 2025 opener. An all-round performance included starring roles with the ball from Jason Holder, who took 4 for 26, and with the bat from Colin Munro, whose unbeaten 42-ball 59 guided United through the start of a potentially tricky chase. In the end, though, the holders made short work of a chase of 140, taking any jeopardy out of it long before the winning runs were struck with 14 balls still to go.United won the toss and fielded first, starting tidily against Fakhar Zaman, whom they cramped with the short ball. Riley Meredith got rid of the veteran opener when he failed to get on top of a hook, and Qalandars struggled to get going on a pitch that didn’t allow run-scoring as freely as the Rawalpindi Stadium has in the past. Naseem Shah went for 17 in Qalandars’ third over, when Abdullah Shafique targeted him, but spinners Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan struck back quickly with a double-blow, sending Daryl Mitchell and Sam Billings on their way.Abdullah Shafique timed the ball beautifully but found little support•PCBShafique looked elegant from one end, timing the ball beautifully against pace and using his feet against the spinners. He was the only one able to take Imad on, highlighted by a lofted six straight back over the bowler’s head. Time and again, he attempted to break the shackles, but wickets at the other end made it impossible.Sikandar Raza and Shafique struck up a breezy 35-run partnership, but three wickets for two runs derailed Qalandars. Holder, whose variations had proved difficult to handle early on, took two of them, dismissing Jahandad Khan and knocking back David Wiese’s stumps off successive balls, and followed up by ensnaring Shaheen Shah Afridi. Shafique’s resistance finally ended when he became the ninth man out, for 66 off 38, before Shadab’s third wicket wrapped the innings up with four balls to spare.Colin Munro’s unbeaten 59 steered Islamabad through their chase•PCBUnited didn’t get off to the whirlwind start they have developed a reputation for in these circumstances, though that was perhaps more down to the trickiness of the surface than the skill of the Qalandars bowlers. Shaheen couldn’t find early swing, and it was 38-year-old left-arm orthodox spinner Asif Afridi who tested the batters most. He sent Andries Gous off in his first over and kept United on a leash, allowing just eight in his three overs in the powerplay.But United had time to fend off Qalandars’ early intensity, and gradually, Sahibzada Farhan and Munro began to grow into the chase. Farhan struggled with his timing but managed to punish enough poor deliveries to smoke three sixes in his 24-ball 25, while Munro kept picking off United’s bowlers from the other end. A slap down the ground off Jahandad’s first ball set him on his way, and once Salman Agha got together with him, they began to break Qalandars down. A wayward 12th over from Wiese produced 17 runs that brought the asking rate down to about a run a ball, and from there, Qalandars lost the leverage to exert any pressure on their opponents. Agha played a characteristically useful knock, a slap over mid-off against Haris Rauf immediately following Wiese’s over and cementing his side’s dominance.Another boundary, followed by Munro slapping Shaheen for an inside-out six, saw United power home with momentum on their side, and when Jahandad was carved over extra-cover by Agha, United made official the victory they had been cantering to for some time.

Tottenham Hotspur are done with their incomings for 2025 after the UK summer transfer deadline passed on Friday, but they could still offload certain squad members with windows open elsewhere.

It was a highly eventful summer for Spurs, full of highs, lows and definite drama.

The club’s recruitment contingent of Daniel Levy, CEO Vinai Vinkatesham, technical director Johan Lange and unofficial advisor Fabio Paratici led the Lilywhites through a solid window where they reinforced much-needed areas of the squad, but it wasn’t exactly plain sailing.

Tottenham’s summer signings

Price tag

Mohammed Kudus

£55 million

Kota Takai

£5 million

Mathys Tel

£30 million

Joao Palhinha

Loan

Kevin Danso

£21 million

Xavi Simons

£52 million

Randal Kolo Muani

Loan

Tottenham saw high-profile deals for England international playmakers Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze collapse in the most humbling manner imaginable, with the former U-turning on his agreement to join Spurs by signing a new long-term contract at the City Ground.

With Eze, Spurs thought they had an agreement in place on both personal terms and the finances of a deal with Palace, but the boyhood Arsenal supporter ultimately chose N5 once the Gunners came knocking for his signature.

Fortunately for Thomas Frank, Tottenham landed a £52 million deal for Xavi Simons to spare their blushes, mounting a hijack of their own on London rivals Chelsea in the process.

On deadline day, an ‘un-Spurs like’ straight loan deal for Randal Kolo Muani concluded their business for the calendar year, amid some reports that Dominic Solanke may now require surgery after his fresh injury blow.

However, with outgoings still a possibility, the future of Yves Bissouma is a hot topic around N17 right now.

Frank has already penalised the Mali international for turning up late to training on multiple occasions, and some reports last month claimed Tottenham offered Bissouma out in swap deal talks for transfer targets.

The 29-year-old is a player with bags of ability on his day, with James Maddison calling him “ridiculous” and presenter Adam Smith dubbing him “world-class”, but his attitude and application have often been questioned lately.

Bissouma was repeatedly linked with a switch to Turkey over the summer, and this remains a distinct possibility as the Süper Lig window remains open, as does a potential move to the Middle East.

Yves Bissouma expected to leave Tottenham in the "coming days"

That is according to GiveMeSport, who write that Bissouma is expected to leave Tottenham “in the coming days” after failing to convince Frank he’s deserving of more game time.

While the midfield technician holds hope that he could still fight his way back in, it is apparently more likely that he’ll receive proposals from Saudi and Turkey, and the likelihood of Bissouma leaving imminently is pretty good.

The former Brighton star actually played a key role during Tottenham’s run to the Europa League final, where Ange Postecoglou’s men ended the club’s 17-year wait for a major trophy, but he is not at the forefront of Frank’s plans by comparison.

If Bissouma does secure a move away, he’ll join both Manor Solomon and Bryan Gil out of the exit door in dramatic late fashion, despite having all summer to source a move away.

Given he is yet to feature in a single competitive minute for Tottenham this season, partly down to injury and partly down to discplinary issues, Bissouma may well have already played his last game for the club.

Chelsea are set to make many more summer sales before the transfer deadline on September 1.

BlueCo have already raised around £220 million through transfer income this summer, after agreeing deals to sell Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli, Mathis Amougou, Djordje Petrovic, João Félix, Armando Broja, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Lesley Ugochukwu.

Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season	Average match rating
Cole Palmer	7.33
Moises Caicedo	7.02
Enzo Fernández	6.95
Nicolas Jackson	6.88
Noni Madueke	6.82
via WhoScored

This has allowed Chelsea to balance the books and free up space for potential new signings, specifically Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho and RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, with Enzo Maresca’s side believed to be in talks for both (Sky Sports).

Not counting their possible fees for Garnacho and Simons, Chelsea have already spent £277 million (including their pre-agreed summer deals), so they’re likely to go well over the £300 million mark by deadline day.

This means that the west Londoners are actively looking to trim the squad further, with midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka expected to return to the Bundesliga on a permanent deal with Borussia Dortmund.

As well as Chukwuemeka, both Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson could be among Chelsea’s next high-profile departures.

The duo were left out of the squad for Chelsea’s 2-0 pre-season win over Bayer Leverkusen at Stamford Bridge on Friday, watching on as summer signing Joao Pedro and exciting new teenager Estevao Willian got on the scoresheet.

Now, an update has emerged on Jackson, with his own stance on leaving made crystal clear.

Nicolas Jackson tells Chelsea he's ready to leave

The Senegalese, barring his goal in the Conference League final against Real Betis, endured a torrid end to 2024/2025 – scoring just one Premier League goal since the turn of the year.

He was also sent off in the Club World Cup against Flamengo, and with both Pedro and Liam Delap arriving, he’s now fallen down Maresca’s pecking order.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking to TBR Football, Jackson has told Chelsea he’s ready to leave, with the forward’s agents informing Maresca’s side that a new challenge is desired on his end.

“I am told that Jackson’s camp have made it clear to Chelsea that he is looking at a move this month,” Bailey said.

“He was concerned when Liam Delap came in, and since the arrival of Joao Pedro the situation has only got worse. Jackson is looking at his options, but I am told that Newcastle do appeal to him, and likewise he has a huge amount of respect for Unai Emery at Villa.

“Given the cost involved, there is a good chance he moves within England.”

The former Villarreal sensation, according to Bailey, commands a lofty price tag of around £70 million, with Newcastle specifically ready to bid £60m.

While the Magpies are about £10m off, Chelsea are said to be open to negotiations, so a move from Eddie Howe’s side could be one to watch.

Fakhar Zaman misses out on a central contract for the first time in eight years, left out of PCB’s list of 25 released on Sunday

Danyal Rasool27-Oct-2024The revised central contracts for the Pakistan men’s cricket team have been announced, nearly four months after they were due.Shan Masood, who captained Pakistan’s Test side to their first series win since July 2023 this week, keeps his spot in Category B. Whether he lasts the full year in that position, though, is uncertain, with a media release from the PCB stating his retention in the category was “subject to captaincy”. There has been fevered speculation over how long he would keep the Test reins when Pakistan lost his first six Tests in charge. But the PCB going public in spelling out the contingency in his central contract a day after Pakistan’s comeback series win over England is unlikely to have a stabilising effect.Babar Azam retains his position in the highest category despite missing the last two Test matches against England after a run of poor form, while Shaheen Afridi drops down to the second tier, leaving Mohammad Rizwan as the only other A category player.Fakhar Zaman, meanwhile, misses out on a central contract for the first time in eight years. There were reported to be concerns over his fitness, though his relationship with the PCB has deteriorated of late.ESPNcricinfo LtdThe board issued him a show-cause notice after a tweet he put out two weeks ago where he criticised the decision to drop Babar Azam. The post remains up, and Fakhar has not apologised, with the matter understood to be with his legal team. Last month, when chairman Mohsin Naqvi organised a “connection camp” to speak to get senior players to air their views, Fakhar was among the most outspoken, singling out a senior official for particularly trenchant criticism.His long-time ODI opening partner Imam-ul-Haq also misses out on a central contract while there’s been category deflation across the board. Just five players of 25 are in the A or B categories as opposed to 11 last year. Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, who didn’t feature last year, have made a comeback off the back of their recent heroics against England, both placed in the C category, with Noman’s inclusion subject to fitness. Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Hurraira, Usman Khan and Irfan Khan have all been given their maiden central contracts, all finding a spot in the D category.Last year the PCB agreed landmark three-year deals on central contracts, giving players their highest pay raises in history, and, more notably, a fixed share of revenue from the PCB’s earnings at the ICC. The board has stuck to the same arrangement this time, only tweaking which categories particular players are placed in, as was previously agreed. The contracts will be backdated to cover the period starting July 1, 2024, running for another 12 months before a revision can be made.Category A (2): Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan
Category B (3): Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood
Category C (9): Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shadab Khan
Category D (11): Aamir Jamal, Haseebullah, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Hurraira, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Usman Khan

It’s hard to imagine this summer getting any better for Chelsea.

Enzo Maresca’s men demolished the Champions League champions in the final of the Club World Cup last week and look like they’ll be a serious threat in the Premier League next season.

Off the pitch, the West Londoners have been just as effective, securing the likes of Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, while also making a massive profit on Noni Madueke.

Moreover, they aren’t done there, as the Blues have also been linked with the brilliant Eberechi Eze this week, although if reports are to be believed, they are also looking at another international who’s even better.

Chelsea target Eze upgrade

Earlier this week, mere days after becoming world champions, Chelsea were reported as being interested in Crystal Palace’s Eze.

Transfer Focus

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

The stories claimed that alongside their London rivals Arsenal, the Blues have made the England international a key target for the rest of the summer, and that while no club-to-club contact has been made, they have spoken to his camp.

It wouldn’t be a cheap deal to get done due to the 27-year-old’s well-published £68m release clause, but it’s not hard to see why they might be keen to bring the Premier League-proven ace to Stamford Bridge.

With that said, it now appears that the West Londoners have identified another option, someone who has also proven themselves in the league and would be a better addition: Morgan Rogers.

Yes, according to a recent report from journalist Ben Jacobs, the Pensioners are very much interested in signing the Aston Villa star this summer.

Unfortunately, Jacobs reveals that the Claret and Blue consider their dynamic star to be “untouchable.”

However, everyone has their price, and according to The Sun, they value him at £80m, amid their claims on Thursday that he is now the Blues’ number one target for the remainder of the window.

It’d be an extremely costly and complicated transfer to complete, but given Rogers’ immense ability and potential, it’d be one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a better signing than Eze.

Why Rogers would be a better signing than Eze

While Chelsea will want Rogers for his overall play and impact on the team, they’d also want some serious output from him for his reported price tag, and that is the first advantage he has over Eze.

In 37 league appearances last season, the Villa dynamo managed to score eight goals and provide 11 assists, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.94 games.

In contrast, the former QPR gem scored eight goals and provided eight assists in 34 appearances, which comes out as a still good, but less impressive, average of 2.12 goal involvements per game.

Appearances

37

34

Goals

8

8

Assists

11

8

Goal Involvements per Game

0.51

0.47

Points per Game

1.70

1.50

On top of that, the Claret and Blue’s output “machine,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell, is more versatile than the former QPR gem.

For example, he has proven himself capable of delivering top performances in the ten, on both wings, and has even played up top on more than a few occasions, which would give Maresca numerous tactical options.

In contrast, the Eagles star is still versatile, but he’s only really comfortable in the ten or off the left, and even then, he spent almost all of last season in the former.

Finally, and this is an important one, the former Middlesbrough ace is five years younger.

This is important because it means he’ll align with the club’s ethos of buying younger talents, and he should develop and reach his peak alongside the likes of Cole Palmer, which, according to research carried out by The Athletic, typically occurs around 26 years old for attacking midfielders.

Ultimately, Eze is an excellent footballer who would certainly bring something to Chelsea this summer, but from their output in the league last season to their upside a few years down the line, Rogers would be the far better signing.

Bad news for Pedro & Delap: Chelsea in the race to sign "the next Mbappe"

The sensational attacker would make Chelsea far more dangerous next season.

2 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 17, 2025

Those of a Liverpool persuasion appear to have come down with a nasty case of Alexander Isak fever, and well, who can blame them?

The bombshell news emerged on Tuesday that, after months of whispers and speculation, the Premier League champions are finally ready to firm up their interest in the Newcastle United man, amid the prospect of a potential £120m bid for the Swede.

That mammoth offer – which would eclipse the Reds’ recent club-record capture of Florian Wirtz – could put the icing on the cake for the Anfield side’s summer business, with Isak fresh off the back of a season that saw him score 23 top-flight goals.

Unsurprisingly, the Magpies are hell-bent on keeping hold of their star man for a little while longer, albeit with Richard Hughes playing the trump card after rivalling Eddie Howe and co in the pursuit of Isak’s heir apparent, Hugo Ekitike. Checkmate?

Either way, it would appear that the Merseysiders are in a strong bargaining position, with optimism growing that the division’s “best striker” – as described by Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson – could be lining up alongside the likes of Mohamed Salah next season.

Isak, as stated, might well be the delicious icing, but Hughes could also sprinkle a little cherry on top by sealing yet another high-profile deal in the coming weeks…

Latest on Liverpool's transfer pursuit

Wirtz. Jeremie Frimpong. Milos Kerkez. Isak next?

It may now be a waiting game to see if the Newcastle marksman will agitate for a move, albeit with Liverpool no doubt keen to pounce on the 25-year-old’s contract uncertainty, with the Daily Mail’s Dominic King outlining that talks have ‘stalled’ over a new deal at St James’ Park.

According to King, Hughes and his recruitment team will officially move for the former Real Sociedad striker if they ‘receive encouragement’, with this game of cat and mouse likely to have a few twists and turns to come.

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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Elsewhere, meanwhile, Football Insider have reported that Liverpool are expected to soon seal a deal for Crystal Palace skipper, Marc Guehi, with that move looking ‘increasingly likely’ amid developments at Selhurst Park.

Indeed, the report outlines that with the Eagles seemingly closing in on the £45m signing of Sporting CP centre-back, Ousmane Diomande, it would pave the way for Guehi to depart.

The suggestion is that with the England international having just a year left to run on his Palace contract, the south Londoners are keen to cash in this summer, rather than lose him on a free in 12 months’ time.

Why Liverpool could be set to seal another Isak-esque signing

It’s fair to say that after sitting out the recent friendly win over Preston North End, excitement is brewing over finally seeing the aforementioned Wirtz in action in a Liverpool shirt, with the 22-year-old German signing off his time at Bayer Leverkusen with 122 goals and assists in 97 games in all competitions.

That capture is a statement deal, no doubt, but if Isak were to arrive, it would truly take the biscuit, with the 6 foot 4 sensation a Premier League-proven talent, having scored 44 league goals across the last two seasons combined.

The man who helped steer Newcastle to Carabao Cup glory over Arne Slot’s side earlier this year, the £63m goal machine could now be the figurehead of a new era at Anfield, with the rest of the division likely to already be quaking in their boots.

As for Guehi, while such a deal would almost go under the radar amid the current circumstances, there would be shades of Isak about that acquisition, with Liverpool in line to poach another key figure from a fellow Premier League outfit.

Currently captain at Selhurst Park, the 25-year-old has already made 132 appearances in England’s top tier to date, having notably skippered his side to shock FA Cup glory in 2024/25.

Marc Guehi – FA Cup final stats

Stat

Record

Minutes played

61

Touches

17

Pass accuracy

75%

Key passes

1

Possession lost

2

Ground duels won

1/2

Aerial duels won

1/4

Tackles

1

Clearances

4

Stats via Sofascore

Like Isak, the in-demand defender – who has also been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer – has more than proven himself against Premier League opposition, with both men also seemingly at the perfect point of their careers. Indeed, with both men still only 25, they have gained notable experience at the top level, but may not yet have entered their peak.

Described as a “monster” of a centre-back by reporter Bobby Manzi, Guehi – like Isak – is also “one of the best in the country” in his position, as per scout Mick Brown, with Liverpool able to acquire a player who would slot straight into their starting lineup.

Much like with Isak, there would be no period of transition or adaptation, this is a player who could well hit the ground running on Merseyside.

This is a man who ranks in the top 10% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for key passes per 90, as well as in the top 10% for through balls, as per FBref. In essence, he is a master at playing out from the back.

Having romped to the title at a canter last season, Liverpool are at a point now where they can poach the very best that the Premier League has to offer. In their respective positions, Isak and Guehi would be just that.

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The Reds could spend big once again…

Posts ByTom Cunningham Jul 15, 2025

Thomas Frank hasn’t been short of talented attackers during his time as a manager, hoping to attract similar talent during his stint as Tottenham Hotspur boss.

The Dane has overseen the development of the likes of Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, with the trio sitting at the top for most Premier League goals scored in the Bees’ history.

Toney left in a big-money deal to move to Saudi Arabia last summer, but Mbeumo is also expected to follow suit, as a £70m deal to join Manchester United appears to be edging closer.

Frank even tried to convince the Cameroonian international to move to North London with him, but the winger stated his desire to move to Ruben Amorim’s side instead.

Such a decision has left the new Lilywhites’ boss with the challenge of landing a new star forward, already making huge waves in the transfer market to potentially land his next big talent in the final third.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new attacking talent this summer

Antoine Semenyo was seen as one of Spurs’ biggest targets in this transfer window a couple of weeks ago, with real belief they could land the Ghanaian if they offered £65m for his signature.

However, it looks as though they are set to miss out on a deal to land the Bournemouth star, after he put pen to paper on a new five-year deal, which will see him remain at the Vitality until 2030.

Such a decision has seen other targets being considered, with West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus someone who’s been mentioned nonstop in recent days.

However, CaughtOffside’s latest update has stated the Hammers star has emerged as the Lilywhites’ number one target this summer, despite having a £85m release clause in his current deal.

It also states that the hierarchy are willing to back the manager in his quest within the market, seeing the 24-year-old as a statement signing ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, potentially able to negotiate a deal at around the £70m mark.

Why Spurs’s number one target could be Frank’s answer to Bale

Gareth Bale was a player who was responsible for countless moments of magic during his spell as a Spurs player, reaching levels that no supporter could ever have imagined.

The Welshman joined the club from Southampton back in 2007, originally as a left-back, before making the shift up the field into a winger – a decision that would transform his career tenfold.

In his three years at the Lilywhites, operating in a more attacking role, he registered 50 goals and 26 assists, resulting in an £85m transfer to join Spanish giants Real Madrid back in the summer of 2013.

12 years on from his departure, the club have lacked a real elite-level right-sided attacker, but that could be about to change this summer with a move for Kudus, who possesses some similar traits to the Welshman.

The biggest one is his ability to cut inside onto his stronger left foot, subsequently being able to fire the ball into the back of the net – having the ability to hand the fanbase the chance to get off their seats when he’s on the ball.

His underlying stats in 2024/25 are just as impressive, with such figures certainly helping him reach his tally of five goals and four assists across all competitions.

Kudus, who’s been labelled “generational” by journalist Gary Al-Smith, completed 3.2 take-ons per 90 in the Premier League last season, showcasing his ability to drive inside past the opposition.

Kudus’ stats for West Ham in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

32

Goals & assists

8

Shot on target accuracy

28%

Pass accuracy

84%

Take-ons completed

3.2

Carries into final third

2.1

Carries into opposition box

1.5

Fouls won

2.2

Stats via FBref

He also registered 1.5 carries into the opposition box per 90, subsequently able to go round the outside of the full-back before cutting the ball back to a teammate and providing them with the tools for success too.

The Ghanaian’s talents don’t stop there, managing to get 28% of his shots on target, whilst also winning 2.2 fouls per 90, highlighting how much of a threat he poses to the opposition.

If the club can land the West Ham star this summer, it would be a tremendous piece of business, having the opportunity to develop further given the fact he’s just 24 years of age.

Should Kudus manage to get anywhere near the levels produced by Bale in North London, it would be a bargain transfer, subsequently allowing Frank to have his next attacking star in 2025/26.

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Posts 5 ByEthan Lamb Jul 1, 2025