Viktor Gyokeres has been the name on the lips of Manchester United supporters over recent months, with the Sporting CP striker widely linked with a move to Old Trafford.

Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim previously worked with the forward during his time in Portugal, with such a scenario likely to have fuelled the rumours over a potential switch.

Talks have previously been held between the 27-year-old’s representatives and the United hierarchy, but no deal has yet to progress, with Arsenal also in the race for his signature.

Such a move is likely to create excitement within the fanbase, given his record of 54 goals scored in just 52 games across all competitions throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

However, with negotiations seemingly not heading any closer to completion, other targets will likely be considered ahead of next season, with numerous names emerging over recent weeks.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer

United’s need for a new striker has become evident over the course of this season, with Amorim’s side only finding the net on 44 occasions in the league – an average of 1.15 goals per game.

Such a record is unacceptable, subsequently leading to links with the likes of Gyokeres and, in the last 24 hours, Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, who is also on the radar of Liverpool and Chelsea.

However, it appears that Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta has once again appeared as an option, according to Football Insider’s latest update.

It’s been claimed that the Red Devils have been in talks with Oliver Glasner’s side over a move for the Frenchman, who managed to find the back of the net on 17 occasions across all competitions.

The report also states that the hierarchy have been keeping a close eye on the 27-year-old’s progress at Selhurst Park, with a £40m price tag previously being mooted.

Why United’s £40m target would be better than Cunha

Over the last couple of days, United confirmed the signing of Brazilian international Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, forking out a fee in the region of £62.5m for his services.

The 26-year-old has made a huge impact in the Premier League in recent times, managing to register 15 goals and six assists in his 33 appearances in 2024/25 – undoubtedly the shining light of the West Midlands outfit.

Such a tally will massively bolster the options at Amorim’s disposal next season, hopefully looking to catapult the club back to the fringes of the Champions League places.

However, it remains unclear if he will feature as a striker or in one of the number 10 positions, opening the door to another attacking addition like Mateta or Gyokeres.

If the Frenchman is to move to the club this summer, it’s imperative that the manager drops the Brazilian into a deeper role and utilises Mateta at the top end of the pitch.

When comparing their respective figures, the current target has dominated the new United signing in the final third – showcasing why he’s better suited to the centre-forward position.

Mateta, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one analyst, may have registered fewer goals, but has a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – demonstrating his clinical edge in front of goal.

How Mateta compares to Cunha in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Mateta

Cunha

Games played

37

33

Goals scored

14

15

Shot-on-target accuracy

43%

40%

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.3

Take-on success

45%

44%

Aerials won

2.2

0.4

Aerial success rate

37%

31%

Stats via FBref

He’s also managed to complete more of the take-ons he’s attempted, having the ability to beat the opposition with the ball at his feet before firing at goal, something which he’s done countless times this season.

The Palace star has also been dominant in the air, winning over four times more aerials per 90, whilst also posting a higher success rate in such a department – handing the side the focal point they’ve craved.

Such a fee appears to be somewhat of a bargain, with his experience in the Premier League key to the club’s ambitions of returning to their former glory in the coming months.

The prospect of the striker starring alongside Cunha at Old Trafford is one for the fanbase to get excited about, with the pair able to work together to overturn what’s been a dismal period for the Red Devils.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Jun 12, 2025

With Liam Delap heading for the exit door, Ipswich Town have reportedly made their first move in an attempt to replace their star man with a Manchester City gem this summer.

Chelsea closing in on Delap move

Whilst it seemed as though it was Manchester United in the driving seat in the race for his signature, Delap has handed the Red Devils an unexpected rejection and is reportedly heading to West London. As revealed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have even already booked a medical to sign the Ipswich star after triggering his bargain £30m release clause.

Although Delap’s pending departure is an undeniable blow, it’s one that Ipswich would have been expecting ever since their Premier League relegation was confirmed and the forward’s cheap release clause was revealed.

Manager Kieran McKenna, perhaps more than most, will be well aware of the impact that Delap’s exit could have. The Ipswich boss was as honest as ever when speaking about the rumours linking the former Manchester City gem with a move away from Portman Road, recently telling reporters: “Liam’s looking at his options for next year, which I think he is entitled to do and we support him with that.

“I think we have given him permission to do that this week. It’s a very important decision for his future. Of course there is a lot of interest – and rightly so. I think part of his week has been having some of those conversations.”

As frustrating as his departure will be, Ipswich have already moved on quickly this summer with reports now suggesting that they’ve made their first approach to sign a potential replacement.

Ipswich make first approach to sign £10m Mubama

According to Romano, Ipswich have now made their first approach to sign Divin Mubama from Manchester City this summer. The 20-year-old forward is a player with plenty of promise and showcased his potential for City’s youth side by scoring an impressive 17 goals in 15 games throughout the campaign.

Now, he could ready for first-team football and will cost Ipswich £10m if they push on with their move this summer.

It should come as no shock to see those at Portman Road turning their attention towards Manchester City’s academy for a second time. Their move for Delap, despite their relegation, remains impressive and one year on they could repeat that stroke of genius by signing Mubama.

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By
Kelan Sarson

May 23, 2025

Described as “strong aerially” by analyst Ben Mattinson, the Manchester City talent could replace both the goals and physical presence that Delap often offered McKenna’s side across the last 12 months. For £10m, all signs are pointing towards a player full of promise.

Birmingham City supporters will already be excited about the 2025/26 campaign getting underway as they aim to become a top-end Championship side.

Chris Davies’ men haven’t actually finished in the top half of the second-tier since their tenth place finish at the close of the 2015/16 season, with their last adventure in the Premier League coming all the way back in 2011 before they tumbled down to League One.

But, there is a positive, new dawn at St. Andrew’s after the Blues accumulated a mighty 111 points to lift the third-tier title, meaning they will re-enter the Championship raring to succeed.

Plenty of new signings will soon come into the building to help Birmingham try and push on up a level too, but promotion hero Jay Stansfield will surely have a huge role to play in the West Midlands giants leaping up a division and taking it in their stride after setting League One alight.

Stansfield's goalscoring heroics in 2024/25

The former Fulham striker entering Davies’ ranks last summer was seen as somewhat of a coup, considering he was pushing for some senior opportunities at Craven Cottage before calling St. Andrew’s his fixed home.

He wouldn’t dwell on his Cottagers exit for long, though, with the 22-year-old going on to fire home a mightily impressive 19 strikes in league action from 31 starts as Birmingham’s main leading man in attack.

There will be a hope now that Stansfield can kick on and cause Championship defences the same amount of bother.

After all, he has already tallied up 12 goals at the daunting level when previously on loan with the Blues, before joining permanently.

The ambitious outfit could even be about to sign their next iteration of Stansfield with Birmingham’s latest target also on the periphery of their Premier League employers but a more than capable player in the EFL.

Birmingham's "incredible" new Stansfield

Despite already possessing Stansfield’s firepower, the Blues will be looking to make their attack even more deadly in the Championship, as seen in Davies’ men being linked with Kwame Poku and Che Adams.

Their latest target is Aston Villa forward Louie Barry, with GIVEMESPORT reporting that he is likely to be allowed to leave on loan. As a result, his name has allegedly been mentioned ‘internally’ at St Andrew’s by Tom Wagner and Co ahead of a summer move.

This would undoubtedly be a controversial move to seal, considering he would be crossing enemy lines from his parent employers Villa to the blue side of the Midlands.

Barry on loan at Stockpor vs Stansfield in 2024/25
Stat	Barry	Stansfield
Games played	23	37
Games started	22	31
Goals scored	15	19
Assists	2	3
Shots per game	3.1	2.7
Shots on target per game	1.6	1.1
Goal conversion %	21%	19%
Big chances missed	6	13
Stats by Sofascore

But, controversy aside, adding Barry would definitely boost Birmingham’s attacking output when taking into account his whirlwind Stockport County loan stint.

Described as “incredible” by Declan Rice, the entertaining 21-year-old picking up a bumper 15 goals from just 22 league appearances for the Hatters this season, proving, that like Stansfield, he knows how to find the back of the net away from the top-flight.

Sadly, despite tearing League One to shreds with Dave Challinor’s side, no real meaningful senior opportunities have come the attacker’s way at Villa Park, as seen in him picking up just one solitary first-team chance.

Therefore, much like Stansfield’s journey, Barry might well view Birmingham as the next best choice for his development, regardless of any heated rivalries between Villa and the Blues.

Down the line, he might even view St. Andrew’s as a place where he could permanently reside, especially if his new potential team soar to some great heights making the step back up to the challenging Championship.

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By
Kelan Sarson

May 30, 2025

Chelsea are looking to strengthen multiple key areas in Enzo Maresca’s squad, before they tackle their first campaign back in the Champions League next season, and they’ve made a fantastic start with their deal for Liam Delap.

Chelsea's transfer plans after signing Liam Delap

The striker has now fully sealed his switch to Stamford Bridge after completing a medical (Fabrizio Romano), with Chelsea activating his £30 million release clause and securing their first signing of the summer.

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ByEmilio Galantini May 31, 2025

Delap may not be their only striker signing of the summer, either, with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reporting late last week that Chelsea remain in serious pursuit of Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.

As well as Ekitike, Chelsea are actively discussing the signing of a new attacking midfielder or winger, with Kenan Yildiz (Juventus), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Jeremy Doku (Man City), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Max Tillman (PSV), Jamie Gittens (Borussia Dortmund), Alejandro Garnacho (Man United) and Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams all considered (Simon Phillips).

BlueCo are said to be working hard to bolster some key areas before the Club World Cup begins in under a fortnight, with Chelsea taking this summer’s tournament seriously given the riches on offer.

Chelsea could secure £97 million worth of prize money if they win the whole thing, and reliable journalist Simon Phillips writes that they’re very keen to sign a new centre-back before the CWC kicks off.

Chelsea held productive talks over a move for Dean Huijsen, but eventually missed out on a deal for the Spain international when Real Madrid came knocking.

Now, they’ve turned to alternative targets, and one of them is Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite.

Chelsea ponder "big-money" bid for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite

The England international, who made his Three Lions debut last year, should arguably have more senior caps for the national team considering his excellent and assured displays on Merseyside, but his talent isn’t lost on Chelsea.

The 22-year-old is high on their defensive transfer shortlist of targets, even if Toffees boss David Moyes is reportedly “pleading” with him to stay.

TEAMtalk have an update on the situation, and they write that Chelsea are “seriously” considering a “big-money” bid for Branthwaite – who could cost up to £75 million.

The Blues are thought to be more “advanced” in their interest than London rivals Tottenham, but it’ll take a marquee fee to prise the highly-rated centre-half down south.

Everton are said to be in a strong position in regard to PSR, and have an option to extend Branthwaite’s contract by a further year, meaning Chelsea will need to stump up a very large fee to even get his club to the negotiating table.

While Branthwaite is expected to be an expensive potential buy, he is one of England’s most exciting young defenders, with Jamie Carragher already calling him a “special” player to watch out for.

With a new era on its way at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, The Friedkin Group and Everton are reportedly looking to sign fresh stars to match their new ground, which could yet see a £50m+ winger arrive.

Everton eyeing attacking reinforcements

It’s not the first time that the Toffees have been linked with attacking additions so far this summer and their plan of attack is clear. Looking to make a statement ahead of their first full season at the helm, Friedkin’s priority, based on recent rumours, is to add much-needed star power to David Moyes’ frontline.

That plan should come as no surprise, either. Whilst Everton improved their attacking numbers last season, they still lacked a consistent threat within their frontline even after Beto’s form picked up under Moyes. And with Dominic Calvert-Lewin still on course to leave the club as a free agent this summer, the Merseyside club must invest up front.

Premier League Seasons

Goals Scored by Everton

2024/25

42

2023/24

40

2022/23

34

The main factor behind their struggle is clear for all to see. Last season, although improved, was still not a campaign full of goals to savour and only the bottom three managed to score less than Everton.

That stat, alone, may have been enough to send Everton marching towards the transfer market with rumours coming thick and fast as to who could arrive this summer.

Already, names such as Jack Grealish have already threatened to steal the headlines in what would certainly be a statement move by Friedkin. The Premier League-winner is on his way out of Manchester City, having been left out of their Club World Cup squad, and Everton could take full advantage.

He’s not the only name on their radar, however. Reports are also indicating that those in Merseyside have also set their sights on the “king of Lisbon”.

Everton battling to sign Geny Catamo

If not Grealish, then Friedkin could spend big on a talented alternative. According to Caught Offside, Everton are now battling to sign Geny Catamo from Sporting Club this summer. They are reportedly joined by Atletico Madrid, Arsenal, Aston Villa and others in a hectic race to welcome the 24-year-old in the coming months, but the deal won’t come cheap.

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Posts 1 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 11, 2025

As reported, Catamo has a release clause worth as much as €60m (£51m) in Portugal and Sporting Club look likely to demand that in full if they are to sell their winger this summer. Of course, that verdict should not come as a surprise, given that the Everton target was dubbed the “King of Lisbon” by scout Jacek Kulig after he scored the winning goal against Benfica last year.

Whether Friedkin and Everton deem Catamo a player who is worth over £50m will be the big question in their pursuit. The winger himself, meanwhile, could yet decide to rescind his crown in Portugal this summer amid several interested parties.

Crystal Palace have now moved ahead of Leeds United in the race to sign a Championship playmaker, according to a recent report.

Crystal Palace receive UEFA Europa League boost

Not only did the Eagles secure their first major trophy in their history by winning the FA Cup, but they also booked a place in next season’s Europa League. This is unprecedented for Palace, but since that famous FA Cup win, their participation in the Europa League has been under threat due to multi-club rules.

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John Textor’s Eagle Football Group also has a controlling stake in French side Lyon. Both clubs are in the Europa League next season, and things heated up this week as Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest wrote to UEFA over an alleged breach of multi-club rules.

However, according to talkSPORT, UEFA don’t see Textor as someone who has a controlling influence at Selhurst Park, and they recognise the value of having the South Londoners in the competition next season due to their FA Cup win. Therefore, as it stands, UEFA are in favour of keeping Palace in the competition.

Crystal Palace ahead of Leeds in race to sign £20m Championship ace

So, as Palace receive a Europa League boost, they can now concentrate on building a squad that is capable of competing in the Premier League as well as Europe. According to the Irish Examiner, relayed by Football League World, Crystal Palace are now leading the race to sign Finn Azaz from Middlesbrough.

The Eagles are looking to bulk their squad up for the 2025/26 campaign and have identified Azaz as a potential target. It’s already been reported that Palace chiefs have been keeping an eye on the attacking midfielder but face competition as Leeds United and AFC Bournemouth have also registered their interest in the Boro man.

The 24-year-old joined Boro in January 2024 for a fee of £2.5 million, and it’s now been claimed that were he to leave the Riverside Stadium, he would cost any team interested around £20 million. Indeed, he is still under contract until the summer of 2028, has been capped seven times by the Republic of Ireland and has just come off the back of a season in which he scored 12 goals and assisted 11 in 45 Championship games.

Apps

45

Starts

43

Goals

12

xG

9.53

Assists

11

xAG

7.62

Big chances created

10

Key passes per game

2.0

It is looking very likely that Palace could lose Eberechi Eze this summer, as he continues to be linked with a move to some of the biggest clubs in England. So, while Azaz won’t be seen as a like-for-like replacement, Oliver Glasner may see him as someone who could help fill the void left by the Englishman.

It is the start of a new era at Ibrox after Glasgow Rangers confirmed that Russell Martin is their new head coach, which came shortly after their takeover was finalised.

They also have a new sporting director, in Kevin Thelwell, and will be attacking the summer transfer window with a view to creating a team that will compete for trophies next season.

Martin and Thelwell are tasked with making changes to a squad that ended the 2024/25 campaign without a single trophy to show for their efforts.

The former Scotland international has already confirmed, though, that James Tavernier will retain the captaincy, and that a change in management will not result in a change in leadership.

Of course, the English defender keeping his role as the club captain does not mean that he is guaranteed to start week-in-week-out next term.

Why James Tavernier's position could be in danger

The veteran full-back should not be a guaranteed starter at right-back under Martin because of his defensive deficiencies that have cost Rangers on many occasions.

As recently as April, broadcaster Graham Spiers posted this on X: “The criticism that has been cast at James Tavernier all his career – defensive negligence – strikes again.”

That comment was in reaction to the goal in the clip above, as Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams ghosted in behind the Rangers skipper to score at the back post.

Tavernier, who former Gers full-back Steven Whittaker once claimed “needs to look” at the defensive side of the game, did not enjoy the best season in the Scottish Premiership from a defensive perspective either.

Appearances

33

Goals

4

Assists

8

Dribbled past

17x

Error led to shot

4

Duel success rate

56%

As you can see in the table above, the 33-year-old captain made four errors that directly led to shots for the opposition, which is twice as many as any other Rangers defender made in the division this season.

Errors have simply become too commonplace for the English full-back, whether that is giving the ball away to set up a shot for the opposition or by failing to track a runner at the back post, and that is why his spot as a regular starter should be in danger heading into next season.

Rangers are now reportedly eyeing up a new right-back to bolster their squad, and it could mean that Tavernier starting regularly next term is even less likely.

Rangers eyeing deal for new right-back

According to Hull Live, Rangers are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Hull City right-back Cody Drameh in the summer transfer window, which reopens next Monday.

The report claims that the Gers are ‘huge admirers’ of the English defender, as they line up a swoop to sign him from the Championship side ahead of next season.

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 Derby County, who are also in the English Championship, have already had one bid turned down for the former Leeds United full-back, but they remain determined to snap him up.

The outlet reveals that as many as nine clubs are eyeing up moves to sign Drameh this summer, with Preston North End and Strasbourg named alongside Derby and Rangers.

Hull Live reveals, though, that the Tigers are not ‘actively’ looking to cash in on the defender, although they would be prepared to consider offers in excess of £1m for his services.

Rangers should, now, push hard to win the race for Drameh’s signature before the end of the summer transfer window, because he could improve Martin’s options at right-back.

Why Cody Drameh could be an upgrade on James Tavernier

As aforementioned, Tavernier’s defensive work has left a lot to be desired for Rangers and bringing in the Hull star could improve the team defensively because of the qualities that he can provide down the right flank.

The 23-year-old star, who was once described as a “Duracell bunny” by former Cardiff City boss Steve Morison, is a solid defender who can lock up opposition wingers week-in-week-out.

Ex-Leeds player Ben Parker previously hailed the full-back’s defensive qualities, saying: “Cody Drameh, his strength is one v one defending. He loves defending. There has not been too many players I’ve seen this season that gets the better of him in a one v one duel. I love to see that.”

Drameh has averaged 3.9 tackles and interceptions per game across his entire club career to date, compared to Tavernier’s 3.1 per match, and his defensive statistics in the 2024/25 campaign in particular suggest that he could be a terrific addition for Rangers.

Tackles

4.04

Top 1%

Tackles in defensive third

2.57

Top 1%

Dribblers challenged

4.15

Top 1%

Dribblers tackled

2.46

Top 1%

Tackles + interceptions

5.08

Top 1%

Errors

0.0

Top 23%

As you can see in the table above, the Hull star ranked incredibly highly among his positional peers in the Championship in a host of key defensive metrics, winning tackles and challenges in his own half and preventing wingers from getting by him with dribbles.

He also ended the Championship season without a single error that directly led to a shot or goal for the opposition, compared to Tavernier’s four, which suggests that he would be far more reliable in the right-back slot.

As Parker claimed, Drameh ‘loves defending’ and the same could not be said of Tavernier after aforementioned his mistakes for the Gers, which have cost them, particularly in the Europa League.

The Hull defender is also ten years younger than the Rangers captain and could be the long-term option for Martin in the right-back position, as a big defensive upgrade on the former Newcastle man.

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Warwickshire 254 and 321 for 9 (Hain 111*, Burgess 79) drew with Hampshire 298 and 453 for 6 dec (Vince 166*, Dawson 120, Hannon-Dalby 3-65)A dogged rearguard action from Warwickshire denied Hampshire a third successive victory as a hard-fought Vitality Championship match ended in a tense draw at Edgbaston.Chasing 498 to win, Warwickshire resumed on the final morning on 40 for one and batted out the day for 321 for nine thanks largely to a seventh-wicket partnership of 183 between Sam Hain (111 not out, 254 balls) and Michael Burgess (79, 162).They came together with their side in serious trouble at 123 for six but batted with patience and technique to consume 55 overs and steer the match towards a draw.Hampshire pressed hard in the closing overs but had to settle for a draw having largely outbowled a home attack including Chris Woakes. For Warwickshire, though their fourth-day resolve saw them escape defeat, their wait for a championship victory goes on. In Division One, only they and neighbours Worcestershire have still to record a win this season.Warwickshire badly needed that resolve in the second half of the day after their top order collapsed in the first. They took a big hit from the fifth ball of the morning when Keith Barker bowled Will Rhodes.Hampshire winkled out another three in the morning session. Danny Briggs, having eked 26 from 81 minutes, flashed at a wide ball from Barker and nicked it. Dan Mousley edged spinner Liam Dawson to slip and Ed Barnard was bowled by a beauty from James Fuller.When, to the ninth ball after lunch, Jacob Bethell played back fatally to Kyle Abbott and fell lbw, Warwickshire were 123 for six with 66 overs to survive. That is the sort of challenge that Hain and Burgess relish, both having batted the Bears out of many a hole, and they duly got their heads down again.Hain struck his 800th four in first class cricket on his way to reaching 50 (116 balls) and grew in fluency as the afternoon went on. Two sixes pulled over long-leg off Fuller saw off the old ball and the new one also failed to part the seventh-wicket pair.Hain biffed a Felix Organ full toss to the boundary to reach his 18th first class century and Burgess passed 4,000 first class runs and struck his 500th four in an innings of high diligence. Warwickshire were closing in on safety when, with 11 overs left, Burgess edged a cut at Organ and the ball rebounded off the wicketkeeper to Nick Gubbins at silly point.A fired-up Fuller then rattled Woakes’ off stump and Hampshire were buzzing with 40 balls in which to take the last two wickets. With the tenth of those, Fuller hit Craig Miles’ off stump, leaving last man Olly Hannon-Dalby with five overs to survive.A Fuller lifter rapped Hain on the hand, a blow that required lengthy treatment, but with only 21 balls left the batter soldiered on, abetted by Hannon Dalby (a steel-nerved 0 not out, 11 balls) to see his side to a draw.

Paul Mitchell is looking to make quite the impact in his final act as Newcastle United’s sporting director and has set his sights on an Anthony Elanga alternative who’s worth just £15m.

Mitchell eyeing attacking options

Improving Eddie Howe’s frontline seems to be the priority for Newcastle this summer, with a right-winger and a striker to provide competition for Alexander Isak both on their wanted list. Just who arrives to fill that quota is the big question. Already, names such as Joao Pedro and Elanga have threatened to steal the headlines, but it remains to be seen whether Newcastle can sign both this summer.

Pedro would be a particular upgrade in Howe’s squad as Callum Wilson heads for the exit door. Replacing an ageing, injury-prone striker with a younger talent at the peak of his powers would represent incredibly impressive business by all involved at St James’ Park.

Elanga wouldn’t exactly be a disappointing option, either. The Swede played a large part in Nottingham Forest’s shock European qualification last season and is now firmly on Newcastle’s radar as they look to complete their frontline alongside Isak and Anthony Gordon.

Given how successful his move to the City Ground has been, convincing Elanga may not be as routine as convincing Pedro, who endured a mixed season at Brighton last time out.

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With that said, Mitchell has already reportedly turned his attention towards potential alternatives and could now land an impressive winger who scouts have already seen in action.

Newcastle now plotting Nicolas Kuhn move

According to Chronicle Live, Newcastle and Mitchell are now plotting a move to sign Nicolas Kuhn from Celtic in what could be among the sporting director’s final acts at St James’ Park and an impressive one at that.

The Celtic winger enjoyed an excellent season in Scotland last time out and was reportedly watched by Newcastle scouts as he scored a staggering 21 goals and created a further 15 in all competitions. Valued at just £15m by the Bhoys, those in Tyneside seemingly have the chance to land the ultimate bargain this summer.

Starts

24

31

Goals

13

6

Assists

9

11

22 of Kuhn’s 36 goal involvements came in the Scottish Premiership, whilst Elanga struggled to match those numbers in the Premier League with six goals and 11 assists. Unlike the Celtic star, however, the Forest man is set to cost a fair bit more than £15m this summer.

Kuhn’s form has unsurprisingly come with plenty of praise from Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers, who told reporters last season: “He just landed in the middle of that difficult time, and it took him a little while. But he’s had a really good pre-season.

“He’s always been quick, one of the quickest players you’ll see, but I think now there’s more variety in his game, coming inside and out. The big thing I told him when he arrived was that he needs to score goals. As a winger, you need to create and score, that’s your job.”

Burnley’s intimidating defence last season in the Championship was one major factor behind why Scott Parker’s men sealed automatic promotion on 100 points.

Whilst the Clarets did score a reasonable 69 strikes across the 46-game marathon, they amazingly only gave up 16 goals across that same period, culminating in the Lancashire outfit losing just two second-tier contests all season long.

Burnley have been known to be a well-drilled machine in this regard for many a year, with Sean Dyche the first notable manager to make the Clarets a hard-to-beat unit when he was situated in the Turf Moor dug-out.

Throughout his well-known stint at the Clarets, Dyche regularly called upon the likes of James Tarkowski to ensure opposition attackers knew they were in for a tough fight when attempting to break down Burnley’s rock-solid defence.

Tarkowski's defensive heroics at Burnley

Now lining up for Everton at 32 years of age, Tarkowski has Burnley to thank for initially kickstarting his career at the very top.

In total, the imposing veteran would go on to make 219 appearances for the Clarets, with his reputation throughout his stay at the club centring on his no-nonsense approach aerially.

His breakout season in the Premier League for Burnley would come about during the 2018/19 campaign, with the centre-back scoring three goals when putting his towering 6-foot-1 frame to good use, alongside winning a ridiculous 7.8 duels per league clash.

No longer at Turf Moor, he is certainly ageing like a fine wine. He secured ten clean sheets in league action across 2024/25 and most famously scored that thunderbolt of a goal in the dying embers of Goodison Park’s last Merseyside derby.

He’s a man for the big occasion and as Parker and Co go about strengthening their ranks, they’ll certainly be hoping to find their next Tarkowski.

Burnley's "outstanding" new Tarkowski

Unfortunately, it looks unlikely that Burnley will be able to keep all the components of their robust defence together past this transfer window, with CJ Egan-Riley and Maxime Esteve both reportedly heading for the exit door.

Therefore, a new, strong defender will surely be high up the Clarets’ shopping list, with rumours coming to the surface now from journalist Graeme Bailey suggesting 6-foot-4 brute Chris Mepham be on Parker’s radar as they aim to add numbers at the back.

Burnley are already well aware of how tricky a defender Mepham can be to get the better of, having clashed with him last season when he was out on loan with eventual playoff winners Sunderland.

The Welshman stood out as a powerful centre-back throughout that loan spell, and with plenty of Premier League experience in the tank at 61 top-flight games and counting, he could be just what Burnley desire in trying to land an up-to-date Tarkowski.

Mepham’s league numbers for Sunderland (24/25)
Stat (* = per game)	Mepham
Games played	38
Goals scored	1
Assists	0
Touches*	65.7
Accurate passes*	45.2 (87%)
Ball recoveries*	3.6
Clearances*	6.1
Total duels won*	4.9
Stats by Sofascore

His similarities to Tarkowski are even more striking when glancing at the table above, with Mepham both a defensive option that is comfortable with the ball at his feet and joining in with attacks, but also a figure who will valiantly throw himself into duels for the cause, like the ex-Burnley captain.

Black Cats skipper Dan Neil would even herald Mepham as “outstanding” for his brave efforts during Sunderland’s promotion story, with Parker hopeful he could make a similarly quick impact at the heart of the Clarets’ defence if signed.

Burnley won’t want to just roll back the years in winning themselves a gritty defender like Tarkowski, however.

Even more so, the Lancashire underdogs will pray they can become a Premier League regular again, with Mepham joining potentially strengthening their chances of immediately staving off the drop.

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By
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Jun 8, 2025