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Turning their attention towards the summer transfer window, Newcastle United have reportedly joined the race to sign a 15-goal striker who’s already had the seal of approval from Alan Shearer.

Newcastle join £63m striker race

For the first time in two transfer windows, the Magpies could be ready to splash the cash this summer. Fresh from their Carabao Cup final victory over Liverpool to end 70 years of hurt, the rumours have come thick and fast over just who Eddie Howe could welcome with open arms this summer.

Names such as Senne Lammens and Dean Huijsen have been just two names among those rumours, with the latter particularly attracting attention from across both Europe and the Premier League.

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That attention should come as no surprise too. The Bournemouth defender has enjoyed a fantastic first season in the Premier League and has a release clause worth just £50m waiting to be triggered this summer. Whether Newcastle can jump ahead of the likes of Real Madrid in pursuit of his signature remains to be seen, however.

Meanwhile, Huijsen’s not the only target with a release clause that the Magpies could trigger when the summer arrives. According to TeamTalk, Newcastle have now joined the race to sign Matheus Cunha, who will be allowed to leave Wolverhampton Wanderers for a hefty £63m in the coming months.

The Brazilian has dragged Wolves to safety at times this season and opted to stay put during the January transfer window in an attempt to finish the job. Given that the Midlands club now sit as many as eight points clear of the dropzone, it’s fair to say it is all but job well done for Cunha and his teammates.

Now, the forward’s attention could turn back towards a summer exit, which may yet end with a trip to St James’ Park.

"Magnificent" Cunha has been more clinical than Isak

Those in Tyneside are, of course, well aware of what a top striker can do to a side after watching on as Alexander Isak steals the headlines week in, week out. In just a few months time, however, they could get double the joy if Cunha arrives to form a deadly partnership with the Swede – potentially taking Howe’s side to a new level.

Cunha has already received the ultimate Newcastle seal of approval too, earning the praise of Alan Shearer who told the Rest Is Football podcast: “He was unbelievable again.

“The goal he scored, the one he bent in the top corner was an unbelievable finish. He was superb, Gary O’Neil had to talk about him again after the game, there’s no doubt he’s getting the best out of him. He’s been one of the players of the season up to now, he’s been magnificent as he was again (vs Fulham).”

What’s more, if there were any concerns that the Wolves man wouldn’t be able to match Isak’s standards then the stats should quickly put those to bed, with 15 goals in all competitions this season.

Starts

24

25

Goals

13

19

Expected Goals (goals vs expected)

6.7 (+6.3)

15.6 (+3.4)

Assists

4

5

Overperforming his expected finishing rate in the top flight by over six goals, Cunha has been incredibly clinical and will no doubt find himself at the centre of a transfer saga this summer.

Manchester United are a club that has always had a knack for bringing through and developing young players from their academy to improve their first-team.

Going back to the likes of Ryan Giggs, George Best, David Beckham, and Sir Bobby Charlton, among many others, the Red Devils have a rich history of cultivating world-class talent.

In more recent years, Carrington has birthed careers for Marcus Rashford, currently on loan at Aston Villa, Scott McTominay, at Napoli, Anthony Elanga, at Nottingham Forest, and current first-team stars Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.

Ruben Amorim is currently tasked with bringing through the next class of talent through to the first-team at Old Trafford, and there are plenty of potential future stars for the club coming through.

Manchester United's emerging talents

Senior debuts have been handed to Chido Obi-Martin and Ayden Heaven in recent weeks, both of whom joined the academy side from Arsenal.

Obi-Martin has made three first-team appearances for the Red Devils this year after a return of 12 goals in nine matches for the U18 side, following his exceptional haul of 32 goals in 21 games for the Gunners at U18 level during his time in London.

Heaven, meanwhile, came on for Leny Yoro at half-time against Arsenal on Sunday and impressed in the second half, with three out of five duels won, three clearances, a tackle, and an interception.

In The Pipeline

Another emerging talent who should be unleashed by Amorim in the weeks to come is 21-year-old central midfielder Toby Collyer, who could finally be unearthed as the club’s next version of Michael Carrick.

Why Man Utd must unleash Toby Collyer

Sports analyst and Man United fan Kirsty, on X, compared the Carrington talent to the former Red Devils and England midfielder, as well as comparing him to Darren Fletcher.

Back in January, she posted: “Collyer might just be that Carrick/Fletcher player we’ve been longing for. Nothing flashy, just engine, control, and routine.”

Carrick racked up 464 appearances in all competitions during his time with United as a player, earning a reputation for being a steady performer who could break up play and keep the game ticking over with his qualities in and out of possession.

Collyer has a long, long, way to go before he can be directly compared to the now-Middlesbrough manager, but he has shown a lot of very promising signs.

Appearances (starts)

5 (0)

Pass accuracy

90%

Tackles per game

1.6

Dribbled past per game

0.2x

Ground duel success rate

81%

Aerial duel success rate

50%

As you can see in the table above, the “rapid” academy graduate – as he was described by one United content creator – has yet to start a Premier League match. That said, he has impressed with his cameos off the bench, dominating players in physical battles whilst remaining composed on the ball.

Collyer, who was described as “aggressive” on and off the ball by Bruno Fernandes, has taken his chances when they have come his way off the bench, and now it is time for Amorim to finally unleash him from the start as he could emerge as the club’s next Carrick.

From the 2009/10 campaign onwards, the England international averaged 2.1 tackles per game and a pass completion rate of 87%. The current United youngster is on course for a similar output on and off the ball, despite being yet to start a match, which is a very positive sign.

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1 ByMatt Dawson Mar 10, 2025

The Red Devils can finally find their next tempo-controlling, yet defensively aggressive, star in the middle of the park in Collyer, and it is down to Amorim to hand him the chances to showcase his quality as a starter in the coming weeks and months.

Newcastle United will be offered three players in exchange for Alexander Isak by a huge European club this summer, according to a new transfer claim.

Newcastle sweating over Isak's future

Isak is enjoying a fantastic season for the Magpies, standing out as not only their star but also one of the best players in the Premier League currently, causing defenders nightmares with his pace, finishing and all-round game.

The 25-year-old has scored 19 league goals in 2024/25 to date, with only Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland ahead of him in the charts, which says a huge amount about the sort of company he is now in.

Isak’s blistering form is understandably seeing him being linked with a move away from Newcastle this summer, however, with some huge clubs battling to snap him up. Chelsea and Arsenal have both been mentioned as potential suitors to sign the Sweden international, while Liverpool are also reportedly pushing to sign him in a possible £148m deal.

The Magpies are understandably desperate to keep their most prized asset at St James’ Park for as long as possible, but there will be concern that he could eye a move elsewhere, feeling he could reach another level at an even bigger club.

Newcastle to be offered attacking trio in Isak swap deal

According to RMC Sport [via NUFC Blog], Paris Saint-Germain are ready to offer Marco Asensio, Goncalo Ramos and Randal Kolo Muani to Newcastle this summer, in a swap deal that allows them to sign Isak.

The bottom line is that the Magpies would surely rather retain the services of the Swede than lose him, even if it means three players heading in the opposite direction.

Granted, he hasn’t been without injury problems, so there is a tiny element of sense in cashing in on him, but he needs to be viewed as the fulcrum of Eddie Howe’s attack for the foreseeable future.

Should the worst happen and Isak move to PSG, however, Newcastle would at least be bringing in three top-quality players who have proven themselves at a high level throughout their respective careers, with the Ligue 1 champions currently paying the trio a combined £383,000 per week.

In Ramos, the Magpies could have a particularly exciting option, having been hailed by Ian Wright after a stunning hat-trick for Portugal against Switzerland at the 2022 World Cup:

“It was very impressive, he played very well, scored a hat trick and takes all the headlines and rightly so. He held the ball up brilliantly but the first goal it set the stall for him. ‘He scores a goal that he’s not meant to score (his first goal). He hits it so well, he’s not meant to score that side of the goal but that kind of set them on the road really.”

Meanwhile, Asensio is a three-time Champions League winner from his Real Madrid days, and is currently doing well on loan at Aston Villa, recently scoring a late winner against Chelsea in the Premier League.

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Kolo Muani was famously denied by Emiliano Martinez in the dying seconds of extra-time for France against Argentina in the last World Cup final, and he has five goals in as many Serie A starts on loan at Juventus this season.

Shifting their focus towards the summer transfer window, Manchester United are now reportedly seriously considering a move worth over £66m to sign a midfield reinforcement.

Man Utd transfer news

More than almost anyone in the Premier League, Manchester United desperately need reinforcements. If the remaining months of Erik ten Hag’s reign began to expose the quality of the current side, then Ruben Amorim’s first few months have revealed all.

The former Sporting CP boss has quickly been forced to realise the reality of the situation he has joined, often left to work with square pegs in round holes. His 3-4-2-1 system simply has not worked with the current squad and, in truth, that should have been a given.

Amorim arrived to use a system that was relying on wing-backs in a squad without natural solutions until Patrick Dorgu joined. He also arrived to use a system which does not use wingers in a squad built around Marcus Rashford, Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho. So, even on paper, United’s struggles should have always seemed likely.

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It’s a problem that INEOS must fix when the summer arrives and hand their new manager players who suit his system – perhaps starting with a Premier League midfielder.

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are now seriously considering an €80m (£66.3m) chase to sign Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace. Just back from a hamstring injury, the England international is gradually working his way towards full fitness and his best form, perhaps just in time for the summer transfer window to arrive.

At his best, Wharton helped to transform Oliver Glasner’s side in the second half of last season before seeing injury disrupt his first full campaign at Selhurst Park. Reportedly maintaining his pricey valuation nonetheless, Manchester United will have to raise an impressive sum if they are to sign the midfielder this summer.

"Great" Wharton needs time

Fresh from injury and yet to complete a full season in the Premier League, Wharton should maintain his patience and avoid joining what could quickly turn into a nightmare move at Manchester United.

Several players in the past have instantly regretted completing such moves and given that Palace are currently above the Red Devils in the Premier League, Wharton would need to question whether it’s a risk worth taking this summer.

Praised by Glasner last season, the Austrian told reporters when asked about Wharton: “[As coaching staff] we tell him, or give him, one or two tips and he tries to do it. He has a great quality and he’s fit, which is unusual as he [is] playing almost every single minute of every single game.

“He always shows great performances with his passing, with his solutions and with his hard working in central midfield together with Will Hughes, it’s very important for us. He’s at the beginning of a great career and we will support him as good as possible.”

Another question is whether Manchester United can even afford such a hefty deal. Their financial limitations are no secret and they must sell before they can even think about reaching Wharton’s reported price tag.

Celtic have bolstered their squad with the likes of Benjamin Nygren, Kieran Tierney, and Callum Osmand this summer, but they have yet to add any more players to their midfield ranks.

The Hoops have been linked with an interest in Motherwell central midfielder Lennon Miller, but they may end up missing out on a move for the Scotland international.

Como, who just signed Nicolas Kuhn from Celtic, Ipswich Town, and Southampton are all reportedly keen on the Scottish star, and Celtic were not mentioned in that latest report.

Miller produced two goals and eight assists in 32 matches in the Scottish Premiership last season, which is why he is an attractive target for clubs, but the Hoops are now eyeing up a star who is even better than the teenage gem.

Celtic circling around deal for Serie B star

Whilst a move for the Motherwell talent may not be looking likely, given that they were not mentioned in the latest batch of clubs interested in him, Celtic could still find a new midfield star.

Transfer Focus

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According to The Boot Room, the Premiership champions are one of the sides ‘circling’ around a potential deal to sign Salvatore Esposito from Serie B team Spezia this summer.

The report claims that the Hoops have been keeping tabs on the Italy international and are now one of a clutch of clubs looking to snap him up ahead of next season.

It states that the likes of Sunderland, Rangers, Everton, and Fulham are also showing an interest in the £9m-rated star, who may be allowed to leave on loan with an option to make it permanent next summer.

Why Celtic should sign Salvatore Esposito

Brendan Rodgers should work hard to win the race for the Italian star’s signature this summer because he would be an even better signing for the club than Miller for next season.

Both players are central midfielders who can combine impressive contributions at the top end of the pitch with steely defensive work in the middle of the park, which makes them both valuable players to have in a squad.

However, their respective performances in the 2024/25 season suggest that it would be Esposito who would have a bigger impact on the pitch for the Hoops next term.

The Spezia maestro, who was described as a “tenacious” tackler by talent scout Jacek Kulig, was sensational in the Serie B last season with his ability to win duels and tackles, as well as score and create goals.

Appearances

34

32

Goals

7

2

Big chances created

18

12

Assists

9

8

Tackles per game

1.8

1.8

Duels won per game

7.3

5.7

Ground duel success rate

67%

58%

As you can see in the table above, Esposito scored five more goals and created six more chances, despite only playing two more games, in the league, which suggests that he would provide Celtic with a greater threat at the top end of the pitch.

His defensive numbers, in terms of duels won, tackles won, and his success rate in duels, also suggest that the Spezia midfielder would provide more protection in front of the back four than Miller would.

These statistics suggest that Esposito would be even better for Celtic than Miller would be next season, due to his qualities in and out of possession in the middle of the park, which is why he would be an even better signing for the club.

At the age of 24, he may not be a teenager like the Motherwell gem, but the Italian star is still young and has plenty of time left for him to develop and grow with Rodgers at Parkhead.

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It is now down to the club to strike a deal with Spezia to bring the Italy international to Glasgow, so that the club can move on from any interest they may still have in Miller.

Some of Arsenal’s business in the transfer market has been questioned over the last couple of days, especially considering the big money spent by some of their rivals.

Christian Norgaard and Noni Madueke are the latest names in the mix, with the Dane already moving to the Emirates whilst the latter appears to be moving closer to a switch across the capital.

The Gunners agreed a £52m deal with Chelsea for the Englishman’s signature, in a move which is expected to see the 23-year-old be a backup to Bukayo Saka.

Such dealings are expected to just be squad additions, with various other key areas of Mikel Arteta’s side in desperate need of investment over the coming weeks.

Various targets have been on their radar in recent times, but it appears as though they could be edging closer to landing a star who could make the difference in their Premier League title charge.

The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for new additions this summer

The attacking third has been the area of most attention this window, with Eberechi Eze one player who could still move to the club given his £68m release clause.

Real Madrid star Rodrygo remains a key option, with the Brazilian expected to be allowed to depart the LaLiga outfit this window, which could aid the Gunners’ quest for his signature.

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However, work has been done for additions elsewhere, with Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres now at long last set to become an Arsenal player.

The news was reported by a number of sources on Sunday evening, firstly by The Athletic’s David Ornstein who revealed that an agreement in principle has been reached for the Swede to move from the Portuguese side to the Emirates Stadium.

It’s revealed that a deal worth €63.5m guaranteed + €10m in add-ons has now been agreed.

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has shared that a “very good phone call with Mikel Arteta” has left the deal “on the verge” of being completed, with Gunners insider Hand of Arsenal revealing that a medical has now been planned.

Why Arsenal’s latest target could be Arteta’s answer to Salah

Mohamed Salah is a player who has caused countless problems to numerous backlines within the Premier League, with every side wishing they had a talent of his quality.

The Egyptian has registered 186 goals in England’s top-flight, with his tally of 29 in his 38 outings last campaign firing Arne Slot’s outfit to the title and losing just four matches.

He’s scored 11 times in his 18 outings against the Gunners, including the equaliser in the 2-2 draw between the sides in North London back in October last year.

His two-year contract extension will see him continue to offer a constant threat to Arteta’s side once again in the near future, but the Gunners could land their answer to the forward this window.

Gyokeres could be just that man, offering the club the clinical and consistent presence in front of goal that they have desperately been lacking over recent seasons.

Their highest league goalscorer last season was Kai Havertz, who only registered nine goals, with no player managing to achieve double figures in England’s top-flight.

The Swede could be about to change that, given his record for Sporting in the 2024/25 campaign, managing to find the net on 54 occasions in his 52 outings across all competitions.

Viktor Gyokeres

Sporting CP

33

39

Kylian Mbappé

Real Madrid

34

31

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

38

29

Robert Lewandowski

Barcelona

34

27

Harry Kane

Bayern Munich

31

26

Victor Osimhen

Galatsaray

30

26

Mateo Retegui

Atalanta

36

25

Gyokeres, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one analyst, has managed to register 2.2 shots on target per 90, getting 52% of his efforts on target – with such a record handing Arteta the quality he craves in front of goal.

Doubts have been raised about his all-round ability, but he’s showcased his all-round ability, creating 2.1 chances per 90, whilst winning 51% of the aerials he’s contested – subsequently offering that focal point the side need this summer.

£70m may appear to be a massive sum of money for an unproven talent, but his goalscoring record in recent seasons is certainly worth taking a risk on, with the positives outweighing the negatives.

If he can move to England and have a similar impact to Salah, he would be a sensational addition and one that could transform the club’s ambitions of ending their title drought.

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Newcastle United have “begun discussions” with a Premier League “leader” over a move to St James’ Park this summer, according to a new transfer report.

Centre-back a priority for Newcastle this summer

The Magpies are eyeing new signings all over the pitch, from James Trafford in goal to Anthony Elanga out wide, but a new centre-back is vital before the new season gets underway.

A freshness is required in that area of the pitch, especially with the likes of Fabian Schar and Dan Burn not getting any younger, and Marc Guehi is seemingly a front-runner to come in and bolster the options at Eddie Howe’s disposal. A £70m move to St James’ continues to be mooted.

The England international is far from the only defender being mentioned as an option for Newcastle, though, with Marseille ace Leonardo Balerdi linked with a summer switch to the Magpies.

Similarly, Atalanta central defender Giorgi Scalvini has also been toured as a potential signing for Howe before next season gets underway, and now another name has been thrown into the hat.

Newcastle in talks to sign Premier League "leader"

According to a fresh update from RMC Sport [via Sport Witness], Newcastle are among the clubs to have “begun discussions” with Axel Disasi over a summer move to the club.

The Magpies’ interest is described as being “particularly” strong, with the Chelsea defender valued at around £25.8m by his current club.

Disasi is another good option for Newcastle this summer, even though the jury may be out on him slightly more than someone like Guehi.

The Frenchman was deemed surplus to requirements by Chelsea last season, hence him being loaned out to Aston Villa midway through the campaign, but he is a player with plenty to admire in his game.

Appearances

7

Starts

5

Minutes played

488

Clearances per game

2.6

Aerial duel wins per game

1.1

Tackles per game

1.1

Pass completion rate

89.1%

Goals

0

The 27-year-old Disasi has won five caps for France, which is no mean feat, considering some of the elite centre-backs representing Les Bleus currently, including William Saliba, Ibrahima Konate and Dayot Upamecano. Meanwhile, journalist Nizaar Kinsella has hailed him as a “leader”, while Jamie Carragher lauded one performance from him last year.

Now back at Chelsea, it seems unlikely that he has a future there, with the above report stating that he has an “exit ticket” out of Stamford Bridge, and he could be a cheaper option than Guehi for Newcastle, albeit also being more of a gamble.

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At 27, he is at a good point in his career to be an instant success, though, so the Magpies signing him would be far from a disaster.

Manchester United’s work within the transfer window has left a lot to be desired over recent years, with huge money spent on players not up to the level of the Premier League.

Former Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag spent upwards of £600m during his time in charge of the club, but his additions clearly haven’t worked given the club’s 15th place league standing last season.

Ruben Amorim has had to work with such signings, only having the January window to make the additions he desires to help transform the current situation at Old Trafford.

He’s already added Matheus Cunha to his ranks, splashing £62.5m on the Brazilian’s signature, but further talents are expected to arrive at the club in the coming weeks.

Numerous areas of the pitch are set to be improved for their quest in the 2025/26 campaign, with multiple names mentioned over transfers to the Theatre of Dreams.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

Striker Viktor Gyokeres has been a player firmly on the club’s radar and understandably so given his stint under Amorim during their time together in Portugal at Sporting CP.

The Swede scored 54 times in his 52 appearances, making him one of the most in-demand players this window, but it appears as though he’s set for a move to join rivals Arsenal.

However, another player has emerged on their radar in recent days, with Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor now a key target, according to GOAL Brazil.

Their report claims that Victor already has an offer on the table from the Red Devils, who are prepared to trigger the 29-year-old’s release clause this summer, which currently stands at just $8m (£5.8m).

It also states that the player himself would be keen on a move to Old Trafford this window, with the hierarchy seeing the shot-stopper as a possible number one ahead of 2025/26.

Why United’s latest target would be a better signing than Gyokeres

Given Gyokeres’ goalscoring record for the Portuguese outfit, there’s no denying that the Swede would be an excellent option in the final third for Amorim’s side.

However, given the £70m price tag that has been mooted, along with his lack of experience in England’s top-flight, it could prove to be a huge risk for the club in 2025/26.

Other current options in the Premier League appear to be available this summer, with work already being done to land the signature of Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins during the off-season.

There’s no denying that a new talisman is needed during this window, but Gyokeres shouldn’t be the one they turn to, allowing another side to take the chance with a move for his services.

The same can’t be said for potential addition Victor, with his buy-out clause potentially being a bargain for the club if they can complete a deal for his signature.

The Brazilian could prove to be a bargain, filling the void that’s been vacated by current number one Andre Onana after he suffered a hamstring injury that could rule him out of the start of the new campaign.

However, even upon the Cameroonian’s return to first-team action, he may struggle to regain his place in the side should Victor make the move to the Theatre of Dreams.

The Botafogo star, who’s been labelled “incredible” by one analyst, massively outperformed Onana last campaign, highlighting the talent he possesses in between the sticks.

He’s conceded fewer goals per 90, whilst claiming more crosses, offering a needed presence and a player who can command his 18-yard box, which could bolster the defensive unit.

Games played

11

34

Clean sheet percentage

55%

26%

Save percentage

81%

68%

Goals conceded

0.6

1.3

Pass accuracy

81%

72%

Crosses claimed

0.8

0.6

Saves made

2.7

2.5

Onana has been prone to mistakes during his time at the club, something which the potential new addition could prevent, as he made more saves during his spell in Serie A last campaign.

Amorim will desperately want a new striker to lead his attacking department into 2025/26, but ultimately it may have to wait given the recent news around the goalkeeping department.

Such an area is arguably one of the most important on the pitch, with the club simply not being able to enter the new season without adequate options at the manager’s disposal – subsequently making Victor a crucial addition during the off-season.

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