Rangers chairman Andrew Cavenagh has revealed 49ers Enterprises interviewed two mystery manager candidates to take over at Ibrox.
New Gers head coach Danny Rohl has begun to make additions to his backroom staff, as Sascha Lense has joined the club as first-team performance manager and Matthias Kaltenbach as assistant coach.
Lense most recently worked alongside Rohl at Sheffield Wednesday and was previously part of Ralf Rangnick’s backroom team at Manchester United. Kaltenbach came through the coaching ranks at Hoffenheim, where he had a six-year spell as assistant coach, working alongside current Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann. He joined Ajax’s first-team set-up in 2022 as assistant coach to Alfred Schreuder.
The duo joined first-team training on Wednesday morning ahead of the trip to Norway for the Europa League game against Brann on Thursday night. Rohl, who was appointed as Russell Martin’s successor on Monday, is expected to bring in another coach with Rangers connections.
As many know, things could have been so different had the Gers completed their moves for Steven Gerrard or Kevin Muscat, but it appears there were also two further options in the mix who are yet to be named.
Rangers now battling to sign "fantastic" midfield talent in first signing for Rohl
The Gers have set their sights on the German’s first signing…
ByTom Cunningham Oct 21, 2025 Rangers had two mystery candidates alongside Rohl, Gerrard and Muscat
Cavenagh defended several of the 49ers Group’s decisions in a fan meeting on Tuesday, including signings like Youssef Chermiti, but his most interesting comment came in an interview with Sky Sports, where he revealed there were actually five manager targets.
Just who those names were may never see the light of day, but there were suggestions in the media during the international break that talks had been held with Ole Gunnar Solskjær, who is a free agent after a brief spell with Turkish club Besiktas.
Rohl will likely be afforded time to show he was indeed the best of the club’s five candidates, with Cavenagh also suggesting there will be money available to the former Sheffield Wednesday boss in the January transfer window.
Rangers currently sit in sixth place in the Scottish Premiership, 13 points off the summit and eight points behind rivals Celtic.
Pep Guardiola has lashed out at Premier League referees, but claims he will never get them to explain their decisions after being on the receiving end of questionable calls for 10 years. The Manchester City boss was left incensed after Anthony Taylor and his team of officials – including those in the VAR booth – allowed a Tyler Adams goal for Bournemouth to stand during Sunday's clash at the Etihad Stadium.
How USMNT star Adams contributed to Guardiola's anger
City led that contest midway through the first half courtesy of another effort from prolific Norwegian striker Erling Haaland. Parity was restored, however, when USMNT star Adams hit the net. He did so despite the home side being of the opinion that Gianluigi Donnarumma was impeded.
The hosts' Italian goalkeeper argued that his arm had been pulled by David Brooks at a corner, preventing him from getting a fist to the ball. With Donnarumma unable to make proper contact with a delivery flighted into his penalty area, Adams was free to bundle home from five yards out.
City’s protests fell on deaf ears, with Donnarumma being booked for arguing his case. Guardiola was left riled on the touchline, as he turned to supporters and urged them to make more noise and get behind his players. The Catalan coach brought another contentious incident up afterwards, but was quick to explain why he will not be seeking an audience with Taylor and Premier League referee bosses.
AdvertisementGettyGuardiola irked by many decisions since 2016
Guardiola told reporters after being left puzzled by plenty of big decisions across his nine-and-a-half years as Manchester City manager: “I don't call to the officials and the referees, I'm not the manager to do that. I don't do it. Of course they will not call me, but [Brooks went] there and pulled [Donnarumma's arm] down and made it unstable. And after that, I'm sorry to tell you. But I said many times, I know all the referees, I know them one decade perfectly, what is going on in this stadium. I know it.
“I don't call. I don't have time. My schedule is three games, I have games. I don't have time to waste my time talking. I said to [Taylor] after when we see each other, tell me if it's a foul or not because I'm waiting.
“If it's a foul or not, just tell me. Just take a look. It's fine. They're brave here. In the Etihad they are brave, so brave. I'm one decade here and we know each other quite well. I'm so pleased with what we achieved with Man City, despite everything, so it has been so good. So good.”
Guardiola explains why he will not meet with match officials
It is not the first time that Guardiola has taken aim at Premier League officials. Having been at the Etihad Stadium since 2016, he has previously said of trying to steer clear of debates with those that have a difficult job to do: “I go to the game and I never ever know who is the referee. When I see their face, it’s ‘oh, I remember that face’. I never in my life talk about the referees before, during or after – never ever, ever.
“A mistake can be a mistake and we are sad, and when it’s in our favour we are lucky. But I don’t waste my time. I have to economise, I have to choose with my time exactly what I have to do. I don’t spend one second (thinking) about referees, especially when we lose. All I am concerned about is what we have to do to play well. The decisions are the decisions and during the season there are moments that help you, sometimes not.”
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GettyMan City fixtures: Dortmund & Liverpool next on the agenda
Adams’ goal for Bournemouth counted for little in the grand scheme of things as the Cherries ended up leaving the Etihad Stadium empty-handed. Haaland grabbed his second of the game for City in the 33rd minute – taking him to 17 for the season at club level – before Nico O’Reilly wrapped up a 3-1 win on the hour mark.
The Blues will be back in Champions League action on Wednesday when playing host to German giants Borussia Dortmund, before then welcoming Liverpool to Manchester for a crunch clash on November 9 that will take both sides into the next international break.
Visitors made light work of hefty Hampshire target to boost hopes of reaching knock-outs
ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay09-Jul-2025 Lancashire 175 for 2 (Lamb 66*, Jones 42, Smale 42) beat Hampshire 173 for 5 (Kemp 63, Norgrove 54) by eight wicketsEmma Lamb made her highest Women’s Vitality Blast score to fire Lancashire Thunder to a third victory in a row and boost their chances of reaching the knockouts.England international Freya Kemp had whacked 63 and Abi Norgrove celebrated her maiden Hawks fifty as the hosts reached 174 for five, after a rocky start.But Lamb’s exemplary 66 not out, coming in partnerships of 65 with Eve Jones and 92 with Seren Smale, saw Lancashire home by eight wickets.Hawks and Thunder had gone into the match level on 21 points, with the visitors’ four points giving them a strong chance of leap-frogging Bears into third, and qualify for finals day.Thunder had the dream start at Falklands Cricket Club in Newbury.They won the toss and then had the Hawks 11 for three after the first four overs after Ellyse Perry had been unfortunately run out while backing up, Rhianna Southby had looped off her leading edge to mid-off and Georgia Adams pinged to midwicket.But as quickly as they gained advantage, Norgrove and Kemp quickly swung it in the other direction.In the following two overs, Kemp and Norgrove made the most of the fielding restrictions to pummel seven boundaries – which kicked off a flourishing partnership.Despite being just 20, Kemp has been an integral player for Utilita Bowl-based sides for a few years and earned 30 international caps, while England U19 captain Norgrove, 19, has an incredibly high ceiling but has mainly been used as an impact player at the death of innings this season.Both middled the ball and let the scorched Berkshire outfield do the hard work as the scoreboard rolled and rolled, despite Darcy Carter’s miserly four overs for 24.Kemp won the race to the half-century, but Norgrove was quicker – 38 vs 33 balls. The pair’s 116 was the highest fourth wicket stand in the Blast, as both also pinged a six.But they were both dismissed by Alana King, within three balls of each other but Naomi Dattani and Mary Taylor refused to let that stunt the hosts with 42 in the last 27 balls.Like Lancashire, Hampshire took the early impetus – with a Freya Davies maiden – before Lamb and Jones took control of the chase.The experienced openers used the conveyer belt nature of the outfield to whizz to 65 inside seven overs before Jones was caught at cover. 40 of Jones’ 42 had come in fours.Seren Smale simply continued where Jones had left off as Thunder bolted towards the winning target.Lamb reached her third fifty of the competition in 30 balls and even though Smale was caught and bowled for 42, Ailsa Lister joined in to win with six balls to spare.
The series, that also featured Netherlands, finished with a three-way tie (on the points table) but Scotland finished at the top on virtue of the best net run-rate
ESPNcricinfo staff20-Jun-2025A partnership of exactly 100 between opener George Munsey and No. 3 Brandon McMullen set the base for Scotland’s comfortable win against Nepal in the tri-nation series, and it was rounded off by a collective bowling performance.Scotland’s 34-run win brought the curtain down on a series that also featured Netherlands, with all three teams ending on two wins from four. Scotland, however, topped the table on superior net run-rate. Nepal finished second.Munsey, whose highest score in the series had been 30, started aggressively and dominated a 34-run opening stand with Mark Watt. Watt was bowled by Rupesh Singh for 9 in the fourth over but Munsey and McMullen then added 100 in 9.2 overs for the second wicket, hitting nine fours and seven sixes between them. The stand ensured Scotland were going at more than ten runs per over.But then came a stutter. Munsey fell for a 39-ball 78 in the 13th over to Kushal Bhurtel, and three balls later, Sandeep Lamichhane bowled McMullen for 42. Finlay McCreath and captain Richie Berrington fell cheaply in the next two overs, too, and Nepal seemed to be clawing back. Michael Leask (26*) and Matthew Cross (17*), however, combined to take 35 off the final three overs to lift Scotland to 193 for 5.Nepal’s reply faltered early, losing four wickets in 5.1 overs. Bhurtel fell to McMullen in the first over, Bhim Sharki and Aarif Sheikh were removed by Safyaan Sharif (2 for 7), and Aasif Sheikh was run out. Dipendra Singh Airee, who became Nepal’s most-capped T20I player on the day, resisted with 34 from No. 6, but struggled with only one four and one six in his 33-ball stay.Airee fell in the 16th over with the asking rate climbing, bowled by legspinner Chris Greaves (3 for 27), who went on to also dismiss Lamichhane for a duck and Rijan Dhakal for 5. Rupesh struck an enterprising 22-ball 43 from No. 8, but ran out of partners. No. 11 Lalit Rajbanshi was run out in the 19th over to end the innings.
With Mohamed Salah on course to leave the club in 2027, Liverpool are reportedly preparing a big-money offer to sign an impressive winger who’s an even better dribbler than Lamine Yamal.
Players who could replace Salah at Liverpool
Replacing Salah is an impossible task at Anfield, but Liverpool will have no choice but to get as close as they can to doing exactly that when 2027 arrives and the Egyptian’s contract comes to an end.
He will go down as one of their greatest players of all time, sitting alongside Sir Kenny Dalglish, alongside Steven Gerrard and others. That’s the level that the Reds will have to replace.
Appearances
411
Goals
248
Assists
116
Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes are always up for a transfer challenge, however, and have already reportedly set their sights on Michael Olise to replace one of the best Premier League wingers of all time.
The Bayern Munich star wouldn’t be a bad option in the slightest. He has reached a new level on the big stage and could be destined to return to English football with a bang.
Although a different type of player to goalscorer Salah, Liverpool could look towards a creative type rather than a player of the Egyptian’s ilk now that they’ve got an out-and-out No.9 in Alexander Isak.
Rather than replacing Salah’s goals with one player, it seems as though those at Anfield have commenced their plan to duplicate their star man in the aggregate.
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He’d be an excellent addition.
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That means that Olise isn’t the only one in Liverpool’s sights. Instead of signing the Frenchman, reports are now suggesting that the Reds are ready to make an offer for an impressive La Liga star.
Liverpool readying Williams offer
According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are now readying a €75m (£65m) offer to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Club. The Spain international has found himself on their radar even after signing a new contract instead of joining Barcelona in the summer.
Whilst that £65m fee may seem like a hefty price, it is still below Williams’ reported €90m (£78m) release clause. If Liverpool are serious about securing his signature, then they may have no choice but to spend big once again rather than eyeing a cut-price deal.
Minutes
291
303
Goals
1
1
Assists
1
3
Take-on success
48.5%
47.7%
Beating defenders at a better rate than Yamal, one of the world’s best wingers, Williams is not someone to be overlooked. Having been praised as “electric” by analyst Ben Mattinson, the 23-year-old is a star in waiting and needs that big move to arrive.
He stayed loyal to Athletic Club in the summer, but Liverpool must test that loyalty when 2026 arrives and Salah enters the final year of his current contract at Anfield.
Brest boss Eric Roy has explained why rivals preferred to face the Paris Saint-Germain of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe rather than Luis Enrique’s class of 2025. The Ligue 1 giants mimicked the ‘Galactico’ recruitment model of Real Madrid at one point, as they assembled a squad of superstars, but are now considered to be more of a complete unit.
Superstar strike force broken up at PSG
Transfer records were smashed in the summer of 2017 when Brazilian icon Neymar made his way to Parc des Princes for €222 million (£194m/$258m). He was joined in the French capital by World Cup-winning France international Mbappe. Four years later, having been unable to agree a contract extension at Barcelona, Messi made his way to Paris.
Domestic dominance was enjoyed while fielding the most fearsome of attacking units, but Champions League glory remained elusive. Messi and Neymar departed in 2023, with the former heading to MLS with Inter Miami and the latter offloaded to the Saudi Pro League. Mbappe left as a free agent in 2024 when linking up with La Liga giants Real Madrid.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWhy PSG are better without Messi, Neymar & Mbappe
Within 12 months of that exciting trio being completely broken up, as PSG entered a bold new era, they captured their first Champions League crown. Luis Enrique is credited with making the Parisian outfit a side that no longer relies on individuals – although Ousmane Dembele has gone on to become a Ballon d’Or winner.
Roy admits that PSG are now almost impossible to face, telling reporters on the back of Brest’s 3-0 defeat to the Ligue 1 leaders: “I can assure you it’s much harder to face PSG than to go to the dentist. And it hurts a lot more. Because when I see my players chasing the ball, I’m running with them, suffering with them.
“Three or four years ago, when we played against PSG, I used to tell my players: There are great individual talents, we’ll need to be careful, but at any moment, we can compete. Today, while preparing, I kept asking myself for a long time: ‘What can I possibly say to make them believe we can compete?'”
PSG embrace 'stronger together' mentality
PSG have been quick to talk up their “stronger together” mentality since bidding farewell to all-time greats – including their record goalscorer. Club chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi said in the summer of 2024, before a historic run towards European glory began: “This is a new era for us; we are very grateful to Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe for everything they have given to the club. With all due respect to them and for what they have done for the club, I wish them the best in their new challenges; but as a club, the star is the collective. PSG is focusing on the collective, on having a great team with a great coach, which we have.”
Famous PSG supporter Nicolas Sarkozy echoed those sentiments early on in the 2024-25 campaign, with it clear that Luis Enrique’s side were capable of doing something special after shifting focus away from the trio of global superstars that once lead their line.
The former French president said: “The era of PSG with stars was undoubtedly necessary to create an international brand image. And I won't forget the joy of having seen Ibrahimovic, Neymar, Messi, Beckham, Mbappe play… It was exceptional. It was probably time to remind people that team play takes precedence over the quality of a player. That's the exact philosophy of the current coach.”
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Getty Images SportPSG looking to defend Ligue 1 & Champions League crowns
Luis Enrique won three major trophies with PSG last season, including their first Champions League crown. They suffered defeat to Chelsea in the Club World Cup final, missing out on more major silverware there, but are expected to be competitive on multiple fronts again this term.
Messi, Neymar and Mbappe are still going strong elsewhere, with it possible that Argentine and Brazilian icons will soon be reunited in MLS – with Neymar seeing a move to Inter Miami speculated on as he approaches the end of his contract back at boyhood club Santos.
Manchester United fell to a 1-0 defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, in what was their 18th defeat in what has been a Premier League season to forget.
Marc Cucurella’s second-half header from Reece James’ cross was enough to secure all three points for the hosts, subsequently bolstering their Champions League ambitions.
Harry Maguire thought he had put Ruben Amorim’s men ahead early on, but his fine finish was ruled out after being adjudged to have been in a slight offside position.
The defeat isn’t the end of the world for the Red Devils, with full focus on next week’s Europa League final, coming through the meeting with no new injury concerns.
However, the manager will likely be disappointed by the performances of multiple first-team starters in West London, putting their starting roles at risk for the European final.
Man Utd’s poor performers against Chelsea
Defender Luke Shaw has been injured for the majority of the campaign, but boss Amorim handed him a start from the off, looking to stake his claim for a place in his plans next season.
However, the 29-year-old struggled to make a positive impact at the Bridge, failing to win a single tackle, whilst losing possession four times – ultimately looking like a shadow of his former self.
He wasn’t alone in failing to impress, with striker Rasmus Hojlund once again unable to deliver the goods in attacking areas, registering a measly tally of just 26 touches during his 90-minute display.
He also lost possession a staggering 13 times, losing every ground duel he entered and failed to register an effort on goal – with Amorim desperately needing to offload the Danish international this summer.
The pair ultimately weren’t at a level good enough to hand the manager a reason to start the Europa League final, with another player needing to be dropped for the crunch clash with Tottenham Hotspur.
5/10 Man United dud must be axed for Europa League final
The Europa League final hands United a chance to end what has been a dismal campaign on a high, securing another trophy and a place in the Champions League for 2025/26.
Manchester United manager RubenAmorimbefore the match
Amorim will have the opportunity to land his first title after his appointment at Old Trafford back in November, potentially being a key step in his tenure at the club.
However, if they are to win such a meeting against fellow Premier League opposition, they will need to be at the top of their game – something which they haven’t been for many months.
The manager will likely have numerous selection headaches ahead of the meeting in Bilbao, but Noussair Mazraoui should be one player who’s not included in the starting eleven after his display against Chelsea.
The Moroccan international operated in a right-wing-back role against Maresca’s men and struggled to have the desired impact at both ends of the pitch. While he’s often demonstrated he’s one of Erik ten Hag’s best signings this term, notably ranking second in the club’s Player of the Season rankings, his form has fallen off, perhaps due to fatigue.
He featured for the entirety of the contest on Friday, only completing 77% of the passes he attempted, whilst being unable to complete any dribbles and unable to aid players in the final third.
However, out of possession, he was just as poor, often being unable to prevent winger Noni Madueke from gliding past him into attacking areas.
Minutes played
90
Touches
68
Passes completed
33/43 (77%)
Dribbles completed
0
Aerial duels won
2/4 (50%)
Possession lost
13x
Crosses completed
0
Mazraoui only made one block, and won just 50% of the aerial duels he entered, struggling to match the high standards he set for himself in the early stages of the season.
As a result of his showing, the full-back was handed a measly 5/10 match rating by GOAL journalist Richard Martin – highlighting his lack of impact during the defeat.
It’s evident that he’s not the player to operate at wing-back, undoubtedly being more comfortable in a centre-back role, with the manager needing to drop him for the final next week.
Such a showing will hand the manager a decision to make in wide areas, but unfortunately for the former Bayern Munich ace, it was an evening to forget and one that could put his place in the side at risk.
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Manchester United could be about to land a star who could nail down one key position in Ruben Amorim’s squad.
Liverpool opened their eyes to a new way of life last summer, with Arne Slot replacing Jurgen Klopp in the hot seat, tasked with driving a new era toward titles.
Well, he’s proven himself the perfect pick – and then some. Slot’s dominance in the Premier League this term has been as such that Liverpool have been sighted across Easterly holiday destinations this week, partying ahead of Sunday’s fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion at the AMEX.
It’s been almost three weeks since Virgil van Dijk led the celebrations following the 5-1 thrashing of Tottenham Hotspur, almost three weeks since Liverpool put themselves back on their perch and levelled with Manchester United as England’s most successful top-flight club.
1.
Liverpool
20
2.
Man United
20
3.
Arsenal
13
4.
Man City
10
5.
Everton
9
Now that the top place on the podium has been secured, FSG need to back Slot in the transfer market and strengthen ahead of next year’s title defence. One of the biggest names around is already being lined up.
The latest on Liverpool's pursuit of Florian Wirtz
When David Ornstein speaks on a transfer rumour, it usually means such chatter has a concrete foundation. The Athletic correspondent has confirmed Liverpool have made contact with Florian Wirtz’s representatives as the fight for the in-demand playmaker heats up.
Wirtz is anticipated to leave Bayer Leverkusen this season and reports from Germany have sought to tilt the narrative toward Bayern Munich, and while the nation’s restored champions remain favourites at this stage, it’s thought that negotiations are not so advanced as has hitherto been believed.
Of course, Manchester City also reported have a vested interest and have met with the 22-year-old to discuss a potential summer move. Pep Guardiola needs a successor in the shape of Kevin De Bruyne, and they have the financial means to secure the £126m-rated superstar.
Having plundered 69 goal contributions across the past two campaigns for Die Werkself, Wirtz is clearly of the elite class. However, he’s not the only attacking player Liverpool need to sign. In fact, with Darwin Nunez expected to depart, signing a new centre-forward may be even more important.
Liverpool chasing new forward
According to The Telegraph’s Sam Dean, Liverpool have registered their interest in Brighton forward Joao Pedro, though they face stiff competition from Arsenal and Chelsea.
The Seagulls star has been a prolific success on the south coast over the past two years, signing from Watford in June 2023 for just shy of £30m.
Brighton striker Joao Pedro
Reports from earlier in the season suggested the Reds would need to fork out a record-breaking £100m fee to sign the Brazilian, and it goes without saying that sporting director Richard Hughes will be tasked with whittling that figure down, should interest form something more substantial.
How Pedro would fit in alongside Wirtz
Joao Pedro has scored 18 penalties for Brighton, a considerable chunk of his 30-strike haul across 70 appearances for his blue-and-white outfit.
Still, he’s a talented and dynamic striker with a combative approach which could see him slot right in on Merseyside as Nunez’s successor.
As per FBref, the top 9% for assists and shot-creating actions, the top 8% for passes attempted, the top 6% for progressive passes, the top 4% for progressive carries and the top 10% for successful take-ons per 90.
Sure, he could do more in front of goal, but the 23-year-old has a certain completeness that Slot could make good use of, especially with Wirtz installed into the playmaking spot behind him.
Liverpool are all about data, and they have clearly been coloured impressed by the underlying metrics. Given that journalist Gerard Struber has hailed Wirtz for his “world-class” playmaking skills, it feels like he could be the man to take Joao Pedro to the next level.
Indeed, the German international has created 17 big chances in the Bundesliga this season, starting only 24 matches. He’s also averaged 1.9 key passes, 2.7 dribbles and 5.3 successful duels per fixture, as per Sofascore, underscoring not just creative pedigree but boundless energy and high-level athleticism too.
Could Joao Pedro wish for a better supplier behind him, threading a constant source of support with artful flair and mechanical efficiency?
Brighton & Hove Albion'sJoaoPedroin action with Manchester City's Ruben Dias and Abdukodir Khusanov
The dynamic forward, who plays slightly from the left, arcing right so too maximise his shooting potential, has actually only missed 16 big chances in the Premier League across his two campaigns for Brighton too, as per Sofascore, scoring 19 goals.
This is a curious metric, one which reveals a natural clinical sense, if also a map for improvement in finding golden opportunities to score.
Mind, Slot has already demonstrated his ability to take interesting up-and-coming profiles and shape them into something special. Joao Pedro’s natural-born accuracy differentiates him from Nunez, and with Wirtz there, threading surgical passes from every which way, he has everything he needs to maximise his potential at Anfield, a veritable hothouse for player development.
Liverpool manager ArneSlotcelebrates after winning the Premier League
The South American forward has already been hailed for his “really magical” ability on the ball by Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard, and he now just needs to marry the floating elements of his skill set into a coherent whole. He needs to join Liverpool and hit the top of the ceiling.
Liverpool have put themselves back on the map as one of the continent’s most fearsome outfits, and if FSG can get it right in the market this summer, Slot could create a dynasty to connect up with Klopp’s.
With Wirtz and Joao Pedro in the mix, Slot could surely consolidate his Liverpool side’s position at the top of the table and move for greater riches, an embarrassment of riches, eclipsing Arsenal and Manchester City and all the rest and striking fear into the hearts of the club’s opposition.
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Manchester City’s strong end to the season continues.
On Friday night, the Sky Blues beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 at the Etihad with, who else, Kevin De Bruyne the only scorer.
Having now won four Premier League games on the spin, Pep Guardiola’s team now have second place well within their sights, widely expected to continue their winning streak on Saturday, considering they’ll be facing rock-bottom Southampton.
Despite this recent upturn in form, which includes reaching a third successive FA Cup Final, Guardiola still insists that this season has been a disaster, hence why he’s planning to spend big this summer, so could he go shopping within the league?
Manchester City's midfield target
The Blues are lining up a big-money move this summer with the likes of £100m-rated Morgan Gibbs-White now in their sights and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz also a target.
That said, could it be another Premier League star who Pep and Co turn to?
Transfer Focus
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Indeed, according to a report in Spain, Manchester City ‘have submitted’ an offer of £55m to Tottenham Hotspur for the services of James Maddison, who they claim is viewed as the long-term ‘successor’ to the outgoing De Bruyne.
Maddison would surely add a touch of creativity and vision to Man City’s midfield, something that has been lacking throughout this season.
The 28-year-old England international joined Spurs from Leicester City for a reported fee of £40m two summers ago but, with Tottenham currently down in 16th, no European football next season could force them to sell key assets, unless they’re able to win the Europa League of course.
So, would Maddison be a good signing for Manchester City, and which recent move would this be reminiscent of?
How Maddison compares to Jack Grealish
Of course, the Sky Blues are no strangers to signing high-profile English international attacking midfielders from within the Premier League, breaking the then-British transfer record to secure the services of Jack Grealish for £100m in 2021.
Now coming towards the end of his fourth season at the Etihad, Grealish’s Man City career can be split into two distinct parts, as the table below outlines.
Appearances
39
50
36
31
Minutes
2,730
3,487
2,114
1,520
Goals
6
5
3
3
Assists
4
11
3
5
As the numbers emphasise, during Grealish’s first two seasons in Manchester, he was a regular starter and key contributor, but this has certainly not been the case during this campaign or the last, starting only one Premier League fixture since Christmas.
So, would Maddison be able to replicate the form of great Grealish should he make the move to the Etihad?
Well, let’s compare the duo this season to help answer that question.
Appearances
31
45
Minutes
1,520
2,717
Goals
3
12
Assists
5
11
Goals – xG
+0.1
+4.2
Shots on target %
32.3%
46.6%
Pass completion %
87.7%
81.5%
Attempted take-ons
37
106
Take-on success %
37.8%
41.5%
Big chances created
3
8
Progressive carries
92
62
Progressive passes
71
221
Touches per 90
36
66
As the table highlights, Maddison’s statistics this season are almost universally more impressive than Grealish’s for every metric included.
He’s certainly a more progressive passer, while simply on goals and assists alone, the Spurs star – who is “unbelievable” in the eyes of Sky Sports pundit Darren Ambrose – has a lot more end product.
The one problem could be that Maddison’s season may actually be over.
Ange Postecoglou stated that he is “concerned” his star midfielder could require knee surgery, which would be a major blow because, as Jack Pitt-Brooke of the Athletic argues, he might just be Tottenham’s most-important player, given ‘how good he is at finding those pockets of space’.
Thus, any potential summer sale would be a massive blow for Spurs but, on the flip side, this would be a major coup for Man City.
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Newcastle United are striding ahead in Eddie Howe’s mission to secure Champions League football and may elbow one of their Premier League competitors aside to bring in a talented star once the window opens, per reports.
Newcastle United look to make summer transfer statement
With their pursuit of a top-five finish in the Premier League gathering momentum, there is no surprise that the Magpies have one eye on potential reinforcements ahead of the summer.
Alexander Isak is set to attract much speculation over his future in the North East, leading Newcastle to pursue Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis despite further interest from Chelsea in the Greece international.
Vangelis Pavlidis for Benfica.
Following the theme of prospective striking additions, Moise Kean is another target at St James’ Park after contact was made with Fiorentina regarding whether the Italy international would be within their reach.
Given the former Everton star has a release clause of £45 million, all signs point to an affordable deal should circumstances align. Even if Isak stays, Callum Wilson’s impending departure on a free transfer has made room for another centre-forward to enter the fold.
Eddie Howe is recovering from a recent illness. Nevertheless, his group will be desperate to book a slot in the Champions League to reinforce the 47-year-old’s excellent performance in the dugout this season.
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The former Bournemouth boss has ended their 56-year trophy drought and looks on course to secure another tilt for the Geordies at Europe’s top table, which is bound to attract prospective recruits in the next few months.
Now, news has come to light revealing that Newcastle are in talks to sign a versatile star as they aim to beat one of their Premier League rivals to his signature.
Newcastle open talks to sign Marseille forward Luis Henrique
According to TBR, Newcastle have opened talks to sign Marseille forward Luis Henrique, who is also a target for Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United ahead of the summer window.
The Magpies view the Brazilian as a winger, as opposed to their divisional rivals’ opinion that a deeper role on the right-hand side would suit best. This campaign, he has registered nine goals and eight assists across 31 matches encompassing all competitions.
Luis Henrique’s key statistics in Ligue 1 – 2024/25
Chances created
48
Successful dribbles
45
Shots
27
Shots on target
13
Successful crosses
26
Duels won
67
Dubbed “fantastic” by Roberto De Zerbi, the 23-year-old is also attracting interest from Nottingham Forest, creating a potential battle for his services that could go the distance in months to come.
Capable of featuring on either flank or even as a foil for the central attacker, his versatility would likely appeal to any side set to be involved in European competition.
Depth is the watchword for teams such as Newcastle moving forward to avoid injury concerns. Either way, the onus is now on chiefs behind the scenes to accelerate talks surrounding the potential transfer.