أشاد نبيل معلول، المدير الفني السابق لمنتخب تونس، بلاعب النادي الأهلي، بعد تألقه وتقديم أداء أكثر من رائع خلال الفترة الماضية مع الفريق.
ويستعد فريق النادي الأهلي في الوقت الحالي، لمواجهة إنبي، يوم الأحد 14 سبتمبر، في الجولة السادسة من عمر منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.
وقال معلول خلال تصريحات عبر قناة “النهار” لبرنامج “أوضة اللبس”: “محمد علي بن رمضان لاعب الأهلي، يمتلك إمكانيات بدنية وفنية مميزة تجعله من أفضل لاعبي خط الوسط في الدوري المصري هذا الموسم”.
وأضاف: “محمد علي بن رمضان، من نوعية اللاعبين البوكس تو بوكس، يدخل منطقة الجزاء كثيرًا ويصنع ويسجل الأهداف، وأؤكد أنه سيقدم موسمًا استثنائيًا مع الأهلي”.
وعن المقارنة بينه وبين فرجاني ساسي لاعب الزمالك السابق، أوضح مدرب تونس السابق: “لكل لاعب ستايل مختلف، ساسي يمتاز بالربط بين الخطوط وفكر كروي عالي، بينما بن رمضان يضيف قوة هجومية من العمق، وأفضل الاعتماد عليهما معًا في خط الوسط”.
طالع | منتخب المغرب للمحليين يحسم موقفه من ضم لاعب الأهلي في كأس العرب
وفيما يتعلق بتولي نبيل معلول تدريب فريق القادسية الكويتي، أوضح معلول: “انضمام محمود كهربا إلى الفريق الكويتي في بداية الموسم الحالي أمر جيد، هو لاعب لديه قدرات وعندما أن يكون ملتزمًا”.
وتابع: “تفاجأت جدًا بكهربا، فهو أول من يحضر إلى التدريبات وآخر من يغادر، وعندما يكون ملتزمًا يظهر قدرات رائعة”.
وأكمل: “التزام كهربا مؤخرًا يعكس رغبته في استعادة أفضل مستوياته مع القادسية”، مشددًا على أن البيئة المناسبة من الجهاز الفني هي العامل الأهم لإخراج أفضل ما لدى اللاعب.
وأتم معلول في ختام حديثه: “كهربا يعاني من إصابة بالوقت الحالي، ويخوض مرحلة من التأهيل”.
Tottenham Hotspur’s activity in the transfer market over the last few days has been frantic to say the least, with huge moves being made by new boss Thomas Frank.
Mohammed Kudus appears to be the first major signing of the Dane’s tenure in charge, after a £55m deal was agreed between the Lilywhites and West Ham United.
The Ghanaian could prove to be an excellent addition for the club, with the 24-year-old scoring 19 times during his two years with the Hammers after joining from Ajax.
West Ham's Mohammed Kudus
It certainly would be the start of what’s going to be a huge window for the club, especially if they are to rise up the Premier League table throughout 2025/26 after their dismal finish last year.
However, numerous other players still remain on their radar between now and the end of the window, but it remains to be seen how many more deals will be completed.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer
Brentford striker Yoane Wissa has been labelled as a potential option for Spurs this summer, potentially following Frank in moving across the capital to join the Lilywhites.
A £50m price tag has been mooted for the 28-year-old, who registered 19 league goals for the Bees during the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
However, another player in England’s top flight has emerged on their radar, with Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White a key target, according to The Athletic.
They claim that direct talks have been held between the two clubs, with a deal now being given the famous “here we go” by Fabrizio Romano who has suggested that it is a “massive” move for the club.
Whilst no deal has yet been formally completed, journalist Ben Jacobs has stated that the player has “agreed” to the move and will head to north London for around £60m, a bargain for Frank’s side.
The player is set to undergo a medical on Friday, according to Mike McGrath of The Telegraph.
Why Spurs’ £60m target would be a better signing than Kudus & Wissa
Whilst a deal for Kudus is pretty much in the final stages, it’s evident that the board are serious about completing moves for numerous players ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Daniel Levy evidently wants to back Frank in his quest for success, looking to build on the Europa League triumph they achieved at the end of last season.
Kudus and Wissa would add further quality to the frontline without a doubt, with the pair registering a combined total of 24 league goals throughout 2024/25.
Nottingham Forest's MorganGibbs-Whitereacts after the match
However, despite their pending arrivals, a move for Gibbs-White would undoubtedly be a better option, with the England international one of the most sought-after talents in the division after being on Manchester City’s radar earlier this summer.
When comparing his stats to those of the aforementioned duo, he’s massively outperformed the pair in numerous key areas, handing Frank the attacking quality he has craved this window.
How MGW compares to Kudus & Wissa in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Gibbs-White
Kudus
Wissa
Games played
34
32
35
Goals & assists
15
8
23
Progressive passes
5.3
2.7
2.1
Passes into final third
4.2
1.6
1.3
Shot-creating actions
3.7
3.6
2.1
Take-on success
50%
44%
30%
Aerials won
1.3
0.3
0.9
Key passes
1.3
1
0.8
Stats via FBref
Gibbs-White, who’s been labelled “world-class” by journalist Jamie Martin, has registered more progressive passes per 90, along with more key passes completed – having the creativity ability to allow those ahead of him to thrive in front of goals.
He’s also registered more shot-creating actions despite his deep-lying role, whilst completing a higher percentage of his take-ons, subsequently able to create chances for himself or his teammates.
The 25-year-old has further showcased his dominance with his higher figure of aerials won per 90, with his skillset handing Frank a superb all-round option within the final third.
£60m for a player of his talent in today’s market would be an excellent piece of business by the hierarchy, offering the side yet another incredible talent within the final third.
Morgan Gibbs-White for Nottingham Forest.
There’s no denying that Kudus or Wissa would also be impressive signings, but given the stats produced and his current international status, Gibbs-White would blow the pair out of the water, potentially playing a huge role in any future success under Frank.
A better signing than Eze: Spurs set to make bid for "magical" £20m star
Tottenham Hotspur appear to have ended their pursuit of Eberechi Eze with a move for another talented star.
The South Africa captain says she will experiment with her spinners in the powerplay as well as at the death during the series in Chennai
Srinidhi Ramanujam04-Jul-2024
Laura Wolvaardt – “We’ll be looking to play our best side and most likely side to be playing in the World Cup”•BCCI
It has not even been a year since Laura Wolvaardt took over the South Africa captaincy from Sune Luus but it’s been hard for her as a captain. Though her batting has flourished in this period, on paper, South Africa haven’t been able to find much success, especially in T20Is.Coming off two series defeats against Australia and Sri Lanka, Wolvaardt said on the eve of the series opener against India that South Africa will be playing their best XI and “most likely side to be playing in the World Cup” having tinkered with the team in the last few series. The three-match T20I series will also be South Africa’s final assignment before the T20 World Cup in Bangladesh in October.”It’s one of our last dress rehearsals before the big occasion,” Wolvaardt said. “So we’ll be looking to play as strong an 11 as we can and to have plans that are similar, so we can have them to the World Cup whether they be bowling options or batting line-up. And just try and nail down different combinations. We’ve had a few T20 series in the last couple of tours where we’ve sort of tried one or two things and given some youngsters an opportunity. But for this one, we’ll be looking to play our best side and most likely side to be playing in the World Cup.”Related
Chloe Tryon returns to South Africa's T20I squad for series in India
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Kapp joins Melbourne Stars on three-year deal
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With spin-bowling allrounder Chole Tryon also returning to the side from injury, Wolvaardt added that her team is “pretty close” to nailing down the XI that would be featuring in the upcoming World Cup. But she couldn’t confirm if Marizanne Kapp, who played a specialist batter due to minor back injury and workload management in the ODIs and the Test, was fit to bowl in the shortest format.”Obviously, in an ideal world, Marizanne would also be bowling, but other than that we should have everyone on board. I was happy having Chloe back as well. It should be as close, barring any injuries touchwood,” she said.Under Wolvaardt’s captaincy, South Africa had lost nine of their last 15 T20Is since the T20 World Cup final last year. In the multi-format series, they had lost both ODIs 3-0 and the Test by ten wickets. In South Africa’s quest for a maiden win of the series, she called for the team to get extra “10-20 runs” and be a bit more consistent with the ball. India, on the other hand, are coming off a 5-0 series whitewash against Bangladesh, clinched the ODIs 3-0 in Bengaluru and won the one-off Test by ten wickets in Chennai.”It’s just about for the batting unit to find that extra 10 or 20 runs. Throughout that Australia series, we were, sort of pushing 150-160s, but with the game nowadays and coming on a flat wicket, you know teams are scoring 180-200, especially in these conditions. In the WPL, there are also a lot of very high scores. With the ball, it’s about just being a bit more clinical and a bit more consistent. But yeah, the direction of the game is moving, and we need to keep being brave and playing positive cricket.”Wolvaardt’s South Africa lost the one-off Test to India by 10 wickets•BCCI
As a part of the final leg of their preparations for the global event in Bangladesh, South Africa couldn’t have asked for better conditions than Chennai, which has traditionally favoured spin. Wolvaardt conceded that it’s an opportunity for them to try spinners in the first six overs or at the death, something that’s uncommon with their bowling. That apart, only Luus, Kapp and Tryon have played in a T20I in Chennai before, in the 2016 T20 World Cup.”It’s a good time to maybe see if we could perhaps use a bit more spin in the powerplay or at the death,” she said. “Traditionally we use a lot of spin in the middle, but it could be a good time to to experiment with one or two things. India will probably play a lot of a lot of spinners, maybe only one or two pacers, so they’ll probably bowl spin throughout the innings, which is probably something we could try as well. But yeah, it depends on the day and how the conditions unfold and how spin-friendly is out there.”The wicket looks a bit different for the T20s than on the Test. I think the Test we had that red clay, and this one looks a bit white clear and lighter. But having never played a white-ball game here before, we’ll have to see how much it turns. Yeah, a bit of a frustrating hard toil on that first day of the Test. For us, none of our plans were working. But yeah, we’ve had one or two discussions, but T20 cricket is more about sort of trying to keep the very explosive Indian batters more quiet, so it’s more just been talking around their batters and maybe keep them a bit quiet.”
يدرس نادي برشلونة الإسباني قرارًا تجاه لاعبه ماركوس راشفورد، المنضم للفريق من مانشستر يونايتد الإنجليزي.
وانتقل راشفورد من مانشستر يونايتد إلى برشلونة على سبيل الإعارة لمدة موسم واحد، وأعلن النادي الكتالوني عن الصفقة في شهر يوليو الماضي.
وافتتح برشلونة موسمه بفوز على ريال مايوركا بثلاثية نظيفة، ثم تغلب على ليفانتي بثلاثية لهدفين، وتعادل أمام رايو فاليكانو بهدف لمثله في الدوري الإسباني.
وبحسب ما ذكرت صحيفة “ميرور” البريطانية، نقلاً عن “إل ناسيونال” الإسبانية، يدرس برشلونة إعادة راشفورد إلى مانشستر يونايتد بعد بداية صعبة لفترة إعارته.
اقرأ أيضًا | برشلونة يتخذ قرارًا صادمًا بشأن مصير ليفاندوفسكي بعد نهاية عقده
راشفورد شارك في مباريات برشلونة الثلاثة بالدوري الإسباني، ولعب 95 دقيقة، لكن وفقًا لما ورد في التقرير لم يُلبٍ توقعات النادي.
يوضح التقرير أيضًا أن هناك مخاوف بشأن راشفورد في مجلس الإدارة، حيث أن النادي كان يتوقع أداءً أفضل من اللاعب في هذه المرحلة، والمسؤولون وصفوا أداءه بأنه مخيب للآمال.
يفيد التقرير أيضًا أن الرئيس خوان لابورتا والمدير الرياضي ديكو لم يقتنعا أبدًا بضم راشفورد، وكانا يفضلا التعاقد مع نيكو ويليامز أو لويس دياز.
وأتم التقرير موضحًا أنه سيتعين على برشلونة دفع رسوم تبلغ حوالي 4.3 مليون جنيه إسترليني إذا قرر إعادة راشفورد مبكرًا لمانشستر يونايتد.
Tottenham Hotspur’s rooted strategy in signing exciting young talents and developing them into high-class players capable of thriving in the Premier League preceded the glittery early days of Ange Postecoglou’s tenure.
But perhaps the Londoners lacked a bit of experience to help guide them through the stormy spells any season will bring. The lowly top-flight finish ended Postecoglou’s frenzied spell at the helm, a two-year stint that elicited every range of emotion from the Spurs faithful and culminated with triumph in the Europa League, thus restoring Tottenham’s place in the Champions League.
While the Lilywhites have created a foundation with their historic victory over Manchester United, it’s crucial that the secured silverware is used as a springboard for sustained success over the coming years.
In order to do this, Tottenham are going to need to hit the mark with their transfer priorities, piecing a team together that is fit for purpose at the highest level of the Premier League.
Spurs' transfer priorities this summer
Uncertainty continues to reign over Cristian Romero’s future in the English capital. The Argentina centre-back is being chased by Atletico Madrid, who are willing to spend around £60m to bring him over to La Liga.
Frank is desperate to keep hold of his defensive anchor. However, the Danish tactician does seem keen on bolstering his ranks with a slick attacking full-back – the £45m-rated Antonee Robinson is on the radar – and a winger to replace Heung-min Son, should the iconic captain leave.
While he wouldn’t have strictly been a direct replacement, the powers that be down at N17 were desperate to sign Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo as Tottenham’s new goalscoring winger supreme, but he’s rejected advances from all but United and is edging closer to a transfer to Old Trafford.
Midfield is in less need of reinforcements, but the pursuit of Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze denotes an interest in signing a creative midfielder to contest for a starting berth with the likes of James Maddison.
However, with Eze fixed in Arsenal’s sights, Daniel Levy seems to have shifted his attention elsewhere.
Spurs join race for sought-after midfielder
According to Caught Offside, Tottenham have joined the race for SL Benfica midfielder Orkun Kokcu, who is anticipated to be available this summer for the right price.
Orkun Kokcu for Benfica.
Kokcu would fetch a €40m (£34m) fee, having impressed across his two terms with Benfica. Spurs are alongside Manchester United, Tottenham and Inter Milan in their interest; however, the player is thought to favour a move to Premier League champions Liverpool.
The 24-year-old worked under Arne Slot at Feyenoord, but Frank’s new project, offering the promise of Champions League football, could see the Londoners sign an exciting new creative presence.
Why Spurs wants Orkun Kokcu
Kokcu is still young in his professional career, but he has already accomplished so much. Joining Benfica from Feyenoord for around €30m (£25m) in June 2023, he’s chalked up 19 goals and 22 assists over 98 appearances in all competitions.
Once heralded as “one of the best midfielders in the country” by football legend Jaap Stam, while plying his trade in Holland, Kokcu opted against taking a move to one of Europe’s elite and instead focused on fostering his talents with Benfica, now more complete for it.
And given that he’s been praised as a “leader” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, this rising star might turn out to be the galvanising midfield force to spearhead the Frank era.
Who knows, maybe he’ll even come to be an upgrade on Maddison.
League Stats 24/25 – Orkun Kokcu vs James Maddison
Stats (* per game)
Kokcu
Maddison
Matches (starts)
33 (30)
31 (21)
Goals
7
9
Assists
7
7
Shots (on target)*
1.9 (0.7)
1.3 (0.5)
Big chances missed
2
5
Pass completion
86%
87%
Big chances created
12
6
Key passes*
2.3
1.3
Dribbles*
0.3
1.1
Ball recoveries*
5.6
2.5
Tackles + interceptions*
1.6
1.4
Duels won*
3.0 (47%)
4.3 (53%)
Data via Sofascore
As you can see, Kokcu is more than capable of matching Maddison’s immense creative qualities – an aptitude which has indeed seen the England international hailed as a “magician” by the likes of statistician Statman Dave in the past.
Moreover, the 28-year-old playmaker’s two terms with Tottenham have been frustratingly defined by regular injury setbacks. Given that Kokcu is four years his junior, there’s plenty of scope for growth with Frank might want to take advantage of.
While Spurs’ man is somewhat more combative than Kokcu, the Turkey talent is even more creative and clinical besides. Indeed, having missed just two big chances in the Primeira Liga last season, scoring seven goals, he’s got the goalscoring edge that could be channelled in a similar fashion as his counterpart here.
And the proof is in the pudding, for Kokcu, indeed, has demonstrated his ability to stand out against high-level Premier League opposition.
While Maddison is an incredible, dynamic midfielder, he’s got his flaws, and in Kokcu, Tottenham could get their hands on a pass master with the ever-widening scope that is required for success at the highest level.
After all, he managed to throw down with the heavy hitters in last season’s Champions League, finishing the campaign ranked among the top 15% of midfielders for goals scored and shot-creating actions, the top 19% for progressive passes and the top 13% for completed through balls per 90, as per FBref.
Tottenham might not be able to sign one of their top targets in Eze, but by moving for Kokcu, Frank could get his hands on an astute signing who has so much room for growth – potentially even turning out better, more consistent, than Maddison.
Dele 2.0: Spurs open talks to re-sign the Championship's "best full-back"
Tottenham are looking to make some shrewd signings ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta personally wants the Gunners to seal a statement signing before summer deadline day on September 1, and they’ve been alerted to the marquee costs of a potential deal.
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It is absolutely imperative that the new sporting director, Andrea Berta, starts making progress soon when it comes to the club’s key forward targets, and in an ideal world, Arteta would be able to work with them for pre-season.
Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)
Money on new signings
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
According to some reports, Arteta personally wants Arsenal to bring in their desired new striker in time for their tour of Asia late next month, with the Spaniard seemingly keen to assess his squad in detail ahead of another Premier League title race.
Alongside their chase for a new number nine, links are also seriously re-emerging in regard to a potential swoop for Real Madrid star Rodrygo.
Arsenal held some talks over signing the Brazil international last month, and between “all parties”, meaning both club officials and the player’s representatives were involved in discussions over a switch to the Premier League.
Rodrygo has bagged 14 goals and 11 assists throughout 2024/2025, including their Club World Cup campaign, and teammate Jude Bellingham is convinced that the 24-year-old is Real’s most underrated player.
“Rodrygo, so underrated,” Bellingham said to CBS Sports.
“For me he’s probably the most talented and most gifted player in the squad. The things he can do with the football — we’ll be messing around and he’ll flick the ball up somehow, and you’re like, ‘How do you do that?’. I’m trying to do it, twisting up my ankles and everything like that. He’s a pleasure to play with.”
Mikel Arteta personally wants Arsenal to sign Rodrygo
According to CaughtOffside and journalist Mark Brus, though, Los Blancos ideally want around £94 million for their top talent – even if there is a theory behind-the-scenes that they could accept closer to £72 million.
This, combined with Rodrygo’s £205,000-per-week wages, would surely make him one of the most expensive signings of the summer in terms of overall cost – but it is an option now under serious consideration by Arsenal due to Nico Williams’ pending switch to Barcelona.
Arteta personally wants Arsenal to strike a deal for Rodrygo over the coming months, and he is believed to be a big fan of the South American who Xabi Alonso would ideally like to keep at the Bernabeu.
Man United and Chelsea are named as other suitors for the ex-Santos star, so this could potentially drive the price up even more.
Sunderland are on the hunt for Premier League-level reinforcements and have entered the race for a prolific striker from one of Europe’s top five leagues, according to a report.
Sunderland set out stall to consolidate in the Premier League
Beating the drop will be the immediate priority for Regis Le Bris on Wearside, who will have to plan for life without duo Tommy Watson and Jobe Bellingham following their moves to Brighton & Hove Albion and Borussia Dortmund, respectively.
Despite receiving criticism, Kristjaan Speakman has explained that playoff final hero Watson’s departure being public was to promote transparency with supporters following the club’s decision to speak openly about his move to the South Coast.
Why is this relevant? Well, it could be a sign of things to come moving forward, which will hopefully lead to news surrounding incomings sooner rather than later.
Sunderland now want "exceptional" £37k-p/w star who could cost £30 million
The Black Cats are probing on the market.
BySean Markus Clifford Jun 13, 2025
Ishe Samuels-Smith is said to be on the Black Cats’ radar following his rise to prominence in Chelsea’s youth ranks. Meanwhile, Wolverhampton Wanderers star Tommy Doyle could also pitch up in the North East, circumstances permitting.
Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga has a £1.2 million release clause Sunderland are keen to take up. Nevertheless, recent reports suggest Le Bris may be looking to add to his pool of offensive options rather than prioritising a move for a defender.
Sunderland eyeing move for Sassuolo star Armand Lauriente
According to AS Roma Live, Sunderland are in the race to sign Sassuolo striker Armand Lauriente, and it would cost around £17 million to bring the 26-year-old to Tyneside.
Roma, Bologna, Fiorentina and Marseille are also interested in the former France Under-21 international, who will find himself playing Serie A football once again next season after his side claimed the Serie B title.
Armand Lauriente in 2024/25 – Serie B (Fotmob)
Shots
81
Shots on target
43
Successful dribbles
31
Chances created
37
Touches in opposition box
152
Labelled “amazing” by Jacek Kulig, Lauriente registered 19 goals and six assists in 34 appearances across all competitions and is now regarded as a hot property across Europe.
Intriguingly, the versatile forward has previously worked with Le Bris at Lorient, which may explain why the Black Cats have come to the table despite stiff competition from elsewhere.
The Premier League is the toughest in the world to crack, especially as a newly-promoted side, so it is interesting to see Sunderland set the bar high in their search for attacking potency.
Now, it remains to be seen whether they can tempt Lauriente with the prospect of starring for a returning force in the top-flight.
Manchester United have now held talks with the agent of a “sensational” player, who is among the main contenders for the Ballon d’Or, according to a report.
Man Utd's pulling power called into question
The Europa League loss against Tottenham Hotspur means, of course, that Champions League football has once again eluded Man United, and Roy Keane has suggested his former club no longer have the pulling power to attract top players.
However, Old Trafford clearly remains an attractive destination, even though European football will not be on offer next season, with it recently being revealed that Bryan Mbeumo would still prefer to join United ahead of Tottenham Hotspur.
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There have also been suggestions that Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres remains interested in a move, despite the highly sought-after striker attracting the attention of some other top clubs, suggesting the Red Devils clearly still have pulling power.
As such, Man United have now stepped up their pursuit of the highly-regarded Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, making contact with his agent, Enzo Raiola, in order to discuss a potential summer move.
Donnarumma’s PSG contract is set to expire next June, meaning he could be on the move this summer, despite expressing a willingness to remain at the French club, saying: “My priority is to stay at PSG. I don’t think there will be problems in the negotiations.”
Ruben Amorim is keen to bring in an upgrade on Andre Onana, but it could be difficult to tempt the goalkeeper into a move, considering his desire to remain in Paris, and Champions League finalists Inter Milan could provide competition for his signature.
"Sensational" Donnarumma emerges as Ballon d'Or contender
With just one year left on his deal, the Italian could be available for just £34m this summer, which could be a bargain fee for a player vying to win the Ballon d’Or, currently ranked fourth in the 2025 Power Rankings.
In recent times, a player from the Champions League winners has often scooped up the prestigious award, and the 26-year-old kept a clean sheet in PSG’s 5-0 demolition of Inter in the final, although Desire Doue was arguably the star of the show.
Not only did the PSG shot-stopper impress in Munich, but he also caught the eye of Joe Prince-Wright in the semi-final against Arsenal, with the reporter suggesting the Italy international was one of the main reasons his side progressed past the Gunners.
Evidently, Donnarumma could be a fantastic signing for Man United, but it seems unlikely that he would be willing to leave the European champions to move to Old Trafford.
Leeds United have now opened talks with the entourage of an “incredible” player with 10 England caps to his name, according to a report.
Leeds looking to avoid drop by building experienced squad
Upon their return to the Premier League, Leeds’ main aim next season will be to avoid an instant return to the Championship, and it looks as though Daniel Farke is planning to avoid the drop by building a squad with a wealth of top-flight experience.
Indeed, the Whites have been linked with players in a range of different positions, many of whom have proven themselves over a number of years in the Premier League.
Target
Current club
Position
PL appearances
Yves Bissouma
Tottenham Hotspur
CM
191
Aaron Cresswell
West Ham United
LB
312
Jamie Vardy
Leicester City
ST
342
Callum Wilson
Newcastle United
ST
239
Aaron Ramsdale
Southampton
GK
183
The interest in Ramsdale comes about amid doubts over Illan Meslier, who was dropped for Karl Darlow during the promotion run-in, but the Southampton shot-stopper, who is available for £25m following the Saints’ relegation, is not the only English goalkeeper on the shortlist.
According to a report from Leeds United News, Leeds have now approached the entourage of Newcastle United’s Nick Pope, who has emerged as a top target for Farke now that Caoimhin Kelleher has decided to make the move to Brentford.
Transfer expert Graeme Bailey also dropped a further update on Pope’s St. James’ Park future, saying: “Pope, he’s on a very good contract there and age is not on his side. It depends where Leeds want to go with it as well.
“Do they go experience or young? I think they are assessing all options. He’s a very solid option.
“Clearly he’s going to be on the radar, but I don’t think they have 100% decided which way they’re going to go just yet.”
"Incredible" Pope could be exactly what Leeds need
Meslier simply cannot be trusted, with the 25-year-old costing Farke’s side 10 points in the Championship last season, and there is every indication the Newcastle goalkeeper would be a more reliable option between the sticks.
The England international, who has 10 caps to his name, has proven himself in the top flight across spells with Burnley and Newcastle, making a total of 221 Premier League appearances, while also catching the eye in the Champions League.
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Journalist Liam Kennedy was left particularly impressed by the £60k-a-week goalkeeper’s performance in a 0-0 draw against AC Milan in September 2023, claiming the Magpies “wouldn’t have got a point without his incredible performance in goal”.
There is clearly a strategy to bring in proven Premier League players this summer, and Pope certainly ticks that box, while his Champions League and international experience indicates he could be a real upgrade on Meslier, who has been far too error-prone.
Manchester City have opened talks over a deal for an “incredible” defender, who is now high up their list of targets, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Man City set sights on new full-backs
Pep Guardiola’s rebuild got underway during the January transfer window, with Kyle Walker being shipped out on loan to AC Milan to make way for Rico Lewis and Matheus Nunes, while Nico O’Reilly has come into the fold on the opposite side of the defence.
It was an impressive debut campaign on a personal level for O’Reilly, who rotated with Josko Gvardiol at left-back, with the Englishman picking up five goals and two assists in all competitions, and Guardiola has praised Nunes for his defensive performances.
However, there have been suggestions the manager is now looking to upgrade his options at full-back, having identified Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento as a priority target for the summer.
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Livramento is not the only Premier League defender of interest to Man City either, with Romano recently taking to X to reveal they have now opened talks over a deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri.
Ait-Nouri is now believed to be “high” on City’s list of targets at left-back, and having now submitted an enquiry, talks are expected to continue as we approach the summer transfer window.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' RayanAit-Nouriin action
There may be competition for the defender’s signature, however, with Liverpool also being named as potential suitors earlier this month, at which point it was revealed that Wolves could look to hold out for a fee of £51m.
"Incredible" Ait Nouri impressing at Wolves
The Algerian was one of Wolves’ most consistent performers in the Premier League throughout the 2024-25 campaign, averaging a 6.95 WhoScored match rating, the second-highest in the squad, proving himself to be both solid defensively and a threat going forward.
Indeed, the 23-year-old is impressive at both ends of the pitch, as showcased by the fact he has regularly chipped in with goals over the past year, while also ranking highly for tackles per 90, when compared to other full-backs.
Statistic
Average per 90
Non-penalty goals
0.12 (88th percentile)
Assists
0.20 (84th percentile)
Successful take-ons
1.82 (97th percentile)
Tackles
2.58 (82nd percentile)
As such, the France-born defender is able to play in a number of different positions, according to former manager Gary O’Neil, who said: “I’m enjoying working with Rayan, I think he’s an incredible talent, a great guy and he brings a real enthusiasm and life to the place. We can use him anywhere so, unfortunately, at the moment we have to because we don’t have many others.
“But he is talented enough when we roll him in and play him in midfield a few times and we played him as a right 10 in the second half today.”
Guardiola will no doubt be pleased by O’Reilly’s emergence as a first-team regular, but should the manager decide to sign another left-back, Ait-Nouri has proven he could be a brilliant option.