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Manchester City have sent scouts to watch an international midfielder who has been compared to Jude Bellingham, according to a new report.

City's season takes another turn for the worse

Just when it looked like things were getting back on track for Manchester City, their season took another turn for the worse at the weekend as they were beaten 1-0 by Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. Pep Guardiola’s side bossed possession on the day, but couldn’t make their dominance pay, with a goal from winger Callum Hudson-Odoi enough to seal all three points for Forest.

The defeat resulted in City slipping back outside the top four as they were leapfrogged by Chelsea following their win over Leicester City the next day.

In light of the defeat, Guardiola gave a frank assessment of his team’s chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

“We have to win games and if we don’t win enough games in a row to be secure, it will be a battle. We have 10 games left and we have to win a lot of games to qualify. It’s as simple as that,” said the Spanish boss, who guided City to Champions League glory in 2023.

“To find a way, you have to play better. You have to find something. It will not come from the sky. You have to do it. In situations you have to find something,” he added. “The situation is what it is, we have 10 games left starting next Saturday against Brighton, international break after and then we will see what happens.”

City scouting Crystal Palacew star Adam Wharton

Regardless of whether City finish in the top four, Guardiola will no doubt be looking to reinforce his side in the summer after what’s been an incredibly difficult season. According to TBR Football, one player that the Cityzens are keen on is Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, whom they sent scouts to watch in action over the weekend as the Eagles beat Ipswich Town 1-0.

TBR Football report that City making a move for Wharton in the summer cannot be ruled out, with Guardiola understood to be a big admirer of the 21-year-old. Palace, however, are planning to put up a strong fight to keep Wharton, and are even prepared to offer him a substantial new contract to keep him at Selhurst Park.

Adam Wharton Premier League Stats 2024/25

Games

13

Chances Created

19

Interceptions

13

Duels Won

52

Tackles Won

12

Average FotMob Rating

7.01

Stats via FotMob. (Correct as of 10/3/2025)

Wharton only joined Palace in February 2024 from Championship side Blackburn Rovers, but has already made a big impression. Now also being linked with a sensational move to Real Madrid, the midfielder has been likened to Jude Bellingham, who moved from Birmingham City to Borussia Dortmund and then to Madrid in just a few years.

“To be brutally honest, you wouldn’t expect to see that trajectory from Blackburn Rovers to Real Madrid in such a short space of time,” David Prutton told Football League World.

“But the way he moves and gets about the pitch and the understated manner in which he approaches his profession, his ability to handle the pressure – whether it’s England squads or Premier League football – means you have a lot of the make-up that would help him to perform at a top club.

“There’s the template of Jude Bellingham who managed to bounce up into the first-team and then move abroad and seal a huge move to Real Madrid.”

With Morgan Gibbs-White attracting plenty of interest, Nottingham Forest could welcome an impressive replacement, having reportedly joined the race to sign a rising star.

Nottingham Forest join hectic race

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were back to their ruthless best against Ipswich Town, entering the break three goals to the good before adding a fourth to secure a 4-2 victory in the second-half. Gunning towards shock Champions League qualification, the awoken Midlands giants now sit as many as six points clear of fifth-place Manchester City.

By securing their place among Europe’s elite, Nottingham Forest could also go in search of Europe’s top talents with names such as Tammy Abraham and Hugo Bueno mentioned in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, those at the City Ground could yet fall victim to their own success amid Manchester United’s reported interest in signing Gibbs-White this summer. The attacking midfielder has enjoyed an excellent season and now finds himself on the radar of the Premier League’s top sides.

Edu could be key: Nottingham Forest now plotting hijack to sign teenage gem

He’s been a goalscoring machine at youth level…

ByTom Cunningham Mar 15, 2025

There’s no doubt that his exit would deal Espirito Santo a major blow, but it’s one that those in the Midlands could instantly ease by signing a rising star this summer.

According to Caught Offside, Nottingham Forest have now joined the race to sign Semih Kilicsoy alongside Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Everton. Besiktas reportedly value their 19-year-old sensation at just €20m (£17m), which is set to ignite a battle between Premier League sides in the coming months.

For such a price, Forest could seal a deal destined to become a bargain in years to come. Kilicsoy is already leaving his mark on the Turkish Super Lig and has all the attributes needed to replace a player of Gibbs-White’s calibre. Whether Forest step up their interest remains to be seen, however.

"Monster" Kilicsoy could replace Gibbs-White

If Forest lose their talisman this summer then Kilicsoy could quickly emerge to hand Espirito Santo an ideal replacement. A winger who can also play as a striker, there’s no reason why the teen’s stocky and powerful build won’t see him step into a deeper role throughout his career, although that is one Besiktas or his potential suitors must experiment with.

Meanwhile, in his natural role, Kilicsoy has thrived. Following 15 goal involvements last season, the talented Besiktas star has scored six goals and assisted a further four in the current campaign to earn the praise of analyst Ben Mattinson. The scout had nothing but good things to say, describing him as a “physical monster”.

In comparison, Gibbs-White has scored five goals and assisted a further seven for Nottingham Forest this season – highlighting just how important he’s been under Espirito Santo in his side’s push for Champions League qualification.

As Manchester United prepare for a first summer window under the Ruben Amorim regime, the club will no doubt be looking to learn a lesson from the woes of his predecessor on the transfer front.

The common thread of Erik ten Hag’s recruitment was the desire to acquire players the Dutchman was already familiar with, having signed off on a raft of Ajax-linked deals following his arrival in 2022.

Indeed, in came the likes of Antony, Lisandro Martinez, Andre Onana, Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt, presumably with the aim of trying to replicate the title-winning success he had enjoyed in Amsterdam.

Bizarrely, however, Ten Hag proceeded to state that his United team “can’t play like Ajax”, as he has “different players”, a moment that perhaps signified the downward spiral of his Old Trafford tenure.

As for Amorim, the Portuguese coach appears steadfast in sticking to his philosophy and principles no matter what, with there set to be no compromise on his 3-4-3 setup – no matter the players available to him.

The unique nature of his tactical approach may lend itself to going back to Sporting CP to poach a handful of ready-made, key figures, although one player who won’t be enjoying a reunion with the 40-year-old anytime soon is Geovany Quenda.

How Man Utd can overcome Quenda blow

The Athletic’s David Ornstein had reported back in January that United were considering a summer swoop for the Sporting teenager, with the 17-year-old having been handed his first-team debut in Lisbon by Amorim earlier in the campaign.

A winger by trade, the Portuguese sensation had been re-tooled as a wing-back in Amorim’s high-flying side, with it having been no surprise to see links emerge with the youngster, amid the need to acquire specialised assets in those wide berths.

As it is, Quenda is set to remain with his current side for the 2025/26 campaign, before linking up with Chelsea next summer, with the Blues forking out a reported fee of £40m to win the race for his signature.

United will then have to look elsewhere to bolster their options on the flanks, albeit while having already acquired a promising talent of their own in the form of Patrick Dorgu, with the young Dane arriving from Lecce in January.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils do have academy star, Harry Amass, to call upon, with the Englishman making his senior debut last time out, while Diogo Dalot has begun to show flashes on the right flank, after scoring in the 4-1 win over Real Sociedad, having also teed up Bruno Fernandes against Leicester City.

With Luke Shaw – who hasn’t started a game since February 2024 – still sidelined, options in those wide berths remain somewhat limited, however, although perhaps Amorim could soon have his next Quenda to work with, following the signing of Diego Leon.

Man Utd have already signed Amorim's next Quenda

Cherry-picking the odd player from Sporting, rather than following Ten Hag’s method too closely, may represent an astute move, yet it would have still represented a real gamble to fork out £40m on a 17-year-old prospect.

In The Pipeline

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

Those funds could be better served elsewhere – not least in acquiring a striker like Viktor Gyokeres – with United having already signed a teen superstar of their own, for a fraction of the cost.

As was reported during the January window, the Red Devils wrapped up a bargain £3m deal to sign the aforementioned Leon from Paraguayan side, Cerro Porteno.

An attack-minded left-footer, like Quenda, the teenager is set to link up with the Premier League outfit this summer, when he turns 18, having already scored three goals in 25 games at senior level.

While the Paraguay U20 international has typically operated at left-back to date, he does seemingly boast the credentials to operate at left wing-back, or even as an inverted option, like Quenda, on the opposite side.

Stat (*per game)

Record

Games (starts)

26 (23)

Goals

1

Assists

4

Big chances created

10

Key passes*

1.9

Pass accuracy*

82%

Tackles*

0.8

Interceptions*

0.3

Successful dribbles*

1.2

What particularly stands out regarding the 5 foot 10 ace is his relentless speed, having been lauded for his “explosive” quality by analyst Ben Mattinson, who also noted that he “runs like a steam train”.

Also described as a “deadly attacking threat”, what Mattinson also highlights is that – much like Quenda – he is “essentially a winger/wingback played out of position”, showcasing that forward-thinking nature even further.

Of course, he may be less of a plug-and-play option like the more senior Dorgu, yet Amorim could view Leon as being his next teenage project, having enjoyed brief, early success with Quenda – four goals and assists chalked up by the youngster in just 18 games under his watch.

The £3m man may need time to bed in, but having been signed on the cheap, it could represent a low risk move, following in the footsteps of the £1.5m capture of Ayden Heaven from Arsenal.

It is still early days, but perhaps INEOS are beginning to find value in the market once again at Old Trafford.

Forget Heaven: Man Utd must unleash teen CB who's a homegrown Branthwaite

Manchester United could have their own Jarrad Branthwaite already in this terrific young ace.

ByKelan Sarson Mar 25, 2025

Manchester City may have seen their Premier League title challenge halted, but the wheels are already in motion to ensure they don’t fall into the same trap next campaign.

Man City step up summer transfer hunt

Since taking over at the Etihad Stadium, Pep Guardiola has become a revolutionary presence in the Premier League. However, he hasn’t had it all his own way this term.

At the start of the season, Manchester City were favourites to claim a record-breaking fifth crown in succession. However, inconsistency has led Liverpool to the brink of becoming champions following an excellent showing under Arne Slot.

Reacting on the transfer front, the Citizens have Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar on their radar ahead of a summer that is set to be filled with change at the Etihad Stadium. The 25-year-old has two years left on his contract in the Italian capital, which may prompt movement because he has turned down opportunities to sign terms at Stadio Olimpico.

Reports also suggest Manchester City could make a sensational move for ex-academy star Jeremie Frimpong, who is said to be available for around £40 million and is viewed as a long-term successor to Kyle Walker.

New Man City director wants to raid his old club for "complete" defender

He could partner Khusanov.

ByTom Cunningham Mar 29, 2025

Guardiola’s primary challenge in the upcoming window is combating the reality of having an ageing group of players. The end of an era can be challenging to manage, especially if sentiment gets in the way of maintaining a ruthless mentality.

Alterations are needed to renew the hunger for silverware at the Etihad. Manchester City hardly have a shortage of financial resources, so some statement arrivals are bound to be on the agenda.

Synchronising with that train of thought, Guardiola now has a talented midfielder in his sights to strengthen the engine room ahead of next season.

Man City hold talks over Hugo Larsson deal – Sky Sports

According to journalist Florian Plettenberg on X, Manchester City have entered first talks over a deal to sign Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Larsson. The Sweden international is also on the radar of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and several Bundesliga sides.

Valued at roughly £50.1 million by Eintracht Frankfurt, the 20-year-old has registered six goals and one assist in 38 appearances across all competitions this campaign.

Showing composure in the middle of the park, Larsson has also retained an 87.1% pass accuracy and completed 41 long balls in the Bundesliga.

Capable of playing in various midfield roles, the Svarte-born star possesses a sense of youthful exuberance that has been missing from Manchester City all too often in 2024/25. Now, the onus is on recruitment chiefs to push a deal over the line, making this one to keep an eye on.

When the draw for the quarter-finals of the Champions League was made, very few people gave Arsenal any hope of defeating Real Madrid.

Alas, here they stand, 90 minutes from a semi-final spot after defeating the great 15-time Champions of Europe, 3-0, in the first leg.

Declan Rice was the hero, crashing home two remarkable free-kicks before Spaniard Mikel Merino added a third to spark chaos inside the Emirates Stadium.

It was Mikel Arteta’s finest night as Arsenal manager and perhaps the club’s finest in Europe. This was a performance that will live long in the memory.

How Declan Rice scored his two free-kicks

Coming into this match, Arsenal’s club-record £105m signing had never scored a direct free-kick in his entire senior career.

Since moving to the Gunners, he has been a regular set-piece taker, racking up numerous assists courtesy of his pinpoint corner kicks. He’s also taken wide-set plays but hasn’t been given the license to shoot from many.

Minutes played

80

Expected Goals

0.47

Goals

2

Expected Assists

0.08

Touches

43

Shots on Target

4

Dribbles (Completed)

1 (1)

Lost Possession

4

Clearances

1

Interceptions

1

That was until Tuesday evening, where the former West Ham man stepped up and had arguably the best two moments of his career to date.

The first free-kick was special, bending and curving the ball around the wall and past Belgian stopped Thibaut Courtois.

If you thought that was a remarkable effort then the second was even better. This time Rice was standing to the left side of the goal and was further out, but that mattered not for the England international.

Up he stepped, thumping the ball viciously beyond the goalkeeper, right into the far corner. It was spellbinding, it was enough to leave most onlookers speechless.

However, speaking in his post-match press conference, taking a shot for the first free-kick was not initially part of the plan.

Why Declan Rice ignored team orders to score his free-kick

Rice is a brutally honest character and in his post-game interview, speaking to the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Wayne Rooney on Amazon Prime, he admitted that the plan wasn’t to take a shot, most notably for his first free-kick.

In fact, he directly ignored instructions from not just skipper Martin Odegaard, but also heralded set-piece coach Nicolas Jover.

“I don’t know if it will ever sink in,” the midfielder began. “I fancied both (free-kicks) and to have the confidence, I am a bit speechless.”

Rice continued: “Martin [Odegaard] was saying to cross, I said it doesn’t make sense to chip it like that. We practice them all the time, (set-piece coach Nicolas) Jover is telling me to cross and it didn’t make sense.”

As a result, a quick comment from Bukayo Saka inspired the 26-year-old to step up and hit it goalbound.

“Bukayo [Saka] said, “If you feel it, go for it”. I looked at the wall and keeper and said I could bend it and that’s what happened.”

Rice also detailed how the second free-kick played out. “We were going to touch and set it, but Mbappe was stood too close. He was in the middle and I just went with it. I practice it a lot. I had the confidence after the first, I had nothing to lose.”

Their new Mesut Ozil: Arsenal preparing bid for "generational" £30m star

The incredible prospect could be something truly special at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 8, 2025

Respected transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared a transfer update out of Arsenal this week, and it’s a potentially exciting one for supporters.

Mikel Arteta makes Andrea Berta claim before Ipswich

Mikel Arteta will be assisted by new sporting director Andrea Berta this summer, with the former Atlético Madrid chief officially joining late last month in a serious boost for the north Londoners.

Arsenal refuse to rule out signing £163k-per-week ex-Man City forward

The Gunners are set for a key decision.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 18, 2025

Berta arrives at Arsenal with a glowing reputation after 12 very productive years at Atlético, with some reports suggesting that the Italian has already made a firm head start on the club’s transfer plans.

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 23rd

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Berta is said to have held discussions with Nico Williams’ camp recently, as Arsenal look to tempt the Spain winger with a move to the Premier League, while GiveMeSport report that the 53-year-old could spend up to £300 million on as many as seven major signings.

“Yeah, those things were already discussed with him,” said Arteta on Berta’s transfer goals, speaking before Arsenal’s clash against Ipswich.

“But yes, I hope that he has many more ideas, plans, surprises, positive ones and use his experience, his creativity, his intuition as well to help us make the right goals.

“I think it’s an opportunity. Somebody else comes in with different ideas, different methods, different ways of working and other priorities as well in the way that they work. And I think this makes us better.”

Arsenal are in desperate need of a prolific centre-forward in particular, with long-term injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz exposing their lack of depth up front and forcing Arteta to rely on Mikel Merino as an emergency striker.

Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Newcastle striker Alexander Isak are just some of the high-profile names to be linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium, but they are all attracting interest from several sides and there is no guarantee that Arsenal can win the race for any of them.

Fabrizio Romano says striker "will arrive" at Arsenal this summer

However, in an update which eases the worries of supporters somewhat, Romano has now moved to confirm that a striker “will arrive” at Arsenal this summer.

“What I can tell you today is that Arteta will be backed in the market,” said the journalist on his YouTube channel.

“Arteta will have a lot of power in the market – together with Andrea they will plan for the strategy. (Martin) Zubimendi is a top target, the new striker will arrive, Arsenal will also do more on the market.

“So Arsenal are working hard on Zubimendi, on the striker, on the winger probably, and more. Arsenal will be busy in the market and Arteta will be backed – but he really deserved that.”

Of the centre-forwards rumoured to be on Arsenal’s agenda, Sesko could be the most prudent option.

The Slovenian has already bettered his goal tally from last season and could leave for just £62 million, which is the current value of his release clause, and Arsenal attempted to sign Sesko last summer, so he clearly has an admirer in Arteta.

Chelsea have now submitted a £47m offer for a “world-class” goalkeeper, and talks are expected to move quickly in the coming weeks, according to a report.

Maresca and Chelsea's goalkeeper problem

After a poor showing in the 2-1 UEFA Conference League defeat against Legia Warsaw, the Blues have responded with back-to-back victories, most recently picking up a 1-0 victory against Everton at Stamford Bridge, securing their third Premier League clean sheet of the month.

Robert Sanchez has returned to the starting XI in the Premier League, and the recent defensive showings have been much-improved, but the mistakes the Spaniard made earlier in the campaign are likely to be in the back of Enzo Maresca’s mind.

Sanchez has made five errors leading to goal in the Premier League, the joint-highest number of any player in the division, meaning there have been widespread suggestions that Maresca could look to bring in a replacement in the summer.

Chelsea now have "strong" chance of signing £206k-per-week Barcelona star

Enzo Maresca’s side have thrown their hat in the ring.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 26, 2025

AC Milan’s Mike Maignan is one goalkeeper of interest, with the west Londoners making contact over a potential deal earlier this month, while they are also in the race for Angers shot-stopper Yahia Fofana, who has been recommended by Didier Drogba.

However, it appears as though a different goalkeeper could be one of Chelsea’s key targets, with a report from Spain revealing they have now submitted a €55m (£47m) offer for Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel.

Kobel’s performances for Dortmund have attracted the attention of a number of European clubs, but the Blues are the most interested party, and talks over the deal are expected to move quickly over the next few weeks.

The 27-year-old has made it clear he wants to play for an elite club, which means a move to Stamford Bridge could be of great appeal, should they manage to qualify for next season’s Champions League.

"World-class" Kobel could be Sanchez upgrade

The 6 foot 5 colossus is clearly very highly regarded by his current employers, with Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl lauding him as “world-class”, while he also impressed scout Ben Mattinson in the semi-finals of the 2024 Champions League.

The Swiss shot-stopper’s top-level experience is likely to be appealing to Chelsea, while he has also received plaudits for his ability in possession of the ball, which could be crucial, given Maresca’s passing style of play.

While the Blues have started to pick up more clean sheets recently, Sanchez’s howlers earlier in the campaign indicate it is the right decision to bring in a new goalkeeper this summer, and it is exciting news that the move for Kobel is now gaining traction.

As Graham Potter looks towards the summer transfer window to turn the early days of his tenure around, West Ham United have reportedly joined the race to sign a £47m defender who kept Erling Haaland quiet this season.

Potter's West Ham struggles continue

From Julen Lopetegui’s disappointing few months to Potter’s current struggles, it has been a season to forget for the Hammers. When they decided to part ways with the Spaniard, there would have been plenty of hope that Potter, in his first return to management since leaving Chelsea, had the ability to get the true potential out of an impressive side on paper. That has so far proved anything but the case, however.

Games

15

Wins

3

Draws

8

Defeats

4

Whilst West Ham have had their injury struggles and January arrivals such as Evan Ferguson haven’t quite worked out, three wins in 15 games is a fairly inexcusable record for Potter and one that he simply must turn around next season.

After summer signing Niclas Fullkrug failed to hold back his criticism of his own side recently, Potter issued a critical response of his own, telling reporters: “I think he [Fullkrug] wears his heart on his sleeve.

“I would disagree with him in some things and agree with him in others. But he’s entitled to his opinion. As a senior player, we’ve had lots of honest conversations. And I think for me it’s better to have the conversations in private, not in public.”

Better than Calvert-Lewin: West Ham make contact over "phenomenal" £12m ace

West Ham appear to have their eye on Dominic Calvert-Lewin, yet might there be a better alternative out there?

ByJoe Nuttall May 1, 2025

As problems continue to arise, the former Brighton & Hove Albion desperately needs to mark his own stamp on his side in his first summer in charge and desperately needs to instil his style on a struggling squad at long last.

West Ham battling to sign Yann Bisseck

Already turning their attention towards the summer transfer window, those at the London Stadium have reportedly set their sights on a Champions League semi-finalist. According to Caught Offside, West Ham are now battling Manchester United to sign Yann Bisseck from Inter Milan, who will allow their defender to leave for around €55m (£47m) this summer.

The 24-year-old recently started for the Italian giants against Barcelona in a thrilling affair which ended in a 3-3 draw to make next week’s clash at the San Siro all the more important. It was earlier on in Inter Milan’s European journey that Bisseck truly impressed, though, as he helped to keep Manchester City’s Erling Haaland quiet in a 0-0 draw.

By the end of the 90, Haaland had been limited to just 0.33 expected goals, two touches in the Inter Milan box and just 14 touches overall. Bisseck, meanwhile, came away with four recoveries, a ground duel success rate of 75% and was not dribbled past once, as per Fotmob. If there were any doubts that he could perform on the big stage, they were put to bed that night, as he simply outmuscled the Norwegian superstar.

Dubbed “commanding” by analyst Ben Mattinson for performances like that one, Bisseck is exactly the type of player who could spearhead Potter’s West Ham turnaround this summer.

Manchester City are now in a position to sign a “world-class” goalkeeper as a replacement for Ederson, according to a new report.

Man City and Pep already lining up summer transfers

Despite turning their form around in recent weeks, it has been a season to forget for the Blues, and whether they win the FA Cup or not, this summer is likely going to be a busy time for the club, as Pep Guardiola has his eyes on several new arrivals.

Their own Bruno Fernandes: Man City readying bid to sign £51m "monster"

As Manchester City seek to rebuild their squad this summer, could they sign their own Bruno Fernandes?

ByBen Gray May 7, 2025

A priority for the former Premier League champions is finding a suitable replacement for Kevin de Bruyne, as the Belgian is set to depart the Etihad Stadium – it’s been reported that City have already made a £55 million bid to sign James Maddison from Tottenham Hotspur.

Guardiola is a big fan of the England and Spurs midfielder, and he is one of a few options the Blues are considering. The other player under consideration is Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest, but that may not be straightforward, as Forest want £100 million for their talisman.

Signing a new goalkeeper may also be high on the list of priorities for City, as current number one Ederson is expected to leave at the end of the season and move to Saudi Arabia. It’s been reported that City have already made an opening offer to sign Diogo Costa from Porto, but that was turned down by the Portuguese side.

Man City in position to sign PSG star Donnarumma

The Blues may return with another offer for Costa, but they are also keeping their options open. According to Sportitalia, relayed by Sport Witness, Man City are also interested in signing Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain.

The report states that Donnarumma has emerged on City’s radar given he has 14 months left on his contract in Paris. The goalkeeper’s preference is to stay at PSG, but that may be tricky given their current offer stops at around £5m-a-year, while the shot-stopper wants something over £8.5m-a-year.

The report states that the “track leads directly to Man City” if he goes, as Guardiola is an ‘admirer’ of the goalkeeper, and the Blues would have no problem pleasing both Donnarumma and PSG in terms of agreeing a fee and wages. Any approach for the Italian goalkeeper would of course hinge on what happens to Ederson this summer.

Apps

151

Goals conceded

150

Clean sheets

50

Donnarumma, who has been dubbed “world-class” by commentator Matteo Bonetti, and his demands shouldn’t be a problem for City, given their financial power, which could give them the edge over teams such as Inter, Juventus and Bayern, who are in the race but may not be willing to fork out that much on wages.

The 26-year-old did struggle when he first joined the French champions but has now established himself as one of the best in the game, and he has played a pivotal role in PSG reaching the Champions League semi-finals.

Leeds United know that they will be playing Premier League football next season and the rumour mill is already well underway ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Whites know that they will have to bolster their squad in order to avoid being instantly relegated back down to the Championship, as the last six newly-promoted sides have been.

A new centre-forward appears to be one of the priorities on the agenda for the West Yorkshire centurions. Newcastle United marksman Callum Wilson and promising St. Gallen striker Willem Geubbels have both been linked with moves to Elland Road in recent days.

Former Norwich City star Gabriel Sara, who played and scored against Daniel Farke’s side in the 2023/24 campaign, has also been linked with a switch from Galatasaray.

The club’s interest in these high-profile signings show that the 49ers mean business and that they want to improve the squad, which will also come as bad news for some of the current squad.

There will be some Leeds players who played key roles in the Championship who will now be concerned about their place in the starting XI next term, and one of those will be Jayden Bogle.

Why Jayden Bogle's Leeds position is not secure

The English right-back enjoyed a sublime season in the second tier with the Whites as their first-choice right-back, beating off competition from Isaac Schmidt and Sam Byram to lock down that position on a regular basis.

Bogle ended the campaign with 44 starts in 44 league appearances, which shows that he was Farke’s bona fide first-choice right-back, and the defender delivered excellent performances during that time.

The 24-year-old full-back was signed from Sheffield United for a reported fee of £5m in the summer transfer window last year, and it is fair to say that he has repaid the club by helping them to earn promotion to the Premier League.

Bogle scored six goals, created 11 ‘big chances’, and delivered four assists in his 44 appearances in the league, which shows that he made a huge impact at the top end of the pitch from a right-back position.

However, Leeds will be battling against relegation next season and will need more defensive quality from their defenders, rather than an emphasis on their attacking ability, and the English full-back does not have a great track record in that respect.

Appearances

16

34

Goals conceded

24

98

Goals conceded per game

1.5

2.88

Clean sheets

2

1

Dribbled past

19x

34x

Ground duels won

43%

47%

As you can see in the table above, Bogle has been part of a team that has conceded 122 goals in 50 matches at Premier League level for Sheffield United in the past, more than two per game on average.

The club’s interest in signing a new right-back will, therefore, leave the defender worried because the Whites may look to replace him as a starter.

Leeds enquire about deal for Premier League defender

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Leeds United are one of the teams plotting a move to sign West Ham United right-back Vladimir Coufal in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The reporter claims that both the Whites and Everton, managed by former Hammers boss David Moyes, have enquired about a deal for the Czechia international.

Transfer Focus

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

Jacobs told GIVEMESPORT: “Vladimir Coufal may be a market opportunity as well. I’m told that Leeds and Everton are the two clubs that have enquired for him. So, there is substance to both of those links for sure and like I said a moment ago, I’m fully expecting Leeds to explore the goalkeeper market.”

The experienced defender’s contract at the London Stadium expires this summer, and it has already been confirmed that he will be on his way, which has presented Leeds and Everton with the chance to snap him up for nothing.

Why this news should leave Jayden Bogle worried

Bogle should be worried by the news that Leeds are plotting a swoop to sign the 32-year-old right-back in the summer transfer window, because Coufal could arrive at Elland Road to take the Englishman’s place in the starting XI.

As aforementioned, the Whites star has struggled big time in the Premier League in his last two times in the division, particularly defensively in duels, and there is no guarantee that this time around will be any different for him.

Coufal, on the other hand, is a battle-hardened and proven Premier League defender who has been a part of a West Ham team that has avoided the drop for five consecutive seasons.

Throughout his time in the top-flight with the Hammers, the former Slavia Prague titan has shown that he can combine reliable defensive work with a creative threat in possession.

Appearances

20

36

27

28

34

Dribbled past per game

0.6x

1.0x

0.5x

0.6x

1.1x

Ground duel success rate

47%

50%

54%

52%

57%

Aerial duel success rate

60%

52%

65%

49%

56%

Big chances created

1

6

4

4

9

Assists

0

7

1

4

7

As you can see in the table above, the West Ham defender has plenty of experience in the Premier League and has usually been reliable in duels on the deck and in the air, whilst delivering ‘big chances’ and assists for his team.

Coufal, once hailed as “outstanding” by former teammate Declan Rice, has only been dribbled past more than once per game on average in his top-flight career, whilst Bogle has been dribbled past 53 times in 50 matches in the division.

These statistics indicate that the Czechia international is more likely to be a reliable option for Farke at right-back in the Premier League, based on their respective performances at that level to date.

That is not to say that Bogle cannot improve and make the step up this time around, but the arrival of the West Ham defender on a free transfer would surely leave him worried about his position because of the optics of the move, given the calibre of player coming in.

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