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Wolverhampton Wanderers are ending the Premier League season in superb fashion after the dismal early-season reign of Gary O’Neil

Indeed, Vitor Pereira has masterminded six league wins on the spin to propel the club up the table.

If they started the season in this form, the Old Gold would be nowhere near the relegation places and this is something Pereira will hope to change when the 2025/26 season rolls around.

He has already brought in a few players during the winter window, but more activity awaits when the summer one opens in a few weeks.

Wolves searching for a new winger this summer

Wolves will be targeting a new right-winger come the summer as Pablo Sarabia could depart when his contract expires, while Carlos Forbs is due to return to Ajax.

Transfer Focus

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

Well, according to Birmingham World, the Old Gold have held internal talks surrounding a possible move for West Bromwich Albion winger Grady Diangana.

The 27-year-old could be a decent signing, especially considering he is going to leave West Brom when his deal expires at the end of June and would available on a free transfer.

He might not be the big-name star that the Molineux supporters expect, but Diangana could be the player who is finally able to replace Pedro Neto on the right flank from next season.

Wolves can finally replace Neto with Grady Diangana signing

It was always inevitable that Neto was going to leave Wolves sooner rather than later. Following a season where he scored three times and registered 13 assists, Chelsea signed him last summer for a fee in the region of £54m.

This money was too good to turn down, but the club haven’t been able to replace him, with both Sarabia and Forbs struggling to offer any sort of consistency on the right flank.

While Sarabia has found the net against Ipswich and Manchester United this month, he has only scored three times in all competitions. As for Forbs, he’s not scored at all in 11 appearances.

2023/24

24

3

13

2022/23

19

0

1

2021/22

13

1

1

2020/21

35

5

6

2019/20

44

5

5

With over 200 appearances for the Baggies, Diangana has plenty of experience in English football. Add 48 goal contributions – 26 goals and 22 assists – during that period, and the winger certainly has an eye for goal.

He spent time on loan at West Ham a few years ago and was even hailed as “unplayable” by former professional Michael Brown.

When compared to his positional peers across leagues most similar to the Championship, he ranks impressively, noting sitting in the top 20% for successful take-ons (1.96), in the top 2% for through balls (0.86), and the best 24% for goal-creating actions.

In the Championship this term, the 27-year-old has also created five big chances, averaging 0.5 key passes and succeeding with 0.9 dribbles per match.

They might not be the most impressive numbers, but his pace offers a viable threat in the opposition third and this could work wonders for Wolves next season.

Crucially, he’s also a particularly hard worker, notably registering some impressive defensive numbers, ranking among the top 11% of wingers for tackles won.

Due to Profit and Sustainability regulations (PSR), the Old Gold wont to be able to spend as much as they want in the summer so bringing in Diangana, who wouldn’t cost anything in the way of a transfer fee, could be a solid signing for the club.

80% duels won: Wolves star is now as undroppable as Cunha

Wolverhampton Wanderers have now won their last six Premier League games in a row after convincingly beating Leicester City 3-0.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 27, 2025

Having already reportedly sealed their deal to sign Antonio Cordero from Malaga, Newcastle United and PIF are now reportedly taking their first steps in the race to sign another young star.

Newcastle plan for future as Cordero set to sign

Getting their summer transfer window started as early as possible, the Magpies have now reportedly completed their deal to sign Cordero from Malaga, beating both Barcelona and Real Madrid to his signature in a major coup.

The 18-year-old will arrive fresh from an impressive campaign for Malaga in Spain’s second division, in which he has scored five goals and assisted another six. Whether such a campaign makes him ready for the Premier League remains to be seen, however, especially since he’ll be competing for a place with the in-form Jacob Murphy next season.

Newcastle making checks in race to sign "incredible" Trafford alternative

He’s a wanted man…

ByTom Cunningham Apr 15, 2025

Instead, the teenager may first be forced to battle his way through the academy setup before earning an opportunity in Eddie Howe’s senior side. That said, patience will of course be a virtue given how young Cordero still is.

His arrival may just be the start too. After PSR concerns left them without a number of reinforcements, PIF could finally be ready to spend again this summer amid links to the likes of Liam Delap and Marseille’s Luis Henrique.

Both players would be impressive arrivals, with Delap’s recent Premier League exploits at a struggling Ipswich Town particularly making him one to watch in the coming months. Meanwhile, Cordero may not be the only young player that Newcastle welcome this summer after what PIF have just done.

PIF send Newcastle scouts to watch Asharaf Tapsoba

According to The Boot Room, PIF sent Newcastle scouts to watch Asharaf Tapsoba at the U17 Africa Cup of Nations alongside several other talents and are joined by the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea in the race to secure the forward’s signature. The Burkina Faso striker has certainly taken hold of his opportunity to impress too, scoring the most goals in the tournament so far with seven.

Asharaf Tapsoba

7

Burkina Faso

Alynho Haidara

6

Ivory Coast

Ziyad Baha

4

Morocco

Ndjicoura Bomba

3

Mali

Ilies Belmokhtar

3

Morocco

Still just 15 years old, Tapsoba is undoubtedly one for the future and by joining Newcastle, he’d have the chance to learn from one of the best strikers that world football has to offer in the form of Alexander Isak.

With growing interest in his signature, the teenager already has a vital decision to make at such an early stage of his career. Just as Cordero did, those at St James’ Park will be hoping that Tapsoba ignores interest from elsewhere and joins up with the Magpies for years to come.

Arsenal are ready to move in with a contract offer for one of their key transfer targets this summer, as Andrea Berta looks to give Gunners boss Mikel Arteta his full backing ahead of a crucial 2024/2025 campaign.

Arsenal flying high after impressive 3-0 win over Real Madrid

The north Londoners blew everyone away with a stunning 3-0 victory over European champions Real Madrid in the Champions League earlier this week, courtesy of two sensational Declan Rice free-kicks and a great finish from emergency striker Mikel Merino.

Arsenal want to finalise £17m deal for Fabregas target "as soon as possible"

The former Gunners star is apparently eyeing him for Como.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 8, 2025

The statement performance in Europe gifts Arsenal a huge advantage heading into the Bernabeu second leg, with Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga also set to miss the next game after he was sent off in added time.

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 23rd

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

With nothing left to play for in the Premier League, the north Londoners could still make history this season, and the prospect of Arsenal going on to clinch their first ever Champions League crown has been made all the more real after Tuesday’s heroics.

“We’re going to enjoy the win, because we feel we deserve to do that, but we know it’s just half-time, and we’re going to have to be even better in Madrid to go through,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s second leg in Madrid.

“They [the players] were talking about it immediately. You know, great, enjoy it, and now let’s prepare for Saturday very well, and then we’ll have the time to prepare for the next challenge in Madrid. But they are all very excited. We have our time, and we are just, again, in the middle of it, at half-time, however you want to call it. There is still so much to do here.”

Berta’s priority potential summer signings will have been watching Arsenal’s 3-0 dismantling of Real with serious curiosity, and a good run in Europe may well contribute towards the Italian’s mission to tempt them with a move to the Emirates.

Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres is believed to be a leading candidate to reinforce Arsenal’s striking options, and a report now claims they’re ready to make the Swede an intriguing proposal.

Arsenal offer Viktor Gyokeres a £192,000-per-week contract

Arsenal are ready to open club-to-club talks for Gyokeres, according to recent media sources, but Just Arsenal now report they’ve already got their eyes on securing personal terms for the former Coventry City striker.

The outlet claims Arsenal are preparing to offer Gyokeres a contract worth up to £192,000-per-week, which would run until 2030, they’re currently favourites to land the 26-year-old ahead of both Chelsea and Man United.

While the latter two sides are both engaged in talks with Gyokeres’ reps, they haven’t matched Arsenal’s financial conditions, meaning Arteta’s side are out in front as things stand.

The forward has bagged 44 goals in 44 appearances in all competitions, a truly incredible feat of proficiency, and reports suggest that he’d be allowed to leave for around £62-70 million – far lower than his £83 million release clause.

Following another prolific campaign in the Primeira Liga, it is a wonder why Gyokeres is still waiting for his big move, with some calling the player a “massively underrated” centre-forward.

Sheffield United ran into a roadblock in the race for promotion back to the Premier League on Tuesday night when they lost 1-0 to Millwall at Bramall Lane.

The Blades were looking to bounce back from their disappointing 1-0 defeat to Oxford United away from home last weekend, but were met with another loss.

Chris Wilder’s side have failed to score in their last two games and have failed to score more than one goal in five of their last six games in the Championship.

Ben Brereton Diaz was substituted at half-time in the defeat to Millwall, as the Chile international continued his struggles in front of goal for the Blades.

Ben Brereton Diaz's goalscoring troubles

The English-born forward started the campaign with Southampton in the Premier League and failed to score in ten appearances in the top-flight before his loan move to Yorkshire in the January transfer window.

Since returning to Bramall Lane, Brereton Diaz has scored three goals in 14 matches and only one goal in his last nine matches in the Championship.

He has scored those three goals from an xG of 3.58 and missed four ‘big chances’ – including one against Millwall – and this suggests that he has been wasteful with the chances that have come his way in the box.

Whilst Brereton Diaz has failed to offer a consistent threat as a goalscorer since his return to Sheffield United, there is a former Blades gem who is currently outscoring him in Europe – Benie Traore.

Why Sheffield United messed up with Benie Traore

The club signed him from Hacken, with their sporting director Martin Ericsson describing it as an “incredible” journey, in the summer of 2023 and the Premier League seemed a step too soon for him, as he failed to score in eight appearances.

Instead of giving the young Ivorian forward an opportunity to shine as part of a team chasing promotion from the Championship, instead of in a struggling Premier League side, Sheffield United decided to sell him to Swiss side Basel last summer.

The 22-year-old attacker, who has been capped five times by his country this season, has enjoyed an impressive campaign in the Swiss top-flight in the 2024/25 campaign, outperforming several Blades attackers.

Traore has played the majority of this season off the left flank, which is where Brereton Diaz has also played at times, and racked up eight goals and seven assists in all competitions.

Appearances

29

24

40

Goals

8

3

2

Big chances missed

6

6

4

Big chances created

9

3

7

Assists

5

3

6

As you can see in the table above, the former Sheffield United gem has outscored both Brereton Diaz and O’Hare at league level, by some distance, despite missing a similar number of ‘big chances’.

He has also created more ‘big chances’ for his teammates than they have for the Blades and the Saints combined, which suggests that Wilder made a mistake by sanctioning his exit last summer.

Sheffield United cashed in on a talented young winger capable of scoring and creating goals at an impressive rate before he got the chance to showcase his talent at Championship level.

Sheffield Utd now want to sign star who will be "sold for a lot of money"

Chris Wilder is plotting a swoop that would delight Sheffield United supporters.

BySean Markus Clifford Mar 8, 2025

Their goalscoring woes in recent matches could have been solved by having a winger of his quality available for selection, as evidenced by his return of two goals in his last five Super League games.

It may be one that Wilder looks back on with regret if Traore continues his impressive form and goes on to return to one of Europe’s major leagues in the future.

Chelsea have been tipped to ‘easily’ sign a ‘top player’ who could become a ‘superstar’ away from his current club.

Chelsea suffer Atalanta blow as Maresca crashes down to Earth

Chelsea’s aspirations of securing automatic Champions League knockout round qualification took a significant hit as they surrendered a half-time advantage to lose 2-1 against Atalanta in Bergamo on Tuesday evening.

Enzo Maresca’s side appeared on course for a crucial victory when Joao Pedro slid home his maiden Champions League goal in the 25th minute, capitalizing on Reece James’s delivery after a VAR review confirmed the captain had timed his run perfectly.

The Blues controlled proceedings during the opening period, with their man-to-man pressing disrupting Atalanta’s rhythm and limiting the Serie A outfit’s opportunities.

However, Josh Acheampong did have to produce a stunning goal-line block to deny Ademola Lookman what appeared a certain opener.

.

Maresca’s decision to withdraw the booked Trevoh Chalobah at half-time appeared to kickstart a dramatic shift in momentum.

Chelsea weigh up January move amid Delap injury with £22m deal already agreed

The Blues are short up front.

ByEmilio Galantini 3 days ago

James spurned an excellent opportunity to extend Chelsea’s lead early in the second period, firing wide from a promising position on the edge of the penalty area.

Atalanta immediately made Chelsea pay, with Charles De Ketelaere delivering an exceptional cross from the right flank, allowing former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca to rise completely unmarked inside the six-yard box and nod past Robert Sanchez.

The Belgian forward then completed the turnaround with seven minutes remaining, his deflected strike looping over Sanchez after taking a wicked deflection off Marc Cucurella’s retreating leg.

Despite late opportunities for Alejandro Garnacho, James and Pedro, Marco Carnesecchi’s goalkeeping ensured Atalanta claimed all three points.

It was a humbling night for Chelsea, merely a fortnight after they were being talked about as genuine Premier League title contenders.

There is clearly still work to do before the west Londoners can be discussed in that manner, with Maresca lamenting Chelsea’s defending in a post-match press conference.

With holes still ever present and Maresca constantly rotating his first-team due to injuries, there may still be more work to do in the transfer market next year.

Chelsea spent nearly £300 million in the summer, but they remain pretty light in midfield with the constantly-injured Roméo Lavia sidelined for yet another extended period.

As a result, the west Londoners have been tipped to move for a new midfielder in 2026, and Man United’s Kobbie Mainoo could be available.

Chelsea tipped to 'easily' sign Kobbie Mainoo from Man United

Chelsea have been repeatedly linked with the Red Devils sensation these last 12 months, with Mainoo on the fringes of Ruben Amorim’s first team and potentially poised for the exit door.

Speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, ex-United midfielder Nicky Butt has tipped Chelsea to sign Mainoo amid his current club’s ‘mind-boggling’ stance when it comes to young stars.

The 20-year-old, who burst on to the scene at Old Trafford in 2023/2024, was once a revelation under Erik ten Hag and one of England’s rising stars.

Mainoo’s excellent form that year, including an FA Cup final goal against Man City, earned him a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.

He played in all but one of the Three Lions’ games that tournament, including a start in the final against Spain, so finding Mainoo in this situation at United is truly bizarre.

The talented and versatile midfielder seemingly doesn’t fit into Amorim’s tactical blueprint, with Chelsea believed to still be keen on Mainoo amid their search for world football’s most elite young talents.

This could be a match made in heaven.

Ruben Amorim’s polarising tactical set-up is reliant on fluent and efficient wing-backs. Establishing a winning formula down the flanks has proved difficult for the Manchester United manager in his year at the Old Trafford helm, though.

Though the right-sided pairing of Bryan Mbeumo is an imperfect combination, there is much to like about this front-footed and dynamic dimension.

The same can’t be said for Patrick Dorgu down the left, who Amorim admitted last week creates an air of “anxiety” when on the ball at the moment.

Harsh words, but not without the ring of truth. The Red Devils are short on effective options on the left, with Diogo Dalot the stand-in. However, he too leaves much to be desired, as was clear as United secured a from-behind Premier League win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Dalot flatters to deceive at Selhurst Park

Dalot has struggled under Amorim’s wing, having found tough work in adapting to the new system. Content creator Liam Canning actually said a month ago that the Portuguese defender is “becoming a worry long term”, given that he “doesn’t look like he suits the wing back role”.

Such words rung true against Palace at the weekend, albeit with the intensity and aggression improving after the break.

While content creator Adam Joseph feels the left side is “completely toothless”, there are signs of life.

Dalot did win eight duels on the afternoon, as per Sofascore, succeeding with his one tackle and making six ball recoveries besides. But he also failed with two attempted crosses and didn’t create a single chance, illustrating the on-the-ball imbalances that Amorim has yet to iron out.

However, given Dorgu has been so unconvincing and the alternative options are few and far between, it’s unlikely we will see any drastic upheaval in the immediate future.

But Amorim may look to chop and change another part of his backline.

Amorim must drop 3/10 Man Utd star

There has been a promising increase in levels at Manchester United this season, but Amorim still has much ground to cover before his tenure can be confirmed as a success.

Going forward, he may need to make a few tough calls, and one of those calls centres on dropping Leny Yoro, who has struggled of late and must be pulled to the bench.

Yoro, 20, is considered one of the most talented centre-backs in the world, and United scored a coup when beating Liverpool and Real Madrid to his signature.

However, he’s been out of form this season, and journalist Nathan Salt believes he “needs a break from the XI to restore some confidence”.

Yoro was at fault for the penalty which Jean-Philippe Mateta dispatched – controversially – to put the hosts 1-0 up before half-time. The Manchester Evening News gave him a 3/10 match rating after an error-strewn performance that saw him hooked before the hour mark.

Minutes played

54′

Goals conceded

1

Touches

33

Accurate passes

22/23 (96%)

Unsuccessful touches

3

Recoveries

3

Tackles won

0/2

Clearances

3

Duels won

3/6

The timing is at least fortuitous. Lisandro Martinez has completed his long-anticipated return from injury, and the Butcher at his best will be sure to nail down a starting berth in Amorim’s team.

Yoro is strong on the ball and a progressive passer, ranking among the top 14% of positional peers in the Premier League this season for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref, but he’s also shorn of confidence.

United fans must retain their excitement over the dynamic, promising defender, who has what it takes to become one of the very best in the business. But, for now, he needs to put the brakes on his campaign.

After the match, content creator Adam Joseph acknowledged that the Frenchman is “going through a tough period in his development”, but that he was “brilliant last season” and will bounce back soon.

This is true, but, for now, Amorim would be wise to take the young centre-half out of the firing line, especially now that Martinez is match fit once again.

Not just Zirkzee: Man Utd star who was a "waste of time" is now undroppable

This Man Utd player starred in their 2-1 win away to Crystal Palace

1 ByJoe Nuttall Nov 30, 2025

Chelsea are actively trying to convince one Arsenal star to join them next year following discussions with his representatives, according to a report this week.

Chelsea enjoy triumphant 3-0 win over Barcelona in the Champions League

While the January window is fast approaching, Enzo Maresca’s side are currently riding high off a statement 3-0 win over Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Chelsea dominated proceedings from the opening whistle, pressing Barcelona aggressively and preventing the Spanish champions from establishing any rhythm in possession.

The Blues’ high-octane approach paid dividends when Jules Kounde’s unfortunate own goal broke the deadlock after 27 minutes, deflecting Pedro Neto’s effort beyond his own goalkeeper.

Barcelona’s evening unraveled further when captain Ronald Araujo received his marching orders just before halftime, collecting a second yellow card for a clumsy challenge on Marc Cucurella. The dismissal effectively ended any realistic hopes of a Catalan comeback and allowed Chelsea to dictate throughout thcond period.

Chelsea open talks with star who's "very keen" to join amid Barcelona triumph

Enzo Maresca’s side are in dreamland right now.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 26, 2025

The standout moment arrived ten minutes after the restart when teenage sensation Estevao produced a moment of individual magic. The 18-year-old Brazilian embarked on a mazy dribble from out wide, leaving Pau Cubarsi trailing before cutting inside and firing a thunderous strike into the top corner.

The goal showcased his immense potential on the biggest stage and marked his third consecutive Champions League scoring performance, with Estevao making all the headlines for outshining Barca’s own sensation Lamine Yamal.

Substitute Liam Delap wrapped up the victory with 17 minutes remaining, capitalizing on Enzo Fernández’s clever pass to slot home calmly. The goal initially appeared offside, but VAR intervened to overturn the decision.

Cucurella earned widespread praise for his defensive masterclass against Yamal, with the left-back’s discipline and tactical awareness proving instrumental in keeping the visitors’ attack quiet.

Minutes

93′

Expected Assists

0.59

Tackles (Won)

5 (4)

Interceptions

1

Clearances

2

Blocked Shots

1

Recoveries

4

Aerial Duels (Won)

1 (1)

Key Passes

1

Passes

55/63

Touches

97

Chelsea’s stupendous display comes as the perfect warm-up for their pivotal Premier League clash this weekend against league leaders Arsenal, a match which will define their credentials as genuine title contenders.

Off the field, BlueCo are apparently eyeing one of Mikel Arteta’s young stars.

Chelsea actively tempting Myles Lewis-Skelly into joining them

That is according to journalist Simon Phillips, who reports that Chelsea have held talks with the representatives of Hale End academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly.

The England rising star was recently told by Thomas Tuchel that he’d have to play more to stand any chance of getting into the Three Lions squad for next year’s World Cup, with Riccardo Calafiori’s form severely limiting his minutes this season.

That being said, neither the teenager nor Arsenal want to part ways any time soon.

However, this hasn’t stopped Maresca’s side from testing the water, and it is believed that Chelsea are making a ‘bold’ attempt to convince Lewis-Skelly that Stamford Bridge is the place for him.

This comes as Chelsea make future contingency plans for when Cucurella leaves, even if that doesn’t appear to be in the immediate future.

The Spain international eventually wants to return to play in La Liga before he reaches his twilight years, with Lewis-Skelly viewed as an ideal long-term successor.

A taint on Liverpool’s season has become turmoil. One loss became two became three. Now, Arne Slot’s champions are in dire straits, having lost five of their past six games in the Premier League.

This is a crisis, of course, with the Reds such a far cry from last season’s quality that not even an echo of that thrilling form can be found in this current crop. But then the season is still young, and there is a good chance that Slot, hailed as a “genius” and a “football scientist” by journalist Marcel van der Kraan last year, will find a solution.

But that solution needs to come quickly, with the expensive new signings all flattering to deceive, bar Hugo Ekitike and perhaps goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, solid if unspectacular in recent weeks as Alisson recovers from injury.

There was always going to be a period of integration, but this has gone beyond that. And, sadly, it feels like the Anfield side are missing Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Why Liverpool miss Alexander-Arnold

Not for a long time have Liverpool seen a star depart in such bitter circumstances. Alexander-Arnold was the hometown poster boy, instrumental in so much success under Jurgen Klopp’s wing.

But the whispers of his departure had started long before he left for Real Madrid at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, his contract about to expire and Real Madrid paying an £8m premium to free him early and add him to the Club World Cup squad over the pond.

Booed by segments at Anfield after the confirmation of his switch to Spain, Alexander-Arnold is no longer considered Merseyside’s Gerrard-esque superstar, even if he leaves a glittering legacy at his boyhood club.

But away from the emotion, Liverpool have missed their one-of-a-kind defender’s creativity. Jamie Carragher once said Trent’s range of passing was like “having Kevin De Bruyne playing at right-back”, with vision and accuracy on the ball that most could only dream of.

Indeed, no defender in the Premier League has racked up more assists than the 26-year-old, and with him having played fewer matches than all just below him.

1

Trent Alexander-Arnold

64

2

Andy Robertson

60

3

Leighton Baines

53

4

Graeme Le Saux

44

5

Kieran Trippier

38

As the English top flight undergoes something of a cultural and tactical shift, with long throws and low blocks and direct play all the rage once more, Slot’s Liverpool have toiled away and fallen by the wayside.

Trent’s passing would be quite the tonic right now. As per FBref, the Three Lions man ranks among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted and progressive passes, the top 5% for shot-creating actions and the top 8% for assists made per 90.

But there’s no use crying over spilt milk – or sold starboys, for that matter. Slot needs to find a solution, and he might just have one in another city-born talent.

Liverpool's new version of Alexander-Arnold

Liverpool have signed a new creative superstar in Florian Wirtz. The German hasn’t clicked yet, but his generational quality suggests there is a propitious future awaiting the attacking midfielder.

However, Wirtz isn’t the player in question here. Instead, Curtis Jones is quietly producing progressive playmaking performances under Slot’s management and must now be utilised in a more important role to help turn the tide that has swept the club’s title ambitions away over the past few months.

Jones is Liverpool’s leading academy graduate now that Alexander-Arnold has up and left. The versatile centre-midfielder has racked up 193 appearances for his boyhood club, scoring 19 goals and providing 23 assists.

He never quite nailed down a role of significance in Klopp’s team, and while he played his part for Slot last year, Jones has been somewhat on the backbench since the summer, certainly in the Premier League.

In any case, Jones spoke at the start of the Dutch coach’s tenure of his admiration and excitement, feeling his ball-playing skill lends itself to success in Slot’s system.

With Liverpool struggling for control and focused creativity, might Jones be the answer? From limited match action this term, he has proven himself an interesting solution and must be handed a string of starts, especially with Alexis Mac Allister having drifted so far from his usual level.

There’s no question that Jones has become more progressive with his passing since Slot replaced Klopp. In fact, DataMB revealed earlier this week that the England international’s 17.82 progressive passes per game this season trumps every other Premier League midfielder, and that having recorded the highest pass completion rate (91.01%) besides.

He’s only started two league matches this season, featuring nine times in total, but the 24-year-old has also won 65% of his ground duels, as per Sofascore.

It’s no wonder that one Premier League analyst hailed him as “one of the most underrated players in England”, not necessarily the flashiest, but an industrious and dynamic player who is now adding layers.

This has always been Jones’ skillset, but now, he is starting to evolve into a forward-thinking player, shaking off that ‘conservative’ tag. Sideways passes and a play-it-safe attitude have been, unfairly, regular criticisms of his game.

Liverpool need to see positive change over the coming weeks. Eighth in the Premier League and struggling for any semblance of fluency and confidence, Jones could provide a shrewd answer, combining with those around him, shoring up the defence and rethreading the attacking patterns that have frayed and split this year.

The new Diaz: Liverpool preparing club-record bid for "magical" Salah heir

Liverpool are facing the truth that they will need to start drawing plans to replace the great Mohamed Salah on the right wing.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Nov 15, 2025

Southampton are now eyeing Russell Martin as a replacement for Will Still, who was dismissed on Sunday night, but there could be competition for his signature from their Championship rivals.

After being relegated from the Premier League last season, the Saints were expected to mount a promotion push, but it has been nothing short of a terrible start to the campaign, having taken just 12 points from their opening 13 matches.

The 2-0 defeat at home to Preston North End was the final straw for Sport Republic, who relieved Still of his duties on Saturday, and Under-21s head coach Tonda Eckert has now emerged as a contender for the first-team manager’s job.

It would be a gamble to appoint Eckert, however, given that he is just 32-years-old and yet to prove himself at senior level, and an external appointment is also being considered…

Southampton eyeing Russell Martin to replace Will Still

According to journalist Alan Nixon (via GiveMeSport) Southampton are now eyeing former manager Martin as a replacement for Still, with the 39-year-old on standby for a swift return to management, having recently been dismissed by Scottish giants Rangers.

The Saints are not the only Championship club that hold an interest, however, with it being revealed that Norwich City are also considering the Englishman, given that there are doubts over Liam Manning’s future.

The Brighton-born manager is available without any compensation, which means he is an appealing option for the two Championship clubs, who could do battle for his services.

In truth, the former Rangers manager’s spell at Ibrox was a complete disaster, being sacked after just 17 games in charge, making him the shortest-serving permanent boss in the Scottish side’s history.

That said, the “exciting” manager, as hailed by analyst John Walker, could still be a good appointment for Southampton, considering the work he did at St. Mary’s previously, guiding them to promotion in the play-off final in the 2023-24 campaign.

The ex-Swansea City boss, who prefers to implement a 4-3-3 system, is also very experienced at Championship level, having taken charge of 138 second tier matches.

Games

138

Wins

60

Draws

34

Losses

44

Points per match

1.55

That said, it would arguably be a backwards step to appoint Martin, given that he was sacked by the Saints less than one year ago, after being unable to make the step-up to the Premier League, with his side losing 13 of their opening 16 Premier League games.

Southampton plotting move for James Ward-Prowse in January He's been told to leave: Southampton now plotting move to sign £30m PL star

The Saints could pull off an impressive move.

ByTom Cunningham Oct 2, 2025

Newcastle United have bounced back from Alexander Isak’s troubling departure this summer with ease.

Banking Eddie Howe’s Toon an eye-watering £125m when ditching Tyneside for Liverpool, it’s clear that Isak wasn’t cut out for the pressures of such an expensive move straight away, with only one goal coming his way at Anfield to date.

On the contrary, Nick Woltemade – who entered the building in a last-ditch summer move for £69m – has looked ready-made for the pressures of being Newcastle’s main marksman from minute one of his arrival, with the goalscoring prowess he became known for in the Bundesliga immediately following him to English shores.

Woltemade's fantastic start at Newcastle

Often, it takes a goalscoring machine from a European league plenty of time to settle into their groove when getting used to what is expected of them in the Premier League.

In Woltemade’s case, however, the goals have just continued to flow, with the 6-foot-6 menace joining Howe’s ranks off the back of a blistering 17-goal season on the books of Stuttgart.

In total, Woltemade already has five goals next to his name from just ten Newcastle appearances, with journalist Zach Lowy’s previous billing of the Bremen-born striker as being a “ridiculous” finisher of chances clear for all to see at St James’ Park.

Indeed, the 23-year-old’s four-goal tally in the Premier League alone means his goalscoring frequency in the daunting division sits at every 120 minutes, as the number 27 goes about trying to immortalise himself in the Newcastle hall-of-fame as one of their most devastatingly effective centre-forwards.

It will, of course, take a superhuman effort from Woltemade to ever reach Alan Shearer’s venomous levels in front of goal, with a record-breaking 260 Premier League strikes next to the Magpies icon’s name.

But, he could be on his way to becoming even more clinical if he lines up with this Newcastle assist king more often, with the pair ready to cause widespread havoc together to push their side further up the early league standings.

The Newcastle star who can make Woltemade even better

It’s safe to say that the Germany international is blessed with who he has around him in the attacking positions on Tyneside, with Anthony Gordon capable of bursting into life at a moment’s notice as one of Howe’s many livewires down the left wing, having accumulated 24 assists to date at Newcastle.

Yet, despite this impressive track record, it’s actually Jacob Murphy who might well be the attacking teammate that can take Woltemade to new heights, despite often being thought of as an under-the-radar “unsung hero” at the Premier League giants, according to journalist Scott Wilson.

Games played

10

Minutes played

752

Goals scored

1

Assists

3

It’s clear from taking one glance at the table above that Murphy is the sort of presence that excels when he’s made to feed off scraps, with just 752 minutes of action handed to him this season, resulting in the 30-year-old attacker still being able to pick up a standout four goal contributions.

He would even get the ball rolling for his team last time out against Fulham when he finished under pressure to seal a one-goal lead, with more starts surely coming his way, having been labelled as being “in the form of his life” after his lively afternoon against the Cottagers by Newcastle-based blog Mouth of the Tyne.

But, away from his assured nature to fire this fierce effort past Bernd Leno last time out, it’s also his ability to be an effective partner for a lethal striker that will be music to Woltemade’s ears as he attempts to become even deadlier in England.

A large portion of Isak’s 62 goals in Newcastle black and white would come about off the back of a Murphy assist – 11 to be exact – with the German, therefore, hopeful of reaching this tally, and even eclipsing it, knowing he has the “outstanding” number 23, as he was once labelled by ex-Toon forward Craig Bellamy, next to him supplying him with chances galore.

With Anthony Elanga also in reserve, Woltemade should not find it tricky whatsoever in his bid to become the next Shearer-shaped talisman, having already scored four in his first six league games for the Magpies.

For comparison, Shearer’s start to 1996/97 saw him score three times from his first six top-flight appearances for the Tynesiders – albeit while then reaching seven from just his first ten league outings.

Woltemade is then on the right track, with a new fan favourite having emerged at St James’.

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