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Liverpool find themselves in the hunt for reinforcements and could look to swoop under the nose of rivals Everton to land an attacking target, according to a report.

Liverpool set to trigger more business after Kerkez announcement

After Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz were confirmed by the Reds, Milos Kerkez is also now set to join in a £40 million move from Bournemouth. The Hungary international joins Arne Slot’s revolution and signs on after weeks of negotiations by all parties to find agreement, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.

Moving on, Liverpool have turned their attention to Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi and an agreement over personal terms is said to be close as he enters the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park.

Talking up a potential deal, Keith Wyness believes Guehi moving to the red half of Merseyside would suit all parties as Oliver Glasner will be keen to cash in before losing the England international on a free becomes a distinct possibility.

He stated: “It would be a no-brainer for them (Liverpool) if they can get hold of him, and all the noises coming out of the Marc Guehi camp are that he’s keen to go.

“I think it’s a fantastic deal. I think Palace also recognise that I think he’s got just another year left on his contract. So they’d like to cash in as well. All parties could be very happy.”

While Liverpool’s summer business is bubbling away, they could now bid for a midfielder who has already been firmly on the radar of their closest rivals.

Liverpool could hijack Everton to sign Merlin Rohl

According to reports in Germany via Sport Witness, Liverpool could move for SC Freiburg midfielder Merlin Rohl this summer despite Everton having already made two bids to sign the Germany Under-21 international in January.

Newcastle United and Crystal Palace are also in the frame to sign the Berlin-born star, who registered a solitary assist in 20 appearances over the course of last season.

A Salah repeat: Liverpool close to agreeing move to sign £50m "monster"

Liverpool are moving at breakneck pace in the summer transfer market.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 24, 2025

Labelled “very dangerous” by Antonio Di Salvo, Rohl managed to create nine chances in action for Freiburg on Bundesliga duty and also completed 12 dribbles despite suffering a ligament tear that limited his scope to make a lasting impact.

Nevertheless, he is now back fit and firing and has even scored at the UEFA Under-21 European Championships in a 3-2 win for Germany against Italy.

Admittedly, Liverpool have strong competition for places currently in the middle of the park, though it would be intriguing to see who could make way if Rohl were to arrive at Anfield, potentially at the expense of arch-rivals Everton.

It’s hard to imagine where Manchester United would be without Bruno Fernandes, with the Portuguese international undoubtedly the shining light in what’s been a dismal 2024/25 campaign.

The Red Devils finished 15th in the Premier League, just a couple of places above the drop zone, mainly due to the 30-year-old’s goal contributions, which saw him register 18 combined goals and assists in his 36 appearances.

He also fired Ruben Amorim’s side to the Europa League final, achieving a total of 37 combined goals and assists across all competitions, by far and away the most in the first team.

Fernandes has maintained such levels over a sustained period after joining for £47m back in 2020, with such a deal now looking a bargain given his form at Old Trafford.

He’s registered 20 or more contributions in every year he’s spent with the Red Devils, but he desperately needs reinforcements in attacking areas next season if the side are to progress up the table.

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

Victor Osimhen has been a name widely linked with a move to Old Trafford this window, with the Nigerian looking to secure a move away from Napoli after spending the season on loan at Galatasaray.

Viktor Gyokeres is another player on Jason Wilcox’s radar, but it remains to be seen if they can convince him to secure a reunion with Amorim after the Swede stated his desire to move to Arsenal this summer.

However, the same can’t be said for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, with a deal seemingly edging closer to completion, according to reports..

The report notes that personal terms have been agreed over a summer switch to Old Trafford, with no other side having an opportunity to hijack the deal at this stage.

Transfer Focus

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

It’s also states that the two clubs are edging closer to agreeing a fee for his signature, with the Bees previously demanding a fee in the region of £70m to part ways with their star man.

Why Mbeumo would be United’s best signing since Bruno

There’s no doubt that Bruno has been United’s star man in recent seasons, but other players have joined the club and made an impact, just not on the same level and on a consistent basis.

Amad Diallo is one player who has demonstrated his quality over recent years, with the 2024/25 campaign his major breakout year within the first team.

The Ivorian has netted 11 goals and registered eight assists this campaign, with his best moment undoubtedly coming in the Manchester Derby – netting the winner against Pep Guardiola’s men at the Etihad.

Rasmus Hojlund was another big-money addition, also joining from Atalanta like Amad, but ultimately, his spell in England has been a disaster, scoring just 26 times in his two years at the club.

The signing of the Dane was the last time the club spent £70m or more on a player, but this time, a deal for Mbeumo will land them a proven Premier League star.

His experience in such a division will be key to any success at Old Trafford, potentially linking up with Bruno and improving on his tally, which saw him bag 20 goals in a season for the first time in his career.

The “superb” talent, as labelled by analyst Harry Brooks, has massively outperformed the aforementioned pair in 2024/25, further showcasing why he’d be the best signing since the Portuguese playmaker.

Alongside outscoring the duo, he’s also notched a higher goal per shot-on-target rate this season, reaffirming the clinical ability he possesses within the final third.

However, alongside his goalscoring ability, he’s also demonstrated his creativity, completing more progressive passes and more passes into the final third – able to have an impact whether it’s scoring or assisting in attacking areas.

If he can carry over such form to Old Trafford next campaign, he will be a phenomenal addition and one that could take some of the pressure off Fernandes in terms of being the key man for United.

The club have often spent big and been unsuccessful, as seen with Hojlund, but this time around, there’s a different feel, with Mbeumo having all the tools to be a success at the Theatre of Dreams.

The new McTominay: Man Utd moving to sign "one of the best CMs in Serie A"

Manchester United have a player in their sights who could replicate Scott McTominay’s success.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 19, 2025

Yet to complete their first move of the summer, Leeds United and the 49ers are now reportedly lining up a deal to sign a relegated Premier League defender for Daniel Farke.

Leeds set to commence summer business

Whilst those at Elland Road are yet to welcome their first summer arrival, it’s not been for the want of trying. Several fresh names have been linked with a move to the Yorkshire club in recent weeks, but it remains to be seen just who arrives. Among those names is Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope, who would be an instant upgrade on Illan Meslier this summer.

The veteran shot-stopper is an England international and the type of arrival that Farke desperately needs if he is to navigate survival at the first time of asking. Pope is not the only one on Leeds’ reported radar, however.

Gustavo Hamer has also found himself in the headlines as of late. The Sheffield United star suffered playoff heartbreak courtesy of Sunderland at the end of the season, but could yet step into the Premier League without the Blades.

Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe had his say on the club’s potential transfer activity this summer when speaking to reporters last month, saying: “I’m not really ready to go into that, but yes, your speculation is probably right.

“It’s going to be a mix of seeing if there are inbounds along with outbounds. And that’s probably, that’s probably accurate, but really not ready to go into more detail than that. But we are looking at maximizing what we can do, and so that involves the whole bag, ins and outs.”

Of course, one market that the Whites could take full advantage of is relegated stars who will be desperate to regain their Premier League place, and that could yet include one impressive defender.

Leeds lining up Dara O'Shea move

According to The Sun, Leeds and the 49ers are now lining up a summer swoop to sign Dara O’Shea from Ipswich Town. The relegated Tractor Boys have already lost Liam Delap, but could still be picked apart even further.

Despite his side’s relegation, O’Shea still impressed at Portman Road and may have done enough to keep hold of his place in the top flight. If that does prove to be the case courtesy of Leeds, then Farke would instantly have impressive defensive depth to choose from in Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk and the Ipswich star.

Leeds looking to sign "unbelievable" £15m star who'd be Bogle 2.0

Leeds United could land a star who could follow in the footsteps of Jayden Bogle at Elland Road.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 6, 2025

Kieran McKenna will be desperate to keep hold of the 26-year-old, however, having told reporters earlier in the season: “His character and his nature is always going to be beneficial in times of struggle and challenge because he’s a resilient person, he’s a fighter and he’s got character.

“I haven’t had many conversations with him about his experiences (of relegation) with Burnley and West Brom. But I’m sure those experiences have really helped him with us.”

With former club Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers also reportedly interested in a move to sign O’Shea, Leeds should make their move as soon as possible and get their summer business underway.

One club are willing to sell their star midfielder to Tottenham Hotspur this summer and plan to replace him with Sunderland ace Jobe Bellingham, according to an intriguing report this week.

Tottenham target midfielder after 2024/2025 injury crisis

Ange Postecoglou was left desperately short of options in numerous areas throughout 2024/2025, which undoubtedly played a key role in their lowly 17th-placed finish and record number of Premier League defeats.

Salah-like forward considers joining Tottenham as contract expires in 2025

Spurs have an opportunity to strike a bargain deal.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 28, 2025

Injuries threatened to dampen their Europa League final success as well, particularly in midfield, with Lucas Bergvall and James Maddison both forced to sit out of their eventual 1-0 win over Man United in Bilbao.

Star midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur has suffered fairly frequent lay-offs over the last two campaigns as well, and the South American’s presence is always missed when unavailable.

Postecoglou or any new manager is also facing the looming threat of AFCON midway through 2025/2026, with both Pape Sarr (Senegal) and Yves Bissouma (Mali) set to compete at the tournament in Morocco.

The Lilywhites face being left very short in the middle through a combination of possible injuries and international obligations, leaving little surprise that chairman Daniel Levy reportedly has his eyes on new options.

Lille midfielder Angel Gomes is a reported target for Tottenham, with the England international recently confirming that he’s set to quit his club this summer after his contract expires.

“After four unforgettable years at LOSC Lille, it’s time for me to say goodbye,” he said.

“This club has been more than just a team – it’s been a family, a home, and a place that has shaped me both on and off the pitch. Like any journey, there were ups and downs, highs and lows, but I’m truly grateful to my team-mates and the fans for sticking with me throughout.”

Gomes’ availability at zero transfer cost makes him a prime candidate to reinforce Spurs’ midfield, but he’s by no means their only target.

Eintracht Frankfurt prepared to sell Larsson to Tottenham

According to GiveMeSport, Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Larsson is on their radar as well, following his very productive campaign with the Bundesliga side.

GMS report that Eintracht are “prepared” to sell Larsson to Tottenham, if Levy pays the required £50 million to secure his signature, and Dino Toppmoller’s side are targeting Sunderland’s Bellingham as a replacement for the 20-year-old.

However, while the door is described as open for Spurs to move ahead with negotiations, the £50m asking price could still prove to be a sticking point, despite the riches acquired from qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

The Sweden international could be considered an elite midfield technician, having registered an 87.4% passing accuracy in the Bundesliga this season (WhoScored), and he’s even been compared to Balon d’Or winner Rodri by some.

His “skillfulness” and “close control” also has shades of Man City legend Kevin de Bruyne, as per the Bundesliga website, so Spurs risk missing out on a potentially world-class talent.

Arsenal are expected to be one of the busier English sides during the summer window after missing out on this year’s Premier League title to Liverpool by 10 points, and sporting director Andrea Berta is set for a key role.

Andrea Berta tipped for influential summer at Arsenal

Spanish football expert and reliable journalist, Guillem Balague, shared an intriguing bit of information about Berta following the Italian’s arrival at N5.

£50m star could now reject Arsenal move and sign new deal after talks

He also snubbed an exit last summer.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 4, 2025

Following 12 productive years at Atlético Madrid, where he played a key role in shaping Diego Simeone’s quality current squad, Balague said that Berta is widely considered one of the best sporting directors in football by those within the beautiful game.

“You have to say that he was the architect of the Atletico Madrid that won the league twice, got to the Champions League final twice, won the Europa League,” Balague told TNT Sports.

“That’s him working alongside Simeone in a very discreet way. He doesn’t give interviews, doesn’t give press conferences. We don’t know personally much about him, but certainly he’s a top negotiator and considered one of the best in the business.

“They went for him because he wants to create, alongside Mikel Arteta, a winning culture. This is a guy that’s done very well in the context of Real Madrid and Barcelona.

“They have more money, and yet he managed to get that extra bit that Arsenal doesn’t seem to get.”

This summer window is imperative for Arsenal, and Berta has the almighty task of reshaping their squad to mount a much more convincing Premier League title challenge next season.

Their lack of a prolific striker was a serious achilles heel over the course of 2024/2025, especially factoring in Kai Havertz’s and Gabriel Jesus’ injury lay-offs, with Arsenal said to be working on moves for both Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

According to the BBC’s Sami Mokbel, Arsenal are currently working to confirm the frameworks of both deals, before deciding which striker to formally pursue.

Arsenal "only" club to hold "concrete talks" for Benjamin Sesko

As Mikel Arteta’s side take their time to weigh up which deal is best for the club, Gyokeres or Sesko, Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg suggests Arsenal are in pole position for the latter.

While Man Utd have expressed an interest, Plettenberg writes that Arsenal are the only club to hold “concrete talks” for Sesko so far, meaning Berta is facing little competition in pursuit of the Slovenian as things stand.

Called an “extremely quick” striker, Sesko is fresh off the back of a career-best Bundesliga campaign, scoring 21 goals in all competitions and bettering his tally of 18 from 2023/2024.

While these numbers appear modest, Sesko’s physical attributes and potential to improve at just 22-years-old make him a very tempting potential signing, with his release clause set at around £70 million.

Tottenham Hotspur chiefs have been informed that they could sign a high-earning star for below £30 million this summer, with chairman Daniel Levy expected to seek out good-value deals amid the looming threat of a ‘sell to buy’ summer.

Ange Postecoglou preparing for crunch Europa League final

While Spurs face off against Aston Villa in the Premier League this afternoon, all eyes are instead on their looming Europa League final against Man United next week.

Levy personally wants '40 goals a season' striker at Tottenham next season

The Spurs chairman is a particular fan.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 15, 2025

The less said about Spurs’ dismal domestic campaign, the better – following a season of record-breaking lows where Ange Postecoglou’s side surpassed the club’s record for most Premier League losses in a single season (20).

Instead, the Europa League represents a major potential saving grace at the end of what could be Postecoglou’s final term in charge.

David Ornstein is among the media sources to report that Postecoglou is highly likely to leave Tottenham, even if they win the European final in Bilbao on May 21, but sealing the Lilywhites’ first piece of major silverware in 17 years would be a more-than-ideal send-off.

Victory against Man United would also work wonders in terms of attracting Spurs’ top transfer targets, as a place in the Champions League group draw for next season would undoubtedly come as a major pull, even after their struggles domestically.

One of the key items of their agenda, in terms of recruitment, is signing a new striker. Richarlison is expected to be up for sale at Tottenham this summer, and in the event Brazil’s number nine departs N17, Spurs or any new manager would need a replacement for him.

Tottenham are believed to be among the contenders for Ipswich striker Liam Delap, who could leave for just £30 million, thanks to a release clause tied in with their relegation from the Premier League.

Levy is also keen on re-negotiating cheaper terms for Mathys Tel’s permanent deal, according to reports in Germany this week, but it is unclear what the 20-year-old’s long-term role would be in the squad right now.

Tottenham informed they could sign Dusan Vlahovic for under £30 million

Now, as per GiveMeSport, Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic is another centre-forward who could be made available for an affordable transfer fee.

The Serbia international, rumoured to be on around £320,000-per-week in Turin, hasn’t exactly lived up to his “superstar” reputation during the second half of 2024/2025 – scoring just two Serie A goals this calendar year.

With his contract expiring next summer, and no extension in sight, GMS now report Tottenham have been made aware that Vlahovic could be sold this summer.

It is also claimed that, while Juve ideally want around £35 million, the Old Lady may even green-light his sale for just £20 million – largely due to his sub-par form lately and the fact he’s about to enter the final 12 months of his deal.

This could be a major opportunity for Levy, who’s been linked with a move for Vlahovic in past seasons.

The 25-year-old scored 21 Serie A goals during his best season at Fiorentina, and 16 top-flight goals for Juve just last season, so Vlahovic can be a devastating player when at his very best. The trick for Spurs’ potential new manager next season is getting it out of him.

Before the Ange Postecoglou era, the permanent manager of Tottenham Hotspur was none other than Antonio Conte.

Now, it would be fair to say that for all of his success with other teams, the Italian icon didn’t fare too well in North London, as while he secured Champions League football for the club in his first season, he didn’t even make it to the end of his second one in charge.

The former Chelsea boss was infamous for playing a pragmatic, boarding-on-tedious style of football that couldn’t be any more different to the one Spurs try to play today.

However, while it didn’t quite work out for Conte, he did leave the club with a points per game average of 1.78 and now looks on track to win Serie A with Napoli, so recent news linking the Lilywhites with another manager who could easily be compared to the 55-year-old should excite fans.

Tottenham's manager search

Before getting to the manager in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other managers linked with the Tottenham job in recent weeks, like Brentford’s Thomas Frank and Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

The former has done an exemplary job in West London, taking the Bees from a Championship side and turning them into one of the most entertaining sides in the Premier League, who still score goals for fun, even in the absence of former star striker Ivan Toney.

In a similar vein, Iraola took charge of the Cherries when they looked destined to return to the second tier last season and has transformed them into a team now fighting for a place in Europe next year.

However, a club like Spurs requires someone who can do more than improve the fortunes of smaller teams, which helps to explain their interest in Simone Inzaghi.

According to reports from Italy, the idea of the Italian coach moving to North London in the summer is ‘gaining traction’ and could soon develop ‘into something concrete.’

The report claims that a combination of a Premier League salary and his project at Inter coming to an end could convince the talented manager to move to N17 at the end of the season.

While it could be a challenging deal to get over the line, Spurs must do all they can to secure Inzaghi’s services. Not only would he be a monumental upgrade on Postecoglou, but he could be a more successful Conte 2.0.

How Inzaghi compares to Postecoglou

Okay, so before we compare Inzaghi to Postecoglou, why could his arrival be described as Conte 2.0?

Well, simply put, he’d be joining Tottenham from Inter Milan, a fellow Italian and, crucially, while he’s not quite as defensively minded as the former Spurs boss, he can be just as pragmatic.

Moreover, and this is one of the big advantages he has over Ange, the 49-year-old is a proven winner in a top-five league, having led Lazio to the Coppa Italia in 18/19 and then winning another two with Inter Milan, as well as leading them to the Scudetto last season.

In contrast, all the Australian’s successes have come in smaller leagues, be that in Scotland, Japan or Australia, and while that is not meant to demean his achievements, it is undeniable that the pressure to succeed in those leagues is far less intense than it is here or in Italy, for example.

Moreover, when we compare the two managers’ records at their current sides, it’s abundantly clear who is doing the better job.

For example, since taking the job at the San Siro, the “phenomenal” Italian, as dubbed by Felipe Salvador Caicedo, has overseen 138 wins, 40 draws and 34 losses, which comes out to an average of 2.14 points per game.

In contrast, the former Celtic boss has overseen 45 wins, 14 draws and 37 losses since taking charge of the North Londoners, which comes out to a rather paltry 1.55 points per game.

Ultimately, Inzaghi has shown himself to be tactically flexible, has won major trophies and has far more experience in a top-five league than Postecoglou, so if Spurs can hire him this summer, they should.

Amazing upgrade on Solanke: Spurs ready to pay £30m for "remarkable" CF

The experienced marksman could be just what Spurs need.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 6, 2025

A £70m Premier League forward is now “in the frame” to join Manchester United in the summer transfer window, according to former scout Mick Brown.

Man Utd pursuing new forward

Scoring goals has been a major problem for Man United this season, with Ruben Amorim perhaps relying on Bruno Fernandes a little too often, and the manager has now set out to bolster his attacking options in the summer transfer window.

An out-and-out striker is of particular interest, and United have now held talks over the signing of Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, which have progressed well, while they are also in the race for Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha.

Cunha is keen on a move to Old Trafford this summer, with the Red Devils working to finalise a deal soon, which means the next task may be to strengthen their wide options, and they have now set their sights on a Premier League winger.

Just another Hojlund: Man Utd making big effort to sign "wrecking ball"

Man Utd are in need of an upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund – not just a carbon copy…

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By
Robbie Walls

May 3, 2025

According to former scout Brown, in an interview with Football Insider, AFC Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo is “definitely in the frame to join Man United this summer”, having caught the eye with his performances in the Premier League this season.

Brown said: “Man United have been impressed by Semenyo this season. He certainly didn’t do himself any harm with that performance on Sunday.

“He fits the bill of the type of player Ruben Amorim is looking for, he’s strong, quick, he’s got plenty of energy and works hard, he’s good in shooting situations and good in the air too.

“They’ll know all of that and they’ll know his weaknesses too from watching him this season.

“Amorim likes to play his 3-4-3 system, and Semenyo could fit into any of those three positions, so that’s another point in his favour.”

"Sensational" Semenyo shining for Bournemouth

It has been a steady rise to the top for Semenyo, who has worked his way up the English pyramid, spending time at Newport County and Bristol City before establishing himself as a key player for Bournemouth.

This season has been the Ghanaian’s best to date, picking up nine goals and six assists in the Premier League, most recently setting up Dean Huijsen’s equalising goal with a long throw in the Cherries’ 2-1 victory against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

Brown believes the “sensational” 25-year-old would be a perfect fit in Amorim’s system, which could also make him an appealing option, with the manager in need of players capable of flourishing in his three-at-the-back formation.

Given his age, Semenyo’s best years could still be ahead of him, and his exploits in the Premier League this season indicate he could be a fantastic signing for Man United this summer, although the rumoured £70m price tag is a little on the expensive side.

England international and former star Kalvin Phillips is reportedly interested in a move to Leeds United, who sealed their return to the Premier League on Bank Holiday Monday.

Leeds back in the big time

After a two-season hiatus from the Premier League, Leeds United sealed their return to English football’s top flight this week. Having thrashed Stoke City 6-0, Leeds then watched on as Sheffield United failed to beat Burnley in the afternoon kick-off, losing 2-1 at Turf Moor. That result confirmed the Blades’ place in the play-offs and, at the same time, ensured automatic promotion for both Leeds and Burnley.

Unsurprisingly, the promotion sparked widespread celebrations across the city, with thousands of fans gathering outside Elland Road to revel in the moment.

The players joined in the celebrations too, popping bottles of champagne and belting out the traditional chant: “We are going up!”

Speaking after the full-time whistle, Leeds defender Joe Rodon told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “For me it hasn’t sunk in yet. I don’t think it will until the end of the season, but I’m just delighted for everyone involved with the club, the fans and what it means to them. It’s what everyone has worked for all season and I’m buzzing.”

Skipper Ethan Ampadu added: “It’s amazing. If you look at the scenes here, as it was after the final whistle, just pure excitement. Within ourselves we’ve got another target, so we can enjoy this now, but we’ve got another target we want to achieve. But right now, it’s very good.”

Phillips wants Leeds return

Just a day before Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League was confirmed, Football Insider reported that Kalvin Phillips is now interested in a sensational return to Elland Road on the assumption they would indeed go up.

Phillips, a product of the Leeds academy, made his name with the Whites before securing a £45 million move to Manchester City in the summer of 2022.

Farke not messing: Exciting Leeds transfer update on Premier League targets

The Whites are back in the top flight.

By
Charlie Smith

Apr 22, 2025

Since then, however, the England international’s career has been on a steady decline. Despite earning over £20 million in wages thanks to his big move, Phillips failed to establish himself at the Etihad. Underwhelming loan spells at West Ham United and Ipswich Town followed, where he again struggled to make an impact, and City are now braced to accept a huge loss on the fee they paid.

Football Insider claims the 29-year-old is pushing for a return to Leeds in a bid to revive his career. He also reportedly hopes that a move back to Elland Road can reignite his chances of an England recall, having not featured for the Three Lions since 2023, before which he racked up 31 caps.

Speaking about Phillips’ potential return to Leeds, former Manchester United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider: “To me, he’s a Leeds United player, he suits the club and he’s comfortable playing there, the fans love him and he feels at home there.

“That’s why he’s struggled since the move away, so a return would make a lot of sense. We’ve seen similar before with Wilfried Zaha at Crystal Palace, some players suit certain clubs, they get the backing from the fans and it allows them to perform beyond their usual standard.”

Liverpool moved one step closer to winning the Premier League title, whilst relegating their opponents in the process, by beating Leicester City 1-0 at the King Power Stadium on Sunday.

The Reds battled hard throughout the game to take the lead, but had to wait until deep into the second half to find the opening strike from substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Arne Slot brought the defender off the bench in the second 45 and was rewarded with a match-winning cameo from the academy graduate, who is out of contract this summer.

Trent Alexander-Arnold's match-winning display

The England international came off the bench to secure all three points for the Reds with his goal in the second half, after Conor Bradley started the game.

Alexander-Arnold had only scored two goals in 28 matches in the Premier League before Sunday’s match, yet the full-back stepped up to seal the win with a superbly hit left-footed strike that was too hot for Mads Hermansen to handle.

His match-winning display was not perfect, though, as his use of the ball outside of that goal was not up to usual standards, completing 50% (4/8) of his attempted passes and losing possession eight times from 15 touches.

This could have provided Leicester with a route back into the match late on in the game, as he was consistently giving them the ball back, but the hosts did not have the quality to make anything out of their extra possessions.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

There was a Liverpool player who was even better than the match-winner on the day, as midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai made himself undroppable with a superb all-round display from the start.

Why Dominik Szoboszlai is undroppable

The Hungary international was left out of the XI in the narrow win over West Ham at Anfield last time out, as Curtis Jones started ahead of him, but he has just made himself undroppable with an excellent showing.

Szoboszlai should keep his place ahead of the England international after an incredibly efficient and creative display in the middle of the park against Leicester.

The midfield whiz, who was once described as “magic” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, created two ‘big chances’ for his teammates, which they failed to take, and only lost possession twice from 46 touches of the ball.

As you can see in the table above, Szoboszlai outperformed Jones in that midfield role after the Englishman failed to create any chances, let alone ‘big chances’, in the West Ham clash.

The Hungarian dynamo, who lost possession fewer times than Alexander-Arnold despite playing 52 more minutes, should now be undroppable in that position ahead of Jones, after significantly outperforming him.

Szoboszlai was also more impressive than the match-winner for Liverpool because the rest of the defender’s performance outside of the strike left a bit to be desired, whilst the former RB Leipzig man was excellent on and off the ball throughout his time on the pitch in midfield.

Nunez upgrade: Liverpool likely to see £50m bid accepted for "mini-Salah"

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Darwin Nunez is expected to leave Liverpool this summer.

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By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 20, 2025

Slot must, now, keep the creative maestro in the starting line-up for the club’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield in the Premier League next weekend.