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Aston Villa are closing in on yet another January deal, amid their negotiations to sign Marco Asensio from PSG, with Unai Emery watching on as NSWE attempt an audacious finish to the winter transfer window.

Aston Villa eye Jhon Duran replacement in Marco Asensio

Super-sub Jhon Duran sealed a mega-money switch to Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr earlier this week, leaving Emery minus a potent striking option who had scored 12 goals in all competitions for the club this season.

Aston Villa now plotting move to sign "special" £25m+ Duran replacement

Their star striker is Saudi-bound…

By
Tom Cunningham

Jan 30, 2025

The Colombian’s big-game presence will be missed, but NSWE’s work to source a replacement for Duran has been underway for days, with Villa known to be in talks over a deal for ex-Real Madrid star Asensio before the 3rd February deadline (Fabrizio Romano).

“It’s an important transfer for a very good player with tremendous potential,” said Villa transfer chief Monchi on Duran’s exit to Spanish media.

“But these types of offers, for the club and the player, are difficult to reject because of the figures. We evaluated the pros and cons and decided to accept it. [We can’t compete with Saudi Arabia] from a standpoint of transfer fee and wages.

“In Duran’s case, it [the salary Al Nassr have offered] quintuples the wages he gets at Aston Villa. He already has an important salary at Villa that we had renewed three months ago.”

Monchi then confirmed Villa’s interest in Asensio as a replacement for the 21-year-old, stating:

“Regarding the names we are considering and the profile [Villa coach] Unai [Emery] is looking for, they [Félix and Asensio] are similar players and are to Unai’s liking.”

The 29-year-old is surplus to requirements under Luis Enrique, potentially making a deal easier, and another forward in the same boat as Asensio is Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford.

Aston Villa close to agreeing January deal for Marcus Rashford

In some sensational last-gasp news out of the Midlands, courtesy of Fabrizio Romano, it is believed that Aston Villa are now on the verge of agreeing a deal to sign Rashford on loan.

The England international, who could cost £40 million to sign permanently, if that is indeed the agreed buy-clause figure, is apparently a separate move entirely to Asensio – and won’t impact the Spaniard’s potential arrival at Villa Park.

“Marco Asensio remains separate topic from Rashford for Aston Villa,” said Romano in another X message.

“AVFC have been in talks with Paris Saint-Germain and agent Mendes, as reported. Asensio can now leave on loan with Ndour joining Fiorentina. Rashford, very close, while talks for Asensio continue.”

Deadline day transfer news keeps filtering out of Tottenham Hotspur, as chairman Daniel Levy attempts last-minute coups for manager Ange Postecoglou.

Tottenham set sights on second defender after Kevin Danso

Spurs recently confirmed the signing of Kevin Danso from RC Lens, who joined on loan with an obligation to buy for around £21 million in the summer, with Postecoglou at long last seeing an outfield player come through the door before tonight’s 11pm cut-off.

Tottenham offered "extraordinary" £50m striker after failed Mathys Tel deal

Daniel Levy is forced to look at other options.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Feb 1, 2025

The Austria international is a solid one-on-one defender with great pace, so his addition comes as a welcome one for Postecoglou, who’s seen his defence absolutely battered by injuries over the last few months.

Micky van de Ven has just returned to action, while Cristian Romero is apparently still a bit away from coming back into the fold. Meanwhile, Radu Dragusin could miss the majority of this remaining campaign after suffering a serious knee injury (The Telegraph).

Their need for more defensive options is pretty evident, and Dragusin’s potential long-term absence means they could look to bring in another centre-back after Danso.

Tottenham did have a loan agreement with Chelsea for Axel Disasi. However, that transfer is now unlikely to happen, the Lilywhites ending their interest in the Frenchman as Aston Villa attempt to take advantage by reigniting talks.

Interestingly, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi was subject to an audacious late swoop from Spurs and Daniel Levy as well.

Tottenham make "late bid" for Marc Guehi as Crystal Palace reply

Guehi had been attracting January interest from Chelsea, who reportedly had a low-ball offer rejected as Palace set a £55 million price tag to sell him (The Sun). As per Romano, Postecoglou’s side haven’t had much luck prising the England international away from Selhurst Park either.

Palace are said to have rejected a “late bid” from Tottenham and Levy for “top target” Guehi, which happened in the last 48 hours, as Spurs frantically pursue another centre-back signing.

The 24-year-old is likely to be a very hot topic again this summer, when Guehi enters the final year of his Palace contract, but it would surely take a seismic offer for Oliver Glasner’s side to sell today.

Former Real Madrid and Spain boss Julen Lopetegui is back in work after leaving West Ham earlier this season.

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• Julen Lopetegui back in work
• Returns to international football
• Eyes set on 2026 World Cup

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Lopetegui takes charge of the Qatar national team and is tasked with overseeing qualification for the 2026 World Cup, which would be their second in a row. The Spaniard departed the Hammers in January but returns to work after four months away.

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• WHAT THE QATAR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION SAID

  The Qatar Football Association said: "The Qatar Football Association (QFA) has officially named Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui as the new head coach of the Qatar national team, with a contract extending until 2027. Lopetegui’s debut as Qatar head coach will see him guide the national squad in the remaining 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. His first assignment will be a home match against Iran on June 5, 2025, at Al Sadd Club’s Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, followed by an away fixture against Uzbekistan in Tashkent on June 10, 2025."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Lopetegui was famously sacked as Spain manager on the eve of the 2018 World Cup, when it emerged he had agreed a deal to take over as Real Madrid boss after the tournament. He will have the chance to manage on the biggest stage with Qatar should he lead them through qualification, which remains in the balance.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR QATAR?

  Qatar need points from those games against Iran and Uzbekistan to secure their spot in the next round of qualifying, where they can book their place in the US next summer.

Bruno Fernandes is set to turn down an offer from Saudi Arabia and remain at Manchester United this summer after growing close to Ruben Amorim.

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• Fernandes to resist Saudi offer
• Wants to stay at Man Utd
• Grown close with Amorim

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Amid claims that the Saudi Pro League want the playmaker as a marquee signing, report that the United captain is content at Old Trafford and that the club are not interested in selling him. Al-Hilal are said to hold an interest in Fernandes but are set to be snubbed.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The report goes onto claim that United are open to offers for the majority of their squad as they aim to balance their books. Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho are two players who could attract big fees.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Fernandes has been fundamental to United this season, scoring 19 goals and contributing 18 assists. He is said to have developed a close relationship with manager Amorim.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR FERNANDES?

  Fernandes is set to feature as United aim to seal their spot in the Europa League final against Athletic Club on Thursday. They lead 3-0 on aggregate after the first leg.

Manchester City’s attackers this season have been slightly hit-and-miss. It has been a great campaign for some, including Erling Haaland, who has once again been in fine goalscoring form.

The Norwegian has scored 27 times across all competitions already this term. Phil Foden had a slow start, but he now has ten goals and five assists in all competitions.

One of the more disappointing players has been Jack Grealish. The England international has scored twice and grabbed five assists in 24 appearances this season, a slightly underwhelming tally given his brilliance. However, he has begun to find his best form again.

Two of the players who have had quite interesting campaigns so far are Kevin De Bruyne and Savinho.

De Bruyne and Savinho’s 2024/25 so far

It has been a tough season for City in 2024/25. They are struggling in the Premier League, now facing a battle for a place in the top four, and are on course to be knocked out of the Champions League. Real Madrid have a 3-2 lead going into the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.

For two of their attackers, De Bruyne and Savinho, it has been a mixed bag. The Brazilian joined the club for £30.8m over the summer and has shown plenty of promise.

The 20-year-old has two goals and eight assists across all competitions, which included a goal and assist in a 2-0 win against Leicester City.

De Bruyne has shown flashes of brilliance, and although he has struggled with injuries again, has still managed to put up some good goals and assist numbers. He has scored three times and grabbed six assists this term, with all but one coming in the Premier League.

It has been an odd season for the Belgian, who has spent plenty of time on the bench far more than you might expect for a player of his calibre. At the start of December, Gary Neville explained that he thought “something is definitely going on in the dressing room” for the Belgian to be on the sidelines so often.

It has certainly been a strange campaign for the Citizens, and in many ways, Savinho and De Bruyne sum that up.

Interestingly, there is a former City player, outperforming both of them this season. He might have had a big impact if he was still at the club.

The former City player who's now shining

Perhaps City could have done with the very “special” Ferran Torres this season, as football scout Antonio Mango described him. The Spaniard has impressed at Barcelona this term, as he has done since his move in 2022 for £46.3m plus £8.4m in add-ons.

Pep Guardiola confirmed the move had all but gone through in December 2021, and explained at the time, “I understand why he wants to leave”, with Barcelona hard to turn down.

The winger, who made the move to Manchester after impressing at Valencia, has played for the La Liga giants 138 times now. In that time, he has 35 goals and 16 assists. The 2024/25 campaign has certainly been productive.

The 24-year-old has scored ten goals and has three assists across all competitions this term. That is more than De Bruyne’s nine goals and assists, and Savinho’s ten goal involvements, suggesting he could have had an even greater impact on this City side.

Perhaps Ferran’s best contribution this season, and a game that best showcased the talent City let slip, was against former side Valencia.

Barca won 5-0 that day, with the Spaniard getting a hattrick, scoring a variety of goals including one strike where he made a darting run in behind the defence.

There is no doubting Ferran’s ability, something which Guardiola noted after a Premier League hattrick against Newcastle United. The legendary City boss described him as “brilliant” after that night. They were three of 16 goals and four assists, in 43 appearances, he scored in a City shirt.

Looking back on it, perhaps City fans wish their club never sold the young attacker. He was a versatile player who could play anywhere across the frontline and could have done lots of damage for Guardiola if he had still been there.

Where Are They Now

His numbers, which are better than De Bruyne and Savinho, speak for themselves. Perhaps he could have outperformed them this season, had he stayed at the Etihad.

He's outscoring Diaz: Man City may rue selling Pep's "incredible" winger

One of Manchester City’s best-ever wingers continue to perform, even after being sold, so do the Sky Blues regret selling the attacker 2 years ago?

By
Ben Gray

Feb 12, 2025

Tom Cairney is said to be a target for Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, but the Fulham captain has been told he is "better than Wrexham".

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• Midfielder has spent a decade at Craven Cottage
• Will leave as a free agent when contract expires
• Switch to SToK Racecourse being speculated on

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After 10 years at Craven Cottage, Cairney is preparing to bid farewell to west London this summer when he reaches free agency. It has been suggested that the talented midfielder could receive an approach from North Wales.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Wrexham, who have seen three successive promotions lift them into the Championship, are daring to dream big. Their Hollywood co-owners are prepared to make the funds available that allow a push towards the Premier League to continue.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  It has been reported that the Red Dragons would be prepared to pay Cairney £50,000-a-week if he agreed to take on a new challenge outside of the top tier. The two-cap Scotland international has, however, been advised to aim higher than that.

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  WHAT EFL PUNDIT SAID

  Former EFL player turned pundit Lee Hendrie has told of the transfer gossip that Wrexham continue to generate: “I think Tom Cairney still offers an awful lot. I’ve always thought he's a fantastic player and still is a fantastic player. He probably hasn't had as much game time as he would have liked this season.

  “I know Wrexham are certainly on the up and things are going well for them and there's a big platform for him to go and play at, but I still think that he can offer Premier League football, I really do, even if it's one of the teams that are coming up.

  “Whether that sort of fee entices him, that’s probably down to Tom himself. But I still think that, personally, Tom's better than Wrexham, and that's no disrespect to Wrexham. I think that they'll be trying to entice players like that. But I still think Tom Cairney can still deliver, I still think he offers an awful lot.”

The January transfer window came and went without Arsenal adding any players to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch ahead of the second half of the season.

Mikel Arteta confirmed that the club were “actively looking” at potential recruits in the winter market, but the deadline passed at the start of February and the Gunners did not have any new players to compete in the forward department.

At the time of the January window, Arsenal already knew that they would be without Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka for months with knee and hamstring injuries respectively.

As you can see in the table above, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli have since suffered hamstring injuries that have left them unavailable for action, with the former out for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign.

This means that Arsenal are without four of their frontline attacking options for a large chunk of the second half of the season whilst they compete to win the Premier League and the Champions League.

Why losing Kai Havertz is a big blow

Havertz has been a Marmite figure throughout his Premier League career, with Chelsea and Arsenal, as he can be frustrating in some moments and brilliant in others.

The Germany international scored the winner in a Champions League final for the Blues, netting against Manchester City, but he also only managed a return of 32 goals in 139 appearances in all competitions in total.

Havertz has been similarly inconsistent in front of goal with the Gunners, as he has scored nine goals but missed a whopping 15 ‘big chances’ in the Premier League this season.

The left-footed attacker does, however, offer a constant threat at the top end of the pitch with his physical presence and his movement in-and-around the box.

As you can see in the table above, Havertz ranks incredibly highly among his positional peers in the top leagues across Europe in a host of key attacking statistics.

Whilst it is understandable for supporters to be frustrated with his wasteful finishing, as illustrated by his 15 ‘big chances’ missed this season in the league, the German dynamo’s injury is a big blow because Arteta could rely upon him to chip in with goals and assists fairly regularly.

Without Havertz or Jesus available, Arteta needs players in other positions to step up and provide the goals. He needs to unearth his own version of Aaron Ramsey, who was adept at scoring from midfield for the Gunners.

Aaron Ramsey's goalscoring quality for Arsenal

The Wales international, who moved on from The Emirates to sign for Juventus in the summer of 2019, was once a reliable goalscoring midfielder for the London giants.

Ramsey scored 64 goals and provided 60 assists in 369 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners during his time at the club, but he was particularly prolific between the 2013/14 and 2014/15 campaigns.

The Welsh star scored 26 goals and racked up 17 assists in those two seasons combined, which shows that he offered a regular threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals from a midfield position for Arsene Wenger in those two years.

As you can see in the clips above, Ramsey scored a great variety of goals in the Premier League for the Gunners, thanks to his technical ability and the timing in his movements.

The former Arsenal star was able to get himself into great positions to score by timing his runs into the box to be in the right place at the right time, and had the quality in front of goal to make the most of those situations when he got there.

Arsenal may have Aaron Ramsey 2.0

Arteta could hit the jackpot for the Gunners by unearthing the club’s new version of Ramsey in Spanish central midfielder Mikel Merino, who showcased his knack for goalscoring off the bench against Leicester.

Chalkboard

The former Newcastle United star, who joined from Real Sociedad last summer, came on as a substitute for the striker-less Arsenal side against the Foxes and won the match with the only two goals of the game.

As you can see in the highlights above, Merino positioned himself like an experienced striker to head in Ethan Nwaneri’s cross and to convert from close range from Leandro Trossard’s ball in.

The £130k-per-week star, who Jurrien Timber claimed has “exceptional” qualities, has never been a prolific scorer in his career, with no more than five league goals in any season for any of his previous clubs.

However, Merino did score five goals from an xG tally of 3.30 in LaLiga for Real Sociedad and he has found the back of the net four times from 2.90 xG for Arsenal in the Premier League this term.

As you can see in the table above, the Spain international ranks incredibly highly among midfielders in the Premier League in a host of key goalscoring metrics.

He has only played 800 minutes, with eight starts in 17 matches, in the division, though, and this means that there is only a small sample size at the moment, but it does show that the potential is there for him to offer a huge threat as a goalscorer from midfield.

There is enough there and in his performance against Leicester, though, to suggest that Arteta could hit the jackpot with Merino by unleashing him as a regular starter in midfield and giving him the freedom to push forward into the box to pick up goalscoring positions.

Arsenal now submit £50m offer for "outstanding" Spurs target, claims report

The Gunners have now made a bid for a defender Tottenham tried to sign in January.

By
Dominic Lund

Feb 17, 2025

The Spaniard has the attributes to develop into a Ramsey-esque figure for the Arsenal manager and he could be the man to step up and fill the void left by Havertz and Jesus in the second half of the season.

Turning their attention towards a future star, Manchester United are now reportedly battling to sign a young winger in the summer transfer window who’s already impressed their scouts.

Man Utd transfer news

With cost-cutting measures continuing and Ruben Amorim’s side sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League as the season nears its conclusion, Manchester United were left frustrated once again when Real Sociedad equalised to rescue a draw in their Europa League first leg.

Scoring from the spot through Mikel Oyarzabal thanks to what the referee deemed to be a handball from Bruno Fernandes, the Spaniards will now travel to Old Trafford with it all to play for.

In many ways, a Europa League exit at the last 16 stage would encapsulate Manchester United’s season in its entirety, but Amorim will be desperate to avoid yet more disappointment in the first months of his tenure.

With every game, it’s become clearer and clearer that the Red Devils need affordable reinforcements, which has seemingly seen them turn their attention towards a future star.

Man Utd can ditch Dalot for 18-year-old who's "banging" on Amorim's door

Man Utd could have another Carrington gem on their hands

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By
Joe Nuttall

Mar 7, 2025

According to The Boot Room, Manchester United are now battling to sign Roger Fernandes from SC Braga, who value their 19-year-old winger at €40m (£34m) this summer. The rising star has already impressed United’s scouts and could now be on the move.

As ever when it comes to a talent of such calibre though, Manchester United aren’t alone in the race to secure Fernandes’ signature. Reports have also linked Manchester City, Liverpool and Newcastle United with moves to sign the Braga teenager in what could deal those at Old Trafford a frustrating blow.

Set to miss out on Champions League football in a season which has only seen their stock fall even further, convincing Fernandes to ditch the likes of Liverpool in favour of Amorim’s project has become increasingly difficult in the current campaign.

"Specialist" Fernandes is one to watch

Whether there’s doubts over Manchester United’s ability to sign such talents in their current state, the Red Devils are certainly looking in the right direction. Fernandes has been on the rise since 15 years old and hasn’t looked like slowing down ever since.

Now 19 years old, the winger has scored five goals and assisted another five in all competitions for Braga this season. Earning the praise of Ben Mattinson as a result of his recent rise, the analyst described Fernandes as a “1v1 specialist” and dubbed him an “unselfish winger” back in January of last year.

When the summer arrives, it looks as though the teenager is likely to find himself at the centre of a Premier League battle, as the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool all jostle for his signature.

Danny Dyer was prevented from delivering an “outrageous” speech at daughter Dani’s wedding to Jarrod Bowen, while his gift has been revealed.

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• Happy couple have tied the knot
• Family & friends joined their for big day
• Clear to take in a summer honeymoon

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Football Factory and EastEnders actor Danny is famed for his somewhat colourful language. He was always going to figure prominently on Dani’s big day, as she tied the knot with West Ham and England star Bowen.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Danny had joked during the build-up to that ceremony, which saw both members of the happy couple head to Ibiza for hen and stag parties with friends and family, that Bowen would be feeling nervous about having to deliver a speech.

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  THE GOSSIP

  He was happy to take on his own, with the expectation being that he would turn the air blue while telling lively tales about former Love Island contestant Dani. Passionate Hammers supporter Danny was, however, reined in by his partner Jo.

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• WHAT AN INSIDER SAID

  A source told : “Danny and Jo were very emotional about Dani getting married. She was their first born and she was there through all the highs and lows. They couldn’t be more proud and they love Jarrod like a son.

  “Danny walked her down the aisle. Jo joked that they should both do it but they’re keeping it traditional. Jo made sure Danny’s speech wasn’t outrageous.”

Nottingham Forest have reportedly voiced their concerns to UEFA over Crystal Palace's qualification for the Europa League.

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• Palace beat Man City in the FA Cup final
• Secured a spot in the Europa League
• Forest write to UEFA

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to the issue revolves around potential violations of UEFA’s multi-club ownership regulations, stemming from Palace’s ownership structure. A final decision on the Eagles' eligibility for the 2025-26 Europa League is expected by the end of June. Palace qualified for the competition by winning the FA Cup last season.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  American businessman John Textor owns approximately 43 per cent of the south London club but also holds a controlling interest in French side Lyon, another club that secured qualification for the Europa League. Under UEFA rules, no two clubs under the same ownership umbrella are allowed to compete in the same European competition to protect integrity.

  Palace officials met with UEFA representatives in Nyon last Tuesday for a detailed two-hour discussion, hoping to convince the governing body of their compliance. They have argued that despite Textor’s significant shareholding, he lacks operational influence over the club. He reportedly holds only 25 per cent of voting rights and has no role in daily affairs.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Should Palace be ruled ineligible, Forest could be next in line for a European spot, having finished seventh in the Premier League last term. Forest have expressed concerns to UEFA over Palace's ownership structure and asked for clarification on whether the Eagles will be involved in next season's Europa League.

  Brighton would also be affected by any reshuffle, potentially moving into the Conference League. While there had been whispers that the Seagulls had also submitted a complaint, the Telegraph says that they have not made any formal approach to UEFA.

  The complexity of the issue grows with Lyon's status. UEFA had previously disqualified Lyon from European competitions back in December, but reinstated them after the club met specific requirements. However, Lyon remain under close surveillance, and any breach of their settlement terms could again lead to exclusion from next season’s Europa League.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR PALACE?

  Forest’s appeal draws on their owner Evangelos Marinakis’s previous actions. Marinakis, who also owns Olympiacos, moved his shares into a blind trust to avoid conflicts when the Greek club was in the Champions League running. Forest appear to be suggesting Palace should have taken similar steps if they wished to meet UEFA standards.

  UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB) is expected to deliver a verdict by June 30. However, a final resolution may not come quickly, as any decision could be contested at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which would extend the timeline.