He plays like Moise Kean: Everton join race to sign £40m "wrecking ball"

Everton responded well at the weekend, clawing back to draw against Arsenal after losing the Merseyside derby at Anfield, a result which ended David Moyes’ nine-game unbeaten run in the Premier League.

Things have changed at Goodison Park, which is preparing for its emotional swansong not in the throes of a relegation battle but instead playing with a freedom that has come from Moyes’ return to the dugout and the consequent tactical and mental improvements.

However, Everton’s owners, The Friedkin Group, know that a range of signings are needed this summer, and with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and loanee Armando Broja both set to leave in a few months, bagging a striker has got to be the first port of call.

Everton join race for coveted striker

It’s an ambitious one, but TEAMtalk have revealed that Everton have joined the race for Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, with neighbours Liverpool also keen, along with many more top-flight sides.

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Indeed, both the Toffees – and Brighton and Hove Albion – are said to have gathered ‘updated information’ on the youngster in recent days, with the two clubs keeping ‘close tabs’ on his situation.

Delap has been one of the Premier League’s breakout stars this season despite his team’s woes. That plays into the forward’s suitors’ favour, though, for his £40m release clause activates upon the Tractor Boys’ relegation.

And Ipswich will be relegated. Valiant fight, but the gulf in quality between England’s top two tiers continues to yawn wider, and now a team like Everton could strengthen further at their rival’s expense by stocking up with a young striker, 22, who’s demonstrated his high-ceilinged potential superbly this year.

Why Everton want Liam Delap

Tussling with such high-profile competition, you’d be forgiven for taking the news that Everton are interested in Delap with a pinch of salt.

Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapapplauds fans after the match

Ipswich have played well in the Premier League this season, competitive after back-to-back promotions, but it has proved a step too far for Kieran McKenna’s men, whose defeat at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday has stretched the gap from safety to 12 points.

Delap, of course, got his name on the scoresheet in that 2-1 loss, and it was a fine goal at that. The 6 foot 1 striker is powerful and athletic, ranking among the top 17% of positional peers across Europe over the past year for progressive carries and the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

Is it any surprise that the Manchester City youth product has been described as a “wrecking ball” by Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones? These talents highlight exactly why the Toffees should make a concerted push for his signature, especially since FBref have suggested that Moise Kean is among his most tactically similar players.

Kean flopped hard during his stint on Merseyside but has built himself back up in Italy, thriving for Fiorentina. He’s scored 22 goals and provided five assists for La Viola this season, also hailed for his “remarkable” hold-up play by Serie A reporter Marco Messina.

Moise Kean vs Liam Delap (24/25)

Stats (* per game)

Kean

Delap

Matches (starts)

28 (27)

30 (29)

Goals

17

12

Assists

3

2

Shots (on target)*

3.1 (1.4)

2.0 (1.0)

Big chances missed

14

10

Pass completion

72%

62%

Big chances created

4

3

Dribbles*

1.4

1.2

Duels won*

4.8

4.7

Stats via Sofascore

Above, you can see Kean and Delap’s statistics across respective league campaigns this year. Both rank similarly across clinical, ball-carrying and duelling metrics.

It’s also important to note that Delap is competing within the Premier League, an ostensibly tougher division, for imperilled Ipswich, whereas Kean’s Fiorentina are eighth, fighting for European qualification.

Delap boasts a profile that seems perfect for Moyes’ dynamic but gritty system, and if TFG manage to pull this off, it might just go down as one of the biggest coups in Everton’s modern history.

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Aston Villa have "made enquiries" for £44.5m ace who has outscored Watkins

Aston Villa have made contact over the signing of an attacking player who is enjoying a superb return to form this season, according to a new transfer update.

Aston Villa eye signings after Champions League exit

Unai Emery’s team produced a brave performance at home to Paris Saint-Germain in midweek, beating the Ligue 1 champions 3-2 but crashing out of the Champions League on aggregate at the quarter-final stage.

It was another sign of the strides that this team had made under Emery, and while going out of Europe was hard to take, it shows that they are capable of holding their own against the best teams. Now, it’s a case of knuckling down in the Premier League and ensuring that they are back dining at the top table next season.

In terms of Villans transfer news, Club Brugge centre-back Joel Ordonez has emerged as a target, following an impressive campaign for the Belgian giants. He made 12 appearances in the Champions League, completing 90.9% of his passes and standing out as one of the best young ball-playing defenders in Europe.

Rosenborg teenager Sverre Nypan is another rumoured target for Villa, having caught the eye with his performances at the heart of his side’s midfield. He would be considered one for the future, but a hugely exciting option nonetheless.

Aston Villa enquire over £44.5m Moise Kean deal

According to Tuttomercato journalist Marco Conterio [via Sport Witness], Aston Villa have “already made enquiries” about signing Fiorentina attacker Moise Kean this summer.

The 25-year-old has a £44.5m release clause that is only valid between July 1st and July 15th this summer, so the Villans will need to act fast when that time arrives, with West Ham also credited with interest.

Fiorentina'sMoiseKeancelebrates after the match

Kean is a player who has really kicked on over the past 12 months or so, enjoying a brilliant season for Fiorentina and threatening to reach his potential. The Italian has scored 17 goals in Serie A, which is three more than Ollie Watkins has managed in the Premier League, as well as netting once for Italy in the UEFA Nations League.

Kean has experience of the Premier League, which may be seen as an added bonus for Emery, admittedly only scoring twice in 32 appearances in the competition, but he has matured as a player since then.

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For that reason, he could be an excellent addition for Villans, coming into his prime years and showing that he can score regularly in one of Europe’s top leagues.

With Watkins turning 30 this year and Marcus Rashford not certain to join permanently, the Midlands outfit should look to snap him up.

West Brom make 3-4-3 coach top target to replace Mowbray at The Hawthorns

West Bromwich Albion now want to appoint an “outstanding” 3-4-3 coach to replace the sacked Tony Mowbray, according to a recent report.

West Brom sack Tony Mowbray

The Baggies appointed Mowbray as their new head coach in January, as a replacement for Carlos Corberan, who left to join La Liga side Valencia. Mowbray joined the Midlands side on a two-and-a-half-year deal, and it was his second spell at The Hawthorns after he led the club to the 2007/08 Championship title.

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This was Mowbray’s first job in football since his recent illness that saw him leave Birmingham City. West Brom hoped that his arrival would help them not only remain in the play-off race but also help them get back into the Premier League. However, just five wins in 18 games have seen the Baggies fall way short of the play-offs, and with them six points behind the top six, with two games to go, the West Brom hierarchy have decided a change is needed once again.

West Brom said in a statement: “The club would like to place on record its thanks to Tony and Mark for their efforts – but has made the decision to part company following a series of poor results.

“Tony and Mark will forever be welcome at The Hawthorns, and their contributions to the club winning the 2007-08 Championship title will never be forgotten.”

West Brom want 3-4-3 Spurs coach to replace Mowbray

Former Albion midfielder James Morrison has been placed in interim charge, but going forward, the Baggies are keen to bring in a highly-rated coach to take them forward. According to reliable reporter Alan Nixon, relayed by West Brom News, West Brom have placed Tottenham’s Ryan Mason as their top target to replace Mowbray.

Tottenham's Ryan Mason

It is stated that Mason, who is a former midfielder for Spurs and has been caretaker manager for the Premier League side on a few occasions, is at the top of the Baggies’ wishlist for new managers. The report goes on to add that West Brom may have to wait to appoint Mason, though, as Spurs’ involvement in the Europa League means he will likely see out the campaign with the London side.

But West Brom could be willing to wait to appoint Mason, whose preferred formation as a coach is 3-4-3. Since retiring from football in 2018, Mason has been working at Spurs in various roles. He worked with the club’s academy for a couple of years before being promoted to the first team as coach, working under managers such as José Mourinho, Antonio Conte, and now Ange Postecoglou.

Ryan Mason’s managerial record

Games

13

Won

6

Drawn

1

Lost

6

Mason has impressed a lot of people while working at Spurs, with Postecoglou labelling the 33-year-old “outstanding” for his work on set-pieces.

Postecoglou said: “Ryan Mason is in charge of set pieces; he’s done an outstanding job all year, and Mile [Jedinak], I thought in defensive set pieces we were brilliant again because they have a threat there.”

Man City target who Pep loves not happy with £5m salary offer at PSG

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

Man City and Pep already lining up summer transfers

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

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

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

Nottingham Forest's MorganGibbs-Whitereacts after the match

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

Man City in position to sign PSG star Donnarumma

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

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

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

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s PSG stats

Apps

151

Goals conceded

150

Clean sheets

50

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

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

Tosin upgrade: Chelsea eyeing £25m Huijsen alternative as priority target

Chelsea were one of the clubs that were reportedly interested in a deal to sign Spain international Dean Huijsen from Premier League rivals Bournemouth in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The Blues have missed out on a swoop for the central defender, though, as Real Madrid have officially signed him from the Cherries for £50m, which was the value of his release clause.

Not all is lost for the Premier League giants, however, as they are reportedly eyeing up a swoop for an alternative to the soon-to-be Real Madrid star.

Chelsea eyeing deal for Dean Huijsen alternative

According to a report from Spain, Huijsen was the main target for Chelsea in the centre-back position, but they are now lining up a swoop for Lazio titan Mario Gila.

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The outlet claims that the former Real Madrid academy graduate is emerging as the priority target for the Blues after they missed out on the Bournemouth star to the Spanish giants.

It reveals that Lazio are set to demand a fee of £25m for the 24-year-old central defender, which is said to not be an issue for Chelsea from a financial perspective.

With all of this in mind, the club must now act on their ‘priority’ target by swooping to sign the Spaniard from the Serie A outfit for a fee of £25m, because he could come in as a big upgrade on Tosin Adarabioyo this summer.

Why Chelsea should sign Mario Gila

Signed from Fulham on a free transfer last summer, the English defender has started 14 of his 21 appearances in the Premier League, but Chelsea could sign an even better centre-back by landing Gila.

The Lazio star has averaged 2.7 tackles and interceptions and 4.9 duels won per game in the Serie A this season, whilst Tosin has only averaged 1.3 tackles and interceptions and 3.2 duels won per match in the Premier League this term.

Chelsea's TosinAdarabioyocelebrates after the match

These statistics suggest that Gila could come in as a defensive upgrade on the current Chelsea centre-back due to his ability to win more tackles, interceptions, and duels per game to cut out opposition attacks.

The Blues, however, are a ball-dominant team that also need centre-backs who are good enough on the ball to build attacks for Enzo Maresca, which the Lazio colossus certainly is.

Last 365 days per 90

Tosin Adarabioyo

Mario Gila

Pass accuracy

91%

91%

Progressive passes

2.66

4.70

Progressive carries

0.34

1.46

Successful take-ons

0.27

0.20

Shot-creating actions

0.96

1.16

Stats via FBref

As you can see in the table above, Gila is more progressive, as a passer and a carrier, from a central defensive position than Tosin is, with far more progressive passes and carries per 90 over the last 365 days.

Therefore, the £25m-rated defender could come in as a big upgrade on the former Fulham man because he could offer more to the team as an out-and-out defender and as a progressive option in possession.

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This is why the Blues should swoop to sign him as an alternative to Huijsen, as the 24-year-old star could improve Maresca’s side with his qualities on and off the ball.

Liverpool officials impressed after watching 28-cap "phenomenon" in action

Liverpool are in the market for savvy additions this summer and club officials have come back impressed from a recent scouting trip involving a defender in Europe’s top-five leagues.

Liverpool step up their hunt for reinforcements

The Reds are marching towards the summer window safe in the knowledge that they will be one of the finest Premier League destinations for potential recruits following a successful league campaign. Arne Slot arrived with a vision and delivered with flying colours, which is a theme the Dutchman will be keen to follow up on once the transfer window opens for business.

Liverpool manager ArneSlotlooks on before the match

Mapping out a summer that could see mass changes engulf his squad, Liverpool have lined up Real Madrid sensation Rodrygo as an ambitious venture despite his steep £85 million valuation. On the same token, the Merseyside giants have submitted an enquiry to Monaco involving defender Vanderson amid Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure on a free transfer.

Earning a controversial reception against Arsenal after coming off the bench, the Three Lions international’s successor will have considerable pressure on their shoulders to take on the creative void needing filled once the 26-year-old moves to Real Madrid.

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Truthfully, it will probably take several additions and a tactical rethink to solve the intriguing conundrum, but Slot has already shown his adaptability over the course of the season.

Before anything else, the Dutchman will value flexibility and depth in his mission to dominate English football. Alterations are a necesarry evil of progression, though adequate cover will be needed to replace any outgoing figures.

Now, Liverpool are lining up a swoop for an impressive defender who could be available on a cut-price deal, according to reports.

Liverpool impressed after Jhon Lucumi scouting mission

According to TBR, Liverpool officials have scouted Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi and his intermediaries have been in contact with several clubs to inform them of his situation heading into the summer window. Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton & Hove Albion, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Leeds United have also watched the 28-cap Colombia centre-back in action as his contract runs into its final 12 months in Italy.

Jhon Lucumi’s statistics in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

41

Goals

1

Assists

1

Juventus and Inter Milan have joined the hunt for his signature, though Liverpool have identified the 26-year-old as an ideal candidate to strengthen their defensive ranks after another solid term at Bologna. Labelled a “phenomenon” by Vincenzo Italiano, Lucumi has been a dominant presence in the Italian top-flight this campaign, winning an average of 3.8 duels per match.

Expectedly, Bologna don’t want to lose one of their star assets on a free transfer next summer, hence why they would be open to a sale in the correct circumstances. Heeding that, Liverpool could now move to complete a bargain transfer to kickstart a trail of exciting recruitment under Slot’s stewardship.

Crystal Palace now keen to sign £20m maestro; could join in Guehi swap deal

Crystal Palace are now eager to sign a £20m midfielder, who could join as part of a swap deal for Marc Guehi in the summer, according to reliable reporter Alan Nixon.

Guehi could be heading for the exit door

It was widely reported that Palace chose to reject a £70m bid for Guehi from Tottenham Hotspur back in January, and their decision to hold on to their captain was vindicated by their surprise triumph over Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

However, the England international is yet to commit to a new contract, with just over a month remaining on his current deal, and it now looks as though he could be heading for the exit door, considering this summer will be the Eagles’ last chance to cash-in.

The 24-year-old defender would be keen on talks to join Tottenham Hotspur, who have now sealed a spot in next season’s Champions League, while there may also be a temptation to join former club Chelsea, with a £60m move possible.

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However, according to Alan Nixon, the two clubs may also be able to strike a deal of a different nature, as Crystal Palace are now keen on signing Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, who could join as part of a swap deal for Guehi.

Palace would prefer to pay straight cash for Santos, who impressed on loan at Strasbourg this season, and the Blues are now prepared to cash-in on the midfielder for a fee of around £20m, but a swap deal is not completely off the table either.

Santos is "one-man war machine" in midfield

The Brazilian is yet to make an appearance for Chelsea, but there are signs he could now be ready to start for a Premier League side, having made significant improvements to his game during the 2024-25 campaign.

Andrey Santos

On loan at French side Strasbourg, the Rio de Janeiro-born ace picked up ten goals and four assists in Ligue 1, while he is very impressive at winning back possession, as demonstrated by the number of tackles he has completed per 90 over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Tackles

3.47 (97th percentile)

Non-penalty goals

0.32 (97th percentile)

Blocks

1.45 (77th percentile)

Clearances

2.11 (79th percentile)

Having performed well across several key attacking and defensive metrics, the Chelsea gem is clearly a well-rounded player, and the 21-year-old has also received plaudits from football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who described him as a “one-man war machine in midfield.”

Santos could be a fantastic signing for Palace this summer, as Oliver Glasner looks to build a squad capable of competing in the Europa League next season, but they should be hesitant about sending Guehi in the opposite direction unless they receive a huge fee for their captain.

Birmingham could sign a big upgrade on Paik with move for £2m sensation

Birmingham City is no longer a sleeping giant aiming to take a lower league by storm.

Now, the Blues are back in the ultra-competitive Championship, desperate to prove that they belong at the level, with an ambition in their veins to push on even more after lifting the League One title with ease.

Mega-rich Birmingham chairman Tom Wagner has even been hyping up the prospect of Chris Davies’ men being back in the Premier League by 2026 coming around, meaning the Blues will have to instantly take the EFL’s elite league by storm on their reentry.

It will be intriguing to see if all this pressure on Birmingham’s back hurts their progress, but the step up a league will also be an opportunity for the likes of Paik Seung-Ho to show they can strut their stuff in a more difficult environment, away from breaking the bank to fund their top-flight dreams.

Paik's performances in League One

Whilst Davies and Co. did bring in some proven EFL faces such as Alfie May and Jay Stansfield last summer, the Blues had sanctioned some left-field moves before their relegation took place, particularly when Paik arrived at St. Andrew’s from South Korean side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in January of 2024.

Thankfully for Birmingham, it didn’t take long for Paik to get up to speed with his new surroundings, with the midfield maestro even netting a solitary goal in the Championship before they fell to the third tier.

The energetic 28-year-old ended up being a key part of the Birmingham side down a division too, with the Blues number 13 collecting another strike in league action as his confident team were resoundingly crowned champions, on top of also registering three assists.

Yet, now as they venture back up to the Championship, the ambitious Blues could soon land an upgrade on the stylish South Korean by signing this former Manchester United youth product.

Birmingham's search for a midfielder

Birmingham have had lots of success in the past when purchasing former Red Devils prodigies, with the likes of Tahith Chong and Jesse Lingard shining at St. Andrew’s briefly, before spreading their wings elsewhere.

Indeed, Chong registered 13 goals and assists in 61 games for the Midlands side, with Lingard previously racking up nine goal involvements in just 13 outings on loan at the club.

Charlie Savage’s name could soon be thrown into this mix, with a previous report from Football Insider revealing that Birmingham are prepared to battle it out for the £2m-rated star’s services, amidst interest also coming from Wrexham, Blackburn Rovers, and Portsmouth.

Reading's Charlie Savage

Much like Paik, Savage is fresh off a standout season in League One, albeit in a Reading side with many off-field struggles that nearly derailed matters on the pitch.

When looking at the table below, too, it could be argued that the Royals’ number eight is even an upgrade on his South Korean counterpart, with Savage tallying up more goals and assists last season for Noel Hunt’s men when weighed up next to Paik’s lesser output.

Savage vs Paik – L1 numbers (24/25)

Stat – per 90 mins*

Savage

Paik

Games played

45

41

Goals scored

5

1

Assists

9

3

Touches*

47.8

66.2

Accurate passes*

27.0 (80%)

45.2 (88%)

Key passes*

1.3

1.0

Big chances created

5

8

Big chances missed

3

3

Ball recoveries*

3.7

4.0

Total duels won*

2.3

4.4

Stats by Sofascore

Amazingly, despite averaging fewer touches per match last season in League One, Savage would better Paik’s goal-and-assist tally by a whopping ten, with the 22-year-old’s effectiveness in forward areas perhaps a useful weapon for the Blues to call upon as they strive to ruffle feathers back in the Championship.

He does fall flat when weighing up their respective ball recovery and duels won numbers, but that’s where Tomoki Iwata could come to the rescue in any potential duo, with Iwata just about trumping Paik with 4.5 ball recoveries averaged per third-tier clash.

Hailed as “first class” by former Wales manager Rob Page when first thrown into the Red Dragons senior side, Savage should, in theory, be able to immediately slot into Davies’ team and take to the pressures of the Championship well, resulting in Paik having to make do with a spot in the background.

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He'd be amazing with Ekitike: Man Utd "optimistic" of sealing deal for star

Manchester United’s summer could be defining for Ruben Amorim in his tenure at Old Trafford, needing a huge summer to transform his fortunes at the club.

The 40-year-old has already wasted very little time in the transfer market, completing a £62.5m deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker Matheus Cunha.

After scoring 15 Premier League goals this campaign, the Brazilian will likely improve the options currently at the club, helping the manager in his quest to take them back to their former glory.

Wolverhampton Wanderers'MatheusCunha

However, he will likely need to be joined in the attacking third by numerous other additions, with Jason Wilcox attempting to work his magic during the off-season.

Various other players have been mentioned with a potential switch to Old Trafford ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with the Red Devils in desperate need of an overhaul.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers

Given United’s measly tally of 44 league goals this season, it’s clear that additions are needed in such a department to transform the situation currently unfolding at the Theatre of Dreams.

Players such as Callum Hudson-Odoi, Dušan Vlahović and Jean-Philippe Mateta have all been mentioned as targets this window, but no deals have yet been agreed for any of the aforementioned stars.

Juventus' DusanVlahovicduring the warm up

However, another player has entered the mix over the last couple of days, in the form of Bryan Mbeumo, with the Brentford forward edging closest to a move, according to German journalist Christopher Michel.

He claims that the Red Devils are becoming “optimistic of finalising” a deal for the 25-year-old for the start of their pre-season ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

It’s also reported that Thomas Frank is trying to hijack a deal for the £70m star, looking to take the Cameroonian with him to North London after being appointed Tottenham Hotspur manager.

Why United’s £70m target could be incredible alongside Ekitike

United’s hunt for new additions has seen no sign of slowing down in recent days, with Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitiké firmly in their sights, according to Sky Germany.

Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike

They claim that the Red Devils have made contact with the Bundesliga side over a move for the 22-year-old star, who’s registered 22 goals across all competitions in 2024/25.

It’s also reported that the French international has a €100m (£84m) release clause in his deal, but they face a battle with other Premier League sides, with Arsenal and Chelsea also in the race for his signature.

It remains to be seen if the club would be able to fork out such a fee for the Frankfurt talisman, especially after completing a deal for Cunha and edging closer to a move to land Mbeumo.

However, it’s a move they should pursue, with the Bees attacker having all the tools to form a deadly combination with Ekitike within the final third at Old Trafford.

Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts

The Cameroonian, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by one analyst, may have scored 20 league goals this season, but he’s also demonstrated his creative nature throughout the 2024/25 season.

He’s registered 3.7 progressive passes and 1.9 key passes per 90, having the skillset to provide Ekitike with the ammunition needed to succeed in front of goal should he move to Manchester.

Bryan Mbeumo’s stats for Brentford in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

38

Goals & assists

27

Progressive passes

3.7

Progressive carries

3.4

Key passes made

1.9

Passes into opposition box

1.6

Crosses completed

5.3

Take-on success

48%

Stats via FBref

Mbeumo has also registered 1.6 passes into the opposition box per 90, whilst completing 5.3 crosses per 90, with his ability to cause carnage certainly aiding other attackers at Old Trafford.

£70m may appear to be another massive investment from the hierarchy, given the early business conducted this summer, but it’s one that would add a different dimension to Amorim’s attack.

The prospect of the Bees’ star partnering the French star alongside Cunha in the final third is certainly an exciting one, with the trio single-handedly hoping to push the club back up the table next campaign.

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Man City believe "excellent" £50k-p/w ace wants to join, bid being prepared

Manchester City are enjoying themselves on Club World Cup duty, but that doesn’t mean work isn’t going on in the background to secure reinforcements at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester City's balancing act with transfers and Club World Cup

Al Hilal await Manchester City in the last 16 of the Club World Cup after Pep Guardiola led his side to three straight victories over Wydad Casablanca, Al Ain and Juventus in the group stages.

Reverting to traditional full-backs to control the middle of the park with tight interchanges in and around the penalty area, the former Barcelona boss has made the Citizens one of the favourites to claim the trophy Stateside, which would be the perfect end to an otherwise disappointing 2024/2025.

Manchester City managerPepGuardiola

Buying into Manchester City’s recent hype, Guardiola praised his side for showing a ruthless edge against Juventus that he believes could be a sign of things to come as his side aim to replicate their success of the last decade.

He stated: “This is just one game but I think the players felt again what it was like to be a good team. It’s the first time we’ve performed the way we can.

“We won the last two but we adjusted a few things. I’m really pleased because the players realise what we have to do to get back to what we were in the last decade. The belief always comes from your performances, not your past.”

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Nevertheless, there is still plenty of transfer activity going on at the Etihad, with Manchester City’s pursuit of Real Madrid star Rodrygo now public knowledge.

After losing out to Liverpool last term, Guardiola appears determined to take the fight to the reigning champions this season and is now pursuing one of England’s brightest talents.

Manchester City preparing bid to sign Tino Livramento

According to GIVEMESPORT, Manchester City are preparing a bid to sign Newcastle United star Tino Livramento, and Guardiola’s side are reportedly convinced that he wants a move to the Eastlands.

Citing his ability to operate in either full-back position, the Sky Blues are growing in confidence that they could land the England Under-21 international despite Eddie Howe having no desire to lose the Croydon-born man, who is currently out on duty at the European Championships.

Five similar players to Tino Livramento (FBRef)

Denis Appiah

Saint-Ettiene

Joe Scally

Borussia Mönchengladbach

Destiny Udogie

Tottenham Hotspur

Pep Chavarria

Rayo Vallecano

Gideon Mensah

Auxerre

Earning £50,000 per week in the North East, Livramento notched a solitary assist in 45 appearances across all competitions for Newcastle last campaign and helped them claim EFL Cup glory and qualify for the Champions League.

Three other unnamed players are under consideration at Manchester City, but it appears that the “excellent” former Southampton man is their prime target at this point in time.

Arriving potentially with the added carrot of being a homegrown player, helping them navigate squad regulations, completing a deal would make a lot of sense for Guardiola in the cold light of day.

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