In partnership with TalkSPORTBET, Football FanCast had a quick chat with former Rangers star and manager Ally McCoist to catch up on everything Rangers, from his favourite teammates to new manager candidates. Catch the full interview and transcript below.

"Ferguson and McCall were my two most underrated teammates"

Asked if any of his former Ibrox teammates went under the radar surrounded by stars like Brian Laudrup and Paul Gascoigne, McCoist heaped praise on two former Scotland midfielders: “Probably two underrated ones would be Stuart McCall and Ian Ferguson. Stuart was a brilliant midfielder, as was Ian.

“The first thing that struck you about Stuart was his energy and his willingness to run about and work hard, and I think in many ways that masked his ability in some people’s opinions, because he was a far better football player perhaps than the way he played.

“What caught your eye when he played was his work rate and his closing down, getting the ball back, but far cleverer with the ball and a better player than a lot of people imagined.

“And Ian Ferguson was the exact same. Those two guys could’ve played in any team at any level. Fergie came from St. Mirren as a younger man and Graeme (Souness) and Walter (Smith) turned him into a very mature, level-headed midfield player who was aggressive and he had one of the hardest shots out of any player I played with.

“The one thing about Fergie that helped was that he was a Rangers boy growing up so he absolutely loved every minute of putting on that blue jersey.”

"I'd have loved to have played with and managed Nicolas Raskin"

Looking at today’s Rangers squad, the legendary striker had no hesitation when asked which current Gers stars he’d have liked to have lined up alongside: “(Nicolas) Raskin, I’ve gotta say his attitude to play and his desire and the way he works. Obviously, he just got into his international side and came off the bench and played for Belgium. I just think he’s one of those boys that has a steady improvement in him.

“I think he’s actually a player I would have liked to have played and managed at the same time. (Vaclav) Cerny’s another one. I enjoy watching Cerny, that left foot of his. He can come inside, go outside. Cerny’s one I wouldn’t mind playing with as well.”

"I was the only person the new owners could talk to"

With 49ers Enterprises now closing in on a deal to take over at Ibrox, McCoist recalled his experience with a changing of the guard, as the Gers entered administration during his time in the dugout: “It’s a funny one, because you’re not really involved in it as such. The position I was in I was sitting down and getting interviewed by one or two potential buyers but that’s all you can do. You don’t have an influence on it at all. All you’re trying to do is effectively sell the football club to people.

“Nowadays it’s completely different because there’s other people to do that. The guys coming in from San Francisco will be doing their due diligence and their background work and they won’t really be asking anybody in the football management side of things.

“It was different when I was there because there was nobody. There was no board of directors, there was no chairman, no chief executive. I was effectively the only person at the club that you could talk to, so thankfully that’s not the case now and the potential buyers will be going through their due diligence and with a bit of luck it can get done and dusted in the foreseeable future.”

"Big changes are needed at Rangers"

It goes without saying that the big task on the new owners’ hands now will be to bridge the gap to Celtic, which McCoist believes starts with hiring a sporting director: “They’re going to have to do it prudently. The first thing they have to do is clearly appoint somebody that they’re going to trust with potential finances. I would rather see them take their time if I’m to be brutally honest. I’d rather see hopefully new owners come in with a business plan, because it’s not gonna be an overnight fix. There’s no chance.

“The disappointing thing for me has been the dramatic decline since they were a penalty kick away from winning the Europa League. It’s just went south very very quickly for whatever reasons. But I don’t think it’s gonna be an overnight fix.

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“A little bit like they’ve done at Leeds. They’ve not come in and went crazy at Leeds – it looks as though hopefully they will get promotion back to the top flight. But they’ve (49ers) not come in and made sweeping changes.

“Although changes are needed at Rangers, and some big ones, I don’t see them making them all at once. I see them coming in, taking their time, having a business plan, appointing someone and moving the club forward gradually.

“I think that’s a far better idea than just going out and spending money willy-nilly on four or five players. I think there has to be a business plan, you’ve gotta build and take it from there – a steady improvement all of the time.”

"Sean Dyche would be an interesting one"

If a new sporting director is objective number one, then finding a new permanent manager isn’t far behind, and the former Gers boss named some eye-catching options: “Kevin Muscat, who played at Rangers, and won the league in Australia and Japan, was spoken about before Philippe Clement. I would imagine he will come back into the craze as well and get spoken about.

“I mentioned Russell Martin at Southampton, he will be desperate to get back into football and management. Also, there’s other guys. Sean Dyche would be an interesting one for me. His teams have always been very very competitive but particularly his Everton side, it’s always a struggle and a fight. I’d like to see him in a team that are expected to win every week. I think he would enjoy that as much as anything, I really do.

Sean Dyche’s career so far	Matches in charge	Points per game
Everton (2023-2025)	83	1.23
Burnley (2012-2022)	425	1.34
Watford (2011-2012)	49	1.37

“So, it’s a well-sought after job and there will be no shortage of people going for it. Mourinho was obviously there recently and he is somebody who certainly a lot of Rangers fans would take to and appreciate but I just think the most important thing is they’ve gotta get it right.”

Mohamed Salah has been Liverpool’s shining light under Arne Slot this season, undoubtedly playing a crucial role in the success they’ve enjoyed within the Premier League.

The Egyptian forward has registered a staggering tally of 56 combined goals and assists across all competitions, certainly being the club’s biggest threat in attacking areas.

The 32-year-old recently put pen to paper over a new two-year deal at Anfield, taking him to the summer of 2027 – a move that is undoubtedly a huge boost to the side.

However, given the fact that he’s edging closer to the back end of his professional career, the hierarchy needs to hand the manager the funds to land added threats within attacking areas.

With the summer window rapidly approaching, the manager has wasted no time in identifying targets to improve his squad, with moves already being made to secure a deal for new forward options.

An update on Liverpool’s hunt for new attackers this summer

A new striker will undoubtedly be top of Liverpool’s shopping list this summer, with Viktor Gyokeres one of the names emerging on their shortlist over the last few days.

The Swede has been shortlisted as a potential addition at the top end of the pitch, but could face keen interest from other Premier League sides such as Arsenal and Manchester United.

However, he’s not the only attacker who’s appeared on their radar as of late, with Victor Osimhen the latest player who’s of interest to the Reds, according to TBR.

The 26-year-old has been high up on the club’s list of targets, with the report claiming that work has already been done behind the scenes to sign the Nigerian this summer.

It also states that the Napoli star, who’s spending the year on loan at Galatasaray, wants a move to England and currently has a £60m release clause in his deal with the Serie A outfit.

Why Liverpool’s £60m target is the dream Isak alternative

With the summer window rapidly approaching, Liverpool have wasted no time in identifying targets, with Alexander Isak a name who’s constantly been linked with a switch to Merseyside.

The 25-year-old has been in tremendous form within the Premier League this season, registering a staggering 23 goals in his 32 appearances to date – with only Salah scoring more in England’s top-flight.

His goalscoring record has undoubtedly led to huge interest from the Reds, but the Magpies’ £150m asking price on his shoulders has set them back in their pursuit of his signature.

Such a price tag has led to links to Osimhen this summer, with the Nigerian the perfect alternative to Isak if the hierarchy isn’t willing to fork out such a transfer fee.

When comparing their respective stats from the ongoing campaign, the Galatasaray loanee has managed to match or outperform him in numerous key areas, potentially being a superb option for Slot’s side.

The Nigerian, who’s been labelled “sensational” by The Overlap’s tactical analyst, has botched the same number of combined goals and assists to date, whilst managing to register more shots on target per 90 – highlighting his attacking threat in the final third.

He’s also managed to get more of his efforts on target, offering Slot a clinical option in his attempts to retain the club’s Premier League title during 2025/26.

Osimhen currently sits as the top goalscorer in the Turkish Süper Lig, highlighting his qualities in front of goal, handing the Reds the needed threat alongside Salah in the front three.

1. Victor Osimhen

24

2. Krzysztof Piatek

21

3. Simon Banza

19

4. Youssef En-Nesryi

16

5. Ali Sowe

15

There’s no denying that supporters will want Isak to be their main talisman next season, but his reported £150m price tag is simply unrealistic, with a move elsewhere allowing for investment elsewhere.

The Napoli star has the ability to thrive at Anfield, potentially being a better option given the difference in stats, subsequently ending their long-standing pursuit of a new forward on Merseyside.

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Nottingham Forest are now eyeing a move to sign a “special” Manchester City player this summer, according to Sky Sports.

Forest's summer transfer plans underway

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side got back to winning ways in the Premier League on Monday against Tottenham Hotspur, and the hope will be that they can now keep that run going until the end of the season, where it will give them a great chance of securing Champions League football for next season.

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Playing in that competition could see Forest’s summer transfer plans significantly change, as the money they will get from entering it could be used to bring new players to the club. Signing a new striker seems to be a high priority for the Reds this summer, as they have been heavily reliant on Chris Wood for much of this campaign.

Forest have been linked with a move for Wolves’ Matheus Cunha in recent weeks and months, but it looks as though Manchester United are set to win that race. Meaning Forest now have to turn to alternative targets and strikers such as Anis Hadj Moussa from Feyenoord and Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton have been mentioned and added to their shortlist. But they may all be backup options, as it’s been claimed that the Reds are eyeing a move to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford as an alternative to Cunha, who will likely cost £50 million.

Nottingham Forest keen on signing £25m James McAtee

As well as looking for a new number nine, the Reds are also in the market to strengthen their midfield options. According to Sky Sports, Nottingham Forest are interested in signing James McAtee from Manchester City.

Sky Sports state that McAtee is of interest to the Reds, irrelevant of what happens to Antony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odi, who have both been linked with a move away from the City Ground. It goes on to state that it isn’t clear if City would be looking to sell McAtee this summer, despite the fact that he is out of contract in 2026.

Forest are not alone in showing interest in McAtee, as it’s been reported that Man United are also keeping an eye on the Englishman, and they could make a shock move to sign a player from their bitter rivals.

James McAtee’s Man City stats
Apps	32
Goals	7
Assists	0

The 22-year-old, who has been dubbed “special” by Man City boss Pep Guardiola, has played 25 times for the Blues this season but has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot. He has started just eight games overall, two of which have come in the league.

Despite the lack of regular minutes, it’s been reported earlier this year that if McAtee were to leave the Etihad Stadium, City would want to receive around £25 million for his services. Forest may see McAtee as a player who can help take some of the burden off midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, who has been so important this season and will be once again, especially if they secure Champions League football.

With promotion to the Premier League confirmed with two games to go, Leeds United can finally turn their attention towards trying to build a side capable of staying in England’s top flight.

Such a feat might be easier said than done, with every promoted side from the Championship in the last two years returning straight back after just one season in the top division.

However, despite the achievements of boss Daniel Farke throughout 2024/25, it emerged yesterday that the hierarchy may consider sacking him to appoint a more proven Premier League manager to aid their ambitions next season.

Undoubtedly, such a decision would be extremely harsh after the German secured promotion, but football is a cutthroat industry with bold decisions needing to be made to avoid relegation in 2025/26.

That being said, bold decisions will need to be made in the market to create a side capable of consolidating next campaign, with money needing to be spent by the hierarchy to aid their attempts.

The latest on Leeds’ pursuit of new signings

There’s no denying that the Whites will likely be linked with a whole host of players after their return to the Premier League, but it’s important that quality over quantity arrives at Elland Road.

One name that has been constantly linked with a summer switch to Yorkshire is Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Julian Weigl, after previously featuring under Farke during their time together in the Bundesliga.

The 29-year-old, who’s made 29 appearances in the league this campaign, has been firmly on the club’s radar, but no deal is currently on the cards, leading to potential moves for other targets.

The hierarchy could subsequently look to pursue a move for West Ham United midfielder Tomas Soucek this summer, with the Czech international reportedly open to a move to Yorkshire.

According to IDNES, the 30-year-old is unhappy after losing his place under Graham Potter, opening the door for a transfer to join Leeds with just 12 months left on his contract.

They revealed that the newly-promoted side a strongly considering a move this summer.

Why Leeds should prioritise a move for a PL star over Weigl

There’s no denying Weigl would be an excellent addition to the Leeds squad, having the quality and experience to make a real difference at the heart of the side.

During his professional career, he’s featured for the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Benfica, often being a key member of the respective sides in the Champions League.

Such experience is key, especially heading into a season which could be a challenge for the Whites – that’s if the last couple of campaigns for newly-promoted sides are anything to go by.

However, given the fact he’s never played in England’s top-flight, such a deal could be seen as a risk, with the right additions needing to be made – potentially seeing them prioritise a move for Soucek as a result.

When comparing the duo’s respective stats from the ongoing season, the West Ham star has massively outperformed him, highlighting why the club should opt for his signature instead.

Games played

30

29

Goals & assists

8

2

Shots taken

1.9

0.6

Key passes

0.6

0.3

Tackles won

0.8

0.7

Clearances made

3.1

2.5

Aerials won

3.6

1.2

The Czech star, who’s been labelled “superb” by EXWHUEmployee, has registered more goals and assists this season, whilst also notching a higher tally of shots per 90 – showcasing the attacking threat he possesses from deep-lying positions.

He’s also managed to complete more key passes per 90, whilst also winning more tackles and aerials – offering Farke an all-round presence at the heart of the midfield next season.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for Soucek would set the club back in the coming months, it would undoubtedly be a worthwhile investment, having the experience to help them in their Premier League quest.

With just 12 months left on his current deal at the London Stadium, it could be worth getting him on the cheap, possibly becoming their first signing back amongst England’s elite.

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Trent Alexander-Arnold might be jetting off to the Spanish capital this summer, but there’s plenty to be happy about for those of a Liverpool persuasion right now.

With the Reds winning their 20th top-flight title under Arne Slot’s management this year, Alexander-Arnold has very much played a pivotal part in putting his boyhood club back on its perch – not just this year, but across the illustrious sweep of his career.

But the vice-captain is going to leave for Real Madrid on a Bosman, and his departure will have a say on the roads taken across the transfer market months.

While sorting out Liverpool’s defensive flanks is sure to be a priority for FSG, there’s no question that changes are going to be enforced from an attacking standpoint.

Liverpool eyeing attacking changes

Liverpool are gearing up for a busy summer, and no mistake. FSG’s approach toward transfer business has stoked frustrations over the years, but can we really begrudge them, given the club’s success over the past decade?

This new version, it must be said, feels different. The framework has been reshaped and Slot is expecting sweeping changes after minimal investment last summer.

Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota may both reportedly depart, opening ample room for a high-level centre-forward. However, with Luis Diaz anticipating new talks to renew his contract, Liverpool’s need for a left winger has been lessened considerably.

That hasn’t stopped the Merseysiders from registering their interest in Morgan Rogers, though, a versatile attacker who shifts seamlessly between the wide lane and a more central berth, and has struck 27 goal contributions from 51 outings this season.

However, Liverpool have yet to double down on a target, and might have found one who would be a better fit than the Aston Villa sensation.

Liverpool could see bid accepted for Premier League star

Sources have confirmed to Caught Offside that Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo is on Liverpool’s radar this summer, with the Bees seeking bids of £60m-£65m in order to let him head to Anfield or any other interested party.

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However, sporting director Richard Hughes will need to accelerate his plans if Liverpool are to prevail, with Manchester United set to make their opening offer in the coming weeks.

While the urgency for a right-sided forward has been eased after Mohamed Salah’s contract renewal, Federico Chiesa has scarcely featured under Slot and is mooted for a return to Italy, with AC Milan reportedly interested.

Mbeumo could be the perfect addition, adding the athleticism and dynamism needed ahead of a title-defending campaign.

What Bryan Mbeumo would bring to Liverpool

Salah’s peerless output in the Premier League this season is something Slot will be hoping to replicate next year. Signing a ball-carrying star such as Rogers could be a way to make that happen, but Liverpool already have a tried and tested midfield three and Diaz is rumoured to be staying put.

Premier League 24/25 – Most Goals + Assists

Rank

Player

Goals

Assists

G/A

1

Mohamed Salah

28

18

46

2

Alexander Isak

23

6

29

3

Bryan Mbeumo

18

7

25

4

Erling Haaland

21

3

24

4=

Cole Palmer

15

9

24

Stats via Transfermarkt

However, he’ll be 33 by the time the 2025/26 campaign arrives, and Mbeumo could be the perfect forward to ease the Egypt international’s workload.

Of course, Mbeumo’s capacity to perform at number nine is something Thomas Frank has made good use of throughout the season and Slot will be sure to take a leaf from the Dane’s book, with his usage of Diaz’s dynamic qualities this year already underlining how he can guide the Brentford man toward new heights.

The 25-year-old has scored 68 goals and provided 50 assists across 239 matches in England, but it would be hard to argue against the current campaign being his finest for the Bees.

After missing only eight big chances in the Premier League this season (scoring 18 times), he’s proven his clinical edge to be the hallmark of a broad-ranging skill set. Of course, that’s not all, with 16 big chances created and 1.3 tackles and dribbles averaged per game, over four duels won each fixture too.

While Villa’s Rogers would be an attractive option given his prolificness in Unai Emery’s system, Mbeumo is the more dangerous goalscorer while proving himself a multi-dimensional player too, creating heartily.

Highly-regarded, Rogers has pulled all the stops this term and would no doubt prove a worthy addition to Liverpool’s high-flying team.

That said, recent rumours have suggested that Rogers will cost suitors around £70m, which is no small sum. Villa’s reluctance to sell could see that stretch even higher.

Meanwhile, Brentford seem open to selling their talisman which could play into Liverpool’s plans, with Mbeumo’s specific quality suggesting that he could one day succeed Salah while serving as his understudy for now and filling in at centre-forward too.

He’s been more prolific than Rogers in the Premier League this season while outstripping him across most underlying metrics. Rogers has won more duels per game, but only by a 0.2 average.

Hailed for his “sensational” efforts in west London by Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam, Liverpool will kick themselves if they fail to beat off competition from their Red Devil rivals and secure Mbeumo’s signature.

Liverpool are going to want an out-and-out striker to join their ranks ahead of Slot’s second season, but if Nunez and Jota both depart, Mbeumo’s addition would make a significant difference to an outfit looking to challenge across four fronts.

Both the Cameroon international and Rogers have the qualities to leave marked effects on Slot’s Liverpool project, but Mbuemo’s goalscoring ability and completeness have the decisive say on the matter: FSG need to bring him in.

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Everton have now held talks with the entourage of a “leader”, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer, according to a report.

Moyes looking to bolster defensive options

The Toffees’ recent results haven’t been the best, falling to defeats against Chelsea and Manchester City before drawing 2-2 against Ipswich Town in the penultimate match at Goodison Park, but it remains an exciting time to be a fan of the Blues.

The hope will be that a move to Bramley Moore-Dock positions David Moyes’ side to compete for major honours in the future, and they are looking to mark their stadium move by making one or two statement signings this summer.

That is according to a new report, which states the Merseysiders are now open to the signing of Man City defender John Stones, who could be in line for a sensational return eight years after leaving Goodison Park.

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Stones could be a real upgrade on Moyes’ current centre-back options, given his top-level experience, and there has now been a suggestion that a new left-back could also be pursued in the summer transfer window.

According to a report from The Boot Room, Everton have now made contact with the entourage of Leeds United defender Junior Firpo, who is out of contract at the end of the season and thus available on a free transfer.

Firpo appears to be set to leave Leeds this summer, having arrived at Elland Road for £13m back in 2021, and there is no shortage of interest in his signature, with Crystal Palace and West Ham United also holding talks with his representatives.

A return to Spain could also be on the cards, with Atletico Madrid and Real Betis keen, while FC Barcelona could also consider a move for their former player.

"Leader" Firpo could be Mykolenko upgrade

Vitaliy Mykolenko has established himself as a key player this season, making 32 appearances in the Premier League, and the left-back has impressed defensively, ranking in the 89th percentile for aerials won per 90, and the 95th for clearances over the past year.

However, the Leeds defender is also dominant in the air, while offering far more of an attacking threat, ranking in the top 1% for assists per 90, when compared to other left-backs playing at a similar level.

Statistic

Average per 90

Assists

0.34 (99th percentile)

Non-penalty goals

0.14 (96th percentile)

Shot-creating actions

3.30 (93rd percentile)

Aerials won

2.10 (93rd percentile)

Not only that, but the 28-year-old has personal qualities which could set him up for success at Everton, with Daniel Farke claiming he is “turning into a leader” earlier this season.

With Moyes a little light on options at left-back, Firpo could be a fantastic addition to the squad, but it may be difficult to win the race for his signature if Barcelona or Atletico Madrid step up their interest.

This season has been an undeniably strange one for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side are a game away from potentially making it to only their second Champions League final ever, but they have also completely fallen away in the Premier League.

One of the Gunners’ obvious weaknesses this year has been a lack of clinical finishing up top, but arguably, a lack of creativity has been just as much of a problem; Liverpool, Manchester City, and Chelsea all creating more big chances in the league.

Fortunately, the club seem to be well aware of this problem as well, and, based on recent reports, could be set to sign an incredibly creative attacker from the continent, who could be their own Bruno Fernandes.

Arsenal's transfer targets

With it clear that Arsenal want to add more creativity to the team this summer, it’s worth looking at a couple of their other targets, such as Rayan Cherki and Nico Williams.

The former could be available for around £30m, which would be a bargain, as in just 41 appearances, totalling 2894 minutes, the 21-year-old has scored 12 goals and provided 19 assists.

Williams, on the other hand, would cost significantly more, at £50m, but he too has enjoyed a great campaign, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists in 44 games.

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However, recent reports have now touted another creative attacker for a move to the Emirates: Francisco Trincão.

According to a recent report from the Portuguese newspaper Record, as relayed by the Metro, Arsenal are one of three Premier League sides to have begun talks with Sporting CP for the dynamo.

Manchester United are reportedly one of the other teams incredibly interested in the Portuguese international, who has a release clause in his current deal worth around £66.5m.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Trincão’s immense ability, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be Arsenal’s own Fernandes.

Why Trincão could be Arsenal's own Fernandes

So, if Arsenal can beat the Red Devils to Trincão’s signature this summer, what is it that could make him like their Fernandes?

Well, to start with, there are several more surface-level similarities between the pair, such as them both being Portuguese, both coming from Sporting CP, moving to one of the Premier League’s ‘big six’ and doing so at 25 years old.

However, there is another far more significant similarity between the two players, one that transcends their positional differences: their creativity.

For all the criticism that has been levelled at Fernandes in recent years, one thing that hasn’t been questioned is his technique and ability to either produce assist after assist or score goals himself.

For example, in 285 appearances for United, he has scored 98 goals and provided 85 assists, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.55 games.

Appearances

50

28

Goals

9

15

Assists

18

14

Goal Involvements per Match

0.54

1.03

Moreover, in his final half-campaign with Sporting, the 30-year-old scored 15 goals and provided 14 assists in 28 appearances, which was an average of 1.03 goal involvements every game.

Now, while the incredibly “exciting” Trincão, as dubbed by former Wolverhampton Wanderers technical director Scott Sellars, hasn’t quite hit those heights this term, he’s still seriously impressed, scoring nine goals and, more importantly, providing 18 assists in 50 appearances, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.85 games.

Just imagine if Arsenal had a player that creative in the team this season; there is a real chance that they’d have at least been in the Premier League title fight for a little while longer.

Ultimately, while it would cost a lot, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Trincão this summer, as he would add some much-needed creativity to the team, and could even become their own Fernandes.

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Manchester United are in the market for some statement arrivals this summer and could take a step closer to landing one of their primary targets, per reports.

Man Utd look to tool up for next season

The Red Devils’ prospects this season hang in the balance as the curtain starts to come down on a disappointing Premier League campaign. However, they could still make a forgettable year a memorable one by winning the Europa League.

Ruben Amorim has endured a baptism of fire since entering the dugout at Old Trafford and will need time to piece together a squad worthy of challenging for domestic honours.

Improving a forward line that has failed to yield enough goals is a priority. Manchester United have made contact over a move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta to try and solve that problem.

Villarreal’s Alex Baena has a £50 million release clause that the Red Devils could look to take advantage of during the summer window, though he is more likely to take up a berth behind the main striker at Old Trafford.

One thing is clear: United need reinforcements, and a sea change is expected in the off-season to prevent another below-par Premier League campaign in 2025/26.

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INEOS will hope that winning the Europa League can strengthen returns to reinvest in prospective targets. That remains to be determined, but plenty of work is already ongoing in the infancy of their latest recruitment drive.

Stepping up their pursuit of fresh blood, Manchester United have now put forward a significant proposal to a talented striker who is on their radar.

Man Utd offer five-year contract to Matheus Cunha

According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United have now submitted a five-year contract to Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Matheus Cunha as they look to get a deal over the line for the Brazil international.

Despite some ends needing to be ironed out regarding his salary structure, a new meeting has been scheduled between his entourage and the Red Devils to smooth over the fine details.

Matheus Cunha’s impressive Premier League campaign for Wolves

Appearances

29

Goals

15

Assists

6

Shots on target

40

Chances created

52

Successful dribbles

57

Cunha’s £62.5 million release clause could be paid by Manchester United, though they would prefer the fee to be spread across three or four years to avoid conflict with PSR regulations. There is a feeling of confidence from all sides that a deal can be agreed, while Rasmus Hojlund is set to be made available should a deal come to fruition.

Labelled “absolutely sensational” by Micah Richards, Cunha is exactly the type of inventive presence Manchester United need in the final third to unlock defences under Amorim next season.

Now, it remains to be seen whether a transfer can be pushed over the line or whether any complications present themselves in negotiations.

Aston Villa have opened direct transfer talks with one player over joining Unai Emery next season, according to reports, as the Premier League top five contenders attempt to build upon another impressive campaign.

Aston Villa seal vital win over Tottenham in Champions League race

Nerves were rife throughout Villa Park in their crunch encounter against Tottenham on Friday night, before their opening goal 30 minutes from full-time, with defender Ezri Konsa breaking the deadlock before Boubacar Kamara doubled their advantage.

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Villa eventually ran out 2-0 victors over Ange Postecoglou’s side and cemented a crucial win in their chase for Champions League qualification.

The result means Emery’s side are still right in the thick of it, as they contend for a top five finish heading into the Premier League final matchday, and it is shaping up to be a dramatic last game with six teams involved in the battle for Europe.

2. Arsenal

68

3. Newcastle United

66

4. Chelsea

66

5. Aston Villa

66

6. Man City

65

7. Nottingham Forest

62

Emery, speaking after their victory against struggling Spurs, heaped praise on his players for making their home ground a serious fortress.

“I’m very grateful for the supporters,” Emery said. “Here, we are feeling strong and we’re feeling comfortable. We only lost one match here in the Premier League, the first match against Arsenal. Progressively, we were getting better. Of course, we drew some matches in the way, and now we are missing some points from those moments, but we have to accept it.

“We have to accept the 37 matches we’ve played being consistent, more or less, and getting the moment we are in now, feeling good and in our best moment. We’re achieving the challenges we are facing. We enjoyed in the FA Cup and in Carabao Cup, but mostly our moment in the Champions League.

“The Premier League is the most important competition we are facing because through it we are getting again our main objective, and the objective is to be in Europe.

“We are in Europe next year, but we are in the running for the Champions League positions, and we can have chances in the last match in Manchester to get it.”

Aston Villa open talks with Axel Disasi over joining next season

The result of their Champions League chase will have direct effects on their recruitment plans off the field, but that hasn’t stopped NSWE and Monchi from making moves behind-the-scenes.

Chelsea loanee Axel Disasi could remain beyond 2024/2025, with the Frenchman very highly-rated by Emery, his coaching staff and Villa’s transfer chiefs.

That is according to Foot Mercato, who state that Villa have already opened talks with Disasi over joining them next season.

The 27-year-old cost Chelsea £39 million to sign from Monaco in 2023, and Fabrizio Romano recently claimed that they’re keen to sell him for profit this summer. It is unclear how much Villa would be willing to pay to keep Disasi in the Midlands, but he could be a significant addition.

The defender has been called a “leader” at times, and his experience at the top level could be invaluable for Emery.

Tottenham Hotspur went into last weekend on something of an increasingly rare high.

For everything else that has gone wrong this season, the North Londoners had just secured their place in the Europa League Final, and therefore the chance to make this campaign a memorable one.

Unfortunately, the little positivity there among the crowd quickly disappeared as Ange Postecoglou oversaw yet another dismal showing in the Premier League, which ultimately ended in the club picking up their 20th league defeat in the competition.

Unsurprisingly, then, reports have continued to emerge linking the club with a host of new managers, including one who’s got Champions League experience and would be a massive upgrade on Postecoglou.

Tottenham's manager search

With the domestic campaign being as much of a disaster as it has this year, it’s hardly been a surprise that, in recent weeks anyway, there has been an avalanche of reports linking the club to a plethora of top managers, like Marco Silva and Simone Inzaghi.

Manager Focus

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

Since taking charge of Fulham in 2021, the former has helped transform the Cottagers from a Championship side who’d come up and go straight back down on a regular basis into a comfortable mid-table side.

However, with little to no experience in managing a truly big club, the spotlight in North London could be a little too bright for the Portuguese coach.

In contrast, Inzaghi would be an incredible appointment down to his brilliant record with Lazio and Inter Milan, but due to the incredible work he’s done at the San Siro, it feels like hiring him is nothing more than a pipe dream.

So, this need to strike a balance between attainable and exciting might help explain the links to Roberto De Zerbi that have popped up in recent weeks.

For example, it was reported late last month that the former Brighton & Hove Albion boss is someone appreciated by many at Spurs, and then only last week, talkSPORT revealed that he’d be open to returning to the Premier League this summer.

It could be a complicated deal to get done, but one thing is certain: he’d be a significant upgrade on Postecoglou.

How De Zerbi compares to Postecoglou

So, if Spurs are able to convince the Italian coach that they’re the perfect club for him to take charge of ahead of next season, why would he do a better job than Postecoglou?

Well, the first thing to look at is their respective records in English football, as while the Australian has a marginally better one, it should be far greater given the size of Tottenham compared to Brighton and the nature of the latter constantly losing their biggest talents.

For example, the former Celtic manager has managed 98 games in England, of which his side has won 46, drawn 14 and lost 38, which comes out to a points-per-game average of 1.55 – a number seriously helped by the ten-game-winning streak from the start of last season.

Games (All Comps)

89

35

98

Wins

38

20

46

Draws

20

5

14

Losses

31

10

38

Points per Game

1.51

1.86

1.55

In contrast, the former Sassuolo boss managed to win 38 of his 89 games in charge of the Seagulls, drawing 20 and losing 31, which comes out to a points-per-game average of 1.51.

However, since moving to Marseille, the “genius” tactician, as dubbed by analyst Statman Dave, has overseen 20 wins, five losses and 10 defeats, which comes out to a far more impressive point-per-game average of 1.86.

Moreover, the fact he’s managed at a club as massive and intense as the French giants is another big plus; if he’s been able to cope with the pressures on the French Riviera, he’d be fine in North London – which hasn’t been the case for Postecoglou this year.

Finally, on top of doing well in France, the 45-year-old is often credited with being something of an innovator, with Pep Guardiola, of all people, describing him as “one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years.”

Ultimately, it now feels like there is no future for Ange at Spurs, and while he might not be as big a name as some would like, De Zerbi is the perfect combination of gettable, exciting and capable of handling big clubs.

As well as Davies: 3/10 Spurs dud must be axed for the Europa League final

This Tottenham Hotspur player should be dropped for the Europa League final as well as Ben Davies.

ByDan Emery May 12, 2025