All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Tottenham Hotspur had a tough 2024/25 campaign that ultimately led to Ange Postecoglou’s dismissal from his manager’s post. However, the Australian left a hero, ending many interminable years of searching for silverware.

It was a contentious call, but in Thomas Frank, Tottenham have a successor in the dugout who could instil the stability and slickness needed to return to prominence in the Premier League and build from the foundations laid by Ange.

With Frank now settled into his post, fans are itching for signings ahead of a much-anticipated return to the Champions League.

The latest on Spurs' search for signings

Though the Danish tactician fancied a reunion with his Brentford talisman Bryan Mbeumo, the right-sided forward has intimated his desire to join Manchester United.

And now that Antoine Semenyo has extended his contract with Bournemouth, that one’s seemingly off the cards. Both wingers had been of a vested interest to Spurs, but these turns of events may yet lead Frank and co to the pick of the bunch.

Indeed, according to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, that man could be West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus, who has been the centre of a failed £55m bid from the Lilywhites this week.

Kudus has an £85m release clause but the Irons are willing to do business for a more modest sum – though this is still expected to come in around £10m higher than the fee Spurs offered.

What Mohammed Kudus would bring to Spurs

West Ham signed Kudus from Ajax in August 2023 for a £38m figure. While true prolificness has eluded him on English shores – notching 32 goal contributions from 80 games in all competitions – there’s so much to like about this powerful winger, who moves up the pitch like the deuce.

Kudus wasn’t at his best last season, and no mistake. However, looking at how he compares against Mbeumo’s recent season during his opening year in England, 2023/24, emphasises the quality of player Tottenham would be adding to their fold.

Sure, the Ghanaian could do more from a prolific standpoint, but was Mbeumo a refined goalscorer and creator when he first played for Frank at Brentford? Could the shrewd coach not bring such qualities to the fore here for Kudus?

Right winger

53

21

10

Centre-forward

52

16

3

Attacking midfield

49

11

6

Central midfield

46

11

3

Left winger

21

6

3

His positional dynamism is an incredibly attractive feature of the typical forward’s skill set, though in truth he would be signed for his ability to barrel down the right wing, with such physical attributes even leading journalist Gary Al-Smith to describe him as a “generational talent”.

This is underscored by his 90% pass success rate in the Premier League last season, having also averaged 2.9 dribbles and 6.4 successful duels per game, as per Sofascore.

Mbeumo might have scored 20 goals across 38 Premier League appearances last year, but he also averaged 1.4 dribbles and 4.7 successful duels per match. This is impressive, but not as noteworthy as West Ham’s star.

Tottenham could hit the jackpot signing Kudus, who is already clear as an immensely talented Premier League star but has the materials to become something even greater under Frank’s leadership.

Upgrade on Kudus & Eze: Spurs in contact to sign "world-class" £43m star

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be plotting moves for various attackers during this summer window.

5 ByEthan Lamb Jul 1, 2025

With Habib Diarra signed and Reinildo also on his way, Sunderland are now reportedly battling against Paris Saint-Germain to secure their third arrival of the summer.

Sunderland set to sign Diarra and Reinildo

Just when Leeds United believed they were in the driving seat, Sunderland came bustling in to steal Diarra from under their noses. Outbidding the 49ers, those at the Stadium of Light are reportedly set to secure the midfielder’s signature for a club-record fee of £30m. But they are not done there – far from it, in fact.

After Diarra, the Black Cats have turned towards La Liga and Atletico Madrid to agree a deal for Reinildo Mandava. The left-back is set to become a free agent at the end of next month, allowing Sunderland to swoop in and secure his signature.

Both incoming arrivals signal Sunderland’s intent. None of the last six promoted teams have survived at the first time of asking in the Premier League, but the playoff winners are spending as though they’re in the mood to finally put an end to that trend.

Diarra particularly stands out between the two. The former Strasbourg midfielder gave English football a glimpse of his talents against the Three Lions earlier this month when he scored Sengal’s second goal in a 3-1 win. Now, 20 days on, he’s set to become a permanent feature in the Premier League.

There’s still plenty of time remaining in the summer transfer window, however, and the Black Cats could yet reportedly turn back towards La Liga for yet another reinforcement.

Sunderland racing to sign Gasiorowski

Having already agreed a deal to sign Reinildo from Atletico Madrid, those in Wearside have seemingly returned to La Liga for another talent. According to reports in Spain, Sunderland are now racing PSG to sign Yarek Gasiorowski from Valencia, who are willing to let their centre-back leave below his huge €60m (£51m) release clause.

Sunderland set to make £17m bid for 21 y/o likened to Real Madrid legend Raul

The Black Cats could pull off an ambitious move.

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 29, 2025

Up against PSG and Brighton & Hove Albion, Valencia’s willingness to sell the 20-year-old for around €25m (£21m) rather than demanding his £51m release clause should hand Sunderland a major boost, but would still take their spending upwards of £50m for the summer.

A player with “immense potential” according to scout Jacek Kulig, Gasiorowski would slot straight into Sunderland’s plan to mix players who are on the rise and those who are more established – joining Reinildo and Diarra.

Whether the Black Cats can fend off interest from PSG and Brighton remains to be seen, however, in what would be another impressive signing.

An “outstanding” Liverpool player is now reportedly on the verge of leaving the club this summer, with the Reds reaching an agreement with a new club and a medical set to take place next week.

Players who could leave Liverpool this summer

While much focus is on the shiny new signings arriving at Anfield, with Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz already brought in and Milos Kerkez on the way, there are a host of Reds players who are expected to depart ahead of next season.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has already moved on to Real Madrid and his great friend and fellow full-back Andy Robertson has been strongly linked with a summer switch to Atletico Madrid, potentially bringing an end to eight legendary years at the club in the process.

Jarell Quansah has also been backed to seal a summer exit, having struggled to kick on during the 2024/25 season, and the same applies to Harvey Elliott, who has hinted at leaving the club he grew up supporting in recent weeks and has been linked with a move to Brighton.

In attack, Mohamed Salah genuinely feels like the only player whose future isn’t up in the air, with Federico Chiesa and Darwin Nunez feeling particularly likely to wave goodbye to the Premier League champions.

Indeed, a busy summer is on the horizon at Liverpool as Arne Slot looks to build a squad capable of dominance across multiple competitions.

"Outstanding" player on the verge of Liverpool exit

According to the reliable Paul Gorst of the Liverpool Echo on X, Liverpool have reached an agreement with Bayer Leverkusen over the signing of Quansah in a £35m deal.

Quansah is currently away with England Under-21s at the European Championships, and started their 3-1 quarter final win over Spain on Saturday. He will undergo a medical when the tournament finishes, which is next Saturday, so it could be into next week before this deal is fully ratified.

Opinion may be split over Liverpool selling Quansah, with some feeling that he has the potential to grow into an elite-level centre-back as the years pass.

On the flip side, though, the England international didn’t kick on as much as many hoped last season, and there is an argument to say that the Reds will never be able to sell him for more than £35m in his career.

It is a risk by Liverpool, not least because Virgil van Dijk is a big admirer of the defender, calling him “outstanding” and saying the “sky is the limit for him”, but the likes of Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes need to be trusted.

The Reds must be ruthless after their title win, which includes dispatching of players not deemed good enough to take the team forward, and the brutal reality may be that Slot doesn’t quite feel Quansah is at the level required.

Liverpool "issue" resolved as medical booked for next signing on 5-year deal

This is great news for the Reds.

1 ByHenry Jackson Jun 22, 2025

If Liverpool were able to sign Marc Guehi as his replacement this summer, as Gorst hints at in his update, it could immediately strengthen Slot’s squad, increasing their chances of defending their title next term.

Celtic find themselves in the market for reinforcements this summer and have now moved closer to landing a new target amid recent developments.

Celtic begin to motor in the transfer market

On the face of it, Celtic fans will attest to the fact that the last few days have become a whirlwind in their search for new additions, with several names mentioned in connection with a move to Glasgow’s east end.

Josh Doig could replace Greg Taylor at left-back following Kieran Tierney’s arrival at Parkhead, which would add significant depth on that side of the backline alongside strengthening the Bhoys’ homegrown quota.

Casting the point of focus to Brendan Rodgers’ hunt for a striker, Shay Given has recommended a loan move for Evan Ferguson to Celtic as the Brighton & Hove Albion striker searches for consistency after an unfortunate spell at West Ham United.

He stated: “I just feel he’s ready now to burst onto the scene for a full season with somebody. For us with Ireland it would be great too.

“I don’t know (what) the finances would be to buy him, but if you said for a loan for the season it would be perfect. But I’m not the financial power at Celtic or Newcastle, so I don’t know!”

Celtic moving for attacker who Brendan Rodgers revealed is a real "talent"

The Bhoys could land a familiar fance to Brendan Rodgers…

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 12, 2025

The Champions League qualifiers will soon be on the horizon for Celtic. Being seeded will help, but potential opponents such as Basel and Sturm Graz aren’t to be sniffed at.

Finding value for money on the market is paramount. The Bhoys have a proven track record of bringing in talent with sell-on value, so it will come as no surprise to hear they are heading down the right lines on that front.

Celtic granted permission to speak to Benjamin Nygren

According to Sky Sports, Celtic have been granted permission to speak to Nordsjælland playmaker Benjamin Nygren, and they are now in talks with his representatives to try and convince him to move to Glasgow.

The Sweden international is out of contract in December and is free to explore a transfer due to a gentleman’s agreement with his current employers. It is mooted that he will be available for just £2 million.

Should Celtic agree terms with Nygren, negotiations will then begin with Nordsjælland to agree on a fee. However, it remains to be seen if other players come to the table.

Enjoying a fantastic campaign, the 23-year-old registered 16 goals and four assists in 32 appearances across all competitions this term, operating mainly off the right flank.

Showcasing his versatility, Nygren is also capable of fitting in as an attacking midfielder, centre-forward or on the left-hand side, carrying a level of appeal due to his multi-functional nature.

Now, it remains to be seen if Celtic can push this one over the line as they aim to prolong an era of domestic dominance in Scotland that nobody has been able to match.

Derby County are interested in signing an “absolute Rolls-Royce” of a footballer this summer, according to a new update from journalist Alan Nixon.

Who will Derby sign this summer?

John Eustace will be looking forward to having a first full summer in charge of the Rams, both in terms of bringing in the right players and also having plenty of time on the training ground with his squad.

Derby have been linked with plenty of potential signings of late, as they look to build on last season’s 19th-place finish, including Blackburn Rovers centre-back Danny Batth, who Eustace already knows well. The 34-year-old averaged 4.2 aerial duel wins per game in the Championship last season, also winning five Man of the Match awards from WhoScored.

Meanwhile, Lincoln City midfielder Ethan Erhahon has also been mentioned as a possible addition for the Rams before next season gets underway, with coach Michael Skubala heaping praise on him last year.

“He played in there as a sort of single six today, so that was really difficult for him in terms of physicality. What I was really impressed with is how he got about the pitch and he showed his quality at times. And yeah, what a great finish. But he’s such a big player for us in there. But what I was really impressed with today, was how he controlled the centre of the pitch for most of the game, which was brilliant.”

Now, another name has been thrown into the hat for Derby, and as is the case with Batth, it is a player who Eustace has worked with before.

Eustace eyeing Derby reunion with "Rolls-Royce"

According to Nixon on Patreon [via Football League World], Derby want to sign £1m-rated Birmingham City central defender Dion Sanderson, sealing a reunion with Eustace in the process.

New target: Derby keen on signing "one of the best" Championship defenders

John Eustace is looking to bolster his backline this summer.

ByDominic Lund May 23, 2025

The pair worked alongside each other during Eustace’s stint at Blackburn last season, with the defender on loan at Ewood Park from the Midlands side.

Sanderson could be a really shrewd signing for Derby, not least because he was once considered a player with a big future, being lauded by former Sunderland manager Lee Johnson.

“He’s a centre-half and at his age level he is an absolute Rolls-Royce. Obviously he is stepping up to men’s football and when you do that you come up against different challenges, as Dion did yesterday and he came through that.”

Still only 25, Sanderson still has so much to offer, and with Birmingham seemingly not considering him a key part of their plans, a move to Derby could be the perfect outcome for all parties.

Despite their huge success in the Premier League this season, changes are expected at Liverpool over the summer window to hand Arne Slot with the funds to bolster his squad.

The Reds claimed the title with multiple games to spare, highlighting the excellent work done by the Dutchman after taking the reins last summer from Jürgen Klopp.

Such an achievement was made even more impressive after making just one addition, but that could be about to change in the coming months.

Even though the transfer window is not yet open, the hierarchy have already laid the foundations for potential business, handing Slot the best possible opportunity to build on his early success at Anfield.

Numerous additions are expected on Merseyside over the summer window, with one player emerging as a potential key target over the last couple of weeks.

The latest on Liverpool’s attempts to sign Florian Wirtz

In recent weeks, Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz has become a key target for Liverpool as Slot looks to bolster the options at his disposal in 2025/26.

The German, who’s registered 30 combined goals and assists this campaign, has been one of the shining lights in the Bundesliga, undoubtedly contributing to the interest from the Reds.

However, they aren’t alone in their pursuit, with Bayern Munich and Manchester also credited with an interest in landing the 22-year-old sensation during the off-season.

Despite the rumours linking him elsewhere, it was reported this week that the Reds were ready to offer a deal to the German outfit to potentially land the young star.

Undoubtedly, a player of his quality will likely cost a small fortune, with other players currently on the books on Merseyside needing to be sacrificed to fund such a deal.

The Liverpool player who earns over 2x more than Wirtz

With the transfer window rapidly approaching, numerous players have been touted with moves away from Liverpool this summer, with many likely to raise key funds.

Darwin Nunez joined for a club-record fee back in the summer of 2022, but has struggled to provide the goods at Anfield, notching just 40 goals in his 142 appearances for the club.

Such form has led to rumours over a potential departure, with the likes of Napoli and Atlético Madrid already interested in making a move to land the Uruguayan international at a cut-price.

However, he may not be the only player out the door this summer, with Slot needing to sell Andy Robertson, especially if Milos Kerkez joins the club in the coming months.

The Hungarian has been touted as a replacement for the Scotsman this summer, with the 31-year-old falling way below the high standards he’s set for himself in recent years.

The defender joined in an £8m deal from Hull City eight years ago, exceeding all expectations and registering 11 goals and 67 assists for the Reds – enabling them to reach new heights in recent seasons.

However, 2024/25 has been a year to forget for Robertson, only registering two assists across all competitions, with his major asset now looking to be ineffective compared to previous campaigns.

Games played

36

32

Goals scored

2

0

Assists

12

1

Touches

93.8

64

Pass completion

84%

88%

Key passes

1.7

1.3

Dribbles completed

0.6

0.2

Tackles + interceptions

2.6

1.9

Clearances

1.6

1.3

Duels won

3.4 (51%)

1.9 (49%)

Errors leading to goals

1

2

Such showings have led to broadcaster Nubaid Haroon claiming that he’s been “struggling” as of late, with his stats produced highlighting his decline in recent years.

His current weekly wage of £160k-per-week doesn’t offer value for money, given his lack of positive impact, with the left-back the fourth-highest earner in the squad.

Such a figure is over two times higher than that of current target Wirtz, who currently earns just £72k-per-week, according to Capology, highlighting how much the club need to cut Robertson from the squad.

Whilst it would be a brutal decision given his tally of 341 appearances for the club, unfortunately, his time has come to be moved on as they prepare for a new era under Slot.

Such a deal to sign him back in 2017 will go down as one of the best in their recent history, undoubtedly being a modern-day icon regardless of what happens this summer.

Slot's own Firmino: Liverpool in talks for "monster" £84m Isak alternative

Liverpool could land a star who could replicate the talents of Roberto Firmino at Anfield.

ByEthan Lamb May 21, 2025

Aston Villa chiefs are ready to back Unai Emery in the summer transfer window, should the manager make it clear he wants to sign an “incredible” player, according to a report.

Villa's summer transfer plans taking shape

We are now at the business end of the season, and things aren’t going exactly to plan for Villa, having been knocked out of the FA Cup by Crystal Palace at the weekend, while the defeat against Manchester City has weakened their top-five aspirations.

As such, if Emery’s side are to take the next step and compete for major honours next season, the manager may feel he has to strengthen in the summer window, and targets have been identified in a number of key areas.

Despite having Emiliano Martinez on the books, the Villans are now ready to pay the £21m release clause for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, while they have also held talks over a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Matheus Cunha.

"Unbelievable" £50k-a-week Aston Villa player reaches agreement to leave

He has been a popular figure at Villa Park.

ByHenry Jackson Apr 25, 2025

Last week, it was also revealed that internal discussions had been held over Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer, and there has now been a new update on Aston Villa’s pursuit.

According to a report from Football Insider, Villa are chiefs are now ready to back Emery, should the manager make it clear he wants to sign De Bruyne this summer, with the Belgian keen to continue playing at the highest level.

The attacking midfielder is on a monster £400k-a-week salary, but the board are ambitious, and they are willing to battle it out with clubs from Saudi Arabia and the MLS if Emery gives the green light.

Interested clubs are set to table lucrative contract offers, so while the 33-year-old is available on a free transfer, the Villans will have to be willing to spend big on wages to win the race.

De Bruyne could be "best player of his generation"

The Belgium international has started to play more of a sporadic role, recently being benched for his side’s 2-0 triumph against Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup semi-final, but he is undoubtedly among the best players in Premier League history.

The “incredible” midfielder has played a major role in Man City’s golden era, picking up 107 goals and 177 assists in 417 appearances for the club, which perhaps makes it a little surprising they are willing to let him leave on a free transfer this summer.

That said, De Bruyne is set to turn 34 in June, and the fact he is receiving reduced game time suggests his best days could be behind him, so it would be a risk for Villa to snap him up on a big contract.

Liverpool are going to win the Premier League. However, the charged feeling about FSG’s transfer window preparations makes a firm comment on the view toward the wider campaign.

Exiting the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain in the round-of-16 was a bitter pill to swallow, and the following defeat at Wembley to hand the Carabao Cup over to Newcastle United was more distasteful still.

PSG deserved to win against Arne Slot’s side, and so did the Magpies. However, the Reds will no doubt be frustrated that they failed to get those jobs done.

Liverpool need to reinforce the fringes of their first-team squad this summer, need to pack Slot’s team with more quality and depth across the park.

One of the priorities heading into the off-season is replacing Darwin Nunez at the front of the ship, but with Trent Alexander-Arnold set to leave Anfield and join Real Madrid, more midfield creativity should be targeted too.

Liverpool need more midfield spark

Make no mistake, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch have been immense across the 2024/25 campaign, combining to lead Liverpool to the brink of a Premier League title, a job they will surely see over the line.

But autumn will arrive with a new footballing season and it’s crucial that tweaks are made to prepare Slot’s side for an expected title defence.

As you can see from the table below, Liverpool players are nowhere to be seen on the most amount of big chances created from Premier League centre-midfielders this season.

1.

Cole Palmer

20

2.

Declan Rice

16

3.

Youri Tielemans

15

4.

Bruno Fernandes

13

5.

Enzo Fernandez

12

5=

Bruno Guimaraes

12

7.

Mikkel Damsgaard

11

8.

Martin Odegaard

10

In fact, you’d have to trawl down to 12th to find Liverpool’s most creative midfielder: Szoboszlai, with nine big chances created. With Trent leaving, Mohamed Salah may well be tasked with upholding his enhanced creative virtues next year.

It’s times like these you wish Liverpool still had an attacking midfielder in the vein of Philippe Coutinho, the little magician, the brightest spark in a pre-Klopp world and the financial architect of Liverpool’s ultimate success of modern times.

However, goalscoring is still the Egyptian’s forte, and FSG would be wise to pack some more flair into their central ranks.

Liverpool make contact with new playmaker

Liverpool are set to spend, alright, and sporting director Richard Hughes seems to be putting out feelers to ascertain whether RB Leipzig would entertain the sale of Xavi Simons this summer.

That’s according to transfer insider Duncan Castles, who has revealed on the Transfers Podcast that Liverpool have enquired over Simons’ availability ahead of the summer market.

Simons, only 21, is one of the most exciting young playmakers around and would command a £60m fee for Leipzig, who are fourth in the Bundesliga, to agree to part with him.

Why Liverpool must sign Xavi Simons

Simons would join a strong Dutch contingent on Merseyside that has demonstrated a knack for winning trophies over the past few seasons.

Adding his own brand of creativity, it could be just what Slot needs to consolidate his new-found elite status and win more silverware during the 2025/26 season and beyond.

Leipzig signed Simons from PSG last year for a €50m (£43m) fee after a productive initial loan spell. So far, he’s doing good, having been involved in 41 goals across 72 games for the German outfit.

As per FBref, Simons ranks among the top 12% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues for passes attempted, the top 11% for progressive passes and the top 18% for shot-creating actions per 90, emphasising the ball-playing ability that Liverpool would claim.

His data’s great, but watching Simons play should be enough by itself for Liverpool fans to subscribe to the notion of bringing him into the fold.

Silky and artful in his playmaking, the diminutive ace might prove to be Anfield’s next version of Coutinho, whose £142m sale to Barcelona at the start of Klopp’s reign acted as the spark to raise the team to the next level, for Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker were then brought in.

In his pomp, Coutinho was one of the best number tens in the world, commanding, influential and inventive. In Simons, Liverpool could finally return to the style of play before the Brazilian made the move to Spain, when he charged the Reds’ deadly frontline.

Looking at Coutinho’s statistics during that final half-campaign with Liverpool, you can see the similarities with Simons, both elite-level creators who aren’t afraid to get stuck in and drive the ball forward themselves.

Matches (starts)

14 (13)

21 (21)

Goals

7

9

Assists

6

5

Shots (on target)*

3.9 (1.2)

1.9 (0.9)

Pass completion

79%

84%

Key passes*

2.9

2.2

Dribbles*

2.8

1.3

Tackles*

1.9

1.5

Duels won*

5.6

5.4

While Slot won’t want to disrupt the harmony of Liverpool’s midfield trio, it’s clear that something different needs to be added to the mix, and there’s no one in the centre of the park currently who’s quite like Coutinho.

Described as a “superstar” in the making by analyst Ben Mattinson, Simons has all the properties needed to serve at an elite level as Liverpool’s new creative force.

With Alexander-Arnold leaving, there’s going to be a vacant spot for such a playmaker, one who could dynamise the midfield and add that bit of depth needed to truly unlock another layer to this wonderful Liverpool team.

Worth more than Huijsen: Slot has hit the jackpot on Liverpool "monster"

Liverpool hope to employ this star for many years to come.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 18, 2025

Liverpool are believed to be keen on tying down an “extraordinary” player to a new contract, alongside the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

Liverpool contract rumours galore

The recent Reds-related news has understandably been dominated by Mohamed Salah’s new two-year deal at Anfield, which feels more important than any new signing this summer.

Away from the Egyptian King, however, there are plenty of other players whose futures are also being discussed, not least Van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Both will be out of contract when this season comes to an end, being able to leave on free transfers if they so desire.

Other reports have also claimed that Konate could sign a new Liverpool contract, with the Frenchman seen as a big player for many years to come, potentially leading the defence once Van Dijk eventually moves on.

It feels like it is going to be a summer of change at Anfield, with some figures moving on – the likes of Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez have all been linked with moves away – but now it looks like the Reds are keen on sorting out an extension for a different player.

Liverpool want new deal for "extraordinary" ace

According to The Boot Room‘s Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are “in talks” with midfielder Curtis Jones over a new contract at the club, with Konate and Conor Bradley also mentioned in the report.

The 24-year-old is out of contract in 2027 and is still only earning £15,000 per week, which, while still a huge amount in modern society, is relatively low wages for a player who is now an established player for the Reds and England.

A new deal for Jones should be a no-brainer for Liverpool in the coming weeks and months, with the Englishman becoming such a strong squad player, maturing all the time.

Granted, he has found it difficult to force his way into the Reds’ midfield on a weekly basis, given the form of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, but he has still shone, with Micah Richards hailing his debut for England, too:

“Curtis Jones was extraordinary, that’s one of the best England debuts I’ve ever seen. And what I mean by that, when you go to England sometimes the pace is a little bit slower and you sort of play the easy pass. “If you look at Curtis Jones, his body positions, he was always available for the ball every time.”

At 24, Jones is approaching his peak years, so the idea of him leaving now makes no sense, and hopefully, he is extremely happy at his boyhood club.

Liverpool "working on" deal for £70k-a-week Reds ace alongside Van Dijk

This would be fantastic news for the Reds.

ByHenry Jackson Apr 12, 2025

He has become such an impressive all-round midfielder, combining press resistance with end product, completing 94% of his passes in the Premier League this season and chipping in with three goals and assists apiece in the competition. He deserves to be rewarded with a shiny new-and-improved contract.

INEOS and Manchester United have now reportedly sent scouts to watch one defensive target as they begin to plot a summer swoop to secure his signature and ease their Lisandro Martinez injury woes.

Man Utd still targeting defensive additions

After Anthony Elanga ran the length of the pitch before firing home for Nottingham Forest in midweek, it should come as no surprise that Manchester United are still seeking defensive reinforcements. Now in April, the Red Devils are yet to win back-to-back games in the Premier League and their defensive issues in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system have played a large part in what has been a disastrous campaign.

Nottingham Forest 1-0 Man Utd

01/04/2025

Leicester City 0-3 Man Utd

16/03/2025

Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal

09/03/2025

Man Utd 3-2 Ipswich Town

26/02/2025

Everton 2-2 Man Utd

22/02/2025

It should not go without saying, however, that defeat at the City Ground was United’s first in five league games and Amorim echoed that positivity in his post-match press conference, telling reporters: “It’s more [of] the same since this season began. So I think if you look at the game we are improving the way we play football. We are creating more chances, we are dominating more games.

“But in the end, when you don’t win, you feel that and that is a good thing. So we know that this season is going to be like that, the momentum. So we continue to go to the next [game].”

The former Sporting Club boss may well look at his side’s recent run as something to build on before welcoming some key additions. Among those already linked with a summer switch to Manchester United includes Oumar Solet. The Udinese centre-back has impressed at times this season and now has a queue beginning to form for his signature, with United in that queue.

Solet isn’t the only defender that has caught the eye of those at Old Trafford, however, with another Serie A star emerging on INEOS’ reported radar.

Man Utd plotting move to sign "superb" Comuzzo

According to Caught Offside, INEOS and Manchester United are now plotting a summer swoop to sign Pietro Comuzzo from Fiorentina this summer and have already sent scouts to watch the 20-year-old in action. Valued at around €45m (£38m) by the Italian club, the deal should be within the Red Devils’ range even as their cost-cutting measures continue around the club.

Dubbed “superb” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Comuzzo’s arrival would instantly see the injured Martinez replaced next season, before Amorim is handed the ultimate selection headache when the Argentine completes his eventual return.