Nottingham Forest are now interested in signing an “excellent” £29 million forward who has scored 14 goals this season, according to a new report.

Forest drop points in race for Champions League spot

It is now no wins in their last three games in all competitions for Forest, as their fight for a Champions League spot has taken a hit. Murillo rescued a point for the Reds on Monday evening after going a goal down thanks to Eberechi Eze’s penalty. The draw leaves Forest in sixth place on 61 points, two behind Chelsea and Newcastle United and one ahead of Aston Villa, who are sitting in seventh place.

Despite the dropped points, Nuno Espirito Santo was pleased with his side’s attitude and defensive performance and believes everyone in the Champions League race will give it their all. As he said, “all the teams in this big fight will give it a go”.

Nottingham Forest willing to make big offer for £42k-p/w Juventus defender

He has made a big decision about his future.

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Nuno told BBC Match of the Day: “Let’s think about the game. It was two halves, and in the first half, we were very good. It was good for us that we achieved the goal so soon after the goal for Crystal Palace. That gave us belief to fight for the game. After last week, a good attitude.

“It’s about finding ourselves again after the past three games. We defended better; it’s so obvious, against a talented opponent in Palace.

“The final games will be nervous, tight games. Everyone is fighting for something, and Selhurst Park is always a tough place to come. All the teams in this big fight will give it a go.”

Nottingham Forest want to sign £29m forward with 14 goals in 24/25

As Nuno and his team remain focused on the race for a Champions League spot, Forest chiefs and the manager are looking towards the summer transfer window. Now, according to La Opinion A Coruna, relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest want to sign winger Yeremay Hernandez from Deportivo La Coruna.

The report states that there is a good chance Hernandez leaves the Spanish side at the end of this season, despite the fact he has just signed a new contract that runs until the summer of 2030. The winger was a wanted player in the January transfer window but stayed at Deportivo, where they inserted a release clause worth €35 million, which is roughly £29 million.

As well as Forest now showing an interest in a deal this summer, AFC Bournemouth and Brentford are also keen on striking an agreement. Teams from Italy, Germany and France are also keen on signing Hernandez, who has been dubbed “excellent” by Ben Mattinson in the past.

Yeremay Hernandez’s Deportivo La Coruna stats
Apps	94
Goals	22
Assists	10

However, all the teams are not going to have it easy signing the 22-year-old, as they will need to bring a lot of money and the skill to persuade Deportivo to sell one of their brightest players.

It is unclear at this stage if Forest, as well as Bournemouth and Brentford, are willing to pay Hernandez’s release clause. The Spanish U21 international has been in fine form this season, as he’s netted 14 goals in 35 La Liga 2 games.

While it could still end in an incredible crescendo of Champions League glory, it wouldn’t be amiss to describe this season as something of a disappointment for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side were terrible in both the FA Cup and League Cup, and are now at risk of losing their grasp on second place in the Premier League.

Moreover, while the team has underwhelmed as a collective, there have been several players who’ve simply not reached the standards set in the last couple of years, such as Martin Odegaard.

So, with this in mind, it’s not all that surprising to read recent reports linking the club to someone who could be an upgrade on the Gunners captain.

Arsenal transfer news

Before we get to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other midfield stars linked with Arsenal in recent months, such as Frenkie de Jong and Kevin De Bruyne.

Transfer Focus

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

The former has been enjoying a stellar campaign with Barcelona and remains on track for a historic treble-winning season with the Catalan club, so while he’d be an exceptional addition to the club, we imagine he’d cost a king’s ransom, even with reports coming out about his contract talks stalling.

In contrast, we now know Kevin de Bruyne will be leaving Manchester City in the summer, so if Arteta can work his magic, he might just be able to convince the mercurial Belgian to join his former title rivals, and with 14 goal involvements in 36 games this season, he’d still be a useful player to have in the squad.

However, knowing the North Londoners might want to make sure they keep the team young and hungry, which could explain the recent links to Brahim Diaz.

According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal have identified the Moroccan international as a ‘top priority’ ahead of the summer and that Arteta really wants the club to sign the player he worked with at Manchester City.

The story claims that Real Madrid are willing to let the player leave for a convincing offer, while stories from earlier this year suggest that they’d be after a fee in the region of €60m, which is about £51m.

It would be a costly deal to get over the line, but one worth pursuing, as he could be a perfect upgrade on Odegaard.

How Diaz compares to Odegaard

So, if Arsenal get their man this summer, and he comes in to play more of a midfield role, he’d be in direct competition with Odegaard for that creative number ten role.

With that said, who comes out on top when we compare them?

From a pure output perspective, it is the “incredible” Real ace, as dubbed by Pep Guardiola, who emerges victorious, but only when we look at the minutes-to-goal involvement ratios.

For example, in 49 appearances, totalling 2058 minutes, the Moroccan international has scored six goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.76 games, or far more consequently, every 158.30 minutes.

In contrast, the Norwegian maestro has scored five goals and provided 11 assists in 41 appearances, totalling 3162 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.56 games, but more importantly, every 197.62 minutes.

What about when we take a look under the hood and at their underlying numbers, then? Is it another minor victory for the Champions League winner?

Well, it’s actually a relatively comfortable one for the 25-year-old, as he comes out ahead in most relevant metrics, including but not limited to expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, shots and shots on target, passing accuracy, goal-creating actions, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.57

0.37

Non-Penalty G+As

0.42

0.34

Progressive Passes

4.62

10.1

Progressive Passes Received

6.99

6.08

Progressive Carries

2.66

3.46

Shots

1.89

1.82

Shots on Target

1.05

0.55

Passing Accuracy

86.7%

82.9%

Key Passes

1.40

2.41

Shot-Creating Actions

3.57

4.86

Goal-Creating Actions

0.84

0.59

Tackles Won

1.26

0.46

Interceptions

0.28

0.17

Blocks

1.12

0.21

Successful Take-Ons

1.54

0.97

Ultimately, while Odegaard remains a talented player, Diaz has outperformed him in just about every metric this season, and if Arsenal can sign him in the summer, they should.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes May 6, 2025

With the disappointment of Wednesday night still lingering, the post-mortem can continue for those of a Manchester United persuasion, with the focus now on what lies ahead for the INEOS regime, and for Ruben Amorim.

For a manager who has lost 14 of his 26 Premier League games since arriving in November, the Portuguese coach has largely managed to retain the goodwill of supporters until now, although even he can not be free of responsibility for the dour display in Bilbao.

This may not be his squad, although the 40-year-old’s decision to remain wedded to his 3-4-3 system has thus far backfired, with the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur marking the 16th time this season that United have failed to score in all competitions.

That has come amid an at-times pragmatic approach from the Sporting CP boss, a fact perhaps outlined best with the decision to select Mason Mount ahead of Alejandro Garnacho against Spurs. A man who boasts just four goals and one assist in 45 games for the club got the nod over a player who has 21 goal involvements this season alone.

Such a decision made the headlines both pre and post-match, not least with Amorim pointing out that it was Garnacho who missed a “big opportunity” in the semi-final second-leg against Athletic Club, while Mount subsequently “changed the game”.

With the ex-Chelsea man proceeding to play on the periphery last night, Amorim’s choice not to make a change until the closing stages requires scrutiny, with the manager’s substitutions – or lack of – perhaps showcasing some worrying signs for sections of his squad.

Amorim's substitutions under the microscope

Whether Erik ten Hag’s successor got his starting lineup right or wrong is up for debate, although a more pressing issue is quite why he took so long to alter proceedings, not least with his side continuing to toil in the second half.

It wasn’t until the 70-minute mark that Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee were finally introduced, with the pair hardly afforded much time to make an impact up against a retreating and stubborn Spurs backline.

Even fewer minutes were granted to Kobbie Mainoo at the death – prior to the introduction of Diogo Dalot minutes earlier – with that lack of involvement marking the playmaker’s slide down the pecking order following last year’s FA Cup final heroics.

Like Garnacho, Mainoo’s future has already been in doubt heading into the summer window, with his inability to force his way into Amorim’s starting lineup only set to further heighten that uncertainty.

Of greater concern may be among those who failed to even make it off the bench at all, however, with it difficult to understand why the struggling Luke Shaw was not replaced, particularly with the exciting Ayden Heaven waiting in the wings.

Equally, the man who had started in all four games in the quarter-final and semi-final, Manuel Ugarte, was also an unused option on the night, with the Uruguayan in danger of drifting into Donny van de Beek territory under Amorim’s watch.

Man Utd's new Donny van de Beek

Failed signings have been the theme of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, none more so than that of Van de Beek, with the Dutchman signed on a £40m deal in the summer of 2020, despite suggestions that then-boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was keen on alternative targets.

The former Ajax man – who had reached the Champions League semi-final under Ten Hag in 2019 – went on to start just four league games in his debut campaign under Solskjaer, prior to not making a single start in the opening of the following season.

Following a loan switch to Everton, the hope was that the arrival of his compatriot in the dugout would alter proceedings, albeit with the playmaker unable to force his way into Ten Hag’s plans. Indeed, just eight league appearances came his way under the Dutch coach, prior to being sold to Girona for just £500k last summer.

Erik ten Hag

12

0

0

Michael Carrick

3

0

0

Ralf Rangnick

5

0

0

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

42

2

2

Total

62

2

2

In many ways, Ugarte’s tale looks to be following a similar path, with reports indicating that Ten Hag wasn’t wholly in favour of the £42m move last year, particularly with Scott McTominay’s exit sanctioned to fund the move.

The ex-Paris Saint-Germain man made just seven appearances under the 55-year-old before he was sacked, with the appointment of Amorim looking like the perfect fit amid their prior Sporting relationship. Indeed, Ugarte had played 85 games under the Portuguese in Lisbon.

While the midfield “monster” – as described by Statman Dave – has since made 34 appearances following Amorim’s appointment, chipping in with two goals and six assists, it hasn’t all been plain sailing.

Indeed, against Athletic Club, the defensive-minded asset was particularly poor, despite racking up two assists in the first leg, having lost the ball on 27 occasions across the two legs combined.

That erratic nature on the ball perhaps resulted in Amorim’s decision to leave Ugarte out of Wednesday’s showpiece, instead favouring the experienced pairing of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes as part of the midfield two.

For the all-action Uruguay international to not be able to get the nod in such an important fixture, particularly considering he has thrived in Amorim’s 3-4-3 before, should have alarm bells ringing.

If he can’t earn the trust of a manager he is familiar with – much like Van de Beek and Ten Hag – then there should certainly be reason for concern.

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Liverpool are set for a summer that could see some statement arrivals link up with Arne Slot at Anfield and they are now closing in on yet another high-profile capture, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Liverpool finally lift the Premier League trophy

Admittedly, Liverpool took their foot off the gas after being crowned Premier League champions, but that is only a natural consequence of securing glory with several matches left to spare.

Nevertheless, Arne Slot has given a positive overview of potential transfer business at Anfield as the Reds begin to put the wheels in motion to defend their status as top-flight holders.

He stated on prospective arrivals: “I don’t know if it’s going to be a lot but we know, the club, Richard (Hughes), the ownership, we are all aligned on what we are trying to achieve.

“It is already very, very positive that we kept Mo and Virgil and a few others that we are trying to sign look positive.”

Bayer Leverkusen duo Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong could be on their way to Liverpool. Both deals look to be edging closer, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is headed out of the club after his last appearance on Sunday against Crystal Palace.

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Contact has also been made between the Reds and Viktor Gyokeres’ camp amid rumours that Liverpool are set to go all out for a number nine once the window opens.

Contrary to recent times, FSG are set to use their licence to probe in the market as Slot’s men attempt to compete on both domestic and European fronts next campaign.

Now, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Liverpool have reached an agreement on personal terms with a proven Premier League performer.

Romano: Liverpool reach personal terms 'agreement' with Milos Kerkez

Speaking via GIVEMESPORT on Monday morning, Romano has confirmed that Liverpool are closing in on Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez after finding an ‘agreement’ on personal terms with the Hungary international.

He stated: “My information, guys, is that Kerkez already has an agreement on personal terms with Liverpool. So just about some small details to be clarified.

Milos Kerkez’s Premier League statistics in 2024/25

Goals

2

Assists

5

Chances created

36

Tackles won

26

Successful dribbles

22

Recoveries

169

“And then Liverpool are in contact with Bournemouth. Liverpool are still working on this one. So not only Wirtz, not only Frimpong, also in active conversations for Kerkez, and this week, the conversations will continue to get the deal done.”

Deemed to be on the move for a fee of £45 million, the 21-year-old has registered two goals and six assists in 41 appearances across all competitions, putting himself in the shop window for a switch to one of England’s elite clubs.

Liverpool need a long-term competitor for Andy Robertson and Kerkez is one of the best around in that respect. Now, it remains to be seen whether the finer details can be thrashed out to bring him to Anfield.

Alexander Isak will enjoy the off-season knowing two things: Newcastle United will play Champions League football in just a matter of months, and their success in achieving this feat (again) is largely down to his prowess in the final third.

The “intelligent” striker, as he’s been dubbed by reporter Ryan Taylor, will know more than two things, of course, but it’s these two facts which shape his footballing future and it’s this which matters most to the adoring Magpies faithful.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein believes the 25-year-old is staying put after his prolific Premier League campaign, but he’ll want to be rewarded, along with his teammates, after such a historic year, and Eddie Howe is on the same page, hoping to attack the looming transfer window with rapidity.

Here is a complete and balanced team, but it could do with some fine-tuning, for sure. With impressive prudence, Newcastle have planned ahead and are ready to strengthen their frontline.

Newcastle pushing to sign Premier League forward

As per The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, Newcastle are indeed planning for a busy window and are ready to pounce for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, having made a right-sided forward one of their priorities.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

Edwards reveals that the Magpies are ready to lodge bids for both the winger and Crystal Palace star, Marc Guehi, in what he describes as a ‘crucial summer’ for Howe and co.

The Cameroon international has been one of the best players in the Premier League this season, and the Bees would be looking for as much as £60m to grant their talisman’s departure.

Manchester United also have a vested interest, but their ongoing efforts to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha have led PIF to believe they can take the lead in the coming days.

What Bryan Mbeumo would bring to Newcastle

Howe’s walked across the breadth of the Premier League terrain, the good and the bad. He’s scrambled out of the pit of the division with Newcastle and he’s led them toward the peak, having now sealed a route into the Champions League across two of the past three seasons.

Though they’ve invested, United haven’t employed a scattergun approach on the level of some direct rivals, and yet they’ve found a formula for fluency, with Isak fronting a slick and coherent system.

Now just imagine Mbeumo in there too. Jacob Murphy has been immense all year, but Mbeumo would bring a different breed of potency, a new focal point which would ease Isak’s responsibilities and, paradoxically, allow him to take even larger strides in his remarkable development.

Premier League Top Scorers 24/25

Rank

Player

Apps

Goals

1)

Mohamed Salah

38

29

2)

Alexander Isak

34

23

3)

Erling Haaland

31

22

4)

Chris Wood

36

20

4=

Bryan Mbeumo

38

20

Data via Premier League

Mbeumo’s 20-goal haul in the Premier League this season left him behind an exclusive trio of powerhouses, with analyst Ben Mattinson rightly describing him as “one of the most deadly” players in the division.

He would elevate the existing stars, to be sure, and though Murphy and Anthony Gordon would help supply Mbeumo’s quest for goals, Isak could prove the most exciting partner for him, with the Sweden international noted to be the “best all-round forward in the Premier League” by pundit Ally McCoist.

The 23-goal Isak was only outscored by Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah this season, but he also finished the 2024/25 campaign ranked among the top 16% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes, the top 7% for progressive carries and the top 8% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

The complete striker indeed. Isak could turn Mbeumo into a veritable monster, cementing his giddy form at a higher level and ensuring he enters some lofty conversations in the years to come.

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Posts ByJoe Nuttall May 28, 2025

Manchester United are now closing in on their first signing of the summer as they have agreed personal terms with Wolves star Matheus Cunha, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Man Utd stepping up transfer plans as they lodge multiple bids

This summer is expected to be a busy time for the Red Devils as they look to address what has been a very poor campaign and give Ruben Amorim the ingredients to become a success at Old Trafford. The summer transfer window isn’t even open yet, but United have already started to make moves in the transfer market.

A report from Spain has claimed that Man United have submitted a £55 million bid to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford – Mbeumo is seen as a player who can improve United’s attacking options, and the hope from Old Trafford is that the offer is enough to tempt Brentford into selling one of their star players.

As well as making an offer for Mbuemo, reports have claimed United have also lodged a staggering £113 million bid to try and sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig this summer.

The Dutch international is expected to leave the Bundesliga side, and United hope he will ease the creative burden on Bruno Fernandes. It is claimed that United are desperate to bring Simons to Old Trafford, and his signing would be a huge statement from INEOS in terms of them backing Amorim in the transfer market.

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Man Utd closing in on £62.5m Cunha deal after agreeing personal terms

Mbuemo and Simons appear to be top targets for the Red Devils, but they are not going to be the first signing the Premier League side make this summer. That is because, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Man United are close to signing Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Romano reports that United are close to signing Cunha, as the Wolves star has now accepted the project on offer at Old Trafford and has agreed personal terms with the Red Devils, which means the deal is now almost completed. Romano adds that just the final details need to be sorted between all parties ‘and then, here we go’.

United have moved very quickly to sign Cunha, who has been dubbed “sensational” by pundit Micah Richards. The Brazilian international has a release clause worth £62.5 million, and the Red Devils are expected to trigger that to reach an agreement.

It was claimed last week that Arsenal had reopened talks to sign Cunha from Wolves, perhaps prompting INEOS to act fast with their move for the versatile forward, who has scored 15 goals in the Premier League this season.

Matheus Cunha’s 24/25 Premier League stats
Apps	31
Goals	15
xG	8.04
Shots per game	3.2
Shots on target per game	1.3
Chance conversion	15%
Assists	6
Big chances created	13

Cunha’s arrival at Old Trafford will likely see him deployed as one of United’s number 10s in Amorim’s system. But his versatility means the Brazilian can also operate as a number nine, which Amorim may be more inclined to do, given the struggles of Rasmus Hojlund.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has placed a marquee forward at the “top” of his transfer target list ahead of the summer window, and the Gunners have responded by opening talks between all parties.

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Speaking ahead of their final Premier League game of the season against Southampton on Sunday, Mikel Arteta was asked about the club’s recruitment drive, Berta’s crucial role and the type of player he wants to see his club try and go for.

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Kai Havertz has returned to action already, after coming back from what was initially thought to be a season-ending hamstring injury blow, making his first appearance since February during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Newcastle.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

The German, who’s still managed to score 15 goals in all competitions in spite of his injury woes, also looks physically transformed after months of work in the gym. However, while Havertz’s return ahead of next season comes as a boost for Arteta, he sent a “clear” message to the Gunners hierarchy that more firepower is required if they’re to mount a more successful title challenge.

“What is clear with the amount of injuries we had in the front line is that we need a goal threat, we need the firepower out there, and understanding that the context can change tomorrow,” said Arteta in a pre-match press conference.

“We cannot rely just on the numbers we had before. We have to add goals, we have to add creativity, we have to add numbers and that will be in different positions.”

Arteta was also asked about their links to Real Madrid star Rodrygo, following recent reports he could well join Arsenal.

The 43-year-old didn’t get drawn in to named targets, but categorically refused to rule out a move for the Brazil international either, who’s bagged 13 goals and a further 10 assists from the right-wing, left-wing and at centre-forward this term.

Rodrygo "top" of Berta list with Arsenal talks opened

Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg shared news of Arsenal working on a deal for Rodryho behind-the-scenes earlier this week, and that same reporter has now provided a further update.

Plettenberg reports that Rodrygo is actually at the “very top” of Berta’s transfer list at Arsenal too, and negotiations have begun at all avenues, presumably meaning that they’re in talks with both the £202,000-per-week forward and Real.

Arsenal are not without competition in the race for him, though, with Chelsea also reportedly holding talks with Rodrygo’s representatives ahead of the mini-transfer window from June 1 to June 10 – which would allow them to sign him before the Club World Cup.

Celtic won the Scottish Premiership title and the League Cup trophy during the 2025/26 campaign, but missed out on the treble with a loss to Aberdeen on penalties in the SFA Cup final.

It was a successful season for Brendan Rodgers and his men, despite the final loss at Hampden Park in the final game of the campaign, and that was owed, in part, to the quality of the squad.

Nicolas Kuhn was one of the stars who propelled Celtic to two trophies with his contributions at the top end of the pitch, with 21 goals and 15 assists in all competitions this term.

His form was particularly impressive when you consider that his reported wage of £12k-per-week does not make him one of the top earners in the squad.

Noteworthy Celtic players who earn more than Nicolas Kuhn

As per Capology, James McCarthy (£14k), Anthony Ralston (£14k), Luis Palma (£16k), and James Forrest (£19k) earn, or earned in McCarthy’s case, more than Kuhn.

Chalkboard

They combined for 12 league starts between them, whilst Palma was sent out on loan to Olympiacos for the second half of the season, and the German winger managed 21 starts on his own.

Meanwhile, Maik Nawrocki, who played three times in the Premiership in the 2024/25 campaign, is also on a weekly wage of £12k at Parkhead, which suggests that Celtic are not getting value for money on their wages with several members of the squad.

Another centre-back who reportedly earns more than Kuhn is Gustaf Lagerbielke, who Lecce chief Pantaleo Corvino claimed is on £13k-per-week, and Rodgers must finally axe the flop this summer.

Why Celtic must sell Gustaf Lagerbielke this summer

The Hoops swooped to sign the Swedish central defender from Elfsborg for a reported fee of £3m in the summer of 2023, and it is fair to say that things have not gone to plan for him so far.

He only made ten appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants in all competitions during the 2023/24 campaign, as Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales established themselves as the first-choice pairing.

Speaking about Nawrocki and Lagerbielke’s lack of game time last season, pundit Ewan Cameron claimed that they were not Rodgers’ signings, saying: “He (Rodgers) doesn’t fancy them. He doesn’t rate them.”

Appearances

7

Starts

4

Pass accuracy

85%

Clean sheets

3

Error led to goal

0

Duel success rate

72%

The Swedish defender’s lack of game time in the Premiership that season, as evidenced in the table above, backs up that claim from Cameron, as Rodgers very rarely relied on him.

Celtic’s manager then opted to allow the 25-year-old flop to join FC Twente on loan for the 2024/25 campaign, and it has been another fairly frustrating year for the centre-back.

Lagerbielke did start 15 Eredivisie matches, playing more than he did for the Hoops, but was also an unused substitute in five of the club’s last six regular season games.

This shows that he has failed to nail down a regular spot as a starter in the Dutch top-flight out on loan, which does not suggest that the £3m dud is coming back to Parkhead this summer in a position to push on and fight for a place in Rodgers’ starting line-up.

The Northern Irish boss decided to go with Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, Scales, and Nawrocki ahead of him in the squad this season, and Lagerbielke’s struggles abroad indicate that the manager made the right call.

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Therefore, Rodgers must, now, finally ditch the defender on a permanent basis, if there is sufficient interest from elsewhere to facilitate a deal, because he does not appear to have a bright future in Glasgow and earns more than one of the team’s biggest stars in Kuhn.

Nottingham Forest’s sublime season in the Premier League might well have run out of steam towards the back-end – with only one league victory coming their way in May – but Nuno Espirito Santo’s men still have the Conference League to look forward to next campaign after finishing in a fantastic seventh spot.

Espirito Santo’s Tricky Trees won’t just be content with one unbelievable season in isolation, however, with an ambitious approach during this summer transfer window perhaps allowing Forest to upgrade all over the pitch ahead of European football coming to the City Ground.

Already, Forest are flexing their muscles as they aim to finalise a deal for Botafogo attacking sensation Igor Jesus, but they might not be done there when adding in some exciting options up top.

Forest's search for a striker

As per a report by the Athletic, Forest remain keen on a deal for Brentford ace Yoane Wissa, having previously been interested in the Bees sharpshooter back in January.

At that time, the Premier League high-flyers were put off by the 28-year-old’s steep £40m valuation, resulting in a £22m bid for his services falling flat.

Now, a move could be back on the cards, even as Forest edge closer to landing the aforementioned Jesus from Brazil.

Worryingly so for the South American hotshot, Wissa’s arrival in through the door could see Espirito Santo and Co. win themselves an instant upgrade on the one-time Arsenal target, with the Congolese international very much a revered marksman in the Premier League.

Why Wissa would be an upgrade on Jesus

Wissa could soon go down as a fan’s favourite at City Ground, even though the long-standing Brentford servant would score this delightful effort only last month versus Forest to seal a 2-0 away success.

Still, they won’t be turning their noses up at adding Wissa to their attacking arsenal alongside Chris Wood, with that breakaway effort just one of 20 strikes the 28-year-old would fire home last season for Thomas Frank’s regular overachievers – 19 of which came in the top-flight.

To add context, the much-talked-about New Zealand powerhouse would tally up that exact amount last season in all competitions, meaning the pair working together in unison could be a dynamite duo.

But, away from any potential partnerships forming, the electric Bees number 11’s dependable record in the Premier League means he would instantly get the first-team nod over Jesus, with the experienced top-flight presence never looking back after entering the level in 2021.

24/25

39

19

5

23/24

34

12

4

22/23

38

7

3

21/22

30

7

1

Looking at the table above, Wissa has gradually improved by season by season at the daunting level, with that tally of 19 league strikes last season his most lethal return in the top-flight to date.

On the contrary, whilst Jesus is an entertaining watch with a hefty 3.5 total shots averaged on goal in Brazilian top-flight action this year, he doesn’t possess that same potency Wissa has in abundance, with a weaker output of seven goals coming his way from 24 Brasileirão Betano contests.

He does have an additional eight goals next to his name playing for Botafogo from 55 total appearances, but the concern will be that the four-time Brazil international could struggle to immediately make an impact in the English game.

Wissa wouldn’t have any of these issues to contend with, with the clinical number 11 once even labelled as “unbelievable” by his Brentford boss for his blistering goalscoring prowess.

Adding in both strikers could well be the dream scenario here, with Jesus able to bounce off a Premier League-recognised striker to up his standards.

After all, Forest might as well aim to strike up as many golden deals as possible whilst the club is on an all-time high.

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Newcastle United rode into the summer transfer window on the crest of a wave, having finished the 2024/25 campaign as Carabao Cup champions, also sealing their place back in the Champions League after finishing fifth in the Premier League.

All told, Eddie Howe will be a happy man after his side’s success, but the onus is now on improving across the next few months ahead of the fresh term, when expectations will be heightened.

Efforts have certainly been made at this early stage to go from strength to strength. As per The Telegraph, the Magpies have singled out England centre-back Marc Guehi and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, although the latter has reportedly chosen he wants to join Manchester United.

A right-sided forward is still at the top of the agenda, and Newcastle might just have identified the perfect man for the job.

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Instead, the man of the moment could be West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus, with The Athletic revealing talks have been held among senior Magpies officials to ascertain the potential of a summer signing.

Kudus has an £84m release clause in his Hammers contract and is expected to leave east London this summer.

After a difficult campaign, however, it’s thought Graham Potter’s side would be open to a more agreeable £65m fee.

Why Newcastle should sign Kudus

Kudus only scored five times in the Premier League last season, also assisting three goals, but he hit four goal contributions across his final eight appearances, and presents one of the most menacing profiles out there.

Though Elanga, Newcastle’s other top wide target, chalked up six goals and 11 assists across the league campaign, Kudus may yet hit a new level of prolific progress, which would see him soar away from the Tricky Trees star’s capacity.

Despite his struggles, the Ghana international has still maintained his ball-carrying quality across the past year, with Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku the only man to produce a greater regularity of successful dribbles.

This metric is further underscored by data-driven site FBref, who recorded that Kudus ranked among the top 6% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for pass completion, and the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90.

And you’d think that Howe could restore Kudus’ finest level. When comparing his 2023/24 campaign, under David Moyes’ wing, against Elanga’s at Forest over the past year, it becomes a little clearer that Kudus’ ceiling stretches higher.

Matches (starts)

33 (27)

38 (31)

Goals

8

6

Assists

6

11

Shots (on target)*

2.0 (0.5)

1.2 (0.6)

Pass completion

84%

78%

Big chances created

5

9

Key passes*

0.8

1.3

Dribbles*

3.8

0.7

Ball recoveries*

6.4

2.3

Tackles*

2.0

0.5

Duels won*

8.5

3.0

Given that Forest would be looking to bank in excess of £50m for the sale of Elanga, it might be more worthwhile to invest in a star such as Kudus, who, when at his rip-roaring best, has been regarded as a “generational talent” by those such as journalist Gary Al-Smith.

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