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Sheffield United are thought to be one of the sides in the lead to sign a new 6ft 4 defender for Chris Wilder.

Sheffield United planning for Premier League return

The Blades, despite starting the Championship season with a two-point deduction, are on course for an immediate return to the Premier League.

With seven games to go, Wilder’s side sit top of the second tier ahead of Leeds United and Burnley and look good for one of two automatic promotion spots.

With the club hoping they’ll be preparing for Premier League football in 2025/26, those behind the scenes at Bramall Lane have already been identifying transfer targets.

The best CF in the EFL signs: Sheffield United dream XI after promotion

Sheffield United will have to be busy in the transfer market if promotion up to the Premier League is sealed.

By
Kelan Sarson

Mar 30, 2025

They could look to raid the Championship, similar to how Ipswich Town operated last summer, with a move for Sunderland centre-back Daniel Ballard on the cards.

January target Jimmy Dunne from Queens Park Rangers remains of interest to the Blades, whereas Norwich City attacker Borja Sainz is another transfer target for Sheffield United.

However, away from the Championship, another defensive option is believed to be on the Blades’ radar.

Sheffield United in the lead for defender Terry Yegbe

According to reports from Sweden, relayed by Sport Witness, Sheffield United are in the race to sign Elfsborg defender Terry Yegbe. There were claims that Brighton & Hove Albion were about to sign Yegbe for around €5.4m (£4.5m), however, it is stated that Elfsborg would want up to €6.98m (£5.9m).

It is added that Sheffield United are still one of three clubs leading the race to sign Yegbe alongside Crystal Palace and Fulham.

The 24-year-old moved to Elfsborg in February 2024 from Finish side SJK Seinajoki for €550,000 and is under contract until 2028. Over the last 12 months, Yegbe, who stands at 6 foot 4, has made 44 appearances for his current employers, scoring three goals and even playing in the Europa League.

A centre-back who can also play as a left-back, Yegbe has also represented Ghana at international level and, over the last 365 days, ranks in the 99th percentile for clearances when compared to other centre-backs. [FbRef]

By the looks of things, a move to Yorkshire for Yegbe could be one to keep an eye on, especially if the Blades win promotion over the coming weeks.

Sean Dyche has revealed that Everton missed out on signing prolific Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres back when the striker was in the Championship.

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• Gyokeres starring at Sporting CP
• Dyche tried to sign him at Everton
• Reviews Man Utd & Arsenal target

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Sweden international is currently one of the most sought-after strikers in world football due to his goal-scoring exploits at the Portuguese side. Amid links with Arsenal and Manchester United, ex-Everton boss Dyche has revealed how close the Toffees came to signing the 27-year-old when he was at Coventry City in 2023.

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  WHAT DYCHE SAID

  The former Burnley manager saw Gyokeres first-hand in a pre-season friendly between Everton and Sporting in the summer of 2023 and was left mightily impressed.

  He told talkSPORT: "The boy Gyokeres, I've got to be honest, I think he's a real player. I saw him in the Championship. Then we played him in pre-season and I thought, 'Strong, honest'. Not just the fact he was scoring goals by the way, there's more to his game I think."

  Dyche added that he wanted to sign Gyokeres prior to his Sporting switch but "the numbers kept growing".

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Gyokeres was at a crossroads in his career after leaving Brighton in 2021. But he found his feet at Coventry and then made an eye-catching move to Sporting for £17 million ($23m). But very few would have expected him to score 97 goals in 102 games and be coveted by top teams across the planet.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  It remains to be seen which team Gyokeres, who has a £85m ($114m) release clause but could be sold for around £60m ($81m) this summer, will join ahead of next season but it seems his time with Sporting is set to end.

When West Bromwich Albion handed Tony Mowbray the reins for his second spell at the Baggies, another promotion, one that the impressive Carlos Corberan failed to deliver, was being dreamt of.

Indeed, Mowbray has been here before when guiding West Brom triumphantly to the Championship title back in 2008, with his task in the here and now to steer the West Midlands outfit to a playoff finish.

Part of that great side were players like Graham Dorrans, James Morrison, Robert Koren and, of course, Jonas Olsson.

Perhaps Mowbray has found his next version of the big Swede in 2025.

Jonas Olsson's time at West Brom

Last time the current manager took West Brom up to the promised land of English football, Mowbray did, unfortunately send his side straight back down.

But, the dismal relegation that did occur at the end of the 2008/09 season – which ultimately cost the manager his job – didn’t mean it was all doom and gloom at the Hawthorns, with Olsson sticking out as a formidable performer even as the Premier League slipped out of his new team’s grasp.

In total, the Swedish powerhouse tallied up 261 appearances donning a Baggies strip, with this unfortunate relegation blot on his resume not deterring him from going on to amass eight goals and six assists in the Premier League from 201 clashes.

Often using his towering 6 foot 5 frame to resiliently battle and grind out important wins, there’s one player in Mowbray’s current camp who bares similarities to the modern West Brom icon by displaying equal amounts of grit.

West Brom's new version of Olsson

The second-tier promotion chasers were very proactive in the busy January market, with the likes of EFL sharpshooter Adam Armstrong joining the ranks on loan, alongside Tammer Bany joining from Scandinavia in a surprise switch.

Amazingly, this isn’t the only pursuit from this neck of the woods that West Brom have signed off on in recent times, as tough defensive battler Torbjørn Heggem joined from Swedish top-flight side IF Brommapojkarna for a modest £500k last summer.

Heggem has managed to instantly fit in – much like Olsson after his move in 2008 – with a header being powered home back in December eerily similar to the many goals the Swede scored in crucial moments.

Moreover, the ex-Brommapojkarna titan has managed to shore up Mowbray’s side like the memorable number 4 before him, seen in Heggem winning a high five duels on average per Championship clash.

The “outstanding” summer recruit – as he’s been lauded by pundit Carlton Palmer for his Baggies heroics – has also managed to collect 12 clean sheets from his 39 second-tier appearances, resulting in Heggem cementing himself as a regular by missing zero Championship games this season.

Heggem would love to round off his stunning debut season in England with a promotion in hand, as the 26-year-old no-nonsense defender potentially becomes more and more like West Brom’s next Olsson if he passes any upcoming hurdles in front of him with flying colours.

Best signing since Pereira: West Brom have struck gold on "special" star

West Bromwich Albion struck gold when snapping up this lethal attacker.

By
Kelan Sarson

Mar 31, 2025

Aston Villa feel no pressure to part company with young star Morgan Rogers, with the club telling suitors the player is not for sale.

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• Villa would expect offers in excess of £100m
• Rogers has exceeded Grealish's output for the club
• PSR pressures could facilitate other sales

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  A report by Mail Sport suggests the club would demand an offer in excess of £100m before they even consider an approach. That was the figure they commanded from Manchester City for Jack Grealish in the summer of 2021.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Rogers has played in Europe, logged double figures for goals and assists last term, and at just 22-years-old, is four years younger than Grealish was when he left Villa Park. The youngster is under contract until 2030, he is currently earning £75,000 per week.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Villa may still have to contend with the Premier League's spending rules. They are in a much stronger position than 12 months ago, when they were forced into selling Douglas Luiz to Juventus to avoid a 10-point deduction for a possible PSR breach. However, Champions League prize money and the £70m sale of Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr likely leaves them in a stronger position this time round.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MORGAN ROGERS?

  Rogers has received plenty of praise for his stellar performances in the 2024/25 season. A nominee for the PFA Young Player of the Season, he will find out if he wins the prestigious gong in August.

Arsenal have announced their second signing of the transfer window as Liverpool's Taylor Hinds follows Lionesses star Chloe Kelly to the club.

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• Hinds joins Arsenal after Liverpool contract expired
• Jamaica defender returns to club seven years after leaving
• Second summer signing after Lionesses star Kelly

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Hinds left the Reds when her contract expired just last week, after five seasons at the club. In that time, she helped the Merseysiders win promotion to the Women's Super League, became their third-highest appearance-maker in the WSL era and earned herself the role of vice-captain, regularly wearing the armband as Liverpool established themselves in the top flight again.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  It has been reported for several weeks that Arsenal were targeting the out-of-contract Jamaica international and that move has now been completed, with Hinds announced as the Gunners' second signing of the window on Monday. Similar to Kelly, it's a switch that sees the 26-year-old return to the club she spent seven years with as a youngster. Hinds joined Arsenal at the age of 11 and made her senior debut in a League Cup fixture in 2017, aged 18. A few months later, though, she would join Everton on a permanent deal as she pursued more game time.

• WHAT HINDS SAID

  Speaking about her return to north London, Hinds said: "I’m so proud to have signed for Arsenal. I want to push, compete and be winning trophies, and this club encompasses all of that. You can see what direction Arsenal is going in and everyone at the club wants to win. This is a full-circle moment for me and I’m grateful to come back to a place I called home when I was younger. I can’t wait to get started and to step out on the pitch at Emirates Stadium in front of all our incredible supporters."

  Head coach Renee Slegers added: "We’re delighted to welcome Taylor back to Arsenal. She’s a versatile player who has great experience from multiple seasons in the WSL with Liverpool, where she took on a leadership role. I’m excited to get started with Taylor on the training pitch and I’m sure our supporters will join me in welcoming Taylor back to the club."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Hinds primarily played as a left wing-back for Liverpool last season, but the former England youth international is capable of playing on either the right or the left, as a wing-back or an orthodox full-back. She also has experience in midfield.

The Chelsea star stole the show with a brace while further goals from Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone helped the defending champions seal an emphatic win

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Home

Home Kit

• Inspired by retro sportswear and Lioness kits of the past
• Features classic English colours in a modern and energetic execution
• Available in S, M, L, XL and 2XL

From

£84.99

Buy

Away

Away Kit

• Celebrates the squad's impact on future generations of female athletes
• Features bursts of bright colours accenting a fearless black
• Available in S, M, L, XL and 2XL

From

£84.99

Buy

Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper Kit

• Comes in the traditional green colourway
• Logos centralised for a retro look
• Available in S, M, L, XL and 2XL

From

£84.99

Buy

Home

Home Kit

• Inspired by retro sportswear and Lioness kits of the past
• Features classic English colours in a modern and energetic execution
• Available in S, M, L, XL and 2XL

From

£84.99

Buy

Away

Away Kit

• Celebrates the squad's impact on future generations of female athletes
• Features bursts of bright colours accenting a fearless black
• Available in S, M, L, XL and 2XL

From

£84.99

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Goalkeeper

Goalkeeper Kit

• Comes in the traditional green colourway
• Logos centralised for a retro look
• Available in S, M, L, XL and 2XL

From

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England bounced back from Saturday's historic loss to France with a statement win over the Netherlands on Wednesday, romping to a 4-0 result which keeps their European Championship title defence alive.

There was plenty of reason to criticise the Lionesses after their opener, with Les Bleues controlling the majority of the game and dominating in a manner that their 2-1 victory didn't reflect, but Sarina Wiegman's side hit back with a fantastic display under the highest pressure in their second outing, avoiding a defeat that would've sent them crashing out of the tournament after only two games.

Knowing that even a draw would take their destiny out of their own hands, England were on the front foot from the word go, with Lauren Hemp putting Manchester City team-mate Kerstin Casparij under the cosh down the left and delivering crosses that both Lauren James and Alessia Russo might've done better with. The opening goal, though, came from all the way back in the Lionesses' own box, as Hannah Hampton threaded a beautiful pass through for Russo in behind the Dutch defence, and she teed up James to find the back of the net with a powerful hit.

Despite taking the lead, England never took their foot off the pedal, and Georgia Stanway doubled their advantage on the stroke of half-time with a sweet strike from the edge of the box. James then made it three on the hour and Ella Toone added a fourth not long after, as the Lionesses consistently dissected the Dutch defence.

After the doubts created by the France defeat, this was a reminder that England are a serious contender for the Euro 2025 title, with their spot in the quarter-finals now able to be secured with victory over Wales on Sunday.

GOAL rates England's players from Stadion Letzigrund…

• Getty Images
  

  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Hannah Hampton (8/10):

  Her distribution was exceptional, as best evidenced by the pass to Russo in the build-up to the opener. Didn't have many saves to make, but was alert to anything in her area.

  Lucy Bronze (7/10):

  Got up and down the pitch well, rarely exposed down her side, and battled brilliantly.

  Leah Williamson (7/10):

  Settled into the game nicely after a couple of iffy moments early on. Rarely troubled by Miedema.

  Jess Carter (7/10):

  Looked so much more comfortable in the central role she plays consistently at club level.

  Alex Greenwood (7/10):

  Was a better fit at left-back than any other option, with the Netherlands not getting much joy at all down that side.

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  Midfield

  Keira Walsh (8/10):

  Much more influential and very tidy on the ball.

  Georgia Stanway (8/10):

  Battled well, looked after the ball and scored a terrific goal to double the lead.

  Ella Toone (8/10):

  Brought more solidity to the midfield, winning possession back plenty, and got the goal her hard work deserved.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Attack

  Lauren James (9/10):

  Was magical throughout, with her ability to get into goal-scoring areas and create for others.

  Alessia Russo (8/10):

  Didn't get a goal despite several chances, but that shouldn't overshadow her great hold-up play and movement off the ball, which helped her provide a hat-trick of assists.

  Lauren Hemp (8/10):

  Caused Casparij problems all evening and delivered great end product.

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  Subs & Manager

  Chloe Kelly (5/10):

  Replaced James with 20 minutes to go but didn't see much of the ball as the game wound down.

  Beth Mead (N/A):

  Came on to see the game out in the latter stages.

  Grace Clinton (N/A):

  Introduced at the same time as Mead, to ensure the energy levels didn't drop in midfield.

  Aggie Beever-Jones (N/A):

  Gave Russo a well-deserved rest in the final few minutes.

  Niamh Charles (N/A):

  On for Bronze in the closing stages.

  Sarina Wiegman (9/10):

  Every change she made to the team from the France game was perfect: The defence looked so much better with Greenwood on the left and Carter central, the midfield was much more solid with Toone in there rather than James, and the latter was able to thrive in a wide role. This was a perfect example of why she is the best manager in international women's football right now.

Tottenham have been handed a fresh boost in their pursuit of Morgan Gibbs-White after Manchester City's stance on returning for the midfielder was revealed.

• Battle for Gibbs-White rages on
• Spurs still keen to finalise deal
• Man City refuse to rival for Forest star

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  There has still been no movement from Forest when it comes to Gibbs-White's transfer to Tottenham, but the north London club may be inching closer to a deal after Manchester City's stance on signing the player was revealed.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Amidst the chaos of Forest's claims that Spurs approached their star midfielder illegally, owner Evangelos Marinakis was hoping to see City – who had interest in Gibbs-White at the start of the summer – come back in for the England international. However, reports suggest Pep Guardiola's side have no intention of returning for Gibbs-White, leaving the door open for the north London club to push through a deal.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Marinakis is said to be keen on selling Gibbs-White to anyone but Tottenham, due to their tactics in approaching him and activating a confidential £60million release clause. There is no word yet on an official complaint to the Premier League from the Midlands club, suggesting it is now a matter of time until Spurs have their man.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GIBBS-WHITE?

  Gibbs-White did not fly out to Portugal to join up with Forest's pre-season camp on Monday due to personal reasons. The expectation remains that he will reconvene with his team-mates at some point this week.

Former Chelsea and current Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri was rushed to hospital on Wednesday after feeling unwell during a training session in Rome’s intense summer heat. Temperatures in the Italian capital soared past 30°C, prompting immediate medical attention. Lazio have since confirmed the 66-year-old is in stable condition and returned to training later in the day.

• Sarri taken to hospital after falling ill in 30°C Rome heat
• Lazio confirm coach is stable, returns to training same day
• Former Chelsea boss recently rejoined Lazio on two-year deal

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Sarri felt unwell during a Lazio training session held in high temperatures exceeding 30°C. The 66-year-old was rushed to hospital for a medical check-up as a precaution. He was later discharged and returned to the club’s training centre in Formello.

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  WHAT LAZIO'S STATEMENT SAID

  Lazio released a statement regarding Sarri's health, which read: "Coach Sarri is returning to Formello and, as scheduled, will lead the training session at 6:00 PM as usual.

  "This morning, he underwent a thorough fitness check, more comprehensive than the tests conducted on the players at the Training Centre."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Sarri spent one season at Chelsea, winning the Europa League and finishing third in the Premier League. He later managed Juventus before taking two sabbaticals and returning to Lazio last month. Known for his eccentric habits and tactical mind, Sarri remains a popular figure in Italian football.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR SARRI?

  Lazio will continue to monitor Sarri’s health closely during pre-season. The Serie A giants are expected to manage the veteran coach's workload amid the summer heat. Sarri is set to lead Lazio into the upcoming Serie A campaign as planned.

Lamine Yamal has scored his first Barcelona goal in the No.10 shirt that Lionel Messi once wore with such distinction.

• Memorable summer for teen starlet
• New squad number and lucrative contract
• Catching the eye during tour of Asia

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Having celebrated his 18th birthday, the teenage wonderkid has enjoyed a memorable summer. A lucrative contract has been signed on the back of relaxing during a series of holidays that saw him rub shoulders with former Blaugrana star Neymar.

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• WATCH THE CLIP

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Yamal’s standing in Catalunya has been recognised with a new squad number, with the departure of Ansu Fati to Monaco freeing him to take an iconic jersey. The youngster is expected to do the No.10 justice.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  A bright start has been enjoyed to life as the latest heir to Messi’s throne, with his goal account for 2025-26 being opened in pre-season during a friendly clash with FC Seoul as Barca tour Asia.

  Said effort was a trademark strike from Yamal as he drifted past defenders, tried a clever flick and ultimately drilled the ball into the corner from the edge of the box. Barcelona will be hoping that is a sign of things to come.

Manchester United are reportedly set to officially unveil Benjamin Sesko at Old Trafford this weekend ahead of their pre-season friendly against Fiorentina. The Slovenian striker is undergoing the second part of his medical and joins from RB Leipzig in a deal worth up to £74 million. He becomes The Red Devils’ fourth summer signing as Ruben Amorim rebuilds the squad.

• Sesko joins United after completing medical
• Striker to be unveiled before Fiorentina friendly
• Fourth summer signing for United under Amorim

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Fabrizio Romano has reported Sesko is set to complete his medical and will be presented to fans before Saturday’s friendly against Fiorentina at Old Trafford. United agreed a £66.3m deal with RB Leipzig, with potential add-ons bringing the fee close to £74m. Newcastle also bid for Sesko but failed to convince him.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Sesko is Amorim’s fourth signing of the window after Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Diego Leon. The 22-year-old brings a proven scoring pedigree, with more goals than any under-23 player in Europe’s top five leagues over the past two seasons. United see him as a long-term solution up front.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The Slovenian star arrives with high expectations at United after the Red Devils' horror campaign under Amorim last season. Sesko's arrival likely also spells the end of Rasmus Hojlund's stint as the primary No. 9 at Old Trafford.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR SESKO?

  Sesko will begin training with the squad next week as he settles into life in Manchester. Amorim will assess how quickly he can integrate the striker into his system. With the new season approaching, United fans hope Sesko can hit the ground running.