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Tottenham Hotspur’s 2-2 draw against Bournemouth yesterday demonstrated their determination to come back from a losing position after being two goals down with half an hour to go.

Pape Sarr and Heung-min Son managed to get themselves on the scoresheet in North London, potentially setting them up for Thursday’s Europa League clash against AZ Alkmaar.

Ange Postecoglou has been a man under fire over the last few months given the current Premier League standing, which sees them occupy a place in the bottom half of the table.

Injuries have played their part, but the Aussie hasn’t helped himself in certain situations, even in yesterday’s showing, which saw them trail by two goals after some inexcusable defending.

However, there was a positive response after going behind to the Cherries, with numerous players impressing despite the struggles the Lilywhites faced before the comeback.

Spurs’ impressive performers against Bournemouth

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has returned from injury in recent weeks, providing that quality which has been greatly missed in his absence – with his showing against the Cherries one of the best since his comeback.

The Italian made six saves during his 90-minute performance, making three saves in the first couple of minutes of the encounter and handing Ange’s side the platform to get themselves a point late on.

Full-back Djed Spence has been a player who has been the beneficiary of the injury crisis, allowing for regular minutes and staking his claim for a key role under the Aussie.

Yesterday was no different for the 24-year-old, who completed 94% of the passes he attempted, whilst winning 100% of the tackles that he entered – having a huge impact at both ends of the pitch.

Such a display is evidence of the level he is capable of, needing regular minutes to continue his development in North London, which could see one player sold in the summer – with his latest showing not doing himself any favours.

The Spurs player who needs to be sold after 3/10 display

Given the disappointing campaign, it’s no surprise to see players fail to live up to the high levels of expectations they have set themselves during their time at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

One of those is full-back Pedro Porro, with the Spaniard registering four goals and seven assists in his first full campaign in North London during 2023/24.

However, despite notching two goals and seven assists in the ongoing campaign, questions have been asked about his long-term future at the club, especially with Spence’s form in the first team.

The 25-year-old has struggled in recent matches, with the draw against Bournemouth no different, misplacing the pass for the visitor’s opener and subsequently being caught out of position in the process.

Porro also failed to complete any of his three attempted dribbles, finding a teammate with just 44% of his crosses – looking wasteful when finding himself in forward areas.

Minutes played

87

Touches

79

Passes completed

32/46 (70%)

Dribbles completed

0/3 (0%)

Crosses completed

4/9 (44%)

Ground duels won

3/7 (43%)

Fouls committed

1

Possession lost

27x

The full-back, who was labelled “absolutely terrible” by one Spurs podcaster, also only came out on top in 43% of his ground duels – struggling to contain opposition winger Antoine Semenyo.

As a result of his showing, he was handed a 3/10 match rating by Daily Express journalist Tom Parsons – highlighting how disappointing he was for Ange’s side, with Spence managing to outshine him during the draw.

Given his lack of positive impact, coupled with Spence’s emergence over the last few weeks, Postecoglou may want to cash in on Porro’s services – especially if Real Madrid still want a move for him.

The Englishman is a younger option for Spurs, whilst also being a more effective one if recent form is to go by, allowing for the Aussie to potentially invest money into other areas of the first team squad.

Fewer touches than Vicario: Ange must drop 3/10 Spurs dud after Bournemouth

Tottenham Hotspur secured a point against Bournemouth after being two goals down in North London.

ByEthan Lamb Mar 9, 2025

Potential new Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has been tipped to sign one striker for Mikel Arteta due to his unique connection with the player.

Arsenal in talks to replace Edu Gaspar with Andrea Berta

Long-serving former transfer chief Edu Gaspar resigned from his Arsenal role in November, with PSG director Luis Campos among the high-profile director names considered by Arsenal since then.

Arteta makes exit decision as talks held with £180k-per-week Arsenal star

The Spaniard is already planning for next season.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 6, 2025

However, it has now come to light that Arsenal could be closing in on another name to succeed Edu – former Atlético Madrid director Berta.

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The Italian is apparently in very advanced talks to join Arteta’s side, according to some reports, with journalist Pete O’Rourke even telling Football Insider this week that his appointment is “all but done” despite Arsenal holding negotiations with Yossi Benayoun.

With Berta’s possible switch to the Gunners boardroom gaining more and more traction, transfer rumours are understandably going to follow, and many supporters will be eager to hear what the 53-year-old’s plans could be this summer if he is indeed hired.

Berta tipped to sign Matheus Cunha for Arsenal

The former Arsenal striker Jeremie Aliadiere has claimed that Wolves forward Matheus Cunha could be a very credible target for Berta given their Atletico ties.

The £90,000-per-week striker, dubbed “sensational” by Micah Richards, has been a star for Wolves this season, and he’s also got a very enticing £62.5 million release clause written into his new contract.

“Berta knows Cunha from their time at Atlético Madrid, and it could be a deal that goes through,” said Aliadiere. “He’s having a great season in a team that’s struggling to fight relegation. That shows you how good he is and how quickly he’s adapted to the Premier League. He could be a good signing too.”

Aliadiere added that the pending appointment of Berta is a “very” exciting one.

“I think by the sound of it and what I was reading this morning, Andrea Berta seems to be the man in pole position at the moment. It seems like only small details remain, so it looks like he could be the new one.

“He has great experience and has been at Atlético Madrid for 12 years. If you look at the signings he has made and what the club has achieved, it is very exciting. Very, very exciting

‘If we look at the job Edu has done from when he came in and where Arsenal were, the signings he has made, I think he has done very well. You don’t work at Atletico alongside Diego Simeone if you’re not very good at your job, so I am very excited. But of course, we hope to sign some big players now.

“It is very exciting, and hopefully Berta’s good connections with the players he has signed in the past can help Arsenal. I think he would need to have a great relationship with Arteta.”

This time last week, Tottenham Hotspur were preparing to overturn their 1-0 deficit to AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League.

That victory not only saw them make it through to the competition’s quarter-finals but also took the mounting pressure off of Ange Postecoglou’s shoulders.

However, that pressure was quickly piled on again when the North Londoners fell to a dismal defeat away to Fulham in the Premier League.

With yet another league defeat under Postecoglou’s belt, links to potential replacements have been rife again, with Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola seemingly among the favourites.

If the Spaniard were to get the job, he could turn one of Postecoglou’s marquee signings into his new Justin Kluivert.

Why Iraola could be a great Postecoglou replacement

So, with recent reports indicating that Iraola is a genuine candidate to replace Postecoglou at the end of the season, why would that be good for Spurs?

Manager Focus

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Well, the first and most straightforward answer is that despite losing his star striker to the Lilywhites in the summer, dealing with his own injury crisis earlier in the campaign and generally having less money to play with, he’s doing a better job this year.

As things stand, Bournemouth are tenth in the Premier League, with 12 wins, eight draws and just nine defeats to their name, while Spurs are down in 14th, with just ten wins, seven draws and a whopping 15 defeats to theirs.

Games (All Comps)

33

46

Wins

15

21

Draws

8

6

Losses

10

19

Points per Game

1.61

1.50

Moreover, despite taking over the Cherries when they were one of the favourites to get relegated, the Spaniard’s overall record of 1.49 points per game on the south coast is only marginally worse than the Australian’s record of 1.59 points per game, which includes the incredible start to last season.

Overall, while Postecoglou has been able to make Tottenham more attacking, he’s clearly struggling, even with his star players back, so seeing him replaced by Iraola in the summer wouldn’t be a massive shock.

Furthermore, the former Rayo Vallecano boss might be able to get even more out of the North Londoners’ stars, especially one who could be his new Kluivert.

Iraola's new Kluivert

If Iraola were to take charge of Spurs in the summer and lead them into next season, then there are a few candidates who could see their form improved in a way similar to Kluivert at Bournemouth, from Brennan Johnson to Dejan Kulusevski.

However, when it really comes down to it, there is one player who we can see becoming as crucial to the Spaniard in North London as the Dutchman is to him on the south coast: James Maddison.

There are a few reasons for this, with the first being that, like the Cherries ace, the Englishman is a technically brilliant player who can, and very occasionally has, played off the left in the past, but primarily thrives in an attacking midfield role.

Moreover, while the former Leicester City ace can and does get involved in play across the pitch, he is at his very best on the edge of the opponent’s penalty area, either playing a teammate in with an exquisite ball or timing his run perfectly to put the ball in the back of the net himself.

For example, despite being criticised at points this season, the “incredible” midfielder, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 38 appearances this term, resulting in a goal involvement every 2.11 games on average.

For his part, the former Ajax star has been one of the most impressive players in the top-flight this term, dazzling Premier League defences on his way to scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists in 32 appearances for Bournemouth this term.

It’s a fine record, one that comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.6 games, and shows that Maddison – a fellow “magician” in the words of Statman Dave, can be the creative heart of the team.

Appearances

38

Minutes

2239′

Goals

11

Assists

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.47

Minutes per Goal Involvement

124.38′

Ultimately, if Ange is to be replaced in the summer, Iraola looks like a brilliant candidate to do so, and as he has done with Kluivert, he could help supercharge Maddison.

Ange could now boldly drop Porro and unleash Spurs "monster" instead

Spurs return to Premier League action away to London rivals Fulham on Sunday afternoon

ByRobbie Walls Mar 16, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are thought to be in pole position to secure a “special” free signing this summer, according to a new update.

Tottenham pushing for Europa League glory but could still sack Ange

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou appears to be walking the managerial tightrope in north London, with his side struggling during his second season in charge.

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The Australian has won trophies in his second year at various clubs during his career, however, that is in the balance with Tottenham. The Europa League is the only silverware Spurs can win between now and the end of the campaign and are set to take on Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals next month.

However, there have been claims that Tottenham could still sack Postecoglou even if they win the Europa League, with a plethora of managers linked with moves to Spurs.

Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth and Fulham’s Marco Silva have both been mooted as potential targets for Tottenham, however, those behind the scenes look on course to make their first player signing ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Tottenham in pole position to sign Angel Gomes for free

According to Football Insider, Tottenham are leading the race to sign Angel Gomes on a free transfer when his Lille contract expires.

Spurs appear to be closing in on a deal and are in pole position for the 24-year-old midfielder, who won his first cap for England towards the end of 2024.

Gomes, who has turned down an offer to join West Ham, also has interest from clubs in France, Spain and Germany, however, a move to Tottenham appears to be on the cards.

This comes after Football Insider expert and ex-scout Mick Brown claimed that Spurs have already held talks to secure Gomes’ services.

“I think Gomes would be a good fit for them on a free transfer. From what I hear as well, the manager likes what he’s seen from him, so it’s one that makes a lot of sense.

“He’ll know how he sees him fitting into the side, what he wants him to do and how he wants him to play. They’ll already be speaking to his agent and representatives about a deal because they’re not the only club interested – we’ve spoken about West Ham already.

“So they’ll want to convince him that Tottenham is the right move for his career.”

Levy open to selling £60m Tottenham star as Real Madrid discuss signing him

He’d be a high-profile departure.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 28, 2025

Capable of playing as a holding, central or attacking midfielder, Gomes, who has been called “special”, has made 20 appearances for Lille in all competitions in 2024/25.

Now, five years on after leaving Man Utd, a move back to England with Spurs looks likely for Gomes following this update.

Aston Villa moved up to seventh in the Premier League table by beating the team that were ahead of them – Brighton & Hove Albion – 3-0 away from home on Wednesday night.

The Villans, in a match that lasted over 100 minutes, secured all three points in emphatic fashion, thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio, and Donyel Malen, who all joined the claret and blue army in the January transfer window.

There were many impressive performers for Unai Emery’s side throughout the match at the AMEX, including the player who scored the opening goal on the night – Rashford.

Why Marcus Rashford's performance was vital for Aston Villa

The England international, who is on loan from Macnhester United until the end of the season, was the player to make it 1-0 for Villa with his terrific run in behind the Brighton defence.

He made a great movement off the shoulder of the last defender to race clear through on goal and the finish matched the run as the speedster brilliantly lifted the ball into the back of the net to give Villa the lead.

The 27-year-old attacker’s goal broke the deadlock and allowed the away side to play with more freedom, having taken the lead, which teed up the rest of the performance for Villa to go on and win with ease, which is why his display and goal were so vital for Emery’s team.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

There was a Villans star, however, who was even more important to the result, as Morgan Rogers proved that he is the main man for Villa with another sublime showing.

Why Morgan Rogers is the main man for Aston Villa

Emery has a host of brilliant attacking talents at his disposal, including the likes of Rashford, Asensio, and Ollie Watkins, but it is the former Manchester City man who runs the team with his performances.

As the attacking midfielder tasked with carrying the ball through the thirds, Rogers is crucial to everything that Villa do in possession and is now closing in on 20 goal contributions for the season, with 12 goals and seven assists in all competitions.

The 22-year-old dynamo, who was handed a player rating of 8/10 by BirminghamLive, added another two assists to his tally in the win over Brighton, playing a phenomenal long-range ball to Rashford for the opener, and racing down the flank to provide a perfect cut-back for Asensio to make it 2-0.

Minutes

88

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Goals

0

1

Big chances created

2

0

Assists

2

0

Duels won

6/12

0/2

Tackles + interceptions

7

1

As you can see in the table above, the English whiz outperformed Rashford with his contributions to the side in and out of possession throughout the game, which shows that he offered more to the team overall.

Rogers, who was compared to Jude Bellingham on Sky Sports earlier this season, has proven himself to the main man time and time again for the Villans, as he has started all 29 of his appearances in the Premier League, whilst Watkins has been a substitute on five occasions.

Illustrating his all-round quality, Rogers is the only player in the squad who ranks within the top five for shots, dribbles, key passes, and fouls won per game, which speaks to how much of an influence he has on matches on the ball.

The Villa star can impact games with his energy out of possession, by winning tackles and duels, whilst also providing a threat as a scorer and a creator of goals, which makes him the full package for Emery and the manager’s main man on the pitch in the top-flight.

Monchi sends scouts as Aston Villa race to sign "special" Galatasaray star

He’s a wanted man…

ByTom Cunningham Apr 2, 2025

Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany is now very eager for the Bundesliga giants to sign a top Chelsea transfer target, with Enzo Maresca’s side facing even more competition for one player they are seriously pursuing.

Chelsea target new centre-back with summer names identified

The Blues are reportedly planning to reinforce the centre-back area this summer, following Wesley Fofana’s long-term injury and an evident shortage in that position.

Chelsea now very keen on signing "superstar" striker; may submit £39m offer

The Blues could be willing to launch a move for a forward, who may now be allowed to leave his club this summer.

ByDominic Lund Apr 15, 2025

Chelsea activated the recall clause in Trevoh Chalobah’s loan deal at Crystal Palace to bring him back to Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window, rather than sign a completely new name mid-season, but the Cobham academy graduate isn’t expected to have a long-term future under Maresca.

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It is believed Chelsea are likely to let Chalobah go permanently in the summer (BBC), so the west Londoners will be in need of another centre-back to reinforce Maresca’s defensive options, ahead of his second season in charge, where they could be competing in the Champions League.

According to reliable journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea are expected to ‘go big’ on the signing of a new defender, with Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi and Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen on their radar.

Stamford Bridge chiefs, according to The Mirror, are even contemplating the possibility of a £50 million part-exchange bid for the former, and could offer Chalobah as part of the deal to re-sign their ex-player.

Meanwhile, Huijsen’s excellent season at Bournemouth, combined with the fact he’ll be available for the value of his £50 million release clause this summer, has piqued interest from Chelsea and other elite Premier League sides.

According to the reliable David Ornstein, Chelsea have reached out to Huijsen’s camp for talks ahead of the summer window, so it appears the Spain international is a firm target for Maresca.

However, following these discussions with Chelsea, competition is growing for the “sensational” 20-year-old’s signature, and Maresca now faces a serious threat from Bayern in pursuit of Huijsen.

Vincent Kompany tells Bayern Munich to sign Dean Huijsen

According to Football Insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke, Kompany is “pushing” Bayern to sign Huijsen this summer, and the Bavarians have joined the hotly-contested race for his services as a result.

Kompany is said to be a “huge fan” of the former Juventus defender, and they’re believed to be really pressing for Huijsen alongside Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Newcastle – with Tottenham also believed to have made contact (David Ornstein).

However, all of them may even be left disappointed, as Huijsen reportedly favours a move to Real Madrid.

In any case, the Spaniard’s next destination is fast becoming one of this summer’s most intriguing transfer stories, and it isn’t hard to see why so many clubs are keen on him after his hugely impressive debut season in the Premier League.

“He is one of the highest quality prospects in European football at this age level,” said Fenerbache boss and former Blues manager José Mourinho.

“He will be a great footballer in the future.”

One of Aston Villa’s standout players could still be on the move this summer, despite both the club and the player reportedly being “happy” with the current situation, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Villa thump Magpies to boost Champions League hopes

Aston Villa kept their Champions League hopes alive in emphatic fashion over the weekend with a dominant 4-1 win over high-flying Newcastle United at Villa Park. Ollie Watkins, Ian Maatsen, and Amadou Onana all found the net for Unai Emery’s side, while Magpies defender Dan Burn added to their tally with an own goal.

Forget Watkins & Rogers: 9/10 star is becoming Aston Villa's best player

Aston Villa secured a vital 4-1 win over Newcastle on Saturday

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 20, 2025

The result moved Villa within just two points of Newcastle. They’re also now just one point behind Manchester City and level with Chelsea, making the race for a top-four finish incredibly tight with only a handful of games remaining.

Next up is a daunting trip to the Etihad Stadium to face City on Tuesday, a fixture that could prove decisive in the push for Champions League qualification. Speaking after the weekend’s win, Emery stressed the importance of maintaining momentum.

“We can’t stop. We are involved in the key moment of the season. Through the Premier League, we are trying to reach our first objective,” he said.

On Watkins – whose goal drew him level with Gabriel Agbonlahor as Villa’s all-time top Premier League scorer – Emery added: “I’m so happy with how he’s performing and progressing under our management. His individual goal is important—for him, for us, for the club, and for our overall development. Hopefully, we can keep helping him to achieve more and more.”

Watkins could leave Villa Park this summer

While Unai Emery is clearly thrilled with Watkins—who has scored 15 Premier League goals this season—his future at Villa Park isn’t entirely secure. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Watkins could still leave the club this summer if the right offer arrives. Writing in his exclusive GIVEMESPORT newsletter, Romano noted that both Villa and the player are happy with the current situation, but didn’t rule out a move.

“They’re happy with Watkins and he’s happy at the club,” Romano wrote. “Then if a proposal comes, never say never – as it was the case in January.”

Watkins was reportedly the subject of a £40 million bid from Arsenal during the winter transfer window, though Villa ultimately chose to reject the offer.

Having already seen Jhon Durán depart for the Saudi Pro League in January, losing Watkins this summer would represent a major blow for Aston Villa – particularly if they’re unable to secure the permanent signing of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.

That said, Villa have shown a knack in recent seasons for replacing outgoing talent with even stronger additions, so it wouldn’t be wise to bet against them pulling off something similar again if Watkins does move on.

Liverpool are winners, they are champions again. 20 times for the Reds. Doesn’t that sound a little bit nice, eh?

There was a sense of inevitability as fans gathered around Anfield this afternoon. Red flares could be seen from several miles away. Liverpool was red and by the end of the day, they were Premier League title winners.

Five years ago, in the midst of the pandemic, supporters did not have this day. They may have been celebrating a league triumph but it was from the dreary setting of their living rooms, rather than a sunny Merseyside occasion.

They deserve this, truth be told. The fans have waited patiently to celebrate something with the team and this was their moment, their special day. It was never in doubt, was it?

Well, it was for a bit. Dominic Solanke’s powered header made it 1-0 to Spurs early doors but the Reds, as they so often have this term under Arne Slot’s wing, fought back. 5-1. What a performance it was, goals from Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, Mo Salah and a late own goal from Destiny Udogie.

How Liverpool celebrated their title win

What an afternoon this was. Liverpool basked in the glory of their title win, dancing in front of the kop.

Mo Salah took plenty of selfies, Virgil van Dijk waxed lyrical about the city he resides in and plays in, while Trent Alexander-Arnold watched on. Surely this isn’t his swansong tour?

A year ago, Jurgen Klopp stood chanting the name of Slot and a year on, Slot repaid the favour. But, where does Trent stand in all of this?

Salah has signed a new deal, as has captain fantastic, Van Dijk.

However, as we all know by now, Real Madrid want him. The whole of the footballing world seems to think he’s off to the Bernabeu but is he?

The right-back’s goal against Leicester last week was full of emotion, ripping off his shirt and darting over to the away supporters where he bellowed into the sky. It was full of fury, perhaps full of sadness too that these could be his final few weeks in red.

Well, as he looked into the Kop on Sunday afternoon, surely he wants a bit more of the pie. You’re not going to leave, are you, Trent?

Well, Gakpo certainly hopes he doesn’t. Speaking after the game, the Dutchman was looking ahead to the future and may have hinted that things aren’t as clear-cut as we may have thought.

“Now with Mo and Virgil staying and hopefully Trent as well, we can keep on building.”

Well, he didn’t say he was leaving but he didn’t say he was staying either. Whatever you think of the statement, it’s certainly a cryptic response to the current situation.

Agent in England: Liverpool pushing to sign "immense" £30m Trent heir

Liverpool are set to lose their vice-captain on a free transfer this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 26, 2025

David Moyes is keen to make a series of rousing signings at Everton as he leads his squad toward a new home at Bramley-Moore.

Having succeeded in guiding Everton away from the relegation rabble and indeed settle into a 14th-placed Premier League spot with just three fixtures left before the summer, the Scottish manager has struck a tuneful chord with the Merseysiders once again, 12 years after relinquishing his seat in the dugout to replace Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.

The 62-year-old reunited with his former protégé, Wayne Rooney, at the Theatre of Dreams, and while things went awry, he’d love to have such a player in his current Toffees brood.

He may not be a forward, but Everton do appear to have set their sights on a Premier League legend ahead of the market.

Everton chasing Premier League legend

According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, John Stones’ future at Manchester City is “far from certain,” and Everton are keen on bringing their former prospect back onto Merseyside.

Transfer Focus

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

He told the publication: “If he [Stones] does indeed hit the open market, I believe that Everton would be open to the prospect. Stones is settled in the North West so it could be an option. But we have to see the plans new City sporting director Hugo Viana puts into practice, but the defence is a major area they want to work on.”

Stones left Goodison Park to join Pep Guardiola’s fledgling project in a £47.5m move back in August 2016, and he’s since become one of the most decorated Englishmen of his generation.

Though the dynamic defender has offers from the Saudi Pro League, he may feel he has more to offer European football, and Everton’s new chapter could entice him to retrace his once-walked path.

Why Everton should sign John Stones

Like Rooney did eight years ago, Stones could return from a successful career in Manchester to make an impact at his former Merseyside outfit as he approaches the later stage of his career.

Crucially, Stones still has enough quality to help Everton climb toward the upper levels of the Premier League, maybe even knocking on the door of European competition.

Stones went on to play 95 times for Everton before City came calling. He was described by Three Lions teammate Ezri Konsa as being “world-class” last year but always carried the seeds of such ability at Everton.

An astute deal for Stones wouldn’t come without its caveats. Stones might be one of the most accomplished defenders of modern times, but he’s been reduced to a bit-part role in Pep Guardiola’s team over the past several years, with incessent injury blows limiting him to just 18 top-flight starts across the past two seasons.

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However, the 30-year-old is one of the most gifted defenders kicking a ball today and would add a dimension to Moyes’ unit. If Everton retain Jarrad Branthwaite’s services this summer, a continued partnership of him and James Tarkowski would reduce the weight of Stones’ responsibility.

Thrusting him into the Bramley Moore project with the expectation of week-in, week-out starts would surely see him sink like a… stone, but as with Rooney, if he’s managed correctly, it would prove to be a boost that could result in the collection of several invaluable points come season’s end.

Rooney was, of course, brought onto the professional scene by Moyes. The versatile forward posted 59 goal contributions across 116 matches under the manager.

After scoring that goal against Arsenal in his breakout campaign, the teenager was clearly destined for greatness, and after achieving that at Old Trafford, Rooney returned to his boyhood club in the twilight of his career and scored ten goals during the 2017/18 term before moving over the pond.

Stones could repeat that feat. He’s still a brilliant performer when fit and Moyes has demonstrated through the right-back placement of Jake O’Brien that he’s willing to field his stars in unconventional roles, something Stones would surely relish given his multi-facetedness.

With the £80k-per-week Michael Keane among those nearing the end of their contract this summer, making a shrewd move for an experienced head in Stones, with the perfect mentality too, could prove a huge success as Moyes looks to really get his vision up and running.

The next Bergkamp: Arsenal weigh up move for "one of the greatest CMs ever"

Arsenal could sign one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever players this summer.

ByMatt Dawson May 4, 2025

Chelsea are now eyeing a summer move for a “composed” defender, with manager Enzo Maresca believed to be a keen admirer, according to a report.

Blues eyeing centre-back amid latest Disasi update

Axel Disasi has spent the second half of the season on loan at Aston Villa, and it looks as though the 27-year-old could be heading for a permanent exit at the end of the season, with the Villans now opening talks over a summer deal.

Maresca’s side have been faring well in their pursuit of the Champions League without Disasi, and they are now just one win away from securing qualification for Europe’s elite competition next season, with the crucial trip to Nottingham Forest pencilled in for next weekend.

As such, it could make sense to sanction the Frenchman’s departure, but Maresca may be keen on bringing in a top-level replacement, should his side return to the Champions League, with FA Cup-winning captain Marc Guehi among the potential targets.

After leading his Crystal Palace side to FA Cup glory, Guehi is likely to have no shortage of interest this summer, but the 24-year-old is not the only English centre-back of interest to the west Londoners.

According to The Telegraph’s John Percy, Chelsea are now interested in signing Leicester City defender Ben Nelson, who caught the eye with his impressive performances for Oxford United in the Championship last season.

£172k-per-week star keen to join Chelsea regardless of Champions League race

He’d want the move to Stamford Bridge no strings attached.

13 ByEmilio Galantini May 17, 2025

The Blues have been keen on Nelson for quite some time, having also considered a move back in the January transfer window, and their interest seems like it stems from their manager, with Maresca believed to be an admirer.

The Italian has previously described his former player as “ideal”, while also adding: “He’s quick. He can play right or left – it’s perfect.”

"Composed" Nelson destined for the top

Not only is Maresca a big fan of the Leicester ace, but he also impressed teammate Peter Kioso during his time with the U’s, with the fellow defender saying: “Nels has come in and done what he’s needed to do. Credit to him, he’s still a young lad and I feel like he’ll go to the very top in football, just from his mentality and how he reads the game, and how composed he is.”

Player

Current club

Potential cost

Marc Guehi

Crystal Palace

£60m

Antonio Rudiger

Real Madrid

Unknown

David Hancko

Feyenoord

£42m

Ousmane Diomande

Sporting CP

£68m

The 21-year-old missed large parts of the campaign with injury problems, but he remained a key player when fit, making 17 appearances for Oxford in the Championship, featuring at centre-back on every occasion.

Having put in some solid performances in the second tier at a young age, the £5k-a-week defender may soon be ready to make the step-up to the Premier League, but Chelsea should also make sure to bring in a more experienced centre-back, having identified a number of targets.