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Leeds United will re-enter the Premier League relieved that they won’t have to sell a load of their stars like last summer.

Indeed, there was a mass exodus away from West Yorkshire after the Whites’ heartbreaking playoff final defeat in the Championship, resulting in Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville, and Georginio Rutter all upping and leaving for the luxuries of a new top-flight team.

These notable departures thankfully didn’t derail Daniel Farke’s men on their way to lifting the second-tier title. Still, Leeds could be about to finally land an exciting Rutter replacement this summer.

After all, since the Frenchman’s farewell, Leeds have had to make do with some lacklustre performers in the number ten role.

Leeds in the race to sign Championship star

Farke won’t feel too confident in relying on Brenden Aaronson to come good in the Premier League, considering the American attacker has struggled at the daunting level before, scoring one goal and registering only three assists during the doomed 2022/23 campaign.

Transfer Focus

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

Therefore, it’s no shock to see Leeds be linked with this entertaining number ten, with The Irish Sun now reporting that the newly promoted side have joined the intense race to snap up Middlesbrough ace Finn Azaz.

AFC Bournemouth and Crystal Palace are also named as interested onlookers, meaning Leeds’ quest to win the Irishman’s services could be tough.

But, if Farke and Co. are serious about improving their already electric attacking output ahead of Premier League football returning to Elland Road, winning the £20m-rated midfielder’s services will be deemed a top priority, particularly if he is capable of being the figure to finally fill Rutter’s void.

Why Azaz can finally replace Rutter

It might well be bizarre to say that Leeds still feel a need to replace Rutter, considering the Whites stormed to the second-tier title with 95 goals bagged.

But, whilst Aaronson would chip in with a respectable tally of nine strikes and two assists on the way to promotion being resoundingly won, the 24-year-old blows far too hot and cold compared to the regular brilliance of the ex-Whites number 24.

Rutter, despite promotion falling to the wayside towards the close of the disappointing 2023/24 season, would still manage to collect a mammoth eight goals and 16 assists in league action.

Staggeringly, Azaz would only find himself one short of eclipsing this hefty total this campaign just gone for Michael Carrick’s own failed promotion hopefuls.

Azaz’s ability to drive forward and carve teams open from the number ten spot for Boro is eerily similar to the much-loved 23-year-old during his Elland Road prime.

The hope will just be that the 6-foot-1 star can make the transition to the Premier League look smooth, but having never been given a fair opportunity at his former employers Aston Villa, he will be chomping at the bit to succeed if he’s given the call by Farke’s men.

Games played

45

45

Goals scored

12

6

Assists

11

15

Shots*

2.7

2.7

Touches*

48.7

46.6

Accurate passes*

23.3 (74%)

15.1 (69%)

Key passes*

2.0

1.9

Big chances missed

5

17

Big chances created

10

22

Looking at the table above, the similarities just keep stacking up, with Farke more prepared to take a risk on his potential new £20m buy in the knowledge that Rutter moved up and acclimatised to his new surroundings swimmingly, with eight goal contributions next to his name from 28 Premier League appearances in 2024/25.

The Boro star is the “whole package” – as he’s been labelled by his current boss Carrick – and could well feel he’s now outgrown the Championship. Indeed, a sparkling 11 goals and ten assists also came his way in league action during the 2023/24 campaign, alongside nearly matching Rutter at the Riverside Stadium recently.

Therefore, ahead of their Premier League voyage taking off, taking a risk on EFL superstar Azaz to come good might well see the West Yorkshire titans win themselves Rutter 2.0.

Orta wanted him: Leeds eyeing move for "very prolific" Piroe upgrade

Leeds United are eyeing a Joel Piroe upgrade who was previously wanted by Victor Orta.

1 ByDan Emery May 29, 2025

Manchester United restored some sense of pride on the final day of the Premier League season with a 2-0 win over Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Amad Diallo and Christian Eriksen, who scored from the spot, both got on the scoresheet to secure three points for the Red Devils after their disappointment in Bilbao.

Ruben Amorim delivered his speech to the supporters inside the ground after the full-time whistle and stated that Manchester United can overcome any situation and that they will strive to bring success back to the club next term.

United ended the 2024/25 campaign with no trophies added to the cabinet, and they will be without European football next season, which could also be seen as a potential positive to ease their schedule and allow them to focus on domestic success.

In order to get the club competing at the top of the table again, though, Amorim will need to be backed by the board to improve his squad, as the current players have simply not delivered enough on the pitch.

One player who should be replaced, as a regular starter at the very least, is centre-forward Rasmus Hojlund, who has not done enough to suggest that he can be relied on.

Why Manchester United need to replace Rasmus Hojlund

The Danish marksman arrived from Atalanta in the summer of 2023 in a deal that was reported to be worth up to £72m, which immediately put high expectations on the striker.

However, Hojlund had only scored nine goals in the Serie A during the 2022/23 campaign and arrived at Old Trafford as a young striker with the potential to improve, rather than a ready-made star who was likely to hit the ground running.

Unfortunately, the 22-year-old attacker has not kicked on in the way that the club would have hoped for when they decided to splash a significant amount of money on his services two years ago.

Appearances

30

32

xG

7.64

5.24

Goals

10

4

Minutes per goal

217

506

Big chances created

0

4

Assists

2

0

As you can see in the table above, Hojlund had a fairly decent first year in the Premier League with a return of ten goals in 30 games, but he has regressed throughout his United career to date, scoring just four times in the league this season.

A return of four league goals and zero assists in 32 appearances is simply not good enough. Not good enough for the Red Devils, and not good enough for a striker who was signed for £72m two years ago.

This is why Amorim must look to replace Hojlund as a starter, either with a player in the squad or by dipping into the summer transfer window. However, one player who may not come in to replace him is reported target Viktor Gyokeres.

Why Man Utd may not sign Viktor Gyokeres

Despite working with the United boss at Sporting, the Sweden international may not be a realistic target for the Premier League giants this summer after they failed to secure European football.

Prior to the Europa League final, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano suggested that moves for Victor Osimhen and Gyokeres could be taken off the table by a failure to land a Champions League place due to financial limitations.

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

The reporter said: “He loves Gyokeres and Gyokeres loves Amorim, for sure. But for Man Utd we say it for [Victor] Osimhen and for Gyokeres too – it depends on the budget, how much they can invest, how much they can spend and what happens with European football.”

Sporting’s star number nine has been linked with Liverpool and Arsenal, who will both be in the Champions League next season, which could make it incredibly difficult for United to outbid them or convince the striker to pick a move to Old Trafford over playing European football.

Failing to sign Gyokeres would be a shame, given that the 26-year-old star has scored 96 goals and provided 28 assists in 101 matches for Sporting, but Amorim could forget about Hojlund and the former Coventry City ace by unleashing Kobbie Mainoo in a new role.

The new role Kobbie Mainoo should play for Man Utd

Whilst this may sound like a crazy idea at face value, playing a central midfielder up front as an alternative to signing a striker with 96 goals in 101 games, it is a tactical move that could make sense for United in the short-term.

Teams have been successful in the past without having a natural number nine who scored 20-plus goals. Roberto Firmino, for example, only scored more than 12 Premier League goals in one of his seasons at Liverpool, and they won the title and the Champions League during his time there.

The Brazil international was so effective for Jurgen Klopp because he brought technical quality and ingenuity in a false nine role, which was perfectly complemented by having two inside forwards, in Mo Salah and Sadio Mane, who could deliver goals on a regular basis.

Mainoo, who was described as a “generational talent” by Hojlund, is a technically excellent footballer who can offer similar qualities to Firmino in that role, and United are reportedly closing in on Matheus Cunha, who would be perfect to play alongside the England international as part of a Klopp’s Liverpool-esque front three.

Appearances

33

25

Starts

29

19

xG

8.63

0.77

Goals

15

0

Big chances created

13

4

Assists

6

0

As you can see in the table above, the Wolves star has the goalscoring and creative quality to be a terrific addition as one of the number ten options behind the striker, which could make him the Salah or Mane to Mainoo’s Firmino.

Whilst the United star’s haul of zero goals and four ‘big chances’ created may not immediately catch the eye, he did create those chances in just 19 starts whilst mainly playing as a central midfielder, and the star showcased his composure and quality in the box against Lyon int the Europa League.

Mainoo scored three goals from just 0.89 xG in the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, which suggests that he does have the potential to finish chances efficiently, and he would have more opportunities to find the back of the net whilst playing as a false nine.

Therefore, United could forget about Hojlund and Gyokeres by unleashing the academy graduate in a new role next season, utilising his technical quality and intelligence to combine with the goalscoring quality that Cunha and Bruno Fernandes can provide behind him.

Man Utd agree personal terms to sign "amazing" Garnacho replacement

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2 ByRobbie Walls May 26, 2025

This could be a cost-effective, short-term, solution to Amorim’s Hojlund problem, due to the financial blow of missing out on Europe, and save the club from having to spend money on a less-than-ideal striker alternative to their big targets, which could set them up to go big on a new number nine next year if they work their way back into European football.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have money to play with this summer and could now turn their attention to an exciting winger to add flair acrosss their forward line, according to reports.

Wolverhampton Wanderers kickstart summer transfer window

Matheus Cunha’s departure to Manchester United may have left a sour taste in the mouth for supporters of the Old Gold, but there was always an element of inevitability regarding his eventual fate.

Nonetheless, the picture appears to be bright in the West Midlands under Vitor Pereira, who will be given time and financial backing to shape his squad over the coming months.

Evaluating the immediate priority at Molineux, adding one or two quality attacking options in the face of Cunha no longer being in the building will become a popular topic among fans and pundits alike.

Millwall forward Mihailo Ivanovic has been targeted by the Old Gold to help provide some added prowess in the final third, and Alex Neil’s ringing endorsement that the 20-year-old is one of Europe’s top ten talents will likely create plenty of intrigue.

Further back, Nelson Semedo is mulling over a new deal at Wolves as his contract nears expiration, illustrating the importance of bringing a right-sided defender to the club should the Portugal international move on to tackle a fresh challenge.

Wolves could sign instant Cunha replacement in "special" £25m talent

Wolves will be hoping to sign a replacement for Matheus Cunha this summer

ByRoss Kilvington May 31, 2025

Sunderland’s Trai Hume may be the man the Old Gold are looking for to strike an adequate balance. Meanwhile, Rayan Ait-Nouri’s impending transfer to Manchester City leaves food for thought at left-back.

Transition may not be a bad thing for Wolves in light of big-money departures. Either way, they are now reportedly plotting a swoop for an exciting young winger.

Wolverhampton Wanderers plotting swoop for Roger Fernandes

According to Molineux News in conversation with Graeme Bailey, Wolves are keeping tabs on Braga winger Roger Fernandes and he expects the Old Gold to ‘explore’ the Primeira Liga for additions during the window.

Reports earlier this year claimed Manchester United, Manchester City, Brighton, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are also keen on Fernandes amid his rise to prominence in Portugal, which has led to a £25m price tag.

Referencing the situation, Bailey said: “I think the Portuguese league will be somewhere that they explore; it wouldn’t surprise me if they do look towards that league again. I’ve heard Roger Fernandes’ name linked to Wolves in recent weeks as well, wouldn’t surprise me if he was on the agenda.”

Roger Fernandes at Braga in 2024/25 – why are Wolves taking an interest? (FBRef)

Shot creating actions (Primeira Liga)

78

Shot creating actions (Europa League)

19

Progressive carries per 90 mins (Primeira Liga)

4.71

Progressive passes received per 90 mins (Primeira Liga)

9.94

Goal-creating actions (combining both competitions)

9

Likened to former Manchester United star Antonio Valencia by Foot The Ball, Fernandes has registered five goals and seven assists in 48 appearances for Braga this term and is capable of featuring on either flank.

Completing an average of 1.4 dribbles per league match, the Portugal youth international could go some way to filling the creative void left by Cunha, even if he is only one part of the solution.

Arsenal are set for one of their most imperative transfer windows in recent years, with sporting director Andrea Berta working to reinforce the squad whilst backing manager Mikel Arteta with sufficient squad upgrades.

Arsenal laying groundwork for key summer deals

Recently, two players in particular have dominated the headlines around N5.

He's a Sesko upgrade: Arsenal stepping up pursuit of £84m "powerhouse"

The incredible goalscorer would be a serious threat at Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 9, 2025

Given the club’s obvious need for a new striker, Arsenal’s talks for RB Leipzig sensation Benjamin Sesko are attracting due attention, with the Gunners looking to make it third-time-lucky and finally seal a deal for the Slovenian.

Sesko rejected a switch to the Emirates last summer, instead penning a contract extension with Leipzig and coming to a gentlemen’s agreement that he could leave either this year or in 2026 (Fabrizio Romano).

Arsenal also reached out over a deal for Sesko in January, but were respectful of Leipzig not wanting to sell mid-season, not to mention the player’s wishes to see out the Bundesliga campaign (Ben Jacobs).

Now, they could finally land their man if they come to an amicable agreement with Leipzig, with Standard Sport reporter Simon Collings sharing that the Bundesliga side want around £70 million to part company after fresh talks.

Beyond Sesko, there is also the ongoing saga revolving around Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

Fabrizio Romano shares Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal update

It is a very complex situation, with the BBC reporting that a medical had been scheduled for the “perfect” 26-year-old, which was later rebuffed by the player himself in an interview with Radio Nacional.

Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay also poured cold water over how advanced this deal is, but members of the media are still adamant that Arsenal have signed Zubimendi and the agreement is sealed.

Reports in Spain are now also beginning to claim that Real Madrid could hijack Arsenal’s move for Zubimendi, so the uncertainty remains, but trusted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has moved to provide a fairly comforting update.

Speaking on his YouTube channel this week, Romano said that a deal is agreed for Zubimendi to join Arsenal, and Arteta’s side remain convinced that he’s about to finalise his transfer to the Premier League.

“We have many questions, we have many stories, and I respect all the sources on this story, because obviously until the deals are official, you can try until the very end,” said Romano.

“From Spain, that is what they guarantee Real Madrid are trying to do.

“Until the deals are signed, clubs can try to enter and hijack until the very final moments. But my understanding on this story is that Martin Zubimendi has agreed on absolutely everything to become a new Arsenal player.

“There is an agreement with the club since a long time ago. I already said a few months ago the ‘here we go’, because from what I heard, Zubimendi accepted everything Arsenal offered. He already spoke to Mikel Arteta, he wanted to wait until the formal steps to respect Real Sociedad until the end of the season.

“The deal is agreed. They’ve already exchanged everything, in terms of documents. It’s just about the medical, put pen to paper, take the pictures, and then Zubimendi will become an Arsenal player.”

Sharing a cautionary word, the journalist doesn’t entirely rule out Real, but Arsenal appear more than confident they’ll get him over the line.

“If Real Madrid or any other clubs will be able to change this story while the documents are ready, in football like so many things… never say never,” continued Romano.

“But Arsenal are convinced he will be their player this summer.”

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank has recommended a highly-rated attacker to the Lilywhites hierarchy, and he could come in to replace a forward who’s not in the Dane’s long-term plans.

Frank holds Tottenham talks over signing £300k-p/w ace who's open to joining

The Spurs boss has been discussing him with Lilywhites hierarchy.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 18, 2025

Spurs have many incomings and outgoings to address over the coming months, as chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange reshape the squad to best prepare Frank for his first ever campaign as a Champions League manager.

Manor Solomon and Bryan Gil are almost certain to be leaving N17 this summer, having just spent 2024/2025 on loan at Leeds United and Girona respectively, with the latter confirming his intention to leave in a recent interview.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

“That’s something my agent will tell me where things are going, but they [Spurs] told me, and I told them, that the best thing is for us not to continue being linked to Tottenham,” Gil told Estadio Deportivo in April.

“They bet on me when I was young, and they’ve treated me fairly well, but if I have to go back there, I’ll focus on giving my best as always. I’m calm because no one can have a bad word to say about me not being professional. Without playing, I’ve always trained well, I’ve done what I had to do, so whatever has to happen, will happen. We’ll see where we are next year.”

Solomon’s sale would count as pure profit in the eyes of PSR, considering he signed as a free agent in the summer of 2023, so it is likely that Spurs will sell the Israel international unless Frank or Levy decide otherwise.

Uncertainty surrounds the futures of Son Heung-min and Cristian Romero as well, amid repeated links to Saudi Arabia for the former and Atletico Madrid for the latter, with reports from Italy now claiming Wilson Odobert has been put on the transfer list as well.

Thomas Frank green-lights Gustan Isaksen move at Tottenham

That is according to Lalaziosiamonoi.it, who report that Frank doesn’t fancy Odobert, and he will be allowed to leave N17 this summer.

They add that the 51-year-old personally has his eyes on a replacement for Spurs’ exit-bound winger – Lazio star Gustan Isaksen.

The Denmark international racked up 49 appearances for Lazio in all competitions last term, registering 12 goal contributions in that time (six goals and six assists), and Frank is believed to be “crazy” about his compatriot.

Lalaziosiamonoi.it state that Frank has recommended Isaksen to the Tottenham hierarchy and would “welcome” a move for the 24-year-old. Isaksen would also be available for around £25 million, meaning he wouldn’t exactly break the bank from Spurs’ perspective.

The right-winger, who scored against European champions Spain and Switzerland during Denmark’s UEFA Nations League campaign, could be a bargain heir to Son or Odobert, if either men do call time on their Tottenham careers before deadline day.

“He has started to become decisive,” said ex-Lazio boss Marco Baroni about his former star winger. “I have always felt that he has been ready to explode on the big stage.”

Manchester United have now made a bid worth £30 million to sign a “monster” striker in this transfer window, according to a recent report.

Man Utd chasing multiple targets as they search for a new striker

The Red Devils are continuing to work on a deal to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford, a transfer saga that has lasted all summer so far. United return to pre-season training next week, and the hope is that they can have a deal wrapped up for the Cameroon international by then, but he may not be the only attacking signing either.

Worth £40m less than Gyokeres: Man Utd to offer huge salary to unexpected striker

The Red Devils are beginning to motor in the market…

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 30, 2025

Given the struggles in front of goal last season, it is no surprise that United are in the market for a new striker to replace Rasmus Hojlund. It was reported over the weekend that United have placed Genk striker Tolu Arokodare on their list of targets after he scored 23 goals in 45 matches last season. The forward is not as well known as the likes of Victor Gyokeres and Dušan Vlahović, and for that, he could cost the Red Devils just £20 million this summer.

As well as keeping an eye on Arokodare, United have held talks with the representatives of Moise Kean and have now been offered the chance to sign the striker from Fiorentina.

A report states that he could be available for £44 million after finding his form once again back in Italy, but any deal rests on Ruben Amorim, as he has yet to decide whether he wants the Italy international.

Man Utd table £30m bid to sign Ivan Toney

The list of potential new strikers arriving at Old Trafford this summer doesn’t stop with Kean, as according to a report from Spain, Man United have now made an opening bid of €35m (£30m) to sign Ivan Toney from Al-Ahli.

The report states that United have decided to act quickly and make a move for Toney, as they believe his experience in English football and his physical strength could make him a success at Old Trafford.

It goes on to add that contacts between both clubs and the player’s entourage have already taken place, and now United chiefs are confident they can complete a deal for the English international in the coming days, as Toney would welcome a move back to England and the Premier League.

Since moving to Saudi Arabia last summer, Toney, who has been dubbed a “monster” by former Brentford boss Thomas Frank, has scored 23 goals in 30 Saudi Pro League appearances. The 29-year-old also scored a further six in the AFC Champions League Elite campaign.

Toney

Hojlund

Apps

85

62

Goals

36

14

Assists

11

3

While Toney, who earns a staggering £400,000 a week, may be older than United’s current first-choice striker Hojlund, the 29-year-old has proven in the Premier League and in Saudi Arabia that he has a better killing instinct than the Denmark international.

During the 2023/24 season, Toney netted 20 league goals in the Premier League, which is far greater than what Hojlund has managed in the last two campaigns combined.

Manchester United are desperate to restore themselves as a European superpower next season. Too long has it been since the Red Devils stood atop the Premier League pile and were feared across the continent.

But despite the woes of the 2024/25 campaign, Ruben Amorim is determined to piece together a team capable of challenging at the highest level.

Despite the slow start, this can be found through the £62.5m signing of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha.

Cunha isn’t quite a focal frontman; the Brazil forward is mobile and destructive and will enhance every facet of Man United’s attacking play.

However, the search for forwards doesn’t stop there.

The latest on Man Utd's search for forwards

Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo remains INEOS’s focus in the summer transfer window, but it’s been revealed that Rasmus Hojlund might not be quite so close to leaving as had previously been expected.

If Hojlund is to stay put, United’s need for an out-and-out frontman will be lessened. But more depth is needed all the same, and could arrive in the form of a Premier League star desperate for a resurgence to match.

Well, according to Spanish reports, United have settled their focus on Chelsea outcast Christopher Nkunku, having entered negotiations with the Blues for the transfer of the versatile forward, who has been valued at £35m.

With Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony all touted for exits in the coming weeks, this might be a shrewd signing for a player who hasn’t enjoyed their finest form at Stamford Bridge but is undoubtedly talented enough to succeed under Amorim’s wing.

Why Man Utd want Christopher Nkunku

Nkunku’s stint at Chelsea has not gone to plan. Having signed for the Blues from RB Leipzig for £52m in June 2023, the Les Bleus star has only started 11 matches in the Premier League, with injuries and issues finding fluency hampering him.

Given that he would be arriving from a Premier League rival and, indeed, considering the type of player he is, Nkunku might even prove to be Amorim’s next version of Cunha, only a month after reeling the Wolves sensation over to Old Trafford.

Journalist Zach Lowy had remarked that the Frenchman was “unstoppable” during his time with RB Leipzig, and while his time at Stamford Bridge has left plenty to be desired, we can see from the player’s skill set his underlying dynamic ability, which remains intact.

Goals

0.29

0.52

Assists

0.20

0.21

Touches

43.78

54.10

Pass completion

89.5%

71.6%

Progressive passes

2.44

4.99

Shot-creating actions

3.32

4.57

Progressive carries

1.66

3.88

Successful take-ons

0.98

2.11

Ball recoveries

2.83

4.33

Tackles + interceptions

1.86

1.91

While Cunha clearly outstrips Nkunku, there’s enough on show through the data to illustrate his roundedness. All that’s still required is a return to the goalscoring form that saw 58 goals and 29 assists harvested across his final two campaigns with Leipzig.

He was, and still could be, one of the best in the Premier League, endowed with the wide scope Cunha so remarkably possesses.

Indeed, just take a look at Nkunku’s Bundesliga highlight reel to understand the level of a forward who may yet realise his potential in the Premier League.

Cunha has been singled out for his “absolutely sensational” intelligence and technical quality by pundit Micah Richards in the past, and while his arrival will elevate Amorim’s outfit, adding some further depth and electricity by the way of Nkunku could freshen up the ranks just enough to finally turn the page.

Man Utd open talks to sign Weghorst 2.0 who was "like Cristiano Ronaldo"

Manchester United are still hunting for a new talisman for Ruben Amorim’s side this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 7, 2025

The old cliche goes that if you can’t beat them, join them, but the same is also true that if you can’t stop them, then sign them. Liverpool appear to be doing the latter.

Few players will have given Anfield hero Virgil van Dijk sleepless nights in recent years, although Alexander Isak might well be one of them, with Newcastle United’s Swedish sensation proving an absolute menace for the Dutchman and his fellow defenders.

Described by the Reds skipper as “definitely the most in-form striker at the moment in world football”, ahead of the Carabao Cup final in March, the returning Isak duly scored in that Wembley showpiece to seal an emotional, surprise win for the Magpies.

In all, the former Real Sociedad man has netted four times in just six appearances against the Merseysiders across all competitions, with that likely to have played its part in their apparent bid to prise the 25-year-old from St James’ Park on a £120m deal.

Such bombshell news has become the talk of the town from a Premier League perspective, although on Tyneside, Eddie Howe and co don’t appear to have thrown in the towel just yet.

Still steadfast in their desire to keep hold of the 6 foot 4 machine, Newcastle may steer Arne Slot’s side toward potential attacking alternatives…

Liverpool's potential Isak alternatives

The obvious place to start is with the man who could well have a pivotal role to play in Isak’s future, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.

The young Frenchman is being lined up as a future replacement for the Sweden star at St James’, albeit with Liverpool also throwing their hat into the ring, should it prove too difficult to get their top target out of the north east.

It would appear that it isn’t just that duo who the Merseysiders have their eye on, however, with the Daily Mail’s Simon Jones reporting that the champions are considering multiple other options in the bid for a new number nine.

Transfer Focus

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

Among those said to have been discussed at Anfield is Manchester United outcast, Marcus Rashford, with the Englishman noted as one of the six Isak alternatives that have been considered.

As the report does note, such talks have not progressed any further as yet with it looking unlikely that Slot and co will pounce, albeit with the 27-year-old certainly available having been exiled by Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim.

Valued at £40m earlier this year, amid the chance for Aston Villa to purchase their loan signing on a permanent deal, Rashford would represent a far cheaper choice than that man Isak. He would also be far more controversial, however…

Why Liverpool could be targeting the new Michael Owen

It says it all that the last player to directly move between Liverpool and Man United was Phil Chisnall, with the forward scoring ten goals in 47 games at Old Trafford, before moving to Anfield on a £25k deal in 1964.

Even signing a player with a previous association to the ‘other’ club has been a rarity in modern times, with notable examples including a certain Paul Ince in the late 90s, alongside the more infamous ‘treachery’ of Michael Owen.

Once the golden boy of Liverpool, having emerged from the academy ranks as a dazzling teenager, Owen burned his bridges – and then some – after ending up on the books at United in 2009, having joined Sir Alex Ferguson’s side via spells at Real Madrid and Newcastle United.

Despite admitting that he had had his heart set on returning to Merseyside amid his exit from Madrid in 2005, no such homecoming came to fruition, with the declining striker later linking up with Fergie on a free transfer.

Still just 29 at the time of that controversial switch, it was evident that Owen’s powers were on the wane, with his last-gasp goal in a 4-3 win over rivals Manchester City the only real moment of note across the next three years. Just 17 goals in 52 games says it all.

While circumstances might be different in the case of Rashford, he too could prove to be something of a bizarre, unnecessary signing, this time for Liverpool, with it hard to see the wisdom in even considering the Three Lions star as an Isak alternative.

Like Owen – who burst onto the scene as a 17-year-old at Anfield – Rashford was also once a teen sensation for Man United, having scored twice on debut as an 18-year-old back in February 2016, before ending that campaign with eight goals in just 18 games under Louis van Gaal.

2024/25*

24

7

3

2023/24

43

8

6

2022/23

56

30

11

2021/22

32

5

2

2020/21

57

21

18

High points have followed since for the academy graduate, namely his 30-goal season in 2022/23 during Erik ten Hag’s time at the helm, although inconsistency has been the theme of recent years.

As evidenced in the table above, the forward’s “unstoppable” 2022/23 campaign, as hailed by Ten Hag, stands out amid a rather underwhelming half a decade, in truth, with Liverpool not exactly targeting a player in his pomp.

As was the case with Owen, for all parties this appears to be a move best avoided, with the scrutiny and controversy unlikely to be made worthwhile by performances on the pitch.

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Liverpool are looking to sign a new number nine in the summer transfer window.

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Whilst their striker search develops following news that Alexander Isak wants to leave, Newcastle United and PIF have reportedly been offered the chance to sign a Premier League rival instead of Benjamin Sesko.

Newcastle "working" on Sesko deal

The Magpies have sprung into action following Isak’s bombshell and have instantly turned their focus towards Sesko. The RB Leipzig ace has attracted the interest of Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool this summer, but now Newcastle have emerged in search of a blockbuster move of their own.

According to transfer reporter Ben Jacobs, those at St James’ Park are now “working” on personal terms with the talented striker and are set to submit an opening bid to Leipzig, who are open to a summer sale.

Although reports have suggested that Leipzig will demand as much as £67m to sell the 22-year-old ahead of next season, money will be no issue for Newcastle if Isak departs for a deal which could be a staggering worth £150m.

It certainly makes sense that Newcastle have turned straight towards Sesko too. The Serbian has been on the rise for a couple of seasons now and once again showed plenty of his potential in the Bundesliga last time out.

Minutes

2,380

2,756

Goals

13

23

Assists

5

6

Expected Goals

10

20.3

There will be concerns that Sesko managed just 13 Bundesliga goals last time out, but it’s key to point out that both he and Isak outperformed their expected total by three goals. Based on that figure, the Serbian certainly has the potential to improve his numbers if chance creation around him is improved.

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The Magpies have instantly turned towards potential replacements.

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Alas, with how this summer has gone for the Magpies, having alternative options lined up certainly wouldn’t be a bad idea and one Premier League rival may find himself on that shortlist.

PIF offered chance to sign Jackson

According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, PIF have now been offered the chance to sign Nicolas Jackson for Newcastle this summer. The forward’s agent has offered his signature around the Premier League to the likes of Manchester United, Aston Villa and now Newcastle as he looks to ensure that his client receives his desired game time.

After Chelsea signed both Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, that game time is unlikely to arrive at Stamford Bridge – allowing Newcastle to come swooping in should they please this summer.

Dubbed “fantastic” by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, Newcastle’s backline paid witness to Jackson’s ability first-hand last season when he scored in a 2-1 victory over the Magpies.

It goes without saying that Jackson must work on his consistency after scoring 13 goals in all competitions last season, but he could yet find that by swapping Chelsea for Newcastle this summer.

Ipswich Town have now made a breakthrough after agreeing a deal to sign a player Kieran McKenna rates highly, as per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Ipswich Town rejected by Hayden Hackney

The Tractor Boys rounded off their pre-season with a 3-0 win over Auxerre on Saturday, as McKenna prepares his side for a Championship opener against Birmingham City on Friday evening. However, despite a positive display against the Ligue 1 side, Ipswich were handed a transfer blow over the weekend.

A deal worth a total package of £20m was agreed for Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney in recent days, however, the midfielder has now turned down a move to Portman Road.

In the week, Boro manager Rob Edwards admitted that it was a win-win situation for those at the Riverside, and it looks as if Ipswich will miss out on their marquee target.

“The ball, so to speak, is in H’s court now, and that’s where we stand. I think it’s a win-win, and I’m happy to reassure fans of that and to be calm about the situation. If H stays here, he’s a brilliant player and he’s ours which is great. If he’s not, there will be funds available.”

Ipswich Town make contact to sign in-demand Sadio Mane-esque £17m forward

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However, Ipswich and McKenna have been working on alternative midfield targets alongside Hackney, with 2024/25 loanee Jens Cajuste of interest once again.

Ipswich made an offer to Napoli in recent days to re-sign Cajuste, and there has now been a breakthrough in those talks.

Ipswich Town reach agreement to sign Jens Cajuste

Romano took to X on Saturday afternoon to share a development regarding the Tractor Boys’ pursuit of Cajuste. He revealed an agreement has been reached in a deal worth more than £8m when you factor in a loan fee and the option or mandatory purchase clause next summer.

Cajuste, primarily a holding midfielder, made 33 appearances in all competitions for Ipswich last season, scoring one goal and providing a single assist.

The Sweden international couldn’t prevent the club’s relegation, however, he impressed McKenna, who called Cajuste “quality”.

“He’s been one of the top performers this season and to do that in a team that’s found it a big challenge, with some injury issues that he’s been carrying, and in a new league and new country – I think it’s testament to his quality. He’s a player that we like a lot, but he’s a Napoli player. Any conversations won’t take place until the end of the season.”