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Leeds United are preparing for life back in the Premier League and are looking to make a mark in the transfer window.

Chairman Paraag Marathe said at the end of the Championship title-winning season that the Whites will spend as much as they are allowed to bolster Daniel Farke’s squad.

As to be expected for a newly promoted side, there have already been a plethora of players linked with moves to Elland Road, with Leeds looking at additions all over the pitch to give them the best possible chance of survival.

Leeds United's most expensive signings of all time

Who is the Whites’ record signing?

ByCharlie Smith May 31, 2024

But who do AI think Leeds will sign ahead of the 2025/26 season? Grok, the AI tool on X, gave us five players it thinks will be brought to Yorkshire by the 49ers Enterprises.

AI predicts 5 players Leeds will sign this summer 5 Nick Pope Newcastle (£30m)

Starting in goal, Leeds have been on the search for a new goalkeeper to replace Illan Meslier after he was dropped by Farke for the Championship run-in.

Meslier may well exit Elland Road if a suitable offer arrives, leaving Karl Darlow and Alex Cairns as back up options to a new first choice keeper. AI thinks the new number one will be Nick Pope, with the Newcastle United ace potentially leaving St James’ Park this summer.

The Magpies have been heavily linked with James Trafford of Burnley, and with Leeds keen to sign Pope, AI feels a transfer could be on the cards for up to £30m.

4 Nico Elvedi Borussia Monchengladbach (£20m)

A centre-back who was being linked with a move to Leeds before they won promotion was Borussia Monchengladbach’s Nico Elvedi.

A Switzerland international, Elvedi has now been with the Bundesliga side for 10 years and worked with Farke during his brief stint as Monchengladbach boss.

Games

34

Goals

3

Yellow cards

2

Minutes played

3,007

A central defender to rival Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk, AI states that a deal for Elvedi could be worth £20m.

3 Christantus Uche Getafe (£15m)

Versatile attacking midfielder Christantus Uche has been catching the eye in La Liga with Getafe and is the next arrival AI think Leeds will make this summer.

The Whites have their eye on the Nigeria international, who can play in a mixture of midfield and attacking roles. AI say that ‘versatility and potential fit Farke’s preference for players who buy into the club’s project, likely costing £10-15m.’

2 Igor Paixao Feyenoord (£25m)

A new winger is also on the cards for Leeds ahead of the 25/26 season, as it remains to be seen whether or not Manor Solomon will return to Yorkshire from Tottenham following a successful loan spell.

Igor Paixao of Feyenoord, a right-footed winger who plays on the left, has also been mooted as a target for the Whites after scoring 18 goals and registering 19 assists in 24/25. Despite reports suggesting a €40m (£34m) asking price, AI thinks a deal may only cost £25m.

1 Davie Selke Hamburg (Free)

Finally, a new striker to rival Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford is wanted by Leeds, and a host of names have been linked, including some that won’t command a transfer fee.

Davie Selke fits the bill of being mentioned as a target, and he’s set to be available on a free transfer with his Hamburg contract set to expire. The 30-year-old scored 22 goals in 31 appearances last season and stands at 6ft 4.

AI say his ‘physicality and goal-scoring record in the 2. Bundesliga make him a cost-effective option’, with Leeds recently making contact to sign Selke.

What once looked like it could be quite a miserable summer for Tottenham Hotspur is now one full of exciting transfer-related possibilities.

Being one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League, the Lilywhites will always be able to attract top talent.

Still, following their Europa League triumph, they now have the added lure of Champions League football and the money that goes with it.

This already seems to be helping their case as well, as, based on recent reports, the North Londoners might soon have a player who’s won comparisons to Bukayo Saka.

Tottenham winger search

Before we get to the star in question, it’s worth looking over some of the other talented wingers linked with Spurs in recent weeks and months, such as Eberechi Eze and Rayan Cherki.

Transfer Focus

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

The former has spent plenty of time in the middle of the park this season but is more than capable of playing out wide, and with 25 goal involvements in 43 games this term, he’d be more than worth his £68m release clause.

Likewise, at a reported £19m, Cherki would be a steal, as in just 44 appearances for Lyon this season, he has scored 12 goals and provided 20 assists.

However, the North Londoners might be able to get an even better deal in the coming weeks.

According to a recent report from Sky Sports News’ Kaveh Solhekol and Michael Bridge, Spurs have been offered the chance to sign Bayern Munich star Leroy Sané.

The report has revealed that in light of the club’s place in next season’s UCL, they have become a far more attractive destination for the German international, who’ll be available for free in a month’s time.

It might not be the most exciting transfer possible, but Sané is a proven winger at the highest level and has even won comparisons to a player who’s terrorised Tottenham in recent years: Saka.

How Sané compares to Saka

So before getting to some of the other reasons why Spurs should be looking to bring Sané in on a free this summer, it’s important to address this comparison to Saka and where it comes from.

In this case, it comes from FBref, which compared players in similar positions at last summer’s European Championships and concluded that the Arsenal star was the third most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Bayern ace in the entire competition.

It’s much easier to see how this conclusion was reached by looking at some of the underlying metrics in which they rank closely, including but not limited to expected assists, progressive passes, passing accuracy, shot and goal-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Expected Assists

0.09

0.11

Progressive Passes

3.04

3.57

Passing Accuracy

83.8%

83.8%

Shot-Creating Actions

3.03

3.30

Goal-Creating Actions

0.43

0.47

Successful Take-Ons

2.17

2.00

Moreover, aside from the significant statistical overlap between the two, they are also both mainly left-footed right-wingers who have benefited tremendously from the coaching of Mikel Arteta at different points in their careers.

With that said, why else should the North Londoners go out of their way to bring the former Manchester City star to the club this summer?

Well, firstly, even as his minutes have been somewhat reduced at Bayern this season, the “world-class” winger, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has remained a genuine attacking threat, living up to Pep Guardiola’s billing that he is one of “the best in the world playing out wide.”

For example, in 45 appearances, totalling just 2377 minutes, the 29-year-old dynamo has scored 13 goals and provided six assists, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 2.36 games, or more crucially, every 125.10 minutes.

Finally, the Essen-born monster is a natural winner; he lifted two Premier Leagues, two League Cups and one FA Cup at the Eithad, and then in Bavaria, he has won four Bundesliga, the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.

Ultimately, even if he was going to cost a modest fee, signing Sané would be the smart move to make this summer, so the fact he’s free makes bringing him to Tottenham a no-brainer – especially as he could be the club’s own Saka.

Their new Dele Alli: Spurs could sign "one of the best 10s in the world"

Spurs could sign their new Dele Alli this summer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 27, 2025

Chelsea are now “really looking” at signing a “new name” in the market who was reliably believed to have agreed terms on a switch to Arsenal last year, but the move to their London rivals ultimately fell through.

Chelsea's transfer plans amid chase for Premier League top five

Enzo Maresca’s sole attention right now centres around Chelsea’s bid to seal a top five Premier League finish this weekend, and the result of this is set to have a profound effect on BlueCo’s plans for next season.

Striker keen on Chelsea move and set for imminent decision after May talks

His agents were at Stamford Bridge in the last few days.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 21, 2025

Chelsea play Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday, with Nuno Espirito’s men also firmly in contention for Champions League qualification, so it is quite simply a must-win game for both sides.

3. Man City

68

4. Newcastle

66

5. Chelsea

66

6. Aston Villa

66

7. Nottingham Forest

65

A draw would gift Aston Villa an opportunity to go above them both, so there is absolutely no room for error, and a place in Europe’s most prestigious competition will be crucial when it comes to determining Chelsea’s transfer plans for this summer.

Competing in the Champions League would not only hand Chelsea a major pull when it comes to attracting the continent’s most high-profile players and their desired targets, but it would also gift the Blues a major financial windfall via revenue to help get those stars through the door.

The west Londoners are looking to bring in a centre-back, winger and striker, while funds generated through Europe and player sales may also allow Chelsea to go for a left-back, second central defender, versatile attacking player and a new goalkeeper (Simon Phillips).

Some doubts have surrounded both Filip Jorgensen and Robert Sanchez throughout 2024/2025, leading to Chelsea reportedly expressing an interest in Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, among others.

A shot-stopper is still believed to be on the agenda of Stamford Bridge officials heading into June 1, and they’ve now got a fresh target under consideration.

Chelsea "really looking" at signing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia

According to journalist Simon Phillips, Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia has made his way onto Chelsea’s shortlist, following two excellent seasons at the La Liga side.

“A new name added to Chelsea’s shortlist, and one we are really looking at, is Joan Garcia from Espanyol,” wrote the reporter, via his Substack.

“The 24-year-old has been linked with Newcastle and Arsenal for a summer move, but you can add Chelsea to his list of potential suitors now as well. The rumoured fee of £25m to sign him this summer is appealing to all interested clubs.”

Interestingly, Fabrizio Romano reported last summer that Garcia agreed terms on a move to Arsenal, but his switch to the Emirates eventually collapsed, and it would appear that Chelsea could try to succeed where Mikel Arteta failed.

The 24-year-old is already making quite a name for himself in Spain, with Football Analyst Ben Mattinson calling him an “exciting” keeper with a great physical profile. Garcia would also fit the mould of a good-value, young signing with a potentially high ceiling, and Chelsea are widely known for targeting that kind of player, especially since the takeover.

This one could definitely be one to watch as we fast approach what will be a busy summer for the club.

This summer is a huge one for Ruben Amorim as Manchester United manager, needing to complete a huge overhaul of the squad if they are to compete at the top end of the Premier League next season.

His side have failed to deliver in the league throughout 2024/25, currently sitting in 15th position with just three outings remaining in the current campaign.

However, the Red Devils still have an opportunity to end the year with a trophy, potentially winning the Europa League against fellow English top-flight side Tottenham Hotspur.

Their tally of just 42 goals in their 35 league matches is the fifth-lowest in the division, highlighting the real need for attacking reinforcements throughout the off-season.

The hierarchy have already wasted no time in planning for the summer, with numerous attacking stars already emerging on their radar to help bolster Amorim’s front line.

An update on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have been United’s main options in forward areas throughout 2024/25, but that could be about to change with a move for Matheus Cunha.

The Wolves talisman has notched 15 goals and six assists in the league this campaign, leading to the Red Devils entering talks to trigger the Brazilian’s £62.5m release clause.

However, he could be joined at Old Trafford by Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, with Foot Mercato claiming the hierarchy are also in talks with his representatives over a summer switch.

It also goes on to state that the forward is also keen on a deal to move to the North West this summer, with parent side Napoli demanding €75m (£64m) for his signature.

Further into the report, it claims the Red Devils are the only English side willing to match his £200k-per-week demands, opening the door to a switch should the talks progress in the right direction.

Why United’s £64m target would be perfect with Amad & Cunha

Amad Diallo has been a shining light for United in what has been a dismal season for the club, often producing the goods for Amorim’s side within the attacking areas.

The Ivorian has registered ten combined goals and assists since the 40-year-old back in November, missing a huge chunk of action due to his ankle issue, which sidelined him for just under three months.

The 22-year-old scored in stoppage time of the 4-3 defeat against Brentford last weekend, registering his first effort after returning from injury – hoping to play a huge role in the Europa League in the coming weeks.

Amad has often played in a central role behind the striker, potentially being partnered by Cunha in such a position and aiding Osimhen in the final third at Old Trafford.

When delving into his stats from this campaign, the 26-year-old has greatly impressed on loan at Galatasaray, highlighting the threat he will pose should he complete a switch to England.

Osimhen, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in the world” by former Nigerian footballer Oghenekaro Etebo, has registered 24 goals in his 27 Süper Lig outings – sitting as the division’s top scorer.

His underlying stats have been just as impressive, averaging a staggering 7.3 shots taken per 90, along with 3.4 shots on target per 90 – having all the tools to impress in attacking areas for Amorim’s side.

Games played

27

Goals scored

24

Shots taken

7.3

Shots on target per 90

3.4

Shot-creating actions

3.8

Progressive carries

1.8

Aerials won

4.3

Aerial success

64%

He’s also won 4.3 aerial duels per 90, along with 1.8 progressive carries completed per 90, offering the side an all-round option at the top end of the pitch in their quest to qualify for the Champions League next year.

Whilst talks over a deal to take him to the Theatre of Dreams are still in their early stages, it would be an excellent transfer that would bolster the options at Amorim’s disposal.

£64m would be an expensive addition for the club given the current cost-cutting operation in place, but it’s one that would be worthwhile, potentially being the most important signing they could make in the coming months.

Shades of Pogba: Man Utd eager to sign £20m "freak of nature" this summer

Manchester United are interested in signing a £20m star who has shades of Paul Pogba.

ByDan Emery May 5, 2025

And just like that, Arsenal’s Premier League dreams are officially over for a third year on the bounce.

Mikel Arteta’s side had to watch Liverpool claim the title yesterday afternoon after they blitzed Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 at home.

While there have certainly been some extenuating circumstances this year, it would be fair to say that the Reds are deserving winners, as with four still left to play, they’ve outscored the Gunners by 17 goals.

With this in mind, it’s no secret that Arsenal fans are desperate for the club to sign a new striker in the summer, so it’s rather unfortunate that Arteta sanctioned the sale of one who’s currently outscoring two of their most heavily linked targets: Benjamin Sesko and Alexander Isak.

Why Arsenal want Isak & Sesko

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at why Arsenal would want to sign Isak and Sesko this summer, as the last few months have seen them constantly linked with the club.

Starting with the former, the most obvious answer is that, since moving to Newcastle United, he’s become a lean, mean goalscoring machine.

For example, this season alone has seen him rack up a brilliant haul of 26 goals and six assists in 39 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.21 games.

However, what is just as important is that he’s performing at this level in the Premier League, meaning he’d likely need little to no time to adapt at the Emirates.

In contrast, Sesko doesn’t have that experience, but on top of his 26 goal involvements this term, he has two other advantages.

The first is that, at just 21 years old, there is every chance he could continue to develop into a seriously impressive player by the time he reaches Isak’s age, and the second is that, at 6 foot 5, he’d help make the Gunners even more intimidating to play against.

However, while either striker would be a fine addition to the club, it must be frustrating for Arteta to know he oversaw the sale of a player who’s outscoring both of them.

The former Arsenal ace outscoring Isak & Sesko

While Arteta made several impressive sales last summer, like Eddie Nketiah’s £30m move to Crystal Palace and Emile Smith Rowe’s £34m move to Fulham, he made one which has since backfired.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

In July, the Gunners agreed to sell young striker Mika Biereth to Austrian outfit Sturm Graz for about £4m.

The Danish poacher had spent the latter half of the previous campaign on loan with the club, where he racked up a reasonably impressive tally of nine goals and four assists in 22 appearances, so it would be fair to say that even at the time, the fee seemed low.

Unfortunately for the Gunners, that has since proven to be the case, as in the first half of this season, he ended up scoring 14 goals and providing five assists in 25 appearances.

This incredible start to the campaign was enough to convince AS Monaco to spend around £10.8m on him in the January transfer window.

Since moving to the French Riviera, the “outrageous” talent, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has gone from strength to strength, scoring 13 goals and providing three assists in just 17 appearances for his new club.

That means that the young striker, who Arteta sold for what now looks like pennies on the dollar, has managed to rack up a tally of 27 goals and eight assists in just 42 appearances, which works out to a goal involvement every 0.83 games.

Appearances

42

39

42

Goals

27

26

20

Assists

8

6

6

Goals Involvements per Mat

0.83

0.82

0.61

In other words, Biereth is currently outscoring Isak and Sesko, making Arsenal’s decision to sell him in the summer all the more baffling.

Arteta must axe Arsenal talent who Nwaneri thinks is a "top, top player"

Arsenal have a few contract dilemmas ahead of the summer.

ByMatt Dawson Apr 28, 2025

Desperately hoping to turn things around at the London Stadium, Graham Potter has reportedly set his sights on signing a defensive addition for West Ham United this summer.

Potter turnaround must start against Tottenham

Whilst neither Tottenham Hotspur or West Ham have anything to play for in the Premier League with four games remaining, there’s no taking away from the importance of a London derby and Potter should use that to his advantage.

So far, Potter’s West Ham tenure has been full of moments to forget. In an instant, his side stagnated without any true new manager bounce, but the visit of the Lilywhites could change that.

West Ham now battling to sign "commanding" £47m giant who silenced Haaland

The Hammers are already eyeing summer additions.

ByTom Cunningham May 2, 2025

Speaking to reporters in his pre-match press conference, the former Chelsea boss said: “Spurs have had a tough season in the Premier League, because of injuries and other reasons. That just shows that in this league, nothing’s forgiven.

“But, they’ve done well in Europe, and hopefully they can get the job done and get to the final. This is the most important game for us, because it’s the next game. And then you add on the fact it’s a London derby, and the added importance for our supporters.

“I feel for our supporters because they’ve had a tough year. That’s the reality. They’re frustrated, understandably so, and we want to try and give them something back.”

Likely doing himself no favours by wishing his rivals well in their pursuit of European glory, Potter must ensure that all the talk is around an excellent West Ham performance rather than his pre-match words and another afternoon to forget on Sunday.

Meanwhile, with little to play for, the Hammers have already turned their attention towards the transfer market and some much-needed upgrades in Potter’s first summer in charge. And that could yet see an impressive defender arrive.

West Ham pushing to sign CJ Egan-Riley

According to GiveMeSport, Potter is now determined to revive his West Ham spell by signing CJ Egan-Riley this summer. The Burnley defender is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, presenting the London club with an ideal opportunity to swoop in and land a bargain deal. At just 22 years old, there’s no doubt that he would be an impressive signing too.

Starts

39

34

Progressive Carries

26

29

Progressive Passes

127

106

Ball Recoveries

180

135

The stats paint quite the picture for the Burnley man, who has played a vital part in his side’s sensational defensive record in the Championship this season. Next to Max Kilman at West Ham – a defender who has also done well in possession – Egan-Riley could form quite the partnership.

Earning plenty of praise from Scott Parker as a result of his performances, the Burnley boss told reporters after Egan-Riley scored his first goal for the club: “I’m pleased for CJ. CJ’s been immense since he’s come in – a young boy that’s probably not had a lot of opportunities since he’s been at the football club. And he deserved that goal tonight.

“He’s been the backbone, and a driving force with this back four, back five. In terms of the clean sheets, and the defensive work of this team, CJ has brought a lot of quality. He deserves his opportunity, and he’s taking it with both hands. I’m really, really pleased for him.”

It’s safe to say Tottenham Hotspur have endured a disastrous Premier League campaign in 2024/25, with Ange Postecoglou under serious pressure as a result of their lowly league standing.

The Lilywhites currently occupy 15th place in the table with just six games remaining, sitting 18 points off the top four, showcasing how below par the side has been in recent months.

Whilst injuries have undoubtedly played their part, the Aussie has done himself no favours with his selections, even being booed by supporters in the defeat against Chelsea a few weeks ago.

However, his side still have the chance to end the campaign with a trophy, facing Eintracht Frankfurt in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final tomorrow night.

Regardless of whether Spurs advance, it’s pivotal that additions are made over the summer to prevent a repeat of their lacklustre performances throughout the ongoing season.

The latest on Spurs’ activity ahead of the summer window

Over the last couple of days, Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha has emerged on the club’s shortlist, with reports claiming Spurs are ready to break their club record to sign him.

The Brazilian has registered 18 combined goals and assists in the Premier League throughout 2024/25, with his latest coming against Postecoglou’s men on Sunday.

It’s evident that the hierarchy are targeting added attacking reinforcements in the summer window, with Southampton forward Tyler Dibling another player constantly touted with a move to North London.

However, despite the links with the aforementioned duo, the club have also started work on a deal to land Bournemouth’s talented forward Antoine Semenyo, according to GIVEMESPORT.

They aren’t alone in their pursuit, with Manchester United and Liverpool also in the race for the Ghanaian’s signature, but any deal would cost a fee in the region of £70m.

Why Semenyo would be Spurs’ best LW since Son

Heung-min Son has cemented himself as a modern-day icon at Spurs, being the shining light over a dismal couple of years on the pitch for the club.

The South Korean has been a key part of the first-team side ever since his move to North London back in the summer of 2015, registering 451 appearances and scoring 173 times.

He’s taken the captain’s armband over the last couple of months, highlighting his importance to the squad, but he’s failed to produce his high levels of performance, with age starting to play a factor in his decline.

The 32-year-old has only registered 11 goals across all competitions in 2024/25, his lowest tally since his debut campaign in the capital nearly a decade ago.

Wilson Odobert and Timo Werner have also attempted to fill the void in recent months, but both have struggled, opening the door for Semenyo’s summer move to North London.

When comparing the Cherries forward to the aforementioned trio, he’s managed to outperform them all, showcasing what a superb addition he would be to Ange’s side ahead of next season.

The “world-class” attacker, as dubbed by The Athletic’s Richard Amofa, has registered more goals than the current other Spurs left-wingers, showcasing the attacking threat he possesses.

Games played

31

28

11

18

Goals scored

8

7

1

0

Shots taken

3.7

2.4

2

1.4

Shots on target

1.2

1

0.1

0

Tackles & Interceptions

1.9

1

1.5

1.2

Take-ons completed

2.1

1.3

1.5

1.6

Aerials won

1.9

0.3

0.5

0.2

He’s also registered more aerials won per 90, whilst also completing more take-ons, having the tools to thrive in various areas, making him the perfect all-round option for the Lilywhites.

Semenyo may cost a pretty penny this summer, but given the figures he’s produced at the Vitality in 2024/25, it would be a sensational piece of business that could catapult the side back towards the summit of the table.

At just 25, the Ghanaian international has the potential to improve further in the years ahead, allowing the club to gradually phase out Son, given that the South Korean is edging towards the latter stages of his career.

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The incredible midfielder could be a game-changer for Spurs.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 15, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur have held talks with a “top” Premier League player via his representatives ahead of the summer transfer window, but it is believed cross-town rivals Arsenal are equally keen.

Spurs set for key summer transfer window after dismal season

The Lilywhites could look very different on paper, both in terms of the team sheet and the dugout, with manager Ange Postecoglou also under intense pressure at Spurs right now.

Tottenham tipped to hire "perfect" Iraola alternative with "3 month" claim made

Spurs are in the market for a new manager.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 8, 2025

Following a dismal Premier League campaign, where the Lilywhites find themselves 14th in the table after 16 league defeats, something simply has to give ahead of next season, where Spurs will be looking to restore their reputation as a ‘big six’ side.

Cases have been made that Postecoglou’s side simply do not have the strength in depth or star quality to compete with England’s most elite sides, and if Daniel Levy doesn’t green-light more serious investment into the squad, they’re in danger of falling even further behind.

Wolves (away)

April 13th

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Whether Levy does splash the cash is up for debate, especially after his message following the club’s latest published set of financial accounts for the last tax year.

“I often read calls for us to spend more, given we are ranked as the ninth-richest club in the world,” said Levy in an official statement.

“However, a closer examination of today’s financial figures reveals that such spending must be sustainable in the long term and within our operating revenues. Our capacity to generate recurring revenues determines our spending power.

“We cannot spend what we do not have, and we will not compromise the financial stability of this club.”

With Levy looking to approach the summer window with financial caution, Tottenham technical director Johan Lange and Chief Football Officer Scott Munn must be clever in navigating the competition for star players.

Release clauses will be a reoccurring theme, with news of Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap and his potential good value attracting attention from everywhere, including Spurs.

Delap is a rumoured target for Tottenham, and he could be one of the biggest stories of the summer.

Tottenham hold talks with Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap via agents

The England Under-21 international has enjoyed an excellent season at Portman Road, scoring 12 goals in the top flight alone, and it is now believed that Delap could be available for just £40 million this summer.

This is tied in with a release clause, which is dependent on Ipswich being relegated, and if Kieran McKenna’s side suffer the drop, clubs will likely be chomping at the bit to trigger the £40m buy-option.

According to The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey, Tottenham have held talks with Delap via his camp already, with Levy and co sensing a potential transfer opportunity amid the clause.

However, they’ll face stiff competition, including Arsenal, who’ve also reached out to his camp. The 22-year-old has admirers everywhere, and news of his potential £40m price tag will only intensify the number of suitors.

“He is a pest. He is a nuisance. He is always there on the shoulders of the centre-backs. He is making runs in the channels. He is always available,” said former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson on Delap.

“When it looks like he isn’t going to win the ball, he puts his body in between the player and the ball, somehow managing to win a free-kick or something for his team. He is a top, top player.”

Celtic manager Wilfried Nancy got off to the worst possible start with a 2-1 defeat to Hearts at Parkhead in the Scottish Premiership in his first match in charge.

The Hoops head coach was thrown in at the deep end, after Martin O’Neill’s interim tenure, and failed to oversee a positive result in his debut in the dugout.

A late goal from Kieran Tierney in stoppage time was too little too late for the hosts, who created three ‘big chances’ in the match (Sofascore), as the Jam Tarts held out for all three points.

Nancy will have learned a lot about his squad in his 3-4-2-1 shape, which was immediately implemented, and one thing that he should have learned is that Daizen Maeda should not play as the striker.

Why Daizen Maeda should not play up front

The Japan international was selected to lead the line for the Scottish giants with Hyun-jun Yang and Sebastian Tounekti as the wing-backs, with Reo Hatate and Benjamin Nygren as the two attacking midfielders.

Maeda missed two ‘big chances’ early on in the game, per Sofascore, scuffing both efforts in presentable situations, and then struggled with the physicality of the match.

Per Sofascore, the Japanese attacker lost all five of his ground duels and three of his four duels in the air, which shows that it was too easy for the Hearts defenders to get the better of him more often than not.

Chalkboard

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

However, to his credit, it was his challenged header at the end of the game that created Kieran Tierney’s goal, so some good did come from his physical output.

His overall struggles physically, though, are why the new Celtic boss should use Kelechi Iheanacho or Johnny Kenny, natural number nines, in that position moving forward, with Maeda in one of the roles behind the striker to take some of the physical burden off him.

Maeda was not the only poor performer on the day for the Scottish giants, though, as Arne Engels is the first player who should be ruthlessly dropped from the starting XI by Nancy.

Why Nancy must drop Engels for Celtic

The new Celtic boss must drop the Belgium international from the starting line-up because he was even worse than Maeda in the defeat to Hearts on Sunday.

Like the Japanese striker in the first half, Engels was guilty of missing a huge opportunity in front of goal in the game, as he could only guide his close-range header straight at Alexander Schwolow.

The £11m signing from Augsburg was also incredibly sloppy with his use of the ball throughout the game. Per Sofascore, the central midfielder lost possession a staggering 23 times, whilst Maeda only gave the ball away seven times in total.

Engels was criticised for his “wayward” passes by Sky Sports pundit Chris Sutton during the live coverage of the first half, after a couple of sloppy balls forward that went straight back to the away side.

Minutes

90

90

Touches

86

31

Possession lost

23x

7x

Key passes

2

3

Assists

0

1

Shots

3

2

Big chances missed

1

2

Pass accuracy

76%

85%

As you can see in the table above, Engels had 55 more touches and gave the ball away 16 more times than Maeda across the 90 minutes, yet created fewer chances for the team than the Japan international.

These statistics illustrate just how sloppy the Belgian flop was in the middle of the park for the Scottish giants, and why he should be the first player who is ruthlessly dropped from the team by the manager.

Their respective performances tie into how Nancy could drop him because Maeda moving back into one of the attacking midfield positions would allow Reo Hatate to drop deeper into midfield, with Iheanacho or Kenny essentially replacing Engels in the line-up.

The former Bundesliga talent should not be completely written off under Nancy already, of course, but this period of matches is about the new manager learning about his squad, which means that he needs to look at other players and see who is best suited to his style of play.

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Engels was not good enough against Hearts on Sunday, unfortunately, but he will get more chances to prove himself to the French tactician in the future.

Tottenham Hotspur’s defeat against PSG in the Champions League last night was the second time in a matter of months in which Thomas Frank’s men have been bettered by the French side.

The UEFA Super Cup final back in August was the Dane’s first competitive match in charge of the Lilywhites, but he was unable to get one over Luis Enrique’s side.

Such a result once again appeared at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night, with the host’s 5-3 win inflicting the club’s first loss of the current European campaign.

Both fixtures could have fallen in Spurs’ favour, especially after taking the lead in both contests, but ultimately the defensive frailties have cost Frank’s men in each of the meetings.

The inability to keep one player out in Paris last night ultimately contributed to their downfall, with one opposition star constantly tormenting Frank’s men in the defeat.

Vitinha’s stats against Spurs in the Champions League

PSG’s success in the Champions League last season was no doubt down to the quality side Enrique has built over recent years, with Vitinha central to the Parisians’ European triumph.

The Portuguese international has continued his phenomenal form in the current campaign, as seen by his performance against Spurs on Wednesday night.

He featured for the entirety of the contest at the Parc des Princes, scoring a hat-trick during the triumph – achieving such a feat for the first time in his professional career.

The 25-year-old’s first strike was undoubtedly the pick of the bunch, with the midfielder firing Quentin Ndjantou’s perfectly weighted pass into the top corner via the crossbar.

His underlying stats from the contest also reflect his impressive display, with Vitinha completing 87 passes – the most of any player – whilst also completing 100% of his attempted dribbles.

Such a performance led to Spurs boss Frank heaping huge praise on the midfielder, labelling him as the “best midfielder in the world” and that he’ll be the “next Ballon d’Or winner”.

The Spurs star who could be Frank’s answer to Vitinha

After the North London Derby defeat against Arsenal, it was imperative that manager Frank switched up his midfield department for the Champions League clash.

The Dane started with a two-man pivot of Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur at the Emirates, with such a partnership far too negative – which no doubt contributed to the 4-1 hammering.

For the defeat against PSG, the 52-year-old opted for a younger base of the side, with Pape Sarr and Lucas Bergvall just two of the youngsters who featured in the middle of the park.

The duo were unable to produce a winning display, but they did offer a reason to be positive despite falling to a third consecutive defeat under Frank’s guidance.

However, the shining light in the middle of the park was certainly Archie Gray, with the 19-year-old taking full advantage of the rare start handed his direction.

The Englishman joined in a £40m deal from Leeds United last summer but has often had to bide his time for a regular run of first-team appearances since Frank’s arrival.

Yesterday was just his fourth start of the 2025/26 campaign, but he did manage to thrive, even against the defending European champions last night.

Gray featured for 76 minutes before being withdrawn, even linking up excellently with Bergavll in the first half as the Lilywhites took a one-goal lead.

He also won 100% of the tackles he attempted, whilst making two clearances and two recoveries – in what was an exceptional defensive performance at the Parc des Princes.

Minutes played

76

Touches

20

Passes completed

7

Passes into final third

2

Tackles won

100%

Clearances made

2

Recoveries made

2

Aerials won

100%

Other stats, such as 100% aerials won and two passes into the final third, also showcase his all-round quality – backing up Ben Mattinson’s claim that he’s a “future £100m” star.

However, if he is to reach such levels and become the club’s very own Vitinha, it’s crucial that Frank hands him the needed game time to help him continue his development.

The player will no doubt be immensely proud of such a showing in Paris, with his efforts no doubt giving the manager a selection headache against Fulham this weekend.

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