Leeds United have now made an offer for an “outstanding” £68k-a-week midfielder, who could be in line to join alongside Habib Diarra, according to a reporter.
Leeds set sights on new midfielder
The Whites are looking to strengthen their squad in a number of key areas this summer, in a bid to avoid an instant return to the Championship, and they are particularly keen to strengthen in the middle of the park, with Strasbourg’s Habib Diarra now of interest.
Indeed, Leeds have now submitted an opening bid of around £22m for Diarra, which the French club are yet to respond to, as they wait to see whether any other clubs are willing to come to the negotiating table with a higher offer.
The Strasbourg ace is not the only midfielder on the shortlist, however, with Daniel Farke’s side also identifying targets from the Premier League, Championship and La Liga, indicating just how keen the manager is to bolster his midfield options this summer.
Target
Current club
Potential cost
Yves Bissouma
Tottenham Hotspur
£25m
Shea Charles
Southampton
Unknown
Christantus Uche
Getafe
£21m
A move for Bissouma could make perfect sense, given the Malian’s vast experience in the top flight, making 191 appearances in the competition, but Farke’s side have also turned their attention towards a former Champions League winner.
That is according to Turkish reporter Fırat Günayer, who states Leeds have now made an offer for Besiktas midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, with the former Liverpool man now willing to leave the Süper Lig side this summer.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for Besiktas.
A further report goes into more detail about Oxlade-Chamberlain’s future at Besiktas, revealing the Turkish club are now willing to sanction a departure, given his £68k-a-week wages, potentially opening the door for a move to Elland Road.
"Outstanding" Oxlade-Chamberlain has top-level experience
Leeds may need to bring in players with Premier League experience if they are to avoid the drop next season, and the 31-year-old has that in droves, making 235 appearances in the competition, during which time he collected 20 goals and 24 assists.
Jurgen Klopp also lavished his former player with praise during their time working together at Anfield, with the German saying: “Ox is an outstanding player, an outstanding player, was always and will always be.”
Sky Sports: Leeds now make approach for £17m striker who's keen on PL move
The Whites have made contact to sign a 25-year-old, with bringing in a new striker now a priority.
1 ByDominic Lund Jun 10, 2025
Perhaps the most memorable moment from the Englishman’s time at Anfield was when he found the back of the net with a remarkable strike against Manchester City in the 2017-18 Champions League quarter-final.
That said, Oxlade Chamberlain has been in Turkey since the 2023-24 season, which suggests his best days may be behind him, and the central midfielder’s huge wages may also pose a problem for Leeds.
Amid concerns that Ibrahima Konate could yet leave the club when his contract expires next summer, Liverpool have now reportedly made fresh contact in the race to sign his potential replacement.
Liverpool's Konate concern
After Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk put pen to paper at the same time as Trent Alexander-Arnold opted out of signing a new deal, some around Anfield may have been glad to just bring an end to an ongoing contract saga. As it happens, however, Liverpool aren’t far off from having the exact same concern with Konate.
As things stand, the Frenchman will leave the club as a free agent this time next year and rumours have already circled regarding Real Madrid’s interest. After already losing Alexander-Arnold on a free deal to the Spanish giants, the last thing that Michael Edwards and FSG will want is to see Konate go down the same route. And that could leave them with a decision to make sooner rather than later.
Slot's answer to Huijsen: Liverpool enquire about signing £74m "freak"
Liverpool would consider signing a centre-back this summer.
ByAngus Sinclair May 28, 2025
The defender, himself, has recently had his say on his future, telling reporters: “I know I have a lot of objectives with this club: to become a leader, to win everything. I am very happy here to be fair.
“This is another conversation with the club and my agent, we will see what will happen in the next few weeks or I don’t know when but we will see, let me say that. Progressing? Not really – but my agent met the club last week but I don’t know what will happen. I cannot say what my agent said to me but yeah we will see what will happen.”
Whilst the hope will be that he puts pen to paper and follows Van Dijk and Salah by securing his future at the club, Liverpool have already reportedly been planning for his potential departure.
Liverpool make contact in race for £75m Lukeba
According to Rudy Galetti of TeamTalk, Liverpool have now made contact in the race to sign Castello Lukeba from RB Leipzig. The impressive defender could yet complete the same move that Konate made not so long ago by swapping the German club for Anfield, and given that he could be replacing his countryman the deal would certainly make sense.
That said, Castello wouldn’t come cheap. Reports have even suggested that the Frenchman has a release clause worth as much as €90m (£75m) at Leipzig. Arne Slot is reportedly a fan of the defender, however, and that could certainly go a long way to making a deal happen in the near future.
Praised for an “amazing” debut season at Leipzig by U23 scout Antonio Mango, it may not be too long before Lukeba is making another debut elsewhere. As Liverpool’s Konate doubt rumbles on, he’s certainly someone to watch.
Celtic want to move on a £16,000-a-week player this summer who feels hurt by manager Brendan Rodgers, and three clubs have been named as possible options.
Celtic gear up for summer with another treble on the cards
The Hoops and Rodgers are on course for another domestic treble after already sealing the Scottish League Cup and winning the Scottish Premiership ahead of rivals Rangers.
A Scottish Cup final triumph next Saturday against Aberdeen at Hampden Park will see Celtic seal another memorable campaign. However, after that, attention behind the scenes will quickly turn to the 2025/26 season.
Celtic set to receive major bids for "absolutely brilliant" 33-goal star
The Bhoys could have a decision to make.
1 BySean Markus Clifford May 11, 2025
Left-back Kieran Tierney has already agreed to return to Celtic Park on a free transfer when his Arsenal deal expires, and he could be the first of many through the door in Glasgow.
Brøndby striker Mathias Kvistgaarden is once again being linked with a move to Celtic, whereas right-back Veljko Milosavljevic from Serbian champions Crvena zvezda is also of interest.
A plethora of incomings may see some players exit the club, and one who looks certain to depart is Luis Palma. The winger sent on loan to Olympiacos with an option to buy back in January, however, the Greek side won’t be making a move permanent in the summer.
Talking back in March, Palma said: “I’m still with them [Celtic]. As long as there’s no transfer, I’ll continue to be grateful to Celtic, but it’s time to defend Olympiacos.”
Now, a fresh report has suggested that the attacker may not be on the books at Celtic Park much longer.
Celtic transfer update on Luis Palma exit with 3 clubs potential destinations
With Olympiacos not exercising their option to sign Palma, Celtic need to work out what to do with the £16,000-a-week winger this summer.
A new update from Greece, relayed by Sport Witness, states that Celtic are no longer counting on Palma for next season and want to move him on ahead of the 2025/26 season, with the player himself also looking to leave as he feels he has been mistreated by Rodgers.
Panathinaikos, AEK Athens and PAOK FC, are all named as potential destinations for the Honduras international and a return to Greece ‘shouldn’t be ruled out’. During his time with Olympiacos, Palma hasn’t exactly caught the eye, managing just one goal and one assist in 12 appearances.
Games
48
Goals
10
Assists
10
Minutes played
2,208
Trophies
4
Celtic paid £3.5m to sign the 25-year-old back in 2023 from Aris FC, and with his Parkhead contract not expiring until 2028, the Hoops will be looking to recoup as much of that figure as possible over the coming months, making this one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks.
Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is personally keen on one manager to replace Ange Postecoglou, and it is believed the tactician is now becoming more tempted by the prospect of a north London move.
Tottenham share London derby spoils with West Ham ahead of Bodo/Glimt
A season-defining encounter awaits Postecoglou’s side on Thursday, and if they can get the job done, Spurs will book their place in the Europa League final, where they will likely face Premier League rivals Man United.
Xabi Alonso has now asked Real Madrid to sign £60m Tottenham star
The Spaniard is making requests ahead of his anticipated arrival at the Bernabeu.
ByEmilio Galantini May 2, 2025
The Lilywhites travel to Norway and face-off against Bodo/Glimt in the second leg of their Europa semi-final, carrying a 3-1 lead from their clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and they go into the game off the back of a 1-1 London derby against fierce rivals West Ham.
Crystal Palace (home)
May 10th
Aston Villa (away)
May 18th
Brighton (home)
May 25th
Jarrod Bowen cancelled out Wilson Odobert’s opener and first ever Premier League goal for Spurs, but Postecoglou was full of praise for his players after they came away from east London with a draw.
“Yeah proud of the players’ efforts,” said Postecoglou on Tottenham’s 1-1 draw against West Ham.
“It’s not easy making so many changes and it’s going to affect fluency and even the rhythm of the team. But even the individual players haven’t played a lot regularly and it wasn’t just the changes, I mean I only made one sub so a lot of them played a lot more minutes than they have recently. I thought the efforts that they put in today were outstanding.
Tottenham Hotspur manager AngePostecogloulooks on
“They were really disciplined and organised. We were disappointed with the goal we conceded but aside from that I thought we nullified their threat as well as we could, and they had some decent firepower up front and I still thought we were dangerous going the other way. So I’m glad the boys get some reward. It’s obviously not a win but get some reward for their efforts because I thought on a difficult day they handled themselves really well.”
As the Australian attempts to end Spurs’ 17-year wait for a major trophy, uncertainty continues to surround his long-term future, following reports that Postecoglou could leave Tottenham regardless of Europa League success (The Telegraph).
Marco Silva is now open to joining Tottenham
Many managerial candidates have been linked with the potentially vacant Tottenham job in recent weeks, and one of them is Fulham boss Marco Silva.
The Portuguese’s £4 million-per-year contract, which expires in 2026, also includes an £8 million release clause, and it is believed Silva is one of the frontrunners to replace Postecoglou if he is sacked.
Now, Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke has shared a fresh update on the 47-year-old’s future.
Fulham managerMarcoSilvabefore the match
The reporter claims Silva is now open to taking the Tottenham job this summer, and Levy is a firm admirer of the ex-Everton boss, who has impressed at Craven Cottage again this season.
He is currently more likely to be pursued than Andoni Iraola as well, considering Bournemouth are growing in confidence that the Spaniard will commit his future by signing a new deal.
Silva has been called a “master” tactician by some who’ve worked under him, and his impressive work on a shoe-string budget is unsurprisingly attractive to Levy.
They’ve done it. Liverpool are Premier League champions once again. Arne Slot has won the title in his first season at the helm.
Words can do no justice to the sheer scale of Liverpool’s triumph, so simply drink it in, lap it up, for this brilliant bunch of Reds have achieved something incredible, levelling with Manchester United as the most successful club in the history of England’s highest division.
1.
Liverpool
20
1=
Man United
20
3.
Arsenal
13
4.
Man City
10
5.
Everton
9
At the start of the campaign, BBC Sport released their pundits’ pre-season predictions at the head of the table, and none of the 30 analysts forecast the title to end up at Anfield.
But the ribbons run red nonetheless, Liverpool having gone from strength to strength since Slot replaced Klopp and put his own style on a formidable team of immense quality.
This feat has been several years in the making, more, but it was sealed this afternoon as Liverpool thrashed a struggling Tottenham Hotspur side 5-1, swamped by a sea of screaming red.
Here’s how they did it…
How Liverpool won the Premier League on Sunday
Tottenham, 16th, have been more than a little fragile in the Premier League this season and entered the lion’s den on Sunday with the knowledge that they would likely be swallowed by Merseyside’s deafening red sea.
With the Europa League semi-final merely days away, Ange Postecoglou fielded eight changes and no doubt had one eye on FK Bodø/Glimt. Such variables didn’t matter though; Liverpool would not be stopped in front of their fans.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Dominic Solanke actually threatened to spoil the party when rising highest to power home a header after just ten minutes. Liverpool had started on strong footing but the stadium was silenced by their former prospect.
However, Liverpool would not be stopped, remember, and moments later, Luis Diaz finished off a slick combination starring Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah to level the score.
Any doubts were exhumed by this point, with the Slot machine working overtime to give Anfield the occasion it has so coveted for the past three-and-a-half decades. Strikes from Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, Salah and Djed Spence (into his own net) followed.
So many standout performances, but none were finer than that of Liverpool’s midfield general. Mac Allister has been immense for the Merseysiders since joining from Brighton for an eye-catching £35m fee in July 2023.
He’s now starting to show he has shades of one of the club’s greatest, Steven Gerrard.
Player ratings courtesy of Sofascore
Liverpool's new Steven Gerrard
Gerrard’s force of completeness has left him recognised globally as one of the best midfielders of all time and revered in Liverpool for his peerless quality and leadership over 17 years of senior service.
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard
Salah may well be Liverpool’s definitive talisman of the modern era, but he’s not cut from the same cloth as Gerrard, instead firing his way toward unquestionable status as one of the greatest forwards in the history of the Premier League.
Instead, Mac Allister is shaping into a fitting successor, with his sweeping gamut of skills leading Liverpool reporter Asim Mahmood to hail him as a “monster of a player” after the title-clinching victory over Tottenham.
Stunning strikes have become an anticipated part of Mac Allister’s repertoire over the past several years, and his weak-footed piledriver against the Lilywhites will be up there with his most memorable, given the occasion, given the significance of putting Liverpool ahead after an early setback and pushing the team toward gold.
His ball-striking ability seemingly on par with the club legend, but Mac Allister brings so much more to the table, having dominated Tottenham for 83 minutes, picking up the Man of the Match award after winning seven duels, making six tackles, completing 88% of his passes and creating two chances, as per Sofascore.
Alexis Mac Allister celebrates winning the Premier League with Liverpool
The 25-year-old has achieved such roundedness throughout the campaign, ranking among the top 16% of Premier League midfielders this season for progressive passes, the top 13% for shot-creating actions, the top 10% for tackles won and the top 3% for blocks, as per FBref.
This perfectly illustrates his creativity and combative blend. It’s quite clear that Mac Allister brings something unique to Liverpool’s midfield and they would not be crowned at this moment without him.
The Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle could offer nothing less than a 9/10 match rating for Liverpool’s star player on a momentous occasion, the South American stepping up and driving his squad toward a thumping win to properly commemorate a special day with a fitting result.
The correspondent summed it up nicely: ‘Brought composure to Liverpool’s midfield passing, always looked to move forward, thundered in some crunching tackles and smashed home a fantastic strike for the second. What a player.’
It’s the one trophy that alluded Gerrard throughout his distinguished Liverpool career, but he still hung up the boots as an immortal being on Merseyside.
The retired England international truly was “the complete midfielder,” as said in this instance by pundit Jermaine Pennant when discussing English football’s finest, and Slot has now fashioned a new version in the form of Mac Allister.
He doesn’t quite bring the same firebrand intensity that Gerrard oozed when serving as Liverpool’s captain, but Mac Allister is unquestionably a player of striking talent, so influential across defensive and forward-focused zones.
He’s Liverpool’s new version of Stevie G, all right, and he’s just been crowned a Premier League champion to solidify his status as one of the city’s greatest midfielders.
Of course, the story isn’t finished yet…
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.
Manchester United are enjoying a climactic end to the campaign and may already have made progress in pursuit of one high-profile summer target, according to Florian Plettenberg.
Manchester United put one foot in Europa League final
In what has been a strange campaign for the Red Devils, they have little to play for in the Premier League bar pride as their domestic season slowly peters out under Ruben Amorim. However, United appear nailed on to feature in the Europa League final later this month after a heroic 3-0 victory away to Athletic Club on Thursday evening.
Casemiro
Despite facing the wrath of a raucous home crowd, Casemiro’s header and a double from Bruno Fernandes kept the Red Devils’ hopes of securing a backdoor route to the Champions League alive, which is bound to be advantageous in soliciting summer transfer business.
Reports suggest that Real Madrid winger Rodrygo is a legitimate Manchester United target despite the fact it may cost upwards of £85 million to bring the Brazil international to Old Trafford.
Liam Delap and Matheus Cunha could join the Europa League semi-finalists from Ipswich Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers, respectively. Still, Viktor Gyokeres is another target firmly in the sights of Amorim.
Man Utd ahead of Barcelona in race to sign £4.2m sensation alongside Biyik
The club are doing some sensible long-term planning.
ByHenry Jackson May 2, 2025
Truthfully, the outcome of Manchester United’s exploits in Europe will determine their scope of doing business. If they fail to claim silverware on the continent, there will be a scaled-back approach to dealings in light of the financial reality at the global giants.
Nevertheless, not every signing needs to cost millions, which is a philosophy Amorim seems to have taken into account after his side initiated talks with a defender who would strengthen their experienced backline.
Manchester United hold talks over move for Jonathan Tah
According to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United have held talks over a free transfer move for Jonathan Tah as his contract at Bayer Leverkusen nears expiration.
Discussions with his management have occurred, while Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid remain in pursuit of the 35-cap Germany international.
Enjoying a fine campaign at Bayer Leverkusen, the central defender has registered three goals and a solitary assist in 30 appearances across all competitions.
Dominant at the back, Tah has won 91 duels and made 146 recoveries on Bundesliga duty as his side look to secure a runners-up spot behind league leaders Bayern Munich.
Inexpensive deals that can provide high pedigree could be the way forward for Manchester United, who are still yet to determine whether they will have a sizeable amount to invest in their squad this summer.
Liverpool find themselves on the cusp of Premier League glory and have now turned their attention to a prolific striker on the market, per reports.
Liverpool set to cement themselves as champions ahead of busy summer
Since arriving at Anfield, Arne Slot has earned due adulation as his side canter towards a second top-flight title of the modern era, which will undoubtedly raise levels of expectation heading into next season.
Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have committed their futures to Liverpool and have played a major role in upholding standards while on Merseyside. Still, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s uncertain situation threatens to become a sizeable blow should he depart for Real Madrid.
Work has to be done in the market this summer if the Reds want to retain their impending status as Premier League champions next term. Their rivals will likely tool up in the off-season to bolster squad depth in the face of a heavy fixture schedule.
Looking to make a statement, Liverpool are confident they can beat Manchester United to Hugo Ekitike after finding out that a fee of £80 million could secure his signature from Eintracht Frankfurt.
Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen is a known Reds target amid his rapid rise to prominence, and talks have been held with his camp over the last few weeks.
Liverpool now preparing offer to sign forward who Man Utd have bid £70m for
Liverpool are now ready to join the race to sign an England international this summer.
2 ByBrett Worthington Apr 17, 2025
For now, finishing the season with a flourish will be the priority before celebrations begin after Liverpool win the title. Slot and company will enjoy the moment, though there is plenty of work going on behind the scenes to ensure they aren’t knocked off their perch.
Planning for the future, the Reds boss now has a prolific marksman in his sights who could be the man to spearhead their attack come 2025/26.
Liverpool ready to strike for Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins
According to Football Insider, Liverpool are closely monitoring Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins amid fears that they could be priced out of a move for Newcastle United star Alexander Isak. Marcus Rashford moving to Villa Park on a permanent basis could free up the England international, who has dropped to the bench in recent weeks as opposed to being a regular starter.
Ollie Watkins’ key statistics in Premier League – 2024/25
Goals
14
Assists
6
Non-penalty XG
12.68
Chances created
21
Shots on target
35
Touches in opposition box
154
Labelled “terrific” by Phil Jones, Watkins has scored 165 goals in 455 career games and is firmly in his peak, which has also brought Arsenal to the table.
The outlet claim Luiz Diaz could be sold to create room for the former Brentford man on Merseyside. Liverpool may be tempted by a bid north of £60 million, with the Saudi Pro League emerging as the Colombian’s most likely destination.
Either way, there could be sizeable changes on the way at Anfield as the Reds go all out to retain their spot at the top of the English pyramid next campaign.
Liverpool are nearing the end of a terrific season under Arne Slot and could now pounce in an exciting summer transfer deal, according to reports.
Liverpool set for an exciting summer transfer window
Last week, news of Mohamed Salah’s contract renewal at Liverpool brought a feeling of jubilation to supporters ahead of their inevitable Premier League title triumph.
The Reds could be crowned champions this weekend if Arsenal lose at Ipswich Town and they defeat Leicester City. This would likely excite the general public about the possibility of talented summer arrivals at Anfield.
Liverpool managerArneSlotbefore the match
Looking to make a statement, Liverpool could strike to bring in Bayern Munich star Kingsley Coman and his current employers could be open to selling him, per Christian Falk.
Furthermore, RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba is on Slot’s wishlist following a scouting mission involving the 22-year-old alongside his teammates Xavi Simons and Benjamin Sesko.
Arne Slot is aware that change could be afoot upon the red half of Merseyside. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future is up in the air with his contract set to expire, while clubs in Saudi Arabia are keeping tabs on Luis Diaz as his deal ticks into its final two years.
Walker replacement: Man City now battling Liverpool to sign "complete" star
Walker is expected to leave this summer…
ByTom Cunningham Apr 12, 2025
Several of Liverpool’s title competitors simply haven’t been able to keep pace this term. Come the window, many will have designs on bringing in new talent to avoid a repeat scenario next time out.
FSG have gained a mixed reception among supporters, creating a feeling that this summer may be the time to go big in their quest to keep the Reds at the top of the English pyramid for years to come. Heeding that warning, Slot and company are now planning a swoop for a Premier League star that could make headlines across the country.
Liverpool line up sizeable Kaoru Mitoma deal
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are in the mix to sign Brighton & Hove Albion star Kaoru Mitoma and the Seagulls are said to be open to selling the Japan international once the window finally opens.
Fabian Hurzeler is set to demand £80 million for the 27-year-old, who may also attract further interest from Al Nassr following their failed attempts to secure his services in January.
Kaoru Mitoma’s key statistics in 2024/25 – Premier League
Completed dribbles
48
Chances created
35
Shots on target
23
Touches in opposition penalty area
156
Goals
7
Assists
3
Labelled a “special talent” by boss Hurzeler, the tricky winger has registered eight strikes and three assists in 36 appearances across all competitions as the Seagulls look to seal continental qualification.
Financially, Mitoma would cost a pretty penny to bring to Liverpool, but having a ready-made replacement for Diaz in the event the Colombia international does move on would be a wise move for all concerned.
In a summer where the Reds are set to be one of the most appealing potential destinations for players on the market, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Oita-born man join up on Merseyside.
Manchester United have made a series of exciting signings recently to try and breed a new era at Old Trafford, and they could now look to sign a rising star from within England.
Truthfully, the last decade has seen the Red Devils’ stock and reputation fall as they look to return to the elite of English football. Still, additions such as Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko have shown a sense of ambition under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Even with the need for a new midfielder at Manchester United clear amid uncertainty over Casemiro’s future, boss Ruben Amorim has indicated he is keen to get more out of Manuel Ugarte in the meantime following his move from Paris Saint-Germain last summer.
He said before his side’s clash with Everton: “You can sense a lot of very good players come here, and sometimes they struggle. He is struggling at the moment but it is our job to try to help and help him to feel like I felt when he was a Sporting player. But it is a different world. He needs to adapt, and he needs to improve, especially in training.”
Several targets have been linked to replace veteran Casemiro, with the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Joao Gomes and Atletico Madrid midfielder Connor Gallagher on their list.
Amorim will continue to build over the coming months and is likely to get time to implement his vision, albeit further signings will be necessary to make his formation a bona fide success as his squad continue to evolve.
Now, he may have an alternative England international firmly on his radar as Manchester United look to restore themselves among the Champions League slots at a minimum this term.
Man Utd set to bid for Elliot Anderson
According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United are set to bid for Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson as they up the ante in pursuit of a Casemiro replacement, with a move for the Englishman backed by both Jason Wilcox and Amorim himself.
The latter is unlikely to see his contract renewed at Old Trafford, and steps could now be taken to sign the Tricky Trees man, a move that may cost between £80 and £100 million.
Elliot Anderson’s Premier League campaign (Fotmob)
Appearances
12
Goals
1
Assists
1
Chances created
18
Successful passes
714
Successful crosses
16
Once January comes around, Manchester United could offer a package at around the £60 million mark, albeit that is unlikely to be enough to land Anderson in the face of his magnificent form at the City Ground.
Nevertheless, the former Newcastle United man, labelled “elite” by Thomas Tuchel, is open to joining a big six club and could be someone the club now values as a realistic target more than Brighton & Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba.
Man Utd now make approach to sign exciting gem who shone at U17 World Cup
The Red Devils are now keen to secure his signature before some high-profile suitors.
BySean Markus Clifford Nov 23, 2025
For now, speculation will continue to mount over Anderson’s future, but the pursuit may be one to keep an eye on as Amorim looks to lead Manchester United to silverware in the coming years.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has a chance to recalibrate now that the Premier League has put the brakes on for the November international break.
It has not been good enough this season. Ahead of the latest pause, Newcastle needed to get something from their trip to the Gtech. It didn’t happen, and Keith Andrews’ side emerged 3-1 victors and with Dan Burn sent off to boot.
The truth is that the Magpies need a reset. It was always going to be tough to match the form of last season, with Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak charging an incredible winter winning run that led to triumph in the Carabao Cup. Isak has been sold, and the summer transfer window was a turbulent one.
Everton
13th
28.0
Aston Villa
6th
27.9
Newcastle
14th
27.6
Fulham
15th
27.6
Burnley
17th
27.1
But United are getting old. Too many starters this season ripened some time ago, and in this, Howe must work toward developing further the younger members of his squad.
Newcastle must promote their future
Newcastle might have a somewhat elderly Premier League squad, but that’s not to say they lack up-and-coming stars.
For example, injuries have kept Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall on the sidelines for much of the campaign. 22 and 21 respectively, the dynamic full-backs will be integral to the rekindling of Howe’s system. Last season, Alice Talks Footy hailed Hall as “the best left-back in the league”, and his fellow Cobham graduate as a “super impressive” up-and-comer.
Alexis Mac Allister challenges Tino Livramento
Likewise, Lewis Miley has shown signs of development this season, growing into his skin in central midfield. The Geordie talent has impressed alongside Tonali and the all-action skipper, Bruno Guimaraes, and he could end up replacing a teammate in Joelinton, who has flattered to deceive at times this term.
Has the 29-year-old Joelinton exhausted his physicality? Undoubtedly, the Brazilian is missing some of his usual sharpness and intelligence in the middle of the park.
25/26
1.4
4.2
24/25
2.0
5.7
23/24
2.0
4.9
22/23
2.2
7.0
21/22
2.1
6.9
20/21
1.1
6.0
19/20
0.9
7.5
Joelinton has played so much football at Newcastle, no holds barred, that it’s understandable he might be slowly winding down.
However, there’s another Toon star whose form this season has been more concerning, for they have yet to reach their prime, and there is a worry that so many injuries have knocked this talent too far out of kilter.
"The future of this club" is now struggling
Newcastle have always been resilient and organised under Howe’s wing, and even amid the frustration of wretched away form this term, Newcastle’s xGA (expected goals against) total stands at just 11.1 in the Premier League, a more impressive figure than all in the division save for Manchester City and Arsenal.
But, even so, improvements need to be made in central defence, and the form of Sven Botman is admittedly becoming a concern for Howe as he waits for his star man at the rear to click into gear.
Sports writer Joel Bland actually commented on Botman’s “embarrassing” effort to clear one of Brentford’s notorious long throws at the weekend. The ball was cannoned in after the interval, Newcastle one goal to the good after Harvey Barnes’ first-half finish, but Botman’s tame clearance allowed Kevin Schade to nod home from close range.
You might call it a schoolboy error. When dealing with aerial danger, it is well-known to sweep the ball away, not divert it cross-box and into the melee.
In this, Botman failed in his duties, and newspaper Chronicle Live saw it fit to brand the centre-half with a 3/10 match rating, having been ragdolled by Igor Thiago all afternoon besides.
Botman needs to recover his former level of security and completeness at the back. He was redoubtable in front of Nick Pope in 2022/23, his debut year in England, keeping 11 clean sheets and conceding only 33 goals all season, the joint-best record, shared with champions Manchester City.
It was only at the start of the current campaign that Bruno described the Netherlands star as being “the future of this club”, along with Malick Thiaw, who swapped AC Milan for St. James’ Park in a package worth around £35m this summer.
But Thiaw has outperformed his counterpart this season, and that having suffered regular injury issues of his own in Italy over the past several years. With Botman having spent plenty of time in the thick of the Premier League action this term, having started seven matches in a row, he should be sharper and more commanding at this point.
The fact that this is not the case is bound to be on Howe’s mind, though the manager may feel that the reintegration of Hall on the left side of the backline could smooth out some creases and allow Botman to connect with a more natural wide fit that Burn, whose industriousness can only stretch so far.
This all comes with the addendum that Botman has indeed been ravaged by injuries in recent years, stripped bare by setbacks after that tremendous debut campaign in England’s north east.
It is only natural he would take some time to rebuild himself to that one-time level, but Newcastle need quick results if they are to shape this campaign, and the £90k-per-week defender has entered the penultimate year of his contract, and he will need to convince PIF that they would be foolish not to extend his career on Tyneside.
But the Dutchman needs to improve – fast. His form has slumped in recent weeks, and he is paling in comparison to Thiaw beside him, the summer recruit very quickly establishing himself as the cream of Newcastle’s defensive crop.
As bad as Botman: Howe must drop Newcastle dud who lost the ball 20x v Bees
Newcastle United had another away day to forget in the Premier League when losing 3-1 versus Brentford.