Tottenham Hotspur have enjoyed revelling in the triumph of lifting the Europa League and restoring their place among Europe’s elite next term, but Daniel Levy’s decision to fire Ange Postecoglou highlights the hunger to sustain an even loftier level of success over the coming years.

With Thomas Frank snatched from Brentford to lead from the dugout, Spurs are in a good position to challenge at the top end of the Premier League once more, though summer signings will be needed to inject fresh quality within a tired squad, whose success has papered over what was a most difficult year indeed.

Antoine Semenyo’s name has been bandied about, but there’s one man above all others who Tottenham’s new manager would like to welcome to the fold.

Spurs make contact for statement signing

Earlier this week, Sky Sports revealed that Tottenham have been growing in confidence that they could sign Bryan Mbeumo this summer after initial discussions, having made contact with Brentford, despite the player’s preference to join Man United.

This is because the Londoners have appointed Frank, who has led Mbeumo to such impressive individual heights over the past couple of years.

And now, as per transfer insider Graeme Bailey, the Lilywhites believe that Champions League football and the chance for the 25-year-old to stay in London could play into their favour.

Mbeumo won’t come cheap after his exceptional season, with the Bees looking to bank around £60m for the right-sided forward.

What Bryan Mbeumo would bring to Spurs

Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland. Perhaps the Premier League’s three finest goalscorers. They were the only players to outscore Mbeumo last season, with Ipswich Town writer Alex Osborn hailing him as “one of the best wingers in the league.”

1.

Mohamed Salah

38

29

2.

Alexander Isak

34

23

3.

Erling Haaland

31

22

4.

Chris Wood

36

20

5.

Bryan Mbeumo

38

20

Not only has Mbeumo dazzled in front of goal, but he’s performed well across underlying areas. As per Sofascore, the Cameroon international averaged 1.8 key passes, 1.4 dribbles, and 4.7 successful duels last term, underscoring a roundedness that most goalscorers don’t boast.

His prolific style surely makes him a better pick than Semenyo, who is a fantastic player but would cost Tottenham in excess of £50m and only scored 11 goals in the Premier League last year, also racking up six assists across his 37 appearances.

Make no mistake, Semenyo is a talented winger who would have a big effect on reorienting Tottenham’s domestic form and fluency, but can he compete with Mbeumo, who is objectively one of the classiest stars in front of goal?

The Bournemouth man ranked among the top 5% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the English top flight last year for shots taken, as per FBref, but only among the top 27% for goals scored per 90, with his efforts leading the data-driven site to draw up Mbeumo as one of his most comparable players.

If that is the case (and there are similarities: both players are physical and dynamic and potent across different positions), then surely the best track to go down would be to sign the more reliable and menacing player in front of goal.

Therefore, Mbeumo is surely the better pick to go for, especially when considering the kind of money that Bournemouth are looking to part with Semenyo.

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Chelsea have started their Club World Cup campaign in topsy-turvy fashion, so Enzo Maresca will undoubtedly be keen on seeing more from his team.

The competition won’t be the only thing he has his eyes on over the coming weeks, especially as the summer transfer window is now in full swing.

Maresca is keen to improve his squad, and with qualification for the Champions League secured, money is available in abundance.

Players such as Jamie Gittens and Mohammed Kudus have been linked with the Blues as of late, but is it the defence that perhaps needs the most work done this summer?

Chelsea transfer news

While links to attacking players seem to pop up most days, Maresca is still chasing a defender or two.

Benfica star Tomas Araujo emerged as a transfer target last week, while Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is reportedly on the club’s shortlist.

One player whom Maresca is also keen on is Nottingham Forest defender Murillo, according to football.london.

The report states that nothing has advanced on bringing another defender to Stamford Bridge, but things could change quickly, as they have set their sights on the central defender.

Murillo has been valued at £80m in the past by his club, indicating that if Chelsea are serious, they may need to stump up the cash.

If so, he could turn out to be the next Thiago Silva for Chelsea, no doubt about that.

Why Chelsea must sign Murillo

Former Chelsea defender Silva is still going strong back in his homeland with Fluminense. Indeed, he was arguably one of the finest players on the pitch against Borussia Dortmund at the grand old age of 40.

He made over 150 competitive appearances for Chelsea between 2020 and 2024, winning the Champions League in the process, as a terrific Brazilian centre-back for the Blues.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2023/24

38

4

1

2022/23

35

0

5

2021/22

49

3

2

2020/21

34

2

0

Silva commanded the backline superbly and was a born leader. Murillo may only be 22, but he could have the potential to have a career just as good as his compatriot.

He was excellent for Forest last term, and his performances saw him rank highly across a range of metrics when compared to others in Europe’s top five leagues.

Not only did he rank in the top 3% for blocks (1.95) per 90, but the defender also ranked in the top 7% for clearances (7.03) and in the top 2% for successful take-ons (0.76), which proves he is capable of shining both defensively and going forward.

Hailed as “monstrous” by journalist Ryan Taylor earlier this year, the Brazilian defender may not be the finished article just yet, but it won’t be long before he blossoms.

The youngster lived up to that praise by winning an impressive 60% of his total duels last term, while he was dribbled past on just 0.5 occasions per game in the top flight.

If Maresca wishes to improve his defensive options, then signing Murillo could be a wise choice.

The club struggled at times last year from a defensive viewpoint, conceding 59 goals in all competitions.

Signing the Forest man would certainly shore up the backline and provide the club with another sublime Brazilian centre-back to lead the defence once again.

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The T20Is were the ones postponed when India toured South Africa in 2021

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Jun-2024

India are set to tour South Africa in November this year to play four T20Is. The matches will be played between November 8 and 15 across Durban, Gqeberha, Centurion, and Johannesburg.It is understood that these four T20Is were the ones postponed when India toured South Africa in 2021, the schedule of which was rejigged following the surge of Covid-19 cases in South Africa. India played just three Tests and three ODIs then, and a CSA release had said that the T20Is will be “rescheduled for a more opportune time in the new year”. South Africa had won both the Test and ODI series then.The teams had then agreed to play these matches later but couldn’t find a window. India had also toured South Africa in December 2023 for an all-format series consisting of three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests, all part of the 2023-27 FTP. The T20I and Test series were drawn 1-1, while India won the ODIs 2-1.India’s T20I tour of SA 2024

1st T20I on November 8 – Kingsmead, Durban

2nd T20I on November 10 – St George’s Park, Gqeberha

3rd T20I on November 13 – SuperSport Park, Centurion

4th T20I on November 15 – Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

Hosting India is a financial lifesaver for most boards, and CSA is no different. It is understood that the broadcast revenues from one T20 equals over R150 million (US $8.4 million). CSA declared a loss of R119 million for the last financial year.”I would like to thank the BCCI for their continued support to South Africa’s cricket, and world cricket in general,” Lawson Naidoo, CSA chairperson, said. “Any tour by the Indian cricket team to our shores is filled with amazing camaraderie and exciting cricket, and I know our fans will be eagerly awaiting this series which will showcase the exceptional talent from both teams.”

Turning their attention towards a third addition after Lukas Nmecha and Jaka Bijol, there have now been claims that Leeds United have a “verbal agreement” in place to sign a £20m+ star.

Jaka Bijol: Leeds move "biggest of my career"

It’s been a busy summer at Elland Road thus far. To kick things off, the Yorkshire club welcomed Nmecha in a bargain deal at the end of his Wolfsburg contract and have since spent big for the first time to sign Bijol from Udinese. The defender was officially unveiled as a Leeds player earlier this week and instantly stated that it is the biggest move of his career.

The defender told the club website: “This is a big day for me, for my family and I’m happy to be here. Maybe the biggest one of my career so far, but I’m ready for it.

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“I work for it and that’s why I’m here, because it’s a big challenge for everyone. It’s a big challenge for me, for the club, and we’re getting ready for it together. I think the club and myself are ready for the Premier League.

“I can promise that I will give everything, that I will give everything in every training as well to be ready for the first game of the season and then just go from there.”

At £15m, the deal hasn’t come cheap, but it was one that the 49ers were clearly keen to get done ahead of Leeds’ return to the Premier League in the coming months.

Serie A seems to be where it’s at for the American owners too, amid claims that they’ve returned to Italy’s top flight to strike another agreement.

Leeds have "agreement" to sign £20m Krstovic

According to reports relayed by MOT Leeds, Leeds have now got an “agreement in principle” to sign Nikola Krstovic from Serie A side Lecce this summer. In a deal reportedly worth around £20m, the forward could arrive to boost the Whites’ attacking options alongside Nmecha in the coming months.

While a “verbal agreement” is reportedly in place, however, the player himself is reportedly yet to reach a decision regarding an exit away from Lecce this summer, and that decision will ultimately be final.

All involved at Leeds should, of course, be keen to receive the green light from the talented 25-year-old after he scored 12 goals in all competitions for Lecce last summer. If there were any doubts over his ability to perform at the top level then his Serie A record should have helped put those doubts to rest.

After spending big on Bijol, signing Krstovic for an equally impressive fee would send a statement of intent from the 49ers, who will be desperate to help push Leeds away from the dropzone next season.

Southee and Boult picked up five wickets between them to demolish Uganda, as New Zealand completed the small chase in 5.2 overs

Andrew Fidel Fernando15-Jun-2024Trent Boult delivered searing, full inswing, Tim Southee went at the stumps as well, before Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra tested both edges of the bat with their left-arm spin.The result was another Uganda collapse at the T20 World Cup, their inexperienced batters simply unable to contend with the quality of New Zealand’s bowling.Uganda were all out for 40 in the 19th over, with only one of their batters – Kenneth Waiswa – having made double figures. They struck three boundaries all through their innings, and were unable to find scoring options, the New Zealand bowlers frequently beating their bat.New Zealand ran down the target in 5.2 overs, with the loss of just one wicket.Boult homes in on the stumps earlyEven top batters from more established teams would have been tested by Boult’s first over. He began with a couple of inswinging yorkers to Ronak Patel, who managed to to get off strike second ball.Boult’s next two deliveries were big-swinging, and pinpoint. First he had left-hander Simon Ssesazi plumb in front, before cleaning up Robinson Obuya with a delivery that curved in through the gate.After Boult delivered that double-wicket over, conceding just one run, Southee bowled a maiden, then Boult delivered another maiden – Uganda’s top order often unable to make contact.The pair bowled right through the powerplay, and left Uganda 9 for 3, with Southee having trapped Alpesh Ramjani in front in his second over.Spinners and Ferguson wreck Uganda’s middle orderThen it was over to Santner, Lockie Ferguson, and Ravindra. Santer struck first, drawing the outside edge of Ronak, held nicely by wicketkeeper Devon Conway.Ferguson then took out Waiswa’s stumps. Even Riazat Ali Shah, and Dinesh Nakrani looked incapable of scoring against New Zealand, and by the end of the 14th over, Uganda were seven down for 27.Their only minor consolation was getting past the 39 – their lowest T20 total ever – they had slumped to against West Indies.The pursuitThe chase was largely smooth, and the only wicket Uganda got had a touch of good fortune about it – Riazat getting Finn Allen caught down the legside with a full delivery.New Zealand had trouble hitting boundaries too, finding the rope only twice in the first four overs. But with such a small target, singles and twos would work too. Conway finished the game with back-to-back boundaries off Jumo Miyagi.

Match details

Afghanistan vs South Africa
Tarouba, 8.30pm local time

Big picture: Afghanistan look to continue dream run

Afghanistan played their first official fixture in 2004 as part of the Asian Cricket Council Trophy, which featured 15 teams. Twenty years later, they have done the unthinkable by making their first World Cup semi-final in the biggest World Cup featuring 20 teams.In just 20 years, they have achieved what many teams might take 50 years to do. Afghanistan have always had the raw talent. They’ve now married it with elite skills and continue to upgrade them, thanks to global T20 exposure.Their captain and lead spinner, Rashid Khan, is arguably the most sought-after T20 player in the world. Noor Ahmad, their second spinner, is a left-arm version of Rashid while Rahmanullah Gurbaz, their opener, can bruise oppositions in the powerplay. Fazalhaq Farooqi is on his way to becoming the next Trent Boult in T20 cricket while Naveen-ul-Haq has had Dwayne Bravo, Afghanistan’s bowling consultant and T20 legend, grooving and celebrating near the boundary with his variations. Eight of Afghanistan’s XI that toppled Bangladesh on Monday in Kingstown were part of IPL 2024.Related

• Not just another piece of content, Afghanistan have been a headline-grabbing act

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• Tarouba venue guide: High-scoring game on even covering of grass with cracks

• Tactics board: Rashid, de Kock, Gurbaz-Ibrahim and Maharaj – the key factors

Then, there is Mohammad Nabi, who of course played in Afghanistan’s first official fixture back in 2004. In a year in which his son made his Under-19 World Cup debut for Afghanistan, Nabi, 39, will turn up for Afghanistan in their first World Cup semi-final. Nabi has defeated 45 teams in his career and will now look to add South Africa to that list.Mujeeb Ur Rahman was sidelined from the tournament after playing a solitary game, but Afghanistan, under Bravo’s tactical guidance, have still had enough depth to roll over oppositions. No attack has taken more wickets than Afghanistan’s 57 in this World Cup and their economy rate of 6.35 is second only to South Africa’s 6.10 among the Super-Eight teams.Afghanistan, however, don’t have as much depth in their batting, especially in the middle order. And while Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran have struck up four 50-plus partnerships while batting first, their stands while chasing are eight against PNG, zero against West Indies, and 13 against India.So, there’s a strong case for South Africa to make Afghanistan chase, try to separate their openers early, and put the middle order under pressure. Keshav Maharaj, their left-arm fingerspinner, will look to ace his match-up against a right-hander-heavy Afghanistan line-up on a Tarouba surface that may continue to offer variable bounce. Tabraiz Shamsi, the left-arm wristspinner, could also pose a threat with his variations and knowledge of Caribbean conditions, having spent a number of South African winters in the CPL.Though Reeza Hendricks is struggling for form at the top, South Africa have a dynamic middle order with all of Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs and Heinrich Klaasen capable of countering spin, and a vastly experienced David Miller around to finish the innings.South Africa have been on the precipice at several points during the World Cup, but they have somehow hauled themselves back to claim seven successive wins across challenging conditions. They need to win two more to secure their maiden World Cup title. No team has ever won a T20 World Cup unbeaten, so South Africa and India have the chance to rewrite history this time.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Form guide

Afghanistan WWLLW (last five T20Is, most recent first)
South Africa WWWWW

In the spotlight: Naveen-ul-Haq and Heinrich Klaasen

Afghanistan’s spinners need no introduction, so let’s talk about Naveen-ul-Haq. The seamer might not have taken the new ball had Mujeeb been available. But in the absence of Afghanistan’s powerplay spinner, Naveen has stepped up brilliantly to ease the load on Farooqi. His delivery to dismiss Travis Head – slanting in towards leg stump, then swinging and seaming away late to crash into middle – is a genuine contender for the ball of the tournament. With a number of slower balls in his repertoire, Naveen has also been difficult to get away at the death on the Caribbean pitches.Heinrich Klaasen vs Rashid and Co could very well dictate the course of the game. His quasi-pulls and slog-sweeps can disrupt the rhythm of any spinner on any surface. Since the start of 2023, he has struck at 182.12 against spin in T20 cricket. His strike rate is the best among 41 batters who have played at least 40 innings against spin in T20 cricket during this period.

Team news: Gurbaz’s fitness under cloud

Gurbaz had suffered a blow on his knee while keeping wicket in the first over of Afghanistan’s defence against Bangladesh on Monday and immediately left the field with Mohammad Ishaq stepping in as a substitute keeper. Afghanistan didn’t train in Tarouba on the eve of the semi-final, and it remains to be seen if Gurbaz is fit to play. If Gurbaz doesn’t recover in time, Afghanistan might bring in Hazratullah Zazai at the top and perhaps make another change to squeeze Ishaq in as a keeper and middle-order batter.Afghanistan (probable): 1 Ibrahim Zadran, 2 Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)/Hazratullah Zazai, 3 Azmatullah Omarzai, 4 Gulbadin Naib, 5 Mohammad Nabi, 6 Karim Janat/Mohammad Ishaq (wk), 7 Rashid Khan (capt), 8 Nangeyalia Kharote, 9 Naveen-ul-Haq, 10 Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq FarooqiKeshav Maharaj will be key for South Africa against a right-hander-heavy Afghanistan side•ICC via Getty Images

South Africa might not run the risk of replacing Hendricks with rookie Ryan Rickelton in a semi-final. Considering the variable bounce and purchase for spinners at Tarouba, Shamsi will also likely keep his place ahead of death-bowling specialist Ottneil Baartman.South Africa (probable): 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Reeza Hendricks, 3 Aiden Markram (capt), 4 David Miller, 5 Heinrich Klaasen, 6 Tristan Stubbs, 7 Marco Jansen, 8 Keshav Maharaj, 9 Kagiso Rabada, 10 Anrich Nortje, 11 Tabraiz Shamsi

Pitch and conditions: More variable bounce?

The conditions in Tarouba were characterised by variable bounce during the group stage. But Daren Ganga believes that the bounce will be truer on Wednesday after remedial work over the past two weeks. Dew has been often a major factor in the CPL games at this venue. While the overhead conditions will likely be cloudy in Tarouba, the chances of rain are low on Wednesday night.

Stats and trivia: Afghanistan’s brittle middle order

• Afghanistan bowlers have dominated the powerplay in this T20 World Cup, taking 20 wickets at an economy rate of 7.19 during this phase. In comparison, South Africa have managed only ten wickets though their economy rate (5.85) is lower than Afghanistan’s.
• Afghanistan’s middle-order batters (Nos. 4-7) have the lowest strike rate (102.21) among the Super-Eight teams in this World Cup.
• Klaasen has scored 27 runs against Rashid off 21 balls while being dismissed once in T20 cricket. The sample size is slightly bigger for Miller vs Rashid, with the match-up in favour of the wristspinner: 50 runs off 42 balls with four dismissals.
• South Africa and India are the only two Full Members Afghanistan have not beaten in international cricket so far.

Quotes

“For us, it’s a new challenge and I think that makes us dangerous in the semi-finals as a side with nothing to lose and obviously a lot of pressure on the opposition.”
“Definitely, it’s always great to dream and I think everyone in South Africa dreams of the time when a trophy gets lifted.”

The 2025/26 campaign represents a new era for Everton football club, making the move to Hill Dickinson Stadium, after saying goodbye to Goodison Park a few weeks ago.

David Moyes will be the man to lead the Toffees into their new home, hopefully making it one to remember, building on the excellent work conducted since he returned to the club.

His side finished 13th in the Premier League table, a superb finish considering the side were just a couple of points above the drop zone after Sean Dyche was given his marching orders.

However, if the club are to reach the next level and push for a place in the top half of England’s top-flight, additions are needed, allowing for more quality and depth in numerous key areas.

With the transfer window now open, the 62-year-old has the opportunity to work with the Friedkin Group over the summer to land targets who could improve the options at the Scotsman’s disposal.

The latest on Everton’s hunt for new additions this summer

Over the last couple of days, Everton have been touted with a shock double swoop for two players currently on the books of bitter Merseyside rivals Liverpool.

Winger Ben Doak and centre-back Joe Gomez have been the two names mentioned over a short move across the city, but it’s unclear whether either are keen on the move or if the Reds would allow them to leave this summer.

However, another name has been mentioned in recent days, with Burnley defender Maxime Esteve on their radar, according to The Athletic’s latest report.

They claim that the Toffees have been monitoring his progress over the last couple of months, even sending scouts to watch him and could consider a move this summer.

However, Crystal Palace are also said to be keen on landing the 23-year-old French star, with Scott Parker’s side demanding a fee in the region of £30m to part ways with him this window.

Why Everton’s £30m target could be the perfect Branthwaite replacement

Centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite has once again been a shining light for Everton, going from strength to strength within their backline in recent seasons.

The 22-year-old featured in 30 league outings this campaign, often partnering James Tarkowski at the heart of the defence, helping the Toffees pull clear of any looming relegation threat.

His excellent form hasn’t gone unnoticed, being named the club’s Young Player of the Year, with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur plotting moves for the youngster this summer.

Given the financial situation behind the scenes in recent years, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him sold for a huge profit this window, with such a decision leaving a huge hole in Moyes’ backline.

However, they appear to be targeting a readymade replacement in Esteve, with the Burnley star able to fill the gap should Branthwaite leave the club during the off-season.

When comparing their respective stats from this season, the French star has matched or bettered the current Toffees star in numerous key areas – having the potential to improve further given his tender age.

The Burnley star, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by current boss Parker, has managed more progressive passes and a higher take-on success rate – highlighting his ability to play out from the back.

Games played

46

30

Goals scored

1

0

Progressive passes

3.1

2.3

Pass accuracy

90%

82%

Tackles won

1.1

1

Blocks made

1.3

1.1

Take-on success

78%

80%

Aerials won

62%

50%

Esteve has also won more tackles per 90 and made more blocks, showcasing his ability to impress without the ball, fitting into Moyes’ defensive philosophy.

He’s also won more aerials and scored more goals, subsequently allowing him to have an impact at both ends of the pitch if needed, potentially being an excellent pickup for the Toffees.

Whilst no supporter would want to lose Branthwaite this summer, the interest from the so-called ‘big six’ could see the club receive some serious cash for his signature – allowing for investments elsewhere.

A deal for the Frenchman would certainly soften the blow, having the qualities to replace the Englishman should he move on to pastures new in the coming months.

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Celtic are stepping up their transfer business under Brendan Rodgers and have now made their interest in an exciting attacker concrete by submitting an official bid, according to a report.

Celtic land Kieran Tierney with more bodies to follow

In what became an emotional announcement on Tuesday, Kieran Tierney has officially returned to Celtic, and the Scotland international has signalled his intent to hit the ground running at Parkhead.

“Everybody’s known for a few months and just to be here with the Celtic strip on again just feels amazing. I spoke with the manager, and obviously I had worked with him before and I’ve always kept in touch with him. He’s one of the best so I’m so lucky and grateful that he’s given me the chance to come back again.”

Kickstarting the Bhoys’ incomings, he could soon be joined by Callum Osmand as the Fulham youngster nears a move to Celtic. The Wales youth international is set to arrive from Craven Cottage for a nominal compensation fee after rejecting senior terms in West London.

Following his exploits with Scotland over the last few days, Lennon Miller has continuously been linked with the Bhoys after making a name for himself at Motherwell.

Despite heading into the final year of his deal, the Wishaw-born star is said to be valued at £7.5 million. Besiktas midfielder Demir Tiknaz has also been mentioned as an alternative amid complicated permutations involving loan club Rio Ave.

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There is a feeling that there plenty more to come at Parkhead, so it won’t come as a surprise to hear that Celtic have now submitted an offer and received a reply for another reported target.

Celtic receive reply to Nilson Angulo offer

According to Studio Futbol, Celtic have seen a formal bid rejected for Anderlecht winger Nilson Angulo and could return with a second offer to sign the Ecuador international. Several clubs around Europe are said to be privy to his situation, including Premier League giants Liverpool, who have reportedly scouted the 21-year-old during his recent time on international duty.

Born in Quinininde, Angulo completed 44 dribbles on league duty last term and could be one part of a strategic effort from Brendan Rodgers to introduce further variation in the final third.

Iconic figure Jota has been ruled out for the next few months due to injury, heightening the need for reinforcements to ensure the Bhoys aren’t caught short in the wide areas.

It remains to be seen whether Celtic opt to submit an improved bid for his services, but fans can take solace either way from the fact their side are active in the market.

The Parkhead hierarchy have plenty of financial muscle to flex after another successful campaign both domestically and in Europe, so it is reasonable to expect that Rodgers will have a strong squad to pick from once the Champions League qualifiers arrive.

The storm that has clouded Newcastle United’s early summer transfer window is perhaps showing signs of abating, even if Eddie Howe’s outfit have seen bids rejected for three top targets.

That’s according to the Times, whose revelation that offers for Anthony Elanga, Joao Pedro and James Trafford were rebuffed will no doubt have been met by a chorus of frustration over on Tyneside.

At the very least, United are showing ambitious intent, and though slapping a £200m price tag on Alexander Isak to ward off interest from Liverpool might have proved a double-edged sword, for clubs will hardball the Toon in their own dealings henceforth, there’s no doubt breakthroughs will be achieved in the coming months.

However, it might be wise for Howe and co to pin some alternative names to the board. Indeed, in Pedro’s case, an exciting backup has been found, and he might even prove the better pick.

Newcastle open talks for elite forward

As per GIVEMESPORT, Newcastle have opened talks with Xavi Simons’ representatives as they look to welcome some attacking additions this summer.

Expected to depart RB Leipzig after they failed to qualify for Europe, the 22-year-old playmaker has a £60m price tag and has expressed a desire to move to the Premier League.

Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have all had discussions with the player’s camp too, so this one’s wide open at the present stage.

Why Newcastle want Xavi Simons

While dynamic, Simons isn’t as out-and-out an attacker as Pedro; instead, the Dutchman merges the creative with the incisive to an emphatic effect.

He’s the real deal, all right, and given the finances involved, would perhaps go on to prove an even better signing than Pedro, if push comes to shove.

Such masterful versatility is hardly something Howe’s going to say no to, and Simons would add a new creative dimension to a side which finished the 2024/25 Premier League season ranked sixth in the division for big chances created (112) after finishing joint-second with Manchester City (97) the term before.

It’s clear Howe needs such a virtuoso to take that next great step, and given that Simons finished the campaign ranked among the top 12% of attacking midfielders and wingers for passes attempted, the top 14% for progressive passes, the top 18% for shot-creating actions and the top 7% for ball recoveries, as per FBref, he clearly knows his stuff.

Athletic and driven, Simons would add a wealth of quality to the Magpies fold, with his haul of ten goals and seven assists across just 25 Bundesliga matches further highlighting his clinical nature.

Left winger

41

10

11

Right winger

17

5

5

Attacking midfield

17

6

7

Centre-forward

1

–

–

Moreover, he missed just two big chances and averaged two key passes and 5.4 successful duels per game. Though Pedro would be a brilliant attacking addition, Simons might just have that little bit more, with his versatility both through positional and prolific value likely to add so much to the United project.

Pedro, sure, is a steady supplier of goal contributions, posting 30 goals and ten assists across 70 matches, but he’s not quite so refined, indeed operating in a more advanced berth that you’d have to think will be occupied by Isak.

Howe makes sure his players know their duties and toe the line, but Simons’ expansiveness is part of what makes him special, a “superstar”, as has even been remarked by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Newcastle need to beat off Premier League opposition to secure this man’s signature, prioritising a deal over the likes of Pedro.

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Newcastle are beginning to ramp up the gas in the summer transfer market.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 26, 2025

Newcastle United have now moved ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign a £60 million star with a bid now being prepared and salary terms already agreed, according to a recent report.

Rashford among Newcastle targets as Howe seeks new forwards

The Magpies have added just one new player to their squad so far this summer, and that is winger Antonio Cordero, who joins the club on a free transfer at the start of July following the expiration of his contract at Malaga. Cordero is not expected to be the only arrival at St James’ Park, as the Magpies continue to be linked with several high-profile players.

Big upgrade on Burn: Newcastle open talks to sign "outstanding" £60m star

Newcastle are looking to overhaul their defence

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By
Joe Nuttall

Jun 19, 2025

It was reported earlier this week that Newcastle made contact over signing defender Evan Ndicka from AS Roma. Newcastle are in the market for a new central defender, as they’ve been heavily linked with a move for Marc Guehi, but Ndicka is another option who could come at a cheaper price.

Meanwhile, they are also in the market for attacking reinforcements, and they have held internal talks over signing Mohammed Kudus from West Ham, as the forward is free to leave the Premier League side.

In fresh news, Newcastle are now also interested in signing Marcus Rashford on a season-long loan deal.

The Englishman’s future at Old Trafford looks to be coming to an end but he has yet to receive any concrete offers to leave United. The Magpies are now weighing up making a loan bid, as they can offer Rashford Champions League football, but the Red Devils are more interested in selling Rashford this summer than loaning him out again.

Newcastle move ahead of Chelsea in Joao Pedro race

As such, a permanent move for Rashford may not be on the cards for the Magpies, as according to Brazilian outlet UOL Esporte, Newcastle are now preparing a bid to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion.

The report states that the Magpies have moved ahead of Premier League rivals Chelsea in the race to sign Pedro, as they have already agreed personal terms with the forward. However, Chelsea’s interest in Pedro has reportedly ‘shaken’ the player, and now both clubs are preparing to make an official offer.

It isn’t clear how much Newcastle would be willing to spend on Pedro, but it’s been previously reported that Brighton value the forward at around £60 million. The 23-year-old scored 10 goals in 27 league games during the 2024/25 season, but a falling out at the club means he is now likely to leave during this summer transfer window.

Newcastle chasing Pedro may be seen as them looking to replace Alexander Isak, but Pedro being able to operate anywhere across the frontline as, well as a number 10, makes him a player who could be a perfect partner for the Swede.

The Brazilian has had back-to-back impressive campaigns in the Premier League now, and a move to Newcastle could accelerate his career further, as he will be able to play on the biggest stage of them all, the Champions League.