Man Utd chiefs convinced they'll win race for "elite" number one stopper

Manchester United will want to address their goalkeeping situation before the window is closed at Old Trafford and could now be set to focus all their efforts on a talented stopper from the continent, according to a report.

Bayindir's error vs Arsenal leaves Man Utd searching for answers

Truthfully, there wasn’t much to separate Manchester United and Arsenal in their Premier League opening clash, apart from the level of goalkeeping performances on display.

Unfortunately for the Red Devils’, Arsenal’s prevalence at set-pieces earned the points for the visitors, who received a helping hand from Altay Bayindir’s failure to steer away Declan Rice’s delivery before Riccardo Calafiori pounced from close range.

Speaking on the BBC’s Football Daily podcast, David James believes the Turkish international shouldn’t have got involved with William Saliba in the lead-up to the only goal of the encounter.

He explained: “There were two issues with the goal. The first was Bayindir getting involved with William Saliba before the corner-kick was taken. Saliba ran across the front and I actually think it was a foul on Mason Mount because Saliba nearly dragged his shirt off to get in front of Bayindir.

“But by getting involved with Saliba, everyone has now got arms on each other and Bayindir is in no position to do anything decent from where he is.”

On the same day, reports emerged that Man Utd are plotting a surprise reunion with David De Gea. Meanwhile, Gianluigi Donnarumma has been considered by the Red Devils amid speculation surrounding the future of Andre Onana.

Nevertheless, there could now be another solution to their woes between the sticks as INEOS prepare to focus their attention on finalising a deal for a rising star.

Manchester United look to finalise Senne Lammens move

According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United chiefs are convinced they’ll win the race to sign Royal Antwerp’s Senne Lammens despite interest from Inter Milan in securing his signature.

The outlet claim he only has eyes for a move to Old Trafford and they will now look to put a ‘decisive plan’ in action to land the goalkeeper. Albeit, Onana’s failure to secure a move elsewhere has impacted their overall pursuit of a new number one.

His best display for Man Utd: £60m star is as undroppable as Mbeumo & Cunha

Manchester United suffered defeat in their first game of the new season.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 17, 2025

Overall, the Belgian star has kept 12 clean sheets in 64 appearances for Royal Antwerp, leading to a call-up to his senior national team back in March for their UEFA Nations League playoff matches against Ukraine.

Manchester United have kept in touch with his entourage all summer and have him on a shortlist alongside Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez. Now, it appears Lammens is top priority as the Red Devils consider a late move to bolster their goalkeeping department.

Labelled “elite” by Ben Mattinson, Fotmob show the 23-year-old has retained a 73.3% save percentage this season, which may pique the interest of supporters as they cross their fingers for a new number one at Old Trafford.

Savinho signs on! Spurs dealt massive blow as winger decides to extend Man City contract after transfer collapse

Savinho has reportedly agreed to a new contract at Manchester City, with Tottenham dealt a massive transfer blow. The north London club had tried to sign the forward in the summer and were thinking of returning for him in January but those hopes are now dead in the water. Spurs had tabled discussions confident that the 21-year-old winger's head could be turned, but City slammed the door shut, insisting the Brazilian was not for sale.

  • Man City lock down their jewel until 2031

    According to City have secured Savinho on a new deal that ties him to the Etihad until 2031, killing off any lingering Spurs optimism. It’s a hammer blow to Thomas Frank’s rebuilding project, especially as Tottenham viewed Savinho as a ready-made star capable of bolstering their attack. 

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    Savinho back in form after injury

    Savinho missed the first three games of this campaign with injury, but he’s wasted no time making his mark since returning. The Brazilian grabbed his first goal of the season in City’s 2-0 Carabao Cup win over Huddersfield, reminding Pep Guardiola exactly why he fought to keep him. In his debut campaign at the Etihad, he clocked 48 appearances, chipped in with three goals and laid on 13 assists across competitions.

  • Guardiola has a vision for Savinho

    Guardiola has never hidden his admiration for Savinho. Back in August, the City boss made it clear he wanted the winger to be part of his long-term plans, brushing aside any transfer plans. 

    "I am only concerned right now that Savinho will be with us for the rest of the season and hopefully many years because at 21, with the potential he has, he is an extraordinary player," said Guardiola.

    "Otherwise, he would not have played more than 3,000 minutes last season. At the end, the desire of the players is above everything but then they have to find an agreement with the club. If they don’t take an agreement, the player will be here."

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    From Belo Horizonte to Brazil’s new starboy

    Savinho made his senior debut for Atletico Mineiro at just 16 years old before joining Troyes in 2022. Spells at PSV and Girona hardened his game, and now he’s flourishing on the biggest stage at the Etihad. Already capped 13 times by Brazil, with one goal to his name, Savinho is being tipped as one of the Selecao’s next great wingers. His next assignment is Premier League showdown against Burnley this Saturday.

Diomande clone: Rangers racing to sign £3m star in late Ibrox move

There are around two weeks left to go before the end of the summer transfer window and Glasgow Rangers have not lost any of their major assets yet.

Brazilian left-back Jefte is reportedly closing in on a return to his home country to sign for Palmeiras for a reported fee of £6m, with the club set to bank a healthy profit on the £800k they paid Fluminense last year.

The crown jewels of Russell Martin’s side, however, have not yet been snapped up, as Hamza Igamane, Nicolas Raskin, and Mohamed Diomande are still Rangers players as it stands.

Premier League side Everton have been linked with Igamane, the Gers are braced for interest in Raskin still, and the Light Blues have fielded an offer from Besiktas for Diomande.

This shows that there is tangible interest in some of the club’s best talents, and that is why there is still some doubt over whether or not they will still be part of the squad at Ibrox when the summer transfer window officially slams shut at the start of next month.

If Bestikas, for example, come back in with another offer for Diomande, the Light Blues may have their resolve tested despite there not being much time left in the window.

Why losing Mohamed Diomande would be a blow for Rangers

Selling the Ivorian central midfielder before the end of the window would be a big blow to Martin and Rangers because he is a proven performer who has showcased his quality domestically and in Europe.

Diomande is a versatile midfield talent who can easily be deployed as a deep-lying midfielder, as a box-to-box workhorse, or further forward in a number ten role, due to his wide range of attributes in and out of possession.

In the Scottish Premiership, the left-footed star scored four goals, created 11 ‘big chances’, and delivered seven assists in 36 appearances, per Sofascore, which shows that he can make an impact at the top end of the pitch as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

He is not only effective in possession, though, as the 23-year-old talent caught the eye with his defensive contributions in midfield in the club’s Europa League campaign last season.

Tackles

12

Top 19%

Tackle success rate

63%

Top 45%

Duels won

53

Top 11%

Interceptions

11

Top 23%

Ball recoveries

47

Top 22%

Fouls committed

12

Top 18%

As you can see in the table above, Diomande ranked highly among his positional peers in a host of defensive metrics, which shows that he was one of the more effective defensive midfielders in the competition.

This is why it would be a big blow to lose him before the end of the window, because of the quality he provides on and off the ball, but the Gers are reportedly looking at a star who could ease that blow.

Rangers racing to sign Premier League midfielder

According to Football Insider, Rangers are one of the teams racing to strike a deal with West Ham United for central midfielder Andrew Irving this summer.

The report claims that the Light Blues and their Premiership and Glasgow rivals Celtic are both fighting it out to sign the Scotland international to bolster their midfield options.

Transfer Focus

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

It adds that Irving wants to play regular football and would jump at the opportunity to play European football, which both teams will have, after a season of mainly watching on from the sidelines or bench with the Hammers.

Football Insider reveals that Celtic and Rangers are both exploring the possibility of a swoop for the former Hearts man, and that West Ham will not stand in his way if a good offer comes their way.

Andy Irving entering the pitch for West Ham United.

It was reported earlier this month that a fee in the region of £3m could be enough to tempt the Premier League side into cashing in on the midfield maestro.

Why Rangers should sign Andy Irving

The Gers should be pushing to beat Celtic to the West Ham United outcast’s signature because he could come in as a Diomande clone for Martin, easing the blow of potentially losing the Ivorian star this summer.

Even if the former Nordsjaelland ace remains at Ibrox, signing Irving would leave the manager with two top-quality options in midfield to rotate between.

Like Diomande, the Scottish whiz is a versatile midfielder who has the qualities in and out of possession to suit playing in pretty much any role that Martin needs in the middle of the park.

Irving, who made ten substitute appearances, ranked within the top 8% of Premier League midfielders for passes made (60) and the top 16% for pass accuracy (90%) for West Ham last season, which speaks to his ability to play in a deep-lying controller role.

The 25-year-old’s form on loan at Klagenfurt in the Austrian Bundesliga in the 2023/24 campaign, meanwhile, shows that he can be a box-to-box presence in midfield, just like Diomande.

Appearances

28

36

Goals

9

4

Big chances created

7

11

Assists

4

7

Dribbles completed per game

1.1

0.9

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.7

1.8

Duels won per game

4.9

4.2

As you can see in the table above, both players offer similar qualities in the middle of the park with their goal contributions, dribbling skills, and defensive work off the ball, which suggests that they make a similar impact on matches in midfield.

In fact, Rangers fan and analyst Kai Watson recently claimed that Irving “would provide everything that most fans have been expecting from Mo Diomande” and that he would suit Martin’s tactical system well.

The statistics from his time in the Austrian Bundesliga suggest that it is an accurate assessment from Watson, as Irving has the offensive and defensive qualities to be a Diomande clone at Ibrox.

This is why Irving could be a fantastic signing for Rangers because he could provide competition for the Ivorian midfielder if he remains at Ibrox, whilst also having the ability to be a brilliant replacement for him.

Rangers must replace Jefte with Ibrox swoop for "offensive" £13m star

Rangers could find a replacement for Jefte, who is closing in on an exit, by signing this star.

ByDan Emery Aug 15, 2025

Keacy Carty, Brandon King hundreds seal series for West Indies

Hosts cruise in chase after England had scrapped a score from the depths of 24 for 4

Alan Gardner06-Nov-2024

Keacy Carty celebrates reaching his maiden ODI hundred•Getty Images

West Indies made light work of their run chase under the Kensington Oval floodlights, centuries from Keacy Carty and Brandon King setting up a dominant eight-wicket win that sealed a 2-1 series victory over England.Carty’s maiden hundred, from 97 balls, made him the first cricketer from St Maarten to reach the landmark for West Indies. He was followed to three figures by King, who made the most of being dropped twice with a timely knock, his first 50-plus score in ODIs since the World Cup Qualifier in July 2023. Their double-century stand, eventually worth 209, was the highest for West Indies against England in the format.England had scrapped their way up to what might have been a competitive total after a nightmare start saw them 24 for 4 at the end of the first powerplay. Phil Salt knuckled down to play his longest international innings, in terms of balls face, while Dan Mousley was inventive on the way to a maiden ODI fifty. With an injury to Romario Shepherd forcing Shai Hope to turn to Sherfane Rutherford – whose 3.5 overs at the death disappeared for 57 – England had at least given themselves a glimmer.It took one ball of the reply to suggest that conditions for batting had eased, as King spanked Jofra Archer’s opening gambit through the covers. He did the same to the second delivery, with Archer’s first three overs eventually costing 24 – and although Jamie Overton claimed a first ODI wicket with his third legitimate ball, Evin Lewis bounced out for 19, West Indies were already up and running.King finished the powerplay by bashing Reece Topley for two fours in three balls, putting West Indies ahead of the asking rate at 65 for 1 after ten. And while Carty, who picked up his first four by gliding Topley behind square in the same over, had some uncertain moments against the legspin of Adil Rashid and Liam Livingstone early on, the second-wicket pair were soon motoring towards the target.Rashid’s first three overs had gone for just seven, but King pumped him down the ground for six to mark a shift in the mood. An edge off Livingstone evaded Salt’s gloves when King was on 44, and the West Indies opener went to a 60-ball fifty in the next over, clubbing Rashid emphatically through midwicket.Carty had been given out lbw to Livingstone’s first ball, but reviewed in the knowledge that there was bat involved. He cut and swept consecutive boundaries in the same over, and later launched Rashid over the deep midwicket boundary as West Indies steadily brought the required rate down while negotiating England’s seven bowling options. After bringing up a 61-ball fifty, Carty again took back-to-back fours off Livingstone, before doing the same to Sam Curran.A muscular pull for six off Topley ended up in the crowd at deep midwicket, as Carty overtook his partner, followed up by a flat-batted four down the ground. Having surpassed his previous ODI best of 88, he reached his hundred with a glide for four off Jacob Bethell’s left-arm spin – removing his helmet and raising his arms aloft as applause rolled around the ground.The moment was repeated at the start of the following over as King, who also saw a cut off Archer burst through the hands of Jordan Cox in the covers on 86, swatted the same bowler through fine leg to raise his third century in the format. King was bowled by Topley with 13 required but the result was beyond doubt.The alacrity with which West Indies hunted down their requirement amply demonstrated why both captains had wanted to bowl first at the toss. Shai Hope, who grew up at Kensington Oval, said he was “not sure what we’re going to get” from the surface – but his seamers certainly knew how to exploit the conditions, leaving England four down and tottering inside the first powerplay.The main source of discomfort for West Indies early on came via an extraordinary on-field contretemps between Alzarri Joseph and Hope, the fast bowler seemingly unhappy with the field set for England’s No. 3, Cox. Joseph could be seen repeatedly remonstrating with his captain from the top of his run-up, and he took his frustration out on the batter, Cox barely seeing a 148kph/92mph lifter that flicked the glove on its way through. Joseph didn’t celebrate and walked off at the end of the over, briefly leaving West Indies with 10 men on the field.Matthew Forde had already struck in his second over, responding to being driven for four by Will Jacks with a similar delivery that went away just enough to take the outside edge. Shepherd then enjoyed immediate success when replacing Joseph, as Bethell slashed at a wide delivery only to be spectacularly held by the leaping Roston Chase at point. When Livingstone fell to another catch at the wicket trying to force a drive off Shepherd, England were flatlining at 24 for 4 with one ball left in the powerplay.One of the England batters still standing was Salt. His half-century in the second ODI was the first time he had batted through the powerplay since June 2022, but he backed up that effort in Barbados – albeit 11 not out off 26 balls told of England’s struggle.He found useful allies in Curran and Mousley, adding consecutive stands of 70 for the fifth and sixth wickets. Curran, again up the order at No. 6, was proactive from the outset but fell looking to take on Chase’s offspin. Mousley then continued the rebuilding effort, with Salt grinding away to a 79-ball fifty – by far the slowest of his five in ODIs.England were 163 for 5 at the end of the 40th but lost Salt in the following over, King’s athleticism at deep midwicket resulting in a comfortable relay catch for Joseph. Shepherd then collapsed after catching his studs in the turf and had to be helped from the field, as the momentum shifted again. Mousley fell shortly after reaching fifty but lower-order cameos from Overton (32 off 21) and Archer (38 not out off 17) saw Rutherford’s medium-pace take a battering and 100 runs bleed from the last ten overs. That ended up as a footnote after King and Carty took charge.

West Brom racing Middlesbrough to sign "incredible" 39-cap international

West Bromwich Albion are now in a transfer race with Middlesbrough to sign an experienced defender on a free transfer, according to a recent report.

West Brom chasing multiple transfer targets

It’s been a steady start to the transfer window for the Baggies and new manager Ryan Mason, as they have brought in three new players so far. Defenders George Campbell and Nat Phillips have arrived from Montreal and Liverpool respectively, as well as Aune Heggebo to reinforce the front line.

Dream Johnston upgrade: West Brom submit surprise offer for £1.1m star

West Bromwich Albion could think outside of the box when pursuing a Mikey Johnston upgrade.

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The Championship side are looking to remain active however, and have their eye on adding more attacking talent. It was reported earlier this month that West Brom are among the teams interested in signing Mikey Moore on loan from Tottenham Hotspur. The youngster featured for the Premier League side last season but could be set for a spell away given the change in the dugout.

And Moore is not the only attacker Mason has his eye on, as the Express & Star recently revealed that Jesurun Rak-Sakyi is also wanted by West Brom and could be available for around £10 million, as he looks set for a move away from Crystal Palace. However, the Baggies face a tough battle, as rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers are also keen on the exciting winger.

West Brom in race with Middlesbrough to sign Jamal Lewis

Despite already adding defensive reinforcements this summer, Mason appears keen for more options at the back. According to The Belfast Telegraph, West Brom are interested in signing Jamal Lewis on a free transfer.

Jamal Lewis

The left-back was released by Newcastle United in the summer after a tough spell at St James’ Park, where he made just 31 Premier League appearances in three seasons. His availability on a free transfer has now alerted the Baggies but also Middlesbrough and Norwich City, who are keen on the defender.

The 27-year-old, who has earned 39 caps for Northern Ireland, spent the first half of last season on loan at Brazilian side São Paulo, but it was an experience that didn’t go to plan, as he appeared just six times. Lewis returned to Newcastle and didn’t feature in a single game for the remainder of the season.

Jamal Lewis’ Championship stats

Apps

100

Minutes played

8289

Goals

0

Assists

6

Despite his struggles at Newcastle since Eddie Howe arrived, the Englishman has been full of praise for Lewis, dubbing him an “incredible athlete” in the past. Howe said: “Jamal, we hope, can stay fit and show us what he’s capable of.

“I believe in him as a player, but he’s just had really bad luck. He’s got a lot to offer physically; we’ve certainly seen that in pre-season – an incredible athlete. He needs consistency of training at the moment – and hopefully he can get that.”

Interestingly, the Baggies have already dealt with his agency, PLG, this summer, as the group also represent Phillips, as well as current star Jayson Molumby, perhaps smoothing negotiations considering Lewis is a free agent.

Isak-esque signing: Hughes expected to seal Liverpool deal for PL "monster"

Those of a Liverpool persuasion appear to have come down with a nasty case of Alexander Isak fever, and well, who can blame them?

The bombshell news emerged on Tuesday that, after months of whispers and speculation, the Premier League champions are finally ready to firm up their interest in the Newcastle United man, amid the prospect of a potential £120m bid for the Swede.

That mammoth offer – which would eclipse the Reds’ recent club-record capture of Florian Wirtz – could put the icing on the cake for the Anfield side’s summer business, with Isak fresh off the back of a season that saw him score 23 top-flight goals.

Unsurprisingly, the Magpies are hell-bent on keeping hold of their star man for a little while longer, albeit with Richard Hughes playing the trump card after rivalling Eddie Howe and co in the pursuit of Isak’s heir apparent, Hugo Ekitike. Checkmate?

Either way, it would appear that the Merseysiders are in a strong bargaining position, with optimism growing that the division’s “best striker” – as described by Sweden boss Jon Dahl Tomasson – could be lining up alongside the likes of Mohamed Salah next season.

Isak, as stated, might well be the delicious icing, but Hughes could also sprinkle a little cherry on top by sealing yet another high-profile deal in the coming weeks…

Latest on Liverpool's transfer pursuit

Wirtz. Jeremie Frimpong. Milos Kerkez. Isak next?

It may now be a waiting game to see if the Newcastle marksman will agitate for a move, albeit with Liverpool no doubt keen to pounce on the 25-year-old’s contract uncertainty, with the Daily Mail’s Dominic King outlining that talks have ‘stalled’ over a new deal at St James’ Park.

According to King, Hughes and his recruitment team will officially move for the former Real Sociedad striker if they ‘receive encouragement’, with this game of cat and mouse likely to have a few twists and turns to come.

Transfer Focus

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

Elsewhere, meanwhile, Football Insider have reported that Liverpool are expected to soon seal a deal for Crystal Palace skipper, Marc Guehi, with that move looking ‘increasingly likely’ amid developments at Selhurst Park.

Indeed, the report outlines that with the Eagles seemingly closing in on the £45m signing of Sporting CP centre-back, Ousmane Diomande, it would pave the way for Guehi to depart.

The suggestion is that with the England international having just a year left to run on his Palace contract, the south Londoners are keen to cash in this summer, rather than lose him on a free in 12 months’ time.

Why Liverpool could be set to seal another Isak-esque signing

It’s fair to say that after sitting out the recent friendly win over Preston North End, excitement is brewing over finally seeing the aforementioned Wirtz in action in a Liverpool shirt, with the 22-year-old German signing off his time at Bayer Leverkusen with 122 goals and assists in 97 games in all competitions.

Florian Wirtz

That capture is a statement deal, no doubt, but if Isak were to arrive, it would truly take the biscuit, with the 6 foot 4 sensation a Premier League-proven talent, having scored 44 league goals across the last two seasons combined.

The man who helped steer Newcastle to Carabao Cup glory over Arne Slot’s side earlier this year, the £63m goal machine could now be the figurehead of a new era at Anfield, with the rest of the division likely to already be quaking in their boots.

As for Guehi, while such a deal would almost go under the radar amid the current circumstances, there would be shades of Isak about that acquisition, with Liverpool in line to poach another key figure from a fellow Premier League outfit.

Currently captain at Selhurst Park, the 25-year-old has already made 132 appearances in England’s top tier to date, having notably skippered his side to shock FA Cup glory in 2024/25.

Minutes played

61

Touches

17

Pass accuracy

75%

Key passes

1

Possession lost

2

Ground duels won

1/2

Aerial duels won

1/4

Tackles

1

Clearances

4

Like Isak, the in-demand defender – who has also been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer – has more than proven himself against Premier League opposition, with both men also seemingly at the perfect point of their careers. Indeed, with both men still only 25, they have gained notable experience at the top level, but may not yet have entered their peak.

Described as a “monster” of a centre-back by reporter Bobby Manzi, Guehi – like Isak – is also “one of the best in the country” in his position, as per scout Mick Brown, with Liverpool able to acquire a player who would slot straight into their starting lineup.

Crystal Palace's MarcGuehi

Much like with Isak, there would be no period of transition or adaptation, this is a player who could well hit the ground running on Merseyside.

This is a man who ranks in the top 10% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for key passes per 90, as well as in the top 10% for through balls, as per FBref. In essence, he is a master at playing out from the back.

Having romped to the title at a canter last season, Liverpool are at a point now where they can poach the very best that the Premier League has to offer. In their respective positions, Isak and Guehi would be just that.

Romano: Liverpool plan to submit record-breaking bid to sign Alexander Isak

The Reds could spend big once again…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 15, 2025

India to tour South Africa for four T20Is in November 2024

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

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Jun-2024

The T20I series is set to begin on November 8•BCCI

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.”

Not just Delap: Ipswich star who earns more than Davis must be axed

With Ipswich Town suffering relegation back down to the Championship, there must be a fear in the air that they could suffer the same fate as Luton Town.

Like the Hatters, the Tractor Boys sealed an unexpected place in the top-flight but since then, Luton have found themselves on the end of back-to-back relegations.

Of course, Kieran McKenna will look to the examples of both Burnley and Leeds United instead as clubs who have been able to lick their wounds quickly after sinking back down to the EFL, but it’s not set in stone that the Tractor Boys will rise back up to the Premier League in a flash.

Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapreacts

Any effort made towards achieving instant promotion will be made a lot harder by Liam Delap’s impending exit from Portman Road, with the young Englishman now closing in on a move to Chelsea.

Latest update on Delap's Ipswich future

If it wasn’t for Delap leading the line, Ipswich’s 2024/25 campaign would have been a lot more grim towards the foot of the top-flight table.

Indeed, a large 12 of the Tractor Boys’ overall 33 league strikes came courtesy of the ex-Manchester City man’s magic firepower in front of goal, but not even Delap’s best efforts have been able to keep his lowly side from succumbing to the drop.

But, off the back of being such a livewire in an otherwise despondent group, Delap attracted interest from a plethora of top-flight sides including Manchester United, Everton, Newcastle United and, of course, the Blues.

The Daily Mail revealed earlier this week that he had held talks with four potential sides over leaving Suffolk behind, with his low £30m release clause tickling the fancy of many a Premier League outfit.

As it is, Enzo Maresca’s side have emerged victorious from that hotly-contested battle, with Fabrizio Romano outlining that the striker is set to undergo a medical on Monday, ahead of moving to Stamford Bridge.

Whilst losing Delap would be devastating, not every departure this summer needs to be equally as soul-destroying.

The Ipswich star who must now be axed

McKenna will believe that he can steer Ipswich straight back up to the big time, having already achieved two memorable promotions from the Portman Road dug-out.

But, he could well have to be cut-throat in who he allows to leave the building if he wants instant success, with long-standing Ipswich servant Sam Morsy one face he might have to contemplate letting leave.

After all, whilst the Egyptian veteran did captain both of those promotion-winning sides, he showed worrying signs of rust when thrown into the side last season.

It resulted in Morsy only picking up a weak one goal and one assist from 31 starts, which is way off his three goals and six assists tally during the 2023/24 campaign.

Additionally, despite falling down the pecking order in Suffolk somewhat, Morsy still pockets a higher wage per week than Tractor Boys stalwart Leif Davis, with the left-back also eyeing up a major move away from Ipswich now, with Nottingham Forest rumoured to be keen.

George Hirst

£27.5k-per-week

26

3

1

Jack Clarke

£25k-per-week

32

0

4

Jaden Philogene

£25k-per-week

21

2

0

Liam Delap

£20k-per-week

37

12

2

Leif Davis

£25k-per-week

33

1

2

Amazingly, Morsy’s £30k-per-week salary means he earns more than all of the Ipswich first team figures above, with the Tractor Boys number five even raking in £10k-per-week more than 12-goal hero Delap.

McKenna might well want to keep Morsy around for one final season before his Ipswich contract runs down, knowing full well that he knows what it takes to play his part in a successful EFL campaign.

But, before he declines even more, it could well be the most appropriate course of action to move on Morsy now.

If "sensational" Ipswich star leaves, it would be as disastrous as Delap

Ipswich Town could also lose this sensational star away from just Liam Delap leaving Portman Road.

ByKelan Sarson May 23, 2025

Romano: Man Utd now make contact to sign £17m star who could replace Onana

Manchester United have now made contact with an “unbeatable” goalkeeper as a possible replacement for Andre Onana, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Man Utd chasing defensive reinforcements

United supporters are highly anticipating the Red Devils prioritising strengthening their forward line this summer, given the lack of goals scored throughout this 2024/25 campaign. However, while Ruben Amorim wants to improve his attacking options, he is also in the market to strengthen his defence, given Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are on course to leave when their contracts expire.

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It’s already been reported that United have held talks over signing centre-back Jonathan Tah on a free transfer. The German international is set to become a free agent as his contract at Bayer Leverkusen expires, and the Red Devils are now interested in a deal. However, they are not alone, as European heavyweights Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Barcelona are also circling with interest.

Tah is not the only defender under consideration, as a report from Spain has stated that United are ready to go all out and sign Ronald Araujo from Barcelona. The defender is a key player for the Spanish giants, but the Premier League giants hope an offer worth £68 million will be enough to tempt Barca into selling, as Araujo is considered a player who can help transform their defence.

Man Utd make contact to sign £17m ace as replacement for Onana

As well as looking to strengthen his centre-back options, Amorim could also be in the market for a new goalkeeper, and according to Fabrizio Romano, Man Utd have Torino’s Vanja Milinkovic-Savic on their goalkeeper shortlist.

Romano states that initial contacts between United and the player’s camp have taken place. The transfer expert also goes on to state that United are now waiting to hear how much Torino would want for their shot-stopper, but it’s been previously reported that he has a release clause worth £17 million from the end of July.

The 28-year-old, who has been hailed as “unbeatable” for his record of saving penalties, has a history at Old Trafford, as he joined the club back in 2014 before leaving in 2016 to move to Poland. The goalkeeper didn’t play a game for United but did represent their academy side.

Vanja Milinkovic-Savic’s Torino stats

Apps

155

Goals conceded

158

Clean sheets

52

Milikovic-Savic’s potential arrival at Old Trafford would likely see him replace Onana, as he is currently first choice for Torino, where he has kept 10 clean sheets in 34 Serie A games this season.

Meanwhile, for Onana, this season has been a struggle, with performances dipping from good to bad, and that inconsistent form is a reason why Amorim may be looking for a new number one. The Cameroon international, on £120,000-a-week, is still under contract until 2028, but United may look to cash in this summer, as there has been a mention of teams from the Saudi Pro League interested in a potential deal for Onana.

NSWE prepared to spend: Aston Villa plot move for "aggressive" £50m star

Reportedly prepared to spend to make the deal happen, Aston Villa and NSWE have reportedly set their sights on winning the race to sign a defender worth £50m this summer.

NSWE prepared to spend despite Aston Villa PSR concern

This summer wouldn’t be the first time that those at Villa Park spent big, given how they’ve splashed the cash to improve Unai Emery’s side in recent windows. Unlike in the past, however, NSWE will reportedly have to walk a fine line if they are to avoid breaking any profit and sustainability rules in a problem that they’re already looking to solve in an unexpected way.

Whether selling stakes in the women’s team solves Villa’s problem remains to be seen, but such a possibility certainly adds pressure to the achievements that the men’s team are in pursuit of. By qualifying for the Champions League for a second consecutive campaign, Emery’s side would undoubtedly provide the entire club with some added funds.

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What will have certainly helped on that front is their 2-1 victory over top-four rivals Nottingham Forest to maintain their push to sneak into European contention. Emery was well aware of just how important the result was, telling reporters: “I’m very happy because here in Villa Park we are feeling very strong.

“We are transmitting our energy to the supporters and their energy is transmitting to us. We are, more or less, winning, responding well.

“The supporters are happy with how we are responding and getting challenges like today against Nottingham, who are having a fantastic season. We’re trying to keep going in the challenges we have: today, next Wednesday, then again in Premier League, the FA Cup semi-final in London.”

What’s more, that financial boost courtesy of European qualification could yet see Aston Villa win the race to sign an in-demand defensive reinforcement in the coming months.

Aston Villa targeting £50m Diomande

As impressive as Aston Villa’s depth has been since the January transfer window, it won’t be long before they lose loanees Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi. And that’s when they could turn towards a £50m defender.

According to Football Insider, Aston Villa and NSWE are now prepared to spend to sign Ousmane Diomande from Sporting Club, who value their talented defender at £50m ahead of this summer.

The 21-year-old has also attracted interest from Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea to form a hectic Premier League race for his signature. Whether other clubs are willing to spend like Aston Villa seemingly are remains to be seen, however.

Described as an “aggressive” and “tough tackling” defender by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Diomande would be worth every penny in a £50m deal this summer, no matter who wins the race for his signature.

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