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Nottingham Forest chiefs have made a decision on the future of under-fire boss Ange Postecoglou, with a big-name manager now the “leading contender” to potentially replace him.

Ange Postecoglou makes worst start by a Forest manager for 100 years

Postecoglou’s appointment at Forest raised a good few eyebrows, and Evangelos Marinakis’ managerial gamble really hasn’t paid off so far.

The ex-Tottenham boss’ tenure has been marred by a disastrous run of form, with the team failing to secure a single win in his first seven matches in charge. This dire streak has left Forest languishing near the bottom of the Premier League table and under intense pressure from fans and the media alike.

Arsenal 3-0 Forest

Premier League

Swansea 3-2 Forest

Carabao Cup

Burnley 1-1 Forest

Premier League

Real Betis 2-2 Forest

Europa League

Forest 0-1 Sunderland

Premier League

Forest 2-3 FC Midtjylland

Europa League

Newcastle 2-0 Forest

Premier League

A string of poor results have been compounded by a lack of cohesion on the pitch.

Postecoglou’s high-intensity, possession-based style has yet to translate into convincing performances, with Forest players thus far struggling to adapt to a very different system compared to that of his predecessor, Nuno Espirito Santo.

Defensive frailties have also been glaring, leading to frustration within the stands and growing calls for change already. The atmosphere at the City Ground is souring, with supporters chanting ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ when the Tricky Trees fell to their humbling 3-2 defeat at home to FC Midtjylland in the Europa League.

As a result, speculation about his future has intensified, with reports suggesting that Marinakis is closely monitoring the situation and could make another managerial change if results do not improve swiftly (Sky Sports).

The possibility of Postecoglou becoming the shortest-reigning manager in Premier League history has also been discussed, following the 60-year-old’s worst start by any Forest boss in 100 years.

If Marinakis does make a change, there are a few candidates who are being linked with the potentially vacant Forest job.

Fulham’s Marco Silva is one target for Forest. Marinakis enjoys a good relationship with the Portuguese, having previously worked together at Olympiacos, where they won a Greek Super League title.

Like Silva, Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is out of contract at the end of this season, and some reports suggest the tactician is another “prime candidate” to succeed Postecoglou if he’s dismissed (TEAMtalk).

Rafael Benitez emerging as "leading contender" for Nottingham Forest job

Now, according to journalist Wayne Veysey, former Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle and Everton manager, Rafael Benitez, has suddenly jumped up Marinakis’ shortlist.

The 65-year-old, who’s been out of work since leaving Celta Vigo in 2024, last managed in the Premier League over three and a half years ago during his lacklustre spell at Everton.

Benitez was spotted in close proximity to Marinakis during Olympiacos’ 2-0 defeat at Arsenal in the Champions League last week, and he’s apparently open to an approach from Forest with the club considering his candidacy (GiveMeSport).

According to Veysey, in a piece for Football Insider, Benitez is “now the leading contender” to replace Postecoglou at Forest, and as the Spaniard emerges into pole position, Marinakis has also made a decision on his current boss.

Veysey also claims that Marinakis has decided not to axe Postecoglou during this international break, and will stick with him for the return of Premier League football next week.

However, he must inspire a quick turnaround of results, or face being dismissed, with Benitez there as a top option in the event Postecoglou is sacked.

Called a “world-class” tactician by his peers, Benitez has enjoyed a trophy-laden career overall.

Clubs

Tenure

Matches in charge

Titles/achievements

Real Valladolid

1995-96

25

Osasuna

1996

9

Extremadura

1997-99

92

Segunda promotion

Tenerife

2000-01

46

Segunda promotion

Valencia

2001-04

162

La Liga X2

UEFA Cup

Liverpool

2004-12

350

Champions League

FA Cup

UEFA Super Cup

Internazionale

2010

25

FIFA Club World Cup

Supercoppa Italiana

Chelsea

2012-13

48

Europa League

Napoli

2013-15

112

Coppa Italia

Supercoppa Italiana

Real Madrid

2015-16

25

Newcastle United

2016-19

146

EFL Championship

Dalian Professional

2019-21

38

Everton

2021-22

22

Celta de Vigo

2023-24

33

That being said, Benitez’s inactivity since 23/24 could spark doubt as to whether he is ready for an extremely tough job like Forest right now.

Manchester United are targeting a new manager who has defeated the Red Devils with three different clubs to replace Ruben Amorim.

Amorim wins 50th Man Utd game with pressure still on

The current Man Utd manager recorded a much-needed 2-0 Premier League win over Sunderland last time out prior to the international break in what was his 50th game in charge of the club.

Amorim’s first full season at Old Trafford so far hasn’t gone to plan, but goals from Mason Mount and Benjamin Sesko helped ease the pressure and lift United into the top half.

The first Red Devils manager to win his 50th game in charge since Sir Alex Ferguson, Amorim is still under big pressure at Old Trafford. That’s according to former defender Gary Neville, who said:

A number of managers have been linked to replace Amorim in Manchester, including former England boss Gareth Southgate, who has a good relationship with INEOS.

Ex-Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez is also eyeing up the Old Trafford position, but it appears as if Man Utd have another name on their radar.

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ByMatt Dawson Oct 7, 2025 Man Utd targeting move for Aston Villa manager Unai Emery

According to reports from Spain, Man Utd are targeting Aston Villa boss Unai Emery as a replacement for Amorim.

It is stated that ‘Emery appears to be among the favourites among those considering possible replacements’, with his ‘extensive experience’, ‘ability to lead teams coherently’ and ‘tactical control and emphasis on compact defensive structures’ useful in comparison to Amorim.

The 53-year-old, who plays a 4-2-3-1 system, has had his own issues in 2025/26, going four games without a Premier League goal at the start of the campaign.

Villa have since won their last four games in all competitions, and Emery has actually defeated Man Utd with Villarreal, Arsenal and Aston Villa during his career.

Arsenal 2-0 Man Utd

10th March 2019

Villarreal 1-1 Man Utd (12-11 pens)

26th May 2021

Aston Villa 3-1 Man Utd

6th November 2022

A four-time Europa League winner, Emery will be looking to make that five with Aston Villa this season, but by the looks of things, he could be on Man Utd’s shortlist to replace Amorim if INEOS decide to pull the plug over the coming months.

Chelsea have identified a Real Madrid star as one of their top targets for 2026 already, with BlueCo prepared to meet the player’s asking price, according to a new report.

Enzo Maresca’s side ranked among the Premier League’s biggest-spending teams during the summer window, splashing close to £290 million, but their array of player sales meant that Chelsea actually recorded a small profit.

The Premier League’s biggest summer spenders

Team

Spent

Received

Net Spend

Liverpool

£415,000,000

£187,000,000

£228,000,000

Chelsea

£285,000,000

£288,000,000

-£3,000,000

Arsenal

£255,000,000

£9,000,000

£246,000,000

Newcastle

£250,000,000

£152,000,000

£98,000,000

Man Utd

£216,000,000

£68,000,000

£148,000,000

Nottm Forest

£205,000,000

£107,000,000

£98,000,000

Tottenham

£181,000,000

£36,000,000

£145,000,000

Sunderland

£162,000,000

£44,000,000

£118,000,000

Man City

£152,000,000

£53,000,000

£99,000,000

West Ham

£124,000,000

£55,000,000

£69,000,000

via BBC

The west Londoners, and quite rightly so, have earned a reputation for being one of England’s most prolific selling clubs, and if Bayern Munich trigger Nicolas Jackson’s obligation to buy clause next summer, they’ll stand to earn a further £56 million on top of his record-breaking loan fee.

Interestingly, Jackson could face off against Chelsea in the Champions League this evening, with Vincent Kompany handed a dilemma over playing the Senegalese against his parent club.

The 24-year-old’s potential sale would do wonders to fund Chelsea’s 2026 summer plans, and they have a few key items on the agenda already. If Maresca cannot sign a centre-back in January, it’s something they’ll reportedly visit later in the new year.

Elsewhere in the squad, a fresh claim has surfaced that Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga is firmly on Chelsea’s radar.

Chelsea identify Eduardo Camavinga as top target for 2026

According to reports from Spain, Chelsea are eyeing Camavinga as one of their priority signings for 2026.

The Frenchman is yet to make a single appearance under Xabi Alonso this season after just returning from an ankle injury, but was on the bench for Real’s 2-1 win over Marseille in the Champions League on Tuesday.

Valued at around £52 million, it is believed that Chelsea are prepared to pay that price for Camavinga, and if any club were to offer it, Real would also be happy to negotiate his exit.

Would Eduardo Camavinga fit in at Chelsea?

Maresca already boasts a star-studded midfield of Enzo Fernández, Moises Caicedo, the returning Roméo Lavia and Dario Essugo — although the latter is set to be sidelined for a lengthy period after surgery.

The 22-year-old is a player of real quality when fit and available, but Camavinga’s worrying injury record comes as a real warning to BlueCo.

He made just 35 appearances in all competitions last season — missing nearly 30 games through a combination of knee, muscle and hamstring problems — and the last thing Chelsea need is an injury-prone player who’s barely available.

That being said, Camavinga has also attracted huge praise for his performances at the Bernabeu.

MatériaMais Notícias

Nahuel Ferraresi bateu o martelo: quer ficar no São Paulo. Com isso, o zagueiro venezuelano decidiu junto de seu pai cobrar o Grupo City, dono de seus direitos federativos, para se posicionar sobre a questão o quanto antes.

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O LANCE! apurou que o plano do defensor é pelo menos prorrogar seu vínculo com o Tricolor até o meio de 2024, quando poderia enfim ser negociado com o futebol europeu.

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O acordo inicial entre Tricolor e conglomerado árabe previa o empréstimo de Ferraresi somente até o meio deste ano. Mas existem prerrogativas contratuais que permitem a extensão até dezembro.

Isso até por conta da grave contusão de Ferraresi, que passou por cirurgia no joelho direito e deve voltar aos gramados só em setembro.

A autorização para que fizesse a cirurgia no joelho direito e a recuperação no Brasil, após sinalizar que preferia a viagem do venezuelano à Inglaterra, são indícios claros de que o Grupo City não faz oposição para que a cláusula do acordo entre as partes pela prorrogação possa ser efetivado. Até pela melhor recuperação do venezuelano.

O L! apurou que o São Paulo tenta fechar o acordo de empréstimo até o meio de 2024, o que não parece ser os planos do Grupo City.

A avaliação dos árabes é que se está satisfeito com o jogador, o Tricolor que exerça a opção de compra com valor também já estipulado. E não fique buscando renovações de empréstimos. A opção não está descartada.

Até porque, os planos do Grupo City é o de aproveitar Ferraresi, ambientado ao país, no Bahia, clube que adquiriu a SAF recentemente.

Se na cirurgia o São Paulo ganhou a ‘briga’ se valendo da boa relação de Casares com os cabeças do conglomerado árabe, resta agora saber se a relação amistosa continuará ou será suficiente para garantir a permanência do zagueiro que o são-paulino aprendeu a admirar.

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أعلن نادي برشلونة تعرض مهاجمه البولندي روبرت ليفاندوفسكي، مهاجم الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الكتالوني لإصابة قوية في عضلة الفخذ.

وشارك ليفاندوفسكي في مباراة بولندا، أمس، ضد ليتوانيا في تصفيات قارة أوروبا المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم نسخة 2026، حيث فاز منتخب بلاده بهدفين وسجل هدفًا.

وتزداد التكهنات حول مستقبل ليفاندوفسكي، خلال الفترة المقبلة، حيث من المقرر أن ينتهي عقده الصيف المقبل.

وقدم ليفاندوفسكي مستويات متميزة مع برشلونة خلال السنوات الماضية، ولعب صاحب الـ37 عامًا دورًا كبيرًا في حصول الفريق الكتالوني الموسم الماضي على ثلاثية الدوري الإسباني وكأس السوبر الإسباني وكأس ملك إسبانيا.

اقرأ أيضًا | وجهة محتملة غير متوقعة لـ ليفاندوفسكي حال رحيله عن برشلونة

وأعلن نادي برشلونة اليوم الثلاثاء، أن روبرت ليفاندوفسكي يعاني من تمزق عضلي في العضلة ذات الرأسين الفخذية (الفخذ الأيسر) وستعتمد مدة تعافيه على حجم تطور الإصابة.

وسيغيب اللاعب البولندي عن الملاعب لمدة تتراوح بين 4 و6 أسابيع، حسبما ذكرت صحيفة “موندو ديبورتيفو” الإسانية، مما يعني غيابه المؤكد عن مباراة الكلاسيكو ضد ريال مدريد المقرر إقامتها يوم الأحد على ملعب سانتياجو برنابيو.

عاد ليفاندوفسكي إلى التدريبات في المدينة الرياضية يوم الثلاثاء، حيث خضع لفحوصات طبية بعد الألم الذي عانى منه عقب مباراة الأحد في تصفيات كأس العالم أمام ليتوانيا رفقة منتخب بلاده بولندا.

حتى اليوم، يعتمد هانز فليك فقط على ماركوس راشفورد، وفيران توريس، العائد من المنتخب الإسباني بسبب الإصابة، وروني باردجي في خط الهجوم لمباراة السبت المقبل ضد جيرونا على ملعب “مونتجويك”.

“It would be a completely different conversation if I was feeling quite scratchy and feeling out of touch. I’m very fortunate that that’s not the case”

Firdose Moonda27-Dec-2024

Aiden Markram’s fifty led South Africa’s reply•AFP/Getty Images

The numbers say Aiden Markram has had exactly the kind of Test year he always has. Currently on 499 runs, he averages 35.64 in 2024 which is only a fraction lower than his overall average of 35.75, and more than the 34.60 in 2021 and 33.60 in 2018, his other two profitable years. Before this match, he scored an important fifty just a game ago, but still, he came into this Test under so much pressure that his captain Temba Bavuma was asked whether he felt the need to take Markram out for a cup of coffee and check on him and Bavuma indicated that he might have.”I look at Aiden and the struggles that he’s going through and I resonate a lot with the experiences that he’s going through as a player. Putting myself in his shoes, sometimes you just need someone to speak to. Not necessarily someone to tell you what to do, but just to be empathetic to whatever it is that you’re going through,” Bavuma said before the match.Bavuma went on to heap praise on Markram as a leader in the side and a mentor to the younger players and promised that when he “gets over to the other side, that’s where the satisfaction is.”A score of 89 is not quite getting over the line, especially in a year where South African batters have collectively scored ten hundreds but Markam can appreciate the value of what he did at SuperSport Park.”For me, it’s not about me making hundreds. Obviously, making hundreds is great and it does feel good and you know you’re contributing, but it’s more the situation of the game that you find yourself in and when you find yourself getting out, that can frustrate you a lot,” Markram said. “The hundred would be fantastic if it were to happen, but it’s not about Aidan Markram scoring a hundred. It’s more about getting the team into a really strong position where we can hopefully win a game of cricket.”Markram used the word “frustrated” several times to describe the space he finds himself in and he explained it not as someone who thinks his spot in the team is under scrutiny (sidenote: it’s not) but as someone who knows he is capable of a little more.”It was really frustrating because I feel like I’ve been moving well and seeing the ball nicely, but finding some really interesting ways to get out. That’s more the frustrating part, but it’s been quite a busy year.”There’s times where you lack a little bit of mental edge because you’re playing so often and you go through a bit of mental fatigue. That’s where the frustration comes from. It would be a completely different conversation if I was feeling quite scratchy and feeling out of touch. I’m very fortunate that that’s not the case. I’m obviously frustrated that I haven’t been scoring runs. Obviously, it plays on you as a guy who has pride in performance and wants to contribute to winning games at cricket.”Aiden Markram gets some help with his back•AFP via Getty Images

The real pressure is in the format he captains South Africa in: T20Is. In 18 matches in 2024, he averages 15.56 and has only crossed 30 once, and his form during this year’s T20 World Cup was reminiscent of Bavuma’s during the 2022 tournament.Then Bavuma was captain of the T20I side and in poor white-ball form which did not endear him to the South African public and explains why he has such a close understanding of the spotlight Markram has been under.And while it can be difficult for fans to separate form across formats, especially in a calendar where everything seems to morph into one cricketing monolith, it has to be said that white and red-ball forms are different and while South Africa’s white-ball teams are going through a difficult time, Tests are, as Markram called them, “a beast”, or rather, a different beast.Initially, Markram played like it was the same animal and hit ten boundaries in his first fifty runs he scored in what looked like an all-or-bust approach to the innings.Markram explained it as being down to him not having the softest hands in the game and adjusting between his instinct to attack and his understanding of the patience required on what is a fairly spicy pitch.Corbin Bosch scored a fifty on Test debut•AFP/Getty Images

The latter came out deeper into his knock, when he was happy to see his former under-19 team-mate Corbin Bosch take Pakistan on and worked his way from 87 to 89 in 14 balls. Markram was trying to anchor the tail, and though he ended up being dismissed before the proper fireworks began, perhaps his presence gave Bosch the confidence to play with the freedom he did.It was Markram who capped Bosch in ODIs and who has been his friend and team-mate since childhood. While they took vastly different journeys to the national side, Markram almost seemed to take more pride in what Bosch did than his own runs and the sense of genuine pride in his friend shone through.”It looks pretty easy for him at this moment, this whole Test cricket thing, and (his innings) was a great momentum shift for us. It’s a hugely valuable knock, probably worth more than a hundred,” he said.”He’s always been a really talented guy. In the last few years, he’s really put his head down, grafted and put in performances to get the chance. I’m really happy for him that he’s grabbed his opportunity as he has. There’s still a lot left in his tank that he has to offer and I’m glad some of the world can see what he’s about.”But to Bosch himself he said “nothing inspirational”.”I just told him whatever he’s done to get the call-up and to get the opportunity will certainly be good enough at this level as well,” Markram said. “You don’t want to put things in his mind that make him second-guess things and stuff like that. He’s had a great debut so far and it’s good for him that it started out this way.”That’s where seniority, in terms of caps, not age, comes in. As someone who Bavuma has entrusted with some of the team talks and some of the on-the-sidelines chats, Markram has also found a way to help himself.”(As a leader), it’s more just about being there for guys that need it. It’s not about getting too involved,” he said. “Often what you say to other people can help you as well.”Maybe this time, for him, it did.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Santos estreia no Brasileirão no próximo domingo (16) e pode contar com novas peças para o duelo. Adquiridos recentemente pelo Peixe, Bruno Mezenga, Gabriel Inocêncio e Luan Dias participaram das atividades com o restante do elenco nesta quinta-feira (13).

Em processo de retorno para os gramados, Soteldo, Joaquim, Alex Nascimento e João Lucas também realizaram as atividades com o grupo no CT Rei Pelé.

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​
Além desses retornos, o atacante Stiven Mendoza, que está na fase final de transição física, participou de apenas um período do treinamento com o elenco. Lucas Braga, que passou por um tratamentopor conta de Pubalgia, treina separado dos demais atletas.

Focado no primeiro desafio da elite da liga nacional, o Santos deve ter Soteldo apto para o retorno logo no primeiro confronto. Agora, cabe ao treinador Odair Hellmann escolher como alinhará seus comandados no compromisso.

O desafio diante do Grêmio na estreia do Brasileirão acontecerá no domingo (16), às 18h30, no estádio Alfredo Jaconi.

Newcastle United have reportedly lined up a “world-class” striker to replace Alexander Isak before the new Premier League season.

Howe hints at Isak exit

The future of Isak continues to dominate the headlines at St James’ Park, with the Magpies desperately trying to convince the Swede to remain at the club.

Newcastle’s star man reportedly wants to leave in the summer transfer window, however, most likely to Liverpool, with Eddie Howe not exactly speaking confidently about the situation over the weekend.

“He will be aware he is in the news every day and I’m sure that is not easy for anyone in that situation. Conversations that happen with Alex and the club, or Alex and myself, will stay private for obvious reasons.

“We do share a good relationship. He has been magnificent for us since he joined. He’s very popular in the dressing room. “We would love him to continue his journey at Newcastle. Although, whatever happens has to be right for Newcastle.”

It doesn’t feel likely that Isak will stay at Newcastle as things stand, and if the 25-year-old does depart, a stellar replacement will need to be found. RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Brentford’s Yoane Wissa have been linked with moves to the club and now another top player has been thrown into the hat.

Newcastle eyeing "world-class" Isak replacement

A new report from Caught Offside now claims that Newcastle are “tracking” Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus this summer, as they potentially plan for life without Isak.

AC Milan and Barcelona are also credited with interest in the £265,000-a-week Brazilian, with the Magpies said to be “exploring options to strengthen their attacking line”.

Jesus’ time at Arsenal may have petered out, with injury problems holding him back, but there is still plenty of sense in Newcastle making a move for him.

His fitness issues would make it a gamble, in fairness, but the 28-year-old has proven himself at the highest level for years now, being hailed by former Manchester City striker Paul Dickov.

“Centre-forwards know how to deliver from outside and Jesus has done everything he needs. It was lovely to see him on the scoresheet, as well. He’s a special player. Many people question him, but he really is a world-class player. He produces. Every time he is called upon, he delivers.”

Jesus has scored 19 goals for Brazil, coming in 64 caps, as well as registering 121 goal involvements in 229 Premier League appearances, showing what an elite attacker he has been down the years.

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Unlike Sesko, he has shown that he can be a force in England’s top flight when fit, although there is also an argument to say that the Leipzig man would be the more sensible long-term option whose peak is still in front of him.

It has not been the easiest summer transfer window for Newcastle United. Eddie Howe’s side have constantly seen their first-choice targets across the pitch turn them down, or they have lost out to other clubs. Bryan Mbeumo’s proposed move to Manchester United is a prime example of that.

Well, the Magpies have lined up a deal for former Man United academy star Anthony Elanga as an alternative to the Brentford winger, with the Nottingham Forest man set for a medical before a proposed £55m move.

At the other end of the pitch, Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini is a clear target for the Tynesiders. However, the Italian is not the only defender Howe’s side are lining up this summer.

Newcastle’s new defensive target

It remains to be seen just how realistic a deal to sign Scalvini is for Newcastle this season. The Magpies were reportedly engaging in discussions with Atalanta over the weekend, as per reports.

Well, another centre-back that the North East giants are pursuing is Chelsea’s French international defender Axel Disasi. According to a report from RMC Sport, Newcastle are one of a few sides who ‘have begun talks’ for the former AS Monaco star.

They are thought to be ‘interested in the international’s profile’, and could look to do a deal in the region of £25m, the fee Chelsea want from the move.

However, they are not the only club in the race, with Spanish outfit Villareal the one side ‘particularly persistent’ ahead of the deal.

Why Disasi would be a good signing

The 2024/25 campaign was by no means an easy one for 27-year-old Disasi. He fell out of favour under Enzo Maresca at Chelsea and departed the club on a six-month loan deal in January, joining Aston Villa temporarily.

The centre-back, who was a part of France’s 2022 World Cup squad, made 27 appearances across all competitions for the Blues and the Villans last term. However, with just 852 Premier League minutes under his belt for both sides, he surely did not play the number of games he may have wanted.

Yet, the Frenchman did impress at Villa Park, despite the lack of football he played last term. Villans boss Unai Emery said in March that Disasi was a player “growing in confidence” the more he played. That came after a Player of the Match performance against Brentford away from home.

As football talent scout Jacek Kulig once said, he is a “dominant” player when at his best.

The Chelsea defender could be the perfect alternative to Scalvini, who also didn’t play in 2024/25. However, that was due to injury, with the 21-year-old first recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament injury, before picking up a shoulder injury which essentially ended his season.

So, last season, the Italy star made just eight appearances. However, in 2023/24, a season in which Atalanta won the Europa League, Scalvini played 44 games. In the final, he played 45 minutes against a Bayer Leverkusen side who had, until that clash, gone invincible. He helped keep a clean sheet and steer his side to a 3-0 win.

With little football for both players last season, it is perhaps tough for the Magpies to judge who is best to sign. However, stats on FBref from the 2023/24 season can be used to help make a better call, with Disasi’s numbers stacking up well against his Italian counterpart.

For example, the Chelsea number two, who will surely leave Stamford Bridge this summer, averaged 3.9 progressive passes and 3.55 clearances per 90 minutes. In comparison, the Atalanta star averaged 4.1 progressive passes and 2.51 progressive passes each game.

Progressive passes

3.9

4.1

Progressive carries

1.05

1.06

Tackles

1.15

1.87

Clearances

3.5

2.51

Ball recoveries

5.23

5.76

Aerial duel win rate

69.9%

66.7%

Whilst there is no doubt that Scalvini would be a good addition for the Magpies, his injury record is a worry, and Disasi could prove to be the dream alternative. The 27-year-old brings experience, progression from the back and good reading of the game, as stats like ball recoveries show.

For just £25m, this could be the dream addition for Newcastle this summer, to enhance the quality they have at the back.

He'd be a dream with Scalvini: Newcastle very close to signing £30m star

As Newcastle United increase their interest in Atalanta centre-back Giorgio Scalvini, the Magpies are also “very close” to sign a “world class” star.

ByBen Gray Jul 6, 2025

Liverpool have been extremely busy in the transfer market even before the window has officially opened, and there is also a chance they could convince a £49m forward to become their fourth signing of the summer.

Liverpool to put icing on title cake with three new signings

Reds supporters have been treated to a dream week, as the Premier League trophy was hoisted by a Reds captain in front of a fully packed Anfield for the first time, having celebrated their previous top flight title behind closed doors.

The fun didn’t stop on Sunday either, as thousands of supporters took to the streets of Liverpool to celebrate their heroes at Monday’s parade.

Away from the action on the pitch, FSG, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes have already been hard at work to ensure they capitalise on their domestic dominance, with three signings close to completion.

Florian Wirtz is expected to join from Bayer Leverkusen, with a first bid of over £80m submitted and the player keen to join, while his teammate, wing-back Jeremie Frimpong, is all but signed, sealed and delivered having already completed his Merseyside medical.

Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez is expected to become their third capture of a busy summer period – he has agreed personal terms and the clubs remain locked in talks over a possible £45m move.

Approach made: Liverpool make contact to sign "ridiculous" £51m PSG target

The Reds have now made a move to sign a forward, who is also wanted by Paris Saint-Germain.

ByDominic Lund May 21, 2025

But with Darwin Nunez expected to move on this summer as well as doubts over the futures of Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota, there could also be movement on a fourth new face in the shape of a £49m forward.

According to a report from Spain, Liverpool are now Real Madrid’s biggest rival in the race for Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, and there is a feeling he is tempted to ignore the interest from Spain and move to Anfield.

Williams is willing to listen to offers from English clubs, and being part of a Reds frontline which may soon include Wirtz is seen as exciting by the speedy Euro 2024 winner.

Bilbao are desperate to keep hold of the winger, but they could be powerless to prevent a departure if the £49m release clause is paid in full, although there is a feeling those at Anfield would have to dish out hefty wages to win the race for his signature.

"Electric" Williams could be perfect Luis Diaz heir

Diaz is yet to sign a new contract, with the Colombian now approaching the penultimate year of his deal, and interest from Barcelona could pose a problem for the Reds, with Hansi Flick reportedly a huge fan of the tricky winger.

Williams however has been a key player in Bilbao for quite some time despite only being 22 years of age, making 166 appearances for his boyhood club and picking up 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions this season.

Much like Diaz, the Spain international also likes to drive at opposition defences, ranking in the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, making it no surprise La Liga’s official media channel called him “electric”.

Statistic

Average per 90

Successful take-ons

3.32 (98th percentile)

Progressive carries

5.70 (92nd percentile)

Shot-creating actions

5.24 (89th percentile)

Slot may be hoping that Diaz is tempted to extend his stay at Anfield, having scored 13 Premier League goals this season, but Williams is clearly a solid long-term replacement, with similar pace and directness and potential to even better the Colombian’s end product as he approaches his prime.