All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Tottenham Hotspur continued their impressive start to life under Thomas Frank with a 3-0 win over West Ham United at the London Stadium on Saturday.

Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergval, and Micky van de Ven scored the goals for the Lilywhites to claim all three points against their London rivals, taking them to three wins from four matches.

One thing Spurs have not had so far this season, though, is an academy graduate playing any minutes in the Premier League, as they are still looking for their next Harry Kane.

Why Spurs need to find their next Harry Kane

Not every supporter will feel this way, or as strongly as others do, but it can be a source of pride to have a player from the team’s academy shining week-in-week-out. One of their own.

Kane was the ultimate version of that. He burst through the academy and loan systems to emerge as an incredible performer, moving on from North London in 2023 with a club-record 280 goals in all competitions, per Transfermarkt.

As well as being one of their own, England’s all-time top scorer was also the king of derby day for Tottenham with an impressive goalscoring record against Arsenal.

Kane achieved all of this, though, after he scored two goals for Leicester City, five goals for Leyton Orient, nine goals for Millwall, and no goals for Norwich City on loan before his first-team breakthrough, per Transfermarkt.

With this in mind, Spurs may be brewing their next version of Kane in one of their current young talents who are struggling out on loan at the moment, Mikey Moore.

Why Mikey Moore is the next Harry Kane in the making for Spurs

The 18-year-old winger was sent out on loan to Glasgow Rangers during the summer transfer window, but has not had the best start to life north of the border.

In five appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants, Moore has yet to find the back of the net and his only assist came against Alloa Athletic, a lower league outfit in the League Cup, per Transfermarkt.

The England youth international has not hit the ground running for Russell Martin’s team at Ibrox, particularly in the Scottish Premiership, since completing his first loan move away from Spurs.

Appearances

3

Starts

2

Shots on target

0

Goals

0

Key passes

1

Big chances created

0

Assists

0

Dribble success rate

17%

As you can see in the table above, Moore has struggled in his first three league outings for Rangers, with no shots on target and no ‘big chances’ created for his team.

The 18-year-old talent is still finding his way at first-team level, though, and these are negative experiences that will provide the harsh lessons that he will need to learn from to kick on and progress, as Kane did after struggling in his loan spells away from Tottenham.

Moore, who analyst Ben Mattinson claimed has “superstar potential”, caught the eye at academy level for Spurs with a return of 19 goals and 13 assists in 24 matches for the U19s, per Transfermarkt.

These statistics show that the English youngster has the potential to deliver goals and assists on a regular basis, but it is down to him to start to show that in the first-team when he returns from Rangers next summer.

Spurs will be hoping that Moore, who has scored one goal for Tottenham’s first-team, uses the 2025/26 campaign as a big learning experience to teach him what to and what not to do at senior level as a regular starter.

Kane used his time at Millwall, Norwich, Leyton Orient, and Leicester to propel him to glory in the first-team, and Moore may well be on his way to following the England captain’s footsteps.

He'll be Frank's own Bale: Spurs have hit gold on "phenomenal" £20m star

Tottenham Hotspur have unearthed themselves a new gem over the last couple of months.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 12, 2025

At the age of 18, the winger has so much time left ahead of him to grow and develop. Hopefully, he will eventually be able to star for Spurs as their first-choice left winger in the future.

Sunderland are yet to pick up a win during their pre-season outing to the Algarve, but there have been promising signs aplenty anyway.

Indeed, the Black Cats have faced some formidable opponents out in Portugal in the form of Sevilla and Sporting, meaning a 1-1 draw and a 1-0 loss aren’t disastrous outcomes, when you also consider a large chunk of the first team personnel selected by Regis Le Bris are still getting used to one another as brand new recruits.

In particular, Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki caught the eye of Sunderland spectators watching on, with the skilful midfield duo set to be joined by another impressive body in the middle if emerging reports are correct.

Sunderland agree terms with £17m battler

Of course, Sunderland fans will take any progressing deal with a pinch of salt until it’s officially over the line, having been burnt recently by Armand Lauriente’s deal falling through at the last minute.

Lauriente was even pictured jetting off to the Stadium of Light to complete a move, but the wheels unfortunately came off the deal in the end.

Hopefully, any last-minute mishaps are out of the Wearside outfit’s system, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein dramatically revealing via X that Sunderland have now agreed personal terms with long-term target Granit Xhaka.

The exclusive development by Ornstein reveals that Xhaka is only considering the newly promoted side as his next onward destination, with the hope on his end that the deal can be tied up rapidly for him to return to the Premier League.

In a window where Sunderland have already made a few statement deals a reality, this could well be the pick of the bunch, with the deal for the Swiss international – who is said to be valued at €20m (£17m) – a far more exciting signing to seal than Lauriente’s ever was.

Why signing Xhaka would be more exciting than Lauriente

Lauriente no doubt would have made his presence known donning Sunderland red and white, off the back of an explosive campaign in Serie B.

After all, the silky Frenchman wasn’t labelled “amazing” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig just by fluke, with a stunning haul of 18 strikes last season for Sassuolo clinching a glorious promotion up to the Italian top-flight.

Xhaka also has a sumptuous rocket up his sleeve, yet the seasoned 32-year-old would pick up his impressive tally of two strikes and seven assists in the far choppier and intense terrain of the Bundesliga last campaign, with the Bayer Leverkusen number 34 elevating his game to the next level in Germany.

From 174 games in the top division – with 66 of those coming about for Leverkusen – the midfield enforcer would collect 11 goals and ten assists, 12 of which were registered at the BayArena, as his side were even crowned champions of the usually Bayern Munich-dominated Bundesliga during his two-campaign stint.

Games played

225

Goals

17

Assists

25

Completed passes

14,865 (88%)

Tackles

368

Duels won

1001

On the contrary, Lauriente only has 133 games next to his name in total when plying his trade in Serie A and Ligue 1, with Xhaka’s expertise of the taxing Premier League also making him a far more worthwhile signing to pursue, away from festering in any lingering disappointment of the Frenchman’s deal collapsing.

Whilst he did experience many bumps along the way at Arsenal, Xhaka – in retrospect – is now viewed as a cog that allowed the Gunners to tick during testing times, as seen in his impressive 17 goals and 25 assists from a mammoth 225 top-flight appearances.

On top of that, he also battled away valiantly for the Gunners’ cause time after time, with 1001 duels being won in total, gaining him the label of a “monster” by Arsenal-based writer Connor Humm.

With the necessary grit required for a relegation battle, on top of possessing the quality to try and push Sunderland away from that mire, this really would be a standout addition to make for a £17m star also lauded as a “technician” by Chelsea great Joe Cole.

Lauriente might well have developed into a dazzling attacker under Le Bris’ wing, but if it’s readymade Premier League performers the ex-Lorient manager is after, he should ensure this move is sealed.

Adingra will love him: Sunderland in talks to sign "sensational" £22.5m ace

Sunderland is continuing to negotiate a deal to snap up a £22.5m star

ByKelan Sarson Jul 22, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are prepared to grant a discounted transfer away for one of their star players, with chairman Daniel Levy and the Lilywhites recruitment team conceding their inability to demand a large fee.

Tottenham advancing move for £24m defender after 'emerging' as favourites

Spurs have been told what it would take to get a deal done.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 23, 2025

Spurs boss Thomas Frank oversaw an unprecedented two pre-season friendlies on Saturday, as two separate first-team sides took on Wycombe Wanderers at the Hotspur Way training ground and Luton Town at Kenilworth Road respectively.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Frank’s reason for this was to give as many minutes to his players as possible, before flying out for their pre-season tour of Asia, and Spurs are reportedly just as busy off the field as they are on the grass.

Levy and technical director Johan Lange sealed the signing of Mohammed Kudus in a £55 million deal from West Ham earlier this month, following on from their signings of Kevin Danso, Mathys Tel and Kota Takai, with Spurs in the market for further upgrades.

Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White was a key target for Frank in that regard.

The England international had been booked in for a medical just over two weeks ago, but his once-imminent move to N17 was blocked by Evangelos Marinakis. Despite Forest’s threat of legal action for an alleged ‘illegal’ approach, Tottenham were thought to still be prioritising a deal for Gibbs-White.

However, following a sensational Saturday night twist, the 25-year-old is now poised to stay at Forest and has even put pen to paper on a new three-year contract – dealing a hammer blow to Frank and Levy in their search for a number 10.

As the club attempt to get more new attackers over the line, with Brentford striker Yoane Wissa also a target for Spurs, uncertainty surrounds the future of legend Son Heung-min.

The South Korea star will be a key centre-piece on their tour of the Far East, given his status as an heroic figure in that part of the world, and reports suggest that Tottenham won’t be able to sell Son until they return from Asia as a result.

In any case, Son has plenty of suitors in the meantime.

Tottenham in talks with Los Angeles FC over selling Son Heung-min

Chief among them is MLS side Los Angeles FC, with renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano confirming that Steve Cherundolo’s side have made an approach to the 33-year-old.

Now, GiveMeSport have an update on this, and the outlet reports that Tottenham are in talks with LAFC over selling Son as negotiations between “all parties” continue.

What’s more, Levy and co are prepared to sell him to the States for as little as £15 million. This is to make his exit as smooth as possible in a bid to honour the player’s decade-long service, with Spurs chiefs conceding that they’re unlikely to get their £35 million valuation from an MLS side.

The “superstar” does have interest from Saudi Arabia, but Son isn’t particularly keen on a move to the Middle East.

Called one of the Premier League’s most underrated ever players, supporters will be sad to bid goodbye to Son, but winning the Europa League last season was a perfect way to call time on his memorable Tottenham career.

“What he brings to the team. Goals, of course, but his energy, his assists, the way he plays the game with a smile on his face,” said Robbie Keane to talkSPORT in 2022.

“For me, he’s the most underrated player in Premier League history. He could play for any team in the world.”

Celtic find themselves becoming very busy in the transfer window and could now move to add further solidity to their backline, according to reports.

Celtic begin to turn the screw on defensive reinforcements

Kieran Tierney agreed his emotional return to the Bhoys in January and confirmation of his arrival at Parkhead was hardly a surprise, even if supporters are delighted that he is back in the building.

However, Hayato Inamura’s arrival at Celtic from Albirex Niigata has also created headlines, with some fans expressing concern at his lack of experience in a top-flight environment before moving to Glasgow.

Brendan Rodgers has since confirmed that he is part of a dual strategy to improve the first-team environment and to also invest in long-term assets who can come good in time: “No, he won’t be (part of the first-team). He’s, again, a part of the investment of the club.

“To bring a player in, we’ll assess and see where he’s at as a young player. And then it’s whether he stays with the squad or whether he has to go out on loan”.

With that in mind, Justin de Haas has been identified as a defensive reinforcement for Celtic that could form part of the senior picture after some solid displays for F.C. Famalicão in the Primeira Liga.

Bid made: Celtic submit formal offer less than half of "ridiculous" valuation

This could be a strong piece of business by the Hoops.

ByHenry Jackson Jul 7, 2025

The Dutchman coming in could throw the cat among the pigeons regarding Auston Trusty and Liam Scales’ future at the heart of Rodgers’ backline. Either way, it is a sign the Irishman wants fresh faces to fuel another Scottish Premiership title challenge.

Now, another name has entered the mix as the Bhoys get to work on bolstering the ranks ahead of another exciting campaign for all involved.

Celtic enter race to sign Etienne Youte Kinkoue

According to L’Equipe, Celtic are keen to sign Le Havre defender Etienne Youte Kinkoue this summer alongside Besiktas and Anderlecht, while Burnley have also been mentioned as another suitor in the hunt for the 23-year-old.

Formerly of Inter and Olympiacos, the ex-France Under-21 international could be allowed to leave his homeland for a fee in the region of £4.3 million, though his current employers are yet to receive any formal approaches for his services.

Etienne Kinkoue in Ligue 1 – 2024/25 (Fotmob)

Total duels won

53

Aerial duels won

26

Interceptions

29

Recoveries

65

Pass accuracy

89.2%

Sheffield United and FC Köln are among Kinkoue’s other admirers, signalling that he is a highly sought-after option on the market this summer due to his affordable price-tag and robust attributes.

Last campaign, he made 28 appearances across all competitions as Le Havre managed to cling on to their top-flight status, though the fact he is out of contract in 2026 has contributed to his availability at a cut-price fee.

Celtic have allowed Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke to leave the club, while Stephen Welsh is on the periphery, so it makes sense that Kinkoue is now on their radar amid the need for another right-footed central defender within Rodgers’ squad.

Even though the transfer window has only been open for a matter of weeks, Manchester United have been extremely busy in the market, looking to add quality to the current first-team squad.

Ruben Amorim has evidently made it clear that he wants new additions to bolster his ranks after the club finished in a measly 15th place in the Premier League this season.

He’s already added Matheus Cunha to his ranks this window, but he could soon be joined in such an area by Bryan Mbeumo, with his £60m transfer appearing to be edging ever closer to completion.

It’s apparent that the club are keen to add further depth to the final third, understandably so, given no player within their current side registered double figures for goals in the Premier League during 2024/25.

Numerous strikers have been on their radar during the off-season, but as of yet, no deal has been agreed for a new talisman despite a positive update that’s emerged on one target’s future.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker

Dušan Vlahović has been seen as a surprise option over recent days, after Juventus opened talks over a deal to sign Jadon Sancho, which could see the Serbian forward, who scored 16 goals this season, move in the opposite direction.

Hugo Ekitiké has been another player considered by the Red Devils, but his £84m price tag could prove to be slightly out of reach given the business elsewhere.

However, a positive update has emerged on the potential deal to sign Viktor Gyokeres, with the Swede previously only wanting a move to Arsenal during the current window.

The latest update from TEAMtalk confirms that the 27-year-old is still keen on a move to Old Trafford this window, potentially securing a reunion with former boss Amorim, whom he starred under at Sporting CP.

He’s also stated his desire to leave his current side in the hunt for the next step in his career after scoring 97 times in his 102 appearances, with a £68m price tag constantly being mooted.

Why United’s £68m target would be the best signing since Bruno

Bruno Fernandes has been the shining light in United’s squad throughout the dismal last couple of seasons, often popping up with a moment of magic to get them out of trouble.

The Portuguese international registered 37 combined goals and assists this campaign, by far and away the most of any player within Amorim’s first team ranks.

However, such a situation has been the case over the last couple of years, notching 20 or more contributions in each of his six years that he’s spent at Old Trafford.

The £47m the hierarchy paid for his signature back in 2020 now looks to be a bargain, an astute piece of business and something which needs to be replicated this summer.

A deal for Gyokeres would undoubtedly be the best since the move for the 30-year-old, with the former Coventry City star evidently possessing the clinical edge the side have desperately been lacking.

His stats this season are evidence that he would be a superb option for the Red Devils, subsequently being able to cement his place at the top end under his former boss once again.

Gyokeres, who’s been labelled a “powerhouse” by analyst Pedro Mendonça, has scored the most goals of any player in Europe this campaign, highlighting the clinical threat he would offer to the side.

Viktor Gyokeres

Sporting CP

33

39

Kylian Mbappé

Real Madrid

34

31

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

38

29

Robert Lewandowski

Barcelona

34

27

Harry Kane

Bayern Munich

31

26

Victor Osimhen

Galatsaray

30

26

Mateo Retegui

Atalanta

36

25

He’s also averaged 2.6 shots on target per 90, managing a record of over a goal per game in the Liga Portugal, further showcasing the skill he possesses in front of goal.

Despite his finishing ability, he is also capable of creating opportunities for himself, completing 1.9 dribbles per 90 along with an impressive tally of 2.1 chances created.

£67m may appear to be a huge fee for a player who’s never consistently proven he can make the step up and thrive in the Premier League, with England’s top flight a whole new challenge for Gyokeres.

However, should he emulate Fernandes’ success at the Theatre of Dreams, he would be a superb signing that could catapult them back up the table in the 2025/26 campaign.

He'd be better than Martinez: Man Utd open talks to sign "unbelievable" GK

Manchester United appear to be making a move to land a new goalkeeper this summer, and it’s not Emi Martínez.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 26, 2025

Amid concerns that Tottenham Hotspur, led by Thomas Frank, could hijack their move to sign Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United are reportedly prioritising a deal to sign a £65m alternative if they miss out on their top target.

Tottenham meet Mbeumo asking price

Tottenham’s appointment of Frank has truly thrown a spanner in the works for Manchester United. It looked as though the Red Devils were alone in the race to sign Mbeumo with Newcastle United conceding defeat. Frank’s North London arrival has seemingly changed things, however. The former Brentford boss reportedly wants an instant reunion with his star man and the Lilywhites have already matched his hefty £70m price tag.

The ball could be left in Mbeumo’s court to decide, but Man United must first match Spurs’ reported offer for the impressive forward. It would undoubtedly be a major blow if they lost out on the Brentford star at this stage and it would be adding salt to their wounds if he chose the side that defeated United in the Europa League final not so long ago.

Mbeumo isn’t the only name on United’s radar, however. Ruben Amorim will be desperate to revamp a blunt frontline and a move for Viktor Gyokeres could be more realistic than ever now that he’s publically fallen out with Sporting Club.

Ekitike upgrade: Wilcox in constant contact to bring "monster" to Man Utd

Manchester United appear to be making positive moves over a deal to land a new striker for Ruben Amorim.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 14, 2025

Whether he, like Mbeumo could do, decides to reject a move to Old Trafford is the big question, however. Without European football to offer, United may need to accept the prospect of missing out on their top targets and instead focus on alternatives.

Man Utd will turn to Antoine Semenyo

According to GiveMeSport, Manchester United will now prioritise a move to sign Antoine Semenyo if Tottenham successfully hijack their deal to sign Mbeumo this summer. The Bournemouth forward won’t come much cheaper, however, with the Cherries set to demand as much as £65m to sell their star man. Whether it’s Mbeumo or Semenyo in the coming months, INEOS must be prepared to spend big.

Minutes

3,203

3,414

Goals

11

20

Assists

5

7

Expected Goals

10

12.3

Whilst the numbers suggest that Semenyo would be a downgrade on Mbeumo, the Bournemouth forward would still be an improvement on Amorim’s current options at Old Trafford.

Having scored 11 Premier League goals, Semenyo earned plenty of praise from those at Bournemouth throughout the last campaign, including from teammate Lewis Cook.

The midfielder told reporters: “As a team, we knew the quality he has and we saw that last year. He’s got to just keep working hard – being aggressive and being clinical. He’s got a lot better at running back and helping out the team too. He’s a powerful lad and has all the ability in the world. Hopefully he can continue to show that.”

Manchester United’s attack has carried them to countless trophies in recent history, allowing the club to sit on 20 league trophies – the joint most in English history.

Sir Alex Ferguson won a staggering 13 Premier League titles during his spell at Old Trafford, subsequently cementing himself as one of the best managers to grace England’s top flight.

He utilised players such as Wayne Rooney, Eric Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo during his 26-year tenure at the helm, with the latter winning the Ballon d’Or in such a period.

However, in the modern day, boss Ruben Amorim doesn’t have the luxury of such talents, having to rely on the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho, who netted just 10 league goals between them in 2024/25.

The manager has the potential to change such a situation this summer, that’s if the hierarchy are willing to back the 40-year-old in the transfer market in the coming months.

The latest on United’s hunt of new additions this summer

After securing a deal to sign Matheus Cunha over the last couple of weeks, it remains to be seen how much the board are set to hand Amorim to make the changes he desires.

Viktor Gyokeres is one player who’s been on their radar, with the Red Devils battling Arsenal over the 27-year-old’s signature ahead of the reopening of the window on June 16th.

However, the Swede isn’t the only star on their radar ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo a huge target, according to journalist Ben Jacobs via CaughtOffside.

He confirmed that the Red Devils are leading the race for the 25-year-old’s signature, after Spurs entered the race following Thomas Frank’s agreement to take over in North London.

However, any deal for the attacker could prove to be an expensive one, with the Bees demanding a fee in the region of £70m after rejecting the Red Devils’ opening offer of £55m.

Why Mbeumo could be United’s answer to Wirtz

Florian Wirtz has been a man in demand throughout the summer window, with Manchester City and Bayern Munich two of the sides interested in his signature.

However, the 22-year-old looks set to move to Premier League rivals Liverpool this summer, after Arne Slot’s side agreed a €150m (£127m) transfer with the Bundesliga outfit.

Such a deal looks certain to break the English transfer record currently held by Moises Caicedo, after the Ecuadorian joined the Blues in a £115m deal back in the summer of 2023.

The German has registered 30 combined goals and assists across all competitions this campaign, massively bolstering the Reds in their ambitions of retaining their title.

However, Amorim’s side could be about to land their own version of the attacking midfielder with Mbeumo matching Wirtz in being the major attacking addition for the Red Devils.

Like the soon-to-be Liverpool signing, he will be tasked with improving the current situation, with the Cameroonian having more of an opportunity given the difference in stats produced this season.

Mbeumo, who’s been labelled “sensational” by Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam, has registered more combined goals and assists, along with a better goal per shot on target rate – showcasing his clinical nature when finding himself in front of goal.

Games played

38

31

Goals & assists

27

22

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.2

Take-on success

50%

49%

Aerials won

32%

20%

Crosses completed

5.3

3.8

Carries into final third

2.8

2.7

He’s also been impressive when getting at the opposition, completing more of the take-ons he’s attempted, whilst also managing more carries into the final third – evidently getting the ball forward at any given opportunity.

The Bees star’s dominance doesn’t stop there, completing more crosses, subsequently being able to hand other players around him the chance to improve their own tallies.

Whilst the fee touted for his services seems slightly inflated, it will be worthwhile, handing Amorim the top-level talent he needs to take the side to the next level.

The battle between him and Wirtz could well prove to be an exciting one, with the pair trying to lead their side to different achievements, but it remains to be seen which will have the most impact in England’s top flight.

Amorim's own Carrick: Wilcox preparing Man Utd move for £20m "monster"

Manchester United appear to be making a move for a player who could emulate Michael Carrick’s achievements.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 11, 2025

Leeds United are going to be playing Premier League football next season and will have to use the summer transfer window to build a squad that can compete at the top level.

Daniel Farke can look at what one of his predecessors, Marcelo Bielsa, did in the 2020/21 campaign, when the Whites stayed up in the top-flight and finished in the top half.

The Argentine head coach helped the club to avoid relegation, and set them on their way to avoiding the drop in the 2021/22 season too, and the players he had at his disposal played a key role in that.

Stars like Kalvin Phillips, Patrick Bamford Rodrigo, and Raphinha may have stolen the headlines, but Mateusz Klich went under the radar with a return of four goals and five assists in the Premier League from a midfield position.

Leeds make first offer for midfield target

Leeds are active in the current summer transfer window to bolster their squad and are reportedly eyeing up a deal for a star who could be Farke’s own version of the Poland international.

Transfer Focus

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

According to L’Equipe, the Championship champions have submitted their first offer, worth around £22m, to Strasbourg in an attempt to sign central midfielder Habib Diarra.

The report claims that the French side have not yet responded to the bid, but they are waiting to see if any other teams come in with counter-offers, amid interest from clubs in Germany and England.

Meanwhile, the Yorkshire Evening Post has confirmed that an offer has been made, but adds that other targets in that position are felt to be more likely at this moment in time.

Why Diarra could be Klich 2.0

If Leeds can get a deal over the line for Diarra, then Farke could have his own version of Klich in the Premier League next season, because he is a well-rounded midfield star who can impact games in and out of possession.

The 21-year-old talent, who talent scout Jacek Kulig claimed will have a “huge future” in the game, played regularly in Ligue 1 for Strasbourg in the 2024/25 campaign and caught the eye with his displays in the middle of the park.

Diarra played 29 Ligue 1 games or more in each of the last three seasons, which shows that he has plenty of top-flight experience in a major European league, and this term was his best so far from a performance point of view.

Appearances

30

35

Goals

4

4

Big chances created

9

3

Assists

5

5

Dribbled past per game

0.4x

1.3x

Tackles + interceptions per game

1.1

1.4

Duels won per game

3.3

2.4

As you can see in the table above, his performances in Ligue 1 this season were incredibly similar to Klich’s in the Premier League when Leeds avoided the drop in the 2020/21 campaign.

These statistics show that Diarra could emulate his impact at the top end of the pitch by delivering a respectable number of goals and assists from a box-to-box midfield position, whilst potentially being even more creative when you look at the ‘big chances’ that he created.

The chart above further illustrates the similarities between the two players, particularly when it comes to scoring and creating goals, which suggests that he could be a very similar player to Klich for Farke.

Diarra’s ability to combine defensive work, as he is rarely dribbled past, with his attacking output suggests that he could be a very valuable player for the German boss in the Premier League, as he could impact games at both ends of the pitch.

He must go before Bamford: Leeds have told £11m flop he will now be sold

Leeds have told this flop that he must leave this summer, and the dud must go before Patrick Bamford.

1 ByDan Emery Jun 9, 2025

However, the Yorkshire Evening Post did report that other midfield targets are more likely, so it remains to be seen whether or not the Whites will be able to get a deal over the line for this star.

Manchester United are now ready to step up their efforts to sign an “insane” £64 million player once they complete the deal for Matheus Cunha, according to a recent report.

Man Utd chasing new striker despite closing in on Cunha deal

The Red Devils still have one final Premier League game to play out, but already club chiefs are getting things underway ahead of the summer transfer window opening.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported on Monday that United are now close to signing Cunha from Wolves. The Brazil forward has accepted the project on offer at Old Trafford and has also agreed personal terms with the Red Devils. Romano claims only the finer details need to be sorted before the deal reaches the “here we go” stage.

Amorim must now bench Hojlund to unleash Man Utd "genius" in new role

Man Utd are preparing for a season-defining game on Wednesday evening…

1 ByRobbie Walls May 21, 2025

But Ruben Amorim and United want more than just Cunha to add to their front line – according to The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell, United have also held face-to-face talks with striker Liam Delap after Ipswich Town granted permission for him to travel to Manchester. The young forward has a £30 million release clause, and he is one of a number of targets the Red Devils are interested in signing to play up front with Cunha.

Man Utd ready to step up efforts to sign Viktor Gyokeres

Along with Delap, Viktor Gyokeres is also another option that is under consideration by the Old Trafford chiefs, and according to L’Equipe, relayed by Get French Football News, Man United are stepping up their efforts to sign Gyokeres from Sporting CP.

The report states that the Sweden international wants to resolve his future as quickly as possible, given he is expected to leave Sporting. However, the lack of concrete moves from PSG has now opened the door to United, who will look to make an approach for Gyokeres in the coming days.

It is claimed that the Red Devils are the only team to make serious efforts to try and sign Gyokeres, despite the fact the forward has also been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal and is said to be on their transfer shortlist. This would be a costly purchase for United, as it’s been widely reported that it could cost any interested team as much as £64 million to sign the prolific number nine.

Apps

101

Goals

96

Assists

28

The 26-year-old, who has been labelled “insane” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has been sensational for Sporting CP since moving to Portugal. Gyokeres has netted 39 goals in 33 league games this season, so while he may be an expensive purchase, his goal-scoring record suggests it would be money well spent.

Current number nine Rasmus Hojlund looks set for a move away from United, and if Cunha is being brought in to play just off the striker like he often has done at Molineux then a more clinial finisher will be required up front.

Aston Villa could well be hitting their stride in the Premier League at the best possible time, with both Chelsea and Nottingham Forest showing recent weaknesses in their game.

Unai Emery’s men are now only outside the lucrative five Champions League spots in the division on goal difference as Enzo Maresca’s Blues nervously try to hold onto that final position, with a mightily impressive five wins from Villa’s last six Premier League games keeping their European dreams alive.

The added quality to the squad in the form of Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford in January has certainly boosted their chances of clinching Champions League football again.

This summer’s transfer window will further allow the West Midlands giants opportunities to bring in even more depth, with one rumoured face on the Villa Park shopping list perhaps going down as their next Jhon Duran if he joins.

How Jhon Duran is performing in Saudi

The breathless Colombian would only go on to feature for the Villans 78 times, but he is still remembered in a fond light to this day for how impactful he could be off the bench when his team needed a moment of magic.

Indeed, before an insane £71m move to Al Nassr came to be in January, the sensational South American would fire home a sizeable 12 goals during the first part of 2024/25.

On the surface, this is already an imposing goal total worthy of praise, but staggeringly seven of those strikes would come about in Premier League action despite Duran only making four starts overall.

Since heading to the Middle East, the forward has been on fire, scoring 11 goals in 16 games for his new employers who sit third in the Saudi Pro League.

In truth, losing the young forward hasn’t hit Villa that hard, but NSWE definitely wouldn’t turn down an opportunity to win themselves a new version of the relentless 21-year-old this summer.

Aston Villa could sign their new Duran

Emery will likely be keen to utilise all of his talented squad again next campaign, particularly if Champions League football returns to Villa Park and congests the fixture list.

Therefore, adding in a new winger in Malick Fofana as a further option in attack could be an inspired pick-up, with Caught Offside recently revealing that the Premier League titans could sign the promising 20-year-old from Olympique Lyonnais for around the £42m mark.

Just taking in a few clips of Fofana’s excellence for Lyon this season displays how he’s on the same wavelength as the now departed Duran, with both attackers in question boundless in their drive and energy when galloping forward, before being equally unafraid to unleash a vicious shot at an opposition goalkeeper.

It’s resulted in Fofana – who is also on the radar of Liverpool and Arsenal – picking up a substantial 11 goals and five assists from 40 appearances down the Lyon left flank across 2024/25, despite also being resigned to a regular spot on Paulo Fonseca’s bench much like the 22-year-old striker had to put up with under Emery.

Games played

40

29

Games started

22

7

Minutes played

2199

1043

Goals scored

11

12

Assists

5

0

Looking at the numbers, whilst Fofana does have the advantage of starting 15 more games this season than Duran managed at Villa, the former has still been used rather sparingly in the French top division, with the Belgian only averaging 54 minutes of action per Ligue 1 clash.

But, the “magnificent” left-footed menace – as he has been labelled by talent scout Jacek Kulig – has still left his mark on a considerable number of contests all the same, seen in that growing total of 11 goals and five assists across a wide range of contests for Lyon.

With a potential hole in the squad also needing to be filled down the left if Rashford departs, adding in Fofana does feel like a logical signing to soon make on Villa’s end, with the one-time senior Belgium international also capable of being the club’s next super sub.

Their new Grealish: Aston Villa plotting £50m move for "phenomenal" talent

Aston Villa are chasing a current Premier League midfielder

2 ByRoss Kilvington May 12, 2025