All posts by z3u9t.icu

A six-time Premier League champion could now leave Manchester City at the end of the season, according to a new update from journalist Graeme Bailey.

Man City legends set to depart this summer

It has been a season to forget for Pep Guardiola and his players, especially by their high standards, with the defence of their league title petering out early in the campaign. Granted, they can still win the FA Cup, but they haven’t been good enough in the league or in the Champions League.

This summer feels like it could be the end of an era at City, not least because club legend Kevin De Bruyne is moving on, having not agreed an extension at the club – Tottenham ace James Maddison has been mentioned as a replacement option.

The Belgian may be far from the only legend to move on, with the likes of Ederson, John Stones and Bernardo Silva’s futures all up in the air. The City trio are all out of contract at the end of next season, so the club will know that this summer is the last chance for them to earn a fee, rather than losing them on a free transfer in 2026.

Stones backed to leave Man City

Speaking for The Boot Room, Bailey claimed that Stones could depart Manchester City this summer, with the England international potentially leaving alongside De Bruyne, possibly even returning to former club Everton.

“John Stones’s future at Manchester City is far from certain. City are planning a number of new arrivals this summer and we are going to see a number of changes and that means some of the biggest names from the last decade or so could and will depart. Kyle Walker left in January and we know Kevin De Bruyne is going, things are changing.

“Ederson, Bernardo Silva and Stones could follow. Stones has interest from the Saudi Pro League, but in England there are clubs who would be willing to take him including West Ham and his former club Everton to name but two. The issue is with his injury record, less than 10 stars in the last two seasons, it would be a risk for anyone. If he does indeed hit the open market, I believe that Everton would be open to the prospect.”

While losing Stones in the summer would be sad, considering he is a six-time league champion at the Etihad, there is some sense in allowing him to move on. At 30, the Englishman isn’t getting any younger – he turns 31 later this month – and his injury problems are increasingly problematic, limiting him to only six starts in the Premier League this season.

Romano: Man City to "advance" for £100m star; personal terms not an issue

Fabrizio Romano has provided an update…

ByTom Cunningham May 5, 2025

As mentioned, a summer sale would allow City to receive money for Stones’ services, allowing them to bring in a younger, less injury-prone centre-back ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Four wins on the trot in the Premier League – the last of which came resoundingly against Manchester United – have put Newcastle United in a strong position as they look to return to the Champions League.

Winning at home against Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening would certainly help to consolidate their position, one point behind third-place Nottingham Forest while holding a game in hand.

The chance to make it count has arrived, but Oliver Glasner’s Palace have been in fine fettle of late and boast a box of dangers that Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones – Eddie Howe is absent, recuperating from pneumonia – will need to ensure do not spring a trap at St. James’ Park.

24/25

Premier League (A)

0-0 draw

23/24

Premier League (A)

2-0 loss

23/24

Premier League (H)

4-0 win

22/23

Premier League (A)

0-0 draw

22/23

Carabao Cup (H)

0-0 (3-2 p.) win

Four of the past 14 meetings between the two sides in all competitions have been goalless draws, but with such impressive attacking armouries, you feel that this evening-lit fixture could bring the fireworks.

Newcastle team news pre-Crystal Palace

Centre-backs Jamal Lascelles and Sven Botman are still sidelined, with left-back Lewis Hall also not expected back before the end of the season.

Tindall is unlikely to make sweeping changes to the team that thrashed the Red Devils on Sunday, but one or two tweaks could be enforced.

Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Sandro Tonali should reprise their places in midfield, arguably the finest central trio in the Premier League right now.

However, despite his recent purple patch, there might be just cause for Harvey Barnes to return to the bench for this one. Here’s why.

Why Tindall should drop Harvey Barnes

Barnes put on a second-half clinic to thwart Man United and take his haul, impressively, to eight goals and three assists from just ten Premier League starts this season.

With three in his past two, the 27-year-old is riding the crest of a wave, his clinical edge coming up trumps with Alexander Isak four top-flight games without a goal and Anthony Gordon only returning off the bench on Sunday after his red card suspension.

However, Gordon is now back and offers a more dynamic threat. Given the Eagles’ shakiness during their 5-2 thrashing by Man City at the weekend, Gordon’s multi-skilled approach could be the best way to funnel through to Isak while upholding a balanced attacking threat.

Player ratings courtesy of Sofascore

Jacob Murphy, on that note, is effectively undroppable on the right. So consistent. So cool. So collected.

With a return of nine goals and seven assists across all competitions this season, Gordon knows he could do better in that regard. But the England international brings so much more than direct goal involvements.

As per Sofascore, he’s averaged 1.9 key passes and won 4.7 duels per Premier League game this term, making good on the self-said proclamation that he’s a “nightmare for anyone” he plays against.

With this extra match wedged into Newcastle’s run-in, shuffling the pack would be a good way to keep things fresh and maintain form. Saturday evening, after all, brings an away trip to CL-chasing rivals Aston Villa.

Gordon has been an immense part of the Magpies’ rise, and while Palace’s Eagles are flying high themselves, adding Gordon to the starting line-up would be the perfect way to overwhelm a backline that has shown its chinks in recent games.

Their own Yamal: Newcastle join race to sign "electrifying" £35m star

Newcastle have their eyes on one of the finest talents in Europe ahead of the summer.

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 15, 2025

Manchester United are now willing to make a £52m offer for a “special” Real Madrid player, who is likely to leave if Carlo Ancelotti remains in his post as manager, according to a report.

Man Utd set sights on attacking midfielder

Ruben Amorim’s side were put to the sword at St. James’ Park on Sunday, with Newcastle United emerging 4-1 winners, in a match that once again underlined the need for the manager to make major changes to his squad this summer.

Having recorded an xG of just 0.72 against Newcastle, Man United were clearly devoid of ideas once again at the weekend, which indicates they may need to bring in a new attacking midfielder this summer, and a number of targets have been identified.

The Red Devils are now plotting a bid for Lyon maestro Lyon Cherki, while they have also launched a £70m move for Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers, who has played a major role in the Villans’ success in both the Premier League and Europe this season.

Man Utd and INEOS now looking to hijack Newcastle deal for £25m wide player

Man Utd have now joined their Premier League rivals in the race to sign an exciting attacker.

ByBrett Worthington Apr 14, 2025

It may be difficult to convince Villa to strengthen a direct rival, however, which means it could make sense to pursue an attacking midfielder from abroad, and a report from Spain has revealed United are now keen on signing Real Madrid’s Arda Guler.

Such is their level of interest, Amorim’s side are willing to submit an offer of around €60m (£52m) for the attacking midfielder, who is also capable of playing at right-wing.

Injuries have stunted Guler’s development this season, and there is now a feeling the 20-year-old is likely to be moved on this summer, should Ancelotti remain in his post as manager.

"Special" Guler could be "genuine superstar"

It is a little strange Ancelotti could be willing to sanction the youngster’s departure this summer, given how highly the Italian has spoken of him in the past, saying: “I think the closer to goal, the better. He is very effective, he scores a lot with little space, he has a special talent. He shows it better closer to the goal.”

The Turkey international also received high praise from football writer Colin Millar, in light of his impressive performances for his national side at Euro 2024.

The 20-year-old hasn’t caught the eye quite as much for Madrid, picking up just one goal and four assists in La Liga this season, but it was always going to be a tall order to get on the scoresheet regularly, given that he has often been limited to appearances as a substitute.

Should Man United be willing to give Guler regular game time, there are signs he could become a star player in the future.

Chelsea, BlueCo and chairman Todd Boehly want to sign three high-profile players for Enzo Maresca this summer, and the trio could end up costing the Stamford Bridge side around £200 million.

Chelsea "ready to spend big again" in the transfer market

According to reliable Blues journalist Simon Phillips this week, Chelsea are “ready to spend big again” in the next transfer market, with Champions League football potentially on the line, not to mention their participation in the Club World Cup.

Chelsea make contact for "elite" player who could go for cut price of £34m

The west Londoners are set for another intriguing summer.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 8, 2025

The west Londoners will also have from June 1st to June 10th to sign players before the CWC, an opportunity Chelsea could well seize considering Maresca’s side stand a chance of winning £100 million in prize money from the tournament.

Ipswich Town (home)

April 13th

Fulham (away)

April 20th

Everton (home)

April 26th

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 10th

Qualification for the Champions League will be crucial in determining who they’ll get over the line this summer (Simon Phillips), with Chelsea looking to reinforce many areas throughout Maresca’s squad before his second full season in charge.

Chelsea are targeting a new striker this summer, and it is rumoured that they have their eyes on Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. Meanwhile, it is also believed that Maresca has asked Chelsea to sign a new goalkeeper, with concerns surrounding both Filip Jorgensen and Robert Sanchez.

Chelsea are also in the market for a new centre-back, while there is believed to be BlueCo interest in Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado as a potential partner for Moises Caicedo in the midfield.

With Kepa Arrizabalaga, Alfie Gilchrist, Armando Broja, Raheem Sterling, David Datro Fofana, Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi all likely to leave the club this summer as well, once they return from their loan spells, Chelsea appear set for yet another busy summer indeed.

Chelsea want Huijsen, Gyokeres and Rodrygo in £200m triple summer deal

Now, a major claim has surfaced from Europe on the club’s plans to bolster Maresca’s squad – with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, Real Madrid starlet Rodrygo and Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen all on the agenda.

According to a report from Spain, Chelsea want to sign Gyokeres, Rodrygo and Huijsen this summer, who could all set the club back around £200 million in total.

They’re apparently planning to trigger Huijsen’s £50 million release clause, while Chelsea have allegedly “already” made an offer of around £65m for Gyokeres.

Chelsea also want to “tempt” Rodrygo to the English capital with a promise of regular football, but he’s said to be valued at around £86m. Maresca’s side are hatching this “ambitious plan” to bring all three of the aforementioned players to Chelsea, a triple signing which would “revolutionise” their project.

Huijsen has stood out as one of the Premier League’s most promising young defenders after his excellent season at Bournemouth, while Gyokeres is enjoying another incredibly prolific campaign in Portugal with 44 goals and 11 assists from 44 appearances in all competitions.

Rodrygo has predominantly showcased his best on the right wing for Real this season, enjoying a real purple patch of form midway through the campaign, and his quality is evident for all to see despite tailing off a bit lately with no goals or assists in La Liga since January.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is now keen on signing a Premier League forward this summer, and he could join as part of a swap deal, according to a report.

Newcastle eyeing forwards amid Isak uncertainty

Newcastle can only hope that Alexander Isak’s first taste of success at St. James’ Park inspires him to compete for more honours at the club, but there is widespread speculation over his future as we approach the summer transfer window.

Manchester United are the latest Premier League club to be linked with an audacious move for Isak, joining the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool in the race for his signature, although it will take a huge bid to tempt the Magpies into a sale.

As things stand, Howe’s side remain in a strong negotiating position, and their reluctance to sell the Swedish striker means they may not have to worry about bringing in a top forward in the summer.

Newcastle now join race for "special" teenage star likened to Cole Palmer

“He plays his game like Cole Palmer, doesn’t he?”

ByBarney Lane Mar 31, 2025

However, potential targets are still being identified, with the PIF recently making contact to discuss a move for Lille striker Jonathan David, while they have also opened talks to sign Fiorentina’s Moise Kean.

GiveMeSport have now dropped a new update on Isak’s future, reporting that Liverpool could offer to send Darwin Nunez in the opposite direction as part of a swap deal, however, Newcastle have no interest in a deal of that nature.

As such, Diogo Jota and Harvey Elliott could be offered instead, and the Reds could be more successful by proposing the duo, given that Howe would be keen on bringing both of them to St. James’ Park.

That said, a move will only transpire if the Magpies soften their stance on allowing Isak to leave, and they are currently showing no signs of being willing to sanction the 25-year-old’s departure.

"Monster" Jota could be versatile option for Howe

The £41m Portugal international is able to play on both wings, as well as through the middle, and he has proven himself over a number of seasons in the Premier League, which could make him a solid signing for Newcastle this summer.

Season

Premier League appearances

Goals

Assists

2021-22

35

15

4

2022-23

22

7

4

2023-24

21

10

3

2024-25

18

5

4

Liverpool blogger Si Steers has also singled out the 28-year-old for praise, although he does express concern about his injury record, which has continued to be a problem this season.

Jota’s injury struggles, coupled with the fact a move may only be possible if Isak heads in the opposite direction, means a deal should probably be avoided this summer, despite the Portuguese forward having a lot to offer on his day.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have “spoken” to representatives of Erik ten Hag regarding their vacant managerial role and his stance on the position has now been made clear.

After 10 games in the Premier League this season, Wolves have acquired two points from an available 30. Without a win in those matches, Vitor Pereira was sacked following a 3-0 loss to Fulham, despite the Portuguese having signed a new contract just weeks earlier.

Wolves will, no doubt, hope to make a swift appointment to replace Pereira. The Old Gold have an interim manager in place for their game against Chelsea in the shape of James Collins, as they consider a wide range of options who could succeed Pereira.

Middlesbrough head coach Rob Edwards appears to be the top target for Wolves, even though Boro are reluctant to let Edwards, who only joined in the summer, depart for Molineux, where he has spent time as both a coach and player.

According to Football Insider, however, the club are seemingly interested in bringing one particular manager back to the Premier League.

Erik ten Hag open to Wolves role

Recent reports have indicated that not only have Wolves spoken with ten Hag’s representatives, but that the Dutchman would be “interested in speaking to Wolves about the job”.

No stranger to the Premier League, ten Hag moved from Ajax to Manchester United in 2022. Across the following two years, he won an EFL Cup and FA Cup, but struggled to enjoy much consistent success in both domestic and European football.

Sacked in 2024, ten Hag spent almost a year without a job until being hired by Bayer Leverkusen to replace Xabi Alonso in the summer of 2025. After taking charge of just three matches for the German side, however, ten Hag was sacked and remains a free agent.

Though recent seasons have not been the kindest for ten Hag, he remains a well-thought of coach. Thierry Henry, as per Manchester Evening News, has spoken positively of the Dutchman in the past.

The next Wolves manager must have a quick start at Molineux, due to the club’s current predicament in the league. As somebody who is “firmly in the running,” ten Hag would certainly be a bold appointment, given the misfortunes he suffered both at the end of his tenure at Man United and with Leverkusen.

"One of the best men" in football considered by Wolves

Manchester United have now reportedly been offered the chance to sign an England midfielder for just £26m when the January transfer window arrives.

Man Utd seeking midfield reinforcements

In the summer, it was Ruben Amorim’s frontline that took the focus as INEOS welcomed Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko in an impressive window. Now, when 2026 arrives, it looks as though Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to turn his attention towards Man United’s midfield.

Those at Old Trafford were eyeing a move for Carlos Baleba at the end of the summer window, before Brighton & Hove Albion priced them out of a move. Months on, it seems as though the midfielder has fallen down Man United’s shortlist of targets, with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson now taking centre-stage.

The 23-year-old is quickly becoming the most sought-after player in the Premier League, but he’s not the only option on United’s list of targets in the middle of the park.

They’ve also reportedly been told that they can now sign Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid at a bargain price in January. The former Chelsea man could be on his way back to the Premier League as he looks to earn his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Man Utd now offered bargain Conor Gallagher deal

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Man United have now been told that they can sign Gallagher for just €30m (£26m) when 2026 arrives. The England international has become surplus to requirements at Atletico Madrid and he’s now ready to leave the club in pursuit of consistent game time.

Dubbed “intense” by Simeone, Gallagher could provide the legs in United’s midfield that Casemiro is otherwise unable to provide these days. The 25-year-old is a true midfield workhorse, who also has a knack for popping up with goals when needed.

Although United’s big target is Anderson, they’d be doing their top four prospects no harm by welcoming Gallagher in the January transfer window, especially at just £26m.

Man Utd eye move for £80m star who Man City would "love" to buy in January

The Red Devils could be in a direct fight with their Premier League rivals to land his signature.

BySean Markus Clifford Nov 29, 2025

Whether INEOS will be willing to act as early as the winter window remains to be seen, however. They may yet put all of their funds towards winning what is looking likely to be a hectic race for Anderson next summer.

INEOS can fund Elliot Anderson move by offloading Man Utd's "best player"

Those of a Liverpool persuasion are no doubt braced for the imminent return to action, with Arne Slot’s struggling champions hosting Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

It’s been anything but plain sailing for the Reds this season, and with only three points gained from their past six outings in the top flight, title-defending aspirations have devolved into fears that the Reds will miss out on Champions League qualification for only the second time in a decade.

Last season was nearly flawless until Slot’s champions eased standards toward the final stretch, save for Forest’s shock win at Anfield early in the campaign.

Liverpool will need to be at their best to ensure Sean Dyche does not heap more misery on his side. Set-pieces and long balls have been among the cruxes of this issue-ridden campaign, after all.

And they will have to make do without the creativity of Florian Wirtz, who has been ruled out with a muscle injury sustained with Germany.

The latest on Florian Wirtz's fitness

Wirtz is ruled out this weekend, having checked in after international action with a muscular problem. Conor Bradley is also sidelined, and for a longer period than the 22-year-old. However, Alisson Becker could make his anticipated return from injury.

Wirtz has been at the epicentre of Liverpool’s struggles this season, routinely hounded for his tough integration period after completing a £116m transfer from Bayer Leverkusen in July. The playmaker has yet to score across 16 matches in all competitions, and he has not registered an assist in the Premier League.

Though he struggled during the defeat at Manchester City two weeks ago, Wirtz has shown signs of progress in recent games, and his creativity will be sorely missed against a resilient Forest backline whose low block and resilience under pressure will prove a tough nut to crack at Anfield – last season bears testament to that.

While Cody Gakpo will fancy a return to the starting line-up in Wirtz’s stead, Slot may want to consider a more dynamic option for this one.

And Slot may have just the solution in Liverpool’s new version of Divock Origi.

Slot must unleash Liverpool's new Origi

Origi has achieved cult status at Liverpool. The Belgian striker only scored 41 goals across 175 appearances for the outfit, but his catalogue of big-game moments is something to behold.

His goal in the 2019 Champions League final over Tottenham Hotspur immortalised him on Merseyside.

Now, Liverpool find themselves enjoying the skill of a new version in Federico Chiesa, who has been unable to nail down a starting role in Slot’s team since completing a £12.5m transfer from Juventus in 2024.

Chiesa toiled through his first year in England, but he’s played a bigger role since the summer, having notched two goals and three assists across all competitions this season. He has played 12 times, yet only two of those appearances have come from the opening whistle.

Hugo Ekitike

16

6 + 1

Mohamed Salah

16

5 + 3

Cody Gakpo

16

4 + 3

Federico Chiesa

12

2 + 3

Alexander Isak

8

1 + 1

Florian Wirtz

16

0 + 3

Rio Ngumoha

7

1 + 0

In the words of reporter Lewis Oldham, “Chiesa has undoubtedly been a flop for Liverpool”, but he’s simultaneously emerged as a “Divock Origi regen” in that he is a rare trump card off the bench and a popular figure besides.

Because for all the hardship Chiesa has been through since joining Liverpool, he has enjoyed some big moments in red. It was the 28-year-old who bagged a consolation in the Carabao Cup final, and he ensured Slot’s side made it a winning start to the current campaign after restoring Liverpool’s lead over Bournemouth back in August.

Chiesa’s wizardry on the ball and natural striker’s instinct could see him slot right into Wirtz’s berth, playing off the left and drifting centrally to accommodate Liverpool’s tactical flow.

Given that the Italian has also won 55% of his ground duels and averaged 0.8 tackles per Premier League fixture this term in spite of not having started a game, he might even be an apt fit for the physical battle that comes with a clash against the Tricky Trees.

Liverpool cannot afford another slip-up at the moment and must secure three points against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. Given that Chiesa has been among the most coherent and dangerous forwards in Liverpool’s squad, surely it is time he earns a rare starting role in the big league?

Liverpool have a "ruthless" 19-year-old striker who could surpass Ekitike

Liverpool may have found the next big thing in their academy system.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 20, 2025

English Football League pundit Don Goodman has shared his stance on rumours linking Haji Wright with Leeds United.

Coventry City have enjoyed a blistering start to the season, losing just one of their 14 opening games in the Championship. Under the guidance of Frank Lampard, Coventry are a well-drilled, intense side, one who have scored a staggering 39 goals in the second division already.

Wright, a striker who also plays for the American national team, has been integral to Coventry’s success. The forward has scored nine goals in all competitions, eight of which have come in 13 Championship appearances. Unsurprisingly, rumours over Wright’s future have started to circulate.

Premier League side Leeds United have been linked with a move for Wright, with Football Insider noting that the Whites would be ‘eager’ to complete a deal for the 27-year-old.

Goodman offers thoughts on Leeds interest in Wright

Speaking to Football League World, Goodman has played down suggestions Wright would turn down the advances of a Premier League side.

Leeds have picked up 11 points from their opening 10 matches in what is their first Premier League season since 2023. The Whites have, generally, looked like a solid, structured side in defence, though there are some question marks over their attack. Only Nottingham Forest and Wolves, who occupy two spots in the bottom three of the table, have scored fewer goals in the league (seven) than the Whites (nine).

Noah Okafor has enjoyed a promising start at Elland Road, whilst Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha’s physicality allows the Whites to play a brand of football incorporating long balls forward. It could be argued, though, that none of their attacking options are as reliable a goalscorer as Wright currently is.

Given Coventry’s own ongoing promotion push, it remains to be seen whether Wright, who has been dubbed a “dangerous” player by boss Frank Lampard, will depart the Sky Blues mid-season. As Goodman said, however, the allure of the English top flight may prove too enticing to ignore.

Leeds have new Okafor waiting in the wings