All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Glasgow Rangers have agreed a deal to sell a prominent Ibrox player during the summer transfer window, according to a new transfer Gers update from Sky Sports.

Martin's ruthless transfer approach at Rangers

Russell Martin has taken on a huge job at Ibrox, with the Englishman tasked with not only closing the gap on Celtic, but becoming Scottish Premiership champions again.

The 39-year-old is certainly speaking well in his early weeks and months in charge at Rangers, providing a ruthless outlook when it comes to the type of players he wants to sign this summer, and outlining what will put him off bringing in some individuals.

“People need to be desperate to play for this club and not just be an option. When we have spoken to people and they say, ‘Well, I need to hear my options,’ we are onto the next one. People need to be desperate. Spoke to Joe [Rothwell] and there was no other choice on his mind, and he had a lot of options.

“Same with Manny [Emmanuel Fernandez], spoke to my old manager at Peterborough, Darren, and he spoke so highly of him, and he has the potential to be anything he wants to be, I really believe that. Max [Aarons], loads of options in Europe but wanted to be here. Hopefully, because of the strength of the relationship with myself and Gilly [Matt Gill], but also because he wants to come and win and be part of something.”

There are likely to be plenty of ins and outs at Rangers before the transfer window reaches its conclusion, and it looks as though one current player’s time at Ibrox is now coming to an end.

Rangers agree deal to sell £9,000-a-week defender

According to a fresh update from Sky Sports, Rangers have now “agreed a deal” to sell centre-back Robin Propper back to former club FC Twente this summer.

“Rangers have agreed a deal for defender Robin Propper to return to Dutch club FC Twente. He moved to Ibrox last summer and will now be allowed to return to the Eredivisie if he can agree personal terms. Rangers will also allow the likes of Leon King, Ben Davies, Clinton Nsiala and Jose Cifuentes to depart this summer.”

This feels like the right decision by Rangers, despite Martin recently confirming the agreement in place and admitting that he has been “really impressed” with Propper since coming in as manager.

Appearances

25

Starts

21

Minutes played

1851

Clearances per game

4.0

Aerial duel wins per game

3.2

Tackles per game

1.6

Interceptions per game

0.9

Goals

2

Assists

0

The 31-year-old has struggled to wholly convince on a consistent basis since arriving from Twente in the summer of 2024, making only 21 starts in the Scottish Premiership last season.

More prolific than Vardy: Rangers could land Prso 2.0 in "exemplary" star

Russell Martin has set his sights on another proven striker to bolster his Rangers ranks

ByRoss Kilvington Jul 12, 2025

The £9,000-a-week defender also isn’t getting any younger, meaning the Rangers can cash in on him now and use the funds to look to bring in a younger centre-back option – one who could be a regular starter for Martin.

Manchester United have been a side who have so often been known for their ability to win trophies, but that’s something that has been hard to come by in recent years.

The Red Devils have only won two trophies since 2020, none of which were the Premier League, now going over a decade without a triumph since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.

However, big money has been spent to try and end such a drought, but they’ve so far been unsuccessful in the quest, needing added funding throughout the summer window.

Ruben Amorim is the latest manager to try and cement himself in the club’s history, but has so far shown no signs of winning the division, achieving a win percentage of just 40%.

He appears to have been given the benefit of the doubt after taking the reins mid-season, but he will have to make a quick start next season if he is to be a success at the Theatre of Dreams.

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

Bryan Mbeumo has been the main player linked with United over recent weeks, with the player himself expressing his desire to move to Old Trafford this summer.

However, after the Red Devils’ second offer of £62.5m was rejected, Brentford’s sporting director, Phil Giles, stated that the Cameroonian would be happy to stay in London if their asking price wasn’t met.

Another name has been mentioned as a potential addition this summer, with Aston Villa talisman Ollie Watkins remaining a key target, according to The Athletic’s latest update.

They claim that the Red Devils have been in contact with the fellow top-flight outfit over a move to Old Trafford after he bagged 17 goals and 14 assists across all competitions in 2024/25.

It also states that Rasmus Hojlund could be offloaded, with the English international just one player they are considering a move for to bolster their attacking department.

Why United’s latest target could be Amorim’s answer to Isak

Alexander Isak is a player who has proved to be a constant threat to countless backlines in the Premier League, as seen by his staggering goalscoring tallies.

The Swedish international has registered 62 goals in his 109 appearances for the Magpies, including back-to-back 20-goal campaigns in England’s top-flight.

As a result of his tremendous goalscoring record for Eddie Howe’s side, he’s been constantly touted with big-money moves away from St James’ Park, but a £150m price tag has been mooted.

The Red Devils themselves have been seen as a potential destination in recent days, but a move is extremely unlikely given his price tag and the club’s lack of European football.

However, they could land their own version of Isak this window with a move for Watkins, as the Villa star has been labelled as a similar player to the Swede by FBref.

When comparing the pair’s respective figures from last season, the Englishman has managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, potentially providing an excellent attacking option for Amorim’s side.

Watkins, who’s been labelled by podcaster Rohan Jivan “one of the best centre-forwards in Europe,” has registered slightly fewer goal contributions, but matched him for goals per shot on target, whilst getting more of his efforts on target – subsequently demonstrating the clinical ability he possesses.

Games played

38

34

Goals & assists

24

29

Shot on target accuracy

44%

43%

Aerials won

43%

32%

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.4

Fouls won

1.2

0.4

Carries into oppostion box

1.4

1.4

The 29-year-old has also won more aerial battles and drawn more fouls per 90, having the ability to operate as a focal point – something which Amorim’s side have greatly lacked in recent months.

His ability to carry the ball into forward areas is also reflected by matching Isak for carries into the opposition box per 90, with Watkins evidently a more well-rounded option for the Red Devils.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the Villa talisman would cost this summer, it’s clear that he would be a cheaper alternative to Isak, but still offering the club the needed quality they crave.

If he can transfer his skillset to Old Trafford with him this summer, it would be a superb signing that would massively improve the side and make them a force to be reckoned with once again in the near future.

Gyokeres alternative: Man Utd submit bid to sign their own Kane after talks

Man United are still planning to sign a centre-forward this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 30, 2025

It is no secret that Leeds United will be in the market to sign new players in the summer transfer window ahead of the Premier League next season.

Fabrizio Romano gave the Championship champions a ‘here we go!’ on Saturday when he confirmed that Jaka Bijol has signed his contract to join the club from Udinese.

The Whites are set to pay a fee in the region of £19m to sign the central defender from the Italian side to bolster their options at the heart of the defence.

Bijol started 34 matches in the Serie A for Udinese in the 2024/25 campaign, which means that he is set to arrive at Elland Road with plenty of experience in one of Europe’s major leagues.

The Slovenia international will now be due to compete with the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Max Wober, Joe Rodon, and Pascal Struijk for a place in the starting XI next season.

What Jaka Bijol could bring to Leeds

Bijol is a strong defender in the prime years of his career, at the age of 26, and could provide Daniel Farke with an aerially dominant option at the heart of the defence.

The Slovenian colossus was particularly impressive in the air for Udinese in the Serie A, using his height and frame to tussle with opposition strikers to win key defensive duels.

Aerial duels won

3.31

Top 6%

Aerial duel success rate

67.7%

Top 17%

Interceptions

1.15

Top 41%

Clearances

5.53

Top 14%

Passes blocked

0.61

Top 42%

As you can see in the table above, he ranked very highly among central defenders in the Italian top-flight when it came to competing for headers at the back.

His 68% aerial duel success rate was higher than Struijk (62%) and Rodon (60%) managed in the Championship for the Whites, which suggests that he would improve the Leeds defence from an aerial perspective.

Leeds did, however, have the best xGA (29.6) record in the second tier this season, which suggests that their defence was not a major cause for concern, albeit they have still opted to strengthen in that area of the pitch.

Instead, a bigger issue for the Whites to resolve, on paper at least, is finding a new number one goalkeeper, after Illan Meslier was left on the bench for the final seven games of the 2024/25 season.

Farke needs to find a replacement for the French goalkeeper to start between the sticks in the Premier League next term, and the door is seemingly open for them to sign one from a relegated side.

Door open for Leeds to sign Southampton star

Southampton owner Dragan Solak has opened the door to Aaron Ramsdale moving on from Elland Road before the end of the summer transfer window, after the Saints were relegated from the Premier League.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, as relayed by LeedsLive, Solak said: “We unfortunately are not sure that Ramsdale is going to stay, even though he loves the club. He’s a great young man, everybody loves him, but he wants to get his place in the national team and it’s not easy to get there in the Championship.”

Transfer Focus

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

LeedsLive reports that signing a new goalkeeper is one of the priorities on the club’s transfer agenda, as they go in search of a number one for next season.

Earlier this summer, it was reported that the West Yorkshire outfit have eyed up Ramsdale as a potential target to arrive at Elland Road as Farke’s new shot-stopper.

Solak’s comments show that the door is open for the £25m England international to sign for Leeds, and it is now down to the club to pursue a deal that could be even more important than the one to sign Bijol.

Why Leeds should sign Aaron Ramsdale

As aforementioned, Leeds enjoyed a strong defensive record in the Championship this season and were not in desperate need of a player like Bijol, as much as he could improve Farke’s options at centre-back.

Whereas, the Whites are in desperate need of a new number one to replace Meslier next season because the French dud is, simply, not good enough for the top-flight.

The left-footed flop was dropped by Farke after he made three errors that directly led to goals for the opposition and had a goals prevented of -2.73 in 39 appearances in the Championship.

24/25 (Championship)

-0.4

23/24 (Championship)

-3.1

22/23 (Premier League)

-12.4

21/22 (Premier League)

-16.2

20/21 (Premier League)

-3.4

As you can see in the table above, Meslier was also a liability as a shot-stopper in his three seasons in the Premier League with the Whites in the past, as he let in significantly more goals than he should have, based on the post-shot xG of the shots against his goal.

Ramsdale, however, prevented 0.14 goals in 30 outings in the Premier League and did not make a single error that led to a goal, which shows that he outperformed Meslier whilst playing at a higher level.

The 27-year-old stopper, who was once hailed as “magnificent” by reporter Charles Watts, has 183 appearances in the Premier League in his career to date, which suggests that he could hit the ground running at Elland Road as a player who already knows the division well.

His statistics in the top-flight for the Saints also suggest that he would be a huge upgrade on Meslier, given his more impressive showings as a goalkeeper at a higher level.

That means that he would solve a huge problem for Leeds, given the Frenchman’s dismal performances in recent years, and provide Farke with the goalkeeper that he desperately needs.

Farke's own Zubimendi: Leeds lining up move to sign "exceptional" £9m star

Leeds United are lining up a move to sign a star who could be their own Martin Zubimendi.

ByDan Emery Jun 22, 2025

Therefore, he would be an even more important signing for Leeds than Bijol because finding a quality goalkeeper is a more pressing matter than replacing Rodon and Struijk, who impressed as a pairing in the Championship.

Arsenal remain in ongoing talks over a potential summer deal for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, with the Slovenian now making an “unusual” demand as he ponders a move to the Premier League.

Arsenal in discussions for £85m Serie A star as "close" circle contacted

The north Londoners have a number of targets they’re exploring.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 20, 2025

Sesko is one of sporting director Andrea Berta’s two prime centre-forward targets, alongside Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, and the Italian has apparently laid groundwork over both deals as he works to discover which one would be most doable (BBC).

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

This is the way Berta operates when it comes to recruitment, and more striker targets like Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitiké or Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins could still come back into play (Graeme Bailey).

Arsenal have held “concrete” talks over a move for Sesko for weeks, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, but the 22-year-old could end up costing as much as £85 million, with the Gunners currently unwilling to meet Leipzig’s financial demands.

Sesko’s agent, Elvis Basanovic, also told GiveMeSport this week that the forward’s potential exit this summer is far from a foregone conclusion.

“It can be next week, or next year, or in 3 years,” Basanovic said.

“Even if there may be – or will be – a strong desire of the player to move to a certain club, we will never force or blackmail RB Leipzig. I believe this is not the right way, because the way you actually exit from the club shows your values. Values that you are bringing into a new club.”

New updates are coming to light by the day, with journalist Duncan Castles now lifting the lid on something pretty unique that Sesko and his representatives are asking for to join Arsenal.

Benjamin Sesko makes "unusual" demand in Arsenal transfer talks

Speaking on The Transfers Podcast, Castles reports that Sesko wants a release clause in his possible Arsenal contract, explaining why this is a pretty special demand given the circumstances of this transfer.

“I understand that Sesko is asking for an exit clause on any deal he agrees with Arsenal, and he would like that release clause to be set at just 20% increase on whatever price they end up paying for him,” said Castles.

“It’s quite unusual to ask for something like that when you’re moving from, let’s say a second-tier European club to one that is perceived as a first-tier club and one of the most financially affluent clubs in European football and I think it’s unlikely that Arsenal would agree to a deal on those terms.”

There appears to be some way to go for the north Londoners to make any significant progress in negotiations for the ex-Red Bull Salzburg sensation, and taking into account his fairly modest goal return of 21 in all competitions last season, it is perhaps wise for Berta to consider turning more attention towards Gyokeres.

The Swede is believed to be very keen on a move to Arsenal (Fabrizio Romano), and his sensational goal return of 54 during 2024/2025 helped Sporting to their first domestic double in 20 years.

Gyokeres’ rumoured price tag comes in at around £80 million, according to The Times, so Arsenal would still need to stump up serious cash, but the 27-year-old may be worth that investment in the long run.

Liverpool have put paid to any notion of second-season syndrome under Arne Slot’s wing by attacking the transfer market with vicious intent.

The Reds surpassed expectations by winning the Premier League last term, and they did without a proper focal frontman. Sure, Luis Diaz filled in nicely as a false nine, but Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota both flattered to deceive, and the former is at risk of being sold.

If and when that happens, Liverpool will need to sign a new centre-forward, and though Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak appears to be off the market after securing a route back into the Champions League.

A whole host of names have been linked with a move to Anfield, and one of the most recent belongs to Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, having reportedly made contact with the Swedish goalscorer in May.

Manchester United currently lead the race, and maybe that hints the 27-year-old might not be the best option on the market for the Merseysiders.

Still, Liverpool desperately need a new number nine.

Why Liverpool need a striker

Last season, Mohamed Salah led Liverpool to the Premier League title. Football is a team sport, and the sum of a brilliant team is greater than its individual parts, but the Egyptian King proved an exception to that rule.

Across 52 matches in all competitions, Salah scored 34 goals and supplied his teammates with 23 assists. He leapt his way into the upper level of the all-time Premier League scoring charts, now fifth with 186 goals, one strike behind Andy Cole and two ahead of the retired Sergio Aguero.

His talismanic campaign, making good on a promise, has crowned him a two-time English league winner, picking up the sweeping gamut of individual accolades too.

Why does this matter? We were going to discuss Liverpool’s interest in a new striker, after all. Well, Liverpool’s main man turns 33 in just a few days, and though he’s extended his record-breaking contract by two years, he cannot be expected to heave the bulk of his attacking peers in the same way.

Liverpool need someone more reliable than Nunez, who only scored seven goals last term. The likes of Gyokeres have been touted, sure, but Liverpool might have found an even better option.

Liverpool hold talks for new striker

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool are still interested in Eintracht Frankfurt centre-forward Hugo Ekitike, despite Chelsea making all the noise in recent weeks.

In fact, the reporter claims Liverpool have “held concrete talks with the player’s camp”, perhaps just awaiting clarity on the futures of their expendable forwards.

The major sticking point is that Frankfurt want €100m (£84m) for their rising star, but given that he’s yet to fully grow into his skin, this perhaps skates beyond the line of plausibility.

Why Liverpool should sign Hugo Ekitike

Ekitike only scored four goals across 33 senior outings for Paris Saint-Germain, thus choosing to make his name away from the bloated Parisian superpower.

He hasn’t looked back. After finishing the 2023/24 campaign in good form, Ekitike stepped into his first full term on strong footing, wrapping things up with 22 goals and 12 assists across 48 fixtures.

Once hailed as “the next Mbappe” by journalist Graeme Bailey, it’s easy to see why he’s held in such high regard, fostering a keen-edged offensive style and marrying it with his rounded underlying qualities.

Sporting’s Gyokeres might be among the hottest commodities on the market, but Liverpool’s data-driven system would be sure to reveal Ekitike as the more desirable pick.

Matches (starts)

33 (31)

Goals

15

Assists

7

Shots (on target)*

3.5 (1.5)

Big chances missed

16

Pass completion

76%

Big chances created

12

Key passes*

1.3

Dribbles*

1.6

Duels won*

4.2

The key thing is he’s finding his feet in front of goal and boasts a combative and creative underlying skill set. For sure, Gyokeres has proven to be a more clinical goalscorer in Portugal, but Ekitike’s multi-faceted game suggests his ceiling his higher, having already been hailed by analyst Ben Mattinson as “one of the best centre-forwards out there.”

Further to that point, Nunez was as prolific as they come for Benfica before Liverpool paid the big bucks to bring him over to England, scoring 34 goals across 41 games in 2021/22.

Ekitike, however, bespeaks completeness through his data. As per FBref, he ranked among the top 10% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues last year for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 4% for progressive carries and successful take-ons and the top 19% for ball recoveries per 90.

Athletic and dynamic, the archetype for greatness is right there, especially when considering he’s five years Gyokeres’ junior too.

Journalist Bence Bocsak recently discussed Anfield’s interest in the “unique talent”, going on to say, “For the right price, Ekitike would be the perfect forward at Liverpool under Arne Slot.”

Finances will, of course, hold sway in the decision-making, and Liverpool (like Chelsea) aren’t likely to fork out something in the ballpark of £84m for a raw centre-forward, his potential untapped.

Ekitike truly is the perfect profile to unify Liverpool’s frontline over the coming years. Would Gyokeres bring a consistent supply of goals? Yes, he would. But is he the perfect man for the job?

In Ekitike, Slot can fashion a superstar, and that’s the Liverpool way.

Worst sale since Mane: "World-class" Liverpool star now in talks to leave

Liverpool may be set to lose one or two of their first-team regulars this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 9, 2025

Chelsea are showcasing real ambition in the transfer market after qualifying for the Champions League next season, with the Blues looking back to manager Enzo Maresca after a successful debut campaign in the dugout.

Chelsea seal Liam Delap deal with more signings identified

On Wednesday, Chelsea officially announced the arrival of striker Liam Delap, who joins in a £30 million deal from Ipswich Town.

Chelsea hold new talks to sign "fantastic" £40m defender who's keen to join

The west Londoners want to get him in before the Club World Cup.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 5, 2025

Delap, who scored 12 league goals for the Tractor Boys last season, but couldn’t save them from relegation, will wear the number nine shirt and becomes eligible to take part in the Club World Cup later this month.

Ipswich Town 2-0 Chelsea

8.08

Bournemouth 1-2 Ipswich Town

8.05

Ipswich Town 2-2 Aston Villa

8.04

Ipswich Town 1-2 Southampton

7.83

Fulham 2-2 Ipswich Town

7.55

via WhoScored

Chelsea can register players in time for FIFA’s competition due to a unique mini-transfer window, which is open until June 10, with Maresca having four more days to reinforce his squad ahead of the tournament.

BlueCo want one or two more new arrivals through the door before their CWC campaign kicks off, and Stamford Bridge chiefs have a number of plates spinning.

Journalist Simon Phillips claims Chelsea held fresh talks over a deal for Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato recently, with personal terms not seen as an issue considering the defender’s desire to join Maresca’s side.

Meanwhile, links continue to surround Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike, who could be their second striker signing after Delap.

As well as in attack and defence, Chelsea haven’t given up on signing AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan, who’s about to enter the final 12 months of his contract at the San Siro.

The France international, who captained Milan last season, is valued at around £25 million by the Rossoneri, despite his contract situation. Right now, Chelsea appear unwilling to go that far, but there is a major willingness from the 29-year-old himself to make the move happen.

Mike Maignan tells AC Milan he wants to join Chelsea

According to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, backing up other reports, Maignan has informed Milan that he wants to join Chelsea.

Convincing him is no issue, with the clubs now having to find common ground when it comes to his asking price. Maresca’s side only want to pay around £10 million for the keeper as things stand (The Mail), so there are plenty of negotiations still to be had if a deal is still possible.

This comes after another report from the reliable Fabrizio Romano, who told GiveMeSport that Maresca has personally approved Maignan’s potential switch to west London.

With Chelsea’s manager and the keeper wanting this deal done, they’re simply waiting for club-to-club talks to reach a positive resolution.

Maignan, described as a “world-class” shot-stopper, has plenty of top-level experience – which is something lacking in Chelsea’s overall squad – and is widely regarded as one of Serie A’s top keepers.

The Aston Villa hierarchy have now identified a “world-class” £40 million shot-stopper to replace Emi Martinez in goal this summer, according to a recent report.

Emi Martinez looks set to leave Aston Villa

The Villans gave their chances of playing Champions League football next season a real boost over the weekend, as they beat Tottenham Hotspur while Newcastle faltered at Arsenal.

They head into the final game of the season knowing they need maximum points to stand a chance of a top five finish. Securing Champions League football will help the Midlands side when it comes to the summer transfer window, as not only will more funds become available, but they will also be able to attract top level stars.

Ready to leave: Barcelona now want to sign "incredible" Aston Villa star

Aston Villa may need to sell players this summer.

ByTom Cunningham May 19, 2025

However, it appears as though it doesn’t matter where Villa finishes this season; goalkeeper Emi Martinez will be leaving the club this summer. It was reported at the beginning of this month that Unai Emery is ready to sell Martinez, as the player is ready to leave the Premier League. The report went on to add that teams from the Saudi Pro League are ready to make the Argentina goalkeeper a huge offer to leave Villa Park.

Over the last 72 hours, Martinez’s departure from Villa has intensified, as he appeared to wave to the Aston Villa fans during their lap of honour following their final game at Villa Park this season. It has since been reported that both Manchester United and Barcelona are looking to sign the 32-year-old this summer.

Aston Villa chiefs identify £40m Liverpool star to replace Martinez

So as Martinez’s future at Villa Park is up in the air, Villa are scouring the market for potential replacements, and according to a report from Spain, Aston Villa are interested in signing Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool.

The report states that Villa are already looking at a future without Martinez in their goal, as they waste no time in trying to find a potential replacement. It is claimed that Kelleher has emerged as a target for Villa because of his impressive performances for Liverpool when given an opportunity, and despite him being second choice at Anfield, Villa see Kelleher as someone with potential and character.

However, they are not alone in showing interest in the Republic of Ireland international, as Premier League teams such as AFC Bournemouth, Chelsea, and Newcastle United are also interested.

The report does go on to add that Villa are also interested in signing Joan Garcia from La Liga side Espanyol, and he would be considered a cheaper option, as Liverpool have set a price tag of £40 million on Kelleher heading into this summer.

Apps

67

Goals conceded

79

Clean sheets

24

The 26-year-old, who has been dubbed “world-class” by teammate Andy Robertson, has been at Liverpool since 2015 but has only played 25 times in the Premier League, as he’s struggled to get ahead of Alisson and become the club’s number one. Kelleher is under contract until 2026, so Liverpool may be tempted to sell this summer before he leaves for nothing in 12 months.

Burnley will head back into the Premier League desperate to stay there for the long term, with Scott Parker also having plenty to prove as a top-flight worthy manager.

Parker has now impressively sealed three promotions up to the big time on his managerial CV, but he’s never looked like the most comfortable figure plying his trade in the top-flight away from the Championship, with a dire 30 defeats next to his name when managing at the elite level.

He will no doubt be eager to prove all his doubters wrong from the Turf Moor hot-seat, but he will be very aware that any chance he has of establishing himself as a top manager at the level will rest on the newly promoted side keeping talents such as Josh Brownhill around.

Why Burnley must keep Brownhill

Jumping up a division and staying put there is going to be a very difficult ask for Burnley, especially when you weigh up the ongoing fate that every newly promoted side that triumphantly tastes promotion immediately falls straight back to the EFL.

That’s before you further factor in the grim fact that Burnley could lose a large portion of their promotion-winning heroes this off-season, with 18-goal star Brownhill allegedly on the summer shopping lists of both Everton and West Ham United.

Losing their beloved captain to a top-flight rival would be nothing short of disastrous for Parker’s men, with Brownhill’s 18 strikes and six assists across 44 league games undoubtedly playing a huge part in Burnley’s push back up to the top-flight.

The in-demand 29-year-old has also shown he can perform up a level previously, with six goals and six assists next to his name in the Premier League to date, meaning he could be just the steadying presence the Lancashire club need to try and secure survival.

Away from Brownhill, Burnley will also need to ensure they keep their formidable defence around to try and stave off relegation, with one stern Clarets defender actually boasting a higher worth than the electric midfielder now after a breakout promotion-winning season.

The "exceptional" Burnley star worth more than Brownhill

Remarkably, across the full 46-game marathon, Burnley would only ship a minuscule 16 goals in total, leading to first-choice goalkeeper James Trafford reprotedly being on the radar of Newcastle United.

He isn’t the only defensive star being eyed up by a higher suitor, however, with Crystal Palace also reportedly keeping tabs on Clarets number 16 Maxime Esteve, after the French colossus looked near faultless all season long alongside Trafford.

The former Montpellier man would deservedly slot into the Championship team of the season, with Esteve operating as both a classy performer on the ball with 60.5 accurate passes averaged per league game, but also acting as a forceful presence when needed by picking up a whopping 30 clean sheets.

Unsurprisingly, off the back of such a sterling individual season alongside his standout teammates, Esteve’s transfer value has shot up, with Burnley definitely winning themselves a golden bargain when purchasing the 22-year-old for around the £12.5m mark just last year.

Games played

46

Goals scored

1

Assists

0

Touches*

78.0

Accurate passes*

60.5 (91%)

Ball recoveries*

3.7

Clearances*

5.0

Total duels won*

3.6

Clean sheets

30

Transfer value when joining

£12.5m

Transfer value now

£19.3m

Now, the in-demand centre-back is worth a far heftier £19.3m – as per Football Transfers – with Brownhill’s own value of £9.6m falling way short of Esteve’s bumped up valuation.

Therefore, it will likely have to be an astronomical offer put on the table for Burnley to consider parting ways with their “exceptional” – as he has been previously labelled by Parker – centre-back.

Further billed as possessing “undeniable” Premier League potential by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, it will be intriguing to see if does become even more of an imperious defender next season, whether that be lining up for Parker’s men, for Oliver Glasner’s Eagles or moving elsewhere.

Burnley have struck gold on "superstar" talent who's as good as Trafford

Burnley will hope they can succeed in the Premier League next season with this superstar already possessing top-flight quality.

ByKelan Sarson May 12, 2025

Leeds United are now racing for the signature of an “amazing” defender, who could be available for a bargain fee in the summer transfer window, according to a report.

Leeds' summer transfer plans taking shape

Leeds’ promotion from the Championship was confirmed after Burnley defeated Sheffield United 2-1 on Monday night, and while they will still be keen to wrap up the league title, the 49ers Enterprises can now start to make more concrete plans for the summer transfer window.

With the Whites now set to be playing in the Premier League next season, Kalvin Phillips is interested in a return to Elland Road, and Manchester City are willing to take a huge loss on the £45m fee they shelled out in the summer of 2022.

Phillips may tick some boxes for Daniel Farke, with the manager believed to be keen on bringing in players who have Premier League experience, and the likes of Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone and Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson are also on the shortlist.

Farke is clearly keen to bolster his squad in a number of areas, in order to avoid an instant return to the Championship, and Leeds have now joined the race for a defender, with a report from Football Insider naming them as potential suitors for Vancouver Whitecaps’ Dembo Saidykhan, who can play as a centre-back or as a right-back.

Saidykhan’s impressive performances in the MLS have attracted the attention of a number of European clubs, with Wolves also set to be in the race for his signature, and there is a feeling he could be available for a bargain fee.

The defender’s contract is set to expire at the end of the year, which means Vancouver Whitecaps may choose to sanction a departure this summer, in order to make sure they don’t miss out on a transfer fee entirely.

Leeds now considering promotion move for "sensational" England international

Leeds United are already looking to the summer transfer window after smashing Stoke City on Monday.

ByBarney Lane Apr 21, 2025 "Amazing" Saidykhan impressing for club and country

The report states the Gambian has caught the eye at international level, and he has clearly impressed compatriot and former footballer Cherno Samba, who believes he could go on to have a great career.

The 21-year-old is clearly showing promising signs, so Leeds should look to snap him up this summer, especially considering he could well be available for a bargain fee, but they must also bring in players with experience in a major European league.

Saidykhan is yet to prove himself at a high level, and Farke would be gambling with instant relegation back to the Championship if he didn’t bring in another centre-back, with Modibo Sagnan, of Ligue 1 club Montpellier, among the potential targets.

Tottenham Hotspur are now keeping close tabs on a winger, with scouts being left hugely impressed by his recent performances, according to a report.

Spurs planning to bolster attacking options

It would be fair to say Tottenham’s forwards have not been the main issue this season, with Ange Postecoglou’s side scoring 60 goals in the Premier League up to this point, the third-highest of any side in the top flight.

However, it is clear Spurs are eager to bring in additional attacking options this summer, having stepped up their pursuit of a winger in recent weeks, most recently being named as potential suitors for Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman, with the Frenchman making it clear he wants to leave.

West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus is amongst the targets from within the Premier League, but the Ghanaian will not come cheap, with the Lilywhites’ London rivals reportedly set to hold out for a fee of £74m.

Tottenham want to sign "brilliant" £30m left-back who could replace Udogie

Tottenham have now joined the race to sign “one of the best left-backs in Europe”.

ByDominic Lund Apr 13, 2025

Chairman Daniel Levy recently confirmed Tottenham’s spending must be “sustainable” and “smart” in the summer, amid a drop in revenue in the year ending June 2024, so it could make sense to pursue a low-cost alternative to Kudus.

According to a report from The Boot Room, a new target has now entered the frame, with Tottenham scouts being left hugely impressed by Strasbourg winger Dilane Bakwa after recently watching him in action.

Spurs are keeping close tabs on Bakwa, but there could be fierce competition for his signature from their London rivals, with Chelsea, Brentford and West Ham United also interested, alongside Newcastle United.

It remains to be seen whether Chelsea’s relationship with Strasbourg gives them the edge in negotiations, but a deal may be possible for the relatively low fee of £26m.

Tottenham Hotspur’s upcoming fixtures

Date

Eintracht Frankfurt (a)

April 17th

Nottingham Forest (h)

April 21st

Liverpool (a)

April 27th

West Ham United (a)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (h)

May 10th

"Diamond" Bakwa enjoying impressive campaign

Under the helm of Liam Rosenior, Strasbourg are making an unexpected push for the Champions League places in Ligue 1 this season, and the 22-year-old has been integral to their success, picking up four goals and nine assists in 25 appearances.

In light of his impressive performances in France, the young winger has received high praise from journalist Zach Lowy, who described him as a “diamond in the rough” back in January.

A fee of just £26m for the Frenchman could be a bargain, should he continue his current trajectory, so it is exciting news that Tottenham have been monitoring his performances ahead of a potential swoop.

That said, Chelsea owners BlueCo are also in charge at Strasbourg, which could make a deal challenging, given that they may be unwilling to strengthen a direct rival.