Celtic find themselves in a race against time to land a new striker, though they have now made an approach to bring in a forward on the books at a Premier League club.
Celtic fail in bid to land Anderlecht striker Kasper Dolberg
Despite making him their top target, Celtic look to have missed out on a deal for Anderlecht striker Kasper Dolberg, who is primed to complete a move to Anderlecht before the close of play.
Taking to social media platform X, Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph reported that the Denmark international now has his set on a move to his former club after the Dutch giants sought assurances over his willingness to snub alternative interest.
He stated: “UPDATE: Ajax are now pressing ahead with their hijack of Kasper Dolberg’s move to Celtic after seeking assurances from the player that he would prefer a return to his old club. #AFCAjax now back in talks with Anderlecht over a permanet deal. This could leave Celtic scrambling.”
Elsewhere, the Bhoys have put forward a loan for Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sayki, albeit he could end up at either Rangers, Lyon, and Leicester City, who are also keen on landing the England Under-21 international.
The timing of whether Celtic manage to land a striker or not is critical, given Irishman Adam Idah is set for a move to Swansea after completing his medical, though they have held fire on relinquishing his services until a replacement is found.
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Truthfully, the late part of the window for supporters has failed to deliver in terms of excitement, but that could be about to change as they hone in on a new centre-forward.
Celtic make loan approach to sign Chelsea's David Datro Fofana
According to Sky Sports reporter Joseph on X, who was mentioned earlier, Celtic have made a loan approach to try and sign Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana before tonight’s deadline.
Intriguingly, his colleague Ron Walker eluded to the fact that is ‘looks like’ the Bhoys may land his services despite suggesting that Bristol City were in the mix, potentially suggesting that a deal is further down the line than initially thought.
Despite joining Chelsea for £10.3 million in 2022, Fofana has made only four appearances for the Premier League giants and spent time out on loan at Goztepe last term, scoring twice in nine appearances before sustaining a knee injury.
Adding Union Berlin and Burnley to his other loans, the Ivory Coast international, dubbed “aggressive” by Vincent Kompany, has never really settled since joining the Blues from Molde, where he burst on to the scene after netting 24 times in 65 outings.
Celtic appear willing to offer him an olive branch at a late stage, creating a scenario where both parties benefit while Chelsea move another player off their books.
With less than 10 days until the transfer window closes, Newcastle United are now reportedly eyeing a deal to sign a Premier League rival alongside Manchester City.
Latest on Newcastle's striker search
Whilst it seemed as though things were finally looking up for Newcastle when a deal was back on the table for Yoane Wissa and Malick Thiaw arrived, they now look destined to suffer a cruel transfer twist yet again. Reports are now suggesting that, despite Brentford’s initial decision to ease their stance, the Bees are now demanding in excess of £60m to sell their forward, who is back training with the squad.
As things stand, the closest that Newcastle have come to meeting Brentford’s demands is an offer worth £40m. Whether that changes before the transfer window slams shut remains the big question, but the forward is no longer the only name on the Magpies’ shortlist.
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Jorgen Strand Larsen has also entered Newcastle’s radar, according to recent reports. The towering Norway international enjoyed an excellent debut campaign in the Premier League last time out and would undoubtedly be an ideal alternative to Wissa this month.
Like Brentford, however, Wolves are in no mood to hand Newcastle a cut-price in the remaining days of the window – reportedly demanding over £60m to sell their star striker.
Just where Newcastle take their striker search next remains to be seen in a summer full of twists, especially with recent rumours indicating that their next signing may even be a Premier League defender instead.
Newcastle eyeing Acheampong alongside Man City
According to Caught Offside, Newcastle are now eyeing a deal to sign Josh Acheampong from Chelsea in a fresh transfer race against Manchester City. The 19-year-old started Chelsea’s opening day draw against Crystal Palace, keeping a clean sheet in what was a solid performance despite the Blues’ shortcomings going in the other direction.
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Now on Newcastle’s radar, the teenager would offer Eddie Howe instant versatility thanks to his ability to play as both a right-back and a centre-back. Whether the Magpies can convince Chelsea to sell their young star is another question entirely, however. As things stand, despite interest from City and Newcastle, those at Stamford Bridge have stood firm on their stance that Acheampong is not for sale.
Described as a “superb defender in the making” by scout Jacek Kulig, Acheampong is certainly one to watch no matter where he plays his football this season and beyond.
Manchester United are now genuinely planning to break the bank for a £100m+ “beast”, having already held talks over a potential deal, according to a report.
Man Utd vying to sign midfielder amid Casemiro concerns
Casemiro was subjected to a lot of criticism last season, with Gary Neville criticising the Brazilian’s ability to get around the pitch after a 2-0 home defeat against Newcastle United.
Referring to Christian Eriksen and Casemiro, Neville said: “When I saw the team sheet I thought it would be difficult for Man Utd to play well. [They have] two centre midfield players who can’t run.”
Consequently, the Red Devils have set out to bring in a new, much younger midfielder this summer, and there have been widespread reports they have now submitted a bid for Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez.
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However, there is also an option from much closer to home, namely Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, and it has been suggested that an offer could be made for the 21-year-old imminently.
According to a new report from TEAMtalk, Man United are now planning to break the bank to secure Baleba’s signature, with Brighton set to hold out for over £100m.
There is now a genuine desire to go all out for the central midfielder, despite executives being aware that a deal would blow the budget, as they believe he possesses rare qualities, and could provide long-term value to Ruben Amorim’s squad.
Brighton & Hove Albion's CarlosBalebacelebrates scoring their first goal with Joao Pedro and Matt O'Riley
Talks have already been held over a deal for the Brighton star, and there is a feeling that another approach could be made before the weekend, although there is an awareness the Seagulls will drive a hard bargain.
"Beast" Baleba could be statement signing for Man Utd
There have been reports that Manchester City have been left shocked by United stepping up their interest in the Brighton maestro, given that Pep Guardiola’s side were planning to launch an offer next summer.
Liverpool and Arsenal are also in the race for the Cameroonian’s signature, displaying just how highly he is rated by some of the Premier League’s top clubs, and Amorim’s side would be making a statement if they were able to pull off a deal.
Not only did the starlet impress with his dribbling and tackling ability, but he was also praised by teammate Matt O’Riley, who said: “He is strong. To put it simply he is an absolute beast. It’s nice to play alongside someone like that because he just smashes everyone and makes my life quite easy.”
As such, it could be worth taking a gamble on Baleba, but it would be disappointing if doing so means Man United are unable to compete for Gianluigi Donnarumma’s signature.
West Ham United have made an approach to sign a “commanding” international for Graham Potter, and the Irons have already received a reply.
West Ham make Callum Wilson fifth summer signing
The Hammers have recently secured their fifth addition of the summer, with experienced striker Callum Wilson moving to the London Stadium after leaving Premier League rivals Newcastle United.
Jean-Clair Todibo
Nice
£36m
El Hadji Malick Diouf
Slavia Prague
£19m
Daniel Cummings
Celtic
£250,000
Kyle Walker-Peters
Southampton
Free
Callum Wilson
Newcastle
Free
Wilson, an England international who has 111 goal involvements in 239 Premier League appearances, has signed a 12-month deal with West Ham and said after arriving:
The Irons aren’t stopping after Wilson, though, with a new goalkeeper of interest to rival Alphonse Areola, who currently has Wes Foderingham and Krisztian Hegyi behind him.
Leicester City’s Mads Hermansen has been heavily linked with a move from the King Power to the capital, whereas before, Zion Suzuki of Parma was of interest.
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Now, a new update has emerged regarding Suzuki heading to England.
West Ham approach rejected for £26m Zion Suzuki
According to reports from Italy, relayed by Sport Witness, West Ham have made an approach to Parma over a move for Suzuki.
That contact from the Hammers has been swiftly rejected by the Serie A side, who view Suzuki as a key player and is under contract until 2029.
The 22-year-old is valued at €30m (£26m), so West Ham will need to reach that figure if they are to have any chance of signing the shot-stopper.
Suzuki has caught the eye in recent years and, at one point, ranked in the 100th percentile for shot-stopping, aerials contested and exits from goal line, alongside placing in the 99th percentile for passes.
The Japan international has also been called a “commanding” goalkeeper in the media, so if West Ham were able to bring him to the London Stadium, it could prove to be a really shrewd piece of business.
Nottingham Forest are now “starting” talks to sign an “incredible” forward, who could be in line to join alongside Bologna’s Dan Ndoye, according to reporter John Percy.
Nottingham Forest closing in on Ndoye's signature
With Anthony Elanga joining Newcastle United, one of Nuno Espirito Santo’s most important tasks this summer was to bring in a new winger, and Fabrizio Romano has revealed a deal is now in place for Ndoye, with the Bologna forward set to travel to England for a medical very soon.
Given that Elanga is well-known for being a “constant direct threat”, it was important for Nuno to bring in a replacement also capable of driving at opposition defences, and the Swiss winger ranks in the 92nd percentile for progressive carries per 90 over the past year.
Despite the deal for Ndoye recently edging closer to completion, the Tricky Trees remain interested in signing another new winger this summer, and Nuno is now targeting a reunion with one of his former players…
That is according to Percy, who recently reported that Nottingham Forest are now “starting” talks with Fulham over a potential deal for Adama Traore, with the winger emerging as a serious target, given that Nuno is prioritising the additions of new wide men.
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The Fulham forward is regarded as a direct replacement for Elanga, and he could join alongside Ndoye, who is set to sign a five-year deal at the City Ground, having informed Bologna of his desire to leave and play in the Premier League.
"Incredible" Traore could be ideal addition to Nuno's squad
Much like Ndoye, the £65k-a-week Spaniard is a skilled dribbler of the ball, while he also ranks very highly for assists per 90 over the course of the past year, when compared to other wingers and attacking midfielders.
Statistic
Average per 90
Progressive carries
5.08 (86th percentile)
Successful take-ons
2.44 (88th percentile)
Assists
0.36 (89th percentile)
Lauded as “incredible” by journalist Arjun Pradeep, the former Barcelona man is also well-known for his “electric” pace, which could make him an ideal signing for Nuno, given that the manager implemented a counter-attacking style of play last season.
With Forest set to embark on a Europa League campaign in the 2025-25 campaign, it is very important that Nuno has considerable strength in depth, so it would be a smart move to try and get a deal for Traore over the line alongside Ndoye.
Aston Villa have now been handed a boost in their pursuit of a £70m forward, with transfer expert Graeme Bailey revealing he would be open to a move to Villa Park this summer.
Aston Villa eager to sign new forwards
It has been clear that Villa need to sign a striker since the January transfer window, at which point they sold Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr, and the need to bring in a centre-forward could be exacerbated by the departure of Ollie Watkins.
Manchester United have held talks over a deal for Watkins, which means the Villans have started to run the rule over replacements, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani has entered the frame as a potential option.
Besiktas’ Semih Kilicsoy also remains of interest, alongside Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson, with Unai Emery’s side now ready to make a move for the striker, should he become available later this summer.
Target
League appearances in 24/25
Goals
Randal Kolo Muani
26
10
Semih Kilicsoy
32
3
Nicolas Jackson
30
10
After losing Duran in the January transfer window, versatile forward Marcus Rashford was brought in, but with the Manchester United man now Barcelona-bound, Emery is also keen on bringing in a forward capable of playing out wide.
Last week, it was revealed that Aston Villa have made an approach for Man United’s Alejandro Garnacho, who could be valued at £70m, and there has now been another update on their pursuit of the forward.
According to a report from The Boot Room, Garnacho is open to a move to Villa Park this summer, given that he is keen to remain in the Premier League and play under Emery.
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Bailey added: “Alejandro Garnacho wants to stay in England, and there are only so many options. Chelsea, we know, like him, whilst Tottenham have maintained contact.
“But Aston Villa have emerged as an option, I am told the player has done his homework on the possibility of working with Unai Emery, and he has heard good things.”
Garnacho could be "amazing" signing for Aston Villa
Amid doubts surrounding Jacob Ramsey’s future, it could be very important to bring in a new signing capable of playing at left-wing this summer, and the 21-year-old has picked up 31 goals and 17 assists in 110 appearances from that area, including games at youth level.
Ruben Amorim has also singled out the youngster for high praise, describing him as “amazing” after an impressive performance in Manchester United’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal last season.
Alejandro Garnacho in action for Manchester United.
That said, given that Villa are treading a fine line PSR-wise, it may not be financially prudent to shell out £70m on a player yet to record world-class numbers.
Garnacho amassed a respectable six goals and two assists in the Premier League last season, but his performances are yet to justify a £70m outlay, so it may only be worth Villa making a move if the winger becomes available for a lower price.
West Ham United are now in direct negotiations over a deal to sign an “excellent” defender, with his price tag not considered an issue, according to a report.
West Ham summer transfer rumours after Kudus sale
One of West Ham’s main tasks this summer will be to bring in a replacement for Mohammed Kudus, with the forward recently sealing a controversial move across the capital to Tottenham Hotspur, but they are also keen to strengthen other areas of the squad.
With long-serving left-back Aaron Cresswell departing upon the expiration of his contract, the Hammers are now stepping up their pursuit of a left-back, with a report revealing they are on course to sign Slavia Prague’s El Hadji Malick Diouf for €22m plus add-ons.
However, there is also an eagerness to strengthen on the opposite side of the defence, with talks being opened over a deal for Celta Vigo right-back Oscar Mingueza, but the 26-year-old is not the only Spanish defender on the Irons’ shortlist.
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According to reports from Spain (via Sport Witness), West Ham are now in direct negotiations with the agents of Girona’s Arnau Martinez, with work underway to try and convince the right-back to make the move to the London Stadium this summer.
Martinez is viewed as one of Girona’s biggest assets, which indicates the Spanish side could be reluctant to sanction a departure on the cheap, but his price tag isn’t considered a problem for the Hammers, given the money that comes from playing in the Premier League.
The Irons remain in touch with the 22-year-old’s representatives ahead of potentially making an offer, and reports from elsewhere have detailed that it could take a bid in the region of €14m (£12m) to get a deal over the line.
Martinez could be "excellent" addition to Potter's squad
Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has been left impressed by the Spanish defender in the past, taking to X to suggest that he is a versatile player, also capable of playing at right centre-back in a three-at-the-back system.
At 22-years-old, the full-back is at a good age to be a long-term success at the London Stadium, and he already has a great deal of first-team experience, making a combined 86 La Liga appearances over the course of the last three campaigns.
An asking price of just £12m is very reasonable, and there are plenty of signs that Martinez could be capable of pushing for Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s starting spot in the near future, while his versatility would be an added bonus for Graham Potter.
Glasgow Rangers are not messing around in the summer transfer window. They have already made several moves in an attempt to bolster Russell Martin’s first-team squad.
Lyall Cameron, Max Aarons, Joe Rothwell, and Emmanuel Fernandez had all already arrived through the door at Ibrox before the signing of Thelo Aasgaard was made official.
The Norway international has joined Rangers from south of the border in a permanent deal that is reported to be worth around £3.5m.
Aasgaard, as a player who has predominantly been deployed as an attacking midfielder or off the left flank in his career, could be viewed as their replacement for Ianis Hagi, who left the club on a free transfer this summer.
There are still attacking reinforcements to come for the Light Blues, though, as they have yet to replace Vaclav Cerny, who recently returned to Wolfsburg.
The Czechia international spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Ibrox, gracing the right flank each week, and they will need to replace the quality he provided in the final third.
Why Rangers must replace Vaclav Cerny
You only have to take a brief glance at the kind of numbers Cerny put up during his time at Rangers to know that the club were dealt a big blow when his loan deal expired.
The left-footed star produced 18 goals and nine assists in 52 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants, which shows that he provided quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals from the right wing.
12 of those goals and four of those assists for the Light Blues came in the Scottish Premiership, as he showcased his ability to make a big impact on a regular basis in the top-flight.
Cerny was also unlucky to only end the season with four assists to his name in the division, as his teammates let him down too many times with their wasteful finishes.
Goals
12
Top 6%
xG
9.03
Top 6%
xG on target
11.03
Top 6%
Assists
4
Top 25%
xA
8.41
Top 1%
Chances created
81
Top 1%
As you can see in the table above, the left-footed star racked up an eye-catching 8.41 xA tally, the most of any winger in the league, but was only rewarded with four assists.
Overall, these statistics show that it will take a lot to find a quality replacement for Cerny, because he delivered goals and created chances at an exceptional rate for the Gers last season.
However, Rangers are now reportedly eyeing up a potential deal for a winger who could come in as a perfect replacement for the Czechia international.
Rangers pursuing new winger deal
According to reports in Brazil, as relayed by the Daily Record, Rangers are pursuing a deal to sign Maccabi Tel Aviv forward Weslley Patati this summer.
It is claimed that the Light Blues are one of a number of teams interested in the winger, though, as AZ Alkmaar, Al Wahda, Al Ain, and Girona are also keen on signing him, which shows that there is plenty of competition for his signature.
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Unnamed teams from the Premier League and the Championship in England are also keeping tabs on his situation, adding even more potential suitors to the list.
Maccabi Tel Aviv have already rejected £3.5m offers from several clubs, including AZ, and are said to be looking for a fee within the region of £9m for the 21-year-old attacker.
It now remains to be seen whether or not the Scottish giants are prepared to pay the £9m that may be required to bring the Brazilian dynamo to Ibrox before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September.
Why Rangers should sign Weslley Patati
The Light Blues should push to bring the left-footed star to Glasgow in the coming weeks, whether it is for that fee or potentially a reduced one if they can lower it in negotiations, because he could be a perfect replacement for Cerny.
As a left-footed forward who predominantly plays on the right, although he can also play off the left wing, Patati could be a dream signing to take the Czechia international’s place in the starting XI.
Like Cerny, Patati is a winger who likes to cut in on his left foot from the right flank to deliver goals and assists on a regular basis, using his ability on the ball to constantly make things happen in the final third.
Analyst Kai Watson claimed that the forward is “so good with the ball at his feet that he’s difficult to stop”, which is backed up by his impressive statistics for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the 2024/25 campaign.
Appearances
30
33
Goals
12
12
Big chances missed
6
6
Big chances created
17
6
Key passes per game
1.4
2.5
Assists
6
4
Dribbles completed per game
1.7
1.4
As you can see in the table above, Patati caught the eye with his contributions as both a scorer and a creator of goals from the right wing, just as Cerny did.
He scored as many goals as Cerny did at league level, with the same level of efficiency in ‘big chances’, whilst also creating a whopping 11 more ‘big chances’ for his teammates.
This suggests that the potential is there for the Brazilian starlet to come in as a potential upgrade, whilst offering a similar stylistic option to the Gers, on the wing, because of his goalscoring pedigree and his consistency as a creative threat.
Of course, he has yet to prove himself in the Premiership, and it remains to be seen if he can adapt to Scottish football, but the 21-year-old ace appears to have all the tools available to be a real success at Ibrox as a replacement for Cerny.
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Therefore, the Gers should push hard to win the race for his signature, amid fierce competition, because the goals and assists he has the potential to deliver from the right wing could make supporters forget all about the Wolfsburg loanee.
How sad that Liverpool’s smart business sense in the transfer market will likely prevent Arne Slot’s side from becoming engaged in the frenzied crowd come August, when panic stations are manned ahead of the impending closure date.
Ah well. There are worse problems for a side to have. Liverpool, having won the Premier League with relative ease last season, have already completed a series of signings to plug gaps ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, where a title must be defended and where expectations will be heightened across tournamental fronts, where the Reds perhaps fell flat.
Still, that shiny league title softened the blow of losing the Carabao Cup final, did it not? However, we can’t deny that Liverpool suffered a dip around spring, a rough patch which limited the scope of Slot’s extraordinary success.
More quality was needed, and that’s why Richard Hughes has overseen such an imperious start to the summer market, with the sporting director now turning his head toward central defence.
Why Liverpool want a centre-back
Earlier in June, Liverpool agreed to sell Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for £30m plus add-ons. A buyback clause has been written into the contract.
Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah
The move will not be finalised until the defender completes his duties with England at the U21 European Championship, but he won’t be a Liverpool player next season.
With a question mark also hanging over Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool have set their sights on Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, who is anticipated to leave Selhurst Park this summer. Anfield has emerged as the leading suitor in the race.
We all know of Real Madrid’s expertise in warping Spanish media, but the fact remains that Konate has been left ‘disappointed’ after rejecting Liverpool’s latest contract offer, and is indeed heading into the final year of his £70k-per-week contract.
However, if Liverpool fail to get a deal for Guehi over the line, a fresh face will still be needed to strengthen the rearguard.
Liverpool register interest in Guehi alternative
According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool have entered the race for Spanish centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, who plays for Valencia in La Liga.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Though the Reds will slow the pace after their breakneck start to the window, Hughes will remain attentive to opportunities and is keeping a close eye on the 21-year-old as Arsenal begin to accelerate their own interest.
Indeed, The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed that the Gunners are locked in talks for the rising star, with a €20m (£17m) being agreed.
Valencia'sCristhianMosquerain action with Atletico Madrid's Samuel Lino
If Liverpool want to complete a hijack, they will need to move fast.
Why Liverpool want Cristhian Mosquera
Guehi would bring a certain completeness to Liverpool, and he’s proven in the Premier League besides, but he’d cost quite a fee at £50m.
If a breakthrough is found vis-à-vis Konate, would it make sense to launch such a bid, especially when Guehi already harbours certain reservations about playing time?
He’s an excellent player, but Mosquera is showing significant potential and could be a worthwhile project for Slot and his coaching team over the next few years, especially as he’s already shown a certain precocity in chalking up 90 senior appearances for Valencia, having turned 21 today.
Cristhian Mosquera for Valencia.
Across the 2024/25 campaign, the Spaniard, born and reared in Alicante to Colombian parents, Mosquera actually started 37 of Valencia’s league fixtures, with his one absence coming when his side faced Barcelona at Camp Nou. They lost 7-1.
Coincidence? Likely not. The hulking defender’s natural ease in high-pressure situations would have been perfect for that match, and when looking at how his metrics compare to Guehi’s over the players’ respective league seasons, you begin to see exactly why he’s so coveted.
Matches (starts)
37 (37)
34 (34)
Goals
1
3
Assists
0
2
Clean sheets
8
11
Touches*
65.7
64.9
Pass completion
91%
84%
Key passes*
0.0
0.5
Ball recoveries*
5.1
4.3
Dribbles (success)*
0.1 (56%)
0.4 (86%)
Tackles + interceptions*
2.4
2.6
Clearances*
3.3
4.6
Ground duels (won)*
2.3 (70%)
2.9 (63%)
Aerial duels (won)*
1.1 (45%)
2.0 (54%)
Just a reminder that Mosquera is only 21. You really can see why Arsenal are so interested in bringing him over to the Emirates. However, Mosquera’s blend of steely tackling and crisp passing play, those fundamental defensive virtues, could be developed into something world-class at Anfield.
Slot promotes a ball-playing game, and he expects his centre-halves to contribute, picking out those in space upfield to spark a devastating transition.
Cristhian Mosquera for Valencia.
And if that weren’t enough, Mosquera also ranked among the top 18% of central defenders in La Liga last term for progressive carries and the top 7% for ball recoveries per 90, as per FBref, emphasising a mobility to rival Guehi’s and indeed an athleticism which allows him to roam about, hoovering up danger and recycling it into something positive.
This is an interesting element for any defender to equip to their toolkit, but when you are so naturally talented in winning the ball back, as Mosquera is, a “truly magnificent centre-back” is created, as has been noted by talent scout Jacek Kulig.
Moreover, Mosquera’s success in the air might not be great, but it will improve. Guehi, too, finds his stronger challenges come on the ground, and so it’s curious indeed that the La Liga star is already performing to a higher standard in that regard, in fact superior to all his positional peers across Spain’s top flight as well.
No doubt, Palace have the more refined man. However, given Liverpool already boast two of the finest defenders on the globe in Konate and skipper Virgil van Dijk, does it not make sense to sign the developing star, who could learn from the superstars already under Slot’s wing ahead of a more prominent role in the coming years?
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Sunderland might be without Jobe Bellingham for their nerve-wracking Premier League adventure, but at least Regis Le Bris still has Chris Rigg to call upon for now.
Amazingly, Rigg is only 18 years of age, despite featuring a colossal 47 times last season for Le Bris’ promotion-winners.
The teenage sensation has rightly garnered lots of attention from higher up suitors; therefore, with Manchester United once reportedly keen on adding the breakout Black Cats star to their star-studded camp.
Sunderland'sChrisRiggin action with Middlesbrough's Aidan Morris
However, with Bellingham gone, Sunderland must do everything in their power now to keep Rigg at the Stadium of Light for the foreseeable future.
Sunderland interested in move for Rigg 2.0
Le Bris could well land his next iteration of Rigg this summer with a new target – one who’s three years older than Rigg – now on the radar.
Indeed, as per a new report from SportsBoom, Sunderland has made some initial enquiries about landing emerging West Bromwich Albion midfielder Isaac Price.
Burnley and Portsmouth are also named as being in the conversation about snapping up the young Northern Irishman, but Sunderland’s glittering track record with up-and-coming talents might well sway Price’s decision-making to swap the West Midlands for Wearside.
Whilst Price has shown flashes of his excellence from his short stay at the Hawthorns to date, he could really find that his game is elevated by moving to the Stadium of Light.
How Price could be Le Bris' next Rigg
Whilst Rigg had been in and around the senior mix for some time before Le Bris’ arrival, he hadn’t yet captivated the Sunderland masses regularly until the ex-Lorient boss stormed through the door. It’s fair to say he now certainly has.
24/25
47
4
1
23/24
30
4
0
22/23
17
0
2
21/22
9
2
2
The teenager had excited fans at the Stadium of Light with his promising displays in youth circles for some time now but his first real breakout season in the senior side came just this campaign.
Amazingly, that would coincide with promotion being reached, with Rigg now desperate to prove himself in the Premier League, alongside his new potential teammate in Price who will be equally eager to cut his teeth at an elite level.
Much like the 18-year-old starlet, Price has been thrust into the spotlight from a very early age, with his debut for the Northern Ireland senior team coming when he was just 19 years of age.
This has proven to be a wise call ever since, considering the promising Baggies number 21 is up to six strikes already for his national side, despite only receiving 16 caps.
He has also shown why West Brom splashed out a rumoured £2.5m to win his services just this January, with Price managing to pick up one goal and one assist for his new employers from 15 appearances, even as their promotion hopes started to crumble.
CM
60
2
2
DM
24
2
3
AM
20
0
2
RM
20
0
0
RW
2
0
0
LM
2
0
0
CF
1
0
0
RB
1
1
0
CB
1
0
0
He could kick on even more with Le Bris by his side, therefore, having seen what the ex-Lorient boss has managed with Rigg, with Price’s flexibility to play in a whole host of positions also drawing similarities to the Red Devils-linked youngster. Last season, the 18-year-old wildly lined up as a centre-forward on five occasions.
Dubbed as “outstanding” by former teammate Asmir Begovic when Price was a wide-eyed teen himself at Everton, this could be finally the time the Pontefract-born ace proves himself in the Premier League.
Everton midfielder Isaac Price.
Sunderland’s approach of gifting up-and-coming youngsters plenty of minutes has worked wonders in the past, with that perhaps continuing if Price joins Le Bris’ growing camp very shortly.
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