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A week is a very long time in football, and West Ham United are the perfect example of that.

Heading into gameweek ten of the Premier League, there was little hope that the Hammers would be able to avoid relegation this year.

However, a thumping 3-1 win over Newcastle United, followed by a 3-2 win over Burnley seven days later, has rejuvenated Nuno Espírito Santo’s side and given the supporters a belief that something positive could still come out of this season.

With that said, it’ll still be a tough fight for the East Londoners, but fortunately, Nuno might have already found his new Morgan Gibbs-White, and no, it’s not Lucas Paqueta.

The West Ham players vital to Nuno's fight for survival

While it won’t be plain sailing to keep West Ham in the Premier League this season, Nuno does have a handful of players in his squad who should be good enough to help him to it.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

For example, while he made just his second start for the side on Saturday, Freddie Potts has already proven that he has what it takes to be a leader in the middle of the park.

Blessed with “supreme confidence and ability to create time and space on the ball,” per one analyst, the academy graduate is also just as happy and capable of getting stuck in with the less glamorous side of the game.

Moreover, with him playing deeper and mopping up opposition attacks, Paqueta should be able to focus more on happenings at the sharp end of the pitch.

The Brazilian international has been inconsistent for some time now, but his quality is undeniable, and with a goal to go with two stellar performances in the last week, it looks like the manager knows how to get the best out of him.

Someone who’ll be hugely important to the manager’s fight for survival and a player the fans never have to worry about putting in a shift is Jarrod Bowen.

The England international is Mr West Ham, and with a sensational tally of 24 goal involvements last season and five already this year, the 28-year-old is arguably the most important player of all.

Finally, the pairing of Crysencio Summerville and El Hadji Malick Diouf gives the Hammers some real pace, power, and quality on the left, while ensuring that opposition teams cannot focus their attention solely on Bowen.

With all that said, there is another player, a summer signing, who could prove vital for West Ham this season, someone who could be Nuno’s new Gibbs-White.

Nuno's new Gibbs-White

When examining the West Ham squad, the player who appears most likely to become Nuno’s new Gibbs-White is Mateus Fernandes.

The former Southampton gem joined the club in the summer for around £40m, and while he’s had a slow start to life in the capital, he is now starting to show his immense quality.

For example, against the Clarets on Saturday, he was utterly sensational, plying three key passes, maintaining a passing accuracy of 98%, taking 74 touches, winning 100% of his tackles, making two interceptions and blocking a shot.

Minutes

97′

Expected Assists

0.28

Key Passes

3

Accurate Passes

52/53 (98%)

Long Balls

1/1

Touches

74

Tackles

3/3

Interceptions

2

Clearances

2

Blocked Shots

1

Recoveries

3

It was the sort of performance that shows, like Gibbs-White, the Portuguese star is not only capable of doing the dirty work in the middle of the park, but is also more than able to play a quick one-two with his teammates or play a defence-splitting pass at a moment’s notice.

However, his ability with the ball at his feet shouldn’t be a surprise, as during his time in Portugal, respected analyst Ben Mattinson highlighted the fact that he could play “those KDB-type passes” with relative ease.

Moreover, it was only in the summer, after his first season in England, that former Southampton captain Jo Tessem described the 21-year-old as someone who “is becoming an ultimate Premier League midfielder,” and, on a weekly basis “plays his heart out.”

It’s this combination of undeniable technical ability and tenacity that could help him become the manager’s new Gibbs-White.

After all, the Forest star is someone who leads his side through his raw skill and force of personality.

Ultimately, it’s going to be a long season for West Ham this year, but with the players at his disposal and a new Gibbs-White figure in Fernandes, Nuno should be able to avoid relegation.

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ByTom Cunningham Nov 10, 2025

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad are also in the West Zone squad

Edited PTI copy01-Aug-2025

India and Mumbai allrounder Shardul Thakur has been named the West Zone captain for the 2025-26 Duleep Trophy, starting on August 28.The 15-member squad includes India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, and middle-order batters Sarfaraz Khan and Shreyas Iyer. A total of seven Mumbai players have been named in the team.Ruturaj Gaikwad is among the 15, while Saurashtra’s Harvik Desai and Maharashtra’s Saurabh Nawale are the wicketkeepers.There was no place for Cheteshwar Pujara or Ajinkya Rahane in the West Zone squad.Earlier in the week, South Zone had also named their squad with Tilak Verma as captain. East Zone have also named their squad, to be led by Ishan Kishan, with Mohammed Shami in the mix.The six-team Duleep Trophy is returning to the zonal format, with squads picked by the zonal selectors, and the tournament will start the 2025-26 domestic season. Last season, the tournament had four teams – India A, B, C and D – that were picked by the national selectors.South Zone were the winners when the Duleep Trophy was held in the zonal format in 2023-24.West Zone squadShardul Thakur (capt, Mumbai), Yashasvi Jaiswal (Mumbai), Aarya Desai (Gujarat), Harvik Desai (wk, Saurashtra), Shreyas Iyer (Mumbai), Sarfaraz Khan (Mumbai), Ruturaj Gaikwad (Maharashtra), Jaymeet Patel (Gujarat), Manan Hingrajia (Gujarat), Saurabh Nawale (wk, Gujarat), Shams Mulani (Mumbai), Tanush Kotian (Mumbai), Dharmendrasinh Jadeja (Saurashtra), Tushar Deshpande (Mumbai), Arzan Nagwaswala (Gujarat)

One swallow doesn’t make a summer. Manchester United know this only too well.

But now, once again, Man United know the inimitable feeling of beating Liverpool at Anfield, having emerged from the defending Premier League champions’ den with a well-earned victory to close the gap on the top four.

There have been too many false dawns to stand and cry, in Rio Ferdinand’s tone, that Man United are back, but this is a confident stride in the right direction, a reminder that this great club has a deep quality and aptitude that could, maybe, lead to the turning of a corner.

Liverpool were condemned to their fourth defeat in a row, but the Red Devils hardly rode the coattails of the victors before them. It was, as Ruben Amorim put it, “the biggest win of my time at Manchester United.” And it was thoroughly deserved, the hosts reduced by tactical superiority on the day.

So many fine performances, so much to write home about. But it’s probably apt to write first about Bruno Fernandes, who continues to carry so much as the skipper.

Bruno Fernandes' Anfield performance

This was not Fernandes’ flashiest display under Amorim’s wing. The Manchester United leader did, though, prove his capacity to perform in this deeper-sat berth, which has sparked such contention this season, such negativity from outside.

It’s been warranted. Fernandes is clearly not the best number eight in the world, but he is one of the best players, and that counts for much.

And he came up trumps with the assist for Harry Maguire’s winner, with Premier League analyst Raj Chohan hailing the “undefendable” delivery and hailing it a “world-class piece of play”.

Effortlessly creative, undeniably brilliant. The Portuguese Magnifico is United’s creative life force, and he proved this is so against a withered Liverpool, whose hopes of retaining the title already flap behind them, tattered.

PL: Chances Created since Bruno’s Debut

#

Player

Chances Created

1.

Bruno Fernandes

560

2.

Mohamed Salah

432

3.

Kevin De Bruyne

379

4.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

377

5.

Bukayo Saka

357

Data via Squawka

As per Sofascore, the 31-year-old won three of five attempted ground duels and made three recoveries. He created three chances and roamed around the field, inspiring and entertaining and energising his team.

There’s no question Fernandes is United’s talisman and their finest player. But INEOS have welcomed some promising summer signings this year, and a few of them have the potential to take the baton when that time comes.

Indeed, one in particular is proving himself a blinder of an addition, already considered one of the best in the business.

Man United have signed 'one of the world's best'

Sir Alex Ferguson once said he would judge his Manchester United players based on how they played at Anfield, and so the legendary boss must have seen a wry and approving smile curl across his face when Bryan Mbeumo charged and finished to silence Merseyside after just one minute on Sunday afternoon.

It took a protracted effort to sign Brentford’s leading light this summer, but United’s persistence paid off upon the addition of the prolific forward, signing him for an initial £65m, which could stretch to £71m through add-ons.

United hoped to land an elite goalscorer, for Mbeumo, 26, had notched 20 top-flight strikes last term, assisting eight goals too. That was only his second in the Premier League this season, but the Cameroonian is proving his worth and then some, playing with gusto and authority in his right-sided attacking berth.

There’s still something to be desired. After all, Mbeumo will face the manager’s ire when the post-match analysis comes in, having lost all 11 of his duels on the day. Liverpool’s profligate finishing was a factor in the victory, and a more robust take will be needed to steer to victory on further upcoming occasions this year.

But this hardly matters when the full picture is observed. Mbeumo was a menace against an unsure and tremulous Liverpool defence. The Manchester Evening News even saw it fit to hand Mbeumo a 9/10 match rating, praising his link-up play with the lively Amad Diallo and his invariable danger when play was funnelled through to his vicinity.

Fernandes was only overshadowed in that he did not score, but whereas before, United might have struck a snatch-and-grab victory with the Portuguese pulling the strings, this was more methodical and wrought from start to finish. To put that another way, United played as a team, and they reaped the rewards.

The best is yet to come. It’s exciting to consider that argument. Mbuemo’s threatening attitude in the final third leaves him in good standing to take the reins from Fernandes when that time comes, to lead Amorim’s United to heights unscaled for so many years at the Theatre of Dreams.

Not just talented and deadly in the danger area, Mbeumo is an intelligent footballer, boasting that rare ability to make the right decision in the right moment at the right time.

This is something that analyst Umir Irfan has noted, with the BBC Sport writer claiming the £150k-per-week ace is “one of the best in the world”, given how “complete he is”.

It is difficult to silence the powerful talent, for if efforts are exhausted in negating one aspect of his game, he merely plucks another from the hat, shifting seamlessly and effectively from scorer to creator to industrious worker.

When you consider it all, each piece of the puzzle, there’s little question that he is one of the finest forwards in the Premier League. And maybe, with a little more work, he might stand proud as one of the finest footballers across the world.

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After making a slow start in front of goal this season, Newcastle United are reportedly ready to launch a 2026 move to sign a £40m+ striker who just humiliated Real Madrid.

Newcastle's goalscoring problem

It’s only natural that Newcastle are struggling in front of goal. They just lost one of the best strikers in the Premier League for a record deal in Alexander Isak. Replacing the Swede’s output was never going to be an easy task, but replacing his underrated creativity has so far proven to be even tougher.

Whilst Nick Woltemade has so far ticked the box for goals on his own – scoring three goals in his first four Premier League games – the likes of Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga have still struggled to contribute around him.

In total, Newcastle have scored six Premier League goals. Only Nottingham Forest and bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers have managed less and there’s no denying that it’s a problem that Eddie Howe must solve.

That said, the manager is far from panicking, having told reporters earlier this season: “I’m excited by the team we can be. We have certainly got things to learn about each other and formulas to try and generate that we know will work.

“The biggest thing is the foundation is solid. The team’s playing at strength, but we’re just missing that X-factor that I think will come. With the players that we have, some are guaranteed goals and have done that historically.”

What could certainly help find that “X-factor” is the January transfer window. After such a chaotic summer, the Magpies are reportedly ready to go again in the hope of boosting their attacking options even further this winter.

Newcastle readying Sorloth offer

According to reports in Spain, Newcastle are now readying an offer to sign Alexander Sorloth from Real Madrid in a deal worth €50m (£44m). The Atletico Madrid forward has started just three La Liga games so far this season and may be forced to look elsewhere for consistent game time in the near future.

Newcastle should be well aware of the 29-year-old’s situation after sending scouts to watch him in action against Real Madrid as he scored the equalising goal in a 5-2 thrashing of Atletico’s rivals.

Whether Diego Simeone and the Atletico sanction Sortloth’s exit in 2026 is the big question.

The iconic manager was full of praise for the forward when he scored the fastest hat-trick in La Liga history against Real Sociedad last season, saying: “I was very happy with the team’s first half in general.

“Alex, of course, is a whole different matter. He had a fantastic night, especially those first 45 minutes, where he decisively finished every ball that came his way.”

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If there is a chance for Newcastle, then turning towards Sorloth wouldn’t be a bad idea. He’s a proven striker at the top level these days and has unfinished business in the Premier League after previous struggles at Crystal Palace.

As a lifelong Everton supporter who associates watching the Blues with being stood for 90 minutes in a chilly Gwladys Street end, with only a big coat and chicken pie for warmth, I approached my first premium experience at the Hill Dickinson Stadium with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. This was only my third visit to Goodison Park's replacement after all, having attended the first test event back in February and the Premier League opener against Brighton.

Fans are still in the early stages of developing feelings for the shiny, new place we now call home, and there is much to be decided when it comes to matchday routines, where to eat and drink, and how to develop an atmosphere.

Having only experienced one game in my season ticket seat in the South Stand – the 2-0 win over the Seagulls in August – it was a slightly odd feeling to pass my turnstile on my loop around the ground and instead head for the entrance right next to the club shop, having spent the previous 20 minutes trying not to buy every bit of merchandise in sight.

Any concerns about swapping the familiarity of a questionable pre-match burger and poorly-poured pint for a three-course meal and inclusive drinks quickly disappeared as we entered, though, and we were greeted by smiling staff who guided us up an escalator and towards a new era for Everton matchdays.

Book official premium packages at EvertonBook nowSeat UniqueFirst impressions

My Dad and I were guests at Trinity Place Restaurant, one of a number of premium experiences offered by Seat Unique, a founding partner of the Hill Dickinson Stadium and the brains behind the top-end opportunities available at the incredible £800 million arena.

Located in the impressive East Stand, Trinity Place Restaurant – aptly named after the club's legendary midfield 'Holy Trinity' of Howard Kendall, Alan Ball and Colin Harvey, who shone in royal blue during the late sixties and early seventies – was inspired by the pre-match routines of fans' get-togethers in local cafes and gastro pubs.

Despite the modern decor and the fact you can't congregate around the bar, the restaurant had a relaxed, homely atmosphere, which was helped considerably by perhaps the world's friendliest, most accommodating waitress welcoming us to our table and providing amazing service for two hours before kick-off.

AdvertisementJoe StrangeFood and drink

Guests can actually arrive at Trinity Place Restaurant three hours before the game starts to give themselves plenty of time to enjoy the all inclusive drinks, with house wines, beers, selected spirits and soft drinks all on the menu.

My dad and I both had a cold Guinness in hand within a couple of minutes of sitting down, with the Toucan football glass a nice touch for those, like me, who are a little obsessed with pints of the black stuff.

We were soon tucking into a delicious sharing board consisting of potted mackerel pate, beetroot terrine with goat’s cheese, chicken and tarragon croquettes with spiced tomato sauce, pickles, olives, baguette croutes and a mixed garden salad with honey mustard dressing.

After another pint of Guinness, it was onto the mains. We both chose the confit duck leg with dauphinoise potatoes, braised red cabbage, tenderstem broccoli and an orange-scented gravy, which looked just as good as it tasted. The ale-battered cod with triple-cooked chips and mushy peas also seemed to go down a treat with other diners, while the roasted squash risotto offered a tasty vegetarian option too.

All of this was devoured while watching the Premier League's early kick-off on handily-placed big screens around the restaurant, before we were presented with our choice of three desserts – a sweet and sticky golden syrup sponge pudding with warm rum caramel – to round-off a top-notch lunch. 

Joe StrangeSuperb seats

After finishing our final course and giving our half-time drink orders to our waitress, we made the short walk from our table up to our seats in the East Stand, via a quick exploration of the adjacent Trinity Place Bar, which offers fans a premium take on classic matchday food in a spacious bar area adorned with Everton memorabilia.

Our seats were fantastic. Just to the right of the halfway line, 30 rows back. Unlike Goodison, the Hill Dickinson Stadium offers amazing sight lines from all stands, but I can't imagine there are many better views than this one, with comfy, padded seats perfectly positioned to take in the action at both ends.

It helped that Everton played well on the day, creating a number of clear-cut chances before ultimately having to settle for a slightly frustrating 0-0 draw with Aston Villa. The ice-cold IPA waiting for me at half-time and balmy September weather certainly didn't hurt, either. 

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AFPGOAL's verdict

With the bar inside Trinity Place Restaurant open for an hour after the full-time whistle, it offers the perfect place for fans to dissect the 90 minutes over another drink or two – and extend their time inside what it a truly stunning venue.

I won't be able to watch every game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in this sort of comfort, or with this kind of food and drink on offer, but as a special experience, it's hard to fault what Everton and Seat Unique have cooked up.

Incredible hospitality but with a warm, friendly feel, mouth-watering grub and some of the best seats inside arguably the country's finest football stadium. If you want a memorable Everton experience, then this is it.

Book official premium packages at EvertonBook now

Erling Haaland is a menace in competitive action and during training, with the Manchester City striker leaving fans in hysterics after being mic’d up for a session alongside his international team-mates. The prolific frontman was put through his paces ahead of a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Israel. Unsurprisingly, the larger-than-life 25-year-old made a point of dominating proceedings and teasing his colleagues.

Haaland goals 2025-26: Remarkable record for club & country

Haaland has taken on added responsibility with Norway during their latest camp, with Arsenal skipper Martin Odegaard – who also fills the captain’s armband for his country – missing out through injury. City star Haaland has been given the chance to become an on-field leader.

He embraced that role when netting a hat-trick against Israel, with another match ball being secured despite missing a twice-taken penalty. He registered five efforts in an 11-1 mauling of Moldova back in September and has reached 21 goals for the season through 12 appearances for club and country.

AdvertisementWatch Haaland tease team-mates in Norway trainingWhat Haaland said during mischievous training session

Haaland is playing with a smile on his face, and proved as much when cutting a mischievous figure in training. Andreas Schjelderup was among the first in his sights, with the Benfica midfielder being told: “You're allowed to be up on your toes, Schjelderup. It's allowed.”

As quick-moving rondo drills continued, Haaland broke into a Mancunian accent after seeing a ball fizzed beyond him at head height. He initially asked, with a northern twang, if team-mate Thelo Aasgaard was “f*cking alright” before adding: “Have you been drinking? Have you been drinking? What did you do last night?”

Haaland also took aim at fellow City star Oscar Bobb at one stage, with the 22-year-old winger looking slightly bored as he gazed into the distance. Norway’s No.9 said: “Oscar. Oscar. Oscar, please can't you start running?” More mistakes from those around him led Haaland to say: “Oh my god. It’s so bad now. It makes me unwell.” His words of wisdom included a message about hitting the net. He said: “Most things are not about quality. It's all about mentality. You have to want to score.”

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GettyBack at Man City: Haaland released early from Norway squad

Haaland has helped to fire Norway to the brink of qualification for their first World Cup since 1998. Stale Solbakken's squad sit top of their group with two fixtures left to take in during the November international break.

However, he will play no part in a friendly clash with New Zealand on Tuesday having been released from the Norway squad. He has been allowed to head back to England and rest ahead of City’s return to Premier League action at home to Everton on Saturday.

لم يكن لاعب فريق ليفربول، فلوريان فيرتز، سعيدًا بتصرف أحد زملائه في مباراة يوم الأربعاء الماضي ضد آينتراخت فرانكفورت، في بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وحل ليفربول ضيفًأ على آينتراخت فرانكفورت، في الجولة الثالثة من مرحلة الدوري من دوري أبطال أوروبا موسم 2025/26، حيث حقق فوزًا بخمسة أهداف مقابل هدف.

وشارك فلوريان فيرتز في تلك المباراة حيث قدم أداءً رائعًا وتمكن من صناعة هدفين، الرابع والخامس لزميليه كودي جاكبو ودومينيك سوبوسلاي.

وكاد فلوريان فيرتز أن يسجل هدفه الأول رفقة ليفربول في مباراة فرانكفورت، ولكن زميله النجم المصري محمد صلاح لم يمرر الكرة ناحيته، حيث فضّل تسديدها بنفسه ولكنه أهدر تلك الفرصة، مما أثار غضب الألماني (لمطالعة التفاصيل من هنا).

ولكن يبدو أن غضب فيرتز لم يكن مقتصرًا على ذلك الموقف، حيث ظهر مقطع فيديو له وهو يوجه كلمات قاسية لزميله فيديريكو كييزا كون الأخير تصرف مثل محمد صلاح معه.

وفضّل كييزا تسديد الكرة بنفسه على أن يمررها ناحية فيرتز، مما أثار غضب الأخير الذي قال له باللغة الألمانية: “يا أخي، فقط مرر لي الكرة (وصفها بلفظ نابِ)”.

🚨 Florian Wirtz in German after Chiesa‘s shot against Frankfurt:
“Brother just play the f*cking ball, man.“
Do you think he doesn‘t like his new teammates? pic.twitter.com/RhTeFymmCe — bayali (@bayali_) October 23, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are in the race for a “sensational” Champions League-winning defender, with Thomas Frank’s side identifying a number of centre-backs as targets before the upcoming deadline.

Spurs eyeing move to sign new centre-back

With the transfer deadline now rapidly approaching, it could be a frantic end to the window for Tottenham, and a new attacking midfielder is still of interest, having recently accelerated talks to sign West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta.

However, Spurs have also set their sights on strengthening at the opposite end of the pitch, with Manchester City’s Manuel Akanji emerging as a major target, having recently submitted a £17m bid for the Switzerland international.

Frank is already relatively well-stocked in the centre-back department, recently saying: “We have right now three centre backs: Micky, Romero, [Kevin] Danso,”

“Ben can play there if necessary. We have Kota the young central defender we bought this summer and is running now and training with the team next week. Or training with the ball, there’s not many left behind.

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“And then Dragusin is coming back in a couple of months, so I think that should be enough.”

However, there is a feeling that bringing in another defender still remains on the agenda, and a report from Sky Sports has now revealed that Tottenham are in the race for Liverpool centre-back Joe Gomez.

Earlier this summer, there were reports the Reds could be willing to cash-in on Gomez for £25m, but they are now believed to be reluctant to sanction a departure, amid rival interest from Crystal Palace and AC Milan, with the Italian side making a permanent offer.

That said, there is a feeling that Frank has now cooled his interest in signing a new defender, so it remains to be seen whether a deal is a possibility.

"Sensational" Gomez could be fantastic back-up option for Spurs

The English defender has remained a dependable back-up option for Liverpool over the years, making 242 appearances for the Reds, during which time he has won two Premier League titles and a Champions League.

The 28-year-old has been lauded as “sensational” by reporter Declan Carr during his time with the Reds, and he has continued to put in some impressive defensive performances over the past year, while also looking solid in possession of the ball.

Statistic

Average per 90

Tackles

2.05 (87th percentile)

Blocks

1.77 (91st percentile)

Passes attempted

73.91 (89th percentile)

Progressive passes

6.27 (95th percentile)

That said, the centre-back would perhaps be a strange addition to Frank’s squad, given that he would be unlikely to displace the likes of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero in the starting line-up.

Gomez already plays a bit-part role at Liverpool, where he has regularly won trophies, so it would be an odd decision to move to north London and play in the same role, given that Tottenham don’t have the same recent record of success, despite their Europa League triumph.

Everton laboured their way to defeat on the opening day of the Premier League season, losing at Elland Road to newly-promoted Leeds United.

Contentious penalty or not, David Moyes will be frustrated with his outfit’s lack of coherence and bite in the final third, especially after a drab opening half.

Might a few more signings be in order? Perhaps so. But Everton are “on it”, as Moyes says himself, and further than a week of transfer window terrain stretches in front of the Hill Dickinson Stadium, which awaits further fresh faces.

Marquee man Jack Grealish has been welcomed to the fold, with raw striker Thierno Barry, 22, also touted for big things.

But more is needed.

Everton's late-stage transfer targets

Everton desperately need a right-back, and a right-sided forward too. Lyon’s Malick Fofana, a versatile winger, has been touted as a player of interest.

However, Everton would be remiss not to consider other areas too, with depth, or a lack thereof, appearing a glaring concern at the moment.

That’s why one notable Everton insider has revealed that Everton are working on a deal to sign Manchester City’s Nathan Ake, perhaps in response to Jarrad Branthwaite’s recent hamstring injury.

Everton have a good relationship with the Etihad Stadium side and have already completed a loan deal for Grealish this summer. They must now use this line of communication to complete a shrewd swoop for the experienced Ake.

Why Everton want Nathan Ake

Left-back Vitalii Mykolenko missed the season opener with a fitness problem, heightening the need for reinforcements. Ake, who operates across the backline, would be a fantastic addition in this regard, covering and challenging the established starters.

A dynamic defender, Ake has been hailed for his “incredible” efforts in a City shirt by Pep Guardiola, having played 145 times for the club, scoring ten goals, since joining from Bournemouth five years ago in a £41m package.

However, his match action dried up last year, in part because of injuries, and with Guardiola’s recent comments regarding a desire for a slimmer squad, the Toffees must pounce on the 30-year-old Dutchman, in doing so, replicating what might turn out to be fantastic business for Grealish.

25/26

0 (0)

0′

24/25

10 (8)

683′

23/24

29 (24)

2,044′

22/23

26 (22)

1,877′

21/22

14 (10)

920′

20/21

10 (9)

797′

Grealish was in a similar boat as a Citizen, having been pushed toward the periphery over the past couple of years in Manchester, consequently missing out on a place in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad, a decision that polarised England’s football community.

At Everton, he has the chance to shine once again, and showed flashes of his quality on a dour evening in Leeds on Monday night, taking some smooth touches and fizzing a dangerous delivery into the penalty area across his second-half cameo.

That crossing ability could play to Ake’s strengths. The Netherlands defender is renowned for his aerial ability and would add a dimension to Everton’s threat from set-pieces.

Moreover, he would add depth to Moyes’ build-up play, with a passing game fit for a transitional approach. Data from FBref reveals Ake ranks among the top 1% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 10% for passes attempted, the top 5% for progressive passes and the top 10% for progressive carries per 90.

If Everton pull this off, they will be repeating a move for Grealish that holds so much promise. Adding such talents to his team, Moyes is demonstrating a tactical acuity that suggests he wants to widen the scope of Everton’s potential. He might just succeed by completing a deal for Ake.

Moyes' own Lukaku: Everton still chasing move for £51m "game changer"

Everton are still in the market for new players this summer

ByJoe Nuttall Aug 21, 2025

Manchester United’s activity within the transfer market over recent years has been questionable to say the least, wasting a whole host of money in the process.

Erik ten Hag’s tenure was arguably one of the worst for the club, with the hierarchy providing the Dutchman with over £600m worth of funds to improve the first-team squad.

However, his highest finish in the Premier League at Old Trafford was third place, but ultimately his additions failed to make the desired impact – which led to his dismissal in October last year.

The Red Devils’ failures in the transfer market have made Ruben Amorim’s task in the role a tad harder, having to work with the players already at the club – which has seen him notch a measly 40% win rate.

That could all be about to change this summer, with the hierarchy already backing the new boss, whilst also preparing other offers for additional signings before the transfer deadline.

Man Utd targeting Bruno Fernandes midfield partner

The midfield department is next on the agenda for United, with Fermin Lopez one of the players in their sights, according to some of the latest updates on the 22-year-old’s future.

It’s been reported that the Red Devils have already made a £69m offer for the Barcelona star, with the player himself keen on a switch to the Premier League this summer.

However, he’s not the only player currently being considered by the club’s hierarchy, with Brighton’s Carlos Baleba also firmly in their sights, according to David Ornstein.

Speaking on the Sports Agenda podcast, the journalist claimed that the 21-year-old is now Amorim’s top target this summer, after securing a move for Benjamin Sesko last week.

He also confirmed that talks have already been held with the players over a switch to Old Trafford, but it could prove to be a mammoth addition, given his current £100m asking price.

Why United’s latest target will be the best signing since Bruno

Despite United struggling over recent years, Bruno Fernandes has been the club’s captain and still managed to provide some incredible numbers in the process.

He registered a total of 37 combined goals and assists last season, helping the Red Devils reach the Europa League final and undoubtedly preventing the side from finishing further down the table.

However, other big-money additions haven’t been as successful, with Rasmus Hojlund unable to make the desired impact after his £72m move from Atalanta back in the summer of 2023.

The Dane has only scored 26 times in his 95 outings to date, subsequently being strongly linked with a cut-price departure to join Italian giants AC Milan this window.

Undoubtedly, there will be hope that some of the big-money additions from the current summer will have more of a positive impact – with Baleba potentially falling into that category.

The Cameroonian international has all the tools to be the perfect ball-winner at the heart of the squad, that’s if he can replicate his stats from the recent campaign at the AMEX.

Baleba, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, managed to win 2.7 tackles per 90 and make 1.6 interceptions per 90 last season via FBref.

Games played

34

Goals & assists

4

Pass accuracy

87%

Progressive passes

4.1

Tackles made

2.7

Interceptions made

1.6

Blocks made

1.6

Clearances made

1.5

Take-on success

58%

Such numbers could see him add the needed presence in the middle of the park, but he has also showcased he has the tools to provide others with chances around him.

He completed 87% of the passes he attempted in the Premier League throughout 2024/25, 4.1 of which per 90 were progressive – able to give the new additions in the final third the opportunity to succeed.

As seen by the recent reports, it’s clear that the staff behind the scenes rate him highly, subsequently making him the next key target in their overhaul of the squad.

If Baleba can have the success Bruno has endured since his own big-money move to Old Trafford, it would be a deal worth every penny despite the massive transfer fee.

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