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Nottingham Forest have qualified for the Championship play-off finals and could potentially secure Premier League promotion, with a new transfer update emerging on one of their most influential players in the team.

What’s the latest?

According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester United youngster, James Garner will be assessed this summer by new manager Erik ten Hag and it will be his decision if he wants to give the midfielder a chance at Old Trafford.

However, the report does give hope to his current loan club, as they claim to understand that there is a chance that Garner will be loaned out again.

A dream in the Premier League

If Forest were to get promoted back into the Premier League for the first time since 1999 it would be an incredible coup for the club to secure another season-long loan deal for Garner which would benefit the player, the club and Manchester United.

Another loan deal would be advantageous if Cooper can secure a deal for the player and gain promotion as he would not only get further development from guaranteed first-team football at the club but Premier League experience that would be hugely beneficial to Man United, in the long run, to see how he can perform at the highest level.

All of these advantages should put Forest in a good position to keep Garner next season and when you consider his output this season in the Championship and the positive influence he has had in the centre of the pitch, he would clearly be a huge loss to the team.

The £6.3m-rated midfielder who was hailed “magic” and a “threat” by MEN journalist George Smith, has scored four goals and eight assists, creating seven big chances and making 2.0 key passes.

He’s also thrived defensively, producing 1.8 tackles and 1.4 interceptions and winning the majority of his ground and aerial fuels combined (58%), proving he is effective in multiple facets of play.

With that being said, it would be a great opportunity for Forest if they can keep one of their most consistent players for another season whether they earn promotion or remain in the Championship.

Either way, they now look in a better good position to land Garner if Ten Hag decides to let him go back on loan next season.

AND in other news: Forget Samba: Forest’s “unbelievable” brute who won 12 duels was Cooper’s unsung hero

West Ham United manager David Moyes must finally axe a defender who’s been causing him “problems” in Vladimir Coufal.

He’s already cost them too much, and could contribute to them missing out on a Europa League place if they lose against Brighton and Hove Albion on the final day of the Premier League season.

On the Chalkboard

There is a lot on the line for both sides who face off at the AMEX Stadium this afternoon. The Hammers will be targeting a sixth-place finish and to achieve that will have to win and hope Manchester United drop points. Meanwhile, the hosts could confirm their first-ever top-half Premier League finish depending on how results go elsewhere.

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If West Ham are to secure victory then axing right-back Coufal will help them. The 29-year-old joined the club in 2020 from Slavia Prague for £5m. He has been a solid player at times but isn’t the long term solution and if the club want to keep growing and push for the Champions League places next season they need someone better.

Last week saw the farewell of club captain Mark Noble and an impressive 2-2 draw against Manchester City that has had a huge effect on the title race. However, that result could have been a victory if it wasn’t for an own goal scored by Coufal.

It would have given the club a much better chance at securing a Europa League place. It also meant that the Czech Republic international now has more own goals for The Hammers than he does goals.

Moyes can’t risk starting the £27k-per-week full back again and should start the more promising option of Ben Johnson. The 22-year-old Englishman has made 19 league appearances for the club this season so isn’t short of experience. He also has a goal to his name which proves he can be more of a threat going forward.

Coufal’s contract at The London Stadium expires next summer, at which point he will be almost 31, so it wouldn’t make sense for West Ham to keep him for any longer than that.

They could potentially sell him this summer and try and recoup some of what they bought him for, he’s rated at £10.8m according to Transfermarkt.

IN other news: “It’s my understanding…”: Ex drops big WHU summer update, supporters will be buzzing…

Manchester United have asked for ‘official information’ regarding a possible mega-money move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

The Lowdown: Cavani set to depart

Erik ten Hag looks set to be extremely busy this summer when it comes to incomings and outgoings and appear to be in the market for a marquee forward.

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A number of players are out of contract at Old Trafford at the end of June, including Edinson Cavani, who looks set to leave after two seasons in Manchester.

Osimhen, who former United striker Odion Ighalo described as ‘the future’, seems to be a forward on Ten Hag’s radar, but it could be an expensive transfer.

The Latest: Osimhen update

Sports Witness relayed an update from Corriere dello Sport regarding United and Osimhen. They claim that United are in the lead for the Nigerian’s signature and have now asked for ‘official information’ on a figure.

Napoli have reportedly told United that there is a €110m (£93.6m) starting point, with the Serie A side not willing to go below €100m (£85.1m).

The Verdict: A lot of money…

United are reportedly willing to hand Ten Hag a £100m budget and are keen on looking at potential free agents. Therefore, spending a large percentage of his budget on Osimhen may not be the best idea.

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong is expected to be a major target, and while Cristiano Ronaldo could be the only centre-forward available to Ten Hag when he arrives, should Cavani depart, splashing the entire remaining budget on Osimhen would leave the squad bare in other areas.

A major rebuild at Old Trafford is required and the club are seemingly extremely keen on signing de Jong, so pursuing someone like Paulo Dybala on a free transfer instead of Osimhen for £90m+ could be a wiser move.

In other news: Man Utd now working to sign ‘underrated’ defender in £38.5m move; offer ‘imminent’

Steven Gerrard has added Liverpool’s Phil Roscoe to his ‘support staff’ at Aston Villa, The Athletic’s Gregg Evans reports. 

The lowdown

Gerrard took on the Villa job last November and is still putting his imprint on the role.

The 41-year-old is one of Liverpool’s greatest legends, ranking third on the club’s all-time appearance list and fifth on their goalscoring charts.

His coaching career began with a stint as their Under-18 boss following his retirement.

And his backroom team at Villa already includes former Reds Under-23 coach Michael Beale and ex-Liverpool midfielder Gary McAllister, who played 87 games for the club.

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The latest

Evans tweeted on Friday afternoon that ‘Gerrard is adding’ to his behind-the-scenes team at Villa.

Roscoe ‘will join from LFC’ after a 17-year spell on Merseyside to take up a role as head of player care.

He was invited to watch Villa in action against Leicester City on 23 April.

The verdict

Gerrard will be pleased to secure this appointment – Evans notes that Roscoe’s position is ‘very important’ and will see him work closely with the first-team squad.

His success stories at Anfield include the integration of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Raheem Sterling into the first team set-up.

It will now be interesting to see whether Gerrard looks to poach any playing staff from his alma mater this summer.

According to a report from Football Insider, Reds centre-back Joe Gomez is his ‘no. 1 target’ ahead of the transfer window.

In other news, read this transfer insider’s claim on Villa’s CBs.

Alan Hutton has dropped a Glasgow Rangers claim after what he has heard involving Kemar Roofe ahead of Thursday’s Europa League semi-final.

The Lowdown: Available?

As per The Scottish Sun, Roofe is winning his fitness battle to feature in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League semi-final against RB Leipzig at Ibrox, and Giovanni van Bronckhorst is optimistic that he will play a part.

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However, in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match, the Dutch manager admitted that he ‘can’t say‘ for sure that the striker will make the squad, casting doubt on the validity of reports suggesting he’ll return.

The Latest: Hutton reacts

Speaking to Football Insider after hearing those updates, former Teddy Bears right-back now Rangers TV pundit Hutton has claimed that his old team should play Roofe if he is ready, as it is simply a ‘huge’ game for them: “It’s a difficult one, isn’t it?

“On one side, I’m saying yes, take the gamble. If he’s training and he says he’s ready to go then you play him.

“You have to play them because this is huge. We do say it week after week but this is the next game and it is the biggest game.

“Obviously you’ve got a cup final coming up but I don’t think you can rest somebody just for that. If he’s fit and available, I think you play him.”

The Verdict: Worth the risk

Of course, Roofe may not be fully fit, and may suffer from a lack of match sharpness, but adding him to the squad is surely worth the risk given what is at stake.

The Light Blues trail 1-0 from the first leg, and Roofe is their second-top scorer behind Alfredo Morelos this season, with 16 goals in total over all competitions so far.

Nonetheless, van Bronckhorst would surely want to play with an out-and-out number nine in order to not complicate his tactics or system, and if Roofe is ready, he should be unleashed upon the Leipzig defence.

In other news, find out who Gers could now lose this summer here!

It was a joyful and poignant moment when Heung-min Son made his homecoming before Tottenham Hotspur defeated Slavia Prague in the Champions League.

He implored Spurs supporters not to forget him, and that’s not something that’s likely to happen after the club legend crowned many years of thrilling service with a European trophy before the summer.

But Son’s return emphasised this new era down N17. Son plays in the United States with Los Angeles, and fellow talisman of the past, Harry Kane, is fighting for glory and maybe the Ballon d’Or over in Germany with Bayern Munich.

Tottenham have had to refashion themselves, especially with Thomas Frank now pulling the strings in Ange Postecoglou’s old seat.

There have been ups and downs so far this season, but recent results suggest that things are coming together in his post-Son world. Indeed, Frank is unearthing new leading figures.

The biggest winners under Frank so far

He hasn’t been perfect, but Richarlison has undoubtedly made a solid start to the season, having scored seven goals and supplied two assists in all competitions this season. The Brazil international has filled a hole left by Son’s departure and Dominic Solanke’s frustrating injury problems.

However, Richarlison hasn’t been the standout forward in the Londoners’ squad. Mohammed Kudus, for example, has stood out since completing a £55m transfer from West Ham United during the summer. His pace and playmaking have been shining lights throughout a difficult start to the season for the club as a creative front.

Mohammed Kudus

14

6

Bruno Fernandes

15

6

Rayan Cherki

10

5

Jeremy Doku

15

5

Seven players…

n/a

4

Xavi Simons now has two goals in two games. In the Premier League last weekend, he was immense, converting against Brentford after a spectacular solo run and finish.

The 21-year-old has endured a tough start to life in England, but he’s really coming into his own now, looking every bit the £50m-plus player that ENIC Group paid for. Who knows, he might even play himself into a more affluent ballpark down the line.

He’s not the only one, though. One of Tottenham’s most promising youngsters has really settled into this new Spurs system, making headway after a season under Ange’s wing that left him exposed and under the cosh.

Spurs' "future £100m" superstar

Tottenham have a long-term project which promises so much. Plenty of polish still needs to be applied, but the likes of Lucas Bergvall and out-on-loan stars Mikey Moore and Luka Vuskovic are stars of the future, for sure.

However, Tottenham also have an up-and-coming English talent who could shape into Frank’s own version of Arsenal centrepiece Declan Rice in Archie Gray, who has already chalked up 57 senior appearances for the Lilywhites for about £30m in July 2024. He was 18 years old and a product of the Championship.

Not only has Gray established himself in Spurs’ first team despite more than his share of adversity, but he has been noted as a “future £100m centre-midfielder” by analyst Ben Mattinson, gifted technically and combative and cultured beyond his years.

His performance against Slavia Prague on Tuesday drew plenty of plaudits and served as a reminder to those of a Spurs persuasion that they have a prospect with the potential to be as good as any of his English countrymen.

Rice burst onto the scene with West Ham, led David Moyes’ side to their golden era, lifted the Conference League title before leaving.

Now plying his trade for Arsenal, Rice is gunning for the Premier League title. He is one of the best midfielders in the world, having completed his move to the Emirates for a £105m fee.

Could we see Gray hit the same high notes? There’s certainly a weight of expectation around the 19-year-old’s skillset, and now that he is playing most of his football in midfield, his natural area, he is shining, making progress.

Postecoglou’s injury troubles last year led Gray to be shoehorned into central or wide defensive roles. This came at the expense of fluency and progress on an individual level.

He’s making headway now, alright, with content creator AliceTalksFooty even noting that, “Archie Gray has really impressed me every time I have seen him play under Thomas Frank.”

Minutes played

59

Touches

34

Passes completed

92%

Tackles won

2

Long ball accuracy

100%

Recoveries made

2

Duels won

75%

Interceptions made

1

Keep an eye on this one; he might just be shaping into the new Rice.

Spurs have a "freak" teen talent who's a bigger star than Williams-Barnett

Tottenham Hotspur have already struck gold one player who is setting Europe alight in 2025/26.

ByEthan Lamb 5 days ago

Arsenal are now battling Tottenham Hotspur for the signature of a Real Madrid star, with both clubs conducting scouting missions.

Gunners battling Tottenham and Newcastle for new attacker

The Gunners made major improvements to their already fearsome attack during the summer transfer window, bringing in the likes of Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Viktor Gyokeres, with the Swedish striker making an impressive start to life in north London.

Having pushed Liverpool and Manchester City close over the past three seasons, Mikel Arteta’s side clearly have the quality to end their long wait for a Premier League title, and the manager’s tactics are arguably the main thing holding them back.

After the 1-1 draw against Manchester City, Gary Neville criticised Arteta for his cautious approach to the game, saying: “He could have been more attacking at Anfield and he wasn’t and certainly against City from the start he could have been more attacking.”

As such, Arteta adopting a more attacking mindset may be the key to the Gunners winning the league, but there has also now been a suggestion that the manager remains keen on improving his options in forward areas.

According to a report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are now battling Tottenham and Newcastle for the signature of Real Madrid star Arda Guler, who has emerged as a crucial player since the arrival of Xabi Alonso as manager.

Consequently, the Spanish giants have no desire to cash in on Guler, but that hardline stance hasn’t halted the interest from elsewhere, with the Gunners sending scouts to watch the attacking midfielder in action in La Liga.

With Madrid expressing no interest in selling the 20-year-old, who is focused on his future at the club, it remains to be seen whether a deal is possible, but there is certainly interest on the north Londoners’ behalf.

Journalist shares "surprise" transfer news involving Arsenal and Man City

The Sky Blues and Gunners were some of the summer’s biggest spenders.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 27, 2025 "Exceptional" Guler finding his form in La Liga

After a solid, if not spectacular, first season in Spain, during which the youngster picked up eight La Liga goal contributions, he has really started to find his form this season, picking up three goals and three assists in the opening seven matches.

The Turkey international is particularly adept at setting up chances for his teammates, while he is also an impressive passer of the ball, and strong at winning back possession.

Statistic

Average per 90 (past year)

Assists

0.37 (92nd percentile)

Passes attempted

64.58 (99th percentile)

Pass completion %

86.3% (99th percentile)

Tackles

1.99 (93rd percentile)

Jose Mourinho has been left particularly impressed with the £87k-a-week starlet in the past, describing him as “exceptional”, and he clearly has the ability to succeed at the Emirates Stadium, having established himself as a key player for Real Madrid.

That said, it will not be too disappointing if Arsenal miss out, given that they are already blessed with options in attacking midfield, having signed Eze in the summer.

Arsenal secured a phenomenal last-gasp point against Manchester City at the Emirates this afternoon, highlighting the title credentials the Gunners possess.

Mikel Arteta’s side looked set to fall to defeat against Pep Guardiola’s side, but the 93rd-minute strike from Gabriel Martinelli secured a vital point in their hunt for Premier League title glory.

Such a result maintained the club’s unbeaten record in the 2025/26 campaign, but has seen them fall a couple of points behind Liverpool at the top of the table.

However, given the circumstances around the late equaliser, the result will certainly feel like it’s a point gained rather than two dropped – especially after it kept their unbeaten start intact.

Such a result will undoubtedly highlight to Arteta the changes he needs to make going forward, with one player deserving of a recall to the starting eleven in the near future.

Gabriel Martinelli’s heroics against Manchester City

Over the last couple of months, Martinelli has come into huge question for his lack of impact at Arsenal – subsequently leading to the huge investment over the summer.

However, the Brazilian has proved some of his doubters wrong over recent days, producing some impressive displays even before his cameo against Guardiola’s side.

He scored off the bench against Atlético Bilbao on Tuesday night, before doing the same again this afternoon – staking his claim for a regular first-team starting role again.

The 24-year-old only managed five touches of the ball after being brought on for the remaining 10 minutes, but it was his first time finish which was the decisive one.

Martinelli subsequently completed 100% of the passes he attempted and placed 100% of his shots on target, further highlighting the impressive cameo he produced off the bench.

Despite the showing of the Brazilian, one other player failed to deliver at the Emirates, with Arteta needing to take action and drop him from the side in their next outing.

The Arsenal player who needs to be dropped after City

The draw may give reasons to be positive for the weeks ahead, but it can’t gloss over the issues that arose in the early stages – most notably in the first half of the contest.

Arsenal were on the back foot, subsequently going a goal down after Erling Haaland’s strike, but were unable to break down the Citizens, given their low defensive line.

Arteta made a mistake in not starting an attacking midfielder, leaving Eberechi Eze on the substitutes bench and deciding to operate with Mikel Merino alongside Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice.

He also started with Noni Madueke off the right-hand side once again, but it was an afternoon to forget for the Englishman, as he failed to have the desired impact.

The 23-year-old has been filling the void after Bukayo Saka’s injury, but he was replaced by the aforementioned star at the break upon his return to first-team action.

However, his withdrawal from the contest was certainly warranted, with his underlying figures highlighting how dismal his showing was in North London today.

Madueke only managed 32 touches of the ball, missing a big chance in the process, and often being wasteful with the chances that were presented his way in the final third.

Minutes played

45

Touches

32

Dribbles completed

0/2

Duels lost

100%

Crosses completed

0/5

Pass accuracy

62%

Big chances missed

1

Dribbled past

2

He also failed to complete any of the dribbles he attempted, whilst also losing 100% of the duels he entered – often being dominated by young full-back Nico O’Reilly.

The winger also registered five crosses, but not one of them found a player in red, subsequently achieving a 0% success rate – further showcasing his lack of positive impact.

As a result of his showing, Madueke was handed a measly 6/10 match rating by GOAL’s Sean Walsh – topping off what was a dismal afternoon for the £50m addition.

After such a showing, Arteta needs to drop the attacker from his starting eleven, with Saka needing to come back into the fold after his return from injury.

However, the biggest talking point will be Martinelli after his late goal, with the Brazilian undoubtedly saving the day in what was a pretty lacklustre showing at the Emirates.

Move over Zubimendi: Arsenal have their new Fabregas in £26m "monster"

The incredible superstar in the making looks like one of Arsenal’s best signings in a long time.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 20, 2025

Sunderland are on the hunt for Premier League-level reinforcements and have entered the race for a prolific striker from one of Europe’s top five leagues, according to a report.

Sunderland set out stall to consolidate in the Premier League

Beating the drop will be the immediate priority for Regis Le Bris on Wearside, who will have to plan for life without duo Tommy Watson and Jobe Bellingham following their moves to Brighton & Hove Albion and Borussia Dortmund, respectively.

Despite receiving criticism, Kristjaan Speakman has explained that playoff final hero Watson’s departure being public was to promote transparency with supporters following the club’s decision to speak openly about his move to the South Coast.

Why is this relevant? Well, it could be a sign of things to come moving forward, which will hopefully lead to news surrounding incomings sooner rather than later.

Sunderland now want "exceptional" £37k-p/w star who could cost £30 million

The Black Cats are probing on the market.

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 13, 2025

Ishe Samuels-Smith is said to be on the Black Cats’ radar following his rise to prominence in Chelsea’s youth ranks. Meanwhile, Wolverhampton Wanderers star Tommy Doyle could also pitch up in the North East, circumstances permitting.

Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga has a £1.2 million release clause Sunderland are keen to take up. Nevertheless, recent reports suggest Le Bris may be looking to add to his pool of offensive options rather than prioritising a move for a defender.

Sunderland eyeing move for Sassuolo star Armand Lauriente

According to AS Roma Live, Sunderland are in the race to sign Sassuolo striker Armand Lauriente, and it would cost around £17 million to bring the 26-year-old to Tyneside.

Roma, Bologna, Fiorentina and Marseille are also interested in the former France Under-21 international, who will find himself playing Serie A football once again next season after his side claimed the Serie B title.

Armand Lauriente in 2024/25 – Serie B (Fotmob)

Shots

81

Shots on target

43

Successful dribbles

31

Chances created

37

Touches in opposition box

152

Labelled “amazing” by Jacek Kulig, Lauriente registered 19 goals and six assists in 34 appearances across all competitions and is now regarded as a hot property across Europe.

Intriguingly, the versatile forward has previously worked with Le Bris at Lorient, which may explain why the Black Cats have come to the table despite stiff competition from elsewhere.

The Premier League is the toughest in the world to crack, especially as a newly-promoted side, so it is interesting to see Sunderland set the bar high in their search for attacking potency.

Now, it remains to be seen whether they can tempt Lauriente with the prospect of starring for a returning force in the top-flight.

From Xavi and Andres Iniesta to modern greats like Kevin De Bruyne and rising stars such as Jude Bellingham, the debate over just who takes the midfield crown has been rumbling on for quite some time.

In many ways, the question is what do you want to see from a midfielder? If you require technical excellence, then look no further than those Spanish superstars and the likes of Zinedine Zidane. They have often been the jewels in football’s crown no matter the occasion.

Rank

Player

Age

Club

Nation

1

Pedri

22

Barcelona

Spain

2

Jude Bellingham

21

Real Madrid

England

3

Rodri

28

Man City

Spain

4

Declan Rice

26

Arsenal

England

5

Florian Wirtz

21

Bayer Leverkusen

Germany

6

Ryan Gravenberch

22

Liverpool

Netherlands

7

Jamal Musiala

22

Bayern Munich

Germany

8

Martin Odegaard

26

Arsenal

Norway

9

Oihan Sancet

24

Athletic Club

Spain

10

Federico Valverde

26

Real Madrid

Uruguay

11

Dominik Szoboszlai

24

Liverpool

Hungary

12

Xavi Simons

22

RB Leipzig

Netherlands

13

Nicolo Barella

28

Inter

Italy

14

Kevin De Bruyne

31

Man City

Belgium

15

Luka Modric

39

Real Madrid

Croatia

But sometimes beauty is in the long-range strikes, the ruthless tackles and the workhorse engines. And if that is the case, then the attention should drift towards stars such as Manchester United’s Roy Keane and Paul Scholes.

If it’s simply a matter of honours on the table, then it would be Barcelona and Real Madrid who shine brightest, as La Liga’s two mega clubs have dominated the European scene while several of their biggest names thrive on the international stage.

Best midfielders of all time in pictures

Then there is the measure of iconic moments to remember. Steven Gerrard in Istanbul, Modric taking the Ballon d’Or crown and Iniesta’s World Cup winning goal – the list could quite easily go on.

Perhaps the best measure of all-round talent however is the verdicts from those who played with the greats, and Spain legend and superstar goalscorer Fernando Torres believes there is only one answer.

Torres says Gerrard is the best player he ever played with

Torres is perhaps one of the best placed figures in football to judge greatness, having starred for Spain’s dominant international side that won the European Championships in 2008 and 2012, either side of the World Cup in 2010.

And the former Liverpool and Chelsea striker, who spent four seasons on Merseyside with Gerrard, revealed the Liverpool captain was even better than his Spain teammates.

From his very first Liverpool game, Torres and Gerrard’s partnership blossomed into one of the most clinical that Anfield has ever seen. The Spaniard was quick and deadly in front of goal and Gerrard was as precise as it gets behind him to form the perfect duo.

2007/08

8

2008/09

2

2009/10

1

2010/11

2

Assisting 13 of Torres’ 81 Liverpool goals, Gerrard’s partnership with the Spaniard was particularly strong during his debut season. It’s then that the forward may have realised just how talented his captain was, perhaps reaching the conclusion then and there that he would never play with better.

Torres played with Frank Lampard – in what is a debate for another day – as well as Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets and others. Yet, even without a Premier League medal to his name, El Nino still believes that Gerrard is the best midfielder that he’s ever seen.

Sir Alex Ferguson named Liverpool star as the best player in England and as good as Keane

This could settle the debate once and for all…

3 ByBen Goodwin May 17, 2025