Whilst Sunderland had to dig deep in order to beat Coventry City over two entertaining playoff matches, Sheffield United enjoyed a fair more straightforward route to the Wembley showpiece.

The Championship high-flyers easily got the better of Liam Manning’s Bristol City 6-0 on aggregate, with the Blades barely having to break a sweat to defeat the dazzled Robins.

Chris Wilder’s men won’t be heading into their promotion-or-bust showdown with Sunderland full of arrogance that another simple win will be picked up, however, with Regis Le Bris’ Black Cats far more of a formidable foe for United to try and topple.

The Sunderland players who could hurt Sheffield United

Whilst Bristol City just about managed to sneak into the playoff picture in sixth position, the Wearside outfit have been in and around the top six for some time now, with the Black Cats desperate to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2017.

Wilder’s side will have other ideas obviously, but the Blades will have to be switched on throughout, meaning the likes of Jobe Bellingham and Wilson Isidor will have to be kept quiet all match long.

After all, the Championship side’s top goalscorer for the season would get the ball rolling for his side away at Coventry, with an emphatic finish breaking the first leg deadlock.

Wilder will require the likes of Michael Cooper and Jack Robinson to be as switched on as they were against the Robins, with a well-deserved two clean sheets tallied up.

But, there is also the added test of keeping Bellingham quiet in the forward areas, with the 19-year-old sensation reportedly on the radar of Borussia Dortmund, and for good reason, after picking up four goals and three assists himself in league action.

Le Bris’ men aren’t solely reliant on these two to conjure up a spark, however, with centre-back colossus Daniel Ballard actually proving to be the difference-maker last time out with a last-gasp header.

Thankfully for Wilder, he also possesses a goal-hungry defender in his ranks, similar to Ballar,d who will be keen to leave his mark on the nail-biting contest at Wembley.

Sheffield United's very own Ballard

Amazingly, much like his ex-Arsenal counterpart managed versus Coventry, Anel Ahmedhodzic has previously found himself in the right place at the right time to fire his team into a momentous lead.

Way back in April 2023, United teetered on the edge of a return to the Premier League. The promotion-hungry Blades needed just one more precious victory to get over the line, and after Ahmedhodzic’s flick beat the West Bromwich Albion keeper to give Paul Heckingbottom’s men a 2-0 lead, their joyous return to the big time was finally confirmed.

The “dominant” Bosnian – as he’s been labelled in the past by scout Jacek Kulig – will hope he has more dramatic moments like this strike up his sleeve ahead of the Blades’ forthcoming trip to Wembley, but his overall defensive game this season is also in-keeping with Ballard’s imposing presence, away from mirroring his notable eye for goal.

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Across 38 games in the Championship this campaign, Ahmedhodzic has been able to pick up a respectable 15 clean sheets, with his total overall donning Blades red and white in the tricky division across two campaigns coming in at a bumper 31.

Ahmedhodzic vs Ballard – Championship career

Stat

Ahmedhodzic

Ballard

Games played

72

84

Goals scored

9

6

Assists

3

1

Clean sheets

31

18

Stats by Sofascore

Ballard lags behind on a lesser 18 when looking at the table above, with his impressive goal tally of six also trumped by the Blades number 15, even from 12 fewer league games.

This will be a fascinating battle to take in when the Championship playoff final rolls around, with one of the two defensive enforcers having to inevitably make do with second-tier life again.

The £14m-rated colossus will be praying he’s the lucky centre-back that returns to the Premier League, but anything can happen when the nerves are ramped up.

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A Bayern Munich star would be keen on a move to Chelsea this summer, rather than joining Newcastle United or Tottenham Hotspur, according to a report.

Blues set sights on new winger

With the summer transfer window edging ever closer, it is becoming apparent that the Blues are keen on bolstering their wide options, and AC Milan’s Rafael Leao is among their main targets, although the 25-year-old is unlikely to come cheap.

The west Londoners are the favourites to sign Leao, having held talks over a deal, but the Portugal international’s £148m release clause may be prohibitive, while there is also rival interest from Arsenal and Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

There are also potential options from within the Premier League, with Enzo Maresca’s side still keen on Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, having remained in contact with the 20-year-old’s agents ahead of a potential summer swoop.

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In the aforementioned report, it is detailed that Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Athletic Club’s Nico Williams make up the shortlist, but a new update has revealed that a Bayern Munich winger could also be in line to move to Stamford Bridge.

According to a report from Sky Sports in Germany, Chelsea are interested in signing Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane, and a move to west London would appeal to the German, who isn’t as keen on joining fellow suitors Tottenham Hotspur or Newcastle.

Sane is out of contract this summer, which means the winger is set to be available on a free transfer, but there could be competition for his signature, with the 29-year-old open to a move to Arsenal.

A move to La Liga also appeals to the Bayern star, whose current employers want him to make a final decision on his future by May 17th, the date of their final Bundesliga match.

"Outstanding" Sane could help take Blues to next level

The Blues remain in a strong position to qualify for next season’s Champions League, which means Maresca may be keen to bring in players with experience in Europe’s elite competition, and the forward certainly fits the bill in that regard.

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The Germany international has 23 goals and 19 assists to his name in 73 Champions League appearances, while his attacking output in the Bundesliga has been impressive ever since arriving at Bayern.

Season

Appearances

Goals

Assists

2020-21

32

6

9

2021-22

32

7

7

2022-23

32

8

7

2023-24

27

8

11

2024-25

29

11

6

Not only that, but the £244k-per-week forward also received high praise from Harry Kane in November 2023, with the England captain saying: “He has great pace and outstanding power. Leroy is probably our best player so far this season. He is fantastic.”

At 29-years-old, Sane is older than the players Chelsea usually sign, but should they qualify for the Champions League, it is important Maresca has a good blend of youth and experience, and his availability on a free transfer is an added bonus.

Leeds United are now keen on signing an experienced Premier League player who is set to be available on a free transfer in the summer, reporter Alan Nixon has revealed.

Leeds looking to sign players with top flight experience

After leading Leeds to Championship glory, Daniel Farke will be extremely pleased to have achieved his third promotion from the second tier, but his previous experiences in the top flight could make him cautious heading into the new campaign.

Both times Farke took Norwich to the Premier League, the Canaries were ultimately relegated, which could be why the Whites have reportedly considered sacking the German, despite him reaching the 100-point mark this season.

It looks as though the Championship title-winners are set to persist with their manager, but there will be an awareness that he needs backing in the summer transfer window, with bringing in players with proven Premier League experience clearly a priority.

Leeds have identified a number of targets in both central midfield and attack, most of whom are out of contract after playing in the top flight for a number of years.

Target

Current club

Potential cost

Callum Wilson

Newcastle United

£0

Abdoulaye Doucoure

Everton

£0

Jamie Vardy

Leicester City

£0

Sean Longstaff

Newcastle United

£12m

Another free agent has now entered the frame as a potential target for Farke’s side, with Nixon revealing they have set their sights on West Ham United’s Aaron Cresswell, who is poised to leave the Hammers when his contract expires in the summer.

Cresswell is now 35-years-old, which may be why he is viewed as a potential addition as a squad player for the Whites, rather than being a regular starter, and there us set to be competition for his signature from newly-promoted Championship side Wrexham.

"Brilliant" Cresswell is proven in the top flight

The Liverpool-born left-back is a stalwart of the Premier League, having made 312 appearances in the competition during his time with the Irons, and his experience could be of great use to a Leeds side whose immediate aim will be to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.

It has now been confirmed that West Ham will not offer the former 3-cap England international a new deal, but he recently received a ringing endorsement from Graham Potter, who described the full-back as a “brilliant” professional on and off the pitch.

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As such, while the Premier League veteran would not be the most exciting of signings, his know-how could be invaluable for Farke next season, while he has also displayed a keen eye for goal in matches against Leeds in the past.

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Indeed, while Cresswell is more well-known for his defensive capabilities, he has maintained a solid goal record in matches against the Whites in the past, finding the back of the net four times in 12 appearances.

Silly season is officially here, and it looks like it’s going to be a long but exciting one for Arsenal.

The areas Mikel Arteta and Co need to strengthen over the coming months are apparent, with perhaps the most significant position of need being centre-forward.

One of the names who has been most heavily linked with the Premier League runners-up in recent weeks has been Benjamin Sesko.

The Slovenian striker looks like he could be one of the game’s next great strikers, but if recent reports are to be believed, the North Londoners are also looking at someone else who could be an even better option.

Arsenal eyeing Sesko alternative

Before getting to the man in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other talented strikers who have been touted for a move to Arsenal in recent weeks, like Evann Guessand and Nick Woltemade.

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The former enjoyed an impressive campaign with OGC Nice this season, in which he scored 13 goals and provided ten assists in 42 games, which more than justifies the £25m price tag on his head.

Likewise, the £42m VfB Stuttgart reportedly want for Woltemade doesn’t feel too unreasonable, as in just 33 games this season, the German poacher was able to score 17 goals and provide three assists while also winning the German Cup.

However, the Gunners might prefer a striker with more Premier League experience and a proven track record in England, which is where Ollie Watkins steps up.

According to a recent report from The Athletic, Arsenal have maintained an interest in the Aston Villa star despite failing to sign him in January.

The report claims that the England international, whom Arteta pushed for in the winter window, is still a topic of discussion among the club’s decision-makers, although his price could once again prove to be a stumbling block.

The Villans wanted £60m for him earlier this season, although with profit and sustainability rules still reportedly a cause for concern, there is a chance they’ll accept a lower fee in the coming weeks.

It would be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Watkins’ immense ability, it’s one worth pursuing, especially as he’d be a better signing than Sesko.

How Watkins compares to Sesko

So, with Arsenal undeniably needing a new striker this summer, who would be the better choice out of Watkins and Sesko?

Well, when it comes to their raw output, which is ultimately what matters most for a forward, it’s the Villa star who has the far better ratio of goal involvements to minutes played this season.

For example, in 54 appearances, which came to 3578 minutes of action, the Englishman, whom podcaster Rohan Jivan described as “one of the best centre-forwards in Europe,” scored 17 goals and provided 14 assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 115.41 minutes.

In contrast, the Slovenian international scored 21 goals and provided six assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3258 minutes this season, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 120.66 minutes.

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Unfortunately for the RB Leipzig star, the comparison only becomes more one-sided when we take a look at their underlying numbers, with the former Exeter City gem coming out on top in the majority of relevant metrics, from non-penalty expected goals plus assists to progressive carries and more, all per 90.

Watkins vs Sesko

Statistics per 90

Watkins

Sesko

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.59

0.40

Non-Penalty Goals + Assists

0.76

0.61

Progressive Passes

1.07

1.74

Progressive Carries

1.90

1.78

Shots

2.84

2.50

Shots on Target

1.25

1.10

Passing Accuracy

72.4%

67.6%

Key Passes

0.83

0.72

Passes into the Penalty Area

0.45

0.34

Shot-Creating Actions

1.84

1.93

Goal-Creating Actions

0.42

0.34

Successful Take-Ons

0.35

1.48

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season

Finally, on top of being statistically more impressive, the former Brentford star is also the safer bet, as he’s already proven that he can thrive in the Premier League, and the club needing a major trophy next season, it makes far more sense to go with the known quantity.

Therefore, while Sesko is great, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Watkins this summer, as he may be the missing piece of the puzzle that lands them a Premier League or Champions League title next year.

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While it failed to culminate in any silverware, this season wasn’t all doom and gloom for Arsenal.

For example, Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly broke into the first team, with the latter establishing himself as a regular starter and now a full-fledged England star.

Moreover, despite missing almost four months of action, Bukayo Saka once again proved he’s a world-class attacker by racking up a haul of 12 goals and 14 assists in 37 games.

Saka’s 24/25

Appearances (Starts)

37 (30)

Minutes

2619′

Goals

12

Assists

14

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

Minutes per Goal Involvement

100.73′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

Yet, it’s impossible to overlook that, in the end, a lack of invention in the final third prevented the team from winning anything, so it’s a good thing that reports have now linked Arsenal to someone compared to Saka and Rodrygo.

Arsenal transfer news

With Arsenal creating just the seventh-highest expected goals figure in the Premier League this season, per FBref, it’s easy to understand why there has been such an emphasis on the club signing players capable of both scoring and creating more goals in recent weeks.

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Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has been one name linked with the club, as has Aston Villa and England star Morgan Rogers, although a player touted more heavily for a move to the Emirates than both this summer has been Rodrygo.

The Real Madrid star scored 14 goals and provided ten assists in 51 games for Los Blancos this term.

However, with a price tag of at least £84m and murmurs that he does not want to leave the Spanish capital, the North Londoners may be forced to sign another attacking talent from the Santiago Bernabéu, a talent who’s won comparisons to the Brazilian.

According to a recent report from Spain, Arteta has asked Arsenal to inquire about Brahim Diaz, who he believes could thrive at the Emirates.

Moreover, the story has revealed that the North Londoners are now willing to make an offer of €50m for the Moroccan international, about £42m, despite Xabi Alonso wanting to keep him in Spain.

It might not be a straightforward transfer to get over the line, but Diaz is undeniably talented, and as he’s already won comparisons to Saka and Rodrygo, he could be just what Arsenal need.

How Diaz compares to Saka & Rodrygo

Now, there are a number of reasons why Arsenal should be looking to sign Diaz this summer, but before getting to them, it’s important to address these comparisons to Saka and Rodrygo and where they come from, for that matter.

Well, in both cases, the comparisons stem from FBref, which looked at players in similar positions in the Champions League this season and then created a list of the ten most comparable players for each.

In this instance, it concluded that the Brazilian international was the fifth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Morccan star, while the Englishman came in as the seventh most similar.

Diaz & Rodrygo

Statistics per 90

Diaz

Rodrygo

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.48

0.48

Goals per Shot

0.20

0.20

Passing Accuracy

84.8%

85.1%

Live Passes

45.7

44.3

Tackles Won

1.11

1.13

Successful Take-On %

56.5%

58.1%

Carries

42.0

41.3

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 UCL Campaign

The best way to see how these conclusions were reached is by looking at the underlying numbers in which the players ranked closely, which, for the case of his Real Madrid teammate, included things like non-penalty expected goals plus assists, goals per shot, passing accuracy, carries, tackles won and more, all per 90.

For the Gunners’ own number seven, the metrics that overlapped with the former Manchester City gem included things like shots on target, goal-creating actions, key passes, passes into the penalty area, non-penalty expected goals and more, also per 90.

Diaz & Saka

Statistics per 90

Diaz

Saka

Non-Penalty Expected Goals

0.28

0.34

Shots on Target

1.31

1.42

Key Passes

1.11

1.19

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.30

1.19

Goal-Creating Actions

0.80

0.83

Miscontrols

2.04

2.02

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 UCL Campaign

Usually, being so statistically similar to two of the most exciting wingers in the modern game would be reason enough to sign someone, but away from these comparisons, there are other reasons the North Londoners should be looking to recruit the Málaga-born maestro this summer, such as his versatility.

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For example, while the 25-year-old does tend to play out on the right at the moment, his most played position across his entire career is attacking midfield, but even then, he’s also capable of playing off the left and has spent time as a second striker and up top to boot.

Moreover, while he has mainly been kept to substitute appearances in Spain, he’s got the ability to do something seriously special, with former professional turned pundit Owen Hargreaves describing a goal he scored in the Champions League last season as “Messi-esque.”

However, Hargreaves doesn’t limit the comparison to strictly that goal, pointing out that it’s his “low centre of gravity” and “way he can dribble”, which also makes the 5 foot 7 magician similar to the Argentine legend.

Ultimately, Arsenal need to add more quality to their attacking and midfield options this summer, and while he might not be the biggest of names, Diaz is undeniably talented and could add that extra spark the team need.

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Glasgow Rangers have made a formal bid to sign another full-back for manager Russell Martin after an Ibrox deal for Max Aarons.

Rangers sign Aarons on loan as Gers announce deal

After confirming a deal which was agreed earlier in the year to sign midfielder Lyall Cameron, the Gers and 49ers Enterprises have moved efficiently to bring Aarons to Ibrox.

Moving to Glasgow on a straight loan deal from Bournemouth, Aarons got straight to work with Rangers and said after penning his contract:

Ahead of Rangers’ Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos and Scottish Premiership opener at Motherwell, Martin and the Gers will be looking at more additions, with further defensive signings on the agenda.

Leicester City centre-back Conor Coady is open to a move to Rangers following contact, whereas Liverpool’s Owen Beck is another transfer target. Talks were thought to be opened by Rangers over a move for Beck, and a new update has emerged.

Rangers make bid to sign Owen Beck

According to DaveOCKOP, ‘Rangers have now made their interest formal with a bid for the 22-year-old’.

Liverpool have held talks with Beck over extending his contract and sending him out on loan, whereas Rangers are interested in a permanent deal for the left-back.

Beck spent last season on loan at Blackburn Rovers and won their Young Player of the Season award after making 24 Championship appearances. Prior to his time at Ewood Park, Beck also had loan spells at Famalicao, Bolton Wanderers and Dundee United.

The Welshman was actually described as “spectacular” by scout Jacek Kulig, who also compared him to Andy Robertson when coming through Liverpool’s academy.

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Elsewhere, former Liverpool U21 coach Barry Lewtas called Beck a “consistent performer” back in 2022. “I thought Owen was fantastic. The progress he has made over his time at the Academy, but certainly the last couple of years, is a credit to him with the work he puts in [and] how coachable he is because he listens and takes on board the information we give him. He has become a real consistent performer for us and in my opinion he was the standout player against Derby.”

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Now, a move to Glasgow with Rangers could be one to keep an eye on following the update of a formal bid being submitted.

Sunderland are in talks over completing the signing of a versatile player in the summer transfer window, according to a promising new update.

Who could Sunderland sign this summer?

The Black Cats are reportedly interested in snapping up Clermont midfielder Habib Keita before next season gets underway, but they will have their work cut out getting a deal over the line.

That’s because a host of English clubs are keen on acquiring his signature, with Queens Park Rangers, Stoke City and Crystal Palace all keeping tabs on him.

Elsewhere, Sunderland are said to be leading the race to sign Vladyslav Vanat this summer, with the Dynamo Kiev striker a potentially exciting addition for Regis Le Bris, as he looks to have enough firepower in his squad to aid their chances of staying in the Premier League and avoid an immediate return to the Championship.

West Brom youngster Isaac Price has also emerged as a reported target for the Black Cats, with the 21-year-old a player who could have a bright future in the game. The midfielder has already scored six goals in 18 caps for Northern Ireland, summing up his potential.

Sunderland in talks over signing £2.5m midfielder

According to a new report from Africa Foot, Sunderland are in talks with the representatives of Yverdon Sport midfielder Moussa Baradja over a potential £2.5m summer move to the Stadium of Light.

The 24-year-old is looking for a new challenge after his team were relegated from the Swiss Super League last season, and the Black Cats are hoping to “reach an agreement” in the near future following contact.

Baradja isn’t necessarily a player who is well-known to the English audience, but he could be an astute signing by Sunderland, in what is such an important transfer window for them.

Perhaps the Frenchman’s greatest asset is his versatility, allowing him to thrive as a defensive midfielder and a more attack-minded one, as well as being able to do a job on the right wing.

This is sure to appeal to Le Bris, who knows the importance of squad depth ahead of Sunderland’s return to the Premier League, and Baradja would likely come in as a relatively cheap addition, assuming they can get him for just £2.5m.

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He has made 29 appearances for Yverdon Sport, chipping in with four goals and three assists in that time, and he will be able to offer quality at both ends of the pitch.

Granted, Sunderland also need to sign players who have proven themselves in the Premier League, but Baradji looks like shrewd business that could ultimately be effective over time.

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Still only 24, he wouldn’t be coming in as a quick fix for the Black Cats, instead arriving as a squad player and hopefully becoming a key man as time passes.

Newcastle United have bid farewell to striker Callum Wilson, who departs the Magpies after five years on Tyneside.

The centre-forward struggled with injury throughout his spell with the club, scoring 49 goals across 130 appearances.

However, with a Carabao Cup winner’s medal around his neck, he will leave Tyneside with fond memories of the club.

The positive news concerning his departure means that it does leave room for Eddie Howe to bring in another striker this summer, especially with European football on the horizon.

James Trafford and Anthony Elanga look set to move to St James’ Park in the coming days. Will another new attacker follow after them?

Newcastle in advanced talks for English striker

Howe was keen on bringing Joao Pedro to Newcastle, but Chelsea’s offer of £60m was beyond what the Magpies were willing to spend.

Despite Champions League football to look forward to next term, Howe is going to have to be diligent in the transfer market and hunt for alternatives.

Well, according to reports, the Toon are now currently in advanced talks to sign former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin following his departure from the Toffees.

The Englishman has been admired for a while now by Howe, but he will have to fend off interest from Manchester United to secure his man.

Transfer Focus

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Even though he has scored only 11 goals since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, could he return to form at Newcastle, however?

Especially with someone like Elanga creating plenty of chances for him.

Why Calvert-Lewin could be a good signing for Newcastle

Last season, Elanga notched up 12 assists for Nottingham Forest in all competitions. Furthermore, he created nine big chances and averaged 1.3 key passes per game in the top flight.

If that wasn’t enough, the Swede ranked in the top 6% for assists and in the top 3% for crosses when compared to his positional peers in the Premier League.

Thus, should Calvert-Lewin make the move to Newcastle, he would surely shine alongside a player like Elanga.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s Everton statistics

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2024/25

26

3

2

2023/24

38

8

3

2022/23

18

2

1

2021/22

18

5

2

2020/21

39

21

5

2019/20

41

15

1

2018/19

38

8

3

2017/18

44

8

5

2016/17

20

5

2

Via Transfermarkt

While the previous few years have been tough, the 28-year-old did score 13 league goals in 2019/20 and 16 the season after, proving that when he is fit, the striker is among one of the best in the country.

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It was around this time that the player received plenty of praise from Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who said:

“Calvert-Lewin, I really expected him to make big steps in the next few years and he did. He has everything you need in a top striker: size, mobility, speed, desire, technically really, really good, in the air, finishing with his head, both feet.”

Signing the former Sheffield United starlet on a free transfer could turn into a shrewd piece of business for Howe. But only if he remains fit and healthy.

Adding both Elanga and Calvert-Lewin will certainly give Newcastle more depth in their attacking department and it could well be that the Forest winger is the chance generation machine that the latter needs to revive his career.

Still only 28, the former Everton striker could shine in the northeast.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers are set to make an offer for a “sensational” forward, who is also on the radar of Real Madrid and Barcelona, according to reports.

Wolves looking to sign new forwards

In light of Matheus Cunha’s departure, Wolves have been able to splash the cash on new forwards this summer, having already secured the signature of Fer Lopez, and they are now closing in on a deal for another winger.

Such is the Colombia international’s level of interest in moving to Molineux, he is reportedly willing to take a pay cut to get a deal over the line, and with Fabrizio Romano giving his trademark ‘here we go’, the move could be wrapped up soon.

However, Wolves aren’t done there, as they are also set to make an offer for another winger, namely Real Betis’ Pablo Garcia, according to a report from Estadio Deportivo (via Sport Witness).

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The Old Gold have been closely monitoring Garcia in recent weeks, and they are now determined to secure his signature, with Real Betis’ €30m (£26m) asking price deemed to be a non-issue.

The 19-year-old has particularly impressed at the U19 Euros, recently netting four goals in Spain’s 6-5 victory over Germany, and his performances haven’t gone unnoticed, with reports from elsewhere revealing that Real Madrid and Barcelona have also expressed an interest.

"Sensational" Garcia could be exciting signing for Wolves

It would be a real statement of intent if Vitor Pereira’s side were able to secure the teenager’s signature, given his performances at the U19 Euros, with scout/analyst Jacek Kulig lauding the youngster for a “sensational” display against Germany.

The Sevilla-born winger was regularly among the goals at youth level last season, picking up five goals and four assists in 25 games for Real Betis reserves, while also providing four goal contributions in as many games in the UEFA Youth League.

As such, while Garcia’s first-team experience is very limited, there are clear signs the starlet could go on to be a top player, so he could be a real coup for Wolves this summer.

Having already reinforced their frontline with the addition of Thierno Barry, Everton have also reportedly joined the race to sign an impressive 27-goal striker.

The latest in Everton's incomings

The Toffees commenced the transfer window in statement fashion – welcoming Carlos Alcaraz in a permanent deal and talented forward Barry – and have since also welcomed new No.2 Mark Travers. But, if reports are anything to go by, they’re only just getting started. Recent rumours have suggested that The Friedkin Group could even spend as much as £150m on additions this summer.

Top of Everton’s wishlist on that front seems to be Manchester City’s James McAtee. The young midfielder is reportedly looking to leave the Etihad in pursuit of much-needed game time this summer, with a permanent switch to the Hill Dickinson Stadium now among his options.

Even as he struggled to hand McAtee a consistent place in his plans, Pep Guardiola took the time to praise the 22-year-old after he scored a hat-trick against Salford City.

The Spaniard told reporters: “I am so happy for him, he is a special player. A hat trick is not easy. He has an incredible sense in front of goal, he has the right tempo, he changed the rhythm to score and I am very happy for him.”

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McAtee’s not the only name on Everton’s shortlist, however. The Toffees have also reportedly set their sights on Douglas Luiz and former Real Madrid gem Takefusa Kubo.

Attacking targets seem to be the priority in Merseyside too, whether it’s Kubo who arrives or an impressive 27-goal striker this summer.

Everton now battling to sign Mika Biereth

As reported by Caught Offside, Everton are now battling to sign Mika Biereth from AS Monaco this summer. The Toffees are joined by Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Wolves in a very busy race, but the fact that the forward is represented as the same agent as Barry could yet hand those at the Hill Dickinson Stadium an advantage.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Biereth

Barry

Minutes

2,495

2,559

Goals

24

16

Assists

6

4

Scoring a combined 40 goals between them last season, Biereth and Barry would form quite the partnership at Everton. In two moves, David Moyes would go from a fairly blunt attack to an underrated and dangerous frontline.

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After watching on as Biereth missed a penalty then went on to score in a 2-1 victory against rivals OGC Nice last season, Monaco boss Adi Hutter told reporters: “This is his mentality, his character. He never gives up and he fights for the team. It is fantastic.”

Six months on from welcoming the Dane into his side, however, and Hutter could be forced to bid farewell if Everton or others get their way this summer. And just like when he swapped Sturm Graz for France in January, Biereth would be more than ready to hit the ground running elsewhere.