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Opening the batting may not be Marnus Labuschagne’s preferred option, but Usman Khawaja has said that sometimes players need to take a role that is best for the team rather than the individual and backed him to make a success of it should that be the selectors’ call at Lord’s.Labuschagne is firming as the likely option to walk out alongside Khawaja in the World Test Championship final as Australia juggle their batting order. When it was suggested last year that Labuschagne could be an option at the top of the order after David Warner’s retirement, Khawaja said he had “opening-itis” and on Monday joked again that he wasn’t really over it.Related

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However, it appears the selectors will opt for Labuschagne’s experience and Test record – which includes 11 centuries – over dropping him in favour of 19-year-old Sam Konstas, who was handed a debut against India when Australia wanted someone to take the game on. Should that transpire, it shapes as a key moment as Labuschagne fights to secure his Test spot with the selectors keen to settle down an opening combination ahead of the Ashes later this year.”You don’t always get to choose in Australia. You’ve got six of the best batsmen in the country,” Khawaja said while promoting Prime Video who will broadcast the final in Australia. “Like I’ve said in the past, there are plenty of times where I prefer to bat in other positions. But beggars can’t be choosers. You just have to be humble that you’re playing for Australia.”Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne could be Australia’s new opening pair at the WTC final•ICC/Getty Images

Labuschagne has previously opened 15 times in first-class cricket although only once since 2016, but as a regular No.3 knows there is a chance he could be in for the second ball of an innings.”You take what you get and you make the best out of it. At the end of the day, it’s a team game,” said Khawaja, who moved permanently into the opening role in early 2022 after returning to the side with twin hundreds against England at No. 5. “The best place for me to bat for the team is to open. So I’m very happy to open and do my role for the team. I’m sure if it’s the same for Marnus, I’m 100%. I know he’ll take that role.”[When] you bat three, I think the opening is an easier transition. The only time it’s hard is when you bat second. You have to run off and change [into] your pads. Usually when I was at three, I just put my feet up. You don’t get to do that anymore. That’s the biggest difference. But Marnus is a terrific player. If he gets an opportunity, I’m sure he’ll be fine.”From a personal point of view, Khawaja played down any issues with what has become a revolving door of opening partners since Warner retired. Since then, Australia have cycled through Steven Smith, Nathan McSweeney, Konstas and latterly Travis Head who was used as a conditions-specific selection in Sri Lanka.”An opener can get out first ball and you’re batting with number three anyway,” Khawaja said. “So it’s not that big of a deal. All the guys that are in this team I’ve batted with. Opening has been a revolving door for a long time. But I think it just shows you how hard opening is. It’s not an easy place to bat.”I’ve had a few partners since Davey’s gone. It’s just a tough place to bat. You can’t hide in Test cricket. I think whoever’s going to come in will do a good job. But for me, it’s no different.”The other selection questions Australia had to ponder where whether to continue with an allrounder at No. 6 and the call between Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland. Hazlewood looks primed to return to the bowling line-up, while during training on Monday, the catching cordon was Khawaja, Smith, Beau Webster and Cameron Green. Webster, who has never played at Lord’s, spoke the previous day about having to factor in the slope when standing in the slips.Meanwhile, Australia believe that spin could play a significant role in the match. Two days out the pitch was already quite straw-coloured and the forecast is for warm weather during the Test and a good amount of sunshine.”I think spin will play a big part, particularly as the game wears on,” Smith said. “It is dry. We only came here a week ago, but I think it’s been pretty dry to start the season over here. I think the footmarks will definitely come into play as the game wears on.”Two years ago, during the 2023 Ashes, Australia lost Nathan Lyon to a calf injury during England’s first innings but were able to secure victory through their fast bowlers.”He’s keen to get back here and I guess put those negative memories out of his mind,” Alex Carey said. “But it probably proved in that series how big a role he does play in all conditions, especially here in England.”

Aston Villa have had a rocky start to the 2025/26 season, struggling to find consistency in the Premier League.

Their first win came only in late September against Fulham, and they followed that with a narrow 2–1 victory over Burnley, a result that temporarily lifted spirits at Villa Park.

Despite these wins, Villa currently sit 13th in the league with a goal difference of -1, reflecting the challenges they’ve faced in converting performances into points.

Their upcoming fixtures are equally testing.

The Villans travel to Tottenham Hotspur next before heading to the Netherlands to face Go Ahead Eagles, meaning Unai Emery must carefully manage his squad to avoid fatigue and injury.

While domestic form has been inconsistent, Villa are faring better in the Europa League, sitting third in their group after wins against Bologna and Feyenoord.

These results highlight the importance of rotation and squad depth, particularly when competing on multiple fronts.

Emery has already shown a willingness to trust young players, such as Morgan Rogers, who flourished when given the chance.

With Villa balancing league and European ambitions, this season could be the perfect opportunity to integrate another academy product.

A young midfielder drawing comparisons to one of the club’s most reliable performers over the last decade.

John McGinn's start to the season in numbers

For Aston Villa, few players embody consistency like John McGinn.

The 30-year-old joined Villa from Hibernian when the club was still in the Championship and has been central to their rise to the Premier League and European football.

Known for his work rate, leadership, and eye for goal, McGinn has scored in both the Champions League and Europa League, including the winning strike in a 1–0 victory against Bologna this season.

In the 2025/26 campaign, McGinn has made ten appearances across all competitions, scoring once in the league and twice in the Europa League.

John McGinn – Premier League 2025/26

Matches Played

7

Minutes

546

Goals

1

Progressive Carries

9

Progressive Passes

25

Source: FBref

His influence goes beyond goals, with last season’s stats underlining his consistency: 49 appearances, four goals, six assists, and 3,306 minutes played.

At international level, McGinn has been equally dependable, earning 80 caps for Scotland and scoring 20 goals.

He ranks in the 86th percentile for pass completion (82.1%) and the 86th percentile for interceptions per 90 minutes (0.69), as per FBref.

No matter the circumstances, McGinn consistently performs, providing Villa with a reliable presence in midfield that stabilises both defensive and attacking transitions.

With Villa facing demanding fixtures and balancing multiple competitions, McGinn’s influence is vital.

His consistency provides the platform upon which Emery can experiment with younger players, confident that the backbone of the midfield remains solid.

The next McGinn who Emery should trust

Aidan Borland, an 18-year-old centre-midfielder, could be Villa’s next player to emulate McGinn’s impact.

Signed from Celtic’s youth academy in 2023 for a nominal fee, Borland has already shown maturity beyond his years.

This season, he has played six times in Premier League 2 (540 minutes) and featured once in the EFL Trophy (90 minutes).

He was also on the bench during Villa’s Carabao Cup defeat to Brentford, a game they lost on penalties after going ahead through Harvey Elliot.

Borland’s style of play mirrors many of McGinn’s traits.

He is an aggressive dueller and tackler, covers significant ground, and reads the game well, frequently making interceptions to break up opposition attacks.

He approaches each action positively, keeps his play simple, and leads by example – characteristics that have already drawn praise from youth coaches.

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Analyst Ben Mattinson described him as a “youth version of John McGinn,” a comparison that Villa fans will find encouraging given the midfielder’s reliability over the last decade.

Physically and mentally, Borland is prepared for the step-up.

His high work rate, intelligence, and composure on the ball suggest he could thrive if given first-team minutes this season.

Emery, known for integrating academy talent effectively, could find a key option in Borland to rotate alongside McGinn or cover in European fixtures.

With Villa seeking to balance league stability with Europa League progression, giving the young midfielder a chance could accelerate his development while providing the team with fresh energy in central areas.

If Borland adapts to the pace and intensity of Premier League football, he could become a player Emery trusts to mirror McGinn’s consistency, leadership, and attacking contribution.

For Villa, nurturing talent from within the academy has already proven successful, and Borland has the potential to continue that tradition, providing both quality and longevity in midfield.

For a club navigating a tough start to the season, the emergence of players like Borland could be key to sustaining performance across competitions, helping Aston Villa challenge for higher league positions while continuing their European journey.

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Posts ByBen Gray Oct 9, 2025

Can you hear it, the din from the summer transfer window? Newcastle United’s tumultuous market has been placed in the background, now, and Eddie Howe must be delighted that he can crack on and write another chapter into this wonderful story.

But there’s no denying the events of recent months have taken a toll on the Tyneside outfit, who have started their Premier League campaign with just two points from three games, losing that ridiculous clash against Liverpool and blanking in stalemates against Aston Villa and Leeds United.

Still, United are organised and efficient, and having signed forwards such as Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa among a host of other signings, there is hope that the disappointing departure of Alexander Isak can be offset and that targets might still be hit.

But it hasn’t all been sunshines and rainbows. Isak is bound to carry his prolific nature over to Anfield, but perhaps more frustrating is the recent success of Elliot Anderson, who was sold to Nottingham Forest over a year ago to ease the strain of PSR regulations.

Why Newcastle sold Elliot Anderson

The way Isak forced his way out of Howe’s Newcastle will sting for many years. Never again will the Sweden striker receive the ball at St. James’ Park without being the recipient of a venomous chorus of boos.

But Anderson was one of the club’s own, homegrown and sold for pure profit to avoid financial ramifications. His success with Nottingham Forest over the past two years has been quite a thing, and his recent performances for the Three Lions have underscored his value.

Newcastle sold the centre-midfielder to the Tricky Trees for around £35m in 2024, but he has since become something more, hailed by analyst Ben Mattinson as a “do-it-all midfield warrior” and regarded in the Premier League as one of the driving forces of Nuno Espirito Santo’s success last season.

The 22-year-old could have been something special for Newcastle, and now serves as a reminder to keep onto those top talents who show such promise but perhaps aren’t yet equipped to maintain the consistency of their more experienced peers.

Take, for example, Anderson’s countryman Lewis Hall, who has lulled of late but remains one of the most exciting up-and-comers within the Premier League scene.

Newcastle have struck gold on Lewis Hall

Hall has spent more time than he would have liked in 2025 in the infirmary, with the full-back’s fitness problems taking away from him the building noise after an emphatic start to life at Newcastle.

It was not that long ago that Toon reporter Dominic Scurr declared Hall to be “the best left-back in the country, bar none.”

Likewise, talent scout Jacek Kulig called the 21-year-old “one of the best left-backs in the Premier League” in December 2024, with Hall firing on all cylinders and instrumental in building the form that would lead United back toward the gates of the Champions League and the Carabao Cup title.

But injury struck in the days before that Wembley meeting with Liverpool, and Hall would be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign.

Hall’s PL Stats with Newcastle
Stats (* per game)	23/24	24/25
Matches (starts)	18 (8)	27 (24)
Goals	1	0
Assists	0	4
Touches*	39.2	70.6
Pass completion	83%	85%
Key passes*	0.2	1.3
Dribble success	55%	61%
Ball recoveries*	3.1	4.4
Tackles*	1.6	2.1
Interceptions*	0.7	0.7
Clearances*	0.9	1.9
Duels (won)*	2.9 (53%)	4.4 (54%)
Data via Sofascore

Hall has also featured twice in the Premier League this season, but both times as a substitute and for a total of 43 minutes as he gets back up to speed. He will hope to reclaim his starting berth in the weeks to come, and on the basis of the evidence, his improvements last season suggest Howe will soon deploy him from the opening again.

Data-led platform FBref reveal Hall to rank among the top 12% of positional peers in the Premier League last year for passes attempted, the top 15% for assists and the top 20% for shot-creating actions and progressive passes per 90, so it’s clear that his technical quality is crucial to erecting the build-up patterns that define Howe’s transitional approach.

It’s also clear that this ball-playing skill aligns with the methods of some of England’s finest. Indeed, Caught Offside revealed in the months preceding the summer transfer window that Liverpool and Manchester City had both registered their interest in the young England international, who Newcastle valued at a floor of £60m.

Of course, this puts Hall above a former Toon talent such as Anderson, who left for £35m and has since seen a market growth toward the ballpark of £45m, as per Football Transfers.

The aforementioned Premier League giants both signed left-backs this summer, which perhaps signals the strength of Newcastle’s response when Hall’s name was discussed in negotiations.

Hall is a defender who can do it all. After all, he played most regularly as a robust central midfielder during his younger days, since refashioned into a wide defender. Perhaps there is a future for him in the middle of the park, where he might rival players such as Anderson for a prominent role in England’s national squad.

Newcastle might have entered something of a transitional campaign, but Howe will remain steadfast in his belief that last year’s success can be used to prop up the riches still to come at St. James’ Park.

In any case, with such exciting talents as Hall set to star for years to come, there’s every reason for excitement.

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1

By
Angus Sinclair

Sep 3, 2025

Finishing his first-class career in style, quick Peter Siddle snuffed out Cooper Connolly’s late heroics and also claimed the final wicket as Victoria ended Western Australia’s dreams of a historic fourth straight Sheffield Shield title in dramatic fashion at the WACA.Victoria’s eventual 34-run victory was essentially sealed when Campbell Kellaway, who scored the match’s only century, took an absolute blinder of a one-handed catch at fine leg to dismiss Cameron Gannon in the shadows.Siddle, who finished with 792 wickets from 231 first-class matches, sealed the win with 16 balls left when he dismissed Corey Rocchiccioli before receiving a guard of honour from both teams after the match.”Definitely an incredible career, still trying to convince him to go around again next season,” Victoria captain Will Sutherland said of Siddle, who finished his 19-year first-class career with 4 for 68 off 17.2 overs.It was a consolation win for Victoria, whose slim chances of reaching the final ended when Queensland drew their match against South Australia. Victoria were top of the ladder at the midpoint of the season before four straight defeats proved costly.The result means South Australia will host Queensland in the final at Karen Rolton Oval starting on March 26.”We’ve only got ourselves to blame,” Sutherland said. “In saying that, we did win four games and Queensland three and they’ve somehow made the final, which is interesting and confusing with the bonus points. But there were two games we should have won.”Will Sutherland was among the wickets•Getty Images

Needing 382 off 84 overs, WA fought hard but were always up against it, even though the surface had flattened out as the match wore on. With New South Wales having lost to Tasmania, WA were unable to secure the victory needed to leapfrog past Queensland and qualify for the final.In his return to Shield cricket after making his Test debut in Sri Lanka and playing in the Champions Trophy, Connolly lived up to the billing as WA’s talisman with 56.He had shared a 107-run partnership with Hilton Cartwright, who top-scored with 79, to lift WA to 233 for 4 and a sniff of victory but they ultimately fell short.”It’s obviously disappointing. It’s been a frustrating year for the group and we will no doubt reflect over the next few months,” WA captain Sam Whiteman said.Victoria started the final day’s play at 335 for 8 with a lead of 346 runs as Kellaway resumed on 151 not out. Having batted since late day two, Kellaway continued his indefatigable knock with Australia selector Tony Dodemaide watching on with interest in the terraces.Kellaway finished unbeaten on 165 from 338 balls with Victoria declaring 40 minutes into the day’s play. Siddle had shortly before holed out on 15 and received healthy applause from his team-mates as he bowed out from Shield cricket.The 40-year-old Siddle wasn’t done yet as he rocked WA’s bid for a rollicking start when he had Whiteman inside-edging to short-leg for a golden duck. It completed a miserable match for Whiteman, who made a pair after a seven-ball duck in the first innings.Whiteman’s dismissal forced Jayden Goodwin and Cameron Bancroft to bat cautiously through to lunch as the run rate required lifted to more than five an over. But they played with more intent on resumption with Goodwin pounding offspinner Todd Murphy for a couple of sixes down the ground.After a recent lean run, Goodwin had been fortunate to retain his position ahead of Sam Fanning but battled through 132 balls in the first innings – the most by a WA batter. He rattled along to 46, but got carried away and tamely hit Murphy to cover before Bancroft nicked off to Sutherland.Cooper Connolly scored a fluent 56•Getty Images

Ashton Turner was seen as a key due to his positive instincts, but on 21 he edged Siddle to second slip and WA looked down and out at 126 for 4. However, Connolly has enjoyed big moments in domestic cricket before and entered having made four half-centuries in his six previous Shield innings, including a top-score of 56 in WA’s first innings.The aggressive Connolly went against type and scored just nine off his first 37 balls in a desperate bid to get through to tea. Connolly and Cartwright held on, but WA faced the daunting task of needing 208 runs off the final 38 overs.They put the foot down after the interval with Connolly stroking fluently through covers while Cartwright reached his half-century with a six off the back foot sparking healthy applause from his team-mates in the terraces.The sparse crowd started to slowly build as fans trickled in hoping for a remarkable finish. But the match turned when Cartwright was bowled off the inside edge from a full Sutherland delivery.The moment proved too big for wicketkeeper Joel Curtis, who was stumped after running down at Murphy as WA’s task looked beyond them at 242 for 6. However, Connolly still had belief and he reached his half-century with a six off Murphy that sailed into the ground’s construction site.WA got to within 100 runs as a grandstand last hour was in the works before Connolly mistimed a drive off Siddle to cover. Gannon then threw the bat in a last-ditch effort until Kellaway capped the best match of his fledgling career with a moment of brilliance in the field that he’ll never forget.

Transfer deadline day is always an exciting one for fans all over England, but today could prove to be a huge day for Tottenham Hotspur in their quest to end the window on a positive note.

Up to now, the business conducted by Thomas Frank has been a huge success, spending around £155m on new additions, with Xavi Simons being the latest big-money signing in North London.

The Dutchman joined in a £52m deal last week, adding to the £55m signing of Mohammed Kudus and a permanent move to land Frenchman Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich.

However, new boss Frank is evidently still hunting for further additions to help boost his chances of securing any form of success in Europe and or the Premier League this campaign.

Numerous names have emerged on their shortlist throughout deadline day, with progress being made on deals to land various top-level European talents.

Spurs’ hunt to land new talent on deadline day

Despite Simons’ transfer in recent days, Spurs have been hunting for the signature of Ademola Lookman over the last couple of hours – potentially costing a fee in the region of £43m.

The Nigerian, who scored 20 goals for Atalanta last season, has been desperate for a transfer this summer, potentially getting himself a move to North London before tonight’s deadline.

However, another name has emerged on their radar in recent hours, with Football Insider reporting the Lilywhites are keen on a late move for Conor Gallagher.

They claim that the Atlético Madrid star is available for €60m (£52m) in the coming hours, with Newcastle United also battling Frank’s side for a potential switch back to England.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be perfect for Kolo Muani

Alongside Lookman, Spurs are negotiating a deal with PSG for the signing of striker Randal Kolo Muani – despite the Frenchman looking certain to join Juventus this summer.

It’s been reported this morning that the Lilywhites are close to agreeing personal terms with the forward over a deal to North London – with a loan with an obligation to buy mooted before tonight’s deadline.

Such a deal has advanced after Dominic Solanke suffered a setback with his current ankle issue, with no timeframe currently placed on his return to first-team action.

Kolo Muani, who scored 10 goals in 22 appearances on loan in Italy last campaign, would offer another impressive option in the final third – potentially being aided by Gallagher in his quest for goals in 2025/26.

Whilst the former Chelsea star is primarily a ball-winning option, he’s also showcased his ability to break the lines and play key passes into attacking areas – having the tools to be a perfect box-to-box talent in Frank’s side.

His underlying stats from the 2024/25 campaign showcase the talent he possesses, with £52m potentially being an excellent price – should he replicate such figures in North London.

The 25-year-old, who’s been labelled “sensational” by journalist John Cross, ranked in the 89th percentile for tackles won (1.8) and in the 90th percentile for recoveries made (5.9) in LaLiga – showcasing his ability to regain possession should he move to Frank’s side.

However, in possession, the England international also impressed, making an average of 3.5 progressive passes per 90 at a pass completion rate of 85% – tallies which could provide Kolo Muani with constant chances in dangerous areas.

Games played

32

Goals & assists

6

Pass accuracy

85%

Progressive passes

3.5

Passes into final third

2.5

Tackles won

1.8

Interceptions made

1.1

Recoveries made

5.9

2.6 of his progressive passes last season were made into the final third, further showcasing his talent with the ball at his feet, offering added ammunition for the Frenchman should he join the Lilywhites.

£52m would be another huge investment from the Spurs hierarchy, but it’s a deal that could add further quality into Frank’s already impressive midfield department.

If he can replicate his numbers from LaLiga last season, it would be a sensational pickup and one that could allow Kolo Muani to adhere himself to the supporters in the process.

Frank's next Wissa: Spurs close to agreeing terms to sign £50m star

Tottenham are set for a frenetic finish to the summer transfer window.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Sep 1, 2025

The interminable bid to sign Alexander Isak rumbles on for Liverpool, but sporting director Richard Hughes has a lot of work cut out as he chases multiple deals before the closure of the summer transfer market.

Newcastle United’s star striker has already been the focus of a rejected bid, totalling an initial £110m, and the Reds are expected to return, for the 25-year-old has suffered a catastrophic failure in relations with those at St. James’ Park.

However, Liverpool are also in desperate need of signing a centre-half in the coming weeks, with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate lacking cover at the rear.

Liverpool focused on signing defender

Following Palace’s victory at Wembley, their chairman, Steve Parish, admitted that they might have to cash in on Marc Guehi this summer, the centre-back having entered the final year of his contract and been on Liverpool’s radar for months.

However, Liverpool are also tracking 18-year-old Parma defender Giovanni Leoni, with deals on the cards for both defenders.

Transfer Focus

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

It would be difficult to pull Leoni away from his Italian homeland at this fledgling stage of his career, and that’s why sporting director Richard Hughes has identified an alternative option to strengthen the backline.

According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are rivalling Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Aston Villa for Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez, having been in regular contact with intermediaries.

Marseille are also in the mix and hope to close a deal this month, so Liverpool will need to get the deal done quickly.

What Joel Ordonez would bring to Liverpool

Ordonez, 21, might be in the early stage of his career, but he’s already made 84 appearances for his Belgian side after making the first leap away from his Ecuadorian homeland.

Now ready for a big move to a top-five league, Liverpool could hit gold in bringing him over, intrigued by his blend of aggressiveness and proactive passing.

Looking at how Ordonez and Leoni rank up statistically over the past year, there’s a case to be made that the Club Brugge man is the superior player at this point in time, with a roundedness about him that suggests he could even be a fitting alternative to Guehi, should Liverpool’s pursuit of the Eagles star prove fruitless.

Goals scored

0.10

0.08

Assists

0.00

0.00

Shot-creating actions

0.57

0.23

Touches

61.63

58.10

Pass completion

91.6%

87.7%

Progressive passes

2.75

1.58

Progressive carries

0.73

0.00

Successful take-ons

0.26

0.23

Tackles + interceptions

1.97

1.18

Clearances

4.84

4.73

Aerials won

1.12

1.23

Leoni is a talented young player, but there’s little to suggest that he has what it takes to break free and become a smooth passer beyond the capacity of Ordonez, who has actually been described as having “an impressively complete profile for a centre-back of his age”, by scout Jacek Kulig.

The same, of course, is true for Leoni, but Ordonez has far more experience and thus more substance behind forking out a sizeable figure this summer.

Should either Van Dijk or Konate fall to injury this season, an understudy would be required to step up, and given that Ordonez has already fought against Aston Villa over two legs in the Champions League, he has the confidence and receipts to do exactly that: step up.

Though Guehi would be Liverpool’s first-choice pick this summer, there’s no certainty that Liverpool will manage to convince Palace to reduce their demands and secure the England international’s signature.

Should they fail to do so, this South American up-and-comer has the physical attributes and the smooth, forward-tuned ball game to make a real impact in Slot’s squad, certainly proving an upgrade on the young and untested Leoni.

A dream partner for Isak: Liverpool in discussions to sign £87m winger

Liverpool could add one or two forward to Arne Slot’s frontline this month.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 12, 2025

Brendan Rodgers has had a strong start to the season with Celtic winning both of their opening Scottish Premiership games and only sitting behind Hearts on goal difference.

So far this window Celtic have brought in six players, three purchased and three on free transfers. The youngest of the permanent signings is 19-year-old Callum Osmand, who arrived on a free from Fulham’s academy where he registered 24-goal involvement in 32 appearances last season.

Rodgers has also brought in one loanee with Manchester City youngster Jahmai Simpson-Pusey. Celtic have signed the 19-year-old on a season-long loan, but they don’t have an option to buy, meaning if they decide they want to make the signing permanent next summer, then they will have to enter negotiations with City.

Despite these arrivals, Rodgers has spoken publicly about his desire to sign new players, particularly at the top end of the pitch.

Rodgers wants busy end to the window with Celtic working on 3 signings

According to FootballI Insider’s sources, Celtic are planning on making three more signings before the window closes. These signings are looking to be a centre back, a winger and a striker. The report stating the Hoops are working on the deals behind the scenes after Rodgers ‘publicly revealed that he is unhappy with the Hoops’ business so far’.

This number could potentially increase to four if they qualify for the Champions League. Celtic’s next step in qualification will be their two-legged fixture against Kazakh side FC Kairat.

Celtic were already looking to sign a new winger following the departure of Nicholas Kuhn to Como but with the news that Jota has suffered cruciate ligament damage and will be unavailable for approximately nine months this matter has become even more pressing.

Celtic's transfer targets

With at least three players left to bring in and only a few weeks left of the window, Celtic have likely already identified, and may be in talks with the relevant parties associated with, the players they want to sign.

Celtics’ move for Jakob Breum from Go Ahead Eagles earlier in the window was derailed by Rangers’ purchase of Oliver Antman as it gave the Eagles the financial freedom to keep him. However, if Celtic have their heart set on Breum, then they could come in with an increased offer that’s too good to be refused.

For Rodgers new striker lots of names have been floated, some of which have now found new clubs, such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Evan Ferguson. One name that they had previously had been linked to that is still available is Italian youngster Giuseppe Ambrosino, who had been rumored to sign alongside Shin Yamada.

Big upgrade on Yang: "Exciting" £5m star on the transfer agenda for Celtic

Celtic could find a big upgrade on Hyun-jun Yang by signing this star before the end of the window.

ByDan Emery Aug 13, 2025

At the other end of the pitch, Etienne Youte is a name that has come up several times. The French youngster has an estimated price tag of £4.3 million and has been a reported target of a number of clubs across Europe and looks like he will leave Le Havre before the transfer window ends.

Only time will tell if Celtic go for players that have previously been linked with or new targets, but either way, it looks like Celtic could be conducting business right up until the windows close.

Aston Villa have entered pole position for their potential first major signing of the summer, ahead of both Man City and Leeds United, according to a new report.

Duran 2.0: Aston Villa in contact with “one of the best strikers in the PL”

Aston Villa have an opportunity to land their next Jhon Duran by signing this attacking menace.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 1, 2025

Unai Emery’s side have just two weeks to go before their first Premier League game of the season against Newcastle, and barring goalkeeper Marco Bizot, Villa have been one of the least active top flight clubs in terms of recruitment.

Their transfer window has been dominated by PSR concerns, financial constraints and more rumours linking key men with moves away than stars actually coming through the door.

Youri Tielemans

7.08

Morgan Rogers

6.92

Marcus Rashford

6.82

Tyrone Mings

6.81

Ollie Watkins

6.80

via WhoScored

Emery, and supporters in particular, will be hoping for a late-window surge from the club’s president of football operations, Monchi, in preparation for what is an absolutely vital 2025/2026.

Villa are paying the price for missing out on Champions League qualification, but if they fail to reinforce the squad, it is unlikely they can mount a more successful top four push next term.

NSWE have been tipped as contenders for some high-profile upgrades from now until deadline day on September 1, though, with Emery reportedly keen on a move for Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson among others.

As well as the Senegalese, Villa are believed to be top contenders to sign former Norwich City star Gabriel Sara, who’s fresh off the back of a promising debut season with Turkish champions Galatasaray.

The Brazilian hit double figures for assists in 45 appearances across all competitions, including two against Besiktas, with Sara also scoring in a 3-1 derby win over arch rivals Fenerbahçe at the beginning of 2024/2025.

Sara has built upon his fine last campaign at Norwich, where he was included in the 2024 Championship Team of the Year, attracting praise from ex-Canaries boss David Wagner.

“He is an outstanding player. Not only for us but in this division – no one has a doubt about this. It’s crystal clear,” Wagner said in February last year.

“Nobody should underestimate that he has played more or less every game from the first to the final minute, and he has put on numbers that, in terms of goals and assists, are near the top of our team.

“He works very hard.”

Now, Villa are looking to offer him a route back to England, and they appear to be serious.

Aston Villa leading race to sign Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara

According to CaughtOffside, Villa are currently the “most advanced” side for Sara, taking pole position at the expense of City, Leeds, Everton, Nottingham Forest and Wolves.

NSWE are also ready to hold talks over signing the South American, who can play both as a traditional centre-midfielder and number 10, with Sara also capable of playing out wide.

Statistically, it’s clear as day why Villa are this keen. Sara recorded a whopping 5.1 shot-creating actions per match and averaged 7.64 progressive passes, placing him in the top 10% of midfielders in Europe (Fot Mob).

His flair and versatility would be a fantastic asset for Emery, and Galatasaray will apparently do business for around £35 million. While Villa are only prepared to go as high as the £17 million mark right now, as per CaughtOffside, it is definitely worth consideration to raise their offer.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola now wants to sign an “ice cool” player, amid concerns over the performances of a current starter, according to a report.

On paper, Man City should have been no match for Al-Hilal, and they certainly had the better of their opponents, creating more chances and having over double the amount of shots on target throughout the match.

However, the Blues ultimately ended up crashing out of the Club World Cup after a shock 4-3 defeat, with Al-Hilal goalkeeper Yassine Bounou putting in a phenomenal performance, making eight saves from inside the box to keep Guardiola’s side at bay.

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The City boss refused to be too critical of his players in the wake of the result, while also singling out Bounou for praise, saying:“It is a pity. We have been on incredible journey together and were in a good place. The vibe was really good. I cannot thank the players enough for training and playing how they have been.

“But it was a difficult game. The margins were minimal. We created a lot and (Yassine) Bounou made incredible saves but we were so open.”

However, behind-the-scenes, Guardiola is still planning to make some changes to his squad, with a report from Spain revealing the Man City manager has made it clear that he wants to sign Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.

With Ederson not the player he once was, having lost consistency in his performances, there is a desire to bring in a new goalkeeper, and Guardiola believes Ter Stegen could be an ideal fit, believing that he has the qualities to succeed in the Premier League.

Barca would be willing to sanction a departure if a good offer comes their way, as the La Liga side are looking to reduce their wage bill, and the German rakes in a sizeable £105k-a-week.

"Ice cool" Ter Stegen has track record of success

The 33-year-old has won 20 major honours throughout a glittering career, having been an important player for Barcelona over a number of years, making a total of 422 appearances for the Spanish side.

That experience at the top level could be very useful for a Man City side which needs to start winning again, having endured a rare trophyless season during the 2024-25 campaign.

The “ice cool” goalkeeper is also comfortable in possession of the ball, which could make him a good fit in a Guardiola system, with counterpart Thibaut Courtois describing the Barca shot-stopper as the “best in the game” with his feet.

Ter Stegen could be a fantastic signing for Man City, but there may be some concerns over the fact the goalkeeper is already 33-years-old, making him two years older than Ederson, which indicates he is unlikely to be a long-term replacement for the Brazilian.

There has been a twist in Arsenal’s pursuit of an “extraordinary” £60m+ star, with a report revealing he would now prefer a move to the Emirates Stadium ahead of Old Trafford.

Starmer insists Arteta must sign new striker

There have been widespread calls for Mikel Arteta to sign a new striker for quite some time, and Keir Starmer has now weighed in with his thoughts on what the manager should set out to do in the summer transfer window.

The Prime Minister said: “I think one or two extra players, I would not go for widespread change, a striker. That is the one that leaps out and it has been for a little while now.

“It looks like we are shoring up midfield, so that is good and the back four is pretty good, perhaps a little bit more strength because of injuries, but it is that up front striker role we need. We need to add there.”

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There is certainly no shortage of options for the Gunners, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres thought to be among the main targets, and sporting director Andrea Berta has already held talks over a deal for the latter player.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that Gyokeres wants to join Manchester United this summer, with the forward eyeing a reunion with former manager Ruben Amorim, but there has now been a twist in the saga.

According to a report from The Mirror, the Sporting CP striker would now prefer to move to the Emirates Stadium ahead of Old Trafford, and a move to the Premier League is thought to be of more interest than heading to Spain or Italy.

Should the Sweden international get his pick of the clubs, Arsenal would be first choice, with the Portuguese club ready to sanction a departure for a fee of just over £60m.

Gyokeres could be "extraordinary" signing for Arsenal

As previously mentioned, the 27-year-old is thought to be among the Gunners’ main targets this summer, alongside Sesko, and there are some signs the Sporting star could be the better option, given his superior goal return.

Sporting boss Rui Borges has, of course, been left very impressed by the Sweden international’s performances, saying: “There are no adjectives to describe Viktor. He is an extraordinary striker, very important to our team.”

That said, while the Stockholm-born striker is by no means old, Sesko is five years his junior, and the Slovenian has proven himself in a tougher league, while also picking up a total of 21 goals and six assists in all competitions in the 2024-25 campaign.

As such, Arsenal have a very difficult decision to make this summer, but it is promising news that Gyokeres would be keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium, despite the widespread interest from clubs across the continent.