Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville, now Sky Sports pundit, has decided between Celtic or Rangers for “the best” stadium atmosphere.
Regarded as one of the Premier League’s best-ever right-backs, Neville spent just under 20 years as a Red Devils professional and was an ever-present figure in Sir Alex Ferguson’s side at Old Trafford.
Premier League
1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2009
Champions League
1999, 2008
FA Cup
1994, 1996, 1999, 2004
League Cup
2006, 2009, 2010
Community Shield
1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 2007, 2008
Club World Cup
2009
Intercontinental Cup
1999
Coming through as part of the famous Class of 92’ at Carrington alongside David Beckham, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes, Neville is now best known for his work with Sky Sports as a pundit, analyst and podcast host.
During his playing days, he played at Celtic Park and Ibrox once in the Champions League. Against the Hoops, Neville captained Man Utd as they lost 1-0 at Parkhead in 2006, with Shunsuke Nakamura’s late free kick proving to be the difference.
At Ibrox three years prior, Neville won 1-0 at Rangers thanks to an early goal from brother Phil.
Neville chooses between Celtic and Rangers for “best atmosphere”
Previously talking on the Stick to Football Podcast, Neville said that Rangers and Ibrox was the “best atmosphere” ahead of Celtic Park, describing it as “staggering”.
Sir Alex Ferguson chooses between Celtic and Rangers for best stadium atmosphere
The iconic manager grew up supporting the Gers.
4 ByCharlie Smith Aug 17, 2025
Former Hoops midfielder Roy Keane, who also appears on the Stick to Football Podcast, didn’t agree with Neville.
Hoping to end their search for a striker at long last, Newcastle United are now reportedly emerging as the favourites to sign a talented 27-goal target for Eddie Howe.
Isak asks to leave Newcastle
In the biggest blow of Newcastle’s summer, Alexander Isak has now asked to leave the club. As the Premier League season closes in, the Magpies could now face the prospect of finding a replacement for one of the world’s best forwards.
Left out of the Magpies’ squad for the Asia tour as a result of his transfer stance, Isak has now opened the door for the likes of Liverpool and clubs in Saudi Arabia to come swooping in to land a blockbuster deal.
The thigh injury only add smoke to the transfer speculation and, as ever, it turns out there’s no smoke without fire. Whether those at St James’ Park back down without a fight is now the big question.
The news also follows Eddie Howe’s decision to send Isak home from Newcastle’s trip to face Celtic amid speculation about his future. The Magpies boss told reporters: “I decided to send him home due to the speculation around him. The last thing he wanted is to be sat in the stand watching, that wasn’t fair to him.
“It is difficult for me to sit here and give 100% clarity on any player. I’d never sit here and do that. It is football and you never know what can happen. All I can say is that Alex is happy at Newcastle, he loves the players and staff, the team.
Better signing than Wissa: Newcastle hold internal talks over £70m "tank"
As Newcastle close in on Yoane Wissa, they’ve reportedly held internal talks about signing their number one target, an “absolute tank” worth £70m.
ByBen Gray Jul 23, 2025
“I have never had any issue with him other than seeing him express his talent and express himself. Certainly I am confident that he is going to be here at the start of the season.”
In a cruel twist to the tale, Newcastle must now draw up a shortlist of potential replacements which could already include one particular Ligue 1 star.
Newcastle now favourites to sign Biereth
As reported by Caught Offside, Newcastle are now in pole position to sign Mika Biereth from AS Monaco this summer. The forward is valued at just £40m and is coming off the back of a sensational 27-goal campaign, which saw him hit top form for Sturm Graz and then Monaco from January onwards.
Despite interest from Aston Villa and Everton, the Dane could yet be on his way to St James’ Park this summer. From Newcastle’s point of view, the move would also make perfect sense if they fail to sign Yoane Wissa from Brentford.
The Magpies are reportedly set to submit a £30m bid to sign the forward after seeing their opening offer rejected, but interest from Tottenham Hotspur and former Brentford boss Thomas Frank could yet scupper their plans.
If that proves to be the case, then signing Biereth, who scout Jacek Kulig dubbed “incredible” last season, would provide Howe with the perfect alternative.
Manchester United thought they had landed themselves a real talent back in the summer of 2023, after they secured a move for Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund.
The 22-year-old cost a fee in the region of £72m two years ago, but fast-forward to the present day, he’s struggled to demonstrate why the hierarchy forked out such a fee for his signature.
He only posted a tally of four league goals last season, taking his total tally of goals for the Red Devils to 26 in his 95 appearances since his big-money move.
Rasmus Hojlund
Hojlund even went 21 games without a goal across all competitions at one stage last season, with new boss Ruben Amorim desperately needing a new talisman during the summer.
Numerous players have been on the board’s radar this window, but no new centre forward has been signed yet, despite progress appearing to be being made on a deal for one star.
The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer
Ollie Watkins has been a player who’s been firmly in the club’s sights over the last couple of months, and, unsurprisingly so given his tally of 16 goals and eight assists in the Premier League last campaign.
However, any deal for the English international may prove to be an expensive one, with Aston Villa demanding a fee in the region of £60m for his signature this summer.
Moves have been made elsewhere for a new striker, with progress being made over a deal to land forward Moise Kean, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
They claim that the Red Devils have held talks with the side over a deal for the 25-year-old Italian international, who registered 25 goals across all competitions last campaign.
It also states that he has a €52m (£44m) release clause that remains active until the 15th of July, potentially facing competition from numerous sides in Saudi Arabia for his signature.
Why United’s £44m target could be a Hojlund & Osimhen hybrid
Victor Osimhen has been another player who’s been a constant target on United’s radar over the last couple of months, after he scored 37 times on loan at Galatasaray last campaign.
Galatasaray's VictorOsimhencelebrates scoring their first goal
The Napoli forward looks certain to leave the Italian outfit this summer, with Antonio Conte not seeing the Nigerian forward as part of his plans going forward.
Despite the Red Devils’ interest, other sides in the Middle East and Europe remain in the race for the 26-year-old’s signature, potentially being a saga that could drag on throughout the summer.
Given his goalscoring record, there’s no denying he would be a superb signing, but there are concerns over his wage demands, which could prove to be out of United’s budget.
However, Kean could prove to be a viable option, with the Italian labelled as a similar player to both Osimhen and Hojlund back in the 2022/23 season in Serie A by FBref.
Moise Kean for Fiorentina
When comparing their respective stats to the aforementioned duo, the former Everton star managed to outperform them both, having the chance to take his career to the next level in Manchester.
Kean, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Statman Dave, managed to post a higher goal per shot on target rate, handing Amorim’s side that clinical edge they’ve been searching for.
Games played
28
32
32
Goals & assists
6
30
11
Goals per shot on target
0.5
0.4
0.3
Progressive carries
2.7
1.5
1.9
Take-ons completed
1.4
0.8
1.3
Carries into opposition box
1.8
0.9
1.5
Fouls won
1.6
1.3
1.5
He also completed more progressive carries per 90 and more carries into the opposition box per 90, having the ability to drive into the final third and create opportunities for other players alongside himself.
The Italian also completed more take-ons, whilst winning more fouls, having the all-round ability to cause problems for the opposition defenders on a consistent basis in the Premier League.
Given the time left on his release clause, the hierarchy will have to act quickly to secure a deal for his signature, potentially getting themselves a bargain transfer this window.
If they can complete a deal for the Italian, it would be one that would fill the needed position at the top end of the pitch, taking the club up a level in 2025/26 as a result.
Amorim's answer to Kane: Man Utd in talks to sign "world-class" striker
Manchester United could finally end their pursuit of a new talisman with a move for one European star.
Manchester United have been a club on the decline over the last couple of years, with last season one to forget for everyone involved with the football club.
The Red Devils finished in a measly 15th place in the Premier League, registering their lowest-ever points tally since the division’s formation back in 1992.
However, Ruben Amorim will undoubtedly be hoping to transform the squad during his first pre-season at the helm, looking to make his 3-4-2-1 system effective at Old Trafford.
After taking the reins back in November, he was unable to take the club to new heights, but there’s hope that with investment from the hierarchy he can return them to their former glory.
Countless players have been linked with a move to join the Red Devils this window, potentially offering an upgrade on the players currently at Amorim’s disposal.
The latest on United’s hunt for new talents this summer
Over the last couple of days, PSG star Fabian Ruiz has emerged as a potential target for the Red Devils, even making a £43m bid for the Spanish international.
He’s not the only midfielder on their shortlist during this summer transfer window, with Inter Milan star Davide Frattesi also subject to an enquiry over a potential deal to join Amorim’s side.
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Fabian Ruiz.
However, another name has been thrown into the mix in recent days, with Juventus star Douglas Luiz a player firmly in their sights, according to GIVEMESPORT.
The report claims that the Red Devils have been in talks with the Italian outfit over a move for the Brazilian, who only made 27 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25.
It also states that the 27-year-old is open to a move back to England this summer after failing to nail his place down in the Juve side after his £42m move from Aston Villa last summer.
Why United’s £42m star would be Cunha 2.0 for Amorim
Despite their lowly league finish last campaign, United have still demonstrated their pulling power in the transfer market, completing a £62.5m deal for Matheus Cunha.
Wolverhampton Wanderers'MatheusCunhacelebrates
The 26-year-old has been a leading star in the Premier League over the last couple of years, registering 15 goals and six assists for Wolverhampton Wanderers last time around.
It remains to be seen if he will feature in a number ten or number nine role in 2025/26, but his versatility could prove to be vital in Amorim’s free-flowing and interchanging system.
Undoubtedly, the price tag would bring added pressure on his shoulders at Old Trafford, but if he can replicate his success elsewhere, there’s no reason why he can’t become a fan-favourite in the near future.
He could be joined at the club by Luiz, following suit and becoming the next version of the attacker, given his experience in the division during his time as a professional.
Douglas Luiz in action for Juventus.
Both players, who are from Brazil, have the capability to fire home from distance, as seen by their respective goal catalogues from recent seasons.
Former United captain Roy Keane has previously sung Luiz’s praises, labelling the midfielder as “quality”, something which is reflected in his underlying stats in 2024/25.
Games played
19
Progressive passes
5.9
Progressive carries
2.7
Tackles won
2.1
Tackle success rate
68%
Take-on success
79%
Aerials won
56%
The Brazilian has registered 5.9 progressive passes per 90, with 2.7 progressive carries per 90, showcasing his talents in driving forward and finding a teammate at any given opportunity.
He’s also won 2.1 tackles per 90 with the Old Lady, winning 68% of the dispossession attempts he’s entered, often liking to break up the play before handing chances to those around him.
Luiz has further impressed, as seen by his take-on success rate of 79%, and 56% of aerials won, having the all-round talent to thrive under Amorim’s guidance.
It’s unclear how much a deal for the Brazilian could cost this summer, but it’s becoming clear that he could be sent in the opposite direction in any deal for Jadon Sancho.
Douglas Luiz for Juventus.
He’s proven that he’s capable of thriving in England’s top-flight, matching Cunha’s achievements and subsequently bringing the next version of his compatriot to Old Trafford.
Mbeumo will love him: Man Utd submit £43m bid to sign "phenomenal" star
Manchester United appear to be making key moves in the transfer window ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Celtic are in the market to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch during the summer transfer window, having already added defender Kieran Tierney to the group.
The Hoops are reportedly closing in on the signing of Sweden international Benjamin Nygren from FC Nordsjælland to add to Brendan Rodgers’ attacking arsenal.
In the 2024/25 campaign, the left-footed star, who usually plays on the right wing, scored 15 goals in 30 matches in the Danish Superliga for his club.
This suggests that the 23-year-old forward could provide a good goal threat for Rodgers on the right flank next season, if he can adapt to Scottish Premiership football.
Celtic keen to sign another winger
Nygren may not be the only wide option added to the Hoops squad before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September, though, as they are also eyeing a left-sided attacker.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Celtic remain interested in a deal to sign Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha ahead of next season.
The reporter claims that the deal has slowed down in recent weeks, but that all parties, including Royal Antwerp and the Belgian dynamo, are keen for the 24-year-old forward to sign for the Hoops before the window closes.
Tavolieri adds that the Pro League side are demanding a fee in the region of £5m for their star winger, and it is now down to the Scottish giants to stump up the cash to get this deal done.
Why Balikwisha would be as exciting as Nygren for Celtic
If the Scottish giants can wrap up a move for the Belgian wing wizard in the coming days or weeks then he would be a signing that would be as exciting as the pending addition of Nygren.
As aforementioned, the Swedish star is an exciting purchase for the Hoops because of the potential he has to deliver goals on a regular basis from the right wing for Celtic.
Michel-Ange Balikwisha for Royal Antwerp.
Balikwisha, meanwhile, is a winger who carries a dual threat on the left flank as someone who can both score and create goals at a fairly impressive rate, albeit he is coming off the back of an injury-laden year that restricted him to just 12 starts in the Belgian top-flight.
The Royal Antwerp star had scored seven goals and provided five assists in 33 outings in the division during the 2023/24 campaign, before a disrupted season this term.
Starts
12
28
Goals
4
15
Assists
3
2
Goals*
0.31
0.53
xA*
0.22
0.21
Assists*
0.23
0.07
Chances created
1.99
1.62
As you can see in the table above, the Belgian star’s performances in limited minutes this season suggest that he has the potential to offer more to the team as a creator than Nygren does.
Balikwisha, who was described as “creative” by analyst Will Glavin, can consistently create high-quality opportunities to assist his teammates, whilst still offering a threat as a goalscorer.
Therefore, Celtic could have a good balance on the flanks as they would have Nygren to provide a huge goal threat and Balikwisha to be the main creator, whilst both players can also chip in with assists and goals respectively.
This means that both wide players are exciting in their own right, as they offer quality in different departments, and that is why Hoops fans should be excited by the prospect of both stars ending up at Parkhead this summer.
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Manchester City are seeking to retain their FIFA Club World Cup crown this summer as the tournament takes on a new and exciting format, with 32 teams competing to be named football’s best club side.
After much excitement and intrigue, the revamped FIFA Club World Cup has begun, with stars like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Michael Olise already taking centre stage in the United States.
Pep Guardiola’s side can become the first English team to be crowned the kings of world football on two occassions with a triumph this summer, and only the second side in history to retain the title, after Real Madrid’s three-peat between 2017 and 2019.
How to Watch the FIFA Club World Cup for Free
Everything you need to know about the Club World Cup.
ByCharlie Smith Jun 13, 2025
The eight-time Premier League champions’ quest to reach the final, which takes place at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 13, starts this week on Wednesday June 18 when they take on Wydad AC, who compete in Botola Pro, the top flight of Moroccan football.
City earned their place in this competition via their UEFA Champions League triumph against Inter back in 2023, while Wydad were crowned CAF Champions League winners in 2022 after a heroic 2-0 win against Egyptian side Al-Ahly.
Watch the FIFA Club World Cup live and on-demand here
Ahead of what should be an action-packed opening fixture for two of the four sides in Group G, here’s everything you need to know on how to watch – and who to be looking out for – when Wednesday rolls around…
Where to watch Man City vs Wydad at the Club World Cup
63 games featuring the world’s best players all in the space of a month and all in one place, for free! Sound too good to be true? It isn’t.
Indeed, FIFA revealed back in December 2024 that the extended Club World Cup will be available for free globally, with the world’s largest sports streaming platform, DAZN, showcasing every game with unique coverage which will finally settle the debate – who is the best club side in the world?
Available globally in 14 languages, DAZN is the only place to truly celebrate the groundbreaking new tournament, with easy access provided to watch the likes of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham competing on the biggest stage.
If you are already a DAZN subscriber, then the Club World Cup action is already included in your membership. For those who haven’t yet signed up, all you need is an email address to register a free account on the DAZN website, with no hidden costs or added fees. You will then be able to watch every game on the DAZN app via your TV, computer, phone or even on your games console.
Man City vs Wydad AC (Wednesday 18 June – Philadelphia – 5pm UK time, midday local time)
FIFA Club World Cup Current Champions Manchester CityFounded 2000Most Championships Real Madrid (5)
DAZN
Watch all FIFA Club World Cup games free on DAZN. The biggest clubs and the best players in the world compete in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Watch Every Game Live on DAZN Man City vs Wydad – Who to look out for
Bouncing back from a challenging campaign, City have strengthened their ranks significantly in 2025, with several new signings included in their Club World Cup squad, like Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri and perhaps most excitingly of all Rayan Cherki.
All three new arrivals could make their Man City debuts this week, while we are also likely to be treated to more spectacular showings from Omar Marmoush, who has scored eight goals in 22 games since moving to the Etihad Stadium in January.
Marmoush and Cherki could form an unstoppable attack which of course already includes Norwegian superstar Erling Haaland. The 24 year-old will be looking to continue his incredible scoring rate since moving to England, becoming the fastest player to reach 100 Premier League goal involvements earlier this year, reaching the landmark with 84 goals and 16 assists in just 94 matches.
Manchester City's ErlingHaalandcelebrates scoring their first goal
As for the underdogs, Wydad are the most successful team in Moroccan football history, winning 22 top flight titles, most recently in the 2021-22 campaign, when they also won their version of the Champions League and Cup Winners’ Cup to complete a historic treble.
Based in Casablanca, they had a poor season by their own lofty standards in 2024-25, finishing third in Botola Pro, but that is not to say they cannot pose a problem to their opponents in Group G this summer.
Undoubtedly their biggest threat is Dutch winger Mohamed Rayhi, who came through PSV’s academy and has been capped at youth level by the Netherlands. Rayhi scored 13 times this season and can play on either flank, but is best cutting in from the left onto his dangerous right foot.
A familiar face to MLS fans will be attacking midfielder Cassius Mailula. The South Africa international spent a year with Toronto FC before joining Wydad last summer, scoring five times and providing seven assists in his first campaign in Morocco. He will hope to be the creative force to unlock Man City’s defence on Wednesday.
Who else is in Group G?
Manchester City will fancy themselves as favourites to top Group G, but there is certainly some stern competition from Juventus, the 36-time champions of Italy, who qualified for this competition courtesy of their four-year UEFA ranking.
With two UEFA Champions League titles to their name, Juve have suffered a slight fall from grace in recent years, failing to win a league title since 2020 and finishing fourth in Serie A this season. Led by Serbia striker Dusan Vlahovic and Turkey wonderkid Kenan Yıldız, they can restore themselves as a global footballing superpower with success at the Club World Cup.
June 18
Man City vs Wydad AC
Philadelphia – (midday/5pm)
June 18
Al Ain vs Juventus
Washington – (9pm/2am June 19)
June 22
Juventus vs Wydad AC
Philadelphia – (midday/5pm)
June 22
Man City vs Al Ain
Atlanta – (9pm/2am June 23)
June 26
Wydad AC vs Al Ain
Washington – (3pm/8pm)
June 26
Juventus vs Man City
Orlando – (3pm/8pm)
The final place in Group G has been taken by Al Ain FC, who are based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and compete in the UAE Pro League. They finished 5th this season but gained access to this summer’s action after winning the 2023–24 AFC Champions League.
Could Wydad kick off the Group G action with one of the biggest upsets of all time? Find out on DAZN!
After a deal was completed to land Matheus Cunha last week, it appears as though Manchester United have shown no signs of slowing down in the transfer market.
Ruben Amorim has made a move to land Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, with the Cameroon international choosing Old Trafford as his next move if reports are to be believed.
The 25-year-old has notched 20 goals in the Premier League during 2024/25, finishing as just one of only five players to reach such a tally within the division.
Bryan Mbeumo celebrates for Brentford
He’s likely to be an expensive addition, costing a fee in the region of £60m over the coming months, which will already take their summer spending to over £120m.
Despite the potential fee, he would be a superb addition, potentially forming a deadly partnership with another target in their attempts to return to their former glory.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
The attacking department has been of huge interest over the last few weeks, with Amorim clearly wanting to bolster that area of his first-team squad.
Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen and Liam Delap have all been touted with a switch to Old Trafford, but appear to have moved on to different targets – with the latter moving closer to a move to Chelsea.
Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapreacts
However, another name has entered the mix over recent days, with PSG attacker Gonçalo Ramos the latest name on the club’s shortlist, according to United In Focus.
The report claims that the Ligue 1 outfit are willing to part ways with the Portuguese international this summer, with the Red Devils already in talks with his representatives over a move to Old Trafford.
It also states that the 23-year-old is of interest to multiple Saudi Arabian outfits, with the newly crowned Champions of Europe demanding £50m to part ways with him this summer.
Why United’s £50m target could be the next Cavani & the perfect Mbeumo partner
Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani joined United back in the summer of 2020, arriving on a free transfer after his contract with PSG expired a couple of months prior.
He only plied his trade at Old Trafford for two years, but still managed to star within the final third for the Red Devils despite entering the back end of his professional career.
The forward found the net 19 times in his 59 appearances, with 17 of his efforts coming in his first season at the club – helping the side finish second in the Premier League.
However, Cavani would depart at the end of his contract in the summer of 2022, with the club missing such a talisman over the past couple of years – as seen by their efforts for a new one during the off-season.
A move for Ramos would replicate such a deal, landing a talent from the French giants who could fill the void at the top end and lead them back towards a spot in the top four.
PSG forward Goncalo Ramos
He could also partner Mbeumo in the final third, with both of their respective figures aiding Amorim’s ambitions of taking the club back to their former glory.
Ramos, who’s been labelled “outrageous” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has registered 18 goals across all competitions this season, with him and the Brentford star able to add needed goals to the side.
Games played
22
Goals & assists
13
Pass accuracy
81%
Shots on target per 90
2.7
Aerials won
57%
Touches in opposition box
8.5
Possession won in final third
0.7
The Portugal international has registered 2.7 shots on target per 90, benefiting from the stats produced by Mbeumo, who’s posting a total of 1.8 chances created per 90 this campaign.
Their respective talents don’t stop there, with the PSG star having won 57% of his aerial battles, able to get on the end of the 25-year-old’s delivery, after he produced a tally of 1.3 successful crosses per game.
The prospect of the pair combining within the final third at Old Trafford is certainly an exciting one, handing Amorim with the attacking ammunition he’s craved since taking the role.
Ramos won’t be a cheap addition this summer, but his goal tally this year is evidence that he can produce the goods when needed, potentially following in Cavani’s footsteps at the Theatre of Dreams.
Better signing than Cunha: Man Utd eye move for PSG Ballon d'Or contender
Manchester United could land a bigger signing than Matheus Cunha by bringing in this PSG star.
Ipswich Town are now in talks to sign a “fantastic” midfielder who manager Kieran McKenna is a big admirer of, chairman Mark Ashton has revealed.
Ipswich preparing for life in the Championship
It was always going to be a tall order for Ipswich to avoid relegation from the Premier League, but much like when Burnley went down under Sean Dyche the first time around, Ipswich seemingly think they can come straight back up if they stick by their manager.
However, there are now some doubts surrounding McKenna’s future at Portman Road, with widespread reports suggesting the 39-year-old could be Brentford’s first-choice target to replace Thomas Frank, should the Danish manager complete a move to Tottenham Hotspur.
Having led the Tractor Boys to back-to-back promotions, it will be a difficult task to find an heir to the Englishman, while signing a replacement for Liam Delap could also be tricky, given the 22-year-old managed to score an impressive 12 goals in his debut Premier League campaign.
Middlesbrough’s Emmanuel Latte Lath is one of the targets to replace Delap at striker, but Ashton has revealed that Ipswich are also looking to reinforce their midfield this summer.
The chairman has now confirmed that talks have been held over a deal for former loanee Jens Cajuste, saying: “Jens is a loan player who I think has done really well for us.
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“He’s had some challenges with injury this season, which have been well documented.
“Our conversations with Jens are ongoing. A deal for Jens to be here for the long term, it would need to be something that’s right for us, him and his club – and that dialogue continues.”
Mckenna has also admitted he’s a big fan of the midfielder, adding: “We’ve loved having Jens here, but there’s probably a lot to do for that to happen. We’ll see what the next few weeks brings.”
"Fantastic" Cajuste could be real coup for Ipswich
The Ipswich boss was clearly impressed by the Swedish midfielder’s performances last season, praising him for showing “fantastic character” against Nottingham Forest in April, and given that the manager knows the 25-year-old very well, he could be an ideal signing.
Not only does the £35k-a-week maestro have Premier League experience, but he has previously featured regularly for Napoli in Serie A and Reims in Ligue 1, so the Tractor Boys securing a permanent deal could be a real statement of intent.
McKenna certainly knows what it takes to win promotion, and the signing of Cajuste could fuel his side’s Championship title bid next season, although Luton Town suffering back-to-back relegations to League 1 should serve as a warning to not get carried away.
Leeds United know that there is plenty of work for them to do in the summer transfer window to build a squad that is capable of avoiding an instant relegation from the Premier League.
One player the Whites should be looking to replace as a starter, heading into the 2025/26 campaign, is attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson.
The USA international did not do enough in the Championship to suggest that he has the quality to make the step up to the top-flight as a regular starter next term, as evidenced by his form against the other five teams that finished in the top six.
Bristol City (A)
0
0
Burnley (H)
0
0
Sunderland (A)
0
0
Sheffield United (H)
0
0
Coventry (H)
0
0
Coventry (A)
0
0
Burnley (A)
0
0
Sunderland (H)
0
0
Sheffield United (A)
0
0
Bristol City (H)
0
0
As you can see in the table above, Aaronson did not deliver a single goal or assist against the top teams in ten appearances for the Whites.
The American flop also scored one goal in 36 games in the Premier League during the 2022/23 campaign for Leeds, and his form last term does not suggest that he is likely to fare much better.
Leeds are still looking for their next Pablo Hernandez
The last time the West Yorkshire outfit were promoted to the top-flight, Pablo Hernandez was the chief creator for Marcelo Bielsa, either playing as a number ten or as a winger on the right flank.
Former Leeds star Pablo Hernandez.
During the 2019/20 promotion-winning season, the Spanish playmaker produced nine goals and nine assists in 36 appearances in the second tier, helping the Whites on their way to the title with his ability to both score and assist goals at the top end of the pitch.
He also created 13 ‘big chances’ and delivered 2.3 key passes per game on average in the Championship, which shows that he was constantly looking to unlock opposition defences with his creative quality by creating chances at an exceptional rate.
That form came after the mercurial playmaker produced 12 goals and 12 assists, with 16 ‘big chances’ created, in 39 appearances in the Championship during Bielsa’s first season in charge at Elland Road. This shows that he consistently provided a big threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals from an attacking midfield position.
Leeds are still looking for their next version of Hernandez. Some may point to Georginio Rutter, who delivered 15 league assists in the 2023/24 campaign, but the French attacker only scored seven goals, as he failed to consistently perform as a scoring threat.
Daniel Farke, however, could find the club’s new playmaking superstar by swooping to sign one of the stars of his Norwich City team in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Leeds eyeing move for Premier League star
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Leeds United remain interested in a deal to sign Aston Villa attacking midfielder Emiliano Buendia ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The reporter claims that the Championship champions are “still keen” on the Argentina international, following on from their interest in him at the start of the year.
Jacobs also notes that Sheffield United playmaker Gustavo Hamer is also a target for the Whites after the Blades lost to Sunderland in the play-off final at Wembley last weekend.
Leeds were reportedly interested in a deal to sign Buendia on loan from Aston Villa during the January transfer window, with an option or obligation to buy, but he ended up joining Bayer Leverkusen on loan for the second half of the season.
The Argentine ace, who worked with Farke at Norwich, has now returned to England after the conclusion of the Bundesliga season, and could be available to snap up this summer with an alleged valuation right now of £15m.
Why Leeds should sign Emi Buendia
The Whites should push to bring the Villans outcast to Elland Road this summer because he could be an upgrade on Aaronson as well as being the club’s new Hernandez.
Buendia missed the 2023/24 campaign with an ACL injury and struggled for game time, playing 89 minutes, in the Premier League in the first half of this season before his loan move to Leverkusen.
The 28-year-old magician showed signs of promise in his loan spell with Leverkusen, though, as he delivered two goals and two ‘big chances’ created in 11 appearances and three starts in the Bundesliga, scoring more than Aaronson did in an entire top-flight season for Leeds.
Buendia, who produced nine goals and eight assists in his first two Premier League seasons with Villa, appears to be on his way back to his best, and Farke could be the perfect coach for him to revive his career, given what they achieved together at Carrow Road.
Appearances
38
39
Goals
8
15
Big chances created
7
18
Key passes per game
2.4
3.1
Assists
12
16
As you can see in the table above, the Argentine ace was particularly effective in the 2020/21 campaign, so much so that journalist Connor Southwell described his form as “remarkable”.
The same reporter hailed Buendia as a “joy to watch” for the Canaries. That claim is backed up by both his statistics, with 31 goals and assists combined in that second Championship season, and his highlights from his time working with Farke.
As you can see in the clips above, the Leeds target was capable of the spectacular, as a scorer and a creator of goals, whilst playing for Farke as a right-sided attacker who drifted infield to impact games from a central position.
Like Hernandez, Buendia is equally capable of playing as a number ten or as an attacking midfielder on the right flank, drifting inside, and he could replace Aaronson as the central member of the front four.
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The Villa attacker is a proven Premier League performer, as shown by his aforementioned statistics in his first two years in the division with the Villans, who has also proven himself to be a superstar in a Farke team, which is why Leeds should sign him this summer.
With the 49ers Enterprises looking to make their mark, Rangers are now reportedly set to sign a versatile forward who has become convinced by the Ibrox project ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 49ers' Rangers project
Set to complete their takeover of the Scottish giants, the 49ers will be hoping to turn things around at Rangers and transform the Gers into the dominant champions they once were. As seen at Elland Road and Leeds United already, too, the American owners are perfectly capable of leaving their mark on a club and achieving their goals.
However, with a new manager needed and Celtic’s Scottish Premiership dominance only growing stronger, the extent of the 49ers’ task at Rangers cannot be overstated. And they must get things right this summer.
To that end, a number of names have already been linked with the job at Ibrox. The likes of Rafael Benitez represent the experienced choice, whilst Steven Gerrard would perhaps be the one that splits the most opinions after how he left Rangers for Aston Villa in 2021. Meanwhile, other names such as Danny Rohl and Davide Ancelotti would certainly be intriguing to watch in their own right.
Sheffield Wednesday manager DannyRohl
With the Scottish Premiership now concluded for another season too, the Gers may have their answer sooner rather than later over just who steps into the role. The end of the campaign also means the end of Barry Ferguson’s interim role in charge of the club, but he has reiterated his desire to take the permanent role more than once.
The interim boss told reporters in recent weeks: “Everybody’s got an opinion, I don’t care about people’s opinion, I know I can do the job. I know I’ve got a real good staff behind me. I’ve been asked this question two or three weeks in a row, I think it’s clear, it doesn’t scare me one single bit.”
Meanwhile, away from the dugout, it almost goes without saying that a large part of the 49ers’ project will be the recruitment that they go in pursuit of this summer, which looks set to start with a Paris Saint-Germain talent.
Rangers set to sign versatile PSG forward Oumar Camara
According to RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins, Rangers are now set to sign Oumar Camara from PSG this summer, with the versatile young forward convinced by the project in Glasgow. The teenager has captained PSG’s U19 side this season, but is set to secure a surprising move to Scotland in the coming months – likely becoming the first signing of the 49ers era.
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At just 18 years old, whether Camara would make an immediate impact at Ibrox remains to be seen. The winger, who can play on both sides, has enjoyed an impressive season at youth level, scoring nine goals and setting up another four in 25 games in all competitions. After failing to feature for the first team, however, the young Frenchman looks set to leave in pursuit of senior football.
Whether Camara’s reported arrival is a sign of things to come at Rangers will also be interesting to watch, as the 49ers attempt to build their project and turn things around at the Scottish club.