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Tottenham Hotspur have sold some high-profile players over the years, chairman Daniel Levy cashing in lucratively but unable to add to his sole slice of silverware since purchasing a stake in the club from Lord Alan Sugar for £22m way back in 2000.

That triumph, a 2-1 League Cup final win in 2008 after defeating Chelsea in extra-time, signalled progress and tantalised further honours down the line, but Ange Postecoglou is currently seeking to rebuild the club in 2023 after several years of inconsistency, the search for trophies dating back to that historical result.

Spurs have been a major player in the Premier League for some time and have fought and failed across some big moments – coming up short in the title race as Leicester City prevailed back in 2015/16; losing League Cup finals against Chelsea and Manchester City; falling short at the final hurdle in the Champions League against Liverpool, which is perhaps the bitterest of them all.

But, there is hope that Postecoglou is the man to lead the march toward prosperity, the Australian crafting an exciting team despite the blow of Harry Kane's £100m transfer to Bayern Munich back in August.

The departure of Tottenham's record scorer was a bitter pill to swallow, but it's not the only time the club has waved goodbye to a superstar, with Gareth Bale transferring to Real Madrid for a world-record £85m back in 2013.

Bale enjoyed riches in the Spanish capital but he was not the only Galactico to have thrived throughout this golden era of Los Blancos' glittering history, with Luka Modric presently enjoying this twilit stage of his career knowing that he will go down as one of the finest players of his generation.

Luka Modric's Real Madrid career

Modric's time at Tottenham served as the launchpad for a career for the ages, but it would be difficult to make a compelling case against his £30m transfer to Santiago Bernabeu in August 2012, where he has won five Champions League, three La Liga and two Copa del Rey titles as well as the Ballon d'Or, Best FIFA Men's Player and UEFA Player of the Year in 2018.

Would he have achieved all this in the English capital? Candidly, probably not. Modric, now 38 years old, has only started 11 matches in the Spanish top-flight this season as Carlo Ancelotti's side move seemingly inexorably toward the trophy, also among the favourites to win a record-extending 15th Champions League title this term.

In total, the 172-capped Croatia legend has amassed 516 appearances for Real Madrid, winning honours in their hoardes and starring at the very heart of one of the game's greatest modern midfield triumvirates with Toni Kroos and Casemiro.

Strengths

Weaknesses

Passing

Finishing

Key passes

Tackling

Through balls

Despite his ageing years, Modric remains one of football's elite technical stars, ranking among the top 9% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 1% for shot-creating actions and progressive passes, the top 4% for passes attempted, the top 14% for pass completion and the top 12% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

It's quite evident that he would do a job under Postecoglou's leadership, bringing leadership and fluency and a celestial technical touch to give the Lilywhites the edge.

Nuno's Spurs signing is now worth 187% more & a Rodri clone

Ange Postecoglou is shaping this rising star into one of the Premier League’s finest talents.

ByAngus Sinclair Feb 20, 2024

He's shown his class at the club in the past, arriving as something of an unknown commodity way back when.

How much Spurs paid for Luka Modric

Tottenham signed Modric from his homeland for a £15m fee back in 2008, beating the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle United to his signature.

Sir Alex Ferguson once said that the Croatian "could play in any team" as he wreaked havoc and pulled strings from the engine room at Tottenham, utterly mesmerising across his 160 displays in Spurs white, bagging 17 goals and 25 assists.

Journalist Liam Canning hailed Modric as “world-class” for his exploits with Croatia across recent years but, truthfully, the seeds were planted right from his days at Tottenham, talent rooted in tenacity, application and erudite match intelligence.

What a player. What memories. To think that he is still performing for Real Madrid to this day, 38 – alongside prodigious talents such as Jude Bellingham, who was five years old when the sandy-haired dynamo was purchased by Harry Redknapp all those years ago – is truly exceptional.

Just imagine if he still played for Spurs. Imagine what could have been.

Modric would thrive for Ange

Postecoglou's Tottenham system is built on innate tactical understanding and interchangeability in role and movement. A the core, though, a high-class operator is requisite for perfect balance.

There's an old saying in football that the engineers in the centre of the park go unseen: watch the game, they shall evade your gaze; watch them, and watch the magic unfurl.

Modric possibly doesn't quite fall into that category, for he has dazzled with his defence-splitting passes, his thumping strikes, and his relentless recycling of possession, but he certainly makes things happen, wrenching openings oblivious to the eyes of his peers.

This level of mastery would allow the likes of Heung-min Son, Richarlison and co to thrive at a standard inconceivable, surpassing even the prowess of James Maddison, who has widely been regarded as one of the Premier League's standout stars this season after transferring to Spurs from Leicester City for £40m back in July.

Maddison does rank among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 1% for shot-creating actions and the top 4% for progressive passes per 90, showcasing his first-rate playmaking ability, but he's no Modric.

Modric can do it all, sit deeper, influence behind the frontline, occupy space box-to-box. He is ubiquitous on the pitch and would not only prove to be a creator above Maddison's level, but an anchor eclipsing Yves Bissouma's tough-tackling style; a conductor trumping Rodrigo Bentancur for his cleverness in possession, and without; a multi-functional ace to leave Pape Matar Sarr quaking, so far is the distance between exciting talent and the true pedigree of one of the very best.

Tottenham have the tools to mount a revival over these coming years, spurred on by Postecoglou's vision, but make no mistake: Modric would be the key component to ensure illustrious triumph returned to N17, even at his maturing age.

Phillipe Clement has made it clear that one of his Rangers players is no longer part of his plans as his side look to close the gap on Celtic and lift their first Scottish Premiership title since 2021.

Rangers transfer news

As Rangers look to catch their city rivals, Clement has enlisted significant reinforcements to aid their quest for silverware. Mohamed Diomande arrived on loan from FC Nordsjaelland to expand Rangers' midfield options, whilst the short-term move for RC Lens' Oscar Cortes offers a greater threat on the attacking front.

The most high-profile move was the loan signing of Fabio Silva from Wolves, though, which represents a major coup for the Ibrox side. The 21-year-old moves north desperate to recapture the form that merited a club record £35.6million move from Porto back in 2020. With two goals already to his name for his new side, Silva could be key to Rangers' push for the title.

However, as the Rangers' faithful celebrate their new signings, Clement has already looked to the summer and made the future of one man certain.

McLaughlin set to leave Rangers

Joining to deputise for Allan McGregor back in 2020, Jon McLaughlin arrived at Ibrox with over 400 appearances under his belt, including an impressive campaign as first choice between the sticks for Sunderland in League One.

However, after zero minutes this season, Clement has now decided it is time to deem McLaughlin surplus to requirements at Ibrox. Sources told Football Insider that the 36-year-old will not be offered a new contract when his current one expires in May and will leave Ibrox.

It was his impressive spell in the north east that led to the signing, with then Rangers manager Steven Gerrard telling the press:

“He is here to compete for the number one shirt and will add much needed competition for places… His experience in the SPFL will stand by him as he continues to fight for a place in the Scotland squad.”

Whilst Gerrard's optimism suggested that McLaughlin would feature prominently for his side, the veteran keeper has struggled for consistent minutes, making just 25 league appearances during his first three seasons at the club. The veteran has now fallen down the pecking order with the arrival of Jack Butland in 2023 seeing Robby McCrorie promoted to second choice at McLaughlin's expense.

His current manager, Clement had used the January window to express his dismay at Rangers' handling of expiring contracts, explaining to the press:

"To have five players out of contract, it's a crazy situation because you are throwing away money. They are no value any more if their contract is ended".

Clement can oust Dessers by unleashing Rangers' £11m-rated gem

Rangers face a clash against Ayr United at Ibrox in the Scottish Cup tomorrow

ByRoss Kilvington Feb 9, 2024

With McLaughlin collecting a rumored annual pay packet of £317,200 per Salary Sport, there is little question as to why Clement is frustrated at the lack of urgency to get these players off the books. Owing to a tight title race with their closest rivals and with the latter stages of the cup still to play, there will be little opportunity for McLaughlin to get on the pitch.

An esteemed veteran of the game and a capable deputy for a number of years, most Rangers fans will appreciate the job McLaughlin has done but may bemoan the financial cost of not moving him on whilst they could still get a fee for him.

Rangers are closing in on the signings of Jefte and Oscar Cortes, and an update from journalist Derek Clark has now revealed what's next after the pair arrive in Glasgow.

Rangers transfer news

Things appear to be going well for Philippe Clement and his side at the moment, with Saturday's 1-0 win away to St Mirren ensuring they keep the pressure on Celtic in the Scottish Premiership title race. They are only five points behind their rivals with a game in hand, suggesting that things could go to the wire this season.

New signings in the coming days could only benefit Rangers in their title surge, and a host of different players have been linked with moves to Ibrox before the month reaches its conclusion.

One individual who is reportedly a big target is Fluminense left-back Jefte, with an agreement believed to be in place to seal the signing soon. The Brazilian is considered an upgrade on Borna Barisic, and left-backs could be needed if he and/or Ridvan Yilmaz move on to pastures new this month.

Meanwhile, Lens attacker Cortes looks set to arrive on loan for the remainder of the season, with an option to make his move a permanent one in his contract. A report from The Daily Record claims that Clement "is on the brink of landing his third January signing", adding that he is "already said to be en route to Glasgow so he can formalise the relationship".

Another player who has been backed to join Rangers numerous times in recent months is Hearts attacker Lawrence Shankland, who has been one of the Scottish Premiership's best players this season, topping the scoring charts with 14 goals to date in the competition.

Rangers to make another signing

Taking to X, Clark claimed that Rangers expect to make another signing before deadline day ends on Thursday night, after bringing in Jefte and Cortes.

"Told Rangers hopeful of bringing in one more after Jefte and Cortes. Expect departures although hearing Cifuentes not too keen on move to Turkey."

It is encouraging to see Rangers looking to make so many signings at this stage of the transfer window, suggesting Clement is not content to wait around and build for the future, instead believing the title charge is well and truly on this time around.

Tore Andre Flo

£15.3m

Michael Ball

£8.3m

Mikel Arteta

£6.7m

Arthur Numan

£6.5m

Giovanni van Bronckhorst

£6.3m

It looks as though outgoings are also hugely likely, especially Jose Cifuentes, even though the above report suggests that a move to Turkey may not be at the top of his agenda. Whether either or both of Barsic and Yilmaz move on as well remains to be seen, but if that does happen, a second left-back may even need to be looked at on top of Jefte.

Fabrizio Romano says Rangers have “deal in place” to complete another signing

An agreement has been reached to sign the player in question.

ByHenry Jackson Jan 28, 2024

It does feel as though things could move quickly when it comes to both incoming and outgoing business this month, especially given how late it is in the window, and it is a period that will end up looking key come the end of the season.

Wolverhampton Wanderers' most recent 0-0 draw on the road to Brighton underlined the progress made by Gary O’Neil this season.

Pedro Neto received the TNT Sports Player of the Match award after tormenting the hosts all evening, but he was unable to inspire his side to a victory.

The winger has been Wolves’ biggest creator this season, providing seven Premier League assists in just 11 starts, but unfortunately for the Old Gold, their Portuguese star could be on the move soon.

According to a report this month from Football Transfers, Arsenal and Man City are both set to battle for the signature of the 23-year-old, with the latter set to guarantee him minutes as a starter.

Therefore, let’s take a look at three potential signings that could replace Neto in the Wolves starting XI if and when he takes his leave.

1 Option1: Jonathan Rowe – Norwich City

According to a report from The Sun last month, Wolves had an offer rejected in August for Jonathan Rowe.

However, the Molineux outfit could reignite their pursuit of the forward in January, who has been unbelievable this season.

Rowe has netted 12 goals in the Championship this season, which equates to 0.59 goals per ninety minutes and puts him in the top 2% compared to his positional peers in the second tier, as per FBref.

Sammie Szmodics

16

Morgan Whittaker

15

Adam Armstrong

14

Jack Clarke

13

Jonathan Rowe

12

Crysencio Summerville

12

As highlighted by his two assists, the 20-year-old has a slightly different profile from Neto, who is far more creative than prolific, with his one Premier League goal further cementing that point. Nevertheless, Rowe’s output in the final third would massively help O’Neil’s side win those games, like the 0-0 draw this week.

2 Option 2: Jack Clarke – Sunderland

The second potential Neto replacement is Jack Clarke of Sunderland, who has also starred in the Championship this season.

According to the Northern Echo, the 23-year-old is being monitored by many top-flight clubs, including Wolves, and he could become the perfect Neto successor.

He has become the focal point of the Black Cats this season, taking on almost all of the goal-scoring responsibility despite playing out wide, as shown by his 13 goals in the league.

Goals

0.47

Top 1%

Shots total

2.73

Top 4%

Key passes

2.40

Top 9%

Shot-creating actions

5.45

Top 4%

Successful take-ons (dribbles)

3.71

Top 1%

Carries into penalty area

4.76

Top 1%

However, Clarke is much more than just goals, as you can see from the table above. The fact that he ranks so highly compared to his positional peers, notably for dribbling, proves that he’s a level above and that he is ready to perform on the biggest stage.

3 Option 3: Armando Broja – Chelsea

Now, we know what you’re thinking: how can an out-and-out striker replace Neto, who is far from that? Well, O’Neil could have a plan up his sleeve to shift around his front line to fit in the Albanian, who has been labelled as "complete" by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig.

This week, journalist Ben Jacobs told GIVEMESPORT that Wolves are working on a deal to bring Armando Broja to the club on a loan with an option to buy, who is valued at £50m by the Blues.

If the move was to be completed, he would slot right into the centre forward role, ultimately meaning that Hwang Hee-chan could move into a deeper supporting role, which is where Neto plays currently.

Having three goal scorers in attack, Matheus Cunha, Hwang, and Broja, would make Wolves far more deadly, and combined, they would become a terrifying trio.

Goals/shot on target

0.50

Top 17%

Shots total

2.58

Top 45%

Pass completion %

88.3%

Top 1%

Progressive passes received

7.33

Top 16%

Successful take-ons (dribbles)

2.58

Top 1%

Touches (Att pen)

6.94

Top 13%

The 22-year-old has had his share of injury troubles over the years, but with minutes under his belt, he could thrive in a new environment. The table above shows glimpses of what he could bring to the side, such as acting as a target man to receive the ball and retaining it, operating within the box, while also taking players on with his power and speed.

An "unbelievable" Newcastle United player is wanted by a huge European club this month, according to an update from Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies could do with new signings in the January transfer window, with injuries continuing to hurt them badly, as Joelinton becomes the latest big-name player to be out for a significant period of time.

On the plus side, Newcastle have been linked with signing lots of players before the end of the month, with reinforcements being eyed up all over the pitch. Lazio defender Alessio Romagnoli is one individual who has been backed to head to St James' Park in recent days, with fellow centre-back Ousmane Diomande also a target.

The Magpies also still have a chance of signing Manchester City and England midfielder Kalvin Phillips, although the 28-year-old is reportedly in talks with West Ham over a switch to east London. In attack, VfB Stuttgart ace Serhou Guirassy is a fairly long-time target as Eddie Howe looks for added firepower to aid his side's European push in the Premier League.

Now, a surprise rumour is doing the rounds – one that affects a current Newcastle player, rather than a potential incoming star.

Kieran Trippier could leave Newcastle

Writing on X on Friday, Plettenberg claimed that Bayern Munich want to sign Newcastle ace Kieran Trippier on loan this month, keeping him at the club until the end of the season.

"Yes, FC Bayern is interested in signing Kieran Trippier as there’s still no green light from @PSG_inside for a loan of Nordi Mukiele. Bayern bosses have discussed about the 33 y/o Trippier in the last 2 days. It’s hot as a straight loan of the right-back from Newcastle is possible."

There is no doubt that this update comes as a shock for Newcastle, with Trippier seemingly set to stay at the club for the foreseeable future, continuing to be a key man after proving to be such a fantastic signing.

Granted, the 33-year-old's form has been a huge concern during a chunk of the winter period, with a number of mistakes leading to goals against the Magpies, but it could simply be that some fatigue has set in, as well as a loss of confidence.

Selling Trippier makes very little sense in the second half of the season, and the hope is that talk of a move to Bayern blows over and the England right-back remains at St James' for the rest of his career. This is someone who Alan Shearer loves, with the Newcastle legend saying last year:

"Some of the balls he was putting into the box were just unbelievable. What a signing he has been for Newcastle, he’s in great form."

Versatile Newcastle player set to leave St James' Park with deal close

A permanent exit this month looks on the cards.

ByHenry Jackson Jan 19, 2024

Whether Trippier's head will be turned by a move to Bayern remains to be seen, but if he does go, losing him would represent a significant setback for Howe and the supporters.

Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek will be ‘excited’ about his chances of shining at Old Trafford following Erik ten Hag’s appointment at the club.

The Lowdown: Ten Hag comes in

Ten Hag has officially been named as United’s new manager, with the 52-year-old coming in at the end of the season after an impressive spell at Ajax.

The hope is that he is finally the right man to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford, with David Moyes, Jose Mourinho, Louis van Gaal, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick all flattering to deceive in the Premier League.

One player who Ten Hag knows inside out is Van de Beek, with the pair working together when Ajax reached the Champions League semi-finals back in 2018/19.

The Latest: Journalist makes Van de Beek claim

Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Paul Brown claimed that this could be Van de Beek’s time to seize his opportunity at United, saying:

“I think he’s quite excited probably about the prospect of finally getting a chance.

“If he doesn’t, there are probably other clubs in a better position than Everton to take him on loan, if possible.”

The Verdict: Make-or-break for Van de Beek

This certainly feels like a make-or-break moment in Van de Beek’s United career, with the Netherlands international on loan at Everton after a woeful spell at Old Trafford.

If Ten Hag can’t get a tune out of him, you’d start to wonder if anyone will be able to do so, with the midfielder such a key figure under the 52-year-old at Ajax, scoring 41 goals in 175 appearances in total.

It will be fascinating to see how Van de Beek fares next season, assuming he stays at Old Trafford, and if Ten Hag gets the best out of him, it could genuinely feel almost like a new signing for United, with the 25-year-old having once been hailed as ‘perfect’ by Owen Hargreaves.

In other news, United are reportedly keen on signing one Premier League star. Read more here.

Eddie Howe has given a promising update on Newcastle United’s Jamal Lewis and his progress in his recovery from a long-standing groin problem.

What’s the latest?

The Newcastle manager took to his pre-match press conference ahead of the Norwich City clash on Friday, to reveal more information on Lewis’ condition.

Howe told the press (via Newcastle’s Twitter account): “He’s had a few operations and recently had another one. We hope this one has fixed his long-standing groin problem. It’s been frustrating for him because he’s not felt 100%. I’d love to see him back in pre-season and show us the player he can be.”

Howe will be buzzing

Lewis was cut from Newcastle’s 25-man squad in February to make way for new signings, so he will have the opportunity to really work on his fitness and recover ahead of pre-season when he can then start working on earning his place back in the team which will surely have Howe buzzing.

The 24-year old’s left-back position is currently being covered by Aston Villa loanee Matt Targett, and, despite many reports suggesting that the loan move will be made permanent this summer, The Athletic is now reporting that the Magpies manager is undecided on the signing.

When you compare the pair over their careers, Lewis has made 121 appearances, whilst Targett has made 130. Lewis has maintained a better pass accuracy and higher success rate in tackling than his position competitor, however, the 26-year-old offers more success in his dribbling and is more successful in winning aerial duels.

Even if Targett was to sign on a permanent deal, Lewis will still be needed to cover and rotate into the left defensive position, and considering how young he is, he is likely to be considered a long-term prospect in the position at St James’ Park.

Newcastle have almost completed their great escape from relegation this season securing 40 points in the Premier League table after a win over Crystal Palace on Wednesday night and will take on Norwich City this afternoon at Carrow Road – with Howe surely hoping they can continue to climb the table into a comfortable position.

AND in other news: Eddie Howe must finally axe “unacceptable” £80k-p/w NUFC passenger, he’s “looked lost”

Crystal Palace are making contingency plans behind the scenes, in the event they’re forced to sell Eberechi Eze amid ongoing interest from Arsenal.

Crystal Palace jostling to sign "special" £30m Chelsea ace over AC Milan

The Eagles could land a Chilwell repeat…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 24, 2025

Oliver Glasner hasn’t exactly enjoyed the best summer window after guiding Palace to their first ever major trophy at the end of last season.

The south Londoners are currently in a legal battle with UEFA, Nottingham Forest and Lyon after Palace’s spot in the Europa League was unceremoniously, and perhaps unfairly, revoked due to their alleged breach of multi-club ownership rules.

Daniel Munoz

7.11

Eberechi Eze

7.09

Maxence Lacroix

6.88

Marc Guehi

6.81

Jean-Philippe Mateta

6.80

via WhoScored

John Textor was forced to sell his shares in Palace, agreeing a £190 million deal for his 43% stake with New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, with the American tycoon also resigning from his leadership role at Lyon to try and avoid a demotion to the Conference League.

However, UEFA still followed through with their decision, and Palace have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in a bid to get their Europa League spot back.

A decision is expected on August 11 after a hearing three days prior, and whilst the Eagles take on UEFA, Glasner’s side also face the looming threat of losing key players.

Marc Guehi is attracting serious interest from Liverpool and other Premier League rivals ahead of deadline day on September 1, while multiple sources suggest that Arsenal are hot on the heels of star playmaker Eze.

The England international had a £60 million release clause in his contract, but that expired at 11:59pm on Friday night, so Arsenal will need to enter negotiations with Palace if they want to strike a deal.

Arsenal were not planning to trigger Eze’s clause anyway, and the 27-year-old remains very keen on a move across London after talks with both Mikel Arteta and Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta, according to reports.

Crystal Palace could sign Lucas Paqueta and Leandro Trossard to replace Eze

Football Transfers have an update on the ex-QPR star’s future, and it’s claimed that Steve Parish could make a “sensational double swoop” to replace Eze if he does leave.

Indeed, West Ham creator Lucas Paqueta and Arsenal winger Leandro Trossard are of interest to Glasner’s side, and FT sources believe that Palace could bring in the two London stars simultaneously if Eze leaves.

The Brazilian is apparently Palace’s “major target”, but they’re also weighing up a move for Trossard, who could be used as a makeweight by Arsenal to sweeten any deal for Eze.

In a statement move, Palace may actually end up signing both Paqueta and Trossard, but for that to happen, Parish could need to milk as much cash for Eze as possible.

The Hammers midfielder commands a price tag of around £60 million, according to GiveMeSport, while Arsenal have placed a £17 million valuation on Trossard as he enters the final 11 months of his contract.

The £77 million duo are proven Premier League players, though, and could be worth their wait in gold for Glasner, who’s looking to build upon Palace’s historic FA Cup triumph at Wembley.

Everton are “interested” in completing the signing of a player with five England caps to his name, according to Sky Sports reporter Mark McAdam.

Everton eyeing new signing as well as Fofana

The Blues have been linked with a summer move for Lyon winger Malick Fofana, with the 20-year-old seen as a strong option to bring in out wide.

The Belgian is capable of excelling on either flank, and scored a combined 11 goals in Ligue 1 and the Europa League last season, but it looks as though Everton’s wide business won’t be done there if they do sign him.

A new claim has suggested that David Moyes wants to bring in two wingers during the summer transfer window, although the second player in question isn’t specified.

A host of possible options have been mentioned, including Jack Harrison returning to Everton on a permanent basis, or Takefusa Kubo making a move from Real Sociedad. Now, a versatile player who can shine all over the pitch has been mentioned as a target for the Merseysiders.

Everton "interested" in signing Maitland-Niles

According to McAdam on X, Everton are “interested” in signing Ainsley Maitland-Niles from Lyon, with the former Arsenal man a new target for the Blues.

Maitland-Niles may almost have become a forgotten man to some Premier League fans, considering he has been plying his trade at Lyon since 2023, but he could be a strong addition to Moyes’ squad.

The £36,000-a-week ace has five caps to his name for England, and he has been lauded by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta in the past.

“First of all, I see a different player in terms of his urgency, his commitment, the clarity in his play, his purpose. Since we made the decision, it was clear what I was seeing that I wanted him to stay, because he was going to be useful. He has a huge talent because he’s versatile enough to adapt to almost any position on the pitch. Today we made use of him to do what he had to do in the game, which was really important.”

Everton now want to seal another key signing alongside Fofana this summer

This will be music to the ears of David Moyes.

ByHenry Jackson Jul 28, 2025

Maitland-Niles’ aforementioned versatility makes him a shrewd option for Everton, with the Englishman capable of doing a job in as many as 10 different positions, whether it be right-back, left-back or central midfield.

Newcastle’s defeat to Liverpool in their second Premier League outing of the season was disastrous, not in terms of the result and certainly not the performance but the repercussions the game.

Fabian Schar looks like a possible absentee for the Leeds United fixture following a concussion and Anthony Gordon will definitely be out for the next three fixtures following his suspension.

After the game, Bruno Guimarães took to social media to share his thoughts on the last-minute defeat, saying: “Mixed feelings. We will never give up under any circumstances. We deserved more, but many times football is not fair. We stick together. There is still a lot ahead, and your support will always be fundamental. Howay the lads.”

The biggest setbacks from the game were the injuries to his fellow midfielders however, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton. The injuries are so severe that Newcastle have set out on a search for a new central midfielder to cover the position during their recovery. New reports today have indicated progress in that search.

Newcastle take first steps towards Gallagher signing

Reports from Spain have indicated that Newcastle have expressed interest to Atlético Madrid over the signing of England midfielder Conor Gallagher due to his “ability to adapt to different roles makes him ideal for a high-intensity system”.

Newcastle are one of four Premier League teams to have made contact with the Spanish side for the £33 million player, with the others being Manchester United, West Ham and Crystal Palace.

The report states: “Atlético Madrid hadn’t planned to part ways with Gallagher so soon. However, market pressure and offers from the Premier League could change that.”

In the event that Atlético do sell Gallagher, they are likely to use the funds to try and sign Manchester City’s Spanish midfielder Nico González as a replacement.

Newcastle the new front-runners

It had previously been reported that six clubs were interested in Gallagher, but the reports from Spain are now indicating that this has been reduced to four. Tottenham were exploring the idea of signing Gallagher as a replacement for Yves Bissouma, but as the window gets closer to closing, his exit seems less and less likely.

Everton had been reported as the strongest contenders for Gallagher alongside Newcastle, but the report suggests their financial situation may not allow them to make this signing. The Toffees have spent over £110 million so far this window with Tyler Dibling being their most recent signing.

Of the clubs remaining in the race for Gallagher, Newcastle can offer one thing that the others can’t: Champions League football. While Crystal Palace will also be in Europe this season, they have been demoted to the Europa Conference League. It would have been hard enough for them to tempt Gallagher with Europa League football, but the demotion has made them an even less tempting prospect.