All posts by z3u9t.icu

West Ham are in dire need of a new striker to relieve the pressure on Nuno Espírito Santo.

Nuno Espírito Santo requests three signings for West Ham in January

Alongside a centre-forward, it is also believed that West Ham’s new boss has personally urged both chairman David Sullivan and vice-chair Karren Brady to bring a new defender and midfielder as soon as the next January window (GiveMeSport).

This is somewhat backed up by Sky Sports too, who reiterate that the Hammers are indeed targeting a defender, midfielder and attacker in January, with Nuno also getting “confirmation” he would have money to spend.

Going by this flurry of reports, West Ham could be set for one of their busiest January windows in recent memory, and it’s definitely needed.

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

West Ham limped to an uninspired 2-0 defeat to Brentford in their last game, which was Nuno’s first home match since taking charge as manager, with the east Londoners completely failing to lay a glove on Keith Andrews’ side who strutted to victory with ease.

The scoreline could’ve been even worse for West Ham, on a night marred by large protests from the Hammers faithful against their club’s ownership. Brentford attempted a whopping 17 shots on goal and found it far too easy on enemy turf, with this performance highlighting exactly why reinforcements are badly needed.

Even though West Ham look soft as butter defensively, almost every supporter is desperate to see Sullivan and Brady go into the market and sign an exciting striker who can provide that needed injection of quality going forward.

Callum Wilson, who has a torrid injury record, and the inexperienced Callum Marshall are Nuno’s only natural options right now, forcing the West Ham boss to play Lucas Paqueta as a false nine against Brentford on Monday.

This experiment failed, with Paqueta failing to make an impact and losing possession a whopping 23 times.

Niclas Füllkrug, adding to his extensive list of missed games already for West Ham, is set to be “out for a while” after tearing a muscle bundle in his thigh, so the German cannot be relied upon yet again.

Luckily for Nuno, media sources suggest that West Ham are actively trying to solve their striker conundrum, and a key target emerging for the Irons is £53 million Real Madrid sensation Endrick on loan.

Some reports claim that West Ham are even holding talks with Real over a temporary deal for Endrick already, coming after Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the Brazil international is expected to leave on a dry loan.

Given Endrick’s desperation for game time, a temporary stint at West Ham could be perfect for all parties involved, with the 19-year-old still classed as one of Brazil’s most exciting up-and-coming talents.

West Ham in pole position to sign Endrick from Real Madrid

Endrick, thanks in part to fitness issues, hasn’t managed to work his way into the Real starting eleven on a consistent basis, but did score five Copa del Rey goals en route to the final last season, before Los Blancos lost to rivals Barcelona.

The Premier League could be beckoning for a player who’s looking to battle his way into Carlo Ancelotti’s squad for the World Cup, and West Ham are looking to take advantage.

According to reports from Spain, West Ham are “leading the race” to secure Endrick on loan, ahead of both Newcastle and Aston Villa.

Nuno’s side have expressed serious interest in bringing the teenage striker to England, and Endrick himself sees a temporary move away as critical for his development.

However, while it is reported by some that discussions have been held, a temporary move to another La Liga side is also factored in as a serious option, so West Ham won’t have a free run at his signature.

Hoping to land their biggest deal of the summer transfer window so far, Leicester City have reportedly tabled a fresh £21m bid to sign a Serie A star for Steve Cooper.

Leicester City transfer news

The Foxes have created some much-needed positive headlines in recent weeks following a disastrous start to the summer, which saw manager Enzo Maresca and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall complete moves to Chelsea. Since then, Steve Cooper has arrived alongside four fresh faces, with those at the King Power hoping to build a squad capable of avoiding Premier League relegation in their first season back in the top flight.

Imagine him next to Ndidi: Leicester plot move for "fabulous" PL midfielder

Steve Cooper would love to have this new signing at his disposal next season at Leicester City.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 19, 2024

More arrivals could yet be on their way. Reports have linked the likes of Alexis Saelemaekers and Richard Rios with moves to Leicester in recent days, with the Foxes looking to use the next month to add further additions. The Championship winners do have to be careful on that front given that they've already run into trouble with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules once and face potential sanctions.

Nonetheless, those potential sanctions are seemingly not set to stand in the way of one big-money move this summer. According to John Percy of The Telegraph, Leicester have tabled a fresh £21m bid to sign Matias Soule from Juventus and are pushing to agree a deal for the young winger next week.

The Foxes' interest in the Serie A star is an open secret these days, and their £21m move would be their most expensive yet this summer, not to mention a statement of intent ahead of their Premier League return. That said, even if it is their biggest move, it remains to be seen whether Juventus will deem their £21m bid enough to show Soule the door next week.

Still just 21 years old, the Argentinian would undoubtedly be an impressive coup.

"Fantastic" Soule can replace Dewsbury-Hall spark

Following Dewsbury-Hall's exit, welcoming a player who can replicate the Englishman's impressive output and creative spark should be at the top of Leicester's priority list this summer – and that should align with their ambitions to sign Soule.

The Juventus gem enjoyed an excellent season out on loan at Frosinone last term, providing the bright spark in a campaign to otherwise forget for the relegated Serie A side. Following a "fantastic start", as described by Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig, Soule only got better, ending the season with 11 goals and 3 assists in all competitions.

A player who still has plenty more to offer, Soule would quickly become a vital part of Cooper's side if he completes a summer switch to Leicester. For just £21m, he may even be looked at as one of the bargains of the window if he hits the ground running in the Premier League.

La Liga heavyweights Barcelona are eyeing a 2025 move for one Arsenal mainstay, as it is believed he’s now “almost certain” to leave the club.

Arsenal prepare for Southampton after 2-0 win over PSG

Mikel Arteta watched his side put on an imperious display against French champions PSG on Tuesday night in the Champions League, a result which extended the club’s unbeaten run so far this term and made a real statement.

PSG preparing ambitious £83m bid to sign "world class" Arsenal player

The two teams only played the other night.

8 ByEmilio Galantini Oct 3, 2024

The Premier League title hopefuls were rarely threatened by Luis Enrique’s side – which is a testament to Arsenal’s all-round solidarity and big game management – with Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka’s quick-fire first-half goals enough to seal a crucial three points in Europe.

Saka was bizarrely criticised for a “fringe” performance against PSG by pundit Darren Bent, despite his goal. That verdict aside, every Arsenal player, including the England international, contributed during an evening to remember at the Emirates Stadium.

Southampton (home)

October 5

Bournemouth (away)

October 19

Liverpool (home)

October 27

Newcastle United (away)

November 2

Chelsea (away)

November 10

Next, Arsenal take on Southampton at 3pm on Saturday, and it is a match which Arteta’s side are expected to win comfortably with the Saints bottom of the table. Arteta will be able to call upon summer signing Mikel Merino again, following the Spaniard’s debut against PSG and after his recovery from a shoulder fracture.

Merino’s absence left Arsenal short in midfield for a time, and sporting director Edu Gaspar will be thankful that he didn’t green-light an exit for midfield general Thomas Partey as a result.

Partey was heavily linked with a summer exit from Arsenal since late last year, but the Ghanaian remained in north London and has since been handed the nod by Arteta in each of Arsenal’s league games so far – starting every single one.

The 31-year-old’s stellar partnership with Declan Rice in midfield looks unbreakable right now, with Partey winning all of his duels against PSG during an excellent display against a star-studded team.

It is quite the return to form for a player who started just nine times in the league last season, and the former Atletico Madrid star is on course to smash past the number of appearances he made over 2023/2024.

Partey "almost certain" to leave Arsenal as Barcelona eye move

However, there is the matter of his contract lingering in the background. The £200,000-per-week mainstay’s deal expires next summer, putting a host of clubs on alert over his potential availability in 2025. Unless Edu and Arteta opt to negotiate fresh terms, the African could be on the move sooner rather than later.

Despite his value to the team this season, journalist Jorge Asensio claimed this week that Partey is “almost certain” to leave Arsenal. Understandably, clubs are queuing up to sign him for a potential bargain price.

Barcelona are understood to be one of the interested sides, alongside Juventus, Inter Milan and Saudi Pro League clubs. Many more teams could register their interest soon, with Arteta facing the prospect of losing a “really important” player at the end of this season.

There is a real belief that Chelsea could sign a £179,000-per-week star before deadline day, with his club seemingly agreeing to a drop in the asking price.

Chelsea seal Joao Felix deal as Boehly makes tenth summer signing

Under Todd Boehly and BlueCo, the west Londoners have showcased their spending power yet again this summer transfer window, making a total of 10 new signings – including their latest deal for Atletico Madrid forward Joao Felix.

Chelsea interested in late move to sign "top-class" £34m Liverpool player

The Blues could weaken a Premier League rival…

ByTom Cunningham Aug 18, 2024

The Portugal international, who has returned to Stamford Bridge in a deal worth up to £46.3 million, completed his medical yesterday (Lyall Thomas) – putting pen to paper on a six-year contract with the option of a further year.

Chelsea were in negotiations to sign Felix since the beginning of last week, but a deal has now been agreed as the 24-year-old links up with Enzo Maresca at Stamford Bridge.

The addition of Felix takes Chelsea's spending beyond the £200 million mark. However, Boehly and co have at least balanced the books with key player sales, which have in turn brought around £88 million into their coffers (Transfermarkt).

Stat

Output

Squad rank

Minutes

1,544

11th

Goals

7

=3rd

Assists

3

5th

Shots per game

2

4th

Key passes per game

0.6

=8th

Dribbles per game

1

=3rd

Overall rating

6.85

10th

via WhoScored

Reports suggest that Boehly, helped by his co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, may not be done there either. A lot of noise is currently surrounding Chelsea and a late move for star Serie A striker Victor Osimhen.

Chelsea have been holding talks with Napoli over Osimhen since late last month, and the Nigerian's possible switch to London is closely tied with Romelu Lukaku's future, as Antonio Conte pushes to reunite with the Belgian in Italy.

There won't be any straight swap deal, though, as both moves are seen as separate entities.

"Understand Romelu Lukaku and Napoli are getting closer. Official bid on the table," said reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano earlier this week.

"Club to club talks now into key stages as Chelsea decision is clear: Lukaku and Osimhen, SEPARATE topics. Full focus on selling Lukaku, then Osimhen story eventually for final days."

Real belief Chelsea could sign Osimhen as Napoli lower asking price

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking to The Boot Room, there is a real belief Chelsea could sign Osimhen before deadline day, as Napoli lower the 25-year-old's asking price and Lukaku's move looks very likely to go through.

"The situation between the two clubs is slow but ongoing," said Bailey.

“Napoli have seemingly agreed to lower their asking price for him but so too have Chelsea for Lukaku. Expectation is that once the Lukaku deal is done – which should be soon – that does make the Osimhen deal much more likely.”

Two potential roadblocks that Chelsea will need to overcome are his salary and stance over joining on loan. According to Romano, Osimhen will not take a cut on his net £179,000-per-week wage, and only wants to leave Napoli on a permanent deal.

One area West Ham have already bolstered ahead of Julen Lopetegui's first season in charge is the midfield department, bringing Guido Rodriguez in on a free transfer.

In Lopetegui's system, the need for comfortability on the ball is apparent, and West Ham have done their best to address that this window in the defensive line, and adding Rodriguez in midfield. Having midfielders that can affect the game both offensively and defensively is important, as they can join both first phase build up, and last phase attacks.

Rodriguez made 29 appearances in all competitions last season for Real Betis, scoring two goals, providing one assist, and contributing to eight clean sheets in his 2,241 minutes played.

West Ham to sign another midfielder?

According to Fabrizio Romano West Ham have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of ex-Chelsea midfielder, N’Golo Kante, amid recent links. The Frenchman currently earns over £400k-per-week in Saudi Arabia, which West Ham wouldn't be able to replicate.

Atlético Madrid has also shown an interest in recent days, with Romano reporting that Al-Ittihad's stance remains the same, "not for sale".

Kante made 44 appearances for Al Ittihad last season in all competitions, scoring four goals, providing six assists, and contributing to 15 clean sheets in his 3,822 minutes played.

Kante vs Rodriguez comparison

The 33-year-old Kante and 29-year-old Rodriguez would both bring a wealth of experience to this West Ham side, having both captained their sides at one stage last season.

Of course, one thing Kante has over Rodriguez is Premier League experience, having played the majority of his career in the league, winning multiple league titles and individual honours throughout 227 outings.

Kante made his last Premier League appearance on the 5th June 2023, providing an assist in a 3-1 victory for Chelsea over Bournemouth. Despite only managing ten games in that season, some of Kante's per 90 numbers were still brilliant.

Progressive Carries

3.86

0.40

Progressive Passes

5.92

3.21

Passes Attempted

54.9

50.4

Pass Completion %

80.3%

85.0%

Key Passes

2.11

0.28

Tackles

2.50

2.49

Blocks

1.71

1.45

Interceptions

1.51

1.49

Ball Recoveries

8.82

7.67

Aerials Won

0.26

0.92

It's important to note, Kante's stats above are based on 772 minutes of football in the 2022/23 season. However, the stats do not seem to be skewed compared to his prior season at Chelsea, where he completed 2,546 minutes and achieved better per 90 metrics in many areas.

Once described as "Yaya Toure and Claude Makelele rolled into one" by Wayne Rooney, you can definitely see elements of both in this game and in the metrics. Averaging 3.86 progressive carries per 90, adding that thrust from midfield as Toure did.

But also, his 8.82 ball recoveries per 90, 2.50 tackles per 90, and 1.71 blocks, show his ability to consistently complete defensive actions, protecting his teams' backline and covering ground like no other.

As good as Rodriguez is, actually ranking fairly closely to Kante in some metrics (especially defensively). the France star would offer an unbelievable dynamic to the Hammers midfield, being able to progress the ball via his passing and carrying, but also protecting that defence and mopping things up in transition.

After Todibo: West Ham could now sign "incredible" CB to help replace Zouma

West Ham looking at another defender, as they also look to offload Zouma

ByConnor Holden Aug 13, 2024

Amid yet another attempt to rebuild themselves into a side capable of finishing inside the Premier League’s top four, Chelsea could lose yet another star man to Real Madrid in a repeat of Antonio Rudiger’s 2022 exit.

Chelsea transfer news

It’s a rare day when the Blues are not dominating the headlines on the transfer front, with Todd Boehly far from afraid to splash the cash even to no avail thus far. So far this season, it has once again been a case of two steps forward and one step back with an impressive victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers sandwiched in between defeat against Manchester City and a frustrating draw against Crystal Palace.

Lukaku arrived instead: Tuchel wanted Chelsea to sign star now worth £152m

It’s safe to say the club made a huge error in not securing a move for the talent.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 18, 2024

Those at Stamford Bridge did at least get back to winning ways last time out, however, defeating Bournemouth late on courtesy of Christopher Nkunku’s strike from the bench.

Away from the action on the pitch, meanwhile, the London giants could be about to do business with European champions Real Madrid once again, but not for a deal that they’ll want to sanction. According to reports, Real Madrid now have Reece James among their top targets and are plotting a move to sign the right-back in 2025 if he finds a solution for his injury problems.

It’s in Madrid that James would be reunited with Rudiger, having won the Champions League with the dominant centre-back in 2021 before the German left Chelsea just one year later.

As Chelsea’s captain, it remains to be seen whether James would complete such a move, but the lure of the Santiago Bernabeu is rarely one that players deny, making next year a very interesting watch. It would certainly sum up the machine that is Real Madrid if they replaced veteran Dani Carvajal with a player of James’ calibre.

"Perfect" James is in crucial moment

There’s no one who is doubting James’ ability on the pitch, but after another recent injury setback, the question will come as to whether Chelsea should simply move on. The answer to that question, however, should centre around patience in a player who only few can match in his position when he is fit and firing.

Former manager Mauricio Pochettino was certainly aware of that quality even amid the injuries, saying via Chelsea Chronicle: “He’s a player that can be a leader, his character, his qualities. He’s present and the future of the club. He’s a perfect player, person, to be captain.”

If, and whilst it remains a big if, James can stay fit then the Real Madrid door looks set to swing open alongside the chance to write his name in history alongside the likes of Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe.

It’s a move that Rudiger made in the past and now one Chelsea’s academy graduate could yet make next summer. It would be an undoubted dagger for those at Stamford Bridge, that’s for sure, who’d be watching on as the star they’ve waited for time and time again swapped London for Madrid.

Potentially adding to what has already been a busy summer of arrivals, Unai Emery now reportedly wants to sign one particular Aston Villa target after Amadou Onana.

Aston Villa transfer news

Just when it seemed as though Emery would be forced to replace Douglas Luiz internally this summer, reports emerged that Aston Villa have agreed a deal to sign Everton's Onana. According to Fabrizio Romano, the deal will be worth £50m plus add ons and the Beglian is set to undergo a medical ahead of officially completing a move to the Midlands.

The midfielder is set to join the likes of Ian Maatsen, Ross Barkley and three others in Villa's list of incomings this summer as they prepare for life in the Champions League come August. But even after Onana, the Midlands club may yet welcome another fresh face who Emery reportedly personally wants to sign.

Aston Villa now submit player plus cash offer to sign £15m gem for Emery

The Villans are willing to lose a player in the deal.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 12, 2024

According to AS via Sport Witness, Emery has already told Viktor Tsygankov that he wants to sign him this summer and Aston Villa are now drawing up their plans to sign the Girona winger who has a €30m (£25m) release clause.

Girona reportedly want to keep hold of the 26-year-old, but it remains to be seen whether he will be able to turn down the temptation of Premier League football next season. Given recent doubts over Moussa Diaby's future in the Midlands following links to Saudi Arabia, it's no surprise that the Villans have reportedly set their sights on another winger in the prime of his career and off the back of an impressive campaign.

"Outrageous" Tsygankov can replace Diaby

Like Villa, Tsygankov and Girona enjoyed a season of upsets last time out in La Liga to qualify for the Champions League in a similar tail of underdog heroics. Now, however, the Spanish club could lose one of the most prominent figures behind that success as Villa continue to plot their move. And if Diaby does choose the riches of Saudi over staying put at Villa Park, then Girona could be left resigned to losing one of their star players.

The Ukraine international enjoyed a similar season to Diaby's too, scoring eight goals and assisting a further seven in La Liga to better the Villa star's six goals and eight assists in his debut Premier League campaign. It's a rise that Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig saw coming, given that he dubbed Tsygankov's numbers at 22 years old as "outrageous".

For just £25m, Villa could be getting themselves quite the bargain for a player who Emery, himself, is reportedly keen on signing.

Manchester United are close to signing a new teenage winger, according to reliable reporter Samuel Luckhurst.

Man Utd making academy moves

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is into his first transfer window as co-owner of the Red Devils and is yet to make a senior signing for Erik ten Hag. The new co-owner has recently said that it will take two or three summer windows to complete an Old Trafford rebuild when it comes to the playing squad.

"I don't think the solution is to buy an Mbappe. We are more grassroots than that. One player is not going to solve the problem at Manchester United. The first thing we need to do is build a balanced squad and ultimately maybe top it off with one or two players like Mbappe. It will take two or three summer windows to get to a better place.”

It looks as if a new centre-back and centre-forward are on the to-do list at Old Trafford after Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial left upon their contracts expiring at the end of June. Ten Hag could target his fellow countrymen when it comes to defensive and attacking reinforcements, Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee and Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt two heavily linked players.

However, alongside senior signings, the club have also been working to secure the services of potential stars in the making at academy level. The club have already sealed deals for teenager Silva Mexes, the son of former Cardiff and West Brom striker Rob Earnshaw, and Australian James Overy, whereas Camron Mpofu from Reading is also expected to sign.

Now, another teenager has emerged on the Carrington radar, and it looks as if a move could be a matter of when he signs for United, not if.

Man Utd close to signing teenage winger

According to The Manchester Evening News’ chief reporter Luckhurst, Man Utd are close to signing Crystal Palace gem Samuel Lusale. The 16-year-old plays as a winger and recently represented Slovakia at the Under-17 European Championship in May.

Interestingly, Lusale is represented by the agency Roc Nation, which was founded by American rapper Jay-Z. On their website for Lusale’s profile, they describe the Palace gem as a quick winger who can play on either side.

“Samuel is a quick, dynamic winger who is regarded as one of the most exciting attacking players in the UK at under-16 level. Comfortable playing off the right or left wing, his electrifying pace and direct running with the ball makes him a constant threat to the opposition defence. He is often the source of goals and assists for his team.”

Man Utd chiefs ready to sell £190,000-p/w star who Ten Hag called "massive"

Ruthless from the Red Devils.

2 ByTom Cunningham Jul 4, 2024

His next move could be north to Manchester by the looks of things, and who knows, he could be the next wide teenager to progress into the first team after spending time in the academy after Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.

There is no getting away from it: Tottenham Hotspur’s start to the Premier League season has been nothing short of a disaster.

In four games, Ange Postecoglou’s side have picked up just four points thanks to a draw away to newly promoted Leicester City and a win at home to bottom-of-the-table Everton.

Worse yet, the Australian oversaw his second home defeat in a row to fierce rivals Arsenal on Sunday, despite the Gunners missing two of their best players in Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice.

There were several poor performers on the day for the Lilywhites, and while Cristian Romero has received plenty of warranted flak for his part in the Gunners’ goal, ushered away from proceedings by Gabriel and leaving the Brazilian unmarked, there’s another key starter who looked anonymous for 95 minutes.

Son Heung-min's game vs Arsenal

Yes, while Son Heung-min wasn’t directly at fault for the only goal in the game like the Argentine defender was, he was partly to blame for his side’s blunt attacking display.

Now, the club captain didn’t make any glaring errors in the game, but he didn’t produce any moments of magic or even many genuine chances for his teammates either, which resulted in a rather tepid performance in what should be one of the most exciting games of the season.

This is a sentiment shared by football.london’s Alasdair Gold, who gave the South Korean superstar – and Romero for that matter – a 5/10 on the day, writing that while he ‘teed up Kulusevski for an early chance’ he ultimately ‘struggled to make an impact.’

While potentially harsh, Gold’s assessment of the 32-year-old’s game is corroborated by his statistics, as in his 95 minutes on the pitch, he amassed an expected assists figure of 0.13 and an expected goals figure of 0.02, failed in 50% of his dribbles, played a single key pass, lost the ball ten times and was offside once.

So, while he wasn’t at fault for the goals, he offered practically nothing going forward, so for that reason, and because his minutes should be managed more this season, he should be dropped to the bench for Wednesday’s League Cup game against Coventry City.

Why Wilson Odobert should replace Son

So, Spurs have several wingers at their disposal who could come in for Son off the left, but Ange should look to give Wilson Odobert his third start of the season on Wednesday night.

Now, like most of his teammates, the young Frenchman has been somewhat underwhelming in attack this season and has failed to score or assist a goal, but he should be given time to adjust to the system, and even though he couldn’t make it count on Sunday, he injected some much-needed energy into his side.

Moreover, thanks to his time with Burnley last year, we know what he can do when given a run of games.

Appearances

33

Goals

4

Assists

3

Goal Involvements per Match

0.21

For example, despite still being just 18 years old at the start of the 23/24 campaign, the Meaux-born gem was able to score four goals and provide three assists in 33 appearances, which is undeniably impressive considering the Clarets’ form and suggests that in a top side, he might be capable of so much more.

Lastly, if the North Londoners are serious about going far in every competition this year, they will need to manage their first team stars and make use of their squad. So, even though Coventry are a talented team, the former Burnley ace and his fellow prospects like Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall should have it in them to get a result against a Championship side.

Ultimately, Romero and his fellow defenders might have been at fault for the goal on Sunday, but Son offered very little going forward, so he should be dropped to allow Odobert the chance to open his Spurs account on Wednesday.

Fewer touches than Vicario: Ange must now drop Spurs ace after 5/10 display

Tottenham suffered yet another defeat to their bitter rivals, Arsenal.

ByMatt Dawson Sep 16, 2024

Sunderland are believed to be interested in signing a "brilliant" Premier League player, considering him as part of an exciting double swoop this summer.

Sunderland transfer news

The Black Cats enjoyed a perfect start to life under Regis Le Bris on Saturday afternoon, winning 2-0 away to Cardiff City to get their Championship season off to a flier. It is early days, of course, but the result suggested that the transfer business they have done this summer has been positive, but new players also continue to be linked with moves to the Stadium of Light.

Dunkerque midfielder Enzo Bardeli has emerged as a rumoured target for Sunderland between now and the end of the month, with the 23-year-old winning a silver medal with France at the 2024 Olympics. Europa League winners Atalanta are among the clubs providing competition for his signature, however, so it won't be easy.

Away from incoming transfer news, Jobe Bellingham's future continues to be a big talking point, with the 18-year-old linked with a move away, having registered an assist in the win over Cardiff. While a summer switch to Lazio has been mooted, it feels more likely that he will spend another year with the Black Cats, before potentially joining a Premier League club in 2025.

Meanwhile, Pierre Ekwah has also been a point of focus in recent weeks, with the Sunderland midfielder wanted by Leicester City. He has stayed put for the time being, but there is still plenty of time for the situation to change.

Sunderland want to sign "brilliant" Premier League player

According to Sports Illustrated, Sunderland are interested in completing the signing of Tottenham youngster Dane Scarlett on loan in the current transfer window.

The Black Cats are said to "hold a significant interest" in the 20-year-old and "his signing would be to complement the arrival of a more senior centre-forward rather than instead of", suggesting a prominent double deal is on the cards.

With additional firepower needed at Sunderland this season, Scarlett stands out as an exciting with prodigious ability, having been a highly thought of player for some time now. The striker has represented England at five different youth team levels, including scoring 12 goals in just 14 appearances for the Under-19s, showing that he has been a leading young attacker in this country for years.

England Under-21s

1

0

England Under-20s

16

6

England Under-19s

14

12

England Under-16s

2

2

England Under-15s

2

1

Scarlett's opportunities at Spurs are going to remain limited, however, particularly with Dominic Solanke arriving from Bournemouth on a big-money transfer – he has only made 17 appearances for the first team to date – so now could be the perfect time to enjoy a fresh challenge, likely on a temporary basis.

Championship Table: Latest standings for the 2024/25 season

Latest English Football League Championship standings 2024/25.

ByStephan Georgiou Apr 22, 2025

Portsmouth manager John Mousinho has described the Englishman as "brilliant", having enjoyed a spell on loan at Fratton Park in 2022/23, and he could be a great asset for Le Bris during his side's Championship promotion push.