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Manchester City and Newcastle could be forced to change ownership if a proposal banning state-controlled clubs passes in Parliament.

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• Proposal would ban state-controlled clubs
• Added as amendment to Football Governance Bill
• Man City & Newcastle would be affected

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The proposal was put forward by Labour peer Lord Bassam of Brighton in an amendment to the Football Governance Bill, which would see an independent regulator brought in for the sport in England. According to , it is believed the amendment only has a small chance of being agreed, but Premier League teams have called for such a ban from the government.

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  Newcastle are currently owned by the Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, which is chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, while City's owner, Sheikh Mansour, is vice-president of the United Arab Emirates. Were the new proposal to become law, both teams would have to find new owners to be given a licence by the regulator.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The Football Governance Bill would see a new regulatory body introduced to oversee English football, bringing in new ownership and directors’ tests and establishing a new process to handle the distribution of revenue throughout the game.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The bill and Bassam's amendment are still up for discussion in the House of Lords over the coming weeks.

Aston Villa have made some solid signings this summer so far as Unai Emery aims to replicate their stunning fourth place finish in the Premier League from last term.

With Champions League football gracing Villa Park next season, it is clear that the Spaniard is trying to build a squad who are capable of fighting on all fronts, as there were certain areas which lacked depth throughout 2023/24, notably his attacking department.

Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran were the only two recognised senior strikers that Emery had in his first-team squad, but it looks as though the Colombian is set for a move away this summer.

West Ham United have reportedly not lost hope with a move for the attacker and could make another offer for Duran, who is keen on leaving Villa this summer.

Might this tempt Emery into a move for another centre-forward in the next few weeks?

Aston Villa could sign former Man City striker this summer

In May, Football Insider reported that Monchi was eyeing a swoop for then Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho, who was due to leave the club when his contract expired at the end of the season.

Fast-forward a couple of months and the Nigerian is now a free agent, which could perhaps tempt Emery into making a move for the former Manchester City striker.

According to reports, links to the player have resurfaced in recent days as the manager seeks to further bolster his squad ahead of the new campaign.

It would be a logical signing, especially considering he would cost the club nothing with regard to a transfer fee, plus he could form a wonderful partnership with another player who has been linked of late – Nico Williams.

The latest on Nico Williams to Aston Villa

According to TEAMtalk last week, Villa have reportedly held talks with his representatives over a potential move to the Premier League, but the likes of Chelsea and Barcelona are also showing plenty of interest in signing the Euro 2024 sensation.

If he were to join, Villa would have to trigger his release clause, which currently stands at €55m (£46m), a fee that the club could afford, but may have to sell a few players.

If the 52-year-old could convince his compatriot to swap Bilbao for the bright lights of the Midlands, Villa would be signing a player who still has plenty of developing to do but has shown he can make a difference if given regular game time.

Combining his talents plus Iheanacho’s skill in front of goal could be a winning partnership for Emery next season, reducing the pressure placed on Watkins in front of goal.

Kelechi Iheanacho’s season in numbers

The Nigerian striker certainly endured a rather Jekyll and Hyde 2023/24 campaign for the Foxes. Between August and January, he scored five Championship goals, plus registering an effort in the EFL Cup, chipping in with two assists also.

Hardly prolific, but his five goals in six second-tier matches showed exactly how dangerous he can be when given opportunities in the starting XI.

He was called up to the Nigeria squad for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in January, featuring twice as the Super Eagles lost the final to the Ivory Coast, but his return to club football proved to be a nightmare.

Indeed, he made only five appearances upon his return until the end of the season, scoring zero goals and grabbing just one assist, looking like a shadow of his former self.

Despite starting only ten league matches last term, the 27-year-old averaged a goal every 187 minutes, created three big chances, succeeded with 0.6 dribbles per game – a success rate of 58% – and finished the season with an 87% pass success rate.

These are decent statistics considering how few chances he was given in the starting XI, and they would no doubt have been higher if Enzo Maresca had placed his trust in the striker once he returned from international duty.

Gary Lineker previously dubbed the player as “clinical”, something he has certainly been in years gone by.

Imagine Williams and Iheanacho at Aston Villa

Williams enjoyed a wonderful season for Athletic Bilbao, helping the club win their first major honour since 1984 as they claimed the Copa del Rey.

Across 31 La Liga matches, the Spaniard registered 11 assists, created ten big chances and averaged 1.5 key passes per game.

The winger also succeeded with 2.8 dribbles per game in the top flight last term, proving how dangerous he can be on the left wing.

When compared to his positional peers in Europe's top five leagues, Williams ranks in the top 7% for progressive carries (5.69), the top 6% for successful take-ons (3.42) and the top 2% for assists (0.44) per 90, yet more evidence of how good he is in the final third.

These attributes could be a dream for Iheanacho, who would thrive alongside the Euro 2024 winner should they both make the move to Villa Park this summer.

The 6 foot 1 centre-forward might not have had the best season of his career last term, but considering he is still only 27, there is still a few good years left in him at the very top level.

Adding some depth to his forward area is surely one of Emery’s main priorities this summer, especially if Duran does leave the club.

On a free transfer, there might not be any more realistic signings than Iheanacho. Given his experience in the Premier League, plus the fact he will be available for nothing. The Spaniard must make this signing sooner rather than later, otherwise another club could swoop in.

Emery can forget Diaby with Aston Villa move for £26m sensation

Villa could move on from Diaby by signing a La Liga winger…

By
Ross Kilvington

Jul 20, 2024

Mohamed Salah is open to signing a new contract at Liverpool, but a new report suggests he is growing frustrated with the club's handling of talks.

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• Salah has offered cryptic updates
• Could yet decide to stay at Anfield
• Foreign clubs interested in Egyptian

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Salah's future has been under the spotlight since the Egypt international claimed that he was "more out than in" at Anfield recently. His contract expires at the end of the season and he can discuss a move to a foreign club from January 1, 2025. After scoring in the Reds' 2-0 win over Manchester City, Salah claimed it could be his final game against Pep Guardiola's side, another hint that he is expecting to leave at the end of the season.

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  Now, reports that Salah is willing to sign a new one-year deal, but has grown disappointed that a formal offer has not yet been made. According to the report, he is doubtful that the Reds will be able to meet his demands, both in terms of wages and contract length, as he wants to be recognised as one of the world's best players. His priority is to stay, but he earns in excess of £350,000-per-week, and it is unclear if Liverpool are minded to match that pay packet, given that he turned 32 in June.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Salah believes he can continue to improve and maintain his current level; he has scored 13 goals and registered 11 assists this season, and he still harbours ambitions of winning the Ballon d'Or at Anfield. He is also desperate to win both the Premier League and Champions League this season, but it remains to be seen if that would mark a golden farewell, or a new chapter in his Reds career. Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly among the clubs eyeing a move for the in-form attacker.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Liverpool face Newcastle on Wednesday in the Premier League before a Merseyside derby against Everton. They are currently nine points clear of Arsenal at the top of the table.

Nottingham Forest have conducted some excellent business in the transfer market since promotion to the top flight ahead of the 2022/23 Premier League campaign, signing players at a great price before selling them for a profit.

Orel Mangala joined the Reds ahead of the first campaign for a fee in the region of £12m, before leaving on loan in January before signing permanently for French side Lyon for a combined £30m after his loan and transfer fee.

Moussa Niakhate moved to Lyon earlier this summer, following in the Belgian’s footsteps, moving in a £27m deal – a move that secured the club an £18m profit on the fee they paid for him just two years prior.

After such a huge amount of money was brought into the club, Forest have looked to strengthen in numerous key areas, with boss Nuno Espírito Santo still looking to add to his squad despite his six first-team additions this summer.

Nottingham Forest transfer news

Earlier this week, the Reds secured a deal to sign Portuguese winger Jota Silva from Portuguese side Vitoria Guimaraes on a four-year deal.

The 25-year-old made his debut for his national side during the previous international break as a result of his excellent performances and figures which saw him register 11 goals and five assists in the Liga Portugal.

The forward could be joined in the East Midlands by another attacker, with the Reds still hunting for reinforcements in the final third despite the recent arrival of Silva.

In recent days, Forest have seen a progression in talks with Argentinian side Tallares over a potential deal to see Paraguayan wideman Ramon Sosa move to the City Ground.

However, they do face tough competition from fellow Premier League sides Fulham, Wolves and Everton for his signature – with the 24-year-old a man in demand this summer.

Despite the interest elsewhere, reports – via Sport Witness – have claimed that Forest hold the edge and that a move is seemingly edging closer to completion, with Sosa potentially travelling to the UK to agree a deal in the coming days.

Their respective transfers could follow one current Reds star who has excelled after his move from a lower-quality division to the Premier League.

Murillo’s market value in 2024

After joining the club from Corinthians in a £15m deal last summer, Brazilian centre-back Murillo has excelled at the City Ground – exceeding all expectations.

He’s made 32 consecutive league starts, winning the club’s Player of the Year award, prompting huge interest from all over Europe.

PSG, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid are just some of the sides who have been linked with a move for the talent this summer, with the Reds demanding a club-record fee to prise him away from the City Ground this summer.

As a result of his excellent progress since his move to England, his market value has soared to a staggering £38m, as per Transfermarkt – a £23m increase on what they paid for his services less than 12 months ago.

His subsequent value is higher than the combined price of Sosa and Silva, whose rumoured price tag of £12m and fee of £5.9m, respectively, only adds up to £17.9m.

The Brazilian’s transfer is an example of the excellent recruitment currently taking place at the City Ground, with Nuno and the fanbase hoping that the two aforementioned players can have a similar impact in the near future.

In a time when FFP and PSR limits are tight, the hierarchy must get these transfers right, with the club needing to take a gamble on foreign talents to improve the club’s standing whilst making them a huge profit down the line.

After Jota Silva: Nottingham Forest want star who'd make Awoniyi unplayable

The Reds are one of several Premier League sides interested in his signature.

By
Ethan Lamb

Aug 1, 2024

Aston Villa head into the 2024/25 campaign with ambitions that they can not only shine in the Champions League, but also replicate their Premier League heroics from last season.

Qualifying for Europe’s premier club competition has been a wonderful incentive for Unai Emery to lure high-quality additions to his squad. Amadou Onana and Ian Maatsen may not have joined otherwise.

They might not be the only top-class players to join the Midlands side this transfer window, as the Spaniard looks to be eyeing a move for a player who is currently shining for his club side…

Aston Villa chasing move for Sporting CP sensation

According to Portuguese outfit O Jogo (via Sport Witness), Villa are showing plenty of interest in signing Pedro Goncalves, who is currently playing for Sporting, before the end of the transfer window.

If they are to lure him to the Premier League, Emery will have to shell out a club-record transfer fee of €80m (£68m), as the Portuguese side won't accept offers lower than this release clause, which is significantly higher than their current record of £51.9m for Moussa Diaby.

Signing Goncalves would signify a major statement of intent, especially considering the transfer fee. Not only that, but the former Wolves starlet could be a dream signing for centre-forward Ollie Watkins.

Pedro Goncalves’ season in numbers

During his time with the Old Gold, Goncalves made just one appearance before joining FC Famalicao in 2019. A solid season there led him to Sporting, and he hasn’t looked back since.

Across 180 matches for the club, Goncalves has scored 79 goals while registering 52 assists. This works out as a goal involvement once every 1.3 matches, quite a remarkable statistic.

Last season, the 26-year-old registered 35 goal contributions in just 49 matches and his 17 assists make him a perfect signing for Watkins.

The Englishman did score 27 times last term, perhaps with someone like Goncalves playing off of him, this tally could well push beyond 30 next season.

Indeed, in the Portuguese top flight last term, Goncalves ranked third across the entire league for big chances created (18), while also ranking sixth for key passes per game (two), clearly showcasing his attacking talents and proving to be one of the finest players in the division.

He was hailed as a “superstar” as far back as 2021 and since then, Goncalves has gone from strength to strength and his creativity could provide Watkins with even more high-quality chances to find the back of the net.

When compared to his positional peers, the Sporting star ranks in the top 2% for assists per 90 (0.42) in the men’s next 14 competitions, while ranking in the top 19% for touches in the opposition penalty area per 90 (4.81).

These statistics clearly show that he would be ideal for Watkins. Being able to get into dangerous positions and creating chances for the striker could see the Englishman make that step to the next level, especially in the Champions League.

Much will depend on if Emery is able to splash nearly £70m on signing the maestro. However, If he does, it could be one of the best pieces of transfer business done during the entire window.

£68m release clause: Aston Villa want "superstar" Joao Felix upgrade

Unai Emery is ‘insisting’ on completing this statement deal.

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 16, 2024

The Herons have revealed a new slick black kit ahead of the 2025 campaign that will see them compete in the FIFA Club World Cup as well

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• Miami releases new kit
• Dubbed "Fortitude" shirt
• in offseason, preparing for 2025

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Lionel Messi's Inter Miami debuted their latest kit Thursday morning, releasing the "Fortitude" shirt ahead of their 2025 season. The slick shirt features two tones of Blacks and Grays, along with their iconic Miami pink on their crest, sponsor and sleeve.

  In a release, the club declared the new kit to be a "symbol of armor."

  Shop Inter Miami kits at the MLS storeBuy now

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  The kits name, Fortitude, is derived from the Latin word "Fortis," which means strength and the Spansish word "Fortaleza" which represents resilience and determination. Per the club's press release, the two words come together to represent the heart of the club, the fans and the Inter Miami community.

  2025 will be the club's final season in Fort Lauderdale before they move to Miami Freedom Park in Miami. The Fortitude jersey is an ode to the city's lasting impact on the club; a place where they broke through as an organization in MLS.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Miami recently announced the hiring of Javier Mascherano as their next head coach — with the former Barcelona ace joining the club as head coach. He played with Messi, Jordi Alba, Luiz Suarez and Sergio Busquets while at the Catalan club.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MIAMI?

  The are in offseason mode, preparing for the 2025 campaign. They recently announced their end-of-year roster decisions, and will now look to the transfer market, free agency or other options to bolster their squad this winter.

Kylian Mbappe is ready to deliver for Real Madrid after admitting he hit rock bottom with his penalty miss against Athletic Bilbao.

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• Mbappe ready to deliver for Real
• Scored the opening goal in 4-2 win over Sevilla
• Admitted he had hit rock bottom

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The France captain has faced criticism in the past few months for an underwhelming start to his journey at Santiago Bernabeu. However, with time, he has started to deliver on the pitch. On Sunday, the 25-year-old opened the scoring for Real Madrid as they cruised to a 4-2 win over Sevilla.

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  After the match, Mbappe admitted that he had hit rock bottom after missing a penalty in the club's loss against Athletic Bilbao earlier this month, however, the Frenchman claimed that his transition stage is over and he is ready to deliver for Los Blancos in the second half of the season.

• WHAT KYLIAN MBAPPPE SAID

  Speaking to Real Madrid TV, Mbappe said: "I can do a lot more. I know that I have a lot more in my legs. In the last few games I've played better. The game in Bilbao was good for me. I hit rock-bottom; I missed a penalty. It was the moment to realise that I have to give my all for this shirt and play with more personality.

  "I think we've gotten to know each other better. I came into the team and that changes a lot of things, but now, as [coach Carlo Ancelotti] has said, my adaptation has finished and I feel good. We can see on the pitch that I understand my teammates better, and the whole team is playing better."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

  The Spanish champions will now enjoy a brief winter break before they return to action in La Liga on January 3 as they take on Valencia away from home.

The summer transfer window officially slams shut on Friday of next week and this means that Celtic still have a bit of time left to complete their business.

It also means, however, that they are still at risk of losing some of their top talent. In fact, Sky Sports reports that Brighton & Hove Albion have made an offer to sign Matt O'Riley from the Hoops.

The Denmark international produced 18 goals and 13 assists in the Scottish Premiership for Brendan Rodgers last season, and should be a player the club hope to keep hold of beyond the deadline.

However, whilst O'Riley may yet stay, there is one talented central midfield player who does appear set to move on from Glasgow this month.

Celtic set to lose midfield starlet

According to Football Insider, teenage midfielder Daniel Kelly travelled down south on Monday to complete a medical with Championship side Millwall.

He had already agreed a pre-contract with the English side, as his deal with Celtic is due to expire at the end of December, and the transfer is poised to be pushed forward to the current window.

The report claims that the two clubs agreed a deal to make the move permanent now, which allows Kelly to go and join his new team immediately.

Rodgers had left the midfielder out of his first-team squad during pre-season after the 18-year-old gem had rejected a new contract at Parkhead, and the Northern Irish boss could now forget all about him by swooping to sign another young starlet in that position.

Celtic must swoop for £10m star

The Scottish Sun recently reported that Celtic are interested in signing Augsburg midfielder Arne Engels to bolster their options in the middle of the park.

It was claimed that the Hoops are chasing a deal for the Bundesliga wonderkid and that it would take a club-record fee of £10m to sign the Belgian whiz.

He is only two years older than Kelly, at 20, and this means that the Bhoys target would come in as a potential replacement for the Scottish talent, as he is another emerging midfielder who could be a long-term option for Rodgers.

As you can see in the table above, their respective performances at league level last season suggest that Engels would come in with the potential to offer more in the short term, as he has already proven his quality in a major European division.

Engels, who made three key passes and created one 'big chance', in a DFB Pokal win over Viktoria Berlin on Sunday, also started 18 Bundesliga matches in the 2022/23 campaign and provided three assists.

These statistics show that the Belgian ace, who was dubbed a "revelation" by journalist Ronan Murphy, is far more established at first-team level than Kelly and, therefore, more prepared to come in and make an immediate impact at Parkhead.

Forget about Maeda: Celtic's 9/10 magician was the real hero vs Hibs

The Hoops attacker enjoyed a terrific afternoon at Parkhead in the League Cup.

By
Dan Emery

Aug 18, 2024

This means that Rodgers could forget all about Kelly by securing a club-record £10m deal to sign the Augsburg youngster, who appears to be a terrific young talent with the ability to make things happen offensively with goals and assists.

Former Manchester United star Ander Herrera is reportedly inching closer to a Boca Juniors transfer.

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• Herrera had distinguished career
• Into last months of Athletic Club deal
• Boca Juniors trying to sign him

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to journalist Cesar Luis Merlo, Argentinian giants Boca Juniors are in 'advanced negotiations' to sign the Athletic Club midfielder – who is out of contract this summer. The report adds that a formal proposal has been floated and Herrera has been offered a deal until December 2025, with an option to extend it.

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  Herrera has put together a distinguished career playing in Europe for Man United, Athletic Club, Real Zaragoza, and Paris Saint-Germain – winning multiple trophies along the way. And with his game time increasingly limited at the Spanish team, a new adventure in Argentina may be too good a chance to turn down.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Herrera, who is in his second spell with Athletic Club, has made 14 appearances this season but just three of those have been starts. He is currently out with a muscle injury.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  If Herrera does join the Argentine side, his final game for Athletic Club could be fast approaching. First up on Wednesday is a home clash against Barcelona in the semi-finals of the Supercopa de Espana. Incidentally, the new Argentine Primera División begins on January 26.

West Ham United have basically already wrapped up their first major piece of transfer business for 2025, according to popular insider Fabrizio Romano.

West Ham make solid start after busy summer

Tim Steidten certainly earned his money this summer as the Hammers embarked on one of their busiest windows in years, seeing ten new players arrive at the club as a whole host of last year's squad were either sold on or sent out on loan.

The Irons have reaped the rewards of their business so far, despite a hard fought defeat against Manchester City last time out, looking impressive against Crystal Palace – the 'dark horse' pick of many fans and pundits – and seeing new faces like Max Kilman and Aaron Wan-Bissaka shine.

Julen Lopetegui bemoaned self inflicted wounds after the clash against City, but saw plenty of positive signs as his side prepare to take on Fulham at Craven Cottage after the international break: "I think we did really well in the half of the second half, but we didn’t score and when you don’t score against these kinds of teams, they don’t forgive."

He continued: "It was a pity because the players and the team made a big effort today after playing three days in a very tough match against Bournemouth. We were very close to drawing and I think we deserved it in the second half above all, but we didn’t and we have to keep the good things and try to improve the other things."

Hammers closing in on permanent deal for Todibo

While the manager prepares his team for action on the pitch, it seems Steidten and the higher ups are already hard at work preparing for the next transfer windows, with Fabrizio Romano confirming on X this weekend that their first major deal of 2025 is basically already done as they prepare to make Jean-Clair Todibo's loan transfer permanent for a fee of roughly £34m.

The 24 year-old, who was on the brink of signing for Manchester United before the Hammers swooped in, has featured for just seven minutes in the top flight so far, but did get 45 more under his belt in the Carabao Cup outing against Bournemouth. Lopetegui will surely be hoping it's only a matter of time before his newest star is fully fit and firing to form a long-term partnership with the impressive Kilman.