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Sunderland face no current competition in their efforts to sign a “fantastic” player in the summer transfer window, according to a new update.

Sunderland preparing for season-defining playoff final

The Black Cats face their biggest game of the season on Saturday afternoon, as they take on Sheffield United in the Championship playoff final at Wembley.

For Regis Le Bris and his Sunderland players, it is a truly enormous occasion for so many reasons, firstly because a return to the Premier League would bring so much joy to the fanbase, following years in both the Championship and League One.

Le Bris has sent out a message to the supporters before the game, saying: “Sheffield United will now be another very tough game. Coventry were really good in both legs, and Sheffield will be just as strong. We’ll be prepared for the fixture, and we’ll fight until the end. Our focus is now fully on the final. It’s really clear, this is the main objective of the season. We have to take the final step. It will be tough, but we must put the work in now to make sure we’re ready.”

The financial gains are also clearly massive for the Black Cats, generating plenty of funds for new signings, not to mention hopefully persuading current stars to move on. Now, a new incoming rumour has emerged ahead of the summer window.

Sunderland pushing to sign "fantastic" defender

According to a new update from Midi Libre [via Sport Witness], Sunderland are interested in signing Montpellier centre-back Modibo Sagnan this summer, as they look to boost their defensive options.

The 26-year-old has just suffered relegation from Ligue 1 with his current club and looks increasingly likely to enjoy a fresh challenge ahead of next season. It is claimed that the Black Cats are the only club seen as suitors.

Sagnan could be an ideal signing for Sunderland, although it remains to be seen if he would be willing to play in the Championship next season, highlighting the importance of Saturday’s clash with the Blades.

At 26, the four-cap Mali international is at a great point in his career, sitting right in his peak years, which is unlikely to change for the foreseeable future. Meanwhile, legendary former centre-back Ronald Koeman has had this to say about him: “Modibo is a fantastic defender, so strong and intelligent. He’s shown in the Eredivisie he can dominate.”

Sunderland have impressed in defence this season, not least the monstrous Dan Ballard, who was his side’s match-winning hero in the playoff semi-final triumph over Coventry City, but reinforcements are still needed there.

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Le Bris will want to have as much competition for places as possible, especially if Sunderland make it back to the Premier League this weekend, so a move for Sagnan makes total sense, having averaged 4.3 clearances per game across 27 Ligue 1 appearances this season.

Everton are now “doing everything they can” to sign a “sensational” Premier League star, with talks currently ongoing, according to former scout Mick Brown.

Toffees eyeing strikers amid Calvert-Lewin uncertainty

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s time on Merseyside could be coming to an end, despite impressing David Moyes since the Scot returned to Goodison Park, with the striker yet to put pen to paper on a new contract to extend his stay beyond the summer.

The race for Calvert-Lewin is now heating up, with Wolverhampton Wanderers recently joining the race for his signature, while West Ham United and Nottingham Forest have also been named as potential suitors for the Englishman.

Should the 28-year-old decide to move on this summer, Moyes will need to bring in a replacement, and the Toffees are now readying a bid for Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Tim Kleindienst, who has been identified as the perfect option.

Everton: Toffees open to shock move for £47.5m star who's won 17 trophies

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However, according to former scout Brown, Everton are also stepping up an audacious move for a Premier League striker, namely Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, with talks currently ongoing behind the scenes.

Brown said: “Man United are the favourites at the moment on the grounds that he knows he will get game time because of their issues up front. But I can see him going to Everton for the same reasons – he’d be a landmark signing for them.

“Everton know they’re not going to be the front-runners for him because of the other teams involved.

“But they’re speaking to him and his representatives and they’ll be doing everything they can to convince him that they are the right move for him.”

"Sensational" Delap could help transform Everton's attack

The Toffees may find it difficult to win the race for the Ipswich star, who is set to be available for just £30m this summer, but the possibility of being part of the exciting new era at Bramley-Moore Dock could appeal to the striker.

Should Everton get a deal done, there are plenty of signs he could take Moyes’ attack to the next level, having performed very well in a poor Ipswich side this season, picking up 12 goals and two assists in the Premier League.

Lauded as “sensational” by members of the media, the 22-year-old is also at the right age to be a long-term success on Merseyside, and he recently received high praise from teammate Jens Cajuste.

Amid recent reports which stated that Everton could be open to a shock move for John Stones, there was a suggestion the Friedkins could look to make one or two statement signs this summer, and a deal for Delap would certainly be in that category.

Will Chelsea make a success of this season?

On Thursday, the Blues demolished Djurgårdens in the first leg of their Conference League semi-final, with Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke both on target in Stockholm, before Nicolas Jackson bagged a quick-fire brace.

Thus, supporters are now pretty certain that their team will be in Wrocław for the final later this month, facing either Real Betis or Fiorentina.

Meantime, in the Premier League, Enzo Maresca’s side are currently fourth, desperate to cling onto the final Champions League spot, ahead of Sunday’s heavyweight meeting with recently crowned champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

Even with the Club World Cup on the horizon this summer, Chelsea are expected to be busy in the transfer market, as has very much been the case since Todd Boehly’s takeover, so could they sign a big-money new striker?

The latest on Chelsea's interest in Viktor Gyökeres

According to a report by Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Deutschland, Arsenal are “pushing” to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres, valued at around £60m by the Portuguese giants, with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Chelsea “all in the race”.

The 26-year-old Swede has scored 95 goals in 98 appearances for Sporting, pretty impressive statistics, with a report by David Ornstein and James McNicholas of The Athletic claiming that Gyökeres is expected to be on the move this summer.

Nevertheless, with a high amount of competition for his signature, should Chelsea focus on other targets?

Chelsea's potential new striker

According to a report from Steve Kay of Football Transfers earlier this week, Chelsea ‘have approached’ Aston Villa, enquiring about the possibility of signing Ollie Watkins this summer, adding that the Blues ‘are willing’ to match the Villans’ £60m valuation.

TEAMtalk notes that Watkins has emerged as Chelsea’s number one target, due to concerns about Victor Osimhen’s wage demands, as well as fears that Gyökeres would choose to go elsewhere.

If Villa miss out on Champions League qualification, they may be forced to sell key assets to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules, hence why Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider believes they’d be looking to cash in on 29-year-old Watkins.

Transfer Focus

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

So, would Watkins be a good signing for Chelsea?

Chelsea's best recent attacking signings

Since Clearlake Capital’s takeover of Chelsea in 2022, they have signed over 40 first-team players, spending in excess of £1bn, many of whom made little impact at Stamford Bridge, some of whom have been swiftly moved on.

Pretty much indisputably, the Blues’ best signing of the Boehly era is Cole Palmer, who, since arriving from Manchester City for £42.5m, has scored 39 goals for the club, named Chelsea’s Player of the Season as well as the PFA Young Player of the Year for 2023/24.

However, let’s analyse the impact made by some of the other members of the forward line.

Pedro Neto

£54m

40

6

7

João Félix

£45m

20

7

2

Omari Kellyman

£19m

Zero

Zero

Zero

Marc Guiu

£5m

13

6

Zero

Jadon Sancho

£25m

36

4

10

Cole Palmer

£42.5m

86

39

25

Nicolas Jackson

£32m

75

29

11

Christopher Nkunku

£50m

56

17

5

Deivid Washington

£17m

3

Zero

Zero

Ângelo

£13m

Zero

Zero

Zero

Diego Moreira

Free

1

Zero

Zero

Mykhailo Mudryk

£89m

73

10

11

Raheem Sterling

£47.5m

81

19

15

Noni Madueke

£28.5

82

20

9

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

£10.3m

21

3

1

David Datro Fofana

£11m

4

Zero

Zero

It would be a major understatement to say that Chelsea have signed a lot of attacking players in the last three seasons, and the table above certainly underlines that Cole Palmer has unquestionably had the biggest impact.

So, why would Watkins be any different?

Well, let’s assess his season statistics to find out.

Goals

15

7th

Goals per 90

0.6

6th

Assists

7

13th

Shots

76

11th

Shots on target

32

8th

Expected goals

14.5

6th

Goal-creating actions

11

31st

Touches in oppo penalty area

153

11

As the table outlines, Watkins is a very well-rounded striker, described by Statman Dave as “clinical”, both a potent goalscorer but also a chance creator too.

The concern about signing him would be the fact he is 29 years old, but the Englishman is showing no signs of slowing down, so could be the striker Chelsea require to go to the next level.

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England international and former star Kalvin Phillips is reportedly interested in a move to Leeds United, who sealed their return to the Premier League on Bank Holiday Monday.

Leeds back in the big time

After a two-season hiatus from the Premier League, Leeds United sealed their return to English football’s top flight this week. Having thrashed Stoke City 6-0, Leeds then watched on as Sheffield United failed to beat Burnley in the afternoon kick-off, losing 2-1 at Turf Moor. That result confirmed the Blades’ place in the play-offs and, at the same time, ensured automatic promotion for both Leeds and Burnley.

Unsurprisingly, the promotion sparked widespread celebrations across the city, with thousands of fans gathering outside Elland Road to revel in the moment.

The players joined in the celebrations too, popping bottles of champagne and belting out the traditional chant: “We are going up!”

Speaking after the full-time whistle, Leeds defender Joe Rodon told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “For me it hasn’t sunk in yet. I don’t think it will until the end of the season, but I’m just delighted for everyone involved with the club, the fans and what it means to them. It’s what everyone has worked for all season and I’m buzzing.”

Skipper Ethan Ampadu added: “It’s amazing. If you look at the scenes here, as it was after the final whistle, just pure excitement. Within ourselves we’ve got another target, so we can enjoy this now, but we’ve got another target we want to achieve. But right now, it’s very good.”

Phillips wants Leeds return

Just a day before Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League was confirmed, Football Insider reported that Kalvin Phillips is now interested in a sensational return to Elland Road on the assumption they would indeed go up.

Phillips, a product of the Leeds academy, made his name with the Whites before securing a £45 million move to Manchester City in the summer of 2022.

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Since then, however, the England international’s career has been on a steady decline. Despite earning over £20 million in wages thanks to his big move, Phillips failed to establish himself at the Etihad. Underwhelming loan spells at West Ham United and Ipswich Town followed, where he again struggled to make an impact, and City are now braced to accept a huge loss on the fee they paid.

Football Insider claims the 29-year-old is pushing for a return to Leeds in a bid to revive his career. He also reportedly hopes that a move back to Elland Road can reignite his chances of an England recall, having not featured for the Three Lions since 2023, before which he racked up 31 caps.

Speaking about Phillips’ potential return to Leeds, former Manchester United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider: “To me, he’s a Leeds United player, he suits the club and he’s comfortable playing there, the fans love him and he feels at home there.

“That’s why he’s struggled since the move away, so a return would make a lot of sense. We’ve seen similar before with Wilfried Zaha at Crystal Palace, some players suit certain clubs, they get the backing from the fans and it allows them to perform beyond their usual standard.”

Everton are eyeing a move for a £15m-rated player who is also wanted by Real Madrid this summer, according to a fresh transfer update regarding their upcoming transfer business.

Everton eyeing summer signings

The Blues continue to be linked with new signings ahead of next season, with Sunderland left-back Dennis Cirkin emerging as an option to provide competition for Vitaliy Mykolenko moving forward. He is also out of contract at Goodison Park next summer, too, so the Black Cats player could be viewed as a long-term successor.

Meanwhile, Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis has also been linked with a move to Everton, following an impressive season for the Portuguese giants that has seen him score 24 goals in all competitions. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin potentially leaving, a new centre forward is a must for David Moyes.

In terms of possible shock signings, Liverpool winger Ben Doak has been mentioned as an option for the Blues, with his future at Anfield still unsure because of the options in front of him in attacking areas.

The teenage Scot has spent this season on loan at Middlesbrough, scoring three goals and registering seven assists in the Championship, but there is no guarantee that the Reds see a future for him at the club. He could be a hugely exciting addition for Everton, but it is hard to see it happening.

Everton keen on signing "incredible" £15m ace

According to a new report from The Sunday Mirror [via Goodison News], Everton are among the clubs interested in signing Sevilla ace Juanlu Sanchez this summer.

The 21-year-old is valued at £15m by his current club, with the Blues joined by Madrid, Brighton and Newcastle United in the race to snap him up before the beginning of next season. A £15m move could be seen as cheap, as Sanchez has a reported £34.3m release clause in his contract.

Juanlu could be a strong signing for Everton, not least because of the versatility that he possesses, being able to flourish at right-back, central midfield, attacking midfield and even as a second striker if needed.

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This season, the youngster has outscored Calvert-Lewin in the league, netting four times in La Liga compared to the Blues striker’s tally of three, and he has been described as “incredible” by former Sevilla manager Garcia Pimienta, who has said of him:

“He has played as an inside midfielder [before], we were short on space in midfield due to Saul’s [Niguez] suspension and [Albert Sambi] Lokonga’s injury. I spoke to him, I knew he could do well in that position. Juanlu has an incredible present and a better future.”

Spain Under-21s

5

0

Spain Under-19s

10

1

Spain Under-18s

2

1

Spain Under-17s

1

0

Spain Under-16s

1

0

Spain Olympic Team

3

1

At 21, Juanlu could be a long-term addition for Everton, covering several positions, and he could grow into a formidable footballer over time.

It may not be have been confirmed just yet, but Wolverhampton Wanderers can begin planning for life in the Premier League next season, having all but secured survival following Saturday’s win over Ipswich Town.

In truth, Vitor Pereira’s men had already looked rather comfortable heading into that trip to Portman Road, albeit with the visitors showing a few early signs of nerves after the in-form Liam Delap pounced to steer the Tractor Boys into the lead.

To their credit, however, the Old Gold did not wilt even despite falling behind, with Pablo Sarabia dragging his side level late on, before man of the moment Jorgen Strand Larsen completed the turnaround with his 11th league goal of the campaign.

With 12 points now separating the two sides, it would take a remarkable collapse for Wolves to cede ground now with just seven games left to play, with new boss Pereira having superbly steadied the ship after a rocky start to 2024/25 under Gary O’Neil.

The Portuguese coach will now need to be handed the appropriate tools to help build on this momentum next season, albeit with there no doubt fears that the Midlands side could be raided for many of their key individuals – just as they were with the likes of Matheus Nunes.

Why Matheus Nunes left Wolves

There was no doubt a great deal of excitement at Molineux following what was a then-club record deal to sign Nunes from Sporting CP in the summer of 2022, with the Portugal international having previously been described as “one of the best players in the world” by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, amid his sparkling Champions League form.

It’s fair to say that the Old Gold didn’t exactly witness a player of that ilk during the midfielder’s solitary season at the club, as he scored just twice and registered only two assists in 41 games in all competitions.

There were notable highlights – including his stunning strike against Chelsea in May 2023 – yet such performances were few and far between, with Express and Star journalist Liam Keen stating that he had some real “had peaks and troughs in a Wolves shirt”.

Indeed, Keen also noted that he felt that Nunes viewed things as being “too easy for him”, with that attitude playing its part in his inability to really get going for the club, prior to being poached by Guardiola and Manchester City on a £53m deal in 2023.

That move to the Etihad had come amid Nunes’ refusal to train with Wolves, as he looked to push through a move, with sporting director Matt Hobbs certainly not mincing his words when discussing that turbulent exit:

While Nunes did apologise, before stating that the “opportunity” to join City was one he “couldn’t let… pass by”, it marked a sour end to a disappointing end to his brief Wolves association.

Hopefully a similar scenario doesn’t occur this summer.

Wolves could now have their next Matheus Nunes

With Nunes out the door – as well as the likes of Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho in recent times – there has since been a real rebuild in the midfield ranks at Molineux, with Pereira now relying on the Brazilian pairing of Joao Gomes and Andre.

The combative duo were praised as a “quality” partnership by pundit Danny Murphy last month, while they were also lauded by their manager following Saturday’s win over Kieran McKenna’s side, with the pair having been “very good again” after dominating the game in the centre of the park.

The hope will be that neither man departs at the end of the season, with Pereira having seemingly found a winning formula. One high-profile figure who could be in line for an exit, however, is Rayan Ait-Nouri.

Like Nunes before him, the long-serving wing-back is being touted for a marquee move away from the Midlands side, with a fee of around £50m having been mooted for the 23-year-old, amid interest from the likes of Manchester United.

Previously described as “one of the Premier League’s best players in 2024” by Sky Sports journalist Dougie Critchley, the Algerian sensation has enjoyed another solid season at Molineux, chalking up eight goals and assists in the top flight thus far.

Also dubbed an “incredible talent” by former boss O’Neil, the France-born defender is actually noted as a similar player to Nunes among their fellow full-backs in the league this season, as per FBref, with the City man having been transitioned into that role of late, amid Guardiola boldly outling that the 26-year-old is “not clever enough” to feature more centrally.

Non-penalty goals

0.00

0.11

Assists

0.29

0.18

Shot-creating actions

2.50

2.33

Pass completion

86.1%

84.4%

Progressive passes

4.04

3.35

Progressive carries

3.60

2.40

Successful take-ons

0.96

1.69

Touches in opposition box

3.68

2.54

Tackles

1.91

2.72

Interceptions

0.88

0.74

The pair are notably alike with regard to their willingness to get forward from the defensive berth on the flanks, as evidenced by their assist record and touches in the opposition box, with Ait-Nouri a particularly dazzling dribber, as shown by the fact that he ranks in the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90.

With the current Wolves man seemingly the superior figure defensively, showcasing his qualities and all-rounder, it is no surprise that has caught the attention of elite Premier League clubs, having proven a real bargain following his £9.5m switch from Angers.

Like Nunes, Ait-Nouri could represent another marquee sale for Fosun and the Old Gold, albeit with the fleet-footed wing-back able to look back upon a far more fruitful stint at Molinuex, in contrast to his former colleague.

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