Nottingham Forest are now racing some of Europe’s top clubs for a “fantastic” Brazilian forward, who could come in despite the interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha, according to a report.
Forest set to strengthen in attack
Forest are stepping up their pursuit of a new striker ahead of the summer transfer window, with Nuno clearly of the belief he needs to reinforce his frontline ahead of a potential Champions League campaign next season, despite Chris Wood’s fantastic form.
The Tricky Trees are said to have submitted a £50m bid for Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, with the Uruguayan no longer in Arne Slot’s plans for next season, while they are also working on a deal for Brentford star Yoane Wissa.
Wolves forward Matheus Cunha is among the main targets for the summer window, with talks over a deal for the Brazilian currently ongoing, and Nuno’s side are now ready to push hard to secure his signature.
Nottingham Forest scouting mission ruined as "incredible" target sent off
It was a moment to forget for the Forest target.
ByTom Cunningham Apr 2, 2025
Cunha is not the only Brazilian forward Forest have their eye on, however, with a report from Foot Mercato revealing they are now in the race to sign Marseille’s Luis Henrique, who is attracting the attention of some top clubs ahead of the summer window.
Newcastle United, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen and Inter Milan are also interested in signing Henrique, which means Marseille could now be in a position to demand a transfer fee of over €30m (£25m).
Luis Henrique for Marseille.
The Tricky Trees are said to appreciate the former Botafogo man, but they are yet to make any contact with his representatives, and it remains to be seen whether they formalise their interest.
Nottingham Forest’s upcoming Premier League fixtures
Date
Aston Villa (a)
April 5th
Everton (h)
April 12th
Tottenham Hotspur (a)
April 21st
Crystal Palace (a)
May 5th
Leicester City (h)
May 10th
"Fantastic" Henrique impressing in Ligue 1
The 23-year-old has been in impressive form for Marseille this season, so much so that he has been singled out for praise by manager Roberto De Zerbi, who said: “He is having a fantastic season. He shows us that he is a complete player, with or without the ball.
“In terms of finishing, he scores goals. He is young and has to be determined to keep improving. He is one of the most important players for OM.”
The winger has nine goals and seven assists to his name in 29 matches in all competitions, indicating that he could be a great option for Forest next season, at which point they are likely to need more depth in attack.
Should Nuno’s side qualify for the Champions League, the manager will need to rotate his squad more often, and there is every indication Henrique would be able to push Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi for a starting spot.
Manchester United were less than seven minutes away from disaster. Seven minutes away from essentially the end to the campaign. Then Old Trafford worked its magic…
The euphoria of Thursday’s gripping 5-4 win over Lyon has still not dissipated, with the debate raging over just where that special night ranks among the litany of magic moments in United’s European history.
Yes, it may not have been a titanic Champions League tussle with a Barcelona or a Real Madrid, yet for those chaotic, final exchanges, it certainly felt like it. Even at their lowest ebb, this United side can still conjure up memories to last a lifetime.
What this result must represent, however, is the start of something, a turning point in the Ruben Amorim regime – for the Red Devils not to go on to lift the Europa League trophy now would be a real tragedy.
Not only would success in the competition mark a fitting way to plaster over the cracks of a dismal domestic season, but it would also bring with it the potential riches that the Champions League can offer.
Man-Utd-Lyon-Europa-League
The difference between securing qualification or not could play a crucial role in the club’s summer transfer business…
Latest on Man Utd's transfer search
Regardless of how this season finishes up for United, the Old Trafford hierarchy are likely to already be plotting just how they can improve the squad next season, with recent reports outlining their apparent interest in Bournemouth star, Antoine Semenyo.
AFC Bournemouth's AntoineSemenyolooks on
Indeed, Sky Sports have revealed that United are deemed to be leading the race for the 25-year-old’s signature, albeit with there set to be intense competition from almost every top-six Premier League club – excluding Arsenal.
The former Bristol City man – who is said to be valued at around £70m by the Cherries – isn’t the only talent within the top-flight that Amorim is believed to be chasing, with ESPN’s Mark Ogden reporting that the Red Devils are keen on Southampton starlet, Tyler Dibling.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to Ogden, INEOS will step up their interest in the 19-year-old sensation this summer, provided that Amorim’s men are successful in their pursuit of Europa League glory.
As per the piece, the England youth international has reportedly been valued at around £100m by the Saints in an attempt to ward off interest, albeit with that said to be an ‘unlikely valuation’ considering their relegated status.
Turning to a player who has been part of a grim campaign at St Mary’s may appear a bizarre move, although all the signs point to Dibling proving a real superstar in the years to come.
Why Man Utd could be targeting their own Cole Palmer
It was recently revealed by United youth coach Colin Little – speaking to The Athletic – that the Red Devils had actually come close to sign boyhood fan, Cole Palmer, as a 16-year-old, albeit with the young playmaker ultimately staying put at rivals Manchester City, prior to his £40m switch to Chelsea in 2023.
Arguably the “best player in the Premier League”, prior to his recent wobble in 2025 – in the words of pundit Jamie Carragher – United will be kicking themselves at having missed the boat on such a talismanic talent.
While Dibling is far from the levels of a player who boasts 63 goals and assists in just 83 games at Stamford Bridge, he has actually been described as “like Cole Palmer” by one-time United man, Dion Dublin, due to the way he plays “free and easy”.
Palmer vs Dibling – 24/25 PL stats
Stat (per 90)
Dibling
Palmer
Non-penalty goals
0.11
0.37
Assists
0.00
0.27
Shot-creating actions
2.92
5.94
Pass completion
80.8%
76.6%
Progressive passes
3.19
6.24
Progressive carries
3.51
3.26
Successful take-ons
2.32
1.46
Progressive passes received
4.64
5.40
Touches in opposition box
2.11
4.14
Stats via FBref
Like his fellow left-footer, the Southampton sensation has that almost kid-in-a-playground quality to him, with such natural brilliance having seen former boss Russell Martin describe the teenager as “the most talented player I’ve ever seen”.
Capable of playing off the right flank, in an attacking midfield role or even as a number eight – much in a similar mould to Palmer – the silky talent memorably dazzled on his first Premier League start against United back in September, having earned a penalty for his side after being hauled down by a desperate Diogo Dalot.
Such a performance – which also saw Dibling sting the palms of Andre Onana with a fierce effort in the first-half – may well have made the Manchester side sit up and take notice, albeit with technical director Jason Wilcox seemingly fully aware of his talents, having handed the youngster his first professional contract during his previous role at Southampton.
With four goals and three assists to his name in all competitions this season, Dibling hasn’t exactly set the world alight, albeit while no doubt hampered by the fact that he is part of currently the joint-worst Premier League team ever.
Southampton's TylerDiblingcelebrates scoring their third goal with Mateus Fernandes
Semenyo, meanwhile, has 16 goal involvements in 2024/25 thus far, albeit with the Palmer-like quality of his fellow forward ensuring it is Dibling who could represent the bigger talent.
If United are planning to build for the future under Amorim, making the 19-year-old the centrepiece of that project could certainly be an exciting move.
The perfect Rashford replacement: Man Utd in talks over deal for £50m star
Manchester United could forget about Marcus Rashford with a move for one player on the cards this summer.
This has been a fantastic season for Liverpool and Arne Slot, now inches away from a Premier League title which may be delivered to Anfield’s doorstep as early as this weekend.
While this is unlikely (Liverpool would need to beat Leicester City away and hope that imperilled Ipswich Town earn three points at home against Arsenal), it’s a certainty at this stage that Liverpool will be the word etched into the trophy before the summer.
Sporting director Richard Hughes will no doubt have spent many months adding sheaf upon sheaf to his transfer plans, tasked with stocking Slot’s squad with new parts ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
Now that Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah’s contracts have been taken care of, rumours around who will replace the outgoing Darwin Nunez at number nine have been ramping up, but Liverpool need to strengthen across the park.
Bringing a new central defender carries every bit as much weight as signing a new striker.
Liverpool's pursuit of a centre-back
Liverpool are looking to strengthen across a range of positions this summer, and despite Van Dijk’s much-anticipated renewal, central defence is set to be chief among the list of priorities.
It seems Liverpool have already identified their favourite target, with recent reports claiming Liverpool are leading the tight-packed race to sign Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, who is enjoying an exemplary breakout year in the Premier League.
AFC Bournemouth's DeanHuijsenduring the warm up before the match
Huijsen might be young and largely untested at the highest level, but his specific skill set bespeaks a future role at the very forefront of the European game.
It’s no coincidence that so many of the continent’s top outfits are lining up to make their move.
Real Madrid have registered their interest but Huijsen is expected to snub the La Liga superstars in favour of staying in the Premier League, report Spanish sources.
This is quite the novelty. But it reinforces Liverpool’s position in the driving seat as Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes confer ahead of the transfer window.
Huijsen is a terrific talent with a big future ahead of him, but he would be joining a vastly talented Liverpool backline and there are no assurances that he’d fit right into the starting fold from the get-go.
Not with Slot’s current options so talented, so proven in this title-winning team. Liverpool need more, but they’ve already hit the jackpot on a star worth even more than the Premier League’s most exciting young centre-half.
Liverpool have hit gold on Klopp signing
Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah was fast-tracked to first-team significance last season after Joel Matip suffered a career-ending knee injury in December 2023.
He’s since become a mainstay in the wider squad, and though Slot hasn’t used the 22-year-old all that frequently this term, he’s still played his part and has attracted interest from Newcastle United, who would be willing to do business for a £30m figure – which is lower than Liverpool’s valuation.
Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah
Huijsen, with a £50m release clause, is worth more. However, Ibrahima Konate’s value is higher than it’s ever been following his part in Liverpool’s soon-to-be triumph.
Konate has been with Liverpool for four seasons now, joining from RB Leipzig after his £36m release clause was activated. Long regarded for his sinewy physique, formidable defending and sharp technical skills, injuries have always been the France international’s sticking point.
Ibrahima Konate in the Premier League
Season
Apps (starts)
Goals
Assists
Clean Sheets
24/25
26 (25)
1
2
10
23/24
22 (17)
0
0
5
22/23
18 (17)
0
0
7
21/22
11 (11)
0
0
4
Stats via Sofascore
He’s suffered from a bit of fitness bother this term, but Konate has never played more in the Premier League, hailed by analyst Josh Williams as a “monster at covering ground and dealing with one vs one situations.”
This is clear when peering at the data. As per Sofascore, Konate has won 65% of his duels in the top flight this year, keeping ten clean sheets and completing 90% of his passes.
Ibrahima Konate warming up for Liverpool
Huijsen is a great talent, but he’s not yet on the towering 25-year-old’s level. The Spain international, for example, has only won 56% of his Premier League duels, also completing 84% of his passes.
Heading toward his first league title, Konate has been a bona fide success on Merseyside, with Liverpool hitting the jackpot on the talented defender. However, given that he’s about to enter the final year of his contract, FSG will surely be concerned they may lose another member of their backline on a free, with Trent Alexander-Arnold set to join Real Madrid this summer.
Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are both known admirers of the French defender, but Liverpool won’t be letting him leave on the cheap this year, with Spanish sources claiming the Reds would refuse discussions if their €60m (£51m) price tag was not matched.
Given Konate’s just one year away from his deal expiring, this goes to show that Liverpool have got quite the defender in their mix.
There’s no question that Liverpool will hope to retain their monstrous defensive star’s services, especially now that Van Dijk’s future has been sorted and Konate’s fears allayed in that regard.
For now, we wait and see, but whichever way the pendulum swings this summer, Liverpool have hit the jackpot on Konate and will likely do the same on Huijsen, who could join Konate on Merseyside or even take his place in the coming months.
FSG must ruthlessly sell Liverpool's new version of Thiago this summer
He’s failed to win Arne Slot over at Liverpool this season.
Wolves are believed to be plotting the surprise signing of a “top-class” Premier League player this summer, according to a new transfer update.
Big summer for Wolves after tough season ends on a high
It hasn’t been a season to treasure for Wanderers supporters, who have been threatened with relegation to the Championship throughout the 2024/25 campaign. Vitor Pereira has come in and done a hugely impressive job as manager however, picking up the pieces after the doomed final weeks of Gary O’Neil’s reign. It’s now a case of kicking on next season and making sure this incredible six-game winning streak brings momentum into the new term.
New signings are vital in that respect, helping Wanderers climb the table, with internal talks reportedly held regarding the signing of West Brom’s Grady Diangana this summer. The fact that he plays for the Baggies could make it a controversial piece of business.
Evertton Araujo has also been linked with a move to Wolves when the summer transfer window arrives, with Pereira working with the 22-year-old midfielder during their time together at Flamengo. The youngster is still with the Brazilian club, but a move to Europe would appeal.
Wolves eye surprise move for Premier League champion
Now, a fresh report from Football Insider has claimed that Wolves want to sign Leicester City legend Jamie Vardy this summer, in what is described as a possible “surprise” move to Molineux.
The £140,000-a-week striker has just been relegated to the Championship with the Foxes and will leave the King Power Stadium this summer, and although he is now 38 years of age, his aim may still be to play in the Premier League for the time being.
Vardy could be an intriguing signing for Wolves, with some arguably put off because of his age, but others still feeling he has something to offer at the highest level, not yet losing all of his blistering pace.
The Englishman, who famously won the Premier League with Leicester back in 2015/16, has still scored seven goals in the top flight for a struggling Foxes team this season, while Ruud van Nistelrooy hailed an assist he provided for Bobby De Cordova-Reid earlier this season.
“To have the awareness to play the path to Bobby, pretty good skill, that was a brilliant moment, because so late in the game, 90th minute, on the top of my head. And when you have the calmness and the composure to decide on these things, then that’s absolute top class. We’re happy that we have that.”
If Wolves do sign Vardy ahead of next season, it is important that he doesn’t come in as a regular starter, though, instead arriving as a handy squad player who could be an effective substitute.
Wolves hold internal talks over move for "special" 27 y/o on free transfer
The Old Gold could land a summer bargain…
1 BySean Markus Clifford Apr 27, 2025
Wanderers also need to target a younger striker who can lead the line and be a talismanic figure in attack, especially if Mathues Cunha leaves when the current campaign comes to an end.
This summer is massive for West Ham United if they are to right the wrongs of this season and push on under the guidance of manager Graham Potter.
The Hammers currently sit in 17th place in the Premier League, just one place above the relegation zone, and are lucky not to be in a scrap to maintain their top-flight status.
It’s certainly been a year to forget, with the 49-year-old unable to change the club’s fortunes after taking the reins from Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked after just six months in charge.
West Ham United managerGrahamPotterapplauds fans after the match
The former Chelsea boss has the summer window to try and transform the Hammers’ fortunes and push the side back up towards the European spots in 2025/26.
With the opening of the market rapidly approaching, groundwork is already being laid ahead of a huge period for the club – needing to make the right signings if they are to progress.
The latest on West Ham’s hunt for signings this summer
In the last couple of days, West Ham have entered negotiations with the representatives of left-back Junior Firpo over a potential deal this summer.
The Dominican international is currently on the books of Leeds United, but looks set to depart the Whites with his contract set to expire at the end of June.
The defender, who’s registered 14 combined goals and assists this season, isn’t the only player on their shortlist, with midfielder Morton Frendrup also on their radar, according to GIVEMESPORT.
Their report claims that the Hammers’ hierarchy have already made contact with Genoa over a deal for the 24-year-old, who could be available for £17m this summer.
It also states that he’s one of a number of options being considered for the upcoming window, but face competition from fellow Premier League outfit Brentford for his signature.
Why West Ham’s £17m target would be an upgrade on Soucek
Tomas Soucek has been a regular in the heart of the West Ham midfield this season, registering 35 appearances across all competitions, scoring on eight separate occasions.
Tomas Soucek scores for West Ham
However, despite his excellent record for the Hammers, he could be set to depart East London during the off-season, with newly-promoted Leeds just one potential destination.
It’s unclear if Potter will be wanting to cash in on the Czech international during the coming months, with his future in the capital certainly up in the air to say the least.
Should he leave, it would be a blow given his output across the field, but it would allow the manager to land an upgrade in the form of Genoa star Frendrup.
When comparing their respective figures from the current campaign, the Dane has managed to outperform Soucek in various key areas – highlighting how much of a bargain he would be at £17m.
How Frendrup compares to Soucek in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Frendrup
Soucek
Games played
33
32
Goals & assists
2
9
Pass accuracy
85%
73%
Progressive passes
3.1
2.7
Tackles won
3.1
1.6
Interceptions made
1.4
0.7
Blocks made
1.9
1.3
Stats via FBref
Frendrup, who’s been labelled a “midfield machine” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has starred in possession, completing more of the passes he’s attempted along with more progressive passes – aiding other players within the final third.
He’s also dominated without the ball, winning nearly double the number of tackles per 90, along with more interceptions made – handing Potter the added quality he desires out of possession.
Napoli's Frank Anguissa in action with Genoa's MortenFrendrup
Since the departure of Declan Rice, the side have desperately needed the ball-winning presence in front of the back four, undoubtedly having an impact on their league standing.
Frendrup could provide just that for the Hammers, but the hierarchy will need to act quickly to avoid missing out on such a talent given the interest from elsewhere.
The £17m fee touted is a bargain in today’s market, with the Dane having all the tools to push the club back towards the European spots in the 2025/26 campaign.
He'd make Bowen unplayable: West Ham in the hunt for £30m "wrecking ball"
If Glasgow Rangers are going to topple their arch-nemsis next term, the new owners are going to have a job on their hands to appoint the right successor to Barry Ferguson at Ibrox.
Given their cross city rivals’ recent success, the Light Blues need to find somebody who can come in and install a playing style that will see Rangers win trophies and progress in Europe. That simply hasn’t happened in the last few years.
Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard managed to do all those things and more during his three-and-a-half-year reign between 2018 and 2021. Could he be an option this summer for a second stint in Glasgow?
The latest on Steven Gerrard's future
According to the Daily Record over the weekend, Gretar Steinsson from the 49ers and sporting director Kevin Thelwell have reportedly narrowed down the list to the final couple of targets.
A new manager could be announced by the end of next week if all goes to plan and Gerrard could certainly be on this list.
Steven Gerrard’s stats in charge of Rangers
Season
Games
Wins
Points per game
2021/22
22
12
1.86
2020/21
56
44
2.52
2019/20
54
36
2.17
2018/19
60
32
1.9
Via Transfermarkt
The Englishman led the club to their first Premiership title since 2011 during the 2020/21 campaign, going through the league season undefeated.
Of course, it wasn’t all sunshine under Gerrard. The first two seasons saw plenty of tough defeats and post-Christmas collapses, but he would be a solid option to restore the sinking ship.
However, the 49ers must take a strategic gamble on the next manager. It looked as though Davide Ancelotti was going to get the role, but ultimately, nothing came to pass with the coach set to follow his father, Carlo, to Brazil.
The ideal alternative to Gerrard and Ancelotti
So, who could they go after instead? Well, Italian manager Francesco Farioli announced his decision to leave Ajax after just a single season in the Netherlands.
Manager Focus
Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.
It would certainly be a major statement of intent if the 49ers could entice him to Ibrox this summer, that’s for sure.
Farioli left after failing to win the Eredivisie for Ajax, despite leading by nine points with seven games left.
It was a dismal collapse, no doubt about that, but any hopes of the club looking to go close again next season with Farioli at the helm have been dashed as the manager announced he was leaving Amsterdam.
“Francesco also played a key role in enhancing the high-performance culture at Ajax, for which we are extremely grateful,” said director Alex Kroes. He was also dubbed “unique” by journalist Lars Jesse following the news.
The 36-year-old tends to utilise an attacking 4-3-3 system, which could be a good fit for several players at Rangers.
Across his 54 matches in charge of the Dutch side, Farioli’s side scored 115 goals – 2.1 per game – while he accumulated 2.09 points per game.
One of the most overlooked aspects was just how well the Italian improved their defence. In the 2023/24 campaign, Ajax conceded a staggering 61 goals.
This season, they conceded only 32, having the best defensive record in the top flight. It wasn’t enough to seal the title, however.
For someone aged just 36, the boss has managed 167 games across his four club sides. It would be a risk, but the way he approaches the game with an impressive attacking philosophy, plus a resolute defence, could transform the fortunes of Rangers.
While the last player to come from Dutch football in Gio van Bronckhorst ultimately ended up being given the boot, his immediate success, winning the Europa League, proves that the adaptation period from the Netherlands might not be too challenging.
Goldson 2.0: Rangers "interested" in signing £2m star from England
Rangers have earmarked a Premier League defender as a potential new signing.
Wolverhampton Wanderers finished their 2024/25 season with a 1-1 draw against Brentford on Sunday.
This result meant the Old Gold finished 16th, 17 points clear of the relegation zone. Vitor Pereira’s opening few months have been largely promising, but there must be some improvements made to the squad during the summer transfer window.
Several players failed to shine against the Bees, however, which could impact their futures.
Wolves' best and worst performers against Brentford
Marshall Munetsi scored a screamer to rescue a point for the Molineux side, and it was an excellent overall display.
He lost possession just seven times and succeeded with 100% of his dribbles during the game.
Sadly, with a move to Manchester United on the horizon, Matheus Cunha looks to have played his final game for the club but he did put in a decent display, registering five total shots while delivering nine crosses into the box as he looked to make the difference.
Wolves vs Brentford – Key Statistics
Metric
Highest-Ranked
Accurate passes
Yehor Yarmolyuk (53)
Key passes
Goncalo Guedes and Rayan Ait-Nouri (3)
Tackles
Joao Gomes (8)
Shots on target
Matheus Cunha (3)
Ground duels won
Joao Gomes (14)
Via Sofascore
Elsewhere, Rayan Ait-Nouri, who also may have played his final game for Wolves, struggled throughout. Not only did he give the ball away for Brentford’s opener, the defender also lost the ball nine times before being subbed off in the 65th minute.
The worst performer, however, was Goncalo Guedes, and it is almost certain that the Portuguese forward will be on his way out of Molineux this summer.
Why Wolves must sell Goncalo Guedes this summer
Guedes was deployed as a lone centre-forward against Brentford, but failed to make an impression in the final third.
The former Valencia man lasted just 65 minutes. During his time on the pitch, he registered two shots off target, succeeded with three of his six dribble attempts and completed only 20 passes.
There was a moment that left the manager “furious” in the words of Old Gold reporter Liam Keen, when Munetsi cut the ball back but the Portuguese made a mess of the chance and sent it wide.
Across his 29 league matches this season, Guedes scored just twice while grabbing four assists and if Pereira is aiming to take the club into the top half of the Premier League table next season, he should not be the main attacking option, particularly when Cunha departs.
He’s lacked so much pizazz in the final third, notably recording a goal conversion percentage of just 7%, while he averaged 0.5 key passes per game, created two big chances and averaged just 0.3 shots on target per game in the top flight.
Those are hardly the statistics of a player who can make a difference for the club in the final third next season, and this must ensure his departure in the coming months.
Dubbed as “lightning quick” by European football expert Andy Brassell upon his arrival at Molineux, it’s fair to say that he failed to live up to his massive £27.5m transfer fee.
Goncalo Guedes
With two years left on his current contract at the club, now is the perfect time for Pereira to cash in on him when the transfer window opens.
It is unlikely he can recoup the near £30m that was spent on him, but any decent fee would bolster the club’s transfer kitty, no doubt about that.
With Cunha departing too, Pereira must bring in another attacker or two.
Wolves can sign their new Raul Jimenez with "extraordinary" £29m star
Wolves will need to replace Matheus Cunha this summer
After such a dismal season in 2024/25, Manchester United have a huge opportunity to end the campaign on a high with the Europa League final on the horizon.
Ruben Amorim’s men face Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao on Wednesday night, looking to claim his first trophy in charge and secure a place in the Champions League next year.
Such an achievement could be vital in their pursuit of landing new talent this summer, with the manager already targeting new additions to help revitalise his current squad.
Qualifying for the biggest club competition in Europe could hand the Red Devils a boost of offering top-level talents an exciting project despite their lowly Premier League standing.
With the summer window rapidly approaching, work has already been done behind the scenes to hand Amorim with the tools needed to be a success at Old Trafford.
The latest on United’s pursuit of new talents this summer
Matheus Cunha appears to be edging ever closer to completing a switch to join United this summer, with the deal entering its final stages, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The 25-year-old has already accepted a proposal to move to Old Trafford this summer, with the hierarchy ready to trigger his £62.5m release clause in four instalments.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' MatheusCunhacelebrates after Rodrigo Gomes scores
However, he could be joined at the Theatre of Dreams by one of his compatriots, with Atalanta’s Ederson the latest player on their radar, according to reports in Italy.
They claim that the Red Devils have been in contact with a move to land the Serie A star, currently having the advantage over Manchester City and Juventus in the race for his signature.
The journalist also confirmed that the 25-year-old would cost a fee in the region of £50m this summer, but that the hierarchy are set to enter negotiations after the Europa League final.
Why United’s £50m target could be Amorim’s own Pogba
Paul Pogba still holds the club-record for the highest fee paid for a player, costing £89m from Juventus back in the summer of 2016, just a couple of years after departing on a free transfer.
Paul Pogba at Manchester United.
The Frenchman made over 200 appearances during his second spell at Old Trafford, helping them win the Europa League – something which Amorim could hope to replicate this week.
The midfielder caught the eye in his box-to-box role for the Red Devils, often producing a moment of magic with the ball at his feet, resulting in countless excellent strikes in the North West.
Despite leaving on a free transfer in the summer of 2022, his spell at the club was a success, potentially replicating such a deal with a move for Ederson in the coming months.
The Atalanta star could follow in Pogba’s footsteps by completing a switch from an Italian outfit, also possessing a similar skillset, which could make him a key component in Amorim’s overhaul at the club.
When comparing his stats to those of Pogba’s from his first year at United, the Brazilian has managed to star at both ends of the pitch, making him a superb option as a box-to-box in the manager’s 3-4-2-1 system.
Ederson, who’s been labelled “monster” by The Mirror’s Ryan Taylor, has achieved a higher pass completion rate, handing other players at Old Trafford the chance to improve their own tallies.
How Ederson compares to Pogba’s first year at United
Statistics (per 90)
Ederson (2024/25)
Pogba (2016/17)
Games played
36
30
Goals & assists
5
9
Shot-on-target accuracy
31%
23%
Goals per shot-on-target
0.4
0.3
Pass accuracy
86%
83%
Tackles won
1.6
1.3
Interceptions made
1.2
0.8
Stats via FBref
Despite registering fewer combined goals and assists, the Brazilian has notched a higher shot-on-target rate along with a better goal-per-shot-on-target rate – highlighting the clinical edge he possesses in attacking areas.
He’s also won more tackles per 90 and completed more interceptions, offering Amorim the added defensive cover he needs within the midfield department at Old Trafford.
£50m may seem to be another hefty investment from the hierarchy this summer, but it’s one that would drastically improve the options currently at Amorim’s disposal.
Should he manage to reach similar levels to those produced by Pogba, it would be an excellent pickup, potentially playing a key role in any success down the line under the current management team.
Man Utd flop who should be "fourth choice" has been even worse than Onana
This Manchester United flop has been an even worse signing than Andre Onana.
June is nearly upon us, yet Glasgow Rangers still don’t have a permanent manager. Philippe Clement was sacked 96 days ago, and ahead of the most important in the club’s recent history, the onus is on the board to bring the right man to Ibrox.
Whenever there is a managerial vacancy, plenty of names have been linked with a move to Glasgow.
At the start of the month, Marco Rose and Danny Rohl were named potential Rangers managers, yet the links died down after a few days.
Steven Gerrard’s name has been mentioned over the past few months regarding a potential return to Scotland.
Between 2018 and 2021, the former Liverpool captain took over a shambles of a club and returned them to the summit of Scottish football within three years.
Recent news suggests that he wont be the next manager of the club, however, leaving Russell Martin and Davide Ancelotti as the leading candidates.
Steven Gerrard
Whatever happens, getting someone in swiftly should be the main priority for the board. With pre-season set to start in a few weeks, plus the prospect of Champions League qualifiers in mid-July, the longer the wait goes on, the worse it could turn out for the Light Blues.
Latest on Davide Ancelotti's move to Rangers
With Gerrard now out of the frame, it appears as though Ancelotti is the frontrunner for the vacant role.
The Italian has held talks with the board and is currently a free agent, having not joined his dad, Carlo, on his adventure with the Brazil national side.
“Davide is thinking [about] what to do for the future,” said the elder Ancelotti. He’s in talks with other clubs as he tries to be first coach, and he knows if he doesn’t find the opportunity, he will be here with me.”
Having assisted his dad at clubs such as Real Madrid, Napoli, Bayern Munich and Everton, Davide has a plethora of experience in a coaching capacity.
Tavernier would love him: Rangers in talks to hire "sought-after" manager
95 days after Philippe Clement’s sacked as Rangers manager, they could finally be closing in on a successor, one who could be a dream for Tavernier.
ByBen Gray May 29, 2025
The younger Ancelotti was the brains behind Madrid’s tactical approach, which saw them win two La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies between 2021 and 2024.
A fluid approach to the game, which means his team can play across multiple formations at will, is certainly a positive.
Davide Ancelotti
The caveat being that he hasn’t managed a side on his own. While the pressures of Ibrox may be slightly different to those at the Bernabeu, the desire to win every game remains the same.
Should he win the race and get the job, it would be an almighty gamble for the board, no doubt about that. Is there a better option currently available, however?
Rangers search for a new manager
Now, a new name has entered the fray. According to the Herald journalist, Stephen McGowan, Rangers have now reportedly held talks with former Ajax boss Francesco Farioli.
Manager Focus
Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.
The Italian left the Dutch side following their Eredivisie collapse, which saw them lose the league title to PSV Eindhoven, despite being nine points clear with five matches left.
He dragged Ajax from fifth the previous season to the brink of the title, while securing a return to Champions League football for 2025/26.
Farioli reportedly blamed a difference in ‘visions and timeframes’ from the Ajax board as to why he quit the role after just a single season in the Netherlands.
When Giovanni van Bronckhorst was sacked in November 2022, the former Nice manager was sounded out to be his replacement. In the end, it was Michael Beale who eventually took over the role. Might things be different three years later?
Why Rangers must hire Francesco Farioli
Of course, fingers will be pointed following Ajax’s major collapse over the final five matches of the season. Considering that the Dutch giants endured their worst season in living memory just a year ago, however, getting that far was certainly a step forward.
Journalist Lars Jesse praised the 36-year-old after he left the club, saying: “Francesco Farioli has achieved something unique at Ajax. After years of incompetence, uncertainty, and misery, he brought back calm and structure.”
Francesco Fariloi’s managerial statistics
Club
Date appointed
Games in charge
Points per game
Ajax
July 1, 2024
54
2.09
Nice
July 1, 2023
38
1.68
Alanyaspor
December 31, 2021
48
1.54
Karagümrük
March 22, 2021
27
1.52
Via Transfermarkt
During the 2023/24 season, Ajax lost eight league games, scored 74 goals and conceded a staggering 61 times.
A year later, they may have scored four fewer goals throughout the campaign, but the club lost just four times and conceded 32 goals, a major improvement.
Farioli tends to utilise an attacking 4-3-3 system, which could be a wonderful fit for some of the current Ibrox squad. He will also be keen on signing his own targets for the club during the transfer window.
Across his 54 matches in charge of the Dutch side, Farioli’s side scored 115 goals – 2.1 per game – while he accumulated 2.09 points per game.
This focus on dynamic attacking football would certainly win over the Ibrox faithful, who have had to endure Clement’s distinct lack of style. Despite his tender years, the Italian manager has managed an impressive 167 senior games throughout his managerial career to date.
Coming so close to success with Ajax will hurt, but it might give him the confidence that he can lead a fallen giant back to its previous glories.
In that regard, taking on the role of Rangers manager would suit him nicely. A total cultural reset is required at Ibrox this summer, and only by bringing in someone who is able to provide a fresh start will that happen.
Much will depend on whether Farioli wishes to jump straight back into a hot seat so soon after his Ajax departure. If so, then the board must be doing everything it can to convince him that Rangers are the right choice.
Like any managerial appointment, bringing Farioli will be a big gamble – although considering his recent experienced in a top job at an elite club, he would certainly be less of a gamble than Ancelotti.
A great Cerny replacement: Rangers looking to sign "incredible" new forward
Rangers could sign an impressive replacement for Vaclav Cerny.
Arsenal are now set to hold talks over a deal to sign a £84m striker, with Mikel Arteta keen to secure his signature, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.
Arteta's striker pursuit rumbles on
There has been a new twist in the Gunners’ pursuit of a striker, with it being revealed that Viktor Gyokeres plans to snub Manchester United if the Gunners come calling, although the Sweden international isn’t thought to be Arteta’s top target.
Indeed, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now revealed the deal for Gyokeres is “not advancing”, with the north Londoners “focussing” on bringing Benjamin Sesko to the Emirates Stadium this summer, having identified the Slovenian as a prime target months ago.
Talks held: Arsenal make approach to sign £84m Martinelli replacement
The Gunners are in the race for an “unbelievable” forward, amid doubts over Gabriel Martinelli’s future.
ByDominic Lund Jun 9, 2025
Unlike Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester City, Arteta’s side don’t need to rush to bring a new striker through the door, as they are not competing in the upcoming Club World Cup, but they are now stepping up their pursuit.
That is according to an update from Plettenberg on X, with the reporter revealing that the next round of talks over a deal for Sesko is now “scheduled”, and the feeling around a possible deal is “very positive”.
Arteta is personally “keen” on signing the 22-year-old, who Plettenberg describes as a “top striker”, but a deal will not be cheap, with RB Leipzig expected to hold out for a fee of around €80m – €100m (£67m – £84m).
The Bundesliga club are now waiting for an official offer for the centre-forward, with no full agreement in place at this stage.
"Monster" Sesko could be ideal striker signing for Arsenal
It is important that Arteta is happy with the striker Andrea Berta brings in this summer, given that he must be suitable for the Spaniard’s system, with it previously being revealed they are in disagreement over whether to sign the RB Leipzig forward or Gyokeres.
At this point, the Slovenia international seems to be the more likely signing, which could be good news for the Gunners, considering he has proven himself in a stronger league than the Sporting star, while he is also five years his junior.
Sesko has maintained a solid goal record over the past two seasons in Germany, showing real signs of development since arriving from RB Salzburg, and he could be the final piece of the jigsaw for Arsenal in attack, much like Erling Haaland was for Manchester City.
Season
Appearances (all comps
Goals
Assists
2023-24
42
18
2
2024-25
45
21
6
Lauded as a “monster” by football scout Ben Mattinson, the Leipzig star could be a fantastic signing for the Gunners, although Gyokeres did manage to outscore his fellow forward last season, albeit in a weaker league.