Birmingham City are poised to seal the signing of AZ Alkmaar striker Moussa Dembele in a deal worth in the region of £5million.
The 23-year-old Belgium international has spent the last four years with the Dutch outfit, but is expected to move on, with the Blues facing competition from a number of other clubs for Dembele’s signature.
The player himself told the Birmingham Mail:“The Premier League is the strongest in the world. I know I can be successful in a big league.
“Birmingham City is the most concrete option, but other clubs have also shown an interest.
“I have waited for more opportunities and now I have to look at the pros and the cons. I would like to decide by next week, but in my head I have a preference.”
The Blues have so far drafted in just two players this summer, with goalkeeper Ben Foster arriving from Manchester United and striker Nikola Zigic joining from Valencia.
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Everton manager David Moyes has had a host of injuries and absences to contend with over the winter period, and a run of one win in six Premier League games has pulled the Merseysiders away from European contention.
Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye’s Senegal beat Egypt to return to the final stage of the African Cup of Nations, and Jarrad Branthwaite still hasn’t played a game this season as he recovers from a thigh issue.
That is just one snapshot of a long and wider list. Everton need reinforcements and depth, even after being dumped from the FA Cup by Sunderland last weekend.
And with Beto and Thierno Barry flattering to deceive up top, Moyes is determined to bring in a new striker.
Everton chasing new striker this month
The 23-year-old Barry, signed from Villarreal for about £27m last summer, is a work in progress, but Beto has struggled for consistency for too long in the Premier League, and an upgrade is needed.
Everton must operate within their means this winter, but given that Beto, 28, has only scored two goals while missing six big chances, as per Sofascore, this is a matter of priority as Barry continues to find his feet.
And according to Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, Everton have offered to pay the contract of Fenerbahce striker Youssef En-Nesyri until the end of the season, welcoming the Morocco international on an initial loan.
En-Nesyri has a wealth of experience in Europe and is enticed by the opportunity to move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with the Toffees having to pay a total package of €24.5m (equating to about £21m) to get the deal done.
How En-Nesyri would improve Everton
En-Nesyri, off the bat, would provide a more clinical attacking threat at the front of the ship for Everton, having scored 38 goals from 77 matches after a long stint in Spain with Sevilla, where he won two Europa League titles.
He’s only started ten Super Lig matches for Fenerbahce this season, but EN-Nesyri has still scored seven times in that period, bespeaking his natural prolificness.
He would have support, should he move to Everton. Should En-Nesyri bite the bullet and move to Merseyside in the coming weeks, he would find a dreamy attacking teammate in Jack Grealish.
Ndiaye would offer something too, but Grealish’s willingness to service goalscorers is quite the thing; the England superstar is not a greedy player, and he ranks among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League this season for shot-creating actions () per 90, as per data platform FBref.
Premier League Assist Leaders 25/26
Player
Apps
Assists
Bruno Fernandes
18
8
Rayan Cherki
16
7
Jack Grealish
19
6
Mohammed Kudus
19
5
Granit Xhaka
21
5
Data via Premier League
Grealish racks up the assists, but he consistently supplies his teammates with chances. He is fourth in the division for chances created this term, with 38.
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En-Nesyri must be licking his lips. The Moroccan centre-forward stands at 6 foot 3 and knows how to finish chances handed to him. Aerially, he is a force to be reckoned with, further underlining his suitability for Moyes’ aerially dominant outfit, who have indeed won more aerial duels than any other side in the top flight this term, with 466.
Could there be an attacking profile better coded for success in a Moyes system? En-Nesyri is an experienced, title-winning striker with a physicality to match his natural striking ability.
He’s been hailed as a “pure goalscorer” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, and with a creative force in Grealish playing alongside him, this might finally prove the upgrade the Merseyside outfit need at number nine.
Moyes' next Fellaini: £17m star now keen on signing for Everton this month
David Moyes could win his next Marouane Fellaini at Everton by securing a late deal for this imposing star.
Newcastle United are now reportedly racing Manchester City to sign Alex Scott from Bournemouth in 2026.
Howe challenges Newcastle to rescue Carabao Cup defence
For all their chances at the other end, there was a feeling around St James’ Park that Rayan Cherki’s late goal signalled the end of Newcastle’s Carabao Cup defence.
The Magpies pushed and pushed for an equaliser and eventually paid the price when Man City netted their second goal of the evening to add an unexpected cushion to a tough away trip.
Those in Tyneside will now have the task of travelling to the Etihad to attempt what seems an unlikely comeback. From 2-0 down, the Magpies must pull off the ultimate shock at one of the Premier League’s toughest grounds. Whilst the extent of the task is there for all to see, however, Eddie Howe is still full of belief.
He told reporters: “We’re still alive, we’re still in there fighting, although it is very difficult to turn it around. It’s still possible and football can conjure up some magical moments.
“Last year, we were on the other side of this scoreline. We went to Arsenal and won 2-0 and we felt that game was still very much alive, it was all about the next goal in the tie. I think that’s going to be the case in this one – if we can get the next goal, we’re still very much in it.
“We saw enough today to think we can be competitive, and we weren’t at our absolute best physically. But I still think we caused them problems, so we’re going to have to go with that same mindset again.”
It’s not just on the pitch that the Tyneside club are hoping to upset Man City, either. According to TeamTalk, Newcastle are also battling to sign Alex Scott alongside Man City and two other Premier League sides.
Newcastle battling to sign Alex Scott
The Bournemouth midfielder has also attracted interest from Manchester United and Aston Villa to spark a four-team Premier League race for his signature.
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Following the big-money departure of Antoine Semenyo, Scott could be the next impressive star to leave the Vitality Stadium when the summer arrives. Whether it’s Newcastle who are welcoming him with open arms remains to be seen, however.
Since Como scout Ben Mattinson described him as “exciting” and “combative”, the £40,000-a-week star has become an England international and turned into a crucial player for Andoni Iraola on the South Coast.
Newcastle now in contact to sign ex-Barcelona gem after Livramento injury
Newcastle are set to be without their young defender for an extended period.
ByTom Cunningham
At 22 years old, the former Bristol City man is likely to get even better with more experience and that’s why it’s imperative that Newcastle make their move as soon as possible before his value soars.
Leeds United are on a run of form that is putting some vital daylight between themselves and the bottom three of the Premier League.
The Whites have now gone five games without defeat, which has included a win over Chelsea and draws to Liverpool and, most recently, away to Sunderland.
Daniel Farke’s side are now seven points clear of the drop zone, and are looking comfortable in 16th place in the Premier League. Of course, there is a long way to go, but they are the only side in the bottom six who have not lost in their last five games.
A large reason they are on such a good streak is due to the form of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Why Calvert-Lewin is the striker signing of the summer
It might have taken 28-year-old Calvert-Lewin some time to bed in at his new club, Leeds, but the former Everton striker has well and truly arrived at Elland Road. He has eight goals in 16 games so far this term, more than any other English striker in the Premier League.
Indeed, it was a slow start to life in his native Yorkshire. Calvert-Lewin managed just one goal in his first ten games, but the 11-cap Three Lions star has now found the back of the net seven times in his last six appearances.
The Whites have been playing some exceptional football of late, which the Englishman has been a beneficiary of. Just look at this strike against Sunderland last weekend, where he finished off a brilliant team move.
Calvert-Lewin’s movement in the penalty box has always been second to none, and that has certainly aided his incredible purple patch.
Considering his red-hot form and free transfer capture, he could easily be seen as the best striker signing in a summer that saw the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak all make high-profile moves.
DCL vs PL Summer Signings*
Player
PL Games
PL Goals
Sesko
13
2
Isak
10
2
Ekitike
17
8
Gyokeres
16
5
Delap
9
0
J. Pedro
18
6
Woltemade
15
7
Calvert-Lewin
16
8
*selected
As seen above, only Liverpool’s Hugo Ekitike can match his tally of those summer movers, albeit with the Reds having had to pay £69m for their newest star.
Calvert-Lewin is then the man of the moment, although, incredibly, Farke might be able to make him even more unplayable by giving an opportunity to one of his attackers.
The Leeds attacker who's perfect for Calvert-Lewin
There is no shortage of attacking options at Farke’s disposal. This summer alone, Leeds signed Calvert-Lewin, Lukas Nmecha and Noah Okafor to add to their depth in forward areas ahead of their Premier League return.
Perhaps rather surprisingly, there has not been much of an opportunity for Wilfried Gnonto this season. The Italian has only featured ten times in the top flight, and whilst he did miss a spell with injury, has somewhat fallen out of favour.
However, he has been well-used by Farke in the past. Last season in the Championship, a campaign in which Leeds topped the table, he contributed 15 goals and assists in 43 appearances.
His numbers from last season are exceptional, showing just how big a talent the 22-year-old is. For example, he averaged 0.59 goals and assists and a take-on completion rate of 48.3% per 90 minutes.
That ranked him in the top 6% and 15% of Championship attackers.
Gnonto – 24/25 Championship stats
Stat (per 90)
Number
Percentile
Goals & assists
0.59
94th
Key passes
1.82
84th
Progressive passes
4.9
92nd
Take-on success rate
48.3%
85th
Carries into final third
2.41
90th
Stats from FBref
It certainly begs the question, why is the winger not getting any game time this season?
Farke knows exactly the threat he can offer in the final third, with his direct nature and the ability to pull off strikes like this.
However, Gnonto offers more than his three-dimensional final third ability. The Italian is also a good creator, averaging 1.82 key passes each game last term.
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For someone like Calvert-Lewin, who has already been in such good form, that is the dream to have alongside you in attack.
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Described as an “electric” forward by Statman Dave, it is easy to see what the Italy international could add to this Leeds side.
His pace and directness are a huge plus, but it is the danger he offers in the final third which can really help his side, and Calvert-Lewin.
The Englishman is on a superb run of form at the moment, and that will surely only be enhanced by adding Gnonto into the mix.
Forget Calvert-Lewin: The "best finisher" at Leeds could be Bamford 2.0
This Leeds star could help maintain their impressive goalscoring form
It is promising to see that Thomas Frank has the backing of the Tottenham Hotspur board, who are ready to back their struggling manager in the transfer market this January.
Clearly, investment is needed. Spurs are 14th in the Premier League table, which is progress after last year’s flirtation with the drop zone, but still so far beneath the expected standard down N17.
But while Tottenham need to make signings – especially in wide attacking positions – they have been buffeted by a winter hailstorm when regarding Antoine Semenyo, with Sky Sports revealing they have ended their interest in the Bournemouth winger as Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United all intensify their intrigue.
Son Heung-min aside, Tottenham have often found their wingers to have flattered to deceive in recent years. They need to get it right now, especially if long-term interest in Semenyo is to come to nought.
How Spurs can react to missing out on Semenyo
There’s no question that Semenyo is a top talent. He has scored eight goals and supplied three more in the Premier League this season, with such power and dynamism in his performances.
However, Tottenham might have their own version already in Mikey Moore, who is out on loan in the Scottish Premiership with Rangers. The 18-year-old is a fantastic dribbler with a low centre of gravity and a strong core.
However, Tottenham need to continue repurposing their flanks. There are too many planks of driftwood about the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and this has been a recurring theme for a while.
Take Erik Lamela, for example. The old Lilywhites winger joined from Roma for about £26m in 2013, a part of that influx of players who replaced Gareth Bale when the Welshman went to Real Madrid for a world-record fee. He had natural talent, but he largely flattered to deceive, scoring only 17 times in the Premier League across 177 appearances. Only twice did he record more than two goals in any single league campaign.
Signing Lamela after Bale left for Los Blancos is a blundered spin of events that could be attributed to the current situation, should Tottenham fail to land the right target.
Erik Lamela
However, whoever the north Londoners bring in, they may want to cash in on another flop who actually makes the Argentine look like a good signing.
Spurs must sell "frightening" winger
As the January transfer window looms large, Tottenham have compiled a list of targets to strengthen Frank’s squad. Semenyo is joined by the likes of RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande and Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo in being on the radar, as per TEAMtalk.
These would be expensive deals to strike, so Spurs might want to place emphasis on shipping Brennan Johnson out, with the £100k-per-week winger having fallen by the wayside this season.
Johnson, 23, scored 19 goals across all competitions last season, including the winner in the Europa League final against Manchester United, but his general play leaves plenty to be desired. Simply, Tottenham need to be ruthless and ensure he leaves next month to underline their ambitions.
The Wales international is a wanted man, with Crystal Palace pushing to complete a loan move when the January market swings open.
A prolific wide forward, Johnson simply doesn’t offer enough, and this is inhibiting a Spurs side struggling for creativity and fluidity through the thirds.
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Indeed, Johnson might be praised for his “frightening pace” by the likes of content creator HLTCO, but he doesn’t utilise his weaponry in an effective way.
League Stats – Johnson vs Diomande
Stats (* per game)
24/25
25/26
Matches (starts)
33 (24)
15 (6)
Goals
11
2
Assists
3
0
Touches
27.8
16.5
Shots (on target)*
1.6 (0.9)
0.4 (0.1)
Accurate passes*
13.1 (76%)
6.5 (71%)
Chances created*
0.6
0.4
Succ. dribbles*
0.6 (46%)
0.2 (33%)
Ball recoveries*
1.9
0.9
Tackles + interceptions*
1.3
1.1
Duels won*
2.8
1.6
Data via Sofascore
FBref data further underlines Johnson’s deficiencies, with it revealed that the Wales international ranks among the bottom 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions (1.25) completed per 90.
You can see why Frank is reluctant to give him regular minutes in the Premier League. Johnson has a natural goalscoring sense, but he flattered to deceive when looking at his wider gameplay.
Lamela, on the other hand, did offer something when welcomed to the field, with his Puskas-winning goal in the North London Derby a case in point. Club legend Ossie Ardiles even believed that the retired 33-year-old was “more skilled than Bale” when in his heyday.
If Tottenham are to kick on, they need to make sure Johnson, a player offering extremely little, less than Lamela, is shipped on.
ENIC must now be worried they've signed another Ndombele at Spurs
Tottenham need more composure and quality from their players amid a testing season under new manager Thomas Frank.
While this season is shaping up to be a spectacular one for Arsenal, Sunday was a disappointment for Mikel Arteta and Co.
The Spaniard’s team looked second best in their Premier League game against then-second-placed Chelsea, and then failed to capitalise when the Blues went down to ten men.
With that said, while it was a poor showing from the Gunners, they were without a number of the best players, like William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães and just as important, Leandro Trossard.
The Belgian has been in scintillating form for Arsenal in recent months, and yet, if reports are to be believed, the club are looking to sign someone who’d be a significant upgrade.
Arsenal target Trossard upgrade
During the summer, it looked like Trossard would be leaving Arsenal, as he didn’t have a great campaign and was linked with clubs like Bayern Munich.
Transfer Focus
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However, the former Brighton & Hove Albion gem stayed, was handed a pay rise, and since then has played like a man possessed.
For example, it was his thunderous effort against Sunderland that ensured the Gunners left with a point, and then against Tottenham Hotspur, he scored and assisted a goal.
However, even with performances such as these, it looks like the North Londoners are looking to sign an upgrade on the 30-year-old.
At least that is according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, which claims Arsenal are interested in Michael Olise.
In fact, the report goes further, revealing that the club have placed the Frenchman at the top of their wishlist for next year and, with Sporting Director Andrea Berta, are already laying the groundwork for the deal.
However, it won’t be a cheap transfer to get over the line, with the report claiming that it will cost in excess of £100m to convince Bayern Munich to sell their star attacker.
Even so, given Olise’s immense ability and further potential, this is a deal Arsenal should be going all out for, especially as he’d be a significant upgrade on Trossard.
How Olise compares to Trossard
So the first thing to get out of the way is that, yes, Olise is primarily a right-sided player, and Trossard plays mostly on the left.
However, Arteta has made it quite clear with the signing of Noni Madueke that he is more than happy to play wingers on the opposite flank, and given the Frenchman’s immense ability, it feels like he should have no problem playing out there.
Moreover, when the former Chelsea ace has played in the team, he and Bukayo Saka have swapped sides back and forth during games, which suggests the manager has almost moved beyond the idea of a wide player starting and sticking to a position as matches progress.
With all that said, why would the former Crystal Palace star, who shone with Eberechi Eze in South London, be an upgrade on the Belgian?
Well, the first and most important reason is the simple fact that he is a far more potent goal threat, be that through scoring or assisting them.
A “magician” – according to Bayern teammate Dayot Upamecano – in 20 appearances this season, totalling 1583 minutes, he’s scored nine goals and provided ten assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.05 games, or every 83.31 minutes.
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In contrast, the former Brighton star has scored five goals and provided five assists in 16 appearances, totalling 948 minutes, which averages out to a goal involvement every 1.6 games, or every 94.8 minutes.
The second reason is that, at just 23 years old, the 13-capped international has far more upside than the 30-year-old and should even improve in the coming seasons.
Finally, on top of his better output, the former Reading man also comes out on top when you take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.
Olise vs Trossard
Statistics
Olise
Trossard
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
1.00
0.38
Progressive Carries
5.70
2.63
Progressive Passes
6.40
3.63
Shots on Target
1.99
0.62
Passing Accuracy
81.4%
69.3%
Key Passes
2.60
1.38
Shot-Creating Actions
6.68
3.25
Goal-Creating Actions
1.10
0.37
Successful Take-Ons
2.40
0.88
All Stats via FBref for the 25/26 League Season
For example, he comes out ahead in the most critical metrics, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, successful take-ons, goal and shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.
Ultimately, Trossard is a brilliant player, but Olise is clearly superior in practically every way and more than justifies Oliver Glasner’s claim that he’s “one of the best talents in the world.”
Therefore, even if it costs a king’s ransom, Arsenal should do all they can to sign him in 2026.
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Manchester United are fighting to bring a talented Premier League star to Old Trafford and may face a straight shootout with Manchester City and Arsenal for his services.
Ruben Amorim looks ahead to Crystal Palace vs Man Utd
There has been plenty of noise at Old Trafford following Manchester United’s bitter defeat to Everton on Monday night, something supporters will hope can be rectified when their side take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park this Sunday.
More than anything, a lack of penetration going forward led to a subdued atmosphere as proceedings rolled on, albeit Ruben Amorim has now urged his side to improve as they look to get back to winning ways against the Eagles.
He said in his pre-match press conference: “They are a different club (Crystal Palace) and they are doing things better than us so that is quite simple.
“We play in a different way and they are just doing things better than us. They are doing things really well and they play more in transition than us. We have to look at all of these things when we compare our teams but of course, in every position, we can do so much better.”
Shades of McTominay: Man Utd star is now their "most underrated player"
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ByEthan Lamb
Looking ahead to January, Wolverhampton Wanderers star Andre could answer the Manchester United call for a midfielder, though it would be naive to think that is the only area of the field Amorim wants to bolster ahead of the run-in.
With that in mind, the Red Devils and INEOS have put themselves in a direct fight with the elite to sign an England international who is becoming an interesting commodity in the Premier League.
Man Utd eyeing move for Newcastle's Tino Livramento
According to CaughtOffside, Manchester United are keen on Newcastle United star Tino Livramento, and they could rival both Arsenal and Manchester City to land the England right-back.
The outlet shed some light on the situation, which read: “City would love to sign Livramento in January. That currently looks unlikely, but it could be a major saga next summer, when we can also expect United and Arsenal to come into the conversation.”
Capable of playing in either full-back position, Livramento has made 90 appearances for Newcastle, scoring once and registering three assists in total.
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Fresh back from his latest injury setback, he is valued at around the £80 million mark by the Magpies and could be tempted by the possibility of switching clubs, even if he isn’t exactly agitating for a move elsewhere.
Manchester United have begun to improve under Amorim and will hope they stand a fighting chance of completing a deal. Nevertheless, they may need to fend off some stiff competition to land their man, who is coincidentally six matches unbeaten against the Red Devils.
The start of this season couldn’t have gone much better for Tottenham Hotspur, with convincing wins over Burnley and Manchester City.
However, in the months since, things have really gone off the rails for Thomas Frank and his side.
They currently sit 16th in the Champions League and, following their dismal defeat at the hands of Fulham on Saturday night, 11th in the Premier League.
Frank looked bereft of ideas against the West Londoners, and his team appeared all at sea, including one player who could be in danger of becoming their new Serge Aurier.
Spurs' worst players against Fulham
Aside from maybe Micky Van de Ven for his goalsaving tackle and Randal Kolo Muani for his general play, there were dismal displays across the entire Spurs starting lineup.
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The player who has received the most stick during and after the game is undoubtedly Guglielmo Vicario.
The Italian goalkeeper was the main culprit for the visitors’ second goal, with him rushing out to intercept a long ball, kicking it into danger and then being way out of the penalty area when Harry Wilson curled the ball into the net.
Such a costly blunder, and the fact that the team were 2-0 down in just the sixth minute, led to sections of the home support booing the former Emploi man at every touch.
While not responsible for conceding a goal, Richarlison was another Lilywhites ace who was practically useless on the night.
In his 60 minutes of action, he offered no threat at all, producing an expected goals figure of 0.00 and completing just six of his nine passes.
Moreover, while he took 21 touches, he ended up losing possession nine times, which helps to justify the 3/10 match rating he received from the Standard’s Matt Verri.
It was also a poor showing for Kevin Danso, who was second best to Raul Jimenez throughout the game, and it was his headed clearance that led to the opening goal.
Unfortunately for Frank and the fans, another starter put in a horror display against the Cottagers and could end up becoming the Spurs’ next Aurier if he’s not careful.
Spurs' new Serge Aurier
It was clear that Aurier was a talented player during his stint with Spurs, but what was also clear was that he was error-prone and became something of a scapegoat.
After all, he got sent off on his Premier League debut, and it was his foul that led to Manchester City’s winning free-kick in the 2021 League Cup final.
After that mistake, Jamie Carragher described him as “one of the biggest liabilities in Premier League football.”
The Ivorian left the club that summer, and unfortunately, it feels like Pedro Porro could be becoming the new version of him.
Now, to be clear, the Spanish full-back, originally signed on loan by Antonio Conte, is a hugely talented footballer and someone who is capable of delivering a brilliant cross at times.
However, he has become a growing concern for North Londoners over the last season or so, both offensively and defensively, with the game against Fulham a perfect example.
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In his 94 minutes on the pitch, he lost 100% of his aerial duels, lost five of eight ground duels, was dribbled past three times, was accurate in just three of 16 crosses, failed in 100% of his dribbles and completed only 62% of his long balls.
Porro’s game vs Fulham
Minutes
94′
Ground Duels (Won)
8 (3)
Aerial Duels (Won)
3 (0)
Dribbled Past
3
Crosses (Accurate)
16 (3)
Dribbles (Successful)
2 (0)
Long Balls
8/13
All Stats via Sofascore
In short, it was a poor attacking display and a truly horrendous defensive one, which more than justifies Verri’s match rating of 4/10 and description of him looking a ‘nervous wreck at the back.’
As if that wasn’t enough, he then proceeded to throw his shirt to the floor and storm off the pitch when the full-time whistle went, in what journalist Mitch Fretton described as “absolute embarrassment.”
It’s this combination of yet another poor performance and the petulance afterward that makes it hard not to think of the former Ivorian international.
Ultimately, Porro is still a talented player and could turn things around, but it’s been some time since fans have seen him at his best, and that display against Fulham was more than worrying.
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Manchester City are now willing to make an unexpected decision about Rodri’s future at the club in an attempt to sign Jude Bellingham from Real Madrid in 2026.
The Citizens were in a ruthless mood against Liverpool before the international break, with Pep Guardiola overseeing his 1000th game as a manager in classic, dominant style.
Injured £150k-a-week Man City star in protective boot, will miss 20+ games
He’s had more surgery.
ByCharlie Smith
It was the first time that the Citizens have sent a damning statement to the rest of the Premier League about their title credentials this season and former player Micah Richards believes that they could yet beat Arsenal to the crown once again.
What has made City’s quietly impressive form even better is the fact that they’ve coped without Rodri. In the Spaniard’s absence last season, they looked a shadow of their controlled best. This time around, as Rodri continues a stuttered recovery from an ACL injury, Nico Gonzalez has provided Guardiola with the perfect replacement.
It’s allowed City’s Ballon d’Or winner to slowly work his way back to his best, but has also welcomed some interesting reports about his long-term future at the Etihad. Some in Spain have even gone as far as to suggest that Rodri could yet be sacrificed as part of another £100m+ deal.
Man City willing to spend £100m+ to sign Bellingham
According to those reports in the Spanish media, Man City are now willing to spend €150m (£133m) to sign Bellingham in 2026 and could be prepared to use Rodri as a makeweight in any potential deal with Real Madrid.
There’s been more unrest at the Bernabeu since the arrival of Xabi Alonso, with Vinícius Jr particularly struggling with the Spaniard’s call for discipline, and that has opened the door for a number of potential exits.
Whether Bellingham is among those is the question that many will be asking. There’s no doubt that he — as one of the best midfielders in the world — would take City back to the level that resulted in Premier League dominance not so long ago.
Former Real boss Carlo Ancelotti has been one of many iconic names to hand Bellingham plenty of praise in recent years, having told Gary Lineker on the Rest is Football podcast earlier this week: “I think Jude is a fantastic player.
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“If I have to compare, we were talking about Kaka. He is this kind of player, a really intelligent player, who is physically really strong, fantastic to arrive in the box at the right time.”
Every current manager in the 2025/26 Premier League ranked
Celtic are eyeing a potential move for England Under-21s manager Lee Carsley as their next boss, as they look to find the perfect replacement for Brendan Rodgers at Parkhead.
Rodgers’ second spell in charge of the Hoops went out in a whimper, following an underwhelming start to the season in the Scottish Premiership, with Martin O’Neill placed in interim charge.
While the Irishman has seemingly only come in for a short spell as manager, taking charge until the right permanent appointment is made, a new report has claimed that he would be willing to take the job until the end of the season.
Victory at home to Rangers on Sunday afternoon would not only be a massive step in the right direction for Celtic, but could even persuade those high up at the club that O’Neill is the right man to continue for longer than originally expected.
That’s not to say that other potential candidates aren’t being mentioned, however, with Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna backed to be Rodgers’ successor, and Club Brugge head coach Nicky Hayen also seen as an option.
Lee Carsley linked with Celtic job
Now, 67 Hail Hail claim that Celtic are eyeing Carsley to be their next manager, with the Hoops “long-term admirers” of him, meaning he could “be in contention” to come in.
That said, the former Republic of Ireland international “isn’t a frontrunner for the job”, so at this stage, others feel more likely to take charge at Parkhead.
Carsley would be an interesting choice for Celtic if they did go down that route, with Roy Keane heaping praise on him during his brief stint as England’s interim boss before Thomas Tuchel came in.
Perhaps the biggest risk in Celtic appointing Carsley is the fact that he is yet to manage at club level, with his only roles coming with England, including his current Under-21s role.
Lee Carsley’s managerial career
Year
Matches
Points per game
England Under-21s
2025-present
11
2.27
England (interim)
2024
6
2.50
England Under-21s
2021-2024
29
2.41
England Under-20s
2020-2021
1
3.00
For that reason, bringing him in would be a gamble at a point when a safe pair of hands is required to steady the ship after a frustrating end to Rodgers’ reign.
Postecoglou 2.0: Celtic looking at hiring "box-office" McKenna alternative
With Ange Postecoglou unlikely to return to Celtic, should the Hoops appoint a “box office” title-winning manager instead of Kieran McKenna?
ByBen Gray
Carsley may be desperate to prove his worth in the club game, though, and if he impresses Celtic’s bosses more than the rest, they need to be trusted.
Celtic manager search takes twist as O'Neill makes decision about interim role