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The Milwaukee Brewers and Chicago White Sox completed a player-for-player swap in a trade on Friday, as the Brewers acquired outfielder Andrew Vaughn in exchange for pitcher Aaron Civale, who was sent to Chicago. And MLB Network analyst Mark DeRosa believes there is a clear victor and loser among the two players involved in the trade.

"…Number one, if I'm Andrew Vaughn, it's Christmas morning for me," DeRosa said.

DeRosa went on to explain that the underachieving Vaughn, a former third overall pick in the 2019 MLB draft, could possibly reach his full potential getting a fresh start in a different organization. Further helping that potential cause is the fact that Vaughn will now be contributing to a winning team in Milwaukee (37–33) after spending the first five seasons with the White Sox, who set a modern-day record with 121 losses this past season.

"If I'm Andrew Vaughn, I can't get to the airport quick enough," DeRosa quipped.

Civale, on the other hand, was not so lucky. Two days ago, the Brewers made it known that they would like for Civale, who has only ever started in his big league career, to shift to the bullpen. Civale did not want to do so, and, through his agent Jack Toffey, expressed his desire to remain a starter, even if it meant no longer pitching for the Brewers. DeRosa believes the Brewers sent a "message" to the free agent-to-be, trading him to the White Sox, where it may be difficult to acquit himself well for his upcoming free agency.

Former big leaguer Chris Young astutely noted that Civale will certainly get more opportunities to start on Chicago. However, if judging the trade simply by the team success both players are bound to experience in the remainder of the 2025 season, it's difficult to call anyone but Vaughn the winner.

Former Leicester City star Jamie Vardy's Italian breakfast has been revealed as Cremonese head coach claimed that the former England striker's diet is being embraced in Italy. Having left the Foxes at the end of the 2024-25 season when his contract expired, 38-year-old Vardy signed an initial 12-month deal with the Serie A outfit to cover the 2025-26 campaign.

• Vardy enjoying life in Italy

  Vardy has already adjusted to life in Italy as he scored his first Serie A brace in Cremonese's dominating 3-1 victory over Bologna in the Serie A on Sunday. The defeat ended Bologna's 12-game unbeaten run in a rain-soaked encounter at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. Martin Payero opened the scoring for Cremonese before Vardy doubled his team's lead in the 35th minute. Riccardo Ordolini's penalty goal at the stroke of half-time helped Bologna reduce the margin, but the ex-England star completed his brace and sealed a crucial win for the side as he scored in the 50th minute.  Vardy has scored four times in the Serie A this season. 

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  Vardy's breakfast in Italy revealed

  Cremonese boss Davide Nicola recently changed the single menu at the club, so players of different ethnicities and nationalities can have food of their choice and remain satisfied. Vardy is known to have cheese and ham omelettes with beans on the side from his time in Leicester and the veteran striker reportedly is still having the same food as the first meal of the day.

  Speaking to reporters, Nicola said: "We now have individualised breakfasts and lunches. “There is no longer a single menu for everyone. Cultures are different, needs are different, and so are allergies. Each player has their own personal menu, there’s not even need to monitor these things because they’re part of the players’ lifestyle."

  He added: "Jamie is a point of reference for us. As a coach, I can only say that great champions are incredibly simple people. They already know what they must do and how they must do it. They never show attitudes that aren’t constructive to the team. A champion differs from an ordinary player not only because he has immense qualities on the pitch, but also because he has the spirit and awareness of what he represents. A true champion never gets his attitude wrong. He’s very self-confident and light-hearted, someone who always trains. “He has his habits, but he came here with the mentality of making himself available."  

• Vardy found similarity in Italy and UK weather

  After scoring his first Cremonese brace in a rain-soaked match, Vardy told reporters: "I think we were just missing a bit of rain – this is a typical midweek in the UK. The most important thing was getting the three points and keeping that progress going. It's another step in the right direction. It's all about commitment and wanting what's best for the club. Everyone's on that same page and everyone's pushing forward to make sure that, come the end of the season, it will have been a successful year."

  Nicolas later said on Vardy: "Great players are easy to handle as they know what they're supposed to do – and they know how to do it. That's how he is – he's comfortable with who he is, good humoured. He came here with the mentality of making himself available for the team."  

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  Vardy learning Italian

  Seems like Vardy is loving his life in Italy and he wants to mingle more with the local crowd to feel at home there. Accordingly, he is learning the Italian language, as he told recently: "I only know the basics, good morning, thank you, numbers, but I’ll be taking lessons as of next week, so hopefully that will start the bringing on the language a bit more. I have to learn, as my kids are learning, and I can’t have them learning it before me, otherwise they’ll be taking the mickey out of me!"    

  With Cremonese now sitting 11th on 17 points after 13 games, the mood around the club is one of cautious optimism. Avoiding relegation would trigger a one-year contract extension to the summer of 2027 for Vardy, something that suddenly looks plausible. They sit seven points clear of the relegation zone, a comfortable position for a newly-promoted side. Cremonese return to the Stadio Giovanni Zini on December 7 to face Lecce.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have now held exit talks over another key player as well as Joao Gomes, who has been strongly linked with a move to Manchester United.

Wolves could be set to lose Joao Gomes in January

Gomes has recently emerged as a transfer target for United, with Ruben Amorim’s side keen to bring in the Portuguese midfielder this winter, and a €50m (£44m) fee has been touted.

It would certainly be a risk for the Old Gold to sell one of their key players, considering their Premier League status is already under major threat, having taken just two points from their opening 12 matches.

However, given that the central midfielder’s value will decrease if Rob Edwards’ side are unable to avoid the drop, it could make sense to cash-in and re-invest the money into other areas of the squad.

Gomes is not the only Wolves player who could be moving on in January either, as revealed by the Tenias Que Haber Tirado podcast on X, who state that Celta Vigo are now “considering the return” of former player Fer Lopez, who only arrived at Molineux in June.

The La Liga club have held talks over a loan move in the upcoming transfer window, which could make sense for all parties, given that Lopez hasn’t exactly made a flying start to life in the Premier League…

"Incredible" Lopez yet to prove himself in England

Wolves would’ve had high hopes after signing the attacking midfielder in the summer, considering the rave reviews from former coach Paul Grainger, who said: “I have seen some of the best players in the world play football. I have never seen a footballer like him. He was literally incredible. From the first day, I knew he was going to be a superstar.”

However, the 21-year-old is yet to reach those lofty heights, having started just one Premier League game this season, which was the 3-1 home defeat against Leeds United, and the youngster hasn’t received any minutes since the 2-0 defeat against Sunderland last month.

Wolves star says 'yes' to joining Manchester United, INEOS working on deal

What a great signing he would be.

By
Henry Jackson

Nov 25, 2025

In fairness, the Spaniard was one of very few players who impressed against Leeds, setting up the Wanderers’ only goal in style, and he is still young and adapting to life in the Premier League, so it would be way too early to sanction a permanent move.

However, if Lopez isn’t a part of Edwards’ plans, there is little reason to keep him around, and a loan move could make sense for all parties in the January transfer window.

With their trade for quarterback Geno Smith in the rearview mirror, the Las Vegas Raiders appear set to keep him around.

The Raiders are signing Smith to a two-year extension, according to a Thursday afternoon report from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Smith, 34, was previously set to enter free agency after the 2025 season.

Per Rapoport and ESPN's Adam Schefter, the extension will pay Smith up to $85.5 million with $66.5 million guaranteed.

Smith spent 2020 to '24 with the Seattle Seahawks, who traded Smith to Las Vegas on March 13. With the Seahawks, the West Virginia product completely rejuvenated his NFL career.

He threw 30 touchdowns against 11 interceptions in 2022—a year in which he was named the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year. He followed that up with a 20-touchdown, nine-interception performance in 2023 that garnered him another Pro Bowl nod.

Smith's traditional numbers weren't overwhelming in 2024, but he remains a reliable option at his position—and the Raiders seem to agree.

Real Madrid and Chelsea legend Arjen Robben has embarked on a surprising new professional career in padel, four years after retiring from football. The 41-year-old, who boasts 12 league titles and a Champions League trophy, recently earned his first ranking points in the International Padel Federation and is aiming to emulate Zlatan Ibrahimovic's impact in popularising the sport.

• Arjen Robben transitions to professional padel

  Former PSV Eindhoven, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Groningen star Robben has made a professional transition into the sport of padel, four years after his final retirement from football in July 2021. The 41-year-old, known for his illustrious playing career as a winger, is now a ranked professional padel player, as reported by the Daily Mail.

  Robben's decorated football resume includes 12 league titles across four different top flights, a Champions League trophy, and 96 caps for the Netherlands over a 14-year international career. Now, at 41, he is applying his competitive spirit to a new athletic challenge.

  In late August, Robben achieved his first ranking points in the International Padel Federation (FIP) by entering the FIP Bronze Westerbork tournament, part of the CUPRA FIP Tour, in his native Netherlands. Alongside his partner Werner Lootsma, Robben secured his first-ever victory on the tour, overcoming six match points in a qualifier to defeat Ralph Boekema and former footballer Mark Weldmate with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 7-6.

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  Early results and high-profile recognition in padel

  While Robben's debut victory was a significant milestone, his journey in professional padel is still in its early stages. Following their win, Robben and Lootsma were outclassed in their last-32 clash, suffering a heavy 6-1, 6-0 defeat against world No 155 Sten Richters and world No 144 Thijs Roper.

  Despite the loss, the event garnered significant attention, with hundreds of fans turning out to watch Robben play. Richters and Roper paid tribute to the former footballer post-match, commenting: "He's the best former professional footballer we know who plays padel."

  Robben, ever gracious in defeat, maintained a humble perspective on his initial foray into the professional circuit. He stated: "I don't think I can take myself too seriously. I started with low expectations. But I tried to fight on the court, and score as many points as possible."

• Emulating Zlatan Ibrahimovic's impact in the Netherlands

  Robben's passion for padel dates back to his time playing for Bayern Munich, where he regularly engaged with the sport. He revealed: "I used to play three times a week when I was in Germany." This long-standing interest has now evolved into a professional pursuit, with clear ambitions beyond personal enjoyment.

  Robben has explicitly expressed his desire to emulate the impact of other former footballers who have embraced padel, specifically pointing to Zlatan Ibrahimovic's influence in Sweden. "Zlatan Ibrahimovic made padel an important sport in Sweden, and I think I can do the same in the Netherlands," Robben stated, indicating his aspiration to popularise the sport in his homeland.

  In 2023, Robben even teamed up with former Netherlands strike partner Robin van Persie in the Pro-Am of the World Padel Tour Amsterdam Open. The iconic duo showcased their competitive spirit, winning the "Legends Game" at the event. Van Persie remarked afterwards: "What an incredible experience to play at the Amsterdam Open once again! An intense match in excellent company."

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• Current world ranking and future prospects

  Robben currently holds a world ranking of 1,980 with three ranking points in the International Padel Federation. While this places him a considerable distance from the top-ranked players – Argentine Agustine Tapia and Spaniard Arturo Coello, who are joint world No 1 with 20,200 points apiece – Robben's entry into the professional ranks is notable for a recently retired footballer.

  His current ranking places him significantly behind players like Argentine Franco Stupaczuk, who is fifth in the standings with 8,835 points. The gap between Robben and the elite of padel is substantial, but his renowned determination and competitive drive suggest he may look to climb the rankings in the coming years.

  Robben's transition into padel adds another dimension to his post-football career, which also includes some involvement in coaching. His dedication to learning and competing in a new sport, even at 41, highlights his enduring athletic spirit.

A Premier League star is now more inclined to join Chelsea over Man Utd after a U-turn behind-the-scenes, with both clubs reaching out for talks recently.

Chelsea kickstart transfer plans amid Champions League qualification

Levi Colwill’s second-half tap-in against Nottingham Forest on Sunday arguably came as Chelsea’s most important goal of the 2024/2025 campaign, with Enzo Maresca’s side confirming their place in the Champions League next season as a result.

£172k-per-week striker is waiting for Chelsea to contact him about joining

Chelsea are set for a big summer after qualifying for the Champions League.

2

By
Emilio Galantini

May 26, 2025

This will have a profoundly positive effect when it comes to Chelsea’s recruitment drive over the summer window, as the west Londoners are set for a considerable financial windfall and gifted far more pull in the market, given they will be competing in European football’s most prestigious competition.

Finishing in the top five could truly prove to be season-defining for 2025/2026, with Chelsea setting their sights on a proven goalscorer as one of their many transfer priorities before the next campaign kicks off.

It is believed that Chelsea could even bring in two strikers this summer, which is made all the more possible by their Champions League place, and journalist Simon Phillips reports that the Blues want to register one of them before the Club World Cup next month.

That man could well be Ipswich Town star Liam Delap, following his excellent 12-goal season in an otherwise dismal side, according to various reports.

Fabrizio Romano backs up whispers that Chelsea have held talks with Delap’s camp, and other media sources claim that the Englishman is set to make a decision on his next destination “this week” (Simon Phillips).

Liam Delap inclined to join Chelsea over Man Utd

This is echoed by talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook, who told the broadcaster that Delap is actually more inclined to join Chelsea over Man United, after the former qualified for Champions League football next season.

While the 22-year-old’s spoken to United, Newcastle and Everton as well as Chelsea, it appears the latter are in pole position as things stand.

“My understanding was that he was leaning towards Manchester United because he wanted to go back and live in the north west. He’s a former Manchester City player,” said Crook on air.

“But he does want to play in the Champions League. So I wonder if that may have scuppered United now.

“And the noises I’m hearing this morning are more that maybe he’ll end up at Chelsea.”

Delap’s sky-high potential stretches far beyond just goals, as the ex-City starlet’s power, speed and physicality also make him a real force to be reckoned with. Teammates like Alex Palmer have endorsed Delap’s talent as well, calling him a “monster” up front.

“You look at him and he’s a monster,” said Palmer.

“He’s a young lad that’s got the enthusiasm and energy – and also the talent.”

With the Premier League title now wrapped up, alongside the relegated sides sinking without a trace, the only real point of drama in England’s elite division rests on the race to finish inside the top five positions.

Newcastle United, Chelsea, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa all find themselves closely bunched together in the thrilling division heading into the final games of the season, with Sunday’s early kick-off between the Magpies and Enzo Maresca’s Blues a potential humdinger in terms of who clinches a coveted European spot.

Obviously, Eddie Howe’s men will be hoping Champions League football returns to St James’ Park over any other destination, knowing full well that landing targets such as Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo will be dependent on whether they’re able to make these European dreams a reality.

Newcastle's ongoing Mbeumo pursuit

Adding in Mbeumo would make Newcastle’s already frightening attack even more of a mouth-watering watch, but the Magpies aren’t alone in wanting the Bees’ star-man.

Recent reports suggest that Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are all also keen on snapping up the entertaining forward, with this frenzied interest coming about off the back of Brentford allegedly being ready to listen to offers for their £60m-rated ace.

After all, Howe’s men know all about the 25-year-old’s exceptional firepower, considering he rifled home this stunning effort back in December versus the Toon.

Up to 18 league goals now for the season, he would undoubtedly boost Newcastle’s forward positions which already boast the likes of Alexander Isak.

But, St James’ Park might already be the home of a talent very similar to the in-demand Cameroonian, with many a shout forming now that this enthralling attacker should start in the crunch clash later today versus Chelsea.

Newcastle's own version of Mbeumo

Newcastle fans watching on will pray that their side are at their free-flowing best against the Blues, with only Liverpool and Manchester City scoring more this season in league action than the Magpies’ impressive 66-goal haul.

Isak has chipped in with a sizeable 23 of those strikes, but faces such as Anthony Gordon have also been a joy to watch in this regard, with nine goals and six assists from the ex-Everton man in league action enabling that goal total to steadily increase.

Further, adding Gordon back into the main XI for the tricky challenge of Chelsea could prove to be an inspired alteration when you realise he bagged this sweet strike versus the Blues just last season, away from impressing recently off the substitutes’ bench.

With Jacob Murphy suffering from a crisis in confidence as of late too – with just one weak effort registered against Brighton and Hove Albion last time out – Gordon could even be pushed out to the right flank for the Toon to replace the ex-Norwich City man, with the usually left-sided winger equally capable of making an impact here in what is Mbeumo’s preferred spot on the pitch.

The table above further illuminates their similarities – as noted by FBref – as fast-paced attackers more content with peppering opposition goalkeepers than linking play up, but Gordon does amazingly better his £60m counterpart when taking in many of the numbers, despite Mbeumo being way ahead of the 24-year-old’s goal count.

Therefore, it remains to be seen whether Newcastle will splash the cash on attempting to land Mbeumo after all, knowing they already have their own “nightmare” – as Gordon once confidently labelled himself – attacker in a similar vein to the Bees star.

The former Toffees winger will hope he can live up to his own hype if he is handed a start versus Chelsea, with the Toon needing to be on their A-game from minute one to blow away Maresca’s challengers.

Howe's next version of Joelinton: Newcastle pushing to sign "monster" star

Newcastle are looking to add a robust new presence to their midfield this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 8, 2025

This isn’t the summer for sagas. Manchester United need to get things done quickly this time around, with far too many transfer windows having descended into chaos and deadline day desperation.

Thankfully, for Ruben Amorim’s sake, it would appear that the club are keen to get their business done early, with Premier League duo Liam Delap and Matheus Cunha having been identified as leading early targets.

In the case of Cunha, the Brazilian appears to be edging ever closer to agreeing on a move to Old Trafford, with the 25-year-old having enjoyed a fine campaign after netting 15 times in the league alone.

Formerly of RB Leipzig and Atletico Madrid, among others, the £62.5m star has adapted nicely to English football in recent seasons, with 42 goals and assists to his name in just 80 Premier League appearances for Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Signing a ready-made, proven talent like Cunha could help to buck United’s recent trend of looking abroad – and in the Eredivisie especially – for new signings, with Amorim in desperate need of players who can make an immediate impact from the get-go.

Cunha would then be ideal in that regard, although that’s not to say every summer move has to be with a Premier League focus…

Man Utd's search for a forward

Aside from incomings, there will also be a keen eye on potential outgoings from Old Trafford, with a worst-case scenario likely to be the departure of influential skipper, Bruno Fernandes, amid interest from Saudi Arabia.

According to Football Transfers, if the Portuguese hero does opt to seal a shock move away from the club to join Al-Hilal, among other suitors, the Red Devils have lined up a potential replacement in the form of Athletic Club star, Oihan Sancet.

As per the report, while negotiations haven’t started regarding a move for the 25-year-old, it is claimed that internal talks have been held in Manchester, with Amorim a ‘huge admirer’.

Transfer Focus

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

The in-form Spaniard – who missed both legs of the recent Europa League semi-final meeting due to injury – does still have seven years left to run on his existing deal in Bilbao, ensuring it would not be easy to prise him away from the LaLiga outfit.

Indeed, the report adds that Sancet would cost in the region of €80m (£67m), amid the presence of a release clause in his contract, with it yet to be seen whether INEOS will firm up that interest, should Fernandes depart.

Even if the United captain does stay put, there is an argument that Sancet could represent a worthy alternative to Cunha if required, with the Athletic man just as big of a talent.

How Oihan Sancet compares to Cunha

As noted previously, it has been a fine season for Cunha to date, with the wantaway star netting 15 goals in the top-flight for the Old Gold, alongside a further two goals in the FA Cup.

Sancet, meanwhile, has also matched that tally of 17 goals in all competitions, having scored twice in the Europa League, while also netting 15 goals in Spain’s top-flight from his advanced midfield role.

As noted by analyst Ben Mattinson, he is a “box-crashing” talent in that almost second-striker role, showcasing “striker-like instincts” that could make him perfect for one of Amorim’s two number ten berths.

Something of a Scott McTominay in that regard, perhaps, Sancet has also been described by Mattinson as “one of the most underrated players in Europe” right now, further evidence of just what a talent he is.

As indicated in the table below too, while Cunha provides a greater creative spark, it is Sancet who is the bigger goal threat. Indeed, his 15 goals have come despite making only 18 LaLiga starts this season.

It could be argued that for a side who have now failed to score in 14 Premier League games in 2024/25, United are desperately in need of that type of clinical presence in front of goal, with Sancet’s goal return of one every 100 minutes certainly a reason for encouragement.

What also stands out is that the 6 foot 2 ace is also far less erratic on the ball, as indicated by his pass accuracy rate and possession lost count, with potentially a calm head needed to counterbalance the maverick talents of the likes of Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo.

Of course, it would appear that Sancet will only be considered if Fernandes departs, although there is an argument to be made that he might actually be a dream alternative to Cunha, should that deal hit the skids.

He'd be Bruno's new Rashford: Man Utd lead race for "unplayable" £60m star

Man Utd need to revive Ruben Amorim’s struggling squad this summer…

By
Robbie Walls

May 13, 2025

As concerns over William Saliba’s future continue, Arsenal are now reportedly eyeing a summer move to sign a potential replacement for the Frenchman in a deal worth a hefty £68m.

Arsenal's Saliba concern

After another season without a Premier League title and potentially without a major trophy altogether, Arsenal could face consequences for failure that they’ll be all too familiar with. Real Madrid, meanwhile, could land one of Europe’s best centre-backs.

The Spanish giants have reportedly set their sights on signing Saliba this summer, with likely new manager Xabi Alonso a fan of the central defender.

Arteta must axe £27m Arsenal dud who was worse than Odegaard v Bournemouth

Arsenal dropped yet more points, this time at home as they hosted Andoni Iraola’s Bournemouth.

By
Matt Dawson

May 4, 2025

The Madrid call is rarely one that players turn down and that should send alarm bells ringing around The Emirates. It’s a call that even Liverpool academy graduate Trent Alexander-Arnold is on course to accept and one that Kylian Mbappe accepted last summer. Now, Saliba could be next.

There’s no overstating the damage that the defender’s departure would do to Mikel Arteta’s side who have already struggled defensively when without Gabriel recently. Losing Saliba would be a whole new struggle for their backline as they look to make it a fourth-time lucky in the hunt for Premier League glory next season.

Known for their attacking prowess from set pieces, Arsenal’s struggles to defend such scenarios at the opposite end have gone under the radar this season. After Bournemouth came from behind to seal victory over the Gunners using two set pieces, however, it’s clear that with or without Saliba, Arteta’s side must improve on that front.

So, although losing Saliba would be a major blow, his exit would at least allow new sporting director Andrea Berta to welcome a fresh defender capable of turning that set-piece record around.

Arsenal set sights on £68m Diomande

According to Defensa Central in Spain, Arsenal have now set their sights on signing Ousmane Diomande from Sporting Club this summer as Berta plans for the worst-case Saliba scenario, should he leave for the Bernabeu. Alas, any deal won’t come cheap in the coming months. The Portuguese side have reportedly slapped a price tag worth as much as €80m (£68m) on their centre-back.

Whether the 21-year-old “monster” is at the necessary level to replace Saliba is the big question. When compared, it’s clear that the Sporting man would need plenty of patience if he did step in and replace a player who some may believe is irreplaceable at Arsenal.

However, what does stand out as a positive to take note of is Diomande’s aerial success compared to Saliba’s. Winning 20 more aerial duels in six less games, the Sporting man may have stood a far better chance of preventing Bournemouth’s two set piece goals in a frustrating Arsenal defeat last time out.

Also dubbed a player with “great” pace by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Diomande looks set to be one to watch if Saliba does swap Arsenal for Real Madrid in the coming months.

Crystal Palace are now exploring a bid to sign an “incredible” defender, but there could be stiff competition from their Premier League rivals, according to a report.

Palace set sights on new centre-back

At the end of the campaign, Marc Guehi will have just one year remaining on his contract, which means it will be Palace’s last chance to cash-in on their captain for a large fee, and a number of clubs remain interested in his signature.

Chelsea chiefs are adamant about signing Guehi, while Liverpool and Newcastle United have also been linked with moves for the defender, which means Oliver Glasner may have to bring in a new centre-back this summer.

Last week, the Eagles made their first move to sign Independiente De Avellaneda’s Kevin Lomonaco, making contact over a deal for the 23-year-old defender, who has been likened to former FC Barcelona centre-back Pique.

Crystal Palace now looking to hijack Aston Villa deal for £40m Man Utd ace

Crystal Palace have now joined the race to sign a player who is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer.

By
Brett Worthington

Apr 14, 2025

IF Elfsborg’s Terry Yegbe is also of interest to the south Londoners, and they are believed to be leading the race for the Ghanaian’s signature, despite competition from rivals Brighton & Hove Albion.

Crystal Palace are pursuing some lesser-known centre-backs from across the globe, but there are also signs they could look at bringing in a defender with a plethora of experience at the top level, having now joined the race for Paris Saint-Germain defender Milan Skriniar.

That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Palace are exploring a bid for Skriniar, who is currently on loan at Fenerbahce, where he has caught the eye with some impressive performances this season.

Fenerbahce want to sign the defender permanently, with PSG expected to demand a fee of €20 (£17m), but there could be competition for his signature from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, AFC Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

"Incredible" Skriniar could be coup for Palace

The 30-year-old has previously proven himself at the top level across spells with PSG and Inter Milan, chalking up 37 appearances in the Champions League, and his performances this season indicate he still has a lot left to give.

Since arriving in Turkey back in January, the Slovakian has made nine Süper Lig appearances, showcasing his attacking threat by scoring two goals and providing one assist.

The former Inter man has been one of Fenerbahce’s most consistent performers since his arrival, averaging a 7.05 WhoScored match rating, and his previous exploits in the Serie A indicate he could have what it takes to succeed in the Premier League.

Lauded as “incredible” by former Inter chairman Steven Zhang, Skriniar could be a real statement signing for Palace this summer, and £17m seems like a very reasonable fee for his services.