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Big picture – Can RR get their floundering season back on track?

They lost their first two games, then won two and have now lost two more matches to have just four points after six games. And if they thought it could get any easier, Rajasthan Royals (RR) now travel to the Arun Jaitley Stadium to face second-placed Delhi Capitals (DC), who seem to have most bases covered.RR’s top order has been found wanting and without the depth in their batting, their middle overs have lacked teeth. RR have the second-best powerplay run rate of 9.72 in IPL 2025, behind Punjab Kings, but that drops to 7.86 in the middle overs: the second-worst behind Chennai Super Kings (CSK).That’s where RR will have to buckle up against DC. In Kuldeep Yadav, the hosts have one of the most potent middle-overs bowlers. Kuldeep has bowled 18 overs in this phase and has gone at an economy of just 5.94, picking up nine wickets, the second most only behind Noor Ahmad.On a flat surface, RR desperately need their inconsistent batting to come good. Sanju Samson has scored just fifty so far, Riyan Parag form has been indifferent, Nitish Rana has just had one innings of note, while Shimron Hetmyer’s entry point has stirred some debate. Only Yashasvi Jaiswal with two fifties in his last three games seems to have found some consistency. RR will need the rest of the power-packed batting unit to fire.Jake Fraser-McGurk is yet to click in IPL 2025•Delhi Capitals

For DC, there are fewer issues, but Jake Fraser-McGurk’s form might have them sweating. He’s scored 46 runs in five matches at 9.2 and a strike rate of 100, a far cry from the sensational season he had last year. While the DC management has backed him, time might be running out for the youngster.DC have four wins in five games, but their loss against Mumbai Indians will sting them and they will want to get back to winning ways ASAP. A clash against a beleaguered RR might just be what they are looking for.

Form guide: Can DC make it five out of six?

Delhi Capitals LWWWW
Rajasthan Royals LLWWLRelated

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• 'As it is we are seeing such big sixes' – Mohit Sharma backs bat checks

• Karun Nair takes his long-awaited chance to light up big stage again

• Mohit Sharma: 'I feel it is important to have pressure. It always teaches you something'

Team news and likely XIIs: Is du Plessis fit?

There is still uncertainty over Faf du Plessis’ fitness with the word from the DC camp being that he is recovering. “He’s recovering well although I’m not sure (if he’ll play or not). As far as I know, it’s not a big concern,” Mohit Sharma said about du Plessis’ availability for the RR game. If he is fit, it is likely he will replace Fraser-McGurk at the top of the order, with Karun Nair slotting in at No. 3. If du Plessis is yet to recover, then DC might go with the same XII as the game against MI, with Nair swapping with Mukesh Kumar as the Impact Sub and vice-versa. Du Plessis, however, was not available for practice on the eve of the game.Delhi Capitals (probable): 1 Faf du Plessis/Jake Fraser-McGurk, 2 Abishek Porel, 3 Karun Nair, 4 KL Rahul (wk), 5 Tristan Stubbs, 6 Ashutosh Sharma, 7 Axar Patel (capt), 8 Vipraj Nigam, 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Kuldeep Yadav, 11 Mohit Sharma, 12 Mukesh KumarRR do not have any injury concerns but need to take care of other issues. They could possibly look at having Akash Madhwal come in place of Tushar Deshpande, while Kumar Kartikeya is again expected to come in as the impact player replacing Rana.Rajasthan Royals (probable): 1 Sanju Samson (capt & wk), 2 Yashasvi Jaiswal, 3 Nitish Rana, 4 Riyan Parag, 5 Dhruv Jurel, 6 Shimron Hetmyer, 7 Wanindu Hasaranga, 8 Jofra Archer, 9 Maheesh Theekshana, 10 Tushar Deshpande/Akash Madhwal, 11 Sandeep Sharma, 12 Kumar Kartikeya1:24

Bishop: Hasaranga and Theekshana need to get their lengths right

In the spotlight – Karun Nair and Riyan Parag

After what has been a barely believable domestic season for Karun Nair, he’s made a statement knock in IPL 2025. In his maiden appearance of this season, Nair smashed a 40-ball 89 to nearly take DC home against MI. His takedown of Jasprit Bumrah – 26 runs in nine balls – will remain the highlight of the season. He came in as an Impact Sub against MI, but that is likely to change going forward, especially if Fraser-McGurk’s lukewarm season continues. Incidentally, Nair has had a couple of stints with RR, the most recent one coming in 2022, the last time he played in the IPL and also had one of his best IPL seasons with them back in 2014.There were a lot of expectations from Riyan Parag after the bumper season he had in 2024, but it’s been a season of what-ifs for the batter so far. He’s scored at least 25 or more in five of the six innings so far, yet his highest score remains 43. Parag has looked compact most of the time he’s walked out but has thrown it away more often than not. Considering the placid surface in Delhi, RR will rely a lot on Parag to provide the top-order muscle he is capable of. Another important battle will be between Parag and the DC spinners. He does not have a great record against spinners in the IPL; a strike rate of 118.61, and that will be crucial considering he will come up against Kuldeep and Vipraj Nigam, two of the better spinners in the tournament this year.

The big question

Pitch and conditions

Delhi has recently become a haven for batters with run-scoring at an all-time high. In the last seven games, teams batting first have posted scores in excess of 200 each time and have also won. The surface for the DC-MI game was once again a belter where the home side almost chased down 206. But, there was also some turn on offer and that could bring the likes of Wanindu Hasaranga, Nigam, Kuldeep and Maheesh Theekshana into the game.The temperature is likely to hover around the mid to late 30s on the Celsius scale, but the evenings are expected to be cooler.

Stats and Trivia

• Kuldeep’s economy in IPL 2025 of 5.60 is the best for any bowler with at least ten overs under his belt
• RR have taken the third-fewest wickets so far in the IPL: 29 in six innings
• RR are marginally ahead in the head-to-head count, having won 15 out of 29 matches between the two sides, with DC winning 14
• Mukesh has had the wood over Jaiswal in the IPL. Jaiswal has managed just seven runs in two matches against the pacer and fallen twice
• KL Rahul has a great record against Jofra Archer in the IPL: 89 runs in five innings at a strike rate of 151 without being dismissed even once

Quotes

“I am not someone who… if the game demands that I should tell Sanju [Samson] or anyone that I can do something here or bowl, then I will. But there is no need to overthink. I always try to take whatever comes my way and help the team, be it bowling, batting or fielding. I also want to bowl regularly, because I have bowled before and am a decent bowler. If situation arises, why not, I will talk to Sanju and let’s see what happens.”
.”KD (Kuldeep) is bowling very well not just for DC but in the entire tournament. Despite bowling on small grounds, dew being around, he is not being read that well right now and hopefully he won’t be later also through the tournament. The way Axar has been using him to pick wickets, break partnerships is great.”

Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl says keeping Harry Kane beyond 2027 is “absolutely conceivable" after the striker suggested he is open to discussing a contract extension with the club. Alongside him, Bayern are also working on Dayot Upamecano’s extension to protect the squad’s core amid their perfect start to the new season.

• Kane’s contract becomes Bayern’s priority

  Kane may still have two years left on his Bayern deal, but the Bavarians are eager to avoid uncertainty. The England captain’s contract runs until 2027, with a reported release clause of around €65 million (£55m/$76m) becoming active in 2026. While that clause has fuelled speculation of a Premier League return, particularly with Tottenham holding first refusal, Bayern are determined to tie their star striker down well before then.

  Kane has been nothing short of transformational since joining in 2023. He won the European Golden Shoe in his debut season, became the fastest player to hit 50 Bundesliga goals, and recently helped Bayern reclaim the league title. On Saturday, he netted his 100th Bundesliga goal after 104 matches, breaking a top-flight record shared by Cristiano Ronaldo and Erling Haaland.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Max Eberl praises Kane’s leadership

  Speaking ahead of Bayern’s Champions League trip to Cyprus, sporting director Eberl was asked about Kane’s long-term future. His response left little room for doubt.

  “A collaboration beyond 2027 is absolutely conceivable,” he said. “That’s why we will discuss the next steps with him in a relaxed manner. He’s an absolute leader — it would be awesome to win titles with him, and he said that too. We want to do that with him for a long time to come.”

  Eberl’s words echoed Kane’s own comments earlier in the season when he admitted he was “really happy” in Munich and open to staying beyond 2027. With 18 goal involvements already this campaign, Kane remains the heartbeat of Vincent Kompany’s attack, and Bayern view his future as central to their success.

• Dayot Upamecano’s uncertain future draws suitors

  While Kane’s renewal looks promising, the same cannot yet be said of Upamecano. The French defender’s contract runs until 2026, but talks over an extension have stalled in recent weeks. With Bayern hesitant to match his wage demands, several European giants have started circling.

  Liverpool are reportedly leading the chase, viewing Upamecano as a potential successor to Ibrahima Konate, while Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also monitoring the situation. If no extension is agreed by January 2026, the 26-year-old will be free to negotiate a pre-contract with clubs abroad.

  For Bayern, losing Upamecano on a free transfer would be a bitter blow, especially after seeing Leroy Sane depart in similar fashion. The defender has been a cornerstone under Kompany, featuring in over 200 games since joining from RB Leipzig, and his departure would leave a glaring hole in Bayern’s backline.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Bayern focus on core players to maintain winning momentum

  Eberl has made it clear that securing the futures of Kane and Upamecano will define Bayern’s long-term planning. The club cannot afford to repeat past mistakes of letting top talent walk away without compensation, and both players are seen as essential pillars of Kompany’s project. At the same time, Bayern know they must balance ambition with realism. Kane’s contract talks will likely be straightforward given his public commitment and the club’s desire to build around him. Upamecano’s case, however, may require tougher negotiations, with rival clubs offering lucrative packages. 

A “fantastic” Liverpool player appears to be edging closer to sealing a move away from the club before the summer transfer window slams shut.

Isak and Guehi getting closer to Liverpool

The Reds’ summer got off to such an exciting start, not least because Florian Wirtz joined in a record-breaking move from Bayer Leverkusen, but there has been a feeling that the Premier League champions need to sign both Alexander Isak and Marc Guehi to make it a truly memorable window.

While there is work to do in that respect, it increasingly looks as though the Premier League pair could both be heading to Anfield, with positive progress made.

Firstly, Newcastle United are signing VfB Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade, as well as retaining an interest in Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, meaning a second offer for Isak from Liverpool is more likely to be accepted.

Meanwhile, the Reds have reportedly submitted a £40m offer for Guehi, following his appearance for Crystal Palace in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday evening, with the England international considered an ideal centre-back addition.

"Fantastic" Liverpool ace close to leaving

Now, according to various reports, Kostas Tsimikas is now close to sealing a loan move from Liverpool to Roma, with the transfer seemingly in its final stages and “one step away”. This comes after Gazzetta dello Sport [via Sport Witness] reported that the Greek was pushing for a move away from Anfield this summer.

This feels like a good outcome for all parties for now, prior to a likely permanent exit next summer, with Tsimikas unlikely to play much for Liverpool this season.

Premier League

2025

FA Cup

2022

EFL Cup

2024

EFL Cup

2022

Community Shield

2022

Milos Kerkez’s arrival has pushed him further down the left-back pecking order, so barring injury woes in that position, opportunities will be limited.

Tsimikas has been a good servant for Liverpool, making himself a hero by scoring the winning penalty in the 2022 FA Cup final shootout victory over Chelsea, and being called “fantastic” by journalist Ian Doyle, but he has never quite felt like a genuinely excellent option.

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ByCallum Kemp Aug 28, 2025

That’s not to say he hasn’t performed well at times, keeping the pressure on Andy Robertson, but his time at Anfield should be reaching its natural conclusion.

MatériaMais Notícias

Formado nas categorias de base do Vitória, Ronaldo Mendes chega para reforçar a equipe do Athletic Club, na disputa do Campeonato Brasileiro Série D. O jogador se junta ao elenco do time mineiro por empréstimo até o final desta temporada.

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Atacante de 20 anos, Ronaldo Mendes está na Toca do Leão desde 2018, quando tinha 15 anos. O contrato com o Vitória vai até o final de 2024. Na última temporada, disputou seis partidas do Campeonato Brasileiro de Aspirantes pelo Leão da Barra e marcou um gol.

– Estou muito feliz em poder vestir esta camisa, um clube que vem mostrando o seu valor no cenário do futebol mineiro e nacional. Espero poder ajudar meus companheiros dentro de campo para alcançarmos nossos objetivos dentro da competição – disse o atacante.

Athletic está na quinta posição do grupo 6, com duas vitórias somadas até então. No grupo time mineiro está ao lado de Democrata GV, Portuguesa-RJ, Real Noroeste-ES, Resende, Santo André, Vitória-ES e Nova Iguaçu.

– A Série D é uma competição muito difícil, com partidas muito disputadas em todas as rodadas. É a primeira vez do clube e minha também disputando a competição, estamos trabalhando para alcançar o objetivo para o clube, com o melhor desempenho possível, visando ótima colocação, e consequentemente, assim chegar no objetivo principal que é o acesso – finalizou Ronaldo.

Chelsea have now made contact with the agents of an “amazing” Premier League star, who is open to a move to Stamford Bridge this summer, journalist Simon Phillips has revealed.

Maresca looking to bolster his backline

Enzo Maresca is proud of the strides his side have taken since last summer, having recently been crowned Club World Cup champions, with the manager saying: “For me, the biggest achievement this season is that exactly one year ago, no one was talking about Chelsea for football (reasons), but talking about the big squad, big money.

“Now, no one is talking about this, but they are talking about the way we play, and the way we win games. This is personally the biggest achievement of this season.”

The Blues silenced a lot of critics with their shock 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain, but their squad arguably still needs to be trimmed down, with Nicolas Jackson now unhappy about potentially being behind Liam Delap and Joao Pedro in the pecking order.

More exciting than Rogers: Chelsea in talks to sign "exceptional" £52m ace

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Kelan Sarson

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At the opposite end of the pitch, however, Maresca may still need some new recruits, given that Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah or Benoit Badiashile could be used as part of a swap deal for Aston Villa attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers.

As such, according to Phillips, Chelsea have now made fresh contact with the agents of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who is expected to cost around £40m, as he has now entered the final year of his contract and doesn’t plan to renew.

The journalist also added: “Guehi has a lot of interest and not just from Chelsea, and he is expected to depart his club this summer.

“Guehi is believed to be open to making a move back to Chelsea this summer but is also aware of other interest from big clubs in the Premier League.”

Guehi could be "amazing" signing for Chelsea

It could be difficult for the Palace defender to immediately force his way into Maresca’s starting XI, given that the Blues’ backline impressed considerably at the Club World Cup, keeping four clean sheets, including one against PSG in the final.

However, having proven himself in the Premier League over a number of years, the 25-year-old clearly has the talent to be a success at Stamford Bridge, with international teammate Harry Maguire even dubbing him as “amazing”.

The England international made 44 appearances in all competitions last season, displaying his leadership abilities by captaining the Eagles, while also impressing manager Oliver Glasner.

Guehi could be a fantastic signing at just £40m, and Chelsea should have the funds to make a deal, considering their recent Club World Cup triumph.

Liam Dawson has become the first domestic cricketer since 2018 to land the coveted PCA Men’s Player of the Year award, after a stellar allround season for Hampshire in which he claimed 71 wickets across all formats and scored 1,280 runs, to top the Overall MVP table by a considerable distance.Dawson succeeds last year’s winner, Harry Brook, with Jonny Bairstow (2022), Joe Root (2021), Chris Woakes (2020) and Ben Stokes (2019) also all securing the honour on the strength of their performances for England. Joe Denly was the last county player to land the award, after starring across formats for Kent in 2018.The Player of the Year award, sponsored by cinch, was one of four that Dawson scooped during the PCA’s gala dinner in London on Tuesday, as he also won the PCA Men’s Domestic Overall MVP and the Vitality County Championship Player of the Year, in addition to being named as captain in the IG PCA Men’s Team of the Year.Dawson, who topped a shortlist that included Root, Gus Atkinson and Colin Ingram, said: “It’s a huge honour, the other nominees are all brilliant players and I didn’t expect this, so to win the award is a very proud moment. It’s a real highlight of my career. I had a strong season last year but to have an even better season this year, really tops it off.”It feels great knowing that the award is voted for by fellow players that you play against week in, week out, so when I finish my career I will look back very fondly on this achievement because it’s something I never thought would happen.”Kathryn Bryce was named PCA Women’s Player of the Year•Getty Images

Scotland’s Kathryn Bryce, who is currently in the UAE preparing for the Women’s T20 World Cup, was named as the women’s Player of the Year after leading The Blaze to the Charlotte Edwards Cup earlier this summer. She also made it a quadruple of awards, claiming the PCA Women’s Domestic Overall MVP and Charlotte Edwards Cup Player of the Year, while captaining the Metro Bank PCA Women’s Team of the Year.”It’s been a brilliant year, starting with qualifying for the World Cup and then winning the Charlotte Edwards Cup with The Blaze that was a really fantastic part of the season,” Bryce said, after finishing as the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 478 runs, and becoming the first non-English winner of the top award.”This is a year I will remember for a long time and I want to say a huge thank you to the PCA and cinch as well as everyone who voted for me. I want to keep playing as much cricket as I can in different places around the world, if I can play half as well as this for the years to come, hopefully I’ll have a good career.”Jamie Smith, England’s wicketkeeper, was named as the PCA Men’s Young Player of the Year while the women’s award went to Ryana MacDonald-Gay, the 20-year-old South East Stars all-rounder who made her England debut against Ireland last month.Smith, 24, made an instant impression across formats after making his Test debut against West Indies at Lord’s in June, and also scored 677 runs in Surrey’s latest County Championship triumph.”It’s been a special summer,” Smith said. “There’s been a lot of achievements to look back on, with Surrey winning three Championships in a row and to play in the Test team and then ending the summer playing against Australia was a great experience.Jamie Smith receives the PCA Men’s Young Player of the Year award•PCA

“The England dressing-room is a great environment to be involved in, I play my best cricket when I’ve got a smile on my face and can go out and be confident and aggressive.”MacDonald-Gay, meanwhile, said she was “ecstatic” about her award, coming so soon after her England breakthrough.”Nailing down my skills and performing on the pitch is where my game has grown,” she said. “I’m showing more consistency which is hard when the game has become so much more attacking from the batter’s perspective.”The PCA Outstanding Contribution Award was presented to the former England and Glamorgan batter and coach, Matthew Maynard, for his work with the Tom Maynard Trust, named in memory of his son who died in 2012, while James Anderson was handed the Special Merit award, following his international retirement earlier this year.Neil Bainton and Anna Harris were named as the PCA’s Umpires of the Year, as voted for by the players, while the Rado Recognition award was given to England players Brook and Lauren Bell.PCA Interim Chief Executive, Daryl Mitchell, said: “It has been another incredible year across men’s and women’s international and domestic cricket. It is always a privilege to celebrate all our winners at the most prestigious awards ceremony in cricket.”I want to say a huge congratulations to our four main winners at this year’s cinch PCA Awards, all of them have been incredible and deserve their accolades.”As always, I would like to thank cinch for making the PCA Awards possible and for their support of our game.”

Birmingham City’s summer transfer activity looks as if it’s finally going to whir into hectic motion.

The runaway League One title winners have dominated so much of the EFL conversation this off-season regarding an ever-extending list of high-profile names being linked to St. Andrew’s, yet Phil Neumann is their only addition to date.

This will change very shortly, however, with Demarai Gray set to rejoin his hometown club imminently, as per an exclusive report by GIVEMESPORT.

Gray’s wealth of Premier League experience means this will be seen as a statement deal when it’s officially announced, but Chris Davies and Co. might not be done there when adding in midfield talents used to the luxuries of the top-flight, as another deal allegedly nears completion.

Birmingham close in on midfield signing

As per a report by Football League World, Birmingham could soon make it a duo of standout additions with Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Tommy Doyle joining the building.

The report states that both Sunderland and Wrexham were in the mix to land the former Manchester City man, but Birmingham have beaten all the competition to land the 23-year-old’s services initially on loan, with the proposed move on the table also giving the Blues an option to buy.

This potential future permanent deal could well mean Birmingham are about to land their next Jay Stansfield, with the Blues’ promotion hero once just a loanee himself at St. Andrew’s, before joining for good at around the £15m mark.

Moreover, much like the ex-Fulham attacker, Doyle has been viewed as a promising young talent for some time now, with Birmingham perhaps the best possible next location that can get even more out of him, having previously starred in the EFL’s top division before.

Why Doyle can be Birmingham's next Stansfield

After all, both Doyle and Stansfield have had to exercise plenty of patience across their unwinding careers to date, with the pair having to grow used to multiple different loan spells when on the books of Premier League sides.

Before the 22-year-old had the luxury of calling St Andrew’s his fixed address, he had to cut his teeth out on loan with League One outfit Exeter City, with Doyle also chucked out on loan to Hamburg, Cardiff City, and Sheffield United in quickfire fashion as a City youngster before settling at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Doyle’s loan numbers at Sheffield United (22/23)
Stat – per 90 minutes*	Doyle
Games played	33
Goals scored	3
Assists	4
Touches*	43.3
Accurate passes*	24.5 (78%)
Big chances created	6
Stats by Sofascore

The season before Stansfield would begin to endear himself to the Birmingham masses with 12 goals in the Championship, Doyle was already beginning to strut his stuff in the EFL’s top league with the Blades, as can be seen glancing at the table above.

Indeed, whilst he has gone on to tally up 51 Premier League appearances since this glowing stint in South Yorkshire, the Manchester-born midfielder’s encouraging numbers from this spell will have surely grabbed the attention of Davies’ men even more as they embark on a Championship adventure, with Doyle’s three goals and four assists from the centre of the park helping United progress to the elite league that same campaign.

Before falling down the pecking order at Molineux, too, ex-Old Gold boss Gary O’Neil would also go out of his way to wax lyrical about the 5-foot-8 star, with the now-unemployed manager once labelling him as “unbelievable”.

Unfortunately, Doyle does now find himself at a crossroads, with the 23-year-old clearly capable at a top-flight level.

Stansfield must have felt he was in the same boat when returning to Fulham after his sparkling loan spell at St. Andrew’s.

Yet, with 24 goals under his belt on the way to promotion being sealed, it was very much the right decision for him to move back for good. Doyle will just pray he’s seen in the same eventual glowing light if his expected switch is completed.

After Kyogo: Birmingham want to sign new ST who's better than Stansfield

Birmingham are interested in signing a forward who would be even better than Jay Stansfield.

1

By
Dan Emery

Jun 26, 2025

Newcastle United are starting to click into gear in the summer transfer market, launching a triple bid for some top targets: Joao Pedro, Anthony Elanga and goalkeeper James Trafford.

Frustratingly, all three offers have been rejected. The Telegraph have actually reported that the total package, put aside to reel in the targets, came in at £125m. What comes next is uncertain, but all three players are interested in making the move to St. James’ Park.

In particular, the Magpies could do with some more strength across the frontline. Eddie Howe worked wonders in guiding United back into the Champions League and picking up a Carabao Cup title last season, but Newcastle cannot afford to suffer another frustrating summer transfer window.

While efforts in the aforementioned will be redoubled, Newcastle have also covered their six, earmarking one of the Premier League’s most prominent forwards as a backup.

Newcastle chasing Premier League star

According to Caught Offside, Newcastle continue to monitor Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, with sources even claiming the Toon are putting serious consideration into making a concrete move.

Transfer Focus

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

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Valued at £40m, the England international returned from a promising loan spell with Aston Villa last month but is not expected to remain at Old Trafford after falling out with Ruben Amorim.

Rashford’s preference is to sign for Barcelona, but with the La Liga champions prioritising the signing of Nico Williams, Newcastle are primed to complete their swoop.

Howe would like a loan move, so it remains to be seen how this one will pan out.

What Marcus Rashford would bring to Newcastle

Rashford is one of the most talented footballers to have emerged from the English production line in modern times, though he’s fallen by the wayside over the past couple of years and could do with a career change away from Man United.

The 27-year-old hasn’t reached the last-chance saloon yet, but he’s riding through his ostensible best years and won’t want to see them go to waste.

At his rip-roaring best, the wide forward – who can also play centrally – is a robust and dangerous player indeed, with his proven ability to score significant hauls across any given campaign even suggesting he could be a better signing than the likes of Pedro and Elanga.

Marcus Rashford – Prem Stats by Season (last 6 years)

Season

Apps

Goals

Assists

24/25

25

6

4

23/24

33

7

3

22/23

35

17

6

21/22

25

4

2

20/21

37

11

13

19/20

31

17

9

Stats via Transfermarkt

There’s definitely an ebb and flow to Rashford’s top-flight career, but who can dispute the forward’s prowess when he’s on his A-game? Indeed, only two years ago, journalist Mazola Molefe declared him a “goal machine” for the Red Devils.

Pedro, who is 23, hasn’t yet demonstrated quite the same clinical aptitude. Indeed, the versatile forward has fired home 30 goals from 70 matches for Brighton, also laying on ten assists, but 16 of his strikes have come from the penalty spot, and with Alexander Isak assigned the spot-kick role for Howe’s outfit, there’s no guarantee that the Brazilian will hit the ground running.

As far as Elanga’s concerned, a deal for either Pedro or Rashford wouldn’t directly affect him, for the Sweden international plies his trade on the right flank, and thus would contest Jacob Murphy for a starting berth.

The Nottingham Forest star has been fantastic since leaving Man United, notching six goals and 12 assists for a high-flying team last year.

But even still, Rashford’s arrival would signify something more exciting than either deal, for if Howe can manage to get a tune from the fallen superstar, he would have a most invaluable attacking asset indeed as the club step back into Europe’s elite sphere.

Ultimately, Newcastle’s above-mentioned transfer offers suggest that Rashford is not at the top of the shopping list right now. Perhaps that’s because a loan move is indeed preferred for the £300k-per-week winger.

However, if Newcastle do end up signing him, Howe’s tactical grasp might just see Rashford return to his finest form and spearhead the next chapter in his thrilling Tyneside journey.

Related Better than Elanga: Newcastle exploring move for "unstoppable" £43m winger

Newcastle are looking for a new right-winger this summer

Posts 1 ByJoe Nuttall Jun 26, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers have money to play with this summer and could now turn their attention to an exciting winger to add flair acrosss their forward line, according to reports.

Wolverhampton Wanderers kickstart summer transfer window

Matheus Cunha’s departure to Manchester United may have left a sour taste in the mouth for supporters of the Old Gold, but there was always an element of inevitability regarding his eventual fate.

Nonetheless, the picture appears to be bright in the West Midlands under Vitor Pereira, who will be given time and financial backing to shape his squad over the coming months.

Evaluating the immediate priority at Molineux, adding one or two quality attacking options in the face of Cunha no longer being in the building will become a popular topic among fans and pundits alike.

Millwall forward Mihailo Ivanovic has been targeted by the Old Gold to help provide some added prowess in the final third, and Alex Neil’s ringing endorsement that the 20-year-old is one of Europe’s top ten talents will likely create plenty of intrigue.

Further back, Nelson Semedo is mulling over a new deal at Wolves as his contract nears expiration, illustrating the importance of bringing a right-sided defender to the club should the Portugal international move on to tackle a fresh challenge.

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Sunderland’s Trai Hume may be the man the Old Gold are looking for to strike an adequate balance. Meanwhile, Rayan Ait-Nouri’s impending transfer to Manchester City leaves food for thought at left-back.

Transition may not be a bad thing for Wolves in light of big-money departures. Either way, they are now reportedly plotting a swoop for an exciting young winger.

Wolverhampton Wanderers plotting swoop for Roger Fernandes

According to Molineux News in conversation with Graeme Bailey, Wolves are keeping tabs on Braga winger Roger Fernandes and he expects the Old Gold to ‘explore’ the Primeira Liga for additions during the window.

Reports earlier this year claimed Manchester United, Manchester City, Brighton, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are also keen on Fernandes amid his rise to prominence in Portugal, which has led to a £25m price tag.

Referencing the situation, Bailey said: “I think the Portuguese league will be somewhere that they explore; it wouldn’t surprise me if they do look towards that league again. I’ve heard Roger Fernandes’ name linked to Wolves in recent weeks as well, wouldn’t surprise me if he was on the agenda.”

Roger Fernandes at Braga in 2024/25 – why are Wolves taking an interest? (FBRef)

Shot creating actions (Primeira Liga)

78

Shot creating actions (Europa League)

19

Progressive carries per 90 mins (Primeira Liga)

4.71

Progressive passes received per 90 mins (Primeira Liga)

9.94

Goal-creating actions (combining both competitions)

9

Likened to former Manchester United star Antonio Valencia by Foot The Ball, Fernandes has registered five goals and seven assists in 48 appearances for Braga this term and is capable of featuring on either flank.

Completing an average of 1.4 dribbles per league match, the Portugal youth international could go some way to filling the creative void left by Cunha, even if he is only one part of the solution.

Chelsea has been the home to countless attacking stars over the years, but not many have managed to match the levels produced by Ivorian striker Didier Drogba.

The forward joined the Blues back in the summer of 2004 from Ligue 1 outfit Marseille, with José Mourinho working tirelessly to complete a deal to take him to Stamford Bridge.

Such a deal would prove to be a masterstroke, with the now 47-year-old starring over two separate spells in West London, claiming a total of 12 major trophies with the Blues.

Drogba notched a total of 164 goals during his time at the club, arguably scoring the most important goal in their history during the Champions League final back in 2012.

However, in the present day, Enzo Maresca doesn’t have the focal point he desires to have his own version of the talisman, leading to huge rumours over a deal for a new number nine this summer.

The latest on Chelsea’s pursuit of a new striker this summer

Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap has been hugely touted with a move to join Chelsea this summer, with the 22-year-old starring in the Premier League throughout 2024/25.

He’s managed to notch a total of 12 goals in 31 appearances for the Tractor Boys, leading to links to move to Stamford Bridge given his £30m release clause.

However, it appears as though Maresca’s side have been handed a boost in their pursuit for his signature, with Delap not interested in a move to Manchester United after their own willingness to land him.

Players such as Jonathan David and Victor Osimhen have also been thrown into the mix lately, but Borussia Dortmund talisman Serhou Guirassy is the latest player to emerge as a target.

According to journalist Maurizio Russo, the Blues are currently leading the race for the 29-year-old, who has managed to net 28 goals in his 40 appearances across all competitions this term.

Chelsea’s best striker since Drogba

Over the years, Chelsea have spent big to try and fill the centre-forward role, but so far to no avail, given their huge hunt for a new number nine.

The likes of Romelu Lukaku, Álvaro Morata and Christopher Nkunku have all tried to cement their place at the top end of the pitch, but none of them have successfully managed to do so.

The hierarchy have splashed over £200m on the aforementioned trio alone, highlighting the need to land the right star to end their hunt over the next few months.

Guinean forward Guirassy could manage to do just that should he complete a switch to the Bridge this summer, but he won’t come cheap, currently having a £70m release clause in his contract.

However, when comparing him to the current options at the manager’s disposal, he’s massively outperformed them both – showcasing what a sensational signing he could be in their quest for Premier League glory.

Guirassy, who’s been labelled “sensational” by one analyst, has outscored Nicolas Jackson and Nkunku in 2024/25, whilst also registering a higher goal-per-shot-on-target rate – demonstrating his clinical nature in the final third.

Games played

25

26

27

Goals scored

15

9

3

Goals per shot-on-target

0.5

0.2

0.2

Shots taken

3.4

3.3

2.4

Fouls won

2

1.2

1.1

Aerials won

3.9

0.8

1.5

Aerial success rate

54%

34%

42%

He’s also won more fouls per 90, whilst also registering more shots per game – offering an all-round presence that the Blues have greatly missed in recent months.

However, the 29-year-old has dominated aerially, winning more of the duels he’s entered in the air, finally allowing Maresca to have that target man that he’s craved since joining last summer.

Whilst £70m may appear to be a mammoth sum of money for a player entering the back end of his career, the Dortmund attacker has the star quality to make an immediate impact in West London.

With the majority of the side being full of youngsters, the balance between them and Guirassy could be a successful one, massively aiding the club in their title ambitions throughout 2025/26.

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