Everton manager David Moyes has been able to count on several excellent midfielders throughout his spells managing the Toffees, Manchester United and West Ham United.

During his first spell on Merseyside, the Scot had players such as Tim Cahill, Marouane Fellaini, Steven Pienaar, and, of course, Mikel Arteta, to call upon as the club regularly finished in the top eight of the Premier League table and qualified for Europe.

While he wasn’t at Old Trafford for long, Moyes could count on Michael Carrick, Tom Cleverley and Shinji Kagawa.

It was at West Ham, however, that the 62-year-old would work with arguably one of the finest midfielders of his managerial career.

Declan Rice may have made his debut for West Ham under the leadership of Slaven Bilic, but it was Moyes who nurtured the Englishman and turned him from someone with bags of potential into a world-class superstar.

Why Declan Rice was so good under David Moyes

Rice really came of age during the 2017/18 season, making a total of 23 appearances in all competitions for the Irons.

He made his FA Cup debut under Moyes in January 2018 and was a regular under him until the Scot departed at the end of that season.

The former Man United boss returned to the London Stadium in December 2019, and by that time, Rice was firmly established as one of the finest players in the squad.

Indeed, the midfielder even made his England debut in March 2019 under Gareth Southgate.

Rice led West Ham to an impressive sixth-place finish in the 2020/21 Premier League season, which saw the club secure qualification for the Europa League.

The Englishman starlet made ten appearances in Europe as the Irons reached the semi-finals before being knocked out by Eintracht Frankfurt. The following campaign, however, saw Rice become the first West Ham captain since Bobby Moore in 1965 to lift European silverware.

He missed all but two games of that season as they won the Conference League against Fiorentina, scoring once and providing an assist along the way.

Throughout that Euro campaign, Rice succeeded with 91% of his passes, won over 70% of his ground duels per game, lost possession just 5.5 times per match and averaged 1.7 tackles each game, proving that he was the cornerstone for Moyes’ side in Europe.

It was a fitting way for the player to end his time at West Ham, as in the summer of 2023, he made the move to Arsenal for a fee in the region of £100m.

His development under Moyes was incredible, and he surely has a lot to thank his old boss for. That’s for sure.

The Scot would love to have another midfielder who exudes all of Rice’s qualities ahead of the coming season, especially as he targets a top-half Premier League finish for the club.

Could Everton be targeting a former Premier League star in the transfer market? One who seemingly wants to make the move to Merseyside this summer?

Everton could sign Moyes' new Rice

Thierno Barry has made the move to the northwest, while Moyes is keen on securing a stunning deal to sign Malick Fofana from Lyon.

Elsewhere, Adam Aznou is closing in on a move to Everton from Bayern Munich, and this will give Moyes options on the left side of the defence.

Now, it looks as though he is ready to make moves in order to bolster his midfield. Former Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz is one name who has been linked of late, but a recent update suggests the Toffees might just be frontrunners for his signature.

According to Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Luiz is now pushing for a move to Everton, despite Nottingham Forest and West Ham still in the running for the player.

This is one transfer that Moyes should be looking to wrap up as soon as possible. Not only does Luiz have the perfect attributes to succeed under his system, but his vast Premier League experience means he won’t need time to settle.

Furthermore, and perhaps more importantly, Luiz could turn out to be Moyes’ next Rice…

Why Everton must sign Douglas Luiz

During Luiz’s final season with Aston Villa in 2023/24, Rice was the seventh-most comparable player to the Brazilian in the Premier League, via FBref.

Indeed, the pair even registered similar statistics when it came to a range of metrics, including goals and assists (14 vs 15), shots per 90 (1.32 vs 1.62), pass success rate (85.7% vs 89.7%), shot-creating actions per 90 (3.52 vs 2.79) and tackles won (38 vs 51) in the top flight that campaign.

According to WhoScored, both Luiz and Rice count key passing and taking set pieces as main strengths, while the duo are also able to provide a major goal threat in the final third, as well as offer excellent defensive support.

Luiz went from raw talent to a genuine “world-class” player – according to John McGinn – and this secured him his big move to Juventus last summer.

Unfortunately, it didn’t quite work out for the former Manchester City midfielder in Turin, where he made just 27 appearances in all competitions after signing for £42m, with only ten of those coming in the starting XI.

Despite this, he still managed to create three big chances in Serie A, while also averaging 0.8 key passes per game, all while averaging 27 minutes per game for the Old Lady.

It is evident that he needs a fresh start to kickstart his career, and Moyes could certainly provide him with the ideal platform to shine.

Given the comparisons between him and Rice, the Scot would definitely bring out the best in the former Villa star, that’s for sure.

With less than three weeks to their first league fixture of the season, the manager will be keen on wrapping up this deal sooner rather than later. If so, Luiz can become Moyes’ new Rice.

Better than Ndiaye: Everton in talks to sign "magnificent" £43m star

As Everton search for reinforcements this summer, the Toffees are in talks to sign a “magnificent prospect”.

By
Ben Gray

Jul 27, 2025

Chelsea are now expected to make an official offer for an “elite” player imminently, and they believe a €50m (£43m) bid will be enough to get a deal over the line, according to a report.

Blues set sights on new defender after Colwill blow

After winning the Club World Cup, things were looking up for the Blues heading into the new Premier League campaign, but they have now been dealt a major blow just one week before their opening match against Crystal Palace.

Indeed, it has been revealed that Levi Colwill is set to spend the vast majority of the 2025-25 campaign on the sidelines as a result of an ACL injury.

The news will be particularly tough to take for Colwill, considering he has now established himself as a first-team regular for Enzo Maresca’s side, starting five games en-route to Club World Cup glory.

However, it is clear the Blues are now eager to bring in a replacement for the 22-year-old, and they are looking to move swiftly, with a report from Spain revealing they are expected to make an offer for Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo imminently.

Chelsea believe that a €50m (£43m) bid would be enough to tempt the La Liga champions into a sale, and an official proposal is now in the works, but there could be competition from some rival Premier League clubs.

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Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Manchester United are also named as potential suitors, with Spurs viewing Araujo as a key target, given that they value his leadership qualities and versatility.

"Elite" Araujo could be ideal Colwill replacement

Losing Colwill one week before the Premier League season is set to begin is far from ideal, but it is a good sign that Chelsea are being proactive in the transfer market to find a replacement, and the Barcelona defender could be ideal.

Lauded as “elite” by journalist Raj Chohan, the Uruguayan has proven himself at the top level over a sustained period, making 175 appearances for Barcelona, and the centre-back has continued to impress over the past year.

The Uruguay international ranks in the top 2% for aerials won per 90 over the past year, when compared to other centre-backs, and his passing ability could make him the perfect fit in a Maresca system.

Statistic

Average per 90

Passes attempted

77.74% (93rd percentile)

Pass completion %

91.8% (88th percentile)

The only concern over the signing of the 26-year-old will be the fact he has struggled injury-wise over the past few campaigns, missing large parts of the 2024-25 campaign.

Season

Games missed due to injury

2022-23

23

2023-24

8

2024-25

31

That said, Araujo is a proven centre-back at the top level, so it could be a risk worth taking for Chelsea, who urgently need to sign a centre-back.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has made a serious statement during his debut summer window at the club, having already spent well north of £200 million on a host of key additions.

Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera and star new number nine, Viktor Gyokeres, have arrived to rejuvenate Mikel Arteta’s squad ahead of another Premier League title challenge.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£208m

According to reports, Arsenal have maintained their long-standing interest in Eberechi Eze too, which has been ongoing for well over a month now.

The Gunners are prioritising the creative midfielder as they seek to bolster their attacking options – but Berta wants to balance the books first (Fabrizio Romano), with the likes of Reiss Nelson, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Fabio Vieira, Jakub Kiwior, Albert Sambi Lokonga and Leandro Trossard all tipped for potential exits recently.

Major discrepancies revolve around Eze’s £68 million release clause, with some credible reports claiming that this buy-out expired over a week ago on Friday at 11:59pm, whilst others believe that the clause doesn’t run out until August 15. However, there was never a plan from Arsenal to trigger it anyway.

talkSPORT reported last week that Arsenal wish to strike a deal for the England international at around £55 million after Eze’s direct talks with both Arteta and Berta.

This situation is definitely one to keep an eye on from now until the transfer deadline on September 1, but Palace chairman Steve Parish has displayed in past windows that he’s not afraid to dig his heels in when it comes to selling key assets.

In January, the Eagles snubbed an ambitious £70 million bid from Tottenham for star defender Marc Guehi, despite the centre-back’s contract expiring in 2026, so Palace are unlikely to be bullied around in negotiations over Eze either.

A deal may end up not being feasible for Arsenal after a summer of lavish spending, but Berta is known for working on many different transfer targets at once, so it’s not surprising to see them linked with a move for wantaway Atalanta star Ademola Lookman.

Arsenal plot £44m bid for Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman

The Nigerian wants out of Atalanta, and has admitted to handing in a formal transfer request in his bid to wave goodbye to the Gewiss Stadium.

Lookman was occasionally deployed in the number 10 role last season, making the rest of his appearances as a left-winger, centre-forward and striker, so he could tick many boxes for Arteta, who demands versatility from his players.

Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera (page 6) report that Arsenal could make a £44 million bid for Lookman and hijack Inter Milan’s long-winded talks for the 27-year-old, coming after the Nerazzurri’s most recent £39m offer was turned down.

The former Everton, Fulham and Leicester star is perhaps best known for one of the most scintillating performances ever witnessed in a cup final.

Lookman’s 2024 Europa League hat-trick both won the trophy for Atalanta and ended Bayer Leverkusen’s unprecedented, season-long unbeaten run – with the African standing out as a star player in Bergamo ever since then.

His 20 goals and seven assists last term, with five of those strikes coming in the Champions League, are testament to his obvious quality and Arsenal would have a serious player on their hands.

Tottenham's Europa League-winning manager Ange Postecoglou has admitted he already knew his fate before lifting silverware in May. Despite guiding Spurs to their first major trophy in 17 years, the Australian revealed he was aware of his sacking long before the celebrations and chose to stay silent so as not to overshadow the club's parade.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Three months after being dismissed by Tottenham, Postecoglou has returned to top-flight management with Nottingham Forest, replacing Nuno Espirito Santo. His Spurs exit came despite beating Manchester United to win the Europa League, as the club slumped to 17th in the Premier League. The 60-year-old admitted the decision was not a surprise to him, saying he had anticipated it even before the final.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWHAT POSTECOGLOU SAID

Speaking to the media, Postecoglou said: "It wasn’t great. I knew it was coming, so it wasn’t a surprise. I knew it was coming a fair way before the final. We won it and had the parade and had a great three days, and I didn’t want to tarnish that, but I knew it was done. From my perspective, I had the chance to process it. Whether I feel it was unjust, other people make those decisions; they make those determinations."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

While Spurs celebrated continental glory, their domestic collapse ultimately forced the board’s hand. For the Australian, though, his two years in north London boosted his reputation, and he has revealed that he does not feel ill towards the Lilywhites.

The former Celtic boss added: "What I do know is I had two years where it was very, very challenging but I worked with some fantastic people in the football department… the supporters we put them through some tough times but there isn’t a Spurs supporter that I don’t come across now that doesn’t want to hug me and take me home for dinner, so I must have done something right."

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AFPWHAT NEXT FOR POSTECOGLOU?

Postecoglou now begins his Nottingham Forest tenure with a tough test against Tottenham's north London rivals, Arsenal, as he inherits a squad in transition. He will have to face off against his former side in December but he will only have the chance to return to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium when Forest face off with Spurs in March in the return fixture.

Co-owner Ryan Reynolds could only watch on as Wrexham lost again, succumbing to their third loss of the season as Queens Park Rangers beat them 3-1 on Saturday. Phil Parkinson was critical of his side despite pointing out a few positives. Indeed, the head coach lamented the team's disorganization in defense and believes the backline can do much better.

• Wrexham's third loss in opening five Championship games

  Wrexham's woeful start to life in the Championship continued with another setback, as Reynolds watched from the stands while QPR secured a 3-1 win at the Racecourse Ground. Parkinson, who might be feeling considerable pressure after three losses in five games, explained why his team have only managed to earn four points in the league so far.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Wrexham are Championship's biggest summer spenders but fighting relegation

  The Red Dragons came to the Championship on the back of three successive, record-breaking promotions. To say that their rise in English football has been meteoric would be an understatement. Over the summer, Reynolds' team splashed £33 million (€38m/$44m), recruiting as many as 13 players. However, after five games, Wrexham are languishing in 21st position on the Championship table, one spot and two points above the relegation zone. Adapting to the second tier was never going to be a cakewalk, but things are looking more arduous than expected, considering they were the biggest spenders in the Championship.

• Parkinson emphasises Wrexham's own mistakes

  Speaking to reporters after the loss, Parkinson said: "We've changed the squad around completely. There was always going to be a period at the start where it doesn't go completely as you'd want it. We've got to work this week on the training pitch to put on a performance like we showed at Millwall two weeks ago [when Wrexham won 2-0].

  "The previous home games, we looked like we can create chances and score. But the goals we conceded – on one hand, you'll say they were clinical but when we analyse them all, we'll know we could have done better.

  "I thought we started the game well and then we had a scrappy period with some mistakes on the ball. The goal really typified that period. We had to clear our lines quicker and be braver in the key moments to keep the ball out of the net. The third goal was just a real killer for us, it knocked the stuffing out of us."

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  Up next: Norwich City challenge awaits

  The Welsh outfit will be desperate to turn the tables amid an injury crisis, as they prepare to take on Norwich City in their upcoming Championship clash on Saturday, September 20. 

India’s newly appointed T20I vice-captain has suggested that only the openers’ roles will be fixed

Sreshth Shah20-Jan-20253:12

Axar: Shami’s return a ‘big positive’

All of India’s batters apart from their openers can expect to have flexible roles in the T20I line-up. Axar Patel, India’s newly appointed vice-captain in the format, suggested this could be the case in his press conference ahead of the five-match T20I series against England.The series is set to kick off in Kolkata on Wednesday, with Chennai, Rajkot, Pune and Mumbai to host the remaining T20Is.Related

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In recent years, India have used Axar to good effect as a floater. It’s a reflection of his improvement with the bat – having averaged 21.26 and struck at 131.25 in all T20s until the end of 2022, he has upped his performances significantly, averaging 30.32 and striking at 145.62 since the start of 2023 – and his versatility, with India, Delhi Capitals and Gujarat sending him out in a variety of situations. He has scored six half-centuries in these last two years, from Nos. 3, 4, 6 and 7.Over recent months, India have used not just Axar but also Hardik Pandya, Tilak Varma, Nitish Reddy, Washington Sundar and Rinku Singh as floaters with varying levels of success.”Batting wise, it’s not just with me, but we spoke in 2023-24 itself that the openers are fixed, but everyone from Nos. 3 to 7 have been told that they can come into bat anytime, in any situation. It is not just that one batter will bat at a particular position,” Axar told reporters on Monday. “Our middle order will come to bat depending on the match situation, what kind of bowlers are bowling at the time, which match-up works well.”We’ve spoken about that, how we can all be floaters, be it coming in early or obviously finishing. This is not just for me, but for everyone from No. 3 and below, especially if they are in good touch in the nets. We will adjust accordingly. In T20Is, how you use your batters is so crucial, so this is an important factor in batting.”‘As part of the leadership group, you have to learn to take harsh decisions’•Associated PressAs Suryakumar Yadav’s deputy in T20Is, Axar felt he would have to to learn to take difficult calls. It is a topic he has discussed with the support staff too.”It has just been a day, but as part of the leadership group there is an extra responsibility,” Axar said. “The T20I side is settled, so there’s not much pressure, but there are small decisions that need making and during the game I need to work closely with Suryakumar.”As part of the leadership group, you have to learn to take harsh decisions. We have spoken about sharing our genuine opinions and that will help build trust in this group.”The T20I format is such that it is so fast that you have to make decisions quickly, so the larger conversations [with the coaches] is about how to do that.”India’s immediate focus is on ODI cricket, with the Champions Trophy looming, but T20Is will assume greater significance once that tournament ends. Defending champions India and Sri Lanka are set to co-host the T20 World Cup in February-March 2026. Apart from these five matches against England, India don’t have too many T20Is lined up before they embark on their title defence: currently, they are scheduled to play three T20Is in Bangladesh in August, and five at home against South Africa later in the year.”The World Cup is coming up in a year so how we approach leading up to that, we want to try it from now itself. That’s the main target,” Axar said. “Momentum is a big thing because if you start well, you can carry it. We finished 2024 well so we want to carry the momentum into this series too.”But we’ve discussed that the past is past, however, we want to move ahead with the positives we gained from there. We have taken forward the points that brought us success.”Transition is also something happening, across all formats, but that’s a call for the selectors and captain to take.”

“They’ve gained a lot of experience; they’ll only go from strength to strength from here,” Bumrah says of the newcomers to the Test team

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Jan-2025

Jasprit Bumrah, India’s stand-in captain, expressed disappointment at not being able to have a crack at Australia on what he described as “the spiciest wicket of the series” in Sydney.Bumrah didn’t bowl in India’s defence of 162 following back spasms that flared up during play on Saturday. Bumrah went for precautionary scans and didn’t return to take the field for the remainder of the Test. He finished the series with 32 wickets in nine innings at 13.06, to be named Player of the Series.”It’s a little frustrating, but sometimes you’ve got to respect your body, you can’t fight your body,” Bumrah told Isa Guha on the official broadcast after the game. “It’s a little disappointing in the end because I probably missed out on the spiciest wicket of the series, but that’s the way it is. Sometimes, you have to accept it and move forward.”Related

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Bumrah revealed that he had gone off on the second day after he “felt a little discomfort, [and] wanted to check it out what’s happening in the first innings when I came back from my second spell”.In Bumrah’s absence, Prasidh Krishna, playing his first Test on tour, and Mohammed Siraj helped polish off Australia’s lower order to secure a slender four-run lead. In the second innings, they managed to pick up four wickets but fell short in the end.”The chat was about belief, the other bowlers stepped up in the first innings,” Bumrah said when asked about their plans in their small defence. “With one bowler short, the others had to take extra responsibility. This morning, the chat was about having belief, and that we are good enough and if we create enough pressure, we will be able to do some damage.”Reflecting on the tour on the whole, Bumrah said there were a lot of learnings for the younger group to take back, especially in handling different situations under pressure.As many as 15 of the 17 players in the squad got opportunities in the series. India handed a Test cap to Harshit Rana, while Prasidh returned to play a Test after nearly a year after Akash Deep’s injury. Siraj featured in all five Tests, while Yashasvi Jaiswal, who began the series with a century in Perth, was among the standout batters along with KL Rahul.”So, a lot of ifs and buts, because the whole series was well fought, and today as well we were in game; it was not like it was totally one-sided,” Bumrah said. “This is how Test cricket goes; in the nervy moments, whichever team holds their nerve for the longest and sticks together and tries to find a way out of that will win the series.”I think it was a well-fought series, a lot of learnings for us and experience that our players have gained who’ve come here for the first time. Being in the game for longer, creating pressure, sometimes absorbing pressure when wickets are difficult, sometimes playing to the situation.”Sometimes all these learnings are important. Young players come up and they score runs, have success through a certain way, but in Test cricket you have to sometimes adapt to the situation, make your game work in a different manner as well. These learnings will help us in the future.”They’ve gained a lot of experience; they’ll only go from strength to strength from here. Australia is not the easiest place to play cricket, but we’ve shown we have a lot of talent in our group, it’s all about adapting and learning new things about your game. I’m sure a lot of youngsters are keen, obviously they are disappointed we weren’t able to win the series, but they want to take the learning forward.”Jasprit Bumrah and Gautam Gambhir hatch a plan•Getty Images

Bumrah did ‘everything possible’, says GambhirSpeaking at the press conference after the series, India head coach Gautam Gambhir summed up Bumrah’s performance both as bowling spearhead and a leader in the group as “absolutely outstanding”.”I think he’s led the attack really well. He’s bowled a lot of overs. And whenever he’s come on to bowl, he’s done a fabulous job,” Gambhir said. “He’s taken wickets. He’s done everything possible he could from his side. But then he’s been helped a lot from the other end as well.”He’s been helped by Mohammed Siraj. He’s been helped by some of the young boys as well, like Harshit Rana in the first two Test matches, Akash Deep… Ultimately, yes, you will always see the wickets and runs. But yeah, there has been a lot of other contributions as well. But from Jasprit Bumrah’s point of view, he had a phenomenal series.”

Crystal Palace find themselves fighting off clubs for several of their players this summer, but could now be taking crucial steps towards landing another star amid recent reports.

Crystal Palace draw at Chelsea as Eberechi Eze speculation lingers

After a valiant display at Stamford Bridge, Crystal Palace opened their Premier League season with a 0-0 draw away to Chelsea in West London in a match that will be remembered for one particular incident.

Despite Eberechi Eze scoring a stunning free-kick, the England international saw his effort disallowed after Marc Guehi was deemed to be standing too close to the Blues’ wall, offering Enzo Maresca’s men a lucky escape on home soil.

Oliver Glasner spoke honestly about speculation involving the ex-Queens Park Rangers man and his teammate Guehi at full-time, praising both players for their commitment to the Crystal Palace cause while they remain under his stewardship.

He told Match of the Day: “Ebs and Marc, there has been a lot of noise about these two players in the last week. Everyone could see the performances against Liverpool and today they were 100 per cent aligned with this team and Crystal Palace.

“As long as they are 100 per cent committed, they will play as they are so good. I watched them all week in training, I spoke to them almost daily, maybe more than my kids and wife, but it’s been worth it to talk to them. They didn’t just show they are great footballers, but they are great people and that’s what I expected.”

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly close to signing Eze and will hope to agree a deal for his signature, while Arsenal are long-term admirers of the playmaker as his future continues to be examined under the microscope.

With that in mind, Crystal Palace appear to be focusing on finding a replacement and have now received a reply to a bid submitted for the man that could fit that bill.

Crystal Palace see bid rejected for Bilal El Khannouss

According to Sacha Tavolieri on X, Crystal Palace have seen an improved bid turned down for Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss as the Morocco international continues to be at the forefront of their list of targets. Since that report, more news has come to light from Ben Jacobs, who revealed the player has now actually asked his club to let him join the Eagles.

Crystal Palace hold strong interest in "talented" £9m goal-scoring defender

The Eagles have set their sights on a new target.

ByDominic Lund Aug 14, 2025

Labelled “elite” by Ben Mattinson, El Khannouss has registered two assists in the Foxes’ opening two Championship encounters and may be a worthy replacement for Eze, factoring in the fact he created 42 Premier League chances last term, per Fotmob.

However, it remains to be seen if talks yield a desirable outcome for all parties, something that could shape the mood music surrounding the rest of Crystal Palace’s window.

Newcastle United hold a “strong interest” in signing an exciting set-piece expert this summer, according to a new report from reliable journalist John Percy.

Two new signings agreed at Newcastle

It has been a tumultuous summer at St James’ Park, with the Magpies failing to bring in numerous transfer targets, being pipped by other Premier League clubs to the likes of James Trafford and Bryan Mbeumo, among others.

Still, there have been more positive signs in the past few days, with AC Milan centre-back Malick Thiaw agreeing a move to Newcastle, strengthening Eddie Howe’s defensive options, which has been a priority throughout the summer transfer window. He underwent a medical on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Magpies have also completed the signing of teenager Isaac Moran, who was formerly at Liverpool, with the 16-year-old midfielder coming in as a bright part of the club’s future.

It is important that further business is also completed between now and deadline day, not least signing a couple of strikers if Alexander Isak ends up sealing a move to Liverpool. Now, a positive update has emerged in that respect.

Newcastle have "strong interest" in set-piece wizard

According to Percy on X, Newcastle club chiefs have a “strong interest” in Leicester City attacking midfielder Bilal El Khannouss, amid interest from other Premier League clubs.

El Khannouss is a big talent who could impress greatly for the Magpies, not least with his set-piece quality that he outlined over the weekend during the opening round of Championship matches.

The 21-year-old registered both assists in Leicester’s 2-1 win at home to Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday, both from set-pieces, and he is arguably too good a footballer to be playing in the second tier of English football.

El Khannouss has been hailed as an “elite” player by Ben Mattinson as recently as last year, and while an attacking midfielder by trade, he can also take up a deeper role if needed, and can shine on the left wing.

Newcastle agree two signings as ex-PSG and Liverpool gems both on Tyneside

Magpies supporters must be buoyed by this update…

3

By
Henry Jackson

Aug 11, 2025

At 21, there is still so much more to come from the Moroccan, too, and he could add some extra midfield guile that is arguably needed for Newcastle, giving Howe a different option to the likes of Joelinton and Joe Willock in the current squad.

Manchester United are now accelerating a deal to sign a “magnificent” midfielder, who has been identified as one of their priority targets ahead of the transfer deadline, according to a report.

Man Utd looking to sign midfielder after pulling plug on Baleba

Carlos Baleba emerged as one of Ruben Amorim’s top targets in central midfield, but Man United have now pulled the plug on a deal, given that it was set to be an extremely costly operation, and Brighton & Hove Albion are very reluctant to sell.

It is a shame that Baleba now seemingly won’t be heading to Old Trafford this summer, given that the 21-year-old is at a good age to be a long-term replacement for Casemiro, and received high praise from Alan Shearer last season.

Speaking after Baleba impressed against Manchester City, Shearer said: “He was absolutely wonderful. He changed the tempo and performance on the front foot and defensively. They got the three points which they deserved.”

That said, there are still a number of other potential options on the shortlist, with INEOS believed to be particularly big fans of Adam Wharton.

Target

Current club

Potential price tag

Adam Wharton

Crystal Palace

£40m+

Eduardo Camavinga

Real Madrid

£69m

Morten Hjulmand

Sporting CP

£68m

Angelo Stiller

VfB Stuttgart

£50m

However, according to a report from Spain, a different midfielder has now emerged as Man United’s priority target ahead of the transfer deadline, namely Sevilla’s Lucien Agoume, who is set to be available for the affordable fee of €25m to €35m (£22m – £30m).

Crucially, Agoume is said to be interested in a move to the Premier League, and United are now accelerating the deal, to ensure they secure his signature before another big European club enters the race.

The 23-year-old is emerging as the ideal addition to Amorim’s midfield, as his physicality and tactical awareness mean he should be able to adapt to life in the Premier League comfortably.

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2 ByEthan Lamb Aug 21, 2025 "Magnificent" Agoume could be ideal Baleba alternative

Former Sevilla boss Enrique Sanchez Flores has hailed the central midfielder in the past, describing him as “magnificent”, and there is every indication the Cameroon-born maestro could be an ideal alternative option to Baleba.

Most notably, the Sevilla star has outperformed the Brighton youngster across a range of key defensive metrics over the course of the past year.

Average per 90

Lucien Agoume

Carlos Baleba

Tackles

2.90

2.64

Interceptions

1.83

1.62

Clearances

1.96

1.48

Aerials won

1.66

1.29

Importantly, a deal for the 13-time France U21 international also wouldn’t break the bank, at around £30m, while there were suggestions that Brighton were looking to receive £115m for Baleba.

Should Man United pursue a move for Agoume, rather than the Brighton star, they should have money left over to strengthen other areas of the squad, and Amorim may be keen to sign a new goalkeeper, with Altay Bayindir receiving widespread criticism after the Arsenal defeat.