Manchester United: Jurrien Timber’s representatives ‘in England’

Manchester United are working on a move for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, with his representatives now ‘in England’.

The Lowdown: Secret Ten Hag meeting

Erik ten Hag recently terminated his Ajax contract six weeks early in order to make a head start on life at Old Trafford and is now in England.

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He was pictured in London following a ‘secret’ Manchester United meeting in the week with chief executive Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough.

The 52-year-old is set to be busy in the transfer window, and it looks as if Timber – who has been a regular under the new United boss during his time with Ajax – could be one of the first signings of the Ten Hag era at Old Trafford.

The Latest: Timber update

Journalist Jonathan Shrager took to Twitter in the early hours of Sunday morning to provide an update on Timber and United.

He stressed that a deal is not yet done, although the 20-year-old’s ‘representation is currently in England’, adding that there is ‘a belief’ that United are the frontrunners in the race for his services.

The Verdict: Fingers crossed

You’d expect that Ten Hag may see United’s defence as an area which needs improving after conceding more league goals than the likes of Burnley and Brentford this season.

His Ajax side, of which Timber was a key component, conceded just 19 goals in the Eredivisie this season, 15 fewer than the next-best defence in the Dutch top flight.

Timber is still just 20 years of age, can play anywhere across the back four, is valued at a career-high £27m by Transfermarkt and already has Champions League and international experience, so a summer deal for him could be big for Ten Hag both in the short- and long-term.

In other news: Strong bid tabled as Man Utd and Ten Hag now make big move for ‘genius’ signing

Romano: Tottenham closing in on second signing after Forster

Tottenham Hotspur will activate the buy clause for Cristian Romero in the coming days, claims transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: One signing in the bag?

News broke on Monday evening of Spurs’ potential first signing of the summer as Antonio Conte moves to lock up a deputy for Hugo Lloris.

According to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, Southampton man Fraser Forster is set for a medical this week as his contract at St. Mary’s is due to expire this summer.

McGrath says the deal for the England international will be completed imminently, and it looks like Fabio Paratici is not messing around as news has now broken on the second capture of the summer…

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The Latest: Romano’s update

According to Twitter’s favourite transfer market expert, Tottenham will activate the buy clause in Romero’s deal, making his loan move from Atalanta permanent.

Taking to social media, Romano said: “Tottenham will activate £40m obligation to buy clause in the coming days for Cristian Romero. ‘Signing of the season’ according to Jamie Carragher.

“Fabio Paratici wanted him as key player and Romero will be part of the project – he has already signed until June 2026.”

The Verdict: Fantastic player

The defender penning a permanent deal with the north London club will come as a huge sigh of relief to Paratici and Conte, as they have made the Argentine a focal point in their long-term build.

Having arrived at Hotspur Way on an initial loan deal last summer from Italian side Atalanta, the Argentina international has gone on to establish himself as one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old made 22 appearances in the English top-flight this campaign, unfortunately missing out on parts of the season with a hamstring injury and hip problems.

 According to FB Ref, Romero ranks in the 99th percentile for tackles, in the 97th percentile for pressures and the 94th percentile for blocks across positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues.

With the agreements for both Romero and Forster now seemingly set to be completed ‘in the coming days’, this could mark the start of Conte’s summer spending spree at Tottenham.

In other news: Tottenham: Journalist shares promising Eriksen update

Liverpool: James Milner could sign new deal

Liverpool could well end up extending the contract of midfielder James Milner for another season, a move which could please many Reds supporters.

What’s the word?

Pete O’Rourke has dropped that massive claim on the 36-year-old’s future and said that Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of the player.

When asked whether he understands why the manager is keen to retain the veteran’s services, the journalist told GiveMeSport: “He’s such a great servant to the club. Jurgen Klopp is a huge admirer of James Milner as well, not just because of what he does on the pitch but also off the pitch.

“He can probably see James Milner as being a future manager because of the way he is. I think a lot of people have said that because he’s just so absorbed with football and he’s always been available for Liverpool whenever needed.”

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A one-year contract extension would take Milner to 37 years of age, and then it’s likely that he would retire from professional football.

Kopites will be delighted

Klopp has led Liverpool to the brink of a trophy quadruple this season, with the Carabao Cup already in the bag, FA Cup and Champions League finals still to come and the mathematical possibility of winning the Premier League, so it could end up as one of the most successful seasons in the club’s illustrious history.

Milner has featured for the Reds 36 times in all competitions this term, contributing three assists as Klopp has utilised his squad to the best effect.

His versatility across the midfield and even the defence has been extremely useful during the campaign, and it’s no wonder that the manager reportedly wants to extend the veteran’s contract.

The Englishman has been a key component of the German’s Liverpool team ever since signing for the club in the summer of 2015 and has played 286 times for the Reds during this spell, winning every major club honour during his playing career.

Whilst Klopp is aiming to continue his fine form in the transfer market, with moves for Aurelien Tchouameni and Calvin Ramsey being touted, it’s a sign of praise that the manager still wants to keep the 36-year-old at the club in a playing capacity.

His experience and maturity could well be vital next season as Klopp aims to reduce the average age of his team slightly, and there’s perhaps nobody better in the squad than Milner to pass on advice to young talents.

This development will surely please not only the Liverpool manager but also the supporters, many of whom regard the 36-year-old as a Kop idol.

AND in other news, Klopp faces Liverpool disaster on “sensational” £85k-p/w gem, supporters will be livid

Celtic backed to sign Jota permanently

Celtic will do all they can to complete the permanent signing of loan hero Jota this summer, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Jota shines for Celtic

The 23-year-old arrived at Parkhead on loan from Benfica last summer with an option to buy, with Ange Postecoglou seeing him as someone who could add firepower to his squad.

Jota has done just that, scoring nine goals and registering 10 assists in the Premiership, doing his bit in their relentless title charge.

While the attacker is set to return to Benfica at the end of the season, Celtic appear very keen to sign him outright.

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The Latest: Journalist talks up permanent Jota move

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke claimed that a permanent move for Jota is one of the Hoops’ main transfer priorities this summer. He outlined:

“Obviously they have got that option to buy in there, so the fee is all agreed, Celtic just need to stump it up and I’m sure personal terms won’t be an issue.

“Postecoglou will be calling on the Celtic hierarchy to get this deal done so he can start preparing for next season with Jota in his plans.”

The Verdict: No-brainer for Celtic

Some loan signings can be good but ultimately not worth making permanent, but Jota looks like a superb long-term option for Postecoglou, with the 56-year-old describing him as ‘unbelievable’ earlier in the season.

He has brought so much quality and output from his wide attacking role, and at 23, he should only improve even more as a player in the coming years.

For that reason, the idea of him signing permanently for Celtic is hugely exciting, and we also know that he can cut it in the Scottish top flight. The main factor now is whether or not Benfica are willing to part ways with him completely.

In other news, one player has been tipped to finish his career at Celtic. Find out who it is here.

Ten Hag could axe Man Utd duo

Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard could be granted one last chance to rescue their Manchester United careers with the appointment of Erik ten Hag.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from The Sun who claim that Rashford has received assurances that he will get his chance to perform under Ten Hag next season.

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Whilst Lingard could also stay if Ten Hag is able to convince him that he has a future at Manchester United.

Saved or Axed?

24-year-old Rashford has endured the worst season of his career this year, with the out-of-favour England international having just four goals and two assists to show for his 25 appearances for United this season.

It goes without saying that Lingard has also suffered this season, but more so for game-time rather than form, with the 29-year-old accumulating just 355 minutes this campaign from 16 cameo appearances that have seen him grab two goals.

Lingard, who has been dubbed “awful” by Journalist Rob Blanchette, is free to sign a pre-contract agreement with his deal expiring this summer.

Rashford’s situation on the other hand is slightly more intricate, with the winger still holding value amidst his contract expiry in 2023, of which the club have an option to extend by a year.

The 24-year-old – who was labelled “absolutely terrible” by Chris Waddle for his performance against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League – does have something going for him though. And that is the fact that this is his first blip at Man United with the club massively underachieving as a collective this season.

Though, quite simply, the pair have not been good enough this season and with Ten Hag looking to rebuild the Red Devils, the saving in wages on Lingard and the sale of £45m-rated Rashford could help United to build on their transfer war chest.

Ten Hag’s stance on the £275k-per-week pair will make or break their future at Old Trafford, though with on-going links to the likes of Sebastien Haller, Nicolo Zaniolo, and Antony, it does not bode well for the duo and it should well see them axed.

In other news: Ten Hag could unearth a new Berbatov for Man United by signing 152-goal “hero”…

West Ham plotting swoop for Tete Morente

West Ham are nearing a swoop for Elche winger Tete Morente as David Moyes aims to start his transfer business early.

What’s the word?

That’s according to the Sunday Mirror, who reported in their print edition (May 1st, page 74) that the Premier League side has been in early contact with the player over a potential move.

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Elche are asking for a fee of around £7m for the 25-year-old who is keen on making the move to England and playing in the top flight.

A new mega-money talent?

Morente isn’t exactly a household name and despite scoring against Barcelona earlier this season, he only has three goals and three assists throughout the whole campaign, not numbers that will put the fear into Premier League defenders.

Despite this, he is only 25 and has plenty of time on his side to continue his development, it could well be a shrewd signing for the Hammers in the long run.

Moyes has seen his side reach unprecedented heights this campaign, still in the hunt for a top-six spot and chasing a historic Europa League final, it’s looking like exciting times for the West Ham faithful.

The squad does need to be bolstered in an attacking sense though, with Michael Antonio their only designated centre forward, it could well be that Morente gets to put his versatility to good use.

Although a left-winger by trade, Morente has some solid defensive stats which could help West Ham on top of his 14 career goals.

He features in the 89th percentile of blocks in Europe’s top five leagues (1.75 per game) and in the 81st percentile of aerials won (1.13), proving that Moyes could be getting more than just a goalscoring threat.

Furthermore, he is compared to one of the very best in Spain, with the flanker who has 14 career goals being compared to Real Sociedad’s £63m-rated talent Mikel Oyarzabal.

On that basis, this signing begins to look a little more appealing for the Irons faithful.

AND in other news, West Ham eye swoop for “brilliant” 21 y/o, he’s “similar to Eden Hazard”

Paratici can fund Spurs move for Semenyo by selling “embarrassing” flop

Tottenham Hotspur haven’t been alien to spending big money in the transfer market over the last couple of years, with the hierarchy evidently wanting to take the club up the Premier League table.

Thomas Frank was the beneficiary in the summer window, as the Dane was handed over £120m worth of funds to make the additions he desired to his Lilywhites squad.

Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons both made moves worth over £50m to North London during the summer, subsequently arriving to strengthen the quality available in the final third.

The pair have registered 13 combined goals and assists between them, with both managing to find the back of the net during Tuesday night’s Champions League win over Slavia Prague.

However, despite the successes of both players in recent weeks, the manager and the board look as though they want to make added reinforcements in the final third this winter.

Spurs’ potential move to land Antoine Semenyo in January

As Spurs fans will have seen over recent years, the Premier League has become one of the most fiercely contested leagues in the world, which could result in any side being punished on their day.

In the early stages of 2025/26, the Lilywhites appear to have forgotten about the struggles of last season, but they have still struggled on home soil – subsequently winning two league games in North London.

However, in an attempt to improve their form in attacking areas this winter, Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo has been identified as a primary target by the Spurs hierarchy.

The Ghanaian international has been in tremendous form this campaign, as seen by his tally of six goals and three assists in his first 14 league appearances for the Cherries.

As a result, Fabio Paratici has been monitoring the 25-year-old over recent weeks, especially after it was confirmed his £65m release clause becomes active from the 1st of January.

However, such a move could prove to be complicated, with Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool also closely monitoring the progress of the in-form attacker.

It’s also been suggested that the player would prefer a move to the Emirates if he were to leave Bournemouth this January, which could be Frank’s men on their back burner.

The Spurs star who should be sold to fund Semenyo transfer

Over the years, the Spurs board have made numerous questionable decisions that have proved to be mistakes, which have often resulted in huge sums of money being wasted.

From spending £63m on the signature of Tanguy Ndombele, to allowing numerous high-profile youngsters to leave on a free – it truly has been a period to forget for the board.

However, they do have another chance to redeem themselves in the upcoming winter, with the hierarchy needing to go all out in a bid to land Semenyo’s signature.

If they are to generate the funds needed to complete a move for his signature, they could turn to offload numerous players who are already on the books in North London.

Injury-prone players like Dominic Solanke and Richarlison would likely spring to the mind of many supporters – but midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur should be the first star offloaded.

The Uruguayan originally joined the club from Juventus back in January 2022, with such a move generating excitement at the time, but it’s safe to say that feeling has massively changed in recent times.

In 2025/26 to date, he’s featured in all but one Premier League outing, even receiving a new long-term contract back in October, but he’s struggled to perform since such an occasion.

Archie Gray has been selected ahead of him over the last couple of matches, with the Englishman now seemingly appearing ahead of him after his tremendous Champions League showing.

Games played

14

Goals & assists

2

Pass accuracy

84%

Chances created

0.6

Successful dribbles

0.5

Tackles won

1.1

Aerials won

47%

Interceptions made

1.1

The teenager partnered Joao Palhinha at the base of the side, showing talents way beyond his tender years, which are only going to get better in the years ahead.

As for Bentancur, his recent showings have been nothing short of disappointing, even leading to one analyst dubbing him as “embarrassing” due to his lack of work rate.

The midfielder, who’s currently earning £75k-per-week, has failed to kick on after his contract renewal, with the board potentially hindering the progress of Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Pape Sarr by keeping him.

It’s unclear how much the hierarchy could generate by offloading him in the upcoming window, but it could well prove to be enough to help them in their pursuit of Semenyo.

Whilst the decision may appear harsh, it’s one that needs to be made for the interests of the club if they are to reach the next level during Frank’s tenure in North London.

Fewer touches than Vicario & only 9 passes: Spurs flop must now be dropped

Thomas Frank must now drop one Tottenham Hotspur player after the Slavia Prague victory.

ByEthan Lamb 5 days ago

Maignan makes Chelsea or Man United decision after Maresca's transfer demand

AC Milan captain Mike Maignan is still yet to sign a contract extension at the San Siro, giving Chelsea or Man United a chance to sign him for free in 2026.

The France number one is classed as one of the world’s best shot-stoppers, and his availability on a free transfer next year is putting Premier League clubs on red alert.

Chelsea have long been after Maignan and attempted to agree a cut-price deal in the summer window.

Enzo Maresca also personally asked Chelsea’s hierarchy to sign a world-class new goalkeeper to replace Robert Sanchez (Graeme Bailey), with the Blues previously sensing an opportunity to go for Maignan to grant their manager’s wish.

Appearances

168

Bookings

8

Red Cards

1

Goals conceded

172

Clean sheets

63

Minutes played

14,963

via Transfermarkt

However, a major difference in pricing saw Milan refuse to sanction his move to Stamford Bridge, despite the 30-year-old’s eagerness to join them. Chelsea wanted him before their Club World Cup campaign, but snubbed the Rossoneri’s attempts to demand an extortionate fee because of that.

A deal for Maignan ultimately wasn’t revisited before deadline day on September 1, with Max Allegri since captaining the shot-stopper as Milan potentially give him something to think about.

They’re just three points behind Serie A leaders and Italian champions Napoli after three consecutive wins, and if Milan continue in this fashion, who knows, Maignan could be tempted to pen an extension.

In the meantime, though, he is set to leave for free at the end of the season, and reports suggest that Chelsea are ready to offer Maignan a pre-contract in January to end their reliance on Sanchez, who was sent off against Man United last weekend.

Mike Maignan decides whether he wants to join Chelsea or Man United

Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils are also after a reliable keeper, but according to journalist Graeme Bailey, Maignan wants to join Chelsea next year as things stand.

This comes as an almighty boost for the west Londoners, as Maignan is an arguably unmissable opportunity.

Why Chelsea need to sign Mike Maignan

All Premier League title-winning sides have one thing in common — the presence of a truly commanding star between the sticks.

AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

Chelsea acknowledge that Sanchez has displayed improvements lately, but the jury is out on whether he can still be Maresca’s main point of call if they’re truly serious about ending their long wait for a top flight crown.

Maignan, available at zero cost, is set to become Europe’s most available, high-pedigree keeper next year, with the former Lille favourite possessing years of top-level experience and proven ability.

He’s also highly-rated by his peers, like Liverpool’s Alisson, who recently explained why Maignan is one of the best in the world.

Free agent: Defender who scored vs Everton could now be "willing" to join

A free agent who has already proven himself in the Premier League earlier in his career could now be willing to make the move to Everton.

Garner reveals Everton's change in mentality

The Blues have won three of their opening three league games this season, with the early signs suggesting that positive times lie ahead under David Moyes.

Midfielder James Garner has impressed in the opening weeks of the campaign, scoring in the 2-0 win at home to Brighton, and he has spoken about a shift in mentality that has taken place at Everton under their manager.

“He said to us on day one that he’s not come here to take over a team that’s fighting against relegation – he said it again on day one of pre-season. He sets high standards and we know where we want to be.

“We’ve got a few more faces in over the summer and with the quality we have in the squad now, we all agree with the manager – if you want to achieve big things, then you’ve got to set your standards and your goals high. I think you can see it in us. There is a mentality shift. We’re playing with more confidence, going into games thinking how we are going to take all three points, it’s not just surviving.

“We’ve done that in these first few games. Obviously, the first game [against Leeds] felt like a blip, I don’t think we played well, but we’ve responded and now the aim is to keep building momentum. We want to keep winning and keep that winning mentality – that was the message in the changing room amongst all of us after the Wolves game.”

While Everton’s improvements this season are clear, it is also important that further quality is added to the squad, and they have now been linked with a move for a free agent.

"Brilliant" free agent could be keen on joining Everton

Speaking to Goodison News, former Toffees scout Bryan King talked up the idea of Everton signing left-back Sergio Reguilon on a free transfer, who could be “willing” to move to Merseyside.

“He’s a free transfer, so it would certainly be an option to look at. They’re a bit stretched across the whole defence at the moment, with Branthwaite’s injury concerns. I would imagine that Reguilon would be more than willing to go and join a club like Everton. It seems like Everton are moving in a forward direction, instead of being in a relegation fight.”

Reguilon could be a shrewd signing for Everton, especially with Vitalii Mykolenko picking up an injury prior to the international break, with the 28-year-old an experienced player.

Forget Barry: Everton are brewing Beto replacement in 19-year-old "nuisance"

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The Spaniard actually scored against the Blues for Tottenham in a 5-0 win back in 2021/22, and he has 81 Premier League appearances to his name.

Reguilon was once hailed as “brilliant” by Noel Whelan, and he could bring a good mix of defensive solidity and attacking thrust to Everton’s team, with a return to English football potentially appealing to him as he searches for a new club.

Massive Tel upgrade: Spurs ready £38m offer to sign "unstoppable" star

What could have been a bleak summer transfer window now looks like it could be an incredible one for Tottenham Hotspur.

Thanks to their heroic efforts in the Europa League final last week, Ange Postecoglou’s side have a Champions League campaign to look forward to next season.

Moreover, competing at the top table of European football should allow them to attract more exciting players to bolster the squad.

In fact, if recent reports are to be believed, the club are already eyeing up a forward who’s an ideal upgrade on Mathys Tel or replacement, should the Frenchman not be signed on a permanent deal this summer.

Spurs transfer news

The last few weeks have seen Spurs linked with a multitude of brilliant attacking players, such as Jamie Gittens and Daizen Maeda.

Transfer Focus

The former is supposedly available for around £59m and has enjoyed a relatively successful season with Borussia Dortmund this year, scoring 12 goals and providing five assists in 48 games.

Maeda has been even more effective north of the border, scoring 33 goals and providing 12 assists in 51 games for Celtic, and could be available for just £25m.

However, it looks like Daniel Levy and Co could be shopping closer to home for a new attacker this summer.

According to a recent report from Spain, Spurs are now incredibly interested in Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku.

The report claims that the Frenchman’s departure from Stamford Bridge is ‘virtually assured’ and that the North Londoners are now prepared to negotiate a loan deal with an option to buy at €45m, which is just £38m.

It might not be the most popular transfer right away, but Nkunku was a force of nature at RB Leipzig, and if he were able to recreate some of that form in N17, he could be a perfect upgrade or replacement for Tel depending on where his future lies.

How Nkunku compares to Tel

So, the first thing to say is that, like Tel, the Chelsea ace is someone who can and often does play all across the frontline, so should Levy and Co not sign the Bayern loanee on a permanent deal this summer, he could come in to fulfil the same role, or compete with him if he does join.

With that said, which attacker comes out on top when we compare their output from this season?

Well, this is an area in which the former RB Leipzig star comes out miles ahead, as in 42 appearances, totalling 2039 minutes, he has scored 14 goals and provided five assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.21 games, or every 107.31 minutes.

In contrast, the Sarcelles-born Lilywhites ace has scored just three goals and provided two assists in 34 appearances, totalling 1714 minutes, across both his teams this season, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 6.8 games, or every 342.8 minutes.

What about their underlying numbers, then? Who comes out looking better when we take a look under the hood?

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.66

0.44

Non-Penalty G+As

0.69

0.21

Progressive Passes

3.18

2.52

Progressive Carries

1.97

2.76

Shots

2.53

2.57

Shots on Target

1.33

0.84

Passing Accuracy

88.6%

75.5%

Key Passes

1.27

1.17

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.21

1.41

Passes into the Final Third

2.49

1.17

Shot-Creating Actions

3.24

2.33

Goal-Creating Actions

0.58

0.25

Unfortunately for Postecoglou’s January addition, it’s the Blues’ “unstoppable” dynamo, as dubbed by European football expert Zach Lowy, who once again emerges victorious.

For example, he comes out on top in the majority of relevant metrics, including but not limited to expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes, shots on target, shot and goal-creating actions, passes into the final third, key passes and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, Tel is still a talented footballer, but Nkunku has the better raw output and underlying numbers while being just as versatile, so should Levy and Co regardless of whether they decide to activate the option in the 20-year-old’s loan deal; they should also be looking to bring the Chelsea ace to N17.

Only 2 passes made: Levy must ensure Spurs dud never wears the shirt again

Europa League winners Tottenham were trounced by Brighton to finish their Premier League campaign.

ByAngus Sinclair May 26, 2025

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