Newcastle now eye deal for "world-class" 28 y/o who Barcelona want to sign

Newcastle United are believed to have turned their attention to signing a “world-class” attacking player after missing out on Bryan Mbeumo.

Newcastle suffer Mbeumo transfer blow

Mbeumo has been one of the Magpies’ leading transfer targets in recent months, with the Brentford forward considered arguably the strongest option to upgrade the right-sided attacking role.

Unfortunately, it now looks like the Cameroonian is on his way to Manchester United this summer, with the reliable David Ornstein revealing the news on Monday evening.

Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts

It is a significant setback for Eddie Howe, with Mbeumo enjoying a fantastic season for Brentford, scoring 20 goals in the Premier League and standing out as one of the best attacking players in the division.

It’s now time for Newcastle to find an alternative option to the winger and a new update suggests they are targeting a world-renowned player who looks set to be available ahead of next season.

Newcastle turn attention to Champions League winner

According to journalist Christian Falk on his website, cfbayerninsider.com, Newcastle are “interested” in signing Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman.

Barcelona are also keen on snapping up the former Paris Saint-Germain wide man, and “could move for him” if they fail to sign either Liverpool’s Luis Diaz or United’s Marcus Rashford this summer.

This comes after Fabrizio Romano took to X on Monday to claim that Coman will depart Bayern in the summer, having fallen out of favour at the Bundesliga champions.

Coman would be a signing of real intent by Newcastle, given his stature as an elite footballer, winning the Champions League in 2020 and scoring the only goal in the final victory over his old club PSG.

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Meanwhile, Germany legend Oliver Kahn has heaped praise on the Frenchman, saying: “I’m happy that King continuously developed in the past years. He’s absolutely world class and an attraction for the fans, one of the best players in the world technically in fast pace, one of the best dribblers and always a threat.”

Coman does admittedly turn 29 later this month, though, so there is a risk that Newcastle would be signing a slightly ageing player on big wages, meaning a younger alternative could be more sensible.

Bayern Munich

335

70

69

Juventus

22

1

2

Paris Saint-Germain

4

0

0

But if Howe believes the Bayern man is the best Mbeumo alternative, he needs to be trusted, having taken control of more transfer activity after the exit of sporting director Paul Mitchell.

Frank's answer to Dembele: Spurs now eyeing £85m "ball-carrying machine"

This summer presents a new era at Tottenham Hotspur, after Thomas Frank was appointed as their new boss after agreeing a £10m compensation package with Brentford.

The Dane takes the reins from Ange Postecoglou after the Aussie was handed his marching orders by owner Daniel Levy despite ending their 17-year wait for a trophy in the Europa League final.

It presents a fresh opportunity for the club to take the next step in their ambitions of mounting a charge for the Premier League title, with Frank the next man to try his luck in North London.

However, if he is to be a success in the role, he will need new additions this summer to help him in his quest, with quality and depth needed in key areas of the pitch.

Numerous players have already emerged on their radar in recent weeks, but additions can only be made if Levy hands Frank the funds needed to change their fortunes on the pitch.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Bryan Mbeumo is a player who’s been firmly on their radar since the Dane’s appointment, potentially having a reunion with his former boss at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season.

However, if they’re going to complete a deal for the 25-year-old attacker, they will have to fork out a pretty penny for his signature, with the Bees demanding £70m to part ways with him this window.

Brentford's BryanMbeumocelebrates scoring their first goal

The hierarchy already appear to be making moves elsewhere, with work being done to secure a deal for Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios, according to GIVEMESPORT’s latest update.

The report states that Spurs have sent scouts to watch the Colombian international at the Club World Cup, starring in his first game against Porto – completing more dribbles than any player on the pitch.

It also claims that the 25-year-old has a £85m release clause within his current contract, with the hierarchy confident he can transfer his skillset across to England and emulate one player’s success.

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ByCharlie Smith Jun 13, 2025 Why Rios could become Frank’s own version of Dembele

Not many supporters would’ve envisaged the impact Belgian midfielder Mousa Dembélé would have at Tottenham after his £15m switch from Fulham back in 2012.

Former Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele.

However, such a deal would be one of the best deals in the club’s history, going on to make 250 appearances for the Lilywhites, scoring on ten occasions – but it was his talent in other areas that caught the eye.

He became a monster in and out of possession, often effortlessly gliding past the opposition, and being a commanding presence that was virtually impossible to dispossess.

Dembélé also thrived out of possession, handing the club a perfect box-to-box option, with numerous former players labelling him as the best player they’ve ever featured alongside.

However, after his subsequent departure to join Guangzhou City back in January 2019, the side has often lacked that presence, something which Rios could offer Frank in North London next season.

When comparing his stats from this season to those of Dembélé at Spurs, he’s managed to match or better him in numerous key areas – highlighting why he could be the man to fill the void.

Rios, who’s been labelled “one of the best midfielders” by one Brazilian analyst, has registered more goals and assists, along with more passes into the opposition box per 90, showcasing the threat he poses when driving with the ball.

Games played

24

28

Goals & assists

7

0

Passes into opposition box

1.9

0.2

Tackles won

1.9

1.2

% of tackles won

46%

24%

Take-ons completed

3.8

3.8

Fouls won

1.8

1.3

Aerials won

56%

39%

Described as a “ball-carrying machine” by data analyst Ben Mattinson, he also matched Dembélé for take-ons completed, whilst drawing more fouls, offering a constant nuisance to opposition players, something which Frank’s side need in the middle of the mark.

The Colombian’s talents don’t end there, winning more aerials and tackles per 90, handing the side a defensive presence that has often been missing in North London, with Rios the perfect option for the Lilywhites.

Whilst he has an £85m release clause in his current deal, it’s likely the 25-year-old will be available for a significantly lower fee, with Spurs needing to pursue a move for his signature.

If he can get anywhere near the levels produced by the Belgian at the club, he would be another sensational addition and one that could fire the club up the table in 2025/26.

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West Brom targeting "fantastic" EFL ace who could be Mason's first signing

With their managerial search potentially coming to an end courtesy of Ryan Mason, West Bromwich Albion are now reportedly targeting a move to welcome their first summer arrival of a new era.

West Brom to hold talks with Mason

Having finished as low as ninth in the Championship, West Brom made the tough decision to part ways with Tony Mowbray towards the end of April and have been searching for their next manager ever since. Truth be told, the Baggies haven’t been the same since the departure of Carles Corberan, who has thrived at Valencia, and desperately need to get back on track.

After sacking Mowbray, those at The Hawthorns released a statement, which read: “The club would like to place on record its thanks to Tony and Mark for their efforts – but has made the decision to part company following a series of poor results. Tony and Mark will forever be welcome at The Hawthorns and their contributions to the club winning the 2007-08 Championship title will never be forgotten.”

West Bromwich Albion managerTonyMowbraybefore the match

Since then, the rumours have been coming thick and fast as to who could step into the hot seat and now West Brom fans could have their answer.

According to John Percy of The Telegraph, West Brom are now set to hold talks with Mason over their vacant role. The Tottenham Hotspur coach is yet to step into a managerial role, but has held short spells as interim boss in North London more than once.

Whilst he does lack experience in the dugout, the 33-year-old has had ample opportunity to learn at Tottenham, having been Ange Postecoglou’s assistant since 2023 following a spell in which he worked alongside veteran manager Antonio Conte.

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Meanwhile, with their new manager potentially on the way, West Brom have reportedly turned their attention towards welcoming the first signing of a new era at the club.

West Brom targeting Peterborough defender Dornelly

According to Football League World, West Brom are now looking to sign James Dornelly from Peterborough alongside several other clubs this summer. The 20-year-old right-back was a mainstay during a tough season for the club and could now be on the move out of League One as a result.

For the Baggies, a deal would certainly make sense as they look to sign stars within their budget and those whose best years are yet to come. Whether Mason’s arrival will be enough to convince Dornelly into a move remains to be seen, however.

The young defender earned plenty of praise throughout the campaign, including from EFL analyst Tom Williams, who dubbed Dornelly “one to watch” and praised his “fantastic work rate”.

A player with plenty of potential, signing Dornelly would certainly do West Brom’s squad no harm this summer.

He's shades of Wirtz: Liverpool join race to sign £55m Premier League gem

Most clubs across the Premier League terrain must watch Liverpool’s cool-headed transfer operation with envy. Last summer, FSG were ridiculed for failing to back Arne Slot in the market.

Who’s laughing now? Not only have Liverpool bagged themselves a Premier League title, dethroning Manchester City and always proving too good for injury-hit Arsenal, but they’ve done it with a lack of investment they were so mocked for one year ago.

Now, though, Liverpool are employing a defence-by-attack strategy in the transfer market, having signed Jeremie Frimpong to fill the Trent Alexander-Arnold-shaped hole at right-back.

Milos Kerkez is also being targeted on the left side of defence, and, barring a crushing change of the wind, Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz will be playing at Anfield next season too.

The latest on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool

Though it might feel like negotiations between Leverkusen and Liverpool are becoming protracted, we’re talking about a player who will likely break the British transfer record, valued at as much as €150m (£126m), and thus lengthy discussions are to be expected.

The main thing is Liverpool expect to complete the signing of the German playmaker this summer, marking a stunning coup after Manchester City and Bayern Munich were beaten in the race last month, Wirtz stating his preference to move to the red half of Merseyside.

A second official offer worth around £110m has been rejected, but FSG are calm and composed, with all parties looking to get the deal over the line in the coming weeks.

Wirtz will revolutionise Liverpool’s attacking midfield, reorienting the creative centre following Alexander-Arnold’s departure. Make no mistake, this is a significant statement of intent.

Wirtz isn’t the only prodigious attacking star Liverpool are interested in buying this summer, though, with FSG supposedly joining the race for one of English football’s most sought-after teenagers.

Liverpool join race for English prodigy

As per Football Insider, Liverpool have entered the race for Southampton prospect Tyler Dibling, who exploded onto the major stage this season and is now being courted by a wide range of clubs.

The 19-year-old is expected to leave Saints after their relegation from the Premier League, and Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are all keen.

Initial Southampton demands of £100m have fallen flat, and it’s expected Dibling would be available for something in the ballpark of £55m, so whether Liverpool wish to go forward depends on their stance.

What Tyler Dibling would bring to Liverpool

There’s no way Liverpool could have justified paying £100m for Dibling, and some will feel that even that figure is rather steep for a teenager who’s only played 43 matches as a professional.

Southampton's TylerDiblingin action with AFC Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen

Former Southampton boss Russell Martin said in an interview with Gary Lineker that Dibling is “the most talented player” he’s ever worked with, and while the 39-year-old will be biased in his assessment, there’s little question Dibling is the real deal.

Having started 20 Premier League fixtures this term, Dibling made quite the impression, finishing the campaign ranked among the top 13% of the division’s attacking midfielders and wingers for successful take-ons completed per 90, as per FBref, as well as the top 19% for pass completion.

Dibling also won 4.2 duels and one tackle per top-flight game, as per Sofascore, which illustrates his tenacious athleticism. Not just a silky, fleet-footed winger, the English talent is a committed and driven individual, willing to put in the hard yards.

Not many players exude such precocity in their teenage years, but Dibling is certainly one of them. Wirtz is another. Germany’s playmaking poster boy has been hailed as “the best midfielder in the world” by former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes, having overcome adversity in his fledgling years to establish himself as one of the best in the business.

He’s still only 22, remember, but Wirtz made his name as a true prodigy several years ago, regarded by talent scout Jacek Kulig to be “one of the most exciting prospects in the world” when he was a teenager.

Wirtz overcame the agony of an ACL injury in his maiden stage and has bounced back to look as good as ever, if not more so. The two-time Bundesliga Player of the Season has bounced back and then some, and he could surely enter Ballon d’Or conversations with a continuation of his journey under Slot’s wing at Anfield.

Florian Wirtz – Career Stats by Season (all comps)

Season

Apps

Goals

Assists

24/25

45

16

15

23/24

49

18

20

22/23

25

4

8

21/22

31

10

14

20/21

38

8

8

19/20

9

1

0

Data via Transfermarkt

The Liverpool hothouse is adding some new quality, all right, and Dibling could be the next to join the fold. Like Wirtz, he’s distinctly brilliant in his early career stage, standing out above his peers.

Moreover, the doom of relegation this season has given Dibling a setback to learn from as he looks to make his name, further suggesting he offers shades of the Germany sensation, but in a different way, a way in which both variations of the silky profile could play in Liverpool’s starting line-up for years to come.

Hailed by Saints correspondent Alfie House for his “incredible” start to life in the Premier League, Dibling has got the pick of several high-profile suitors, it seems, but it’s hard to argue against Liverpool being the perfect place for him to move to, serving as Salah’s understudy and following Wirtz in moving to Slot’s project.

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Frank's answer to Dembele: Spurs now eyeing £85m "ball-carrying machine"

This summer presents a new era at Tottenham Hotspur, after Thomas Frank was appointed as their new boss after agreeing a £10m compensation package with Brentford.

The Dane takes the reins from Ange Postecoglou after the Aussie was handed his marching orders by owner Daniel Levy despite ending their 17-year wait for a trophy in the Europa League final.

It presents a fresh opportunity for the club to take the next step in their ambitions of mounting a charge for the Premier League title, with Frank the next man to try his luck in North London.

However, if he is to be a success in the role, he will need new additions this summer to help him in his quest, with quality and depth needed in key areas of the pitch.

Numerous players have already emerged on their radar in recent weeks, but additions can only be made if Levy hands Frank the funds needed to change their fortunes on the pitch.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Bryan Mbeumo is a player who’s been firmly on their radar since the Dane’s appointment, potentially having a reunion with his former boss at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season.

However, if they’re going to complete a deal for the 25-year-old attacker, they will have to fork out a pretty penny for his signature, with the Bees demanding £70m to part ways with him this window.

Brentford's BryanMbeumocelebrates scoring their first goal

The hierarchy already appear to be making moves elsewhere, with work being done to secure a deal for Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios, according to GIVEMESPORT’s latest update.

The report states that Spurs have sent scouts to watch the Colombian international at the Club World Cup, starring in his first game against Porto – completing more dribbles than any player on the pitch.

It also claims that the 25-year-old has a £85m release clause within his current contract, with the hierarchy confident he can transfer his skillset across to England and emulate one player’s success.

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ByCharlie Smith Jun 13, 2025 Why Rios could become Frank’s own version of Dembele

Not many supporters would’ve envisaged the impact Belgian midfielder Mousa Dembélé would have at Tottenham after his £15m switch from Fulham back in 2012.

Former Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele.

However, such a deal would be one of the best deals in the club’s history, going on to make 250 appearances for the Lilywhites, scoring on ten occasions – but it was his talent in other areas that caught the eye.

He became a monster in and out of possession, often effortlessly gliding past the opposition, and being a commanding presence that was virtually impossible to dispossess.

Dembélé also thrived out of possession, handing the club a perfect box-to-box option, with numerous former players labelling him as the best player they’ve ever featured alongside.

However, after his subsequent departure to join Guangzhou City back in January 2019, the side has often lacked that presence, something which Rios could offer Frank in North London next season.

When comparing his stats from this season to those of Dembélé at Spurs, he’s managed to match or better him in numerous key areas – highlighting why he could be the man to fill the void.

Rios, who’s been labelled “one of the best midfielders” by one Brazilian analyst, has registered more goals and assists, along with more passes into the opposition box per 90, showcasing the threat he poses when driving with the ball.

Games played

24

28

Goals & assists

7

0

Passes into opposition box

1.9

0.2

Tackles won

1.9

1.2

% of tackles won

46%

24%

Take-ons completed

3.8

3.8

Fouls won

1.8

1.3

Aerials won

56%

39%

Described as a “ball-carrying machine” by data analyst Ben Mattinson, he also matched Dembélé for take-ons completed, whilst drawing more fouls, offering a constant nuisance to opposition players, something which Frank’s side need in the middle of the mark.

The Colombian’s talents don’t end there, winning more aerials and tackles per 90, handing the side a defensive presence that has often been missing in North London, with Rios the perfect option for the Lilywhites.

Whilst he has an £85m release clause in his current deal, it’s likely the 25-year-old will be available for a significantly lower fee, with Spurs needing to pursue a move for his signature.

If he can get anywhere near the levels produced by the Belgian at the club, he would be another sensational addition and one that could fire the club up the table in 2025/26.

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Tottenham: Frank already urging Levy to sign "immense" £100k-a-week talent

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on the appointment of Brentford boss Thomas Frank as Ange Postecoglou’s immediate successor, just five days after the club announced chairman Daniel Levy’s decision to part company with the Australian.

Tottenham set to hire Thomas Frank as new manager after talks

The 51-year-old appears set to end his impressive tenure at Brentford in imminent fashion, after Levy earmarked Frank as the top candidate to replace Postecoglou.

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Unlike their infamously drawn-out hunt for a new manager in 2021, their search has ended pretty quickly, and Frank is now on the cusp of a switch to N17. Tottenham were in talks with Frank and Brentford over the last few days, with negotiations coming to a conclusion in a very swift fashion.

Brentford managerThomasFrankapplauds fans after the match

According to trusted journalist Fabrizio Romano, Frank will become Tottenham’s new manager, with the Lilywhites paying his £10 million release clause and already finding an agreement on contract terms/backroom staff.

The tactician is perhaps a perfect fit, considering he’s proven to be efficient at operating on a limited budget, not to mention working with a data-driven recruitment model at Brentford, which is quite similar to Tottenham.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

However, there are some reservations over Frank’s lack of experience when it comes to managing high-profile clubs, competing in the Champions League or winning silverware – with some comparisons already made to Spurs’ failed appointment of Nuno Espírito Santo.

Time will tell whether the Dane’s appointment will prove the correct one, but attention is now turning to how Tottenham will tackle the transfer market under his watch.

Thomas Frank urging Daniel Levy to consider Eberechi Eze deal at Tottenham

According to GiveMeSport, he’s already starting to have his say on Spurs’ summer recruitment drive, with Frank said to be a fan of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

Crystal Palace's EberechiEzeposes with the player of the match trophy

It is believed Frank has already urged Levy to consider a Tottenham deal for Eze, if they cannot hijack Man United’s deal for Bryan Mbeumo, with the new head coach giving his green-light for them to move for the £100,000-per-week England international.

The former QPR star fired Palace to their first ever major trophy, scoring the winner against Man City in their 1-0 FA Cup final win at Wembley, adding to his 2024/2025 tally of 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions.

Eze’s contract is rumoured to contain a £68 million release clause, so Spurs know the price it would take to back Frank with the attacker’s signing, which would undoubtedly be a statement signing.

“This guy is an immense talent, there’s no doubt about that,” said ex-Arsenal defender Martin Keown about Eze.

“He was released by Arsenal as a kid. I wonder if that will come back to haunt Arsenal here today? He said he cried for a week. He realised when it hits you really hard as a young man, you think, ‘Ok, I’m coming back from this.’ It proves that he’s made of really strong stuff.”

Gyokeres will love him: Arsenal agree personal terms to re-sign £68m star

While Arsenal supporters have been craving additions in attack this summer, it’s actually the midfield that’s seen the biggest upheaval so far.

Jorginho has departed for Flamengo while Thomas Partey, a player Mikel Arteta reportedly wanted to keep at the Emirates Stadium, now looks set to leave when his contract expires at the end of the month.

Terms haven’t been agreed on a new deal and as a result, the Gunners have had to move fast to secure a replacement.

Martin Zubimendi is widely seen as the replacement for Partey and is set to arrive in a deal worth just over £50m from Real Sociedad.

He’s due to be joined in the middle of the park by Brentford captain Christian Norgaard.

The Dane has been with the Bees since 2019, but Arteta now views him as the player to fill the leadership void left behind by Jorginho.

Zubimendi, Hato, Norgaard – Arsenal

So, what’s next on the agenda for Andrea Berra and Co?

Arsenal's transfer plans post Zubimendi & Norgaard

Surprise, surprise, Arsenal are in the market for another defender.

Amid links to Ajax wonderkid, Jorrel Hato, it was reported by various sources on Thursday that Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera is now on the club’s radar.

According to BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel, the Gunners have already opened talks to bring the 20-year-old to England this summer.

That said, it’s not all about the defence and the midfield at Arsenal with Berta ready to strengthen out wide.

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Real Madrid star Rodrygo remains a primary target, but as per journalist Ben Jacobs, they have now added Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze to their shortlist.

Eze possesses a £68m release clause, which, according to Arsenal insider Teamnewsandtix, can be paid in three instalments of £20m with £8m in add-ons.

Crystal Palace's EberechiEzecelebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Cup

The same source actually reports that the club have already agreed personal terms with the FA Cup, further fuelling that Arteta and Co are extremely keen on signing him this summer.

How Arsenal's new look attack with Eberechi Eze could shape up

If Arsenal were to bring Eze to the club this summer, it would be a landmark moment for the England international, primarily because he’s already spent time in the Hale End academy.

Now 26, the Eagles sensation has become a “superstar” in the words of data analyst Ben Mattinson, having initially been in the Arsenal academy but released at the age of 13.

Speaking about that time previously, Eze admitted:

Well, he now has the opportunity to return and live out that dream as a man, and as one of the most exciting players in the Premier League.

In 2024/25, the Palace no.10 had an outstanding personal season, scoring 14 times and supplying 11 assists across 43 matches. To put that into context, only Kai Havertz (15) scored more goals in the Arsenal side, while only Bukayo Saka (14) and Martin Odegaard (12) provided more assists.

While Eze largely played as an attacking midfielder last season, he can also play on the left flank, thus possessing the ability to help provide depth and additional quality in two key areas for Arteta.

Potentially providing competition for Odegaard behind the striker or taking over from Gabriel Martinelli on the left, he could be game-changing for the shape of Arsenal’s attack.

Eberechi Eze: Last three seasons

Stat

22/23

23/24

24/25

Games

40

31

43

Goals

10

11

14

Assists

4

6

11

Mins played

2,686

2,285

3,303

Stats via Transfermarkt.

Let us not forget that a new striker could join too. Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres are the two players in the pipeline, but at the moment it feels like the latter is the leading contender to become Arteta’s new number 9, having reportedly fallen out with the Sporting hierarchy.

The scorer of a staggering 54 goals in 52 games last term, the idea of Gyokeres and Eze playing together in the same attack is certainly a mouthwatering one.

Vikor Gyokeres at Sporting Club.

The latter is a pure magician on the ball, a player who oozes class and can unlock a defence with a dazzling piece of play, much in the same way Saka can.

Throughout last season’s Premier League campaign, he ranked inside the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the division for successful take-ons, the best 11% for shot-creating actions and the top 18% for key passes.

As a result, he seems like the ideal player to help someone like Gyokeres hit the ground running at Arsenal if both arrive.

Together, they could be dynamite. The big Swede isn’t just a goalscorer either. Capable of running in behind, he ranks among the best 3% of strikers in Europe’s top five leagues and premier competitions for progressive passes received, indicating that he’s always making himself an option for the creative hub of the team he’s playing for.

While some Arsenal fans might be sceptical about signing either Gyokeres or Sesko, there’s no doubting that they’d thrive if partnered with Eze in the final third.

This could be just the duo Arteta needs to really catapult his side to the next level.

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Lamichhane lands in West Indies, will play Nepal's last two World Cup league games

The ICC is yet to release a statement about whether his addition to the Nepal squad has been approved

ESPNcricinfo staff10-Jun-2024

Sandeep Lamichhane was denied the US visa twice last month•AFP/Getty Images

Not long after he was denied a US visa, Sandeep Lamichhane has landed in the West Indies to play Nepal’s last two league games in Kingstown, St Vincent. Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) told ESPNcricinfo on Monday that the board had requested the ICC to allow Lamichhane as a late addition to their World Cup squad, which the governing body has approved, and he does not require a visa for St Vincent.Lamichhane was not part of the original 15-man squad, which was also listed on the ICC website, announced last month and couldn’t fly with the contingent to the USA because he couldn’t get a US visa for that leg.All boards were allowed to make changes to their T20 World Cup 2024 squads by May 25, but when Lamichhane didn’t get a US visa even on second attempt, and Nepal were to play their first two games in the USA, CAN had said on May 30 that Lamichhane was going to miss the tournament. But CAN president Chatur Bahadur Chand told ESPNcricinfo on Monday that the board had originally submitted 14 names on May 24 to the ICC to allow for Lamichhane’s late addition. An ICC spokesperson also confirmed the allowance was given to Nepal since they had originally submitted only 14 names.Lamichhane, however, landed in the West Indies on June 9, local time, and tweeted that he was going to join the Nepal national team “for the last two matches,” which they are to play against South Africa on June 14 and Bangladesh on June 16.

Barely a couple of hours before that, CAN also issued a statement on their social media saying Lamichhane will join the squad. Currently the Nepal squad is in Lauderhill, USA, for their second Group D match against Sri Lanka on June 11, after they lost their tournament opener to Netherlands in Dallas.”We, along with Nepal government, had tried hard to secure a US visa for Lamichhane but that didn’t work out,” Chand said. “We had already requested the ICC to give an allowance for him to be added to the World Cup squad even as a late entry. The ICC has now allowed Lamichhane to be added for the last two matches.”Lamichhane’s applications for the US visa were denied twice last month despite interventions from the Nepal government. The most high-profile cricketer from Nepal, Lamichhane had been arrested in October 2022 with accusations of raping an 18-year-old woman. He was immediately suspended by CAN at the time. After a trial in January 2024, he was found guilty only to be acquitted on appeal by the Patan High Court in May, because of “a lack of evidence”. CAN allowed him to resume playing cricket with immediate effect and was harbouring hopes of sending him to the USA and the Caribbean for the T20 World Cup until his US visa was denied.

Premier League club may now submit imminent bid for "special" Celtic star

Celtic are building for another successful campaign north of the border, but they may now have to field a proposal for one of their star players from the Premier League, according to a report.

Celtic finally announce Benjamin Nygren

Typically, Celtic are slow starters in the window as they prefer to take stock before acting on the market, but supporters will be heading into the weekend with a spring in their step following confirmation of Benjamin Nygren’s arrival.

Coming in from FC Nordsjælland on a five-year deal, the versatile attacker has vowed to impress the Bhoys’ support by creating plenty of chances as well as getting himself on the scoresheet, regardless of where he is deployed on the pitch.

He explained: “I feel amazing to have signed for Celtic, it’s so nice to be here. I’ve been looking forward to this so much.

“I’m a player who wants to create a lot of chances and go towards goal. I’m a link between the defence and the offence and I can run a lot. I’m an offensive-minded player but I also work hard and try to do my best in all parts of the game.”

With the recruitment wheels in motion at Parkhead, Celtic could make a move for Girona forward Bojan Miovski to settle their long-winded quest for a number nine following Kyogo Furuhashi’s departure in January.

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Nevertheless, they could also be set for outward movement in relation to their front line after turfing out a £500,000 bid from Bolton Wanderers for Irish striker Johnny Kenny.

Como’s advances for Celtic star Nicolas Kuhn have turned heads, though the Hoops could be set for another shock to the system amid Premier League interest in one of their most productive stars.

Brentford could submit imminent offer for Daizen Maeda

According to a report from Sportiva, cited by the Daily Record, Brentford could submit an imminent offer for Celtic forward Daizen Maeda after Keith Andrews took over at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Tottenham, Fenerbahçe and West Ham have all been tentatively linked with a move for the Japan international, but the Bees are now said to be in pursuit, even if they will give careful consideration to the finances behind any deal before proceeding, though it is suggested they could move for him in “immediate” fashion.

Daizen Maeda’s mercurial 2024/25 campaign at Celtic – all competitions

Appearances

51

Goals

33

Assists

12

Trophies

1x Scottish Premiership, 1x Premier Sports Cup

Labelled a “special player” by Alistair Johnston, Hoops favourite Maeda managed to direct 28 of his 57 shots on target last term and emerged as arguably Celtic’s most important player on the march to a domestic double.

Brendan Rodgers won’t be in a rush to lose his services, but a question mark over his future will continue to remain as his contract at Parkheads ticks down.

Two years remain on his current terms, so nailing Maeda down to a new long-term deal will be a central priority for the Irishman.

Jarrod Freeman takes indefinite mental health break

The offspinner had played in all Tasmania’s Sheffield Shield games over the last two seasons

ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jun-2024Tasmania offspinner Jarrod Freeman has taken an indefinite break from cricket to manage his mental health.Freeman, 23, has played in all Tasmania’s Sheffield Shield matches over the last two seasons, taking 40 wickets at 46.00, and was part of the side that reached the final in the 2023-24 campaign.Last October he also played a key role with the bat in a famous Tasmania win as they chased down 432 against Queensland.”Cricket Tasmania extends its support to Jarrod during this leave period and values the importance of mental health,” Cricket Tasmania said in a statement. “The organisation hopes to see him return to cricket in the future.”Cricket Tasmania continues to support all athletes with appropriate mental health training and education, acknowledging the challenges professional athletes can face throughout their careers.”Tasmania have bolstered their spin resources in the off-season with the signing of Test left-armer Matt Kuhnemann from Queensland and Australia Under-19 offspinner Raf MacMillan on a rookie contract.Kuhnemann, who was recently on standby for Australia’s T20 World Cup squad, has moved states in a bid for more red-ball cricket having only played four first-class matches (three for Durham and one for Australia A) since featuring in the Test series against India early last year.Legspinner Mitchell Swepson was Queensland’s spin option in the Sheffield Shield last season although the pair played together as a key part of Brisbane Heat’s BBL title-winning side. Kuhnemann will remain with Heat for the 2024-25 season.

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