Nottingham Forest’s future in the Championship still hangs in the balance as the side have reached the Championship play-off finals, but it hasn’t stopped the transfer speculation from mounting.
What’s the latest?
A new update has emerged on Forest’s potential transfer target Cyrus Christie as he has now been released by Fulham and is a free agent ahead of the summer transfer window.
It was revealed earlier this month that the defender could be set for a reunion with his former club, with Sky Sports (via Nottingham Live) reporting that Nottingham Forest had put him on their list of transfer targets.
Christie has also been linked with a permanent move to Swansea City after a successful loan spell at the club this season.
Spence replacement
Steve Cooper is in need of a right-back next season as Djed Spence is set to return to Middlesbrough this summer following his impressive loan spell with the promotion-chasing side, and Christie could be an ideal replacement that could save the club millions as he will be available to sign on a free transfer.
The 29-year-old livewire who was hailed “outstanding” by Martin O’Neill has had an impressive season at Swansea in a more advanced role where he has proven to be effective, scoring three goals and contributing four assists.
He’s also created two big chances whilst making 2 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 1.3 clearances on average per game in 23 Championship appearances.
Christie is no stranger to The City Ground either as the Republic of Ireland international made 44 appearances delivering five assists during a season-long loan in 2020/2021 before returning to Fulham, so it could be a golden opportunity for the player to reignite his career at his former club.
Spence is now reportedly being pursued by Tottenham Hotspur so it is unlikely that Cooper will be able to compete to sign the 21-year-old with the Champions League qualified side this summer, but could sign a replacement in a more experienced eight years older Christie who wouldn’t cost them a penny.
With that being said, signing the free agent could be a low-risk investment for Forest and could easily fill the gap Spence will leave in the team next season. After receiving the green light on his future, Coope simply has to secure a deal.
AND in other news: Cooper can save Forest millions by unleashing 18 y/o who is “one to look out for”
Manchester United are expected to have a big summer transfer window following the arrival of Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, and now one of the Dutch coach’s former players has been linked with joining the manager.
What’s the latest?
According to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Man United are plotting a move and are currently in talks for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber.
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Plettenberg tweeted: “Update Timber: FC Bayern inquired about him but it is said that the 20 y/o could join Ten Hag to MUFC!
“Talks with his management have taken place. Manchester United is seriously interested.”
It’s thought a deal could cost as much as £35m this summer.
Ten Hag would love him
There is no doubt that the Red Devils are in need of improving their squad and their defence has been an area that has been criticised this season, so if Ten Hag could bring in a player he knows can be effective in his style of play he would surely love to have him at the club.
The £27m-rated youngster who was hailed as “reliable” by Marco van Basten has had a great season with the Dutch coach winning the Eredivisie this season and has been giving glimpses of his outstanding defensive abilities.
According to SofaScore, Timber has won the majority of both his aerial and ground duels (67%), with an impressive 91% pass accuracy and making 2.4 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, 1.4 clearances and an astonishing 90.8 touches on average per game, proving that he has been a real solid presence for Ajax in his 30 league appearances.
However, it is not just his defensive attributes that have made Ten Hag desperate for the centre-back to join him at Old Trafford as his effectiveness in attacking opportunities is a massive bonus too.
The 20-year-old who has been described as a “top talent” has scored three goals, contributed two assists, created one big chance and has been successful in 72% of his dribbles for the Dutch Champions.
With that being said, signing the young talent could be a major coup for Manchester United and Ten Hag this summer if they can secure a deal for Timber in the transfer window.
Considering he has played for the new manager already he could be an instant success in the North West.
AND in other news: “Close sources”: Sky Sports journo “told” big MUFC update that’ll excite Ten Hag
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been dealt a coaching staff blow after Fred Rutten rejected a move to Old Trafford, as per The Metro.
The Lowdown: Ten Hag announced as United manager
The Dutchman was announced as the new Red Devils manager last month and is set to arrive at Old Trafford over the coming weeks when the current campaign ends.
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Ten Hag has signed a contract through to 2025 in Manchester but is still yet to secure deals for any coaching staff. Rutten was seemingly on his radar, but the experienced manager – who is currently working behind the scenes with NEC Nijmegen – won’t be heading to England.
The Latest: Rutten rejects Man United move
As per The Metro on Sunday, Rutten has turned down the chance to join Ten Hag at United after holding talks with the 52-year-old.
He has instead agreed to join the coaching staff of former Red Devils striker Ruud van Nistelrooy at PSV Eindhoven ahead of the 2022/23 season.
The Verdict: Van der Gaag key?
Ten Hag was seemingly keen for Rutten to join him in England after talks, so this update is a big blow to the new United manager. However, Ten Hag’s current assistant Mitchell van der Gaag has been linked with following his boss to Old Trafford this summer, with Fabrizio Romano revealing that an agreement is now getting closer.
He has been described as an ‘important addition’, so hopefully the Red Devils manager will have better news when it comes to Van der Gaag as Ten Hag looks to get his backroom team confirmed ahead of the 2022/23 season.
Doing that will allow him to focus fully on new additions and who knows, he could ask Van der Gaag for his thoughts on potential signings, should a move go through.
In other news: Man Utd now leading race to sign star striker for Ten Hag in big deal
Football journalist Pete O’Rourke has provided an update regarding the future of Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.
The lowdown: Major interest in Phillips
The 26-year-old has been at the centre of intense transfer speculation for some time now, and the upcoming summer transfer window appears to be an important one for his future.
Premier League rivals Manchester United have recently emerged as the leading suitors, seemingly eclipsing previous interest from West Ham United and Aston Villa.
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However, relegation-threatened Leeds could be bracing themselves for a battle to keep the highly-rated midfielder regardless of their top-flight status…
The latest: O’Rourke predicts ‘big race’ for Phillips
Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke claimed that the 19-cap England international will be a wanted man should he decide to move on from Elland Road.
The journalist said: “If Kalvin Phillips does decide to leave Leeds this summer, there’s going to be a big race for his signature.
“I’m sure Leeds would love to keep hold of him as well.”
The verdict: At all costs
Unfortunately, without top-flight football, it seems certain that Phillips would leave Elland Road at the end of the season, despite the local hero’s strong affiliation with the club.
The combative midfielder has endured an injury-hit 2021/22 campaign, making just 19 appearances across all competitions. However, now that he’s back to fitness for the crucial run-in, Jesse Marsch may well turn to the £50m-rated Englishman to inspire the Yorkshire club to safety.
Having already amassed 230 appearances for his boyhood club, any move away will have to meet the club’s demands and will likely come with a heavy heart. Meanwhile, a switch to arch-rivals Manchester United could already be off the table out of respect to the Whites’ faithful, which would at least soften the blow if Phillips does move on in the summer.
In other news: Eddie Gray curses ‘tremendous blow’ regarding ‘vital’ Leeds colossus live on air…find out more here
Celtic have cashed in on a number of their players over the past few years such as Odsonne Edouard, Kristoffer Ajer and Moussa Dembele among others.
Another man for whom the Parkhead club picked up a significant transfer fee is left-back Kieran Tierney, who joined Premier League club Arsenal in August 2019 for £25m.
A product of the Parkhead club’s youth system, the defender made 170 appearances for the Hoops across all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing 37 assists in the process.
Prior to joining the north London club, Barry Ferguson claimed that a transfer fee of £50m for the full-back would have been cheap, highlighting just how highly the 24-year-old was rated during his days in Scotland.
Now that the summer transfer window is around the corner, this could give Ange Postecoglou the chance to sign his own version of Tierney and bring a new left-back to Celtic.
Back in December, the Parkhead club were linked with a move for Hibernian full-back Josh Doig, but they failed to secure his signature in the January transfer window.
With the summer in mind, this should give the Hoops an ideal period to reignite their interest in him and finally bring the 19-year-old to Glasgow.
Having played in 74 senior games for his current club, the teenager has scored one goal and provided six assists along the way.
In comparison to current Celtic left-back Greg Taylor, the Hibs youngster has shown just how capable he is of playing in the Premiership. This season has seen the 19-year-old record more crosses, interceptions and tackles than Taylor.
Even though the Hibs youngster has played 10 more games than the Celtic defender, he has still committed fewer fouls (12) than his fellow countryman (21). This shows that he may not be as much of a liability as Taylor, whilst still having the talent to be a defensive and attacking threat.
Hailed as a “phenomenal” player by Ray McKinnon, Doig could be an ideal long-term replacement for Tierney and be a major competitor for Taylor in the Hoops’ line-up.
Moving forward, if Postecoglou thinks that his defence needs some reinforcements during the summer, securing a deal for the Hibs talent should be at the top of their list.
In other news: Postecoglou can finally axe “unacceptable” Celtic dud with move for “class” £1.6m star
Everton spent a lot of time spinning their wheels with Farhad Moshiri at the head of the table, but David Moyes is working well within the Friedkin Group’s parameters, and there’s a new sense of belief on the blue half of Merseyside.
There’s no question the Blues have improved since the Scotsman’s exciting return, almost 12 years after closing the door on his dynasty and succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, but more is needed to hit that elusive next level: contending for a seat at the European table.
While there may be an acceptance that the Toffees need external solutions, there’s one player plying their trade elsewhere who’s guaranteed a shot in Moyes’ squad next season, given that they are contracted to the Hill Dickinson Stadium already.
Indeed, Harrison Armstrong’s loan spell with Preston North End is drawing many plaudits, suggesting he is destined for success in the Premier League.
Why Harrison Armstrong is Everton's future
Armstrong, 18, has been at Everton since he was five years old. He is young and raw, but the talent has been clear from the get-go, with Sean Dyche featuring him three times in the league last season.
This season, the athletic, progressive centre-midfielder racked up two assists for Everton as they beat Mansfield Town in the Carabao Cup second round, ahead of his season-long switch to Preston in the Championship.
He’s making good progress in the second tier. The 18-year-old was praised for a statement showing against Sheffield United recently, winning six of eight contested ground duels and completing both of his dribbles.
There was much to like on loan at Derby County last year, but Armstrong has evolved and developed since the summer, and that bodes well for his future in the Premier League.
Preston fans are certain Armstrong “will play for England one day”, and Everton must ensure they keep him on the books and help nurture him to the fore.
And the same must be applied to one of the youngster’s Toffees teammates, a rising star who might even be a bigger talent.
Everton have a bigger talent than Armstrong
This summer, Moyes oversaw sweeping changes as Everton moved house. Among the most high-profile and exciting deals was the £42m signing of Tyler Dibling from Southampton, the teenage talent having broken out on the south coast last term.
The 19-year-old only scored four goals and provided three assists across all competitions last season, but Southampton were in a dire state and he was a shining light throughout, blending pace and power and potency down the flank.
This season, Dibling has featured only four times in the Premier League, hooked at half time during his only start, the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace.
It’s been a slow start, but he’s immensely talented and has the potential to outstrip all his teammates in Moyes’ system.
With a natural ease when carrying the ball that will only develop over the coming years, Dibling is also positionally dynamic and has effortless balance.
Output and effectiveness are two facets he needs to keep working on, but there’s no question that Everton have a gem on their hands, potentially an even bigger talent than someone like Armstrong.
Mateus Fernandes
4
3.64
Ryan Manning
1
2.80
Yukinari Sugawara
1
2.46
Kyle Walker-Peters
2
2.30
Tyler Dibling
0
1.46
Despite entering the professional scene for the first time, despite trying to find success as a creator in a, frankly, dismal Saints side, Dibling showcased his quality, backing up the claims of his former youth coach Andy Goldie that he is a “world-class talent”.
Given Everton paid a hefty figure for the teenager’s services, and that he has a full Premier League campaign under his belt, it’s certainly not unjust to suggest that Dibling is a bigger talent than Armstrong, who may be thriving at Deepdale but has even further to climb if he wishes to successfully wedge his way into Moyes’ plans.
In any case, this all serves as an exciting nod toward the future for the Merseysiders.
Everton's £45k-p/w talent is now giving "Pienaar 2.0 vibes" under Moyes
Everton have already hit the jackpot on this talented first-teamer.
It’s been a woeful start to life at Glasgow Rangers for Russell Martin and his Ibrox tenure could be coming to an end sooner than first thought following the latest update on his future.
Martin: I've got "more support ever" at Rangers
Out of the Champions League and yet to win a game in the Scottish Premiership, it can’t get much worse for Martin at Rangers. The former Southampton manager was backed all throughout the summer transfer window by the 49ers, but has not been able to turn that investment into much-needed results.
Rangers boss Russell Martin squating on the touchline
The international break no doubt comes at a good time for all involved, but Martin is not worried about losing his job. The manager revealed that he has “more support than ever” by those in charge at Ibrox after a 0-0 draw against Celtic in the Old Firm derby.
Although he chose to remain positive, however, reports have suggested that any support for Martin could be coming to an end sooner rather than later in Scotland with a number of replacements already mooted.
How many games Martin has left at Rangers
According to Football Insider reporter Wayne Veysey, Rangers are preparing to sack Martin this month, and, therefore, he has just four games to potentially save his job.
The report claims that only a dramatic turnaround would prevent any quick decision, with a ‘growing expectation within the club that Martin will be gone by the end of September’.
Rangers vs Hearts
September 13
Rangers vs Hibernian
September 20
Rangers vs Genk
September 25
Livingston vs Rangers
September 28
The report comes just one day after Thelwell – Rangers’ sporting director – publicly hailed Martin as “one of the best” in a clear backing of the manager that he handpicked to join the club in the summer.
A lot can, of course, change in football at any given moment, but there’s no denying that Martin has given himself an uphill climb. His current record in the Scottish Premiership has been a particular disappointment, whilst a 9-1 thrashing accross two legs at the hands of Club Brugge in the Champions League hardly did wonders when it came to getting fans onside.
Derby County are preparing for their third Championship game of the season as they face last year’s play-off contenders Bristol City on Friday.
Ahead of the game, John Eustace spoke to RamsTV about the Bristol game and about last weekend’s dramatic 5-3 defeat at home to Coventry: “Obviously, we’ve got to defend better. To score three goals at home is really pleasing, to concede five is not so pleasing.”
Callum Elder mirrored his manager’s concern with Derby’s start to the season defensively, saying: “That’s the first two games of the season now we’ve taken leads in the league and haven’t been able to see it through.”
As the team trains for Bristol City behind the scenes, the board are pushing to sign one of their most sought-after targets who should help with Eustace’s defensive concerns.
Derby place third bid for Scotland's Johnston
Derby County have placed a third bid for Sturm Graz right back Max Johnston. The Scottish right back has made 65 appearances for the Austrian side, and this year, he earned his first senior cap for Scotland.
Johnston has been a consistent target for Derby, and the Rams haven’t been put off by their two unsuccessful bids. Derby’s first bid was valued at £1.4 million, and their second bid around £1.6 million.
Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph has now reported that Derby have bid £2 million. Johnston is currently on £7,900-a-year, meaning to match his current wage, Derby would have to make him one of their six highest-paid players.
Sturm Graz spent just over £300,000 on Johnston in 2023 and will be making a massive return on their investment if they accept this bid.
Johnston may solve Eustace's right back situation
The Rams are currently short-handed at right back as Kane Wilson is recovering from knee surgery, leaving Ryan Nyambe as the squad’s only traditional right back.
Joe Ward has also been used on that right-hand side when playing a back three, but his strengths lie in attack, meaning Eustace is still limited in terms of defensive alternatives. While Wilson did return to training on Monday, the manager hasn’t provided an update as to when he’ll be back playing games, and they will likely have to use him carefully to avoid any aggravation to his knee.
This may explain the acceleration towards a deal for Johnston, after their defensive frailties were put on full display against Coventry. Signing a young talent, who is at a career high market value having scored in his last Austrian Bundesliga outing, may be the catalyst to kick-start Derby’s Championship season.
With Wilson back and hopefully with the addition of Johnston, Eustace will have a range of options to play on his right-hand side. Wilson and Nyambe can serve as the traditional defensive right backs, Ward and the other wingers can be the more offensive options, and Johnston can serve as a hybrid, pitching in both defensively and offensively.
It’s not long until silly season begins, with that weird hinterland between the end of the 2024/25 campaign and the opening of the summer transfer window already affecting Liverpool.
Only, the recent rumours that Florian Wirtz is on Anfield’s radar as Arne Slot works with sporting director Richard Hughes to determine the best strategy to strengthen his title-winning side this summer.
Richard Hughes and Arne Slot
Once upon a time, such a signing would have indeed felt absurd for the Reds, but this is a new era on Merseyside and it’s one to keep an eye on, to be sure.
How much Wirtz may cost Liverpool
Liverpool fans have been getting themselves acquainted with Wirtz this week. The Bayer Leverkusen star is being anticipated to leave this summer, and, yes, he’s on FSG’s watchlist.
The problem, naturally, is that Manchester City are also keen on signing the German playmaker up, with The Athletic even revealing on Wednesday that the Premier League behemoths have held talks with Wirtz’s representatives
Bayern Munich are still in the driving seat, but this is proving to be an open race, one which could end with the 22-year-old at any of the destinations.
Wirtz, who has plundered 31 goal contributions this year after winning last year’s Bundesliga Player of the Season as an invincible champion, would likely cost Liverpool €150m (about £126m) to prise away from Leverkusen.
As with Alexander Isak, it would be foolish not to have an alternative lined up; luckily, FSG do at that.
Liverpool Dream XI
Liverpool's dream Wirtz alternative
Liverpool clearly fancy a new playmaking midfielder, and though Wirtz is the cream of the crop, Xavi Simons isn’t far behind him.
Simons has gone from strength to strength in the Bundesliga, no longer one of the pack at Paris Saint-Germain and instead a “superstar” who is “destined for greatness,” as has been claimed by analyst Ben Mattinson.
The 22-year-old has been a key presence for RB Leipzig over the past two seasons, scoring 20 goals and laying on 23 more assists over 70 appearances.
Back in March, it was revealed that Liverpool were preparing a £67 bid for Simons, and while that didn’t materialise, the interest is genuine and he’s got his sights on the Premier League. Last Slot would love to work with his countryman, who would fit right into his midfield.
This is something of a Dutch revolution, after all. Simons is destined for the Premier League, insofar as he wants to join and has the skill set to flourish on English soil.
Like Wirtz, Simons is comfortable across a wealth of attacking positions, perhaps even more so. This season, he’s flitted back and forth from left wing and a more central attacking position, effective from both vantages.
So then, a young and right-footed playmaker with a dynamic approach. He ticks many of the same boxes as Wirtz, and he holds his own from a technical standpoint too.
Matches (starts)
30 (24)
24 (24)
Goals
10
9
Assists
12
7
Shots (on target)*
2.5 (1.2)
1.9 (0.8)
Pass completion
82%
83%
Big chances created
17
12
Key passes*
1.9
2.1
Dribbles*
2.7
1.3
Ball recoveries*
3.6
5.2
Tackles*
1.1
1.1
Duels won*
5.3
5.4
Honestly, there isn’t all that much to differentiate the two playmakers. Maybe Wirtz pips Simons, but the Netherlands international has got more than enough to make a real impact on Slot’s side.
Indeed, given that Leipzig would be seeking out a smaller fortune for his sale too, it’s something of a no-brainer given the size of the rebuild that is needed this summer.
Xavi Simons celebrates
If you needed a further illustration of the little magician’s ability, FBref have laid out even more of Simons’ impressive data from the 2024/25 campaign.
It’s shown that he ranks among the top 11% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for touches, the top 6% for ball recoveries, the top 12% for shot-creating actions, the top 1% for through balls, the top 12% for passes attempted and the top 13% for progressive passes per 90.
Truly, he’s one of the best passers out there. Given that Simons has scored more goals than he’s assisted this season, moreover, there’s even more excitement sure to be emanating from the Reds camp, whose pursuit of Wirtz could lead them to Simons, and it’s hard to suggest they’d be significantly worse off for it.
He’s withheld from mentioning him until this point, but Trent Alexander-Arnold’s expected move to Real Madrid demands a new elite-level playmaker to bolster Slot’s squad.
With a deal for Jeremie Frimpong reportedly in the closing stages, Liverpool have moved swiftly to secure competition for Conor Bradley. But neither full-back represents the one-of-a-kind creative quality of Trent.
Slot is actually clever to be shifting the playmaking focus into a more conventional number ten berth. Whether this gambit proves to be a success remains to be seen, but if Wirtz and Simons are the targets, it’s hard to envisage all that much going wrong for the Premier League champions.
It’s an exciting time to be a Liverpool fan.
A dream for Salah: Liverpool moving to sign "the world's best midfielder"
Liverpool boss Arne Slot’s season will be rewarded in the transfer market this summer.
Rangers and the 49ers Enterprises are believed to be interested in signing an “incredibly athletic” player in the summer transfer window, according to an update from journalist Sebastien Denis.
Rangers and 49ers eyeing new manager and signings
The Gers are coming towards the end of what has ultimately been a disappointing season, starting with the doomed reign of Philippe Clement, who allowed his side to drift too far behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership title race.
Barry Ferguson came in and steadied the ship in interim charge, guiding Rangers to the quarter-finals of the Europa League, but it looks like a permanent replacement will arrive in the summer. Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl has been mentioned as an option in recent days, with the German looking increasingly likely to leave the Owls at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, the likes of Steven Gerrard and Marco Rose are seen as the front-runners to come in at Ibrox as the 49ers plan for a busy first summer. In terms of new signings on the pitch, Bobby Clark has been linked with a summer move to Rangers, with the former Liverpool youngster currently at RB Salzburg. Playing time has been hard to come by, though, with just two substitute appearances coming his way in the Austrian Bundesliga this season.
Rangers want to sign "incredibly athletic" £6m+ defender
Now according to a new claim from Denis on X, Estoril defender Kevin Boma is a “very popular” option for Rangers, as well as Basel and Union Berlin, with the Scottish giants eyeing a move for him in the summer window.
He goes on to describe the 22-year-old as “already one of the best defenders in Portugal” and his current club could demand as much as £6.8m for his signature.
Boma may not be the most renowned Rangers target in recent months, but the fact that Denis speaks so highly of him immediately suggests he could be an exciting young addition for next season and beyond.
The Estoril ace has won two caps for Togo at senior international level, having previously represented France’s Under-18s, and journalist Kai Watson has described him as “incredibly athletic”.
The fee that Estoril are demanding for Boma doesn’t seem too steep, considering his long-term potential, so Rangers could be looking at him as a strong option to be a mainstay at the heart of their defence for years to come.
Rangers may join race for exciting coach who learned trade at Bayern Munich
He’s set to leave his current club.
ByTom Cunningham May 9, 2025
Becoming more defensively resolute will aid them in their efforts to close the gap on Celtic in 2025/26, with the Gers conceding 15 more goals than their rivals in the league, which has played a part in their title challenge petering out the longer the campaign has gone on.