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Stand-in captain top-scores with 49 and takes a wicket in first over as Derbyshire brushed aside

ECB Reporters' Network20-Jun-2021Joe Root top-scored with 49 off 36 balls as he captained Yorkshire to a 39-run Vitality Blast win over Derbyshire Falcons at Emerald Headingley.The England Test captain is back in Vikings colours prior to one-day international duty next week and contributed significantly, alongside Harry Brook’s unbeaten 48, to their 174 for 6 having been inserted. Seamer George Scrimshaw claimed a career best 3 for 30 for the Falcons, but they fell well short of their target at 135 all out in 19 overs.Dom Bess and Lockie Ferguson finished with 3 for 21 apiece as Yorkshire claimed a fourth win in six North Group games to move top on net run rate. Derbyshire suffered their fifth defeat in seven.Root missed out on a sixth half-century in his last seven Blast innings dating back to July 2018. But he still averages a fabulous 75.59 with 378 runs in that sequence.He came into Yorkshire’s team as one of four changes from last Wednesday’s win at Worcestershire – Friday’s clash with Birmingham was rained off – with Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid and regular skipper David Willey all on T20 international duty.Root was in after five balls of the game and navigated his side away from danger at 8 for 1 and later 56 for 3 in the eighth over on a true pitch. Typically busy, he shared 57 in six overs for the fourth wicket with Brook before being caught at mid-on off the impressive Scrimshaw, who also removed Gary Ballance and Will Fraine.Jordan Thompson twice, Brook and Matthew Waite shared four sixes in the last nine balls of the innings to boost Yorkshire’s total. And Root, captaining his county for the first time in a limited-overs game, struck 10 balls into Derbyshire’s chase when Luis Reece skewed his offspin high to point.New Zealand overseas quick Ferguson and seamer Waite also struck in their first overs to remove Harry Came and Billy Godleman. And when Bess claimed a sharp return catch to remove Leus du Plooy, Derbyshire were in deep trouble at 49 for 4 after nine overs.Bess had Matt Critchley caught at long-on and Brook Guest caught at long-off to secure career best figures in only his 10th T20 appearance – Derbyshire 84 for 6 in the 14th.Fynn Hudson-Prentice hit 34 and Alex Thomson 28, but they only added respectability before falling to successive Thompson deliveries in the 18th over, and Ferguson then cleaned up the tail in the penultimate.

Heading into the new Premier League season, Chelsea were seen as the 'banter' club once again.

Why? Well, unless you've been living under a rock, Todd Boehly has waved his big fat chequebook around again to bolster his squad further.

New bodies were needed under Enzo Maresca and they have actually completed some impressive business this summer. Pedro Neto has long been sought-after by clubs in the Premier League. Tosin Adarabioyo was smart on a free transfer and Joao Felix is a pretty handy player.

Yet, it's the way in which they've handled player exits that defies belief. Academy graduates Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah were alienated from the first-team squad and the same treatment has been dished out to high-earner Raheem Sterling.

So, when the Blues tasted defeat against Manchester City on the opening weekend you feared the worst once again.

Fortunately, they have bounced back well, producing their best performance in many a month to dispatch Wolves 6-2 at Molineux on Sunday afternoon.

Chelsea's best player vs Wolves

There's no prize for guessing this one. Noni Madueke – who among the thrills and spills of this transfer window has been linked with an exit – scored a remarkable hat-trick during a frantic 14-minute period of football.

It was the first of his career and one that will likely now keep him at Stamford Bridge. Talk about timing. This Chelsea squad won't be easy to feature regularly in this season but the former PSV Eindhoven star has begun the season with some aplomb.

All three strikes were supplied by Cole Palmer, running Wolves ragged with a trio of goals that silenced a crowd who had been booing the winger due to comments on social media prior to the game.

His first may have been deflected beyond the goalkeeper by Rayan Ait-Nouri but there was no doubting the quality of the other two goals, firing beyond Jose Sa from very similar angles having been laid off by the inevitable Palmer.

That said, despite a rosy day for Chelsea, there was one notable underperformer in Blue.

Chelsea's worst player vs Wolves

Coming into this new campaign Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk was sporting a new head of hair. Gone were the luscious blonde locks. Instead, a skinhead had arrived back at Cobham, ready and raring to show something different on the pitch too.

Sadly, the mega-money signing during the winter of 2023 is still failing to produce the goods and is leaving fans to wonder why on earth they paid such a pretty penny to beat Arsenal to his signature.

Mudryk's lack of influence on the game was summed up by his withdrawal at the break. Maresca said after the game that he was "not happy" with his display in possession.

Why was that the case? Well, the stats do all of the heavy lifting for us. Inevitably producing fewer touches (13) than goalkeeper Robert Sanchez's 54, he left the pitch having mustered a tally of just five completed passes. From his low number of touches, he ceded possession on six occasions.

On that evidence, it's hardly a surprise the new manager was a bit fed up with the winger's performance.

Mudryk vs Wolves

Minutes played

45

Touches

13

Accurate passes

5/8 (63%)

Crosses

0/1

Key passes

0

Dribble attempts

1/2

Ground duels won

1/4

Aerial duels won

0/1

Possession lost

6x

Shots

0

Stats via Sofascore.

To make matters worse he failed to carve out a single key pass on a day where Chelsea ran rampant. Mudryk also succeeded with just one of his two dribble attempts.

This was a particularly poor afternoon for the attacker who was given a hammering by the media post-game. Football.London's Bobby Vincent handed him a 5/10, lambasting his 'quiet' nature. GOAL were particularly scathing with reporter Mark Doyle suggesting it was a 0/10 display, writing that it was an 'embarrassingly ineffective display'. Tell us what you really think, eh?

So, with Neto champing at the bit for his first league start for Chelsea, Joao Felix recently signed and Christopher Nkunku also looking over his shoulder, it would not be a surprise to see Mudryk benched next time out.

Related Move over Madueke: 9/10 Chelsea ace was the real star for Maresca

Chelsea smashed Wolves 6-2 for Maresca’s first Premier League win.

Posts ByConnor Holden Aug 25, 2024

After two campaigns of coming incredibly close but just falling short, next season feels like it could finally be the year for Arsenal to topple Manchester City in the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta's side came within two points of doing so last year, and while they produced a far better defence than the eventual champions, they scored five fewer goals than them, which is an area that can be improved.

Fortunately, over the last week or so, the Gunners have been linked with several talented forwards, and according to recent reports, they are interested in Bournemouth's inform poacher, Dominic Solanke.

However, while the Englishman proved his goalscoring ability last season, there is a feeling that he might not be of the level required to win the league, which cannot be said of another striker recently touted for a move to the Emirates.

Arsenal's striker search

According to a recent report from Italian journalist Gianluca DiMarzio, Arsenal are back in the picture regarding Napoli's Victor Osimhen.

DiMarzio has revealed that the Nigerian's potential move to Chelsea, which has been grabbing headlines in recent days, is now not going to happen and that while Paris Saint-Germain 'remain on the trail' of the superstar, 'Arsenal could also get back into the game'.

The journalist does not mention how much the experienced international might cost the North Londoners. However, reports from last week suggest that Napoli could still demand clubs pay his €130m release clause, which converts to about £109m.

It would be a seriously significant investment from Arsenal, but given Osimhen's quality, it might prove worth it, and he'd be a better signing than Solanke.

How Osimhen compares to Solanke

Now, given how well Arsenal played last season, the one thing they need their new striker to do above all else is put the ball in the back of the net or, at the very least, provide the pass for a teammate to do so. But out of Solanke and Osimhen, who comes out on top in this regard?

Well, while the Englishman scored more goals last season, it's the Serie A winner who unsurprisingly comes out on top over the last five years, and by quite some margin at that.

For example, since the start of the 2019/20 campaign, the "world-class" marksman, as dubbed by José Mourinho, has scored 94 goals and provided 24 assists in 171 appearances, which equates to a seriously impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.44 games.

In contrast, the former Chelsea prospect has scored 77 goals and provided 30 assists in 206 appearances, equating to an average of a goal involvement every 1.92 games, a significant portion of which were in the Championship.

However, it's not just in raw output that the former LOSC Lille ace beats out the Cherries star, as when you compare the pair's underlying numbers, he comes out ahead.

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

0.66

0.55

Non-Penalty Goals + Assists

0.68

0.58

Progressive Passes

1.05

1.63

Progressive Carries

1.55

1.41

Shots

3.86

2.97

Shots on Target

1.63

1.02

Shot-Creating Actions

2.45

2.14

Goal-Creating Actions

0.36

0.16

Aerial Duels Won

1.68

2.63

For example, in every relevant metric bar progressive passes and aerial duels won, the Lagos-born dynamo comes out on top, including non-penalty expected goals plus assists, actual non-penalty goals plus assists, goal and shot-creating actions, shots and shots on target, and progressive carries, all per 90.

Ultimately, while Solanke proved he was a Premier League-level striker last season, it's clear from his underlying numbers and long-term output that he just isn't comparable to Osimhen. Therefore, if Arsenal find themselves with the opportunity to sign the Nigerian international this summer, they have to take it – he could win them the league.

Arsenal target Merino alternative who'd be unreal next to Rice & Odegaard

The “world-class” midfielder would be an excellent signing.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 6, 2024

Mason Mount arrived at Manchester United last summer with big expectations after his huge £60m move from Chelsea.

However, his first campaign at Old Trafford was nothing short of a disaster, making just 14 Premier League appearances, in a season constantly plagued by various injury troubles.

His issues resulted in a very sparse midfield department for Erik ten Hag, with the United boss already targeting reinforcements ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Manuel Ugarte and Richard Rios are just two players to have been linked with a move to the North West this summer, but moves are yet to materialise for either talent.

However, the club could be edging to the signing of one player who has previously been touted with a big-money move to Old Trafford.

Manchester United closing in on £67m talent

According to reports in Spain via Football 365, Manchester United are close to reaching an agreement to sign Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong this summer.

The 27-year-old has been a long-term target for the Red Devils, but no deal has ever been agreed for his services, although Ten Hag could finally get his man during the ongoing transfer window.

The report states that United have closed a deal worth €80m (£67m) with Barcelona president Joan Laporta for the Dutch international to move to the Premier League.

However, it also states that Ten Hag’s side may have some convincing to do, with De Jong not fully sold on a move to Old Trafford.

The deal would undoubtedly transform Ten Hag’s midfield, with the Barca ace a huge upgrade on Mount after his failed first campaign in Manchester.

Why De Jong would be an upgrade on Mount for United

Although he would be another huge addition for the club after the arrivals of Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee from Lille and Bologna respectively, De Jong would be a stellar signing and one that could hugely improve Ten Hag’s midfield.

When comparing the former Ajax ace to fellow big-money addition Mount, it’s evident that he would be a huge upgrade on the Englishman – allowing the Red Devils to push for a return to the Premier League’s top four.

De Jong also had an injury-affected campaign, only making 20 LaLiga appearances, but he’s dominated the current United man, finishing the season with a 10% better pass completion rate, among other standout metrics.

Games played

20

14

Goals + assists

2

1

Pass accuracy

92%

82%

Progressive passes

9.2

3.7

Progressive carries

3.8

1.6

Shot-on-target accuracy

57%

20%

The Barca ace, who’s previously been dubbed “one of the best players in the world” by former boss Xavi Hernandez, has also averaged nearly three times the amount of progressive passes – showcasing his ability to play forward and create opportunities.

Whilst neither of their primary roles is to contribute with goals, De Jong has averaged a 50% shot on target rate, compared to Mount’s 27%, demonstrating that he possesses the added quality in the final third when called upon.

Although the club have spent big on European midfielders before, the Barca talent could buck the trend of disappointing additions, having all the qualities to thrive in the Premier League.

He’s certainly an upgrade on the current crop of players in the squad, potentially holding the keys to a top-four finish in 2024/25.

Man Utd battling to land "genius" who's a Simons & Bellingham hybrid

Manchester United looking to add creative star in attacking midfield

ByConnor Holden Jul 28, 2024

Having already boosted their attacking options this summer, Everton are now reportedly hopeful of winning the race to land a defensive reinforcement for Sean Dyche.

Everton transfer news

It's been a surprisingly busy summer at Goodison Park given the fact that their takeover remains incomplete.

The Toffees have already welcomed Jack Harrison back on loan, whilst also adding fresh faces in the form of Tim Iroegbunam from Aston Villa and Iliman Ndiaye, who should provide Dyche with a much-needed attacking spark next season.

Speaking for the first time since putting pen to paper, the former Marseille and Sheffield United star told Everton's official media channels: "I am so pleased to be an Everton player. The main reasons I wanted to join were how big the club is, its history and the part I can play in helping the team in the forward direction it is going in. I’m so excited and can’t wait to get going.

"Kevin [Thelwell] and the manager both spoke to me and made me feel wanted. My Senegal teammate Idrissa also played a part and spoke highly of the Club and a lot of good things."

Everton have already hit gold on a star who's now worth more than Gnonto

He’s been exceptional since his move to Goodison Park.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 7, 2024

With an attacking boost welcomed, Everton have since reportedly turned their attention towards improving Dyche's backline. According to Alan Nixon via Patreon, Everton are still hopeful of winning the race to sign Jake O'Brien from Lyon ahead of West Ham United this summer. The Irishman is reportedly among the players who are allowed to leave the French club this summer as they look to balance the books.

What's more, those at Goodison Park reportedly believe that O'Brien will choose a move to Everton over both West Ham and Nottingham Forest to hand Dyche a key addition this summer.

"Brilliant" O'Brien could replace Branthwaite

As much as a partnership between O'Brien and Jarrad Branthwaite would be quite the prospect for Dyche and Everton, the latter's future still remains in doubt and could end up leaving O'Brien to fill the void he would leave behind. The Lyon man is certainly a player of a similar calibre after an impressive season in France and may arrive to offer the Toffees an instant solution to a major concern.

League stats 23/24 (via FBref)	Jake O'Brien	Jarrad Branthwaite
Progressive carries	15	2
Progressive passes	68	74
Tackles won	16	32
Ball recoveries	126	181

Earning a reported £9k a week, O'Brien's ball-carrying ability would offer Dyche a different type of centre-back to Branthwaite, who is better out of possession. The defender also earned plenty of praise from Republic of Ireland boss and Manchester United legend John O'Shea last season.

O'Shea said via Extra: "It’s been brilliant to see what he has done in the last year to 18 months, establishing himself in a top-flight league. It’s been brilliant to see. There’s great competition in that area of the pitch. He’ll have lots of competition but it’s great for us, and me being part of the defensive camp shall we say, that we can help him improve even further over the two games coming up."

Soon-to-be Chelsea wonderkid 'Messinho' reached yet another landmark in Brazil with his latest goal for Palmeiras.

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• Estevao Willian reaches another landmark
• Scored in Palmeiras' draw against Fortaleza
• Became Brazilian Serie A's joint-highest goalscorer

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Estevao Willian was on target for Palmeiras in their 2-2 draw with Fortaleza in a Brazilian Serie A clash on Sunday. The youngster converted a spot-kick that eventually earned his team an important point as he reached yet another landmark in Brazil football. With his 11th goal of the season, the 18-year-old equalled Flamengo's Pedro's tally to become the league's joint-highest goalscorer. The youngster is also the league's highest assist provider with eight to his name in the 2024-25 campaign.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Premier League giants Chelsea have an agreement in place that will see the teenage sensation move to west London in July 2025 – shortly after his 18th birthday. The transfer is likely to be worth as much as £56 million ($73m). Earlier this month, he eclipsed Neymar to become the most prolific 17-year-old in the league's history as he reached 17 goal contributions. Until then, the Al-Hilal star held the record of 16 goals and assists which he posted for Santos in 2009.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Messinho's brilliant start to the new season has already earned him two national team caps for the Selecao as he made his international debut in September against Ecuador in a 2026 CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying game.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ESTEVAO WILLIAN?

  The player will be next seen in action for Palmeiras on November 5 as the Brazilian giants take on Corinthians in a crucial Serie A clash. He has an opportunity to become the highest scorer in the league as Pedro is currently out injured and is likely to miss the remainder of the season.

Leeds United will have plenty of names drafted up on their shopping list, with every possibility mapped out as to who they can go after if a key member of the camp ends up leaving.

The likes of Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville receiving interest this coming transfer window was to be expected, and many a suitor has already begun to test the waters with Daniel Farke's men, but Ilia Gruev being eyed up by recent Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund might have taken some by surprise.

If Leeds are to lose the Bulgarian midfielder in the summer, the German boss could be eyeing up a transfer reunion with one of his former Norwich City stars to plug this gap in the middle of the park, who could end up being a dream replacement down the line.

Leeds looking at Premier League midfielder

As per the Athletic, Leeds are eyeing up a move for Oliver Skipp to improve the holding midfield positions in West Yorkshire ahead of next season, with that not being the only new recruit they want to take from the North London titans.

The same report notes that Joe Rodon is also on Leeds' agenda, but that move could be dead in the water, owing to a new development suggesting Ipswich Town are in for the defender.

Leeds will hope they are at least successful in their pursuit of Skipp if Rodon doesn't end up relocating, with the 23-year-old only making five starts for his current employers in league action last season, and in dire need of breathing life back into his career consequently.

How Skipp fits into the Leeds team

Farke could be the perfect man to get Skipp back to his best, having managed the tenacious midfielder at Carrow Road during the 2020/21 season in the second tier, which ended in the Canaries being crowned as champions of the tricky division.

Helping himself to a place in the Championship Team of the Season off the back of his heroic displays in Norfolk, Farke will hope he's the missing piece of the jigsaw for his current Leeds side, in getting over their play-off final heartbreak and returning to the Premier League.

Tim Krul (Norwich)

Max Aarons (Norwich)

Ethan Pinnock (Brentford)

Grant Hanley (Norwich)

Rico Henry (Brentford)

Emi Buendia (Norwich)

Michael Olise (Reading)

Oliver Skipp (Norwich)

Ivan Toney (Brentford)

Adam Armstrong (Blackburn)

Teemu Pukki (Norwich)

Gruev potentially exiting the club would also be forgotten about in an instant if Skipp did join the building, as well as offering Leeds another tough defensive midfield option, away from attempting to get Kalvin Phillips back.

Along the way to Norwich winning promotion, Skipp would garner the reputation for being a disruptor of play in the centre of the park, winning an average of 2.2 tackles per game, across his stellar 45 games.

In contrast, Gruev would win just 1.6 per game last season, with Skipp taking over his duties like a duck to water, if he is signed up by Farke's men.

Games played

36

45

Goals scored

1

1

Assists

1

1

Big chances created

1

3

Touches*

47.1

68.1

Key passes*

0.5

0.6

Interceptions*

0.9

1.1

Tackles*

1.6

2.2

Blowing his Bulgarian counterpart out of the water in various other aspects of their midfield games, Skipp – who was referred to as being a "top player" by Farke during their Norwich days – could be a perfect recruit to reinvigorate a Leeds side down on their luck, to push on and go again next season.

He could well add another promotion to his career CV in the process if he does join, with Gruev simply a distant thought, if a move does end up being finalised.

Skipp – a player with six appearances to his name in the Champions League as a marker of his quality – will unlikely be the only bit of business Farke and Co make this coming transfer window, as Leeds look to strengthen ahead of another gruelling 46-game season, hopeful that they aren't broken again at the end of it all by slipping up once more.

Alongside Aaronson: Leeds must bring back star who's "too good" for the EFL

The Whites should bring the impressive central defender back to Elland Road next season.

ByDan Emery Jun 12, 2024

Angel Gomes has refused to rule out a future return to Manchester United after starring for Lille.

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• Gomes had a frustrating first stint at United
• Has risen to prominence after shining with Lille
• Midfielder remains open to an Old Trafford return

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Gomes' rise to prominence in France has not gone unnoticed. He was handsomely rewarded for his bright form by being a surprise inclusion in Lee Carsley’s first England squad selection and after excelling in a deep-lying playmaker role, the midfielder has been called up for next week’s international fixtures as well.

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  Gomes' burgeoning reputation has caught the attention of several Premier League and European clubs, who are eager to secure his services when his contract runs out. Lille, however, may look to cash in on their star player as early as January if a suitable offer comes in, rather than risk losing him for free next summer.

• WHAT GOMES SAID

  Gomes’ journey from United to Lille has been one of growth and resilience. After coming through United’s academy, he made just 10 senior appearances for the club before leaving in 2020. Now with Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro struggling in midfield, United are believed to be looking at options in the market.

  When asked about the possibility of returning to United, the club where his professional career began, Gomes told "There’ll always be that sentimental soft spot, so of course it’d be difficult to say no."

  However, he was quick to add: "As amazing as it would be, after finding happiness abroad I know [playing in the Premier League] is not the be-all and end-all."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GOMES?

  Gomes’ resurgence at Lille, combined with his England call-up, has positioned him as one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe. However, his current focus is on continuing to perform at the highest level for Lille as he proved himself again by finding the net to inspire a comeback win over Toulouse on Saturday in Ligue 1. He will now look forward to joining the Three Lions squad for the Nations League fixtures against Greece and Finland.

Leicester City are lining up a "brilliant" 4-2-3-1 style manager as a potential replacement for Enzo Maresca this summer, according to TalkSPORT.

Maresca could leave Leicester for Chelsea

The Foxes enjoyed a superb season in the Championship, winning the league title and securing a quickfire return to the Premier League in the process. They accumulated 97 points in total, highlighting their brilliance, and it rarely looked as though anything other than automatic promotion would be achieved, barring a late wobble.

While supporters are no doubt looking forward to next season, their preparations for the 2024/25 campaign have been rocked by the news that they could lose their influential manager Maresca, having inspired Leicester into the top flight in such impressive fashion in his first season at the club.

The Italian only arrived at the King Power Stadium last year, coming in from Parma, but he is now reportedly in advanced talks to take charge at Chelsea, following the exit of Mauricio Pochettino. The 44-year-old is a front-runner to be the next boss at Stamford Bridge, acting as a significant blow for the Foxes, who will no doubt be desperate to keep hold of him for years to come.

Should Maresca depart before the start of next season, there will be a desperate search to find a replacement as soon as possible, and it looks as though a possible successor has been found, following a new update.

Leicester eyeing "brilliant" manager to replace Maresca

According to TalkSPORT journalist Jason Bourne on X, Leicester could appoint West Brom manager Carlos Corberan to replace Maresca, should the former head to Chelsea this summer:

"It's very early days, but a couple of us at talkSPORT are hearing the name Carlos Corberan as a potential target for Leicester, should Enzo Maresca move on."

Corberan has certainly proven himself as an excellent Championship manager, guiding West Brom into the playoffs this season, only for them to fall short after losing to Southampton in the semi-finals.

Sky Sports commentator Don Goodman has waxed lyrical over Corberan and the job he is doing, saying: “Carlos gets the team motivated and they're hard to break down. They've just had a run of seven clean sheets in nine games and they're horrible to play against. They're an experienced team, which can be a pro and a con. They know how to see games out, but they're up against more mobile and athletic teams who have the capacity on occasion to overrun them. He's doing a brilliant job as far as I'm concerned."

Corberan knows the Championship inside out now, averaging 1.63 points per game across 46 matches in the competition, but his lack of experience in the top flight will be a concern for Foxes fans, considering he has never taken charge of a Premier League side.

West Brom

84

1.61

Olympiakos

11

1.45

Huddersfield

102

1.41

Ermis Aradippou

15

1.33

Doxa Katokopias

8

0.63

Hopefully, Maresca has a late change of heart and stays at Leicester, but the fact Corberan has improved his points per game tally with each step he has made in his career is certainly a good sign.

Newcastle United's heavy spending under the Saudi PIF could be about to continue in the summer, with the Magpies desperately needing to increase their squad depth ahead of next season.

The club are already looking to strengthen the centre-back department after the long-term injury suffered by Sven Botman, with the Dutchman ruled out for up to nine months after his ACL surgery.

The Magpies are said to be edging closer to completing a deal to sign Bournemouth centre-back Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer when his current deal expires with the Cherries on the 30th of June.

Injuries have left Eddie Howe's side light in multiple key areas across the pitch, with other players such as Joelinton and Nick Pope spending multiple months on the sidelines.

Alongside the backline, Howe's midfield has also been depleted due to injuries, with the club targeting one player to potentially complete the Magpies' midfield puzzle this summer.

Newcastle United eyeing £50m midfielder this summer

Although the club will have to operate in a sensible manner given their current FFP situation, they will try and improve the squad with one player in particular catching the eye.

According to The Athletic's Chris Waugh, the Magpies are admirers of Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, with the Englishman not seen as a direct replacement for Brazilian Bruno Guimaraes should he depart St James' Park this summer.

However, the deal could cost the Saudi PIF a pretty penny, as Nuno Espirito Santo's side are expected to be wanting a bid of at least £50m to part ways with the 24-year-old.

Whilst he may be an expensive addition to the Newcastle squad, Gibbs-White would add serious quality to the midfield department, potentially playing in a box-to-box or a more advanced role behind the front three.

Waugh might claim that the former Wolves man wouldn't come in to replace Guimaraes, but he certainly wouldn't be a bad option should the 26-year-old have his release clause triggered over the off-season.

How Gibbs-White could fit in at Newcastle

With Sandro Tonali set to come back from his suspension in October, the Italian will be like a new signing for Howe's side, allowing him to sit as an anchor at the base of the Magpies' midfield, with Gibbs-White ahead of him.

The "sensational" talent, as described by former teammate Billy Sharp, has operated in a deeper role for Forest in recent weeks, partnering Danilo in the Reds' midfield.

He's still produced some excellent numbers in the Premier League this season, showcasing his versatility in a side that has struggled for the vast majority of the campaign.

Gibbs-White's stats at Forest 23/24
Statistics	Tally
Matches played	35
Goals	5
Assists	8
Passes completed	926
Successful dribbles	43
Chances created	69
Tackles	24
Duels won	186
Stats via FotMob

He's been likened to former Newcastle midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum by talent scout Jacek Kulig, with the Englishman potentially able to follow in his footsteps on Tyneside.

Despite only lasting a season at St James' Park, Wijnaldum flourished during the 2015/16 campaign, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists in 40 games in all competitions, prior to departing for Liverpool on a £25m deal upon the Magpies' relegation.

The hope will be that Gibbs-White can have an equally as impressive, albeit more sustained impact at Newcastle as the Dutchman, while also filling the shoes of Guimaraes in the process, with the latter man a real attacking threat having chipped in with six goals and six assists in the league this term.

With Gibbs-White boasting 13 league goal involvements of his own, he can certainly fill that attack-minded void in Howe's side. As such, should Guimaraes depart, the club should make the Forest man their primary target to replace him.

Newcastle now among favourites to sign "exciting" new star in Gordon repeat

The midfielder is a man in-demand…

By
Tom Cunningham

May 2, 2024