Sky Sports: Nottingham Forest keen on signing "special" £25m Man City ace

Nottingham Forest are now eyeing a move to sign a “special” Manchester City player this summer, according to Sky Sports.

Forest's summer transfer plans underway

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side got back to winning ways in the Premier League on Monday against Tottenham Hotspur, and the hope will be that they can now keep that run going until the end of the season, where it will give them a great chance of securing Champions League football for next season.

Nottingham Forest now advance in contact to sign £135k-p/w Serie A "star"

He was wanted in January.

ByCharlie Smith Apr 26, 2025

Playing in that competition could see Forest’s summer transfer plans significantly change, as the money they will get from entering it could be used to bring new players to the club. Signing a new striker seems to be a high priority for the Reds this summer, as they have been heavily reliant on Chris Wood for much of this campaign.

Brentford's BryanMbeumocelebrates scoring their first goal

Forest have been linked with a move for Wolves’ Matheus Cunha in recent weeks and months, but it looks as though Manchester United are set to win that race. Meaning Forest now have to turn to alternative targets and strikers such as Anis Hadj Moussa from Feyenoord and Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton have been mentioned and added to their shortlist. But they may all be backup options, as it’s been claimed that the Reds are eyeing a move to sign Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford as an alternative to Cunha, who will likely cost £50 million.

Nottingham Forest keen on signing £25m James McAtee

As well as looking for a new number nine, the Reds are also in the market to strengthen their midfield options. According to Sky Sports, Nottingham Forest are interested in signing James McAtee from Manchester City.

Sky Sports state that McAtee is of interest to the Reds, irrelevant of what happens to Antony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odi, who have both been linked with a move away from the City Ground. It goes on to state that it isn’t clear if City would be looking to sell McAtee this summer, despite the fact that he is out of contract in 2026.

Forest are not alone in showing interest in McAtee, as it’s been reported that Man United are also keeping an eye on the Englishman, and they could make a shock move to sign a player from their bitter rivals.

Apps

32

Goals

7

Assists

0

The 22-year-old, who has been dubbed “special” by Man City boss Pep Guardiola, has played 25 times for the Blues this season but has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot. He has started just eight games overall, two of which have come in the league.

Despite the lack of regular minutes, it’s been reported earlier this year that if McAtee were to leave the Etihad Stadium, City would want to receive around £25 million for his services. Forest may see McAtee as a player who can help take some of the burden off midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, who has been so important this season and will be once again, especially if they secure Champions League football.

Approach made: Chelsea now preparing £21m offer to sign "dominant" defender

Chelsea are now preparing a £21m offer for a “dominant” defender, having been in regular contact over a deal, according to a report.

Blues set sights on new centre-back

The Blues are looking to bolster their defensive options this summer, and AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen has emerged as one of their key targets, although it may be difficult to win the race for the Spaniard, with a number of Premier League clubs in the race.

As such, the aforementioned report states the west Londoners could look to bring Marc Guehi back to Stamford Bridge, and a £40m move is being plotted, with the Englishman potentially in line to join for a cut-price fee, given that his contract expires in 2026.

There is no shortage of options from within the Premier League, with Nottingham Forest’s Murillo also being identified as a target, although the Brazilian will not come cheap, with a £80m asking price being touted.

He's better than Hato: Chelsea in the running to sign £68m "elite talent"

Chelsea could shift their focus away from signing Jorrel Hato if they can land this defensive titan instead.

ByKelan Sarson May 5, 2025

Not only are Enzo Maresca’s side considering moves for some of the Premier League’s top defenders, but they are also making moves to sign a young centre-back from La Liga.

That is according to a report from Spain, which states Chelsea are now preparing a €25m (£21m) opening offer for Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera, who has been one of the revelations in La Liga this season.

Valencia'sCristhianMosquerain action with Atletico Madrid's Samuel Lino

Mosquera has been a key player for Valencia, and his impressive performances have led the Blues to make regular contact, with several other unnamed European clubs also expressing an interest.

There is a feeling that the 20-year-old could be allowed to leave this summer, given that his contract is set to expire in 2026, and there is a feeling that a bid of around £21m could be enough to get a deal over the line.

"Dominant" Mosquera impressing in La Liga

The Spanish youngster has managed to establish himself as a key player for Valencia this season, featuring 33 times in La Liga, and his performances have caught the eye of football scout Ben Mattinson, who believes he is underappreciated.

Mattinson points out that the Valencia ace is comfortable in possession, which is exemplified by the fact that he ranks in the 87th percentile for his pass completion rate per 90 over the past year, when compared to other centre-backs.

Of course, in a Maresca system it is important for every player to have quality on the ball, so Mosquera could be a perfect fit, and the proposed £21m fee should be no problem for a club of Chelsea’s stature.

He'd be their new Gordon: Howe wants Newcastle to sign "deadly" £60m star

Newcastle United are in the box seat to qualify for the Champions League via a top-five finish in the Premier League. The Magpies, who lost their most recent outing 1-0 away to Arsenal, currently occupy third spot with one game to go.

With 66 points to their name, a win would guarantee Eddie Howe’s side a place in next season’s premier European club competition, although a draw might not be enough, given they are just one point clear of seventh-place Nottingham Forest. It is in their hands, so they must beat Everton at home.

If they do return to the competition next term, attacking reinforcements would certainly strengthen their case to help them go on a run in the competition.

Newcastle’s latest attacking target

Newcastle seem keen to add strength and depth to their forward line this summer, and one player who has been constantly linked with a move to St James’ Park is Bryan Mbeumo who has been excellent in 2024/25.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Now, according to a new report from GIVEMESPORT, the Magpies ‘are firmly in the race’ to bring Mbeumo to the club this summer.

Manager Howe, who brought silverware to the club this term after 56 years, views the attacker ‘as a standout target for Newcastle’ this summer.

Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts

However, this is not a deal that will come cheap. The report suggests that the Cameroon international will cost the North Eastern side £60m, with Manchester United, Nottingham Forest and Arsenal all interested in signing the attacker, too.

Why Mbeumo would be a good signing

It has been a really strong season for Brentford in 2024/25, who themselves are pushing for a European spot. It is perhaps no coincidence that the Bees’ excellent campaign has aligned with a personal year to remember for Mbeumo.

The 25-year-old, who came through French side Troyes’ academy, has been one of the Premier League’s standout players this term. He was nominated for the Player of the Season award, which he described as a “crazy” feeling.

Well, the stats don’t lie, and Mbeumo’s goal and assist numbers are exceptional. He’s managed 19 goals and eight assists in 37 games, playing 3,327 minutes. That leaves him with an average of one goal involvement every 123 minutes.

Should the Magpies bring the winger to the club, he could prove to be a wonderful addition to an attack that includes Anthony Gordon. It has also been a terrific campaign for the England international, who has managed nine goals and seven assists in 41 games across all competitions.

One of Gordon’s biggest contributions came in the Carabao Cup. Although he was suspended for the final, the Merseyside-born winger scored in both semi-final legs against Arsenal to help guide Newcastle to Wembley, where they ultimately lifted the trophy.

Well, perhaps Mbeumo can become the right-sided Gordon in this Newcastle side. They play on opposite flanks, and with Gordon being right-footed on the left and the Brentford man left-footed on the right, both like to cut inside on their stronger foot and look to get a shot off.

They are also statistically similar via FBref from this season. For example, the Brentford attacker averages 1.84 key passes and 0.54 goal-creating actions per 90 minutes. In comparison, Newcastle’s number 10 averages 1.92 key passes and 0.45 goal-creating actions each game.

Goals per shot on target

0.39

0.32

Key passes

1.84

1.92

Progressive passes

3.74

3.58

Goal-creating actions

0.54

0.45

Take-ons completed

1.38

1.40

Football statistician Statman Dave described Mbeumo as a “deadly” attacker, and with the numbers he has put up this season, it is easy to see why. There is no doubt, he would enhance the Newcastle attack, and could well become the second coming of Gordon.

Brentford's BryanMbeumolooks dejected after the match

Although £60m is a large fee, the winger is seemingly worth the money, so perhaps the Magpies should take the plunge and bring Mbeumo to St James’ Park next season.

100% duels lost: 4/10 Newcastle dud must never start for the club again

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ByKelan Sarson May 18, 2025

Liverpool now also open talks to sign "fantastic" £50m winger after Wirtz

As they close in on signing Florian Wirtz, Liverpool have also reportedly opened preliminary talks to sign an impressive La Liga winger who has a release clause worth £50m.

Florian Wirtz to Liverpool update

To say that Liverpool mean business would be quite an understatement. With their Premier League crown in hand, the Reds have not hesitated to flex their royal status in the transfer market, shocking Bayern Munich and Manchester City by stealing pole position to sign Wirtz this summer.

Jumping ahead of City to potentially land their dream Kevin De Bruyne replacement and leaving Bayern scrambling for options as they miss out on a Bundesliga star in a rare moment, Liverpool’s move to sign the Bayer Leverkusen star is likely to go down as the biggest of the summer.

The news that Wirtz only wants Liverpool will particularly be music to Michael Edwards’ ears. Despite being the most successful club in English football history, Liverpool haven’t always won the battle to sign Europe’s top stars, with the likes of Jude Bellingham joining Real Madrid and the Reds never really in the race to sign Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.

This summer, the notion that Liverpool can’t attract the top names seems to have shifted. By signing Wirtz, those at Anfield will be welcoming a Haaland-level addition rather than a player they need to mould into a star themselves. And that could make all the difference in their attempts to defend their Premier League crown next season.

Van Dijk 2.0: £45m "revelation" has now "said yes" to joining Liverpool

Liverpool are looking to finish their shopping nice and early this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 29, 2025

What’s more, even after Wirtz, Liverpool may not be done on the transfer front in the final third. Reports are now also suggesting that they’ve set their sights on an impressive La Liga winger.

Liverpool open preliminary talks to sign £50m Kubo

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool have now opened preliminary talks for Takefusa Kubo after Wirtz and could yet sign the Real Sociedad winger. Once again, however, any deal will not come cheap. The Japan international reportedly has a release clause worth as much as €60m (£50m), despite enduring a difficult season at Sociedad.

Whether Liverpool decide to trigger that release clause is the big question. After scoring seven goals and creating another five in the last campaign, many expected Kubo to push on and improve on those numbers this season. That didn’t prove to be the case, though, with the winger once again hitting seven goals and creating one fewer with four assists.

Takefusa Kubo scores for Japan

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig described Kubo’s start to the 2023/24 campaign as “fantastic” as he scored three goals in four games, but since then the 23-year-old has struggled to rediscover such clinical form.

If Liverpool are to replace Mohamed Salah when his contract comes to an end in two years, then they may need a player who is consistently involved in more than 12 goals a season.

Arsenal open talks with £242k-per-week forward who's keen on move to London

Arsenal have many items on the agenda this summer as new sporting director Andrea Berta looks to back Mikel Arteta with new signings, and one of their key aims is to bring in multiple attacking players.

Arsenal targeting new winger and striker this summer

The transfer window is officially open for business, at least until June 10, with a short break then following before it reopens on June 16 right the way through till September 1.

Arsenal U-turn over signing "powerful" player who "was on the verge" of joining

They’ve now pulled out of the deal.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 3, 2025

This current mini-window was introduced to allow sides competing in the Club World Cup to register new players before the tournament kicks off, but it applies to all Premier League sides, including Arsenal.

Arsenal are expected to complete a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi with a medical scheduled for the Spain international (BBC), so there is every chance that they could officially sign him before June 10, considering how advanced that deal is.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

After Zubimendi, much has been made of the Gunners’ pursuit of a top striker, with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko both top of Arsenal’s list of striker targets.

Supporters are especially keen for Berta to acquire a prolific goalscorer – which has long been viewed as the missing piece of Arteta’s jigsaw – following a campaign where they struggled to score many compared to their previous standards.

However, a number nine isn’t the sole focus going forward.

Bukayo Saka’s injury lay-off midway through 2024/2025 brought attention to Arsenal’s need for an alternative on the right-hand side, while there are some questions about the long-term future of Leandro Trossard, who’s about to enter the final 12 months of his contract.

Interestingly, Berta could turn to one of Arteta’s former stars at Man City – £242,000-per-week Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane.

Arsenal are reliably believed to hold a genuine interest in Sane with his Bayern contract just weeks away from expiring as things stand. The German also recently employed super-agent Pini Zahavi to assist in new contract talks, or find him a new club if needs be.

Arsenal open talks with Leroy Sane's camp over joining

Now, as per Bayern Munich insider Christian Falk, it is believed Arsenal have “started talks” with Zahavi over signing Sane.

Bayern Munich's LeroySanescores their third goa

The 29-year-old, who bagged 13 goals and six assists in total for Vincent Kompany last season, playing more of a key role towards the back end of 2024/2025, is tempted by the prospect of a move to London.

His family reside in the English capital, so a permanent switch there is appealing to him, with Falk adding that Tottenham are likely to battle with Arsenal for Sane’s services as well.

Sane’s top-level experience, and the fact he could be obtained for no transfer fee, make him a very enticing potential signing for Arsenal.

However, Sane wants a £192,000-per-week base salary, on top of £2.5 million in bonuses and a signing-on fee (Sky and Sport Bild). These were his most recently rumoured demands to stay in Bavaria, so he’ll likely request similar numbers to join Arsenal.

He's just like Kulusevski: Spurs hold meeting over signing £43m "magician"

It was an interminable weight for that trophy-winning feeling, if you’re one of a Tottenham Hotspur persuasion, but Ange Postecoglou’s side wiped the slate clean when defeating Manchester United in the Europa League final earlier in May.

Currently, it’s all a little uncertain. Postecoglou’s manager is in an imperilled position, with Daniel Levy’s judgement soon to become clear on that front.

Who could dispute Tottenham’s woes on Premier League soil, with so much going wrong for Ange’s 17th-placed side? It’s clear that action must be taken over the next few months to ensure success on the continent doesn’t turn out to be a mere flash in the pan.

Sergio Reguilon, Fraser Forster and Alfie Whiteman will all leave imminently, when their contracts expire, and Timo Werner’s two-year loan spell in London is over.

There’s much to consider. Let’s have a look at the major states of play.

The latest on Spurs' transfer targets

With European hero Cristian Romero being linked with a move to Atletico Madrid, Tottenham may need to sign a centre-back this summer.

The windfall from qualifying for the Champions League is huge, and Tottenham are in a good position to strengthen. If Romero stays, focus will be pinned on midfield and the wide forward positions.

Balancing out the club’s attacking quality is important, especially as Heung-min Son, 32, is expected to play fewer minutes across the 2025/25 campaign.

Furthermore, Dejan Kulusevski is currently sidelined after undergoing surgery on his right patella, and will be out for several months at the least. This, of course, means the Sweden star’s pre-season preparations will be disrupted.

Heung-min Son for Tottenham

Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze would be a brilliant signing, with rumours of a bid being prepared, but he has a £68m release clause inserted in his contract, and Levy may well want to turn his attention to another England international to help the Lilywhites make gains over the coming years.

Spurs discuss statement signing

According to GIVEMESPORT, Tottenham chairman Levy has held an internal meeting as the club draw up concrete plans for the looming market.

Eze and Manchester City star Jack Grealish have both been discussed, though Grealish might be the more feasible option from a financial standpoint.

Manchester City's JackGrealishduring the warm up before the match

Though the £300k-per-week Citizen would represent a tough deal to complete, Levy is committed to capitalising on the jubilation of winning a trophy down N17, and the 29-year-old, valued at an affordable £43m, might just fit the bill.

What Jack Grealish would bring to Spurs

Grealish might have been ostracised by Pep Guardiola as he prepares to bow out from life at the Etihad Stadium, but he’s still one of the most talented Englishmen in the game, hailed by pundit Rio Ferdinand for being “almost unplayable” when on his A-game.

Moving to Tottenham might just give him a new lease of life. Grealish joined Man City from Aston Villa for a British-record £100m fee in August 2021 after a talismanic career with his boyhood club, since going on to win the treble and much more under Pep Guardiola’s wing.

Aston Villa winger Jack Grealish.

Across 157 matches, Grealish has scored 17 goals and supplied 23 assists, though he only started seven matches in the Premier League this term and surely needs to leave Manchester.

Tottenham need some more attacking impetus in midfield. Kulusevski has been the standout this season, posting ten goals and 11 assists from 50 matches. The 25-year-old has been praised by The Athletic for being ‘the linchpin of Postecoglou’s team.’

But Grealish could enhance the fluency, promote ball-carrying and -playing principles that the club’s Australian coach relies upon.

As per FBref, the English star ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers this season for pass completion and progressive carries, the top 12% for progressive passes and the top 8% for shot-creating actions per 90.

Such metrics have drawn him against Kulusevski as one of the Tottenham man’s most statistically similar players, suggesting he could dovetail right into the Londoners’ system.

There’s no denying, though, that Grealish has lost some of the original silk from his Villa days, when he was described as a “magician” by former Three Lions star Ashley Cole. Looking at his metrics from his final Premier League campaign in the Midlands against Kulusevski’s from this season, you see that Postecoglou could sign himself a new ‘linchpin’ to add depth and dynamism to the ranks.

Matches (starts)

26 (24)

32 (27)

Goals

6

7

Assists

10

4

Touches*

60.8

44.5

Accurate passes*

31.9 (83%)

20.0 (81%)

Big chances created

14

9

Key passes*

3.2

2.1

Dribbles*

2.5

1.2

Tackles + interceptions*

1.7

1.8

Duels won*

8.9

4.1

Whether we will ever again see this one-time version of Grealish, who was indeed unplayable at times as he bamboozled defenders and picked out teammates with stylish, pinpoint passes, remains to be seen, but there’s no question Ange employs a freer, more expansive style than Guardiola, who revolutionised the way possession-based football is conducted but perhaps limits players like Grealish, pidgeonholing them into set roles.

Postecoglou could almost let Grealish run autonomously, take the leash off. Given that he likes to play between central attacking midfield and in a role on the left flank, there’s a good chance he’d be a fantastic stylistic fit too, easing Son’s burden as rumours of Richarlison’s summer sale persist.

There would, of course, be an element of risk to this transfer, and Levy would not facilitate a move without reducing Grealish’s staggering £300k-per-week salary, but it could be a somewhat shrewd deal for a player who has fallen from their perch as one of the country’s finest.

But he could yet bounce back, joining a Tottenham project that perhaps is only just getting going.

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Dream Semenyo alternative: Spurs plot bid to sign "terrifying" £21m star

It feels like it’s going to be a hectic summer for Tottenham Hotspur this year.

The Europa League champions sacked Ange Postecoglou on Friday afternoon due to his horrific Premier League record, and while it’s not been confirmed by the club, Thomas Frank looks set to replace him.

Despite the talent in the squad, the Danish manager will have a lot to do to ensure their domestic campaign is more of a success next season, and the best way for Daniel Levy and Co to help him with that is by bringing in the right players in the coming weeks and months.

One of those players linked with a move to the club has been Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, but recent reports have now touted another wide talent for a move to Spurs, someone who could be the perfect alternative.

Tottenham's interest in Semenyo

Spurs have been linked with a host of talented players in recent weeks, from Crystal Palace’s Eberchi Eze to Brentford’s in-demand Bryan Mbeumo, but earlier this week, Semenyo became one of the latest Premier League stars to be touted for a move to N17.

It’s not hard to see why the Lilywhites might be interested in the Cherries star, as even though he’s playing for a mid-table side, the Ghana international was able to rack up an impressive tally of 13 goals and seven assists in 42 appearances.

However, with his price tag potentially being as high as £70m and interest from other Premier League sides like Arsenal and Liverpool, this might be a transfer both too expensive and too challenging to get over the line, in which case, Levy and Co might be after an alternative, like Dorgeles Nene.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Yes, according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Spurs are now one of several top-flight teams now ‘considering a move’ for the RB Salzburg gem this summer.

Alongside the North Londoners, the report has revealed that Lazio, Fiorentina, Freiburg and Bayer Leverkusen are all interested in the 22-year-old dynamo who has been seriously impressive in Austria this season.

Moreover, while the competition might be a problem, the fee shouldn’t be, as the report claims that an offer of up to £21m should be enough to tempt Salzburg to sell.

Nene might not be a well-known name or sound like a particularly inspiring signing, but should Semenyo be out of reach, the youngster would certainly be worth bringing in for Spurs.

Why Nene would be a good signing for Spurs

So then, in a market where there are countless wide talents available, why would Nene be a good signing for Spurs?

Well, first and arguably most importantly, his output this season was seriously impressive and made more so by the fact he was primarily playing off the wings.

For example, in 46 appearances, totalling 3043 minutes, the “terrifying” threat, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, was able to score 15 goals and provide nine assists for the Austrian outfit.

Appearances

46

42

Minutes

3043′

3562′

Goals

15

13

Assists

9

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.52

0.47

Minutes per Goal Involvements

126.79′

178.10′

That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.91 games, or every 126.79 minutes, which is better than Semenyo’s average of one every 2.1 games or every 178.1 minutes.

Secondly, with him still being just 22 and not turning 23 until December, there is so much room for growth and development, as according to research carried out by The Athletic, wide players do not hit their peak until 26.

Finally, even though the Kayes-born dynamo is primarily a left-winger, he’s just as capable of playing down the middle or off the right, which would give Frank so much more tactical flexibility next season.

Ultimately, Semenyo will understandably be many Spurs fan’s first choice here, but if he’s unattainable, then Nene would be an excellent alternative, although with a price tag of £21m, why not try to sign both?

Kulusevski upgrade: Spurs "definitely" want to sign £68m star for Frank

The dynamic talent would help make Spurs tick next season.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 10, 2025

Shan Masood, Joe Root in the runs as Yorkshire claim Roses spoils

Skipper survives bizarre no-ball reprieve to top-score with 61 in seven-run win

ECB Reporters Network20-Jun-2024Yorkshire 173 for 8 (Masood 61, Root 43) beat Lancashire 166 for 8 (Jennings 46) by seven runs Yorkshire Vikings won a home Roses match for the second season running, successfully defending a 174 target to beat Vitality Blast pacesetters Lancashire at Headingley by seven runs.A typically pulsating clash on a pitch suiting pace off saw the pendulum swing back and forth but decisively the Vikings’ way as Lightning slipped from 67 for two in the eighth over to 88 for five in the 11th and later finishing on 166 for eight.Home captain Shan Masood underpinned Yorkshire’s 173 for eight with 61 off 41 balls, while England’s Joe Root contributed 43 off 33 – they shared 104 for the fourth wicket. Later, off-spinner Dom Bess struck twice, including the scalp of Keaton Jennings for 46 to start that aforementioned mini collapse.Yorkshire won for the fourth time in seven, while the North Group leaders lost their third game in eight.Off-spinner Chris Green was the pick of Lancashire’s bowlers with two for 21, while pacer Saqib Mahmood struck three times.Yorkshire’s innings, having elected to bat, can be best summed up as Lancashire started and finished well but the hosts dominated the middle through Masood and Root.Vikings lost openers Adam Lyth lbw to Green’s first ball and Dawid Malan caught at midwicket off a top-edged pull against Mahmood – 23 for two in the third over.

But Root guided back-to-back boundaries to third-man and long-leg off Mahmood’s pace in the fifth to settle things, and Yorkshire took 43 off the six-over powerplay.They continued their steady progress until captain Masood pulled George Balderson’s seamers over midwicket for the night’s first six in the 10th over, at the end of which Yorkshire were 78 for two.Sixteen came off that over to kick-start the acceleration.Masood took on the aggressor’s role, and by the time he reached his fifty off 33 balls, Vikings were 117 for two in the 14th.The left-hander was reprieved shortly after, on 58, when he stepped on his own stumps off a Blatherwick no-ball and was run out whilst in mid-pitch seemingly waiting for a dead-ball call. In the end, umpires Lloyd and Middlebrook sided with the Pakistan star (126 for two in the 15th over) who later didn’t field.But Root fell caught at mid-on later in the over before Masood was caught behind down leg off Mahmood in the next, Yorkshire now 131 for four.And those dismissals were central to an impressive Red Rose recovery, with Green, Blatherwick and Masood all striking again added to a run out as only 49 came off the last six overs for the loss of six wickets.Yorkshire quick Conor McKerr then had Josh Bohannon caught at mid-on in the second over of the Lightning chase – six for one.Jennings hit seven fours in nine balls off McKerr and Jordan Thompson in the fourth and fifth overs to take the score to 43 for one.But off-spinner Bess (two for 26) bowled Luke Wells shortly afterwards.And when he had Jennings caught at deep mid-wicket, leaving Lancashire 67 for three after eight overs, the Red Rose slide started.Matty Hurst was lbw reverse sweeping at Dan Moriarty’s spin before George Lavelle chipped a return catch to leggie Jafer Chohan – 88 for five in the 11th.Balderson and Steven Croft tried their best to recover things, but when Root’s off-spin bowled the former – 124 for six after 16 – the Lightning’s race was all but run.Thompson, who successfully defended 20 off the last over, struck twice late on.

Frank's answer to Bale: Spurs make huge bid to sign "sensational" £70m star

Thomas Frank will be the next manager at Tottenham Hotspur to try and turn the club into genuine Premier League title contenders when he leads the side into the 2025/26 campaign.

The Dane was appointed as manager on a three-year contract, taking the reins from Ange Postecoglou after the Aussie was handed his marching orders.

Whilst the Lilywhites managed to end their 17-year wait for a trophy, owner Daniel Levy has made it clear that their league standing is crucial – something which led to Ange’s subsequent dismissal.

The club finished in a measly 17th position in 2024/25, but owner Levy has stated his desire to transform the North London outfit into serial winners off the back of their European triumph.

However, if Frank is to push the club closer towards such a goal in the near future, he will need added reinforcements to bolster his squad throughout the current window.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

The forward line has been the subject of the most interest already this window, with Brentford forward Yoane Wissa just one player in their sights ahead of 2025/26.

He’s not the only other Premier League talent on their radar, with Fulham star Rodrigo Muniz seen as a surprise option to fill the centre forward role in North London.

However, the main target remains Wissa’s teammate Bryan Mbeumo, with progress being made on a deal, according to The Mirror’s latest update.

They claim that the club have made an offer for the Cameroonian international, but they still face huge competition from Manchester United, who’ve also increased their original offer in recent days.

It’s also reported that the Bees are holding out for a fee in the region of £70m for the attacker who managed to register 20 goals in the Premier League this season.

Why Spurs’ latest target could be Frank’s answer to Bale

Winger Gareth Bale will go down as one of Spurs’ best ever players after his impact during his time in the first team, starring for the Lilywhites beyond anyone’s wildest imagination.

The Welsh international originally joined as a left-back, before his hat-trick against Inter Milan in the Champions League catapulted him into a forward role – one that would change his career trajectory massively.

He registered 71 goals during his two stints in North London, with 26 of his efforts coming in the 2012/13 season, leading to his eventual £85m move to European giants Real Madrid.

Talents like Bale don’t come around very often, with the club lacking such an impressive option off the right-hand side since his permanent move over a decade ago.

However, Frank could land his own verision of the Welshman this summer with a reunion with Mbeumo, which could see the winger replicate Bale’s success in North London.

Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo celebrates after the match

He possesses a similar trait of cutting off the right-hand onto his stronger left foot, replicating the superb efforts that the Welsh international created during his stint at the club.

His stats from the Premier League this campaign are examples of the talent he possesses within the final third, having the skillset to match the levels produced by the former fan favourite.

Mbeumo, who’s been labelled “sensational” by one analyst, has completed 47% of his take-ons and registered 45% of his efforts on target – demonstrating his direct nature and ability to produce an end product.

He’s also completed 3.4 progressive carries per 90, along with two carries into the opposition box per 90, highlighting his desire to take the ball forward at any given moment.

Games played

38

Goals scored

20

Take-on success

47%

Shot on target accuracy

45%

Progressive carries

3.4

Carries into opposition box

2

Crosses completed

5.3

He’s also produced a tally of 5.3 crosses per 90, handing the players around him in North London the chance to improve their own tallies as a result.

Whilst a deal would cost the club a pretty penny this summer, his talents within attacking areas would hand the side a new dimension that would improve the options at Frank’s disposal.

Given the interest from elsewhere in the division, the hierarchy will need to work tirelessly to complete such a deal to avoid missing out on a top-level talent.

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Nicolas Kuhn repeat: Celtic lining up move to sign "beautiful" £3m star

There are no prizes for guessing what Celtic’s priority in the transfer window is likely to be in the coming days or weeks, as they look to add more quality to Brendan Rodgers’ squad.

The Hoops have already snapped up Ross Doohan, Kieran Tierney, Callum Osmand, Hayato Inamura, and Benjamin Nygren to bolster their options across the pitch.

Benjamin Nygren and Alexander Isak celebrate together for Sweden.

However, Celtic are not done there and they are set to be in the market to add another winger to their squad, as they are about to lose one of their star forwards.

Nicolas Kuhn is reportedly set to undergo a medical with Como either today or on Tuesday ahead of a £17m switch from the Scottish giants this week.

The German forward’s exit will come as a blow for Rodgers, given what he produced in the 2024/25 campaign, but it also represents a masterclass by the club.

Celtic have played a masterclass with Nicolas Kuhn

The Scottish Premiership champions hit the jackpot when they swooped to sign the left-footed attacker from Rapid Vienna for a reported fee of £3m at the start of 2024.

Kuhn had a relatively slow start to life in Glasgow, with a return of two goals and two assists in 14 league games in the second half of that season, but his first six months in Scotland helped him to adjust to the country and the league.

That experience helped him to then hit the ground running in the 2024/25 campaign, as the 25-year-old star went on to become a key player for Rodgers.

The German attacker, who came through the youth set-ups at Leipzig and Bayern Munich, ended the season with a haul of 21 goals and 15 assists in 51 matches for the Hoops, which shows that he made a big impact in the final third for Celtic.

xG

0.46

Top 10%

Goals

0.62

Top 8%

Shots on target

1.30

Top 14%

xA

0.34

Top 10%

Assists

0.43

Top 10%

Chances created

2.49

Top 12%

As you can see in the table above, Kuhn ranked very highly among his positional peers in a host of key attacking metrics, which further illustrates the impact that he had on the team, particularly in the Premiership.

Celtic hit the jackpot with Kuhn because they turned a £3m signing into a Premiership superstar and are now set to make a £14m profit on him within 18 months.

Celtic eyeing deal for new winger

The Scottish giants could be on course to repeat the masterclass that they played with Nicolas Kuhn, as they are eyeing up a player from his former club.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to The Scottish Sun, Celtic have identified Rapid Vienna winger Isak Jansson as a potential replacement for Kuhn, as a player who can play on either side of the pitch.

The report claims that the Swedish forward is one of a number of attackers on the club’s radar as they look to add more quality to their frontline, amid the German’s proposed move to Como.

It adds that the 23-year-old dynamo, who was signed by Rapid Vienna to replace Kuhn, is valued at a fee of around £3m by the Austrian Bundesliga outfit.

However, it currently remains to be seen whether or not the Hoops are prepared to accelerate their pursuit of the right-footed star by offering that kind of fee for his services.

Why Jansson could be Kuhn 2.0

Despite being a right-footed winger who predominantly plays on the left flank, there are a lot of similarities between a potential deal for Jansson and the deal they completed for Kuhn in 2024.

For starters, a fee of £3m would be the exact same figure that they paid Rapid Vienna for the German sensation, which would leave plenty of room to make a healthy profit on him in the future if he follows in the left-footed ace’s footsteps at Parkhead.

The Swedish star, who was once hailed for his “beautiful” goal by ex-head coach Robert Klauß, could also be a Kuhn repeat for Celtic because, of course, he would arrive from the same club.

Jansson has caught the eye with some impressive performances in the Austrian top-flight for Rapid Vienna, just as the £17m-rated winger did before his move to Parkhead, which suggests that he could be an exciting addition to Rodgers’ squad this summer.

Appearances

22

16

Goals

7

2

Goals per game

0.3

0.1

Crosses per game

0.5

0.5

Big chances missed

2

8

Assists

2

5

Big chances created

5

11

As you can see in the table above, the right-footed attacker delivered nine goal contributions in 22 matches in the Bundesliga last season, two more than Kuhn managed in 16 games for Rapid Vienna before his switch to Scotland.

When you see the way that the German winger had adapted to life in the Premiership, as a scorer and a creator of goals, after thriving in Austria, Jansson’s performances for Rapid Vienna are incredibly exciting.

The Swedish star could aim to follow in Kuhn’s footsteps as another £3m winger to make the switch from Austria to Scotland to thrive in the final third as a forward who makes a big impact on a regular basis.

At the age of 23, the Celtic target would also arrive at Parkhead with plenty of time left on his side to develop and improve over the years to increase his output in front of goal, and his market value.

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Therefore, this is a signing that could make a lot of sense for the Hoops, despite not being a like-for-like replacement for Kuhn from a stylistic perspective, because of his quality and potential for the reported fee that would be needed.

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