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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…

Former England international Darren Bent has heaped the praise on Fabian Delph and spoke of his importance now that Andre Gomes is sidelined.

What did he say?

Delph signed for Everton for £10m in the summer transfer window and has since been a decent addition to the Blues. The club may have been struggling this Premier League season, but the former Aston Villa man has proved to be a smart buy and could become an integral player in Gomes’ absence.

Bent told Football Insider: “Gomes is no longer there and even though Delphy is not a creative midfielder by any stretch of the imagination, he can create but that’s not his game.

“He’s experienced enough to go: ‘You know what, I know what needs to be done.’ He’s played in title-winning sides, he’s played in the Champions League, he’s played in so many big games in his career they’re lucky are Everton they’ve got someone of his calibre there.

“He brings that leadership quality and that is a character that you just can’t teach. A lot of guys haven’t got that.”

Proven experience

At Manchester City, the versatile midfielder proved to be of great importance to the side during the club’s two Premier League title wins. In 2017/18 when City steamed to 100 points, Delph played in 22 league games for the Citizens, registering two assists and a goal.

The Englishman would also go onto play in 16 Champions League matches for City, and therefore brings with him experience not many other Everton men can boast.

Gomes himself is experienced at the highest level, coming to Merseyside off the back of 78 appearances for Barcelona and 78 for Valencia. Now, it is essential Delph works alongside Tom Davies in the centre of the pitch to help keep things solid in Everton’s midfield.

The 29-year-old’s experience and proven track record will be vital in this tough period for the Toffees.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

According to Sky Sports, Manchester City are considering a move for Leicester City star defender Caglar Soyuncu.

What’s the story?

The Turkey international has been making a lot of noise for the Foxes this season, helping the club into second in the table after 12 games.

The reports from Sky Sports tell how Pep Guardiola wanted to sign former Leicester man Harry Maguire, but the defender went to Manchester United instead. Now, City are monitoring the club’s new centre-back hero Soyuncu and his defensive partner Jonny Evans.

Could be the difference

After the defeat to Liverpool, City have dropped down to fourth in the table and trail the league leaders by nine points. The main cause in their slight demise early on has been their struggles at the back ever since Aymeric Laporte got injured.

The Frenchman is still not expected back for a while after undergoing surgery on his knee. Now, with Soyuncu, they may have found a good enough replacement to patch up their shaky defence. The 23-year-old has been one of the Premier League’s best defenders so far, as Leicester boast an incredible eight goals conceded in just 12 league games – the best in the division.

The £18m-rated man has started each of these 12 games and proved to be a vital addition to the squad this season after starting just four league games last year. He was even named in The Guardian’s team of the season so far earlier this week.

In reality, Guardiola shot himself in the foot by not signing a centre-back in the summer. It was known since May that Vincent Kompany was leaving and the club’s failure to find a replacement for the legendary Belgian has been a thoroughly regrettable oversight.

Now, with the January window soon upon us, Guardiola must sign at least one centre-back to bolster his options and that man could be Soyuncu.

His time in England so far suggests he could be a valuable addition and City can’t afford to go any longer with their makeshift defence if they want to clinch a third consecutive title.

Newcastle United’s financial muscle means they are in pole position to sign a prolific attacking player, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies continue to be linked with possible new signings ahead of the upcoming transfer windows, with Andrija Maksimovic being touted as a target. The 17-year-old is currently thriving at Red Star Belgrade and would be considered a long-term prospect who can grow into a star over time.

Omar Marmoush is a hugely talented player who has been likened to Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah, with the Eintracht Frankfurt star also backed to seal a move to Newcastle soon. The attacking ace has scored an incredible eight goals in just six Bundesliga appearances so far this season, including a last-gasp equaliser against Bayern Munich on Sunday.

Another wide player who has been mentioned as an option for the Magpies is Bryan Mbeumo, with the Brentford ace also enjoying a fantastic start to the 2024/25 campaign. His goal at home to Wolves over the weekend means he has six in the Premier League already this season.

Newcastle and Manchester United are reportedly going head-to-head to complete the signing of Borussia Dortmund attacker Karim Adeyemi, too, as Paul Mitchell looks to beat his predecessor Dan Ashworth to his services.

Newcastle boosted in efforts to sign 24 y/o striker

According to Sport Mediaset [via Sport Witness], Newcastle are still firmly in the race to sign Lille striker Jonathan David, with their financial strength putting them ahead of Inter Milan and Barcelona as the most likely club to snap him up. Inter are believed to have already made strides to sign the 24-year-old on a free transfer next summer, but the Magpies have the edge because of their wealth, potentially offering the soon-to-be free agent a hefty salary.

Newcastle should be doing everything they can to acquire David’s signature, given his reputation as a massive talent with the world at his feet. He has a superb record at both club and international level, scoring 92 goals in 196 appearances for Lille, as well as 29 goals in 56 caps for Canada.

Meanwhile, former youth coach Hanny El-Magrabi has hailed his brilliance, backing him to become truly elite over time: “I enjoyed coaching the person, not just the player. What impressed me most was him continuing to be the person that he was here and carrying that with him in Europe – leading by example. He can be one of the best players in the world in a very short time. The sky is the limit.”

Inter and Barca are massive clubs in their own right, so it is understandable why David could eye a move to either, but the fact that Newcastle are in a stronger financial position will certainly be significant.

Canada

56

29

Lille

196

92

Gent

83

37

Canada Under-23s

2

0

Canada Under-17s

3

2

With the Lille hero out of contract at the end of this season, the Magpies could offer the Canadian huge wages that the other clubs can’t, and the hope is that it helps them strike a deal.

Fabrizio Romano has dropped some important new details regarding Anthony Gordon’s new Newcastle United contract, with an agreement believed to have been reached on a huge new deal.

Newcastle transfer news

After a disappointing summer transfer window – one that has led to a reported fallout between Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell – Newcastle continue to be linked with potential new signings. Lille star Jonathan David has emerged as a hugely exciting target, with a recent update even suggesting that the Magpies are in talks to complete the signing of the highly-rated Canada attacker, who has scored 29 goals in 56 caps for his country.

Seventeen-year-old Barcelona ace Marc Bernal has also been mentioned as a possible addition at St James’ Park, with the teenage midfielder seen as a player with a huge future in the game.

There has also been plenty of talk surrounding the future of Howe as Newcastle manager, who is believed to be safe in his job for the time being. Last weekend’s 3-1 defeat away to Fulham in the Premier League was a big disappointment, however, and performances have been lacking since the season got underway.

Romano reveals details in Newcastle's deal with Gordon

Now, some positive news has emerged, with Romano taking to X to claim that Gordon has agreed a new deal with Newcastle, becoming one of the club’s “highest earners” in the process. It’s safe to assume then that it will be at least in the £7m-per-year range given what the top figures in the squad are currently on – more than double his current £3m-a-year salary.

1. Bruno Guimaraes

£160,000

£8.3m

=2. Joelinton

£150,000

£7.8m

=2. Lloyd Kelly

£150,000

£7.8m

=4. Sandro Tonali

£120,000

£6.2m

=4. Kieran Trippier

£120,000

£6.2m

=4. Alexander Isak

£120,000

£6.2m

12. Anthony Gordon

£60,000

£3.1m

Romano has since revealed a further and slightly unique detail, claiming he’s “been told” the initial reports of a five-year deal (the typical length of such a contract) were wrong and Gordon’s deal is in fact valid for six years, until June 2030. The Italian transfer guru says this was “not as initially expected”.

This comes after the Magpies “rejected several approaches” for him during the summer, with a move to boyhood club Liverpool mooted. And while there is no doubt that the Gordon has been well short of his best so far this season, picking up just one goal contribution in five league appearances, this is still fantastic news for Newcastle.

The 23-year-old has been an excellent signing since arriving from Everton last year and the impression he has made on Bruno Guimaraes is obvious, with the Brazilian saying of his teammate: “No one at the club deserves to be in the England squad more than him. He has been unbelievable, always scoring and giving some assists. He is a lovely guy as well, I am very happy for him and hope he can get some minutes for England. For me to play against him will be massive for both of us and the club as well.”

Losing Gordon to Liverpool, or another club for that matter, would have been a massive blow for Newcastle so soon after arriving, and it is essential that they keep hold of their most important players. The former Everton man can grow into one of the Magpies’ best wingers in years if he continues to mature at such a rapid rate, with his end product highlighted by a tally of 11 goals and 10 assists in the Premier League in 2023/24.

Howe must finally ditch Newcastle star earning as much as Gordon

He’s reached the end of the line…

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 27, 2024

For now, it is a case of Howe ensuring that Gordon returns to his best, which would play a big part in Newcastle being back in top form again.

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is expected to axe another one of his high-profile players, who could now leave Stamford Bridge in January.

Maresca leads brutal summer clearout at Chelsea

The west Londoners have let 16 senior players leave in the last few months, with many of them sealing moves just before the summer transfer window shut.

Free agent once "close to signing" for Chelsea holds new talks to join them

He’s actively attempting to find a new club.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 10, 2024

Ian Maatsen, Conor Gallagher, Lewis Hall, Romelu Lukaku, Omari Hutchinson, Diego Moreira, Hakim Ziyech, Malang Sarr, Thiago Silva and Lesley Ugochukwu are among the many senior players who departed Chelsea, either on loan or permanently, with a host of others sealing moves away at the eleventh hour.

Armando Broja, Trevoh Chalobah, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Djordje Petrovic, Tino Anjorin and Raheem Sterling all agreed very late-window transfers elsewhere, with the latter making a deadline day switch to London rivals Arsenal on loan.

Maresca has been forthright in telling his players where their futures lie, with the tactician explaining just how honest he has been with the likes of Sterling.

"I prefer to be honest with players," said Maresca on his exit-bound players at Chelsea, and how he's dealt with them.

"The ones who are not involved are not going to be involved and they won't get any minutes if they stay. I don't know what happens when the window closes if they are still here. The ones who will get minutes are the ones I think can help us.

"Raheem [Sterling] is a fantastic guy who has trained very well. Every manager has a different idea, and he is the kind of winger that is not one that I like. History and numbers speak for Raheem. He knows exactly what he needs to do.

Goals

19

Assists

12

Yellow cards

13

Red cards

0

Minutes played

5,335

"The rest are training apart, they are not going to get minutes. I have been clear and honest with them."

Out-of-favour defender Ben Chilwell has been heavily linked with a Chelsea exit, and could still seal a move to Turkey, as their transfer window doesn't close until Friday.

The Englishman is rumoured to be training away from Maresca's first team, with some reports suggesting Chilwell has been offered out to Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray and Istanbul Başakşehir in the Super Lig.

Striker David Datro Fofana was in talks over a move to AEK Athens in Greece, and an agreement gas reportedly been reached, as per Fabrizio Romano.

There is now also uncertainty surrounding Mykhailo Mudryk and his future at Chelsea. Reports have suggested that Mudryk faces a battle for his place at Chelsea under Maresca, but reliable journalist Simon Phillips has provided a more definitive update on the Ukrainian.

Chelsea expected to loan out Mykhailo Mudryk in January

As per Phillips, writing via his substack, Maresca and Chelsea are expected to loan out Mudryk in January – which would come two years after the Blues decided to pay £89 million for his services.

The 23-year-old winger has failed to justify his mammoth Shakhtar Donetsk price tag so far, despite Steven Gerrard calling him the "real deal" when he first joined.

Mudryk boasts just seven goals and five assists over 62 total appearances, but the increased competition for places out-wide potentially threatens his place.

Arsenal could be set to secure a deal with West Ham United for one of their English talents, in a move separate from their pursuit of Declan Rice…

What's the latest on Ben Johnson to Arsenal?

That's according to insider ExWHUemployee, who issued a transfer update on the Hammers' young defender, Ben Johnson.

Within the report, he noted how the 23-year-old is continuing to evade contract talks with his boyhood club, who in turn are refusing to pay him the wages he desires. Likely searching for more first-team assurances, he could look elsewhere. It is likely that he would be more comfortable as a backup for a team like Mikel Arteta's, or as a starter for Everton, than sticking with his current position.

As the Gunners seem set to battle with the Toffees for his signature, it is worth noting that The Guardian had expected the £11m-rated stalwart to leave back in June. This new interest could reaffirm those claims.

How good is Ben Johnson?

Although Johnson could only muster 17 league appearances last season under David Moyes – nine of which were starts – he has shown glimpses of the titanic defender he could be one day across his short career.

Arteta likely sees these superior physical assets and believes that investing early in this versatile ace could allow him to instil the core values of his philosophy within this project player.

The 2021/22 campaign arguably outlines the apex of his Premier League tenure thus far, as he managed 20 appearances whilst maintaining a 6.89 average rating. This was a figure largely buoyed by his defensive excellence, to which he mustered 1.1 interceptions, 1.6 tackles and 2.5 clearances per game, via Sofascore.

However, this was underpinned by a miserable 71% pass accuracy that the Spanish coach would strive to improve.

To emphasise just how physically superior Johnson is to most of his peers, when compared to Arsenal's hulking centre-back William Saliba, the youngster shines.

When placing their defensive statistics side by side, which consists of tackles, interceptions, blocks, clearances and aerials won per 90, West Ham's defensive prodigy outperforms the towering Frenchman in every single metric except for the latter. It is this mastery that suggests the Englishman is far more physical than even Arsenal's second-best-performing defender from last term.

It is no surprise to see former professional footballer Anton Ferdinand brand him "immense" in the past, lauding the club's depth.

However, it could now be Arteta that adds to his wealth of talent, by engaging in a passion project of his own to mould these various physical assets into a technically proficient star for his system.

Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker Adama Traore is expected to leave the club this summer when his contract expires, according to Dean Jones.

What's the latest on Adama Traore?

After joining the club permanently back in 2018, Traore is getting ready to call quits on his Molineux career. The forward's contract expires this June and it looks as if the Spanish international is readying himself for a move across Europe.

The baby-oiled winger has consistently flattered to deceive at Wolves, showcasing his raw pace and power on a frequent basis but often failing to find the finishing touch in key moments.

On his day, the 27-year-old is unplayable, but those days have been few and far between in recent seasons, with the former Barcelona player only managing three goals and two assists in 40 matches last term.

Stefano Pioli's Milan could very well be his next destination, while Jose Mourinho holds an interest in the attacker at Roma. Traore is currently on £55,000-a-week and, given he will require no transfer fee, could be a sensible option for both Italian clubs in the market.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Dean Jones stated: "Adama Traore is likely to go soon. He has got a couple of options, being looked into at the moment, that will probably accelerate over the course of this week."

Wolves have already lost another star player in Ruben Neves, who joined Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia for £47m, while Joao Moutinho and Diego Costa will leave the club when their contracts expire in June. Meanwhile, Conor Coady is set to leave for Leicester City on a permanent deal.

In terms of incomings, Adama's namesake Boubacar Traore has already agreed a permanent switch to Molineux following his loan from Metz last season, while Matheus Cunha will follow the same path from Atletico Madrid.

Julen Lopetegui will be hoping to have enough funds to bolster his squad this summer and will need to reinvest the money received from Neves' transfer wisely.

Who are Wolves signing?

There hasn't been a vast amount of transfer news coming from Molineux, with most of the focus on outgoings so far in the window.

One man that has been linked with a move to Wanderers is Sevilla's Lucas Ocampos, fresh from his Europa League triumph with the Spanish club. The Guardian report that a £13m switch could be on the cards, although Fulham are also in talks for the winger.

The Argentine spent the first half of last season on loan with Ajax, before returning to Seville, and has 11 caps for the Argentina national team.

Manchester City have entered the race to sign Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga, according to Fabrizio Romano.

What’s the latest Man City transfer news?

Pep Guardiola and those at the Etihad have already made a start on their summer business by bringing in Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea. The midfielder looks likely to fill the void left by Ilkay Gundogan, who is set to join Barcelona when his City contract officially expires at the end of the month.

Kovacic may not be the only Croatia international to make the move to the treble winners, though, with RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol reportedly a top target in defence and personal terms already agreed.

Another midfielder to join Kovacic could also be in the works, and after City pulled out of the race to sign Declan Rice from West Ham, it appears as if Veiga is a target despite Liverpool leading the race for his services. Recent reports have claimed those at Anfield are 'well ahead of any club' in the race for Veiga, although 'many twists and turns could still take place', and it looks as if that could come from Manchester.

According to Romano in the last 48 hours, City are now in the race and informed when it comes to a possible deal for Veiga, who has a release clause set at €40m (£34.5m).

“Manchester City have entered the race for Spanish talent Gabri Veiga after pulling out of Declan Rice deal.

“He’s one of the options now being considered at the club. Liverpool and Chelsea remain interested but City also informed now. Release clause: €40m.”

Who is Gabri Veiga?

Veiga, who has been hailed as a "very electric player" by Romano, is 21 years of age and is primarily a central midfielder who can also play in attacking and defensive midfield roles.

The Spaniard has progressed through Celta Vigo’s academy and has gone on to make 55 senior appearances for his current employers – 40 of which came during the 2022/23 season. Veiga has scored 11 times and has registered four assists with Celta Vigo and has seen his Transfermarkt valuation rocket to a career-high €30m.

As per FBref, Veiga already ranks in the 99th percentile for goals and assists for midfielders and the 98th percentile for successful take-ons that lead to a goal, showing his ability in the final third.

He looks to be a real star in the making, and by the looks of it, City could look to capitalise over the coming weeks, potentially making him the club’s second midfield addition of the summer to rival the likes of Kevin de Bruyne and co.

Leeds United seem to be closing in on their top manager target, with imminent talks expected…

What's the latest on Patrick Vieira to Leeds United?

That's according to journalist Sami Mokbel who, writing for the Daily Mail, suggested in an article that ex-Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira had emerged as a serious contender to take over from Sam Allardyce at Elland Road despite others remaining in the frame.

Daniel Farke and Scott Parker are both referenced, and yet it is the Frenchman who is reportedly well-admired in Yorkshire, with talks planned for the coming days.

The 46-year-old head coach has been out of work since his dismissal in March, but seems raring to return to management according to reports in France.

Would Patrick Vieira suit Leeds United?

A drop down to the Championship could prove the perfect platform to rebuild a budding career, as the 49ers seek to instil a winning mentality in this fragile squad. Given his playing days, there are arguably few better placed to disseminate such ideals.

Although last term turned into something of a disaster for the former Arsenal midfielder, having failed to win in 11 before his sacking, his work the season prior must be remembered when measuring how successful Vieira could be in Leeds.

After all, many expected the worst when he was brought into Selhurst Park, only for him to secure a 12th-placed finish and an FA Cup semi-final spot.

The Premier League legend is still in the infancy of his coaching career, yet remains aligned with a 4-3-3 formation that seeks to dominate possession. Given how the Whites have often struggled when on the ball to seize the impetus, the Frenchman will be hoping to transfer his killer instinct that made him such a revered player.

During his playing career, he was a powerful central midfielder but boasted a touch of class beyond most for his era. As such, he captained the Gunners to great success, including a Premier League title in which they were not beaten once.

This came amongst two other league titles in England, a World Cup and European Championship triumph and a Champions League across his glittering career, further emphasising the claims of Ray Parlour that he is a "winner".

Having converted that mentality into a fine tactical intelligence now, he bred a free-flowing Eagles team that captured the eye for a whole year. Journalist Omar Muhammed even noted: "Crystal Palace are really fun to watch. Talent coursing through the entire side with a really smart manager in Patrick Vieira. We need to start giving them their flowers."

Perhaps his installation into Elland Road could hand him that vital second chance in English football, to iron out his errors of the past and return this famous institution back to where it belongs, with his winning pedigree sure to be a vital factor.

Michael Beale has already made five signings for Glasgow Rangers since taking charge of the Ibrox side back in November last year, with Nicolas Raskin and Todd Cantwell joining in January, while Kieran Dowell, Dujon Sterling and Jack Butland have all joined on free transfers over the previous few weeks.

No stone is being left unturned in Beale’s chase to knock Celtic off their perch and with a host of players departing Ibrox, the 42-year-old will need to be extremely diligent to replace them effectively and without splurging vast sums on players who might not impress.

One player who the Light Blues have been linked with since the new boss arrived is FC Cincinnati forward Brandon Vazquez, with scouts having been sent to monitor his performances, although the likes of Everton and Crystal Palace are also keen on making a move for the American.

The Gers are thin in resources with regard to their attacking department, especially due to Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent leaving, although Vazquez certainly has the capabilities to fill the void vacated by the Colombian.

Could Rangers sign Brandon Vazquez?

Nothing can be ruled out at this stage, particularly due to a potentially large turnover in playing staff over the coming weeks.

The 24-year-old has set MLS alight with his performances over the previous 18 months, netting 20 goals in all competitions during 2022, while already grabbing six in 20 so far this term, suggesting he is consistent in front of goal.

Beale could certainly form a formidable duo with him and the aforementioned Cantwell, as the Englishman has enjoyed somewhat of a career rejuvenation since joining the Gers in January.

Having registered zero goal contributions in 18 games for Norwich City during the first half of the season, Beale sparked a belief that he could succeed in Scotland and was rewarded with six goals and five assists in 20 matches, announcing himself to the Premiership.

Now imagine these two in the same team, creating chaos for opposition defences throughout Scotland and even in Europe. The 25-year-old created five big chances and made 1.3 key passes per game in the league during his brief spell in Glasgow already, indicating that Vazquez would be fed regularly with opportunities to add to his goal tally.

Having scored a goal once every 154 minutes, the Cincinnati hitman could take advantage of Cantwell’s creativity. His 19 MLS goals were spread fairly evenly between his right and left foot, alongside scoring a few with his head, therefore, the English midfielder could feed the ball into him several different ways, and it would still prove successful, such is his adaptability with both feet.

Former journalist turned agent Chris Smith, described Vazquez as a player who “has developed into a ruthless goalscoring machine” and Beale is in desperate need of someone like this ahead of a vital 2023/24 season.