Cheltenham re-sign midfielder Broom for third time
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
2 minutes ago
- The Independent
Liverpool transfer news: Alexander Isak, Rodrygo, Jean-Philippe Mateta and more
Liverpool are bracing for a busy summer to build on this season's Premier League title success. Arne Slot orchestrated a stunning debut campaign at Anfield, inheriting a stacked squad from Jurgen Klopp before taking English football by storm to seal a record-equalling 20th top-flight crown for the club. Mohamed Salah was the posterboy of Slot's title winners, with an eye-watering 46 goal contributions in 37 games taking the Reds out of reach at the top of the table. However, it was in midfield where Liverpool surprised most, with Slot refining a midfield trio brought in by his predecessor and making each one of them an invaluable entity. His transformation of Ryan Gravenberch from a promising yet raw talent to a world-class defensive midfielder was most astounding. The summer months of 2024 hardly shaped the season that followed for Liverpool, and Slot has already proven that he doesn't require overwhelming transfer activity to be successful. Last summer, he saw just two arrivals come through the door in the form of Giorgi Mamardashvili (who was immediately loaned back to Valencia) and Federico Chiesa, who played a total of just 104 minutes in the Premier League. But with Trent Alexander-Arnold heading for the exit and a Premier League title to defend, Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards are expected to engage in a substantial recruitment drive over the coming months. And the signs are extremely promising for Reds fans, with Jeremy Frimpong having signed from Bayer Leverkusen before Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Hugo Ekitike followed through the door. Arrivals & areas to improve As tends to happen with champions, Liverpool are position-for-position the strongest team in the Premier League. But that is not to say they don't have room for improvement. In goal, the Reds have added Giorgi Mamardashvili to create probably the best starting and backup goalkeeping duo in the league. Their first priority would have been to address weaknesses - or vacancies - in the full-back roles. Right-back and local lad Alexander-Arnold joined Real Madrid following the expiry of his contract, though it looks like Liverpool have already found their replacement in the form of Frimpong. At left-back, Scottish stalwart Andy Robertson has looked shaky and could be set for a drop down the pecking order, while deputy Kostas Tsimikas could also be on the chopping block. A younger, Premier League-proven replacement has arrived in the form of Milos Kerkez, who joined in a deal worth £40m from Bournemouth and arrives to solve the issues at left-back. Further depth in midfield and defence could be required if Slot is to successfully defend his title, and while Marc Guehi has been linked to a move to the champions, links to midfielders have been rare so far throughout the window. The futures of Darwin Nunez, Federico Chiesa, Harvey Elliott and more recently Luis Diaz have been up in the air, which could lead to Liverpool investing in more forward-thinking options this summer. Alexander Isak is said to be the dream striker signing at Anfield after Ekitike completed his arrival. Done deals Ins: Florian Wirtz (Bayern Leverkusen, £100m), Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt, £79m), Milos Kerkez (Bournemouth, £40m), Jeremie Frimpong (Bayer Leverkusen, £29.5m), Amin Pesci (Puskas AFC, £1.5m), Freddie Woodman (Preston North End, free transfer) Outs: Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen, £35m), Caoimhin Kelleher (Brentford, £18m), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Real Madrid, £10m), Nat Phillips (West Brom, £3m), Vitezslav Jaros (Ajax, loan transfer), Harvey Davies (Crawley Town, loan transfer) Potential targets Alexander Isak, Newcastle With much of the rest of the squad seemingly in top shape ahead of 2025/26, Liverpool continue to be linked with one man. Alexander Isak has been touted as the club's 'dream' target, and while a move initially looked unlikely, the Swede has now expressed his desire to move away from Newcastle. Liverpool are about to sanction the £65m sale of Luis Diaz to help fund a monster bid for the striker, expected imminently. Isak has transformed into one of the best strikers in world football in recent months, and his signature would certainly make Liverpool favourites for back-to-back league titles (and probably a European Cup to add to it). Jean-Philippe Mateta, Crystal Palace Liverpool have been linked with a move for Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta in recent days, with French media reporting that the Reds have met with the player's reps in Paris. The Frenchman has impressed for the Eagles in recent months and could be a smart addition with the London club having set his using price around £35m, though it is assumed that he would not be targeted as a starting striker ahead of the Reds' impending title defence. Marc Guehi, Crystal Palace With Jarell Quansah on his way out, Virgil van Dijk ageing and Ibrahima Konate entering the final year of his contract, Liverpool appear willing to splash the cash on a proven Premier League centre-back for the future in Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi. The England international has stamped his mark as one of the best in the division in recent seasons and despite being continually linked with a switch to Chelsea and Tottenham over the past year or two, it now appears that a move up north is increasingly likely. That said, Liverpool will reportedly only intensify their pursuits if Palace budge on their £70m asking price. Rodrygo, Real Madrid On the wing, Liverpool could look to provide further reinforcements in the form of Real Madrid star Rodrygo. The Brazil international appears to be heading for the Santiago Bernabeu exit door this summer after being used sparingly at the Club World Cup. Premier League rivals Arsenal are also said to be interested. Angelo Stiller, Stuttgart Liverpool have found joy when fishing at the Stuttgart well for defensive midfielders before. They will hope highly-rated German star Angelo Stiller, 24, will follow in Wataru Endo's suit and swap the MHP Arena for Merseyside. The former Bayern Munich prospect has been at the heart of their midfield for the past two seasons and helped Stuttgart qualify for the Champions League in 2023/24.
The Independent
2 minutes ago
- The Independent
Man United transfer news: Benjamin Sesko, Ollie Watkins, Corentin Tolisso and more
Manchester United face a crucial summer as Ruben Amorim finally gets the chance to shape his squad and transform his failing team into contenders at the top end of the table. It shouldn't be forgotten that Amorim initially rebuffed United's approach following the sacking of Erik ten Hag, and perhaps he was wise to try and delay the move, because what followed was a disastrous campaign cuminating in the 1-0 loss to Tottenham in the Europa League final. Now Amorim has a full preseason to prepare his side and a summer transfer window to mould his squad before a season without European football, and he must take full advantage. The release of the Premier League fixtures shows a difficult start for United, with an opening game agasint Arsenal and fixtures against Manchester City and Chelsea within their first five matches of 2025/26, and the manager's future could be called into question early should his side struggle. United got some early business done with the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolves in a £62.5m deal before completing a move for Brentford star Bryon Mbeumo, but co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made clear that the money pot is not deep. Offloading high-wage players such as Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho seems key to funding the revolution, with a lack of movement causing frustration among fans as United lag behind their rivals. Here's everything you need to know about Manchester United's summer transfer plans. Areas to improve Perhaps it is easier to try and identify some parts of the team that don't need improvement. Three players could genuinely claim to have had decent seasons – Bruno Fernandes, Noussair Mazraoui and Amad Diallo – while Harry Maguire, Casemiro and Diogo Dalot all did OK in spells, but that is about the extent of United's reliable performers last season. Now that Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo's arrival are secured, the top priorities are: sign a proven goalscoring striker, given the toils of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee up front; buy a goalkeeper to compete with (or outright replace) the error-prone Andre Onana; recruit a wing-back who can excel in Amorim's system. Done deals Ins: Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford, £70m), Matheus Cunha (Wolves, £62.5m agreed), Diego Leon (Cerro Porteno, undisclosed fee), Enzo Kana-Biyik (Le Havre, free transfer) Retained: Tom Heaton (signed new one-year deal after expiry of old contract) Outs: Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, loan), Enzo Kana-Biyik (Lausanne-Sport, loan), Daniel Gore (Rotherham, loan), Christian Eriksen (out of contract), Victor Lindelof (out of contract), Jonny Evans (out of contract) Potential targets Benjamin Sesko, RB Leipzig Man United have reportedly begun talks with RB Leipzig over a move for much-wanted frontman Benjamin Sesko. While Arsenal have cooled their interest in the Slovenian following the arrival of Viktor Gyokeres, Newcastle are also said to be keen on Sesko. With United in desperate need of a proven goalscorer, they could deem Sesko as the man to solve their woes. Corentin Tolisso, Lyon One of the latest rumours involving United sees them linked with Lyon midfielder Corentin Tolisso. The 31-year-old is coming off a decent season for the French side, and could be available for a cut-price fee due to the French side's financial troubles. Concrete links are yet to materialise, but he is thought to be available for £15m. Richard Rios, Palmeiras Another one with few concrete links, but reports in Brazil claim that United are interested in Palmeiras midfielder Richard Rios. United sent scouts to watch the Colombia international during the Club World Cup, with the Brazilian side hoping to start negotiations around the £30m mark, though Rios has already said yes to a proposal from AS Roma and could be heading to Serie A. Ollie Watkins, Aston Villa United's search for a striker continues and while Cunha and Mbeumo will be solid attacking options, there remains a desire to add a recognised number nine to the squad if possible. Watkins was the subject of interest from Arsenal in January but with the Gunners signing United target Gyokeres, the England international could be a valid, Premier League-proven attacking option. Villa would want at least £60m for Watkins, though links with Old Trafford have gone quiet after United wrapped up a move for Mbeumo.
The Independent
2 minutes ago
- The Independent
England men's team should ‘take a lesson' from the Lionesses, says Starmer
The England men's football team should 'take a lesson' from the Lionesses, Sir Keir Starmer has said, following their dramatic Euro 2025 victory. England became European champions again on Sunday evening after defeating Spain in a dramatic penalty shootout in Basel. The prime minister – who is a football fan himself – said the Lionesses have 'captured the hearts of the nation', adding the team are an inspiration for young people across the country. 'We look forward to hosting them at Downing Street later and celebrating at the parade', his spokesperson added. But despite Sir Keir previously backing calls for a 'proper day of celebration' when England reached the Euro 2022 final, Downing Street has since rejected the idea of an extra bank holiday, saying: 'If we had a bank holiday every time the lionesses win, we'd never go to work". Asked if the men's team should be learning from the Lionesses, Sir Keir's spokesperson said: "Yes, they should absolutely take a lesson. 'The bottle the women's team showed over the last few games is completely remarkable. I saw a stat that said they only spent one minute at knockout stages ahead, but still managed to come back in every game and get through and obviously win penalty shootouts. 'And I'm sure the men's team will be watching on and taking notes as to how they follow their efforts." On Monday, the team are expected to land back in the UK before heading to a reception at Downing Street hosted by deputy prime minister Angela Rayner and sports minister Stephanie Peacock. The Lionesses are then set for a homecoming open-top bus parade celebration in central London on Tuesday, followed by a ceremony outside Buckingham Palace. Confirming the Downing Street reception, Sir Keir said: 'The Lionesses have once again captured the hearts of the nation. 'Their victory is not only a remarkable sporting achievement, but an inspiration for young people across the country. 'It stands as a testament to the determination, resilience and unity that define this outstanding team. 'I'm delighted that the squad will be welcomed into Downing Street as the whole country marks this historic win and the lasting impact they are creating for the future of the game.' Ms Rayner said it will be 'a privilege to celebrate' with the team, with Ms Peacock adding that the government is 'committed to playing our part to ensure this success translates into lasting change.'
