Liverpool are reportedly ready to seek inspiration from a familiar face if Premier League title-winning manager Arne Slot is relieved of his coaching duties at Anfield. With the Reds struggling for consistency in the 2025-26 campaign, and Mohamed Salah cutting a frustrated figure, Steven Gerrard is seeing a stunning return to Merseyside speculated on.
Nottingham Forest have begun to see an excellent upturn in their form since Sean Dyche took over the club. He’s won three from his first six games, including Saturday’s exceptional 3-0 win over Liverpool at Anfield. It has certainly been a positive start to his tenure.
Indeed, there have been some excellent individual performances since the Englishman became the Forest manager. Morgan Gibbs-White has been one of the standouts, with three goals in his last three Premier League games. The likes of Nicolo Savona and Igor Jesus have also been in impressive form.
With his side in excellent form, Dyche could well turn to the transfer market as he looks to add more quality to the Forest squad.
The latest on Nottingham Forest's transfer plans
It seems like the East Midlands side are looking to add depth in midfield. Reports in the past few days suggest they are plotting a move for talented Belgian midfielder Nathan De Cat, although the likes of Bayern Munich are challengers for the 17-year-old’s signature.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
However, if that move does not materialise, Forest are also considering Everton midfielder and former loanee James Garner.
According to a report from Football Insider, the club are “looking at him” and could make a move, with his contract up in 18 months.
However, this will not be an easy deal to do. There are a host of Premier League clubs interested in the former Manchester United man, with Newcastle United, Aston Villa and West Ham United all keeping tabs.
As for the price, he could cost upwards of £20m, according to a report in mid-November.
Why Garner would be a good signing for Forest
24-year-old Garner has been pivotal for the Toffees this season. He has excelled as a full-back and in the middle of the park, with Everton gaffer David Moyes relying on that versatility several times this season.
Indeed, Garner has played 11 times in the Premier League, operating in different areas of the pitch. He’s played three games as a left-back, scoring a thunderbolt in one of those, seven times in the heart of the midfield, and once at right-back.
Of course, a move to Forest would see Garner return to the club. He played a historic part during his first stint, a loan from Man United.
He played 69 times in Garribaldi Red, scoring and assisting 18 times, and helping Forest return to the Premier League. Statman Dave described him as a “special” player during his time at the club.
If Garner was to make a move back to the City Ground, and Dyche utilised him in midfield, he might well form a strong partnership with Gibbs-White. Unsurprisingly, the England international is a key player under Forest’s new boss.
The former Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder has been in excellent form under Dyche, with the third of his three goals in the top flight coming last weekend at Anfield. However, he has been a consistent performer in Garibaldi Red his whole time at the club.
He’s recently brought up his 50th goal contribution for the club, and has 22 goals and 31 assists in 135 games. Gibbs-White excels as a number 10, but there are times when he needs to play deeper to help Forest out defensively.
The signing of Garner, however, could change that. The Everton man is someone who could play with Gibbs-White in midfield and take some of the defensive responsibility off the Forest number 10. His defensive numbers are impressive, averaging four tackles and interceptions per game this season, for example.
Garner vs. PL midfielders
Stat (per 90)
#
Rank vs PL midfielders
Defensive 3rd tackles won
1.36
Top 11%
Interceptions
1.45
Top 11%
Clearances
2.73
Top 9%
Blocks
1.64
Top 19%
Stats from FBref
This sort of defensive nous could make Gibbs-White unplayable for Dyche’s side. With a player like Garner behind him, and Elliot Anderson of course, it might mean he is less shackled defensively, thus being able to be more effective going forward.
This midfield dynamic could hugely benefit Forest, and make them a more potent team in attack. In this market, £20m is a nominal fee for a player who knows the club and can benefit the side.
Not Zinchenko: Dyche could now drop “incredible” Nottingham Forest star
Sean Dyche could ditch this Nottingham Forest star alongside Oleksandr Zinchenko for his Premier League return.
ByKelan Sarson Oct 26, 2025
The Detroit Tigers are in a predicament.
They had an incredible first half of the season and were the first team in Major League Baseball to reach 60 wins. The hot first half comes off an improbable run to the postseason last year, where they earned one of the final wild card spots before they were eliminated by the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Division Series.
American League Cy Young Award winner and this year's All-Star Game starter Tarik Skubal was a major force behind that run, which has continued into his dominant 2025 campaign. Through 21 starts this year, he has a 10-3 record with a 2.09 ERA and 171 strikeouts. The bad news for Detroit, though, is that they are in the midst of a serious slide while Skubal only remains under team control through the '26 season, when he's likely in store for the largest free-agent contract for a pitcher ever.
Still gripping onto an eight-game lead in the AL Central after losing 12 of their last 14 games, the Tigers need to go for it this year and add some talent ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. Their biggest need is for a high-leverage relief pitcher, maybe even two, to help support their 4.18 team ERA amongst relievers this season. But they could also use a big bat to lift their slumping offense. And if the price is right, they could even use another starter behind Skubal if Jack Flaherty, who had a solid outing Sunday, continues his disappointing season down the stretch.
That's a lot of needs, but their top-tier farm system could certainly help bring in some high-level talent at the deadline. That is, if the Tigers are willing to part with any of their top prospects which is a big risk, especially when you take Skubal's uncertain future into consideration. MLB Pipeline's No. 6 prospect Kevin McGonigle is likely off limits, but they also have No. 10 prospect Max Clark should they be open to including him in a trade for a big return. There's also No. 34 prospect Bryce Rainer, No. 51 Josue Briceño and No. 77 Thayron Liranzo who round out Detroit's top-five. Rainer is likely off limits too as he was just drafted last year, but Briceño and Liranzo could be included in deals for the right price.
With plenty of top farm talent to help them get one or multiple win-now pieces, here are four targets that make sense for the Tigers as the trade deadline quickly approaches:
Suárez has heard his name in trade rumors all season and he enters the deadline as the best bat on the market. His 36 home runs on the year trail only Cal Raleigh, Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge for the most in the MLB. He started his career as a Tiger back in '14 before Detroit traded him to the Cincinnati Reds after just one season. Suárez recently told Evan Petzold of the that he'd be interested in a return and that it would mean a lot to finish where he started. But that's currently Arizona's decision, and the D-Backs are likely to take the highest offer with many suitors interested in the 36-year-old slugger. The price will be high, but the Tigers could put together a package that may make the D-Backs bite.
The Twins may not be willing to deal Durán, especially to an AL Central rival. They are currently 5.5 games back of the last wild card and 10 games behind the Tigers in the division. But if they do decide to sell, he could fetch a solid haul on the open market. In 47 games this year, Durán has a 1.90 ERA with 52 strikeouts and just 10 earned runs allowed in 47 1/3 innings pitched. Those numbers would instantly push him to the front of the Tigers' bullpen ahead of Will Vest, who has a 2.58 ERA in 45 1/3 innings this year. Durán is under team control through the '27 season which could bring the Tigers to justify the competitive package they'd need to offer.
Bednar would immediately help the Tigers' bullpen and is likely more gettable compared to other targets like Durán. The Pirates demoted Bednar to Triple-A Indianapolis early this season after three rough outings, but he has bounced back nicely following his return to Pittsburgh. He hasn't given up an earned run in June or July, making 19 appearances and throwing 18 1/3 innings in that time. On the season, he has a 2.19 ERA with 51 strikeouts in 37 innings. He remains under team control through the '26 season, making a reasonable $5.9 million this year.
If the Tigers look to boost their starting rotation, they could bring in another former Cy Young Award winner in Alcántara, who won the National League honor in '22, to put behind their ace in Skubal. Alcántara hasn't had a strong season for the Marlins by any means, posting a 5-9 record with a 6.66 ERA through 20 starts, but he threw seven scoreless innings in his most recent start and could provide depth for a team who relied on bullpen games during last year's playoff run. That method won't be sustainable if the Tigers are serious about winning while Skubal remains under team control. If Alcántara can return to his dominant form, he'd certainly be a welcome addition for any playoff team. Plus, he's under contract through the '27 season, with a club option on the final year of his deal.
Celtic are reportedly closing in on the appointment of Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy as their next permanent manager to replace Brendan Rodgers.
The French tactician is in ‘advanced talks’ to join the Scottish giants, but it remains to be seen exactly when he will be in post to start the job, with Martin O’Neill currently in interim charge.
Once Nancy is in the job and looking at what his priorities need to be, the new Celtic boss must find a way to get more out of central midfielder Arne Engels in the coming weeks and months.
Why Wilfried Nancy must revive Arne Engels for Celtic
The Scottish Premiership champions smashed their club record transfer fee to sign the Belgium international from Augsburg for a fee of £11m in the summer of 2024, and he showed plenty of promising signs in his first year at the club.
Engels delivered a return of ten goals and 13 assists in 52 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops, per Transfermarkt, which shows that he offered a decent threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals.
Unfortunately, the 22-year-old star has been frustrating to watch this season because he has only produced one goal and four assists in 20 outings in the 2025/26 campaign.
This is why Nancy must make getting the best out of Engels one of his top priorities, because he is evidently capable of contributing far more than he currently is.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Along with the Belgian starlet, the French boss must also unleash summer signing Benjamin Nygren, who has become Celtic’s most frustrating player since Engels.
Why Benjamin Nygren is a frustrating player for Celtic
Like the £11m club-record signing, the Sweden international is an incredibly frustrating player for the Hoops because you can see that the talent is there, but it does not always work out for him.
The left-footed central midfielder has scored six goals and provided three assists in 18 appearances for the club this season, per Sofascore, yet he has found himself on the bench for the last two league games under O’Neill.
Nygren is such a frustrating player because he can do the hard bits, scoring and creating goals, but he lets himself down at times with some of the simpler parts of the game in the middle of the park.
xG
4.76
Top 1%
Goals
5
Top 1%
xA
2.77
Top 5%
Assists
2
Top 14%
Dribble success rate
29.4%
Bottom 17%
Duel success rate
49.5%
Bottom 44%
Dribbled past
6x
Bottom 35%
As you can see in the table above, he is exceptional at making an impact in the final third, yet is among the worst of his positional peers when it comes to competing in physical duels on and off the ball.
This explains why O’Neill has dropped him from the starting line-up in recent matches, because the midfield star has not proven that he can be reliable enough out of possession to go along with his attacking qualities.
The 24-year-old gem’s attacking output, though, suggests that he is a player who has a lot to offer to Nancy once he is in the building, as is also the case for Engels, which is why he must unleash the Swedish whiz from the start.
It will then be down to Nygren and Nancy to work together on the training pitch to either minimise the effects of his physical struggles, or to improve his work off the ball, to make him as effective as possible.
£1.5m Celtic flop has been an even bigger waste of time than Balikwisha
This Celtic flop has been an even worse signing than Michel-Ange Balikwisha for the Scottish giants.
1 ByDan Emery Nov 25, 2025
Shaka Hislop has revealed he is battling an aggressive form of prostate cancer, sharing the emotional update in a deeply personal message to fans. The former Newcastle and West Ham goalkeeper detailed his 18-month medical journey, including surgery, spreading cancer and recent radiation therapy, while urging men, especially those at higher risk, to get tested early.
Hislop announces his prostate cancer diagnosis
Former Premier League favourite Hislop shocked the football world by announcing he has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, outlining an 18-month timeline of tests, surgery, recurrence and ongoing treatment. The 56-year-old revealed the cancer was initially detected after an elevated PSA reading during routine screening, before spreading months later despite a radical prostatectomy. Hislop, now a respected pundit, disclosed that he has just completed seven-and-a-half weeks of radiation therapy and is continuing treatment.
The diagnosis marks a difficult chapter for the ex-goalkeeper, who is widely remembered for starring in Newcastle’s title-challenging sides under Kevin Keegan and for making over 100 appearances for West Ham. Hislop’s video update has sparked an outpouring of support from fans, teammates and viewers who have followed his post-playing career in broadcasting. His message stressed both the importance of early detection and the reality that prostate cancer can develop even without a family history.
Hislop’s announcement has renewed attention on the risks of prostate cancer for men over 50 and particularly for Black men, who statistically face higher mortality rates. His call for regular PSA testing challenges the inconsistent medical guidelines found across different countries. The news has also prompted wider conversations about awareness within football communities, where former players have increasingly used their platforms to highlight major health issues.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportHislop urges men to get tested early for prostate cancer
In a video released on his social media, Hislop said: “I have a story to tell. Roughly 18 months ago, I went for my annual physical and insisted on a PSA test, as I always do. This time around though my PSA was elevated.
“An MRI and biopsy quickly determined that I had a fairly aggressive prostate cancer. A year ago, almost to the day, December 6 to be exact, I had a radical prostatectomy. And I thought that was it.
“But then, six months later, my PSA was again on the rise and another scan showed that my prostate cancer had spread to my pelvic bone. I started on medication pretty soon after, and just this morning completed seven-and-a-half weeks of radiation therapy. The journey continues.”
“Doctors recommend that all men over the age of 50 get their PSA checked regularly. If you're of African descent, that age drops to 40. If you're somewhere like the UK or somewhere else where PSA tests aren't encouraged, you have got to insist.
“Having a history of cancer in the family doesn't matter. I had genetic testing done and it showed no traits in my family, yet this year would show that, without going into too much detail, even that didn't exclude everybody in my immediate family. The highest rate of prostate cancer mortality is in Caribbean men, so allow me to speak to my community, my people. Please, go get tested. Know your PSA, track – its history.
“Prostate cancer is survivable if caught early enough. There are treatments for it. Testing saves lives. It saved mine.”
Getty Images NewsProstate cancer awareness: A growing necessity
Hislop’s message resonates strongly because prostate cancer is one of the most common yet most quietly developing cancers in the world, often showing no symptoms in its early stages. Many men only seek medical attention once the cancer becomes advanced, making Hislop’s insistence on annual testing a crucial reminder about preventative health. The 99% survival rate for early-stage prostate cancer highlights why screening remains the single most impactful step men can take.
The former Trinidad and Tobago international has long been admired not only for his playing career but for his off-field contributions as an activist and broadcaster. His leadership within the Show Racism The Red Card campaign and his standing within ESPN FC make his message highly influential across global audiences. By speaking directly to Black and Caribbean men, Hislop underscores a demographic reality: these groups face some of the highest prostate cancer mortality rates in the world, making early detection uniquely urgent.
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Hislop contines to undergo treatement after radiation therapy
Hislop’s treatment continues following the completion of his radiation therapy, and he has vowed to keep supporters updated as he navigates the next phase of his recovery. His central aim is to use his platform to amplify awareness around PSA testing and encourage men worldwide to prioritise early screening. For now, the football community will rally around him as he continues both his medical journey and his mission to save lives through education and advocacy.
Here’s how former cricketers reacted to India’s miraculous victory against Australia in the semi-final
ESPNcricinfo staff30-Oct-2025
Fabulous victory!
Well done @JemiRodrigues and @ImHarmanpreet for leading from the front. Shree Charani and @Deepti_Sharma06, you kept the game alive with the ball.
Keep the tricolour flying high. pic.twitter.com/cUfEPwcQXn
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 30, 2025
Cannot believe what I’ve just seen. Jemi Rodrigues – that was unbelievable. One of the greatest humans you will ever meet. One of the greatest knocks you will ever see #INDvAUS #CWC25
— Isa Guha (@isaguha) October 30, 2025
What a victory by our team over a mighty opponent like Australia. A great chase by the girls and a standout performance by Jemimah in a big game. A true display of resilience, belief, and passion. Well done, Team India!
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) October 31, 2025
Nights like these remind you why you play this game.
The belief, the fight, and the hunger to win – all came together tonight.
Congratulations to #TeamIndia for a top-class performance against Australia and for booking a place in the World Cup final! #CWC2025 pic.twitter.com/l4qVI52s9K— Mithali Raj (@M_Raj03) October 30, 2025
From being left out of the team earlier in the World Cup to taking your team to the final.
Take a Bow Jemimah
— Ashwin (@ashwinravi99) October 30, 2025
The most heartwarming interview
Congratulations Jemi , you made your country proud. https://t.co/yGyVqn2owA— Carlos Brathwaite (@CRBrathwaite26) October 30, 2025
It ain’t over till it’s over! What a performance girls pic.twitter.com/Ox0Mg0hbEt
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) October 30, 2025
There are wins that go beyond numbers on a scoreboard. This was one of them.
Under pressure, with the world watching @ImHarmanpreet played with the calm and conviction of a true leader while @JemiRodrigues brought pure focus and intent to play an innings of a lifetime!
This… pic.twitter.com/CdAwK07sCT
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) October 30, 2025
Wow .. What a chase .. any team that beats Australia deserve to win the WC .. #WomensWorldCup2025
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 30, 2025
Not just a record run chase but one of the greatest, on the back of one of the greatest WWC innings by @JemiRodrigues #INDvsAUS #worldcup2025
— Deep Dasgupta (@DeepDasgupta7) October 30, 2025
India into the final. What a game. What a performance
Jemimah Rodrigues – What an innings
Took the team past the finish line. The entire nation will be glued to their TVs this Sunday#WomensWorldCup2025
— DK (@DineshKarthik) October 30, 2025
Incredible. Historic. Unforgettable. And now time to bring this spirit into the big Final. #TeamIndia #CWC2025
— Anjum Chopra (@chopraanjum) October 30, 2025
And we did it https://t.co/LWoLcEIcrH
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) October 30, 2025
To beat Australia chasing a world record 339 in a world cup semi-final , doesn’t get better than this. Incredible performance by our girls, one that will be remembered for years to come.
Wishing the very best for the Finals on Sunday. #INDWvsAUSW pic.twitter.com/Ww9c0P7243— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) October 30, 2025
What a team performance! Every player showed heart, hunger, and belief.
Chasing 339 in a World Cup semifinal — simply outstanding!
Congratulations Team India for creating history and entering the Final! #WWC2025 #TeamIndia #WomenInBlue #ProudMoment #IndianCricket pic.twitter.com/AawHzcL1KQ— (@MdShami11) October 30, 2025
Incredible stuff from the girls .. how good they have become in last 5 years .. one more to go .. just outstanding @BCCIWomen
— Sourav Ganguly (@SGanguly99) October 30, 2025
Manchester United are fighting to bring a talented Premier League star to Old Trafford and may face a straight shootout with Manchester City and Arsenal for his services.
There has been plenty of noise at Old Trafford following Manchester United’s bitter defeat to Everton on Monday night, something supporters will hope can be rectified when their side take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park this Sunday.
More than anything, a lack of penetration going forward led to a subdued atmosphere as proceedings rolled on, albeit Ruben Amorim has now urged his side to improve as they look to get back to winning ways against the Eagles.
He said in his pre-match press conference: “They are a different club (Crystal Palace) and they are doing things better than us so that is quite simple.
“We play in a different way and they are just doing things better than us. They are doing things really well and they play more in transition than us. We have to look at all of these things when we compare our teams but of course, in every position, we can do so much better.”
Shades of McTominay: Man Utd star is now their "most underrated player"
Manchester United now have a player who has certainly gone under the radar over the last couple of months.
By
Ethan Lamb
Nov 28, 2025
Looking ahead to January, Wolverhampton Wanderers star Andre could answer the Manchester United call for a midfielder, though it would be naive to think that is the only area of the field Amorim wants to bolster ahead of the run-in.
With that in mind, the Red Devils and INEOS have put themselves in a direct fight with the elite to sign an England international who is becoming an interesting commodity in the Premier League.
According to CaughtOffside, Manchester United are keen on Newcastle United star Tino Livramento, and they could rival both Arsenal and Manchester City to land the England right-back.
The outlet shed some light on the situation, which read: “City would love to sign Livramento in January. That currently looks unlikely, but it could be a major saga next summer, when we can also expect United and Arsenal to come into the conversation.”
Capable of playing in either full-back position, Livramento has made 90 appearances for Newcastle, scoring once and registering three assists in total.
Fresh back from his latest injury setback, he is valued at around the £80 million mark by the Magpies and could be tempted by the possibility of switching clubs, even if he isn’t exactly agitating for a move elsewhere.
Manchester United have begun to improve under Amorim and will hope they stand a fighting chance of completing a deal. Nevertheless, they may need to fend off some stiff competition to land their man, who is coincidentally six matches unbeaten against the Red Devils.
أعرب هاني أبوريدة رئيس الاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم عن خالص تمنياته بالتوفيق للمنتخب الوطني الأول، الذي سيشارك في كأس أمم إفريقيا الشهر المقبل في المغرب، ويسبقه المنتخب الثاني، بالمشاركة في كأس العرب، مشددا على ضرورة بذل أقصى الجهد من أجل إسعاد الجماهير المصرية.
وأضاف أبوريدة خلال كلمته بالجمعية العمومية للاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم اليوم الخميس: “نسير بخطى جيدة في مشروع اكتشاف المواهب، حيث لدينا في الاتحاد المصري 27 منطقة قادرة عبر ممثلين الاتحاد فيها على البحث عن المواهب، كما أن لدينا أفكاراً كثيرة لتطوير المنظومة الكروية برمتها ونقوم بطرحها، وأتمنى أن يتم استيعابها وتنفيذها بالشكل المناسب”.
وأشار: “حجم الانفاق على المنتخب تضاعف بمستويات كبيرة، لأننا ندفع مبالغ طائلة مقابل التدريبات وإقامة المباريات، لذلك نقوم الآن بإنهاء الجزء الخاص بالمنتخب الوطني في مركز المنتخبات الوطنية، وأنه من غير المعقول أن يدفع منتخب مصر مقابلاً لاستخدامه ملاعب الدولة، وتحدثت في ذلك الأمر مع وزير الشباب والرياضة”.
طالع | “باستثناء وحيد”.. اعتماد بنود الجمعية العمومية لـ اتحاد الكرة
وعن تأجيل كأس أمم إفريقيا من يونيو إلى ديسمبر بسبب بطولة كأس العالم الموسعة في الولايات المتحدة، كشف أبو ريدة عن أن هذا الأمر تسبب في تلاحمها مع كأس العرب التي طالب البعض بعدم المشاركة فيها، لكننا رفضنا ذلك وقررنا المشاركة في البطولة بمجموعة أخرى من اللاعبين تحت قيادة حلمي طولان، مشيرا إلى أن منتخب كأس العرب واجه الكثير من الصعوبات في انضمام عدد من اللاعبين بسبب ارتباطات أنديتهم بالمشاركات في بطولات خارجية وعلى رأسها بيراميدز، الذي كان 7 أو 8 من لاعبيه في صفوف المنتخب.
وتمنى هاني أبوريدة التوفيق لمنتخب مصر المشارك في كأس العرب في مهمته في قطر بقيادة حلمي طولان، موضحا أنه التقى الفريق أمس ولمس مدى العزيمة والتصميم لدى الجميع في تقديم مستوى يليق بالكرة المصرية.
كما كشف: “حاولنا منذ البداية توفير أجواء النجاح لكل المنتخبات وخصوصًا منتخب تحت 17 سنة لأن هذه المرحلة السنية تتطلب مواصفات دقيقة بعد قرار الاتحاد الدولي بتنظيم مونديال الناشئين سنوياً وليس كل عامين كما كان يحدث من قبل”.
وأكد أن الاتحاد قام بإجراء التطوير اللازم والجزء التنظيمي بما يناسب المستجدات التي حدثت، كذلك في الإدارة الفنية للاتحاد.
وأضاف: “حاولنا تطوير المنظومة الخاصة بالمدربين والرخص والدورات بالتنسيق مع الاتحادين الدولي والإفريقي، حتى يتمكنوا من إدارة المباريات مع الأندية والمنتخبات دون أي مشاكل كما كان يحدث سابقاً”.
واختتم: “تعاقدنا مع رئيس لجنة حكام على أعلى مستوى وصاحب تصنيف في الاتحاد الدولي، وذلك للحد من شكاوى بعض الأندية من الحكام والكل لاحظ التطور الواضح في المستوى منذ بداية الموسم الحالي”.
Manchester United and Ruben Amorim have been handed a transfer boost, with a La Liga star now open to an Old Trafford move.
Man Utd midfield options heading into 2026
It feels as if Amorim’s midfield is the one area that may need the most work in 2026. The Man Utd boss has gone with Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes more often than not this season, with the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte falling out of favour.
Mainoo has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford, whereas Amorim criticised Ugarte in front of his Man Utd teammates following the Europa League final against Tottenham.
Casemiro is also out of contract in 2026, and it has been suggested that there is a real possibility he will leave for free at the end of the season.
This comes despite the fact Amorim wants to keep the Brazilian, however, INEOS are looking to cut the wage bill and could do just that with the £350,000-a-week top earner.
A number of midfielders have been linked with arriving in Manchester, and one name that won’t go away is Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher.
There was speculation over a deadline day move in the summer, but the English “machine” remained at the Wanda Metropolitano, where he has made just two La Liga starts in 2025/26 under Diego Simeone.
Forget Sesko: Man Utd's "terrible" dud is now becoming INEOS' worst signing
Manchester United made a huge mistake in spending big money on one first-team member.
ByEthan Lamb Nov 13, 2025
It has been suggested that Amorim has already given the green light for Man Utd to bring Gallagher back to the Premier League in 2026, and another promising update has now emerged.
Gallagher open to Man Utd move
According to United in Focus and transfer expert Graeme Bailey, Gallagher “has become increasingly frustrated at Atletico” and appears to be open to the idea of moving to Man Utd to improve his chances of making the England squad.
On around £150,000-a-week in Spain, Gallagher has been compared to some impressive midfielders across Europe in 2025, including former Red Devils man Scott McTominay.
Midfielders similar to Conor Gallagher
Club
Gavi
Barcelona
Sandro Tonali
Newcastle
Scott McTominay
Napoli
Bruno Guimaraes
Newcastle
Boubacar Kamara
Aston Villa
Now, United and INEOS need to decide whether or not to firm up their interest in the Englishman, amid rumours of a £44m January offer being lined up.
Man Utd now leading Barcelona & Liverpool in race to sign "absolute beast"
Are Tottenham Hotspur finding their feet under Thomas Frank’s stewardship?
Certainly, we have seen green shoots in recent matches. After that dismal home defeat to Fulham at the end of November, Spurs battled to a 2-2 draw at St. James’ Park before beating Brentford in the Premier League and Slavia Prague in the Champions League.
Two clean sheets from two games, but Tottenham still could do with reinforcements in the rearguard. Namely, ENIC Group are planning to help Frank piece together a lasting project with a new left-back.
Destiny Udogie picked up a hamstring injury against Newcastle United and will be out until the New Year. But the Italian defender has been out of sorts this season anyway, and Tottenham are ready to take action.
Udogie quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous up-and-coming full-backs in Europe after joining Tottenham from Hellas Verona. Better known for his time on loan with Udinese across multiple years, the Italian was hailed as “the best left-back” in the country by Clinton Morrison on BBC Sport a few months into his arrival under Ange Postecoglou’s wing.
However, Udogie’s persistent injury issues have stunted his growth, and the 23-year-old has been told he “needs to wake up” by one coach this term, lacking awareness and dynamism. With Ben Davies getting on – and rarely getting off the bench – competition is needed, especially with the Lilywhites making headway in the Champions League.
That’s why Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange are circling in on Eintracht Frankfurt star Nathaniel Brown, with TEAMtalk revealing that the 22-year-old German international is on Tottenham’s wishlist ahead of the winter window.
A versatile wideman with no qualms about playing further upfield, Brown would add depth and new dimensions to Frank’s team, though this is a sentiment shared with rivals, Arsenal and Manchester United also among the suitors named.
He would cost upwards of £50m, but Brown has the potential to become one of the best in the business, and he would slot right into Frank’s set-up.
Brown, a German-born player with American heritage, boasts blistering pace and a desire to progress play whenever he can. However, he is also defensively sound, mixing between duties seamlessly.
As per FBref, Brown ranks among the top 9% of full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists and the top 3% for tackles per 90, underlining his dynamism and ability to mix defence with attack.
In this, he has something of a likeness to Udogie, the finest iteration of the Italy star, and while Spurs’ talented wide defender has fallen by the wayside of late, his profile remains tailor-made for a starring role in one of Europe’s top outfits.
Brown, moreover, is on an upward trajectory, with analyst Spencer Mossman claiming earlier in 2025 that he is “one-two years away from being the most coveted left back” in the world. Already, several of the Premier League’s biggest sides want to bring him over, suggesting that he is indeed ahead of that prediction already.
Frankfurt has a rather porous defence this season, and that is a concern, but Brown is one of the standouts, showcasing an impressive mix of qualities. Furthermore, he rode the crest of a wave into the current campaign, having played so well in the Bundesliga last year.
|
League Stats 25/26: Destiny Udogie vs Nathaniel Brown |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Match Stats* (per 90) |
Udogie |
Brown |
|
Matches (starts) |
10 (6_ |
6 (6) |
|
Goals |
0 |
1 |
|
Assists |
1 |
2 |
|
Touches* |
47.5 |
47.8 |
|
Accurate passes* |
26.8 (85%) |
25.7 (84%) |
|
Chances created* |
0.7 |
1.0 |
|
Succ. dribbles* |
0.3 (27%) |
0.5 (38%) |
|
Recoveries* |
3.8 |
3.4 |
|
Tackles + interceptions* |
1.5 |
3.1 |
|
Clearances* |
1.1 |
1.2 |
|
Duels (won)* |
2.9 (46%) |
3.8 (51%) |
|
Data via Sofascore |
||
As we can see from the respective left-backs’ Champions League campaigns, Brown is enjoying greater success, with his staggering duel success rate something to note.
Last season, talent scout Jacek Kulig said Brown is “moving to another level”, so perhaps it is the right time for him to take the leap of faith over the channel and down N17 to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
What Tottenham decide to do remains to be seen, but Frank needs a few more instruments in his tactical toolbox, and Brown could mark his crowning signing as improvements start to reveal themselves.
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