All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

After taking the reins during the summer, new boss Thomas Frank will want to bring added success to Tottenham Hotspur after the Europa League triumph last season.

The Dane has key Premier League experience, spending four years in charge at Brentford after getting the Bees promoted back in the 2020/21 campaign.

However, his appointment is undoubtedly the next step in his career, but his tactical knowledge could see him be a huge hit with the Lilywhites faithful in the years ahead.

The 51-year-old has already made an immediate impact in the role, winning two of his three outings in England’s top-flight – one of which was against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.

Despite his impressive start to life at the club, Frank will undoubtedly be wishing that he had one former player to rely upon in his hunt for trophies in North London.

Gareth Bale’s time at Tottenham Hotspur

After arriving from Southampton as a 17-year-old, Gareth Bale originally moved to Spurs as a left-back, but that quickly changed during his time in North London.

His trajectory changed massively after transitioning into a more attacking role, with his hat-trick in the Champions League meeting with Inter Milan at the San Siro back in 2010 certainly aiding his claim for a forward-minded position.

In the following campaign, the Welsh international registered 26 combined goals and assists – catching the eye of various sides across Europe, but staying put to continue his impressive development.

The former Saints youngster became settled in a right-wing position, with such a move helping him achieve the best season of his career for goal contributions in 2012/13.

Bale scored 26 times that year, subsequently becoming known for his trademark cut-in off the right-hand side before finding the top corner – which made him one of Europe’s hottest properties.

Real Madrid would win the race for his signature that summer, moving to the LaLiga side for a reported £85m fee – a then world-record fee, overtaking the money forked out for Cristiano Ronaldo a few years prior.

The Spurs star who could be Frank’s own Bale

Whilst Bale was a player who endured huge levels of success at Spurs, his time at the club wasn’t all plain sailing – he nearly departed the Lilywhites back in the summer of 2009.

It was previously reported that Nottingham Forest made a £2m bid for the Welshman, with the hierarchy even accepting the offer to allow him to depart after just a couple of years in North London.

Whilst a deal appeared close at one stage, the player himself, in the end, had a change of heart, deciding to stay and fight for his place in the first-team rather than starting afresh.

The decision proved to be a blessing in disguise for the club and the player himself, with no one anticipating such a rise at the time of his proposed move to the City Ground.

Such a situation has reoccurred over the last couple of years, with full-back Djed Spence a player who looked almost certain to leave the Lilywhites at one point.

Games played

25

Goals & assists

3

Progressive carries

3.1

Progressive passes

5.3

Tackles won

2.4

Interceptions made

1.1

Aerials won

1.1

Aerial success rate

60%

The 25-year-old joined the club back in the summer of 2022, arriving in a £20m deal from Middlesbrough – even though manager Antonio Conte was against the signing at the time.

He only made six appearances for the first-team, before three unsuccessful loan spells at Rennes, Leeds United and Genoa – with the latter having an option to buy at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.

However, the immense injury crisis last season handed the right-back the opportunity to impress – one that he took with both hands – subsequently going on to make 35 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25.

Spence, who’s been labelled “sensational” by one analyst, has played in every minute of Frank’s tenure to date – earning himself a maiden England call-up during the recent international break.

No supporter could’ve predicted such a rise given his lack of action in previous seasons, but it’s safe to say the Englishman now looks a bargain and a player who will play a huge part in any success during the Dane’s tenure.

Should he continue on his current trajectory, there’s no reason why the defender can’t be a part of the 2026 World Cup squad – not to mention further impressing in North London.

His situation is extremely similar to that of Bale, with the Lilywhites once again having another huge talent on their hands, which could see another massive payday in the years ahead.

Frank's new Wissa: Spurs striker sold for just £12m is now outscoring Kane

Tottenham Hotspur made a huge mistake in allowing one youngster to depart the club.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 12, 2025

There’s only one more friendly clash left for Leeds United before the bread and butter of Premier League action kicks into gear.

It’s been a whirlwind summer for the Whites so far with seven new signings in through the door, but Daniel Farke will still be holding out for another striker addition before September’s early deadline, away from solely relying on free agent signing Lukas Nmecha to deliver the goods.

Indeed, opening up after his side’s recent 1-1 draw against Villarreal, the German lamented his options in attack, with the hole left behind by Manor Solomon returning to Tottenham Hotspur also yet to be filled in his eyes.

Expect the West Yorkshire outfit to be busy, therefore, with reports now suggesting they’ve been offered an experienced centre-forward ahead of their opening day showdown with Everton.

Leeds offered chance to sign £93k p/w star

Leeds have been chasing several centre-forward targets this summer.

It’s been well documented at this point that the top-flight newcomers have Rodrigo Muniz down on their ever-growing shortlist, although Fulham’s Brazilian hotshot is also attracting interest from Serie A clubs, including Atalanta.

This might well prompt Farke and Co. to explore different avenues in trying to secure a potent and experienced marksman, with this new target potentially ticking all the boxes.

As per a report by journalist Graeme Bailey, Leeds have now been offered the chance to sign Inter Milan attacker Mehdi Taremi, with Inter keen to move on the clinical Iranian so they can get their hands on hit-and-miss Manchester United figure Rasmus Hojlund.

Whilst the £93k-per-week striker might not be instantly as Premier League-ready as Muniz, his explosive finishing ability across his career to date will surely pique the German’s curiosity as he attempts to enhance his forward personnel.

Amazingly, the lethal 33-year-old has even been likened to RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, who is also being tipped to move to the Premier League very soon.

Why Taremi can be Leeds' own Sesko

Those direct comparisons come from FBref during the striking duo’s respective 2023/24 Champions League campaigns, which saw Sesko and Taremi score four goals between them, with the ex-Porto attacker sticking out even more when assisting a further two strikes in Europe’s elite competition.

However, the comparisons aren’t just reserved for glorious nights in that esteemed tournament, with both the Slovenian and the well-travelled veteran consistently proving their class over their last couple of seasons, in possessing a second nature for firing home chances.

Games played

445

224

Goals scored

202

100

Assists

101

26

Top goalscorer accolades

5x

1x

Of course, Taremi also has the added boost of being around for far longer than the Manchester United-linked forward.

But it’s undeniable, when looking at the table above, to suggest that the 33-year-old isn’t on the same pedestal as his £74m counterpart, with his 202 goals and 101 assists from 445 career clashes even putting him on a level above the growing Slovenian, who has a century of strikes himself already, just from a lesser 224 career games.

21 of those goal contributions have come in the illustrious Champions League from Taremi, with his further electric 82 efforts in Liga Portugal for beloved former employers Porto, leading to Iran great Ali Daei dubbing the Bushehr-born attacker as an “incredible” asset to have in front of goal.

Further heralded as a “true leader” by the Iran international team assistant coach Rahman Rezaei, the hope will be that Taremi can transform Leeds up top ahead of the daunting task of staying up in the Premier League, much like the Red Devils are putting their faith in the equally potent Sesko to bring former glories back to Old Trafford.

Farke would surely be more pleased with his options if Taremi were to shortly enter through the door, as both the 33-year-old and Sesko potentially prepare to go head-to-head in the goalscoring stakes for their respective Premier League outfits.

Leeds approached £18,000-a-week forward who has scored in Europa League

He’s got Premier League experience.

1 ByTom Cunningham Aug 6, 2025

Chelsea are believed to be “very close” to making another major signing this summer, contrary to other reports, with Enzo Maresca’s side on the verge of another statement deal ahead of their potential challenge for a Premier League title.

Fabrizio Romano: Player tells manager he wants to join Chelsea, terms agreed

He really wants to play for Enzo Maresca.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 24, 2025

The Blues are in very high spirits right now after their Club World Cup triumph, which also brought in £87.5 million worth of prize money to the Stamford Bridge coffers – handing them an almighty boost when it comes to navigating the PSR threshold.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Chelsea have also brought in an estimated £100 million through player sales, after agreeing deals to let Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli, Djordje Petrovic and Mathis Amougou leave west London.

So far, BlueCo have spent £145 million on Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro – so taking into account their cash windfall from departures and winning the CWC – Chelsea are actually making a profit right now.

The money to spend is there, and quite comfortably, even if they’re under pressure from UEFA to sell players and balance out their squad.

According to reliable media sources, Chelsea are putting those funds to good use.

They’re currently in talks to sign Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, who is determined to join Maresca’s side, and even informed manager John Heitinga of his intentions to leave Amsterdam (Fabrizio Romano).

As well as Hato, Chelsea are in ongoing negotiations over a deal for RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons, which comes amid the Bundesliga side’s attempts to land midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka in a ‘separate’ move.

While Arsenal have also contacted Simons’ representatives (Fabrizio Romano), it is Chelsea who are seriously taking the lead here, as explained by journalist Simon Phillips, via his Substack.

Chelsea "very close" to agreeing Xavi Simons deal

According to the reporter, a move for the 22-year-old is actually “further along” than what’s being claimed elsewhere.

Chelsea talks are “advancing fast” for Simons, and there is a sense that this deal is “very close” with just the final details left to be ironed out.

“Simons especially is actually further along than what is being reported,” wrote Phillips.

“Chelsea are likely just covering themselves in case it doesn’t get done. The club do need to sell, but there isn’t a feeling like Christopher Nkunku needs to go first before Chelsea sign Simons, but some advancement on it could help.

“The last our sources heard on Simons to Chelsea was that it was very close but had some final details to sort out.

“I continue to hear ‘deals are advancing fast’ and there is real positivity on both players [Hato and Simons].”

Simons is reported to be Leipzig’s highest-ever paid player on around £192,000-per-week, and for good reason, with the Netherlands international seriously impressing for them since initially joining on loan at the start of 2023/2024.

His tally of 21 goals and 23 assists in all competitions prompted Leipzig to make his move permanent for an initial £43 million in January, but it appears he could already be on the move, specifically to Chelsea.

Fulham have now approached the agents of an “incredible” player over a potential move to Craven Cottage, but it may take an offer of £34m to get a deal done, journalist Orazio Accomando has revealed.

Cottagers set sights on new midfielder

The Cottagers are yet to make any additions to their squad this summer, but the recent news that Kenny Tete is set to sign a new deal is a bonus, given that the Dutchman had been linked with a move to Everton.

In terms of potential new arrivals, Marco Silva appears to be particularly keen on strengthening his midfield options this summer, having identified a number of targets over the past month.

Target

Current club

Potential cost

Nadiem Amiri

Mainz

£15m

Kalvin Phillips

Manchester City

£21m

Joao Palhinha

Bayern Munich

£25m

Rocco Reitz

Borussia Monchengladbach

£17m

Having solidified themselves as a Premier League club, the west Londoners may now be in a position to be a tad more ambitious with their targets, and they have now made an approach for a 2025 Champions League finalist.

That is according to an update from Accomando on X, with the reporter stating that Fulham have now submitted an enquiry over a deal for Inter Milan star Hakan Çalhanoğlu, making contact with the midfielder’s agents.

Inter aren’t willing to let the maestro leave on the cheap, however, with the Italian club set to hold out for a fee of €40m (£34m), which may be prohibitive for fellow potential suitors Galatasaray, who are only willing to offer €15m (£13m).

Leeds leading Fulham in race to sign £8.5m defender alongside Bornauw

Leeds United are now in a race to sign a defender who has been impressing in Germany.

ByBrett Worthington Jul 1, 2025

The 31-year-old “wants” to join Galatasaray, but the Turkish champions may find it difficult to win the race for his signature if a bidding war breaks out, with Manchester United also expressing an interest.

Çalhanoğlu could be "incredible" coup for Fulham

It would be a real statement of intent if Fulham were able to sign a 2025 Champions League finalist, particularly one who played a major role in the Italian side reaching that stage of the competition.

The Inter star was a key player throughout the campaign, regularly providing goals and assists in all competitions, despite often featuring in a deep-lying role.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Serie A

29

5

6

Champions League

12

4

2

Italian Cup

4

2

0

The Turk is also vastly experienced at international level, scoring 21 goals in 97 outings for his country, including a remarkable effort at Euro 2024.

Turkey assistant manager Daniele Russo was subsequently left impressed by the Germany-born midfielder, saying: “It goes without saying that he is an incredible player. He is also very good at protecting his young teammates.”

As such, Çalhanoğlu could be a statement signing for Fulham this summer, but Galatasaray and Manchester United’s interest could pose a problem.

Newcastle United have now tabled an offer for a “superb” international forward, with a reply given in the last 24 hours.

The Magpies had a frustrating summer in 2024, with both Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell reportedly left disappointed by the lack of funds available.

Howe has spoken far more positively about how the current transfer window may pan out at St James’ Park, however, discussing the “different mindset” within the club.

Newcastle have reportedly opened talks with Brighton striker Joao Pedro over a summer switch to St James’ Park, and now there has been a fresh development.

Newcastle submit offer for Joao Pedro, reply received

According to The Telegraph‘s Luke Edwards, Newcastle have launched an offer of around £50m for Pedro, as well as moves for Anthony Elanga and James Trafford.

The 3-cap Brazilian is seen as a strong option to provide added firepower to Howe’s attack this summer, having proven himself in the Premier League last season, but The Times have since revealed Newcastle’s bid for Pedo has been rejected.

Pedro would be a brilliant signing for Newcastle if they up their bid, bringing something different to the attack to Alexander Isak, in terms of dropping deep and linking with the midfield.

The 23-year-old has an impressive tally of 30 goals in 70 appearances for Brighton, as well as chipping in with 10 assists, and he should only grow as a footballer by being surrounded by top-quality players.

Pedro’s quality hasn’t been lost on Newcastle legend Alan Shearer, with the Englishman lauding aspects of his game during one performance last season.

“This for me is a brilliant centre-forward goal. The way he follows it up and he is expecting the rebound to get there. He reacts before anyone else does and then he gets his reward. His hold-up play was superb at times when he had to keep hold of the ball and bring his team-mates into play.”

It remains to be seen if Newcastle will manage to complete the signing of Pedro this summer – Brighton are understandably desperate to keep hold of him – but he is the calibre of player that the club need to bring in.

He'd be a dream for Elanga: Newcastle open talks to sign "magical" £60m ace

Eddie Howe is looking to bolster Newcastle’s frontline this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 27, 2025

With Champions League football back at St James’ in 2025/26, some elite additions are required in Howe’s squad, and it promises to be an exciting few months in the transfer market.

Birmingham City are reportedly in talks to complete the long-term signing of a top target in their third deal of matching kind this summer.

Birmingham have to be "picky", says Davies

The Blues are preparing for life back in the Championship, following such a dominant and memorable title-winning season in League One, with the club in an exciting place currently.

Manager Chris Davies has outlined Birmingham’s approach this summer, admitting that they now need to be “picky” with signings, which hasn’t always been the case under him.

“Last season we found that we were convincing players and selling them a project. I was saying to them, ‘Look, come here and in 10 months’ time we won’t be in League One, we’ll be a Championship team’. Now they’re coming to us. A lot more are coming to us, ‘We want to be part of this’.

“You’ve got to be a bit more picky now about who you engage with. Birmingham is a club that is going somewhere and everybody wants to be at a club that’s going somewhere. A lot of people are talking about the club around the country, and internationally as well, so people want to come here. It’s important now that we make sure we pick the right ones.”

Birmingham are being linked with some exciting players, from Tommy Doyle to Demarai Gray, and now it looks as though they are looking to get another important piece of business over the line.

Birmingham in talks to sign Davies permanently

According to a new update from Birmingham World, Birmingham are in talks with Ben Davies over completing a permanent move to the club, following a successful loan stint from Rangers last season.

The Englishman only has one more year remaining on his current deal in Scotland, so they may be happy to cash in on him now, with his current market value said to be £2m.

The club have already completed two deals of this kind this summer, turning the loan moves of Alfons Sampsted and Taylor Gardner-Hickman into permanent signings.

In Davies’ case, the former Liverpool defender made 35 appearances in League One overall, 32 of which were starts, and he averaged 6.2 clearances and 4.1 aerial duel wins per game en route to the Blues comfortably securing promotion to the Championship.

Appearances

35

Starts

32

Minutes played

2959

Clearances per game

6.2

Aerial duel wins per game

4.1

Tackles per game

1.1

Goals

1

Assists

1

Now 29, Davies is a hugely experienced head who could be a great squad option for Birmingham, with Klopp speaking fondly of him after he arrived at Liverpool in a shock deal in January 2021.

“He’s a really good footballer, looks like a proper leader in this Preston team, good in challenges, looks football smart, can play different positions because he played in a back three and a back four and all these things. That makes him really interesting so I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

After Kyogo: Birmingham want to sign new ST who's better than Stansfield

Birmingham are interested in signing a forward who would be even better than Jay Stansfield.

1 ByDan Emery Jun 26, 2025

There are few negatives to Birmingham snapping up Davies this summer, and if he performs like he did last season, the Blues’ hopes of a good campaign will be improved instantly.

With Newcastle United still chasing a deal to sign Anthony Elanga, Nottingham Forest have reportedly set their sights on signing a young Premier League gem who could replace the Swede.

Nottingham Forest battling to keep Elanga

Those in the Midlands managed to keep hold of Elanga last summer and that victory quickly paid dividends in an excellent season at the City Ground. The interest in the winger hasn’t gone away, however, and this time Newcastle have money to spend. The Magpies have already reportedly made an enquiry about signing the former Manchester United man and Forest face another fight to keep hold of one of their star players.

Elanga, himself, chose to remain coy when asked about his Nottingham Forest future whilst on international duty with Sweden recently, telling reporters: “There’s a lot of talk. I’m focusing on what I can do and my focus today was on the game. In football there are always rumors. The most important thing is that I focus on what I can control.”

After missing out on the Champions League even after a fantastic campaign, there may be some concern around the City Ground that Nuno Espirito Santo could lose his top players this summer.

Nottingham Forest submit bid to sign "brilliant" £13m ace from Norwich

Nottingham Forest have now made an official bid to sign a player from the Championship.

ByBrett Worthington Jun 12, 2025

As ever, Evangelos Marinakis has already set his sights on incomings of his own, though. The Greek owner and Nottingham Forest have recently been linked with moves for the likes of Igor Jesus and Real Valladolid star Raul Moro. What’s more, the Tricky Trees are also reportedly interested in signing an impressive Premier League gem if Elanga chooses to leave the club in favour of Newcastle this summer.

Nottingham Forest assessing Oscar Bobb move

According to Football Insider’s Mick Brown, Marinakis is now assessing a Nottingham Forest move to sign Oscar Bobb from Manchester City this summer. The young winger returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines towards the end of last season and will be desperate to get up to speed with some much-needed game time.

Brown, a former Premier League scout, told Football Insider: “A Premier League loan move is exactly what Bobb needs. After the injury he had, he has to prove to everybody that he is still capable at this level.

“It’s difficult to come back from something like that, he has some proving to do, but he has to be playing regularly to do it. If you take him out of that Man City side and put him in another Premier League team, a Crystal Palace or a Nottingham Forest, it will show where he’s at. Palace and Forest are both clubs I’ve heard are having a look at the deal.

The 21-year-old is a player who Pep Guardiola believes has “incredible potential”, but his short-term future could lie at the City Ground. It’s there that he could step into Elanga’s role and discover his best form following a frustrating injury setback.

Celtic are taking some time to assess where they need to strengthen in the transfer market and are now looking to close in on a talented young star who could improve their backline, according to a report.

Celtic's left-back situation remains in a state of flux

Although there hasn’t been an official parade of Kieran Tierney back at Parkhead yet, the Scotland international is returning to Celtic on a free transfer after his Arsenal contract expires.

Brendan Rodgers will be delighted to secure the services of a modern-day club icon who won eight trophies during his first spell at the reigning Scottish Premiership champions, but who will provide competition for the 27-year-old next season?

Jeffrey Schlupp has held discussions over a permanent Celtic transfer following his loan spell in Glasgow and is available for nothing due to his time at Crystal Palace drawing to a close.

However, the Ghana international earned £60,000 while on the books at Selhurst Park, which may complicate matters if the Bhoys decide he is the man to strengthen their left-hand side of defence.

Another player set to be a free agent before too long is long-serving Celtic full-back Greg Taylor. After six years as first-choice, it appears he may move on this summer despite Rodgers’ desire to retain the Greenock-born man.

Dream XI Celtic could build: Idah axed for "sensational" CF, Tierney starts

The dream starting XI that Brendan Rodgers could build for Celtic next season.

2 ByDan Emery May 31, 2025

Time is on Celtic’s side as they plot how best to proceed with adequate cover for Tierney, who has played just 20 matches this season following a spate of injury issues over the last few years.

Now, the Bhoys have reportedly made an approach for an exciting talent that could deputise when needed under Rodgers’ stewardship.

Celtic make approach for Peterborough United left-back Harley Mills

According to Football League World, Celtic have made an approach for Peterborough United left-back Harley Mills, and Fulham have also previously offered £1 million for his services.

Spending the first half of the campaign on loan at Enfield Town, he shot to prominence after returning to Posh due to scoring a delightful free-kick in their famous Vertu Cup final victory over Birmingham City earlier this year at Wembley Stadium.

Harley Mills at Enfield Town and Peterborough United

Appearances

25

Goals

2

Assists

2

Lauded for his ‘wand of a left foot’ by Darren Ferguson, the youngster has completed 66.7% of his dribbles and won the same percentage of tackles on League One duty this term.

Admittedly, his inexperience may be cited by some as a point of contention. Still, Celtic have identified gems such as Moussa Dembele and Matt O’Riley from the lower leagues of English football, so it may not be a total surprise that the Scottish champions could repeat the trick.

In more recent times, Finnish goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo was signed from Aston Villa after a productive loan spell at Exeter City, demonstrating that the Bhoys have their ear to the ground regarding emerging talent.

Ultimately, the ball is now in Peterborough’s court. Mills has the offer of a fresh contract on the table at the Weston Homes Stadium, but he only has 12 months remaining on his current terms and seems to be exploring his options.

Next season will be the start of a new era for Everton.

On Sunday, the Toffees played their 2,791th and final match at Goodison Park, waving goodbye to their home since 1894 with a 2-0 victory over Southampton; Iliman Ndiaye the scorer of a first half brace.

​​​​​​So, come August, the Blues will commence the new campaign at their new home at Bramley-Moore Dock, with a renewed sense of optimism, given that the team have stabilised since David Moyes’ return, while new owners the Friedkin Group offer hope for the future too.

However, with one of Everton’s most-prized assets, potentially, on his way out this summer, have they already identified an ideal replacement?

Everton targeting defensive reinforcements

According to a report in Africa Foot, Everton are ‘considering’ making a move to sign defender Sinaly Diomandé, adding that ‘negotiations between the various parties are… underway’.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, the report adds that the Toffees are said to have ‘begun talks’ with the player’s representatives regarding a potential move.

The 24-year-old Côte d’Ivoire international began his career at Olympique Lyonnais, making 85 appearances for les Gones, before joining Auxerre last summer on a free transfer, albeit, according to L’Équipe, Lyon will receive 50% of any future sale.

So, could the young defender be on the move again, this time to Merseyside?

How Diomande compares to Jarrad Branthwaite

Once again, as was the case last summer, Jarrad Branthwaite’s name features prominently in the transfer rumour mill.

Mick Brown of Football Insider claims that Chelsea are ‘considering’ a move to sign the centre-back, while it would be no surprise to see Manchester United come back into the equation this summer.

A year ago, as noted by Andy Hunter and Ben Fisher of the Guardian, Everton rejected two bids from Man United, the second of which was worth £50m, with Branthwaite valued at closer to £70m.

Nevertheless, even if Everton stand firm, interest in the England international will remain.

So, would Diomandé be a good replacement? Well, let’s find out.

Appearanes

30

23

Minutes

2,510

1,945

Pass accuracy %

83%

85%

Successful tackles

36

39

Clearances

188

96

Interceptions

27

30

Blocked shots

23

18

Ball recoveries

93

86

Duels contested

186

160

Duels won

118

94

% of aerial duels won

59%

54%

% of ground duels won

69%

61%

Touches per 90

56

59

Average Sofascore Rating

7.02

6.89

As the table outlines, the duo’s statistics are very similar across the board, with Branthwaite having the slight edge overall, albeit Diomandé does boast a better passing accuracy, while also registering more tackles and interceptions, as well as more touches per game.

One analyst noted that Diomandé is a talented youngster who has “shown some great things” during his time in Ligue 1, while Sébastien Denis of Foot Mercato believes he has “incredible qualities”.

Meantime, João Ruivo of Total Football Analysis praises his aerial prowess​​​​​​​ as well as his ability to register plenty of interceptions, assertions that are supported by the data, while Dom Corrigan of Target Scouting is impressed by his ‘calming presence’, adding that he is ‘capable of brilliant last ditch defending’.

Thus, it is clear that Diomandé is a young defender with serious potential, so, given Everton’s ongoing financial constraints, if they’re able to secure him at a cut-price, he could be an excellent addition to fill Branthwaite’s possible void.

​​​​​​​

Everton join race to sign "elite" £17m+ defender also wanted by Aston Villa

The Toffees are now in the frame to sign a centre-back, who is attracting widespread interest from the Premier League.

ByDominic Lund May 21, 2025

Newcastle United have now moved ahead of Chelsea in the race for an “amazing” Premier League defender, having taken concrete action to secure his signature, according to a report.

Magpies set sights on new centre-back

With current centre-back options Fabian Schar and Dan Burn now in their 30s, bringing in a new defender is expected to be a major focus for Newcastle this summer, and there has been a positive development in their pursuit of AS Monaco’s Wilfried Singo.

Paul Mitchell is now increasingly confident that a deal for Singo will be possible this summer, having previously sent scouts to watch the Ivorian defender in action, and there is a feeling the 24-year-old would be keen on a move to the Premier League.

Singo is not the only option on the shortlist, however, with it recently being revealed the Magpies have now joined the race for Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah, who is set to leave the German club on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer.

Newcastle could now keep Tonali and still sign £135,000-p/w Juventus star

The Magpies are making some smart moves…

BySean Markus Clifford May 12, 2025

Newcastle are also weighing up defenders who have already proven themselves in the Premier League, and TEAMtalk have now provided a positive update on their pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who has been a long-term target.

According to the report, Eddie Howe’s side have now moved ahead of Premier League rivals Chelsea in the race for Guehi, and his price tag has now been drastically reduced, with the Eagles now willing to sanction a departure for a fee of just £46m.

The Tynesiders have now taken concrete action to sign the England international, placing them in the driving seat, as the Blues have not taken any steps towards securing his signature, but the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest could also provide competition.

"Amazing" Guehi could be ideal signing for Newcastle

Schar and Burn have played a major role in transforming Newcastle into major contenders for trophies, with the latter even scoring in the EFL Cup final, but with both players now approaching their mid-thirties, a younger option may be required at centre-back.

At 24-years-old, the £50,000-a-week Palace captain fits the bill in that regard, and the defender’s vast Premier League experience could make him an ideal option, having now made 132 top-flight appearances.

During that time, the Englishman has caught the eye of compatriot Harry Maguire, who described the Palace star as “amazing”, which is underlined by the fact he is among the Eagles’ most consistent performers in the Premier League this season.

Guehi could be the perfect addition to the Newcastle squad this summer, and the fact that he is now set to be available for just £46m is an added bonus for the Magpies, given that the Ivory Coast-born star has previously been valued at around the £75m mark.