All posts by z3u9t.icu

Chelsea chiefs are informed that a Premier League forward who Atlético Madrid are pushing to sign wants to join Enzo Maresca’s side – with a transfer battle potentially brewing against the La Liga side.

Chelsea preparing for another very active summer window

With Chelsea participating in the Club World Cup, BlueCo are expected to be busy right from the off this summer, and could take full advantage of the early window, which opens from June 1 to June 10.

Shields pushing Chelsea to sign £90m Villa star amid belief price may drop

The Stamford Bridge recruiter is very keen.

ByEmilio Galantini May 10, 2025

A host of players face uncertain futures at Chelsea – including Kepa Arrizabalaga, Alfie Gilchrist, Renato Veiga, Armando Broja, Raheem Sterling, João Félix, David Datro Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi – who are all away on loan spells right now and seemingly out of Maresca’s plans.

Chelsea will likely attempt to find buyers for all the aforementioned crop, all while the west Londoners reportedly target a new centre-back, winger and striker as the priority signings on their agenda (Simon Phillips).

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

Depending on their qualification for the Champions League next season and how many unwanted players they can ship out the door, it is also believed that Chelsea could go for a second centre-back (who can play at left-back when required), an attacking midfielder and a goalkeeper (Simon Phillips).

All signs point towards a very busy off-season for the Chelsea recruitment team, and new forwards appear to be high on their to-do list.

Chelsea have held talks over Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens already, while reports in Italy claim Milan star Rafael Leao is also a target for the west Londoners.

However, another player who remains in their thinking is Man United’s Alejandro Garnacho.

Alejandro Garnacho wants to join Chelsea this summer

The Argentinian has scored 11 goals and assisted 10 others in all competitions so far, featuring regularly under new manager Ruben Amorim, but he could still make the move away from Old Trafford.

Chelsea did work on signing Garnacho in January, but a move for him ultimately couldn’t come to fruition. Now, journalist Graeme Bailey has told the Chelsea Chronicle that he could join Maresca this summer instead.

Indeed, it is believed Garnacho is also keen on a move to Chelsea, and the Blues are serious fans of the “huge talent”.

“Garnacho is very much still on Chelsea’s radar – they are looking for someone to operate from that left side, and they have done work on a lot of names,” said Bailey.

“I am told that the three at the top of their list are currently Jamie Gittens, Nico Williams and Garnacho.

“Chelsea are not set on one target and Garnacho is someone they like a lot, they tried to sign him in January. They know the player is keen on the move. And he is a huge talent, they think he would be a good fit. He seems to have been around forever, but he is still just 20.”

The South American would reportedly cost around £65 million, and Bailey has also written that Atlético are “pushing hard” to sign Garnacho as well, so he won’t be an easy capture by any means.

In what could see one player make his return to the Premier League, Everton have now reportedly made their first contact to sign a former Arsenal defender this summer.

Everton looking to bounce back from defeat

Like every side sandwiched inside the Premier League’s bottom half, Everton have the luxury of playing without the pressure of relegation in the coming weeks, with the drop now confirmed for all three of Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton. What that should hand them the chance to focus on is handing Goodison Park the farewell it deserves and that should start with bouncing back from defeat.

Friedkin now serious about dream Everton move to sign "fantastic" forward

A signing that would certainly make a statement…

ByTom Cunningham Apr 29, 2025

With nothing left to play for, the Toffees have suffered back-to-back defeats against Manchester City and Chelsea in two narrow games, much to the frustration of those on Merseyside who’ll be hoping to end the season strongly.

Manager David Moyes reacted to defeat against Chelsea last time out, telling reporters: “We were perhaps fortunate to only be 1-0 down at half-time, but we stuck at it and grew into the game and played very well in the second half.

“We were just lacking quality to get a finish on the end of some of our play. The substitutes made a big difference. It looked like we had more energy and were more creative.”

It’s the type of quality that the Everton boss will hope to see his side find in their penultimate game at Goodison Park this Saturday, which will see them square off against Ipswich Town.

It’s a game that the Toffees will be expected to win, especially at Goodison Park, and one that they should use to make a statement of intent as they prepare to enter a new era at the Bramley-Moore Dock stadium.

Meanwhile, away from the pitch, ahead of that new era, Friedkin have already reportedly set their sights on their first summer signing.

Everton express interest in signing Tavares

According to Sky Sports’ Gianluca Di Marzio, Everton have now expressed interest in signing Nuno Tavares from Lazio this summer. The left-back has spent the season on loan at the Serie A club this season in a move that will become permanent at the end of the current campaign. Any move away from English football may be short-lived, however, amid interest from Everton.

Praised for an “incredible season” and described as “talented” by U23 scout Antonio Mango during his loan spell at Marseille last season, Tavares has only reached more impressive levels at Lazio – assisting nine goals in all competitions.

As Ashley Young edges closer to retirement too, welcoming fresh competition for Vitalii Mykolenko would be no bad idea for Everton this summer, and Tavares would offer exactly that.

In one swift move, the left-back could find himself on his way back to the Premier League not long after turning his loan move permanent at Lazio this summer.

Middlesbrough missed out on a Championship playoff place this campaign, but could now raid rival top six chasers Blackburn Rovers for one of their star assets if reports are to be believed.

Championship playoff battle ends in despair for Boro and Blackburn

The race for a shot at Premier League promotion is now over in terms of the regular season, and supporters of concerned clubs will now look forward to a heated battle to claim a place in the top-flight. Sheffield United, Sunderland, Coventry City and Bristol City secured a chance to reach the big time and the glamour that comes with it. However, for every success story, there are always hard-luck tales to offer some balance.

Michael Carrick will be feeling a sense of frustration after Middlesbrough missed out by a four-point margin following a run of one victory in their final six fixtures. Ultimately, the club’s decision to cash in on Emmanuel Latte Lath in January may have come back to bite officials at the Riverside Stadium.

The Ivorian striker scored 11 times before moving to Atlanta United, leaving a shortage of goals present in Carrick’s line-up barring Finn Azaz and Tommy Conway.

Middlesbrough’s unfateful run of results during Championship run-in

Middlesbrough 0-1 Leeds United

Millwall 1-0 Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough 2-1 Plymouth Argyle

Sheffield Wednesday 2-1 Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough 0-0 Norwich City

Coventry City 2-0 Middlesbrough

Rangers midfielder Tom Lawrence could be an early arrival at Middlesbrough on a free transfer to add an offensive threat from midfield, and the Wales international is likely to be one of a number of targets under Boro’s watch over the coming weeks.

In similar fashion, Carrick’s men are now said to have another bargain deal up their sleeve that may come at the expense of rivals Blackburn.

Middlesbrough in pole position to sign Tyrhys Dolan

According to EFL Analysis, Middlesbrough could sign Tyrhys Dolan on a free transfer from Blackburn, and they are leading the race for his signature as his contract veers closer to expiring at Ewood Park.

Set to become available as a free agent, talks have taken place between his camp and Boro representatives. It has been made clear that he is primed to seek a new challenge away from the Lancashire outfit.

Carrick loves him: Middlesbrough keen to seal deal for "fantastic" PL ace

He’s been in solid form as of late.

ByTom Cunningham Mar 26, 2025

Labelled “outstanding” by John Eustace, Dolan has registered seven goals and six assists across 47 appearances in all competitions this season, playing a major role in Rovers’ own close shave with earning a playoff place. Despite competition from a number of sides, Boro are at the front of the queue and are taking a proactive approach to atone for missing out on a shot at promotion to the top-flight.

Completing an average of 1.3 dribbles per match on Championship duty, Dolan has emerged as a rising talent and reportedly fits the bill as Middlesbrough seek depth to put the building blocks in place for a better season next time out.

Crossing paths to join another club in the same league may sour relations with his current employers, but it would also be a mark of Carrick’s ambition heading into pre-season.

After defeating Real Madrid in the Champions League last week, it’s safe to say Arsenal have demonstrated they are capable of battling with Europe’s elite.

Mikel Arteta has transformed the side after taking the reins in December 2020, overseeing a transition that has taken them back to Premier League title challengers in recent seasons.

However, the Spaniard is yet to complete the job of winning the title, desperately needing to push for such an achievement in 2025/26 to cement his legacy at the Emirates.

If the 43-year-old is to go one better and end their two-decade wait for a title triumph, he will need the hierarchy to support him in the transfer market to allow him to have the best chance of success.

With the summer rapidly approaching, rumours have already been swirling over potential targets, with most of the links being in the same area of the pitch.

An update on Arsenal’s pursuit of new forwards

Over the last couple of days, Arsenal have received a huge boost in their pursuit of landing a new striker, with an update provided on the future of Sporting CP talisman Viktor Gyokeres.

New sporting director Andrea Berta has wasted no time in making the Swede his number one target after previously holding talks with his representatives over a move to North London.

However, the latest update has confirmed that he’s not interested in a move to fellow English side Chelsea, potentially putting the Gunners in pole position for his signature in the coming months.

He’s not the only attacker touted with a move, with the likes of Kingsley Coman and Nico Williams also hugely admired ahead of the summer window.

According to one Spanish outlet, the Gunners are already in advanced talks to land the Athletic Club star and are more than willing to trigger his £50m release clause in the coming months.

Why the £50m star could be Arteta’s very own Vini Jr

Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior has been one of Europe’s most deadly forwards in recent years, notching a tally of 45 goals across his last two seasons under Carlo Ancelotti.

Many thought he would win the Ballon d’Or for 2024, but was pipped to the post by Manchester City’s Rodri, with his standing in such an award highlighting how threatening he has been in Madrid.

However, in the recent Champions League clashes with the LaLiga giants, Arsenal managed to silence the Brazilian for large spells, only managing to get on the scoresheet after a mistake within the backline.

There’s no denying he is a hugely talented player, with Arteta able to land his version of the superstar this summer should they complete a deal for Williams.

The Spaniard has been labelled as a similar player to Vini Jr by FBref based upon their respective figures from 2024/25, showcasing how impressive the transfer target has been.

When delving into the stats, the 22-year-old has managed to match or better the Madrid star in numerous key areas, with any move undoubtedly improving the forward line in North London.

Williams, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by Eduardo Hagn, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has notched a higher shot-on target accuracy rate – highlighting his clinical nature in the final third.

Games played

27

25

Goals & assists

10

16

Shot-on-target accuracy

37%

30%

Shot-creating actions

5.2

5.2

Tackles won

0.8

0.2

Take-ons attempted

8.2

7.5

Aerials won

40%

12%

He’s also managed to win more of the aerial duels he’s entered, whilst also attempting more take-ons per 90, offering Arteta a real all-round threat within the final third should he join the club.

If the Gunners are to finally end their drought without a league title, it’s pivotal that the hierarchy back the manager with the right additions to help him in his quest.

The Athletic Club star ticks all the boxes with his pace, constant attacking threat, and his end product, with the £50m fee touted a potential bargain should he get anywhere near the levels produced by Vini Jr in recent years.

Their own Yamal: Arsenal hold talks for £25m "future Ballon D'or winner"

The simply sensational talent could be a game-changer for Arsenal.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 19, 2025

Leicester City appear to have their eyes on a new 4-2-3-1 manager who could come in to replace Ruud van Nistelrooy at the King Power Stadium.

Update on Van Nistelrooy’s future at Leicester City after unwanted record

It has been a hugely disappointing campaign for the Foxes, who are on course for an immediate return to the Championship from the Premier League.

Van Nistelrooy’s side fell to a 3-0 defeat last time out, a record eighth successive top-flight loss at home where Leicester have failed to score a goal.

That is an unwanted record, and there has been plenty of speculation regarding Van Nistelrooy’s future at Leicester.

Talking to Leicester City news, Graeme Bailey said that it is “highly unlikely” Van Nistelrooy remains in charge following Leicester’s pending relegation.

“Ruud van Nistelrooy’s future has not officially been decided, but I am told at this point it is highly unlikely he continues, not impossible, but unlikely.

“He was not backed in January, and some would argue his position has been almost untenable since that failure from those above him, although there is also a feeling in the squad that they did not perform at their best.”

Offer ready: Arsenal keen to bid £30m for "special" Premier League forward

The Gunners are set to move for an attacking midfielder, who plays for one of their Premier League rivals.

ByDominic Lund Apr 6, 2025

And the reporter has also shared a potential managerial target for the Foxes.

Leicester eyeing up Rosenior as replacement for Van Nistelrooy

Bailey added that Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior could be a potential candidate to replace Van Nistelrooy at the King Power Stadium ahead of the 2025/26 season.

“There is no denying that work is already being done on possible candidates to replace him. I would keep an eye on Liam Rosenior for sure, his stock is massively high. We know Southampton like him, and so no shock that Leicester would be looking, but don’t rule out Chelsea/BlueCo from tying him down to a new long-term deal too.”

The 40-year-old, formerly of Derby County and Hull City, has been impressing in France with Strasbourg and actually shares the same Wasserman agency as Leicester legend Jamie Vardy.

Rosenior, who plays a 4-2-3-1 system, as per Transfermarkt, has Strasbourg occupying a Champions League spot in Ligue 1 with just six games remaining.

He has been linked with Southampton and previously came in for praise from Clinton Morrison, who said: “I actually think he’s a top manager. I spoke to a few people at Derby. He was unlucky to lose his job, the players respected him. He’s one of the best coaches ever.”

However, with Rosenior potentially in charge of a Champions League team next season, a drop down to the Championship could be a hard sell for Leicester.

Crystal Palace have now joined the race to sign an “imperious” Premier League defender, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer, according to a report.

Eagles eyeing defenders amid doubts over Guehi's future

Speculation continues to build over the future of Marc Guehi, who will have just one year remaining on his contract at the end of the season, meaning it will be Palace’s last chance to cash-in on the 24-year-old.

Chelsea are now adamant they will sign Guehi, but they are set to face competition for his signature, with Liverpool holding talks over a potential deal, while Tottenham Hotspur also remain in the race.

Unfortunately, it is now looking increasingly likely the centre-back will leave this summer, which means Oliver Glasner will be tasked with bringing in a replacement, and Celtic’s Cameron Carter-Vickers was named as a potential target last month.

Southampton’s Taylor Harwood-Bellis is another option for Glasner’s side, with the England international ready to leave Southampton, given that they are almost certain to be relegated to the Championship at the end of the season.

Sky journalist drops major Glasner update as Klopp eyes Crystal Palace blow

A concern for those at Selhurst Park…

1 ByTom Cunningham Apr 2, 2025

According to a report from The Boot Room, however, Crystal Palace also have their eye on another Premier League player, with it being revealed they are now in the race to sign Manchester United’s Victor Lindelof.

Lindelof’s United contract is set to expire at the end of the season, which means the Swedish defender is set to be available on a free transfer, and a number of Premier League clubs could battle it out for his signature.

Everton, West Ham United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Wolverhampton Wanderers are also keeping tabs on the 30-year-old, while several clubs from Germany and Italy have made contact with his representatives.

Crystal Palace’s upcoming Premier League fixtures

Date

Brighton & Hove Albion (h)

April 5th

Manchester City (a)

April 12th

Newcastle United (a)

April 16th

AFC Bournemouth (h)

April 19th

Nottingham Forest (h)

May 5th

"Imperious" Lindelof could be solid signing for Palace

The Sweden international has fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford, making just eight appearances in the Premier League this season, although his campaign has been marred by a number of injury issues.

However, the centre-back has impressed for the Red Devils in the past, with journalist Dominic Booth previously lauding him as “imperious”, and he recently put in a solid performance in his side’s 3-0 victory against Leicester City, helping his side to a clean sheet.

The former Benfica man has a plethora of experience in the Premier League, having racked up 186 appearances in the competition for Man United, and the opportunity to sign a player of his calibre on a free transfer is an interesting opportunity for Palace.

Of course, any signing Palace bring in will likely struggle to hit the heights of Guehi, but Lindelof’s vast experience in England could make him a solid addition.

Arsenal have made a blistering start to this season, and the theme of their success continues to be squad depth.

On Wednesday night, it was substitutes that made all the difference, as the Gunners beat Bayern Munich 3-1 in the Champions League.

Riccardo Calafiori set up Noni Madueke to score the go-ahead goal, before Gabriel Martinelli raced around Manuel Neuer to stroke home the clincher soon after, all three doing so off the bench.

In recent seasons, most notably last year, Arsenal’s title hopes have been derailed by injuries, simply not possession-requisite deputies, in terms of quality, quantity and sometimes both, to cope with key absentees.

Well, this time round, numerous key figures have been or are currently still sidelined, and this has not hampered the Gunners one bit, so do Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta now have their eyes set on further new recruits in January?

Arsenal target a new attacker

Those who thought Mikel Merino up front had been confined to the past were very much mistaken, the Spaniard forced back into the emergency centre-forward role because, well, in recent weeks there haven’t been any other options.

Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Viktor Gyökeres remain sidelined, Martin Ødegaard, Madueke and Martinelli have all made their returns this week, but Leandro Trossard is a doubt for Sunday’s trip to Stamford Bridge after suffering a knock against Bayern, the severity of which is not yet known.

So, could Arteta request the arrival of a new attacker in January?

Well, according to reports in Spain, Arsenal are interested in signing Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund, with Manchester United also in the race to secure his signature.

They add that die Schwarzgelben value the German international at £75m, but could be under pressure to sell, considering that his contract expires in 2027, hence why there is ‘intensifying’ interest from the two Premier League giants.

So, could he become the 13th German to feature for Arsenal, following in the footsteps of Jens Lehmann, Per Mertesacker, Mesut Özil, Bernd Leno, Lukas Podolski and others?

What Karim Adeyemi​​​​​​​ would bring to Arsenal

After beginning his senior career at RB Salzburg, Adeyemi joined Dortmund in the summer of 2022 for €38m (around £33m), scoring 31 goals and registering 22 assists for the club to date.

Analyst Ben Mattinson praises his “electric pace” and labels him a “transitional monster”, which is possibly best demonstrated by this goal he scored in the Champions League against Graham Potter’s Chelsea at the Westfalenstadion​​​​​​​.

Meantime, according to the Bundesliga, he is one of the fastest players in the division’s history, reaching a top speed of 22.77 miles per hour, which would result in an £80 fine if he ran that fast up Holloway Road parallel to the Emirates.

He is very much a key player at Dortmund, as the table below documents.

Goals

5

2nd

Assists

3

2nd

Shots

31

2nd

Key passes

12

3rd

Shot-creating actions

39

2nd

Goal-creating actions

7

2nd

Big chances created

4

2nd

Attempted take-ons

54

1st

Successful take-ons

24

1st

Progressive carries

35

1st

Top speed

32.2 km/h

1st

Touches in box

65

1st

Average rating

7.31

2nd

The table underlines Adeyemi’s importance to Dortmund.

Only Serhou Guirassy has scored more goals, with wing-back Julian Ryerson the only player boasting better creative numbers, but Adeyemi is currently combining the two.

The attacker also leads the way at die Schwarzgelben for all the dribbling statistics as well as top speed, registering the most touches of any Dortmund player in the opposition penalty area.

This emphasises how he is currently able to combine all the things that make both Madueke and Bukayo Saka elite – the two players noted as among the five most stylistically and statistically similar players to Adeyemi among those in their position across Europe’s top five leagues, as per FBref.

Madueke is a direct dribbler who is a major goal-threat, underlined by the fact that he ranked third in the Premier League last season for progressive carries and fifth when it came to touches in the attacking penalty box.

Saka meantime is the creator in chief, registering more shot-creating actions and big chances created than any other Arsenal player so far this season, despite a spell on the sidelines due to injury.

Well, right now, Adeyemi is able to combine all of these qualities into one, seemingly fulfilling his full potential at the age of 23, suggesting he would be an excellent addition to Arteta’s team and could be the man to fire them to that elusive first Premier League title since 2002.

Shades of Declan Rice: Arsenal expected to move for £80m "superstar"

Arsenal are ready to add the final flourishes on their high-flying squad.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 29, 2025

Manchester United’s midfield depth is becoming a bit of an issue under Ruben Amorim. Whilst he has found his first choice pivot in Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, the Portuguese manager does not seem to trust his squad depth in those deeper areas.

His stubbornness at not playing Kobbie Mainoo is bizarre, given how talented the young Carrington graduate is. It now seems that the England international will leave his boyhood club on loan this winter, with Napoli one potential destination.

As for Manuel Ugarte, he has only played 301 Premier League minutes and seems off the pace for the Premier League, having been described as “not good enough” by Gary Neville, following the Manchester derby defeat.

With that in mind, it might not come as a surprise that United are targeting a new midfielder.

Man Utd’s latest midfield target

Midfield is clearly an area United are looking to improve this winter. They have already been linked with Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace in the last few days, although they will face lots of competition for the Englishman.

Another player the Red Devils could target is Stuttgart star Angelo Stiller.

According to reports in Spain, United are one of the sides ‘interested in acquiring his services’, with the German international one of the top names on their midfield shopping list.

Transfer Focus

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

However, despite having seemingly made an ‘approach’, they will not be alone in the hunt for Stiller’s signature.

United’s competition comes in the form of Real Madrid, with Los Blancos looking to add to their own midfield depth after losing Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in the last few seasons.

As for a price, Stiller – who is said to be keen on moving to the Spanish capital – could cost upwards of £53m to tempt Stuttgart into a sale.

How Stiller compares to Adam Wharton

Five-cap Germany international Stiller has shone in the middle of the park for Stuttgart over the last few seasons. Described as a “complete” midfielder by football analyst Ben Mattinson, he oozes class on the ball, controlling play from deeper areas.

This season has been no different for the midfielder, who was born in Munich and has played for Bayern Munich at senior level. Stiller has played 17 times so far this term, chipping in with one goal and assisting five.

Indeed, those assists from deeper areas are a key theme of Stiller’s game. He has 22 assists in 98 games for Stuttgart. This pass against FC Augsburg is an example of how creative he can be, looking to pull the strings from the edge of the final third.

Of course, the German is not the only midfielder United are looking to sign. Wharton is also a name high up on their shopping list, as he is for many clubs.

The Palace midfielder has shone for the Eagles again this season, playing 15 games across all competitions.

His former manager at Blackburn Rovers, Jon Dahl Tomasson, said, “on the ball, he’s Champions League level.”

Indeed, like Stiller, Wharton is a true controller, able to dictate games from deeper areas. Look at the influence he had in midfield against Aston Villa in the FA Cup semi-final last season.

It might well be the case that United only end up signing one of Stiller or Wharton, given how alike their profiles are. Whilst the former Blackburn star has Premier League experience, it might be the case that Stiller is actually a better signing.

The stats go a long way in supporting this theory, too. So far this season, the German averages more progressive passes, with 7.56 to Wharton’s 5.06 per 90 minutes, and more ball recoveries, with 5.47 compared to 4.68 each game.

Progressive passes

7.56

5.06

Passes into final third

7.44

3.77

Passes into penalty area

2.33

1.04

Progressive carries

2.21

1.17

Ball recoveries

5.47

4.68

It is easy to see why bringing Stiller in over Wharton could be a better move for United. Not only does he rank ahead of him in several key metrics, but the former Bayern star is also someone who has more of an impact in the final third and racks up far more assists.

As Mattinson said in a separate post, the 24-year-old is “the perfect player for Amorim’s style of play.” He could certainly be that controller in United’s pivot, with the skills he has in possession, whilst also contributing in attack.

A fee of £53m is not too expensive in the current transfer market. Stiller could be the ideal candidate to add depth to United’s midfield that Amorim trusts.

Casemiro 2.0: Man Utd make £79m bid for "one of the best DMs on the planet"

Man Utd’s midfield could be improved grealty with this signing

ByJoe Nuttall Nov 20, 2025

Simon Jordan just revealed that he put a “consortium” together in a bid to buy Sheffield Wednesday, revealing his next steps in the takeover race.

Mike Ashley submits offer to buy Sheffield Wednesday

It’s set to be a busy week for Sheffield Wednesday as they close in on their soft deadline of December 5. The Owls have not been short on interest and are now reportedly set to whittle that interest down to serious bidders.

A number of names have been mentioned along the way on that front, including John McEvoy and Ryan Howsam, but it’s Mike Ashley who’s reportedly submitted an opening bid.

The former Newcastle United owner has supposedly tabled an offer worth £20m, only to be turned down by administrators who have had bids in the region of £30m.

With so much interest, Sheffield Wednesday must ensure that they’re not simply accepting the highest bid, however. They’ve already had to tell Sheffield United where to go amid rumours that their American owners were set to propose a shock merger and must take that same stance with any other unacceptable proposals.

That said, if Ashley does return with an offer to match the £30m bid set by others, then he should be someone to consider. The 61-year-old was often criticised at Newcastle, but there’s no denying that he brought financial stability – clearing their debts – and that’s exactly what Sheffield Wednesday need.

Sheffield Wednesday respond to £20m takeover bid as Mike Ashley plots next step

The former Newcastle United owner has made his move.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 27, 2025

Alas, Ashley’s not the only ex-Premier League owner who’s had interest in the club since they’ve entered administration. Former Crystal Palace chief Jordan has now revealed where he stands in the race to buy the club.

Jordan reveals "consortium" to buy Sheffield Wednesday

Speaking to talkSPORT, Jordan revealed that he put together a “consortium” to buy Sheffield Wednesday, before deciding to drop out of the race to complete a takeover amid concerns that he’d be “rewarding” Dejphon Chansiri.

With Jordan out of the race, Sheffield Wednesday have seen their options whittled down even further ahead of the deadline, but there’s no doubt that they’ve still got enough interest.

Whether that means they’ll turn towards Ashley is the big question. He has experience in the world of football, yet he is behind in the bidding war as things stand.

Sheffield-born takeover candidate makes key contact in race to buy Sheffield Wednesday

Swansea City aren’t just looking at Kim Hellberg as their new manager, with an “insanely talented” boss also on the Jacks’ radar.

Swansea City in talks with Hellberg to replace Sheehan

The Swans took the decision to part ways with Alan Sheehan following the 4-1 Championship defeat to Ipswich Town prior to the international break.

Sheehan was appointed as the permanent Swansea boss following a successful spell as interim manager last season, however, he could only guide the club to four wins from their opening 15 league games in 2025/26.

Bristol City vs Swansea City

22nd November

Swansea City vs Derby County

25th November

West Brom vs Swansea City

29th November

Swansea City vs Oxford United

6th December

Swansea City vs Portsmouth

9th December

Swansea owners Brett Cravatt and Jason Cohen told the club website after announcing their decision: “Alan has been instrumental in helping improve the club through two periods of time. Alan has a tireless work ethic, an honest approach and a positive attitude.

“He has put his full effort into the job on behalf of the club. The club would like to place on record its thanks to Alan for all of his hard work during his time at Swansea City. We wish Alan and his family all the best for the future.”

CEO Tom Gorringe and head of recruitment Adam Worth are leading the search for Swansea’s next manager, with Hellberg emerging as the frontrunner.

It was revealed shortly after Sheehan’s exit that Swansea had opened initial talks with Hellberg, with the 37-year-old currently in charge of Hammarby in Sweden.

However, another potential candidate has emerged in south Wales.

Swansea City admirers of Michael Carrick

According to the BBC, former Middlesbrough manager Michael Carrick has ‘admirers’ at Swansea.

It is stated that a return for Russell Martin is looking unlikely at this stage, whereas another former manager in Brendan Rodgers returning is slim.

Carrick is described as ‘one of the more attractive British options available at present’ whereas former Boro player Lukas Engel hailed Carrick as an “insanely talented coach”.

The 44-year-old has been out of work since the summer when he left the Riverside, and his time with Boro included four wins against Swansea.

Swansea 1-3 Middlesbrough

March 2023

Swansea 1-2 Middlesbrough

December 2023

Middlesbrough 2-0 Swansea

April 2024

Middlesbrough 1-0 Swansea

August 2024

Swansea 1-0 Middlesbrough

March 2025

His near three-year stay at Middlesbrough is Carrick’s first and only permanent managerial position to date, so could Swansea be his second?

Manager who called Swansea City fans "fantastic" open to replacing Sheehan