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Sir Jim Ratcliffe is ready to back Ruben Amorim in the January transfer window, with an “amazing” player now high on Manchester United’s shortlist.

Man Utd have big decision to make with Amorim at "breaking point"

Man United signed off with an unconvincing 3-2 victory against Burnley before the international break, which didn’t exactly silence the critics, and club legend Wayne Rooney believes the manager will be feeling the pressure.

Speaking after the EFL Cup exit at the hands of League Two side Grimsby Town, Rooney said: “Manchester United is so different to where he’s been before. You come in and there’s the media team, the commercial team, the fans and the media.

“There’s a pressure with United, which he will never have felt before. When you’re not winning games, that can start to get [to you] and it looked like he was at a breaking point.”

£1m+ Arsenal target has heart set on Man Utd move due to Sir Alex Ferguson

The Red Devils would be well-positioned to win the race for a forward.

By
Dominic Lund

Sep 10, 2025

As such, INEOS have a big decision to make on Amorim’s future, given that the Portuguese manager’s record since arriving last November has been far from impressive, averaging just 1.37 points per match across 46 games.

However, a new report from TEAMtalk states that Ratcliffe and co are ready to back their manager in the January transfer window, suggesting the Man United ownership still believe in Amorim’s project.

The 40-year-old is set to be provided with the funds to strengthen his squad this winter, and a new central midfielder is believed to be of particular interest, with Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson featuring high up the shortlist.

After joining Forest from Newcastle United for £35m last summer, Anderson has enjoyed an impressive rise, recently receiving his first call-up for England, and it would be fair to say the midfielder grasped the opportunity with both hands, impressing journalist Craig Hope.

"Amazing" Anderson impressing for club and country

Not only has the England international caught the eye for the Three Lions, but he has also received plaudits for his performances at club level, being described as “amazing” by former manager Nuno last season.

The 22-year-old is an incredibly well-rounded midfielder, as showcased by the fact he provides an attacking threat, picking up eight Premier League goal contributions last season, while his tackling ability is also impressive.

It is little wonder that Anderson is high on Man United’s shortlist, and he should remain a key target, regardless of whether Amorim lasts until the January transfer window.

Leeds United are looking to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch before the transfer window officially slams shut for another year this evening.

The Whites were reportedly looking to sign Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this week to add to their attacking midfield ranks, after he spent last season on loan at Leicester City.

Unfortunately, Chelsea decided to pursue a loan move for the Argentine playmaker and are now closing in on a deal to add him to their squad at Stamford Bridge.

Leeds were, of course, unable to compete with the Champions League football that Enzo Maresca’s side have on offer, and look set to miss out on Buonanotte.

Leeds have playmaker on their radar

The Championship champions are still in need of another option in the frontline after missing out on the Brighton youngster, and are reportedly looking further afield for an alternative.

Transfer Focus

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

According to LeedsLive, Krasnodar attacking midfielder Eduard Spertsyan has emerged as a potential option for Leeds United on deadline day, as they could make a last-gasp move for the star.

The report claims that the Armenia international is one of a number of playmakers on the club’s radar as they look to bolster their options in that position before the window slams shut.

It adds that Bilal El Khannouss, Dilane Bakwa, and Manor Solomon are also being looked at by the Whites, as they look at traditional number tens and natural wingers on both sides.

Daniel Farke, though, worked with Spertsyan, who was linked with an £11m move to Southampton earlier this summer, and he may be a shrewd addition to the squad.

Why Leeds should sign Eduard Spertsyan

The West Yorkshire outfit should look to pursue a deadline day deal for the Armenian star because he could be an even better option than Buonanotte as an attacking midfielder.

Spertsyan has not experienced English football before, so it would be a risk in that respect, but his form for Krasnodar suggests that he has the potential to be an incredibly exciting addition to the squad.

The 25-year-old star, who was described as an “elegant” player by U23 scout Antonio Mango, is heading into the prime years of his career and could offer a huge threat at the top end of the pitch if he can adapt to the Premier League.

Appearances

28

7

Goals

11

4

Big chances missed

5

1

Key passes per game

2.1

3.9

Big chances created

6

5

Assists

6

8

As you can see in the table above, Spertsyan has delivered 15 goals and 14 assists in his last 35 appearances in the Russian Premier League, including eight assists in seven games this season.

These statistics show that the £11m-rated star is an incredibly creative player who looks to play key passes constantly each match, whilst he can also provide a significant threat as a goalscorer.

Meanwhile, Buonanotte has produced eight goals and three assists in 58 outings in the English Premier League in the last two seasons for Leicester and Brighton combined, per Sofascore.

This suggests that Spertsyan would be an even better signing for Leeds if they can get him to translate his performances for Krasnodar over to English football this season.

It would be a risky addition, given his lack of experience in England, but his immense form in Russia suggests that it could be worth the risk as an alternative to Buonanotte, who has not delivered consistently in the final third in his career to date.

James upgrade: Leeds are in late talks to seal "remarkable" £20m signing

Leeds United are reportedly in talks to sign a star who could be an upgrade on Dan James.

1 ByDan Emery Aug 31, 2025

He is an ICC Level III qualified coach, and brings plenty of coaching experience in Sri Lankan domestic cricket

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Mar-2025Former Sri Lanka batter Chamara Silva has been appointed as the head coach of the Sri Lanka Under-19 men’s team. His appointment runs from March 2025 to December 2026. This period includes the Under-19 Men’s World Cup to be held in Zimbabwe and Namibia next year.Silva brings plenty of coaching experience from Sri Lanka’s domestic circuit. He is an ICC Level III qualified coach, and has served as head coach of the Police Sports Club. Before that, he has also coached the Bloomfield Cricket Club and Panadura Sports Club.Silva played 11 Tests, 75 ODIs and 16 T20Is for Sri Lanka in a 12-year period from 1999-2011. His last game for Sri Lanka was a T20I against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi in November 2011. Two days before that, Silva played what turned out to be his final ODI.He was part of the side that finished runners-up in back-to-back ODI World Cups in 2007 and 2011. While he managed only 77 runs in four innings in 2011, he had got four half-centuries in 2007, including three in a row to start the tournament. Silva last played a Test in 2008, having got scores of 61 and 152* in his debut series, which was on the tour of New Zealand in 2006-07.He was also part of the World T20 in 2007 and 2009, with Sri Lanka losing the final of the latter tournament to Pakistan.In 2017, he was banned from cricket for two years by SLC for his supposed role in a Tier B first-class match that featured unusual scoring rates. Silva’s last domestic game came as recently as last month, when he represented Police Sports Club against Ace Capital Cricket Club in a Major League Tournament fixture in Colombo.

Whilst Nottingham Forest have secured a number of targets as of late, Rico Lewis is currently unlikely to join their list of incomings and that has forced the Tricky Trees to turn to an alternative option.

Nottingham Forest set to miss out on Lewis

After welcoming James McAtee from Manchester City, those at the City Ground were seemingly hoping to welcome a second Citizen in Lewis, only for the defender to decide to stay put at his boyhood club. Now, with the versatile defender reportedly closing in on a new deal at the Manchester club, Forest have been forced to end their pursuit and turn their focus towards other options.

What’s more, when asked about his future following last weekend’s 4-0 thrashing of Wolverhampton Wanderers on the opening day, Lewis told reporters: “For me, I’ve never ever seen myself leaving. I’ve always wanted to play for City. It’s my dream. When I’m playing with the kind of players that I’m playing with, it brings out the best of me. So I’m so happy.

“Everyone wants that assurance and security, but at the end of day it’s on me. It’s on me to perform. Last season I played more than the season before. So it’s always the same goal – to become an established player.”

Nottingham Forest join Dortmund in race to sign "fantastic" Chelsea talent

Chelsea have already rejected Dortmund’s offer…

By
Tom Cunningham

Aug 20, 2025

It’s a rare day when Evangelos Marinakis doesn’t get what he wants, but this time he’s been forced to look elsewhere for a defensive addition. As such, reports are already emerging that the Greek owner has shifted his focus towards a La Liga right-back.

Nottingham Forest in advanced talks to sign Carmona

As reported by ABC Sevilla and relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest are now in advanced talks to sign Jose Angel Carmona from Sevilla this month. The Midlands club have reportedly tabled an opening offer worth €10m (£9m) and expect to reach an agreement with the right-back as soon as possible.

Pivoting away from Lewis and towards the Spaniard in rapid fashion, the fact that Marinakis has worked with Sevilla sporting director Antonio Cordon in the past may have helped advance the deal for those at the City Ground.

League stats 24/25	Carmona	Lewis
Minutes	2,942	1,893
Assists	0	2
Tackles Won Per 90	1.80	0.90
Ball Recoveries Per 90	5.02	4.52

When compared last season, Carmona is the clear standout. His ball recovery numbers were particularly impressive in the previous campaign and that’s the type of energy that could see the 23-year-old push Ola Aina all the way for a starting place at Forest.

Praised as “exciting” by U23 scout Antonio Mango in 2022, Carmona has now added experience to the talent that he already had in abundance. Now, he could be about to take the Premier League by storm as the perfect alternative to Lewis for Nuno Espirito Santo.

Sunderland fans are living in a dreamland at the moment.

For so many years, the Black Cats had struggled to get back up to the Premier League, with a dire four-season stay in League One very much the Wearside outfit at their depressing worst.

Now, however, Sunderland look ready to compete with the very best in the Premier League, having spent a combined £141.5m on brand new signings this summer, with all that spending immediately paying off when the Black Cats brushed West Ham United aside on the opening day with ease in a 3-0 win.

It will be about following up that stunning victory with more and more wins, as plenty of new signings are also tipped to join Regis Le Bris’ camp before the transfer window closes.

Sunderland planning new £24m bid

12 new signings may well already be through the door on Wearside, but that number looks set to increase.

Le Bris and Co. could soon be splashing the cash even more by landing Brian Brobbey and Abdul Fatawu in quick succession, with the Ajax striker worth around the £17m mark, alongside his Leicester City counterpart’s steep valuation of £30m.

Of course, some speculative transfer talk – as we head very close to September’s early deadline – should be taken with a pinch of salt, but one rumour that kept floating about earlier in the window has come back into conversation again.

As per Italian outlet TuttoMercatoWeb, Sunderland are not giving up on acquiring the services of Bologna titan Jhon Lucumi to strengthen the centre-back department.

Transfer Focus

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

The site states that Sunderland is planning to lodge a new bid for the Colombian that should exceed the £24m mark, having seen their advances rejected by the Serie A outfit in the past.

If they were to finally pick up their desired centre-back target, this might well be bad news for Daniel Ballard moving forward, despite his colossal presence on the opening day against Graham Potter’s flimsy Hammers.

Why Lucumi could be bad news for Ballard

The above graphic just reinforces how stellar of an opening weekend Ballard had in the Premier League, with an imposing 16 duels won in total sticking out, away from his headed effort on the day, giving Le Bris’ men a two-goal cushion.

However, it will undoubtedly be difficult for Ballard to keep this up over a full season, which is his first ever campaign in the English top-flight, no less, when you assess his recurring injury difficulties on Wearside.

While he can boast seven goals from 90 appearances, alongside possessing a promotion up to the top-flight on his Black Cats CV, he has missed a worrying chunk of games across his three campaigns at the Stadium of Light due to injury, 65 clashes to be exact, as per Transfermarkt.

He has also shown he can struggle against Premier League opposition, away from all the glowing words surrounding his West Ham display, as the ex-Arsenal youth player inexplicably scored an own goal against Newcastle United in the Tyne-Wear Derby last year to hand the Magpies a 3-0 success in the FA Cup.

Therefore, snapping up Lucumi might well be deemed a worthwhile venture to pursue at £24m, considering his Serie A expertise and his often injury-free status.

Games played

33

Goals

0

Assists

1

Touches*

73.2

Accurate passes*

57.9 (92%)

Tackles

1.7

Total duels won*

3.9

Clean sheets

10

The Bologna number 26 has only been unavailable for 16 games due to injuries across his stay at the Serie A club to date, with his 2024/25 offering also seeing him pick up ten clean sheets and average an unerring 92% pass accuracy per top-flight outing.

On the contrary, Ballard – albeit from just 20 games owing to long absences out of the side – only collected a paltry two clean sheets in Championship action, with an 88% pass accuracy also paling in comparison to Lucumi’s numbers.

Heralded as being an “unreal” potential signing for Sunderland to make by journalist Ethan Todd, Lucumi does feel as if he would add significant depth to an area of the pitch that could be depleted if Ballard were to be out of action.

Even when the 25-year-old is fully at the races, the South American no doubt would keep him on his toes, as Le Bris attempts to get all his final signings over the line, just in time for September to roll around.

The next Amad: Sunderland exploring move for "unplayable" £30m star

Regis Le Bris could pick up Sunderland’s next Amad Diallo by sealing a deal for this tricky attacker.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 20, 2025

Ruud van Nistelrooy could soon return to management as the former Manchester United striker has reportedly emerged as an option for FC Twente after a dismal spell with Leicester City. Across 27 matches, the Dutchman managed only five wins, while suffering 19 defeats at the King Power Stadium. His side leaked 57 goals, and ultimately the Foxes tumbled back into the Championship.

• Van Nistelrooy tipped for Twente job
• Ex-Leicester boss seeking fresh opportunity
• Faces stiff competition from other candidates 

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Twente find themselves searching for a new leader after parting ways with Joseph Oosting last week. The Dutch coach’s two-year reign, which spanned 95 matches, came to a sudden halt following a disappointing run of results. His exit has forced the Enschede club into emergency mode, with several names already being linked to the vacancy.

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• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  High-profile figures such as Erik ten Hag, Mark van Bommel, and Rene Hake have reportedly been sounded out, while John van den Brom is currently thought to be at the front of the queue. Yet, a new candidate has now been thrust into the spotlight, one with global name recognition and a proven Eredivisie record, Van Nistelrooy.

• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  ESPN analyst Karim El Ahmadi has suggested that Van Nistelrooy should be strongly considered for the Twente hot seat. Speaking on , the former Feyenoord midfielder argued that the ex-Manchester United star has the pedigree and passion to thrive at the club.

  “Ruud van Nistelrooij is also available. Would he do it?” he asked. “I’ve hardly heard his name mentioned. He’s someone with experience. He’s been at Manchester United, Leicester City, and a full year at PSV. I think he would want to do it. He’s a true fan, and FC Twente isn’t a small club.”

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Before his ill-fated spell at Leicester, van Nistelrooy looked like a rising coaching star at PSV Eindhoven. In 50 matches, he delivered 34 victories and boasted an impressive average of 2.2 points per game. His style of attacking football, combined with his ability to develop young talent, drew praise across Dutch football circles.

Over the last couple of days, Tottenham Hotspur have been splashing the cash in the transfer market in an attempt to build on their recent Europa League success.

Mohammed Kudus joined the club in a £55m deal from West Ham United earlier this week, looking to provide new boss Thomas Frank with the tools for success in his maiden year at the helm.

It’s likely that investment has been provided and injected into the Lilywhites, with more additions expected before the end of the current transfer window.

Numerous areas of the pitch have been subject to interest, including the midfield department, which could also see numerous players depart North London during the off-season.

Any funds that are generated could be massive in their hunt for new additions, potentially handing Frank the best chance of success in his maiden year at the club.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new signings this window

Morgan Gibbs-White has been the main target as of late, with a deal looking likely to be completed at one point after triggering the £60m release clause in his deal at Nottingham Forest.

However, his move to join the Lilywhites has stalled after the Reds threatened legal action against the side after allegedly making an illegal approach for his services this summer.

It remains to be seen if a deal can still be completed, but moves have been made elsewhere, including a deal to land Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha, according to GIVEMESPORT.

They claim that Frank’s side have made an approach for the Portuguese international’s signature, after the holding midfielder only made six league starts last campaign.

It also states that he could well be allowed to depart the Bundesliga side this window, as they look to cash in on his services after paying £47.4m for his signature from Fulham last summer.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be more important than Gibbs-White

The situation around a move for Gibbs-White during this window is one that could drag on over a period of time, especially given Forest’s threat of taking legal action.

It’s evident that the Reds have made a huge mistake with his release clause, potentially making such a scene around his departure given the lowly figure he’s available for.

The 25-year-old played a huge role in their ability to reach Europe for the first time in three decades, registering seven goals and eight assists under former Spurs boss Nuno Espírito Santo.

However, given how quickly the move progressed before the Forest hierarchy stepped in, it’s likely the player himself wants to complete a move to play Champions League football for the Lilywhites.

There’s no denying that he would be a sensational addition, but given James Maddison already operates in such a role, along with the need for a deep-lying option, it could make Palhinha a more attractive proposition.

The 30-year-old, who’s been labelled “world-class” by compatriot Ivan Cavaleiro, averaged 1.7 tackles per 90 in the Bundesliga last campaign, winning 70% of the tackles he entered – showcasing his ability to regain possession.

His talents have also been reflected in his tally of 7.1 duels won per 90, 2.7 of which have been aerially, demonstrating the commanding presence he possesses – able to operate as a real ball-winner at the heart of Frank’s side.

Joao Palhinha’s stats for Bayern in the Bundesliga (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

17

Minutes played

667

Pass accuracy

93%

Progressive passes

4.7

Tackles won

1.7

Tackle success

70%

Duels won

7.1

Stats via FotMob

However, he’d also completed 93% of the passes he attempted, making 4.7 progressive passes per 90, having the talent in possession to provide the players in front of him with the tools for success.

It remains to be seen if the player himself would be keen on a move to North London, but it’s evident that the hierarchy are targeting the top-level talent needed for future success.

The need for a ball-winning option in the Spurs side is vital this summer, with a deal for Palhinha arguably a more important one for the club than Gibbs-White during the current window.

Related Perfect with Kudus & Gibbs-White: Spurs to make bid for "complete" talent

Tottenham Hotspur are making some serious moves within this summer’s transfer window.

Posts 1 ByEthan Lamb Jul 11, 2025

Leeds United have welcomed Sean Longstaff to Elland Road as their latest arrival of the summer transfer window, after they officially announced a deal for the midfielder on Friday night.

Fabrizio Romano reported that the Whites have paid a fee in excess of £12m to Newcastle United to bring the experienced midfield star to West Yorkshire ahead of next season.

The Magpies academy graduate may not be the only central midfielder to come through Thorp Arch this summer, though, as Hoffenheim’s Anton Stach has also been linked with a move to the club.

Leeds have reportedly held talks with the Bundesliga club and agreed personal terms with the players, but they are yet to agree a fee for his services.

Leeds enquired about LaLiga star

Whilst they appear to be heavily pursuing a deal for Stach, the Championship champions also have other options on their shortlist of targets to bolster their options in midfield.

Transfer Focus

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

According to The Athletic, Leeds United made contact with Getafe over a potential deal for versatile star Christantus Uche several weeks ago this summer.

The report claims that the Whites enquired about his situation and did not opt to make an official offer for his services, although it remains to be seen if they are planning to submit a bid for him later in the window.

It adds that the 22-year-old talent has a release clause of around £22m (£21.6m) in his contract with the Spanish side, which means that Leeds could trigger that to land him.

The Athletic also reveals that the Nigeria international, who made his debut for his country in May, is open to the idea of joining a Premier League club.

Leeds could find their own Joelinton

Daniel Farke could unearth his own version of Joelinton by signing Uche and moulding him into a midfield destroyer to bolster his team ahead of next season.

The Brazil international joined Newcastle United as a striker for a reported fee of £40m from Hoffenheim in 2019 under Steve Bruce, before Eddie Howe spotted his potential to be a central midfielder.

Since making the transition, Joelinton has emerged as one of the Premier League’s top midfield destroyers, making 2.8 tackles and interceptions and winning 5.7 duels per game in the division last term.

Uche has started more games as a striker (18) in his career than any other position, but has also started 15 times as a defensive midfielder in the past, and U23 scout Antonio Mango claimed that he could be turned into a “midfield monster”.

Tackles won

0.76

Top 11%

Duels won

8.13

Top 13%

Aerial duels won

3.31

Top 28%

Interceptions

0.36

Top 25%

Ball recoveries

3.96

Top 8%

Possession won in the final third

0.90

Top 11%

Fouls committed

1.98

Top 29%

As you can see in the table above, the 22-year-old star thrived out of possession in LaLiga for Getafe last season, ranking highly among forwards in a host of defensive metrics, notably winning duels and recovering the ball off the opposition to regain possession for his side.

Meanwhile, the Leeds target only scored four goals in 33 appearances, along with six assists, which does not suggest that his future lies as a prolific centre-forward option, just like when Joelinton scored two goals in 38 Premier League games in his first season at Newcastle as a striker.

Therefore, Farke could be the coach to help Uche follow in Joelinton’s footsteps by transitioning from a low-scoring, defensively savvy, centre-forward into a ‘midfield monster’, as Antonio Mango put it.

The Getafe attacker has played in midfield before, as aforementioned, and has the strong physical and defensive attributes to suit playing as an enforcer in front of the back four, which is why this is a move that could be a very interesting one for Leeds to make.

49ers biggest deal yet: Leeds weighing up bid to sign £22m James upgrade

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing a star who would be a Dan James upgrade.

ByDan Emery Jul 15, 2025

It may now be down to Leeds to decide whether they want to go through with a swoop for Stach or if they want to activate Uche’s release clause, so there could be an intriguing few weeks to follow.

أصبح المغرب أول منتخب إفريقي يحسم تأهله لمنافسات كأس العالم 2026، بعد الفوز بخماسية نظيفة على النيجر في إطار تصفيات أفريقيا المؤهلة لمونديال 2026.

ونجح ياسين بونو حارس مرمى الهلال السعودي، في أن يقود منتخب بلاده بنجاح، وقد بذل جهداً كبيراً طوال التسعين دقيقة لينهي المباراة بشباك نظيفة، للمرة الـ 4 من أصل 6 مباريات في التصفيات.

وقدم ياسين بونو أداء رائعًا في مونديال قطر 2022، وقاد منتخب بلاده لاحتلال المركز الرابع في البطولة، وتألق أيضاً في كأس العالم للأندية الأخيرة مدافعاً عن ألوان الهلال السعودي.

أقرأ أيضاً.. فيديو | المغرب أول المتأهلين إلى كأس العالم 2026 بخماسية أمام النيجر

وذكرت صحيفة “أوليه” الأرجنتينية أن ياسين بونو يمثل للمغاربة ما يمثله ديبو مارتينيز حارس مرمى نادي أستون فيلا للأرجنتينيين.

Yassine Bounou sobre Armani: “Estoy muy contento por él. Fue decisivo en los últimos partidos” 🧤🔴⚪

El arquero de Marruecos, reconocido fanático de River, opinó sobre la actualidad del Pulpo, que fue clave en las últimas series por penales del equipo 🥅🧤

🎥 @vicentemuglia -… pic.twitter.com/j4n7laTfY7 — Diario Olé (@DiarioOle) September 6, 2025

وفي تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “أوليه” عن ياسين بونو بعد التأهل والأداء القوي الذي قدمه منتخب المغرب، حيث رد على سؤال حول توقعاته وأهدافه لكأس العالم القادمة: “في الحقيقة نحن متحمسون، كأس العالم أهم حدث لجميع اللاعبين لذا نحن سعداء للغاية”.

ورد بونو على سؤال يتعلق بالأسطورة الأرجنتينية ليونيل ميسي الذي تصدر أغلفة الصحف العالمية لخوضه آخر مباراة رسمية له مع الأرجنتين ضد فنزويلا على أرضه: “لا أجد كلمات تصف كل ما قدمه ميسي في كرة القدم”.

وأكمل عن نجم إنتر ميامي :”بالنسبة لي كان شرفاً عظيماً أن أتمكن من مواجهة ميسي عن قرب وأن أستمتع باللعب ضده وأن أتحمل كل هذا، لذا تهانينا”.

Nottingham Forest are now in talks to sign a “superb” AC Milan midfielder, but the Italian giants want £21 million for his signature, according to a new report.

Nottingham Forest chasing multiple transfer targets

The Reds have already agreed a deal worth £33 million that will see them sign Igor Jesus, Jair Cunha and Cuiabano from Brazilian side Botafogo, two of whom scored in their side’s FIFA Club World Cup opener on Sunday.

But the Premier League side don’t want to stop there, as they look to continue their rise in the top flight as well as compete in the UEFA Conference League next season.

Nottingham Forest make bid to sign £34m "goalscorer" alongside Igor Jesus

Chris Wood could have some serious competition at the City Ground.

1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 15, 2025

Forest will be hoping Chris Wood can continue his fine form into next season, and while they are adding Jesus to their forward line options, the Reds are also looking to sign another striker. According to a report from Africa Foot, Forest have now placed a bid to sign Yoane Wissa from Brentford. Nuno Santo’s side have accelerated their transfer efforts, and they are now ready to meet Brentford’s demands, which is around the £34 million mark.

It’s also been reported that Newcastle United have once again made contact with the Reds over signing Anthony Elanga.

The Magpies wanted the Sweden international 12 months ago, and that interest has not disappeared. So, given the uncertainty surrounding Elanga, Forest are assessing a move for Man City’s Oscar Bobb.

The City youngster could be made available for a loan this summer, and he may be seen as a good replacement for Elanga.

Nottingham Forest in talks with AC Milan

But Bobb is not their only option when it comes to replacing Elanga, as according to TEAMtalk, Forest have now held talks with AC Milan winger Alexis Saelemaekers over a possible transfer to the City Ground.

The report claims that the Reds have been in contact with Saelemaekers’ representatives for over a year now, and they now consider the winger as a strong transfer target this summer.

However, there is somewhat of a sticking point when it comes to his transfer valuation, as Forest value the player at around the £17 million mark, but AC Milan are looking more for £21 million, meaning there is a £4 million gap as it stands.

Meanwhile, new Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has yet to make a decision on the player’s future, as he wants to assess everyone in pre-season.

The 25-year-old, who has been dubbed “superb” by scout Jacek Kulig, spent last season on loan at Roma. The Belgium international played 23 Serie A games, scoring seven goals and providing five assists in the process. His move to Roma came after he played 30 games for Milan in Serie A during the 2023/24 season.

Apps

23

Starts

18

Goals

7

xG

2.49

Goals per game

0.3

Chance conversion

28%

Assists

3

Touches per game

48.0

Key passes per game

1.1

Saelemaekers is under contract until 2027 at Milan, so if Allegri does decide the player isn’t in his plans, then he will likely be sold this summer, which is good news for Forest. They will of course hope his arrival at the City Ground would see him compete alongside Elanga for a starting spot, not be a replacement for the Swedish sensation.