All posts by h716a5.icu

Each side topped their regional qualifiers with six wins from six. The top of Group B is now at stake

Andrew Miller05-Jun-20244:18

Finch: Scotland will be confident after impressing against England

Match detailsNamibia vs Scotland
Bridgetown, 8pm localBig picture: Opportunity knocks after washoutThe magic number would appear to be 109, to judge by the two very contrasting clashes that have so far taken place in Group B of the T20 World Cup 2024.In Barbados on Sunday evening, Namibia grunted and ground their way to two precious points thanks to David Wiese’s heroics in the Super Over, having only just managed to match Oman’s all-out total of 109 off the very last ball of their original 20 overs.And then two days later, on the same surface at Bridgetown (albeit a less slow and sticky version to judge by the fluency of Scotland’s openers) George Munsey and Michael Jones dispatched England’s bowlers for 90 runs in ten overs either side of a two-hour rain delay … which, by the time DLS had worked its magic, meant England would have needed a target of, yes, 109 had the weather not closed back in to ruin the afternoon’s entertainment.And so it’s back to Bridgetown we go for two teams that have been on a significant roll since the end of their respective campaigns at the last T20 World Cup in 2022. Last year, both Namibia and Scotland topped their regional qualifiers, in Africa and Europe respectively, with six wins out of six, against such less-vaunted opponents as Italy and Tanzania. Now, however, they go head-to-head with rather more than trans-continental bragging rights to play for.England’s habitual discomfort against European opponents has seen to that. Irrespective of whether Tuesday’s washout was an opportunity won or lost for Scotland, the fact that Group B’s top seeds fell short of their anticipated two points means the door is ajar for a notable upset, particularly if Australia can inflict further damage on England’s standing in Saturday’s heavyweight clash.David Wiese and Ruben Trumpelmann are key performers for Namibia•ICC/Getty ImagesIn the meantime, all that matters is victory here and now. If Scotland can grab the extra point that eluded them last time out, then maintain their 100% record in T20Is against Oman when they meet in Antigua in Sunday, then they will go into their final group game against Australia next week with qualification in their own hands. It’s a lot of “ifs” at this stage, of course. But one fewer than they needed at the start of their campaign.As for Namibia, a three-point gap at the top of Group B beckons if they can make it two wins from two – and if they need any extra incentive, they need only rewind to their last T20 World Cup campaign two years ago, when qualification for the main event beckoned after their impressive victory over Sri Lanka in their opening fixture, only for the Netherlands and UAE to rip their dream away. They’ll be doubly keen to ensure this latest strong start doesn’t go to waste.Form guideNamibia TWWLL
Scotland LWLWWIn the spotlight: Munsey and TrumpelmannIn an innings of two halves on Tuesday, Jones made the running for Scotland prior to the rain-break, including with what looked set to be the moment of the day – a violent pick-up off Chris Jordan that smashed a solar panel on the roof at midwicket. But then, in the 22-ball resumption, it was all about George Munsey, who clobbered 23 from his remaining 12 balls, including a stunning switch-hit six that a left-handed KP could scarcely have timed any better. Namibia, however, know from recent experience that that shot is a Munsey trademark – at Kirtipur in February 2023, he unfurled a similar stroke for four to bring up his maiden ODI hundred, and seal a stunning ten-wicket win with a massive 167 balls to spare. In 2017, he scored his only first-class hundred against the same opponents, in the Intercontinental Cup in Ayr.Left-hander George Munsey hit Adil Rashid for a right-handed six earlier in the tournament•Getty ImagesMunsey, however, will remember all too well what happened the last time he encountered the left-arm swing of Ruben Trumpelmannat a T20 World Cup. Facing up to the first ball of the match, in Abu Dhabi in 2021, Munsey climbed into a cut but misjudged the width, and hacked the ball onto his own stumps. Three balls later, Scotland were 2 for 3, as Calum McLeod and Richie Berrington were blasted from the crease with an aplomb to rival Mitchell Starc. And auspiciously for Namibia, Trumpelmann has started this latest tournament with similar devastation. Two balls versus Oman, two wickets in the bag, as both Kashyap Prajapati and Aqib Ilyas fell to savage, stump-seeking lbws.Pitch and conditions: The good news is that the weather in Barbados seems significantly better than it has been for the first week of the tournament. Only a small chance of rain is anticipated for each day until Sunday.Team newsNamibia endured a scare in their opener against Oman but came through in the end. An unchanged team could be in the offing.Namibia (probable): 1 Michael van Lingen, 2 Nikolaas Davin, 3 Jan Frylinck, 4 Gerhard Erasmus (capt), 5 JJ Smit, 6 David Wiese, 7 Zane Green (wk), 8 Malan Kruger, 9 Ruben Trumpelmann, 10 Bernard Scholtz, 11 Tangeni LungameniPrecisely two Scotland players got to sample the atmosphere of a Caribbean World Cup on Tuesday, but the confidence that Munsey and Jones will have telegraphed through their unbroken stand should not be underestimated. There’s no reason to think there’ll be any tweaks to the line-up that was trusted for their opening outing.Scotland (probable): 1 George Munsey, 2 Michael Jones, 3 Brandon McMullen, 4 Richie Berrington (capt), 5 Matt Cross (wk), 6 Michael Leask, 7 Chris Greaves, 8 Mark Watt, 9 Brad Wheal, 10 Chris Sole, 11 Brad CurrieStats that matter Namibia are playing in their third consecutive T20 World Cup, after qualifying for the 2021 and 2022 events. They have won five of their 12 matches to date, including the recent Super Over victory against Oman. Namibia have beaten Scotland in each of their three previous T20Is, including their only previous clash at a World Cup – a four-wicket win at Abu Dhabi in 2021. Since then, however, Scotland have won five of the six ODIs that the two teams have ever contested – including the aforementioned Munsey masterclass in February 2023.Quotes”Every game at a World Cup is a big game regardless of who the opposition is, so nothing changes in terms of process and preparation. We might not have as big a crowd watching us, but we still know it’s just as big a game and we need to win to really compete here.”
Brad Wheal, Scotland’s seamer, is braced for an important showdown.“The associates are ready. They want to play. They’re raring to go.”

Newcastle United swerved past PSR ramifications last summer and are now ready to make some proper investments in Eddie Howe’s team.

Though the mood was dour on Tyneside across the opening months of the 2024/25 campaign, with form at a low ebb after key targets were missed across the closing weeks of the transfer window, the Magpies ended up flying high.

Liverpool were thrashed at Wembley, the 2-1 scoreline flattering the losers in the Carabao Cup final, and a Herculean effort to seal fifth in the Premier League unlocked the gates back into the Champions League.

St. James’ Park presents an attractive project, for sure, but Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo threw a spanner in the works when rejecting the Magpies’ interest due to a desire to move to Manchester United.

Newcastle, as always, will adapt, and indeed have found the perfect alternative.

Newcastle open talks for Mbeumo alternative

Mbeumo might be out of reach, but at least Newcastle have got the funds to launch on a top right-sided forward, with Brentford demanding around £60m for their talisman.

And if The Athletic are worth their salt (they are), the Toon have been having discussions behind the scenes about signing Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo as they look to complete Howe’s frontline.

Semenyo, 25, was a revelation on the south coast last season, providing a prolific and dynamic threat.

Having proven himself across two seasons in England’s top flight, the Cherries would be looking for a £70m fee if they are to cash in, and Tottenham Hotspur are also keen.

What Antoine Semenyo would bring to Newcastle

Bournemouth signed Semenyo from the Championship’s Bristol City for £10.5m in January 2023, and he’s since gone from strength to strength under Andoni Iraola’s leadership.

The aforementioned Athletic report states that while Howe is determined to add some firepower to Newcastle’s right wing, balance and multi-positionality are factors which will play into the manager’s reckoning. Semenyo, luckily, embodies such tactical principles and could be a fantastic fit.

Having been shuffled about the frontline last season, the two-footed talent has demonstrated an aptitude across different areas, always retaining a strong degree of potency.

Left winger

20

5

4

Right winger

19

6

1

Centre-forward

1

1

0

Moreover, he’s been hailed as a “workhorse” and a “duel monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, owing to an underlying tenacity that speaks of his combativeness, his desire to win.

It is for these reasons that he might prove to be an ideal Mbeumo alternative. As per FBref, Semenyo ranked among the top 5% of Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers last year for shots taken per 90, and his unrelenting search for goals led the data-powered site to list Mbeumo as one of his most comparable players.

Semenyo’s incremental progress over the past two years makes a telling comment on his chances of succeeding in Howe’s Newcastle system.

He has the underlying qualities to mirror those of Semenyo, who finished the campaign having scored 20 goals from 38 Premier League appearances, but also having averaged 1.8 key passes, 1.4 dribbles and 4.7 duels per game, as per Sofascore.

If Semenyo can tune that ball-striking hunger, streamline it, he might become a sensational part of a Newcastle side that just continues to exceed expectations.

Newcastle's most expensive sales of all time

A look at Newcastle’s 20 most expensive departures.

ByCharlie Smith Oct 5, 2025

Preparing for a summer without Paul Mitchell following the sporting director’s recent departure, Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing the chance to sign an attacking star who’s worth as much as £59m.

Paul Mitchell to leave Newcastle

After less than 12 months at the club, Mitchell’s time at Newcastle has come to an end by mutual consent. The sporting director endured a difficult summer transfer window last year as the Magpies attempted to comply with PSR rules and limit their spending and will now step away at the end of June having never truly received the chance to make his mark on the incomings front.

Releasing a statement on his departure, Mitchell said: “I’d like to thank everyone at Newcastle United for their support over the last year.

“I’m leaving at a time that is right for me and the club, particularly with Darren Eales – someone who I have worked so closely with in my career – moving on soon. The club is in great hands on and off the pitch, and is in a fantastic position to continue building.”

Odysseas Vlachodimos (£20m)

Elliott Anderson (£35m)

William Osula (£10m)

Yankuba Minteh (£30m)

Lloyd Kelly (Free)

Miguel Almiron (£8m)

John Ruddy (Free)

Lloyd Kelly (Loan fee £3m)

Total Spend = £30m

Total made = £76m

Whilst Newcastle never really set the world alight in the transfer window under Mitchell, he did well to navigate his way through any PSR problems last summer even if it meant overpaying for Odysseas Vlachodimos.

Now in search of a new sporting director and ready to spend again, Newcastle must get the forthcoming transfer window right. On that front, they’re reportedly in pole position to sign Matteo Guendouzi and another impressive Frenchman has also since emerged as a potential summer target.

Newcastle eyeing £59m Akliouche chance

According to Caught Offside, Newcastle are now keeping a close eye on the chance to sign Maghnes Akliouche from AS Monaco this summer in a deal worth around €70m (£59m). The Magpies face competition from Premier League champions Liverpool, but could yet flex PIF’s financial power to land the impressive 23-year-old right-winger.

A player with a “magnificent skillset” according to football talent scout Jacek Kulig in 2024, Akliouche has since enjoyed an excellent season for Monaco – scoring seven goals and assisting another 12 in all competitions.

He'd be incredible with Isak: Newcastle prepare bid for "deadly" £60m star

Newcastle are looking to make some impactful signings in the transfer market this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair May 30, 2025

As Newcastle look to add further star power to the right-hand side of their front three, Akliouche could emerge as an ideal option. Still just 23 years old and yet to reach his best, the Frenchman ticks the box for Champions League experience and the potential to become a world-beater at St James’ Park.

Arsenal have now been contacted by the entourage of a Manchester United star, ahead of a potential summer move, according to a report.

Gunners stepping up winger pursuit

With Mikel Arteta’s side poised to finish second for the third year on the bounce, the board are set to spend big in the upcoming window, and The Mirror’s John Cross has revealed there are two key areas in which the manager is looking to strengthen.

Bukayo Saka’s lengthy spell on the sidelines this season underlined his importance to the Gunners, but there may be some concerns about Gabriel Martinelli’s attacking output, with the Brazilian hardly setting the world alight in the Premier League.

The 23-year-old picked up just eight goals and four assists in the 2024-25 campaign, and the north Londoners could now be presented with the opportunity to raid one of their Premier League rivals for a potential replacement.

Indeed, according to a report from The Boot Room, the agents of Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho have now been in contact over a potential move to the Emirates Stadium this summer, with the left-winger set to be sold.

Garnacho is frustrated about not being included in the starting XI for the Europa League final, and having accepted he needs to leave Old Trafford this summer, the Argentine is keen on a switch to Atletico Madrid, while Napoli are also in the picture.

It remains to be seen whether the 20-year-old is tempted by a move to Arsenal, but any deal is expected to amount to around £51m.

£359k-per-week striker would join Arsenal "immediately", Berta wants him

He’s apparently very keen.

ByEmilio Galantini May 24, 2025 "Generational" Garnacho needs summer move

Much like a whole host of other top players, the Argentina international’s career has stalled at Old Trafford, picking up just six goals and two assists in the Premier League this season, but there are plenty of signs the youngster could be a success elsewhere.

Lauded as “generational” by Statman Dave, the starlet holds the record for most goal involvements by a teenager in United’s history, while he has also received praise for his ability to create chances.

That said, Arsenal have identified a number of other winger targets, and it would be a risk to take a punt on Garnacho, rather than a player who is more proven at the top level.

Player

Current club

Potential cost

Rafael Leao

AC Milan

£145m

Nico Williams

Athletic Club

£49m

Ademola Lookman

Atalanta

£55m

Rodrygo

Real Madrid

£85m

With the Europa League final on the horizon, Manchester United are now reportedly “in the mix” to sign a Tottenham Hotspur gem and get one over on Wednesday’s opponents.

Amorim "confident" about Europa League final vs Tottenham

Despite heading into Wednesday’s all-important clash off the back of yet another defeat, leaving Manchester United 16th and without back-to-back wins in the Premier League for the first time in their history, Ruben Amorim is surprisingly confident in his side.

The Portuguese manager told reporters earlier this week: “Of course, we have to believe. I am really confident. I feel that my players are ready for this game.

”They know what it means, not just for us but for our fans and for the club. After this season, we are ready to fight for the one thing that can help us remember this season in a different way. So I am really confident.

”We are living a season that is really strange because we are doing so well in Europe but, in the Premier League, we struggle. But we will be prepared for the final. It’s a different context and a different game. The most important thing is the change in mentality in my team. They compete and that is the most important thing for me.”

Of course, it’s not just silverware on the line for both Manchester United and Tottenham, either. A place in next season’s Champions League awaits for the victors in what would be some achievement, given their respective positions in the bottom half of the Premier League.

It must also be questioned whether Amorim should feel such confidence up against Ange Postecoglou’s side after the Lilywhites defeated the Manchester club 1-0 back in February to extend their unbeaten run against the Red Devils to six games.

Those at Old Trafford are pulling no punches in the build-up, however, and are now even reportedly “in the mix” to sign a Tottenham youngster just a few days out from the final.

Man Utd "in the mix" to sign Tottenham teenager Dexter Oliver

According to transfer journalist Graeme Bailey, Manchester United are now “in the mix” to sign Dexter Oliver from Tottenham this summer. The 16-year-old attacking midfielder is reportedly set to leave the North London club amid interest from around the Premier League.

Bailey told United in Focus: “There is some interest in Dexter Oliver, but there are a lot of clubs showing an interest, United are just one of them. They are in the mix.”

Romano: Man Utd close to signing “incredible” £90k-p/w Garnacho upgrade

Manchester United need to make sweeping changes if they are to succeed for Ruben Amorim next season.

1 ByAngus Sinclair May 18, 2025

After the teenager reportedly refused to sign a two-year scholarship deal at Tottenham, Manchester United could swoop in and take full advantage. Following last season’s deal to sign Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal and now potentially this summer’s addition of Oliver from Spurs, it’s clear that Manchester United are still capable of attracting top talents at academy level.

INEOS and Amorim will hope that academy work eventually pays off too, as United’s senior side continue to struggle. Meanwhile, with it all to play for on Wednesday, the Red Devils will be desperate to take their first step back in the right direction.

Manchester United have now submitted an offer to sign a £150,000-a-week Premier League player alongside their widely reported deal for Matheus Cunha, according to a recent report.

Man Utd closing in on Matheus Cunha signing

The Premier League season is not yet over, and the transfer window has yet to open, but already the Red Devils are closing in on their first signing of the summer. Given how the season has gone for United, it is no surprise to see that they are already working on plans for the summer, and the hope is that winning the Europa League, which will grant them entry into the Champions League, can help them secure some of the best players across Europe.

Wolves’ Matheus Cunha emerged as a target for United a few weeks ago, and the fact that he has a £62.5 million release clause means a deal is straightforward to complete. It was reported last week that United were in advanced talks to sign Cunha after it emerged that Arsenal hadn’t given up on signing the Brazilian.

Fabrizio Romano reveals one thing left before Cunha to Man Utd "here we go"

Man Utd are now close to announcing their first signing of the summer transfer window.

ByBrett Worthington May 19, 2025

It now looks as though the Red Devils have all but won the race for Cunha, as according to Fabrizio Romano, United are close to signing Cunha after the Brazilian agreed personal terms, with just the small details left to finalise.

Man Utd submit offer to sign Emi Martinez

INEOS are seemingly not messing around and have already made an offer for another Premier League player. According to Argentine TV channel DSports, relayed by TEAMtalk, Man United have submitted an offer to Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, as he looks set to leave Villa Park – the Argentina shot-stopper was emotional waving to the Villa crowd after their final home game on Friday evening.

The 32-year-old is under contract until 2029, but this report states that he has an offer from United to leave the Midlands and move to Manchester. It doesn’t state how much the offer is and whether it’s a contract offer or a bid to his club, but either way United have made contact.

However, United are not the only team to make an move for Martinez, as Spanish giants Barcelona have also made an offer, as well as there being interest from the Saudi Pro League. It is reported, though, that Martinez wants to continue playing in the Champions League, which at the minute puts United at a disadvantage unless they win the Europa League on Wednesday night.

Apps

195

Goals conceded

241

Clean sheets

62

Martinez, who is on a weekly wage of £150,000 at Villa Park, has played 36 of Villa’s 37 Premier League games this season, keeping eight clean sheets. His potential arrival at Old Trafford would see him replace Andre Onana, who has struggled for form this season and, like Martinez, has also been linked with a move away.

Leeds United have a huge summer ahead of them in the coming months, needing to build a side capable of surviving the drop in the Premier League throughout 2025/26.

The Whites will be attempting to do something which no side has managed in the last two seasons, in maintaining their top-flight status after securing promotion from the Championship.

Southampton, Ipswich Town, Leicester City, Luton Town, Burnley, and Sheffield United have all tried and failed, handing Daniel Farke a huge task to prevent the club from being added to such a list.

The German has already had questions asked about his future at Elland Road, with the Whites manager potentially being replaced before the start of the next campaign.

Regardless of the situation, the foundations have already been laid for the summer window, with numerous players already linked with a summer switch to Yorkshire.

An update on Leeds’ hunt for new signings this summer

Over the last few weeks, rumours have emerged over Leeds making a potential move for Newcastle United’s midfielder Sean Longstaff, but could face huge competition from other top-flight sides for his signature.

Everton have been named as the latest side to enter the race for his services, with the Magpies only demanding a £10m fee to part ways with the 27-year-old.

His experience in the division could be vital for the Whites’ chances of securing survival next season, potentially being joined by Augsburg goalkeeper Finn Dahmen, if recent reports are to be believed.

It was reported by BILD via Sport Witness that the Whites are keen on a move for the 27-year-old this summer, looking to cement his place as number one under Farke.

It also states that no asking price has yet been set for his services, but that he could be open to a move to the Premier League to further his career at the top level.

Why Leeds’ target could be Farke’s next Tanaka

The 2024/25 season has been a hugely successful one for Leeds, ending their stay in the Championship, but also landing key talents such as Ao Tanaka in the process.

The Japanese international joined from Fortuna Düsseldorf last summer for a reported £3.5m fee, cementing himself as a key player in Farke’s starting eleven throughout the last few months.

He’s managed to rack up 44 appearances across all competitions, notching six combined goals and assists – even being named in the Championship Team of the Season.

Such a deal has been one of the club’s best in recent years, playing a pivotal role in their success and hopefully taking the Premier League by storm after his debut year in Yorkshire.

However, the manager could be about to land his next version of the star this summer in the form of Dahmen, who could follow in Tanaka’s footsteps by joining the Whites from a German side.

If he manages to get anywhere near the level of the Japanese star, he will be a fan favourite in no time, potentially playing a vital role in their chances of staying up.

The German has excelled in recent months, making 16 appearances, keeping nine clean sheets and conceding just ten goals during such a period – leading to journalist Christian Pohlmann labelling him as “extraordinary”.

Games played

16

Clean sheets

9

Goals conceded

10

Save percentage

85%

Saves made

3.5

Errors leading to goals

0

Pass accuracy

68%

His staggering numbers don’t stop there, saving 85% of the efforts that he’s faced this campaign, averaging 3.5 saves per 90 – handing Farke that added solidity he needs at the back.

Dahmen has also not made a single error leading to a goal, and is more than capable of playing out from the back, 68% of the passes he’s attempted throughout 2024/25.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the shot-stopper would set the club back this summer, the stats he’s produced are incredible, certainly bolstering the ranks at Elland Road.

Their dealings with landing players from Germany in recent months have been successful, as seen with Tanaka, which could lead to Dahmen being the next star to make the switch to England.

Bad news for Byram: Leeds want to sign "outstanding" £34k-per-week star

Leeds are reportedly interested in signing a Premier League defender, and it is bad news for Sam Byram.

ByDan Emery May 1, 2025

Manchester United are now showing the “greatest interest” in signing a “true football artist”, but they will have to fork out his €45m (£38m) release clause to secure his signature, according to a journalist.

Man Utd set to bolster attacking options

Much of the goalscoring burden has fallen on Bruno Fernandes this season, while the Portugal international also leads the way for Man United on the assist charts, with Amad the only other forward to regularly chip in with attacking contributions.

As such, it is little wonder that Ruben Amorim wants to bolster his attacking options this summer, and a new striker is of particular interest, with progress now being made in the pursuit of Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, having reached an agreement on personal terms.

Not only is Amorim keen on a new striker, but a new playmaker could also be brought in to ease the burden on Fernandes, and the Red Devils have reportedly submitted a monster £115.7m bid for RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons.

Top target: Man Utd pushing to sign "incredible" £313k-p/w Barcelona star

The Red Devils are willing to make a huge bid for a Barcelona player this summer.

ByDominic Lund Apr 23, 2025

Simons has caught the eye with his impressive performances in the Bundesliga, picking up nine goals and five assists this season, but there have also been suggestions that United could take a chance on more of an unknown quantity.

In a recent update on X, journalist Cesar Luis Merlo has now revealed Man United are showing the “greatest interest” in signing River Plate attacking midfielder Franco Mastantuono, with a view to getting a deal done this summer.

Amorim’s side are “constantly following” Mastantuono, having already watched him in action, but they know the only way to prise him away from River Plate will be to stump up the €45m (£38m) release clause included in his contract.

"True football artist" Mastantuono likened to Palmer

The River Plate youngster is only 17, but he already has a great deal of first-team experience, making 54 appearances for the Argentine side, during which time he has picked up six goals and five assists.

In light of his attacking capabilities, the Argentine has even been likened to Chelsea star Cole Palmer by scout Ben Mattinson.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has also clearly been impressed by the starlet, describing him as a “true football artist” and “one of the most enjoyable youngsters to watch in world football” back in November.

It would, of course, be a risk to shell out £38m on Mastantuono, given that he is unproven outside Argentina, but there are clear signs he could adapt to life in the Premier League and make a name for himself at Manchester United.

Leeds United are believed to be readying a move to sign of a player who Daniel Farke has described as “brilliant”, according to a new transfer report.

Leeds one step closer to Premier League return

The Whites picked up another priceless three points in the Championship promotion tussle on Good Friday, battling their way to a 1-0 victory away to Oxford United.

Manor Solomon’s second-half goal proved to be the difference between the two sides, and with Burnley and Sheffield United also winning on the day, victory was imperative.

It means Leeds are now within touching distance of sealing a return to the Premier League from the Championship, sitting five points clear of the third-place Blades with only three matches remaining. It would need a capitulation at this point to prevent the Whites from getting back into the top flight.

If Farke’s side do earn promotion, the manager and the 49ers Enterprises will know that lots of reinforcements are required in the summer transfer window, with the gap between England’s top and second-best league never feeling greater, with the three promoted teams set to go straight back down again for the second year in a row. Now, a new Leeds transfer rumour has emerged.

Leeds pushing to sign "brilliant" goalkeeper

According to Football Insider, Leeds and 49ers Enterprises are “readying a move” for Norwich City goalkeeper Angus Gunn this summer, seeing him as a replacement on the error-prone Illan Meslier.

The Scot is “yet to be offered a contract extension” by the Canaries, meaning he could leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Gunn could be an astute addition for Leeds ahead of next season, with the Norwich stopper now an experienced head who has proven himself over an extended period of time.

The 29-year-old has 164 appearances to his name in the Championship, showing that he can perform in an extremely competitive league, and he also has 15 caps for Scotland.

Meanwhile, Jackie McNamara has hailed Gunn as an “excellent” player, while even more promisingly, Farke is an admirer, having worked with him in the past, saying:

“Angus is very highly-rated and a really talented goalkeeper. He’s brilliant with his feet as well as his hands and is tall too. We’re happy to have him here for the next season and are thankful to Manchester City for helping us with this deal. I’m looking forward to working with such a great talent.”

The fact that Gunn would be available on a free transfer makes this even more of a no-brainer for Leeds, meaning that it wouldn’t even be much of a risk if it ended up not working out.

Fewer touches than Darlow: Leeds need to upgrade on £15k-p/w star & Gnonto

Leeds moved one step closer to the Premier League, although work still needs to be done

ByRobbie Walls Apr 19, 2025

There is nothing to suggest that that would be the case, however, and while Meslier has had good games this season, his penchant for making mistakes has been costly too often, so an upgrade such as the Norwich ace is required.

Burnley are fighting for promotion to the Premier League and Scott Parker has wasted no time in profiling targets ahead of the summer window, per reports.

Burnley edge ahead of Championship title rivals

Following a chaotic afternoon of Championship action, Burnley emerged at the summit following a vital 2-1 victory over Coventry City on Saturday courtesy of a double from Jaidon Anthony.

Sheffield United’s unexpected slip-up at Oxford United and Leeds United’s dropped points on their visit to Luton Town have played into the Clarets’ hands, with promotion specialist Scott Parker licking his lips at the remaining fixture schedule.

Nevertheless, Burnley also have an eye on next season and potential recruits once the window opens for business. Per reports, out-of-contract Rangers midfielder Tom Lawrence could move to Turf Moor on a free transfer.

Despite the Clarets’ appeal as a serious promotion candidate, West Bromwich Albion, Middlesbrough, Coventry City and Wrexham are among other destinations on the table for the Wales international.

Burnley’s final six Championship fixtures

Derby County (A)

Pride Park

Norwich City (H)

Turf Moor

Watford (A)

Vicarage Road

Sheffield United (H)

Turf Moor

QPR (A)

Loftus Road

Millwall (H)

Turf Moor

On the same token, West Brom star Grady Diangana is on Burnley’s radar and they have been urged to put forward a proposal for the versatile attacker by David Prutton.

Ultimately, any concrete information on high-profile targets will need to wait until the summer. Parker’s men are in a good position with the end of the campaign near, but there is plenty of work to do before celebratory champagne can be cracked open at Turf Moor.

Either way, Burnley are making tracks to lure a rising EFL star to Lancashire despite competition from Premier League clubs for his signature, per recent developments.

Burnley eyeing Bristol Rovers midfielder Kofi Shaw

According to reliable reporter Alan Nixon via The 72, Burnley are eyeing a move to sign Bristol Rovers midfielder Kofi Shaw alongside Premier League duo Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford.

Born in 2006, the 18-year-old has made ten appearances for the Gas this campaign, while his loan spell at Yeovil Town earlier on yielded two goals and an assist.

West Brom, Middlesbrough and Burnley in huge race to sign 23-cap attacker

The trio are battling for promotion to the Premier League and also a star who is available on the market.

BySean Markus Clifford Apr 3, 2025

Versatile by nature, the youngster is capable of playing across various roles in the engine room, on either flank or as a foil for the main striker.

Labelled “a clever player” by boss Inigo Calderon, he would likely be deemed as one for the future at Turf Moor, but stockpiling homegrown talent for years to come is a strategy that could save millions down the line if worked correctly.

It remains to be seen the sort of fee he would be available for if Burnley do follow up on their initial interest. One imagines he could be attainable for a relatively inexpensive fee, though only time will tell if a deal is to come to fruition.