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Southampton have entered talks over a deal for a “physically strong striker”, with negotiations now underway, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

Saints keen on new forward amid Dibling uncertainty

The emergence of Tyler Dibling was one of the only positives for the Saints last season, in what was a very disappointing Premier League campaign, but there is a great deal of uncertainty over the academy graduate’s future.

Will Still has now dropped a new update on the youngster’s future, with the manager admitting he doesn’t know whether the teenager will remain at St. Mary’s beyond the September 1st deadline.

Still said: “I want good players and if Ty is here (Tyler Dibling) and Matty is here by the end of it then great, if they’re not, we will work out a way of winning games without them and wish them the best but I have no idea where that’s going right now.”

Southampton now 'most concrete option' for £3m star likened to John Stones

The Saints could be about to land an exciting talent.

BySean Markus Clifford Aug 15, 2025

Should Dibling depart, Still may be keen to bring in at least one new attacker, and a preliminary contract has been offered to Krasnodar’s Eduard Spertsyan, while talks have also been opened over a deal for West Bromwich Albion star Tom Fellows.

Another forward has now entered the frame as a target for the Saints, and he’s a player Still knows very well, with Romano taking to X to reveal that Southampton have now opened talks over a deal for Lens’ Morgan Guilavogui.

The Saints’ negotiations to sign the forward are now “underway”, but they are yet to strike an agreement with Lens regarding a transfer fee.

The French club reportedly shelled out €4.5m (£4m) to re-sign their former player earlier this summer, however, which indicates a deal may not break the bank.

Guilavogui would be versatile attacking option for Still

Still should have a good knowledge of the Lens forward’s abilities, with the Saints boss spending time working with him during his stint at the French club, and he would be a versatile addition to the forward line.

The 27-year-old is capable of playing on both wings, suggesting he could be brought in as a direct replacement for Dibling, while the France born attacker has also been praised for his ability through the middle.

St Pauli manager Alexander Blessin said: “Morgan is a physically strong striker who is very active and direct and constantly making runs in deep. He can make chances for himself by taking defenders on and also creates good opportunities for his teammates.”

“Equally important for our game, however, is the fact that Morgan transitions quickly and works very hard defensively.”

Having scored 54 career goals at club level, including six in the Bundesliga last season, Guilavogui clearly has a keen eye for goal, and the former St Pauli man has the talent to play a major role in the Saints’ promotion push.

Club

Appearances

Goals

Paris FC

87

32

SC Toulon

56

13

Lens

29

2

St Pauli

27

7

Captain Nathan Ellis’ all-round effort not enough for Hurricanes, who folded for their lowest BBL total

AAP19-Dec-2024

Tom Rogers grabbed three wickets against Hurricanes•Getty Images

Hobart Hurricanes crumbled to their lowest BBL total, and lost Matthew Wade to a calf injury, in a shambolic six-wicket loss against Melbourne Renegades in Geelong.After being asked to bat first, Hurricanes’ innings at GMHBA Stadium lasted less than 13 overs on Thursday night as they were skittled for 74. They fell well short of their previous low benchmark – 91 against Sydney Sixers in 2015.New Zealander Tim Seifert, who pulled off a remarkable catch behind the stumps, belted an unbeaten 37 as Renegades chased down 75 in only nine overs.Captain Nathan Ellis saved Hurricanes from worse embarrassment, smashing 35 after coming to the crease at 32 for 6. Ellis then bowled superbly, taking 2 for 12 from his three overs, to clearly be Hurricanes’ best player.In a further blow for Hurricanes’ hopes of breaking through for their first title, Wade was assessed for a calf injury after pulling up sore behind the stumps. Wade, who was on the player microphone for Fox Cricket, expressed his frustration via the commentary when there was a long delay in being able to get off the field.Ben McDermott eventually replaced Wade as Hurricanes’ wicketkeeper after two overs of chaotic communication. The former Australia player didn’t return to the field for the rest of the match, sitting on the bench with a compression bandage on his calf.After conceding boundaries from his first two balls, Renegades seamer Tom Rogers struck back to take 3 for 25, including being on a hat-trick. Fellow opening bowler Fergus O’Neill also claimed wickets in consecutive deliveries. Captain Will Sutherland joined Renegades’ wicket party, finishing with career-best T20 figures of 3 for 14.It was the first BBL match in Geelong since last year’s match between Renegades and Perth Scorchers was abandoned due to an unplayable pitch.Renegades move to 1-1 after losing their opening game of the tournament on Monday night against Sixers. Hurricanes will attempt to put a disastrous start to the season behind them when they host Scorchers on Saturday.

Since Mikel Arteta was appointed manager in December 2019, a lot has changed at Arsenal.

The club have gone from a mid-table laughing stock into serious contenders for the Premier League, Champions League, and every other competition they participate in.

The Spaniard’s tactical approach has facilitated that transformation, as well as the complete overhaul of the squad, with a host of star players coming in and many going the other way.

Perhaps one of the most popular players to have left the club in recent years was Granit Xhaka, who enjoyed a sensational turnaround from being public enemy number one to a crucial cog in the club’s first title charge under Arteta and someone serenaded by the Emirates in his final appearance.

It would be fair to say that the team sometimes lack a certain tenacity since the Swiss international left, so fans should be excited about reports linking them to a player who could be their new Xhaka.

Arsenal's summer of business

As things stand, this summer is shaping up to be really quite special for Arsenal.

Transfer Focus

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

Andrea Berta and Co seem to be working overtime to get deals done in time ahead of pre-season, with Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Christian Norgaard already announced, while Nonie Madueke and Christian Mosquera have already undergone their medicals.

Add to that the free-scoring monster that is Viktor Gyokeres, who could well be having his medical tomorrow or on the weekend, plus the rumours concerning Eberechi Eze, and the Gunners look like they could be seriously dangerous next season.

Yet, the North Londoners don’t appear to be done there, as they’ve also been linked with an international who could be looked at as Arteta’s new Xhaka.

At least, that is according to a recent report from the German publication BILD, which has confirmed that Arsenal are interested in João Palhinha.

In fact, the report goes a step further, revealing that the Gunners have already held serious discussions over the midfield star.

A price is not mentioned in the report, but stories from last month claim he could be available for just £30m as he’s no longer in Vincent Kompany’s plans.

It might not be the most exciting of signings, but Palhinha is a known quantity, and someone who might be able to add some more bite to Arsenal’s squad, just like Xhaka once did.

Why Palhinha could be Arsenal's new Xhaka

If Arsenal do go ahead with this transfer and are able to bring Palhinha to the Emirates, then there is a good chance he will join as a squad player, with Declan Rice, Zubimendi and Martin Odegaard remaining the first-choice midfield.

However, that does not mean that he couldn’t still have a significant impact, either as the first name off the bench or as a rotation option, as there are going to be plenty of games to be played.

With that said, why could he be Arteta’s new Xhaka?

The first similarity is that, like the Swiss international, he’d be moving to the club from the Bundesliga. Additionally, last season saw him win the league, just as the former Gunners ace did in his first campaign back in Germany in 2023/2024.

Second, while he might not be as technical as an Odegaard-type, the Portuguese international is a warrior of a midfielder who gets stuck into challenges, even if it can sometimes be to his own detriment, just like the former Borussia Mönchengladbach star.

For example, in his 68 Premier League games for Fulham, he picked up 27 yellow cards, while the Basel-born ace picked up 55 in 225 games, working out at one in every 2.51 and 4.09 games, respectively.

However, you shouldn’t read into that as the former Cottagers ace being a liability; it’s more a matter of him constantly breaking up opposition play and putting out fires.

In fact, in the 23/24 season, the “world-class” international, as dubbed by journalist Dom Smith, made the most tackles in the entire league, coming in with 152, while second-place Joao Gomes only made 128.

Moreover, while he didn’t get as much game time as he would have wanted last season, the midfield “monster,” as dubbed by data analyst Marcus Bring, still has some seriously impressive underlying numbers to show for his efforts.

Pass Completion % (Short)

96.6%

Top 1%

GCA (Shot)

0.11

Top 1%

Tackles (Att 3rd)

0.74

Top 1%

Dribblers Tackled

1.81

Top 1%

Pass Completion %

92.4%

Top 3%

Tackles Won

2.13

Top 3%

Touches (Mid 3rd)

56.49

Top 3%

% of Dribblers Tackled

65.4%

Top 4%

Aerials Won

2.34

Top 4%

Passes Completed

68.72

Top 5%

Total Passing Distance

1082.55

Top 6%

Tackles (Mid 3rd)

1.60

Top 6%

Passes Blocked

1.38

Top 6%

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for goal-creating actions from shots, tackles in the attacking third, and dribblers tackled, as well as the top 3% for pass completion and more, all per 90.

Finally, even though he is most effective in defensive and central midfield, the Lisboa-born star is still capable of chipping in with goals here and there, as, like the Bayer Leverkusen ace, he’s been known to score some long-range screamers.

Ultimately, while he might not be a regular starter, Palhinha would be an excellent addition to Arsenal’s squad, and thanks to his tenacity, experience and ability to strike the ball, he could even be Arteta’s new Xhaka.

£34m Arsenal star is in talks to leave; it may free up room for Rodrygo

It might be time for the talented ace to leave Arsenal for good.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 16, 2025

After flying out the blocks in the early weeks of the transfer window, Manchester City have now reportedly initiated contact to pick up where they left off by signing another impressive star.

Nypan "very proud" to join Man City

The most recent player through the door has of course been the young Sverre Nypan. The Norwegian midfielder has put pen to paper on a five-year contract, which has seen Pep Guardiola welcome one of the most exciting talents that Europe has to offer.

Speaking for the first time since arriving, Nypan told Man City’s official website: “I am incredibly happy and proud to have joined Manchester City. It’s a dream for any young footballer to become part of this Club and to join such a group of world class talent.

“I am still very young with a lot to learn but the chance to be coached by Pep Guardiola, the best manager in the world, will only help me to become a better player.

“There is already a special connection between Norway and Manchester City through Erling Haaland and Oscar Bobb, and I am very proud to have become the latest Norwegian player to have joined the club.”

Nypan’s arrival makes it five fresh faces for Man City, who have rebuilt their side in the last six months following their worst period of form during Guardiola’s entire tenure last season.

Even after signing Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Nypan and Marcus Bettinelli, however, those at the Etihad still reportedly have unfinished business in the summer transfer window.

As they set their sights on reclaiming their Premier League crown next season, Man City have now reportedly initiated contact to sign an impressive star who Guardiola loves.

Man City initiate James Trafford contact

In a shock twist, the Citizens have now set their sights on compiling Newcastle’s misery in what has been a summer to forget for the Magpies. According to Fabrizio Romano, Man City have now initiated contact to sign James Trafford in a deal that would see them hijack a deal that Newcastle had otherwise been advancing towards.

Real Madrid "really like" Man City superstar and ready to pay £87m for him

Losing him would be a disaster for Pep Guardiola.

ByHenry Jackson Jul 19, 2025

The Manchester club reportedly have a buyback clause worth £40m, but are now attempting to negotiate a lower price with Burnley, who are also reportedly set to receive a £40m bid from Saudi PIF-owned Newcastle for their shot-stopper.

City’s unexpected pursuit follows a difficult season for Ederson, which may have forced those at the Etihad to ask questions of the Brazilian for the first time.

Dubbed “world-class” by Burnley boss Scott Parker, whether Trafford’s arrival would see Ederson step aside or head for the exit door is the big question that City may yet have to answer.

Ottneil Baartman (Texas Super Kings) and Lungi Ngidi (Seattle Orcas) will also be joining the MLC roster midway through the season

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Jul-2024Pat Cummins is due in the USA. The Australia fast bowler, last seen in action during the T20 World Cup that took place in America and West Indies, will begin his stint with the San Francisco Unicorns midway through the season at the Major League Cricket tournament.Cummins signed a four-year deal with the franchise. The 31-year-old has previously played in only one overseas T20 league, the IPL, and has not featured in Australia’s Big Bash League since the 2018-19 season due to his international commitments.The Unicorns have won only one of their three games so far this year and will enjoy the boost that Cummins will provide. He made history, picking up back-to-back hat-tricks at the T20 World Cup and, prior to that, led Sunrisers Hyderabad to the final in the IPL. He has played 151 T20s overall, picking up 172 wickets at an average of 26.66 and an economy rate of 8.11.Related

Visa issues stop Baartman joining Hampshire for Blast

Pat Cummins signs four-year deal with MLC's San Francisco Unicorns

Cummins’ arrival coincides with Sherfane Rutherford’s departure. The hard-hitting West Indies allrounder has not played any of the Unicorns’ matches so far and will miss the rest of the MLC due to a bereavement in the family.There were changes among the other teams as well with Ottneil Baartman replacing Gerald Coetzee (injury) at Texas Super Kings and Lungi Ngidi taking over from Wayne Parnell (player withdrawal) at Seattle Orcas.Baartman, the South Africa fast bowler, was ruled out of the T20 Blast currently taking place in England due to delays in getting his visa which left his schedule open. He has 107 wickets from 76 T20s and is known for his variations and death-bowling ability.Ngidi suffered a back injury during the SA20 at the start of the year and missed the IPL that followed but has since recovered and was part of South Africa’s squad at the T20 World Cup, along with Baartman.

Chelsea are leading the race for a £67m “monster”, and they are now pushing hard to get a deal over the line, according to reports.

Blues set sights on another striker after Delap

The Blues are looking to make improvements to their squad prior to the Club World Cup later this month, and they now appear to be closing in on an early deal for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, with the signing set to be announced imminently.

However, perhaps given that Delap is still relatively inexperienced, the Blues remain keen on bringing in another striker this summer, and they continue to battle it out for the likes of Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.

RB Leipzig centre-forward Benamin Sesko is another name to have regularly been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, and a report from Caught Offside has now revealed that Chelsea are leading the race for the Slovenian, alongside competition from Arsenal.

Leipzig are set to hold out for a fee of €80m (£67m) for Sesko, with the Blues among the frontrunners, having identified the 22-year-old as the perfect fit for BlueCo’s long-term project, given his eye for goal and raw power.

£50m "superstar" now tells agent to inform Maresca he wants Chelsea move

An exciting forward has now set his sights on a move to Stamford Bridge this summer…

1 ByDominic Lund Jun 1, 2025

The Gunners could provide competition for the striker’s signature, however, with Mikel Arteta believed to be a fan, and sporting director Andrea Berta has already held direct talks with the German club over a potential deal.

"Monster" Sesko could be fantastic signing for Chelsea

The deal for Delap may well be edging closer to completion, but it would not be a bad idea to bring in another top striker this summer, and the Blues are now believed to be pushing hard to get a deal for the Leipzig star over the line.

With Enzo Maresca’s side set to return to the Champions League next season, the manager could do with greater strength in depth, and the Slovenia international is held in high regard by scout Ben Mattinson, who described him as a “monster”.

The 6-foot-5 forward also maintained a solid record in front of goal throughout the 2024-25 campaign, regularly finding the back of the net in all the competitions he featured in for Leipzig.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Bundesliga

33

13

5

Champions League

8

4

0

DFB-Pokal

4

4

1

As such, Sesko could be a fantastic signing for Chelsea this summer, as they look to build on the 2024-25 campaign and start competing for major trophies once again.

Arsenal could hijack a Man United deal for one of their “special” transfer targets, according to reports, as his representatives schedule talks with the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta looks ahead to summer after trophyless Arsenal season

With the 2024/2025 season yielding little in the way of honours, after Arsenal were knocked out of the Champions League semi-finals by PSG earlier this week, manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta will now be looking ahead to the summer window.

Arsenal hold talks to sign £21m star who prefers Gunners over Man United

Mikel Arteta’s side are more appealing than Old Trafford.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 9, 2025

It is set to open in a matter of weeks, specifically from June 1 to June 10, before reopening again from June 16 to September 1.

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

Luckily for Arteta, much of the groundwork has already been laid in regard to some key transfer targets, with Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi reliably expected to be joining Arsenal (BBC).

Alongside Zubimendi, some media outlets are reporting that Arsenal are making very significant progress on a deal for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, with all parties aligned on the contract package he’d get in north London (Football Transfers).

Unfortunately for the Gunners, news emerged that Wolves star Matheus Cunha, who was widely believed to be a target as well, appears more likely to make the move to Old Trafford instead.

The Brazilian, who has a £62.5 million release clause in his contract, boasts 17 goals and six assists from 33 appearances, and he can also play in a variety of attacking positions.

However, while United are the standout favourites for his signature, Arsenal haven’t entirely lost hope yet.

Matheus Cunha schedules talks over joining Arsenal

That is according to talkSPORT and their reporter, Alex Crook, who claim that Cunha’s representatives have scheduled talks over joining Arsenal, with Newcastle United also keen, as the former Atlético Madrid star keeps his options open.

New sporting director Andrea Berta actually signed Cunha for Atlético during his time at the La Liga club, so perhaps the Italian could still have a say here.

TalkSPORT adds that United are fearful of a potential late hijack, so the Red Devils intend to move quickly as the summer window opens soon.

“He is a special player. He can do things that can make the difference in small details,” said Wolves boss Vitor Pereira about Cunha, summarising why clubs are so keen on the 25-year-old.

“We try his corner because we want the swing inside to explore this. But you can work a lot and in the end nothing happens. With this kind of player, this can happen. I think it is not about work, it is about quality, his individual quality.

“Matheus Cunha is a player, in my opinion, who can reach high standards in this league. I hope not [elsewhere] because we need him.”

Can Celtic start to rebuild some momentum ahead of the Scottish Cup Final?

On Sunday, the Hoops fought back from a goal down to draw 1-1 with fierce rivals Rangers at Ibrox, with Adam Idah equalising shortly after half time, before Daizen Maeda squandered a gilt-edged opportunity to snatch victory right at the death.

Brendan Rodgers’ side have therefore won only one of the five Glasgow derbies played this season, excluding penalty shootout victories, but it matters not, given that the Celts were crowned champions a week earlier, still a whopping 17 points clear at the top.

Nevertheless, Rodgers will still want to see his side get back to winning ways when third-placed Hibs visit Parkhead on Saturday, with the Scottish Cup Final against Aberdeen to come at Hampden a fortnight later.

Off the park, attention has already turned towards plans for the summer transfer window, so do Celtic have a player from within the Premiership in their sights?

Latest on Celtic's summer transfer search

According to a report by Stephen McGowan of the Herald, Celtic are ‘considering’ a move to sign Aberdeen goalkeeper Ross Doohan on a free transfer, with his contract at Pittodrie set to expire this summer.

Given that Kasper Schmeichel is currently sidelined due to a shoulder injury, Viljami Sinisalo has started Celtic’s last six matches in goal, earning decent reviews, with Graeme McGarry of the National outlining that the 23-year-old has taken ‘it all in his stride’.

It’s unclear where Doohan would fit into the pecking order, but his potential arrival could see current third-choice Scott Bain depart, having not featured since a two-minute cameo on the final day of last season.

Doohan, for his part, is currently second-choice at Aberdeen, behind Dimitar Mitov, albeit he has made 18 appearances this season, described as “brilliant” by Dons captain Graeme Shinnie, following Celtic’s hard-fought 1-0 win at Pittodrie in December.

So now, could the 27-year-old, who was previously on Celtic’s books between 2013 and 2022 without ever making a senior appearance, be set to return to Glasgow’s East End?

Celtic's best value-for-money signings from within the Premiership

It’s hardly the most inventive or ingenious strategy, but Celtic have often sign the best players from within the Scottish Premiership, not only strengthening themselves, but simultaneously weakening their rivals in the process.

Here is a selection of the most recent examples.

Luke McCowan

Dundee

£1m

37*

Benjamin Siegrist

Dundee United

Free

2

David Turnbull

Motherwell

£3.25m

134

Greg Taylor

Kilmarnock

£2.2m

213*

Scott Bain

Dundee

Free

78*

Jonny Hayes

Aberdeen

£1m

68

Lewis Morgan

St Mirren

£300k

31

Jack Hendry

Dundee

£1.5m

27

Nadir Çiftçi

Dundee United

£1.5m

26

Scott Allan

Hibernian

£275k

17

Ryan Christie

Inverness CT

£500k

151

Gary Mackay-Steven

Dundee United

£250k

62

Stuart Armstrong

Dundee United

£2.5m

144

*indicates that the player is still at the club

As the table proves, Celtic’s domestic signings over the last decade have been pretty hit-and-miss; Greg Taylor, Ryan Christie and Stuart Armstrong all made a big impression, while others, looking at you Benjamin Siegrist, contributed very little at all.

The Hoops’ most recent signing from within the Premiership is Luke McCowan, who arrived from Dundee on deadline day last summer for a reported £1m, and has impressed during his first season in Glasgow.

To date, the 27-year-old has scored six goals and registered seven assists in hoops, with Rodgers describing the midfielder as “absolutely brilliant”, adding that he’s probably “been unfortunate not to play more” throughout the season.

Thus, McCowan proves that value can be found within the Premiership, which is certainly something for Celtic to think about ahead of the summer.

Doohan, for his part, has gained plenty of experience since departing Celtic after seven years at the club as a youngster, making 80 appearances for Ayr United, 60 for Tranmere Rovers, 20 for Aberdeen and 19 in the colours of Forest Green Rovers.

In this season’s Premiership, Doohan has registered a 54.4% save percentage, saving 33 of the 59 shots on target he has faced, keeping only two clean sheets in 14 starts but, should he move to Celtic, that ratio would surely be significantly higher.

Celtic could sign a perfect £7m Jota replacement this summer

Celtic may be in the market for a new winger after they lost Jota to a long-term injury.

ByDan Emery May 5, 2025

Here’s how former cricketers reacted to India’s miraculous victory against Australia in the semi-final

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Oct-2025

Fabulous victory!

Well done @JemiRodrigues and @ImHarmanpreet for leading from the front. Shree Charani and @Deepti_Sharma06, you kept the game alive with the ball.

Keep the tricolour flying high. pic.twitter.com/cUfEPwcQXn

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 30, 2025