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Manchester United are plotting a move for Ajax star Antony this summer and he could be reunited with manager Erik Ten Hag ahead of next season.

What’s the latest?

Journalist Peter O’Rourke has told GIVEMESPORT that Antony will be one of the players that United will be looking to bring in the most this summer.

He said: “Antony would definitely add some attacking flair to Manchester United’s frontline if they were to sign him.

“He’s been exceptional for Ajax, not just in the Eredivisie but also in the Champions League. So, I think those two [Antony & Jurrien Timber] probably would be the two players they’ll be looking at the most to bring in from Ajax.”

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Recent reports from UOL stated that The Red Devils were battling with Liverpool for the player.

He’s better than Sancho

Antony’s performances this past season have been impressive, not just in the Eredivisie but in the Champions League as well. He’s established himself as one of the most exciting young wingers and is rated at £31.5m.

He made 33 appearances for Ajax during this past campaign and was directly involved in 22 goals, so it’s no surprise that he’s been attracting attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs and why he’s been described as “wonderful” by Dutch scout Piet de Visser.

With the departure of Anthony Martial and the absence of Mason Greenwood from Old Trafford, space is available in the squad for a player with his qualities.

If he became a Red Devil he would be competing with star player Jadon Sancho. His numbers show that he is better than the 22-year-old and if he can replicate them in the Premier League then it will prove that.

Having moved to Manchester from Borussia Dortmund last summer for £73m, Sancho has faced a lot of pressure, as many expected him to carry a struggling side.

Antony would arguably arrive with a lot less on his shoulders and would be more comfortable working under a manager who knows him so well.

If you compare them both directly, the Brazilian excels in many areas. He averages 1.41 shots on target per 90 minutes compared to Sancho’s 0.43.

He also puts far more crosses in the box with 100 compared to the Englishman’s 32. When you have got Cristiano Ronaldo in your team, who is one of the best headers of the ball, it’s vital he is given the service.

On top of that, he also contributed to 14 more goals in all competitions,

Signing Antony can mark the perfect start to United’s rebuild under Ten Hag, and it’s highly likely the player would want to come.

IN other news: MUFC are “extremely close” to signing £50.6m “diamond”, he’s the next Diego Forlan…

Nottingham Forest are expected to move for Blackburn Rovers’ out of contract midfielder Joe Rothwell at the end of the season.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Lancashire Telegraph, who claim that Steve Cooper’s side are in the race to sign Rothwell and face competition from Bournemouth and Sheffield United.

As per the report, Rothwell is “expected to receive offers” from all three aforementioned sides, with the 27-year-old available on a free this summer after running his contract down with Rovers.

Garner replacement

The latest news around Rothwell’s availability this summer will be music to the ears of Forest boss Cooper, who faces uncertainty over Manchester United loanee James Garner’s future.

With Erik ten Hag’s arrival at the club and understanding of youth integration having been at Ajax, he may opt to give Garner a chance to shine in the United first-team.

It will come as good news for a player who has had to prove himself across a two year period at the City Ground, but will spell bad news for Forest and will consequently leave a gaping hole in the Tricky Trees’ engine room.

As such, Rothwell can be the man to fill that void and will make for an astute signing, bearing in mind the numbers he has produced over the last few seasons and ability to sign him on a free.

Since his arrival at Blackburn Rovers in 2018, Rothwell has proven his solidity in the centre of the pitch and has been a key man, making 33 appearances or more in the Championship in each of his four seasons at the club.

This season has seen the 27-year-old, who has scored 13 attacking returns in 41 appearances – his best ever return in a season that has seen him bag three and assist ten.

Like Garner, Rothwell, who has been dubbed an “engine” by journalist Jaquob Crooke, is comfortable playing anywhere in the spine of the team and has had a similar impact to what the 21-year-old has at the City Ground, with the United loanee scoring four and assisting eight.

Positionally they are the same, they share similar offensive participations and are key men in their respective teams, featuring over 40 times in the Championship this season.

Cooper may have an easy fit in United youth graduate Rothwell, who can replace another United youth graduate in Garner at Forest.

In other news: Forest must sign “unbelievable” 19y/o who’s “like Messi”, imagine him and Garner 

Liverpool are having a phenomenal season already winning the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup, with the chance to win both the Premier League title and Champions League over the next few weeks too, so it will surely be an exciting time to be a player or a supporter of the club.

With that being said, to stay on top you must keep strengthening, improving and developing the squad and with many of Liverpool’s side already in or entering their 30s this year, it would be a good idea for Jurgen Klopp to start considering the next generation of talent he can develop into superstars.

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Roberto Firmino, Mo Salah and Sadio Mane all have contracts ending in just over 12 months, with the Egyptian winger’s contract, in particular, being a highly speculated subject ahead of the summer transfer window.

Liverpool’s top goal-scorer has been one of the side’s best players over the years but it seems that his contract is at a stalemate, with Caught Offside reporting two weeks ago that a source has told them the negotiations have not progressed any further and the Reds are not interested in budging when it comes to their strict wage structure.

If the powers at Anfield and Salah can’t come to an agreement it could see the player leave the club, whether that means he will be sold for a profit this summer or allowed to see out his last 12 months at the club and leave on a free transfer next summer.

Regardless of the outcome, Klopp must start preparing for the worst-case scenario and could be eyeing up his replacement who already plays in the Premier League with Bukayo Saka heavily linked with Liverpool for a while now.

The £150m ace who was hailed a “wonderkid” by journalist James Benge has been impressing for Arsenal and England over the last 12 months, playing his part in the Euro 2020 final last summer and being part of Arsenal’s impressive season that has kept them in the top four race for months.

Saka has scored 11 goals and contributed six assists for the Gunners in 37 Premier League appearances, creating eight big chances, making 1.8 key passes and 1.1 tackles, proving how effective and creative he can be in attacking play.

Podcaster Ian McGarry even claimed back in January that the youngster fits into Liverpool’s system in an interview with talkSPORT:

“Saka is someone who is a player who suits Liverpool’s style.

“Liverpool would provide the opportunity and platform for him to play and compete at the highest level. And that would certainly be something that I’m told he and his representatives are very interested in.”

Ultimately, Saka will likely want to continue to play first-team football and get regular game time whether he stays at Arsenal or moves on, so if FSG are seriously interested in the young talent they will need to sacrifice a position in the attacking rotation to provide him with a regular spot in the team.

Perhaps they ought to wait until Salah really has had enough of Merseyside before making a move.

AND in other news: Huge boost: James Pearce delivers four-word injury update that’ll delight supporters

Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish can’t believe that Leeds United could land the signature of reported transfer target Calvin Ramsay this summer, as per Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Leeds links with Ramsay

Officials from Elland Road, along with fellow prospective suitors Liverpool, are keen on signing the Aberdeen full-back this summer, but it is Leeds who were given the green light to talk to the player late last month.

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The Whites, and by proxy their director of football Victor Orta, are now working on a summer move for Ramsay, who recently picked up the Scottish Football Writers’ Association Young Player of the Year award.

The 18-year-old right-back has contributed to 10 goals in 33 appearances this season and looks set to leave Pittodrie this summer to raise some much-needed funds for the Dons.

The Latest: McLeish’s comments on Ramsay transfer saga

McLeish, who contributes as a pundit for Sky Sports, was talking to Football Insider regarding Ramsay and a prospective move to either Leeds or Liverpool in the summer.

The ex-Birmingham boss thinks that the teenager would want to head to Merseyside over Yorkshire, especially as Jesse Marsch’s side are flirting with relegation back to the Championship.

The 63-year-old said:

“I would imagine, if I was in that position right now, I want to go to Liverpool.

“Because of the magnitude of the club, because of the lack of any chance of relegation. Even though I’d be an understudy to Trent Alexander-Arnold for a couple of years, I’ll get in and out.

“You’ve got a timeframe to develop yourself. Then if you end up cutting it at Liverpool, you’ve almost won the World Cup, haven’t you?

“I would expect a young player to be thinking that. Not thinking: ‘Well, Leeds are on the verge of relegation in the Championship. Maybe I’ll play more games in there.’

“That is a blooming hard league, the Championship. Any team can win on any given day. Even the bottom teams can beat the top teams.

“If Liverpool and Leeds are in for him, I would think he’d, all day long, choose Liverpool.”

The Verdict: Leeds could be ideal for Ramsay

Leeds became the first team in Premier League history to hand eight teenagers their debuts in a single season, suggesting that there could be a clear pathway for Ramsay at Elland Road.

The Whites are willing to offer the Scot a major pay rise and the promise of regular first team football. You’d expect that more senior game-time would be on offer under Marsch than for Liverpool, given the glittering presence of Trent Alexander-Arnold at Anfield, so it will be interesting to see where the 18-year-old ends up ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

Should a move to Elland Road fail to materialise for Ramsay, at least Marsch will still be able to call upon Cody Drameh, who has starred while on loan at Cardiff City since the turn of the year. He picked up awards of his own for his performances in the Championship, so Leeds’ right-back ranks appear to be in good stead even if Ramsay chooses Liverpool over the Whites.

In other news: Leeds and Orta now make first move to sign ‘undefendable’ star in blow to Everton

Celtic have seen a raft of new players make moves to Parkhead during the previous summer and winter transfer windows.

While most joined on permanent deals, the Hoops also have some players in their squad who are only there on loan until the end of the current season.

As the Bhoys are on the verge of securing the Premiership title, it seems as though a update has emerged regarding some behind-the-scenes activity at Lennoxtown over a couple of potential deals which could take place in the summer.

What’s the news?

Speaking in his latest press conference before the 4-1 win over Hearts on Saturday, Postecoglou touched upon the current situation regarding the futures of on-loan Celtic duo Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers.

The 56-year-old said: “We are in discussions with them obviously, and as I have said all along, with these kind of things it’s never a simple process.

“But both have had unbelievable years for us and been outstanding contributors and both are really happy here.

“Our intent is to try and keep them at our football club, but these things need a point where all parties agree. I am hopeful we will get to that point but at this point, we are not quite there yet.”

To highlight how crucial the duo have been for the Hoops this season, with Carter-Vickers in defence and Jota in attack, Postecoglou’s side have the best record in terms of scoring and conceding goals in the league, with the loan pair both playing big parts.

Focusing on Jota, with nine goals and 10 assists to his name in 27 league outings, the winger is listed as the highest-rated player currently in Celtic’s squad according to WhoScored, averaging a superb match rating of 7.59 for the campaign.

Meanwhile, Carter-Vickers has been a rock at the back for the Bhoys, with a total of 38 interceptions and 20 tackles under his belt as their main centre-back alongside Carl Starfelt.

Taking this into account, it’ll be great news for the Celtic fans to hear that their club are intent on securing permanent deals for the dynamic duo in the summer.

If the club are able to sign both players for good, this would put Postecoglou’s side in great shape to repeat their successes this season in 2022/23.

In other news – Enquiry made, then joined rivals: Celtic had the last laugh over “huge” 161 G/A dynamo

A Tottenham Hotspur ‘source’, speaking to Football Insider, has shared some big in-house player news as the Lilywhites open talks over a new contract agreement.

The Lowdown: Big 2022/2023 looming…

Amid manager Antonio Conte’s links to the Paris-Saint Germain job, Spurs will be hoping to satisfy the Italian’s demands as he seeks to turn the club back into a Premier League force.

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Having already guided Tottenham back into top four contention, it is believed that the former Chelsea and Inter Milan manager is planning a major summer overhaul before the start of his first full 2022/2023 season.

The Telegraph claim Conte has his eye on as many as six summer signings, but according to FI, he’s also making some key decisions on current members of the Spurs squad.

The Latest: Tottenham open Sessegnon contract talks…

Indeed, the outlet claims, via a ‘Spurs source’, that the north Londoners have now ‘opened talks’ with left-wing-back Ryan Sessegnon over a new contract.

This comes after Conte’s ‘clear’ message to club ‘hierarchy’, with the 52-year-old telling Tottenham chiefs that the Englishman is a ‘huge’ talent who can become a real top flight star.

As a result, discussions are now ‘underway’ over fresh terms for Sessegnon as Spurs eye a big in-house agreement at Conte’s behest.

The Verdict: Deserved…

The former Fulham sensation has been transformed under Conte with big name pundit Gary Lineker even branding Sessegnon one of the ‘most exciting full-backs in our game’ recently (BBC via The Mirror).

The Athletic, backing Conte’s faith in the homegrown ace, recently claimed that Spurs’ head coach believes Sessegnon can catch fire and it is little surprise they have now allegedly opened new contract talks.

There is little arguing he deserves this opportunity but the only slight worry could be his spotty injury record.

That being said, if Sessegnon can move past the fitness issues and develop into a key starter week in-week out, Conte and Tottenham may have a real star for years to come based off his 21/22 performances.

In other news: Spurs ready to make major bid for ‘world-beater’ who told friends he was keen to join! Find out more here.

With three defeats on the spin heading into the international break, it’s safe to say Arne Slot’s Liverpool were experiencing a mini crisis in confidence.

Now, after a 2-1 loss to Manchester United on Sunday evening, it’s clear that the Reds are engulfed in a major crisis, with 17 shots at the Red Devils’ goal not enough to nick a win, as the reigning Premier League champions went empty-handed for a fourth game in a row.

Mohamed Salah, again, showed signs of rust against Ruben Amorim’s visitors, as another big game passed the declining Egyptian by.

Salah's performance in numbers vs Manchester United

The 33-year-old attacker was seen as one of the world’s best last season as Liverpool romped home to the top-flight title.

Times have changed, however, with the once untouchable number 11 no longer his usual clinical self, with a total of three shots failing to beat Senne Lammens in goal for Amorim’s challengers.

Staggeringly, for a star that scored a blistering 29 goals last season in the Premier League, Salah is now without a non-penalty strike for seven straight top-flight games, with one big chance also agonisingly missed, as Harry Maguire broke Reds hearts late on.

With zero successful dribbles completed as well, on top of possession being carelessly given away 16 times, it’s clear that Salah is no longer the “top class” version of himself he has previously been – as he was once branded by Jurgen Klopp – with Slot perhaps ready to axe his usually undroppable number 11 for games to follow.

The Dutchman could well axe quite a few underperformers after the alarming defeat at the hands of their arch rivals, with one summer recruit once again struggling to get to grips with his new environment against the Red Devils.

3/10 Liverpool star was even worse than Salah

Salah wasn’t alone in letting his team down during the 2-1 defeat, with his attacking teammate in Alexander Isak, only managing 19 touches of the ball when leading the line for the lacklustre Reds.

Having cost a mind-blowing £125m to obtain from Newcastle, Isak must get up and running fast to dodge claims that he’s an expensive flop.

Milos Kerkez wasn’t purchased on the cheap, either, with the former AFC Bournemouth defender costing a mighty £40m to bring into the building this summer.

Unfortunately, despite being labelled as “one of the most explosive LBs in Europe” by one analyst ib social media shortly after leaving the South Coast behind for Anfield, Kerkez had a night to forget against the visitors from Manchester, as his Liverpool woes go on.

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

62

Accurate passes

34/39 (87%)

Big chances created

1

Accurate crosses

1/8

Possession lost

15x

Total duels won

4/6

Indeed, when analysing the numbers, there are some positives for Kerkez to latch onto, with the Hungarian creating one big chance to try and steer his new employers back into the contest.

However, the negatives do start to pile up quickly on further inspection, with the 21-year-old only managing to register one accurate cross from eight attempted, which also led to the defender giving up possession a haphazard 15 times in total.

His unassured nature on the ball even led to Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp labelling him as a “nervous wreck” at half-time of the 2-1 defeat, with fellow pundit Gary Neville also once noting that Kerkez looks “naive” when donning Liverpool red, as opposed to excelling for the Cherries.

It could be time for Slot to bring back in the experienced head of Andrew Robertson for some calm, therefore, with London Evening Standard journalist Sam Tabuteau agreeing with the verdict on the young defender when brandishing a disappointing 3/10 rating his way at the close of the match, with Amad given “acres of space” down the left channel courtesy of the 21-year-old.

Kerkez will hope he can push on from this torrid start at Anfield in the games to come, but if Slot is potentially willing to drop Salah, he won’t bat an eyelid in getting rid of the promising full-back if needs be, as a drastic change of lineup could be needed to get the Reds out of their sophomore slump.

Eddie Howe has insisted he is “100 per cent” committed to Newcastle amid speculation over Ruben Amorim’s future at Manchester United.

The 47-year-old’s name has been mentioned as part of an ongoing debate surrounding Amorim’s tenure at Old Trafford, as he was when the England job became available after Gareth Southgate’s exit.

Howe "100 per cent" devoted to Newcastle

However, asked about his commitment to the Magpies, Howe said: “My commitment here is I’m all in. I’m 100 per cent here, I always have been. My family are still here, we’re fighting every day to try to make a success of what we’re doing.

“The season ahead could be a wonderful thing and that’s really what I want to focus on, trying to make a success of the games we have coming up.”

Howe was appointed as Steve Bruce’s replacement in November 2021 a matter of weeks after Amanda Staveley’s consortium completed its buy-out at St James’ Park.

The former Bournemouth boss took over a team fighting a relegation battle, but kept them up in some comfort and, aided by significant investment from its Saudi-backed owners, have kicked on.

Magpies defender Fabian Schar spoke early on in Howe’s reign about what the former Bournemouth boss had brought to Tyneside.

Newcastle are playing in the Champions League for the second time in three seasons and, in March, ended their 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy when Howe guided them to Carabao Cup final glory.

Leeds United’s form at the start of the 2025/26 campaign has been impressive. Daniel Farke’s side are not in the relegation zone at the start of the season, and the early signs are positive. In fact, ESPN journalist Ryan O’Hanlon said the Whites have “played quite well” at the start of the campaign.

Critically, the Yorkshire-based side have defended well. According to Understat, seven sides have conceded more than their seven goals. On top of that, their expected goals against tally of 6.42 xGA is 10th best in the English top flight.

The Whites will certainly have to be on their A game defensively against Bournemouth on Saturday. They have the unenviable task of keeping Antoine Semenyo quiet.

Why Leeds must stop Semenyo

There is little doubt that stopping Semenyo this weekend at Elland Road will go a long way to helping Leeds reduce Bournemouth’s attacking threat. At the start of the season, the winger was described as “one of the best players in the league” by BBC Sport tactics correspondent Umir Irfan.

That is certainly a fair assessment of the winger, who has shown just how much of a threat he can be to sides. The Ghanaian international already has three goals and two assists, including a brace at Anfield on the opening day of the season.

The Whites have already been on the receiving end of a Semenyo goal, too. Scoring against Leeds is certainly not an unfamiliar feeling for the winger, who bagged against them back in 2022/23 for the Cherries. That is one of two appearances he made against the club, with the other coming for Bristol City in 2018/19.

One of the things Leeds must be most cautious of when coming up against the forward is his deadly ball-carrying skills. The winger averaged 2.2 successful dribbles per 90 minutes this season, to go along with his threat in the final third.

It will certainly be important for Leeds to stop the Cherries attacker on Saturday. Indeed, Farke could adjust his starting lineup to play someone who might be better at coping with the winger.

The Leeds star who can help silence Semenyo

Leeds are looking to maintain what is, so far, a strong defensive record. That is certainly something that will help keep them in the top flight this season. Bournemouth’s attacking threat from the likes of Semenyo will challenge that.

However, Farke may well decide to turn to James Justin to help keep the Ghanaian attacker at bay. The former Leicester City full-back was one of Leeds’ summer signings, joining from the Foxes for a fee of £10m including add-ons.

The England international has not played many minutes for the Whites so far. He’s featured twice in the Premier League, playing just 17 minutes in that time. He is match fit, though, having started Leicester’s first two Championship games this season.

He could certainly be a good candidate to start at Elland Road, in a bid to silence Semenyo. Justin is now a vastly experienced player, having played 101 times in the Premier League for Leicester and Leeds.

Not only will he bring experience to Farke’s side when going up against Semenyo, but he is also a more than competent defender. The full-back has put up some impressive numbers over the past few Premier League seasons with Leicester. For example, in 2019/20, he averaged 4.2 tackles and interceptions and won an average of 2 aerial duels.

2019/20

4.2

2

2020/21

4

1.1

2021/22

2.5

1.2

2022/23

2.5

1.7

2024/25

3.2

2.1

Justin’s task on Saturday afternoon is clear: stop Semenyo. He poses a huge threat to Leeds going forward, with his impact in the final third and direct dribbling ability. Should Farke give Justin the nod, he possesses the talent and experience to help stop the winger.

As Statman Dave said, the defender is a “colossal” figure at the back. Leeds would need to see that in action if he was to start against Semenyo.

Leeds struck gold on "indispensable" star who's now worth more than Stach

This Leeds star was one of Farke’s best signings

ByJoe Nuttall Sep 25, 2025

Leeds United are expected to submit an offer for an “incredible” player “in the coming days”, according to reliable reporter Ben Jacobs.

Leeds looking to upgrade defence amid Firpo uncertainty

Leeds fans will be well-aware of the importance of having a strong defence in the Premier League, given that a leaky backline was one of the main reasons for their relegation in the 2022-23 season, shipping 78 goals, the highest number in the division.

As such, Daniel Farke has set out to bolster his options at the back, identifying a number of defenders as potential signings, and there may be a particular need to bring in a new left-back, given that Junior Firpo could be heading for the exit door.

Player

Current club

Potential cost

Position

Kostas Tsimikas

Liverpool

£15m

LB

Aaron Cresswell

West Ham United

£0

LB

Vladimir Coufal

West Ham United

£0

RB

Nico Elvedi

Borussia Monchengladbach

£10m

CB

Elvedi has been on the radar for quite some time, with a £10m fee being touted back in February, and there has now been a new update on Leeds’ pursuit of the defender, with Jacobs naming the Monchengladbach ace and Tottenham Hotspur’s Ben Davies as players of interest.

The reporter said: “They definitely were interested in Davies when they were still in the Championship. Now we have to wait and see whether they move because targets can change due to promotion. Nico Elvedi is another name I hear for Leeds who can play left back or left centre back,”

“That’s one I expect them to bid for in the coming days. So the Ben Davies situation is open, but it is fair to say that Tottenham are open to offers. And if you’re open to offers, then extending the contract only helps you protect the value and bring in the most money possible.”

Leeds now "one to watch" in race for "outstanding" £25m Premier League ace

The Whites are in the running for a midfielder, who has a plethora of Premier League experience.

ByDominic Lund Jun 3, 2025 Elvedi could be "incredible" signing for Leeds

With Farke’s side set to return to the Premier League next season, it is important for the manager to bring in players proven at a high level, and the Swiss defender featured regularly for Monchengladbach in the 2024-25 season, making 25 Bundesliga appearances.

Former sporting director Max Eberl has also hailed the 28-year-old for his “incredible composure” in the past, which could be an important quality to have in a Farke side, given that the Leeds boss is known for playing out from the back.

The Switzerland international’s ability in possession of the ball is underlined by the fact he ranks in the 89th percentile for his pass completion rate per 90 over the past year, while also placing in the 93rd percentile for clearances, when compared to other centre-backs.

As such, Elvedi could be a perfect fit for Leeds at centre-back, and it is exciting news that a bid could be submitted in a matter of days.