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Derby County are readying themselves for another campaign in the Championship and could now be set to push the boat out for an experienced midfielder, according to reports.

Derby County look for stability under John Eustace

John Eustace performed a minor miracle by keeping Derby in the EFL Championship last campaign and will hope his array of proven arrivals can help his side enjoy a more productive season at Pride Park.

Andreas Weimann, Danny Batth, Richard O’Donnell and Carlton Morris have all come through the door to breathe new life into a squad in need of material upgrades.

Former boss Paul Warne believes Morris could provide a steady source of goals after arriving from Luton Town, as he stated: “We signed Carlton as a young lad from Norwich and he did really well.

“He came in with a really competitive front line. At the time of his second spell, I had Michael Smith, Freddie Ladapo and Kyle Vassell, so it was some frontline. He played in numerous positions across the front for me, and he can play as the lone striker or in a two.

“He’s very good with his back to goal, really strong in the air, he’s brave, and obviously can score goals too.”

Eustace has made a habit of calling on former players himself, so it won’t come as a surprise that Derby are targeting Blackburn Rovers defender Callum Brittain as he heads into the last year of his deal at Ewood Park.

Derby now set to sign "fantastic" star in £7m package after Batth & Weimann

He looks set to become their fifth signing of the summer.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 4, 2025

Finding established stars with a history of excelling in the second-tier appears to be the priority for the Rams, who are now targeting an ambitious move for another recognisable name.

Derby County looking to sign Ipswich Town star Sam Morsy

According to reliable reporter Alan Nixon on his Patreon, relayed by The 72, Derby are now keen to sign Ipswich Town midfielder Sam Morsy as they prepare for another busy campaign.

The Egypt international earns £30,000 per week at Portman Road and made 34 appearances for the Tractor Boys last term, scoring once and laying on an assist.

Sam Morsy’s history of winning league titles

League Two

Chesterfield Town (2013/14)

League One

Wigan Athletic (2015/16)

League One

Wigan Athletic (2017/18)

In addition to his three titles with Chesterfield and Wigan, Morsy has also captained Ipswich to promotion from League One and the Championship, while he played a part in Port Vale’s rise to League One in 2012/13.

Ultimately, the Wolverhampton-born man has a clear track record of helping to elevate clubs in the Football League system, making him a shrewd potential addition at Derby due to his leadership qualities and drive on the pitch.

Nevertheless, overseas sides are also attentive to his situation, so it remains to be seen whether the Rams can force the hand of Ipswich before rival suitors take advantage of the fact he has one year left on his contract.

For the third summer in succession, Scottish champions Celtic have witnessed one of their star attractions fly the nest, with Nicolas Kuhn joining Jota and Matt O’Riley in seeking out pastures new.

Signed for just £3m from Rapid Vienna back in January 2024, the German winger has since been sold on for a healthy profit, with ambitious Serie A side Como forking out an initial fee of around £16.5m for his signature.

On the face of it, losing a player who scored 21 times last season in all competitions is a real blow for Brendan Rodgers, albeit with it fair to say that the 25-year-old blew hot and cold during his 18-month stint in Glasgow.

Indeed, the mercurial left-footer scored just three goals during the tail-end of 2023/24, having also only scored seven times across all competitions in 2025. Sandwiched in between that, of course, was his 14 goals at the start of 2024/25.

On that evidence, Kuhn is not exactly irreplaceable, albeit while remaining a key figure that Rodgers needs to replace. Thankfully, it looks like work is being done on that front.

Latest on Celtic's search for a winger

With Kuhn and Luis Palma out the door – and with the returning Jota sidelined with injury – the signing of a new recruit on the flanks is imperative. As it is, the wait goes on to see if Royal Antwerp star Michel Ange Balikwisha will be the man to fill the void, having repeatedly been linked with a move to Parkhead.

Previously also a target in January, the Belgian forward is the name on everyone’s lips right now, with his agent Jibril Rekkab outlining to the Daily Record that his client would be interested in joining the Premiership side, albeit with talks yet to take place:

“Michel-Ange is not closed to the idea of joining Celtic, but the club would still have to come forward. No discussions are underway.”

Transfer Focus

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

Elsewhere, meanwhile, parallel moves appear to be being made, with The Herald reporting that Celtic have seen a £1.5m bid rejected for Go Ahead Eagles winger, Jakob Breum, already this summer.

As per the report, that bid for the Danish talent fell below the Dutch outfit’s £5m valuation, with club director Jan Willem van Dop stating that such offers had been “so far apart” from their price tag.

If a compromise could be met later down the line, it’s fair to say that the 21-year-old would be a more than worthy alternative to Balikwisha.

How Breum compares to Balikwisha

Described by talent scout Jacek Kulig as “an underrated creative winger” who has “such an interesting future ahead”, Breum has captured the interest of those at Celtic Park amid his sparkling displays in the Netherlands of late.

Comfortable operating in a number ten berth or on either flank, the young Dane enjoyed a particularly fruitful 2024/25 campaign, having scored 11 times and registered six assists in just 31 games in all competitions.

That return – which takes his total tally for the club to 14 goals and ten assists in 68 games – included a haul of ten goals and five assists from just 26 outings in the Eredivisie, the top-flight of Dutch football.

For context, that league is deemed to be the 12th best in the world, according to Global Football Rankings, with the Premiership only ranking in a lowly 43rd on that list. Making the leap to Scotland should not be too much of an issue it would be seem.

Balikwisha, meanwhile, has been operating in the eighth-best league – the Belgian Pro League – although his recent injury woes might be of concern, having scored just four times and registered only three assists in 18 games last time out.

Games (starts)

33 (27)

26 (23)

Goals

7

10

Goal frequency

362min

206min

Big chances missed

6

4

Assists

5

5

Big chances created

6

6

Key passes*

1.5

1.7

Successful dribbles*

0.7

0.9

Tackles & interceptions*

3.1

1.1

Balls recovered*

3.9

4.5

The year prior, the 24-year-old still only registered seven goals and six assists in the league, with the table above outlining that it is Breum who comes out on top across a string of attacking metrics.

Indeed, the younger man averaged more key passes and successful dribbles per game, outlining his creative attacking threat, while also enjoying the superior record with regard to balls recovered per game, showcasing his ability to press from the front.

At just 21 too, Breum might well be the more exciting long-term option, with Balikwisha’s return of 29 goals and 17 assists in 141 games for Antwerp not exactly the most eye-catching total.

The question now remains which of the two – if either – will end up in Glasgow, and whether or not they can actually fill Kuhn’s shoes on the flanks…

As exciting as Balikwisha: Celtic contenders to sign "outstanding" star

Celtic are one of the contenders to secure a deal for a star who would be as exciting as Michel-Ange Balikwisha.

ByDan Emery Jul 23, 2025

Head coach Gary Stead says the players were “very disappointed” to have been denied a chance to play Afghanistan

Ekanth13-Sep-20245:26

Stead: This Test would have been useful for SL series

New Zealand head coach Gary Stead has said that being denied the opportunity to get some game-time after a six-month gap in Test cricket is the “most disappointing part” after their one-off Test against Afghanistan was called off without a ball bowled.New Zealand had this match to familiarise themselves with the subcontinent conditions, with the series against Sri Lanka and India coming up. But persistent rain and outfield issues in Greater Noida reduced the first-ever Test between the two teams to a no-show.”The most disappointing part for us is that we lost the opportunity to be match-hardened and match-ready when we go into our Test match [against Sri Lanka] next week,” Stead said at the post-match press conference. “The guys are really disappointed. It was an opportunity to play Afghanistan. It doesn’t come around that often.Related

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Amid persistent rain, one-off Test between Afghanistan and NZ called off without a ball bowled

“They have some unique bowlers – it’s always good to get your head around how you face them. The way they play is a little bit different to other countries. It’s always learning what you can do when you get in those match situations.”The one-off Test was not part of the World Test Championship. However, Stead said the team was left “frustrated”, as the format is “very, very dear to the team’s hearts”.”Even though it was fine for those two days, there were thunderstorms the nights before and the ground was just too soft and the umpires deemed that unfit to play on,” he said. “So that is sort of out of the players’ hands in a way as well.”But we were frustrated. We have come here to play cricket and play a Test match and as Jonathan [Trott, Afghanistan head coach] said, Test cricket, certainly to our group of players that is here, that’s very, very dear to their hearts and every Test you get to play in is a big one.”So regardless of whether it has World Test Championship points or not, that opportunity to get out there for five days, it looked a great surface. The whole block looked fantastic, so it would have been a great match of Test cricket.”New Zealand are not slated to play another Test against Afghanistan in the current Future Tours Programme cycle. Stead welcomed the prospect of playing more Tests against Afghanistan, heaping praise on their recent achievements in white-ball cricket, including a win against New Zealand in the group stage of the 2024 T20 World Cup.Persistent rain and outfield issues in Greater Noida led to the one-off Test being called off•AFP/Getty Images”I don’t make the decisions around the Future Tours Programme and big tours,” Stead said. “But I said it right from the start of coming here, Afghanistan have knocked just about every top team in the world over now. So they’re certainly a force and becoming more and more of a force in world cricket. That’s something for the Afghanistan and New Zealand boards to get their heads around.”It was our first Test match against Afghanistan and we were really excited about that. They’ve been great competitors of ours over the last few World Cups. We’ve had some great games of cricket.”Stead said New Zealand were “desperate” to make the World Test Championship final. Five of their remaining eight Tests in the cycle will be in Asia, but he is confident of the side adapting to the conditions.”The World Test Championship is alive and well, and we’re currently in third place, and we want to make the finals again,” he said. “We’ve been there once in the past, and we are desperate to get there again. So every test match we play will be an important one.”The conditions that we face in Galle will be, I’m sure, different to Bangalore, Pune and Mumbai when we come back here again. So it’s still about adapting to the different surfaces where I’m learning from those. But also banking the knowledge you have created in the past even though it’s been a couple of [sessions of] trainings out there, we’d still bank on what we’ve learnt on those sort of pitches.”

Tottenham are actively pursuing more new summer signings before deadline day on September 1, as new manager Thomas Frank gears up for his first-ever campaign in charge of a ‘big six’ Premier League side.

Tottenham tipped to sign "very impressive" Son replacement in last-gasp deal

His club need to sell.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 29, 2025

So far, Spurs’ only major high-profile deal comes in the form of a £55 million move for Mohammed Kudus, and chairman Daniel Levy will be very keen to ensure the Ghanaian isn’t their sole highlight of the window.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The Lilywhites were intent on completing a blockbuster £115 million double deal for both Kudus and Morgan Gibbs-White at one point, but Nottingham Forest blocked the latter’s move to N17, threatened legal action and convinced him to pen a brand-new £150,000-per-week deal at the City Ground.

After this shock turn of events over the last fortnight, Spurs are back to square one in pursuit of another star attacker who can inject some proven creativity into Frank’s side.

However, as one door closes, another one opens in the form of Real Madrid star Rodrygo – who England star Jude Bellingham called their most “underrated” player.

The versatile Brazil international, who can play on both wings and as a centre-forward when needed, could leave the Bernabeu this summer with his future looking uncertain under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Rodrygo is yet to make a final decision as of now (Fabrizio Romano), but as the former Santos star ponders life away from Madrid, it is believed that Los Blancos have confirmed to his representatives that they’re open to letting him leave.

“They [Rodrygo’s agents] already had a meeting last week [with Madrid] to just present their own position,” said Romano on his YouTube channel recently.

“In that meeting, from what I’ve heard, Real Madrid confirmed that they are open to letting Rodrygo go. Now it’s Rodrygo, together with his agents, who has to decide what he wants to do – stay and fight for a spot or leave and explore all the options.”

Tottenham are reportedly keen to sign Rodrygo and make him the centrepiece of Frank’s new-look Spurs side (AS), whilst other reports suggest that the 24-year-old hasn’t ruled out a move to north London behind-the-scenes.

Fabio Paratici holds talks with Rodrygo about joining Tottenham

Now, journalist Ben Jacobs has shared another update on the situation.

The reporter, via We Are Tottenham TV, claims that unofficial Tottenham advisor, Fabio Paratici, has held talks with Rodrygo’s camp over a move to England. However, Jacobs also provides a note of caution.

“When Rodrygo makes up his mind he’ll understand who actually wants him and who doesn’t,” Jacobs said.

“The only conversation that has taken place between the Rodrygo camp and somebody connected to Tottenham is via Fabio Paratici. Not Daniel Levy, nobody who is at the moment a full-time staff member. I don’t see this one developing, the player may prove to be open to the Premier League, but we’ll have to wait and see.”

Rodrygo netted 14 goals and 11 assists in 54 outings across all competitions last season, owing to his obvious quality, but the player may not be allowed to leave on the cheap.

Tottenham will likely have to break their transfer record to agree any deal for the South American, with Real currently demanding around £78 million – a valuation which Levy and co are keen to reduce (AS).

There is also the matter of Rodrygo’s significant salary of around £207,000-per-week, which would make him Spurs’ highest-paid player.

Peter Handscomb struck a century but the total was comfortably hauled in by the home side

AAP06-Nov-2024Mackenzie Harvey and Daniel Drew scored magnificent One-Day Cup centuries while Spencer Johnson took four wickets to lead South Australia to an emphatic nine-wicket win over Victoria.The victory at Karen Rolton Oval completed a wonderful week for South Australia after they earlier completed their first Sheffield Shield win over the Victoria in nine years.Harvey’s unbeaten 134 off 110 balls, his first in the format, was complemented by skipper Alex Carey initially in an 80-run opening stand before Drew (108 not out off 86) made an equally impressive ton to chase down Victoria’s 286 for 7 in the 38th over to claim a vital bonus point.Victoria skipper Peter Handscomb had earlier rescued his side from a precarious position with an excellent 104 from 121 deliveries after Johnson and Brendan Doggett tore through the top order.Harvey, 24, gave the run chase a real kick along when he took 16 off Sam Elliott’s first over. It was a masterclass by the stylish left-hander who grafted for his runs early before accelerating and dominating his former team to earn player-of-the-match honours.Harvey, the nephew of former Australia allrounder Ian Harvey, easily surpassed his previous highest domestic one-day score of 61.Drew, 28, was just as impressive and lifted the tempo to ensure his team claimed the win inside 40 overs to get what could be a crucial extra competition point.Earlier, Johnson took 4 for 46 in a fast and furious spell that set up the win after Carey had won the toss. Johnson removed big-hitting Josh Brown when his former Brisbane Heat teammate was brilliantly caught by a diving Drew at mid-off.His second wicket was a tribute to the left-armer’s searing pace and attacking mindset. Johnson let rip with a straight short ball that had Campbell Kellaway rushing his pull shot and gloving through to Carey.Handscomb came in with Victoria reeling at 42 for 3 and showed aggression and patience depending on what was required. After lashing a suite of boundaries and two imperious sixes, Handscomb accumulated 15 singles in a row.He was dropped on 83 when Liam Scott was unable to grab a caught and bowled chance. An effortless lofted cover drive to the boundary against spinner Lloyd Pope summed up Handscomb’s absolute control for much of the innings. He found a willing ally in Jonathan Merlo (78 off 71) but the final tally was nowhere near enough.

It is no secret that Tottenham are in the market for attacking options this summer, and have been for quite some time. However, the need to back Thomas Frank with proven new faces has increased tenfold in the last week.

Burnley (home)

August 16

Man City (away)

August 23

Bournemouth (home)

August 30

West Ham (away)

September 13

Brighton (away)

September 20

Spurs have now lost playmaker James Maddison to a crippling ACL rupture, with the England international poised to undergo surgery on his right knee after being stretchered off in a pre-season friendly against Newcastle last Sunday.

The 28-year-old had only just returned from a knee injury which kept him out of the Europa League final, but Frank won’t see Maddison don the Lilywhites jersey again for another six to nine months – which is the typical recovery time for ACL injuries.

This devastating blow comes right after legend Son Heung-min sealed an MLS record-breaking move to LAFC, bringing an end to his glittering 10-year stay at Spurs where he cemented himself as one of the club’s greatest ever Premier League players.

Frank has also confirmed that Dejan Kulusevski will remain out injured for a “long time” as well, so Tottenham go into their UEFA Super Clash against PSG next week in a very sorry state.

Some experts believe that the Sweden international may not return until November at the earliest, so it is absolutely non-negotiable that Daniel Levy enters the market for new forwards – or risk yet another lacklustre Premier League campaign right after their 17th-placed finish.

Tottenham have been linked with a host of attacking options in recent days, including the likes of Man City outcast Jack Grealish, AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, Liverpool sensation Harvey Elliott and Man City winger Savinho.

Now, as per journalist Graeme Bailey of TBR Football, versatile £212,000-per-week PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani remains a target for Frank’s side.

Despite being firmly out of Luis Enrique’s plans at the Parc des Princes, Kolo Muani enjoyed a stellar second half of 24/25 on loan at Juventus – showcasing his very best and letting suitors know that he still possesses serious quality.

At Eintracht Frankfurt, the Frenchman bagged 23 goals and 17 assists in all competitions during his best-ever season to date in 2022/2023, so he could be an excellent option.

Tottenham eye Randal Kolo Muani with PSG very keen to sell

According to Bailey and TBR, Tottenham are considering the signing of Kolo Muani, with Juve’s talks to sign the 26-year-old going nowhere.

However, they face competition from Newcastle, who are desperate to sign a striker after their failed move for Man United no.9 Benjamin Sesko.

“Kolo Muani has been set for Juventus for most of this summer, but his people have been doing work on other options in recent weeks as talks with PSG have stalled,” Bailey said.

“I am told that Kolo Muani was open to a move to England in January before he opted for Italy and Juve, but now a Premier League option is available again.

“Spurs are still interested, but Newcastle are now very much in the mix and pushing forward with talks as they are looking to see what a deal would look like.

“PSG are more than open to a deal, and we understand they have informed Juventus that they are now talking to other clubs.”

The former Bundesliga sensation can play as a centre-forward, second striker and in both wide areas – so he could be a very useful asset to Frank as a replacement for Son, or even Richarlison if the Brazilian leaves.

Jadon Sancho could reportedly end up in MLS as the former Manchester United player is interested in a stateside switch in the future after sealing his loan to Aston Villa. When United splashed £73 million ($99m) to prise him away from Borussia Dortmund in 2021, the winger was hailed as the missing piece of their attacking puzzle. Sancho himself called it “a dream come true.” Fast forward three years, and that dream has dissolved into a prolonged nightmare.

Sancho’s Villa loan opens MLS doorUnited flop eyeing fresh startFuture hinges on Aston Villa formFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Sources close to the player have told that Sancho is seriously considering a switch across the Atlantic once he becomes a free agent. The prospect of Major League Soccer appeals to him not just for footballing reasons, but for lifestyle and personal growth opportunities too.

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For a player worn down by the relentless glare of the Premier League, the MLS presents a chance to reset. The league has risen sharply in prominence in recent years, with global icons such as Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and Sergio Busquets turning out stateside. A move would allow Sancho to ply his trade in a competitive, but more forgiving, environment.

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Despite the growing American interest, Sancho is far from without admirers in Europe. Clubs in Germany and Spain have quietly registered their curiosity, while several English outfits are keeping tabs on his situation. However, there’s a catch. Elite clubs remain hesitant, waiting to see whether Sancho can deliver consistently during his Villa loan. For now, his performances under Unai Emery will determine whether he earns a second chance at Europe’s top table, or whether he takes the route of many high-profile stars before him by heading west to MLS.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR SANCHO?

At Aston Villa, Sancho has the platform to change the narrative. Emery’s side are pushing hard for a top-four finish and a coveted Champions League spot, and the Englishman could play a key role in that chase.  If he finds his spark in claret and blue, Sancho could yet force his way back into the conversation for a return to the Premier League’s elite or a move into Europe. But another underwhelming season would likely see him leaning towards MLS, where lucrative contracts and a more relaxed atmosphere might offer the ideal environment to revive his career.

Kumara comes in for Madushanka, while Samarawickrama has been dropped, with Nuwanidu replacing him

Madushka Balasuriya23-Dec-2024Fast bowler Eshan Malinga’s impressive 2024 has been capped with a maiden call-up to the national side after he was named in Sri Lanka’s 17-man ODI squad for their limited-overs tour of New Zealand.Alongside Malinga, seamer Lahiru Kumara has also earned a recall, with fellow quick Dilshan Madushanka making way. On the batting front, Sadeera Samarawickrama has been dropped for Nuwanidu Fernando. The rest of the squad is unchanged from the one that faced New Zealand at home last month.Malinga, who had made his domestic debut in 2022, has picked up 20 wickets in 12 List A games at an average of 25.15. He had first come on the radar in 2019 after winning a nationwide fast-bowling contest, where he clocked a winning speed of 141kph.ESPNcricinfo LtdMalinga continues to rise in 2024, adding more consistency and control to his fairly searing pace. It earned him an LPL contract with Jaffna Kings, and while he played just a solitary game in the season, he was also signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad for IPL 2025. Malinga has also been a regular feature in the Sri Lanka A side across formats.Malinga’s inclusion coincides with the waning star of Madushanka, who has struggled since returning from injury earlier in the year. He had finished the 2023 ODI World Cup as the third-highest wicket-taker, but has managed just 14 wickets in 11 ODIs in 2024.The batting unit is relatively settled, with captain Charith Asalanka leading a strong contingent that also includes Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis. While Nissanka has nailed down one opening spot, the other will go to one of Avishka Fernando or Nishan Madushka.Meanwhile, Samarawickrama’s exclusion comes on the back of a lean stretch of form across formats, while his replacement Nuwanidu offers a more aggressive option. Janith Liyanage, who is also a handy seam-bowling option, is currently the first-choice option for that lower middle-order berth, while Chamindu Wickramasinghe also offers another all-round seam-bowling option.Asitha Fernando heads the pace unit, which also includes Kumara, Malinga and Mohamed Shiraz. Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and Jeffrey Vandersay make up the spin-bowling department.Sri Lanka’s tour of New Zealand begins with the three-match T20I series from December 28. The tour then moves on to the ODIs, with the first one to be held on January 5 in Wellington. That will be followed by matches in Hamilton and Auckland on January 8 and 11, respectively.Sri Lanka squad for NZ ODIsCharith Asalanka (capt), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nuwanidu Fernando, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Asitha Fernando, Mohamed Shiraz, Lahiru Kumara, Eshan Malinga

Fair to say, the start to this season has not gone as West Ham United supporters would’ve hoped.

After two rounds of Premier League games, the Hammers sit rock bottom of the table, having been smashed 3-0 by Sunderland and then 5-1 when Chelsea visited the London Stadium last Friday night. Tuesday’s Carabao Cup defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers has only further soured the mood.

Things don’t get much easier either, with the Irons travelling to Nottingham Forest on Sunday, before hosting fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur after the international break.

Having won just five of 20 league matches in charge, the pressure is intensifying on manager Graham Potter, so he’ll be desperate to bolster his squad before Monday’s deadline, seemingly targeting midfield reinforcements.

All change in West Ham's midfield

Since the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal for £105m two summers ago, West Ham’s midfield has lacked quality.

Using some of that money, the Hammers signed Edson Álvarez, but the Mexican joined Fenerbahçe on a season-long loan last week, underlining that this transfer was not a success.

Now without him, Tomáš Souček and James Ward-Prowse started against Chelsea, while Guido Rodríguez and Andy Irving remained unused substitutes, which emphasises the real dearth of talent at Potter’s disposal, still searching for Rice’s true replacement.

Well, it appears as though West Ham are going to bolster their midfield options, close to signing Soungoutou Magassa from Monaco for a reported fee of €20m (around £17m).

The 21-year-old has, to date, made 57 appearances for the Ligue 1 side, his performances earning rave reviews.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labels him “elegant” and the “complete midfielder” praising his “passing, tackling, positioning and athleticism”.

That certainly sounds promising doesn’t it, but could West Ham look to provide the Frenchman with a dream midfield partner?

West Ham chasing another midfielder

As reported earlier this week, West Ham are interested in signing Lorenzo Pellegrini from Roma before the deadline, with the player valued at around £9m.

Transfer Focus

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

The 29-year-old has less than one year remaining on his contract with the Giallorossi, and is not in the plans of new manager Gian Piero Gasperini, hence why sporting director Frederic Massara stated “Pellegrini will leave… we won’t extend his contract and we are looking for a solution not to lose him as free agent”.

Despite seemingly being bombed out by boyhood club Roma, Pellegrini, who first joined la Lupi as an 11-year-old, has been a key figure at the Stadio Olimpico for many a year.

Aside from a two-year sojourn at Sassuolo between 2015 and 2017, the midfielder is a one-club man, accumulating 316 appearances for Roma, scoring 55 goals and registering 59 assists, captaining them to Conference League glory in 2022.

As they seek to force him out, Pellegrini was not involved in Saturday night’s Serie A opener against Bologna, but was a key figure last season, accumulating 34 appearances, starting 20 league matches and five times in the Europa League, with only eight outfield players seeing more minutes across all competitions.

Ivan Jurić, who was briefly in charge of Roma for 12 games last season, asserted that Pellegrini “moves like a god”, earning plenty of high praise from other former head coaches too.

José Mourinho claims that he “can do it all”, Daniele De Rossi adds that he “is one of the best players we have in Italy”, while Claudio Ranieri believes he has managed two “phenomenal” midfielders in his career, naming Frank Lampard and Pellegrini.

So, how does the Italian compare to the gold standard of West Ham midfielders – Rice?

Let’s compare the duo to find out.

Appearances

29

37

Minutes

1,866

3,272

Goals

8

4

Assists

3

2

All stats below are on a per-90 basis:

Shots

1.6

0.8

Chances created

1.8

1

Big chances created

0.24

0.08

Passes completed

30.8

50.5

Passing completion %

83%

88%

Tackles

1.7

2.2

Duels contested

10.3

7.9

Duels success %

48%

59%

Interceptions

1

1.8

Ball recoveries

4.7

9.2

Touches

56.6

71.3

Average Sofascore rating

7.17

7.19

The table compares Pellegrini’s statistics from the 2023/24 campaign, last season set aside due to lack of minutes, with Rice’s final year at West Ham, 2022/23.

That aside, the numbers unsurprisingly show Rice is the more impressive all-round midfielder, hence why he’s the one who moved for £105m.

However, the Italian is more of a goal that, registering more goals and assists, as well as more shots and chances created on a per-90 basis.

Thus, while Rice’s passing and out-of-possession statistics are superior, Pellegrini’s are mostly not too far behind, especially when it comes to duels, underlining that he could compete at Premier League level.

Given his statistics, and rave reviews from numerous former coaches, the Italian international would surely improve West Ham’s sluggish midfield options and, at just £9m, he could prove to be an absolute bargain.

When compared to Magassa, who has scored just one goal in his senior career, Pellegrini would appear to be the perfect partner, with the Frenchman staying back and doing the defensive dirty work, allowing the Italian to get forward and be creative.

Fernandes upgrade: West Ham submit offer to sign "world-class" star

The international veteran would be an excellent signing for West Ham.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 26, 2025

Former Young Lions head coach takes over after sudden departure of Grant Bradburn

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Jan-2025Glamorgan have appointed Richard Dawson as their interim head coach, following the sudden departure of Grant Bradburn last month over allegations of discriminatory behaviour.Dawson had most recently been part of the England Men’s white-ball coaching team, having previously overseen England Under-19s. He spent six years coaching Gloucestershire, securing promotion from Division One in 2019 and a T20 Finals Day appearance in 2020, before moving on to work with the ECB’s performance pathway in 2021.”I’m delighted to be joining Glamorgan as head coach for the coming season,” Dawson said. “I’ve got a good idea of how the club works having spent time with Welsh Fire over the years. I’m looking forward to getting involved with the players and coaches at the club and building on the success achieved in the 50 over competition last season.”Dawson, who was capped seven times in Tests, spent most of his playing career with Yorkshire, before short stints at Northamptonshire and Gloucestershire.He is currently working with the England Lions on their tour of Australia, and will then be involved at the Women’s Premier League before taking up his role with Glamorgan from March. He will also continue as Welsh Fire assistant coach during the Hundred, with a replacement for the One-Day Cup, which Glamorgan won last year, to be announced in due course.Mark Wallace, Glamorgan’s director of cricket, said: “It’s great news for the club that we have been able to appoint a coach of Richard Dawson’s standing and quality as interim head coach until the end of the season. We were keen to move quickly and get someone in place for the 2025 season and we see Richard as the perfect fit to develop the squad and continue to move us forward this season.”