Celtic have now reportedly been “made aware” of an opportunity to sign Raheem Sterling from Chelsea in the January transfer window, with the winger still frozen out at Stamford Bridge.
It’s a busy time for the Hoops, who were thrown into chaos when Brendan Rodgers made an unexpected decision to resign earlier this season – sparking the return of Martin O’Neill on an interim basis.
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Since then, the 73-year-old has turned back the clock to get Celtic back on track and send the rumour mill into overdrive that he could yet extend his second stint in charge of the club.
O’Neill, however, has often distanced himself from the permanent job and candidates such as Wilfried Nancy and Kjetil Nkutsen are beginning to emerge as potential options to take the reins.
The next two weeks should be crucial for Celtic in their managerial search, but it remains to be seen whether they’ll have a new name in charge by the time that the international break comes to an end.
If their search is ongoing, then O’Neill has reiterated that he’ll be happy to stick around until the club no longer need his services – telling reporters: “I will be here as long as the football board wants me, it’s as simple as that.”
Of course, whoever is in charge will have plenty of work to do in the January transfer window, with Celtic in need of reinforcements and a number of potential options already coming to the fore.
Celtic "made aware" of Raheem Sterling option
As Graeme Bailey told 67 Hail Hail, Celtic have now been “made aware” of the chance to sign Sterling in January, as Chelsea continue to give the four-time Premier League winner the cold shoulder in West London.
Without an appearance all season, the former Manchester City winger desperately needs a move this winter, but must face up to the reality of a significant pay-cut if he is to move onto a club like Celtic. As things stand, Sterling earns an eye-watering £16.9m-a-year at Chelsea.
To put that figure into context, Celtic’s record signing, Adam Idah cost them £11m so, in one swoop, Sterling’s wages alone would beat the Bhoys’ record transfer fee and that’s simply not doable in Glasgow. The Chelsea man will need to make a major sacrifice.
There would also be question marks over Sterling’s ability to make an instant impact. Although former Chelsea boss Graham Potter dubbed the winger “excellent” during his time at the club, those days are long gone and he hasn’t played a senior game since a loan spell at Arsenal last season. Even if he were to halve his salary, it would be an expensive gamble for Celtic.
Desmond set to hold talks with "amazing" 4-2-3-1 manager this week
اتهم مدرب نيجيريا، إريك شيلي، لاعبي الكونغو الديمقراطية بممارسة طقوس الفودو (السحر الأسود والشعوذة)، خلال ركلات الترجيح في المباراة بين الفريقين.
وأقيمت المباراة بين نيجيريا والكونغو الديمقراطية، على ملعب مولاي محمد الخامس في نهائي الملحق المؤهل إلى كأس العالم 2026، وذلك أمس الأحد.
وانتهى الوقت الأصلي للمباراة بالتعادل الإيجابي بهدف لمثله، ولجأ الفريقان لركلات الترجيح، لتفوز الكونغو الديموقراطية بنتيجة 5-4 على نيجيريا، لتخطف بطاقة الصعود للملحق العالمى لـ كأس العالم 2026 (طالع التفاصيل).
وفي نهاية مؤتمره الصحفي، سأل شيلي الصحفيين عن سبب عدم ذكرهم للحادثة، وقال في حديثه باللغة الفرنسية في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “إندبندنت” البريطانية: “كان لاعبو الكونغو الديمقراطية يمارسون طقوس المارابوتاج (السحر والتعاويذ)”.
ثم كرر شيلي تصريحاته بالإنجليزية وأوضح: “خلال جميع ركلات الجزاء، كان لاعبو الكونغو يمارسون طقوس الفودو (السحر الأسود).
وعلّق سيباستيان ديسابر مدرب الكونغو الديموقراطية على المشادة التي وقعت بين لاعبي الفريق ومدرب نيجريا شيلي، وقال إن المشادة “لم تكن مشكلة”.
Charlie Dean says pressure of performing in hard-fought bilateral series can help harden team ahead of World Cup
Valkerie Baynes21-Jul-2025An even scoreline going into Tuesday’s deciding ODI between England and India in Durham carries stakes higher than a series win.Victory for England would bring a more meaningful endorsement of their new leadership than sweeping West Indies aside could and with it a confidence boost ahead of the World Cup.As co-hosts of that tournament, a loss for India feels like more of a setback, especially as they completely outplayed England in three of the five T20Is that preceded this 50-over leg of the tour.Charlie Dean, the England offspinner who was Player of the Match in the fifth T20I with 3 for 23 as the home side took a consolation victory to make it 3-2 to the visitors, felt winning a high-pressure match against India would constitute a step forward for her team.Related
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“Losing the T20 series as well and the first game of the 50-overs, it would probably feel like a bit of a shift, just a bit of momentum maybe,” Dean said. “So to be able to pull that off would be something really special and it would give a lot of the girls a lot of confidence going to India playing some of the best teams.”When England joined India in being bundled out of the T20 World Cup at the group stage last year, there were murmurings that they hadn’t been pushed enough in the lead-up, going unbeaten at home to Pakistan and eventual T20 world champions New Zealand.When they play their first match of the 50-over World Cup on October 3 – almost a year to the day since their opening match of the T20 event – England won’t have that excuse.Their two T20I wins against India have gone down to the last over, their only comfortable victory coming in the rain-hit second ODI at Lord’s where a combination of England’s spinners, a lightning start to the run-chase by Tammy Beaumont and the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method helped them to an eight-wicket win with three overs to spare.”Whenever we can challenge ourselves in pressure situations, especially in these bilateral series, we’re only going to benefit from it,” Dean said. “When you’re in a winning position, you don’t want to lose that and force yourself into places where you have to really be on it, but in a way it’s good learning and a way that you grow as players.”We’ve seen bilateral series where we’ve done really well and then when it comes to World Cup games and tournament cricket, we’ve maybe not had momentum or not been clinical in those pressure moments. So any chances that we can emulate that in bilateral series is perfect practice.”Dean also acknowledged that England’s spinners, who took six wickets between them to cause irreparable damage to India’s formidable middle-order at Lord’s, could learn from their visiting counterparts.And perhaps no one had been more instructive than Deepti Sharma, whom Dean has played with and against since being controversially run out backing up by Deepti the last time they played an ODI at Lord’s, a moment Dean described as “water under the bridge” despite another feisty encounter on Saturday.”When we look at the Indian spinners and our spinners, we are all very different bowlers and I think I’ve probably been drawn into some comparisons,” Dean said. “But what we do as English spinners is we bowl the ball with a bit more pace on it, and that means that it might go to the boundary a little quicker, but it’s something that we’ve had to do and that’s how we play on English wickets.”Also maybe our batters are a little more susceptible to spin than India’s bating line-up. They’re all brilliant sweepers, they use their feet and they really come at us hard, which is something that we look to emulate with the bat as well but we try and stay away from comparisons too much because you maybe get a little lost.”But taking pace off and being really accurate, Deepti’s just hammered the stumps and changed her pace, and it works really well for her. That’s something that we can really look to try and emulate in our own way, without trying to be something that we’re not.”For her own part, Dean has concentrated on adapting between formats and looked for lessons that can be used in Indian conditions in just over two months’ time.”I’m in a really good spot and that might not be reflected against all games that I’ve played, but having that innate sense of, ‘I’m going well here,’ and really backing that no matter what situation I come into is something that I’ve probably not had in my international career for a while,” she said.”Predominantly in English conditions I bowl a lot of scrambled seams and try and skid onto the stumps and while that has its place – particularly in Indian conditions where you get a bit more favour, a bit more turn, I can look to slow it down and really try and spin the ball – which sometimes I go away from because I feel like if it’s turning too much, I might miss the stumps.”Sometimes accuracy can be your biggest currency in women’s cricket, so it’s just knowing the right moment to go between different plans. But all that’s doing is building a portfolio of skills that I have in my basket that I can hopefully go out and use when it comes to the World Cup.”
Tottenham boss Thomas Frank has led the Lilywhites to a pretty promising start so far this season, but one internal decision has sparked some debate.
Thomas Frank averaging close to 2 points per game at Spurs
Following their gritty 2-1 win over Leeds United just prior to the international break, Frank has averaged close to 2 points per game over his first 11 games at Spurs so far.
Ex-chairman Daniel Levy’s controversial decision to axe former boss Ange Postecoglou, who guided them to their first major trophy in 17 years last season, looks vindicated as the Australian endures a torrid time at new side Nottingham Forest.
Matches
11
Wins
5
Draws
3
Losses
2
Points
18
Points per game
1.91
As Postecoglou struggles to chalk up his first Forest win after replacing Nuno Espírito Santo, with reports suggesting that Tricky Trees owner Evangelos Marinakis is considering his unceremonious sacking already, Frank’s tenure in North London has been very positive by contrast.
While some concerns surrounded their performances against Wolves and Bodo/Glimt, with Tottenham rescuing dramatic draws against the two teams they were expected to beat comfortably, Frank has certainly solidified what was a fragile-looking Spurs side.
Only Premier League leaders Arsenal have conceded fewer goals than Tottenham, Newcastle and Crystal Palace over the first top flight games of 25/26, and Spurs’ performance at Leeds was built upon their newly-found resilience as a unit.
Tottenham ended the Yorkshire side’s year-long unbeaten run at home in the league by overcoming Daniel Farke and co at Elland Road, whilst also ending their torrid record of seven consecutive defeats in games just before an international break.
Frank is undoubtedly making his mark at N17, with the Dane also deciding his leadership group to spearhead Spurs through a long campaign where they’ll be competing on multiple fronts.
Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven, who have been called one of the best centre-back partnerships in world football, are among the chosen leaders, with long-serving defender Ben Davies, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario and playmaker James Maddison making up rest of the five.
However, pundit John Wenham has been left shocked by a key omission from the group.
Pundit "surprised" by key Thomas Frank decision at Tottenham
Speaking to Tottenham News, Wenham believes that right-back Pedro Porro should be in there.
The Spaniard, who’s played the fifth most league minutes out of any Tottenham player under Frank, has also made more clearances per 90 on average than all of his teammates in the top flight this season (WhoScored).
The 26-year-old has attracted criticism at times, but he was a solid candidate for the leadership group, with Wenham left “surprised” by Frank’s decision not to include Porro given the defender was captained for the very first time against Doncaster Rovers.
The former Sporting CP star, who was originally signed to slot into former boss Antonio Conte’s wing-back system, has gone on to make 116 appearances in all competitions.
His flair as an attack-minded full-back has seen Porro rack up 22 total assists for the club, including a sumptuous cross for van de Ven to head home against Bodo/Glimt in the Champions League most recently — which eventually helped to prevent a humbling defeat in Norway.
Frank has also compared Porro to Real Madrid and former Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold, so while the Dane doesn’t view him as one of the leaders, it is clear how highly he’s rated by Tottenham’s new boss.
Seamer’s inclusion sparked debate about tactics and transformation – but he answered them on day two at Lord’s
Firdose Moonda12-Jun-20251:16
Steyn: All Ngidi needed was a wicket to find his rhythm
Lungi Ngidi insisted that he knew why he was selected in South Africa’s World Test Championship final XI, after he took 3 for 35 on the second day to break Australia’s second innings open.Temba Bavuma had said that Ngidi was picked for his pace and ability to generate extra bounce – “a tactical decision”, which is exactly what Ngidi understood his role to be.”It’s been a very long time since I’ve played Test cricket, ten months, and that’s okay with me,” Ngidi told BBC after play on day two at Lord’s. “Obviously I know why I was selected. It doesn’t make a difference to me: opinions, or whatever it is. I was just struggling with a bit of rhythm from this side, swapped ends, and I felt a lot better.”Related
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Ngidi last played a Test against West Indies in August last year and looked rusty on comeback in this match. On the first day, he bowled eight overs, in spells of four each, from the Pavillion End and conceded 45 runs at 5.62. Notably, he lacked intensity and left the field for a period of time after bowling his second spell. He returned but did not bowl again.Considering Dane Paterson’s history of success in county cricket (though his 180 wickets came for Nottinghamshire and not Middlesex) and the overhead conditions that would have suited a bowler of his style, there were justifiable questions over whether South Africa had made a tactical blunder. There was also talk about whether they were forced to pick Ngidi to meet transformation requirements.But, at the end of day two, Ngidi had provided three stunning answers as to why he had been picked. In a nine-over spell – his second longest in Test cricket – Ngidi removed Steven Smith and Beau Webster, both lbw, and yorked Pat Cummins. Australia went from 48 for 3 to 73 for 7 (Wiaan Mulder took a wicket in that period too) and South Africa were back in the game. It looked as though Shukri Conrad, the head coach who is also the sole selector, had seen his gamble come off.Lungi Ngidi got the big wicket of Steven Smith•AFP/Getty Images
But Ngidi’s choice of words in his post-match interview – “I know why I was selected” – didn’t help dispel any lingering doubts about why he was picked. ESPNcricinfo has since confirmed he was referring to the plethora of opinions preferring Paterson’s skills to his.There was also no transformation imperative to pick Ngidi as South Africa’s targets at national level are calculated on average over the course of a season, which means they do not apply to individual games. The target numbers require that the team fields six players of colour of which two must be black African. In Temba Bavuma and Kagiso Rabada, the latter is met. They only have two other players of colour in this XI, Ngidi and Keshav Maharaj, and that would have remained the case even if Paterson was picked instead of Ngidi. While they have not fulfilled their target in this match, their overall average will only be confirmed at the end of the season.Before the final, Bavuma spoke to ESPNcricinfo about the dangers of being labelled a transformation selection, how he did not understand why it was put on him nine years ago when he made his first century, and the pressure and expectation it created. In the same way, Ngidi’s poor performance on day one immediately raised the transformation question: a hangover from the way South African cricket is perceived because of selection decisions in the past.The 2015 World Cup semi-final, where CSA influenced the inclusion of Vernon Philander ahead of Kyle Abbott, is a standout example, not least because it happened in a crucial game. But Ngidi, an international cricketer for the last eight years and comfortable within himself, was able to put that aside and concentrate on getting things right on day two.Radaba suggested a “steak, a milkshake and a movie” to Ngidi on the first evening but it turned out to be a change of ends that did the trick. Ngidi bowled from the Nursery End on day two, running up the slope, and was far more effective. His lines were tighter and his lengths more concentrated, mostly just back of good, with the occasional fuller ball for variety. He seemed in the zone, ran in with good energy and looked like he wanted more.”Once you get a moment like that, you don’t want to really let it go because it could change the game,” he said. “So I just kept going until my legs pretty much told me that’s enough now. I was planning on going a little bit more, but once you start making a few errors that could let the team or the opposition in, then it’s probably time to call it.”2:43
Can South Africa chase down 200-plus?
There was one overpitched ball in Ngidi’s seventh over and two edges that dropped short in his eighth and ninth, so he was still effective but clearly tiring. When he ran to field a ball in the over after he had finished his spell, he puffed his way to the ball and the decision to stop was probably the correct one. Nevertheless, his team-mates appreciated the effort especially after a tough first day.”Lungi’s a chilled guy, so I don’t think it would have affected him that much,” David Bedingham said at the post-match press conference. “As soon as he changed ends, he looked a lot more comfortable and for him to bowl nine overs on the bounce takes a massive amount of effort.”Of the rewards he had, Ngidi enjoyed Smith’s wicket the most “because he did get the better of me in the first innings but Beau Webster as well because they were definitely putting me under pressure”. “But once I got a bit of rhythm and the ball was moving around a bit, I felt very confident.”There may still be some work to do for Ngidi on the third morning, with South Africa still two wickets from knowing their target. Ngidi hopes they can keep the target to 225 and even if it grows beyond that thinks, “people are going to get their money’s worth”.”It’s in the balance right now,” he said. “But I think we’re in a decent position.”
Liverpool versus Everton is always a tasty affair at Anfield in the Premier League.
Today’s lunchtime Merseyside Derby was no different as Arne Slot’s Reds raced into a two-goal lead, before the Toffees fought back courtesy of an Idrissa Gueye screamer beating Alisson.
In the end, Everton just didn’t have enough to equalise in the 2-1 defeat, with Beto struggling severely in the first half, before David Moyes put him out of his misery at the half-time mark.
Beto's struggles at Anfield in numbers
Everton were always going to struggle to impose themselves on the contest, coming up against a hostile Anfield atmosphere.
Indeed, looking at the overall match numbers, Slot’s Reds would dominate the possession with 58% of the ball, as Beto ended up being very much of a bystander in a first half that saw Liverpool accelerate into a two-goal advantage.
While Hugo Ekitike was confidently adding to his early Premier League goal tally with this instinctive finish, Beto was attempting to scrap his way into the fierce contest, but the 27-year-old was ultimately far too passive.
Beto would only complete two accurate passes all match, as per Sofascore, while only successfully winning two aerial duels as an isolated figure in Moyes’ attack.
In matches to come, Moyes could potentially have a rethink as to who he starts as the leading man in the Toffees attack, with Thierno Barry also fading in and out of the hotly-contested affair when coming on for the Portuguese striker.
It wasn’t just the attack that would receive pelters at the final whistle, though, with an experienced Everton defender now looking to be on borrowed time under the Scotman after suffering a 2-1 loss to their arch rivals.
The 6/10 star on borrowed time under Moyes
Everton were dealt a two-goal sucker punch in the first half as Liverpool’s fast-paced play on the ball constantly caught out a slow Toffees defence.
Michael Keane definitely struggled in this regard throughout, with the former Burnley man failing to keep tight to Ekitike before he sealed the win for the Reds deep into the first half.
Minutes played
90
Goals scored
0
Assists
0
Touches
40
Accurate passes
27/32 (84%)
Clearances
4
Interceptions
2
Tackles
1
Total duels won
3/6
As noted above, Keane would only win 50% of his six duels during the hotly contested clash, with the experienced centre-back also only winning two tackles to try and keep a free-flowing Liverpool attack at bay.
It does only feel like a matter of time before the 6-foot-3 stalwart is out of Moyes’ starting XIs for good, with Jarrad Branthwaite nearly back up to full fitness, further troubling the 32-year-old’s long-term minutes in the main lineup.
After all, Moyes will see that he’s upgraded and progressed his side in the forward department, with faces such as Jack Grealish and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall undoubtedly offering up plenty of quality, even if Beto disappeared at Anfield.
Moreover, it appears that the Toffees already have an experienced head in the heart of defence that still has the legs to perform at the highest level in James Tarkowski, with the Everton captain winning eight duels when giving his all, despite the devastating final outcome.
While Keane would be gifted a 6/10 post-match rating by Liverpool World’s Will Rooney, it is now nine seasons and down for the 32-year-old in an Everton shirt, with a permanent change in defence perhaps now needed.
After failing to close down some seriously threatening Liverpool attackers and be authorative in the Merseyside Derby, his long-term minutes in the Toffees main XI week in week out must soon be up, especially when Branthwaite returns.
Moyes' own Richarlison: Everton are brewing a "menacing" new forward
Everton are redefining their attacking quality with David Moyes back at the helm.
وجه النادي الأهلي برئاسة الكابتن محمود الخطيب، رسالة تهنئة إلى الجامعة المغربية لكرة القدم بعد الإنجاز التاريخي الذي حققه منتخب المغرب للشباب بتتويجه بكأس العالم تحت 20 عامًا.
ونجح المنتخب المغربي في صناعة التاريخ بعد فوزه المستحق على منتخب الأرجنتين بهدفين دون مقابل، اليوم الاثنين، في نهائي البطولة، ليحصد أسود الأطلس اللقب العالمي في إنجاز غير مسبوق لكرة القدم المغربية والعربية.
وبهذا التتويج أصبح منتخب المغرب أول منتخب عربي يحقق بطولة كأس العالم للشباب تحت 20 عامًا، وثاني منتخب إفريقي يظفر باللقب بعد غانا عام 2009.
طالع أيضًا | لاعب برشلونة السابق يستفز جماهير الأرجنتين بعد تتويج المغرب بكأس العالم للشباب بيان النادي الأهلي
يتقدم النادي الأهلي ومجلس إدارته وأعضاؤه وجماهيره، بخالص التهاني القلبية للأشقاء في المغرب، والجامعة الملكية المغربية لكرة القدم، والمحبين، بمناسبة الإنجاز التاريخي للمنتخب المغربي للشباب الذي شرف الكرة العربية، وفاز ببطولة كأس العالم تحت 20 سنة..
كل الأمنيات للأشقاء في المغرب بدوام التقدم والازدهار.
Newcastle United’s forward line is entering a period of transition.
With Alexander Isak’s future still unresolved – and the striker making it abundantly clear that he will not reintegrate into the squad should a transfer not be completed before the deadline – Eddie Howe faces a pressing challenge.
He must find a centre-forward capable of stepping straight into the side and producing from the very first game.
The departure of Callum Wilson to West Ham has only heightened the urgency.
The 33-year-old leaves St James’ Park with 47 goals in 113 appearances – his intelligent movement and clinical edge cementing him as a fan favourite.
Newcastle striker Callum Wilson
Many of his goals came in crucial moments, helping drag Newcastle away from the relegation zone in the early days of the takeover.
But with a Champions League campaign on the horizon and Premier League rivals reinforcing aggressively, Newcastle cannot afford to go into the new season light in the most important position on the pitch.
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Newcastle's latest striker target
The Magpies have been proactive in other areas – they have added Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw and Aaron Ramsdale to provide depth. Yet despite these moves, the focus remains firmly on replacing goals at the top of the pitch.
Yet despite these moves, the focus remains firmly on replacing goals at the top of the pitch.
One forward in particular could reshape Newcastle’s attack and keep their ambitions alive in a World Cup year.
Indeed, according to the Daily Mail, Ollie Watkins’ situation at Aston Villa is attracting significant interest from the Geordies.
Villa have been active in the market themselves, reviving talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a possible return for Marco Asensio after a successful loan spell last season.
Asensio has already rejected moves to Turkey and Saudi Arabia, but Villa are keen to bolster their attacking options amid uncertainty over Watkins and fellow forward Leon Bailey.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Manchester United had previously been linked with Watkins before turning their attention to Benjamin Šeško, leaving Newcastle among the clubs still firmly monitoring developments.
Villa have added striker Evann Guessand to their ranks, yet with the club still facing pressure from PSR – a significant sale remains possible.
Watkins, with a market value of £50m, would represent both a lucrative cash injection for Villa and a major coup for any buying club.
Watkins vs. Wilson: The numbers game
At 29, Watkins is in his prime.
Since joining Villa from Brentford in 2020 for £28m, he has scored 75 goals in 184 appearances, cementing his status as one of the league’s most consistent scorers.
His 18 caps for England underline his pedigree at international level, while his relentless work rate, intelligent movement, and adaptability make him a constant threat.
Described as “one of best 9s in the world” by Statman Dave, Watkins is as comfortable leading the line as he is drifting wide or dropping deep to link play.
The parallels with Wilson’s arrival at Newcastle in 2020 are clear: both were established Premier League strikers, both brought a proven eye for goal, and both had the hunger to push for England recognition.
Callum Wilson applauds the Newcastle fans.
However, Watkins offers something subtly different – a more rounded style that blends scoring with creativity and builds up involvement.
In a season where every England striker will be scrutinised ahead of the World Cup, Watkins has added motivation to start strongly.
While Wilson’s Newcastle legacy is built on ruthless penalty-box efficiency, the numbers reveal that Watkins brings a broader attacking contribution.
Comparing Wilson’s 2022/23 campaign to Watkins’ 2024/25 season provides a detailed picture of their respective styles.
According to FBref, the two are almost inseparable in terms of output. Wilson contributed 23 goal involvements, Watkins 24. Wilson took more shots per 90 minutes (3.36 to 2.84), converting at a near-identical rate in terms of accuracy (44.3% to Watkins’ 43.9%).
For penalty-box poaching, Wilson remains among the league’s most effective. However, Watkins’ strengths lie in his involvement outside the box. He averages 10.6 completed passes per 90 to Wilson’s 7.66 and does so with a higher completion rate (72.4% vs. 66.1%).
His progressive passing distance is markedly higher, and his progressive carries (1.90 to 1.29) show a greater willingness to run at defences and advance play from deeper positions.
Watkins also edges progressive passes per 90 (1.07 to 0.91), suggesting he can help initiate attacks as well as finish them.
Wilson, by contrast, holds the advantage in dribbling success – 0.57 take-ons per 90 at a 33.3% success rate versus Watkins’ 0.35 at 24.4%.
This reflects Wilson’s more direct, decisive style when taking on defenders in the final third.
The data ultimately points to two different types of centre-forward.
Wilson is the penalty-box predator, lethal with limited touches.
Watkins is the link-man as well as the finisher, able to knit together moves, drag defenders into wide areas, and exploit space with his pace and timing.
For Howe, that broader range of skills could be invaluable in a Newcastle side that increasingly dominates possession and faces low defensive blocks.
With Wilson now in claret and blue at West Ham and Isak’s future unresolved, Newcastle’s pursuit of Watkins represents more than a simple like-for-like replacement.
It is an opportunity to evolve their attacking profile, to bring in a forward who can both replicate Wilson’s goals and add fresh dimensions to their build-up play.
In a World Cup year, with competition for England places, Watkins’ hunger to impress could be exactly the edge Newcastle need, and exactly why Howe might be tempted to make him the next No 9 to lead the line at St James’ Park.
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Their new Gordon: Big-money star "wants to join" Newcastle before Saturday
Newcastle United push ahead with £40m transfer that could weaken direct rivals.
Tottenham Hotspur are now progressing towards a spectacular deal to sign an “extraordinary forward”, and a swift breakthrough on personal terms is likely.
Tottenham vying to sign new winger
In many ways, it has been a difficult summer for Tottenham, having missed out on Eberechi Eze and Morgan Gibbs-White, leaving Daniel Levy with a lot of work to do before the transfer deadline, which is in less than one week’s time.
As we enter the final stages of the transfer window, Spurs appear to have three main targets on their transfer shortlist, all of whom enjoyed impressive 2024/25 campaigns.
Target
Current club
League G/A in 24/25
Rodrygo
Real Madrid
12
Maghnes Akliouche
AS Monaco
15
Savinho
Manchester City
11
However, it has proven to be difficult to get any deal over the line, with Real Madrid demanding around £86m for the Brazilian winger, while some Spurs chiefs are pessimistic about their chances of tempting Manchester City into a sale.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, however, a deal for Savinho is very much still on the cards, with talks now progressing, and Tottenham thundering towards what would be a spectacular signing.
The Lilywhites are in active talks over a deal for the 21-year-old, and Man City are now lining up a replacement, which suggests Pep Guardiola’s side will be willing to cash-in on the young winger before the September 1st deadline.
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Crucially, the starlet is keen on a move to north London, in order to become a key part of Thomas Frank’s project, which means a swift breakthrough on personal terms is now likely, although not yet agreed.
With discussions over a £70m+ deal progressing, it is now looking more likely the Brazil international will move to N17 before the deadline, which could be a major boost for Frank…
Savinho could be "extraordinary" signing for Spurs
Guardiola has previously made it clear he doesn’t want to see the winger leave, saying: “I am only concerned right now that Savinho will be with us for the rest of the season and hopefully many years, because of the potential he has at 21. He has to improve in final positions but he is an extraordinary player.”
It is true that the former Girona man is still raw, and his end product could be a lot better, having scored just one Premier League goal up to this point, but an assist tally of ten in his debut campaign at the Etihad Stadium is very impressive.
Tottenham desperately need to bolster their attacking options, and Savinho is the most exciting option on the shortlist, given that he is still only 21-years-old, and he has already proven himself in the Premier League, so it is exciting news that a deal is now looking more likely.
West Ham United are entering the new season with a clear need to reinvigorate their squad after a turbulent campaign that saw them finish 14th in the Premier League with 43 points.
The club replaced Julen Lopetegui in January with former Chelsea boss Graham Potter, who signed a two-and-a-half-year contract and is now tasked with building a squad capable of competing at a higher level.
The Hammers have already undergone significant changes this summer.
Star midfielder Mohamed Kudus was sold to Spurs for £55m, leaving a gap in creativity and attacking threat, while Lucas Paquetá, now cleared of all betting allegations, will be keen to repay the club’s support alongside talisman Jarrod Bowen.
West Ham bid for their new Bowen
West Ham are reportedly pursuing a dynamic winger whose flair and vision make him a potential answer to the team’s attacking needs.
Known for his precise dribbling and natural eye for goal, they have been praised for their ability to create chances both for himself and teammates.
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The player in question is Takefusa Kubo, the Japan international currently at Real Sociedad.
Kubo joined Real Sociedad permanently in July 2022 following a series of loans, having already impressed during his initial spell at the club.
Now, according to reports in Spain, Kubo has formally requested a transfer, citing dissatisfaction with Sociedad’s current sporting direction under president Jokin Aperribay.
Kubo has publicly criticised the club’s lack of investment and reinforcements, asserting that the team is not sufficiently competitive to challenge for Champions League qualification. Despite his discontent, Sociedad’s manager Sergio Francisco still regards Kubo as a key part of the team, underlining the challenge West Ham could face in finalising a deal.
Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo
Reports suggest that West Ham are not alone in their pursuit. Other Premier League clubs, including Spurs, Everton, and Bournemouth, are believed to have made offers of £34m.
Named the club’s Player of the Season in 2022/23, Kubo’s contract runs until June 2029, and unless a club triggers his release clause – believed to be just over £50m, – Sociedad may feel little pressure to sell.
How Kubo compares to Bowen
In terms of statistics, Kubo has proven himself a highly productive winger.
In the 2024/25 La Liga season, he played 36 matches, scored five goals, and contributed 45 created chances.
Takefusa Kubo scores for Japan
He completed 75 take-ons, registered 14 shots on target, and recorded 129 touches in the opposition box, ranking in the 86th percentile for crosses with 3.32 per 90 minutes.
His ability to progress the ball and involve himself in the attacking build-up has consistently drawn plaudits from analysts and pundits alike.
West Ham’s potential acquisition of Kubo invites natural comparisons to Bowen, the club’s talismanic left-footed winger.
Bowen is renowned for his pace, movement, technical proficiency, and finishing ability.
Predominantly deployed on the right flank, he regularly cuts inside onto his stronger left foot to shoot or link up with teammates.
According to FBref, during his standout 2022/23 season, Kubo averaged 4.32 progressive carries per 90 minutes, compared to Bowen’s 2.69.
His progressive passes per 90 reached 2.99 versus Bowen’s 1.55, and he averaged 86.3 metres of progressive passing distance per 90, substantially higher than Bowen’s 54.5.
Pass completion rates were similarly competitive, with Kubo at 71% and Bowen at 68.9%.
West Ham United's JarrodBowencelebrates scoring their first goal
Kubo also excels in offensive creation. His shot-creating actions per 90 minutes stood at 3.55, compared to Bowen’s 2.42, while his successful take-ons per 90 were 1.81 against Bowen’s 1.01.
Carries per 90 (31.0 vs. 19.9) and touches in the attacking third (27.2 vs. 17.0) further underscore Kubo’s ability to dominate and influence play in the final third.
These metrics illustrate a player capable of a “dangerous 1v1 threat” in the words of data analyst, Ben Mattinson, but also consistently generating opportunities and driving attacks forward – qualities that mirror Bowen’s influence but with a slightly different stylistic nuance.
The two share more than just statistical comparisons; both are left-footed wingers who thrive in spaces between the opposition full-back and centre-back, using pace and intelligent movement to destabilise defences.
Kubo brings a level of unpredictability and technical finesse, while Bowen combines raw speed and goal-scoring instinct.
Integrating Kubo into the West Ham squad could offer Potter a more multidimensional attacking unit, providing options for both direct goal threats and intricate build-up play.
Financially, a deal for Kubo would represent a significant investment, but it could also pay dividends if the winger reaches or surpasses Bowen’s level of consistency.
Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo
With Premier League defences increasingly prioritising compactness, a player of Kubo’s ability could prove invaluable, particularly in unlocking tightly packed back lines.
West Ham’s reported interest in Kubo signals their ambition to sustain and potentially elevate their attacking output.
With Bowen already setting the benchmark on the flanks, Kubo’s arrival could introduce a complementary skill set that reinforces the club’s creative identity while adding depth, versatility, and dynamism to the squad.
Should negotiations succeed, the Premier League could witness a fascinating new chapter in West Ham’s offensive evolution.
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