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Leeds United have a huge summer ahead of them if they are to secure Premier League survival next season after claiming promotion from the Championship this time around.

Daniel Farke’s side claimed the league title on goal difference on the final day after Manor Solomon’s late effort against Plymouth Argyle on the final day secured all three points.

The Whites finished top of the pile alongside Burnley, with both clubs ending the year on 100 points, highlighting the strength of the sides at the top of the division.

Such an achievement is just the beginning for the German, desperately needing to halt the current trend of sides suffering an immediate return to the second tier after promotion.

If he is to manage such a feat over the next year at Elland Road, he desperately needs to be backed in the market to hand him the best possible chance of success in Yorkshire.

An update on Leeds’ pursuit of new additions this summer

After securing promotion, it would be a surprise to no one to see Leeds linked with numerous players to help bolster the first team squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Ipswich Town winger Omari Hutchinson has been one name touted with a switch to join the Whites after the Tractor Boys suffered relegation from the Premier League in recent weeks.

However, he’s not alone on their shortlist, with Leicester City talisman Jamie Vardy the latest player linked with a switch to link up with Farke’s side, according to Football Insider.

The report claims that the Whites are plotting a move for the 38-year-old after announcing he would be departing the King Power at the end of the current season – subsequently making him a free agent.

It also states that his experience and record in England’s top-flight have made him a key target for the club as they look to once again establish themselves in the top-flight after a two-year absence.

Why Leeds’ summer target could be Farke’s own Beckford

Centre-forward Jermaine Beckford arrived at Elland Road from non-league outfit Wealdstone in 2006 after impressing enough to earn himself a switch to a then-Championship club.

He would have to bide his time in Yorkshire, even being sent on two loan spells, before making a huge impact in the first-team squad, cementing his place as the side’s main talisman.

Beckford went on to score 85 goals and provided 11 assists in 141 appearances in all competitions across three seasons – before getting his own Premier League move to Everton back in 2010.

However, he gave the supporters numerous moments to remember, none more so than the winning goal in the FA Cup clash with rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford.

They could land their next version of the forward with a summer move for Vardy, with the pair possessing a similar playstyle given their desire to run in behind and cause defenders an issue.

The duo are also similar in the fact that they both came through the non-league ladder before making an impact at their respective clubs – with Leeds desperately needing to take a gamble on the experienced frontman.

Vardy, who’s been labelled “sensational” by former boss Brendan Rodgers, has still managed to impress this campaign despite the Foxes suffering relegation, posting numerous impressive figures in key areas.

Games played

33

Goals & assists

11

Shots taken

1.8

Pass accuracy

71%

Dribbles completed

47%

Aerials won

1.7

Aerial success rate

49%

He’s registered eight goals and three assists in his 33 appearances, ending the season as their top scorer, still having the skillset to impress within the final third should he move to Yorkshire.

The former Fleetwood Town ace has also won 1.7 aerial duels won per 90, having the ability to offer Farke an experienced and all-round option at the top end of Farke’s side.

If they are to buck the current trend, new additions are desperately needed this summer, with funds needing to be spent to help the manager in his quest.

Vardy may not be everyone’s first choice when it comes to signings this summer, but he could prove to be an excellent squad option, offering depth and quality in their pursuit of making themselves an established top-flight outfit.

Leeds can seal stunning Solomon repeat by signing £30m Premier League star

Leeds United could look to replicate the success of their Manor Solomon deal by signing this attacking star.

1 ByKelan Sarson May 6, 2025

The campaign is still a month away from completion, although attention at Manchester United is swiftly turning toward the summer transfer window and the need to bolster Ruben Amorim’s ranks.

While it would be foolish for anyone of a United persuasion to be too optimistic regarding the impact of potential new signings, amid the club’s wretched recruitment record over the last decade or so, it is difficult to argue that this side is in need of major surgery once again.

With departures expected to reach double figures, ahead of next season, there is likely to be something of an overhaul at Old Trafford, with drastic improvement needed amid the Red Devils’ place in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

Much could depend on whether or not Champions League qualification is secured, via Europa League glory, although regardless of what occurs on the continent, it looks as if the INEOS regime are already closing in on the signing of wantaway Wolverhampton Wanderers man, Matheus Cunha.

The latest on Man Utd's move for Cunha

It’s fair to say that Cunha can’t have done much more to catch the eye of those at Old Trafford this season. Indeed, during Wolves’ 2-0 win over United on Boxing Day, the Brazilian was simply sensational for the hosts, having scored directly from a corner, while also teeing up Hwang Hee-chan for the second of the day.

That was followed by the 25-year-old’s impact in Sunday’s 1-0 win for the Old Gold, as it was actually his surging run which earned the free-kick that Pablo Sarabia duly converted.

Now onto 14 league goals for the season, Cunha appears all but certain for a Molineux exit this summer – following prior January interest – having already outlined his desire to “take the next step” in his career.

As widely reported, that ‘next step’ looks set to lead the former Atletico Madrid man to Manchester, with positive talks having been held regarding the forward’s potential contract at the Theatre of Dreams.

That move for the £62.5m sensation could represent the first piece of business in a potentially hectic summer for the Red Devils.

Man Utd readying offer for new midfielder

Alongside that interest in the Wolves ace, it would appear that United are also keeping a close eye on Ipswich Town starlet, Liam Delap, with the Englishman set to be available for £30m amid the Tractor Boys’ impending relegation.

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, reports in Spain have suggested that Amorim and co could also go back in for a long-term target, in the form of Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong, with the Dutchman said to be ‘back on the Red Devils’ radar’.

As per the report, United are ‘willing to present a proposal’ in order to entice the LaLiga giants into a summer sale, with the Premier League said to be ready to ‘test the limits’ of Barca’s resolve.

The 27-year-old was famously linked with the Old Trafford side back in the summer of 2022, during Erik ten Hag’s first window in charge, albeit despite an agreement on a fee, a deal for the former Ajax midfielder couldn’t get over the line amid issues regarding personal terms.

There may be a feeling of De Jong’s chance having come and gone, although United should still jump at the opportunity to land such a statement signing.

How De Jong could fit in at Man Utd

There could well be a fresh look to Amorim’s 3-4-3 set-up next term, with a new goalkeeper and centre-forward seemingly set to be prioritised, while Cunha would likely line up in one of the two number ten berths.

The Wolves talisman has already thrived in a similar system under Amorim’s compatriot, Vitor Pereira, in recent months, with his overall record in England’s top-flight now standing at 39 goals and assists in just 77 games.

What the one-time RB Leipzig man will need, however, is quality service from those around him, hence why bringing De Jong into the fold could be a dream scenario.

Likely to operate as part of the midfield two – potentially alongside Bruno Fernandes or Manuel Ugarte – the Netherlands international is simply a master at progressing play, as emphasised by the fact that he ranks in the top 9% of European midfielders for progressive passes, and the top 16% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

Also ranked in the top 1% for pass completion, the experienced metronome has rightly been lauded as “one of the best midfielders in the world” by former boss, Xavi Hernandez, ensuring he would be a worthy upgrade in Amorim’s ranks.

Non-penalty goals

0.12

Top 25%

Assists

0.12

Top 28%

Shot-creating actions

2.59

Top 36%

Passes attempted

82.09

Top 4%

Pass completion

93.8%

Top 1%

Progressive passes

7.17

Top 9%

Progressive carries

2.09

Top 16%

Passes into final third

9.20

Top 3%

Tackles (in attacking 3rd)

0.49

Top 10%

As stated, that forward-thinking ability that De Jong provides would ensure he is the ideal figure to pick out the likes of Cunha ahead of him, as indicated by the fact that he also ranks in the top 3% for passes into the final third, at an average of 9.21 per 90.

What also sets the 5 foot 11 maestro apart is just how effective he is at regaining possession too. As evidenced last season – considering he has only started seven league games this time around – De Jong averaged 2.2 tackles per game, having also recovered the ball 5.9 times per game in LaLiga.

For context, United’s ball-winning monster, Casemiro, has only recovered 3.9 balls per game in the Premier League this term – albeit while enjoying a far superior record with regard to tackles made (3.5).

For De Jong to then have such quality both in and out of possession would ensure he can comfortably cope in a midfield two, with United having the chance to acquire two players entering their peak years, in the form of him and Cunha.

After Cunha: Man Utd in talks to sign a "monster" upgrade on Delap

Man Utd could be set to land another sparkling forward this summer, alongside Matheus Cunha

ByRobbie Walls Apr 22, 2025

Real Madrid are in the unfamiliar position of being underdogs ahead of their Champions League tie against Arsenal, with Los Blancos hoping to overturn a three-goal deficit.

It’s not often that the 15-time European champions are in such a bleak position, but if there is one team in Europe you wouldn’t put a miraculous comeback past, it’s Madrid.

Unfortunately for Arsenal, the Champions League (and the European Cup) has seen plenty of Real comebacks, as if there was any reminder needed that this tie is far from over.

Here, we take a look back at 8 times Real Madrid staged a Champions League comeback when all looked lost.

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ByBarney Lane Feb 12, 2025 1 Real Madrid 6-5 Derby County (aet) 1975/76 European Cup second round

Perhaps Real’s most impressive comeback in European competition, Los Blancos somehow fought back from a 4-1 first-leg defeat to win after extra time at the Santiago Bernabeu.

A hat-trick from ex-Arsenal forward Charlie George appeared to have put English champions Derby County in full control, even when Roberto Martinez (not that one) struck early in the return leg.

But quickfire second-half goals from Martinez and Santillana got Madrid within touching distance, with George’s consolation making little difference.

A late Pirri penalty set up an extra period, where Santillana got the eventual winner to finally put Real in front, 189 minutes into the tie.

2 Real Madrid 3-2 Celtic 1979/80 European Cup quarter-finals

Real were at it again as Celtic looked on the verge of securing a superb result following a 2-0 success at Parkhead.

However, the second leg saw the home side eventually take control, with Santillana’s goal on the stroke of half-time setting up a tense second period.

Following Uli Stielike’s equaliser, Real completed their comeback late on through Juanito’s late header.

3 Real Madrid 4-4 Red Star Belgrade 1986/87 European Cup quarter-finals

Having been 3-0 down at one point in the tie, Real Madrid’s away-goal victory over Red Star Belgrade is well worthy of a mention.

A brace from Hugo Sanchez gave Los Blancos a fighting chance ahead of their home leg, where they didn’t disappoint in front of their supporters.

Emilio Butragueno’s opener got the ball rolling, before a second-half header from Manolo Sanchis gave Madrid the most slender of leads.

Madrid held on to secure another comeback win, but they were beaten by Bayern Munich in the semis.

4 Real Madrid 4-3 Bayern Munich 1987/88 European Cup quarter-finals

Real Madrid got their revenge on the Bavarians a year later, even after lulling the German side into a seemingly safe 3-0 lead.

Los Blancos didn’t get on the scoresheet until 85 minutes into the first leg after a mix-up in the Bayern defence gifted Butragueno what had looked like a valuable consolation.

Real then halved the deficit at the Olympiastadion through Sanchez, allowing them to finish the job on home soil.

Finely taken goals from Milan Jankovic and Michel were enough to see Madrid through to the last four, showing once again that a Bernabeu return leg is something to be feared.

5 Real Madrid 4-1 Atletico Madrid (aet) 2013/14 Champions League final

The modern era has also had its fair share of Madrid comebacks. While Real’s recovery in the 2014 final was not from a huge deficit, it was nevertheless a game where they were moments from defeat.

Diego Godin’s goal looked to have given the La Liga champions a winner that would have secured a first Champions League triumph, but Sergio Ramos’ header deep into added time set up an extra period.

From then on, Real took control with three goals in the second half of extra time. Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo all scored to seal ‘La Decima’ for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

6 Real Madrid 3-2 Wolfsburg 2015/16 Champions League quarter-finals

Real Madrid were left shellshocked by a 2-0 defeat in Germany to an unfancied Wolfsburg side stuck in mid-table in the Bundesliga.

But Madrid turned around the tie completely within 90 minutes like it was nothing, as Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick gave Los Blancos their quarter-final berth on their way to the trophy in 2016.

Wolfsburg had chances of their own to seal it for themselves, but Ronaldo’s third – a free-kick through the visitors’ wall – handed Real yet another comeback victory.

7 Real Madrid 6-5 Man City (aet) 2021/22 Champions League semi-finals

Real were the absolute epitome of being dead and buried in their semi-final tie with Manchester City in 2022 before miraculously pulling two goals out of nowhere.

City looked set for consecutive Champions League final appearances when Riyad Mahrez had put City in front at the Bernabeu, stretching their aggregate lead to 5-3.

With time ticking into the 90th minute, Rodrygo nipped in for what would surely have been a consolation, with only six added minutes remaining.

Rodrygo only needed one more to improbably level the scores, heading in from Dani Carvajal’s cross.

Karim Benzema then finished City off in extra time as Real Madrid made another Champions League final.

8 Real Madrid 4-3 Bayern Munich 2023/24 Champions League semi-finals

By this point, Real Madrid’s never-say-die attitude in the Champions League was common knowledge, so much so that even with Bayern Munich on the verge of a semi-final victory in 2024, they never truly felt safe.

Madrid had salvaged a first-leg draw thanks to Vinicius Jr.’s penalty, but when Alphonso Davies spectacularly put Bayern in front at the Bernabeu, the Bavarians were favourites to progress to the final.

An unlikely hero in Joselu rescued Real two minutes from time, pouncing on Manuel Neuer’s mistake to level things again.

And just when the sides must have been mentally preparing for extra time, the former Newcastle United striker sent Real to Wembley after a VAR check dramatically allowed his winner to stand, cueing mass celebrations.

Real Madrid would need to perform similar heroics to repeat those scenes against Arsenal, and history seems to hint that anything is possible.

A European club now wants to make contact with a £230,000-a-week Manchester City player over a possible move this summer, according to a new report.

Kovacic confident Man City can achieve Champions League spot

The Blues had to settle for a point on Sunday afternoon against arch-rivals Manchester United, as neither side did enough to claim all three points. The Red Devils may believe they had the better of the chances as Pep Guardiola’s side struggled to gain control in the second half, but a draw was a just result.

Not just KDB: Man City must drop 4/10 star with fewer touches than Ederson

Manchester City played out a laboured 0-0 draw with arch rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 6, 2025

The point for City leaves them in fifth spot on 52 points, a point behind Chelsea and five behind Nottingham Forest. But a Newcastle United win against Leicester City would see the Blues slip out of the top five.

Despite this, midfielder Mateo Kovacic is still confident that they can secure Champions League football for next season: “We always go for the win, but we also had to be careful not to lose it because we are in a battle for the Champions League, and we need points. We could have done more going forward and creating more, but it was tough with the small spaces. We move on to the next games.

“We have to have the same mindset for the Champions League [as going for the title] because it is important that Man City are in the competition next season.

“It will be tough until the end, because there are many teams that fight for the top four, and no game in the Premier League is easy. But we are confident that we can achieve it.”

Galatasaray want to sign Man City's İlkay Gündoğan

It is expected to be a busy summer at the Etihad after Kevin De Bruyne confirmed his departure, and according to Fanatik, relayed by Sport Witness, Galatasaray want to sign Man City’s Ilkay Gundogan this summer.

The German international rejoined the Blues last summer from Barcelona, signing a one-year deal with the option of a further 12 months. However, Gundogan is expected to leave the Etihad this summer, and the Turkish giants are keen on securing a deal.

It claims that Galatasaray’s president Dursun Özbek, as well as other leaders, are looking to use the help of their sponsors and bring Gundogan as well as his teammate Kevin De Bruyne to Turkey at the end of the season.

Galatasaray, 24 time league champions in Turkey, are now expected to make contact with the agent of Gundogan in the ‘coming days’ as they look to beat any other interested teams and sign the midfielder on a free transfer.

Apps

346

Goals

62

Assists

39

The 34-year-old, who earns £230,000 a week at the Etihad, has played 27 games in the Premier League this season, 19 of which he has started, but he has failed to have the same impact he had in front of goal in the season before he left. In fact, Gundogan’s age looks to have caught up to him, and therefore, it makes sense for Pep to consider letting the midfielder leave for a second time round.

West Ham have reached out to the agents of a player who has the same representatives as Kyle Walker-Peters, with Nuno Espírito Santo’s side weighing up a January move.

West Ham's rumoured transfer plans for January

The Hammers are preparing for a crucial January window as Nuno looks to address the club’s alarming goal-scoring struggles with a significant striker signing.

Given Niclas Fullkrug is poised for the exit door next month, this could be absolutely vital to their hopes of remaining in the Premier League.

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

West Ham 3-1 Newcastle

West Ham 3-2 Burnley

Bournemouth 2-2 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Liverpool

The German forward has been a real disappointment since his arrival in 2024, which has been marred by constant spells on the sidelines through injury, and he’s failed to score a single league goal since West Ham’s 2-2 draw at home to Bournemouth in April.

Callum Wilson has filled the void brilliantly as of late, bagging three strikes in his last three games, but the Englishman’s own torrid injury history means West Ham need an alternative.

According to some reports, West Ham are in pole position to sign Union Saint-Gilloise striker Promise David in January, with the club having already made contact.

The towering 6 foot 5 forward has netted 62 goals over the past three seasons and represents exactly the type of young, powerful striker Nuno has reportedly identified as essential.

Man United’s Joshua Zirkzee has emerged as another top target, with West Ham identifying the £36.5 million forward as a potential replacement for Fullkrug.

West Ham and Tottenham get Ivan Toney response after holding discussions

The Al-Ahli striker is fielding enquiries ahead of January.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 29, 2025

Insider ExWHUemployee has also claimed that, beyond the addition of a new striker, Nuno’s side are looking at signing a new defender and midfielder in January as well.

West Ham hold talks with Tiago Gabriel's camp ahead of January

Only bottom-side Wolves have conceded more top-flight goals than the east Londoners so far this term, so their leaky backline certainly needs to be addressed.

West Ham could reignite talks over a deal for Toulouse defender Charlie Cresswell, who they came very close to signing in the summer (ExWHUemployee), but Lecce sensation Tiago Gabriel is also attracting their attention.

That is according to INews and journalist Pete Hall, who report that West Ham have made contact with Gabriel’s agents ahead of a potential January move.

The Portugal Under-21 international has impressed in Serie A, so much so that Juventus and Brentford have also held discussions with his camp about a winter transfer.

As things stand, Juve are believed to be the frontrunners for Gabriel as they look to find cover for Gleison Bremer, but West Ham may have a secret weapon.

This is because Gabriel is represented by CAA Base, the same agency that Walker-Peters employs, so the Irons seemingly enjoy a productive relationship with them already.

According to inews, the 20-year-old is currently valued at around £20 million, with Lecce looking to make a seismic profit on the £1.5 million they signed him for last January.

One of Sheffield’s own is now in the running to buy Sheffield Wednesday, according to reports, after taking a key step ahead of the December 5 deadline.

Sheffield United merger rejected

The Owls have reportedly set a soft deadline of December 5 to find a new owner and narrow their search down. So far, they’ve not been short on candidates. Several potential buyers have shown proof of funds worth £50m and some have even been shown around the club’s facilities.

The biggest headline so far has arrived courtesy of Sheffield United, however. Wednesday’s rivals reportedly enquired about buying the club and were keen to merge the two Steel City rivals together in controversial fashion.

Unsurprisingly, any talks of that merger taking place have been shut down almost as quickly as they started gathering pace. Sheffield Wednesday, like many others, are keen to keep the derby alive and kicking instead, which is set to see them turn to other candidates.

Just who wins the bidding war is the big question. Former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is reportedly among the interested parties, as is John McEvoy.

Many were quick to criticise Ashley at Newcastle in the past, but it’s worth noting that he cleared all of the Magpies’ debt. Financially speaking, he would arguably be a wise option.

Alas, it’s not just Ashley in the running. New names are now beginning to emerge and that includes Sheffield’s own Ryan Howsam. The Staysure founder has been based in Dubai in recent years, but could yet return to his home town to save his local club.

Who is Sheffield Wednesday takeover candidate Ryan Howsam?

So, is Howsam the man for the job? His impressive portfolio, which includes Avanti, PayingTooMuch, The Rock Group and several digital travel investments, certainly suggests that he’s got the funds to complete a takeover, but it would be his first venture into football.

The prospective owner has reportedly been given access to the club’s data in a key step towards potentially buying the club. He also recently told This is Money when asked about a return to England: “I would come back to the UK in a heartbeat if the environment was right.”

Sheffield Wednesday now braced for imminent "concrete" takeover bid

Things are looking up for the Owls.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 14, 2025

It would be fairly fitting for a Sheffield-born candidate to complete the takeover, but administrators would need to ignore their hearts and ensure that Howsam is the right man for the job.

Compared to someone like Ashley, Howsam is far from experienced in the world of football and the Owls simply need to steady the ship. It must also be noted that it may yet be neither of those options who emerge as frontrunners to buy the club.

With time ticking by before the December 5 deadline, Sheffield Wednesday must assess every possible option before making their final decision.

Mike Ashley position clear as Sheffield Wednesday takeover reaches final candidates

Still on the hunt for their next manager, Celtic have now reportedly been “granted permission” to take a major step towards hiring Columbus Crew boss Wilfried Nancy.

The Hoops have been in no rush to make what is a crucial decision, but the November international break has at least given them the opportunity to advance their search for a permanent long-term manager. In the meantime, of course, Martin O’Neill has been doing an excellent job as interim boss — rolling back the years to get his side back on track in the Scottish Premiership.

It’s always a sign of just how well an interim manager is doing when rumours arrive that they could yet take the job on a permanent basis and those very rumours have arrived regarding O’Neill. The 73-year-old, however, has consistently distanced himself from the role.

As impressive as he’s been, it looks unlikely that O’Neill will be taking the permanent position. Instead, it could be the likes of Kieran McKenna, Kjetil Knutsen at Bodo/Glimt or other standout options.

With the Scottish League Cup final coming up against St. Mirren on December 14, Celtic will hope to have made their all-important decision in time to be ready to seal even more silverware and perhaps the first of their manager’s tenure.

Celtic "granted permission" to take Nancy step

As reported by Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, Celtic have now been “granted permission” to speak to Nancy by current club Columbus Crew. The MLS side are not standing in the 48-year-old’s way, and he’s now set to “hold discussions” with the Bhoys as early as this weekend.

Whilst not many saw Nancy as an option at the start of Celtic’s search, his reputation in America speaks for itself. Thierry Henry, who made the 3-4-2-1 manager his assistant at Montreal, previously told reporters: “I kept him because I knew the great brain that he has.

“I knew where he wanted to go. My philosophy is very close to his philosophy, so I knew it wasn’t going to be a clash or so right from the start. One thing that was very important for me was to keep the core of the club. Wilfried was happy because of my philosophy; we played with a back three.”

Better signing than Robertson: Celtic offered chance to land £80k-p/w star

Celtic have been made aware of this star’s availability, and he would be a better signing than Andy Robertson.

1 ByDan Emery Nov 14, 2025

Following Henry’s praise and a productive career across the Atlantic thus far, it appears Nancy could well be heading to Glasgow.

Nancy alternative: Celtic can hire their own Knutsen with "unbeatable" boss