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Everton are interested in completing the signing of a young player who has been dubbed a “wonderful talent”, according to a fresh transfer claim.

Latest Everton news

The Blues built on their momentum from last week’s memorable 2-2 at home to Liverpool, winning 2-1 away to Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday evening.

David Moyes continues to do a hugely impressive job back in charge of Everton, bringing far more positive times back to the club after a doomed period under Sean Dyche. New signings will clearly be needed this summer, however, with some names mentioned as options in recent days.

Burnley centre-back Maxime Esteve has been touted as a target for the Blues come the end of the season, with the 22-year-old part of a Clarets team that has incredibly conceded just nine Championship goals in the whole of the campaign to date.

Meanwhile, West Brom midfielder Tom Fellows was linked with Everton during the January transfer window, but their late efforts to snap him up ended up being in vein. That said, a new update has said that the Merseysiders will once again be in for the Englishman when the campaign reaches its conclusion.

Everton eyeing "wonderful talent" this summer

According to reliable journalist Alan Nixon on Patreon [via One Football], Everton are “keen” on signing Rotherham United teenager Harrison Duncan.

The 16-year-old centre-back, who can also play as a number six, is seen as a player with massive potential, and the Blues could offer him a trial at Finch Farm in the near future. He has received praise from so many in his young career to date, including from Steve Evans.

“He’s a wonderful, wonderful talent, but that’s all he is right now. He’s not ready to be playing against, say, Jay Stansfield, he’s not ready on a regular basis to be playing against someone like Jonson Clarke-Harris.

“You have to think that six weeks ago this kid was 15. He’s not 17 until next August. When we have him up here to train with the boys, it’s really good for him because it will make him better.”

Despite his tender years, Duncan has already made his debut for Rotherham, coming in the EFL Trophy back in August, and it remains his only appearance for them to date. The fact that Everton are eyeing him up suggests that they see him as a future Premier League player, however, and planning for the long-term future is always so important.

The Blues are about to embark on an exciting new era in the club’s history, moving to a new stadium and looking to become a bigger powerhouse in the English game, and signing young players with high ceilings has to be an area of focus.

Moyes pushing Everton to sign £30m ace as potential Branthwaite replacement

Moyes already knows who he wants to replace Jarrad Branthwaite should he leave in the summer.

By
Brett Worthington

Feb 16, 2025

Granted, experienced heads in and around their peak are also needed, but if the Blues could acquire Duncan’s signature now, it could prove to be a masterstroke over time.

Ousmane Dembele was present at Roland Garros ahead of the fourth round, and showed off Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League trophy.

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• Dembele presents UCL trophy at French Open
• Djokovic congratulates Paris Saint-Germain
• Dembele describes the 'magic' in Munich against Inter

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Dembele and Paris Saint-Germain won their first-ever Champions League trophy in Munich after beating Inter 5-0 on Saturday evening. On Monday afternoon, the former Barcelona star and current Ballon d'Or favourite was present at the French Open at the Court Philippe-Chatrier of the Stade Roland Garros in Paris, and showed off only the second European title won by a French side.

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• WATCH THE CLIP

• AFP
  

  WHAT DEMEBLE SAID TO THE CROWD

  Speaking to the crowd, Dembele said: "Ici c'est Paris, (This is Paris). "Exceptional, it was a magic moment in Munich. We played an exceptional season and were rewarded with our first European Cup. The individual titles are fine, but it is the collective titles that matter. We will try to win as many titles as possible."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  After Dembele's Champions League presentation, Novak Djokovic took centre-stage at Court Philippe-Chatrier, and sent his congratulations to Paris Saint-Germain, as he said: "An incredible season for PSG, so congratulations to all Parisians. It was amazing to be there yesterday.

  "Two days ago, during the game I was playing, and it was a bit complicated to get to my hotel afterwards, complicated being an understatement. The roads were quite the show."

Moving stadiums can give a football team a fresh lease of life.

Whether it means allowing thousands more fans to watch games each week, reimagining the design so seats feel closer to the pitch, or providing state-of-the-art facilities for players, a new stadium can also transform a club’s fortunes.

It can enhance the matchday atmosphere, boost revenue and attract top talent, all while giving supporters a modern and exciting place to cheer on their team.

Since the Premier League began in 1992, 19 teams have played football at a new home stadium. Some have left behind historic venues, while others have embraced modern masterpieces, but not every move has been a success.

Here, we have ranked all 19 of these new stadiums based on their design, atmosphere and the memorable moments they’ve seen since the move.

Ranking the best former Premier League stadiums

With a new age of football stadia emerging since the Premier League’s beginnings in the 1990s, we have said goodbye to some truly magical venues.

By
Barney Lane

Mar 6, 2025

19

Brick Community Stadium (Wigan Athletic)

Opened: 1999

Wigan Athletic moved to the Brick Community Stadium in 1999, leaving Springfield Park. Formerly known as the JJB Stadium and then the DW Stadium, the ground has a capacity of 25,138 and features modern amenities, catering to football and rugby league events.

Wigan spent eight seasons playing Premier League football at the stadium, lifting the FA Cup in 2013.

18

MKM Stadium (Hull City)

Opened: 2002

A bit like the Brick Community Stadium, Hull City’s MKM Stadium caters for football and rugby league, serving as the home of the Tigers and Hull F.C. of the Super League.

Previously known as the KCOM Stadium, Hull City moved there in 2002 from Boothferry Park. Six years later, they achieved a historic milestone, earning promotion to the Premier League for the first time while playing at their new home.

The 10 Biggest Football Stadiums in the World (Ranked)

Football FanCast has compiled a list of the 10 biggest football stadiums in the world.

By
Luke Randall

Mar 11, 2024

17

Swansea.com Stadium (Swansea City)

Opened: 2005

Another club whose ground hosts football and rugby – this time with rugby union side Ospreys – Swansea City moved to the then-named Liberty Stadium in 2005, leaving behind Vetch Field.

Now known as the Swansea.com Stadium, it has a capacity of 21,088. While undeniably a step up from their former home in terms of facilities, it’s a little bland.

16

Cardiff City Stadium (Cardiff City)

Opened: 2009

The Cardiff City Stadium opened in 2009, replacing Ninian Park as the Welsh club’s home. Cardiff City secured promotion to the Premier League in 2013, with the stadium witnessing the celebratory 0-0 draw against Charlton Athletic that secured top-flight status.

It’s not a bad stadium, but is somewhat overshadowed by the much more impressive Millennium Stadium just down the road.

15

Gtech Community Stadium (Brentford)

Opened: 2020

Built with their Premier League ambitions in mind, Brentford moved to the Gtech Community Stadium in 2020, departing from their long-term home at Griffin Park.

Though the Bees have enjoyed remarkable success at the ground, it simply doesn’t rank highly here because of its tiny capacity of just 17,250 – which is far too small for the Premier League and a club of its stature.

All 20 Premier League stadiums ranked by atmosphere (worst to best)

Ranking all of the stadiums that the Premier League has to offer.

By
Jamie Rooke

Sep 2, 2023

14

Madejski Stadium (Reading)

Opened: 1998

Reading transitioned to the Madejski Stadium in 1998, leaving Elm Park behind. The Royals soon went on to enjoy two of the most successful seasons in their history at the ground – winning the Championship in 2005/06 before finishing eighth in the Premier League in their first top-flight season.

The stadium itself is decent, but it doesn’t particularly stand out from the crowd.

13

St Mary's Stadium (Southampton)

Opened: 2001

Southampton moved to St Mary’s Stadium in 2001 from their historic home at The Dell.

Although much larger, with a capacity of 32,384, St Mary’s lacks the unique atmosphere that made The Dell so special. Additionally, its location on the outskirts of Southampton can make it feel somewhat detached from the heart of the city, affecting the matchday experience.

12

Pride Park (Derby County)

Opened: 1997

Derby County moved to Pride Park in 1997 from the Baseball Ground.

Strangely enough, it was actually designed to resemble the Riverside Stadium, which opened a couple of years prior – and it has turned out to be quite similar: a large, modern and tidy-looking stadium that often lacks a strong atmosphere, and aesthetically speaking, doesn’t leave a particularly lasting impression.

11

Riverside Stadium (Middlesbrough)

Opened: 1995

With a capacity of 34,742, Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium, which the club moved to in 1995 from Ayresome Park, is currently one of the biggest in the United Kingdom outside the Premier League.

However, big isn’t always better, as the stadium can sometimes feel a bit too vast, especially when not full. Still, it looks quite nice and was home to Boro’s historic run to the UEFA Cup final in 2006.

10

Toughsheet Community Stadium (Bolton Wanderers)

Opened: 1997

Once home to legendary players like Jay-Jay Okocha, Youri Djorkaeff and Ivan Campo, the Toughsheet Community Stadium, formerly the Reebok Stadium, became Bolton Wanderers’ home in 1997 after their move from Burnden Park.

During the club’s peak years in the Premier League, the ground was often regarded as a fortress, with Bolton regularly finishing in mid-table and competing in European competitions.

Liverpool and Barcelona are believed to be battling to complete the free signing of a “clinical” attacking player this summer, according to a fresh transfer claim.

Liverpool's centre forward issues this season

The Reds are still smarting after their 2-1 loss to Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final on Sunday, on a hugely disappointing afternoon for Arne Slot and his players.

Liverpool’s performance at Wembley was flat from the off, and as has been the case too often this season, not enough impact came from the centre forward position. Diogo Jota couldn’t get into the game and is generally struggling for form at the moment, not scoring since the 1-1 draw away to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League in January.

The Portuguese is far from the Reds’ only issue in that area, however, with Darwin Nunez still far from the complete striker that Liverpool hoped he would become when they signed him from Benfica in the summer of 2022.

Meanwhile, Luis Diaz has had his moments in a new central role when used there this season, but too often, he has also looked like a square peg in a round hole, playing better in his preferred left-sided position. For that reason, a new striker is needed at the end of the season, and it looks like the Merseysiders are trying to snap up a prolific marksman.

Liverpool battling to sign 107-goal striker

According to a report from Spain, Liverpool are tussling with Barcelona to sign Lille star Jonathan David in the summer window, with the Frenchman available on a free transfer once this campaign reaches its conclusion.

The Reds see him as a “perfect option to complement their offensive stars”, with the update adding that they “could benefit from his ability to quickly adapt to the Premier League, given his versatility and knack for performing under pressure.”

David could be a fantastic option to lead the line for Liverpool moving forward, having been such an impressive performer for Lille, scoring 107 goals in 224 appearances.

The 24-year-old has also shone for Canada, netting 31 times in just 59 caps for his country, while football talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed his “clinical” nature as one of many key attributes in the past.

A new centre forward is a must for Liverpool in the summer, and with David, it is hard to find many negatives to them bringing him in as their striker of choice.

His worst display in Liverpool red: 3/10 star was even worse than Jota

Arne Slot’s abject Liverpool side were defeated by Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final.

By
Angus Sinclair

Mar 16, 2025

The fact that he would come in on a free makes it an added bonus, and given his age and all-round profile, he has the potential to be the next attacking star at Anfield.

The MLS side has confirmed that "a significant number" of club members have contracted a gastrointestinal illness after their trip to Mexico

• Team cancelled Wednesday training with players on individualized recovery programs
• Several players already unavailable due to national team callups for upcoming fixtures
• Incident follows similar situation with Crew before 2024 Champions Cup final in Mexico

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT HAPPENED

  The Vancouver Whitecaps announced on Thursday that a significant number of players and staff members are dealing with a gastrointestinal illness after traveling to Mexico City for the CONCACAF Champions Cup final against Cruz Azul. The club cancelled its scheduled training session on Wednesday and conducted only a modified individual session on Thursday for players who had been medically cleared. The Whitecaps medical staff has implemented individualized recovery programs for affected personnel as they attempt to prepare for Sunday's scheduled MLS match against the Seattle Sounders.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  This incident bears striking similarities to what Columbus Crew experienced before their CONCACAF Champions Cup final in Mexico last year. For the Whitecaps, the illness outbreak compounds what has already been a difficult period, as the 5-0 defeat to Cruz Azul on Saturday ended their impressive 15-game unbeaten streak across all competitions. The team was already shorthanded due to international call-ups, as nine players have left the squad to join their national teams.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Ali Ahmed, Sam Adekugbe, Jayden Nelson, Sebastian Berhalter, Brian White, Pedro Vite, Andrés Cubas, Giuseppe Bovalina, Tate Johnson are the nine players away from the team for international duty.

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  WHAT’S NEXT?

  The Vancouver Whitecaps face the Seattle Sounders on June 8, and the club faces a tight timeline to determine if enough players will be healthy for Sunday's scheduled match.

All roads lead to Bilbao in the Europa League, with Manchester United bidding to ensure that this drab season can end with a flourish, having been drawn against Lyon in the quarter-final stage.

A third trophy in three years for the Red Devils would certainly help to paper over the cracks of the club’s dire Premier League form, although, as manager Ruben Amorim has already admitted, any European glory would not be enough to “save” their season.

Regardless of what happens on the continent, work is seemingly already being done behind the scenes ahead of what is yet another vital summer transfer window.

Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven were acquired in January, while 17-year-old wing-back, Diego Leon, is set to arrive at the end of the season, after agreeing a £3m move from his native Paraguay earlier this year.

With departures expected – including the likes of Victor Lindelof and Christian Eriksen – Amorim’s ranks will need to be bolstered, with rumours already rife regarding the business that could be done over the coming months.

Latest on Man Utd's transfer search

It has been noteworthy in recent times that rarely have the Red Devils recruited from within the Premier League, with Erik ten Hag’s tenure notably seeing a raft of Eredivisie arrivals make the move to Old Trafford.

Since signing the likes of Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka in 2019, the only senior signing – excluding academy moves, loans and free transfers such as Eriksen and Jonny Evans – to have come from another top-flight club is Mason Mount, with the Englishman joining on an initial £55m deal from Chelsea in 2023.

While that deal has backfired amid Mount’s injury woes – and his return of just one goal to date – it could be wise to once again attempt to cherry-pick the best in the division. Think landing a teenage Wayne Rooney from Everton back in 2004.

That scenario could be set to repeat itself, if recent reports are to be believed, with the Daily Mail reporting that United are among a raft of Premier League clubs to have begun working on a deal for Southampton’s Tyler Dibling.

As per the report, 17 top-flight sides have lodged an enquiry in their bid to land the 19-year-old sensation this summer, albeit with the Old Trafford outfit holding the trump card, due to Jason Wilcox’s connection to the Saints after serving as director of football at St Mary’s previously.

Transfer Focus

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

The piece indicates that United have already sent scouts to watch the England U19 international of late, with the race now on to see just who will win the battle for his signature.

Why Man Utd could be chasing their next Rooney

As alluded to above, at the peak of their powers under Sir Alex Ferguson, the Red Devils were able to poach the very best that the division had to offer, be it Dimitar Berbatov, Robin van Persie, or indeed, a young Rooney.

After two years in the first-team at Goodison Park, ‘Wazza’ – fresh off the back of his Euro 2004 exploits – was snapped up by Ferguson and co on a £27m deal, with United’s faith in that 18-year-old superstar duly rewarded amid his eventual rise to being the club’s all-time top scorer.

The former England skipper was something of a freak talent, it must be said, yet the aforementioned Dibling could well be on a similar trajectory, having been a firm fixture of Southampton’s first team in recent years, despite his youth.

Handed his senior debut back in 2023, the teenage winger has particularly caught the eye in a dismal Saints side this season, notably starring against United on his first Premier League start back in September, after winning a penalty following a foul from Diogo Dalot.

While, unlike Rooney, Dibling is an England youth star rather than a central figure in the senior Three Lions side, it is telling that he has already solidified a regular role for himself at club level, particularly at a time when teenagers are not so readily thrown into the mix.

A return of four goals and two assists so far this term in all competitions is encouraging for the Exeter-born starlet, with it no surprise that he has earned rave reviews, having been hailed as an “unreal talent” by analyst Ben Mattinson.

In a way, he does possess that almost street footballer vibe that a teenage Rooney also had, with Dibling catching the eye with his low socks and innate dribbling ability. Indeed, he ranks in the top 7% of Premier League midfielders for progressive carries and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90.

A “world-class talent” – in the view of Southampton academy manager, Andy Goldie – the silky sensation looks destined for the top, with it set to be intriguing to see if he can follow in Rooney’s footsteps and shine at an elite club like United, should a deal get done.

Van Nistelrooy 2.0: Man Utd offered chance to sign "best CF on the market"

Man Utd can finally end their search for a proven number one

1

By
Robbie Walls

Mar 25, 2025

The mayor of Melbourne has told Tottenham to reappoint Ange Postecoglou and accused them of being "allergic to silverware".

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• Mayor of Melbourne on Postecoglou sacking
• Tells club to reappoint manager
• Says they could become "allergic to silverware"

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Postecoglou, who grew up in Melbourne, was sacked by Tottenham last week despite winning the Europa League with the club, ending their 17-year wait for silverware. And his local mayor has insisted that the club reconsider.

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• WHAT THE MAYOR SAID

  Mayor Nicholas Reece posted on Instagram: "On behalf of the people of Melbourne, and Premier League fans around the world, I call on Tottenham Hotspur to reconsider its decision to sack coach Ange Postecoglou. Never underestimate Ange’s determination to win, and his ability to carry teams to greatness. We have seen this time again over his career. This year Tottenham made history by winning the Europa League trophy – its first such win in 17 years. We will see further trophies if Ange is given the chance. Don’t let Tottenham be known as the team that is allergic to silverware."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Postecoglou spent the majority of his playing career at South Melbourne before managing both them and Melbourne Victory. He has since taken charge of Yokohama F. Marinos, Celtic and Tottenham – but is now searching for his next job.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR TOTTENHAM?

  Tottenham look set to replace Postecoglou with Brentford boss Thomas Frank. It has been reported that a £10 million deal has been struck between the clubs and an official announcement is imminent.

Celtic got a glimpse of what life could look like after club captain Callum McGregor moves on from Parkhead when he was absent for the loss to their city rivals last weekend.

The Hoops were beaten 3-2 by Rangers at Paradise in the Scottish Premiership, cutting their lead at the top down to 13 points, and it came with Belgian starlet Arne Engels in the number six position.

An attack-minded midfielder by trade, the former Augsburg man did not control the game in the middle of the park – losing four of his five ground duels in total.

McGregor has won 58% of his ground duels and completed an eye-catching 94% of his passes in the Premiership this season, which suggests that the Hoops missed his presence against the Gers as Engels failed to offer the same mixture of strength and composure.

Brendan Rodgers may look to address that position in the summer transfer window to ensure that he has competition and depth in that area, potentially looking to replicate what his squad looked like during his first spell.

Between 2016 and 2019, Celtic had a younger McGregor as well as impressive defensive midfielder Nir Bitton at the base of the midfield as an option.

Why Nir Bitton was an important player for Rodgers

The Israel international made 67 appearances in less than three seasons under the Northern Irish head coach, but he was not signed by the former Liverpool and Leicester City chief.

Celtic signed him from FC Ashdod in the summer of 2013 and got nine years of service out of the versatile star, who caught the eye under several managers – including Rodgers.

The 6 foot 4 colossus made 39 appearances in all competitions in Rodgers’ first season at Parkhead in the 2016/17 campaign, starting all of his matches as a defensive or central midfielder.

Interestingly, however, all 16 of his starts in the following season came as a centre-back – even starting in that role against Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

As you can see in the table above, Bitton had plenty of experience as both a defensive midfielder and a centre-back during his nine-year stay in Glasgow.

This shows that the towering titan offered positional and tactical flexibility to Rodgers because he could play as part of a midfield three or two, or in the defence in a four or a three. This allowed the manager to change the system and tactics mid-game without making any substitutions, because Bitton could alter his role on the pitch due to his versatility.

The Celtic boss could, now, find his next version of the Israel international by swooping to sign a player the club are reportedly targeting this summer.

Celtic targeting defensive midfield star

According to Football Insider, the Scottish Premiership leaders are planning to bolster their options in the middle of the park in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Hoops are plotting a ‘busy’ summer of business because Rodgers has called on the owners to improve the squad in order to push the team to the next level in the 2025/26 campaign.

Football Insider reveals that Guingamp defensive midfielder Kalidou Sidibe is one of the names on their shortlist, as they plot a swoop for his services later this year.

Rodgers is eyeing the 26-year-old star in what could be a ‘cut-price’ deal due to his contract situation with the French club. The former PSG midfielder’s current deal with Guingamp is until the summer of 2026, which means that he will only have a year left on it at the end of this season.

Transfer Focus

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

This means that the Ligue 2 outfit could be tempted to cash in on the French colossus this summer unless they can agree to fresh terms with him, which could open the door for the Scottish giants to swoop in with an offer.

Why Kalidou Sidibe would be the next Nir Bitton for Celtic

Rodgers must push for the club to get a deal done for Sidibe when the summer transfer window opens for business because he has the quality and the versatility to become the manager’s new Nir Bitton at Parkhead next season.

Firstly, the 26-year-old star has a similar physical frame and could offer the same presence at the base of the midfield, as he stands at a staggering 6 foot 7, even taller than the 6 foot 4 former Celtic titan.

Secondly, Sidibe has started 88 times as a defensive midfielder and 20 times as a centre-back in his club career to date, which suggests that he shares Bitton’s positional flexibility.

This means that Rodgers, as he did with the Israel international, could use him in a multitude of ways as part of a midfield or defensive structure, thanks to his ability to play in either role.

Finally, his performances in Ligue 2 for Guingamp this season suggest that he has some excellent attributes that could make him an interesting stand-in for McGregor when needed next term and beyond.

As you can see in the table above, Sidibe has outperformed McGregor in several categories this season, winning more duels and making more tackles and interceptions, despite being dribbled past less often.

This suggests that the French colossus could offer more defensive security in that role when required, as he does not get beaten by opposition players as easily in duels and makes more defensive interventions each match.

Therefore, Sidibe could become Bitton 2.0 for Rodgers by offering a similar option in the squad as a versatile and towering defensive midfielder who can step in for McGregor, or alongside him, when needed.

It is now down to the recruitment team to ensure that they win the race to land the 6 foot 7 titan when the summer transfer window opens for business later this year.

Not Maeda or Kuhn: Celtic's "amazing" star should be the Player of the Year

This Celtic star should be the Player of the Year over both Nicolas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda.

By
Dan Emery

Mar 21, 2025

Nottingham Forest fans have been handed a new contract update on Nuno Espírito Santo ahead of their return to top flight action after two weeks off.

Forest keen to land new striker as summer planning begins

It has been an exceptional season for Forest and star striker Chris Wood, but the New Zealand international is not getting any younger, and if European football is secured for next season, then he is going to need some help at the top end of the pitch.

Nottingham Forest table £50m bid to sign striker and want deal done quickly

The Tricky Trees have made a huge offer for a “fantastic” forward.

By
Dominic Lund

Mar 31, 2025

The Reds are already scouring the market for potential options to strengthen their forward line, with Brentford’s Yoane Wissa a player they wanted to sign in January and remain interested in heading into the summer. Wissa may be considered a cheap option for Forest, as he could be available for just £20 million this summer.

Meanwhile, the Premier League highflyers continue to be linked with a move for Matheus Cunha, who now looks set to leave Wolves after this campaign. Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres have also emerged as surprise options in recent weeks, as well as Liverpool’s Darwin Núñez, who Forest have reportedly made a £50 million offer to sign.

The Reds believe he can be a key player at the City Ground despite the fact he is not wanted at Anfield anymore.

Marinakis doing everything to secure Nuno contract extension

The Reds are already putting plans in place for the summer transfer window and next season, and part of those plans will include a new deal for Nuno. According to Football Insider, Nottingham Forest are desperately trying to agree a new contract as he nears the final year of his deal.

The report states that Forest are ‘desperate’ to agree to a new deal with Nuno, as he will enter the final year of his deal at the City Ground this summer after signing two-and-a-half-year terms when he arrived in 2023. It goes on to add that Marinakis and the club are ‘doing everything they can’ to sign Nuno to a long-term deal.

It has been an excellent campaign for Forest so far this season, and it has the potential to get even better, as the Reds are in the FA Cup semi-finals and have a great chance of securing a place in next season’s Champions League. Nuno has been at the heart of the success, and it is only right that the club look to secure his long-term future before a club comes sniffing around the Portuguese tactician.

If a new deal is secured, it can lay the foundation that Nuno is committed to the cause, and therefore, current players should be, as they also look to agree a new deal with Neco Williams.

It doesn’t state how long the deal will be, but given how well the season has gone, it could be a three-year deal at the very least. The Forest boss will hope the speculation around his future won’t derail their campaign, as they still have work to do in the league.

Premier League fans went berserk after learning that there might not be any matches on Boxing Day in the 2025-26 season.

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• PL fixtures announced on Wednesday
• No matches currently scheduled on Boxing Day
• Fans angry for scrapping age-old tradition

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Premier League announced the schedule for the 2025-26 campaign on Wednesday. The season will kick off on August 15 with reigning champions Liverpool taking on Bournemouth. The highlight of the opening game week, however, will be the high-octane clash between Manchester United and Arsenal on August 17. Once the schedule was out, fans were quick to spot that not a single game was scheduled for Boxing Day, contrary to tradition.

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• Getty Images
  

  THE EXPLAINATION

  Explaining the lack of games, the Premier League reiterated its commitment to giving players ample rest during the busy month of December, although it did hint at shifting a couple of fixtures to December 26 for live broadcast. A statement from the league read: "In keeping with our commitment to providing a greater rest period over the Christmas and New Year period, no club will be requested to play less than 48 hours between Match Rounds 18 and 19 (December 27 and December 30).

  "Matches in Round 18 (December 27) are available for movement to Boxing Day for live broadcast selection. Each club has a home match on either 27 December or 3 January, with travel reduced on 27 December and 30 December."

• WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  Fans vented their frustrations at the decision on social media, with the age-old tradition of a packed Boxing Day schedule effectively scrapped.

  X handle HLTCO wrote: "The game actually is gone this time."

  Billy Dunmore posted: "This is quite honestly and sincerely a f*cking massive disgrace."

  A fan with the handle @Salahenjoyer11 wrote: "Na my beautiful sport is gone."

  Manchester United fan Mark Goldbridge wrote: "No Boxing Day fixtures in the Prem this year….they're changing the game. Another tradition gone."

  Ade Met wrote: "Hope it gets moved. It’s actually irritating to have two home fixtures within a few days after Xmas. My daughter will miss both and she’s gutted!"

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Two Premier League sides, Chelsea and Manchester City, are currently in action in the Club World Cup in the US. The Blues began their journey earlier this week with a 2-0 win over LAFC. City, on the other hand, are currently in action against Wydad AC.