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Newcastle United are now firmly out the other side of a whirlwind summer transfer window.

The main obvious talking point towards the end of the hectic window that clouded over every Toon conversation was Alexander Isak’s future, with the superstar Swede eventually moving on to Premier League rivals Liverpool in a staggering £125m deal on deadline day, after a well-known refusal to line up for the Magpies again.

Eddie Howe’s men thankfully bounced back from this expected departure by adding two new strikers to their camp late on, with the hope that both Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade can immediately hit the ground running, having cost a pretty penny to bring them both in.

What Wissa & Woltemade can offer Newcastle

Replacing a striker of Isak’s unbelievable quality was always going to be a tricky task.

However, Howe and Co. will pray that throwing both Wissa and Woltemade into the mix will make their former star-man’s absence feel less obvious, with Wissa especially well-versed in what it takes to succeed in the demanding Premier League.

Indeed, the 29-year-old – who cost an excessive £55m to bring in – already has 45 Premier League strikes next to his name when lining up for Brentford, with the Congolese attacker no doubt chomping at the bit to score goals by the bucket load at his new employers, after missing Newcastle’s weekend clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers owing to injury.

New £69m recruit Woltemade might well have to lead from the front, therefore, if Wissa is stricken with injury, with more pressure on the former Stuttgart man’s shoulders, arguably, considering he has never stepped foot onto English soil in his career to date.

He certainly knows where the goal is, though, when assessing his red-hot Bundesliga numbers from last season, with 13 strikes coming his way from just 28 starts.

It will just be whether Woltemade can immediately leap into the Premier League in style, with his bumper price tag upping the pressure levels on his shoulders. He has, of course, lessened that strain immediately when heading home a debut effort against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out.

The worry will still be that Howe’s side might well have overpaid for both these attackers in their desperation to fill their Isak-shaped hole, with this consistent first-team star at St James’ Park coming in with a heftier valuation, despite all the fanfare surrounding Newcastle’s two new major purchases.

The "monster" worth more than Wissa & Woltemade

Newcastle have spent big all summer long away from the additions of Wissa and Woltemade, with Anthony Elanga costing an inflated £55m to further bolster the Magpies’ new-look attack.

According to Football Transfers, however, Isak’s fellow compatriot is already worth a slightly lesser £51m, with both Wissa and Woltemade also falling victim to reduced values when using the same site.

Staggeringly, the ex-Bees forward’s value has already dropped all the way down to a meagre £22m when weighed up next to Elanga’s value, with that amount more in line with Newcastle’s original valuation of the 29-year-old, which stood at £30m, before Brentford drove a harder bargain.

Moreover, Newcastle could well have splashed more cash than they needed to with Woltemade as well, with the lethal ex-Stuttgart man worth just £32m, a far cry away from his high £69m valuation.

Amazingly, when judging all these new values, Newcastle fan favourite Joelinton even has a bigger transfer worth next to his name, which is arguably a testament to how vital the Brazilian has been to Howe’s cause over the past few seasons, even when many fresh faces have arrived through the door.

When first joining the Magpies ranks, many might have worried that the former Hoffenheim man was going to be known as an extortionate waste of cash, having struggled to initially settle after a whopping £40m was forked out to win his services.

Now, however, the South American “monster” – as he was once labelled by journalist Liam Kennedy – is a guaranteed starter when fit, with his value not wavering too far away from the millions originally spent on his services back in 2019.

Joelinton’s valuation now comes in at a slightly lesser £35m, which isn’t as dramatic a dip as Wissa and Woltemade have immediately experienced, with the 29-year-old keen to add even more goals and assists to his Toon back catalogue to help Howe and Co. surge up the early Premier League standings.

Joelinton’s Newcastle record

Stat

Joelinton

Games played

224

Goals scored

29

Assists

21

Trophies

1x

Original value

£40m

Value now

£35m

Sourced by Transfermarkt/Football Transfers

Having missed some games already this season through his own injury difficulties, the St. James’ Park faithful will be keen to see Joelinton back in the starting XI moving forward, knowing his added presence could see Newcastle kick on, as much as both Wissa and Woltemade can also be difference-makers.

Related Newcastle can get Woltemade hitting Isak levels by unleashing "unsung hero"

Newcastle United take on Wolves at St. James’ Park as they look to get their season up and running.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Sep 13, 2025

Newcastle United reached new levels of success under Eddie Howe’s wing last season, but there’s no denying that they have been buffeted by the summer transfer window.

It’s been a testing period for those of a Toon persuasion, but it’s important to acknowledge the trophy-winning success of 2024/25, having won the Carabao Cup and qualified for the Champions League through the Premier League.

And while Newcastle failed to win their opening game of the new league campaign, they played well at Villa Park and left with a point, having lacked the presence of an out-and-out frontman, Anthony Gordon deputising at number nine.

Gordon is a fantastic player who will continue to star for the Tynesiders over the coming years, but he’s not a goalscoring striker.

Newcastle, as is no surprise, need to sign replacements up top, with the truant Alexander Isak showing no desire to return to Howe’s squad.

Newcastle searching for Isak replacement

Newcastle signed Isak from Real Sociedad for a club-record £63m fee in 2022, and he has since gone from strength to strength to be regarded as “the best striker in the Premier League” by the likes of Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher.

But he’s headed for the exit, it would seem, having intimated to the Newcastle hierarchy that he has no intention of rejoining Howe’s squad, and only wants to sign for Liverpool.

Newcastle need to sign two strikers, though. There is optimism that a deal will be concluded for Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, but the DR Congo striker was never considered Isak’s potential replacement, and instead, an upgrade on Callum Wilson.

The likes of Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson and long-time transfer target Goncalo Ramos are on the club’s radar, but whether either are deemed appropriate to succeed Isak remains to be seen.

However, there’s another Premier League talent who has been earmarked, with discussions between the clubs rumoured to be in the works.

Newcastle in talks for new striker

As per David Ornstein of The Athletic, Newcastle are holding discussions over the possible signing of Jørgen Strand Larsen via intermediaries.

The Norwegian frontman spent last season on loan at Molineux but only became a fully-fledged Wolverhampton Wanderers player at the beginning of July.

Even so, he is on the Magpies’ shortlist, though it would take a considerable offer to convince Wolves to part with the goalscorer, who has been valued at around £65m.

Why Newcastle want Strand Larsen

The 6 foot 4 Strand Larsen proved an industrious and effective outlet for Wolves last season, standing firm and tall as a focal point from which the likes of Matheus Cunha could use to create and link play together.

Strand Larsen’s 14-goal, five-assist return across the Premier League campaign bespeaks his potential, having only the year before plied his trade in Spain with Celta Vigo.

His 60% success rate in hitting the target put him among the top 1% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for that metric, and with a bit more confidence behind his powerful strikes, there’s every reason that the Norwegian could be fashioned into a superstar at St. James’ Park.

With the likes of Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga blending their blistering speed and dynamic movements down the flanks, the Old Gold centre-forward would not need to play the flashy role under Howe’s tutelage, but rather, provide Newcastle with a clinical presence in the final third.

Gordon has spoken of his struggles last season, but how he has since rekindled the fire in his belly and is ready to return to the form that saw him crowned Newcastle’s Player of the Year for 2023/24, having notched 21 goal involvements in the Premier League.

Matches (starts)

35 (34)

34 (28)

Goals

11

6

Assists

10

5

Shots (on target)*

2.3 (0.9)

1.7 (0.6)

Pass completion

82%

81%

Key passes*

1.6

1.5

Big chances created

16

6

Dribbles*

1.5

1.1

Ball recoveries*

3.6

2.9

Tackles + interceptions*

1.8

1.1

Duels (won)*

5.3 (49%)

4.4 (52%)

That kind of electric dribbling and unrelenting chance creation bodes well for a striker of Strand Larsen’s ilk, especially when Toon legend Alan Shearer has already singled him out as being a frustrating adversary for Premier League defenders.

After one display against Ipswich Town, Shearer said: “He was a nuisance. His hold-up play was excellent and I thought his touch and his control were superb.”

Such coolness in the final third would allow Gordon to shift in and play neat one-twos so he can strike on goal himself, too. And what’s more, the same could be replicated with the rip-roaring Elanga on the alternate wing.

Elanga, 24, has declared himself to be “one of the fastest players in the league,” and after two years of work under Nuno Espirito Santo in a counter-attacking Forest side, he will have perfected the art of swift transitional play.

This should see him dovetail into Newcastle’s first team, having impressed on his league debut for the outfit on Saturday, completing 23 sprints, winning five duels and making two key passes.

It’s clear, however, that Elanga works better with a strong forward in the centre – see his connection with Chris Wood at the City Ground, for example – and Strand Larsen could surely play that role, brawny, aerially efficient and composed with the ball at his feet.

While Strand Larsen doesn’t appear to be the first-choice pick for Newcastle as the end of the transfer window looms large, he’s proven in the Premier League and stands below a high ceiling indeed. He would be a credit to the squad, completing an exciting and multi-faceted frontline.

Howe's next Gordon: Newcastle make move to sign "exceptional" £26m star

Newcastle expect to complete a flurry of signings before the end of the transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 18, 2025

With seven goals conceded, one goal scored and no points on the board, it would be fair to say that West Ham United’s Premier League season has got off to just about the worst start possible.

Graham Potter’s side looked utterly hopeless on Friday night, were played through with ease and are in desperate need of some serious steel in the middle of the park, someone like Declan Rice.

While things didn’t always go his way in East London, the former Hammers captain was determination personified, and if he were still in the side, we do not doubt that the situation would be far better at present.

Fortunately, while the Englishman is plying his trade elsewhere in the capital, it now looks like West Ham are eyeing a late move for someone who could be their new Rice.

West Ham target their new Declan Rice

West Ham’s midfield situation was not great heading into the summer, and in recent weeks it has only got worse.

Transfer Focus

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

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After a couple of rather uninspiring campaigns, Mexican international Edson Alvarez has left the club to join Fenerbahçe on a season-long loan with an option to buy.

The departure of the former Ajax star has left an already leggy-looking midfield in even greater need of reinforcement, specifically with younger, more energetic players.

Fortunately, the club seem to have realised the same thing, as they appear to have identified the perfect recruit, someone who could be their new Rice.

At least that is according to a recent report from Foot Mercato, which has claimed West Ham are still very interested in Soungoutou Magassa.

The report reaffirms previous claims that the Hammers made an offer of around €16m for the Frenchman, about £14m, but that Nottingham Forest have made an even better offer of €17m, about £15m, and that Atalanta are now interested as well.

It looks like the Irons are going to have something of a battle on their hands to land the AS Monaco ace, but he seems like he’d be worth it, especially as he could be their new Rice.

Why Magassa could be West Ham's new Rice

Now, while fans obviously shouldn’t expect Magassa to be on the same level as Rice to begin with, there are some apparent similarities between the two.

The first is that, like the former West Ham captain, the young Frenchman first started as an impressive centre-back, before slowly moving up the pitch and finding his best position at the base of midfield, as a six.

Therefore, if he does end up making the move to East London before the window slams shut next week, he’d be doing so to fill in where the Englishman thrived during his time at the club.

However, the similarities go deeper than just a position, as, just like the former Irons star, the tremendously “effortlessly” brilliant Monaco ace, as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, is both a monstrous presence in the midfield and a technician with the ball.

We can clearly see these two parts of his game when examining some of his outstanding underlying numbers.

Magassa’s Scout Report

Statistics

Per 90

Percentile

Dribblers Tackled

1.88

Top 1%

Ball Recoveries

7.59

Top 1%

Tackles (Mid 3rd)

1.81

Top 2%

Dribbles Challenged

3.62

Top 2%

Tkl+Int

5.22

Top 2%

Tackles

3.48

Top 3%

Interceptions

1.74

Top 4%

Passes Blocked

1.39

Top 6%

Switches

0.77

Top 7%

Through Balls

0.42

Top 10%

Blocks

1.74

Top 10%

Successful Take-Ons

1.11

Top 12%

Tackles (Def 3rd)

1.25

Top 14%

Touches (Mid 3rd)

42.70

Top 14%

Passes into Final Third

5.78

Top 18%

Tackles Won

1.60

Top 18%

All Stats via FBref

For example, when it comes to the defensive side of the game, FBref ranks him in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe for ball recoveries, the top 2% for tackles plus interceptions and the top 6% for passes blocked per 90.

When it comes to his ability with the ball, he’s ranked in the top 7% of midfielders for switches, the top 10% for through balls and the top 12% for successful take-ons, also all per 90.

Finally, despite still being so young, Mattinson has described the midfielder as being “composed when under pressure” and someone who has a “forward-thinking mindset,” which sounds an awful lot like the former Hammers star.

Ultimately, West Ham need young and dynamic midfield reinforcements this summer, and even though he’s not reached his full potential just yet, Magassa looks like he’d be the perfect addition, especially as he could be the club’s next Rice.

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Posts 2 ByKelan Sarson Aug 25, 2025

He was reported for a suspect action during a county game in September and subsequent testing found his action to be illegal

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Dec-2024

Shakib Al Hasan will need to undergo independent reassessment to be cleared to bowl again by the ECB•Getty Images

Shakib Al Hasan has been suspended from bowling in all competitions organised by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), after his action was found illegal at independent testing at Loughborough University earlier this month. Shakib’s action had been called into question by the umpires in September, in his one-off appearance for Surrey in the County Championship.To overturn the suspension, Shakib will need to pass an independent reassessment of his action – that is, his degree of elbow extension in testing will need to be below the 15-degree threshold laid out in the regulations.The suspension is officially dated from December 10, the date when the ECB received the results of the assessment from Loughborough University.Shakib claimed nine wickets in that match for Surrey in Taunton in September, his first appearance in county cricket since 2010-11.Of late, Shakib’s career has been marred by controversy stemming from his role as a Member of Parliament in the now overturned Awami League government in Bangladesh, following protests in which several hundred civilians – mostly university students – were killed in July and August. He has retired from T20Is and eventually withdrew from travelling to Bangladesh (he is based in the USA with his family) for what would have been his farewell Test in Mirpur in October, as protests – for and against him – were staged in Dhaka. He has not played international cricket since then.

There was a lot of overnight rain and some morning drizzle before play was called off

Ekanth12-Sep-2024Unrelenting rain has had the final say in Greater Noida yet again as play was called off before the scheduled start time for the second consecutive day. It leaves the first ever Test between Afghanistan and New Zealand on the brink of a washout, without a single ball bowled.”There has been more than 1200 mm of rain over seven days,” the broadcaster said as the fourth day’s play was abandoned. “The scale of rainfall has made it absolutely impossible for cricket today. We are going to come back on day five just in case, but the reality is there will be absolutely no prospect of play. We can’t envisage anything else but an abandonment very early tomorrow morning.”There were covers laid out over the majority of the ground and they were drenched from overnight rain. Some of the water poured over into the outfield forming a few puddles. Players from both teams remained in their hotels, which like the grim visuals, was a feature on Wednesday too. As was play being called off at 9.15am with the toss yet to take place.There have been three previous instances of play being abandoned for four days (not the first four days) in the past decade: India vs South Africa in Bengaluru in 2015, Bangladesh vs South Africa in Dhaka in 2015 and West Indies vs India in Port of Spain in 2016.Seven Tests have been abandoned, without a ball being bowled, in the history of men’s cricket, the last of which was in 1998, in Dunedin, between India and New Zealand.This is Afghanistan’s 10th Test match since they were given Full Member status in 2017. For New Zealand, the one-off Test marks the start of their subcontinent expedition which includes two Tests in Sri Lanka followed by three in India. Unlike those five fixtures, this one is not part of the World Test Championship.

يلعب نادي ليفربول مع مضيفه بيرنلي في الوقت الحالي، وذلك لحساب منافسات الجولة الرابعة من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، حيث يقام اللقاء على ملعب تورف مور.

ولا تزال النتيجة تشير إلى التعادل السلبي بدون أهداف، حيث يشوب المباراة الكثير من الحذر وسط استحواذ لاعبي ليفربول دون تشكيل خطورة واضحة على مرمى بيرنلي.

طالع .. 4 إصابات تضرب أتلتيكو مدريد قبل مواجهة ليفربول في دوري أبطال أوروبا

وشهدت مباراة اليوم حالة طرد، حيث تم إقصاء لاعب نادي بيرنلي، شيموانيا أوجوشوكو بالبطاقة الحمراء، وذلك في الدقيقة 84.

وجاءت حالة الطرد بعدما عرقل أوجوشوكو نجم نادي ليفربول، فلوريان فيرتز، على حدود منطقة الجزاء في احتكاك قوي بين اللاعبين.

وأسفر الاحتكاك عن سقوط فيرتز، مما جعل حكم اللقاء لا يتردد في إشهار البطاقة الصفراء الثانية لأوجوشوكو ومن ثم الطرد.

ولم يستطع ليفربول الاستفادة من الطرد حيث تستمر المباراة حتى الآن على واقع التعادل السلبي دون التمكن من التسجيل في مرمى بيرنلي.

ودفع مدرب ليفربول، آرني سلوت، بتشكيلة الريدز الأساسية باستثناء غياب الكسندر إيزاك القادم من صفوف نيوكاسل يونايتد في ظل عدم جاهزيته.

Harry Brook has been handed his first taste of captaincy since his England Under-19 days, after taking over from Wayne Parnell at Northern Superchargers for this year’s men’s Hundred.The appointment is a significant step up for Brook, 25, who is seen as a potential successor to Jos Buttler as England’s white-ball captain, in the wake of their disappointing World Cup defences across 50 and 20 overs in recent months.His prior captaincy experience included leading the Under-19 team in their World Cup campaign in New Zealand in 2018, but he has been given the chance to lead Superchargers by their incoming head coach, Andrew Flintoff, who has been working with the England white-ball team in an assistant capacity in recent months.”It’s an honour to captain Northern Superchargers, and I’m really excited for it,” Brook said. “It’s always special to play at Headingley and to represent the area, and to do that as captain in the Hundred this year will be extra special.”Brook played one of the greatest innings in Hundred history in his most recent appearance for Superchargers, against Welsh Fire at Headingley last August, an unbeaten 102 from 42 balls out of a total of 158, which helped to make his case for inclusion in the 50-over World Cup squad.The Superchargers squad includes England Test captain Ben Stokes, as well as West Indies’ Nicholas Pooran and two of Brook’s team-mates from the recent World Cup campaigns, Adil Rashid and Reece Topley. It was recently reinforced by the signing of former England opener Jason Roy, who takes over from the suspended Brydon Carse.”I really like the look of the squad we’ve formed, and I think there’s a lot to be excited about,” Brook said. “I can’t wait to work with Freddie and the rest of the group and hopefully it’ll be a year to remember.”In the women’s team, Hollie Armitage will continue as captain, alongside head coach Dani Hazell, after finishing the 2023 campaign as runners-up to Southern Brave.

Manchester United face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tonight in the Premier League, entering the penultimate game of what has been a dismal year in England’s top-flight.

Ruben Amorim’s side will want to end the campaign on a high after their disappointment across the board, but all focus will undoubtedly be on the Europa League final.

The Red Devils face Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao on Wednesday evening, with players wanting to save themselves and prevent injury ahead of the vital clash.

However, players will still want to impress against Enzo Maresca’s side, potentially landing themselves a start against Spurs and having the opportunity to make themselves a hero and end the season on a high.

It will hand the boss a chance to assess his squad, but he should drop one player for the clash in West London tonight, after what has been a below-par year at Old Trafford.

Why Amorim needs to drop Hojlund against Chelsea

Striker Rasmus Hojlund had huge hopes of being a success at United following his £72m move from Atalanta back in the summer of 2023 – but it’s safe to say his time at the club has been a disaster.

The Danish international has often been the Red Devils’ main talisman this campaign, but has failed to deliver, netting just four league goals in his 30 appearances.

The 22-year-old even went 21 games without a goal across all competitions earlier this campaign, highlighting his lack of impact at the top end of the pitch.

His all-round play has been just as disappointing, completing an average of just 11 passes per game, unable to offer the side the link-up play needed for success within the final third.

Such a record has led to numerous links to other attackers all across Europe, with the manager needing to experiment with multiple other options against Chelsea to evaluate his side further ahead of the summer.

The United star who Amorim should start in a new role

Over the course of 2024/25, Amorim has experimented with multiple options at the top end of the pitch in an attempt to combat their issues in the final third.

Centre-back Harry Maguire has often been called upon to operate as a makeshift centre-forward this campaign, most notably against Nottingham Forest, where he had an effort cleared off the line.

He’s not been the only player to operate out of position, with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo operating in such a role during the defeat at home to Crystal Palace.

However, he could continue in such vein, by utilising Amad Diallo as a centre-forward, adding yet another position to his resume this season after switching since Amorim’s appointment.

The Ivorian has operated at wing-back and attacking midfield, starring in both positions and being one of the club’s most effective players, given his tally of 10 goals and eight assists across all competitions.

However, his ankle injury has derailed his progress, needing vital minutes before the Europa League final to hand himself the best chance of swinging the game in their favour.

Amad, who’s been labelled a “monster” by former teammate Scott Arfield, has registered 2.3 shots per 90 – undoubtedly aiding his excellent tallies, making him a superb option at the top end.

Games played

24

Goals & assists

13

Pass accuracy

86%

Shots taken

2.6

Chances created

2.4

Successful dribbles

2.1

Touches in opposition box

7.2

He’s also completed 86% of the passes he’s attempted, and whilst creating 2.4 chances per 90 – handing the other players around him the opportunity to thrive at the Bridge.

It may seem a bold call to utilise the 22-year-old in such a role, but given the lack of impact from other players in the department this campaign, it could be another masterstroke from the boss.

Ultimately, attention will be fully on next week’s European final, but it presents another chance for the youngster to get minutes under his belt, possibly registering a positive end to what’s been a year to forget for the Red Devils.

INEOS now in direct talks to bring Premier League star to Man Utd with Cunha

The Red Devils have set their sights on an attacking rebuild.

ByTom Cunningham May 14, 2025

Whilst promotion back up to the Championship was joyously celebrated, everyone at Birmingham City will have known in that moment that this was just the first step in the Blues’ mission to restore the club to its previous grandeur.

After all, Chris Davies’ giants were Premier League regulars all through the noughties, with an unbelievable EFL Cup trophy success even coming their way in 2011 when Alex McLeish was at the helm.

The desire up a division from Birmingham’s perspective will be to compete with the top dogs of the division again, therefore, with a new addition here and there this summer undoubtedly improving the Blues’ chances before they officially get underway in the challenging league.

How Birmingham could strengthen this summer

Much like Wrexham who will want to spend big after promotion, Birmingham won’t be shirking away from attempting to land statement buys to make an impression in the Championship.

Already, the ambitious Blues have been tipped to bring back Che Adams to St. Andrew’s to enhance their impressive attacking personnel, with their interest also stretching out to potentially adding in Premier League experienced Mark Travers in goal.

But, the deal on everyone’s lips at Birmingham is the one that could see Peterborough United superstar Kwame Poku enter the building shortly, with reports last month suggesting that there is a lucrative £30k-per-week deal on the table for the Ghanaian to jump up a division.

Whilst the “outstanding” EFL performer – as he’s been labelled by journalist Lukman Evergreen – has been known to fire home goal after goal for Darren Ferguson’s Posh at a devastating rate, he has also shown throughout his bright stint in Cambridgeshire to date his unselfish approach when teeing up teammates for countless opportunities.

How Poku could make Stansfield better

Poku’s arrival on the scene could end up making everyone around him even better, judging by his unplayable wing play, but it’s Jay Stansfield who will no doubt be licking his lips the most at the idea of linking up with the in-demand 23-year-old.

Transfer Focus

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

Whilst the 22-year-old striker is unquestionably one of the finest talents to recently grace the third tier – seen in his 19 league strikes across 2024/25 – he is arguably not the finished product yet in the league above.

Indeed, the former Exeter City forward has only amassed 12 Championship goals across his varied career to date.

But, with Poku by his side who will be equally keen to prove himself in his new terrain, he should be able to keep up his blistering League One form.

Games played

37

27

Goals scored

19

12

Assists

3

8

Shots*

2.7

2.4

Touches*

29.0

46.3

Accurate passes*

8.1 (69%)

20.3 (80%)

Big chances missed

13

3

Big chances created

6

9

Combined last season in League One, the dynamite duo would pick up a mammoth 42 goals and assists across 64 appearances, meaning the thought of both of them together under Davies’ wing in the Championship is a frightening prospect.

Eight of Poku’s sizeable 20 goal contributions for the season would fall into the assist category too, with the 23-year-old far more comfortable than his counterpart in roaming forward and creating openings, seen in his far higher amount of touches averaged per league clash.

Whereas, the Birmingham number 28 excels more as a poacher waiting in the box to pounce, with the 22-year-old perhaps capable of finishing off even more opportunities moving forward if Poku was supplying him with chances galore.

With Poku down the right wing and Stansfield as a number ten, Davies could make his attacking options even deadlier by landing the aforementioned Adams as an out-and-out centre-forward, with this potential front three running rings around Championship defences.

Of course, no such statement deals have crossed the line just yet, but expect Davies’ side to look unfazed by the pressures of Championship action if Poku enters the building very soon.

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1 ByKelan Sarson May 13, 2025

Nicolas Jackson is becoming a hot topic again at Chelsea, having returned recently from injury after missing five Premier League games due to injury.

Whilst the 23-year-old has scored nine times this season, also providing five assists, he is now without a goal in his last 11 Premier League games, last netting against Brentford in December.

Enzo Maresca has made it clear he is a fan of Jackson and his contribution to the team, making relentless runs in behind, pressing from the front and putting in those extra yards.

However, his lack of goals, paired with the likes of Cole Palmer’s drop in form, has seen Chelsea struggle to find the back of the net in recent months.

It seems almost inevitable Chelsea will sign a striker in the summer as they look to provide Maresca with another centre-forward to compete with Jackson. There is one man in particular who is dominating the links in the media as of late.

The latest on Chelsea's interest in Liam Delap

Liam Delap is being heavily linked with a move to Chelsea, with Manchester United also said to be in the running for the 21-year-old Ipswich Town striker.

The latest on any prospective move is that the Blues have reportedly held talks with Ipswich regarding a possible summer move.

The English forward has made 31 appearances this season in the Premier League, scoring 12 goals and providing two assists.

The 6 foot 1 forward is built perfectly for the Premier League, having the physical capacity to bully defenders with his broad build, whilst having the technical quality to match, having joined the Manchester City academy in 2019 after coming through at Derby.

Liam Delap vs Nicolas Jackson in 24/25
Stats (per 90 mins)	Delap	Jackson
Goals	0.45	0.42
Assists	0.07	0.23
xG	0.35	0.56
Progressive Carries	2.23	1.99
Progressive Passes	1.15	1.48
Shots Total	2.25	3.33
Goals/Shot	0.17	0.13
G-xG	+0.12	-0.14
Shot-Creating Actions	2.31	3.06
Aerial Duels Won	1.92	0.79
Stats taken from FBref

When comparing Delap’s underlying metrics to Jackson’s, you can see how their two profiles differ, with the former offering a higher level of clinical finishing and box presence, winning 1.92 aerial duels per 90.

Both players have the ability to progress via their carrying quality and run the channels, but Jackson has shown a higher level to link and provide for his teammates so far, making more progressive passes and creating more shots.

However, rather than splashing the cash, perhaps Maresca could look towards Cobham to unleash their own Delap.

Chelsea's Cobham "jewel"

Looking back down the ranks at Chelsea and you will quickly notice a cracking young striker coming through the academy by the name of Shumaira Mhueka, often shortened to “Shim”.

Mheuka came over from Brighton’s academy in 2022, spending two years at Cobham before making his first senior breakthrough this season.

The 17-year-old possesses an innate ability to create his own shooting angles, having excellent agility and ball manipulation in and around the box. He has the ball-striking qualities to match and is already showing signs of utilising his body mass to protect the ball and unsettle defenders.

Mheuka has been described as “Cobham’s finest” by Jacek Kulig, who also labelled the young striker an “amazing talent” and it’s clear to see why.

The teenager has made 16 appearances for the U21 side in Premier League 2 this season, scoring four goals and providing two assists. In total he has scored ten goals in 21 appearances at youth level throughout 2024/25.

Last term he was on fire, however, bagging ten in 17 fixtures. His form in the youth ranks has already earned Mheuka four senior appearances, racking up 73 minutes across those four games.

Given the chance, Mheuka could prove to be the striker Chelsea need in years to come, saving the club a lot of money and fixing their goal-scoring woes all in one go. How long that takes and which development path is taken is another story.

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By
Dan Emery

Apr 14, 2025