All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

West Ham United have endured a frustrating campaign that will likely embolden Graham Potter to make changes to his squad in the upcoming transfer window.

West Ham look to rejuvenate dwindling strikeforce

If you were to ask a West Ham fan where their main problems have lay this season, the overwhelming majority would point to an absence of a prolific centre-forward as a direct contributor to their position of 16th in the Premier League table.

Michail Antonio’s unfortunate end to the campaign has left Potter to slot square pegs into round holes at the top end of the field. Lucas Paqueta and Jarrod Bowen have featured through the middle, while Danny Ings has predominantly come off the bench to supplement the attack.

West Ham’s low-scoring forward line

Niclas Fullkrug

2 goals in 11 appearances

Jarrod Bowen

8 goals in 27 appearances

Danny Ings

1 goal in 17 appearances

Michail Antonio

1 goal in 15 appearances

Lucas Paqueta

5 goals in 28 appearances

Evan Ferguson

0 goals since loan move from Brighton

Evan Ferguson is yet to find the net since joining on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion. Meanwhile, Niclas Fullkrug’s fitness struggles have limited the Germany international’s impact at the London Stadium.

Unsurprisingly, West Ham have turned their attention to Corinthians forward Yuri Alberto in an attempt to fix their flailing forward line and hope they can land the star for £21 million despite his £83 million release clause.

Fiorentina’s Moise Kean is also on the Hammers’ radar, lending credence to the notion that a striker will definitely be brought in to try and avoid another underwhelming campaign come 2025/26.

Names are beginning to gain traction and plenty of options are available to the club in the summer. Now, another exciting star has entered West Ham’s eyeline following a prolific showing in his homeland.

West Ham turn their attention to Dynamo Kyiv's Vladyslav Vanat

According to TBR Football, West Ham have shown an interest in Dynamo Kyiv’s Vladyslav Vanat and will be accompanied in their pursuit of the Ukraine international by several other Premier League clubs.

Brentford, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Fulham and Championship promotion hopefuls Leeds United are also in the mix to sign the 23-year-old, who has delivered 16 goals and five assists in 34 appearances this term.

Mark Noble discussing cheap West Ham transfer to sign "sensational" forward

West Ham could finalise a bargain deal ahead of next season.

BySean Markus Clifford Mar 21, 2025

Labelled a “complete forward” by Jacek Kulig, Vanat has been a clinical presence within Dynamo Kyiv’s challenge for the Ukrainian top-flight, scoring on average every 122 minutes and taking on 1.6 shots per league match.

Earning recognition for his displays, he has gone on to earn senior international honours 10 times with his native country. While his price tag remains unclear, West Ham could certainly use someone with a poacher’s instinct to front up an attack that has failed to deliver on too many occasions in 2024/25.

Potter has a clear vision to take the Hammers forward, but he has plenty of work to do before the thought of Vanat becoming a West Ham player becomes a likely possibility.

Sheffield United now find themselves in pole position to land an instant promotion back to the promised lands of Premier League with the Blades two points clear of a faltering Leeds United at the summit of the Championship.

Of course, nothing is set in stone until the 46-game marathon is over and done with, but Chris Wilder’s men will be quietly confident of their chances after a recent 3-1 victory over playoff-chasing Coventry City.

On top of that, Wilder also has the know-how as a manager to guide his team over the line, having clinched two promotions already in the Bramall Lane hot seat over two distinguished spells.

But, not everything is potentially rosy on the horizon with the step back up to the Premier League meaning alterations will have to be made.

Unfortunately, top-flight football might not be on the menu for everyone next season with an £88k-per-week quartet potentially not looking at much game time. Here are four players who could be given the boot if promotion is sealed.

1 Jack Robinson

Whilst Jack Robinson has been a mainstay of Wilder’s XI so far this season – with 28 Championship appearances under his belt – the Blades boss could opt for a fresher body in the centre-back department if top-flight football returns to South Yorkshire.

After all, it was heavily reported during the January transfer window that United were chasing Queens Park Rangers enforcer Jimmy Dunne, among other targets, meaning these options could be explored again very soon.

Moreover, the 31-year-old might still hold visible scars from the last time his side fell from the tricky division, resulting in the ex-Liverpool centre-back tallying up just one clean sheet from a miserable 35 outings.

2 Sydie Peck

Whilst Robinson is undoubtedly an experienced head in Wilder’s camp, homegrown product Sydie Peck is very much on the opposite end of the spectrum, with the rising midfielder only 20 years of age.

Therefore, it would be unreasonable to expect Peck to be able to acclimatise to the bright lights of the Premier League instantly, with his 35 league clashes and counting this season bumped up by injury troubles centrally.

The academy prodigy won’t be axed completely next season, but it would be fair to assume Peck might take more of a background role as tougher and more physical opponents wait in the wings.

3 Rhian Brewster

Rhian Brewster is another face who might have to become used to taking a back seat more often, with the former Anfield wonderkid looking out of his depth previously in the Premier League.

Indeed, the hot-and-cold attacker has actually never bagged a top-flight strike from 40 appearances, which will worry Wilder and Co tremendously.

He is deep in a purple patch of form at the moment, with four strikes and three assists accumulated in second-tier action.

However, it would be an almighty risk on the end of the newly-promoted side to solely put their trust in Brewster to come up trumps, especially if his inconsistencies rear their ugly head again.

4 Kieffer Moore

Lastly, another attacker that might find his minutes are limited in the top-flight is Kieffer Moore, with the Welshman a regular in the Bramall Lane treatment room.

Snapping up the ex-Cardiff City marksman on a free transfer last summer would have been deemed smart business, considering the seasoned attacker has a hefty 59 strikes next to his name in the Championship.

Games played

22

Goals scored

5

Games missed through injury

17

Days missed through injury

82

Five of those have come in his new surroundings, but his recurring injury problems will have irked Wilder, leading to figures such as Tyrese Campbell and Tom Cannon presumably gaining more starts in the top-flight away from the often injury-hit striker.

The best CF in the EFL signs: Sheffield United dream XI after promotion

Sheffield United will have to be busy in the transfer market if promotion up to the Premier League is sealed.

ByKelan Sarson Mar 30, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers will be looking to strengthen their squad when the summer transfer window opens in June.

Vitor Pereira looks to have done enough to retain the Old Gold’s status in the Premier League as they sit nine points clear of Leicester City.

Ahead of next season, can the manager tempt some high-profile players to join the club? As they have been linked with someone who used to shine at Molineux…

Wolves' interest in Diogo Jota

It was reported earlier this month by TEAMtalk that Wolves were showing interest in former hero Diogo Jota, with Pereira keen on signing him this summer.

This season, the Portuguese star has scored eight goals while grabbing four assists in 29 matches for Liverpool, but it appears as though Arne Slot could cash in on him when the season is over.

His three-year spell in the Midlands was extremely productive, registering 63 goal contributions in just 131 matches for the club. He was sold to Liverpool for £41m, which was a deal too good to turn down.

Could he return before the start of next season? Only time will tell.

Goals

5

Assists

3

Key passes per game

0.5

Big chances created

3

Successful dribbles per game

0.6

Shots per game

1.9

Does Pereira need to splash the cash on him, however? The club could be brewing their next Jota in a talented 20-year-old with the world at his feet.

Leo Lopes could be Wolves’ next Diogo Jota

The club are developing a few highly-rated youngsters, none more so than Leo Lopes. Signed in the summer of 2023, the Portuguese talent is similar to Jota in that he can operate across a range of attacking positions.

Used on either wing or through the middle during his embryonic career thus far, Lopes has scored once and grabbed five assists for the U21 side since his arrival in England.

He was praised by Harry Hooman, head of the UK academy at Wolves when he arrived at the club:

These qualities are certainly like the ones Jota exuded during his spell with the Molineux side between 2017 and 2020, no doubt about that.

The former Zurich starlet has yet to make a matchday squad for Wolves since swapping Switzerland for England, but surely the time will come sooner rather than later.

Once it is mathematically possible that the club will remain in the top flight, Pereira might begin to give some of the club’s more talented youngsters some minutes in the league.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

If so, Lopes must be at the top of the list. His positional flexibility, plus a keen eye for creating chances for his teammates suggest he could be the club’s next Jota, without a shadow of a doubt.

£42m release clause: Wolves now want to hijack "fantastic" Man City target

He could be their Lemina replacement…

ByTom Cunningham Mar 29, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur have shelved new contract talks with a star player in their squad, and he’s now seriously pursuing an exit from the north London club this summer, which could be seen as a concern for chairman Daniel Levy.

Ange Postecoglou facing potential Tottenham sack

As things stand, real uncertainty surrounds the long-term future of Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou, following a disappointing second full campaign in charge.

Diego Simeone's private message to Cristian Romero in Tottenham exit talks

The Argentine is being heavily linked with a summer exit.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 2, 2025

Debilitating injuries haven’t helped the Australian, but 14th in the Premier League after 15 defeats in the top flight alone makes for very grim reading from the perspective of a ‘big six’ club.

Chelsea (away)

April 3rd

Southampton (home)

April 6th

Wolves (away)

April 13th

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

Postecoglou is now relying on an impressive Europa League run to convince Tottenham not to change managers, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano, and Spurs are already expressing a serious interest in Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, among other high-profile alternatives like Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi and Fulham’s Marco Silva.

These next few weeks will be key in determining Postecoglou’s position at N17, and even if the 59-year-old does manage to make history in Europe and keep his job, the former Celtic boss is facing a very real prospect of losing key players this summer.

One of them, according to various reports in the last few days, could be star defender Cristian Romero.

The Argentine is wanted by Atlético Madrid, with South American media claiming that Diego Simeone has personally reached out to him (Uriel Lugt). Their arch rivals Real Madrid have also internally discussed a move for Romero, so it appears the 26-year-old has plenty of temptation away from N17.

Losing Romero would be a blow for Postecoglou and Levy, considering his status as a senior leader in the squad, and it now appears that the defender has fully made up his mind on quitting Spurs.

Cristian Romero "pushing" to leave Tottenham with contract talks cancelled

According to The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey, Romero is “pushing” to leave Tottenham, and Levy has postponed talks over a new deal for the £165,000-per-week ace as a result.

The player has apparently made it clear to his circle that he’s ready to pursue a new challenge, and he’s set his sights on a move to La Liga specifically. Simeone really wants him at Atletico, as he views Romero as one of world football’s best centre-backs, but Levy won’t let him go cheaply.

The former Atalanta star’s price tag is set at around £60 million, and this could prove to be the main obstacle in place of an Atlético deal for the player. It is also worth noting that Romero is determined to leave regardless of whether Spurs win the Europa League and qualify for next season’s Champions League, so his eagerness to go may even force through a move.

One thing is certain – Tottenham would need to bring an adept replacement for the stalwart who’s been praised for his overall performances since joining in 2021.

“In Romero they have got a phenomenal defender. He makes others around him better,” said former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson to Football Insider three years ago.

“What they have got isn’t enough. They need more but he is certainly the best that they have got. He could play in any side in the top four of the Premier League. He is a Champions League player, a top player.

“If Spurs are going to go places Romero is the type of player they will need to keep and build around.”

Over the years, Tottenham Hotspur have been known for being the home to numerous elite-level attackers who have made a name for themselves at the top of European football.

Harry Kane is undoubtedly the club’s best-ever goalscorer, registering 280 goals during his time in North London, breaking the record set by the infamous Jimmy Greaves.

He would depart to join Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023, carrying on his superb form in front of goal, notching 78 efforts in his 86 outings for the Bundesliga outfit.

After his departure, Ange Postecoglou’s side have still managed to find the back of the net, scoring 60 times in their 32 Premier League matches in 2024/25 – the third most of any side in the division.

However, it hasn’t been enough to lead them out of the bottom half of the table, with the Aussie already targeting reinforcements to prevent such a situation from occurring next season.

Spurs’ hunt for new attackers this summer

Despite investment into the front line in recent seasons, Spurs are still in desperate need of added options to help provide the goods in the final third on a consistent basis.

Antoine Semenyo is the latest attacker touted with a move to North London in recent days, with the Bournemouth star just one player on their shortlist ahead of the upcoming window.

However, if they are to secure a deal for the 25-year-old’s signature, they will have to fork out £70m, with Andoni Iraola’s side reluctant to offload their talisman.

Matheus Cunha is just another name thrown into the mix, but like Semenyo, a potential club-record fee is needed to prise him away from Molineux in the coming months.

Such a high figure could lead the side back into the race for Southampton’s Tyler Dibling, with journalist Florian Plettenberg claiming the Lilywhites are still in contention to land the 19-year-old sensation.

However, Bundesliga sides Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig are also keen on a deal, which could cost any interested party just £35m after the Saints’ relegation.

The player who could be Spurs’ next Gareth Bale

Winger Gareth Bale will go down as one of Spurs’ best ever players after his impact during his time in the first team, starring for the Lilywhites on two separate occasions.

The Welsh international originally featured at left-back, before his hat-trick against Inter Milan in the Champions League catapulted him into a forward role – one that would change his career trajectory massively.

He registered 71 goals during his two stints in North London, with 26 of his efforts coming in the 2012/13 season, leading to his eventual £85m move to European giants Real Madrid.

12 years on from his big-money sale, the hierarchy could be about to land their new version of the superstar in the form of Dibling, with the youngster following on the same path of joining the club from Southampton.

However, his similarities stretch way beyond such a move, with his ability to glide past the opposition similar to that of Bale, having the potential to emulate the former Spurs fan-favourite.

When comparing the 19-year-old’s stats from the ongoing campaign to Bale’s final year on loan at the club, Dibling has managed to match or better his tallies in numerous key areas – showcasing how much of a superb addition he would be.

The Southampton star, who’s been labelled “outstanding” by Sky Sports’ Joel Thomlinson, may have been outscored by the Welshman, but has notched a higher take-on rate per 90, along with more carries per 90 – showcasing his relentless running into attacking areas.

Games played

28

20

Goals & assists

2

11

Progressive carries

3.5

3

Carries into final third

2.5

2.1

Pass accuracy

81%

69%

Take-ons completed

2.6

2.3

Fouls won

2.5

0.9

He’s been a menace to countless backlines this season, winning 2.5 fouls per 90, whilst also completing 81% of his passes, with both of his subsequent tallies higher than those of Bale.

Whilst the teenager has a long way to go until he reaches the levels produced by the former Real Madrid star, the figures he’s produced this year are nothing short of sensational, having the platform to improve further in the years ahead.

His direct nature makes him a constant threat, but he just needs the final product to his game to allow him to break through and become the next elite talent in North London.

It’s vital that the hierarchy work tirelessly to win the race for his signature this summer, with Dibling having the tools to point Ange’s side in the right direction in 2025/26.

Their best LW since Son: Spurs plotting £70m move for "world-class" star

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be making moves ahead of the summer transfer window.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 16, 2025

Aston Villa sporting director Monchi has held talks over a move for a £10m+ player this week, according to a new update.

Villa transfer rumours heat up as Emery pushes for Champions League football

Unai Emery and his Villa side still have so much to play for between now and the end of the season as they look to qualify for the Champions League once again.

They put in an incredible second-leg display against Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals earlier this month, winning 3-2 at Villa Park, however, they were knocked out 5-4 on aggregate. Villa also have the chance to win silverware in the FA Cup, with a semi-final against Crystal Palace at Wembley this weekend.

Romano: Aston Villa star club are "happy" with could leave for right offer

He’s future at Villa Park isn’t guaranteed.

ByBarney Lane Apr 22, 2025

It promises to be a dramatic end to the campaign, and talking about Villa’s plans to get into Europe once more, Emery spoke after Villa’s Champions League exit.

“It is now most important to get Europe again. The most important competition is the Champions League. The challenge we have for the last six matches is to try and get Europe and the Champions League. The players showed their capacity to compete at this level. Hopefully we can come back quickly to play in the Champions League. This is our objective and to play in the FA Cup as well for a trophy.”

Should Villa qualify for the Champions League, it could help Monchi when it comes to summer signings. One of those heavily linked with a move to Midlands has been Rosenborg star Sverre Nypan. There have been claims that Villa have made an offer to sign Nypan in a deal that could be worth up to £12.5m, with Fabrizio Romano adding that the Villans are looking to win the race for the in-demand teenager.

Now, a new update has emerged on Aston Villa’s pursuit of Nypan.

Monchi holds new Aston Villa talks to sign Nypan

According to reports in Norway, relayed by Sport Witness, Monchi was spotted in Norway watching Nypan in a 2-0 win for Rosenborg over Valerenga.

Aston Villa's president of football operations, Monchi.

Monchi and scout Alberto Benito held talks with Nypan’s father before the match to discuss terms of a transfer, however, the Villa chief refused to comment when quizzed by newspaper Nettavisen at the hotel where he was staying.

Further developments are expected in the coming days or weeks when it comes to Villa’s move for Nypan, and by the looks of things, Villa could be getting a future star who is being likened to Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.

Games

63

Goals

14

Assists

11

Norwegian football expert Jesper Mathisen said last year: “Sverre Nypan is extremely exciting. I get a bit of the same feeling as when I saw Martin Odegaard break through as a boy.”

After a week of anxious waiting, today is the day Arsenal could book themselves a place in the Champions League final for only the second time in the club’s history.

However, Mikel Arteta’s men will need to put in the best performance of the season and make amends for their incredibly underwhelming display in the first leg.

In particular, club captain Martin Odegaard will have to show the fans just why he was handed the armband in 2022, as to describe his personal campaign this year as disappointing would be quite an understatement.

The Norwegian has looked like a different, far less effective player for much of it, and there is a chance the club are already looking at their options, with recent reports linking them to a Premier League star who’d be a massive but costly upgrade.

Arsenal transfer news

Given Odegaard’s lacklustre form this year, it’s hardly surprising that, in recent weeks, Arsenal have been linked to a plethora of midfield talents, such as Brahim Diaz and Desire Doue.

Transfer Focus

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

The former is reportedly available for around £51m and has enjoyed a decent enough campaign with Real Madrid, racking up a haul of six goals and seven assists in just 2058 minutes of first-team action.

On the other hand, Doue could cost as much as £86m, but with a staggering tally of 13 goals and 12 assists in 49 appearances for Paris Saint-Germain this season, it would be hard to say he wouldn’t be worth it.

However, given the Gunners’ desperation to win the Premier League next season, they may want someone who already knows the league, which is where Morgan Rogers comes into play.

According to a recent report from Football Transfers, Arsenal are ‘firmly in the race’ to secure the Aston Villa star’s signature in the summer, with Sporting Director Andrea Berta said to be ‘a huge admirer.’

However, the report also claims that Manchester United and Chelsea are interested in the Englishman, while another story from March valued him at a whopping £100m.

It would be an incredibly complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Rogers’ immense ability and potential, it is one well worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a massive Odegaard upgrade.

How Rogers compares to Odegaard

The first thing to say is that while Unai Emery has been playing Rogers on the wing at points this season, his most played and undoubtedly preferred position this season has been attacking midfield.

Therefore, were he to join Arsenal for the fees being banded around, then he’d most certainly do so with the intention of starting every game, in turn putting him up against Odegaard – but who comes out on top?

Well, when it comes down to their raw output this season, it’s Villa’s “machine,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell, who comes out on top and quite comfortably at that.

Appearances

51

41

Minutes

4233′

3162′

Goals

14

5

Assists

13

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.52

0.39

Minutes per Goal Involvement

156.77′

197.62′

For example, in 51 appearances, totalling 4233 minutes, he’s scored 14 goals and provided 13 assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.88 games, or every 156.77 minutes.

In contrast, the Gunners’ captain has scored five goals and provided 11 assists in 41 appearances, totalling 3162 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.56 games, or every 197.62 minutes.

On top of that, the former Manchester City prospect comes out far better when we take a look at some of the other important attacking metrics, such as conversion rate, chances created, and take-ons completed.

Finally, while this isn’t massively important today, the Halesowen-born maestro is four years younger than the former Real Madrid wonderkid, so if Arteta were to bring him in, he might not need to worry about replacing him for the best part of a decade, which could allow the club to focus on other areas of need.

Ultimately, while Odegaard is a talented footballer, Rogers appears to be far superior in most ways, and if Arsenal can sign him this summer, they should do all they can to do it.

Drop him: Arteta must axe £50m Arsenal "warrior" who's as bad as Odegaard

Martin Odegaard isn’t the only underperformer in Arsenal colours.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 7, 2025

There is a high possibility that Arsenal will finish second in the Premier League for a third successive season, this time to Arne Slot’s Liverpool rather than Manchester City.

Mikel Arteta has constantly led the Gunners to a title battle in recent years, but has been unable to get them over the line and end their two-decade wait for a league triumph.

If they are to go one better in 2025/26, the hierarchy will have to back the manager in the transfer market to make the additions he desires to his first team squad.

There’s no denying that the Spaniard has serious qualities in various areas, but that’s not enough, with depth needed in key departments to sustain their ambitions in various competitions.

With the window just around the corner, new sporting director Andrea Berta has already wasted no time in drawing up his shortlist of potential targets for the off-season.

The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for new signings this summer

Additions are expected across the pitch for Arsenal this summer, mainly to avoid the injury crisis the side has often endured for large parts of the current campaign.

Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen is the latest defender on their shortlist ahead of the window, with the Spaniard scoring against Arteta’s men on Saturday afternoon.

However, the 20-year-old isn’t the only defensive target on the agenda for the coming months, with Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia also on their radar, according to one Spanish outlet.

Their report states that the Gunners are preparing a £25m bid for the 24-year-old who has remerged as a target after previously being of interest just under 12 months ago.

It also claims that he’s seen as a quality competitor to David Raya for the number one position, but more importantly handing Arteta the depth needed in such an area.

Why Arsenal’s £25m target would make Saliba & Gabriel unplayable

Gabriel and William Saliba have been Arsenal’s go-to centre-back pairing when they’ve been fully fit in 2024/25, leading to their ambitions of securing the Premier League title.

Arteta’s side have conceded just 31 goals in their 35 league outings, currently boasting the best record in the division – an average of just 0.8 goals conceded per 90.

The pair have contributed to the club’s tally of 14 clean sheets this season, with only Nottingham Forest keeping more to date – showcasing their impressive work in the defensive department.

However, such a record could be bolstered in 2025/26 by the potential addition of Garcia, with the shot-stopper having the ability to take such feats to new levels.

When delving into his stats in LaLiga this campaign, his talents are there for all to see, improving the situation within the backline for Arteta.

He’s even managed to outperform current number one Raya in multiple key areas, outlining the pressure he could put on his compatriot should he move to the Emirates.

The 24-year-old, who’s been labelled “colossus” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has achieved a higher save percentage this season, along with more saves per 90 – showcasing his ability between the sticks.

Games played

33

35

Clean sheets

7

12

Save percentage

77%

74%

Saves per 90

3.7

2.2

Short passes completed

98%

98%

Crosses stopped

1.7

1.3

Shots-on-target faced

5.1

3.1

He’s also completed the same percentage of passes to date, along with more crosses stopped per 90 – offering Arteta a more all-round presence at the back.

£25m in today’s market is a bargain, especially for a player who possesses the quality like Garcia, as demonstrated by the figures he has produced in 2024/25.

If he were to make the switch to North London, he would be able to add yet more defensive quality to the already impressive backline, subsequently aiding Gabriel and Saliba’s chances of becoming unplayable.

Another Raheem Sterling: Arsenal make enquiry for £85m Premier League flop

Arsenal would be on for a Raheem Sterling repeat with this move.

3 ByMatt Dawson May 4, 2025

Regardless of what happens at Wembley this coming Saturday, Sheffield United will know it will be a busy and hectic summer ahead in South Yorkshire.

If promotion out of the Championship is won, Chris Wilder will need to add in some exceptional new bodies to give his team a fighting chance at securing survival, whilst sticking it out in the second tier will also bring about its own set of difficulties in terms of players such as Gustavo Hamer potentially wanting to move on.

Jack Robinson is looking likely to be a casualty whether promotion is won or not, considering the former Liverpool centre-back is yet to pen a new deal at Bramall Lane, alongside some restless natives finding lots of faults in his performances this season.

Therefore, one top priority this summer will be to bring in a fresh, imposing presence to line up in the heart of defence, with these three potential signings perhaps names on Wilder’s shopping lists, irrespective of whether they’re soaring up to the Premier League or stuck inside the EFL.

1 Harry Souttar

Harry Souttar could well return to United during the busy window, having been on the books of the Blades for 22 memorable games this season before his injury troubles took over.

When he was fit, the 26-year-old battled away valiantly for the cause, with Souttar averaging a high five duels won across his 21 Championship contests, on top of picking up 13 clean sheets.

It would be a major risk to go back in for the injury-ravaged defender – considering he is still sidelined with his torn achilles tendon – but there is definitely unfinished business between Souttar and Wilder’s men and he could be just what is needed when back to full fitness if Robinson does exit.

2 Harry Darling

Swansea City star Harry Darling is the talk of the town in the Championship at the moment with the Welshman looking likely to move on from his current home shortly.

Whoever does pick up the 25-year-old will win his services for free too, which has already piqued the interest of teams such as Birmingham City, but United have been admirers from afar for some time and he could be a sterling option to have around the building if Robinson does depart.

Games played

39

34

Goals scored

5

0

Assists

3

0

Touches*

74.5

68.6

Accurate passes*

53.9 (88%)

45.6 (86%)

Ball recoveries*

3.9

3.4

Clearances*

5.0

4.8

Total duels won*

4.9

5.4

Clean sheets

12

12

Looking at the table above, whilst Robinson does better Darling in terms of duels being won this season, the wantaway Swans defender appears to be more Premier League ready in most departments next to his experienced counterpart.

Indeed, the “heroic” star – as he was previously lauded by ex-boss Luke Williams – managed to chip in with five goals and three assists as a lively body at the back even as his current employers finished in 11th position, whilst also bettering the 31-year-old with more ball recoveries and clearances averaged.

Therefore, he might well be ready for a move to Wilder’s men, considering he’s proven himself as a top performer at EFL level with the potential to go on to become a Premier League-capable talent.

3 Jimmy Dunne

Similarly, adding in Queens Park Rangers’ powerhouse Jimmy Dunne to their defensive options would gift United another stylish body, away from the imposing figures of Robinson and Anel Ahmedhodzic.

The Blades were reportedly keen on Dunne’s services in January, and much like Swansea’s mid-table predicament, a move to United would presumably be appealing for the Irishman away from sticking it out with the lower Hoops.

With Dunne also capable of producing a moment of magic like this, he could be just the daring new option that makes Robinson’s first-team spot insecure.

Winning a mammoth 8.4 duels on average this season just gone too, the 27-year-old can further apply himself well as a gritty presence, meaning he could go on to form an intimidating defensive duo with the aforementioned Ahmedhodzic.

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West Bromwich Albion are now pushing hard to sign a defender, who recently won his side’s Fans’ Player of the Year award, according to a report.

West Brom's manager pursuit rumbles on

West Brom are still searching for a permanent replacement for Tony Mowbray, who was dismissed from his post back in April, and a number of different managers have been linked with the vacant job.

Minnesota United boss Eric Ramsay and Stockport County’s Dave Challinor are among the potential options, alongside Tottenham Hotspur coach Ryan Mason, who was identified as the top target in the wake of Mowbray’s sacking.

Tottenham’s involvement in the Europa League meant the Baggies have been forced to wait before making an approach for Mason, but with the north Londoners ending their 17-year trophy drought against Manchester United on Wednesday night, the 33-year-old could now be available.

Any new manager is likely to have a big say in the recruitment this summer, but West Brom have already started to identify targets in the meantime, with a report from EFL Analysis revealing they are now pushing hard to sign Hearts defender James Penrice.

Director of Sport Ian Pearce is determined to win the race for Penrice, but there is set to be competition for his signature from some of the Baggies’ Championship rivals, which could pose a problem, with Watford and Southampton also keen.

Signing a new left-back is a priority for Albion this summer, with Callum Styles potentially moving back into midfield, despite displaying his versatility by slotting into the defence last season.

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ByKelan Sarson May 21, 2025 "Tough as nails" Penrice could be excellent signing

The Scottish defender has never played outside his home country, but there are signs he could be ready to take his career to the next level by making the move to a promotion-chasing Championship side, having scooped up the Fans’ Player of the Year award last season.

Throughout the 2024-25 campaign, the 26-year-old remained a vital player for Hearts, making 46 appearances in all competitions, during which time he received plaudits for his no-nonsense nature from Guardian reporter Ewan Murray.

Murray is also correct to point out that the Livingston-born full-back is a threat on the front foot, given that he picked up two goals and seven assists last term, while also ranking in the top 3% for shot-creating actions per 90 over the past year, when compared to other full-backs.

Styles was a key player for the Baggies last season, but with the Hungarian predominantly featuring further forward throughout his career to date, it would make sense to bring in a new left-back, and Penrice could be an excellent signing for West Brom.