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While Sunderland stole many of the plaudits in the summer for their outrageous transfer activity, with £100m+ splashed out on new recruits, Leeds United were arguably a tad more methodical in their approach when winning themselves some gems from all around Europe.

Daniel Farke and Co. are already thanking their lucky stars that they gambled on acquiring both Anton Stach and Noah Okafor from Hoffenheim and AC Milan, respectively, with a combined four goal contributions already picked up by the promising midfield duo in Premier League action.

In defence, Gabriel Gudmundsson also already looks like a steal in the left-back spot, having only cost £10m to snap up from Lille, while Lucas Perri was agonisingly close to his first clean sheet in his new location up against West Ham United last time out.

But, away from all these names mentioned, Sean Longstaff rightly sticks out as the best bit of business Leeds signed off on over a bumper summer, with the Premier League-experienced 27-year-old very much allowing the Whites to tick so far this season from the middle of the park.

Why Longstaff is one of Leeds' best signings

Already, the £12m summer purchase feels as if he has been in and around Elland Road for some time.

Longstaff has played a part in all nine of Leeds’ league matches so far this season on their return to the daunting top-flight, and while there have been some nerves on display as they navigate the choppy waters of the top division, the Newcastle-born midfielder has cut a cool and composed figure throughout.

Longstaff’s PL numbers for Leeds (25/26)

Stat – per 90 mins*

Longstaff

Games played

9

Goals scored

1

Assists

2

Touches*

46.2

Accurate passes*

27.1 (85%)

Key passes*

2.0

Big chances created

5

Tackles*

3.0

Ball recoveries*

3.0

Total duels won*

5.0

Stats by Sofascore

Having seen his career at his boyhood Magpies fizzle out, Longstaff clearly knew – from the get-go at his new employers – that he needed to prove himself, and he has certainly done that when looking at the table above.

Already, the brand-new number eight has chipped in with one goal and two assists from a central position on the pitch, but he has offered up far more than just a goal threat, with an average of five duels won per contest enabling Farke’s men to see out some tight contests.

Accumulating five big chances being created, too, has even led to some bold shouts that Longstaff is Leeds’ second coming of Pablo Hernandez, as Farke now potentially attempts to recreate the magic of this shrewd deal in January by landing another classy top-flight veteran when the transfer window swings back open.

Leeds considering another Longstaff-style signing

It has been some turnaround for Longstaff since ditching the home comforts of Tyneside, with zero goals or assists falling into his lap during his final campaign at Eddie Howe’s Toon.

Ross Barkley will hope he can similarly breathe life back into his waning playing days at Elland Road if rumours are to be believed, with a report from The Leeds Press revealing that the West Yorkshire outfit is considering a move for the reserve Aston Villa presence, who even once had a short-term loan stint at Leeds way back in 2013.

Now, he could be returning, again on loan, but this time as a far more experienced option, as Leeds reportedly weigh up a move for an attacking midfielder in the window, and while he has struggled to break into Emery’s first team picture as of late, he is certainly a classy operator on his day.

Indeed, this fiercely struck effort against Leicester City earlier in the year is just one of seven goals Barkley has put away for the Villans, meaning he definitely has a similar eye for a goal to that of Longstaff.

Barkley’s PL record

Stat

Barkley

Games played

287

Goals scored

37

Assists

34

Sourced by Transfermarkt

More importantly, too, the 31-year-old has also shone before in a team that is attempting to beat the drop in Luton Town – as seen in his weighty five goals and seven assists for the then troubled Hatters – and became a beloved fan favourite, subsequently, with one of his teammates in Andros Townsend at Kenilworth Road even hailing him as “unbelievable” to play alongside.

It could well be, much like Longstaff, that Barkley comes back into his own in West Yorkshire, with the well-travelled attacking midfielder also being dubbed as “exquisite” by his former Everton manager in Roberto Martinez, for his skilful approach on the pitch.

The £60k-per-week star is somewhat fading away at Villa Park, though, with just 30 minutes of action handed to him this season.

Yet, if he relocates to Leeds this coming January, he could end up rebuilding his career before it’s too late, just as Longstaff has already done this season.

Related Forget Longstaff: £10m star is now Leeds' best signing since Bielsa left

This Leeds United star could now be considered the best signing the Whites have made since Marcelo Bielsa left.

Posts ByKelan Sarson Oct 28, 2025

Liam Rosenior has publicly apologised for his comments on Lyon winger Malick Fofana's injury after initially defending Ismael Doukoure following his red card in Strasbourg’s defeat to Lyon. The Strasbourg coach admitted he “reacted in the heat of the moment” after reviewing footage of the heavy tackle that left Fofana stretchered off with a serious ankle injury that could rule him out for months.

Rosenior admits mistake over Doukoure red card

Strasbourg head coach Rosenior has issued an apology after retracting his earlier criticism of referee Eric Wattellier’s decision to send off Doukoure during the 2-1 defeat to Lyon on Sunday. The defender was dismissed in the 67th minute for a late and dangerous challenge on Lyon winger Fofana, who was forced off on a stretcher with a serious ankle injury.

Rosenior had initially protested the decision, suggesting that the red card was excessive and that Wattellier had “judged based on the injury, not the play.” The incident, which occurred just moments after Strasbourg had fought to regain control of the match, ultimately shifted momentum as Afonso Moreira struck late to secure victory for Lyon at the Groupama Stadium.

After reviewing the footage post-match, Rosenior reversed his stance. “We all make mistakes,” he admitted at his Tuesday press conference. “I reacted in the heat of the moment. I was wrong about the red card. I apologise. I hope Malick Fofana recovers quickly.”

AdvertisementGetty ImagesStrasbourg boss slammed referee before Fofana ruled out for months

Rosenior’s initial anger was rooted in the belief that Doukoure’s dismissal was influenced more by the aftermath than the action itself. Speaking immediately after the match, the English coach had said, “There were two fairly clear decisions that put us in a difficult situation. I don’t think there was a red card. For me, it was an unlucky play. I don’t want to see injured players on the pitch, but the referee judged based on the injury, not the play. It wasn’t a dangerous tackle.”

The aftermath of the incident brought grim news for Lyon as Fofana, one of the side’s brightest attacking talents, has been ruled out for at least three months after scans revealed a serious right ankle sprain. Further tests have indicated additional ligament damage that could require surgery, according to reports.

The 20-year-old Belgian, who has two goals and one assist this season, has been one of Paulo Fonseca’s key players. His absence comes at a difficult time for Lyon, who are already missing Ghanaian winger Ernest Nuamah until 2026 following an ACL injury.

Costly dismissal and Strasbourg’s setback

Doukoure’s sending off proved crucial in the match’s outcome, as the defender had earlier scored an own goal that brought Lyon level after Joaquin Panichelli’s opener for Strasbourg. Reduced to 10 men, Rosenior’s side conceded a stoppage-time goal to lose 2-1, a result that extended their winless run to three matches across all competitions.

The red card not only cost Strasbourg crucial points but also exposed their vulnerability when forced to defend deep. “It was a harsh moment for the team,” Rosenior said. “We played well, but when you’re down to 10 men, it’s always difficult.” Strasbourg dropped from third to seventh in the Ligue 1 standings as a result, though their solid home record offers hope of a quick response.

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AFPWhat next for Strasbourg and Lyon?

Strasbourg return to action on Wednesday with a crucial home fixture against struggling Auxerre. The Alsace side will look to bounce back at the Stade de la Meinau, where they have won 10 of their last 15 top-flight games. Rosenior’s men remain seventh in Ligue 1 with 16 points from nine matches, three more points than they had at the same stage last season.

Auxerre, meanwhile, visit on the back of four consecutive winless games and sit in the relegation zone with just seven points. For Lyon, the focus will shift to their midweek clash against Paris FC as they cope with the loss of Fofana. Paulo Fonseca’s men are expected to reshuffle their attack, likely to share responsibilities on the flanks in the coming weeks.

With Rosenior’s apology drawing a line under the controversy, attention now turns back to the pitch, where both clubs face defining fixtures amid mounting injury and form challenges.

Manchester United have switched their attention to Elliot Anderson after failing to sign Brighton's Carlos Baleba, as Ruben Amorim eyes a midfield overhaul. The 22-year-old Nottingham Forest dynamo has become one of the most sought-after names in English football following his breakthrough into the Three Lions squad. United had already been monitoring Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace and revisiting interest in Baleba, but it is now being reported that Anderson has emerged as the standout target.

• Amorim sets sights on Forest talisman

  At United, Amorim has pinpointed a reimagining of the midfield as his next priority. The Portuguese coach believes the area lacks both physical balance and creative spark. With Bruno Fernandes attracting interest from abroad and Casemiro’s contract due to expire next summer, a major restructuring is expected. United spent heavily last summer, over £200 million ($266m), reinforcing their attack with Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko. But their inability to secure Baleba before the transfer window closed meant that a gap remains unfilled. Anderson can operate across multiple roles, fitting Amorim’s template for a dynamic midfielder, and United are now weighing a swoop, as revealed by

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Anderson already a Tuchel favourite

  Anderson’s rapid rise to prominence has been nothing short of spectacular. Having only made his England debut in September, he has already collected four senior caps and is being tipped as a serious contender to start in next year’s World Cup. His tactical maturity has impressed England boss Thomas Tuchel, who has publicly lauded the Forest midfielder’s all-around game. 

  "He’s just a very, very good football player," Tuchel said after the 2-0 qualifying win over Andorra. "He has the physicality, he’s very mobile at No 6. He has the body, he loves to defend, he loves to put his body inside to duels. He loves passing, he loves to break the lines, he’s very mobile in this game. It was a pleasure to see.

  "I think the team around him made it as easy as possible for him and he had a very strong performance. I think he showed today that he adapts to the situation. Can he show what he showed in training? Can he show what he showed with Nottingham and the under-21s? He played with a lot of freedom. He was very quickly in the flow. I think he has the physicality and he has the mindset to play in more difficult games."

• A painful loss for Newcastle

  For Newcastle, Anderson’s success elsewhere still stings. The midfielder, a product of their youth academy, was sold to Forest for £35 million ($47m) in 2024. It was a move forced by the club’s need to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules. But that decision continues to haunt manager Eddie Howe, who has opened the door to his return.

  “I don’t know (if the move will happen), but certainly from my perspective I would love him to,” he said. “It is very regretful a player from the academy who had given so much, and the club had given so much to for him not to be utilised here is a real shame. We had no choice but to make the sale, but it was not one we wanted to do. It didn’t sit right with me then and doesn’t sit right with me today.”

  Speaking about his versatility, Howe added: "It is very difficult to define one position for him. There are not many players I can say that about. He has got unique strengths. He is very good deeper, but I can definitely see him playing higher up as an 8 or a 10, because he is very good in central areas.  But he's also good wide, like he was for us at wide left. He's a very talented technical player and can do anything he wants with the ball. Those players are very precious."

  Despite the transfer noise, Anderson himself has remained grounded. In a recent interview with , he outlined his personal goals for the season.

  "My biggest aim this season is to add some numbers [goals and assists] to my performances, that will probably take me to the next level," he said. 

  "I’m focusing on the next game and then the game after that, to try and make an impact. But obviously, all eyes are on the World Cup."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Can Forest hold on to Anderson?

  Forest, meanwhile, have every intention of holding on to their prize asset. Anderson has been indispensable this season, playing every minute of Forest’s 10 fixtures. His current deal runs until June 2029, and his value has skyrocketed to around £75m ($100m), a fee that would make him one of the most expensive English midfielders ever. The club are well aware of the growing interest from top sides. Manchester City, Chelsea, and now Manchester United are all monitoring his situation closely. City are considering long-term midfield reinforcements as Rodri continues to struggle for full fitness, while Chelsea are being aggressive again in their pursuit of young English talent. 

Members of the West Ham squad have made it crystal clear who should be their manager as Graham Potter fights to save his job, with an all-important Premier League clash at the Hill Dickinson Stadium awaiting the tactician this weekend.

Graham Potter given West Ham stay of execution

As per reliable media sources, if Potter’s side fail to impress against David Moyes’ Everton, or title-chasing Arsenal the weekend after, it is likely that David Sullivan and co will hand the 50-year-old his P45.

West Ham’s under fire board are apparently weighing up the prospect of sacking Potter after these next two rounds of fixtures, so his potential replacement could face Brentford at home on October 20 for a more favourable start to his tenure (ExWHUemployee).

Whether they pull the trigger before then could be dependent on how West Ham fare against Moyes on Merseyside, but what is certain is that results cannot continue on this downward trajectory.

Thus far, the Hammers have conceded more goals than any other side in the Premier League, with seven of their 13 goals against coming from corners.

9. Sam Allardyce

30.7%

10. Julen Lopetegui

30%

11. Gianfranco Zola

27.8%

12 Graham Potter

26.1%

13. Avram Grant

18.9%

via StatMuse

Bar a surprise 3-0 win at Nottingham Forest prior to the last international break, West Ham have lost all of their league matches, with a stunning right-footed volley from Tyrick Mitchell gifting their last opponents, Crystal Palace, all three points in a 2-1 win at the London Stadium.

West Ham’s managerial shortlist to replace Potter is an intriguing one, with Nuno Espírito Santo, Slaven Bilic, Gary O’Neil, Marco Silva, Sean Dyche and Marco Silva all linked with the hot seat this week.

Nuno is reportedly in pole position for the West Ham job as things stand, owing to his free agent status and the excellent job he did at Nottingham Forest, with Bilic also ready to step in on a short-term basis amid reports he’s already planning his coaching staff (ExWHUemployee).

Bilic is believed to be Sullivan’s personal favourite, and is regularly in contact with the Croatian who was in charge from 2015 to 2017.

The ex-West Brom boss delivered one of West Ham’s highest ever Premier League finishes at the beginning of his tenure (7th), but according to The Telegraph, links to Bilic, or any of the aforementioned managers for that matter, are failing to impress the current Irons squad.

Senior West Ham players tell friends who should be manager

As per their information, as revealed by reliable journalist Matt Law, senior West Ham players have told friends who they think is the right man for the job.

That man is apparently Potter himself, with high-ranking squad members informing their inner circle and family members that they have full trust in West Ham’s current boss to turn things around.

Other players have also spoken about Potter in positive fashion to people outside their close circle, which follows a similar update from Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol, who previously revealed the mood around Rush Green is upbeat.

Things can change very quickly in football. Two promising results against Everton and Arsenal could get the West Ham hierarchy thinking, especially with support for Potter among the players appearing this strong.

However, football is also a results business, and we’ve seen time and time again that the popularity of a manager counts for very little if performances on the pitch are lacklustre.

Potter faces a race against time to prove to outside critics that he is indeed the right man to take them forward, with the mood around East London as toxic as ever right now amid protests against the ownership.

Manchester United are now seriously considering a late move for a “wonderful” midfielder, ahead of the September 1st transfer deadline.

Man Utd looking to strengthen midfield amid Mainoo uncertainty

Kobbie Mainoo is yet to make an appearance in the Premier League this season, but Ruben Amorim has recently insisted he is a big fan of the midfielder, saying: “I believe a lot in Kobbie; more than what everyone thinks. I believe a lot in Kobbie. I expect a lot from him. He is playing in one position and is fighting with Bruno. They can play together.

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“We need to improve that position and you could see that against Fulham. I just expect the best from Kobbie in the same way as everybody.”

Mainoo was given the opportunity to prove himself against Grimsby Town on Wednesday night, and the 20-year-old was one of the only players to put in something resembling a decent performance.

However, there is now a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the youngster’s future, with Leeds United now showing the strongest interest in a deal for the central midfielder, who is open to leaving Old Trafford before the September 1st deadline.

As such, according to a report from Spain, INEOS may not be done in the transfer market, with a move for VfB Stuttgart’s Angelo Stiller being seriously considered.

Chiefs have some reservations about the signing of Stiller, and he is not viewed as an alternative to Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, with a move dependent on what happens with Bruno Fernandes and Mainoo.

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Should one of Amorim’s current midfield options leave, a move for the Stuttgart maestro would gain momentum, and a deal would not break the bank, given that there is a £32m release clause in his contract.

Why Man Utd want to sign "wonderful" Stiller

The 24-year-old may not be as well-known as some of United’s other targets, but there are signs he could be an astute addition to Amorim’s squad at just £32m, given the level of some of the central midfielder’s performances in the Bundesliga.

Scout Ben Mattinson has indicated the German is a well-rounded player, praising him for his “wonderful” left foot, while also stating the Stuttgart star is “secure” defensively and capable of playing as a lone number 6.

Moreover, the Munich-born maestro is clearly an attack-minded player, as showcased by his tendency to play the ball forward and set up goals over the past year.

Statistic	Average per 90
Progressive passes	9.75 (98th percentile)
Assists	0.21 (90th percentile)
Shot-creating actions	3.93 (92nd percentile)

Stiller could excel at Old Trafford, but Man United should not sell Mainoo to create space in the squad, as the England interantional deserves another chance to prove himself.

وضع فريق الهلال السوداني قدمًا في مجموعات دوري أبطال إفريقيا بالفوز على الشرطة الكيني بهدف دون رد، اليوم الجمعة.

والتقى الهلال والشرطة في ذهاب دور الـ32 من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا، على ملعب “نيايو الوطني” في نيروبي.

طالع | الهلال السوداني يعلن رحيل مدربه فلوران إيبينجي

وسجل هدف الهلال السوداني لاعب الفريق، المالي آداما كوليبالي في الدقيقة 20 من زمن الشوط الأول، بعد مراوغة مدافع الشرطة مسددًا على يمين الحارس هدف اللقاء الوحيد.

ومن المقرر أن تقام مباراة العودة بين الهلال ونظيره الشرطة، في إياب دور الـ32، يوم 24 أكتوبر الجاري، على أرضية ملعب شهداء بنينا في مدينة بنغازي الليبية.

ويحتاج الهلال إلى التعادل في لقاء الإياب، من أجل الصعود إلى دور المجموعات في دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

Tottenham are in the market for three new signings before the imminent transfer deadline on September 1, with Thomas Frank eyeing a new centre-back, winger, and, perhaps most importantly, a new number 10.

Spurs were a thorn in Man City’s side last weekend as the Lilywhites once again established themselves as Pep Guardiola’s bogey team, coming away from Eastlands with an impressive 2-0 win.

However, off the field, City are reluctant to sell Savinho – a player who Frank personally wants – to the north Londoners and are making it very difficult.

Tottenham opened negotiations for Savinho over a fortnight ago, and since then, chairman Daniel Levy has reportedly seen a £42 million offer rejected whilst City take a public stance that he’s not for sale.

That being said, Levy is apparently refusing to give up on signing the 21-year-old, and Spurs are ready to bid over £60 million to tempt the Sky Blues into selling in the next few days.

Unfortunately for Frank, as it is this late in the window, a deal for Savinho is also dependent on Guardiola bringing in an elite replacement – so Levy is counting on a dramatic last-gasp transfer domino to land the Brazilian.

Alternatively, Spurs do have other options to bolster their wide area, and one of them is wantaway Atalanta star Ademola Lookman.

The Nigerian, who won last 2024’s African Player of the Year award, scored a stunning hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in last year’s Europa League final to end their unprecedented 23/24 unbeaten run.

Lookman also bagged a brilliant 20 goals in all competitions last season, but he’s publicly admitted to lodging a transfer request as the versatile attacker looks to seal a move elsewhere.

Tottenham offered Ademola Lookman as Savinho alternative

According to reliable football.london correspondent Alasdair Gold, Tottenham are among the sides who’ve been offered Lookman, and he could be a great alternative to Savinho.

As well as being able to play in the latter’s position out wide, the 27-year-old can operate as a second striker, centre-forward and even as a playmaker when required – so this could be attractive to Frank.

His proven goal return and £43 million valuation are obvious temptations too, and Fabrizio Romano has claimed that a move to the Premier League is a real possibility for the player.

Everton are in the thick of their pre-season preparations, and David Moyes is looking to recapture the form that allowed him to make such an impressive (second) start to life as the Toffees boss.

The exodus on the blue half of Merseyside was needed at the end of the 2024/25 season, even though Everton rallied and leapt away from the relegation zone in the half-season with Moyes in charge, finishing 13th in the Premier League.

More is needed, but the seeds have been planted. The Blues have welcomed Thierno Barry to the fold for a £27m fee, replacing Dominic Calvert-Lewin at centre-forward.

But Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom were both carried away in the stream of summer exits, loan spells wrapped up. Both flattered to deceive last season, but now a right-sided forward is needed.

Everton searching for new winger

Everton have been locked in talks with French club Lyon for their talented winger Malick Fofana in recent days, and though a breakthrough is close, the Belgian is holding out for a suitor with the allure of Champions League football.

But the 20-year-old would have the chance to nail down a starting berth at Everton, fostering his dynamic attacking qualities over the next few years.

Should the Friedkin Group’s effort prove fruitless, however, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Everton have made an enquiry to Real Sociedad for Japanese winger Takefusa Kubo, who has a €60m (£51m) release clause.

The 24-year-old principally plays down the right wing, and so would be an ideal positional fit for Moyes’ side.

What Takefusa Kubo would bring to Everton

Kubo has 41 goal contributions for Real Sociedad across 137 appearances, having played for both Barcelona and Real Madrid’s youth academies.

He’s a talented man, endowed with ferocious athletic skills and charged with a tenacity which once led Spanish-based journalist Kiyan Sobhani to say this: “Kubo is dusting defenders this season and has been an unrelenting offensive menace. Constantly in attack mode.”

While Kubo might not be the most prolific winger on the block, he ranked among the top 13% of attacking midfielders and wingers in La Liga last season for progressive carries, the top 6% for successful take-ons and the top 19% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

Fofana is also a high-speed runner with a burgeoning sharpness in the final third, but Kubo may well have a bit more about him, a bit more completeness.

League Stats 24/25: Takefusa Kubo vs Malick Fofana
Stats (* per game)	Kubo	Fofana
Matches (starts)	36 (27)	29 (16)
Goals	5	5
Assists	0	4
Shots taken*	1.2 (0.4)	1.1 (0.5)
Big chances missed	2	4
Pass completion	77%	84%
Big chances created	9	6
Key passes*	1.3	0.9
Ball recoveries*	3.3	2.2
Tackles + interceptions*	1.4	1.1
Dribbles*	2.1	0.8
Total duels (won)*	5.3 (52%)	2.9 (50%)
Stats via Sofascore

Sure, Kubo didn’t register an assist in La Liga last season, but his creative numbers bespeak his playmaking ability. Moreover, he dribbles forward with far more consistency than the electric Fofana, who has already garnered a reputation for his ball-carrying ability.

He’s also far more active in the duel, something that would please Moyes as he constructs a balanced and hard-working outfit, capable across the different phases of play.

If Fofana proves unattainable this summer, Everton must push ahead for Kubo. He might even prove the better pick.

He could be Ndiaye 2.0: Everton make enquiry to sign "electric" £43m star

Everton are looking to overhaul their attack this summer

By
Joe Nuttall

Jul 31, 2025

Millwall are building for another tilt at the EFL Championship and could look to sanction a permanent deal for another talented operator in the engine room, according to reports.

Millwall set to sign Massimo Luongo imminently

Alex Neil has begun work on shaping his squad for the new campaign and successfully delivered the arrivals of Zak Sturge, Josh Coburn, and Max Crocombe, with plenty more new faces set to join up at The Den before the window closes.

Coming as a two-pronged update, Millwall are set to announce both Massimo Luongo and Fulham goalkeeper Steven Benda imminently, with the latter arriving on a loan deal from their London rivals.

On the other hand, Luongo is an experienced campaigner who spent the last two years at Ipswich Town before leaving Portman Road on a free transfer.

Former Queens Park Rangers defender Morgan Fox was on Millwall’s radar and is now a free agent, though it remains to be seen whether Neil will decide to add another left-sider after Sturge completed a move from Chelsea.

Whatever happens, Don Goodman is adamant that the Lions must retain Japhet Tanganga and Mihailo Ivanovic if they genuinely intend to earn promotion this season.

Millwall’s opening five Championship fixtures

Norwich City (A)

Carrow Road

Middlesbrough (H)

The Den

Sheffield United (A)

Bramall Lane

Wrexham (H)

The Den

Charlton Athletic (A)

The Valley

When pressed on the subject, he stated: “That would be an emphatic yes. Ivanovic and Tanganga, you could make a case to say they’re the two best players at Millwall. If they want to kick-on, and the signs are that they do, with the signings they’re making, the appointment of Neil, then keeping your best players is of paramount importance.”

Excitingly, Millwall appear to share a level of ambition that could see them enter the promotion picture if their latest reported target were to sign on the dotted line.

Millwall eyeing permanent deal to sign Tottenham Hotspur youngster Alfie Devine

According to Dan Marsh on X, Millwall are set to target a permanent deal for Tottenham Hotspur youngster Alfie Devine once Luongo completes his move to South London.

He stated: “Exclusive: Massimo Luongo is undergoing a medical ahead of joining Millwall. 32 y/o midfielder has been on trial + former Ipswich man now set to sign permanently. Lions also interested in a perm deal for Tottenham midfielder Alfie Devine”

Related Millwall make first move to sign "fantastic" 20 y/o on a free transfer

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Labelled as someone who “applies himself brilliantly” by former Plymouth Argyle boss Ian Foster, Devine shone out on loan at KVC Westerlo last term, registering six goals and an assist in 32 appearances across all competitions.

With the Warrington-born man set to struggle for regular minutes at Spurs, being able to remain in London while thriving at The Den may be an ideal scenario for all parties.

The 20-year-old is highly-rated among his peers and a switch to Millwall could see the youngster tread a similar path to Tanganga, who is now courting interest from several Premier League clubs.

Looking to add to their Ibrox arrivals after confirming Max Aarons, the 49ers and Glasgow Rangers are reportedly ready to win the race to sign a player who has been dubbed the ‘Brazilian Paul Pogba’.

Aarons "delighted" to join Rangers

Getting to work straight away after completing their takeover of the club and hiring Russell Martin, the 49ers have already secured both Aarons and young Scotland talent Lyall Cameron. Aarons particularly stands out as an impressive coup on loan from Bournemouth given the experience that he built up in the Premier League.

After arriving at Ibrox, the defender told the club’s website: “I am delighted to be here, as you can see it’s a huge club and you realise that when you walk through the doors, I can’t wait to get going.

“I’ve got a lot of experience now in different leagues and I have played a lot of games. I think I can bring that experience, I can bring a new energy, and I think Rangers fans can be excited – I am really looking forward to it.”

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ByDan Emery Jun 30, 2025

Martin, equally delighted, then said: “Max is a player who I have always kept a keen eye on since he was emerging through the youth ranks while I was coming to the end of my time at Norwich as a player.

“He is a wonderfully talented player who is hungry to develop, improve and help deliver success for his side. We are pleased to bring him on board for this season, and I believe he will be a fantastic addition to the squad.”

The Scottish giants will be hoping that Aarons’ arrival is the first of many amid links to the likes of Conor Coady and an impressive midfielder who has reportedly been handpicked by the 49ers.

49ers now ready to battle for Metinho

According to The Scottish Sun, the 49ers are now ready to win the race to sign Metinho ahead of Champions League side Basel this summer. The American owners reportedly handpicked the Troyes midfielder as someone they wanted to invest in before arriving at Ibrox and now have the perfect opportunity to do so.

Earning high praise from scout Kai Watson, who described the midfielder as a “strong passer of the ball”, Metinho has also been dubbed the ‘Brazilian Paul Pogba” in the past – highlighting the talent that Rangers could be signing.

Fending off interest from Basel won’t be easy, however, after the 22-year-old spent last season on loan in Switzerland, but the 49ers will be hoping that their newest project will be enough to build a strong case. After Aarons, Metinho would certainly only continue a promising start to Rangers’ summer window.