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Manchester United are still looking for new additions who can make an impact on the squad at Old Trafford this season, and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

According to the Daily Mail, Everton have outlined their expectations to part ways with their star midfielder Amadou Onana this summer.

As per the report, Manchester United are revealed to be strongly interested in signing the Belgian star this summer as a potential alternative to Sofyan Amrabat, however, the Toffees have set out their demands if they were to be willing to sell Onana on.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

It is claimed that Everton expect to command a fee greater than Southampton have for Romeo Lavia (£60m) as they believe he has more experience than the Saints youth prospect, and are not interested in any swap deals that might be offered in approaches to secure his signature.

What does Amadou Onana offer?

Erik ten Hag has made it no secret that he is still on the look-out for quality reinforcements that can bolster the Man United squad this summer and following a poor performance from his midfield personnel last night against Wolverhampton Wanderers, it would be no surprise if recruitment plans intensify at Old Trafford.

Despite stealing a 1-0 win from Wolves, it was far from an exemplary display from Ten Hag's side on their return to Premier League action and the centre of the pitch was put into the spotlight for criticism as their visitors dominated throughout.

Former Manchester United legend and Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville was quick to slam the midfield presence following the game on Monday Night Football:

"Manchester United's midfield was non-existent it emptied. It was a concern that was maybe sort of, if you watched Man United in pre-season, leaving Casemiro on his own when Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes go forwards, it looks great. But you’ve got to have a balance."

As a result, the signing of Onana could provide the Red Devils with the partner Casemiro is crying out for in midfield and could significantly improve the much-needed ball retention in the middle third.

Despite falling into a relegation battle with Everton last season, the Belgium international was a stand-out performer in the squad throughout both potent in attack and defensively sound – the perfect box-to-box midfielder.

Over 33 Premier League appearances, the £100k-per-week ace scored one goal, registered two assists, tallied up an 84% pass completion rate and won 57% of his defensive ground and aerial duels combined, proving himself to be a bullish but composed asset.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig profiled the 21-year-old as an "aggressive & tenacious tackler" with a "very high work rate & determination", as well as "great pace & coordination for a player of his size" who is ultimately a "one-man army in midfield".

All of these attributes make him the perfect player to partner Casemiro in midfield, as the 31-year-old is often dragged out of position to cover his lesser positionally disciplined teammates in both defensive and attacking opportunities.

Whereas if he had Onana alongside him in midfield, the Everton gem can cover the box-to-box duties allowing the Brazilian superstar to do what he does best in screening the back four and exercising his strong passing range from the deep-lying role.

With that being said, if Man United do not succeed in their pursuit of Amrabat there is no doubt that Onana would be a worthy alternative and the perfect profile of player to form a dream duo with Casemiro this season and beyond.

Aside from Celtic losing treble-winning coach, Ange Postecoglou, arguably the biggest setback of the summer so far for the Parkhead outfit was the departure of wing wizard, Jota, with the Portuguese gem having sealed a £25m move to Saudi Arabian side, Al Ittihad.

Despite being able to rake in a handsome profit on the 24-year-old – having signed him on a permanent deal for roughly £6.4m the year prior – that exit has left the Hoops without a player that was crucial to their domestic dominance under Postecolgou over the last two seasons.

Having initially snapped up the Lisbon native from Benfica on a season-long loan deal in the summer of 2021, the fleet-footed ace went on to score 13 goals and provide 14 assists in all competitions during his debut season in Glasgow, before adding a further 27 goal involvements last season.

With an overall tally of 54 goals and assists in just 83 games for the Old Firm giants in total, it is fair to say that Jota certainly made his mark at the club, hence the need to find a suitable replacement for the forthcoming campaign.

Who could replace Jota at Celtic?

Rodgers and co have, of course, already strengthened their attack with the signings of Marco Tilio and Hyunjun Yang, although further forward additions could be in store, amid prior reports that the Bhoys have also shown an interest in another South Korean sensation – Ji-sung Eom.

As per the Daily Record, Celtic are said to have been scouting the 21-year-old Gwangju starlet of late, albeit with his current side seemingly adamant that they will not sell the emerging sensation before the end of the K League 1 season later this year.

As the piece also notes, however, the Hoops could strike a deal that would see Eom spend the next six months on loan back at his current club, before eventually making the move to Scotland in the New Year.

Either way, if Rodgers can strike a deal for the 5 foot 10 dynamo in the near future, it could allow Celtic to forget all about that man Jota, such is the Korean's undoubted potential.

Who is Ji-sung Eom?

As stated above, trying to fill the void left behind by Jota will be no small feat, although, in Eom, the Scottish champions could potentially find a worthy candidate, following the wide man's impact in his homeland in recent times.

Such is the young forward's quality, he has even been dubbed "one of the most exciting young talents in Korean football" by journalist Jason Lee, having scored 15 goals and provided four assists in 80 games in all competitions for Gwangju.

While not quite at the same level as Jota's return for Celtic, Eom has been in fine form in the current campaign with two goals and two assists in just 15 league outings, having made a smooth transition to life in the top tier – after bagging nine goals in 28 K League 2 games last year.

A player who typically operates on the left wing, like Jota, the South Korean U22 international also mirrors the Al Ittihad ace with regard to his defensive output, having averaged 1.7 tackles and interceptions per game last season, while Jota averaged 1.6 in that regard in 2022/23.

Also described as a truly "underrated" talent – in the words of scout Ali Can Kutlu – Eom has the potential to explode over the coming years, with the hope being that his development can continue under the watchful eye of Rodgers.

Losing Jota is undoubtedly a source of real frustration, although the former Celtic Park hero could be quickly forgotten about if a new figure steps up to take his place on the flanks.

Russell Martin has made it his mission to reconnect Southampton's fanbase by making the Saints exciting to watch again after taking over from Ruben Seles as manager.

If the former Swansea City head coach is to achieve that, he could do with a helping hand from his own bosses when it comes to bringing in new recruits.

Southampton will have to offload some players to help balance the books following their relegation from the Premier League, with skipper James Ward-Prowse the most obvious example.

The future of striker Nathan Tella also remains in the balance following last season's impressive spell on loan in the Championship with Burnley, who are one of a number of sides reportedly interested in signing the striker.

But if Southampton are indeed going to cash in on Tella, they need to have a replacement – even if it is a cheaper alternative – lined up and ready to hit the ground running.

According to the Daily Mail, Martin is eager to bring Joel Piroe with him to St Mary's, but recent acrimony between Southampton and Swansea over a compensation fee for the manager could hinder negotiations.

The report suggests Piroe could be available for £12m which, while not exactly a small amount of money for a Championship team trying to readjust to a smaller budget, would mean effectively swapping the Dutchman with Tella and still having £3m or so left over.

Is Joel Piroe a better player than Nathan Tella?

First and foremost, Southampton would be signing a player that is not only Championship proven but also well known to Martin, having worked together over the past two years at Swansea.

Martin, therefore, knows exactly what Piroe is capable of in the final third. "He is so clinical with both feet, and he is a great technician," the then-Swansea boss said after a victory against Millwall last year.

"But the most important thing he has is the right mentality when he gets around the goal. He shows composure, he is calm, and he just focuses on his technique, something that all top strikers possess."

Piroe had very similar numbers to Tella last season – with the latter playing in a better side – as they scored 19 and 17 goals respectively, though the Burnley loanee did assist five goals to the former Netherlands U20 international's two.

They were also alike in terms of percentage of shots on target (44.4 for Tella and 41.4 for Piroe) and touches per 90 minutes (39.5 v 35), as per FBref, but Piroe came out on top for pass-completion rate (81.5% v 72.6%) and also the number of aerial duels won per 90 (0.55 v 0.43).

Ultimately, there is very little between the two players, with just one month separating them in terms of age. Piroe does have more longevity, though, having scored 22 goals and 19 goals in the past two Championship seasons, while also boasting experience of playing in Eredivisie with PSV.

Sanctioning the sale of Tella is a big call to make, but if Piroe is indeed available for a cheaper price, Southampton would not only be bringing in a proven striker but also helping to further ease their financial issues.

There’s often several reasons behind a player’s departure from a club. Sometimes, it’s as simple as wanting to play at a higher level, and other times it can be that they are no longer performing at their peak. Occasionally, things can get ugly, however – see Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United departure the second time around.Things can get slightly out of hand in the transfer season when a player wants to leave. We’ve seen some banished to train with the U23s, others take matters into their own hands by driving to another club’s training ground – shout-out to Peter Odemwingie – and all sorts of other drama unfold.Gabriel Jesus has gone about things fairly smarter, though. Instead of letting the tensions boil over while at Manchester City, he has waited an entire season at Arsenal, and a highly-competitive title race, before finally speaking out about his exit.

Why did Gabriel Jesus leave Manchester City?

Speaking on The Denilson Show Podcast, Jesus said, via ESPN: “There was a Champions League game, PSG, at home in which he put Zinchenko as a false 9. Crazy thing. The day before, he didn’t even use him in training, he had put me in as a striker.. Zinchenko even joked with me: ‘That day I felt bad or you’.

“Two hours before the game, there’s a team talk, the team eats, rests for 30 minutes and goes to the game… I didn’t even eat. I went straight to the room, crying, I called my mother to talk: ‘I want to leave’. I’m going home, because he put (Zinchenko) on. He put a left-back there. I went crazy.

“I didn’t warm up. I felt bad. Five minutes after Mbappe scored the goal for 1-0, [Guardiola] called me. I gave an assist and scored; we turned it around 2-1. In the next [Champions League] game [a 2-1 win at RB Leipzig], I thought I was going to play, and I didn’t play.

“There was a lot of that with him [Guardiola], and it’s not easy. But one [player] evolves. It is really hard. That’s when I decided, I didn’t want to stay anymore. And I decided to leave.”

How did Gabriel Jesus perform for Arsenal last season?

Despite never really being the main man at Manchester City, Jesus played a crucial role for Arsenal last season, who pushed Guardiola’s side all the way in the Premier League title race.

Suffering a poorly-timed injury at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, the 26-year-old Brazilian’s season was interrupted. This didn’t stop him from finishing on 11 goals and eight assists in all competitions to cap off an impressive debut campaign at The Emirates.

Playing with former Ciry teammate Oleksandr Zinchenko in North London, Jesus at least doesn’t have to worry about losing his place to the left-back under Mikel Arteta, with his spot in the manager’s plans more than secured (playing 33 times in total despite his major injury).

The hope will be that the Gunners can go one better next season, and win the Premier League title, whilst also making an impact in their return to Champions League action.

And for the time being, when it comes to leading the line, Jesus appears to be the undisputed main man for Arsenal.

David Moyes appears to have made Amadou Onana one of his top targets to replace Arsenal-bound Declan Rice, but there could be a better alternative out there for West Ham United at a cheaper price.

Who should West Ham sign to replace Rice?

Money is not an issue for West Ham this summer given they are about to land £105m through the sale of Rice to Arsenal, a deal that is close to being officially announced.

That is not to say the Hammers want to overpay for any player, but it seems unlikely Everton will budge on their reported £55m valuation of Onana, who impressed in his debut Premier League campaign.

Not only that, Chelsea are also supposedly eyeing up the Belgium international should they be unable to land their own top target in Brighton and Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo.

West Ham should not worry too much about the prospect of missing out on Onana, though, as The Sun claims the Europa Conference League winners are also interested in signing Scott McTominay from Manchester United.

Would Scott McTominay be a good signing for West Ham?

McTominay featured 24 times for United in the Premier League last season, but the imminent arrival of Mason Mount from Chelsea will push the Scotsman further down the midfield pecking order.

The 26-year-old has been praised and criticised in equal measure across his six seasons as a United regular, but there is no doubt he is good enough for a side outside of the top six.

Indeed, on the basis of his performances over the past 12 months, FBref's player comparison model ranks Onana as the player second-most like McTominay from midfielders in the English top flight.

The pair have an identical return of 0.17 goals per shots on target, while also attempting an identical number of passes (33.5 per 90), with Onana ever so slightly ahead in terms of passing accuracy (83.3% v 82.2%).

While Onana also has a slightly better figure in terms of tackles won per 90 (1.56 v 1.47), McTominay ranks better when it comes to aerial challenges won (2.64 v 2.17) and ball recoveries (6.05 v 5.43).

Described in December 2020 as a "physical monster" by then-United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and someone who "can do everything", it would not be harsh to suggest McTominay's Old Trafford career has not quite taken off in the way many may have hoped.

But valued at a slightly smaller fee than Onana at £50m, according to the Daily Star, and with the midfielder recently adding more goals to his game, it may be a move worth pursuing for Moyes to kick-start to post-Rice era.

After finishing the 2024/25 campaign on a high, Newcastle United approached the summer transfer window with excitement. But as is becoming habitual on Tyneside, there have been challenges and setbacks.

However, one of Eddie Howe’s superpowers is his ability to weather adversity and rally his club, and so in spite of missing out on Bryan Mbeumo and Joao Pedro and Mohammed Kudus and maybe Matheus Cunha too, the Magpies are beginning to take shape.

A deal with Nottingham Forest has been agreed for Anthony Elanga, worth £52m. A bid for Burnley shot-stopper James Trafford is also ongoing, and that one looks like it will end positively.

Alexander Isak, moreover, is set to remain at St. James’ Park. Even so, Howe wants a new centre-forward, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike confirmed to be on the radar.

However, it’s going to be a difficult deal to pull off, and an alternative option has been earmarked.

Newcastle chasing a new striker

Any interest in a centre-forward on Tyneside is laced with a measure of trepidation. Newcastle fans would love to see a new number nine welcomed to the fold, but not at the expense of Isak’s place in the team.

Luckily, PIF have no plans to sell their £200m-valued talisman. With Callum Wilson having departed St. James’ Park at the end of his contract, securing a new nine is a necessity, not a luxury.

Ekitike might be at the top of the shopping list right now, but he’s simply too expensive at £85m, a valuation Eintracht Frankfurt aren’t willing to budge on.

That’s why Newcastle are setting their sights on Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. According to Caught Offside, the Magpies have joined the growing list of clubs – also containing Arsenal and Manchester United – who are interested in the England star.

Naturally, Villa don’t want to sell, but they have priced the 29-year-old at £50m, and if Newcastle were to table such an offer, they might just find themselves in an interesting position.

Why Newcastle want Ollie Watkins

Consistently one of the Premier League’s most dangerous forwards over the past few years, Watkins would bring experience and dynamism to a Newcastle side in need of just his profile.

Principally a central striker, Watkins’ high-energy running and ability to play through the lines have seen him deployed on the left flank in Unai Emery’s Villan system. This is perfect for Howe, who likes to shuffle his offensive pack.

The 22-year-old Ekitike scored 22 goals and assisted 12 more across all competitions last season, but he’s still an uncut gem, only really having displayed the full extent of his quality across one campaign at the highest level.

Watkins, conversely, is proven across five years in ostensibly the toughest league in the world.

24/25

38 (31)

16

8

23/24

37 (37)

19

13

22/23

37 (36)

15

6

21/22

35 (33)

11

2

20/21

37 (37)

14

5

The Three Lions star has even been described by podcaster Rohan Jivan as “one of the best centre-forwards in Europe”, with his completeness and experience at the highest level exactly what Newcastle need to one-up their previous campaign.

It’s not going to be easy, for sure, but the Toon are now shaping into one of the recognised big hitters in the Premier League, fixed at the top end of the table.

Ekitike is undoubtedly one of the biggest talents in the business, but given his extortionate pricing and indeed the chances that he might not immediately acclimatise to the English game, bagging Watkins to provide instantaneous results might be the best course of action for Howe’s ambitious plans.

Dream Scalvini alternative: Newcastle make approach for "dominant" £25m CB

Newcastle are looking to strengthen at the back this summer

1 ByJoe Nuttall Jul 9, 2025

Replacing Harry Kane will not be an easy task at Tottenham Hotspur, but the North London club are willing to break their transfer record in an attempt to do just that, according to reports.

Spurs have been left without a talisman as the Premier League season gets underway.

What's the latest Tottenham Hotspur transfer news?

So far this summer, Ange Postecoglou has welcomed six fresh faces, with James Maddison, Micky van de Ven, Guglielmo Vicario, Alejo Veliz, Manor Solomon, and Ashley Phillips all walking through the door. And, now, according to Football Insider, Spurs, and by extension chairman Daniel Levy, are ready to break their transfer record to sign an A-list replacement for Kane this summer.

Their club record currently sits at a reported £63m, which went on Tanguy Ndombele, who has since had a mixed spell, with loan moves elsewhere attempting to get his career back on track.

After welcoming a number of players, Spurs would have been ready to get themselves back into Europe in the coming season. Kane's exit to Bayern Munich appears to have somewhat halted those plans, however.

Losing their talisman has left them short in the forward department, and, such is Kane's talent, they could now suffer the consquences of departures in the summer transfer window.

As things stand, it will likely be Richarlison who takes up the striker role, with the Brazilian handed the chance to claim a crucial role in Postecoglou's first season in charge.

With time remaining in the transfer window, Spurs could yet find themselves an adequate replacement for Kane this summer. And that could come in the form of Gift Orban, who reportedly dreams of playing in the Premier League.

Ben Jacobs told Team Talk:

“Gift Orban has said that his dream is to eventually play in the Premier League.

“But at the moment, we have to bear in mind that Gift Orban is only 20 years of age and still developing, and is very happy at Gent. So he’s not desperately trying to force his way out come summer, and therefore that type of transfer barring a very healthy offer, and maybe even a Premier League club taking a risk, because he’s so early in his development, might be more one to watch in 2024."

Should Spurs sign Gift Orban?

Orban wouldn't exactly be a bad piece of business for Spurs, who need to replace Kane's output for years to come, rather than finding a short-term solution.

The KAA Gent forward scored 20 goals in just 22 appearances last season and is still just 21-years-old. Of course, at such an age, Orban may take time to settle in the Premier League, but those numbers suggest that it is more than worthwhile in the long run.

It remains to be seen whether the player is among Spurs' options, however, as they look to replace Kane before it's too late in the summer transfer window, with the transfer deadline fast approaching.

Everton have been long-term linked with a move for Beto, and a new update has emerged regarding the player’s future ahead of a potential move in the summer.

What’s the latest on Everton’s interest in Beto?

According to Tutto Udinese (via Sport Witness), Udinese could now be willing to part ways with their striker in the summer.

As per the report, Beto has received a lot of interest from Premier League clubs, with Everton named as one of those who are following his performances closely.

It is claimed that Udinese will command up to €30m (£27m) and have already lined up a replacement should the 25-year-old leave in the coming months.

Beto is just what Dyche needs at Everton

There is no doubt that reinforcements are desperately needed in the forward line at Goodison Park following the exit of Richarlison (2021/22 top scorer) last summer and the departure of Anthony Gordon (second-highest scorer in 2022/23) in January, both of which have evidently weakened Everton’s forward line.

The Toffees have the worst goal tally (16) in the entire Premier League, which has left them fighting a relegation battle at the bottom of the table over their remaining 16 fixtures.

Therefore, if Sean Dyche can save Everton from dropping into the Championship, signing Beto could make a huge difference in the final third and duly improve their performances next season.

Across 52 appearances for Udinese, the 25-year-old has scored 18 goals and registered two assists, with a goal contribution every 178 minutes, and this season he continues to prove that he can be a real asset in front of goal.

Beto has scored seven goals, delivered one assist and created two big chances in 22 Serie A appearances, along with averaging 1.6 shots on goal and winning four duels per game.

The Portuguese predator has been the recipient of high praise for his impact at Udinese, with journalist Sam Tighe hailing Beto’s ability to “spook defenders” in an analysis of his presence on the pitch.

He stated: “The way Beto (Udinese) spooks defenders is amazing. Chuck a ball into the channel for him to chase and even if he doesn’t latch onto it, defenders panic under his pressure and end up making the craziest decisions or panicked clearances.”

A huge presence in the front three is just what Dyche needs in order for Everton to cause problems for opponents, and if the powerbrokers at Goodison Park can secure a deal for Beto, it could transform the Toffees’ hitherto blunt attacking threat.

Tottenham Hotspur will want a "fair whack" for Denmark international Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg this summer if Atletico Madrid try to sign him due to his record in the Premier League, claims journalist Alasdair Gold.

Is Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg leaving Tottenham this summer?

The transfer window has gone quite well for Spurs this summer. So far, they have improved their first XI with the signings of James Maddison and Guglielmo Vicario, while also bolstering their squad depth with the acquisition of Manor Solomon.

That said, there is the ever-present threat that they could lose all-time leading goalscorer and club talisman Harry Kane, as Bayern Munich persist in their attempts to secure his signature.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

However, with Daniel Levy's stance that they want over £100m, a sale might not be as cataclysmic as some have suggested.

Meanwhile, another player that could be leaving N17 this summer is midfield stalwart Hojbjerg, who was brought to the club by Jose Mourinho.

The Portuguese manager signed the Dane in the summer of 2020, but his three-year spell in Spurs colours could soon be coming to an end.

Spanish publication Marca (via BBC Sport) has reported that he is a potential target of Atletico Madrid should they be unable to sign Marco Verratti, who has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League.

And with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the Italian has now agreed terms to move to Saudi side Al-Hilal, the La Liga giants might well turn their attention to the Spurs man, who journalist Alasdair Gold expects will cost them a significant amount of money.

He explained the situation on his YouTube channel, saying:

"Still intrigued to see how high Atletico Madrid will go for Hojbjerg in terms of the price, because I think Spurs will want a fair whack for him.

"I saw some reports suggesting that £20m had been rejected or something, but I would imagine you'd want more for Hojbjerg. He's an established Premier League midfielder, scores goals, gets assists, couple of years left on his contract – I think you could easily look for more than £20m.

"They may be looking at £30m, maybe £40m for him. And I know there's people that don't rate him, but I think if you're looking from the outside, he's an established Premier League player."

How good is Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg?

In an otherwise dismal season for the Lilywhites, aside from Kane, Hojbjerg was one of the few bright spots for fans to latch onto.

The Denmark international played in 35 of the side's league games, scoring four goals, providing five assists, maintaining a passing accuracy of 88.6% and averaging a brilliant rating of 7.02, per WhoScored.

His underlying numbers are just as impressive, suggesting that he could reach another level in a more structured system at Atletico.

According to FBref, which compares players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, the 27-year-old "monster" sits in the top 8% for pass completion, the top 12% for attempted passes and the top 13% for clearances per 90.

The man who brought him to the club in the first place, Mourinho, was clearly a massive fan of his combative side, waxing lyrical about him back in 2020:

"Physically, he's very, very strong and technically, he's much better than people think. Because sometimes people think the guy that is good technically is the guy that does the backheel.

"The guy is so simple in everything he does with the ball. And I think he's a phenomenal player."

While Tottenham might be better off keeping him, if Gold is correct and they can make up to £40m from his sale, it could be too good of an opportunity to turn down.

Everton are now believed to have made an approach to complete the signing of a “world class” player who knows the Premier League well but has fallen out of favour at his current club.

A host of players continue to be mentioned as options for the Blues in the summer transfer window, including Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper. The 25-year-old Englishman started all 46 of the Blades’ Championship matches last season, helping them reach the playoff final, but defeat to Sunderland at Wembley ruined their chances of promotion, and he may like the idea of heading to the top flight.

Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is another player who could want to remain in the Premier League, following his side’s relegation to the second tier, and Everton have been backed to snap him up, amid their search for more quality in the middle of the park.

Meanwhile, Millwall forward Mihailo Ivanovic is another reported target for the Merseysiders, with the Serb potentially seen as a strong replacement for Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Just 20 years of age, he scored an impressive 12 goals in 23 Championship starts last term and could serve as the old fashioned number nine alongside the more elusive Thierno Barry.

Everton make approach for "world class" midfielder

According to La Gazzetta Dello Sport [via Goodison News], Everton have made an approach for Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, seeing him as an excellent choice to bring in this summer. The Blues are said to have asked for information regarding the 27-year-old, but it is added that no offer has been tabled for him yet.

He joined Juventus for around £42m last summer but was once worth a much higher figure, with Neil Moxley even claiming “somebody’s just having a bit of a laugh” when he was quoted at £60m while thriving at Aston Villa, pointing to Declan Rice’s £105m move to Arsenal as a benchmark.

Indeed, albeit out of form and out of favour in Turin last season, Luiz is a player who has proven his worth at the highest level for many years now, having been such an influential performer for Villa, so he could be a brilliant signing for Everton.

The Brazilian has 175 appearances to his name in the Premier League, as well as 20 goals and 18 assists, with John McGinn heaping praise on his ability, describing him as “world class”, and Jermaine Pennant calling him better than Rice in the past.

“Any team would dream to have Rice, but there are better sixes in the Premier League at the moment. I would say Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa, I think he can do everything that Rice can do and better. I think he assists more, he chips in with goals more than Rice. Creativity-wise he’s better, flair is better, he can put in a tackle just like Rice, break up play just like Rice. So I think if someone said to me you can have Douglas Luiz for £60m or Declan Rice for £100m, easy every day of the week, Douglas Luiz.”

Everton now ready to pay £5m+ to sign new star with same agent as McNeil

The Toffees are ready to take advantage…

1 BySean Markus Clifford Jul 7, 2025

Luiz is still in his prime, so this wouldn’t be a case of Everton splashing out on a player who has peaked, and his box-to-box style could be a great asset for David Moyes.