Arsenal could be set to mimic the success of an arch-rival, by adding to their summer spending with another high-profile acquisition.

Who is Arsenal signing?

Although having not been linked since late June, a potential swoop for Goncalo Inacio still represents a potentially outstanding piece of business for Mikel Arteta to add to his ever-growing playing staff.

With Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz all combining to improve a squad that narrowly missed out on the Premier League last term, this imperious defensive titan could provide that final acquisition to truly make them a threat for the treble-winning Manchester City.

Although his €60m (£51m) price tag might seem lofty, the Gunners have showcased their propensity to spend big already this window.

In swooping from Sporting CP, they could actually mimic the success Manchester United have earned by welcoming Bruno Fernandes from Lisbon to England, as an added incentive to complete this deal.

How good is Goncalo Inacio?

Having moved to Old Trafford in January 2020, many raised eyebrows when the Red Devils forked out £47m for a player from the Portuguese league.

However, it took no time at all for the 28-year-old to begin proving doubters wrong, as he recorded 15 goal contributions in his 14 league games. He would then notch 28 goals and assist a further 17 across all competitions in his first full year, truly silencing his critics.

Should Inacio prove to be half as impactful at the Emirates as his compatriot has been since moving to England, then Arteta will be salivating at the prospect.

Especially considering the glowing praise already heading the way of the 21-year-old defender, who epitomises the modern-day centre-back with his confidence in possession.

BBC Sport contributor Raj Chohan, also known as Premier League Panel, sought to detail his key attributes that have made him such an asset for his boyhood club, noting:

"Gonçalo Inácio is the perfect counter-weight to Konaté. Inacio-VVD-Konaté: Build-up conductor, Leader/aerial dominator/switches of play, Immense recovery speed & coverage of space".

This ease in possession is heavily outlined in his underlying statistics, as when compared against other centre-backs across Europe, he stands out despite his youth.

For passes attempted per 90 and progressive passes made per 90, he ranks in the top 1%. Then, for progressive carries per 90 and successful take-ons per 90, he sits in the top 3% and 4% respectively, via FBref.

There are few in his role on the continent who showcase such a special ability to progress the play from defence, which Arteta will be desperate to add to his already free-flowing squad.

Back in 2014, the Spanish coach, who was still a player at the time, detailed the ideals of his perfect club:

“My philosophy will be clear. I want the football to be expressive, entertaining. I cannot have a concept of football where everything is based on the opposition.

"We have to dictate the game, we have to be the ones taking the initiative, and we have to entertain the people coming to watch us. I’m 100 per cent convinced of those things, and I think I could do it."

It seems that he finally has his wish, and in this 6 foot 1 Portuguese titan, he could further solidify such a philosophy. The only hope will be that he can mirror the success earned by Fernandes, who has taken a similar path to the one Inacio could soon make.

Nottingham Forest are now considering a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Jose Sa, and they have already held initial talks over a potential deal, according to a recent report from The Telegraph.

What's the latest Nottingham Forest transfer news?

Steve Cooper is still keen to bolster his squad with a new goalkeeper, recently launching a bid for Braga shot-stopper Matheus, however the £6m bid was immediately knocked back, with the Portuguese side set to hold out for more money.

Dean Henderson has been a target for quite some time, with Cooper keen to bring the Manchester United goalkeeper in on a permanent deal, and the Red Devils could now be willing to sell the Englishman, as they close in on a deal for Inter Milan's Andre Onana.

According to a report from The Telegraph, Forest are locked in talks with Man United over a move for Henderson, who is their number one target, with the 26-year-old now poised to move to the City Ground on a long-term deal.

However, Cooper does not want to stop there, with the manager keen on signing two new goalkeepers, and the report also mentions that initial talks have been held with Wolves over a deal for Sa.

The Old Gold are willing to let the Portuguese shot-stopper leave this summer, with the Tricky Trees now stepping up their pursuit of a goalkeeper, as injuries to Wayne Hennessey and Ethan Horvath mean that the inexperienced George Shelvey is their only option between the sticks heading into pre-season.

Hennessey is expected to miss the start of the season due to a knee injury sustained on international duty with Wales, and Henderson may also miss some games at the beginning of the campaign, meaning it is crucial to sign another new goalkeeper.

Are Nottingham Forest signing Jose Sa?

With Wolves willing to sanction the 30-year-old's departure, the door is open for Forest to do a deal, and he could be a very good back-up option for the Reds, considering he has a great deal of experience in the Premier League.

The Wolves 'keeper has made 73 appearances in the top flight, including 36 last season, and he was hailed by former teammate Ruben Neves, who lauded him as "fantastic" after Wolves ran out 1-0 winners against Forest at Molineux last October.

On that day, the £25k-per-week earner put in a very solid performance, keeping a clean sheet and preventing 1.31 goals, saving a penalty from Brennan Johnson late in the second half.

The 6 foot 4 colossus also ranks in the 89th percentile for his crosses stopped percentage per 90 over the past year, while Henderson places in just the 72nd, with Sa also recording a better save percentage over the same timeframe.

As such, although Henderson is Forest's priority target, there are indications that Sa could push for a starting spot next season, should the England international go through a bad patch of form, and it is exciting news that Forest have held talks over a move.

أكد خالد بيبو مدير الكرة بالنادي الأهلي، أن لديه ثقة كبيرة في اللاعبين خلال مواجهة العودة أمام مازيمبي للوصول إلى المباراة النهائية من بطولة دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

الأهلي أنهى لقاء الذهاب أمام مازيمبي، بالتعادل السلبي في المباراة التي أقيمت اليوم السبت، بمدنية لوبومباشي بالكونغو.

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي الأهلي مع مازيمبي، يوم الجمعة المقبل الموافق 26 أبريل، في إياب نصف النهائي على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي.

وقال بيبو خلال تصريحات عبر الموقع الرسمي للأهلي: “أثق في خبرات وقدرات لاعبي الأهلي في التعامل مع مباراة العودة، نتحدث مع اللاعبين بشكل مستمر والجميع الآن في حالة تركيز والعمل يتم على قلب رجل واحد، من أجل الوصول إلى نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا”.

وأضاف: “مباراة العودة ستكون صعبة، خصوصًا أن مازيمبي منافس قوي ويلعب كرة سريعة ويجيد التهديف خارج ملعبه”.

وواصل: “الفريق واجه ضغوطات عدة، وكانت هناك تحضيرات كثيرة قبل مباراة مازيمبي سواء في الجانب الفني أو الإداري”.

طالع | “تجده في كل مكان”.. كاف يتغنى بلاعب الأهلي بعد التعادل مع مازيمبي

وأكمل: “الجميع بذلوا جهدًا مضاعفًا خلال هذه المباراة، والنتيجة جاءت مرضية ولكن الحسم والصعود سيكون في مباراة العودة بالقاهرة”.

وأتم: “الفريق يطير إلى القاهرة مباشرة، وبعد الراحة سيبدأ الجهاز واللاعبون سريعًا التحضير لمباراة العودة، التي نتمنى أن تشهد حضورًا جماهيريًّا كبيرًا يصنع الفارق كما هي عادة جماهير الأهلي”.

ScorecardAlex Wakely will be confident of a final-day victory•Getty Images

Centuries from Alex Wakely and Rob Keogh gave Northamptonshire an excellent chance to pick up a fifth victory in the Specsavers County Championship. They set Leicestershire 394 to win at Wantage Road but the visitors survived for 16 overs under the lights until the close of day three at 9.57pm, reaching 44 for 0.Both Wakely and Keogh made their first Championship centuries of the season as Northants quickly built up a big lead. They declared in perfect time with the skies dark enough to encourage the pink ball to swing but unlike on the first evening where the hosts took four wickets, they failed to find a breakthrough as Paul Horton and on-loan Surrey batsman Arun Harinath got through a very tricky period, several edges falling short of the slips cordon and strong lbw appeals from Richard Gleeson against Harinath and Azharullah against Horton turned down.Until the wicketless final hour, it was a perfect day for Northants. After a three hour delay due to a wet outfield, Wakely and Keogh resumed with their side 60 for 3 and the game still in the balance. But Leicestershire couldn’t swing the ball and didn’t bowl accurately enough to even contain Northants – 146 runs came in 28 overs before tea.Wakely suggested Northants would look to be positive before the start of play and was true to his word. He made half-centuries in the second innings of Northants’ previous two matches and here went past fifty again in 55 balls with five fours – only after being put down by Harinath at point on 44.He looked in excellent touch – rocking back to pull Dieter Klein over midwicket and lifting Rob Sayer’s off spin over long-on for six. A fierce cut against Matt Pillans raced to the cover point boundary to raise a century in 108 balls. Wakely was eventually caught at short third man for 112 trying to reserve sweep Sayer.With Keogh, Wakely shared 171 for the fourth wicket – a partnership that took the game away from Leicestershire, who bizarrely only used their strike bowler Klein for seven overs in the second innings.Keogh’s day began with a clip to fine leg for four and he played the shot of the match – a gorgeous extra-cover drive off Clint McKay – on his way to just a second Championship fifty of the season in 77 balls with seven fours.He then skipped down the pitch to lift Sayer over mid-off before sweeping the same bowler for another boundary in front of square. He took tea 70 not out and after the break was forced to work the bowling around against a defensive field, eventually going through to his seventh first-class century in 136 balls – a very pleasant innings and much-needed after a poor first half of the Championship season.

Aston Villa aren’t giving up their pursuit of Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson, as Unai Emery bids to bolster his side ahead of the 2023/34 campaign.

Following his arrival in October, the Spaniard has transformed the outlook at Villa Park, taking the Midlands club to the next level alongside president of football operations, Monchi.

The former Sevilla business marvel could be on course to complete another coup in securing the signing of Johnson.

Who wants to buy Brennan Johnson?

The 22-year-old frontman has been rumoured to have been of interest to a number of Premier League clubs, with Villa and Brentford credited most recently, via the Daily Mail.

This week, an update from the Telegraph mentioned Forest’s ongoing battle regarding the Welshman’s future, who is ‘likely’ to be sold if a club can offer a fee in the region of £50m.

Whilst the Reds are reluctant to allow their star player to depart, the potential sale of the forward would relieve the financial pressures lingering over the City Ground at present.

How good is Brennan Johnson?

Following a season-long loan at Lincoln City in League One, the versatile forward has become at the forefront of everything threatening in the final third for Forest.

That year, the Nottingham-born gem scored 10 goals and registered 12 assists for the Imps, adding to his Football League tally the year after on his return to his birthplace.

During the 2021/22 Championship, the tenacious Wales international scored 16 goals along with nine assists to fire the Reds to promotion to the Premier League, where he has continued to rise in the top-flight.

Last season, the 22-year-old netted eight goals and provided three assists in his debut in the first division, attracting interest from elsewhere in the league this transfer window.

For Villa, the youngster could provide Emery’s side with an updated version of a former hero in the Midlands, with the Forest man posing similarities to academy graduate Jack Grealish.

The treble-winner, like Johnson, is deployable across the front line behind the striker, with the versatility to play on the flank as well as in central attacking midfield.

Having once been lauded as a “real handful” by scout Antonio Mango, the Welshman could replicate the threat of the treble winner at Villa Park.

As per analyst VisualGame on Twitter, the 22-year-old gem ranked higher than the 27-year-old in terms of take-ons completed at the beginning of last season, showcasing the way that he could give the Midlands a refreshed aura of their former star.

Identifiable as two strong carriers of the ball, Grealish averaged 1.97 successful take-ons per 90 in the Premier League last season, with Johnson following behind with 1.01 successful take-ons per 90 at Forest, via FBref.

The City Ground sensation averaged a higher percentage of shots on target per 90 compared to the Englishman, averaging 46.2% shots on target to the former Villa man’s 36.6% per 90, highlighting the level of threat he could provide in the Midlands.

If equipped in a much stronger side, the Welsh sensation could elevate his game in a way similar to Grealish, given Villa’s rise up the table and change in direction with reference to the Reds pottering on the relegation line.

علّق ستيفانو بيولي، المدير الفني لفريق ميلان، على هزيمتهم في مباراة الإثنين أمام جارهم إنتر ميلان، حيث حسم الأخير لقب الدوري الإيطالي.

واستضاف ميلان منافسه إنتر ميلان، في قمة منافسات الجولة الثالثة والثلاثين حيث فاز الضيوف بهدفين مقابل هدف.

وحصل إنتر ميلان بذلك الفوز على لقب الدوري الإيطالي هذا الموسم بشكل رسمي، للمرة العشرين في تاريخه.

وقال بيولي في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “فوتبول إيطاليا” بعد المباراة: “حاولت رفع معنويات اللاعبين، فمن الواضح أنها هزيمة مؤلمة لكل المشاركين بها، حاولت قدر الإمكان طمأنة لاعبي فريقي، لأننا بحاجة إلى إنهاء الموسم بشكل جيد، لدينا مباراة مهمة أخرى يوم السبت”.

وأضاف: “لسوء الحظ، لم نتمكن حتى من تحقيق التعادل في هذا الديربي، كانت الأولوية هي إزالة التكافؤ بين الطرفين في الهجوم وإيجاد مساحة للهجمات المرتدة”.

وواصل: “لقد تأخرنا في النتيجة، وأعتقد أن إنتر لم يضرنا إلا في تلك الركنية والهجمات المرتدة، ولكن عندما تكون متأخرًا، عليك المخاطرة، لقد قاتل الفريق بإصرار ورغبة، ولم يكن لدينا القليل من الحظ الذي كان من الممكن أن يمنحنا التعادل، لأننا خلقنا الفرص”.

واستمر: “لقد خاض إنتر موسمًا استثنائيًا، لم يخسر سوى مباراة واحدة، لكن لمدة ثلاث أو أربع سنوات حتى الآن لا يمكن لأحد أن يشك في أنه يمتلك أقوى فريق في الدوري، أما نحن فقد أهدرنا النقاط في بعض المباريات الحاسمة وافتقرنا إلى الثبات”.

وأوضح: “إذا كانت الفجوة بيننا وبين إنتر ميلان كبيرة إلى هذا الحد (يتواجد ميلان في المركز الثاني بفارق 17 نقطة عن البطل)، فهذا يعني أنهم فريق قوي للغاية وعلينا جميعًا رفع المستوى”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. لاوتارو مارتينيز باكيًا بعد تحقيق لقب الدوري الإيطالي: إنتر ميلان يريد المزيد

وخاض ميلان تلك المباراة بعد أيام من خروجه من الدوري الأوروبي، حيث خسر على يد روما ذهابًا وإيابًا، في ربع النهائي.

واستطرد: “لقد حققنا سبعة انتصارات متتالية، لذا فإن مباراتي الدوري الأوروبي ضد روما لم تكن كما أردنا أو توقعنا، كان الجميع في حالة جيدة ويشعرون بالثقة، لكننا قدمنا لقائين كانا أقل من معاييرنا”.

واستأنف: “ثم كان الديربي هو التالي، أعتقد أنه ربما كان الديربي الأكثر توازنًا في اللقاءات الأخيرة، ولم يحالفنا الحظ”.

وسئل بيولي عما إذا كانت هذه نهاية حقبة، خاصة وسط تقارير عن رحيله في نهاية الموسم، حيث رد: “لا أعرف، بدا إنزاجي (مدرب إنتر ميلان) وكأنه يعاني قبل 14 شهرًا وفقًا لما ذكرته وسائل الإعلام وانظروا ماذا حقق بعد ذلك”.

واختتم: “أنا سعيد هنا، وأعمل بشكل جيد وأعتقد أن الفريق لديه مجال للتحسن، سنرى أين نحن جميعًا في نهاية الموسم وسنناقش الأمر”.

Aston Villa remain interested in making a move for Barcelona attacker Ferran Torres this summer, according to a new transfer update.

How old is Ferran Torres?

The Spaniard, who is still only 23 years of age, made the move to join Barca from Manchester City last summer, following an underwhelming spell in the Premier League. While he showed glimpses of his quality in a City shirt, he was still young and maturing at the time, with Pep Guardiola willing to sanction a move away.

At his current club, Torres has again struggled a little to be an absolute key man, only starting 14 La Liga games out of a possible 38 last season. Four goals and two assists came his way, but while he would have hoped to enjoy a little more influence, he still ended the campaign as a league champion.

It remains to be seen what the attacker's future holds at Barca, with competition for places extremely strong, and a move away from the Camp Nou hasn't been ruled out. In fact, Villa have been linked with snapping him up during the current transfer window, as they look for another marquee signing to join the likes of Pau Torres and Youri Tielemans at the club.

It is a rumour that still isn't going away, as the Villans look to continue what has already been a hugely exciting summer in the transfer market.

Could Aston Villa sign Ferran Torres?

According to Sport [via Sport Witness], Villa are still pushing to sign Torres before the window comes to an end, but are admittedly finding it hard to match Barca's asking price for him.

Much could also depend on what happens with Ousmane Dembele at the La Liga champions, with the report explaining that him staying put would then allow Barca to sell some of their other attacking players.

Villa are reportedly willing to improve their offer for Torres, however, once again highlighting their level of ambition this summer, so they aren't going to give up without a fight.

By the sounds of it, a transfer does look unlikely, as things stand, but it is great to see such ambition on show at Villa Park, as they look to kick on after a brilliant 2022/23 season.

Granted, Torres hasn't exactly set the world alight at either City or Barca, but he remains a young player with so much potential, having been hailed as "world-class" by Xavi as recently as last year. To receive such praise from a true legend of the game says so much about his quality.

The former Valencia man has already scored 15 goals in 35 caps for Spain, too, showing what a force he has been on the international stage, and he could be an absolute superstar for Villa, coming in as a high-profile arrival and potentially thriving as the main man in attack, rather than simply being a cog in the machine.

If Torres came in, the Villans could genuinely start thinking about a top-six finish in 2023/24, if they aren't already, in what is an exciting time at the club. Former Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has even called a possible move for Torres a "statement" signing.

Joe Root is discovering the relentless demands made on an England captain – and that is even before he begins to think about the Ashes

George Dobell13-Aug-2017There’s a scene in the film, The Hunger, where the character played by David Bowie ages several decades in a few minutes.It would be an exaggeration to suggest Joe Root must know exactly how Bowie’s character felt – his downfall was related to a vampire lifestyle, after all, and they frown on that sort of thing in Yorkshire – but you get the picture. The demands of captaining the England Test side are substantial and there have been times during the summer when they have shown on Root’s face and in his demeanour.Defeat at Trent Bridge appeared to hit especially hard. “Why’s Joe Root’s granddad taking a press conference?” one journalist whispered as a man who looked a bit like Root shuffled in and tried to explain the loss. Let nobody doubt how much he cares.He looks much brighter today. Rejuvenated by some time off with his family and the series victory over South Africa he is back in Sheffield and, in between thrashing paint-covered cricket balls on to canvas to advertise life insurance – no, I didn’t get it, either – he is reflecting on his first few weeks in the job and looking ahead to England’s first day-night Test and the Ashes.He admits the demands of captaincy have surprised him a little. Not so much the on-field aspects – at which he has excelled – but the off-field requirements.Today is a good example. He is obliged to give a series of interviews which probe his views on a variety of subjects. He’s asked about his thoughts on top-order batting (it’s hard), playing Oasis songs on the guitar (it’s easy), being rested from the limited-overs matches against West Indies (it’s possible), religion (he’s in favour), Sheffield United (he likes them), his method of transporting a guitar on flights (he listens with rapt attention as a journalist tells him the secret is not to use a case) and day-night cricket (it’s worth a try but the fielding side had better strike with that new ball because it goes soft fast).Then he’s asked to do it all again in front of different cameras. Then he does it wearing a different coloured shirt. It is relentless and it is exhausting.”Maybe I was slightly naïve to the time and energy that would go into captaincy,” Root admits now. “I knew there would be a lot more demand upon my time and energy. And I quite enjoy the different responsibilities that come with it.”But I suppose there is slightly more than I expected. I’ve never been a great sleeper and I do find myself thinking about cricket even more than before.”When it comes to batting it’s been fine. I generally don’t think too much other than about watching the ball and playing the situation. In practice it’s about making sure I get all the preparation I need to be ready to score runs.Joe Root fulfils another sponsorship obligation•Getty Images

“Coming off the field and having a young family it’s very easy to distract yourself. It’s such a nice thing to be able to go back to. You just don’t think about cricket when you’re back there. It’s the times when you’re on your own and you don’t have that where it’s slightly trickier.”No period was more tricky than the aftermath of that Trent Bridge defeat. While South Africa played beautifully in Nottingham, Root was hugely disappointed by the naïve manner his side responded to the challenge of the moving ball and a fine attack. In the first major test of his leadership, he made it clear that better, tougher cricket was expected from his team. The way they responded bodes well for him.”It was important we sat down after that game and were honest about where we were as a team,” Root says. “It wasn’t a good enough performance by everyone involved and we needed to make sure we adapted better and quicker to the situation. We did that excellently in the next two games.”I don’t think I’ll ever be a man for Churchillian speeches or making everyone emotional through my words, but I feel like I can hold my own in terms of getting my message across in the group.”He knows, too, that one of the most significant test looms just ahead. Whether it’s right or wrong, England players – and captains, in particular – are still judged disproportionately by their success in Ashes series.Root admits he was shocked by the hostility of the Australian crowds in the 2013-14 series. Despite having spent a season playing Grade cricket for Prospect CC in Adelaide (“I enjoyed it, but I’d have loved to score more runs”) and expecting some “banter” on the field, he found it extended off the pitch.While he feels it’s crucial to see the humour in such exchanges, he also believes it is important to warn new players as to what to expect. One particular chant, which rhymed “Trott” with “vagina rot” was especially memorable.”I was slightly surprised,” he says. “I thought they might give us a bit of banter but it was a bit more than that.”A lot of the side that went in 2013-14 was similar to the one which won there in 2010-11. They all said it was an amazing tour and they had a great time. It was tough cricket but brilliant.”My experience was different. It was very hostile. It was aggressive on and off the field. Especially off the field, in fact. The crowd give you a hard time and the guys are fully aware that’s the case.”At Brisbane a beach ball came on the field and they wanted me to throw it back. Someone said something a bit rude so I chucked it to the steward, who popped it. For the rest of that day they carried on about it. There were some not very nice words. It wasn’t very family friendly.”There was a few chants from the crowd that were quite personal at times. Quite offensive. The thing to remember, even if it doesn’t seem it at the time, is it’s generally in good spirit and they’re just trying to create an atmosphere for their side.”But if you respond well to it you have the opportunity to win them over. So I think it’s important to warn players over what to expect. You don’t want to go out there and it just hit you like a train. You want to make sure you’re fully aware of what’s coming your way.”I think that’s probably what made it so enjoyable for the guys who went there and won. You do get a hard time but when you win it’s that bit more enjoyable. Our challenge is to experience that, not let it faze us and hopefully come back with that little urn.”Joe Root is an Ambassador for health and life insurer Vitality, inspiring healthy and active lifestyles

Everton will be looking to avoid a repeat of their last two Premier League campaigns as Sean Dyche aims to significantly bolster his squad during the summer transfer window.

Ashley Young is the only arrival at Goodison Park so far, but now the Toffees are plotting a move for Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho.

How much could Kelechi Iheanacho cost Everton?

According to Football Insider, Everton have ‘registered their interest’ in the striker as Dyche looks to add some attacking reinforcements to his squad ahead of next season.

The Foxes find themselves in a precarious situation whereby they may have to sell the majority of their prized assets due to their relegation to the Championship. James Maddison and Youri Tielemans have already left and now it appears as though the Nigerian could be next.

Iheanacho has only 12 months remaining on his current contract and Leicester may have to cash in on him this summer as opposed to losing him for free next year.

With that in mind, they have placed a valuation of between £10m-£15m on the 26-year-old and this could represent a solid investment by Dyche.

How good is Kelechi Iheanacho?

The former Manchester City starlet earns £90k-per-week at the Championship side and although this is nearly double that of Neal Maupay (£49k-per-week) a summer arrival in 2022, there is no doubt he could be a major upgrade on the Frenchman next season.

Having cost the club £15m from fellow Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion, he was expected to take his game to the next level having netted 27 goals for the south coast side in three seasons.

The 26-year-old ended up registering just two goal contributions – one goal and one assist – across 29 matches for Everton in what was an underwhelming campaign to say the least and Iheanacho could offer so much more.

Not only did he offer a greater attacking threat by scoring more league goals (five to one) last term, but he also created more chances (seven to zero), averaged more key passes per game (0.8 to 0.3) and completed more successful dribbles per game (0.7 to 0.3) with this clearly suggesting he would be a much better option for Dyche in 2023/24, adding goals along with the ability to create plenty of opportunities for others in the team.

Iheanacho also impressed when compared to similar players across Europe’s big five leagues, ranking in the top 2% for assists per 90 (0.4), top 9% for shot-creating actions per 90 (3.59) and successful take-ons per 90 (1.6), again, evidence that he offers more than just goals, with a more rounded approach which could benefit the rest of the Everton forward line during matches.

In contrast, Maupay failed to even rank in the top 70% across the big five European leagues in the same attacking metrics, suggesting that there is a massive difference between both his and Iheanacho’s attacking output.

Former professional Tony Cottee lauded the Nigerian striker back in 2021 following a goal against Crystal Palace, saying he was a "special talent."

Considering how poor his forwards performed last season, it certainly appears to be a no-brainer in spending just £15m to lure the player to Merseyside this summer.

Leeds United have bought both for the present and the future this summer, and Daniel Farke could be set to supplement the latter once again should they reignite their permanent interest in an old target…

Who are Leeds United signing this summer?

With Scottish teenager Lewis Pirie marking their first foray of the window, his acquisition prefaced the two senior signings of Ethan Ampadu and Karl Darlow, which have bolstered their ranks massively.

In what promises to be a huge period of revolution, which will hopefully provoke an instant Premier League return, the long-term must be taken care of to ensure their stay will be longer than their last.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

As such, they could seek to once again try and snag youngster Kian Breckin from Manchester City, as a starlet ready for gradual embedding into a first-team now.

Such is the quality of the 19-year-old gem, he has drawn attention from Newcastle United and even Barcelona in recent years too.

Who is Kian Breckin?

Although yet to feature for Pep Guardiola's senior side, the teenager has been a mainstay across City's various youth teams, shining for all.

This culminated in his most recent campaign, in which he starred for the U21 side littered with top prospects; he scored eight times and assisted a further four in the league.

Sports journalist Aadam Patel had earmarked him as someone ready to take that next step just the year prior, and it seems that with each year he edges closer to the level required to star in a first team. He wrote on Twitter: "Kian Breckin is one to watch out for."

However, arguably the biggest praise reserved from the former Wycombe Wanderers loanee came from scout Yuki Tamaru, who suggested that his style resembled City's legendary creator:

"Quality players. Kian Breckin resembles [Kevin] De Bruyne in the way he uses half space and activates the space behind the opposition fullbacks."

Given how the Belgian midfielder has shone across his tenure at the Etihad, this is arguably the greatest compliment a young player can receive.

Last season saw the 32-year-old record 41 goal contributions across all competitions, as he would play key roles in each of the three trophies they won.

His 7.78 average rating in the Premier League was also the highest of anyone in the entire division and was bolstered by the 31 big chances he created, and 3.1 key passes recorded per game, via Sofascore.

This unsurprisingly has garnered praise, with pundit Jamie Redknapp even suggesting he will go down as one of the all-time greats:

"I just feel with all his attributes, I've never seen anyone pass the ball so beautifully. His football IQ, the way he sees gaps and threads through passes with such pinpoint accuracy.

"I haven't seen it before. The goals he scores, he's a beautiful striker of the ball; for me, he's the greatest."

Whilst Breckin has a long way to go before he can emulate even the slightest bit of such a stunning career, his profile on Man City's official website helps emphasise these similarities further as he is described as a "cultured attacking midfielder" who is "comfortable at receiving the ball in tight areas"; a trait he is clearly famed for.

Perhaps a permanent switch to Elland Road could give him the crucial game time to start on that long road towards succeeding De Bruyne, although the club will have to offer a sizable bid to cut short his impending loan spell to Wycombe Wanderers.