All posts by z3u9t.icu

Tottenham Hotspur have been handed a boost in their possible pursuit of a new manager, with a reported target of chairman Daniel Levy’s now turning down a new contract at his current club.

Postecoglou could leave Tottenham after dismal Premier League season

It has been a domestic season to forget for current head coach Ange Postecoglou, who’s managed to equal Spurs’ record for most Premier League defeats in a single season with 19.

Tottenham favourites to appoint "exciting" manager over Bundesliga club

Contact has reportedly been made already.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 7, 2025

The unwanted record could yet be broken with three top flight matches still to play this term, with Postecoglou’s saving grace coming in the form of their Europa League campaign.

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

If Tottenham get past Bodo/Glimt in the second leg of their semi-final in Norway this evening, the Lilywhites will book a place in the Bilbao final later this month, where they have a golden chance to win their first piece of major silverware since 2008.

However, this still may not be enough to save Postecoglou, with some reports claiming the 59-year-old could leave north London regardless of their success in Europe (The Telegraph).

In the event Levy does hand Postecoglou his P45, a succession of candidates are being tipped as potential candidates to replace the Australian, including Fulham boss Marco Silva.

The Portuguese has impressed at Craven Cottage this season, nearly guiding Fulham to a European place, and they briefly contended for a spot in next season’s Champions League draw.

This is despite the gap in quality between his Fulham side and fellow English competitors, not to mention lack of financial firepower, with Whites vice-chairman Tony Khan admitting that he’d absolutely love to keep Silva after his stellar work in west London.

“Marco is a huge, huge asset to Fulham Football Club,” he added. “He is such an amazing person, and he is so important to the football club. Marco has a great relationship with my father and myself, and we really love Marco, and we want him to stay at Fulham Football Club forever. He is a huge part of what we have got going for the future and the present, and he is a great man.”

Marco Silva rejects new Fulham contract amid Tottenham interest

However, there are reports that Silva is tempted by a move to Tottenham, with journalist Pete O’Rourke claiming earlier this week that the 47-year-old is open to the prospect of a switch to N17. Now, fellow reporter Graeme Bailey has shared another significant update in a piece for The Boot Room.

It is believed Silva has rejected Fulham’s offer of a new contract, amid interest from Tottenham and Saudi side Al-Hilal, which is made all the more worrying given the 47-year-old is about to enter the final year of his current deal.

If Tottenham wish to appoint the former Everton and Hull City boss, this could come as a real boost, and they can bypass any talks with Fulham by triggering Silva’s £8 million release clause.

Silva has been praised as a “master” tactician by those who’ve worked under him, and Levy is believed to be a personal admirer (Football Insider).

Manchester United have now made contact over a deal for another “world-class” Brazilian after Matheus Cunha, according to reporter Rudy Galetti.

"World-class" Cunha set to join Man Utd

All signs point towards Man United wrapping up a deal for Cunha in the near future, with Fabrizio Romano stating a deal for the Wolverhampton Wanderers star is now close, and there are signs he could be an exciting addition to Ruben Amorim’s squad.

The forward, who has been lauded as “world-class” by writer George Lakin, has outscored Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee combined in the Premier League this season, amassing 15 goals and six assists in 31 appearances for the Old Gold.

Amorim will be pleased that it looks like an early deal for the 25-year-old is close to completion, but the manager may also be looking to strengthen his options in a number of different areas, given just how poor his side have been this season.

Another position in which Man United and Sir Jim Ratcliffe may look to upgrade their options is right-back, according to an update from Galetti on X, having made contact to explore the conditions of a move for AS Monaco defender Vanderson.

Monaco are willing to sanction a departure this summer, with the French side willing to listen to offers starting from €30m (£25m) for the defender, who is attracting strong interest from the Premier League, with Tottenham Hotspur also making an approach.

There is yet to be a formal bid made by either English club, but there is clear interest on the Red Devils’ behalf, with Amorim seemingly looking to bring in competition for Diogo Dalot at right-back.

Man Utd submit offer to sign £150k-p/w Premier League star alongside Cunha

INEOS are looking to sign another Premier League player once they wrap up a deal for Matheus Cunha.

4 ByBrett Worthington May 19, 2025 "World-class" Vanderson could be fantastic signing

Bringing in new forwards may be a more pressing matter for Amorim, given that his side have been particularly poor on the front foot this season, netting just 42 Premier League goals up to this point, but there are signs the Monaco star could be a fantastic addition.

Much like Cunha, the Brazilian has been performing at the highest level, having been lauded as “world-class” by one scout, and his defensive aptitude is showcased by the number of tackles, interceptions and blocks he has averaged per 90 over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Tackles

3.14 (95th percentile)

Interceptions

1.71 (96th percentile)

Blocks

1.74 (95th percentile)

There is also an expectation that the 23-year-old would be an ideal fit in Amorim’s three-at-the-back system, given that he is comfortable playing at wing-back, picking up two goals and five assists for Monaco in the 2024-25 campaign.

Dalot has made the right-back spot his own this season, chalking up 51 appearances in all competitions, so bringing in competition should not be a priority for Man United, but Vanderson is well-suited to Amorim, and the potential asking price of just £25m makes him an attractive option.

Looking to ensure that their wait for silverware is far less than the years before winning this season’s FA Cup, Crystal Palace are now reportedly intensifying talks to sign an 18-year-old prospect who is already making waves.

Crystal Palace set to celebrate FA Cup in style

After upsetting the odds to defeat Manchester City in the FA Cup final, Crystal Palace have confirmed that they will be enjoying an open-top bus parade through south London this Monday.

The Eagles released a message to the fans to reveal the celebrations that are planned, saying on the official club website: “It’s the day you’ve long been waiting for: Palace’s open-top bus parade will transport your FA Cup winning heroes, and the historic trophy itself, down the SE25 streets starting at the top of Whitehorse Lane from 12:45.

“The parade route will see the bus start at the top of Whitehorse Lane, turning into Park Road and then down Holmesdale Road; this is expected to last approximately 45 minutes. Be there to bring the noise, and celebrate with Oliver Glasner’s outstanding Eagles as they show off our legendary prize.”

For many, they will deem Palace’s victory a once-in-a-lifetime moment, but Steve Parish and the rest of those at Selhurst Park will be desperate to make sure that such celebrations become more than just a rarity. And Glasner will be a big part of that.

The job that the Austrian has completed in south London deserves immense praise, but he may just be getting started. Crystal Palace are now a Europa League club and have the chance to create more moments of history with Glasner at the helm.

With European football to offer too, Palace could beat Premier League rivals Fulham to the arrival of an impressive 18-year-old midfielder this summer.

Crystal Palace intensify talks to sign Bongeli

According to Africa Foot, as relayed by Sport Witness, Crystal Palace are now set to intensify talks to sign Faveurdi Bongeli from TP Mazembe this summer. The 18-year-old midfielder is reportedly already making waves and has attracted the interest of the Eagles alongside Fulham and German Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach.

With plenty of competition for his signature, it’s no surprise that Palace have seemingly stepped up their efforts to win the race for Bongeli’s signature. Though still a teenager, the Palace target has already been making his mark on senior football, starting three of Mazembe’s five CAF Champions League games and winning once.

Crystal Palace jostling to sign "complete" midfielder in deal worth £30m

The Eagles could swoop in ahead of rival clubs.

ByTom Cunningham May 24, 2025

Despite that, it must be said that he still has a long way to go before he is capable of breaking into Glasner’s Palace midfield. Whether those in south London will be willing to take a chance on an unproven young player remains to be seen, in what could be a frustrating blow for Bongeli.

A player with plenty of potential, even despite his lack of experience, it will certainly be interesting to see whether Palace decide to give rivals a free run at a young star. Bongeli, meanwhile, could have the most important decision of his career to make in the coming months.

A three-time league champion has now reportedly held talks with Rangers about becoming their next permanent boss this summer.

Rangers manager latest as 49ers eye new Ibrox boss

it has been confirmed that Barry Ferguson won’t continue in charge of the Gers, having only come in as interim boss midway through the campaign, taking his side into the Europa League quarter-finals but ultimately not doing enough to get the job on a full-time basis.

Instead, Rangers and prospective new owners the 49ers Enterprises now looking for the perfect manager to come in and guide the Scottish Premiership giants to future success, with club CEO Patrick Stewart recently providing an update on the search, saying:

“The review is progressing well. We have got a lot of insights into things that are going well and not well at Auchenhowie. I would really compliment the staff and how open and honest they’ve been. And they provided really valuable feedback to myself and also the consultants we’ve got on supporting with it. And we’re beginning to get some real tangible insights that are flowing into real recommendations that we’re starting to action.”

Steven Gerrard has constantly stood out as a leading choice for Rangers, having won the league title with them back in 2020/21, while Real Madrid assistant manager Davide Ancelotti has also been linked with the job.

Former Italy international Gennaro Gattuso is another rumoured contender, and now a new name has been thrown into the mix.

3-4-3 manager holds talks with Rangers

According to a significant update from BBC Sport, former Feyenoord manager Brian Priske has held discussions with Rangers about being their next boss.

The 48-year-old departed the Dutch club in February, being sacked after a disappointing run of results, but it looks like he is on the Gers’ list.

Priske is certainly a more proven option than the likes of Gerrard and Ancelotti, considering he has won an impressive three league titles in his managerial career to date.

Two of those came in his time in charge of Czech giants Sparta Prague, while another was during his stint at Danish outfit Midtjylland. He has also won one Czech Cup and Danish Super Cup apiece, so he knows how to deliver trophies.

Priske favours a 3-4-3 formation, getting the most out of his wing-backs, but he is also versatile in his tactics, switching to a 4-3-3 system at times with Feyenoord.

Feyenoord

33

1.85

Sparta Prague

96

2.19

Royal Antwerp

49

1.53

FC Midtjylland

68

1.88

Stewart and those high up at Rangers have a massive decision to make this summer, and it is vital that they make the right appointment, following the doomed reign of Philippe Clement.

Rangers can forget about Gerrard & Ancelotti by hiring "one of the best"

Rangers are considering a few names to be the new manager at Ibrox

ByRoss Kilvington May 23, 2025

The Gers need to hit the ground running next season, not allowing Celtic to pull away in the title race, and in Priske, they may have an experienced option who could back himself to win plenty of silverware at Ibrox.

Liverpool’s pursuit of Bayer Leverkusen superstar Florian Wirtz looks to finally be coming to a close, as BILD have confirmed a date for the playmaker’s Reds debut, with his contract expected to be signed in the coming days.

The Reds have been pushing to sign the 22-year-old in recent weeks, in what has to be considered one of their most exciting pieces of business in the past decade.

Wirtz has been voted the best player in the Bundesliga in both of the past two seasons by his peers, and he is considered among the most talented attacking players in Europe. Leverkusen have been stubborn in letting their star player leave, however, with Liverpool already seeing a £113m bid for his services rejected.

That said, the player himself wants to move to the Premier League champions, rather than stay put or join Bayern Munich, and there has been continued confidence that a deal will be agreed sooner rather than later.

With Wirtz’s international commitments with Germany now done for this month, the hope is that the transfer moves quickly now, and a fresh claim certainly suggests that that is the case.

Wirtz set to make Liverpool debut against Preston on July 13

Now, according to BILD in Germany, Liverpool are closer than ever to completing the signing of Wirtz from Leverkusen, as he is set to sign his contract before heading on holiday.

It is claimed that the Reds will offer €140m (£118m) for the German, with a “package consisting of a fixed transfer fee and realistic additional payments, possibly with additional bonus payments”, with the overriding feeling now that the two clubs are close to an agreement.

They even report he will make his debut in the pre-season opener against Preston, with the trip to Deepdale on July 13 pencilled in after joining his colleagues in training from July 7.

This is the news that so many Liverpool fans will have been hoping to hear, considering Wirtz could be a game-changing signing in their attack, having been lauded as the “best” in the world in his position by Patrick Helmes.

There will clearly be huge pressure on Wirtz to excel for Liverpool, considering he will shatter their club-record fee, but he has all the tools to be a sensation, from creative genius in the No.10 role – he has 57 goals and 65 assists for Leverkusen – to a strong work ethic out of possession.

Man City star's £500k-p/w Saudi move collapsing as Liverpool ace in talks to join instead

Is it the end of his Reds career?

ByHenry Jackson Jun 9, 2025

It’s now a case of getting the deal completely over the line, with the Germany international linking up with Jeremie Frimpong again at Anfield, and hopefully Milos Kerkez and an elite new striker to follow, especially if Darwin Nunez leaves Anfield in the coming days.

Bayern Munich are now believed to be open to selling a Manchester United-linked player in the summer transfer window for £30m, according to a new update.

Man Utd eyeing Gyokeres alternative

The Red Devils and Ruben Amorim are badly in need of a new striker ahead of next season, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee both flattering to deceive leading the attack, particularly the former.

While Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres has been a leading option to come in at United this summer, Juventus attacker Dusan Vlahovic has now been mentioned as an alternative option. The Serb has scored 56 goals in 143 appearances for his current club, and could add much-needed quality in the final third.

While a striker is important for the Red Devils, a new goalkeeper is arguably just as key, following some unconvincing performances from Andre Onana in 2024/25. Porto and Portugal ace Diogo Costa has been mentioned as an option, along with Emiliano Martinez.

On the flip side, there are plenty of current United players who could move on this summer, including Jadon Sancho, with the winger potentially heading to Juve, with the Premier League giants entering talks with the Serie A side.

Bayern Munich ready to sell "monster" Amorim target

According to a new report from Caught Offside, Bayern are now “open” to the idea of selling Manchester United target Joao Palhinha this summer. Amorim ‘is keen to include Palhinha in his wider squad plans’ as he will add ‘to add physicality and experience’ to the midfield.

The Bundesliga champions will demand just £30m for the Portuguese’s signature, following his first season there after joining from Fulham last summer in a deal worth more than £40m.

There are some positives to United signing Palhinha ahead of next season, even though he hasn’t exactly enhanced his reputation in a Bayern shirt.

Appearances

17

Starts

6

Minutes played

667

Tackles per game

1.2

Aerial duel wins per game

1.2

Fouls per game

0.8

Pass completion rate

92.9%

Goal

0

Assists

0

A dominant midfielder who is renowned for his tackling ability and has plenty of Premier League experience, he could represent a younger alternative to Casemiro, having been lauded as “monster” by analyst Marcus Bring in the past.

That said, Palhinha does turn 30 years of age next month, so he may not represent a long-term solution, which is arguably an approach that United need to put a stop to.

Too often in the past, the Red Devils have signed ageing players for big money, from Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Edinson Cavani, only to see them arguably fail to back up the hype. For that reason, United should possibly look for a younger option, despite his obvious qualities, in order to build for the future and sign players who can mature into a key starter.

Man Utd come blistering into race to hijack Arsenal deal to sign £20m star

They could get one over on their rivals.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 22, 2025

That’s not to say that Palhinha couldn’t still be effective for a few years, however, and he could add important depth to Amorim’s squad.

Celtic players are slowly starting to filter back in for pre-season, and they could be joined by yet another new addition sooner rather than later, according to reports.

Celtic's transfer state of play with pre-season already underway

Several Celtic stars were spotted being put through their paces at Lennoxtown earlier this week, and it is anticipated that the bulk of the main group will join before long, but who could accompany them from elsewhere over the coming weeks?

Kieran Tierney, Ross Doohan and Benjamin Nygren have already been announced. Fulham youngster Callum Osmand is set to follow the trio to Celtic and has already been spotted at their training base before being officially confirmed as a new asset.

With Greg Taylor out of contract and set to depart, Djurgarden left-back Keita Kosugi is the latest name on the Bhoys’ radar as they plot a replacement for the Scotland international.

Despite some swift moves to bolster their pool of talent, Chris Sutton believes Celtic should be doing more in the transfer market with the Champions League qualifiers around the corner.

He explained: “Unless Celtic are going to start paying silly money, I’d imagine they may have to wait, perhaps even until the end of the window, for some of the key targets.

Celtic in talks to sell international defender for 7-figure loss

Is it the right time for him to leave?

1 ByHenry Jackson Jun 27, 2025

“But it still feels a little lacking to me at this precise point of proceedings and, at the very least, Rodgers will surely want the majority in his squad for the start of the domestic season.”

Managers will never be content with that they’ve got, there will always be an appetite for as many useful options as possible to offer cover across the pitch.

Either way, Sutton’s wish could now have been granted as Celtic are now on the brink of bringing in a talented central defender.

Celtic set to land Hayato Inamura with medical scheduled

According to Sponichi, Celtic are set to land defender Hayato Inamura from Albirex Niigata, and he will travel to Europe to undergo a medical before signing on the dotted line at Parkhead.

The 23-year-old took on his final fixture in current club colours against Machida Zelvia this weekend, and is set to become the ninth Japanese player to join the Hoops once his move is ratified.

Hayato Inamura’s record at Albirex Niigata

Appearances

35

Goals

1

Assists

2

Predominantly a central defender, Inamura is also capable of featuring at left-back and has two years left on his current deal at the Denka Big Swan Stadium. He is considered an impressive talent back home, evidenced by the fact he shares an agent with two of Japan’s top stars in Europe – £20m Arsenal man Takehiro Tomiyasu and Mainz star Kaishū Sano.

Enjoying a productive J League campaign, the Tokyo-born man has won 63 duels and 75% of his tackles and would likely arrive in Glasgow for a nominal fee, although the specifics on that front haven’t yet been confirmed.

Either way, Celtic appear primed to venture back into a market that has been a happy hunting ground in recent years, so there is every chance Inamura will become a shrewd addition with plenty of potential to develop.

Leeds United are increasingly interested in signing an “underrated” £17 million midfielder this summer, according to a recent report.

Leeds chasing multiple targets

Premier League teams are slowly starting to return to pre-season training, and Daniel Farke will be pleased to already have Jaka Bijol, Lukas Nmecha and Sebastiaan Bornauw a part of his squad, but the German will be hoping his club can get a few more deals over the line this week as preparations for the new campaign get underway.

Better than Gudmundsson: Leeds want to land deal for "dominant" £22m star

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing a star who would be even better than Gabriel Gudmundsson.

2 ByDan Emery Jul 7, 2025

Signing a new goalkeeper has become somewhat of a priority for the Yorkshire side, as Illan Meslier’s future at the club looks to be over. Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope have been identified as potential targets for the Whites, something that “excites” former number one Paul Robinson.

However, they are not the only options Leeds are considering, as according to The Guardian, Leeds have held talks to sign Lucas Perri from Olympique Lyon. The shot-stopper could be allowed to leave the French club for a cut-price deal amid their financial turmoil.

Meanwhile, Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has reported that the Whites have contacted Torino over a potential deal for Vanja Milinkovic-Savic, who could be available for just £17 million.

Stach "considering" Elland Road move as Leeds interest grows

As well as scouring the market for a new goalkeeper, the Premier League newcomers are also in the market for midfield reinforcements, and according to German outlet Kicker, Leeds have been gifted a boost in their pursuit of Anton Stach from TSG Hoffenheim.

The report states his performances for the Bundesliga side last season have caught the attention of several teams across Europe, and while Stach is not open about wanting to leave Hoffenheim, he is “considering” Elland Road.

This comes after Graeme Bailey revealed Leeds’ connections with Red Bull should give them the edge in the Premier League when it comes to signing Stach, who has been dubbed “underrated” in the past.

Bailey said: “He’s on the list, I’m told. Hoffenheim are not keen for him to go. Leeds aren’t the only ones interested, from what I’m told. A very good player, and obviously through Red Bull, Leeds are well-versed on him.

Apps

71

Goals

4

Assists

6

“They’re ahead of many other Premier League teams when it comes to German-based talent. So, it’s not a surprise, you know; it’s not going to be a huge surprise. If there’s a good one, Leeds know all about it.”

Even though Bailey has stated that Hoffenheim are not actively looking to sell Stach this summer, it’s been reported that he could be available for £17 million.

His potential arrival at Elland Road could see him fight Ilia Gruev for a place, who was very important for Farke last season. Competition in the middle of the park is never a bad thing in a long and gruelling season.

It’s been an absolutely frantic last 48 hours at Tottenham, and that isn’t just concerning their dramatic move for Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White after confirming the arrival of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham.

Tottenham talks held with £50m star amid Gibbs-White chase, Frank's a fan

Spurs have discussed another potential deal.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 10, 2025

Spurs announced Kudus’ signing in a deal worth £55 million on Thursday evening, with the versatile Ghanaian becoming the first player to swap West Ham for the Lilywhites since Scott Parker in 2011.

The 24-year-old has already promised to excite supporters on the field when speaking in his first interview as a Tottenham player, and there was a real expectation that Gibbs-White would immediately follow Kudus to N17.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Tottenham talks for the England international accelerated rapidly on Thursday, with reliable media sources reporting that the 25-year-old was all set to join Thomas Frank’s side and a medical had been scheduled for Friday (Fabrizio Romano).

However, in an absolutely stunning turn of events, Forest put a stop to the deal and are considering legal action against Spurs, over what they perceive to be an illegal approach for their star forward.

While Gibbs-White’s move could still happen, with the expectation being that Forest can’t completely block it, this transfer will at the very least be delayed, as first reported by Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett.

With Tottenham now braced for a legal saga surrounding their potential deal for Gibbs-White, the club do remain in the market for other transfer targets, and they still maintain a serious interest in Brentford striker Yoane Wissa.

Yoane Wissa pushing to leave Brentford amid Tottenham interest

Reports earlier this week claimed that Tottenham have made contact with Wissa’s representatives, with talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook now sharing an update on the situation.

Crook states that Wissa is keen to reunite with Frank at Spurs, and the Congolese centre-forward is now “pushing” for an exit from the Gtech Community Stadium as he seeks a high-profile move.

The 28-year-old is currently in his prime and in the form of his life, having netted 20 goals in all competitions last season, and this has motivated Brentford chiefs to slap a £50 million price tag on his head.

Brentford have already lost a few key men this summer, including Frank, with Christian Norgaard joining Arsenal and Man United still locked in talks over a deal for Bryan Mbeumo.

The Bees will likely dig their heels in when it comes to letting yet another “exceptional player” leave, but Wissa would come as an excellent potential replacement for Richarlison, who’s reportedly attracting interest from Brazil.

Nottingham Forest are now “ready” to make an offer of around £26m for a “machine”, but there could be fierce competition for his signature, journalist Gianluigi Longari has revealed.

Forest keen on midfielder amid Gibbs-White uncertainty

Morgan Gibbs-White was poised to join Tottenham Hotspur, with Forest’s Premier League rivals triggering the £60m release clause in the attacking midfielder’s contract, but the move is now very much up in the air.

The Tricky Trees have reported Spurs to the Premier League, as they feel an illegal approach was made for Gibbs-White, and the 25-year-old returned to training on Monday, indicating that a move has now stalled.

The England international is set to remain at the City Ground until a resolution can be found, and there will, of course, be hope that the maestro decides to stay put, given that he has performed remarkably well ever since Forest returned to the Premier League.

Season

PL appearances

Goals

Assists

2022-23

35

5

8

2023-24

37

5

10

2024-25

34

7

10

However, Forest appear to be eager to bring in a new central midfielder regardless of whether Gibbs-White leaves this summer, and they are now “ready” to make a new offer of around €30m (£26m) for Palmeiras star Richard Rios.

That is according to Longari on X, who states the Tricky Trees are set to “push” for Rios’ signature, but there could be fierce competition, with Benfica also ready to enter the race, while AS Roma are closely monitoring the situation.

Nottingham Forest register interest in race to sign "special" £25m winger

The Reds are looking to replace Anthony Elanga.

ByBrett Worthington Jul 15, 2025

Not only that, but Wolverhampton Wanderers are also very keen on the midfielder, having recently submitted a £21m offer of their own, but the Tricky Trees now look ready to hijack the move with a larger bid.

"Machine" Rios ready to test himself in England

Despite predominantly featuring in a defensive midfield role, the Colombian has been a regular source of goals and assists for Palmeiras in all competitions during the 2025 campaign, collecting eight goal contributions in 35 appearances.

Football scout Ben Mattinson has also praised the Palmeiras maestro for his ability to drive the ball further up the pitch, describing him as a “ball-carrying machine”, while also providing an overview of his key strengths.

The central midfielder would not be a like-for-like replacement for Gibbs-White, given that the 25-year-old usually features in a deep-lying role, but having impressed in Brazil for quite some time, he could now be ready to test himself in England.

As such, Rios could be a good acquisition for Forest, and Europa League football being on offer at the City Ground should give them the edge over Wolves in the race for his signature.