Premier League

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Crystal Palace's Europa League dreams now rest with Uefa, with those at Selhurst Park fearing the worst.

They are waiting on Uefa to decide whether John Textor's stake in the club breaches the governing body's multi-club ownership rules by the end of the week.

Uefa's decision to delay their ruling on whether Textor held decisive control at Selhurst Park has irked many at Palace, who believe the governing body wants to avoid making a resolution.

With Lyon having won their appeal against relegation from Ligue 1, Uefa cannot avoid the ruling much longer. It begs the question that if Uefa believed Palace were not in breach of their rules, would they have made that decision by now?

That is the concern for the Eagles.

Palace will likely have the comfort blanket of playing in the European Conference League next season, which would still represent their first foray into European club competition.

But if it comes to that, a sense of a massive miscarriage of justice will grip Selhurst Park.

They will not take it lying down either as the club have already explored their legal options before taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport if required.

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Everton have signed France Under-21 striker Thierno Barry from La Liga side Villarreal - but what will he bring to David Moyes' side, and how does he compare with departed number nine Dominic Calvert-Lewin?

Calvert-Lewin left the Blues earlier this month on the expiry of his contract. He spent nine years at the club, scoring 71 goals in 273 games. The 28-year-old experienced highs and lows at Everton, enjoying fine 2019-2020 and 2020-21 seasons that earned him a place in England's European Championship squad, but at other times struggling with form and fitness.

In the two campaigns mentioned, he scored 13 and 16 league goals respectively, but did not reach double figures in any other Premier League season.

Meanwhile, 22-year-old Barry scored 11 La Liga goals last season to help Villarreal finish fifth and achieve their highest points tally in 17 years, qualifying for the Champions League.

He was part of an elite group of players aged under 23 to score 10 or more goals in Europe's top five leagues, alongside the likes of RB Leipzig Benjamin Sesko, Paris St-Germain's Bradley Barcola and Eintracht Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike.

One area the Toffees will be hoping Barry is an improvement on Calvert-Lewin in is aerially, especially in Moyes' first full season back in charge, with the Scotsman favouring a playing style that features lots of crosses into the box.

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Everton ranked seventh for open-play crosses in last season's Premier League, although they struggled to convert those into goals, scoring just three times from such situations - the fewest of any club other than Chelsea (two).

Barry's height makes him a huge threat in the air and he ranked second of all forwards in Europe's major leagues - and top of anyone in La Liga - for aerial duel success in 2024-25 for players who have competed in a minimum of 100.

He won 66.7% of his 153 challenges, while Calvert-Lewin has never won above 53.7% (in the 2020-21 season) in the Premier League.

Beto's surge of form after Moyes' return last season aside, Everton have lacked a reliable goalscorer who can offer a physical presence and threat.

If he can stay fit, Barry has the characteristics to thrive in the Premier League and endear himself to Toffees fans in the same way Calvert-Lewin did at the beginning of the 2020s.

Listen: Ali Tweedale, football data journalist for Opta Analyst digs into Barry's stats on BBC Radio Merseyside

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We asked for your views on former Brighton defender Warren Aspinall's comments on this page that Evan Ferguson needs to leave the Seagulls for "a fresh start".

Here are some of your thoughts:

Dave: I agree with Warren. It's a pity that he got injured so much and his stint at the Hammers was a waste of time for all. He's still worth more than we paid for him, so if Roma want then Roma can have, and the very best of luck to him.

Steve: He's never been the same player since either his, or more likely his advisor's, head was turned when the likes of Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea were suddenly courting him back in 2023. Shame as he had so much potential. But, I agree time to get rid!

Dave: Agree entirely - not up to our standard.

Olly: With his previous injuries and lack of opportunities he needs a new challenge and regular game time so a loan deal where he is playing regularly not like his loan at West Ham may be the answer this season

Peter: As far as I can see there are three options: 1: sell him; 2: loan to a club in the EFL or 3: Keep him here playing with the under-21s. I certainly wouldn't favour option one. He is a good player who, like Aaron Connolly, impressed hugely on his first start, thus attracting all the "noise". Then he was injured, which seems to have ripped all the confidence out of him. I think he needs some coaching/counselling with a sports psychologist. All players mature at different times - look at Victor Gyokeres. The spark of talent was always there - it just took a little more time to wheedle the performances out of him. Fabian Hurzeler may be the one to do it but we definitely need to keep.

Colin Fray
BBC Radio Nottingham reporter

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Watching Anthony Elanga play is a lot of fun!

As they always, and quite rightly say "there's no substitute for pace", and if you have end product after the run, it is a dangerous combination.

That is why Newcastle want Elanga, and that is why Forest have been reluctant to part with him.

Ultimately, though, Forest will feel that they have a good deal financially, and for them it is about how they spend to replace the Sweden international. That is going to be crucial going forward for Nuno Espirito Santo's side, because Elanga was excellent for the Forest head coach.

When he was going through a lean spell, Nuno publicly backed him, and was proved right as Elanga bagged six goals and 11 assists last season – improving both from the previous campaign.

With Newcastle, he will have a Champions League campaign to look forward to, and Eddie Howe will be hoping he can provide the assists for compatriot Alexander Isak in the Magpies' forward line.

Always smiling, his bubbly enthusiasm is infectious, and he fitted perfectly into the Forest dressing-room spirit that took them so far last season.

It was fun talking to him, and it was fun watching him... and if you want to know how much fun, just have a look at his winning goal against Manchester United last season – a solo run from his own half, holding defenders off and then finding a finish.

Classic Anthony Elanga.

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Jeremy Beren from That Atleti Podcast gives BBC Radio Newcastle the lowdown on new Sunderland left-back Reinildo, whose contract at Atletico Madrid expired last month:

"There's a before and after. Before the knee injury in 2023 and after. It remains to be seen which one Sunderland are going to get.

"Before the injury, Reinildo was one of Atletico's best players. He was among their most important and impactful. Super strong, quick, athletic, terrific defensive instincts. He really found a home as a wide centre-back in Diego Simeone's 3-5-2.

"After the knee injury, we saw him struggle to regain his place. He went 10 months without playing. He came back and he lost some of that speed that he was heavily reliant on. He struggled to hold down a place this past season.

"He will bring leadership, he's a great character with wonderful charisma and personality. I think he'll be a hit for Sunderland.

"At Atleti he was signed to play left-back in a 4-4-2 but that wasn't really the formation they were using at the time, so Simeone stuck him on the left of a central defence trio. That was the best of Reinildo, making all kinds of blocks and clearances. With his speed, he could keep up with anybody.

"He's more of a stay at home left-back type. He didn't have that many goal contributions at Atletico. I wouldn't expect a strong offensive contribution from him. I would say most of his value is going to come out of possession."

Listen to more on Reinildo

Noel Sliney
BBC Sport journalist

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As reported by BBC Sport's senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel last week, Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze is on Arsenal's list of summer transfer targets.

The England international, 27, has release clause of £60m, plus £8m in potential add-ons, in his contract, which has two years to run.

Palace representatives have, according to sources, been made aware of Arsenal's interest in Eze, who is open to the move, but it is understood the Eagles would demand the full release clause.

The south Londoner has an Arsenal past, having played for the club from the age of eight until he was released at 13.

"I remember crying in my room for a solid week," he said in 2020 of that rejection. Eze joined Palace from Queens Park Rangers five years ago for an initial £16m and has improved his goal and assists output in each of the past three seasons.

Under Oliver Glasner, Eze has made the switch from the left wing to more central areas as one of two attacking midfielders in a 3-4-2-1 formation.

Arsenal are in need of strengthening the middle of the park, with Thomas Partey and Jorginho both leaving on free transfers this summer, and Eze provides versatility and durability.

He can play in a number of attacking positions and managed 2,603 minutes of Premier League football last season.

Eze, who recently turned 27, would provide the creative spark which Arsenal lacked at times last season, especially without the injured Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka.

As well as his ability in tight spaces, Eze ranked highly for most combined shots and chances created in the 2024-25 Premier League, with only a handful of exalted players faring better. He could add much in a number eight role at Arsenal, even though it is slightly deeper than what he plays for Palace.

If we take a look at Arsenal's midfielders, no player registered more than five goals - except Mikel Merino, though he was used as makeshift striker towards the end of the campaign.

Declan Rice scored four in 35 Premier League appearances, Martin Odegaard three in 30, Partey four in 35 and Jorginho none in 15 games.

But signing Eze could lead to more goals. He is known to be ambitious with his shooting - only four players have had more goal attempts from outside the penalty area than Eze's Premier League tally of 165 since he joined Crystal Palace.

Only three players have scored more than his 11 top-flight goals from outside the box during that time - and Eze's sweetly struck long-range efforts against Fulham and Aston Villa put Palace en route to FA Cup glory in May.

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Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Nottingham Forest did not want to sell Anthony Elanga, but every player has his price.

There was a desire to keep the winger at the City Ground this summer but with Newcastle prepared to pay £55m and meet Forest's asking price, the situation naturally changes.

Elanga did not push for a move, but a club record sale is ultimately too good to refuse.

They kept him from the Magpies last season, but this will be a £40m return after signing the Sweden international from Manchester United for about £15m just two years ago.

Former boss Steve Cooper was crucial to Elanga joining. He was poised to go to Everton, but Cooper convinced the youngster that the City Ground was the best option and that he would play and develop.

Boss Nuno Espirito Santo has previously spoken about the importance of keeping his squad together, one which eventually finished seventh in the Premier League to return the club to Europe for the first time since 1995-96.

Murillo, Chris Wood, Neco Williams and Ola Aina have signed new deals this year, along with Nuno himself, as Forest focused on building from a position of strength.

Yet winger Elanga is being allowed to leave despite being a crucial part of Forest's season and the way they play.

With Callum Hudson-Odoi, they carried a threat from the flanks and helped Wood score 20 goals last term, Elanga scoring six goals and making 11 assists.

Those were the third most assists in the Premier League last season, behind Mohamed Salah [18] and Newcastle's Jacob Murphy [12] - someone he could potentially be replacing at St James' Park.

Fellow winger Ramon Sosa is also being allowed to leave the City Ground. He is expected to join Palmeiras in Brazil, so Forest will be a little short in wide areas.

Johan Bakayoko is of long-term interest and scored 11 goals as PSV beat Ajax to the Eredivisie title on the final day, but expect Forest to be surgical with their signings as they look to bulk up to prepare for Europe.

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BBC chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions on all things Premier League.

Joseph asked: Why does it seem like Arsenal are prioritising a move for Noni Madueke over Eberechi Eze? Based on current form and versatility, Eze looks the more complete player. Also, what's behind Arsenal's growing interest in Chelsea players. Is it strategic, opportunistic, or something else entirely?

Phil answered: Arsenal have spent big on Martin Zubimendi and look certain to do so again soon on Viktor Gyokores, so will be weighing up the rest of their expenditure carefully.

I agree that, at this point, Eze is the more complete player, but Madueke is a real talent, four years younger and also a full England international - so it makes sense in the wider context.

I am sure Arsenal's interest in Chelsea players is purely strategic – and there might be some good deals to be had as they need to sell some players at Stamford Bridge.

Steve asked: A lot of people are saying Gyokeres won't be the right player for Arsenal but I think he will be the perfect fit. He's a great goalscorer, which we desperately need. What are your thoughts?

Phil answered: Well, we won't know until he gets here and plays at Premier League level, but Gyokores has the track record to suggest he is exactly what Arsenal need, with an outstanding tally of 97 goals in 102 matches in two seasons in Portugal.

That suggests he is the reliable marksman the Gunners require - and the type of striker they should have signed 12 months ago.

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Jordan Butler
BBC Sport

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Tottenham's signing of Japan defender Kota Takai from Kawasaki Frontale for £5m is a record fee for a J-League player moving abroad - but who is he?

Takai has a wealth of experience for his age, playing the first of his senior games in the Asian equivalent of the Champions League at just 17 years old.

He featured at the 2024 Olympic Games for Japan and has since won four senior caps, with his debut coming in a 7-0 victory over China just a day after his 20th birthday in September 2024.

He is athletic, 6ft 3 inches tall, comfortable on the ball and has an eye for a pass. Takai has completed almost 2,000 passes in the J-League since the start of last season - with an 88% success rate, which ranks him 15th among all defenders.

In April, he showcased many of his qualities when he marked Cristiano Ronaldo as Frontale defeated Al-Nassr 3-2 in the AFC Champions League Elite semi-final.

Spurs fans of a certain vintage will remember the club's only previous Japanese player, Kazuyuki Toda. He joined on loan from Shimizu S-Pulse in January 2003 and made just four appearances under then manager Glenn Hoddle.

It is fair to say that much bigger things are expected of Takai.

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Everton's Idrissa Gana Gueye says he feels "more driven than ever to keep pushing" after signing a new one-year contract until the end of June 2026, with an option for a further year.

Gueye has made 211 for the Toffees across two spells and won the club's player of the season and players' player of the season awards last season.

"Everyone knows what Everton means to me and my family," said the 35-year-old midfielder. "After six seasons here, this club is more than just a place I play, it's part of who I am.

"I'm proud to start my seventh year as a Blue. Last season was a strong one for me personally, and I feel ready, fresh, and more driven than ever to keep pushing.

"With our beautiful new stadium and a real sense of momentum throughout the club, this season feels like a turning point, the chance to build something big and lasting."

Gueye's extension ends speculation over his future and means Senegal's record appearance maker will bring continuity as Everton begin the first campaign in their new stadium.

"His experience and his knowledge of the club is going to be so important going forward with the introduction of lots of new players and the new stadium," added Toffees boss David Moyes.

"Idrissa will play a big part in integrating everybody."

Karan Vinod
BBC Sport Journalist

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Newcastle United's pursuit of Anthony Elanga underlines just how far the Swedish winger's stock has risen after a stellar 2024-25 campaign with Nottingham Forest. Having now agreed a £55m fee, the Magpies are set to add his pace, precision, and end product to their ranks going into a crucial season.

Elanga's statistical profile paints the picture of a player not just improving, but excelling in some of the most important attacking metrics. The radar chart below, provided by Opta via FBref, shows Elanga ranking in the top percentiles among Premier League attacking midfielders and wingers across multiple categories.

A percentile score reflects how a player compares to his positional peers - being in the 80th percentile for goal-creating actions means Elanga outperforms 80% of similar players in that key attacking measure. His high percentile for shot-on-target percentage signals not just an eye for goal but efficiency in making goalkeepers work - he doesn't waste chances.

His crossing output sits near the top of the scale, a vital asset for any team relying on width and delivery. For comparison, none of Newcastle's current wingers - Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes, or Anthony Gordon - averages more than 4.85 crosses per 90 minutes, whereas Elanga averages 6.65.

Meanwhile, his progressive carries - how frequently he moves the ball towards goal - highlight his directness and willingness to take on defenders, adding dynamism to Forest's attack. Even his goals-per-shot ratio reflects a sharpness in front of goal that is increasingly rare among wingers.

For Newcastle, these numbers represent everything they need: pace, efficiency, and creativity in the final third.

Their recent transfer frustration stems from failing to make these kinds of decisive moves early. Elanga, who can play wide or centrally, fits the profile of a player who could unlock defences both at home and in Europe.

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Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Edu's appointment as Nottingham Forest's global head of football is further evidence of their plans for expansion.

We have seen them tie down key members of the squad - including Monday's announcement of Ola Aina's new contract - but there is no bigger signing than Edu's arrival.

He has been in the background for a number of months and was at Wembley for Forest's FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester City in April.

The former midfielder will oversee the operations at Forest, Olympiakos and Rio Ave and should be seen as a huge coup.

The ex-Brazil international, a member of Arsenal's 'Invincibles', was key to the Gunners' post-Arsene Wenger era, even if Mikel Arteta has only delivered one FA Cup five years ago.

Martin Odegaard, William Saliba, Gabriel and Declan Rice joined under his watch but so did £72m Nicolas Pepe, David Luiz and Raheem Sterling, all three failing to justify themselves at the Emirates Stadium.

Owner Evangelos Marinakis will expect Forest to continue their trajectory after last season's seventh place finish in the Premier League and there will be a desire to challenge Arsenal at the top, with the Gunners finishing second last season.

Edu provides experience from the elite, which is exactly where Forest want to be.

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

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Despite failing to score a Premier League goal in 2024-25, when he only started two games, Callum Wilson netted 47 times in 113 top-flight appearances during five seasons at Newcastle.

He averaged a goal every 143 minutes, the fifth-best record of any player with at least 15 goals during this period, bettered only by Erling Haaland, Alexander Isak, Mohamed Salah and Harry Kane.

His shot conversion rate of 23.7% also stacks up alongside the league's elite finishers, exactly the same as that of Newcastle team-mate Isak.

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Where Wilson has clearly struggled is with availability. A series of injuries, including calf, hamstring and back issues, meant he only started 71 of 190 league matches for the Magpies, equivalent to 37%.

While the arrival of Isak in 2022 has contributed to limited opportunities, fitness problems have meant he has only been in the matchday squad for half of Newcastle's Premier League matches over the past two seasons.

Champions League qualification means manager Eddie Howe will surely now be on the lookout for a more physically robust centre-forward to provide back-up for Isak in 2025-26.

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Ola Aina's new deal highlights Nottingham Forest's commitment to maintaining their momentum in the aim of becoming a force again.

Discussions have been ongoing for a while and the full-back, who played an important role in helping Forest finish seventh last season, is the latest key man to sign fresh terms.

Nuno Espirito Santo has stressed in the past that keeping his squad together was the most important thing - rather than bringing in an influx of new signings - and Forest have been working on doing that.

They have already tied down Wood, Murillo and Neco Williams this year while Nuno himself signed a new three-year deal last month.

Forest do not want to sell Newcastle target Anthony Elanga - although every player has his price - as they prepare to return to European football for the first time since 1995-96.

The unity was evident last season in a tight-knit squad and Aina is just the next piece of the puzzle in Forest's long-term desire to compete at the top.

There is a clear belief for many in the squad that the City Ground is the right place and this deal will only help convince others - like Morgan Gibbs-White - that Forest is somewhere they can find success.

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BBC Radio Newcastle spoke to football consultant and podcaster Scott Coyne about what fans can expect from Sunderland's latest addition, 20-year-old Noah Sadiki.

"A really exciting young player, really fit," Coyne said. "You might look at Noah's stats and think: 'I'm not quite sure I see anything here', but he's a player who very much passes the eye test rather than necessarily the stats test.

"His overall contribution is important – his pace, and his physicality - and he's a really mature player for his age as well. I think he's going to add a lot to the squad. He's a really exciting player."

Sadiki was part of the Union Saint-Gilloise side that won the Belgian league last season and has already racked up more than 100 senior appearances, despite his tender age.

"He's a very composed young player," Coyne added. "He tends to make good choices with his passing and that tells us he's ahead of his development for his age. Stepping up to the Premier League now is just going to push that development to another stage.

"He's very versatile player and can play as an attacking midfielder, a defensive midfielder and on the right wing as well so there's a number of options.

"One thing he does well is switch very quickly between defensive aspects and offensive roles. He's stoic at breaking up the play and his ball recovery [is good] as well. All of that is going to suit the intense nature of the Premier League."

Listen to the full chat here

Emlyn Begley
BBC Sport journalist

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Martin Zubimendi played 236 times for Real Sociedad - his only club to date - and scored 10 goals.

But he is not a goalscorer, because he is primarily a defensive midfielder.

Real Sociedad played several formations last season, though mostly it was a 4-1-4-1 with Zubimendi as the pivot.

In La Liga in 2024-25, he ranked in the top five of central midfielders for successful passes, successful long passes, progressive passes, touches, tackles, interceptions, aerial duels won and distance of completed upfield passes (8.5km).

"He's not a paragon of technical prowess, nor does he stand out for his vision, his long ball touch, or his ability to link up," said Spanish journalist and Real Sociedad expert Roberto Ramajo, external.

"He delivers in every aspect of a midfielder's game, and he always contributes. And that's what sets him apart, what allows him to excel the way he has at Real Sociedad since he came into the first team.

"Martin has very good tactical ability. He knows how to occupy space on the pitch almost perfectly, and he reads his team's needs very well when it comes to helping his team-mates.

"He has fantastic reading of the game, because he's very intelligent without the ball. I know he's hailed with the ball, but I like him better off it."

Read the full piece here

Image source, Opta

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We asked for your thoughts on the signing of Kyle Walker from Manchester City.

Here are some of your comments:

Matthew: Kyle Walker is an outstanding signing for Burnley along with the other editions we have brought in so far. Centre-half alongside Maxime Esteve in my reckoning. It shows the intention, from our great board and manager, that we mean business next season. I have no doubt whatsoever that there will be three teams with less points than us by the end of the season. We will be trimming the squad at some point as it is quite big for us at present with sales or loans and a striker will be coming in next.

Peter: Exactly the experience we need in defence for the PL. It's what we lacked the last time, having stupidly let Ben Mee go. Great signing - well done, Scott Parker!

Simon: What a coup! He may not be at his peak but he's also not shown any evidence of significant fall off either. Although Connor Roberts was a stalwart last season, the opportunity to buy a player of Walker's experience and quality will be immensely beneficial to the entire squad and particularly the already solid defensive unit against much better attacking opposition this season. This signing will also hopefully improve our chances of signing players of a similar ilk who may have had doubts of signing for little old Burnley before now too.

Russell: Experience is essential in a newly promoted side and his leadership qualities should be a great asset to Burnley. Not now at the top of his game, but still a good acquisition for a club that need stability on promotion.

Graham: Very surprised! I wasn't expecting another right-back as we had two internationals already. A statement signing that I hope has positive implications, both on and off the park. I'm a little concerned at the pay differential though and the impact on other squad members.

Mark: I don't know what to make of this signing, I'm hoping it's not a big mistake like when we signed Joe Hart. I know I may sound negative but he's 35 now and lost his pace, which he was known for.

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia

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Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca will see his team earn a substantial $21m dollars after beating Palmeiras in Fifa's Club World Cub but Uefa sanctions still pose a problem.

The Blues will rightly celebrate a 2-1 win over the Brazilian giants, helped by a wonderful Cole Palmer goal at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.

However, on the same day Fifa provided a windfall and something to celebrate, there was concerning news from Uefa.

Uefa's governing body announced an initial fine of 31m euros (£26.7m) and Chelsea could be fined a further 60m euros (£51.2m) over the next four years should they continue to not fulfil the financial controls enforced by European football's governing body.

Further to this, the sanction stipulates Chelsea must balance the books in Europe and make sure to end the transfer window with a "positive balance" or be unable to register new players, including new signings like Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Estevao Willian and Jamie Gittens.

Not only that, they must sell players that were previously on the A list in Uefa competition, in this case the Conference League squad from the second half of last season.

That means that balancing the £170m of purchases this summer needs to come from those registered from Europe's third tier, which Chelsea won, with only Marcus Bettinelli, sold for a nominal fee to Manchester City, thus far counting.

Sales of forwards Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke and Christopher Nkunku are not ruled out. Trevoh Chalobah could also be sold from the current squad.

The sales of Kepa Arrizabalga to Arsenal for £5m and defender Bashir Humphreys for £12.7m to Burnley do not count, neither would fees for Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Armando Broja, Joao Felix and Renato Veiga, who were not selected for the Club World Cup and are deemed surplus to requirements.

This is a very complex case and it is not clear how many players will need to be sold but Chelsea say they are confident of future compliance and have spoken of their ongoing support for Uefa's rules.

The deaths of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre have shaken the sporting world.

You can watch a BBC documentary on the Liverpool striker above and access it on iPlayer here.

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BBC Radio Nottingham's Colin Fray believes Nottingham Forest have no desire to sell Anthony Elanga to Newcastle this transfer window.

"Forest are clearly not interested in selling," Fray said on the Shut Up and Show More Football podcast. "They're not having to sell, not desperate to sell and they want to keep Anthony Elanga. That's not a surprise because there is no substitute for pace.

"You see the pace he has and he's also got something on the end of it. It's all very well being able to run fast but you've got to be able to control the ball when you're running and be able to do something with it.

"Just look at his goal against [last season] Manchester United at the City Ground - that will tell you everything you need to know about the player."

Elanga has 11 goals and 21 assists in 82 appearances for Forest and Fray says his end product has caught the attention of rivals.

"That's why Newcastle want him," he said. "They've got a Champions League campaign and they're keen to strengthen, so they're looking at their options. Forest are not in a position that they have to sell but I suppose you come back to that old phrase of every player has got a price.

"There might come a point - it depends if Newcastle are going to go high enough. When the money becomes attractive, that's when you look at what players you can bring in. Option A - a replacement and option B - a replacement plus a couple more to add to the strength in depth."

Listen to the full chat here

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With Newcastle United's transfer business under the spotlight, former Magpies midfielder Lee Clark has called for sharper decision-making as the club looks to strengthen ahead of a pivotal season.

Newcastle United have Champions League football to offer in the upcoming season, but so far they remain inactive in the transfer market, with only speculation and rumours linking them to potential signings.

"It's a game of chess, isn't it, from the buying club to the selling club," Clark said on BBC Radio Newcastle. "The frustrating thing from Newcastle's point of view is that we seem to go in and have to do it three or four times.

"And when I say go in, I mean go in and get a bid rejected, whereas our rivals in the top six get close, maybe with the first offer and go smash it with the second.

"And with the type of players we are looking to bring in now, we are looking at the real elite level.

"Just seems to be that we are not making the right early moves in terms of making things happen. Obviously, you don't want to be paying over the odds. But we've gone three windows without really signing anyone in terms of seniority to help the team, and this summer is crucial for us - we've got to learn from the last Champions League campaign. Certainly got a terrific squad, but not big enough."

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Liverpool full-back Andy Robertson has paid an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva. On Instagram, Robertson wrote:

The ones I'm thinking about most right now are the family. Their loss is too much to bear. I'm so sorry that they have lost two such precious souls – Diogo and Andre.

For the team and the Club, we'll try to cope with this together… however long that takes.

For me, I want to talk about my mate. My buddy. The bloke I loved and will miss like crazy.

I could talk about him as a player for hours, but none of that feels like it matters right now.

It's the man. The person. He was such a good guy. The best. So genuine. Just normal and real.

Full of love for the people he cared about. Full of fun.

He was the most British foreign player I've ever met. We used to joke he was really Irish… I'd try to claim him as Scottish, obviously. I even called him Diogo MacJota.

We'd watch the darts together, enjoy the horse racing. Going to Cheltenham this season was a highlight - one of the best we had.

The last time I saw him was the happiest day of his life – his wedding day. I want to remember his never-ceasing smile from that magical day. How much he was bursting with love for his wife and family.

I can't believe we're saying goodbye. It's too soon, and it hurts so much.

But thank you for being in my life, mate – and for making it better.

Love you, Diogo.

Nizaar Kinsella
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu is attracting loan interest early in the transfer window.

The 21-year-old midfielder has received loan enquiries from clubs like Valencia and Hamburg but a Premier League loan remains the most likely option with further clubs monitoring his situation closely.

A season at relegated Southampton - where he made 31 appearances and started nine of the last 10 league games - highlighted Ugochukwu's physical traits make him suitable for the Premier League after his £23.2m move to Chelsea from Rennes in 2023.

However, Chelsea currently have a preference to sell the France Under-21s international, especially if they can attract a substantial bidder.

Chelsea are also cautious about overseas loans as Fifa limit all clubs to just six such loans outside of their domestic divisions through new rules established in 2024.

Therefore, a sale is preferred, a domestic loan is the second preference and an overseas loan will only likely be sanctioned later in the window - if the first two are not achieved.

The likes of Dortmund loanee Carney Chukwuemeka and those not at the Club World Cup - including Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Joao Felix, Renato Veiga, Armando Broja and Djordje Petrovic - are in a similar situation.

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The centre-back Steve Howey believes is the best to wear the white and black of Newcastle United over the past 50 years is Jonathan Woodgate.

The former England defender only played for the Magpies for 18 months after signing from Leeds in 2003 for around £9 million.

The following summer, Real Madrid came calling but for Howey, he left a lasting impression.

"Good defender who read the game very well - a good footballer," Howey told BBC Radio Newcastle.

"I have to be honest, there were times when I didn't see what everyone else saw when everyone raved about him [before he moved to St James' Park].

"But when I watched him at Newcastle, it was effortless for him. It didn't look like he was flustered. He looked comfortable all the time!"

A recap of Howey's five-best centre-backs to play for Newcastle:

1. Jonathan Woodgate

2. Steve Howey

3. Darren Peacock

4. Philippe Albert

5. Fabricio Coloccini

Listen to the full chat on BBC Sounds

What do you make of Howey's choices?

How would you rank these five? Have a go here.

But who is missing from the list?

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