Brentford and Newcastle battling over Kalimuendo
Brentford and Newcastle are in talks to sign Stade Rennais’ striker Arnaud Kalimuendo, according to L’Equipe.
Brentford are more advanced in negotiations, which could lead Newcastle to look elsewhere.
Will Castle12 August 2025 11:27
West Ham eyeing swoop for Mateus Fernandes
West Ham want to sign Southampton star Mateus Fernandes, according to The Guardian.
The Saints value him at £30m.
(Getty Images)
Will Castle12 August 2025 11:15
Alexander Isak moves out of Newcastle home to force Liverpool transfer
Alexander Isak has moved out of his Newcastle home in a bid to force a transfer to Liverpool, according to The Times.
His home in the North East was put on the rental market the day after he was omitted from Newcastle United’s players and families day.
The 25-year-old was the only member of Newcastle’s first-team squad not allowed at the bonding day held at the club’s training ground last week.
The striker’s desire to leave is so strong that he has moved out of the property in Ponteland, with the owner now seeking new tenants.
Alexander Isak’s future at Newcastle remains uncertain (John Walton/PA) (PA Wire)
Will Castle12 August 2025 11:12
Federico Chiesa to stay at Liverpool?
Federico Chiesa is now set to remain at Liverpool next season, according to latest reports in Italy.
La Gazetta dello Sport say Chiesa has had a direct conversation with Arne Slot, and his agent, Fali Ramadani, has spoken to Liverpool’s hierarchy.
The response from both was unequivocal: Chiesa will stay because of the sales of Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz, with Liverpool needing the attacking depth.
Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa endured a frustrating maiden season at Anfield (John Walton/PA) (PA Wire)
Will Castle12 August 2025 11:02
Jose Mourinho wants Oleksandr Zinchenko
Fenerbahce are chasing Arsenal defender Oleksandr Zinchenko.
That’s according to reports in Turkey, who say Jose Mourinho has sanctioned a bid for the Ukrainian after Arsenal dropped their asking price.
Zinchenko could cost around £13m.
(PA Wire)
Will Castle12 August 2025 10:50
FPL tips 2025/26: 30 players you should consider signing including Palmer, Wirtz and Gyokeres
The new season of the English top flight is fast approaching, and with that will come the long-awaited return of Fantasy Premier League.
As pre-season gives us a glimpse of potential top performers, many players will have already picked their squads for the opening gameweek of the 2025/26 campaign, though even at this stage, new signings and potential injuries might change things.
The usual suspects – your Erling Haalands and Mo Salahs of the world – will be among the most popular picks, with history dictating their unwavering ability to rack up points.
However, there are plenty of other players across the Premier League who might offer genuine value this season, from breakout stars to marquee new arrivals, with the potential of setting your team apart from the rest in your mini-league.
Here are 30 players we think might be solid additions to your FPL side:
Will Castle12 August 2025 10:37
Premier League 2025/26 predictions: Champions, top four, relegation, best signing, top scorer and more
The transfer window continues to rumble on with plenty of deals yet to materialise, which could shift the trajectory of many teams, notably Arne Slot’s side and Newcastle, with Alexander Isak’s future still in doubt.
Here, the Independent’s sports staff preview the new campaign and make their picks for the 2025/26 Premier League season:
Will Castle12 August 2025 10:24
Carlos Baleba keen on Man United switch
Carlos Baleba is keen on a possible Manchester United move, and personal terms would not be a problem, according to The Athletic.
A number of United players have been in contact with Baleba about a transfer, explaining the current landscape and ambitions.
Baleba is also reportedly among one of the lowest earners in the Premier League, meaning Brighton would have to give him a mammoth pay rise to keep him at the Amex.
Manchester United have been linked with a move for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba (Martin Rickett/PA) (PA Wire)
Will Castle12 August 2025 10:10
Mark Chapman to host first Match of the Day without Gary Lineker
Chapman is part of a three-person presenting line-up alongside Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan, who will work on rotation this season following the departure of former lead presenter Gary Lineker.
Chapman will be the first of the trio to host the flagship Saturday night show.
Will Castle12 August 2025 09:57
The delicate balancing act Arne Slot must master to maintain Liverpool’s success
Spending can bring its own problems. Some footballers can be weighed down by their price tags, though there were precious few signs of that when the £100m signing Florian Wirtz found the £69m buy Hugo Ekitike to score four minutes into their Liverpool bows. But some teams can be unbalanced by expenditure.
Arne Slot assessed a first meaningful match after Liverpool gave their defence a £75m makeover and concluded: “We need to be better defensively.” It wasn’t an attempt to make the Community Shield an indictment of Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, his deluxe pair of new full-backs. Rather, it was a broader view.
It may be a temporary glitch, and Slot is determined to ensure it is, but he nevertheless considered the evidence of pre-season friendlies as well. It was not merely the two goals Crystal Palace scored at Wembley, their 14 shots, their xG of 2.12 or some fine saves by Alisson.
Richard Jolly12 August 2025 09:44