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Aston Villa boss Unai Emery has challenged his side to back up their first win of the season with consistency after a 1-0 Europa League victory over Bologna.

Villa scored their first goal at home this season after 12 minutes when John McGinn fired into the bottom right corner from outside the area. Ollie Watkins had a second-half penalty saved by Lukasz Skorupski as he failed to open his account for the campaign.

Villa goalkeeper Marco Bizot was busy in the second half as Bologna piled on the pressure and he scrambled across his goal to keep out Martin Vitik’s header in stoppage time to ensure the hosts clung on to all three points. Emery says his side now have something to build on heading into Sunday’s Premier League match with Fulham.

He told TNT Sports: “At home I felt always here, in three years since I arrived, strong and confident. Creating and building a great atmosphere with energy with the players and supporters and today I felt it again.

“Bologna played well, they demanded us a lot, but then we adapted and tried to dominate and I think we deserved the win. Today we won and it is important we have to try and keep consistent on Sunday. Different match and rival, but a lot of things tactically we have to keep on building.

“Today this win will help us to try and continue working and being positive, but each match coming is a challenge, to fight to try and prepare as best as possible, be demanding with the players. This year I am excited, positive and motivated about the Europa League, but I know how difficult it is to win.”

Watkins struggles again as Villa Park gets tense

Watkins came off the bench in the 58th minute and looked lively, but his goal drought extended to seven games with the penalty miss. Emery is confident the forward will return to form, though. He added: “He worked today like he is (confident) and this is the first step to recover confidence.

“Then he had a penalty and he created chances as well, but the most important is to recover confidence and do your tasks like he did today. Today was the first step and he did fantastic.”

Defender Ezri Konsa admits the Villa Park crowd have been “tricky” to deal with following a tough start to the season but wants to use Thursday’s win as a starting point for their season. He said:

Journalist reveals how Monchi leaving will impact Emery's Aston Villa future

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ByDominic Lund Sep 25, 2025

Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford has set himself an ambitious target for his debut season at Barcelona, with the England star determined to be involved in 30 and 40 goals. The former Manchester United forward has made an instant impact under Hansi Flick, already contributing six goal involvements in his first nine appearances in the Blaugrana jersey.

• Rashford sets a Barcelona target for himself

  As reported by Mundo Deportivo, Rashford has set a personal target of being directly involved in 30 to 40 goals for Barcelona this season. The 26-year-old has already scored twice and registered four assists in La Liga and the Champions League. His six contributions make up 25% of Barca’s total goals so far, matching Ferran Torres’ output.

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  New signing adapting quickly at Barcelona in Flick's setup

  Rashford’s fast start reflects his growing influence in Hansi Flick’s setup. The Englishman has adapted quickly to the demands of Spanish football, providing a consistent outlet in transition and showing strong chemistry with Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo. His willingness to take on responsibility in attack highlights why Barca pushed to bring him in this summer.

• Rashford's numbers so far at Barcelona

  The winger has impressed with his direct play and decision-making in the final third. He has already provided key assists against Paris Saint-Germain, Getafe, Real Oviedo and Real Sociedad, while his brace against Newcastle showed his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments. Rashford has also ranked among Barca’s best for shots, dribbles and chance creation in recent matches.

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  Rashford central to Barcelona's plans this season

  With Barcelona fighting on multiple fronts, Rashford will be central to Flick’s plans in the coming weeks. His blend of pace, creativity and end product makes him a vital part of the Blaugrana’s attack. Maintaining his current rate could see him reach his ambitious target well before the end of the campaign.

In the latest twist to the tale in Newcastle United’s search for a striker, the Magpies have now launched an enquiry to sign a striker who’s valued at over £60m.

Latest Newcastle striker targets

It’s been a long summer for those at St James’ Park, but one that they’ll be desperate to end on a positive note. Their search for a striker is still ongoing despite endless rejection and new names are now beginning to emerge on their radar. This reportedly includes both Jorgen Strand Larsen and Alexander Sorloth.

The Wolverhampton Wanderers forward is a name that has particularly threatened to steal the headlines amid reports that Newcastle are pushing to secure his signature. Wolves, however, have so far taken the same stance that Brentford have for Yoane Wissa and price their star striker at around the £60m-mark this month.

As a result, Sorloth has also reportedly emerged as an option for Newcastle and Eddie Howe. The Norway international is reportedly keen to leave Atletico Madrid after falling out with Diego Simeone, which could allow the Magpies to swoop in and sign a striker who reached the 20-goal mark in La Liga last season.

Sorloth also has some unfinished business in the Premier League after going down as a transfer flop during his time at Crystal Palace. Years on from that Selhurst Park frustration, he has rebuilt himself into a clinical, towering forward capable of solving Newcastle’s problems.

With less than two weeks until the transfer window slams shut, however, it’s not just Sorloth and Strand Larsen that find themselves on Newcastle’s radar. Reports are now suggesting that they’ve made their first move to sign a £60m+ star.

Newcastle launch enquiry to sign Kolo Muani

According to reports in Italy, as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle have now launched an enquiry to sign Randal Kolo Muani from Paris Saint-Germain this month. The forward has looked destined to join Juventus since the start of the summer, but with negotiations yet to reach a breakthrough between the Italian club and PSG, Newcastle have reportedly come swooping in to attempt a potential hijack.

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Reports are claiming that negotiations have gone back and forth between Juventus and PSG due to a gap in what they both believe Kolo Muani is worth. The Turin club reportedly want to sign the Frenchman on loan with an obligation to buy worth €45m (£39m), whilst PSG are only willing to accept that option at €70m (£61m) this month.

Given how far apart both clubs are in their valuations, Newcastle could quickly put their riches to good use and solve their striker problem whilst doing so.

Although Kolo Muani struggled at PSG, he quickly rediscovered his best form on loan at Juventus last season, scoring eight goals in 16 Serie A games. A player who Kylian Mbappe once dubbed “complete”, there’s still every chance that the Frenchman realises his impressive potential.

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Rony finalmente desencantou. Após dois meses e meio sem marcar, o atacante do Palmeiras deixou sua marca na vitória por 3 a 0 sobre o Cerro Porteño, nesta quarta-feira, no Paraguai, em jogo válido pela Copa Libertadores. Seu último gol havia sido no dia 11 de março, contra o São Bernardo, pelas quartas de final do Campeonato Paulista.

O camisa 10 palmeirense agora soma sete bolas na rede nesta temporada e 53 desde que chegou ao clube paulista, em 2020. Maior artilheiro do Alviverde na história da Libertadores, com 19 tentos anotados, Rony é também o 5º maior goleador do time neste século e se aproxima de assumir a 4ª colocação no ranking. Atualmente, Vagner Love, com 54, é quem ocupa a posição.

MAIORES ARTILHEIROS DO PALMEIRAS NO SÉCULO

1º – Dudu – 86 gols
2º – Rapahel Veiga – 75 gols
3º – Willian Bigode – 66 gols
4º – Vagner Love – 54 gols
5º – Rony – 53 gols

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Leeds United have now identified a “scintillating” attacker as a key target, as there is a belief he would be the perfect addition to their forward line, according to a report.

Leeds still vying to sign new winger

Leeds were dealt a major blow when Igor Paixao chose to sign for Marseille, and they have now been forced to move on to alternative options, with a number of potential targets being identified.

Target

Current club

G/A in 24/25

Riccardo Sottil

Fiorentina

9

Moussa Djenepo

Standard Liege

3

Jota Silva

Nottingham Forest

7

However, the Whites were ultimately unsuccessful in their pursuit of Djenepo, with the 27-year-old remaining at Standard Liege, while they could also miss out on Jota Silva, with widespread reports suggesting the Forest ace is closing in on a move to Sporting CP.

That said, given that the two forwards hardly set the world alight last season, it may be a blessing in disguise that Daniel Farke’s side were unable to get deals over the line, and a different winger has now moved up the manager’s shortlist.

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states Marseille’s Jonathan Rowe has now been identified as a key target for Leeds, with the French club looking to receive a fee of just £17m for the England U21 international.

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The Whites are pushing to bring in new attacking options, and their pursuit of Rowe has now been reignited, as there is a belief he would be the perfect addition to their forward line.

Since moving to Marseille last summer, the winger has found it difficult to force his way into the starting XI, and a move could now be on the cards, with the French club open to a sale after signing Paixao and Timothy Weah.

"Scintillating" Rowe could be ideal signing for Leeds

Once praised for his “scintillating” form by pundit Carlton Palmer, the Marseille forward put himself in the shop window again with some impressive performances for England U21s at the recent European Championships.

The 22-year-old scored the winning goal against Germany in the final, while also scoring against Czechia in the group stage and picking up an assist against Spain in the quarter-final.

Former academy coach Greg Crane has also singled out the Marseille ace for praise, saying he “always had a bit of wow factor”.

Not only that, but the London-born winger caught the eye in the Championship with Norwich City during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring 12 goals, including an extremely well-taken effort against Hull City.

At just 22-years-old, Rowe is at the right age to be a long-term success at Elland Road, and the only concern about signing the Marseille winger is likely to be the fact he is yet to prove himself at Premier League level.

Nottingham Forest are now the club pushing hardest to sign an attacking midfielder who’s been likened to Arsenal star Martin Odegaard, and a deal could be possible for a fee of £25m, according to a report.

Forest keen on attacking midfielder amid Gibbs-White uncertainty

There is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding Morgan Gibbs-White’s future, with Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett revealing Forest are determined to keep hold of the attacking midfielder, despite Tottenham Hotspur triggering the £60m release clause in his contract.

However, the Tricky Trees may have a hard time keeping the England international at the City Ground, given that he has reportedly made it clear he wants to join Tottenham in talks with chairman Evangelos Marinakis.

It remains to be seen whether Nuno is able to keep one of his star players at the club, but should the move to Tottenham go through, the manager will need to bring in a replacement, and the Europa League side are now stepping up their pursuit of a new attacking midfielder.

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which reveals that Nottingham Forest are the club pushing hardest for Manchester City’s James McAtee, who is set to be available for £25m this summer, having been informed he is free to leave.

Forest are currently in discussions with McAtee, working to convince him to move to the City Ground, despite widespread interest from elsewhere, with the likes of West Ham Unied, Everton and Fulham submitting enquiries.

There is also interest from the Bundesliga, with Fabrizio Romano revealing the Man City ace has now travelled to Germany ahead of a potential move.

McAtee could be exciting replacement for Gibbs-White

Forest may have their work cut out trying to get a deal for the Englishman over the line, given the interest from elsewhere, but the fact they are now set to take part in the 2025-26 Europa League should work in their favour.

Should the Tricky Trees win the race, however, there are plenty of signs the 22-year-old could be an exciting replacement for Gibbs-White, with former Sheffield United striker Carl Asaba even describing him as “like Odegaard”.

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During his time with the Blades, the Salford-born maestro picked up nine goals and three assists in their Championship promotion-winning 2022-23 campaign, before going on to feature regularly in the Premier League the following season.

Since returning to City, however, McAtee has been unable to establish himself as a regular starter, meaning a move could be best for all parties, and it would be a real bonus for Forest if he decides to move to the City Ground.

Nottingham Forest have struck a “verbal agreement” with a “complete” forward, and they are now “pushing” to get a deal done, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

Nottingham Forest set sights on forwards amid Gibbs-White saga

Forest fans may have been given some hope that Morgan Gibbs-White could remain at the City Ground, when the attacking midfielder was selected in the starting XI for the 0-0 draw against AS Monaco on Saturday.

However, Gibbs-White could still be on the move this summer, with The Boy Hotspur saying: “I’ve been told that the Premier League have received a complaint, and ultimately they will give direction, but to repeat the well-worn phrase, slavery was abolished in the 1830s in the UK. Gibbs-White will be a Spurs player, it’s done.”

However, one bonus for the Tricky Trees is that Tottenham will have to pay over the £60m release clause to get a deal for the England international over the line, providing Nuno Espirito Santo with additional funds for the manager’s own transfer business.

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With Anthony Elanga joining Newcastle United earlier this summer, it is important that Nuno gets a new winger through the door, and Forest now appear to be making progress in their pursuit of a potential replacement for the Sweden international.

Taking to X, Plettenberg stated Nottingham Forest are now “pushing to sign” Bologna’s Dan Ndoye, having already struck a “verbal agreement”, with the forward in line to move to the City Ground on a five-year deal until 2030.

With Ndoye giving the move the green light, the Tricky Trees are now preparing an opening bid, but they may have to spend big to get a deal over the line, as the Italian club are set to hold out for €40m (£35m). Fabrizio Romano has since added that an opening bid has been made, although doesn’t state how much a proposal is worth.

Nuno’s side will also have to contend with rival interest from Serie A champions Napoli, who are also pushing to get a deal done.

"Complete" Ndoye could be ideal Elanga replacement

It will be a tall order to replace Elanga, but the Bologna star could be the man for the job, given that he performed remarkably well last season, regularly chipping in with goals and assists across all competitions.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Serie A

30

8

4

Italian Cup

3

1

2

Italian agent Lodovico Spinosi has also spoken fondly of his client, saying: “It is true that he is doing very well and everyone is realising how decisive he is in one-on-one situations, thanks to his speed. He can also play as a wing-back, despite being born as an offensive player.

“He is a complete player who, if he manages to be more decisive up front, will be at a top-tier club.”

Despite being versatile, Ndoye has most commonly featured at right-wing throughout his career to date, suggesting he could be the ideal replacement for Elanga, so it is exciting news that he has reached a verbal agreement over a move.

Following an excellent campaign last time out, Nottingham Forest are looking to use the summer transfer window to ensure that their European qualification was no blip. And that could reportedly start with the addition of a Bayern Munich midfielder.

Nuno Espirito Santo extends Nottingham Forest contract

Starting as they mean to go on this summer, Nottingham Forest confirmed the news that Nuno Espirito Santo has agreed a new deal with the club and will now remain in charge until at least 2028.

The Portuguese manager has taken the Midlands club to fresh heights in the Premier League and Evangelos Marinakis was clearly keen to ensure that he remains the man for the job at the City Ground.

The Greek owner told Nottingham Forest’s official media channels: “Nuno has made a great impact and performed very well during his time with us so far.

With that contract signed and delivered, Nottingham Forest can now turn their attention back towards the transfer window. Already, it looks as though Jair Cunha, Igor Jesus and Cuiabano are all on their way from Brazilian club Botafogo, who just defeated Paris Saint-Germain at the Club World Cup. But those in the Midlands could yet return to the market.

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Reports are now suggesting that the Midlands club have joined the race to sign a Champions League midfielder who looks destined to return to the Premier League this summer.

Nottingham Forest join £30m Palhinha race

According to Caught Offside, Nottingham Forest are now eyeing a move to sign Joao Palhinha this summer. The midfielder is reportedly free to leave Bayern Munich for up to €35m (£30m) in what is a cut-price deal considering that the German giants initially paid Fulham as much as £42m to secure his signature just one year ago.

The transfer fee is unlikely to be the main sticking point in any deal. Instead, there may be concerns about Palhinha’s wage demands. If he requests the same £8.5m-a-year contract that he earns at Bayern Munich then the likes of Nottingham Forest could instantly look elsewhere for options.

With Manchester United, former club Fulham, Benfica and West Ham United also in the race for his signature, Palhinha may have a decision to make regarding his salary if he wants to secure an exit away from Munich this summer.

At his best, there’s no denying that Palhinha is capable of making a significant impact with Fulham boss Marco Silva dubbing him “impressive” during his time in West London. Now, however, the Portugal international desperately needs a return to English football to rediscover his top form.

St. James’ Park’s overseers are not yet in situ, with sporting director Paul Mitchell set to leave at the end of the month, but Newcastle United plan to make headway in the transfer market all the same.

Namely, Eddie Howe has his sights set on Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro, a dynamic and versatile striker whose qualities would see him complement and contest Alexander Isak in equal measure.

However, with Liverpool running rampant in the transfer market and monitoring Anthony Gordon, the Magpies may need to find an out-and-out winger to join Howe’s cause, too.

Newcastle in the race for PL star

As per Caught Offside, Newcastle United are in the race to sign Jadon Sancho, who is almost certain to leave Manchester United this summer.

However, the Toon are joined by a host of clubs on the continent – including Borussia Dortmund, Napoli, and AC Milan – after his loan spell with Chelsea, who paid a £5m penalty to waive their obligation to buy the 25-year-old for £25m.

A swarm of interest from the Saudi Pro League throws a spanner in the works, but from a sporting perspective, Howe may offer the electric winger the perfect lifeline in his homeland.

Why Jadon Sancho could thrive at Newcastle

There’s no denying that Sancho has fallen by the wayside since leaving Borussia Dortmund and signing for Man United in a £73m package.

His recent campaign at Chelsea wasn’t poor by any stretch, but neither was it show-stopping to the degree that was promised upon his first move to the Premier League.

24/25 – Chelsea

31

3

5

23/24 – Man Utd

14

2

3

22/23 – Man Utd

26

6

3

21/22 – Man Utd

29

3

3

20/21 – Dortmund

26

8

12

19/20 – Dortmund

32

17

17

His numbers for Chelsea in the Premier League certainly left something to be desired, but then Sancho also demonstrated his intense levels of fitness and athleticism, ranking among the top 11% of the division’s attacking midfielders and wingers for progressive carries, the top 9% for successful take-ons and the top 15% for ball recoveries per 90, as per FBref.

Contrast that with Gordon, who may yet leave and sign for Liverpool this summer in an £80m deal, and you begin to see how Sancho might just thrive in stable conditions on Tyneside.

Indeed, Gordon, for all his qualities, only scored six goals and assisted six more in the league last term, ranked only among the top 22% for progressive carries and the top 46% for successful take-ons per 90.

FBref considered through statistical analysis the two players to be of a certain likeness, but Sancho, arguably, offered a finer illustration of his underlying qualities and the potential for even more with a more potent finish.

He’s a powerful and pacy winger, but perhaps he didn’t activate his physical attributes to the best of their ability, evidenced by Howe’s decision to bench him across five of the final eight matches of the 2024/25 campaign.

Gordon is a brilliant player, but as pundit Stan Collymore says, “at his best” Sancho is an “unplayable” forward, outfoxing his opponents with fleet-footed movements and a potency that was, frankly, ridiculous during his Dortmund days.

It’s been a rough road for the Three Lions star these past several years, but his finest football lies latent, and Howe’s remarkable tactical and interpersonal skills might just see Sancho revived as a starring member of a high-flying Newcastle team.

Therefore, Newcastle could provide the perfect stomping ground for Sancho, whose fall from grace may yet see a resurgence that could see him realise his potential and surpass even the £80m-rated Gordon.

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Tottenham Hotspur have now made a late approach to sign a Manchester United target, who has already agreed personal terms for a move to Old Trafford, according to a report.

Tottenham pursuing new signings as Frank deal advances

It is looking increasingly likely that Thomas Frank will be the man to replace Ange Postecoglou at N17, with reporter Ben Jacobs recently revealing the terms of the deal have now been agreed.

As such, Spurs’ transfer plans may be subject to change, in order to make sure they bring in players suited to Frank’s system, although the Dane is known to be more flexible than Ange, having used several different formations during his time with the Bees.

Regardless of who Daniel Levy ends up bringing in as the new manager, it is clear that a new goalscorer would be useful, given that Brennan Johnson’s tally of 11 goals in all competitions was the highest of any player last season.

Frank may also be keen to bring in a forward that he knows very well, and a report from Caught Offside has now revealed Tottenham have held talks over a deal for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, recently making contact with the Bees.

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Mbeumo has already agreed personal terms to join Man United this summer, and Old Trafford remains his favoured destination, but Spurs could throw a spanner in the works by getting involved in the transfer battle.

Brentford have already knocked back one offer from the Red Devils, but they could come back in with a new bid worth a total of £60m, so the north Londoners may need to move swiftly if they are going to hijack the deal.

"Deadly" Mbeumo could be exactly what Tottenham need

Despite making a success out of the season by winning the Europa League, the 2024-25 campaign was far from ideal for Tottenham, finishing 17th in the Premier League, and the lack of a consistent goalscorer was a real problem.

As such, the £45k-a-week Brentford star could be exactly what Spurs need, having scored 20 goals in 38 Premier League games last term, while also providing eight assists.

Scout Ben Mattinson singled out the 25-year-old for praise, describing him as “deadly”, while prospective new Tottenham boss Frank was also left impressed, hailing the Cameroonian as “unplayable” last December.

It appears as though Mbeumo still has his heart set on a move to Old Trafford, but Spurs will be hoping that Frank can convince the forward to make the move to N17 instead.