Premier League

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James Milner says he is "feeling good" after a "long journey" back to fitness.

Milner underwent routine knee surgery after a knock in training in August 2024 but complications with the operation led to a long period of rehab.

The 39-year-old returned after nine months out in the final game of last season.

"I'm not 100% yet. We haven't had too much of pre-season but I've been training hard," Milner told the Seagulls' media team from the club's training camp in Spain.

"Nine months is a long time out so that takes time but I've been working hard over the summer and come back in the best possible shape I can.

"After all the things that happened in the last year or so, I'm feeling good to be fair.

"The early part of the rehab was to just get the knee moving again so I could do my knee rehab. We tried everything in the gym and hyperbaric chambers, hot coals, all different types of therapies.

"Sean Duggan the physio was incredible. It's not a common injury. At that time it was a difficult ask to come back and play but through the physio department and Sean's hard work - it was a long journey and a difficult one but the challenge of coming back from it at my age was what drove me on."

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Milner is now preparing for his 24th Premier League season and is 16 appearances away from breaking Gareth Barry's all-time record. The three-time Premier League winner never thought about giving up despite his lengthy spell on the sidelines.

"I wouldn't say there was dark times but there was frustrating times," he added.

"There was times where I'd get to five or six weeks constantly then needed a break for two or three days, just a change of scenery to regain the focus and the intensity.

"I wouldn't say I got too down about it. There is the determination to get back and try and contribute and help the manager and club move forward. I want to have a more positive season this time round."

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Former West Ham and Wolves first-team coach Edu Rubio on the prospect of Hugo Ektike joining Liverpool: "He can be a great signing for Liverpool FC. He can play on his own at the front or in a front two. He can also drift to the wing. He is versatile and comes from 18 excellent months at Frankfurt.

"Ekitike excels in quick attacking transitions with his forward runs and his accuracy in dribbling with the ball at his feet. He can also do well in tight areas when his team is playing against a low block. His height will also come in handy for set pieces.

"There is, though, a question mark around whether Ekitike will manage to up his goals and assists and find consistent high figures in this department; as well as if he can deploy an aggressive high-press style since he has not been exposed to that at Frankfurt.

"However, he is a very exciting young French talent with huge potential to do very well in the Premier League. I am sure Arne Slot will also like his link-up play and ability to drop to help build the attack phase, as this is an area Liverpool introduced last year. So all in all, a good signing for the Reds."

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We asked for thoughts on Liverpool moving for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, who had been a Newcastle target amid Reds interest in Magpies star Alexander Isak.

Here are some of your comments on a deal that could be worth in excess of £70m:

Alfie: He is one of the best young strikers in the world. He would be an unbelievable addition to not just Liverpool, but the Premier League as well. If he does join us, it would complete the deadliest attack in the world.

Fran: Ekitike is more in line with Liverpool's approach. He's still young and can be coached to improve. Isak is nearly 26. Very good player but I like Ekitike and think he's a better fit.

Solomon: Very good signing if it goes through. We definitely need an upgrade on Darwin Nunez. My only concern is we had the same high expectations of Nunez but he has flattered to deceive.

Ryan: I can't pretend to be an expert on the kid but from what I've seen, he looks a terrific talent. I fully trust the club in their judgement and think he could form a formidable partnership with the attacking players we already have, so great news. We all know Isak would have been our prime target but, realistically, unless he hands in a transfer request, he is going nowhere.

Andrew: This does feel a bit underwhelming after the Isak news. Has potential but is unproven in the Premier League. I remain hopeful, though, and there haven't been too many misses from the FSG recruitment team.

Thom: I'd rather Liverpool pay £70m on a player, rather than £130m-plus on Isak. He's a great player, but at that price? Not for me.

Tony: Ekitike could be the perfect striker for Liverpool. Quick, intelligent and able to link up with Florian Wirtz to create space, mayhem and opportunities for himself and our other frontmen.

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Charlotte Robson
Fan writer

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I want to tour other Premier League clubs with a big 'HANDS OFF ALEX ISAK' sign and wave it around. What good will that do? I don't know. But it feels like a statement I want to make.

Pleasingly, the noises coming from Newcastle United at the moment make it seem like Isak is not for sale, and will still be in black and white this September. This is huge for Newcastle's season, with Champions League football returning and hopefully another decent cup run to come. Without Isak, I think a lot of our hopes of finishing high in the table, doing respectably in the Champions League, and generally having a happy time this season fade away.

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At some point, he will leave. I don't believe Isak is so in love with Newcastle United that he wants to stay years and finish his career here. He's an ambitious player who probably wants to be playing in the best leagues in the world.

I, however, don't think it's inevitable that he leaves this time next year, but I do think it's more likely. His price will still be high; he will only be 26. At that point, it makes no sense from a PSR perspective to hold on - particularly if the player himself is ready to move.

It's frustrating that this is where we are, financially, and at the same time I understand it. It would be lovely to just fling cash at players, keep them happy, and buy reinforcements. It would also be boring and not good for the game if, say, three rich clubs just did that all the time. I'm just glad we look like we might keep hold of Isak for another massive season at Newcastle United, and develop/scout other players in case we find ourselves without him next.

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With so many incomings at Brighton already this summer, along with a number of players returning from loan spells, BBC Radio Sussex's Albion Unlimited podcast team believes Fabian Hurzeler could have quite the "headache" when it comes to picking his starting XI for the new season.

There are still question marks over a few of the players' futures too, which adds to the difficulties in deciding who will be guaranteed a place come August.

In fact, after Wednesday's friendly win over Stoke in Spain, Hurzeler said: "The squad is quite big at the moment but I think they understand their roles. We are one step further than we were, and now we have to make decisions about selling and loaning players."

On this week's podcast, BBC Radio Sussex Brighton reporter Johnny Cantor named who he believes is mostly like to make the starting XI at the beginning of the season.

"I would probably say Bart Verbruggen. I would say initially Lewis Dunk because I think he will start. I won't necessarily say Pervis Estupinan as I'm not sure he will be there or not. I would say Carlos Baleba, Georginio Rutter, Yankuba Minteh, Kaoru Mitoma and Danny Welbeck.

"If they are all fit, and bearing in mind Stefanos Tzimas and Charalampos Kostoulas are coming to a new club and environment, that's how I think the attacking end will look.

"I didn't say Jan Paul van Hecke - because that would mean neither of the two new defensive signings would play - and you have got Adam Webster and Igor Julio sitting on the bench or not involved at all as well. They won't have four centre-backs."

Former Albion forward Warren Aspinall added: "I will go with three or four - Mitoma, Verbruggen and Van Hecke. I'm not even putting Carlos Baleba in there."

So who do you think are Brighton's guaranteed choices? Do you agree with Johnny and Warren's, or are there other players who should be included?

Get in touch with your views here

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BBC Radio Nottingham's Colin Fray says it appears Forest "aren't looking for a quick resolution" to Tottenham's approach for Morgan Gibbs-White.

Forest are considering legal action against the north London club as it is believed they are looking at whether a specific confidentiality agreement in the £60m release clause in Gibbs-White's contract has been breached.

"It is certainly one that Forest could have been doing without and one that has got the fans worried," Fray said on the Shut Up And Show More Football podcast.

"On the back of the exit of Anthony Elanga to Newcastle, fans were willing to accept that a big sale might be necessary this summer because that's life in the days of PSR and the Premier League. Although disappointed with that possibility and subsequent reality, people accepted that.

"But, to have this right on the heel of the Elanga deal caused a lot of concern among supporters, and still is. It is a moving situation and things may change quickly - but it is messy, it is horrible, Forest don't want to be there in that situation. I'm fairly sure Gibbs-White doesn't either."

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Gibbs-White returned to training with Forest this week, adding to the speculation surrounding his future.

"It's going to be interesting to see how it plays out from here," added Fray.

"Most thought it would be ironed out and the transfer go through. Not many were expecting him back at training and here he is. That is another twist in the story.

"Forest have set their stall out that they aren't looking for a quick resolution. They want to keep him."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

Last season, Chelsea sent Djordje Petrovic on loan to Strasbourg, where he was voted the club's player of the year.

But, rather than welcoming the goalkeeper back into the squad as competition for Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen, the Blues have instead sold the Serb to Bournemouth for £25m, banking an £11m profit on what they paid for him in 2023.

One of the reasons Chelsea loaned Petrovic to their partner club was to help him improve his ability on the ball, BBC Sport football news reporter Nizaar Kinsella reported in March.

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Though Petrovic's passing stats did not notably improve during his year in France, his distribution over the past 12 months was still more accurate than Sanchez, who posted lower figures for pass accuracy and long pass accuracy. Cup keeper Jorgensen, meanwhile, finished with a better record than both.

Where Petrovic stood out with Strasbourg was in his shot-stopping. He prevented almost 10 goals more than an average goalkeeper would save, based on the expected goals on target model. That total was the sixth highest in the top five European leagues last term.

Sanchez, however, excelled as Chelsea lifted the Club World Cup, where he won the Golden Glove given to the tournament's best goalkeeper.

The Spaniard made several key saves in the final against Paris St-Germain, also impressing with some pin-point passes to set up attacks. Despite occasional shaky moments in 2025-26, he seems likely to remain number one for the new season.

Gary Rose
BBC Sport journalist

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Newcastle have maintained throughout the summer that their top players - and Alexander Isak is certainly one of those - are not for sale.

Indeed, like Liverpool, Newcastle - who are owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) - are in a comfortable PSR position.

Isak has three years left on his contract, so the Swede would most likely have to actively push for a move.

Apart from Liverpool, few other clubs in the market for a striker could afford Isak's reported £130m price tag.

"As the most profitable club in Premier League history, Arsenal could easily spend over £200m in the window and have no PSR concerns," said football finance expert Kieran Maguire.

Despite Isak having been linked with a move to Arsenal, the Gunners are instead expected to reach a full agreement with Sporting for the 73.5m euros (£63.5m) signing of striker Viktor Gyokeres this summer.

Manchester City are unlikely to be in the market for a striker, with Erling Haaland and Omar Marmoush under lengthy contracts.

It seems doubtful that Manchester United would be able to afford Isak's fee without significant player sales, having missed out on Champions League football next season.

Chelsea have bought strikers Liam Delap and Joao Pedro this window.

"In theory, Tottenham could also afford Isak," said Maguire. "But whether the player would want to move from a team who finished fifth to one who finished 17th is a whole other story."

Read all the financial details surrounding Liverpool's Isak interest here

Slobodan Maricic
BBC Serbia journalist

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The baggage of Serbia goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic has been checked in for several different destinations all over Europe in the past couple of months, according to the transfer gossip.

He was linked with Galatasaray, Bayer Leverkusen and Monaco, as well as several Premier League clubs like Leeds, Southampton and Aston Villa.

But, after a standout season at the French side Strasbourg, where he was on loan from Chelsea, he has landed in Bournemouth.

The strong interest in the 25-year-old from the city of Pozarevac, in central Serbia, comes as no surprise to football fans back home - Petrovic is living the best of his days.

Last season, he helped Strasbourg finish seventh and was rewarded with a place in the Serbia squad, and he now has seven caps.

Saving a penalty in the World Cup qualifier against Albania – a match charged with a lot of tension, because of politics and history – even earned him national hero status.

The German media compared him with Manuel Neuer, one of the best goalkeepers of the century, due to their similar height, footwork and pass accuracy.

His former coaches commend Petrovic's physical attributes, noting his strength in the air and willingness to come off the line, particularly noting his effectiveness in one-on-one situations and at stopping penalties.

Up until his move to Chelsea in 2023 from Major League Soccer side New England Revolution, he was a relatively unknown name in Serbia.

He came up through Cukaricki, a club from the capital Belgrade, that has a notably smaller fanbase than the two Belgrade giants, Red Star or Partizan.

His move to the United States did not do much for his visibility, but he did win a place in the MLS All-Star squad before his £12.5m switch to the Premier League made him the most expensive Serbian keeper in history.

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Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

Brentford are still interested in a deal for Ipswich's Omari Hutchinson, despite having a £35m bid rejected for the winger, who could arrive as a replacement for Manchester United target Bryan Mbeumo.

The 21-year-old only managed three Premier League goals and two assists as the Tractor Boys were relegated last season, so why are the Bees prepared to pay a club record fee to bring the former Chelsea player back to west London?

Hutchinson displayed only fleeting moments of quality as Ipswich struggled last term but put himself in the shop window at this summer's European Under-21 Championship, where he was a key part of the England side that retained their title, including scoring in the final against Germany.

Deployed on the left wing - a role he has rarely played for the Suffolk club, despite being left footed - Hutchinson was a constant menace with his direct running.

He attempted 29 dribbles - at least six more than any other player, including nine in the semi-final against the Netherlands, when he repeatedly beat his opposite man.

The former and Chelsea youngster also had 35 touches in the opposition box at the tournament, second only to Germany's rising star Nick Woltemade, and created 11 chances - the joint-third highest total.

It was harder for Hutchinson to make the same kind of impact in the Premier League, with his Ipswich team often penned into their own half and struggling to get the ball to their attacking players.

Fielded either as a number 10 or on the right, he nonetheless showed a willingness to run with the ball and attempted 147 'take-ons' (trying to dribble past an opponent), which was the league's fifth-highest tally.

Last season was only Hutchinson's second in senior football. He was Ipswich's young player of the year while on loan from Chelsea in 2023-24, then joining for an initial £20m after promotion was secured.

The step up in quality was undoubtedly a challenge for him, but Brentford, who are renowned for their data-led approach to recruitment, have seen enough promise to try to prise him away from Portman Road.

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Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

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Injuries have dented the confidence of Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez, who must compete for a place in a defence containing promising youngsters Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven.

Andre Onana's pre-season hamstring issue gives Amorim an opportunity to assess his goalkeeping options but, in truth, unless 21-year-old Radek Vitek steps up, the choice will be to stick or twist with the Cameroon international, given Altay Bayindir was given his chance at the end of last season and failed to impress.

It is a similar story in attack.

The pursuit of Liam Delap, who instead chose Chelsea, emphasises Amorim feels he can improve on Rasmus Hojlund.

Viktor Gyokeres, who played for Amorim at Sporting, has also decided against a move to United.

Ollie Watkins, who lost his place at Aston Villa when Marcus Rashford arrived from United on loan, has been linked with a move to Old Trafford. So too have out-of-contract pair Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Jamie Vardy. They are all names to suggest United might be better off giving Hojlund one more chance.

But can Amorim trust that the Dane is ready to fulfil the promise that prompted United to pay Atalanta £72m for him two years ago?

Hojlund himself has been linked with his old boss Gian Piero Gasperini at Roma. But, as with so many players, turning vague interest into reality is not easy.

When he spoke to fanzine United We Stand last month, chief executive Omar Berrada said the pain of last season's 15th-placed finish, the worst since the 1973-74 relegation campaign, was self-inflicted in the belief reward would follow.

"He [Amorim] has suffered in the Premier League, and the team has suffered," Berrarda said.

"But we saw it as an investment for the following seasons, because we were going to give time to Ruben to get to know the squad, the club and the Premier League, so by the time that we got to now, we'll have had all the discussions about what the squad needs and the two-to-three-year plan to get to a squad that's capable of winning the Premier League."

There is still time before the opening Premier League game against Arsenal on 17 August for the clarity Amorim seemed so sure of when he spoke in Hong Kong to emerge.

But as of now, the picture is too cloudy for any United fan to feel confident about what lies ahead.

Read Simon's transfer breakdown of Man Utd

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Adam Pope
BBC Radio Leeds reporter

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Dan James' deal to remain at Leeds United for a further four years is a clever move by the club and deserved for the player.

The flying winger's popularity has grown with supporters since he returned from a loan spell at Fulham, a deal that felt like he did not want but was the wish of then head coach Jesse Marsch.

His assists and goal contributions since returning to Elland Road in the summer of 2023 have been impressive but more so has his attitude. The Wales international has never moaned about being cast out from the club he now calls very much home.

It is a home of course from which he had the keys snatched in 2019 when at the 11th hour Swansea City chairman Huw Jenkins refused to sanction Leeds' attempt to sign him as the January transfer window closed.

This is a player who immediately after being present for the birth of his son in Manchester flew by helicopter to play 90 minutes and score in a victorious penalty shootout for Marcelo Bielsa's Leeds side at Craven Cottage in a League Cup tie.

This is a guy who also bears the scars of playing for United.

His tousled fringe can barely hide the huge wound on his forehead incurred in a head clash with Southampton's Kyle Walker-Peters in the 2024 Championship play-off final defeat at Wembley.

Bloodied, bandaged but unbowed, James returned to the fray to almost take the game to extra time with a stunning volley that crashed off the crossbar.

Having almost rescued that first full season under Daniel Farke, James was essential to Leeds' Championship title victory and a return to the Premier League the following year.

What is more, with the club having to skilfully navigate the choppy PSR waters, the amortisation of the remainder of his original £25m transfer fee over another four years makes shrewd financial sense, as does keeping a loyal and consummate professional.

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Noel Slinley
BBC Sport journalist

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It is easy to see why Bayern Munich are interested in Luis Diaz, and why Liverpool are in no mood to sell.

The Colombian enjoyed his most prolific season for a single club as the Reds won the league title in 2024-25, scoring 17 goals.

Unsurprisingly, Diaz's shot conversion rate of 18.3% comfortably ranks as his best in a Premier League season.

Many of his other attributes stood out statistically, with Diaz hovering just outside the top 10 in the Premier League for most combined goals and assists (18), shots on target (30), chances created (56) and dribbles completed (52).

His defensive attributes and renowned work-rate are also evidenced by the fact he won possession in the final third on 22 occasions, more than any other Liverpool player relative to their time spent on the pitch.

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Jay Crame
Fan writer

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The gathering of Crystal Palace fans in and around Selhurst Park on Tuesday night was just the start - a peaceful protest that was not just about Palace, but about the sport we love that is slowly being taken away from us. This is about football.

What has happened to Palace could happen to any club. The frustration is that we have not been allowed to enjoy the FA Cup win this summer as we should have been and, with Uefa dragging its feet over a decision, it has also impacted the club in terms of planning for the new season.

Yes, we still have European football, but there is a vast difference between the two competitions. Not just that, but the FA Cup winners face a two-legged play-off in the Conference League.

The Palace fans who congregated, led by the Holmesdale Fanatics, showed everyone the level of frustration we are all feeling.

All ages were in attendance, along with some fans of other clubs supporting our cause, targeting Uefa and its rules that we think are unfit for purpose.

Palace are extremely well run financially and have not been in the spotlight, but are being made an example of.

You have to ask yourself if this would happen to Real Madrid, Barcelona etc.

This is just the start. Football fans need to make a stand against what is happening to our sport.

There is no reason to exclude the Eagles from their rightful place in the Europa League.

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We asked for your views on West Ham's latest signing El Hadji Malick Diouf, who has joined the club from Slavia Prague.

Head coach Graham Potter believes the £19m Senegal defender, who can play at left-back or left wing-back, is a "really good fit" for the Hammers. Here are some of your comments:

Bobby: Young, quick and gets forward. He had Bukayo Saka in his pocket in the recent friendly against England. A very good signing.

John: Very well thought of at Slavia Prague. He looked great against England. Potter has a decent record of improving young players so this seems a very sensible signing to me and, crucially, for sensible money.

Len: Looks like we could have a gem. He could be a much better player than Mohammed Kudus. He has more assists and an eye for goal, so add that to his determination and West Ham should be OK next season.

Dave: At long last, we have brought someone in and he is around the right age. We now need to back this up with some more signings. Keep David Sullivan and Karren Brady away from the transfers and leave it to Potter, then perhaps we might be able to build a team that performs better than the past few seasons.

Jamie: About time we got someone. He is a solid player and we have had some great deals from the Czech league. This guy looks like he has everything to succeed at the highest level and he is young with plenty of room to grow.

Rob: So the rebuild finally begins at West Ham. Let's hope we sign another two or three before we kick the new season off. Potter needs a chance to prove himself with his signings.

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Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

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Arsenal teenager Ethan Nwaneri has agreed a new long-term contract with the Premier League club.

BBC Sport revealed on Sunday that the Gunners were set to make a formal offer to Nwaneri this week with the clear direction of travel being the youngster committing his future to the club.

It is understood the new contract is for up to five years.

Sources have indicated the size of the new contract represents Nwaneri's position as one of European football's best young players with the Gunners reflecting his growing status with a new lucrative deal.

Talks over fresh terms have accelerated in recent days amid a will from all parties to reach an agreement.

While the deal has not been formally signed, BBC Sport understands the remaining steps towards Nwaneri putting pen to paper should be a formality.

Image source, AFC Bournemouth

Bournemouth have released computer-generated images to illustrate how they plan to expand Vitality Stadium.

The new images show how the proposed redevelopments to increase the stadium's capacity to 20,000 will fit in with the existing ground and its surroundings.

The plans include demolishing the current South Stand and building a new grandstand with 7,000 seats, infilling the stadium corners to create an additional 1,440 seats, plus extending the North and East Stands to bring in another 2,900 seats.

Bournemouth also plan to create a new fan zone in the south west corner of the ground, between the new South Stand and the current Main Stand.

The Cherries hope to have the stadium redevelopment completed for the start of the 2027-28 campaign.

Councillor Rich Herrett, cabinet member for destination, leisure and commercial operations said: "The Council recognises how valuable AFC Bournemouth is to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, with its continued success on the pitch, and their support for our local communities.

"We have a positive relationship with the football club and have enjoyed like many, their recent successes on the pitch. We look forward to working with them on their plans to invest in the area and improve the matchday experience for fans at Vitality Stadium, via the appropriate planning and democratic processes."

Image source, AFC Bournemouth

Image source, AFC Bournemouth

Elsewhere, Andoni Iraola's side started their pre-season preparations on Tuesday afternoon with a 2-1 win over Hibernian in a behind-closed-doors friendly at the club's training centre.

The Cherries have another behind-closed-doors friendly against Championship side Bristol City on Saturday, 19 July.

Charlotte Robson
Fan writer

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Newcastle doing first team business in a transfer window. Who knew?!

Following the exciting signing of Anthony Elanga last week, we are now being linked with Hugo Ekitike from Frankfurt. Yes please! Great. I accept.

Much is being made of whether or not this means Alexander Isak is due to move on given he has been playing as a lone striker. I don't think an Ekitike signing, if it happens, means that Isak is going anywhere. We've been crying out for squad depth for nearly two years now. Most teams have more than one dynamic forward option.

Additionally, those of us who have actually watched Alexander Isak play know that he is no stranger to roaming the pitch a little more - dropping deep to collect the ball and playing out wider when he needs to. I think adding a player like Ekitike into the mix will unlock a little more of Isak's ability to score from open play - as well as adding goals to our game from Ekitike directly.

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Cast your minds back a year or so when many of us wondered how Bruno and Tonali would play together. Could they? Would they? Spoiler alert: they could and they did. Just because we haven't seen Isak play effectively with another striker doesn't mean he can't. These are young players who get to train under Eddie Howe. They'll be working together in no time.

It also means Isak can rest a little with the glut of games we have coming up. We know he's had slight injuries here and there and played through them precisely because of our lack of options. Bring Ekitike to Newcastle and watch how he integrates with the rest of the team. Two class lads up top. Can't wait.

And if it does mean Isak is moving on, then we could surely do worse than an exciting new prospect to replace him. The future is still very bright for Newcastle.

Find more from Charlotte Robson at the True Faith: Newcastle United Podcast, external

Matthew Raisbeck
BBC Radio Newcastle reporter

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It's not a given that Hugo Ekitike will play second fiddle to Alexander Isak - in fact there is a hope that they could play together.

Newcastle like versatility: they tried to sign Chelsea's Joao Pedro this summer who is another versatile striker. I don't expect them to switch formation for the first game of the season, but this move would allow a greater scope to change tactics throughout the game.

The message is still that Isak is not for sale. Newcastle are determined to keep him and don't need to sell for financial reasons. They are in the Champions League next season and want to be competitive in the league and all the cups so, even before Callum Wilson left, they were always going to need another striker.

Ekitike has the profile they want and allows them team to be so much more flexible tactically.

Newcastle have quality but often at times last season lacked depth. This signing would tick both of those boxes.

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Noel Sliney
BBC Sport journalist

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Newcastle's interest in Hugo Ekitike dates back to at least January 2022, when he rejected a move from Reims.

Newcastle tried again that summer but eventually bought Alexander Isak - and the question now is what bringing in Ekitike would mean for the Magpies' current club record signing.

While sceptics might view Ekitike as a replacement for the much-coveted Isak, it is believed Newcastle plan to play them together - as well as switch between the two as they navigate a crowded fixture list following their return to the Champions League.

Isak played 98% of his Premier League minutes last season as a striker, otherwise featuring on the left of a front three. His central role in Newcastle's attack is surely not to be messed with, given a return of 23 goals in 34 games.

However, a similar argument could be made for Ekitike. He scored 15 league goals in 31 starts for Eintracht Frankfurt last season and played as a striker 95% of the time, with just 3% spent on the left wing.

Besides, Newcastle are well-stocked in wide areas with Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy and new £55m signing Anthony Elanga.

Touch maps for both forwards reveal they share a tendency to get on the ball in the inside left channel, but with Ekitike roaming more freely and a little deeper.

This perhaps offers encouragement for believing they can play alongside each other, with Ekitite at times dropping back to link with the midfielders. He is a provider as well as a scorer, ranking in the top 6% among forwards for creating chances in last season's Bundesliga.

Ekitike also successfully forged a strike partnership with Omar Marmoush before the Egyptian was sold to Manchester City in January.

Isak, as a more orthodox number nine, performs a different role to Marmoush but possesses a similar game intelligence. In other words, he would adapt – but what about the rest of the Newcastle side? Their midfield three is considered one of the best in the Premier League but the team structure would need to change if Ekitike and Isak were to be paired in attack.

Image source, Opta

Image source, Opta

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Mike Taylor
BBC Radio WM reporter

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Monday night saw BBC Radio WM run a fan form. One of the topics discussed was whether John McGinn and Tyrone Mings should be kept at Villa Park.

You can listen to the forum in full here

Here's what BBC Radio WM's Mike Taylor has to say on the futures of McGinn and Mings:

Could Aston Villa find another midfielder as capable with the ball as John McGinn, and another defender with the same strengths as Tyrone Mings, at an acceptable price-point? Quite possibly. Their recruitment structure, assembled and overseen by Unai Emery and Monchi, is strong and well-connected. They have the data, they have the contacts, they could find those players.

There is a lot of truth in football data, but not all of the truth. McGinn and Mings have many measurable qualities, but their most abundant feature is not on the spreadsheets. They are proven leaders, lifting - and occasionally dragging - the club upwards. The club, note, not just the team. Football may be more stats-dominated than ever before, but you can't count a feeling. McGinn and Mings bring personality, and leadership, connecting their team-mates to each other and to their supporters.

The time will come when those two veterans of the Championship promotion will not be worthy of their places in the Villa squad on their leadership skills alone. But it has not come yet. Their best features may be hard to count, but they'll be missed when they're gone.

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Tom McCoy
BBC Sport journalist

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Should Newcastle succeed with a move for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike they would land one of Europe's brightest young talents.

Only three players aged 23 or under were directly involved in more goals than Ekitike in the top five European leagues last season.

The France Under-21 international scored 15 top-flight goals and assisted eight, with his combined tally matching that of Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer and one more than new Liverpool playmaker Florian Wirtz and Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal managed – certainly good company to be keep.

The key to Ekitike's success has been the sheer volume of shots he attempts. He registered 117 efforts on goal in the Bundesliga last term, more than any other player, while his expected goals (xG) figure of 21.6 was the league's second highest - indicating a player consistently able to find space and take on high-probability scoring opportunities.

The flipside to that is that his actual finishing has been, to date, a weakness.

While his haul of 15 league goals in 2024-25 was a career best, he underperformed his xG total by 6.6, comfortably the worst figure in the German top flight. His shot conversion rate of 12.8% was also below par.

That would certainly be an area for Newcastle boss Eddie Howe and his staff to work on, but if those rough edges can be smoothed out, Ekitike's upside could be immense.

Despite standing 6ft 3in tall, his rangy running style covers ground quickly and his top speed of 35.5 km/h placed him among a handful of the Bundesliga's quickest attacking players last campaign.

He used that pace to good effect, attempting 126 dribbles - the league's fifth highest total - typically collecting the ball in wide areas and driving inside towards the box.

With Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga also threats with the ball at their feet, the Magpies could be a real handful for opposition defenders next season.

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We asked for your views on the potential club record signing of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, and if you think it would affect the future of Alexander Isak.

Here are some of your comments:

Steve: A bold move and shows the ambition the Toon have in sitting at the top table in Europe. Isak will stay, but I expect some exits elsewhere to balance the books.

Harry: If we keep Isak, that is just a waste of money. We could get a quality striker for much less if he is going be a back-up or rotation option for Isak. When we have made cheaper signings like Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento, Sven Botman etc work in the past, forking out over £70m just strikes me as bizarre. If Isak does leave, Ekitike would be a good signing, but I still don't think it would be good value for money and we should be looking elsewhere.

Craig: Isak is going nowhere this summer. I think Ekitike will play alongside Isak in a 4-4-2 formation, and if one of them gets injured, then we can adjust and play a 4-3-3. Newcastle's midfield and forward line will be electric this upcoming season if we can pull off this deal.

Steve: Very hard to believe we will pay upwards of £70m for someone who would not necessarily be an automatic first choice. I initially feared this was an Isak replacement but we have got got a very busy season ahead and I don't believe anyone could afford Isak anyway. Could be phenomenal!

Jeff: Don't think he's worth that. Probably £45m. Don't think he's needed.

John: Ekitike would be a great signing. I'm sure Eddie Howe would get the best out of him. What a forward line we would have, rivalling the best in the Premier League. We need a bigger squad to compete in the Champions League. I just hope we can still afford to strengthen cover in defence and midfield.

Mike Taylor
BBC Radio WM reporter

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Monday night saw BBC Radio WM run a fan form. One of the topics discussed was whether a Villa Park return for Jack Grealish would make sense.

You can listen to the forum in full here

Here's what BBC Radio WM's Mike Taylor has to say on the Grealish prospect:

The vibes for a Grealish return ought to be good. He was an instrumental figure in lifting the club back up a level, setting them on the path to their recent success. The story of a Grealish return is an enticing thought. As a personality, he would of course fit back in at Villa.

Whether he would fit in now as a player is a different, and trickier, question. The best of Grealish was always in those moments where the patterns of play were blurred, leaving room for a freehand artist to express himself. By some accounts, Grealish's fading from relevance at Manchester City is because the rigid structures have denied him that space.

Unai Emery's Villa have their structures, too. But at their best, there has always been room within them for pace, for tricks, for joy. A more mature, experienced Grealish might be able to fit his pictures within that more forgiving frame, if the deal is right.

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