Newcastle United are set to step up their pursuit of Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli, with sources indicating that a deal could be struck for around €50 million (£43 million), according to TEAMtalk.

Ezzalzouli enjoyed an exceptional 2025/26 season for Betis as they qualified for the Champions League, netting 15 goals and providing ten assists across all competitions. The form has, unsurprisingly, sparked interest from several clubs across Europe, including the Magpies and Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs reportedly made contact to sign Ezzalzouli earlier this summer, but Newcastle are now very much considered the frontrunners in the race to land the Moroccan.

Talks between the player’s representatives and the Tynesiders have taken place, with the 24-year-old said to be keen on plying his trade in the Premier League.

Newcastle Step Up Interest in Abde Ezzalzouli

Newcastle are under pressure to strengthen their squad after losing key players Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon this summer. On top of these marquee departures, Bruno Guimaraes is seemingly edging closer to joining Arsenal, leaving Eddie Howe’s ensemble devoid of star players.

Thus far, the Magpies have focused on adding youngsters who can develop into superstars in the coming years, with the likes of Ewen Jaouen, Aladji Bamba, Sean Steur and Bazoumana Toure all arriving in the north-east.

However, there is a need for a more established star, particularly at the front end of the pitch, and Ezzalzouli has been identified as a candidate for this role.

TEAMtalk report that Newcastle have been in talks for the Betis star for some time, and that the deal is now edging closer.

The winger views the ‘intensity and ambition’ of English football as an attractive next move for his career, and is open to Newcastle as a destination specifically.

Betis aren’t particularly keen on losing their star man, although they are willing to sanction his departure for around £43 million.

Abde Ezzalzouli Would Be an Excellent Addition For Newcastle

Gordon left Newcastle for Barcelona earlier this summer, signing for La Blaugrana for around £69 million. While Toure may be deemed the long-term replacement for the England international, the Magpies need someone who has a greater chance of replacing the Catalonia-bound star’s output next term.

Ezzalzouli fits the bill. The Morocco international boasts frightening pace and carrying ability, and is astute at executing with his final ball or shot in the final third.

While last season was the first year in his career when he demonstrated his quality on a consistent basis, he has an impressive pedigree, having graduated from La Masia, and is clearly ready to take the step-up to a higher level.

There is a shortage of quality wingers available on the market, but Newcastle may just have found one in Ezzalzouli.

In a summer expected to be full of glamorous transfers, Chelsea have taken the somewhat surprising decision to target a couple of Premier League veterans. Indeed, Xabi Alonso appears keen on Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck.

Henderson won it all with Liverpool as captain under Jurgen Klopp before leaving in 2023, and spent last season with Brentford after spells at Al-Ettifaq and Ajax. Now 36, the Bees have confirmed his exit by mutual agreement, with the Champions League-winning midfielder expected to be unveiled at Stamford Bridge soon.

Welbeck is another experienced Englishman, and having spent time at Manchester United and Arsenal in his younger days, he’s been at Brighton since 2020. The 35-year-old scored 13 league goals last term, the best tally of his career. Chelsea are said to have now swooped in and agreed a deal with the Seagulls over his transfer.

With a combined age of 71, it’s not the sort of double deal you see often. With that in mind, pundit Gary Neville has offered his thoughts on the pair who both played for Sunderland as youngsters.

Neville Speaks Out on Henderson and Welbeck at Chelsea

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Speaking to Sky Sports, former Manchester United defender Neville was more than happy to praise Chelsea for their approach. He accepted that it’s a ‘big shift’ for the Blues, but insisted the club could benefit from adding ‘senior professionals’ into the dressing room. He explained:

Chelsea Have Lacked Leadership in Recent Seasons

Neville spoke about how Chelsea have targeted youth in the past, but have perhaps been hurt as more experienced members of the dressing room have left. He noted:

The likes of Jorginho and Thiago Silva were key characters in the dressing room who were never really replaced at Stamford Bridge, which may explain why they have finished 12th, 6th, 4th, and 10th in the last four Premier League seasons.

While Welbeck and Henderson won’t be expected to deliver spectacular individual performances on the pitch, they might just offer enough to bring the best out of their teammates.

Manchester United’s squad numbers for the 2026/27 season have been revealed.

Michael Carrick’s side will play Champions League football for the first time since the 2023/24 season, having finished third in the Premier League last season. The likes of club captain Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire, Bryan Mbeumo, and Amad Diallo are all expected to contribute significantly to the Englishman’s first full season in charge.

The Red Devils’ squad numbers may provide a hint at the roles some players are expected to play at Old Trafford this season. Here is the full list of confirmed squad numbers, plus available numbers.

Goalkeepers

Reuters/Kiyoshi Mio

Altay Bayindir retains the no.1 jersey ahead of the new season, but he isn’t first in the pecking order. Belgian ‘keeper Senne Lammens is expected to start in goal on the opening day of the season, having made 32 appearances in the Premier League last season.

Tom Heaton has only made three appearances since joining from Aston Villa in 2021, none of them in the league. And he looks set to fall to fourth in the hierarchy with the arrival of the experienced Karl Darlow from Leeds on a free transfer. The veteran shotstopper has been given the no.12.

Defenders

REUTERS/Phil Noble

There are no changes to squad numbers in the Manchester United defence, but they do reflect the backline’s pecking order and who fans might see in the starting 11 come the opening day of the season. Long-serving full back Diogo Dalot retains the no.2 after swapping it for the no.20 last season. Established centre backs Maguire and Martínez also hold onto their numbers, suggesting that they will continue to be prominent members of the first team.

Promising talents Patrick Dorgu and Leny Yoro’s numbers remain in the teens, implying that they will continue to push for increased minutes during the season. Luke Shaw remains the exception; he holds onto the no.23 after first adopting the number in 2015.

Midfielders

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Bruno Fernandes retains the no.8 for the fifth straight season, but he will expect to be joined by new faces in midfield this season. Transferring in from Chelsea, Andrey Santos has adopted the no.17 vacated by Alejandro Garnacho. Arriving from Aston Villa, Youri Tielemans has gone one higher, taking no.18. But they are big boots to fill, with the number last worn by Casemiro and before that Bruno and Paul Scholes.

Kobbie Mainoo’s increased standing at Old Trafford hasn’t resulted in a lower number. His no.37 is followed closely by the Fletcher twins, sons of club legend Darren, who hold onto the 38 and 39 jerseys respectively.

Forwards

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Last summer’s trio of forward signings will be looking to build on an impressive first campaign at Old Trafford. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have held onto their numbers, but Benjamin Sesko is reportedly set to adopt an iconic vacant number for the season ahead. Several outlets and social media creators have alleged that Sesko will take on the no.9 following Rasmus Hojlund’s permanent exit.

However, the returning Marcus Rashford might make a case for being the no.9’s heir apparent. The England man continues to be linked with a move away after his successful loan at Barcelona, but being gifted a coveted squad number may convince the academy graduate to stay.

Available Numbers

Action Images / Carl Recine Livepic

Besides the no.9 that Sesko has his eye on, there are a few notable numbers still up for grabs. Christian Eriksen’s no.14 is available, as is the no.21 last worn by Antony.

The no.20 that was vacated by Dalot, opting for the no.2 instead, also remains available. The no.20 might be one for those who believe in good fortune — the number was previously worn by Gary Neville, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, and Robin van Persie.