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Having just completed deals to sign both Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, Manchester United are now reportedly leading the race to sign a midfield reinforcement for Erik ten Hag.

Man Utd transfer news

So far, so good for Manchester United this summer. The Red Devils have reinforced their attacking options through Joshua Zirkzee, added a future star in Leny Yoro and a defensive leader in the form of De Ligt, whilst also replacing Wan-Bissaka with Mazraoui. Almost every box has been ticked by Dan Ashworth, but replacing Casemiro remains something that could complete an excellent first window as sporting director.

After putting pen to paper, De Ligt expressed his delight at completing a move to Old Trafford, telling United's official website: “As soon as I heard that Manchester United wanted me, I felt an excitement about the opportunity for a new challenge at such an historic club. In the conversations that followed, I was impressed by the vision that the football leadership set out, and the role they saw for me in it."

Imagine him & De Ligt: Man Utd set to launch bid for "magnificent" CB

He has been chased by them all summer

By
Joe Nuttall

Aug 13, 2024

It's the type of move that some may have felt was on the cards for Manuel Ugarte, but as we approach the final two weeks of the transfer window, Manchester United are yet to reach an agreement with Paris Saint-Germain and have seemingly started turning to alternative options.

According to Sky Sports Italy, via Football Italia, Manchester United are now leading AC Milan in the race to sign Youssouf Fofana in a deal that could see the Red Devils match AS Monaco's €25m (£21m) valuation this summer.

The Frenchman is certainly a player with the talent to replace Casemiro and for just £21m, United would be getting themselves one of the bargains of the window. It is also stated that Man Utd are ready to make an important offer for Fofana.

"Magnificent" Fofana can replace Casemiro

After a second season to forget at Manchester United, Casemiro is a player that those at Old Trafford may need to be replaced before the summer transfer window slams shut at the end of the month. The Brazilian, at 32 years old, is arguably past his peak years and could soon represent a problem area in Ten Hag's side, which is the last thing that the heart of United's midfield should be

When on the ball, Fofana was particularly superb last season for Monaco, playing more than double the amount of progressive passes than Casemiro, whilst working excellently off the ball with far more ball recoveries. What Casemiro once was, Fofana very much is at his best these days, making the Frenchman one that United would be wise to welcome this summer.

Dubbed "magnificent" by Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig in 2022, the midfielder's levels haven't dropped since then, attracting significant interest as a result. Any move away from Monaco in the next two weeks would undoubtedly be a deserved one.

Virgil van Dijk says referee Tony Harrington appeared "nervous" as he dealt with a chaotic Premier League clash between Liverpool and Fulham.

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• Robertson sent off in feisty Liverpool match
• Reds fought back to draw 2-2 with Fulham
• Van Dijk critical of referee after the game

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Within the first 20 minutes of Saturday's clash at Anfield, the official had given out three yellow cards and a red as Andy Robertson was sent off early on. A further four players were booked later on, while Reds manager Arne Slot was cautioned, resulting in a touchline ban.

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  Despite the numerical disadvantage, Liverpool twice came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw, with substitute Diogo Jota netting the crucial goal on his return from injury. Van Dijk says his team pulled off a "great comeback", but called out the referee for his role in the game.

• WHAT VAN DIJK SAID

  "I had conversations with the players of Fulham and we felt like the referee was nervous," the centre-back told . "He couldn't properly communicate with Robertson I felt. We can't put the blame on the referee. We all speak about protecting the referee but I couldn't speak to him. It shouldn't be a big thing because he isn't why we dropped points."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

  The Merseyside outfit are now on a 19-game unbeaten streak and will hope to keep it going when they meet Southampton in the Carabao Cup in midweek, followed by a visit to Tottenham in the league.

Celtic shot straight to the top of the Scottish Premiership table on the opening weekend with a convincing 4-0 win over Kilmarnock on Sunday.

The Hoops were never in much danger of dropping points in the match as they marched on to the victory in impressive style, despite only one new signing – Kasper Schmeichel – in the starting XI.

Goals from Reo Hatate, Liam Scales, Nicolas Kuhn, and Anthony Ralston secured all three points for the Scottish giants at Parkhead, in an enjoyable afternoon for Brendan Rodgers.

Matt O'Riley popped up with an assist but it still remains to be seen if he will still be a Celtic player when the summer transfer window slams shut.

Speculation over Matt O'Riley's future

Chelsea are the latest team to have been linked with an interest in the Denmark international, who did not go to the European Championship with his country.

Southampton and Atalanta have also been touted with an interest in the former MK Dons central midfielder, with the former said to be plotting a new bid for his services.

Sky Sports reported earlier this summer that the Scottish giants are looking for a club-record transfer fee to sanction his departure, which means more than £25m coming into the club if he leaves.

Whilst, understandably, supporters and Rodgers may be concerned about his potential departure, the clash with Kilmarnock showed that Celtic may already have their new superstar to step into the limelight if O'Riley does move on.

Reo Hatate's outstanding midfield display

Hatate missed 40 matches through injury for club and country last season, which limited his impact on the pitch, but he could be set for a huge campaign for the Hoops if he can stay fit.

The Japan international produced a stunning performance against Kilmarnock in the middle of the park and could emerge from O'Riley's shadow as the new superstar for Rodgers.

He opened the scoring for Celtic in impressive fashion with an incredibly composed first touch and low drive into the bottom left corner in the first half.

As you can see in the table above, the rest of his display in midfield was also impressive as he won a higher percentage of his duels in comparison to O'Riley and produced two goals and 'big chances' created combined, compared to his fellow midfielder's one.

Hatate, who scored three goals and provided four assists in just 12 league starts last term, could thrive as an attacking force for the Hoops if he is made to be the main man – should the Danish ace move on.

The 26-year-old ace, who was handed an 8/10 rating by Glasgow World's Ben Banks on Sunday, has shown plenty of promise as a midfielder who can score and assist goals, in limited minutes last term and against Kilmarnock on the opening day.

Imagine him & Johnston: Celtic hunting deal for "spectacular" star

The Hoops are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the impressive defender.

2

By
Dan Emery

Aug 3, 2024

O'Riley being sold to Southampton, Chelsea, or Atalanta could open the door for him to rise up and shine as the team's new superstar, due to his already-impressive attacking qualities and proven quality at Premiership level.

Inter Miami are said to be determined to sign Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne next summer when his current contract expires.

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• Inter Miami want De Bruyne
• Belgian midfielder's City contract up in 2025
• Possible link-up with Messi in MLS

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to the , David Beckham-owned Inter Miami have made De Bruyne their top transfer target. The Belgian midfielder is in the final year of his contract at Etihad Stadium and unless he pens a fresh deal by the end of December, he will be free to negotiate deals with foreign clubs for his next move.

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  There was speculation regarding the City star's future at the Premier League champions over the summer as he was strongly linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League. Former Saudi champions Al-Ittihad tried to lure the ace midfielder with a lucrative deal, but he eventually decided to stay as he did not want to uproot his family from England at that point.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The 33-year-old has struggled with his fitness since the start of the 2024-25 campaign. If he decides to move to Inter Miami next season, he could meet City in the inaugural expanded Club World Cup if the two teams progress to the knockout stages from their respective groups.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR DE BRUYNE?

  recently reported that City are prepared to offer the Belgian to one of their sister clubs next year. The transfer would provide De Bruyne the opportunity to join another side owned by the City Football Group, such as Inter Miami's MLS rivals New York City.

Everton manager Sean Dyche has offered an update on Dele Alli after the midfielder suffered yet another injury setback.

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• Dele suffers another injury problem
• Dyche offers update on situation
• Midfielder currently abroad

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Dele has been hit with a fresh injury setback as he bids to make a comeback during the 2024-25 season. The ex-Tottenham midfielder has not played competitively since turning out for Besiktas in February 2023 during a loan spell away from Everton. Dele is currently a free agent, but is training with Everton in the hope of earning a new contract, and Dyche has offered an update on the situation.

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• WHAT DYCHE SAID

  He told reporters: "Dele has had a minor thing but he’s just taking a time out because obviously he’s had a few now and he’s just peed off with it. So, we’re just monitoring that at the minute. He’s abroad at the minute but working. It’s just a break from coming in, you know what it’s like, it grips you then, so we said: ‘Yeah, yeah, of course’."

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  Dele's frustrations are no surprise given he has been out of action for so long and had been closing in on a comeback after returning to training on the grass with the Toffees in October. His latest setback means there is still no end in sight to his injury nightmare and no clear timeframe for when he may be available for selection once more.

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  WHAT NEXT

  Dele has been warned it could be six months until he's in a position to resume his professional career and try to earn a new contract with Everton. In the meantime, Dyche's side will continue without the former England star and face a brutal fixture list ahead of the festive period with Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City to follow Wednesday's meeting with Wolves.

Newcastle United have had an interesting summer transfer window so far in 2024. They have so far made four first-team signings, although one was an obligatory deal after a loan spell last term. There have also been two notable outgoings at St James’ Park this summer, which have helped raise funds for the club to strengthen elsewhere.

Two of the Magpies' incomings have been free transfers. John Ruddy joined the club as a backup goalkeeper, and Lloyd Kelly signed from Bournemouth to help strengthen at the back. Another goalkeeper, Odysseas Vlachodimos, joined from Nottingham Forest for an undisclosed fee and Lewis Hall made his loan from Chelsea permanent.

In terms of outgoings, the deal to sign Greek goalkeeper Vlachodimos was not the only piece of business between Newcastle and Forest. Elliot Anderson switched his boyhood club for the City Ground, and Yankubah Minteh joined Brighton in a deal worth £30m.

The Magpies have already done deals to strengthen right across their squad, with the back line being a real area that manager Eddie Howe has bolstered. However, they might not be done there just yet, and have recently been linked with one of England’s stars of an impressive Euro 2024 campaign.

Latest on Newcastle's Guehi pursuit

The player in question here is Crystal Palace and England international defender Marc Guehi. The Eagles centre-back starred at Euro 2024 and has been linked with several moves away this summer, but Newcastle seems like his most likely destination now.

The story was first broken by highly reputable journalist David Ornstein, who explained on X last Friday that the Magpies opened talks to sign the 24-year-old, who is ‘high on list of multiple leading clubs’.

In terms of his value, an article by Sky Sports on Tuesday confirmed that Palace value their star defender at £60m, a fee which Newcastle are yet to hit, although a deal will move quickly once they do because personal terms are not thought to be an issue.

It is perhaps no surprise that Guehi is valued so highly by Palace this summer. Although he struggled with a knee injury last term, he started all but two of the 25 Premier League appearances he made, helping the Eagles to keep seven clean sheets, and captaining the side on eight occasions in the top flight. He also started all but one of England’s Euro 2024 games, as they lost in the final to Spain.

Although he is priced so highly, and justifiably so, there are players at St James’ Park whom the Magpies value higher than the England international. One of those is Guehi’s Three Lions teammate, Anthony Gordon.

Anthony Gordon’s value in 2024

Gordon is a player who has been subject to plenty of transfer rumours over the summer window. The electric winger has been linked with Liverpool consistently throughout the summer, although according to a report from TEAMtalk, they ‘are confident’ he will stay at the club this summer.

Indeed, the same report confirms that the club value the former Everton winger at an extraordinary £100m, meaning Liverpool, or any other interested club, would have to match that price to convince Newcastle to sell him.

Should the Magpies sell Gordon this summer it would see them make excellent profit on the player. Back in January 2022, they paid the Toffees £45m to acquire his services, and could now double their money if he was to depart St James’ Park for £100m.

It is perhaps unsurprising that Howe’s side value the Englishman so highly. He was crucial for Newcastle last term, scoring 11 goals and registering ten assists in 35 games in the Premier League, with Sky Sports presenter Dougie Critchley calling him "sensational".

In fact, as per FBref, Gordon ranked second for the Magpies when it came to combined goal involvements last term.

His direct nature was deadly for Howe, and Gordon wreaked havoc on the Premier League, helping him to his best scoring season and almost earning him a big-money move to the Red half of Merseyside.

The 23-year-old is worth £40m more than Guehi, meaning the sale of the winger would make a deal for his England teammate relatively straightforward. However, if Gordon stays at Newcastle, we could see the pair link up for club and country as they strive to help the Magpies climb the Premier League table next term.

Newcastle could land dream Guehi alternative in "exceptional" £85k-p/w ace

He came close to joining them earlier in the summer

By
Joe Nuttall

Aug 3, 2024

West Ham are in a strong position to sign a free agent with 22 trophies to his name throughout his career, according to an exciting new transfer claim.

West Ham transfer news

Julen Lopetegui is looking to make his mark immediately at the London Stadium, with the Spaniard replacing David Moyes as manager at the end of last season. He and technical director Tim Steidten have already made three signings, including snapping up Max Kilman from Wolves in a big-money deal, and plenty of other business is also being mooted.

One recent update has claimed that West Ham have made a bid for Nottingham Forest defender Neco Williams this summer, but they have been rebuffed by their Premier League rivals. Meanwhile, a verbal agreement is reportedly in place with Aston Villa attacker Jhon Duran, as Lopetegui looks to add firepower to his squad. A deal was also in place for Bayern Munich's Noussair Mazraoui, however, that is now off with an agreement unable to be reached on the agent's side.

Arkadiusz Milik has been linked with a summer switch to the Hammers, too, with the 30-year-old currently playing for Serie A giants Juventus. In fact, West Ham are said to have made contact with him, with the Pole seen as an alternative option to Duran, should he fail to seal a move to east London.

Speaking of strikers, one exciting report has suggested that Lopetegui's men are leading the race to sign Brentford star Ivan Toney, which could be a statement signing. Tottenham are also providing competition for his signature, and Manchester United have emerged as potential suitors, too.

West Ham well-placed to sign 22-trophy ace

According to Tot Costa on X, West Ham, and by extension Steidten, are one of three clubs best-positioned to sign former Barcelona utility man Sergi Roberto this summer, with the Spaniard available on a free transfer after leaving the Camp Nou:

"Sergi Roberto, practically out of Barça Deco has personally called the player to maintain the proposal, but does not offer him any guarantee that he will be able to be registered. Aston Villa, West Ham and Ajax, the best positioned to sign the player."

There is no denying Roberto's calibre as a footballer, considering he has won 22 trophies in his career, including seven La Liga titles and two Champions League crowns.

While never arguably a star player for Barca, his versatility has always made him a hugely effective squad player, and he famously scored the last-gasp goal that defeated Paris Saint-Germain in an epic comeback in 2017. That led to none other than Lionel Messi heaping praise on him at the time, saying: "You have become one of the best full-backs in the world. The moment you made us live was amazing, because of how it came to be, it was impressive."

Report: West Ham now reach verbal £35m agreement to sign "special" player

He appears keen on making the move to the London Stadium.

By
Ben Browning

Jul 25, 2024

Signing Roberto could feel like a shrewd piece of business by West Ham, showing the pull that Lopetegui has as a manager, and it would further suggest that the Hammers really are going places this season, as they look to reach another level than they were at under Moyes.

Neymar may have hinted at an Inter Miami transfer being possible, with the Brazilian telling Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez: “I wish I were there too.”

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• Brazilian plying his trade in Saudi Arabia
• Talk of contract being terminated
• Has seen move to America speculated on

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  For now, South American superstar Neymar is plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Hilal. He has, however, endured an injury-ravaged spell in the Middle East – with another knock being picked up shortly after returning from 12 months out with knee ligament damage.

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  It is being suggested that Neymar’s lucrative contract could be terminated, allowing him to take on another challenge. There has been talk of him returning to his roots at Santos and plenty of rumours to suggest that he would be open to reforming Barcelona’s famous ‘MSN’ strike partnership alongside Messi and Suarez at MLS side Inter Miami.

• WHAT NEYMAR SAID

  Neymar has been reunited with Messi and Suarez as part of a promotional campaign for eFootball, with the trio turning the clock back as they enter the world of virtual gaming and compete as an iconic Barcelona team that they once all graced. At the end of the video, Neymar tells his former team-mates – who are now turning out in Florida: “I wish I were there too”.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Inter Miami would need to free up space in their squad and salary cap in order to bring Neymar on board, but they do have plenty of time on their hands when it comes to planning for 2025. That is because another bid for MLS Cup glory has come to a close after suffering a shock play-off defeat to Atlanta United.

Mary Earps has become the first female footballer to have a statute at Madame Tussauds and the England goalkeeper has shared a hilarious story.

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• Earps receives a statue at Madame Tussauds
• First female footballer to feature at famous attraction
• Shares hilarious photo of siblings with the statue

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Earps won an overwhelming majority in a vote to determine which Lionesses star deserved to receive a statue at the famous London attraction. Prior to the official launch on Sunday, Madame Tussauds disclosed that they had been working with the former Manchester United keeper for almost a year in order to have the best possible figure.

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  Earps was able to visit the official unveiling of the statue at Madame Tussauds on Sunday having played for Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday evening. The goalkeeper visited the London attraction with her family and Earps shared a brilliantly hilarious photo of her siblings on Instagram.

• WHAT EARPS POSTED

  On Instagram, Earps posted a story of her siblings poking their fingers up Earps' statue's nose and posing for a photo with the caption: "Maturity at an all-time high from my siblings as usual."

  Instagram (@maryearps)

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• WHAT NEXT FOR EARPS?

  The Lionesses legend will soon return to France in order to prepare for Paris Saint-Germain's clash with Reims on Saturday, November 16.

The start of the new Premier League season remains just under a month away, yet Manchester United appear keen to get their business done swiftly now that Euro 2024 and the Copa America have drawn to a close, with Leny Yoro edging closer to becoming the club's second signing of the window.

Shock horror, the teenage centre-back – who is set to sign on an initial £52m deal from Ligue 1 side Lille – is neither Dutch nor has any prior Eredivisie connections, with this high-profile coup looking like a deal that has INEOS, rather than Erik ten Hag, written all over it.

With the 18-year-old's impending arrival set to follow the £36.5m capture of Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee, it remains to be seen what Dan Ashworth and co will have left in the coffers to pursue further targets, although that has not prevented speculation regarding additional recruits making their way to Manchester.

Latest on Man Utd's midfield search

With the backline and the attacking ranks having already been strengthened, the next issue now appears to be bolstering the midfield unit, with the ageing duo of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen seemingly up for grabs, while Scott McTominay is believed to be generating significant interest at present.

As per Sky Sports, the Red Devils have reportedly rejected a bid of around £17m from Fulham for the Scotland international, with the Cottagers now debating whether to return with an improved offer for the 27-year-old.

This piece adds that with McTominay's future in doubt, United continue to keep tabs on Paris Saint-Germain star, Manuel Ugarte, having kept up contact with the French outfit over the potential signing of the £38m Uruguayan.

How Ugarte compares to Scott McTominay

Now, it must be said off the bat that Ugarte would not necessarily represent a direct replacement for McTominay in the centre of the park, with the latter man having typically operated in a more advanced attacking berth last season – culminating in career-best figures of ten goals in all competitions.

That said, much of the in-demand talent's work for the Old Trafford side has come at the base of the midfield in years gone by, while it is difficult to see him ousting either Bruno Fernandes or Kobbie Mainoo in those more advanced roles on a permanent basis.

As such, the main hope of McTominay nailing a starting berth would be in place of Casemiro in front of the back four, yet in that regard, Ugarte – who has been lauded for his "relentless" approach by writer Zach Lowy – would represent a significant upgrade.

That can be seen by the fact that in relation to his peers across Europe's top five leagues, the former Sporting CP warrior ranks in the top 1% for interceptions and the top 4% for tackles made per 90, with McTominay, meanwhile, ranking in just bottom 51% and the bottom 17% for those same two metrics, respectively.

What also sets the PSG man apart is the innate quality that he showcases on the ball, ranking in the top 5% across the last 365 days for pass completion (91.2% average), with his United counterpart ranking in just the bottom 44% (81% average) in that regard.

As Lowy also noted, there are games where it "seems he’s doing the defensive work of two players", such is Ugarte's presence as that midfield pivot, with such an addition no doubt needed after United were repeatedly left exposed last season – the midfield having been described as "non-existent" by Gary Neville at one stage.

With Ugarte a more natural fit to operate as a defensive-minded asset – while McTominay is something of an all-action, box-crashing threat – there would be wisdom in cashing in on the academy graduate to fund the Red Devils' pursuit.

Man Utd want to sign £84m "superstar" who's more exciting than Yoro

Manchester United are closing in on their second signing of the summer.

By
Matt Dawson

Jul 17, 2024