Man Utd contact 3-5-2 "genius" to replace Ten Hag and get instant reply

Manchester United have held talks with a “genius” manager to replace Erik ten Hag and have had an instant reply, according to a report.

Man Utd hold meeting over Ten Hag future

The Red Devils have made their worst start to a Premier League season under Ten Hag, eclipsing the unwelcome record broken during the 2023/24 campaign after seven games. Just two victories have come United’s way during that time, an opening day win against Fulham and a 3-0 win at Southampton, with defeats to Brighton, Liverpool and Tottenham.

Man Utd vs Brentford

October 19

Fenerbahce vs Man Utd

October 24

West Ham vs Man Utd

October 27

Man Utd vs Leicester City

October 30

Man Utd vs Chelsea

November 3

As a result, pressure has been building on Ten Hag, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe was questioned on Ten Hag’s future recently, telling the BBC: “I don’t want to answer that question. I like Erik. I think he’s a very good coach but at the end of the day, it’s not my call, it’s the management team that’s running Manchester United that have to decide how best we run the team in many different respects.

“They’ve not been there a long time, so they need to take stock and make some sensible decisions. Our objective is very clear – we want to take Manchester United back to where it should be, and it’s not there yet, obviously – that’s very clear.”

Man Utd believe they'll sign £10m-a-year target even if they sack Ten Hag

Man Utd have their eye on a player they would like to sign whether Ten Hag stays or leaves.

ByBrett Worthington Oct 9, 2024

During the international break, Man Utd chiefs held a meeting to discuss Ten Hag’s future among other Old Trafford topics. The Times say that after six hours, the Dutchman avoided the sack and will continue as boss for the time being.

However, a new report has shared contact between Man Utd and a serious target who seemingly could have replaced Ten Hag.

Man Utd hold talks with Inter Milan's Simone Inzaghi

One manager who has been linked with Man Utd is Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi. Reports in recent weeks and months have claimed that he is a firm target and was liked by Ratcliffe as a possible Ten Hag successor.

Now, according to reports from FC Inter News, Man Utd held talks with Inzaghi just last month, although the 3-5-2 style manager declined the approach from the Red Devils.

simone-inzaghi-inter-manager-live-updates-spurs-tottenham-nagelsmann

The report states that Inzaghi has had interest from Chelsea and Liverpool earlier in the year and has now had a phone call with Man Utd but he is looking ‘to continue to win trophies in Italy, aiming to do well in the Champions League’.

Inzaghi, dubbed a “genius” by Thierry Henry, politely said “no thank you” to Man Utd, according to the report, who said it would have been crazy to swap jobs so early into the season. Whether or not Man Utd return for Inzaghi in. the future remains to be seen, but for now, Ten Hag survives.

Saved by Nkunku & Neto: Maresca must immediately axe 175-touch Chelsea man man

Chelsea made the perfect start to their Europa Conference League campaign last night, beating Gent 4-2 at Stamford Bridge.

Goals from Christopher Nkunku, Pedro Neto, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Renato Veiga secured the win for the Blues in what was a much-changed starting lineup.

The victory made it five successive wins for Enzo Maresca’s side, as the Italian looks to have settled perfectly into life as the Blues boss.

Whilst many expected it to be an easy night’s work for Maresca’s outfit, his side demonstrated a professional display, controlling possession and taking their chances in the final third – restricting the Belgian opposition to very few opportunities.

The display allowed two Chelsea players to shine once again, showing why they deserve a regular starting spot under the Italian in the Premier League.

Neto & Nkunku’s stats against Gent

Neto and Nkunku once again found themselves on the scoresheet for Chelsea, highlighting the excellent recruitment conducted by those behind the scenes in recent months.

The Portuguese winger registered his second goal in as many starts, whilst also creating five chances – the most of any player on the pitch during the victory.

The 24-year-old also managed to complete 97% of the passes he attempted, with two successful dribbles, as he provided a constant threat to the opposition backline throughout the encounter.

As for Nkunku, he continues his excellent start to the 2024/25 campaign, with his strike last night taking him to seven goals already this season despite featuring as an impact player in the league.

The Frenchman endured a quiet evening, only completing six passes, but popped up when Maresca’s side needed him the most – helping them on the way to a successful first Conference League outing of the season.

However, not all the players who started the game enjoyed a good outing, with one player failing to take his rare start with both hands.

The Chelsea player who disappointed against Gent

Benoit Badiashile was handed a rare start for the Conference League clash and was part of a back four that conceded twice despite the opposition only managing three shots on target all night.

The 23-year-old may have managed 159 successful passes and registered 175 touches, but it was his poor defensive display that could see him lose his place ahead of the weekend.

Badiashile gave possession away 12 times, the third most of any Blues player, whilst only winning one of the three duels he entered, and failing to complete a single tackle.

He also missed a big chance in front of goal, which could’ve made the game even more comfortable for Maresca’s side, with the Frenchman unable to make a positive impact at either end of the pitch, having been awarded a measly 5/10 match rating by the Evening Standard’s Dom Smith.

Minutes played

90

Touches

175

Passes completed

159 (94%)

Tackles made

0

Times dribbled past

1

Possession lost

12x

Big chances missed

1

Duels won

1/3

Whilst it was a routine win for Chelsea, Maresca will be wanting to extend his side’s current excellent winning run when they face Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Neto and Nkunku have certainly staked their claim for a starting spot, whilst Badiashile must surely expect to lose his place after his dismal display once again last night.

Chelsea eye £22m Brazilian with centre-back signing expected "very soon"

The South American is currently playing in Saudi Arabia.

ByEmilio Galantini Oct 2, 2024

Man Utd can forget Van Nistelrooy & Tuchel by hiring amazing Fergie signing

Over the summer Erik ten Hag met with members of the new Manchester United hierarchy to determine whether he’d remain in the dugout at Old Trafford.

Whether or not the verdict was conclusive, the Dutchman remained in Manchester and is now overseeing United’s worst start to a Premier League campaign after seven matches. Talk about making the wrong decision.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co did have a gander at former Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel but he rejected any advances having just been laid off by the German giants.

That said, it looks as though the ex-Chelsea manager is back on the table as a candidate.

The candidates to replace Erik ten Hag

If Ten Hag does lose his job – with increasing scrutiny on the Netherlands native – then they could turn to a number of options.

Tuchel is being touted again with notable journalist Fabrizio Romano revealing the latest on Man United’s ‘admiration’ for him.

Speaking recently, he said: “What happened [in the summer] is that internally at Manchester United, they had a meeting with Thomas Tuchel and also with his agent representing him. Then they decided not to proceed on both sides. On Tuchel’s side, he wanted to relax a bit after Bayern, to take some energy and then return in the next months.

“And also, Manchester United decided to confirm Erik ten Hag as the manager. But that meeting is showing to you once again that the appreciation of INEOS, of the management team and of Manchester United in general, for Tuchel remains.”

Who else could arrive? Well, there has been admiration for former United youth team coach in Kieran McKenna, but any move for the Ipswich Town boss is highly unlikely considering he penned new terms at Portman Road over the summer.

Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is currently playing second fiddle to Ten Hag, is another option and one who certainly knows the club.

There will, of course, be fears they could have another Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on the cards here but Van Nistelrooy has at least managed at a high level with PSV Eindhoven.

Van Nistelrooy's Eredivisie record compared to Arne Slot and Erik ten Hag.

There’s also Michael Carrick, who was once interim boss. The current Middlesbrough head coach could have been given the gig on a full-time basis back then but other options were considered.

According to the aforementioned Solskjaer, he should be given the gig as well. “He’s a winner but he’s still in control of his emotions. I cannot see him not being the Manchester United manager,” the Norwegian said.

What Carrick could bring to Man United

Sentiment should never be a consideration when signing a player, let alone hiring a new manager, the face of your football club, the decision maker, the main man.

But, with Carrick, we’re certainly not talking about sentiment. We’re talking about one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s best signings, a player who as Solskjaer notes, is a “winner”.

Hayden-Hackney-and-Michael-Carrick

His time with Boro has been up and down but there are some exciting attributes which we’ll run you through in just a moment.

With the second-tier club, Carrick steered them to an eighth-placed finish, just four points off the play-offs. He did so by employing what Riley McCree described as a “calming presence” and with a ‘good calm atmosphere inside the building’ – something another of his players Jonny Howson alluded to.

That feels like the total opposite of the chaos that seems to be engulfing Ten Hag’s squad. After all, you don’t slump to 14th place in the table and ‘rest’ the likes of Matthijs de Ligt and Lisandro Martinez for a game that could determine your job.

It may well have paid off by keeping a clean sheet against Aston Villa last Sunday but Ten Hag’s words speak of delusion, they speak of a lack of clarity in what he’s trying to do.

With Carrick, he never wavers from the plan in place. That was seen in the 2023/24 campaign when the former midfielder overcame a difficult start to the season at Boro where they had lost seven straight games before finishing just outside the league’s top six. It was that calmness again that helped steady the ship.

As one figure told the i newspaper: “He’s not a ranter or raver by nature, he’s methodical and believes in what he’s doing. He’s intelligent and focused on finding solutions rather than problems. It just creates this culture where there’s no panic when things go wrong.”

Manager Focus

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Again, this feels like the opposite of what’s occurring at Old Trafford now. Ten Hag exudes panic. The players clearly don’t buy into what he’s doing.

At Boro, the players really believe Carrick is the man to take them to the Premier League with the i explaining once more of how his ideas on the training pitch are ‘fresh, innovative and players love them.’

Goals scored

71

57

Goals conceded

62

58

Average possession

52.8%

50.4%

Pass success %

84.3%

82.7%

Shots per game

13.6

14.5%

Set-piece goals

11

9

% of play in opposition’s third

30%

29%

So, what about the style of play? Well, it’s a 4-2-3-1 traditionally on paper but the 43-year-old can be a lot more flexible than that, specifically in attack there the front four players have out-of-possession roles but when on the ball have a licence to roam out of position.

It all feels a bit too rigid under Ten Hag at United in comparison. Marcus Rashford is often strictly on the left. Alejandro Garnacho is usually strictly on the right. Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee will regularly drop into the pockets but there isn’t much movement out of position beyond that.

michael-carrick-tottenham-hotspur-middlesbrough-arteta-manager-arsenal

It may well be too soon for a manager of Carrick’s inexperience to be given such a difficult job at Old Trafford but he certainly boasts the man management, tactical nous and knowledge of the club to give it a right go.

Their answer to Arteta: Man Utd could appoint surprise Tuchel alternative

He’s a very inexperienced coach who could become their answer to Mikel Arteta.

1 ByJoe Nuttall Oct 7, 2024

Free agent: Crystal Palace eyeing move to sign 67-goal attacker right now

Crystal Palace are thought to be eyeing up an immediate move to sign a free agent who has scored 67 goals during his career to date.

Crystal Palace make eight summer signings for Glasner

After an impressive finish to the previous Premier League campaign under Oliver Glasner, the Eagles, and by extension chairman Steve Parish and sporting director Dougie Freedman, backed the manager ahead of his first full season.

Crystal Palace summer signings

From

Fee (Transfermarkt)

Eddie Nketiah

Arsenal

€29.70m

Maxence Lacroix

Wolfsburg

€18m

Ismaila Sarr

Marseille

€15m

Chadi Riad

Real Betis

€15m

Daichi Kamada

Lazio

Free transfer

Louie Moulden

Wolves

Free transfer

Trevoh Chalobah

Chelsea

Loan transfer

Matt Turner

Nottingham Forest

Loan transfer

Crystal Palace fees received

To

Fee (Transfermarkt)

Michael Olise

Bayern Munich

€53m

Joachim Andersen

Fulham

€29.5m

Sam Johnstone

Wolves

€11.9m

Jordan Ayew

Leicester City

€5.9m

Scott Banks

FC St. Pauli

€400,000

As can be seen, Palace brought in eight new players but did make a healthy profit after cashing in on the likes of Michael Olise and Joachim Andersen. Of the new arrivals, much will be expected of Eddie Nketiah and Ismaila Sarr to replace the goals and creativity following Olise and Jordan Ayew’s exits.

Nketiah is already off the mark in Palace colours, scoring his first for the club against QPR in the Carabao Cup, with Glasner saying after the game on the forward: “You can trust that we did our homework before signing him. When you watch Eddie play at Arsenal, he played as a nine he was very involved in the game.

“He’s not a pivot, like in basketball, who is waiting for the ball. He’s so, so smart in finding the space. He can play as a nine, as this 10, and when we switched three days ago to a 4-4-2 against Leicester, he can play around the striker. He has such a good feeling (for the game). Sometimes, he needs to stay in the pocket and then make the run in behind.”

Crystal Palace star has become undroppable after just 155 minutes of action

Crystal Palace star ready to prove people wrong

ByConnor Holden Sep 19, 2024

Palace have been linked with making further additions in the final third, though, with Real Sociedad’s Sheraldo Becker a target for January. Reports have claimed that a £10m deal is being worked on ahead of the New Year as the club look to get things in place.

However, with the ability to sign free agents outside the transfer window, Palace appear to have their eye on an international attacker.

Crystal Palace eye move for free agent Yusuf Yazici

According to HITC, free agent Yusuf Yazici is still hopeful of sealing a move to the Premier League, with Crystal Palace one of the clubs considering making an offer.

Alongside the Eagles, Aston Villa and Bournemouth are also weighing up moves for the 27-year-old, who left Lille in the summer and is yet to find a new club.

Yazici, a Turkey international, came through the books at Trabzonspor and was with Lille for five years. He went out on loan to CSKA Moscow and back to Trabzonspor during his time with the French side and has racked up 67 goals for club and country during his career.

Primarily an attacking midfielder who can also play on the right wing and as a centre-forward, Yazici was even hailed by former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil back in 2018, who said: “Yusuf Yazici is an amazing No 10. We have a lot of similarities; his left foot, his position, his passing, and calmness on the ball.”

Sunderland: Mowbray Could Land Dream Diallo Alternative In £1.7m Gem

Tony Mowbray has declared himself pleased with Sunderland's transfer activity to date, but the Black Cats boss is eager to add at least one more centre-forward to his squad before the new Championship season gets underway.

What players have Sunderland signed?

The northeast outfit have been one of the busier clubs in the division in terms of their summer signings up to this point, with four new players – all aged 20 or younger – arriving at the Stadium of Light.

The signings of Nectarios Triantis, Jenson Seelt, Jobe Bellingham and Luis "Hemir" Semedo have helped to freshen up a side that fell just short of earning promotion via the play-offs last season.

However, Mowbray saw key loan star Amad Diallo return to parent club Manchester United last month at the end of his loan spell, whilst Ross Stewart will miss the start of the season through injury, and Jack Clarke remains a target for numerous Premier League sides.

Mowbray said at the weekend that Sunderland "could probably do with some help at the top end of the pitch over the next few weeks", and Ukrainian outlet TaToTake suggests Zorya Luhansk forward Nazariy Rusyn is one of those being eyed up by the Black Cats.

Who is Nazariy Rusyn?

Rusyn started his career at Dynamo Kyiv prior to joining Zorya in 2019, initially on loan, while he has also had spells at Dnipro-1 and Legia Warsaw.

Now aged 24, it is claimed the Ukrainian is ready to test himself in English football.

Whilst Rusyn's time at Legia did not go entirely to plan, he has shown plenty of promise at both Dynamo and Luhansk, with Dynamo Abroad podcast co-host 'Dima' previously describing him as an "excellent" potential signing for any interested club.

Valued at just €2m (£1.7m), according to Zorya Londonsk, the Novoyavorivsk native is coming off the back of an impressive campaign in which he scored 13 goals in 30 Ukrainian Premier League appearances, including 10 in 15 to see out the season.

amad-diallo-transfer-gossip-manchester-united-leeds-united-49ers-gnonto-championship

As a player who is capable of playing across the forward line, there are many similarities between Rusyn and Diallo – the man he would effectively be replacing should he arrive on Wearside.

For example, both players scored 13 regular-season goals in their respective divisions last season.

Whereas Rusyn scored at a rate of 0.54 goals per 90 in the Ukrainian top flight, Diallo netted 0.45 goals per 90 in the Championship, as per FBref.

The Luhansk ace also just about edged things in terms of assists – he set up five goals to Diallo's three – though the quality of the two divisions must also be factored in.

Both players like to get on the ball and go for goal, while there are also strong similarities right down to their disciplinary records, with each picking up three yellow cards last season.

Mowbray has already accepted that Diallo will not be returning to the Stadium of Light next season. In relative unknown star Rusyn, he may just have the ideal alternative.

Liverpool: Klopp tracking "dangerous" No.10

Liverpool "have tracked" Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga ahead of a potential summer transfer swoop, however they are yet to make a "concrete proposal" for his services, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Which midfielder are Liverpool signing?

There has now been a fresh update on Liverpool's pursuit of Ryan Gravenberch, with Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg claiming they are "definitely" out of the race for the Dutchman, while also adding they have now chosen to prioritise a move for Southampton's Romeo Lavia.

Journalist David Lynch has now taken to Twiiter to confirm the Reds have also halted their pursuit of Nice's Khephren Thuram, saying: "Liverpool no longer pursuing a move for Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram. Talks were held with the player's representatives earlier in the window but Dominik Szoboszlai ultimately emerged as a preferred target."

Jurgen Klopp has started to narrow down his shortlist of midfield targets, and there are now indications the Reds could go in for Veiga, having recently been named as the club leading the race for the Celta Vigo star's signature.

In a recent interview with GiveMeSport, Jacobs confirmed the Spaniard has a number of potential suitors waiting in the wings, and Liverpool are one of them, while he also claimed the youngster would be able to adjust quickly if he completed a move to England.

The journalist said: "I think everybody is looking at Veiga, if I'm perfectly honest with you. It's completely normal because he's just deemed to be a phenomenal talent with a very strong profile that fits the Premier League, and there is also a release clause at €40m (£34m). That is why many Premier League clubs are looking.

"There's no doubt that Liverpool have tracked the player and there's no doubt that Liverpool admire the player. At the time we're recording this, they've not made a concrete proposal."

What position does Gabri Veiga play?

The 21-year-old, who has been hailed as "dangerous", often features in an advanced midfield role, owing to his fantastic record in front of goal, weighing in with 11 goals and four assists for Celta Vigo in La Liga last season.

Not only that, the Spanish youngster is also particularly impressive at dribbling, ranking in the 88th percentile for successful take-ons and progressive carries per 90 over the course of the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

Football scout Jacek Kulig has claimed the starlet is also capable of playing as a box-to-box midfielder, given the range of qualities that he has at his disposal, including pace, passing, work rate, off-the-ball movement and bravery.

Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga.

The Celta Vigo star is said to be "highly talented" in that role, indicating that he could play slightly deeper for Liverpool, should they submit a concrete proposal at a latter stage in the transfer window.

Given his goal-scoring nature, coupled with his range of other strengths, Veiga could be a fantastic addition to Klopp's squad, and Liverpool should undoubtedly make a move for him this summer, particularly considering he will be available for the affordable price of £34m.

Pundit Drops "Worrying" Leeds Manager Update On Daniel Farke

Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has called for Leeds United to name Lee Boywer as their new manager instead of Daniel Farke.

Is Daniel Farke joining Leeds?

The search for Sam Allardyce's successor is ongoing at Elland Road, with the next appointment absolutely vital, in terms of the Whites getting back into the Premier League as soon as possible.

After three years back in the top flight, it would now be hugely disheartening to see Leeds languish in the second tier for longer than one season, but bringing in the right manager is essential when it comes to making that happen.

Farke has emerged as the clear front-runner to become the new Whites boss in recently days, with various reports stating that a deal is seemingly close to being agreed.

Birmingham City's former manager Lee Bowyer.

What about Bowyer to Leeds?

Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie instead called for Bowyer to come in, with his past history at Leeds making him a better option than Farke:

"They should hire a profile similar to Lee Bowyer. He played for the club, he has them in his heart and a manager like that is what they would need to get back into the Premier League. Give someone like Bowyer a chance, and the fans would love one of their own to come in and they would show the passion needed on matchdays.

"Similar to Duncan Ferguson at Everton a couple years back, that helped them reignite the season.

"It is a worrying situation for Leeds as I would not like to see them go back into oblivion again as they are a Premier League club."

There is some logic to the 63-year-old McAvennie's comments, in terms of Bowyer knowing the club inside out, but ultimately, it is still his ability as a manager that is most important.

The Englishman has generally done well in his post-playing career to date, doing a solid job with both Charlton Athletic and Birmingham City, he has also yet to win any silverware as a manager, and remains inexperienced at a high level.

On the flip side, Farke has twice guided Norwich City from the Championship to the Premier League, winning the title both times, so he is far more proven than Bowyer, at a time when Leeds cannot afford to be taking risks with their appointment.

The former Whites midfielder could be a good choice further down the line, but for now, it is only right that Farke is the favourite to take charge.

21-y/o "Leader" On Man United Radar For Summer Transfer

Amadou Onana is an option Manchester United could explore in the summer transfer window, journalist David Ornstein has revealed.

Who could Man United sign in midfield?

Recent reports have revealed that Man United have submitted a final bid for Chelsea's Mason Mount, having agreed personal terms with the England international, but a deal is far from guaranteed as there is a reluctance to meet Chelsea's high asking price.

Erik ten Hag is targeting a midfielder to play alongside Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, and Everton's Onana is a name believed to be on their list of targets.

Speaking on the FIVE YouTube channel, Ornstein revealed that Onana is on the list at United, but he is one of a number of players they could target this summer.

"You've got Manchester United as well, who want a midfielder, though as far as we know, they're focused on the more advanced one in Mason Mount at this point in time and the number nine," he stated.

"They are looking at the other positions and you'll have seen reports about Onana and Everton, I'm led to believe he's on the list, and like many, he's one of many options they're considering.

"But they've got their ownership situation which is complicating it all. So this market is just absolutely wild."

Should Man United sign Onana?

The 21-year-old has had an impressive debut season in the Premier League despite Everton's struggles, and has been a standout performer for the Toffees.

amadou-onana-everton-transfer-newcastle-premier-league

Former Belgium manager Roberto Martinez described the midfielder as a "leader," and he could bring a lot of strength and dynamism to the United midfield.

His height could prove to be invaluable in the middle of the park, and he ranks in the top 7% of midfielders for aerial duels as per FBref.

It remains to be seen whether he offers enough on the ball for Erik ten Hag, given that he ranks poorly for progressive passes, but he could help glue together the midfield trio, and at just 21, there is massive potential for him to grow.

If United do sign Mount, then it seems unlikely that they will pursue another expensive midfield signing, but if they pull out of a deal for the Englishman, then Onana is a ready-made alternative they could explore.

Uncertainty over the ownership situation means that a deal may have to be completed later on in the window, but should Onana join, he would be an investment which could reap rewards in the long run.

Tottenham Want £61m "Monster" To Usurp Dier

Tottenham Hotspur have seemingly identified one of their top targets for the summer…

What's the latest on Edmond Tapsoba to Tottenham Hotspur?

That's according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, who took to Twitter earlier today to issue an update on Ange Postecoglou's progress in the transfer market.

With Edmond Tapsoba a highly-rated centre back across Europe, his name being touted with a move to north London is one which will have fans excited. The journalist wrote: "Understand Tottenham have started concrete contacts to be informed on Edmond Tapsoba as new CB.

"He’s on the list since long time — and Spurs are now exploring conditions of the deal on both player and Bayer 04 side. Nothing advanced yet — Tapsoba, keen on the move".

It's been claimed by other reports that any such deal could cost an eye-watering £61m.

Would Edmond Tapsoba improve Tottenham Hotspur?

Whilst it is certain that the addition of such a defensively dominant titan would improve Spurs, the fact that it could spell bad news for Eric Dier might make this move even more worthy of the astronomical expected price tag.

After all, the England international struggled last term under the ever-changing leadership, proving himself underwhelming in a back three, and flat-out useless in a back four.

eric-dier-tottenham-hotspur

Cristian Stellini showcased this for all to see when he opted for the latter system in April only to see his side ship six goals to Newcastle United. Dier was, unsurprisingly, at the heart of this. For the rest of the term, he maintained an underwhelming 6.86 average rating.

Meanwhile, the Burkina Faso international has been ever-present at the heart of his team's back line, showcasing immense skill with the ball at his feet, and unparalleled power in his defensive work.

Whilst maintaining 1.1 interceptions, 1.5 tackles and three clearances per game in the Bundesliga is admirable, it is his 86% pass accuracy and astronomical 89% dribble success rate that truly makes him the perfect modern-day centre-back, via Sofascore.

This notion is only emphasised through Opta's player analysis tool, which showcases how the 24-year-old is a true standout in both touches and possession won. He snatches the ball back from the opposition with ease but then has the poise and skill to stride out from the back and kickstart an attack.

TAPSOBA

Standing at 6 foot 4 too, such an imposing figure that marries his power with fleet-footedness makes him a true physical marvel, and a certainty to thrive in English football. After all, he has been noted as something of a "monster" by scout and writer Antonio Mango.

His arrival to play as a right-sided centre-back would in turn make Dier obsolete, relegating him to the backup role that many would agree he suits. With 361 games for the club under his belt, the 29-year-old has been a loyal servant during his tenure.

However, as Postecoglou seeks to usher in a new, brighter era, this level of player must be removed and replaced with a higher quality. Tapsoba would mark just the start of this revolution.

Man Utd: Romano Issues Big Mason Mount Transfer Update

Manchester United are confident that they can agree personal terms with Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount as Erik Ten Hag endeavours to bring the England international to Old Trafford.

What's the latest transfer news involving Mason Mount?

According to Sky Sports, Chelsea have rejected an offer of £40 million from Manchester United for Mount as a gap in valuation still continues to linger between the two clubs.

The report states that Manchester United know the limit of what they would be willing to pay internally; however, they are also prepared to abandon negotiations if they are quoted a price above their valuation of the £80k-a-week ace.

As per The Evening Standard, the Red Devils are set to return with an improved offer for Mount at some point, though Chelsea are holding out for a fee in the region of £70 million.

Due to his contract expiring in 2024, Chelsea would be willing to let Mount go to avoid losing him on a free transfer following months of deadlock in negotiations over fresh terms between player and club.

talkSPORT claimed earlier this month that Mount had agreed personal terms with Manchester United; nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether the proposed move will be affected by a difference of opinion in value between the two clubs.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Romano has detailed that Mount is very keen to move to Manchester United this summer.

Romano said: "Man United want the player. Man United are convinced that the agreement with the player is something that'll be easy to reach because Mount wants this Manchester United move, so it's on the clubs now."

Will Manchester United be able to land Mason Mount?

Chelsea seem pretty insistent on recouping a significant fee for their academy product. However, they will also be aware of the reticence prospective suitors may have with regard to bidding over the odds for a player like Mount that only has one year left on his deal.

In 2022/23, Mount made 35 appearances for the Blues across all competitions, registering three goals and six assists, as per Transfermarkt.

mason-mount-chelsea-premier-league-man-united-transfers

As per The Athletic, Liverpool did hold an interest in trying to sign Mount this summer earlier this year, though his excessive price tag put them off and they will now instead focus on alternative targets.

The Sun claim that Leicester City star James Maddison has been earmarked as a 'second option' if Mount proves to be unattainable this off-season, making it anyone's guess as to whether Manchester United will be able to land Mount this summer.

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