Manchester United are thought to be interested in signing a new defender who recently impressed against a side that included Casemiro.
Man Utd transfer news – defender
The Red Devils have had their injury problems at the back already this season, with Erik ten Hag without the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane and Luke Shaw for large parts of the current campaign. A new centre-back was brought in over the summer in free agent Jonny Evans, with money spent bolstering alternative positions in big transfer moves for Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund.
Man United centre-backs
Lisandro Martnez
Raphael Varane
Harry Maguire
Victor Lindelof
Jonny Evans
However, it looks as if a new marquee defender is top of Man Utd’s transfer wishlist, with the likes of Sporting CP’s Goncalo Inacio and Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo two centre-backs to be linked with a move to Old Trafford. More recently, Real Sociedad’s Robin Le Normand has also been rumoured as a possible Red Devils target after scouts were left impressed, and it appears as if another name is of interest to club officials.
Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke provided a transfer update in the last 48 hours, claiming that a number of teams, including Man Utd, are keen on signing Club America defender Sebastian Caceres, who impressed against Casemiro’s Brazil during the international break.
“Spurs are among the sides monitoring the progress of Club America defender Sebastian Caceres. The 24-year-old has impressed for Uruguay’s senior side under Marcelo Bielsa and dazzled as they beat Brazil 2-0 in World Cup qualifying last week (18 October). I’m told Newcastle, Man United, Fulham and West Ham are all also interested in the defender.”
Sebastian Caceres profiled
Caceres is an out-and-out centre-back who made the move to Mexico side Club America from Uruguayan side Liverpool Montevideo back in 2020. Valued at €3.5m, he is out of contract with is current employers at the end of 2024. (Sebastian Caceres profile – Transfermarkt)
During his time in Mexico, Caceres has made more than 100 appearances for Club America, contributing to five goals, and he has also represented his country on seven occasions. (Sebastian Caceres stats – Transfermarkt)
As mentioned, Caceres recently impressed for his country against Brazil, which saw Casemiro play 64 minutes of the World Cup qualifier. The centre-back ended with a match rating of 7.0/10 in the 2-0 win compared to Casemiro’s 6.4/10, as per FlashScore.
At 24 years of age, Caceres appears to be a player catching the eye of many clubs in England, and you’d like to think he could be available at a cut-price fee due to his market value and contract situation. Therefore, those at Old Trafford may see the player as a shrewd target to provide back up to the likes of Varane and Martinez, making this one to watch.
As the 2022/23 season came to a close, there was outcry among Leeds United supporters.
Their great club had been relegated again, thrown into the Championship after a dreadful season that saw three managers come and go.
Victor Orta also took his leave, but not before creating chaos at Elland Road, with a number of his signings quick to throw the towel in and quit life in Yorkshire for brighter footballing shores.
Out went the likes of Luis Sinisterra, Robin Koch, Rodrigo, Tyler Adams and more, but pivotally some of their brightest attacking talent remained. Crysencio Summerville happens to be one of them, as does Georginio Rutter.
Life hasn't all been plain sailing for the Frenchman, however, who looked to be following in the scuffled footsteps of Jean-Kevin Augustin.
Like the former RB Leipzig striker, Rutter arrived in the January transfer window to much fanfare. Like Augustin, he also struggled for game time. Fortunately, the 21-year-old's time at Leeds hasn't ended in a legal trial.
Instead, he has been afforded minutes in the Championship by new manager Daniel Farke. So he should too. This is a club-record £35m signing, after all.
How many goals has Rutter scored for Leeds?
The young forward endured a timid start to life in the English second tier but has come alive in recent weeks, proving he could well be the answer to Farke's prayers.
He found the net against Ipswich towards the end of August and then once football resumed last weekend following the international break, returned with aplomb.
Leeds forward Georginio Rutter.
Alongside new signing Joel Piroe, they were electrifying as the pairing combined delightfully during a 3-0 win over Millwall.
Rutter scored the final goal of the game, racing onto a ball into the penalty area from a counter attack, but not before he'd done his fair share of creating, notably making five key passes in the match, one of which found the aforementioned Piroe to open the scoring.
Such a rampant free-flowing display was like watching Bielsa's Leeds all over again. It was like watching Pablo Hernandez and Patrick Bamford of old, just with a little more pace, trickery and razzmatazz, not that two of the great Argentine's disciples had boring play styles.
Rutter and indeed Piroe will be key this term if Leeds are to secure promotion at the first time of asking, but they're not the only livewires who could play a vital role. Step forward from the wilderness, Daniel James.
Where has it gone wrong for Daniel James at Leeds?
The tale of James and Leeds is a rather remarkable one. Rewind to a cold winter's day in January of 2019 and he was undergoing a medical with the club.
A £7m deal was in place to sign him from Piroe's former employers in Swansea City, but as the minutes and hours ticked by, a deal suddenly fell through.
The Welshman had posed for club photos and done his media duties, only to remain in Wales, at least until the end of the season.
A remarkable move to Manchester United followed in June but Bielsa soon had his man in the building. After an unsuccessful stint at Old Trafford, James finally found himself crossing the penines into Leeds. A £25m move was done in 2021 but his spell hasn't been too fortuitous.
He has only found the net on four occasions in 45 outings and was far from Jesse Marsch's plans last term, ultimately loaned out to Fulham. A plethora of inconsistent displays which lacked end product was the reason for the 25-year-old's downfall.
Dan James
Now, however, he is back in the division where he really made a name for himself, having scored four and registered an impressive 11 assists in 37 Championship outings for Swansea.
How has Daniel James performed this season?
Already you can see James looks more at home at this level. For Leeds, he is not a regular starter yet but an assist in the 1-1 draw with West Brom and another assist from the bench against Millwall last Sunday has sparked hopes that he could make a huge impact this term.
He will have to overcome Summerville on the right-hand side of Farke's team first, though, but there is now a strong belief that the diminutive winger has what it takes to flourish in the EFL.
His lively cameo last weekend was all the proof we needed, with Leeds Live's Beren Cross noting in his post-match player ratings that it is "such a luxury having a player of this standing come off the bench."
That is largely owed to his remarkable pace, of which has been described as an "absolute nightmare" for the opposition by Micah Richards.
Rutter and Piroe are unlikely to be starved of service this term with Summerville and Willy Gnonto on the flanks but in James, a player with devastating pace and know-how in this league, they could well become even more menacing.
There won't be many better players off the bench this term than James, who could punish tired legs to supply chance after chance for his colleagues in the final third.
Things are starting to click for the Wales international in Leeds, and fortunately, things are starting to click for Farke too. Such a remarkable party of players to choose from in the offensive line must have the German salivating.
It's almost like Brendan Rodgers never left off at Celtic, such is the way that the former Leicester City manager has simply picked up where he left off at the Hoops.
So far this season, the Scottish Premiership champions have remained unbeaten, having won four of their first five games, and drawn the other. Most impressively, they have already gained an edge over Rangers, after defeating the Gers in the first Old Firm derby of the campaign to put themselves four points clear of their rivals.
Not every player has benefited from the return of Rodgers, though, with the FA Cup winner's Champions League squad excluding some noticeable players, including Alexandro Bernabei, who club legend John Hartson has spoken about.
What has John Hartson said?
Bernabei joined Celtic under Ange Postecoglou for a reported £3.75m last summer, but failed to make his mark in the nine starts that he was handed by the Australian. The hope would have been that, under Rodgers, the left-back would be handed a fresh start to impress, but that hasn't been the case so far.
Five games into the season, the Argentine has made just two appearances, with both of those coming from the bench. To make matters worse, Bernabei was then left out of Celtic's Champions League squad.
Having his say on the fullback's future, Hartson told The Go Radio Football Show, via TBR Football: “Yeah, I think he’s as good as Greg Taylor. I really do. But at this moment in time, Brendan probably feels there’s other areas that he needs to strengthen in terms of going into the Champions League, in terms of cover.
“I think he likes to get forward. I think his defending sometimes can improve but so does Taylor’s. I think Taylor’s better going forward than what he is defensively.
“I think he’s improved on his ball into the box, as has Taylor in the last couple of seasons. He’s been very constant in the team in terms of Celtic’s success.
“And listen, it’s only my opinion, but I think Bernabei has got a future. I think he’s a decent left-back. He likes a tackle. He can be aggressive. So you know, I think the fact that he’s got Taylor there with that bit a bit more experience in the last couple of seasons played in Europe, so he’s gone with Taylor. But we also know as well that Liam Scales can play left centre-back and obviously left back. But I do think Bernabei has got a future.”
Should Celtic keep Alexandro Bernabei?
Celtic left-back Alexandro Bernabei.
It's worth remembering throughout all of this that Bernabei is still only 22-years-old, and has plenty of time to improve in years to come. It would arguably be foolish for Celtic to sanction the departure of a player who is not only still so young, but only in his second season at the club.
If he is given time, then the left-back could become an important member of Rodgers' side. Of course, Bernebei will undoubtedly feel frustrated after being left out of the Champions League squad, but opportunities in the Scottish Premiership could see him bounce back.
Glasgow Rangers making a deadline day move for Leicester City’s Harry Souttar can’t be ruled out, and a transfer insider has shared why he’s keeping a close eye on the situation before the window closes tonight.
Who is Harry Souttar?
Although born in Aberdeen, Souttar represents Australia internationally, and despite making 12 appearances at the King Power Stadium since moving there from Stoke City back in January, it was more than likely his performances at the World Cup that brought him into the spotlight.
According to Football Scotland, Enzo Maresca’s side are open to sending the 24-year-old out on loan before tonight’s deadline, and with a new centre-back at the top of the priority list for Michael Beale, he’s been heavily linked with a move to Ibrox, which could see him link up with his brother John, as per the same outlet.
However, The Athletic reports that a deal for the Socceroos colossus could go right down to the wire, but with him yet to make a single appearance in any competition so far this season, surely he’d be in a hurry to secure regular game time in the Scottish Premiership whilst he has the chance.
Harry Souttar
Are Rangers signing Harry Souttar?
Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist and transfer expert Dean Jones delivered his verdict on Souttar potentially joining Rangers before the end of the window. He said:
"I like the way that Beale talks about stuff, and, lots of the time, he tries to be direct and clear in his answers. He doesn't shirk away from many.
"It feels like fringe players will be offloaded more than anything. But the Souttar interest has caught my attention the most recently because Beale did play this one down, but the links have persisted.
"I'm actually told this is not one we should be disregarding. So, I’d say that this is the one I've got my eyes on the most at the moment with Rangers. I don't think there will be loads of transfer activity, but Souttar could be an interesting one."
Passing
Discipline
(Information via WhoScored)
How good is Harry Souttar?
Standing at 6 foot 5, Souttar brings a fantastic physical presence to a backline, and there’s no doubt that if he was to put pen to paper ahead of the deadline, he would only excel even further under the guidance of Beale at Rangers.
Read The Latest Rangers Transfer News HERE…
The FullNinety client averaged 3.8 clearances and 3.2 aerial wins per top-flight game last season, via WhoScored, highlighting how much he loves to get stuck in alongside his ability to clear the danger both on and off the ground.
However, Leicester’s £40k-per-week earner can even have a positive impact at the opposite end of the pitch having racked up 19 contributions (ten assists and nine goals) since the start of his career, so for a player this well-rounded, he really is a no-brainer to pursue.
A cidade de Guayaquil, no Equador, amanheceu neste domingo coberta por cinzas emitidas do vulcão Sangay. Por conta disso, atividades ao ar livre foram canceladas, como o treino do Flamengo que seria realizado nesta tarde. O Rubro-Negro enfrenta o Barcelona (EQU), pela Libertadores, na terça-feira, e a situação local é monitorada pela Conmebol.
O aeroporto Aeroporto Internacional José Joaquín de Olmedo de Guayaquil também está com as operações paradas preventivamente e o jogo entre Guayaquil City e Nacional, marcada para este domingo, foi adiado pela Liga.
Além de prejudicar a visibilidade, a cinza pode causar problemas respiratórios.
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Bournemouth verus Tottenham Hotspur is not a fixture which runs deep in the history books of the Premier League. However, Football FanCast has everything you need to know ahead of their meeting on the south coast this Saturday.
Although it is still early days in the 2023/24 Premier League campaign, the Cherries already find themselves lingering around the wrong end of the table having only taken one point from their opening two games.
In contrast, the Lilywhites are flying high under their new boss, Ange Postecoglou, following their impressive victory on Saturday against Manchester Unite.
Bournemouth vs Tottenham: What's their head-to-head record?
Rodrigo Bentancur and Ben Davies celebrate a late winner for Tottenham Hotspur in their game against Bournemouth.
This fixture is one which has not provided a long history of meetings with just 13 clashes between these two sides across all competitions.
The majority of those meetings have come within the last eight years since the Cherries' initial promotion to the Premier League with 12 matches written in the history books since the 2015/16 campaign.
You have to go all the way back to the 1956/57 campaign to find the ver first meeting between the two sides which saw the Cherries run out 3-1 victors in the FA Cup.
Bournemouth wins: 3 Draws: 2 Tottenham wins: 8 Bournemouth vs Tottenham: What's their record at Bournemouth?
Rayo Vallecano coachAndoniIraola
Andoni Iraola's men were able to secure a point on their opening game of the campaign at the Vitality Stadium against West Ham United, however, their home record against Spurs is not one they can look back fondly on.
Out of the six meetings between these two sides on the south coast, the north Londoners have ran away with the points on three occasions, two draws have unfolded and only one win for the Cherries has been recorded.
This includes last season's stunning comeback from Spurs which saw Rodrigo Bentancur's last minute goal seal a dramatic 3-2 victory – rest assured Bournemouth fans, the Uruguayan remains unavailable for Saturday's meeting.
Bournemouth wins: 1 Draws: 2 Tottenham wins: 3 Bournemouth vs Tottenham: What's their Premier League record?
Dominic Solanke scores in Bournemouth's away victory against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
The Cherries endured late heartbreak on the south coast against the Lilywhites last season, however, they were able to inflict revenge on the Londoners later in the season in the reverse meeting.
In an almost carbon copy of the game on the south coast, Dango Outtara sealed all three points for the visitors in the capital with a goal in the fifth minute of added time.
Although Saturday's hosts had the last laugh when these two sides previously met, it is not a fixture which has reflected kindly on the south coast side.
Bournemouth vs Tottenham: Which team has the most goals?
Despite their only being 12 Premier League meetings between these two sides, it is a fixture which has provided a significant return of goals.
Across their six meetings at the Vitality Stadium and in north London, 40 goals have been scored between the two sides with 17 of those goals coming on the south coast.
More goals have, therefore, been scored in north London (23) but this is a fixture which has seen three meetings where there have been five or more goals scored at the Vitality.
Bournemouth vs Tottenham: What happened in last season's fixtures?
Arnaut Danjuma scores a late equaliser in the game against Tottenham Hotspur and Bournemouth in the Premier League.
Last season provided two stunning games between these two sides which significant similarities to how both of the meetings panned out.
Spurs were able to come back from what was a seriously underwhelming first half which saw them 2-0 down inside the opening 50 minutes of the game. Goals from unlikely sources in Ben Davies, Ryan Sessegnon and Bentancur proved enough to secure a stunning turnaround under Antonio Conte.
However, the Lilywhites were served their revenge when the two sides met in April after Arnaut Danjuma thought he had rescued the hosts a point with his 88th-minute goal. But it was Ouattara who was able to secure the points for the Cherries with a dramatic finish to the game in N17.
Bournemouth vs Tottenham: What is Dominic Solanke's record?
This is not typically a matchup which Solanke excels with the Englishman having only scored once against the north London outfit. However, that goal did come in their previous meeting when the Cherries sealed the points in dramatic fashion.
Although Solanke has not faired so well in his previous meetings against Spurs, the 25-year-old has made a bright start to the campaign having netted in their curtain raiser and provided an assist on the weekend against Liverpool.
Bournemouth vs Tottenham: What is Son Heung-min's record?
Son Heung-min celebrates his goal for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League against Bournemouth.
Unlike Solanke, Spurs' South Korean has seriously enjoyed this fixture with the 31-year-old having recorded six goals and two assists in his previous 10 outings against the Cherries.
Despite enduring a sub-par 2022/23 campaign – by his usual high standards – Son was still able to get his name on the score sheet in the defeat at home to Bournemouth in April.
Having been handed the captain's armband over the summer following Harry Kane's departure, the Korean forward is still in search of his first goal of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign.
Bournemouth vs Tottenham:What is Bournemouth's biggest win?
Bournemouth celebrate their late winner against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
Bournemouth have only tasted victory on two occasions when facing Tottenham in the Premier League and those two victories have both come through one-goal margins.
Back in the 2018/19 campaign, the Cherries secured a 1-0 victory over the north Londoners on the south coast, however, April's stunning victory at Tottenham will take the prize for one of the cub's most memorable wins in England's top flight.
Bournemouth vs Tottenham:What is Tottenham's biggest win?
Spurs, on the other hand, have enjoyed a number of high-scoring victories in this fixture with two four-goal margins wins coming against the Cherries in the Premier League era.
Their first meeting since the Cherries were promoted to England's top tier came in the 2015/16 campaign but was a game the hosts will not want to remember with Spurs coming out of the game as 5-1 victors.
Bournemouth vs Tottenham: What are the recent results?
Bournemouth score late in their Premier League victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
In their last five meetings, there have been four victories which have been decided by just one-goal margins.
Over that run of games, the two sides have shared two wins each with victories coming for both sides on each other's home soil. Along with the dramatic 3-2 victory on the south coast last season, Spurs were able to beat the Cherries by the same score line in N17 back in 2019.
The only other meeting in that time frame ended as a 0-0 draw on the south coast in the 2019/20 campaign.
Bournemouth vs Tottenham: When is it?
Bournemouth welcome Tottenham to the south coast on Saturday 26 August for the Premier League's early kick-off (12:30 BST).
The Cherries go into the game with their campaign still really yet to take off following their opening two games against West Ham and Liverpool. Undoubtedly, Iraola's men have faced a difficult start to the campaign, but potentially coming out of their third game in the league with just one point to their name would be far from what their new manager would have had in mind.
As for the visitors, victory on the road would surely make for a real statement from Postecoglou's side. Having lost their all-time record goal scorer over the summer, big question marks were left hanging over the direction of the club, but coming out of their opening three games – potentially – with seven points would be a seriously impressive start to the season.
Both sides come into the campaign with new managers at the helm and the game on the weekend could certainly leave lasting impressions on the direction for their seasons.
أعلنت رابطة الأندية المحترفة المصرية، عن أفضل هدف في الجولة الـ 22 من عمر بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.
وأقيمت مباريات الجولة الـ 22 على مدار 3 أيام، الخميس والجمعة والسبت، شهدت فوز الأهلي في الوقت القاتل على بلدية المحلة بهدفين مقابل هدف.
كما انتصر بيراميدز على المصري بهدف لـ رمضان صبحي، ليواصل صدارته لجدول ترتيب الدوري المصري.
وحقق فريق زد انتصاراً بهدفين مقابل هدف على سموحة، فيما تعادل فيوتشر مع البنك الأهلي إيجابياً 1-1، وفاز الإسماعيلي على الداخلية بهدف دون رد، وانتصر سيراميكا كليوباترا على طلائع الجيش بهدفين لهدف.
وفاركو فاز على الجونة بهدفين مقابل هدف، والاتحاد السكندري فاز على المقاولون بهدف نظيف، بينما تأجلت مواجهة الزمالك مع إنبي بسبب مشاركة الفارس الأبيض في نهائي كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية.
طالع | ترتيب الدوري المصري بعد فوز الأهلي على بلدية المحلة
واختارت رابطة الأندية عبر صفحتها الرسمية على موقع التواصل الاجتماعي “فيس بوك”: “هدف عمر كمال لاعب الأهلي في مرمى بلدية المحلة الأفضل خلال مباريات الجولة الـ 22”.
وكان عمر كمال دخل بديلاً في الدقيقة 77 من عمر لقاء الأهلي وبلدية المحلة، ونجح في تسجيل هدف التعادل لـ الأهلي في الدقيقة 79. هدف عمر كمال في مباراة الأهلي وبلدية المحلة بـ الدوري المصري
“Serious consequences” if the board does not cooperate regarding Lodha recommendations. Also, the office bearers told to individually list “suggestions” on the new constitution drafted by CoA
Sidharth Monga21-Sep-2017The Supreme Court has given the BCCI three weeks to come back with “suggestions” related to the draft constitution that the Committee of Administrators (CoA) proposed for the BCCI. The court took a stern view of BCCI’s stalling tactics; there has as yet been no official feedback to the draft constitution submitted by the CoA last Monday. The court threatened to initiate contempt proceedings against the three interim office bearers – president CK Khanna, secretary Amitabh Chaudhary and treasurer Anirudh Chaudhry – but eventually let them off for the time being having warned them of “serious consequences” failing “absolute co-operation” in implementing the Lodha reforms in the BCCI.The matter will next be heard on October 30; the court will be off for eight days for Diwali in October, which possibly adds to the three-week window given to the BCCI. The office bearers, who were present at the hearing, have been told to attend the October 30 hearing too.The three office bearers will now have to individually list their suggestions, which could rid them of any loyalty issues they might have previously had as long-term members of the board as it were. During Thursday’s hearing, the CoA’s lawyer Parag Tripathi told the court that a “concerted attempt has been adopted by the office bearers not to follow the judgement of this Court.” The court heard that the office bearers had shown “obstinate attitude and unnecessary intervention” despite “our order”. Khanna and treasurer Chaudhry came in for special rebuke by the CoA’s representative. The court heard that there hasn’t been “a whisper from Khanna or Anirudh Chaudhry” to convince the board to pass a resolution. The CoA also made the court aware that the BCCI’s general body made the CEO of the board leave a meeting, and that none of the office bearers made an attempt to make him stay.The court stated in its order that it had already agreed to “debate” on “three or four” of the Lodha Committee recommendations. The court asked the three office bearers to provide suggestions to the CoA concerning these points and failure to do that would attract severe consequences. “If the aforesaid three office bearers do not give suggestions in accordance with the judgement of this court which has accepted the Justice Lodha Committee report, they shall face serious consequences,” the court said in its order. “The draft constitution shall include the suggestions given by Justice Lodha Committee in its entirety so that a holistic document comes before this court.”One of the big “suggestions” the BCCI has with the draft constitution – in effect the Lodha Committee’s recommendations – is that the elected general body wants to retain the power to control and decide the role, the functions and the powers of the professional wing of the board, which will be the CEO and other office bearers from “time to time”. The CoA lawyer argued that it will defeat the spirit of Lodha recommendations, which sought to keep the political, elected wing of the board away from the professional wing.The other two main suggestions are to do away with cooling-off period for office bearers and the policy of “one state, one vote”. ESPNcricinfo understands that most of the BCCI’s general body agrees to limit the objections to these three, but there are a few state associations within who don’t want the objections be limited to these three. N Srinivasan’s Tamil Nadu and Niranjan Shah’s Saurashtra are believed to be leading that charge.The lawyer representing the BCCI office bearers also emphasised that the draft constitution includes additions to the order passed by the Supreme Court on July 18 last year. Most of the FAQs, as clarified by the Lodha Committee later, are “beyond the judgement”. The court asked the BCCI to make a note of all that in its “suggestions”. The court, however, made it clear that it will have no further discussion on the issues of the strength of the selection committee, the status of non-state members such as Railways and Services, and the one-state-one-vote policy; the court has heard enough arguments, and will rule on it as it sees fit. The court also made it clear that there was no need for a further general body meeting for the purpose of drafting the new constitution of the board.The court also asked the CoA to determine which is the rightful association to represent the Union Territory of Puducherry, which has been represented by “three claimants”. The court asked the CoA to forward the report of the Affiliations Committee and sort out the issue in two weeks’ time.
Aston Villa are reportedly eyeing Stade Rennais winger Jeremy Doku this summer, should their pursuit of Moussa Diaby crumble.
Unai Emery stated in January of his desire to recruit a ‘specialist winger’ to his side, with the Spaniard reported to have made a move already for Diaby.
The Frenchman has also been approached by a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, leaving him at a crossroads in his career.
Villa however are reported to have the upper hand on proceedings, with their backup option being Doku, who has been impressive in Ligue 1.
What is the market value of Jeremy Doku?
Valued by FootballTransfers around the €16m (£14m) mark, the price that the winger could actually depart for is an increase on his estimated market value.
As reported by Ghana Soccer Net (as relayed by Sport Witness) on Tuesday, Villa have had an opening offer in the region of €25m (£21.7m) rejected by Rennes, who according to the report, are expecting a fee of around €40m (£35m) for the Belgian.
Despite a seemingly high asking price, Monchi and Emery could still seal a deal for the winger for a price lower than the £50m price tag placed on opposing target Diaby.
How good is Jeremy Doku?
Once hailed as “the Belgian flash” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the right-winger scored six goals and registered two assists in an impressive individual campaign in Ligue 1.
The 21-year-old dynamo highlighted strengths far beyond his form in front of goal, cementing himself as one of the best ball carriers in Europe, as supported by his average of 6.59 successful take-ons per 90, ranking him in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, via FBef.
Such numbers have seen him compared statistically to Premier League wonder Kevin De Bruyne by FBref, suggesting the calibre of player that Villa could get their hands on this summer.
The Belgian’s talents have been acknowledged by his compatriot, with the Manchester City ace naming him a “diamond in the rough” after netting his first international goal back in 2020.
Jeremy-doku-de-bruyne-belgium
Like the treble winner, Doku advances in areas vital to being progressive in the final third as well as proving to be a strong playmaker.
As per FBref, the 21-year-old averaged 7.04 progressive carries per 90 last season, as well as receiving 10.88 progressive passes per 90 to highlight his attention to being in threatening areas and posing as a target man.
To showcase just how impressive such numbers are, De Bruyne averaged 3.72 progressive carries and received 9.12 progressive passes on average per 90 in the Premier League last term, highlighting just how much of a livewire the former Anderlecht gem is.
Also lauded as “spectacular” by Kulig, the Rennes winger is a threat behind the ball similar to his countryman, averaging a dominant 2.09 key passes per 90 in comparison to De Bruyne’s 3.57 at the Etihad.
The youngster has acres to cover before hitting the calibre of De Bruyne, who is truly the finished article with a monstrous 248 goal contributions in 356 total appearances for City, however, the fellow Belgian is suggesting that he could bear similarities to the 32-year-old.
Emery could get a chance to allow the Rennes wide-man to excel in the Premier League just as his national teammate has, and if given the right environment, who knows what the future holds for the rising star.
Wolves are "no longer" in the race sign highly-rated Bristol City youngster Alex Scott in the summer transfer window, according to an update from journalist Alex Crook.
How much is Alex Scott worth?
The 19-year-old has emerged as possible one of the most gifted young English players around at the moment, already making a significant mark for his current side. Last season, he started 40 of City's 46 Championship matches, despite still being an inexperienced figure, and he proved to be a key man.
Playing a fairly disciplined role, Scott scored once and also chipped in with four assists, not to mention averaging 1.8 tackles and 1.1 aerial duel wins per game in the league.
It is no surprise to see that there has been a huge amount of interest in the teenager's signature this summer, and while City will no doubt want to retain his services for as long as possible, they may be under no illusions that his future eventually lies in the top flight.
Scott's current City deal expires in the summer of 2025, so the Championship side will be aware that selling him now could allow them to receive the biggest possible fee, with his price potentially dropping the closer his contract comes to running down.
Wolves are one of the clubs who have been linked with a move in recent months, but now a very contrary report has emerged regarding the current situation of the player valued at €20m (£17m) by Transfermarkt.
Alex Scott West Ham target
Could Wolves sign Alex Scott?
Taking to Twitter, Crook provided a pretty blunt update on Wolves' pursuit of Scott this summer, now claiming that he is not seen as transfer target for the club anymore, dropping out of the battle in the process:
"Reliably informed Wolves are no longer in the race for Alex Scott."
This is undoubtedly a shame to hear, considering how high Scott's ceiling is as a player, having already made 91 appearances for City, despite still only being a teenager, and he is a three-time capped England Under-20 international, too.Pep Guardiola has hailed the Englishman as "unbelievable", which is huge praise from arguably one of the greatest managers of all time – City manager Nigel Pearson has also said that he is a "very unique talent and he's got a very impressive temperament" – and there is every chance that he will end up as a future England senior international.It is essential that Wolves look to bring in young homegrown talent, so if they do ultimately miss out on snapping up Scott this summer, they need to look elsewhere and look for a player of a similar ilk, rather than naturally decide to look abroad for a new midfield addition, potentially hurting their homegrown quota.The hope is that there is time for a twist in the saga, however, with Wanderers changing their stance and Scott liking the idea of heading to Molineux. The City ace would surely learn a lot from playing under a manager of Julen Lopetegui's quality and pedigree, and the Wolves boss himself would surely love to work alongside such a highly-rated young footballer.