All posts by z3u9t.icu

Manchester United are keen to kick on under Ruben Amorim and could now be set to target a defender as part of a two-pronged solution to bolster their ranks.

Man Utd look to tie Harry Maguire down to contract extension

Harry Maguire was the man of the hour for the Red Devils last weekend after scoring the decisive goal in their victory over Liverpool at Anfield, though there is still a question mark over his future with the New Year now approaching.

The England international earns around £9.8 million annually at Old Trafford and has more than proved his worth. With that in mind, former chief scout Mick Brown made it clear to Football Insider that the defender appears primed to extend his stay.

He explained: “As long as he’s still got an important role to play, for Manchester United, I still feel there’s a willingness from all parties to get a new contract done.

“Maguire is very much open to staying at Man United. There’s been talk of reported interest from the Saudi pro league, but Maguire would prefer to stay at Manchester United as long as the terms are right.”

Leny Yoro appears to be a natural long-term heir once Maguire moves on. However, there is still a collective realization that further defensive reinforcements are needed to ensure the Red Devils can challenge for major silverware under Amorim.

Man Utd now eyeing "world class" Brazilian youngster who wants to be the next Casemiro

The Red Devils want to add midfield quality in 2026.

BySean Markus Clifford Oct 24, 2025

January promises to be another significant milestone during his reign, and new blood will be imperative if aspirations of qualifying for continental football is something that is on their agenda.

With that in mind, Amorim may now have turned his attention towards a star who could solve one of his key concerns at Old Trafford.

Man Utd could kickstart January transfer spree with Ousmane Diomande

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are keen to land Sporting star Ousmane Diomande, who has a release clause deemed to be in the region of just under £70 million.

Nevertheless, there is belief that he could be attainable at the £43.6 million mark, and Amorim views the Ivorian, previously labelled “assured” by Goncalo Tristao Santos, as someone who could fit perfectly into his complex tactical set-up.

Intruigingly, the youngster profiles as the next Thiago Silva from a statistical standpoint, ranking similarly to the PSG and Chelsea legend in goal threat, passing ability and aerial prowess.

Most similar players to Ousmane Diomande – (FBRef)

Thiago Silva

Fluminense

Sergio Ramos

Monterrey

Nehuen Perez

Porto

Jeison Palacios

Nashville

German Pezzella

River Plate

Athletic Club midfielder Oihan Sancet has also been budgeted for in what could be a combined spend on both players of almost £105 million. However, Diomande would be an impressive arrival due to his ability to play out from the back and willingness to take on responsibility.

Making four appearances acros all competitions this season, the 21-year-old is currently suffering from a muscle injury, though it is believed that his relationship with Amorim could see a swift transition into starting matches at Old Trafford.

The mid-season window is nearing and Manchester United appear to be preparing their strategy in plenty time, which will delight supporter as they aim to keep pace with the Premier League’s big-hitters.

Something feels different about Arsenal this season, doesn’t it? The Gunners sit pretty at the top of the Premier League table and they have a 100% record from their three Champions League matches.

A year ago, it was a struggle. Multiple red cards and injuries plagued a heavily talented squad and, until the latter stages of European competition, they struggled to hit top gear.

Yet for all of the reliance on set-pieces, for all of the ridiculous comments on long throws in recent days, Arsenal looks like the best team in the land.

Steady on. We know. Let’s not count our chickens just yet, but everything is looking rather rosy. Mikel Arteta’s men have shipped just one open-play goal all season and are yet to concede in the Champions League.

Their forward line, as demonstrated in that stunning 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid, is improving all the time too.

That’s hardly a surprise. Andrea Berta – once of Atleti’s parish – invested KSE’s money heavily over the summer on the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze.

Gyokeres went nine goals without finding the net before his brace on Tuesday night. The relief and delight were clear to see on the Swede’s face.

The number 14 has some way to go before he can be considered an all-time great but amidst Arteta’s setup, there are a few faces beginning to make themselves modern icons. Gabriel Magalhaes is the prime example.

Why Gabriel is now the best centre-back on the planet

Swing in a corner or set-piece and there is usually one result. Gabriel will be on hand to head home.

His record in recent years and indeed this season has been extraordinary. No central defender across the top five leagues in European football has scored more goals than his tally of 22 since 2020.

The big Brazilian is inevitable and his remarkable record in 2025/26 has only strengthened his argument as the best goalscoring defender around.

In his last five games, he has scored twice and also picked up two assists. There was that crashing header in the dying embers to win the game at Newcastle United and he followed that up by flicking on Bukayo Saka’s corner for Leandro Trossard’s winner at Craven Cottage a few days ago.

His performance against Atleti, however, was colossal. It was the 27-year-old who headed the Gunners in front from Declan Rice’s teasing free-kick and it was Gabriel who got on the end of Rice’s corner minutes later in the second half. He didn’t find the net this time but he did put it on a plate for Gyokeres to score from a matter of yards out.

But, can he defend too? You bet he can. Gabriel is one of the sternest central defenders in the land.

He has been dribbled past just 0.4 times per game in the league this season and is winning 77% of his ground duels. For context, of Premier League defenders to win more than ten ground duels in 2025/26, he ranks joint-fifth for percentage of ground duels won. He sits level with Virgil van Dijk in that regard.

1. Joel Veltman

89%

2. Noussair Mazraoui

82%

3. Daniel Ballard

78.57%

3= Trevoh Chalobah

78.57%

4. Kenny Tete

77%

5. Virgil van Dijk

76.92%

5= Gabriel

76.92%

Defenders who have won 10 + duels only

So, he’s a set-piece menace. He’s a warrior, he’s a leader of men and he’s a pretty damn good defender too.

Is there anything Gabriel cannot do? Perhaps not. He is undoubtedly one of the best players we’ve seen in the Emirates Stadium era. But, is he the best?

Arsenal's best player since Arsene Wenger retired

While Arsene Wenger’s final few years at Arsenal were not as victorious and triumphant as the early days, he is still remembered fondly. Besides the great Herbert Chapman, he is the finest manager the club have ever had and he had some remarkable players in his armoury.

Whether it was Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira or Robert Pires, the greats of Arsenal were around when Wenger was.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Yet, since he retired, the Gunners have struggled and it’s not until recent years that Arteta has transformed them into title challengers again.

The aforementioned Gabriel has been a big part of that. As has Saka. Without him, there’s a very realistic chance that Arteta wouldn’t even still be in the job.

During the infancy of the Spaniard’s coaching career in north London, it was the Hale End marvel who got the Gunners out of plenty of sticky situations.

Yet, in recent years, they’ve found a transformational player, a generational talent who looks like he could eclipse some of the best players we’ve seen at Arsenal since Wenger walked away. Mesut Ozil? He’s making a bigger impact than him. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang? He’s certainly earned more respect than their former no.14.

Even better than Gabriel and Saka? Arguably so. Rice is your man and he’s becoming one of the finest specimens in world football.

Back in 2023, Edu and Co moved heaven and earth to bring the England international to the Emirates, paying a club-record £105m to sign him from West Ham. They fended off serial winners Manchester City to do so. It was a landmark move.

Well, since heading to Arsenal, Rice has made that fee look like a bargain. Since when has that sort of money ever looked cheap? Well, West Ham must be cursing their luck that they did not get more bang for their buck.

The midfielder was a mighty fine player at West Ham but he has gone on another level after his big-money move.

At the Irons, he was seen as a defensive midfielder but Arteta has transformed him into one of the best, if not the best box-to-box midfielder in the land. Rice’s work rate is simply incredible and his ability to win the ball back is second to very few.

But, at Arsenal, he’s now become a threat in the final third. He scored nine goals and registered ten assists last term, his best tally in a single season.

While the 26-year-old has only scored once in 2025/26, he has registered four assists, all from set-pieces. Indeed, that’s one area where Rice has been exceptional, particularly in the last year.

You won’t need a reminder but we’ll bring it up again anyway. His free-kicks against Real Madrid last season were a thing of beauty. However, it’s his delivery into the box that stands out most.

He was involved in two of the four goals against Atleti this week, swinging in a delicious ball for Gabriel to head home and then firing in the corner that led to Gyokeres’ second.

In the words of Sky Sports reporter Sam Blitz, the Three Lions star is now “the best set-piece taker in world football.”

If you didn’t think Rice could get any better, think again. He is the perfect all-rounder. Gabriel is a menacing centre-back and Saka’s creativity skills are sublime. Yet, the £240k-per-week earner has it all. He can score, he assist, he can defend and he’s arguably got the best set-piece delivery in Europe.

Few will argue against just how good Rice has been since he moved across London. The best signing we’ve seen since Wenger left? It’s hard to suggest he hasn’t been.

Eddie Howe didn’t rip things up ahead of Newcastle United’s crunch Premier League clash against Manchester City, but instead opted for smaller tweaks to arrest the slide in form that had cast an air of frustration across Tyneside.

Hope reigned across the November international break that the Toon would undergo a systematic reset, with three defeats from four leaving the club down in the bottom half. But Howe got it right, and Pep Guardiola was sent packing with none of the spoils.

With Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga, ostensibly the Magpies’ two most talented wide forwards, out of sorts, it was crucial that Howe saw some other attacking stars step up.

Newcastle's evolving frontline

When Newcastle sold Alexander Isak to Liverpool for a British record fee, it was a poignant moment. But Newcastle have evolved, and Nick Woltemade has proved by this stage his potential to be a star in the Premier League.

Theoretically, the 23-year-old German’s technical quality on the ball and his willingness to roam, dropping deep and aiding the pacy wingers either side of him, should give rise to Gordon and Elanga’s qualities, but it hasn’t happened yet.

Harvey Barnes is thriving, though. The prolific left winger scored twice to sink City, and that’s three in two Premier League matches for him.

Then, of course, Jacob Murphy continues to add flair and industriousness down the right flank. This is important, given Elanga’s own woes. Murphy, 30, worked so hard against his tide of the opposition, and he still managed to showcase his creativity, creating three chances and completing four of six attempted crosses, as per Sofascore.

We haven’t even mentioned Yoane Wissa, who was involved in Saturday’s celebrations but remains sidelined after joining from Brentford this summer. The DR Congo striker will add a new dimension to Howe’s frontline and offer a more traditional take than Woltemade, an interesting counterpoint.

These are all influential forwards, but it might be that Newcastle are developing another more influential member of their squad. This player offers shades of Erling Haaland, and yet he’s anything but a striker.

Newcastle's own version of Haaland

Haaland is one of the best players in the world, and, at Manchester City, his influence is unmatched.

Newcastle might not have anyone in their side who comes close to the Norwegian in terms of attacking output, but Malick Thiaw is beginning to single-handedly define his side’s defensive strength, and in this, he could curiously become United’s own version of the free-scoring machine.

Newcastle completed a £35m move for Thiaw in August, reinforcing a backline that was crying out for some extra depth last season.

Hailed as an “absolute steal” of a signing by one United content creator, who lauded Thiaw’s “Saliba-esque” presence in central defence, this is a defender who has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water, and this was underscored and then some upon keeping Haaland at bay on Saturday.

Haaland failed to score, but his physicality and the scare factor that comes into play when he’s involved were both negated by the Germany international, whose willingness to go one-on-one and engage with crisp and combative challenges emphasise the level of player Newcastle have reeled in. One podcast host actually marvelled at the display and said, “he might be the Premier League’s next elite centre-back.”

Mentality is just as important as technical mastery, and luckily, the £75k-per-week Thiaw offers both elements in bucketloads.

Sofascore record that he made seven clearances and six ball recoveries against City, timing a last-man challenge just right.

Moreover, Thiaw is already sitting pretty across some intriguing statistical metrics. In the Premier League this season, for example, the 24-year-old ranks among the top 15% of centre-backs for interceptions, the top 13% for blocks, the top 9% for ball recoveries, the top 15% for progressive passes and the top 9% for progressive carries per 90 (data provided by FBref).

Couple that with his remarkable success rate in the duel, both in the Premier League and out on the continent this season, and you begin to see why so many Newcastle supporters are boarding the hype train at this early stage of his English career.

Matches (starts)

9 (8)

4 (3)

Goals

0

0

Assists

0

0

Touches*

52.7

57.0

Accurate passes*

35.1 (86%)

43.8 (91%)

Recoveries*

4.1

4.8

Tackles + interceptions*

2.4

1.8

Clearances*

5.0

3.3

Ground duels*

1.4 (68%)

1.5 (55%)

Aerial duels*

3.1 (72%)

3.3 (76%)

Errors made

0

0

Error-free, confident on the ball and commanding in defensive phases, Thiaw is a “monster” of a centre-half, in the words of journalist Martino Puccio, and he’s only going to keep getting better as he settles into his role on Tyneside.

Given the current struggles of Sven Botman – who started from the bench at St. James’ Park at the weekend – and the ageing legs of Dan Burn and Fabian Schar – Newcastle’s new central defender may well far outstrip his positional competition and enter a league of his own.

In this way, he could emulate Haaland’s own matchless presence at the Etihad Stadium and establish himself as a one-of-a-kind talent on Tyneside, becoming not just one of the best players in Newcastle’s first team but a figure to be feared across the entire continent, just as Haaland is right now.

PIF can fund Anderson move by selling Newcastle star who's a "nightmare"

Newcastle are proving themselves to be a team in transition this season.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Nov 25, 2025

Manchester United’s summer transfer window of 2020/21 did not go the way they had intended it to at the start of the summer.

The club, then managed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, were strongly rumoured to want to sign the likes of Jack Grealish and Jude Bellingham, but they ended up signing very different players.

Their marquee signing that summer was legendary striker Edinson Cavani, on a free transfer. The Uruguayan striker had left Paris Saint Germain just months before, with United eventually snapping him up in October, at the end of what was an extended transfer window.

Young wingers Amad and Facundo Pellistri were also signed during the summer window of 2020, from Atalanta and Penarol respectively. Both are slowly beginning to make a name for themselves in the first team and have enjoyed successful loan spells, with Amad scoring an incredible late winner against Liverpool in the FA Cup last April.

Brazilian left-back Alex Telles, who now plays for Saudi side Al-Nassr, was also brought in by United that summer, from Porto. He struggled to nail down a starting spot during his time at Old Trafford.

However, there was one other signing, who still remains at this club to this day, who has never settled in at Old Trafford and could well depart four years after he made the move to Manchester, to make room for potential incomings such as Manuel Ugarte.

Midfielder to leave Man Utd

The player in question here is Donny van de Beek, who joined United from Ajax in 2020, for an initial £34.6m, which could rise to £39m due to add-ons. However, after a tough time at Old Trafford, he could be in line to leave the club this summer.

At least, that is according to a report from Tyrone Marshall, a journalist for the Manchester Evening News. He reports that United are “working on a permanent exit” for the Dutchman, who himself would like to leave Old Trafford.

A potential destination for the player has not been made clear at this stage, although his loan to Eintracht Frankfurt did not offer any clarity on his future.

The German side declined to turn his loan spell at the club permanent, deciding against activating the £9m buy-clause in his contract. However, United will search for a new club this summer, given Van de Beek’s contract expires in 12 months, with the club not willing to let him leave for free.

Why Man Utd should cut their losses

Van de Beek’s time at United has been very frustrating for all parties, given his lack of game time and injury record. He has played just 62 times for United in all competitions across his four seasons at the club, scoring twice and registering two assists. Not only that, but he has missed 52 games for the Red Devils due to injury.

Incredibly, the Dutchman is one of the top 15 highest earners at United and is currently within the top 10 highest pay brackets at the club. This is certainly a problem for United, given his lack of minutes at Old Trafford, hence why a sale is best for all parties, meaning United can reinvest that money.

Amount per week

Player(s)

£350k

Casemiro

£300k

Marcus Rashford

£250k

Mason Mount

£200k

Antony

£195k

Jadon Sancho

£190k

Harry Maguire

£150k

Luke Shaw, Christian Eriksen

£120k

Victor Lindelof, Andre Onana, Lisandro Martinez

£90k

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Donny van de Beek

£85k

Rasmus Hojlund, Diogo Dalot

The player who they could bring in as an alternative to Van de Beek is Ugarte. The PSG midfielder is thought to be “close” to joining the Red Devils, as reported by Diego Munoz of ESPN Uruguay.

The pair are nothing alike in terms of their midfield profile, with Van de Beek a number 10 who likes to pick the ball up in pockets behind the striker, and PSG’s number four a defensive midfielder who excels as a ball-winner, exactly what United are missing.

As per Fbref, he averages 5.97 tackles and interceptions and 8.14 ball recoveries per 90 minutes, both of which rank him in the top 1% amongst midfielders in Europe.

Incredibly, Van de Beek is worth substantially less than the Uruguay international, according to Football Transfers. The former Ajax man is valued at just £4.3m, compared to Ugarte’s valuation of £35m, a whopping £30.7m less than the PSG midfielder.

It really seems as though selling Van de Beek to make room for the likes of Ugarte might well be the best possible move for United to make this summer. Not only would they be allowing the Dutchman to rebuild his career elsewhere, but they would be saving money on wages and adding a profile to their squad that fits better.

Therefore, ten Hag must brutally ditch him from the squad before the end of the summer transfer window as he continues to reshape his midfield options.

Two more Arsenal players are in ongoing talks to leave the Emirates Stadium with Emile Smith Rowe, who is said to be on the verge of a move to Fulham.

Smith Rowe close to joining Fulham from Arsenal in £35 million deal

The Hale End academy graduate, thanks partly to a knee injury last season, played just 347 minutes in the Premier League last season and started just three of his 13 top-flight appearances under Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal contact elite European club over signing £150,000-per-week forward

The north Londoners have reached out to them.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 25, 2024

Smith Rowe, who scored 10 league goals and registered a further two assists for Arsenal during the 2021/2022 season, his best campaign to date, also found himself competing with a host of star attackers to regain his place in Arteta's first team.

The Englishman has been heavily linked with a summer exit as a result, despite just how highly-rated he is in north London. Reliable journalist Charles Watts said earlier this week that Arsenal are reluctantly prepared to sell Smith Rowe for the right offer, and allow him to gain minutes elsewhere.

Arteta would ideally like to keep Smith Rowe at the club, but the attacking midfield ace is keen to play regular football and that is something which Arsenal cannot guarantee.

Appearances

115

Goals

18

Assists

13

Yellow cards

2

Red cards

0

Minutes played

5,846

(via Transfermarkt)

“In an ideal world, Mikel Arteta would keep Smith Rowe," said Watts.

"This time last year he made it clear that he would not be sold and I think his stance would be the same this time around if it was just down to a footballing decision. But Smith Rowe now has just two years left on his contract and has a strong desire to be playing regular football having sat on the bench for much of the last two seasons.

"So Arsenal would reluctantly let him leave should a good offer arrive from Fulham, Palace or anyone else."

Following on from that update, that desired bid appears to have arrived from Craven Cottage. As reported by The Guardian and other reliable media sources, Smith Rowe is now closer to joining Fulham in a £35 million deal, which would be a club-record fee for Marco Silva's side.

Fulham are believed to be confident of wrapping up an agreement soon, but Smith Rowe isn't the only player who could be departing London Colney in the near future.

Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson in talks to leave Arsenal

According to talkSPORT, both Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson are both actively attempting to find a new club as well.

The duo, on a combined £200,000-per-week, also found themselves struggling for consistent places in Arteta's starting lineups last season – and have been regularly tipped for the exit door before deadline day on August 30.

It is believed both Nketiah and Nelson are both in talks to leave Arsenal with Smith Rowe, but talkSPORT don't expand on which sides they are in discussions with. Nketiah has attracted serious interest from Marseille recently, with some reports claiming terms have been agreed, while Nelson has been a target for West Ham.

Rangers are reportedly confident that they will secure the signing of an "amazing" 23-year-old ace this summer, with fresh comments claiming their interest in him is "legit".

Rangers transfer news

Last season was a good one at Ibrox, even if the Gers fell short in their quest for Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup glory, having to settle for the Scottish League Cup instead. Philippe Clement's side feel close to matching Celtic despite his short time at the helm, and new signings this summer will take them up another level.

Plenty of fresh faces have already come in, from Jefte to Connor Barron, and highly-rated 17-year-old Motherwell ace Lennon Miller has been linked with a move to Rangers this summer. He is arguably seen as an alternative or an addition to Joan Jordan, with the Sevilla midfielder 13 years his senior and also backed to seal a switch to the Scottish giants.

The Gers are believed to have submitted an offer for Porto attacker Goncalo Borges, too, as Clement looks to add to his attacking options, finding more match-winners in the process. He is a two-cap Portugal Under-21 international, as well as representing his country in three other youth age groups in the past.

Atletico Nacional striker Edier Ocampo is another mooted target for Rangers between now and the start of next season, with an offer already tabled for his services.

Rangers' interest in "amazing" ace is "legit"

Meanwhile, speaking on the Transfer Show, Simon Halloran claims that Rangers' interest in Morgan Whittaker is "legit", with club chiefs seemingly confident of getting a deal over the line for the Plymouth Argyle striker:

"We’re continuing to be linked with Morgan Whittaker. As far as we’re aware, this is legit, that we’re wanting him. We wouldn’t be pursuing if we didn’t believe a deal could be done."

Whittaker could be exactly what Clement is looking for this summer, adding a genuine goal threat to the squad after a standout season for Plymouth. The 23-year-old scored 19 times in the Championship in 2023/24 overall, which is more than any Rangers player managed in the Scottish Premiership – James Tavernier topped the pile with 17 – and he has also been lauded by Plymouth's director of football Neil Dewsnip.

"Well done Morgan Whittaker. He has excited us here throughout the season. He has scored some amazing goals and to get selected in that team with the quality that exits in this league is a major achievement. He should be really proud of himself. The supporters I hope enjoy watching him play."

It is hard to find many negatives when it comes to Rangers signing Whittaker, considering he is still a young player who has already proven himself in the English Championship, which is arguably one of the most competitive and relentless leagues in the world.

Rangers can forget about Jordan with move for "midfield machine"

Philippe Clement could lure a Premiership sensation to Ibrox during the transfer window…

ByRoss Kilvington Jul 29, 2024

The fact that those high up at Ibrox are reportedly confident of getting their man can only bode well, assuming Halloran is on the money with his update, and the Englishman could jump at the chance to represent a huge British club.

Aston Villa have now tabled an offer to sign a forward who models his game on Sergio Aguero, it has been reported, with Unai Emery's side already handed an answer.

Villa reconsidering attacking additions

After Ollie Watkins' exceptional Premier League season at Villa Park, the priority was to find a suitable backup for the England international this summer. But that depended on outgoings. For much of the summer it looked promising, with Jhon Duran drawing interest from first Chelsea and then West Ham United in recent weeks.

However, the pair have looked elsewhere after it proved difficult to meet Aston Villa's £40m valuation of the Colombian striker, with West Ham signing Niclas Fullkrug and Chelsea in advanced talks to sign Atletico Madrid striker Samu Omorodion.

It has left Villa with Duran still at the club ahead of their Premier League opener against West Ham at the London Stadium. Recalled striker Cameron Archer is also in situ and there is little room to sign an expensive new striker to compete with Watkins or provide high quality cover in instances where the Englishman is injured or unfit.

Perfect for UCL: Aston Villa want £325k-p/w "phenomenon" who's like Benteke

He is set to leave his club this summer

ByJoe Nuttall Aug 8, 2024

As a result, they could now have to pivot their transfer plans to sign a younger, less experienced striker for a lower fee and attempt to turn them into the next superstar, much like they did with the likes of Ezri Konsa in defence. And reports in Turkey suggest they may have found their man.

Villa table offer for teenage striker

That comes with Villa one of two clubs who have reportedly tabled an opening offer to sign highly-rated Turkey striker Semih Kilicsoy this summer. The 18-year-old can play across the frontline, with Besiktas using him as a left-winger and a striker across the 2023/24 campaign.

That was his breakthrough season in Turkey, with Kilicsoy making 23 appearances in the Super Lig and grabbing 12 goals in the process, a run of form that saw him handed his debut for the Turkish national team ahead of EURO 2024 and named as part of Vincenzo Montella's squad for the competition, though he played just a single minute.

Semih Kilicsoy's 23/24 season (all competitions)

Appearances

35

Starts

24

Goals

12

Assists

3

Minutes per goal/assist

139

Speaking earlier in the season, Besiktas football academy director Mehmet Eksi likened him to Gerd Muller, but revealed Kilicsoy himself prefers another comparison.

"As youth coaches, we compare Semih to Gerd Müller. Some compared him to Agüero. He also sees Agüero as his idol", he explained.

Now, Turkish outlet Sabah reveal that Fulham and Aston Villa have both tabled bids for his services this summer, with Emery's reported offer around 18m euros (£15.4m). However, they add that both have been knocked back, with Kilicsoy still having four years left to run on his £8,000 a week deal in Turkey and Besiktas in no rush to part ways with him.

It is unclear whether either side will return for the teenager in the remaining weeks of the transfer window, but should they opt not to and the striker enjoys another strong season, they could well see themselves muscled out by other suitors in 12 months time.

Looking to beat the clock ahead of the deadline, Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly agreed a deal to sign a midfielder who could replace Mario Lemina in a deal worth over £17m.

Wolves transfer news

Whether the headlines have named Axel Disasi, Kevin Danso or Coady, it’s been no secret that Wolves have been after another central defender ever since welcoming Emmanuel Agbadou at the beginning of the window. Up until the deadline, the Midlands club have faced more and more frustration, however, with Danso eventually choosing Tottenham Hotspur, Disasi seemingly closer to Aston Villa and Coady off the table.

In pursuit of Premier League survival, Vitor Pereira’s side have a matter of hours left until the window slams shut and they’re denied the chance to welcome what would be a crucial addition. It’s not just potential incomings taking place at Molineux either, with Mario Lemina also threatening to steal the headlines on the exit front and reportedly closing in on an exit to join Galatasaray.

Senior Wolves player now gives green light to join new club in late twist

He recently saw an earlier potential move exit collapse…

1 ByTom Cunningham Feb 3, 2025

As the former captain departs, he could yet finally make room for a fresh arrival though. According to Foot Mercato’s Santi Aouna, Wolves have now reached an agreement to sign Marshall Munetsi having initially opned talks with Stade de Reims in pursuit of the defender.

In a deal set to be worth over €20m (£17m), Wolves are reportedly confident that they’ll get the reinforcement that the so desperarely need. At 28 years old, the experienced Reims defender represents an option who should need little time to make his mark and develop into a viable option for Pereira in the remainder of his side’s campaign.

Munetsi can reunite with Agbadou

In one January swoop, Wolves could end the window with two players who already know each other well in Munetsi and Agbadou, who played together at Reims this season. Replacing Lemina at the same time, the 28-year-old will be looking to make an instant impact and build on what has been an impressive campaign at times.

Starts

19

15

Progressive Passes

26

48

Progressive Carries

8

8

Goals

4

1

As the stats show, Munetsi should also provide more of an attacking threat than Lemina in what should be a boost for Pereira’s side in the face of Jorgen Strand-Larsen’s recent injury.

The midfielder may not be the end of Wolves’ business just yet either, given their aforementioned need for another central defender. Just who that will be remains to be seen, however.

For now, the Midlands club are at least on course to welcome a much-needed replacement for Lemina as he heads to Galatasaray. All being well, Wolves will hope to have their new signing on show as soon as their next Premier League clash – a difficult trip to Anfield to face league leaders Liverpool.

Sheffield United really did flex their muscles during the winter transfer window with a mammoth seven new signings entering the building.

Three of those fresh recruits joined right at the death on deadline day too, with left-field faces Christian Nwachukwu and Jefferson Caceres relocating to England from Bulgaria and Peru respectively, alongside forgotten Crystal Palace centre-back Rob Holding joining on loan.

The last of those new arrivals could signal the end of this Blades stalwart’s concrete space in the XI, as Chris Wilder now goes about tinkering with his side..

The Sheffield United player who could be axed after Holding's arrival

This would be a harsh alteration to make, but Holding’s arrival on the scene could displace United captain Jack Robinson in the starting lineup moving forward.

After all, despite wearing the captain’s armband with pride when selected, the ex-Liverpool man has only started 17 of his side’s 30 Championship contests this season, meaning they would be able to survive without him regularly playing in the heart of defence.

When he has been fit, however, Robinson has been a consistent performer for the Blades over the years, with seven strikes next to his name from 140 games, alongside also being a brave battler at the back.

This campaign so far, Robinson has also won 4.9 duels per league contest when starring alongside his equally formidable partner in Anel Ahmedhodžić, with Wilder once even labelling the former Reds youth product as “excellent”.

But, the 57-year-old will be well aware that Holding wouldn’t have chosen to join the Blades on loan if he didn’t think regular minutes were going to come his way, with Wilder succeeding in the past few games with some last-minute alterations that could give him the confidence to boldly start the Palace outcast straight away.

Chris Wilder's success changing the Sheffield United lineup

Indeed, United’s last win away at Derby County saw Wilder throw both Harry Clarke and Hamza Choudhury straight into the first-team fold for their debuts.

On top of that, both Ben Brereton Diaz and Tom Cannon remained in attack at Pride Park fresh off playing just one game prior for their new employers, only for all these surprise calls to pay off come full-time.

Minutes played

78

62

90

90

Goals scored

0

1

0

0

Assists

1

0

0

0

Touches

19

27

64

60

Accurate passes

8/12 (67%)

16/19 (84%)

34/43 (79%)

27/33 (82%)

Successful dribbles

1/3

1/2

3/3

0/0

Total duels won

1/6

1/7

8/12

7/12

Looking at the table above, it’s clear from the numbers put in by the quartet that all four fresh faces left their mark on the 1-0 win, with both Cannon and Brereton Diaz combining well for the only strike of the day.

Whilst the new attacking pair showed off their prowess in front of goal, both Choudhury and Clarke showed off their dogged natures in helping their team grind out a hard-fought victory on the road with 15 combined duels won.

Therefore, it’s not completely out of the question that the Blades boss would gamble on introducing Holding straight into the first team fold, with the loan defender one figure who could be a capable performer at the level when up to full speed glancing at his 92 career Premier League appearances.

Holding will need to fight hard to secure a starting spot for good, however, with Robinson a rock at the back Wilder can rely on.

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Manchester United fell heavily by the wayside under Erik ten Hag, and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before him; Jose Mourinho, previously, left hot under the collar after his progress unravelled like a spool of string in the wind.

Ruben Amorim has suffered a turbulent time at Old Trafford since replacing his hard-pressed predecessor, but he’s starting to turn a corner. His tactics are sinking in.

Just imagine how high the Portuguese tactician could reach should INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe equip him with a perfect spread of new signings this summer.

However, United have their financial difficulties and will need to sell in order to buy. Signing a striker is among the priorities for the Red Devils, but luckily, neither of Amorim’s recognised centre-forwards have proved they deserve a star role in the years to come at the Theatre of Dreams.

Man United's striking woes

United claimed a point in Sunday’s Manchester derby, which was very much emblematic of the issues presented to both neighbours right now.

Chiefly, the stalemate highlighted glaring deficiencies in attack, especially for the hosts’ part. Rasmus Hojlund toiled once again, replaced by Joshua Zirkzee in the second half. The Dutchman, who was signed from Bologna last summer for £36.5m, “offers a lot more” than his teammate, according to The United Stand’s Beth Tucker.

Even so, he’s not the long-term solution as the star focal frontman.

Minutes played

71′

19′

Goals

0

0

Assists

0

0

Touches

15

11

Shots (on target)

0 (0)

2 (1)

Accurate passes

7/9 (78%)

4/6 (67%)

Key passes

0

0

Dribbles

0/0

0/0

Duels won

1/4

1/2

Hojlund, Man United’s £72m number nine, was a non-entity once again. At least Zirkzee, replacing him with just under 20 minutes left to play, sought to make things happen, sought to take some initiative.

With just three goals from 26 Premier League appearances this season, Hojlund, who is 22, is apt for sale this summer, especially when considering that he’s averaging 0.8 shots per game.

How much Man United could recoup for a player like Hojlund, who is clearly talented but has endured a torrid time of it this year, remains to be seen.

However, the Dane will need to part with his red shirt if things are going to improve. United, for that matter, have identified the perfect replacement for Hojlund, and only by selling him will they be able to pounce.

INEOS make bid for new striker

As per Spanish sources, Man United are very much in the running for Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, who has been one of the most prolific players in Europe over the past couple of years.

The Athletic confirmed last week that Arsenal have bumped him up to the top of their wish-list given Newcastle United are staying firm on their £150m valuation of Alexander Isak, but INEOS will hope that Amorim’s connection with the Portugal champions could see a bid from United hold sway.

Gyokeres, 25, is the gold standard, and the Red Devils know it. In fact, the report suggests that they have already offered a €75m (£64m) figure to take him off Sporting’s hands and reunite him with his former gaffer, albeit with Chelsea in the same boat.

Why Man United should sign Viktor Gyokeres

For what it’s worth, former Tottenham star Rafael van der Vaart remarked that Gyokeres is “a better version of Haaland,” owing to his more complete and dynamic skill set.

The data, in fairness, takes a step toward backing such an audacious claim up. As per FBref, Gyokeres ranks among the top 2% of forwards across Europe over the past year for goals scored, the top 5% for pass completion and shot-creating actions and the top 4% for progressive carries per 90.

So then, you see why he’s such a covetous man right now. Given that he fronted Amorim’s system at Sporting, posted 66 goals and 23 assists across just 68 matches for the young manager, you begin to see why INEOS are so desperate to bring him over to Manchester this year.

Such a powerful, precise and imposing number nine must leave Bruno Fernandes giddy at the thought of playing with him. Man United’s skipper, the all-inspiring talisman and all-embracing leader, has been the brightest light to emerge from a dreary campaign, popping up with big moments and providing creative support and defensive relief in nearly every fixture he competes in.

The 30-year-old is so many things for his team, but his chance creation is quite literally second to none, surely something that may tempt Gyokeres to move to Old Trafford and lead the line for Amorim’s side, charged as he would be by Fernandes’ consistent playmaking.

1.

Bruno Fernandes

30

74

2.

Cole Palmer

30

71

3.

Mohamed Salah

31

70

4.

Dejan Kulusevski

27

62

5.

Enzo Fernandez

29

60

While he wouldn’t come cheap, Gyokeres is the perfect profile for United and if signing a striker is neglected this summer, it’s hard to see how Amorim is going to close the huge gap between his team and their rivals.

There’s all the Sweden international’s clinical nature to consider. Sofascore record that he has missed 22 big chances across Liga Portugal and Champions League campaigns this season, scoring 36 goals across the two competitions.

That’s an insane level of composure and success in the ball-striking department. Truly, if such prowess can be translated to the Premier League, United could return to the forefront of the division, especially with Fernandes pulling the strings from behind.

Make no mistake, this is a player of greatness, a player who, in different circumstances, would be heralded with more effusive praises. Instead, he has remained committed to the United cause.

Fernandes has tasted a few pieces of silverware since walking through the gates, but if partnered with Gyokeres in a purring Amorim system, there’s no telling how high this club might reach.

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