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Arsenal are also “in talks” over signing a marquee former PSG player who could come as an alternative to RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, with sporting director Andrea Berta seemingly holding discussions for numerous transfer targets.

Andrea Berta's reported approaches as Arsenal target forward signings

In one of his “first acts” as the Gunners’ transfer chief, Berta reached out to the agents of Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams (Ed Aarons), so the 53-year-old has been working extensively on the club’s recruitment drive for quite some time.

When Arsenal could now announce Martin Zubimendi deal after surprise update

The Spain international is on his way to north London.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 29, 2025

Since then, it’s been reported that Berta’s held “numerous talks” with a succession of targets for the wide area, including Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, with Atalanta star Ademola Lookman and Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma also under consideration at the Emirates (Florian Plettenberg).

Arsenal are described as “very active” in the market, and this is especially true when it comes to their search for a new striker.

A plethora of reports from Portugal in the last fortnight have claimed that Arsenal have offered a contract to Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres (O Jogo), and while this is yet to be backed up by sources closer to home, Sky Germany believe that Berta has at least held extensive talks with the Swedish international.

However, reliable sources with much more recent information indicate that Sesko is emerging as the primary centre-forward target.

Fabrizio Romano, for example, confirms that Arsenal are in “concrete” initial talks for the Slovenia international and a deal is “on”.

Given Arsenal missed out on Sesko last summer and in January, not to mention his price tag is now mooted at up to £93 million (The Telegraph), it is wise for Berta to carry on testing the water for alternative options as well.

Arsenal also "in talks" over Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitiké

Eintracht Frankfurt sensation and ex-PSG striker Hugo Ekitike, who’s fresh off the back of an excellent full debut season in the Bundesliga, is being courted by Arsenal as well.

The Frenchman scored 22 goals and racked up 12 assists in 48 appearances across 24/25, with Eintracht valuing him at around £84 million, which still makes him a slightly cheaper deal to do than Sesko as things stand.

According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, taking to X, Frankfurt and Ekitike have been planning his exit for months, and Arsenal are believed to be one of the sides “in talks” over a potential move for the 22-year-old.

“Hugo Ekitike and the board of Frankfurt have been planning the transfer of the French striker this summer for several months,” wrote Aouna.

“As revealed in March, some European clubs are already in talks, including Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal.

“A meeting is scheduled this week between Ekitike’s agent and Chelsea. Frankfurt are already looking for a substitute and opened talks with Jonathan Burkardt.”

His goalscoring exploits in Germany showcase a fierce talent who’ll surely only get better, leaving little surprise Arsenal are also in the race given their dire need for a striker.

Manchester United are beginning to motor in the summer transfer window and could now make progress in signing a defensive addition, according to reports.

Manchester United look for arrivals after Matheus Cunha

Ruben Amorim is aware there is alot of work to do this summer at Old Trafford and there is plenty of movement expected to occur in both directions, though he can smile at the thought of having Matheus Cunha to work with at the Red Devils.

Signing a five-year deal, the Brazil international will earn £200,000 per week after his move from Wolverhampton Wanderers and could rise to their second-highest earner if Bruno Fernandes leaves the club for Al Hilal alongside other permutations.

Financially, it may be difficult to secure everyone on Manchester United’s shopping list after missing out on around £100 million by virtue of losing out in the Europa League final.

Regardless, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s swinging cutbacks may have left some room for manouvre alongside the aforementioned news that Al Hilal have set a five-day deadline regarding Red Devils captain Fernandes. If the skipper does leave, his goal contributions could be replaced by Bryan Mbeumo, after David Ornstein revealed on Monday that the Cameroon star wants to join the Red Devils.

Defensively, Amorim wants to strengthen his side and could try to land a bargain £15 million deal for Brighton & Hove Albion star Pervis Estupinan.

Big Delap upgrade: Man Utd make approach to sign "unbelievable" £55m star

Manchester United could soon land an upgrade on Liam Delap by going after this sharpshooter instead.

1

By
Kelan Sarson

Jun 1, 2025

Intriguingly, the Ecuador international has just two years left on his deal at the Amex Stadium, which may force the Seagulls to sell before his value begins to dwindle if he doesn’t sign an extension. Now, the Red Devils could be set to pounce for another defender after opening talks over a swoop for his services.

Manchester United could land Udinese star Oumar Solet

According to reports via TBR, Manchester United could land Udinese centre-back Oumar Solet this summer after agent Claudio Pasqualin noted that the 24-year-old may depart the Serie A outfit following talks between both clubs.

Labelled “excellent” by Fabrizio Romano, Solet has notched a solitary goal and two assists in 19 appearances across all competitions, but his main sphere of influence exists at the other end of the field. Making 92 recoveries and winning 20 duels on Serie A duty this term, reports claim that the 25-year-old could move for £34 million, fitting Manchester United’s philosphy of finding value for money on the market.

It is a big summer ahead for Celtic.

After reaching the Champions League knockout stages for the first time in 21 years, heartbreakingly beaten by Bayern Munich 3-2 on aggregate, Brendan Rodgers will demand that his team kick on next season, hence why reinforcements are required.

As Scottish Premiership champions, the Hoops will enter next season’s Champions League in the play-off round, needing to come through a two-legged tie just to return to the league phase.

Currently forecast to be seeded, although that could change, the Hoops’ potential opponents would therefore include Basel, Sturm Graz, Dynamo Kyiv, Rijeka, Malmö, Slovan Bratislava, Ludogorets Razgrad, Lech Poznań and Steaua Bucharest.

Nevertheless, whoever they face, it won’t be easy, hence why Rodgers will want to get his new signings in early, but could one of his most-prized assets actually be on the way out?

The latest on Arne Engels' future

According to reports in Italy earlier this week, Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini has identified Celtic midfielder Arne Engels as one of his top targets, with la Dea having made a ‘concrete attempt’ to sign him.

The Belgian international only arrived in Glasgow as recently as last summer, with the Celts breaking their club-record fee to sign him, costing £11m from Augsburg.

To date, Engels has made 51 appearances in hoops, scoring ten goals and providing 13 assists, named the club’s Young Player of the Year earlier this month.

Nick McPheat of BBC Sports asserts that Celtic ‘are not getting their money’s worth’ just yet, but expects Rodgers to develop Engels into ‘the complete package’.

Nevertheless, having played in the Bundesliga before, the expectation was that, one day, Engels would want to play in a top five league again, but could that day be coming sooner than anyone anticipated?

If he does go, has Rodgers already identified his dream replacement?

Celtic's dream Engels replacement

Earlier this season, Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider documented Celtic’s interest in midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

The 26-year-old joined Chelsea from Leicester City for £30m last summer, reuniting with manager Enzo Maresca, but this move certainly has not worked out for all involved, as the table below emphasises.

As the table outlines, 73% of Dewsbury-Hall’s total minutes this season have come in the UEFA Conference League, starting just two Premier League matches, these coming against Wolves in January and Brentford in April.

The most eye-catching statistic is that he’s played over 100 fewer minutes in the Premier League this season for Chelsea than Axel Disasi and João Félix, both of whom were allowed to leave on loan in January.

Thus, former Scotland international Pat Nevin told Grosvenor Sport that Dewsbury-Hall’s talents are being wasted in West London, saying “it’s a real shame… he is a quality player and hasn’t been able to show that” adding he “needs to be playing football”.

So, could a move to Celtic be on the cards for a player deemed to be worth £21m, as per Football Transfers?

Well, of course, Rodgers was his manager at Leicester, describing Dewsbury-Hall as a “revelation”, also stating “he is a wonderful demonstration of someone who works very hard”, adding that he’s a “real joy” to coach.

So, how does the “sensational” Chelsea outcast – as also dubbed by Rodgers – compare to Engels, the man he could replace in Glasgow’s East End?

As the table outlines, even though Engels has scored more goals and registered more assists, Dewsbury-Hall’s underlying statistics are superior pretty much across the board.

The Englishman completed more of his passes and attempted take-ons, a higher proportion of his shots hit the target, while he’s registered a higher number of progressive carries, shot-creating actions and goal-creating actions.

The Belgian, for his part, has accumulated three and a half times more big chances created.

So, it is clear that Dewsbury-Hall would be an excellent fit for this Rodgers Celtic team; the main challenge will be getting him out of Chelsea without breaking the bank, both in terms of fee and wages.

Celtic want to sign £11m Kyogo replacement who could be Larsson 2.0

Celtic have big plans for this summer transfer window, attempting to sign a highly-coveted new striker who could be even better than Kyōgo Furuhashi.

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By
Ben Gray

May 20, 2025

Manchester United have a huge rebuild on their hands this summer, looking to catapult the club back towards their former glory within the Premier League.

Ruben Amorim has done a superb job to stop the rot at Old Trafford, already implementing his 3-4-2-1 system at the club, looking to transform their recent fortunes.

Whilst they still occupy a place in the bottom half of the table, the 40-year-old has led the Red Devils to a Europa League final, facing off against fellow English side Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the month.

Should they claim another win in Bilbao, the club will be featuring in the Champions League despite their lowly standing, offering the supporters a glimpse of joy in what’s been a dismal year.

If they are to be competitive across the board in 2025/26, new additions are needed to help Amorim in his quest, with numerous players already linked with a switch to Old Trafford.

The latest on United’s hunt for new signings this summer

Matheus Cunha has been United’s most linked player over recent weeks, with the Brazilian international potentially being their first addition of the summer window.

The latest update on his future has revealed that the hierarchy remains in talks with his representatives over a move to the North West, also looking to trigger his £62.5m release clause.

However, the 25-year-old isn’t the only player on their list this window, with PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma emerging as a key option for the manager this summer, according to one Spanish outlet.

The report claims that the Red Devils are preparing to lodge a £50m bid for the 26-year-old during the off-season, looking to bolster the options in the goalkeeping department.

It also confirms the club are looking to take advantage of his current situation with the Ligue 1 outfit, with his contract set to expire in the summer of 2026.

Why United’s £50m target would be their best since Bruno

Bruno Fernandes has been the shining light for United throughout 2024/25, often producing the goods in key moments and helping Amorim’s side reach the Europa League final.

The Portuguese international has registered 36 combined goals and assists in his 53 appearances, heads and tails above the tallies produced by any other first-team member.

Such form has led to former Red Devils star Gary Neville claiming that the 30-year-old is the only player in the last decade to have lived up to expectations after moving to Old Trafford.

The quote is hardly a surprise given the fact that he’s registered at least 20 combined goals and assists in every one of the seasons he’s spent in Manchester after joining from Sporting CP back in January 2020.

However, Donnarumma could be the club’s best signing since Fernandes, should he move to the club this summer, massively improving the options at the manager’s disposal.

Andre Onana has been the number one option between the sticks this campaign, but has often come into question for his mistakes, making five errors leading to goals across all competitions.

A deal for the Italian would hand the side an added bit of quality, with his moments of magic handing hand the Red Devils the added quality they’ve been craving in such a department.

Donnarumma, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti, has made an average of 2.2 saves per 90 – capable of producing flashes of individual brilliance – as seen against Arsenal in the Champions League.

He’s also completed 87% of the passes he’s attempted, allowing Amorim’s side to play out from the back, whilst making zero errors leading to goals – handing the club a reliable option between the sticks.

The ‘keeper has also shown his quality in preventing penalties, making two crucial saves in the penalty shootout against England in the final of Euro 2020, with the Italian certainly a huge piece of the club’s rebuild.

It will be interesting to see whether the Ligue 1 outfit will entertain selling their number one this summer, with his contract predicament one that needs to be resolved.

However, if he was given the green light to switch to England, it could be the catalyst for any success endured in the next few years, undoubtedly landing one of the very best talents in his position.

He'd be unplayable with Amad: Man Utd make £42m talisman their top target

Manchester United have wasted no time in targeting reinforcements for Ruben Amorim’s side.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 10, 2025

Leeds United are back in action in the Championship this evening as they prepare to host play-off hopefuls Bristol City at Elland Road in the penultimate game of the campaign.

The Whites secured their promotion to the Premier League on Easter Monday, after their 6-0 win over Stoke City, but still have to battle it out with Burnley to win the title.

Daniel Farke’s side need to win this evening to go back to the top of the division, and the German head coach could make a change to his starting XI by dropping Brenden Aaronson from the side.

Why Brenden Aaronson should be dropped

The USA international was selected in the number ten position for the handsome win over Stoke last week, but was the only member of the attack who ended the game without a goal contribution.

Wilfried Gnonto scored a goal, Manor Solomon provided two assists, and Joel Piroe, of course, scored a staggering four goals, whilst Aaronson did not deliver a goal or an assist.

The American midfielder did not create any ‘big chances’ for his teammates and missed the only ‘big chance’ that came his way, as he failed to get in on the action against the Potters.

Chalkboard

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

Aaronson has scored one goal and failed to provide any assists in his last 14 appearances in the Championship for Leeds, which is why it could now be time, after promotion has been secured, for Farke to ruthlessly ditch him from the side.

The rarely-seen Leeds star who should replace Brenden Aaronson

The former Norwich City head coach should unleash the rarely-seen Largie Ramazani in his place, either as the number ten or out wide, with Gnonto moved into a central position.

It has been a difficult season for the Belgian dynamo since his permanent move from Almeria last summer. He has only started seven of his 27 appearances in the second tier and has been an unused substitute in four of the last five matches.

Ramazani, who was described as an “explosive” forward by journalist Joe Donnohue, has shown flashes of quality in the second tier this season, as shown in the clip above against Norwich City earlier this term.

As you can see in the table above, the 24-year-old star has been directly involved in six goals in the Championship, despite only starting seven times to date, which shows that the potential is there for him to make a big impact in the final third.

This is why Farke must consider bringing the rarely-seen whiz into the starting XI against the Robins this evening, because he could provide a threat at the top end of the pitch that they have not had with Aaronson in the team over the past 14 matches based on his return of goals and assists against his lack of game time.

Farke is brewing a Piroe upgrade in Leeds teen with "masses of potential"

Leeds United could have a top star for the future in this highly rated youngster.

By
Kelan Sarson

Apr 27, 2025

Ramazani could, then, use these last two matches of the season to prove to Farke and the club that he has what it takes to be a part of their Premier League campaign next season.

Rangers are now certain to end the Scottish Premiership campaign trophyless after bowing out of the Europa League on Thursday night, with all eyes now turning to the summer window and how Barry Ferguson’s side can rebuild.

Rangers out of Europa League after defeat to Athletic Bilbao

The Gers battled for every inch of grass against Bilbao during their blockbuster quarter-final second leg in Spain, but the hosts and star young winger Nico Williams’ quality eventually proved too much for them.

Rangers: Attacking 4-3-3 manager wanted at Ibrox is now "ready" for return

He’s been linked with a move to Glasgow.

By
Charlie Smith

Apr 17, 2025

One of Europe’s most in-demand young forwards was a nightmare to deal with, and sealed Bilbao’s place in the semi-finals with a late header at Ferguson’s expense – ending the 90 as deserved winners overall.

There are many pundits and supporters alike who are convinced Rangers should’ve been awarded two penalties, one for the glaring shirt pull on Cyriel Dessers, and another for handball inside the box. It’s hard to argue against their case, particularly for Dessers, so the game wasn’t without its controversy.

While they couldn’t quite get past Bilbao on the night, there were promising signs from Ferguson’s men, who fashioned chances of their own against very tough opposition in the La Liga heavyweights, but didn’t quite have the ruthlessness to finish them off.

“The work-rate was there, but the quality at times wasn’t, and I spoke about that to the players after the game,” said Ferguson on Rangers’ defeat to Bilbao.

“They understand that as well. It’s going to hurt, this one, but we need to go away and reflect a bit. That’s not just the players but myself too. Then we need to come on Monday morning and finish the season as strongly as possible. They’re disappointed because they know the qualities we’ve got.

“They worked hard enough and that’s never been in doubt since I’ve come through the door. It’s just that quality in the middle third, and final third that we just didn’t quite get right. I want them to hurt because I’m hurting. We’re all disappointed but we have five games not and we need 15 points.”

Rangers players tipped to leave as part of Ibrox overhaul

With the summer window looming, Rangers must now regroup and prepare for next campaign, where they will be looking to knock Old Firm rivals Celtic off their perch.

BBC journalist Tom English, speaking to Sportsround on Thursday night after the defeat to Bilbao (via Ibrox News), suggested that out-of-contract trio Tom Lawrence, Ianis Hagi and Neraysho Kasanwirjo – who all carry a market value worth of a combined £5 million according to Transfermarkt – could be in line for Ibrox exits, alongside Leon Balogun.

“Tom Lawrence is out of contract,” he said. “[Ianis] Hagi is out of contract, [Neraysho] Kasanwirjo, [Leon] Balogun, so they can maybe do something there, but they need to get rid of more, and they need to bring in more.”

However, before any new arrivals come in, the club must make a decision on whether to hand Ferguson the full-time manager role or employ another name for the hot seat. According to recent reports, Steven Gerrard is among the managerial names in contention for the Rangers job.

When Liverpool beat West Ham United, responding after losing against Fulham one week earlier, it felt like a corner had been turned. Perhaps that defeat at Craven Cottage was the final twist in the overtures of a certain Premier League triumph.

The ribbons will turn red this season. Later this afternoon, Liverpool have the chance to win the top-flight title against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium, should they return to winning ways on the road and second-placed Arsenal fall at Ipswich Town earlier in the day.

Though Mikel Arteta’s attention is almost solely focused on the continental stage, this feels improbable, if not out of the question. In any case, it’s a matter of when, not if, Arne Slot will join an exclusive list of managers to lift the Premier League trophy on their first attempt.

Leicester might be doomed but they still have quality in attack and will look to capitalise on any Liverpool complacency.

Liverpool team news

Trent Alexander-Arnold is back in first-team training after his ankle injury suffered against Paris Saint-Germain at Anfield last month.

However, Conor Bradley looks set to reprise his role at right-back, with the under-fire Andy Robertson pushing for a recall after his cameo last week, skewing into his own net off the bench following a mix-up with the skipper.

Joe Gomez remains absent due to an ankle injury, but Darwin Nunez could feature after missing out on Merseyside one week ago.

Nunez might be destined for departure this summer, but his return does boost a Liverpool frontline looking to return to its best.

That’s not to say the Reds have been poor in attack lately, but Mohamed Salah hasn’t scored in five games, Diogo Jota and Nunez are out of sorts and Cody Gakpo hasn’t got going again since recovering from injury.

How Slot can respark Liverpool's frontline

Liverpool looked somewhat back to normal last weekend as they secured victory over West Ham, all but sealing the already overwhelming odds in the title race following Arsenal’s draw at Brentford.

Salah, after renewing his contract, produced a stunning trivela assist for Luis Diaz, the one man in Slot’s attack who is very much on form right now.

However, the Egyptian, 32, will be desperate to return his name to the scoresheet as he looks to build on his haul of 32 goals across all competitions

For whatever reason, it’s not quite clicking for Salah in front of goal. But it will again. With Trent not fit enough to start from the outset, Slot might be inclined to unleash Harvey Elliott in midfield, perhaps replacing Dominik Szoboszlai.

Liverpool enjoy the Hungarian’s tireless running but a more fixed creative point could be the perfect solvent of unfluent play in and around the final third.

Having featured prominently under Jurgen Klopp last year during Liverpool’s injury-hit spell, Elliott has played a reduced part since the spinning of the managerial wheel, yet to even start in the Premier League this year. Still he’s got six goal involvements across the different competitions.

And it’s not as if he hasn’t demonstrated his capacities when given a shot. As per FBref, Elliott ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for all of goals, assists and shot-creating actions, the top 3% for progressive passes and the top 5% for progressive carries per 90.

This perfectly illustrates his ball-playing game and skill in driving into dangerous positions, but most importantly, it underlines his ability to maximise his output when reaching such junctures, something Salah will be eyeing hungrily.

As you can see, Elliott’s playing a bit part for the first time since his debut campaign, having only featured six times in 2021/22 but starting on four of those occasions before suffering a season-ending injury at Elland Road.

Elliott, described as a “special talent” by Sky Sports’ Neil Mellor, hasn’t played all that much this season, but he has showcased his vast playmaking skills on numerous occasions. For example, Liverpool might have been abject in their Carabao Cup final defeat against Newcastle United, but subs combined to score a late consolation, the young midfielder expertly playing Federico Chiesa through.

Ultimately, claiming that Liverpool are out of sorts simply isn’t true, having won five of their past six Premier League matches, but fans have been frustrated by the lack of spark in the centre at times this term and Elliott surely deserves a starting berth having been limited to full appearances in the cup competitions.

He’s come up trumps on several occasions, notably scoring the winner in the first leg against PSG, but now the £40k-per-week talent needs a chance to show he can pull strings in the Premier League and bring Salah back into goalscoring form.

Salah doesn’t dribble as much as he used to but he’s hardly averse to an electric burst, and with Elliott’s crisp timing, it could be the perfect tonic for his recent struggles to break the net.

Elliott has acknowledged Salah for “teaching him” over the past several years at Liverpool, and now he has the chance to repay his tutor on what could be a momentous day for the Merseysiders.

Leicester won’t want to repeat some of their dismal displays of late, but if Elliott gets into a creative flow and connects with Salah, the Foxes simply won’t have a say in the matter.

Worth more than Huijsen: Slot has hit the jackpot on Liverpool "monster"

Liverpool hope to employ this star for many years to come.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 18, 2025

Manchester United are still clinging on by their fingernails this season, with the Red Devils having been left with a slim chance to end the campaign on a high, should they triumph in the Europa League.

Much like eight years earlier, when Jose Mourinho claimed glory in the competition during his debut season in charge, United have been forced to throw all their eggs in one basket, ahead of Thursday’s first-leg tie away at Ligue 1 side, Lyon.

Should Ruben Amorim steer his side to victory in Bilbao in May, not only would it help to paper over the cracks of another wretched year at Old Trafford, but – more importantly – it would also book the club’s place back in the promised land of the Champions League.

In essence, success and failure in Europe could have long-standing consequences for Amorim’s side moving forward, with the lack of continental action potentially set to hamper the club’s transfer activity.

The United hierarchy will be drawing up potential targets with those two outcomes in mind, albeit with there seemingly such targets who the Manchester side will be desperate to land regardless of what happens between now and the start of the window.

Latest on Man Utd's transfer search

It may have passed many supporters by, yet the Red Devils have actually already landed their first signing ahead of next season, with the club having secured the signature of Paraguayan teenager, Diego Leon, back in January, with the 17-year-old set to link up with Amorim and co this summer.

The £6m capture of the exciting wing-back follows on from the £1.5m addition of Arsenal’s Ayden Heaven during the winter window, with the INEOS model seemingly centred on scouring the globe for the best young talent out there.

That search may also go hand in hand with acquiring players who are ready-made for Premier League action, with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite – who is still only 22 – seemingly fitting the brief in that regard.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The England international was the subject of bids from United last summer – the last of which totalled £45m – and according to Caught Offside, the club could revive that interest this time around, with those at Old Trafford said to be preparing a bid for the 6 foot 5 sensation.

It remains to be seen if that offer – which is likely to be in the region of £50m – would be enough to tempt the Toffees into a sale, with the report indicating that both Liverpol and Real Madrid are also keeping close tabs on the centre-back’s situation.

It could then be a ‘complicated’ deal to do, as the piece notes, although landing the young Englishman from the Merseyside outfit could represent a real coup – just like Wayne Rooney before him.

Why Man Utd could be set to land Rooney 2.0

There was a time when it seemed the norm for United to be able to poach the very best that the Premier League had to offer, be it Louis Saha, Carlos Tevez, Dimitar Berbatov, Michael Carrick and, of course, Rooney.

Snapped up from Goodison Park on a £27m deal back in 2004, following his explosive exploits at that summer’s European Championships, ‘Wazza’ went on to cement hero status over the next 13 years in Manchester, having claimed a raft of silverware while scoring 253 goals in all competitions – surpassing Sir Bobby Charlton’s long-standing record in the process.

While Rooney’s United spell may have ended somewhat abruptly amid his departure for Everton in 2017, at the age of just 31, few can forget his heroics in his pomp, with United certainly securing value for money on their initial investment.

Hopefully, a similar scenario could occur if Branthwaite rocks up at the Theatre of Dreams over the coming months, with the towering defender possessing the stature and the youth to be able to cement a role for himself over the next decade or so at United.

The Carlisle native was signed from his boyhood club for just £1m back in 2020, before notably announcing himself while on loan at PSV Eindhoven during the 2022/23 season, with then-boss Ruud van Nistelrooy hailing his rising star as “very complete” during that fruitful stint in Holland.

Since forcing his way into the Everton first-team ranks at the start of the following campaign, Branthwaite simply hasn’t looked back, in truth, with data analyst Ben Mattinson describing him as a “ball-playing physical beast” due to the full array of his talents.

While he has perhaps been unable to showcase that ‘ball-playing’ quality in a defensive-minded Everton side, his ball-winning prowess is there for all to see. Indeed, in the top-flight this season, he ranks in the top 2% for clearances made per 90, while last term, he ranked in the top 15% for interceptions and the top 18% for aerial duels won, as per FBref.

Like Rooney – who had two years in the Toffees’ senior ranks before moving to United – Branthwaite has proven himself enough during his two full campaigns in the Premier League to suggest he could thrive at Old Trafford, with the loss of Lisandro Martinez to injury seemingly opening up the door to a role as the left-sided centre-back under Amorim.

Such a deal may not prove as exciting nor glamorous as the capture of Rooney just over 20 years ago, yet moving for another promising English talent could help to build the foundation for success in the years to come in Manchester.

Let’s just hope David Moyes doesn’t play hard ball…

Bad news for Mainoo: Man Utd ready move for "out of this world" £52m star

Man Utd are seeking to bolster their midfield ranks this summer

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By
Robbie Walls

Apr 8, 2025

Heat, who dropped crucial catches in the field, were all out for 149 in response to Scorchers’ 172

AAP12-Nov-2025A trademark Beth Mooney masterclass century set up Perth Scorchers for a 23-run win over Brisbane Heat to get their WBBL season up and running.Mooney made a scintillating 105 off 73 deliveries to power the Scorchers to 172 for 3 at Allan Border Field. Heat, who dropped crucial catches in the field, were all out for 149 in 19.1 overs. Mooney finished the match as she started it with a brilliant direct hit at the non-striker’s end to run out Nicola Hancock.Mooney was at her composed best from the get-go. She was particularly severe on the leg side initially, where she flicked several deliveries to the fence with consummate ease. She brought up her half-century off 42 balls without breaking stride before upping the ante in an innings that included three sixes. A straight six off Jess Jonassen was sublime, as was a ramp to the boundary off Nadine de Klerk that went straight over wicketkeeper Georgia Redmayne’s head.She took to the first over of the power surge, flipping a six off Nicola Hancock in an over that went for 21 runs.”I probably just went through different phases. I was hitting it really nicely early and then was trying to hit it a little bit hard through the middle and then came good towards the end,” Mooney told AAP.”In those innings you have to hang in there when it is getting a bit tough. I thought Brisbane bowled really well, Lucy Hamilton in particular in the surge. It just showed if you bowled in the right areas it was tough to score. We managed a decent score and held them off at the end.”Mooney received outstanding support from opening partner Katie Mack (31) in an 89-run opening stand. She was dropped on 32 by Charli Knott when she splayed a drive towards third man.Mack was put down at slip by Annie O’Neil first ball off Lucy Hamilton and then again by Knott at short fine leg when on 19 from the bowling off Jess Jonassen. Paige Scholfield (22) came to the crease and continued the momentum.In reply, the big-hitting Grace Harris – playing her first match of the campaign for the Heat after recovering from a calf injury – made 46 off 30 balls before being bowled.Jonassen was then run out without scoring in a horrible mix-up with Knott (32), and it was 4-84. It was always going to be a bridge too far from there despite big hitting from West Indies powerhouse Chinelle Henry (39 off 23).In the end it was Mooney who owned the match at a venue she knows so well.

Aston Villa are now leading the race to sign Borussia Dortmund forward Julian Brandt, who could be available for a bargain fee in the January transfer window.

Villa have been much-improved since the end of September, winning eight of their last ten matches in all competitions, having started to be much more clinical in front of goal, as showcased in the 4-0 victory against AFC Bournemouth at the weekend.

Emiliano Buendia was particularly impressive against the Cherries, receiving the Player of the Match award after opening the scoring with his third Premier League goal of the season, while the Argentinian also has two assists to his name.

UnaI Emery certainly isn’t short of top-quality options in attacking areas, and the manager will no doubt be extremely pleased that one of his key players recently put pen to paper on a new deal.

However, despite having a breadth of talent in forward areas, with Ross Barkley and Donyell Malen also getting on the scoresheet against Bournemouth, the Villans are now looking to sign a new attacking midfielder.

Aston Villa now leading race for Julian Brandt

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Aston Villa are now leading the race for Borussia Dortmund star Brandt, who could be in line to leave the German club in the January transfer window, given that he is yet to extend his contract beyond the end of the current campaign.

Talks over a contract extension are ongoing, but the 29-year-old is open to a move, and he is regarded as a ‘creative upgrade in midfield’ by Villa.

With the German’s contract set to expire in the summer, he could be available for a bargain fee this winter, but there could be competition, as rival Premier League sides are also in the race, alongside clubs from the Serie A and La Liga.

The Bremen-born attacking midfielder is yet to test himself outside his home country, but he has proven himself as a reliable source of goals and assists over a number of years with Dortmund and former club Bayer Leverkusen.

Lauded as “incredible” by journalist Manuel Veth, the ex-Bayer Leverkusen man has averaged 0.47 assists per 90 over the past year, which places him in the top 2% of all attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues.

As such, Brandt clearly has the talent to succeed in the Premier League, and he could be a solid signing for Villa, but it wouldn’t be the end of the world if they miss out, considering Emery already has the likes of Rogers and Buendia at his disposal.

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By
James O'Reilly

Nov 5, 2025