All posts by h716a5.icu

Manchester United are enjoying a stellar campaign so far, yet it’s one that has included both 6-3 and 7-0 defeats to their arch-rivals, Manchester City and Liverpool, respectively.

Erik ten Hag is bringing back the feel-good factor to Old Trafford, no doubt about it, however he still has some work to do this summer if he wants to keep improving – as those shambolic losses illustrate.

Despite Marcus Rashford’s goals – the Englishman having netted 27 for the season across all fronts – the Red Devils desperately require a world-class number nine and although summer arrival Lisandro Martinez has impressed this term, another centre-back should be on the list, with Harry Maguire looking likely to depart.

The Englishman has only started five Premier League matches under Ten Hag, and he was even described as looking “lost” by writer Hesham Bilal-Hafiz against Fulham in their FA Cup quarter-final tie last weekend, suggesting he is on his last legs in a Man United shirt.

The summer transfer window could be an interesting period for the club and with Champions League qualification looking likely, the Dutchman will eye new talent.

Could Axel Disasi join Manchester United?

According to French news outlet Foot Mercato, United could soon be about to launch a move for Axel Disasi, who is currently playing for AS Monaco, this summer as Ten Hag looks to strengthen his defence.

The report claims that the French is valued at €50m (£44m) if he is to move to England this summer, and it is a fee United can certainly afford, especially if they sell Maguire and some other deadwood.

Indeed, both Maguire and Victor Lindelof could be sold ahead of 2023/2024 according to Football Insider, therefore signing another defender a key priority in the transfer window.

Not only does Disasi prove to be more of a goal threat compared to Maguire (five goal contributions to none) but he has also registered more tackles won (17 to four), blocks (40 to 15), interceptions (45 to seven) and won a higher percentage of aerial duels (71% to 54.5%), clearly demonstrating how effective he is at the heart of the defence.

The “dominant” titan – as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig previously – stands at 6 foot 2 tall and his aerial ability could be extremely useful in the United backline.

A move for the 25-year-old would give Ten Hag a licence to say bye bye to Maguire and with his performances this season proving to be underwhelming, it will represent another step forward in the club's new era under the former Ajax manager.

Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner, who is a contender for the Tottenham job after Antonio Conte, was actually interviewed for the role back in 2021.

Managers linked with the Spurs job

Chairman Daniel Levy looks set to begin his search for a permanent Spurs manager this summer after Conte and the north Londoners agreed to part ways by mutual consent. Cristian Stellini, alongside assistant coach Ryan Mason, will take charge of the Lilywhites for the rest of this Premier League season while the hunt for Conte's successor goes on in the background.

There are many names linked with the managerial role at Tottenham, perhaps most notably Mauricio Pochettino, a real fan favourite at the club, and former Bayen Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann in the last week. Ex-Barcelona boss Luis Enrique, who is also a free agent after leaving the Spain national team, has also been heavily tipped as a contender for the now-vacant Spurs managerial role.

In terms of bosses currently in employment, one coach who has been mentioned consistently as a Spurs target is Glasner – with rumours suggesting that contact has even been made.

The Bundesliga manager is out of contract in 2024, meaning he could leave Frankfurt next year, and no progress has been made on tying him down to a new deal so far. Reliable journalist Alasdair Gold has now provided his own update, writing for football.london and naming Glasner as one of the managers Levy could turn to after sacking Conte.

He adds a pretty interesting bit of background, namely that the Austrian was actually a candidate to replace Jose Mourinho back in 2021. Gold claims that Spurs "interviewed" Glasner that year as Levy weighed up who could come in after Mourinho, but the Lilywhites chief eventually turned to Nuno Espirito Santo.

Could Glasner work wonders at Spurs?

Interestingly, the 48-year-old does have plenty of credentials if Spurs do consider him for the role this summer. Glasner deploys a similar three at the back system to Conte, meaning players like Pedro Porro, who were arguably signed for his formation, could slot in seamlessly.

As well as this, Glasner's Eintracht side have been praised for their 'intense' and 'aggressive' football by rival managers like Marco Rose. Having won a Europa League last year, beating Scottish giants Rangers in the final and knocking out West Ham in the semis, Glasner also possesses a degree of trophy-winning pedigree.

Leeds United have reportedly finalised a move for FC Barcelona forward Ilias Akhomach ahead of the summer.

The Lowdown: Transfer rumour

Akhomach was first linked with a move to Yorkshire last month after Victor Orta met with the player’s representatives.

Since then, a deal has seemingly gathered real pace, with speculation over a four-year deal with the Whites after his contract wit the Catalan giants expires.

A new update has now emerged, with Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers Enterprises seemingly securing a first summer signing.

The Latest: Agreement reached

A Spanish outlet shared a transfer update in the last 48 hours regarding Leeds and Akhomach. They said the player has ‘reached an agreement’ to move to England after finalising a transfer with Leeds.

The report adds that Akhomach was in demand as Elland Road wasn’t the only offer on the table, with his days at the Nou Camp now numbered.

The Verdict: Next Leeds gem?

The Whites have had plenty of success when it comes to bringing in a number of unknown teenagers and turning them into first-team stars.

Illan Meslier and Pascal Struijk both arrived as teenagers and have gone on to become regulars in Yorkshire, with Meslier making 118 appearances and Struijk 87.

More recently, the club have reaped the rewards of signing Wilfried Gnonto, who has gone on to impress under former manager Jesse Marsch and new head coach Javi Gracia. The Italy international has contributed to six goals in 19 appearances, with Gabby Agbonlahor already a big fan:.

“He’s a top player. He might not be on Raphinha’s level just yet, as he’s only 19 – but he’s got that directness, that scary pace.

“He could do better with his final ball or with his finishing – but that will only get better and better in the future.

“I can see him being at that Raphinha level in the next couple of seasons.

Leeds will be hoping that Akhomach can make a similar impact to that of Gnonto in Yorkshire next season, where hopefully, the Whites will be preparing a fourth successive season of Premier League football.

Akhomach has already made three senior appearances for Barcelona, so a move could prove to be a shrewd one in the long run, with the 18-year-old primarily a right-winger who can also play on the left or through the middle and is valued at €3m (£2.7m) by Transfermarkt.

Leeds United have outlined their attack as a real point of concern in recent weeks, yet their match against Brighton and Hove Albion suggested that perhaps it is not the only area for improvement.

The Whites have become a massively struggling outfit, with Javi Gracia the new man desperately trying to ensure their continued status in the Premier League next season.

However, following the results over the weekend, the Spaniard has seen his side drop into the relegation zone.

They were even quite fortunate to gain a point over the Seagulls, so things could have been even worse had they not fought back with such vigour.

Perhaps instead of seeking to solve their scoring problem, they could instead employ a tried and tested tactic for avoiding the drop of shoring up the defence.

One potential partner for the experienced Max Wober to achieve this could come from the academy, in the form of Diogo Monteiro.

Who is Diogo Monteiro?

Having signed in January, the Portuguese youngster arrived with vast potential backing him and a sparkling future ahead.

He had previously impressed in Switzerland for FC Servette, and across his three recorded games had outlined himself as a fine ball-playing defender. His 83% pass accuracy was underpinned by his two duels won and one clearance made per game (via Sofascore).

Football scout Ron Dor has been particularly vocal in his praise for the 6-foot stopper, labelling him a “beast in the making” who has very quickly become a “monster”.

With a penchant for stepping out from the back to start attacks, and the youthful confidence to facilitate this, he could make a fine foil to sit beside Wober, who has starred since his January introduction.

In the Premier League, the Austrian boasts a 7.00 average rating, and averages 1.8 interceptions, 1.7 tackles and 3.3 clearances per 90 (via Sofascore).

It is clear he is more than capable of picking up the defensive slack that Monteiro might leave, whilst the 18-year-old can act as the catalyst for turning defence into offense.

By unleashing him, it could not only add an extra layer of solidity and confidence at the back but coincidentally help bolster their attack too as the teenage sensation would launch them on his own.

Chelsea have been touted with an interest in RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol, who announced himself on the world stage with some resounding performances at the 2022 World Cup with Croatia.

What’s the latest on Gvardiol to Chelsea?

Having impressed during the early phase of his career, Gvardiol attracted the attention of Chelsea in the dying embers of the January transfer window according to French outlet Foot Mercato.

More recently, according to the Daily Mail, Blues owner Todd Boehly will now have to wage battle against the likes of Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester City, with the respective outfits impressed by the calibre of sustained performance the 21-year-old prodigy is forging.

Gvardiol reportedly has a €110m (£97m) release clause with Leipzig, and while this might seem somewhat excessive, his potential surpasses the level of most defenders English football has witnessed, and a move might bow forthcoming as Boehly looks to continue his £550m spending spree.

Who could Gvardiol replace at Stamford Bridge?

Given the lucrative nature of the arrivals of the aforementioned defensive trio, it’s highly unlikely the west London outfit will look to move them on any time soon, and while veteran centre-back Thiago Silva is beloved and brilliant at Stamford Bridge, Gvardiol’s particular set of skills leave him in good stead to take the Brazilian phenom’s throne.

Silva recently signed a one-year contract extension with Chelsea, retaining his services until the end of the 2023/24 season, but at 38-years-old, plans must be put in place to replace the titan.

A solid argument could be made that Blues boss Graham Potter already has the tools to move on from Silva’s time at the club, with the defender instrumental in winning the 2020/21 Champions League in his maiden season with the outfit.

But Gvardiol, prodigious and precocious, could indeed emerge as one of Europe’s first-rate of his position, having already plied 75 matches for his German Bundesliga side, scoring four goals and four assists apiece.

As per FBref, the 19-cap gem ranks among the top 1% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for attempted passes, the top 9% for progressive passes and the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90, illustrating a ball-playing prowess that aptly fits the mould of the stellar modern defender.

Silva certainly boasts a similar arsenal, ranking among the top 2% of positional peers for attempted passes, the top 19% for progressive passes and the top 15% for assists per 90 – with the passing semblance almost uncanny, Potter could well be prudent to boldly ditch his established pro and inject vibrance and vitality in the shape of this arresting talent.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig even proclaimed Gvardiol to be “the Haaland of defenders”, such is the dominance of his defensive work.

Erling Haaland, who signed for Man City from Borussia Dortmund for £51m last summer after activating his release clause, has obliterated defences and scored 33 goals and provided five assists from 34 matches across all competitions.

While there could be no greater polarity between the roles of the two players, Gvardiol is a monster in his role, dominant and providing an edge that belies his youthful years.

And with Silva firmly within the twilight era of his illustrious career, a tailor-made replacement could become available this summer, with the opulence of the Chelsea system providing all the tools to make a swoop and complete a signing to strike fear into the rest of the footballing world.

Transfer expert Dean Jones says that Newcastle United target Conor Gallagher would prefer to stay closer to London should he leave Chelsea this summer.

The Lowdown: Strong interest

Newcastle reportedly made an enquiry to take Gallagher on loan late on in the January transfer window, but Chelsea did not want to negotiate.

However, it is claimed that a potential deal could be revisited in the summer, should the St. James’ Park outfit come up with a suitable cash offer.

The Latest: Gallagher blow

Writing in his column for GiveMeSport, Jones says that Gallagher would prefer to stay as close to London as possible, should he leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

He describes the update as a potential ‘blow to Newcastle’, with reports that the central midfielder could even end up signing a contract extension.

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The Verdict: Move on

It sounds like Gallagher would not be particularly keen on a move to the North East, and so the Tynesiders need to swiftly move on to other targets.

Hailed as a ‘monster’ by football content creator and Crystal Palace supporter Tom Dutton, the Englishman showed what he is capable of in a loan spell at Selhurst Park, where he managed Player of the Season award.

Still only 23, Gallagher has plenty of potential, and could play more regularly at the Magpies than the bit-part role he is now used to at Chelsea.

Nonetheless, it is imperative that the Toon bring a new midfielder in, with Jonjo Shelvey allowed to move on and both Matt Ritchie and Matty Longstaff out of contract this summer.

Melissa Reddy has reported that the Glazers are unwilling to sell Manchester United amid Avram Glazer’s Wembley appearance.

The Lowdown: A long and drawn-out takeover process

Man United have received two very public bids for the club in the form of a Qatari investment group and also one from boyhood fan Sir Jim Ratcliffe, although both are said to be below the Glazers’ valuation.

Avram Glazer made the slightly surprising decision to attend the club’s Carabao Cup final victory on Sunday and was seen post-match in the tunnel alongside legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

The fact that the owner was celebrating and congratulating the players in the tunnel and then was also reportedly in the dressing room post-match, may suggest he is looking to get to know the group as he’s not planning on leaving any time soon.

The Latest: Glazers not looking to leave anytime soon

Reddy was at Wembley on Sunday and spoke about what the feeling is now like around the Glazers and how they are not seemingly willing to sell at the moment.

She said: (0:40) “This strategic review they’re having to invite bidders and look at investment, they were expecting a greater uptake and we know there are only two public bidders and none of them have gotten close to the £6 billion valuation Manchester United’s owners want.

“They feel that the club, when you look at the potential or commercial growth, how they factor in emerging markets and just what a massive sporting asset this is, it doesn’t matter how much debt the club has, it doesn’t matter how much the infrastructure is going to cost, it doesn’t matter how much in transfer fees they owe.

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“The Glazers believe that you should be puffing your chest out to own Manchester United and if you want to take it from them you’ve got to put the money down.

“So at the moment, it seems like they’re very, very reluctant to part with the club, especially if they don’t go anywhere close to their valuation.”

The Verdict: On-field success may keep the Glazers around

While the last six years have been blighted with misery and missing out on silverware and the Champions League spots, with Erik ten Hag picking up his first piece of silverware as Man United boss, this could well have seen the Glazers change their mind on selling the club.

For the Glazers to just walk away from one of the biggest sporting clubs in the entire world would be a huge decision, but one they will have to make in the near future with the Qatari investment group claiming they will only talk about a 100% purchase of the Red Devils and not just become investors.

If Ten Hag can restore Man United to their glory days – which could be possible given the start of his tenure – then the Glazers may feel as if sticking around could be best for them and their own personal wealth and gain.

Newly-promoted Nottingham Forest are interested in signing Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones this summer, according to Midlands-based journalist Trent Hutson. 

The lowdown: Liverpool prodigy

A product of the thriving youth system at Anfield, the youngster captained the club at numerous age groups whilst making his way through the ranks on Merseyside.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Toxteth native was fast-tracked to the first team and capped off a Merseyside derby debut to remember with a majestic strike in January 2020 whilst on a rapidly upwards trajectory, amassing 41 goals in 80 outings for the young Reds at under-18 and under-23 level.

After 73 appearances for the first-team under Jurgen Klopp, a move away could now be the next step in the 21-year-old’s development…

The latest: Forest keen on Jones

Taking to Twitter, Hutson has claimed that Forest are looking to land the England under-21 starlet on loan this summer.

The reporter stated: “I’m told #NFFC will explore the possibility of bringing Curtis Jones to the club this summer. Caution to be taken given the MAX TWO loan rule in the Premier League. Strong relationship & trust between Steve Cooper and #LFC. Cooper previously worked with Jones at England and #LFC”

The verdict: On one condition

Spending time out on loan and obtaining regular Premier League action would undoubtedly be a huge positive for Jones’ development. However, Liverpool – and Klopp in particular – must ensure that the squad allows for such a departure to take place without having an adverse impact on the playing ranks at the AXA Training Centre.

Last season, the flamboyant ace scored once and provided four assists in 27 appearances across all competitions for the Reds, starting 11 top-flight matches in the process. Those levels of involvement are unlikely to be found from other midfielders within the current squad, as Thiago, James Milner, Fabinho, Naby Keita and Jordan Henderson are already stretched to their very limits of exertion.

Far from an affront to the prospects of the youngster, who is valued at £25.2m and under contract until 2025 (Transfermarkt), the Scouser should remain an integral part of the future on the red half of Merseyside; and any loan move which may manifest itself this summer would very much be viewed as a short-term way of progressing a supremely talented individual.

Held in high regard by Steven Gerrard himself after the Anfield icon hailed Jones as a ‘top player’ during his time in charge of the under-18s, Liverpool should be reticent to sanction any exit for the talented youngster until another genuine first-team midfield option is through the door.

In other news: Liverpool now considering big-money move for ‘world class’ powerhouse, read more here

Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could make a shock move to Manchester United this summer, according to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook.

The Lowdown: Ox set to leave

The 28-year-old looks highly likely to leave the Reds before the start of next season, having dropped way out of favour under Jurgen Klopp, despite being hailed as ‘fantastic’ by Rio Ferdinand.

Oxlade-Chamberlain didn’t play a single minute of action in the last couple of months of 2021/22, suggesting there is no future for him at Anfield.

The midfielder’s current deal expires next summer, meaning this is the last chance for Liverpool could receive a good amount of money for his services.

The Latest: Journalist makes shock claim

According to talkSPORT‘s Crook, United are ‘contemplating’ making a shock move for Oxlade-Chamberlain, as they look to bolster their options moving forward.

If the Reds are willing to accept an offer of £10million, it is claimed that their bitter rivals would attempt to sign him.

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The Verdict: Surely not?

It would be a huge shock if Oxlade-Chamberlain opted to join United this summer, given the rivalry that exists between the two clubs throughout history.

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His legacy would be tarnished by doing such a thing, as Michael Owen has shown in the past, while Liverpool will also surely be looking for more than £10million for their player.

Oxlade-Chamberlain will almost certainly leave this summer but expect to see him at a different Premier League club than United, with former side Southampton also mentioned in the report.

In other news, James Pearce is thrilled by a piece of Liverpool transfer news. Read more here.

Talks are ‘in progress’ between Manchester City and Leeds United for midfielder Kalvin Phillips, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

The Lowdown: Fernandinho’s departure

After nine years in Manchester, Fernandinho is set to leave the Etihad Stadium this month upon the expiry of his contract.

The 37-year-old went on to become a staple in City’s midfield, having amassed a stunning 383 appearances for the club. The former Brazil international helped the Sky Blues to lift a sensational 14 trophies, five of which were Premier League titles.

Given Fernandinho’s imminent departure, Pep Guardiola will be analysing the market in search of an adequate replacement, someone who can take hold of the reins in midfield.

The Latest: Galetti’s news

Leeds stalwart Phillips has previously been reported to be on City’s radar this summer; and taking to Twitter, Galetti has now shared the latest news on the 26-year-old’s proposed move to the Premier League champions.

He outlined: “Contacts between #ManCity and #Leeds for Kalvin #Phillips are in progress. The aim of the [Blues] is to get to the heart of the negotiation soon in order to anticipate the high competition. #Calciomercato #Transfers #MCFC”

The Verdict: Good replacement

With City set to miss Fernandinho’s defensive strengths, the prospective arrival of Phillips could help to fill the void in Guardiola’s midfield.

When compared with positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, the England international ranks in the 98th percentile for pressures, the 97th percentile for tackles and the 96th percentile for blocks (via FBRef).

Described by legendary manager Fabio Capello as ‘the best modern midfielder’ he has seen, it is easy to understand why the Citizens are so keen on bringing the Leeds native to the Etihad, as he appears to have the attributes to be their long-term successor to the iconic Fernandinho.

In other news: Sky Sports expert says club could have agreement in place for Kyle Walker