Manchester United have appointed Erik ten Hag as their new manager to join the club this summer, and there is already mounting speculation about players who may join him to be part of the new era at Old Trafford.
What’s the latest?
The Athletic has reported that Man United have begun “exploring” the idea of bringing Kalvin Phillips to the club this summer.
The sports publication tweeted: “MUFC have begun exploring the prospect of £50m move for Kalvin Phillips.”
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Ten Hag masterclass
If the Red Devils were able to convince Phillips to leave his beloved boyhood club at Leeds United to join Ten Hag this summer in Manchester, it would be an incredible coup for the club and would be the first masterclass in the new manager’s revolution.
The £38k-per-week ace who was hailed “outstanding” by Martin Keown and a “destroyer” by Steve McLaren, has been a force for the Yorkshire club in their push for promotion to the Premier League and last season when they finished 9th in their first season in the top-flight, as well as being a standout performer for England in the Euros last summer.
In midfield for Manchester United, Phillips is the exact profile of player that the team needs to integrate to improve the possession of the ball and control games better in the centre of the pitch, which has been a huge problem for the current team who, for example, lost the ball 167 times against Newcastle United earlier this season.
The 26-year-old Leeds midfielder this season had lost the ball on average just 11.8 times per game, compared to Bruno Fernandes who loses the ball 18.3 times, and Paul Pogba has lost the ball every 12.1 touches, so adding a player like Phillips could boost the ball retention in the team.
With that being said, there is a huge rivalry between Leeds and Manchester United that has existed for decades and with Phillips being a complete product of Leeds United, the golden boy at the club and in the city it would be surprising if he does make the move to Old Trafford, but from a quality perspective, he is exactly what the team needs.
AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano drops huge £50m transfer update that will excite Man United supporters
Tottenham Hotspur have undergone a series of changes this year, ending their interminable drought on the trophy front before dismissing the manager who won the Europa League, Ange Postecoglou.
It was a polarising decision, but it did make sense. Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League, after all, and Ange’s tactics lacked the stability needed to complete and flourish both domestically and abroad.
Thomas Frank is in the process of recoding the Tottenham first team, and the Danish coach has overseen some exciting summer signings, Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons standing out, while cutting ties with some flotsam too.
Now, ENIC Group and Frank are in concert: further refinements are needed. In midfield, much is to be desired, and with Yves Bissouma having been made surplus to requirements ahead of the January transfer window, don’t be surprised to see the Londoners add a new star to their engine room.
Spurs searching for new midfielder
Bissouma, without question, is one of the most gifted midfielders in the Premier League. But his gifts have gone to waste, with a host of disciplinary issues plaguing him since joining Tottenham over three years ago.
Bissouma has not made a single appearance under Frank’s wing, and following his latest transgression, a decision has been made by the hierarchy to part ways with the 29-year-old this winter.
This opens the door for an exciting addition, and the Lilywhites have one in mind.
According to Football Insider, Tottenham are interested in signing Nicolas Raskin, and Rangers are ‘likely to accept’ any bid, as they would find it difficult to turn down a compelling offer this January.
Though new coach Danny Rohl values the 24-year-old highly, the pull of Premier League and Champions League football would allow Spurs to complete a deal somewhere in the region of £25m, a figure touted when Wolves came calling earlier in the year.
What Raskin would bring to Spurs
Raskin may need to take a step up from the Scottish Premiership to prove his talent one the grandest stage, but his qualities have already been recognised by the Belgium national set-up, and he has earned nine caps for his country.
This is an “utterly sensational” player, as he has been described by UEFA coach John Walker, combative in his deep-lying berth while progressing play and making intelligent contributions throughout, finding the right pass, making a well-timed tackle.
With this in mind, Raskin could prove to be Tottenham’s next version of Mousa Dembele, whose performances down N17 have left him remembered as one of the club’s most talented players of the modern age.
Belgian teammate Kevin De Bruyne actually described Dembele “the best in the world” when in his Spurs prime, with his wicked blend of athleticism and technical grace setting him apart from his positional rivals.
Raskin, in a Rangers side that have left much to be desired this season, has established a similarly surpassing level. Can he carry that form into the Premier League? Could he become a focal point for Frank’s central system?
Matches (starts)
13 (12)
Goals
1
Assists
3
Touches*
73.8
Accurate passes*
50.7 (87%)
Chances created*
1.7
Dribbles*
0.6
Ball recoveries*
4.0
Tackles + interceptions*
2.7
Clearances*
1.7
Duels (won)*
6.2 (54%)
He is active in the duel, creative on the ball, incredibly athletic. Dubbed a “pitbull” of a midfielder by Dutch journalist Bob Faesen in the past, this could be a player cut from a similar cloth when considering his countrymen.
That pitbull-like presence may also see Raskin bring a bit of Victor Wanyama back to north London, the midfield powerhouse having cut his teeth with Southampton before moving to Tottenham and playing a significant role throughout 2016/17, arguably the apotheosis of the Mauricio Pochettino era.
Like Raskin too, however, the Kenyan sensation had honed his craft at one of the two Glasgow giants, Celtic, prior to moving south of the border, having effortlessly made that transition into life in the Premier League.
With the strength of Wanyama and the artful ball skills of Dembele, this could be a significant addition for a Tottenham team who have lacked dynamism and flair in the middle of the park.
Frank's answer to Declan Rice: Spurs have found a "future £100m" superstar
Tottenham’s long-term vision is among the most ambitious in all of Europe.
After missing out on an extra forward in the summer, BlueCo have now reportedly made their first approach to sign a Bundesliga attacker for Chelsea in 2026.
Maresca reveals Marc Guiu warning
Following a strong start on the transfer front in the summer, Liam Delap’s injury threw Chelsea’s final week into chaos. Nicolas Jackson’s move to Bayern Munich was off then back on again, Marc Guiu was recalled from his Sunderland loan before he could truly get going and a number of rumours emerged. Ultimately, however, Enzo Maresca was forced to settle for his current attacking options.
Guiu’s recall caused particular debate. From a likely starter at Sunderland, the young striker has since found himself forced to watch on from the bench at Chelsea in frustrating fashion. What’s more, it’s only in recent weeks that he’s had the chance to impress for the Blues again.
Having his say, Maresca revealed earlier this week that the forward simply was not training well enough to earn the game time that he desires at Stamford Bridge.
There have been rumours that Sunderland could yet return for Guiu in January, but that may depend on Chelsea’s own movements. Ahead of the winter window, a number of names have already been linked with a move to West London.
That includes both Guela Doue and Porto’s Samu Omorodion, who would certainly add more firepower to Maresca’s side. Whether BlueCo will be willing to spend big or look to hijack Barcelona’s move to sign a Bundesliga alternative is the big question ahead of 2026.
Chelsea launch approach to sign Asllani
According to reports in Spain, BlueCo have now launched their first approach to sign Fisnik Asllani for Chelsea in 2026. The deal would see them beat Barcelona to one of the most in-form forwards that the Bundesliga has to offer.
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The west Londoners have a chance to bolster a key area.
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In a formal move, the Blues have turned their focus towards the Kosovo international in an attempt to add further depth to their frontline behind one of their most expensive signings, Joao Pedro. After scoring five goals in eight games in all competitions for Hoffenheim so far this season, there’s little doubt that the 23-year-old has the quality to seal a big move.
Dubbed “clinical” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Asllani is certainly one to watch. Whilst his name is not as well-known as Omorodion, his numbers speak for themselves and Chelsea have the chance to get one over on Barcelona by securing his signature. Whether they choose to do so as soon as January remains to be seen, however.
Things weren’t looking so great for Chelsea just a couple of weeks ago.
Enzo Maresca’s side were coming off their third loss on the bounce, and there was some frustration among the fans.
However, thanks to an incredible performance against Liverpool and a last-minute goal from Estevao, things at Stamford Bridge are starting to look up.
The Brazilian wonderkid is the man of the moment after that goal, and that, combined with some of his other exciting cameos, all point towards him being a first-team star come the end of the season.
Chelsea look like they’ve struck gold with the former Palmires gem, but had they been able to keep hold of another sensational talent who left for nothing, they’d have two Estevao-level prospects in the squad today.
The youth stars that got away for Chelsea
Cobham is a powerhouse of an academy, and one that has served Chelsea well over the years, whether by producing players for the first team or ones to be sold for big profit.
Where Are They Now
Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.
However, as with all big clubs, the Blues have also lost several youngsters who went on to be superstars, sometimes due to poor decisions and sometimes through no fault of their own.
Two players that unfortunately fall into the former category are, of course, Declan Rice and Michael Olise.
The Englishman was famously part of the academy side that featured Mason Mount. He was released in 2013 at the age of 14, joined West Ham United, and then moved to Arsenal in 2023, where he could potentially win the league.
Olise, on the other hand, left the club in 2016 in what was reportedly a “mutual decision,” and has since gone on to star for Reading, Crystal Palace, and now Bayern Munich.
A former Cobham gem who left despite the club’s best efforts was Jamal Musiala.
The German international joined the club’s academy system from Southampton in 2011 but moved to Bayern Munich in July 2019, which netted the West Londoners just £180k.
Unfortunately for Chelsea, something similar happened again last September for a player who could end up being as good as Estevao.
The homegrown Estevao Chelsea lost
Unfortunately, the homegrown Estevao Chelsea lost for nothing is none other than Liverpool’s latest wonderkid, Rio Ngumoha.
Liverpool star Rio Ngumoha
The 17-year-old joined the Reds’ academy set-up from the West Londoners in September of last year.
Unlike with Rice and Olise, for example, the club made every effort to keep him in the capital, but it just wasn’t enough, and he made his way to the North West for nothing.
However, while the Blues have not yet received anything for the youngster, they will eventually be paid; it’s just that, at the moment, the amount has not been decided upon by a tribunal.
Whatever it ends up being, though, the club would likely prefer the youngster, as he’s already looking like a homegrown Estevao.
Liverpool U18s
10
3
Chelsea U18s
9
2
Liverpool U21s
9
2
Liverpool first team
6
1
Liverpool youth league
6
1
For example, in the game against Newcastle United, he came off the bench late on to score a last-minute winner that would have had a similar impact on the fans as the Brazilian’s did last weekend.
Moreover, the “phenomenal talent” as dubbed by his former youth coach, Saul Isaksson-Hurst, is looked upon as one of the game’s future stars.
According to one analyst, he is “one of the best young wingers in Europe”. At the same time, Ben Mattinson has praised him for being a “technical dribbler with an explosive burst of acceleration,” which makes him “dangerous in 1v1s” and sounds a lot like the Blues’ new young superstar.
Ultimately, it is still early in both their careers, so it’s hard to be completely sure how they will fare going forward. However, as things stand, it looks like Ngumoha could be a genuine rival to Estevao in the coming years.
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Wolverhampton Wanderers are still waiting for their first victory of the Premier League season and have suffered an injury blow as they look to get off the canvas.
Wolves prepare to face Brighton in crunch clash
Over the last couple of matches, Wolves have shown small improvements after an EFL Cup victory over Everton and an impressive draw away to Tottenham Hotspur, though there is still a long way to go for Vitor Pereira in his hunt for survival.
Sam Johnstone has emerged as a competent option between the sticks, helping to spark a mini-revival, and Express & Star reporter Liam Keen stated on the outlet’s podcast that he can see the England international growing in stature as he strikes up a fruitful relationship with the Old Gold backline.
He said: “I love the fact he was loud against Spurs. I think it’s really important to pick up on that. And actually, he did it a fair bit against Everton as well. I’m really pleased Johnstone has been able to show – even to a small extent if you will – how good a goalkeeper he can be.”
Jhon Arias has been a revelation behind the scenes at Wolves and is a sign of better things to come. However, they simply have to get off the mark with a first Premier League win of the season at home to Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
Sitting four points adrift, home matches at Molineux are pivotal if Pereira’s men want to climb the table, and there is a feeling that will need to happen sooner rather than later to avoid an unwanted scenario of staring down the barrel.
Three points would breed a new sense of optimism among a support who have had to deal with their fair share of frustration in recent times, though they will need to try and achieve that mission without one of their first-team regulars.
Wolves man Matt Doherty set for over a month on sidelines
Speaking after announcing his Republic of Ireland squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers, Heimir Hallgrimsson has confirmed Wolves man Matt Doherty is out for four to five weeks after fracturing his wrist.
He stated: “Jason Knight has a groin injury and is most likely out for four to five weeks. Matt Doherty has a fracture in his wrist and had an operation on it two days ago and is going to miss probably the same amount of time.”
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Supporters of the Old Gold will feel optimistic after the latest update from Molineux.
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Featuring frequently for the Old Gold, Doherty has made five appearances across all competitions this season, coming in at right-back and deputising in a central defensive role when needed.
Nevertheless, news of his injury will come as a substantial blow for Pereira, who now finds himself short on numbers on the right-hand side of his backline amid Ki-Jana Hoever’s knee problems.
It would be fair to say that, thus far, this hasn’t been a great transfer window for Tottenham Hotspur.
While their Premier League rivals have been making impressive signings left, right, and centre, Thomas Frank has been left waiting for the club to make another move after signing Mathys Tel on a permanent deal.
Worse yet, North London rivals Arsenal appear to have awoken from their slumber as well, and are starting to make waves in the market, most notably regarding the potential signing of Viktor Gyokeres.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokereskisses the trophy as he celebrate after winning the Taca de Portugal
However, things may soon be about to change, as reports have linked the Lilywhites to a Premier League star who could be Frank’s answer to the Sporting CP star.
Spurs target their own Viktor Gyokeres
Given their truly diabolical form in the competition last season, it makes sense that Spurs would be targeting some of the Premier League’s most exciting talents this summer.
Transfer Focus
However, thus far, the Europa League champions haven’t been able to secure any signatures, with Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo still looking more likely to join Manchester United over them, and Antoine Semenyo putting pen to paper on a new deal at Bournemouth.
Even Eberechi Eze, who was once again linked with the club this year, now looks like he could be joining Arsenal, alongside Gyokeres.
Yet, there is still reason to be optimistic, as the Lilywhites close in on a key target, a Premier League star who could be their answer to the Swede: Mohammed Kudus.
Yes, according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Spurs have maintained their intense interest in the West Ham United ace.
In fact, the Italian journalist claims the Ghanaian is now a “top target and a crucial target” for Frank and that even though their initial offer of £50m was rejected, they will bid again.
In terms of the final price, it has been reported elsewhere that the Hammers may be holding out for a fee in the region of £65m.
Mohammed Kudus celebrates for West Ham
It appears that this would be a complicated and costly transfer to complete this summer, but one Spurs should fight to secure, especially as Kudus could be their Gyokeres.
Why Kudus could be Spurs' Gyokeres
The first thing to say is that, yes, Kudus and Gyokeres are fundamentally different players and occupy very different roles within their respective squads.
However, when we say the former could be Spurs’ answer to Arsenal signing the latter, we are not talking or even thinking about where they play.
Instead, the point is that, in a similar way to how the Swede is likely to transform the Gunners’ attack and potentially their fortunes next season, the Ghanaian star has the ability to do the same for the Lilywhites.
Appearances
48
35
Minutes
3781′
2721′
Goals
18
5
Assists
10
4
Goal Involvements per Match
0.58
0.25
Minutes per Goal Involvement
135.03′
302.33′
For example, while it’s certainly the case that his return of five goals and four assists in 35 appearances last season was underwhelming, his output the year before was nothing short of superb.
In 48 appearances, totalling 3781 minutes, the “generational talent,” as dubbed by journalist Gary Al-Smith, scored 18 goals and provided ten assists.
In other words, the Accra-born monster averaged a goal involvement every 1.71 games, or every 135.03 minutes, which is the sort of output that could fire Spurs up the table next season.
Furthermore, in addition to incredible ability in front of goal, the former Ajax gem can play anywhere from right wing to attacking midfield and even centre-forward, in turn giving Frank so many tactical options.
Finally, if you are still unconvinced over his game-changing potential, then you need only look at some of his underlying numbers.
Despite not having the best campaign in terms of output, FBref still ranked the international ace in the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for take-ons attempted and successful take-ons, as well as the top 6% for pass completion and goal-creating actions from long shots, among other metrics, all per 90.
Ultimately, Kudus may not have been at his very best last season, but the talent is there, and in the right environment, he could be utterly game-changing, and in a way, Spurs’ answer to Gyokeres moving to the red side of North London.
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Many thought Liverpool would fall by the wayside when Jurgen Klopp left at the end of the 2023/24 season, but this football club has an uncanny ability to remain with its head above the water.
Indeed, Arne Slot defied expectation when arriving and leading the Reds straight to the Premier League title, and has now been rewarded by FSG, who are spending freely in the transfer market.
Although Florian Wirtz will add a fresh and world-class dimension to Slot’s squad, there’s still the sense that more quality and prolificness could be added.
Mohamed Salah
52
34
23
Luis Diaz
50
17
8
Cody Gakpo
49
18
7
Diogo Jota
37
9
4
Darwin Nunez
47
7
7
Federico Chiesa
14
2
2
Although with Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong signed to bolster the wide defensive positions, the intensity toward securing new stars is set to simmer down.
But Liverpool remain very much primed to pounce if the right opportunity emerges.
Liverpool's wider transfer plans
Sporting director Richard Hughes cut a contentious figure after his first summer transfer window at Liverpool, having only added Federico Chiesa to the newly arrived Slot’s squad.
Richard Hughes and Arne Slot
But he’s since proven his meticulous, calculated nature, having dotted all the i’s and crossed the t’s ahead of the window and since pounced on top targets, reeling them in.
Any further activity will depend on outgoings, reports The Telegraph’s Chris Bascombe. This makes sense, for the Reds have forked out more than £200m already this summer.
Darwin Nunez’s expected transfer to Serie A champions Napoli should see a new number nine acquired, while rumours of a new winger hinge on Luis Diaz’s future, with Barcelona and Saudi Arabian suitors interested.
He’s not Sadio Mane, but the Colombian has been immense in a Liverpool shirt, posting 41 goals and 23 assists across 141 appearances in total.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Liverpool line up new winger
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are interested in signing Belgian winger Malick Fofana and have been boosted in their bid now that Lyon have been relegated from Ligue 1.
However, Newcastle United have also been named as suitors, and have actually established contacts with the 20-year-old’s entourage.
Earlier this year, the player’s former representatives told Africa Foot that playing in the Premier League, namely at Liverpool, would be his “dream”, and it’s something that Hughes and Co can now bring to fruition.
Chelsea are also keen, though appear to be prioritising a deal for Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens.
This could leave Liverpool with a free shot to sign one of Europe’s most exciting prospects, who is valued at £43m, with Lyon’s fate also suggesting his price tag could be whittled down.
Why Liverpool should sign Fofana
Hailed for his “electric” skills by content creator Dev Bajwa, Fofana is bound to move clubs this summer, but where to remains to be seen.
Lyon's Malick Fofana
He’s young and raw, but he’s also naturally “explosive”, as has been said by analyst Ben Mattinson, with his sharp bursts of pace something that could pay dividends for Slot’s Liverpool team, especially when the time comes to replace Diaz.
Fofana is Belgian but he is of Guinean descent, and for this reason he has expressed Mane (and Mohamed Salah) as being one of his footballing idols. For this reason, the left winger could prove to be Slot’s own version of Mane, whose career on Merseyside served to guide Anfield back to the forefront of domestic and continental football.
Sadio Mane Liverpool graphic
Part of Klopp’s iconic front three at Liverpool, Mane won the whole gamut after signing from Southampton for £34m in 2016, with the German manager declaring him a “world-class” forward and an absolute “machine”, his work rate and tenacity leaving an indelible mark on the game.
Fofana hasn’t reached that point in his career yet, but has the potential to do exactly that, already performing with a hunger for goal and fleet-footed style that is somewhat reminiscent of the Senegalese star.
Malick Fofana for Lyon.
As per FBref, Fofana ranked among the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues last year for non-penalty goals scored and the top 2% for progressive carries per 90, emphasising that very point.
So then, you can see how Mane has inspired Fofana’s early-career development, especially as elements of his defensive work rate can be found in the one-cap Belgium international’s skill set too, for he averaged 1.1 tackles + interceptions in Ligue 1 last year, as per Sofascore, also finishing the term having won 54% of his ground battles.
Slot is not Klopp, but then Fofana is not Mane either, and the Dutch tactician could fashion his own version of the former Liverpool superstar, who certainly has stylistic similarities to the Al Nassr forward, now 33.
Even if Liverpool don’t part ways with Diaz, 28, this summer, it might be worth snapping Fofana up as Lyon plummet into the second tier of French football. After all, there are no guarantees that a new out-and-out frontman will be signed, and Diaz operated so admirably in a false nine role across the 2024/25 campaign.
Given that the Colombian could potentially reprise said role, it might be worth adding some competition for Cody Gakpo to jockey with on the left flank.
In any case, given the player’s desire to move to Merseyside and indeed his Mane-esque qualities rising to the fore, it would be a smart move indeed to ward away Premier League competition and snap him up quickly.
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Liverpool believe they have a good chance to sign a star who would be a Florian Wirtz repeat.
A Manchester United star who regrets moving to Old Trafford is in advanced talks to quit this summer, according to a new update.
Players who could leave Man Utd this summer
After an early deal for Matheus Cunha, plenty of talk has been on who INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe will sign next for Ruben Amorim ahead of his first full season in charge at Old Trafford.
Bryan Mbeumo could well be the next to arrive for the Red Devils, however, when it comes to departures, the club may have plenty of work to do.
INEOS submit "new" £60m+ Man Utd offer to sign star likened to De Bruyne
INEOS are pushing to secure their target.
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A number of big Man Utd earners have been linked with exits, including goalkeeper Andre Onana, with Amorim and co looking to bring in a new first-choice shot-stopper.
Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jason Sancho may all be on the search for new clubs after returning from their loan spells at Aston Villa, Real Betis and Chelsea respectively.
Jose Mourinho and Fenerbahce could be the next destination for Sancho, with claims that the winger has accepted a £160,000-a-week offer to move to Turkey and work under the former United manager.
Earlier in the window, AI actually predicted nine players Man Utd could sell for a combined £320m this summer, one of which was midfielder Casemiro.
Marcus Rashford
£50m
Alejandro Garnacho
£60m
Rasmus Hojlund
£50m
Jadon Sancho
£35m
Antony
£30m
Casemiro
£20m
Andre Onana
£40m
Luke Shaw
£20m
Tyrell Malacia
£15m
The Brazilian reportedly regrets his move to Old Trafford from Real Madrid, despite picking up more than £18m per season and being the club’s highest earner, and a new exit update has emerged.
Advanced talks for Casemiro to leave Man Utd and join Al-Nassr
According to reports from Saudi outlet Sport Jazirah, relayed by Man Utd News, a move to the Saudi Pro League for Casemiro is at an advanced stage.
Negotiations appear to be progressing for the midfielder to join Al-Nassr and play alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 33-year-old has just 12 months remaining of his £350,000-a-week Old Trafford deal, and it remains to be seen what sort of fee United could bring in for Casemiro, should he seal a move to link up with Ronaldo once more.
After signing back in 2022, Casemiro has made a total of 125 appearances for Man Utd, contributing to 29 goals and winning the FA Cup and League Cup under Erik ten Hag.
He played a key role in United’s route to the Europa League final last season with five goal contributions in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, however, his days at Old Trafford appear to be numbered.
If he does leave, Amorim could look to bring in a new midfielder, and there have been suggestions that Juventus’ Douglas Luiz is of interest to Man Utd. Richard Rios of Palmeiras is another rumoured target, so Casemiro’s exit may be the starting point of a new midfield addition at Old Trafford.
Fabrizio Romano has shared an intriguing update on Chelsea and their transfer plans for the coming weeks, with one player very eager to make the move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Chelsea transfer priorities with window reopening on June 16
Following the June 10 transfer deadline of the now-closed mini-window, the summer transfer market will reopen for business on June 16.
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The west Londoners are pushing.
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Chelsea attempted to utilise the mini-window as a means to reinforce Enzo Maresca’s squad for the Club World Cup, sealing the signing of striker Liam Delap from Ipswich Town in a £30 million deal and registering 19-year-old defender Mamadou Sarr, who they agreed a move from Strasbourg for £12 million in January.
Cole Palmer
7.33
Moises Caicedo
7.02
Enzo Fernández
6.95
Nicolas Jackson
6.88
Noni Madueke
6.82
via WhoScored
While BlueCo managed to get some moves over the line, late agreements for AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan and Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens couldn’t quite get done in time – mainly due to haggling over price.
AC Milan's MikeMaignanreacts
Milan wanted around £25 million for Maignan, which Chelsea refused to pay, resulting in talks ultimately collapsing for the France international.
It was a very similar tale when it came to their negotiations over a deal for Gittens, with Dortmund director Sebastien Kehl telling Tage Spiegel why Chelsea’s talks for the 20-year-old broke down.
“We spoke on the phone, in the end we did not agree, because we have different ideas about the current value of the player,” he said.
“Jamie definitely makes our team better. We are glad that he is there. We are in a good exchange and see how things are shaping in the future.
Jamie Gittens
“Of course, at some point, if you take a player with it, you also have to sell. I assume that his market value will not fall. We will see to what extent we can keep it until the end of the tournament. There will be talks again.”
Chelsea could make fresh Jamie Gittens bid "in the next days"
According to Romano, writing in a column for GiveMeSport, the Englishman remains firmly in Chelsea’s transfer plans, so much so that a new offer could already arrive for Gittens “in the next days”.
The winger is hoping that’ll be the case too, as Romano states that Gittens is literally waiting for Chelsea to call him, and he’s made this known to Dortmund’s club directors as well.
Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Bynoe-Gittensin action with Lille's Bafode Diakite
Even if Dortmund are currently demanding around £55 million, according to reliable media sources, it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see Gittens hoist a Chelsea shirt aloft pretty soon.
However, if they manage to shake hands on a deal, it is worth noting that Gittens won’t be able to take part in the CWC, even with the unique registration period active from June 27 to July 3.
Gittens is already registered to take part in the CWC as a Dortmund player, and rules dictate that he cannot swap teams mid-tournament.
In any case, he could still be the ideal replacement for Jadon Sancho and the suspended Mykhailo Mudryk ahead of next season.
“Jamie is doing an outstanding job,” Lars Ricken, Dortmund’s chief executive for sport, told The Athletic.
“He was a standout, including in the way he helped Ramy (Bensebaini, Dortmund’s left-back) in defence. He has developed into a real difference maker with his goals and assists.”
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers will have a host of difficult decisions to make when it comes to the playing squad during the summer transfer window, which opened for business on Sunday.
As well as deciding on players to join the club this summer, with Kieran Tierney already one star who is set to join at the start of next month, the Hoops boss will also have to sanction exits from Parkhead.
It has been reported that winger Luis Palma is working with his agents to seal a permanent or loan exit from Glasgow this summer, after Olympiacos did not take up their option to sign him permanently.
The Honduras international spent the second half of this season on loan with the Greek giants, and is now set to look elsewhere to find a home for the 2025/26 campaign and beyond.
Palma has had his moments in a Celtic shirt, with ten goals and ten assists in 48 matches, but the Hoops are now looking to part ways with him this summer.
One player who has already been ruthlessly ditched by the Scottish Premiership giants this summer, though, is experienced goalkeeper Scott Bain.
How Celtic have reshuffled their goalkeeper ranks
With Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo the clear first and second-choice options for Rodgers between the sticks, Bain was set to be the third choice once again heading into next season.
The Scottish shot-stopper did not play a single minute across any competition for the club this season, and only played three times in all competitions during the 2023/24 campaign.
At the end of last month, the club confirmed that the 33-year-old had left the club, despite having a year left on his contract, as they mutually agreed to part ways.
It has since been confirmed that Bain has agreed a one-year contract to join newly-promoted Falkirk in the Premiership, which could give him a better chance of playing regular football next season.
Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph reported last month that Aberdeen goalkeeper Ross Doohan has agreed to join the club on a free transfer to replace Bain as the third-choice at Parkhead.
Appearances
15
Saves
33
Successful run-outs
20
Penalties saved
1/1
Duel success rate
100%
Clean sheets
2
As you can see in the table above, Doohan played 15 times in the Premiership this season and could be a decent enough option to call upon if Schmeichel and Sinisalo are both unavailable and the third-choice is needed.
The goalkeeping department is not the only area of the squad that should be addressed, though, as Rodgers should also ruthlessly axe Auston Trusty, after just one year in Glasgow, if there is enough interest in him from elsewhere.
Why Celtic should move on from Auston Trusty
At the end of the 2023/24 campaign, Liam Scales was named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year for his performances in the left-sided centre-back position for the Hoops in the Premiership.
Despite the Ireland international’s form, and Cameron Carter-Vickers, Stephen Welsh, and Maik Nawrocki being in the squad, Rodgers opted to further bolster his options at the back by signing Trusty.
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Celtic reportedly splashed out a fee of £6m to sign the USA international from English Championship side Sheffield United, which shows that they were willing to commit a significant portion of their budget to bring him to Parkhead.
Looking back, it was a slightly strange decision to spend so much money on another option in the left-sided centre-back position when Scales, who is only 26, played in 34 of the club’s 38 Premiership matches last season on his way to being in the Team of the Year.
This did not suggest that there was an imminent need for £6m to be splashed on a new centre-back unless they were a clear and significant upgrade on Scales.
Unfortunately, though, Trusty’s performances in his debut season in Scottish football were not of a high enough standard to prove that he is a better option, and the Irish central defender ended the campaign as the first-choice next to Carter-Vickers once again.
At the start of the year, Rodgers said that Trusty had to do better against Dundee and claimed that he contributed to the team being “a bit soft”, as he was beaten too easily in the air in the clip above to make it 3-3.
Appearances
26
22
Clean sheets
14
10
Tackles + interceptions per game
1.9
2.3
Dribbled past per game
0.2x
0.5x
Error led to shot
1
4
Error led to goal
0
1
Duel success rate
72%
64%
As you can see in the table above, the American flop made far too many errors at the back in the Premiership, making four more errors leading to shots or goals in four fewer appearances than Scales.
The Ireland international was also stronger in his duels and did not allow opposition forwards to get the better of him in dribble attempts, which suggests that he was more reliable for Rodgers.
Liam Scales
That could be why Scales ended the season as the first-choice left-sided centre-back, including starting the SFA Cup final, and that is why it has been a dismal first year in Glasgow for the £6m signing.
Nawrocki also caught the eye in his three rare Premiership outings, winning 65% of his duels and being dribbled past just once, as he did not make a single error that led to a shot or goal.
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Therefore, Rodgers should instantly and ruthlessly part ways with Trusty after just one year in Glasgow because Scales and Nawrocki appear to be more reliable and quality options ahead of him, which is why Celtic should attempt to recoup as much of the £6m they spent on him as possible this summer.