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Arne Slot, lauded as a tactical genius. And rightly so. The Liverpool coach’s smart-witted approach saw him lift the Premier League title in his first year last season, head and shoulders above his rivals.

But there’s no denying Liverpool look tactically imbalanced this year, and there are wrinkles to be ironed out. The Dutchman sprung a tactical surprise against Crystal Palace, but it didn’t work out and the Reds were ragdolled throughout a bleak first half at Selhurst Park.

They rallied, and Federico Chiesa’s late goal off the bench looked to have sealed a point. Maybe all three. Liverpool pushed and pushed and they huffed and puffed, but their late-hour charm ran out as Eddie Nketiah struck at the eleventh hour to hand the champions their first league loss of the term.

There’s a lot to unpick, but let’s dilute it down to just a few talking points here. Right-back has been a hot topic on Merseyside this summer, and Conor Bradley flattered to deceive on his return to the starting line-up.

Bradley's performance vs Palace

Bradley filled big boots this summer, with Trent Alexander-Arnold up and leaving for Real Madrid. The Northern Irish right-back has dazzled in the Premier League before, but suffered with injuries for much of Slot’s debut term.

Aged 22, Bradley has started Liverpool’s past two Premier League matches, and while he did a decent job against the in-form Jack Grealish in the Merseyside derby, he endured a game to forget against Oliver Glasner’s Eagles, hooked at half-time.

Lacking any semblance of clarity or creativity on the ball, Bradley failed with three of four attempted dribbles and lost possession 12 times, also losing four of his seven contested ground duels, as recorded by Sofascore.

However, with Ibrahima Konate producing another sloppy performance, laden with errors, Bradley was always going to be up against it.

And, moreover, Mohamed Salah was anonymous once again.

Slot should have axed Salah

Salah, 33, has been Liverpool’s all-inspiring superstar for so many years, and he ran roughshod over Premier League defences all through the 2024/25 campaign en route to the title.

He has posted three goals and three assists across the opening weeks of the season, but has also lacked much of his usual swagger and gusto, and that has not been more apparent than against Palace on Saturday afternoon.

The right winger missed a big chance and created two chances, but his moments of real joy were few and far between, losing all five of his ground duels, and this is not an outlier, with the metrics across the term, when collated against last year’s data, highlighting his regression.

Salah in the Premier League for Slot

Match Stats (* per game)

24/25

25/26

Matches (starts)

38 (38)

6 (6)

Goals

29

2

Assists

18

2

Touches*

49.1

43.2

Shots (on target)*

3.4 (1.6)

1.7 (0.8)

Accurate passes*

22.4 (74%)

21.0 (75%)

Key passes*

2.4

1.3

Dribbles*

1.5

0.2

Ball recoveries*

2.7

3.3

Tackles*

0.6

0.0

Duels won*

3.3

1.7

Data via Sofascore

We are still early in the season, but the underlying data is telling. Salah has fallen off a proverbial cliff in regard to his application and effectiveness.

Now playing a role with a greater emphasis on hugging the touchline and maintaining space for the reformed number nine squad, the veteran is toiling.

And Chiesa’s resurgence in red continues. The Italy international has now posted two goals and two assists apiece across all competitions since the summer, and he looks a different beast indeed, with observers anticipating a return to one-time elite form.

Analyst Josh Williams remarked that the 27-year-old “should’ve started today”, and that’s an accurate assessment. Liverpool risk become stagnant and predictable, reliant on late goals, and Chiesa’s form denotes his applicability for a starting berth in the Premier League going forward.

The Liverpool Echo branded him with a 4/10 match rating and wrote that Salah ‘struggled with the basics’ and provided non-existent defensive cover for Bradley, who had a poor game but was sandwiched between two of Liverpool’s biggest problems: Salah and Konate.

Salah is a Liverpool great, and he will continue to play a talismanic role for the club across the season. However, there’s no denying he has looked off the pace for much of the campaign so far.

He has played every minute in the Premier League since the opening whistle against Bournemouth in August, and his performances haven’t warranted that mark.

Chiesa convsersely, has looked very bright indeed, and yet the £150k-per-week ace continues to serve a peripheral role.

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Liverpool and Newcastle United have been at loggerheads for months, but a timeline for an agreement between the two clubs over the transfer of the summer may be fast approaching.

Alexander Isak's latest situation amid heavy Liverpool speculation

In a story that has twisted, turned and left everyone on the edge of their seats, Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak’s desire to join Liverpool and subsequent standoff with the Magpies has left Premier League fans desperate for a conclusion.

Earlier on Saturday, Jan Age Fjortoft sent supporters of the Reds into overdrive, offering a revealing statement on X that the Sweden international is now set to sign on at Anfield for a fee in the region of £130 million.

He stated: “Re: Alexander Isak Understand Isak – deal is done! Newcastle away at Leeds tonight, so nothing expected before that I am told. Fee expected to be around £130m Isak to Liverpool likely to happen very soon.”

However, there is always a twist in the tale somewhere, something that Mailsport’s Dominic King provided around half an hour after Fjortoft’s update on Isak’s situation.

The reporter contradicted claims that Isak is set for Liverpool, instead telling his followers that there is a chance Liverpool may not sign anyone else by Monday’s deadline.

Arne Slot’s men have always maintained hope they can land the Magpies striker, and that doesn’t look likely to change soon, even if some reports diverge from others on the current state of play.

With two extremes mentioned earlier, could the truth behind Isak’s proposed move to Merseyside from Newcastle be somewhere in the middle?

Tavolieri: Liverpool in advanced talks to land Alexander Isak

Once again by virtue of social media platform X, reputable journalist Sacha Tavolieri has claimed that Isak is now in advanced talks to join Liverpool and a full agreement should be found by Sunday.

Tavolieri stated: “NUFC and LFC now in advanced talks for Alexander Isak! As explained from Friday night to Saturday, the Reds have made an offer likely to convince the Magpies management. Sunday expected to be the day of the announcement of a full agreement. Matter of time.”

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Both Liverpool and Newcastle fans will be well-versed with his capabilities, which saw the Solna-born man register 27 goals and six assists inside 42 appearances last season.

Linking the play between Eddie Howe’s midfield and attack, Isak also managed to fashion 42 chances for his teammates on Premier League duty, albeit it doesn’t look like he will be continuing in the North East for much longer.

After months of speculation surrounding his future, Liverpool could now be about to make one of the biggest signings in recent English football memory should all go to plan.

Chelsea certainly bounced back from their opening day bore draw in the Premier League versus Crystal Palace when making the short trip to West Ham United on Friday night.

Despite initially going 1-0 down to the Hammers, the Blues never looked short on confidence at the London Stadium, with a 5-1 demolition job the final outcome, which left ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter shellshocked in the home side’s dug-out.

Away from the impressive displays of Joao Pedro and many others against the Irons, however, Chelsea do look to still be in the market for an exciting attacking addition or two.

Indeed, they look to be close on landing long-term target Xavi Simons’ signature, but he isn’t the only statement addition up top that the Blues seem to be interested in.

Chelsea tempted to make bid for £80m star

It has been a long, drawn-out saga involving BlueCo and the Dutchman this summer.

This could soon come to an end, though, with the Blues – according to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg – planning to offer the captivating 22-year-old a contract until 2031, with personal terms already verbally agreed between RB Leipzig and his potential new employers.

Chelsea will have to wave goodbye to reserve figures such as Christopher Nkunku before a move for Simons can be finalised; however, with Aston Villa now touted a surprise next destination for the out-of-sorts Frenchman, as Unai Emery’s men are reportedly interested in a deal.

The Blues could test relations between the two clubs even more by finally landing the services of Villans superstar Morgan Rogers, with GIVEMESPORT revealing that the West London outfit are tempted by a last minute splurge for the Englishman.

Having just been awarded PFA Young Player of the Year, a deal for Rogers to leave Villa Park behind for Stamford Bridge wouldn’t be cheap, with the report stating that a move would only get off the ground if Chelsea were willing to fork out an amount in the excessive £80m ballpark.

How Rogers is a dream Simons alternative

Maresca’s ambitious Blues might well view this as a better deal to chase after than persisting with Simons, with Rogers more than a dream alternative to the Leipzig number ten, when you consider his Premier League capabilities already.

Of course, Simons did have a standout 2024/25 season himself in the Bundesliga.

Across a mere 25 games, the breathtaking 22-year-old would consistently dazzle German top-flight defences, culminating in him picking up a hefty tally of ten goals and seven assists just in league action.

However, Chelsea have been burnt here before – with both Nkunku and Timo Werner going on to be major flops in the Premier League after leaving Leipzig behind – leading to the same anxieties popping up involving Simons.

Therefore, despite the fact Rogers will cost a weighty £80m or more to get through the door, the “sensational” attacker – as he’s been previously lauded by journalist Eduardo Hagn – could be the preferred last-minute option, particularly if Villa are willing to part ways, while the Simons transfer saga rumbles on.

Games played

37

26

Goals scored

8

10

Assists

10

7

Big chances created

16

12

Rogers very much came into his own donning Villa claret and blue last season, with the Stamford Bridge-linked midfielder actually picking up one more goal contribution in the demanding Premier League than Simons managed across his 26 Bundesliga outings.

Moreover, the “unstoppable” gem – as he was dubbed by Jamie Carragher – created four more big chances than his Dutch counterpart, with the addition of the stunning 23-year-old perhaps making Maresca’s men even more genuine title-challengers, after their walk-in-the-park victory at West Ham.

Chelsea won’t turn their noses up at Simons joining, with the former PSV Eindhoven midfielder clearly ready for the hustle and bustle of the Premier League.

But, landing Rogers would be a dream move if that expected arrival goes awry, with Chelsea poaching a sensational talent from a top-flight rival to try and be on the same pedestal as the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal near the very top of the ladder.

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While Liverpool’s deal for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is going to dominate much of the transfer deadline day chatter, Tottenham Hotspur are knuckling down and preparing to pull off a few statement deals of their own.

Having won the race for attacking midfielder Xavi Simons earlier this week, Thomas Frank’s Tottenham are shaping up nicely, though a home defeat against Bournemouth after back-to-back wins to kick off the Premier League campaign have issued a reminder that there is much work to be done over the months and years ahead.

A lack of bite in that north London clash proved the crux of the club’s issues, and maybe it wouldn’t hurt for Daniel Levy to oversee an Isak-esque deal down N17 today.

Well, Spurs might just have such a move in the pipeline.

Spurs in talks to sign new striker

Let’s be frank, Tottenham’s new manager has his work cut out, though the early readings are promising to say the least.

But Dominic Solanke and Richarlison are the leading options at the front of the ship, and another star could work wonders in completing a frontline bearing such potential.

Well, according to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham have opened talks with Paris Saint-Germain as they consider a bid for Randal Kolo Muani, who had looked set to join Juventus after a successful loan stint last year, but for the package to unravel at the negotiating table.

Anticipated to cost in excess of £50m, Kolo Muani has also attracted interest from Manchester United this month, but Spurs need a striker and offer the allure of Champions League football.

Keep a close eye on this one.

What Kolo Muani would bring to Spurs

Kolo Muani left Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany two years ago, signing for PSG in a £76m deal. So ended his prolific time in the Bundesliga, and kicked off a frustrating spell back in his homeland, having bagged only 11 goals across 54 matches.

Still, described as a “superstar” by German legend Lothar Matthaus, Kolo Muani has a deadly sense for goals and the athletic and mobile presence in and around the box to make a real difference to Tottenham’s attacking line, perhaps even proving the Londoners’ own version of Isak.

At Juventus, Kolo Muani proved that class is permanent, scoring ten goals and providing three assists across only 22 matches for the Turin-based outfit.

He also averaged 1.1 key passes per game, according to Sofascore, underscoring his dynamism and will to link up with teammates and deepen the lines of communication on the pitch.

This is something that Isak does (or, rather, did) with such aplomb across his years at St. James’ Park, keeping it crisp when on the ball but knowing exactly when to pick out a teammate or shuffle forward himself and strike on goal.

Kolo Muani might not have any Premier League experience under his belt, but he’s a seasoned forward both domestically and on the international stage, and has proven his worth when entrusted with a starring role.

Goals scored

0.48

0.78

Assists

0.11

0.17

Shots taken

2.45

3.21

Touches (att pen)

6.28

6.31

Shot-creating actions

2.34

3.04

Pass completion

70.2%

75.3%

Progressive passes

1.49

2.94

Progressive carries

1.54

2.80

Successful take-ons

1.54

1.42

Ball recoveries

2.24

1.79

Tackles + interceptions

1.28

0.44

Whether Tottenham manage to get this one over the line remains to be seen, but there’s no question that it would be a fantastic move for a side in transition, already showing that they have what it takes to hit some lofty heights with Frank at the helm.

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Glamorgan have appointed Richard Dawson as their interim head coach, following the sudden departure of Grant Bradburn last month over allegations of discriminatory behaviour.Dawson had most recently been part of the England Men’s white-ball coaching team, having previously overseen England Under-19s. He spent six years coaching Gloucestershire, securing promotion from Division One in 2019 and a T20 Finals Day appearance in 2020, before moving on to work with the ECB’s performance pathway in 2021.”I’m delighted to be joining Glamorgan as head coach for the coming season,” Dawson said. “I’ve got a good idea of how the club works having spent time with Welsh Fire over the years. I’m looking forward to getting involved with the players and coaches at the club and building on the success achieved in the 50 over competition last season.”Dawson, who was capped seven times in Tests, spent most of his playing career with Yorkshire, before short stints at Northamptonshire and Gloucestershire.He is currently working with the England Lions on their tour of Australia, and will then be involved at the Women’s Premier League before taking up his role with Glamorgan from March. He will also continue as Welsh Fire assistant coach during the Hundred, with a replacement for the One-Day Cup, which Glamorgan won last year, to be announced in due course.Mark Wallace, Glamorgan’s director of cricket, said: “It’s great news for the club that we have been able to appoint a coach of Richard Dawson’s standing and quality as interim head coach until the end of the season. We were keen to move quickly and get someone in place for the 2025 season and we see Richard as the perfect fit to develop the squad and continue to move us forward this season.”

As Liverpool showcased last season, ‘winning the window’ doesn’t always equate to on-field success, with Arne Slot’s side romping to the Premier League title despite only adding Federico Chiesa to their ranks.

Having lain dormant in the transfer market, however, the Reds appear intent on building on their position of strength this time around, having already spent £256m this summer.

Further additions are almost certain to lie in store too, with recent reports even claiming that wantaway Newcastle United man, Alexander Isak, has agreed personal terms with the Merseysiders.

There is undoubted excitement brewing at the prospect of adding yet another marquee name to their forward ranks, although the Anfield must not forget to ensure that the foundations are steady too, with solid and perhaps more unsung signings also in order. James Milner, anyone?

Indeed, with Jarell Quansah joining Bayer Leverkusen, and Joe Gomez struck down with injury, Slot has been left with just two senior centre-backs, a pairing that includes contract rebel – and Barcelona target – Ibrahima Konate.

Having front-loaded the squad so far then, the Reds can’t risk being exposed at the back. Enter, another quietly crucial acquisition.

Liverpool hold advantage in race for £50k-p/w talent

Liverpool have, of course, already moved to bolster the backline this summer, with the signing of full-back pairing Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez, while Giorgi Mamardashvili has also finally arrived on Merseyside.

That said, as already stated, the dearth of options in the centre of defence remains a reason for concern – even after Virgil van Dijk’s contract extension – with that an area that still needs to be addressed.

With that in mind, Football Insider’s Mick Brown has suggested that the champions still have the advantage over top-flight rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, in the race to sign Marc Guehi.

Transfer Focus

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According to Brown, despite Spurs showing interest again in the England international, it is Liverpool who are still the “favourites” to sign him, having been heavily linked with a move for the 25-year-old throughout the summer.

The insider goes on to add that the former Chelsea defender has his “heart set on a move to Liverpool”, with the Reds seemingly ready to make a bid for him “at some stage”.

With just 12 months left on his current deal, the alternative is that the £50k-per-week centre-back remains at Selhurst Park for next season, before making the switch on a free transfer.

Why Liverpool could be targeting the new Milner

As already stated, there has been a sense of glamour to Liverpool’s signings so far this summer, with Slot and co notably gambling on three exciting young talents from the Bundesliga, in the form of Kerkez, Frimpong and £116m man, Florian Wirtz.

That said, there remains the need for ready-made, proven Premier League talents who can slot in somewhat under the radar, with Guehi perhaps the perfect fit in that regard, considering his recent experience at Palace.

Indeed, there could well be shades of the aforementioned Milner about the move, with Guehi’s compatriot having been a muted arrival from Manchester City on a free transfer back in 2015, before going on to assume cult hero status at Anfield.

A jack of all trades, the versatile machine racked up 332 appearances in all competitions for the Reds across the next eight years, having notably been hailed as a “role model” by then-boss Jurgen Klopp in 2022.

The German even went as far as to state that “nothing we have achieved in the last few years would have happened without [him]”, with the underrated midfielder having been a vital, albeit at-times unsung cog in the Anfield machine.

In Guehi – who is currently the captain at Selhurst Park – the Reds would be able to acquire another leader-like figure to bolster the ranks, providing stability and consistency amid a summer of perhaps more marquee additions.

Such qualities have been noted by ex-interim England boss Lee Carsley, who said back in November that the defender “is a player who shows leadership qualities in his career so far not only off the pitch but on the pitch”.

Guehi vs Van Dijk – 24/25 PL stats

Stat (per 90)

Guehi

Van Dijk

Non-penalty goals

0.09

0.08

Assists

0.06

0.03

Pass completion

83.5%

91.6%

Progressive passes

3.94

5.35

Progressive carries

0.65

0.59

Successful take-ons

0.35

0.08

Tackles

1.79

1.03

Interceptions

0.82

1.51

Aerial duels won

2.00

3.22

Stats via FBref

Like Milner – who has turned out for an array of top-flight clubs – Guehi is no stranger to Premier League action, having racked up 132 appearances in the competition to date.

A standard-setter and a guiding presence at Palace, even when perhaps outshone by the likes of Eberechi Eze ahead of him, the in-demand talent would be a relatively risk-free and cost-effective signing. Indeed, if he does ultimately end up arriving next summer, he could replicate Milner’s move as a bargain free transfer.

That’s not to say that Guehi doesn’t also have a high ceiling, however, with Palace reporter Bobby Manzi noting that he is simply a “monster in defence”. In all, the 6 foot sensation helped to keep 11 clean sheets in the league last season, while averaging 2.6 tackles and interceptions per game, alongside boasting five goal involvements.

An asset in both boxes, the Eagles skipper would be a more than worthy addition amid a hectic summer of activity for the Reds. Yes, there might be more exciting deals being done, but much like Milner proved to be under Klopp, Guehi could prove to be the glue holding things together.

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It’s been a brilliant summer for Arsenal.

New Sporting Director Andrea Berta has hit the ground running in North London, already securing several first additions as well as some squad depth.

However, even though he is doing a good job, it does feel like Liverpool are doing better, with stars like Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz already through the doors and Hugo Ekitiké just a matter of time.

Fortunately, there is still time for the Gunners to conduct more business, and now it appears they’re working on a deal to sign the next Ekitike, once they finalise the deal for Viktor Gyokeres, of course.

Arsenal target another striker

There have already been numerous transfer sagas this summer, and the biggest for Arsenal has centred on Gyokeres.

Transfer Focus

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

For some time, it looked like the club were going to sign Slovenian marksman Benjamin Sesko, only for RB Leipzig to price him out of a move, and since then, all eyes have been on the Swede.

While a deal has not been entirely completed yet, it appears that the Gunners will be securing their man for an initial £55m, plus the extensive add-ons that are still being negotiated.

However, the club are not done there when it comes to signing strikers, as they’ve now been linked with another who could be a future Ekitike.

At least that is according to a recent report from Football Transfers, which claims Arsenal are very interested in Mainz forward Nelson Weiper.

The report has revealed that the Gunners are actively monitoring the 20-year-old prospect, although they have yet to make a formal approach.

If the North Londoners do decide to act on their clear interest, then they’ll have to stump up a reasonable fee, as the German is valued at around €14m by the Bundesliga side, which is about £12m.

It might seem like a lot for someone so young, but Weiper looks like a serious talent, and someone already being compared to Ekitike.

How Weiper compares to Ekitke

So, we know that comparing someone like Weiper to a player who is about to cost a king’s ransom might sound a bit silly, but there are some similarities, and we aren’t the only ones to make this comparison.

For example, FBref analysed players in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League, and the Europa League over the last 365 days, and concluded that the Eintracht Frankfurt star is the second most similar forward to the Mainz ace.

The best way to understand how that conclusion was reached is by examining some of the underlying metrics in which the pair ranked closely.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.64

0.77

Progressive Carries

1.67

1.86

Shots on Target

1.53

1.53

Live Passes

20.5

20.6

Tackles

0.64

0.56

Successful Take-On %

47.6%

43.7%

Aerial Duel Win %

43.6%

46.8%

These include things like non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive carries, shots on target, successful take-on percentage and more, all per 90.

These numbers also suggest that with more game time and development, we could potentially see the 20-year-old reach a level of output comparable to the Frenchman.

After all, in just 698 minutes of first-team football last season, the “golden” prospect, as talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed him, scored three goals and provided two assists, which comes out to a healthy average of a goal involvement every 139.6 minutes.

Moreover, his youth statistics are truly impressive, as in just 19 games for Mainz’s under-19s, he has scored 22 goals and provided one assist, and in just 474 minutes for Germany’s U21s, he has scored four goals and provided one assist.

Ultimately, if Arsenal do sign Weiper this summer, fans should not expect him to have a massive impact on the first team, but he does look like he’s developing into an excellent striker, and who knows, he could just be the next Ekitike.

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Former England assistant was part of London Spirit’s coaching staff during Hundred success

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Aug-2024

Ali Maiden was an assistant coach to Ashley Noffke when London Spirit won the Hundred this year•Warwickshire CCC

Ali Maiden, England’s assistant coach, when they won the 2017 ODI World Cup, will leave Yorkshire’s men at the end of the season after his appointment as the first head coach of Bears women.Maiden has predominantly been working in the men’s game in recent years but was an assistant coach to Ashley Noffke when London Spirit won the Hundred this year, and said he had been actively seeking a return to the women’s game. He will join the Bears – who are based at Edgbaston – on November 1 and begin preparations for the 2025 season.”I’m hugely excited to be joining Bears Women at the start,” Maiden said. “I’ve spoken to several people at the club and it’s clear they’re passionate about women’s cricket, forming a successful side, and encouraging more women and girls into the sport. I’ve had various coaching and head coach roles and been looking for an opportunity to get back into women’s cricket.”Maiden was an assistant coach in London Spirit’s Hundred success•Getty Images

The Bears – who are run by Warwickshire – are one of eight ‘Tier 1’ sides who will compete in England’s new domestic structure for women’s cricket from 2025. Laura MacLeod will be their director of cricket and they have confirmed the signings of five players: Emily Arlott, Hannah Baker, Chloe Brewer, Katie George and Charis Pavely.Maiden will leave Yorkshire’s men at the end of the season after three years in his role, working closely with their batters. Colin Graves, their chair, said: “Everyone at the club wishes Ali all the best in his future career and thank him for his contribution to Yorkshire CCC over the last three seasons.”

Manchester United’s summer could be make or break for manager Ruben Amorim in his spell in charge of the club – needing to make some huge calls on his first-team squad.

The 40-year-old took the reins back in November, only having the January window to make the changes he requires to the squad that he inherited at Old Trafford.

He’s already landed Brazilian forward Matheus Cunha this summer, costing a fee in the region of £62.5m, but undoubtedly offering a new dimension considering he registered a total of 15 goals and six assists in the Premier League this season.

Such a move is highly unlikely to be their last in the transfer window, with more changes needed in various areas to avoid a repeat of 2024/25, which saw the club finish in 15th place.

With the summer window now open, Amorim has been targeting numerous players to right the wrongs of recent months, looking to help him in his quest to be a success at the Theatre of Dreams.

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

United’s front line has been the area that has mainly been of concern to new additions, especially considering the Red Devils scored just 44 times in 38 appearances this season.

The likes of Victor Osimhen, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Moise Kean have all been mentioned as potential targets this summer, but no deals have yet been agreed for any of the targets.

However, attacker Jesus Rodriguez is the latest name that has emerged as a potential target for Amorim’s squad, that’s according to Estadio Deportivo’s latest report.

They claim that they are firmly in the race for the 19-year-old star, who’s registered three goals and one assist in 2024/25, with Aston Villa also interested in his signature.

It also confirms that the Spanish winger has a €35m (£29m) release clause in his deal with Real Betis, potentially offering a cheaper alternative to another summer target.

Why United’s £29m target would be a better signing than Mbeumo

Over the last couple of days, winger Bryan Mbeumo has emerged as a key target for United, offering the club an added dimension in the final third alongside Cunha.

The Cameroonian international notched 20 Premier League goals throughout 2024/25, managing to become just one of five players in the division who have achieved such a feat this season.

His subsequent form has led to the Red Devils’ interest, with the 25-year-old stating his desire to make the switch to Old Trafford ahead of the start of the 2025/26 season.

However, if the club are to make a move for Mbeumo this window, they will have to fork out a fee in the region of £70m, that’s after having their opening offer of £55m rejected this week.

Such a figure would be a huge investment, with Amorim able to land a deal for Rodriguez for over half the price should he decide to pursue a move for the teenager.

When comparing their respective stats from this season, the Betis star has managed to outperform Mbeumo in numerous key areas – showcasing why he would be a better addition this window.

Rodriguez, who’s been labelled “ridiculous” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has registered more progressive carries and carries into the final third per 90 – showcasing the threat he possesses with the ball at his feet.

Games played

21

38

Goals scored

2

20

Progressive carries

4.3

3.4

Carries into final third

2.9

1.8

Take-ons completed

2.4

1.3

Pass accuracy

73%

66%

Passes into final third

1.7

1.6

The Spaniard’s talent at driving the opposition doesn’t stop there, completing more of the take-ons he’s attempted, subsequently liking to take the ball into forward areas whenever possible.

He’s also completed more passes and more passes into the final third, allowing the likes of Cunha the opportunity to hit the ground running upon his own move to Old Trafford.

Whilst Mbeumo may be the first person on many supporters’ wish lists this summer, his £70m price tag may be slightly too expensive, especially considering the signings needed in other areas.

Such a figure could lead the hierarchy to a move for Rodriguez, offering a cheaper but just as effective option in the final third – having the potential to develop massively over the years ahead given his tender age.

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After losing both Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri to both Manchester clubs, Wolverhampton Wanderers have now reportedly turned their attention towards potential incomings and one Premier League rival.

Wolves lose Ait-Nouri and Cunha

Whilst losing Cunha always seemed inevitable due to his £63m release clause, Wolves may not have had the same feeling of inevitability about Ait-Nouri’s future. One swift move from Manchester City soon changed things, however, and now the Midlands club are set to enter next season without arguably their most important players.

Despite being picked apart, however, those in the Midlands still have reason to be positive. Having sold Cunha for his £63m release clause and Ait-Nouri for a reported £36m, Wolves now have money to spend on incomings of their own ahead of Vitor Pereira’s first full season in charge at the club.

As a result, the rumours have already been coming thick and fast. Top of Wolves’ wishlist should be finding replacements for both Ait-Nouri and Cunha before perhaps addressing other areas in need of upgrading.

To that end, names such as Barcelona’s Gerard Martin and Nice forward Evann Guessand have threatened to steal the headlines in recent weeks in two moves that would solve Wolves’ problem.

The latter enjoyed a particularly impressive season in France, scoring 13 goals and creating another 10 in all competitions for Nice. Doing enough to earn the interest of Wolves, the Ivory Coast forward could yet be on his way to the Premier League.

Meanwhile, those at Molineux have also reportedly turned their attention towards signing a reinforcement slightly closer to home and one who already knows all about the Premier League.

Wolves plotting Yegor Yarmolyuk move

As reported by Caught Offside, Wolverhampton Wanderers are now plotting a move to sign Yegor Yarmolyuk from Brentford this summer. Like the Midlands club, the Bees could lose two crucial figures this summer in manager Thomas Frank, who looks destined for Tottenham Hotspur, and Manchester United-linked Bryan Mbeumo. They are, therefore, keen to keep hold of Yarmolyuk.

Every player has their price, however, and the West London club reportedly value their young midfielder at just €30m (£25m) in what should be an affordable price for a Wolves side fresh from big-money sales.

The Midlands club aren’t alone in pursuit of the 21-year-old, though, with Frank reportedly eyeing the chance to bring him to Tottenham and Leeds United also interested.

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It should, of course, come as little surprise that Spurs have already set their sights on the Brentford midfielder and Fank’s influence could yet deal Wolves a frustrating blow.

The Spurs-bound manager was full of praise for Yarmolyuk last season, telling reporters: “He possesses a fantastic mindset and trains well every day. If you train well consistently and are one of the best in practice, you will eventually make your way to the starting lineup, and I hope he establishes himself there.”