All posts by n8rngtd.top

Aston Villa have now made contact over a deal for a defender, whose recent performances have attracted the attention of some top clubs, according to a report.

Aston Villa eyeing bargain signings amid PSR concerns

PSR has been a thorn in Villa’s side for quite some time now, having previously been forced to cash-in on the likes of Douglas Luiz and Jhon Duran to raise funds, and having missed out on the Champions League in controversial fashion, NSWE may have to make sales this summer.

After the 2-0 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford, there are now doubts over the futures of Morgan Rogers, Emi Martinez and Marco Asensio, with Manchester City being named as potential suitors for the former in the past.

Martinez also looks as though he could be heading for the exit door, with Atletico Madrid recently entering the race for the Argentina international, alongside Manchester United, although it is unclear whether a move to Old Trafford would be of great appeal after their Europa League final defeat.

Better than Rashford: Aston Villa exploring move for "special" £58m star

It’s set to be a busy summer at Aston Villa, so could they sign a “special player” from a Premier League rival for £58m instead of Marcus Rashford?

By
Ben Gray

May 30, 2025

Amid PSR concerns, it could be a wise idea for Aston Villa and NSWE to make some low-cost additions to the squad this summer, and they have now made contact over a deal for Hellas Verona defender Diego Coppola, according to reports from Italy (via Sport Witness).

Owing to some of his recent performances, Coppola is now attracting widespread interest ahead of the summer transfer window, with the likes of Juventus, AC Milan, Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford also being named as potential suitors.

A deal could be on the relatively cheap side too, with the Serie A side expected to receive offers of around €10m – €15m (£8m – £13m) in the coming weeks.

"No-nonsense" Coppola impressing in Italy

The Hellas Verona defender is only 21-years-old, but he has already solidified his place as a regular starter for the Italian side, making 34 Serie A appearances in the 2024-25 campaign, during which time he impressed considerably.

Indeed, the Italian centre-back showcased his defensive quality on a regular basis, perhaps most notably ranking in the top 1% for interceptions per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

Not only that, but the “no-nonsense CB”, as dubbed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, also proved himself to be an attacking threat, scoring with a towering header in his side’s 3-2 victory over Parma back in December.

Coppola has proven he could now be ready to take the next step in his career, and he could be a fantastic low-cost addition to Unai Emery’s squad.

After officially missing out on Dean Huijsen, Liverpool are now reportedly working behind the scenes to sign an alternative defensive reinforcement in this summer’s transfer window.

Huijsen ignores Liverpool and Chelsea interest to join Real Madrid

With Virgil van Dijk’s new deal lasting just two years and Ibrahima Konate yet to put pen to paper on a new contract of his own just one year before he becomes a free agent, Liverpool have reportedly set their sights on signing another centre-back this summer.

And for some time, it looked as though it could be Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen who arrived. Even the Cherries reportedly expected former chief Richard Hughes to snap up the defender’s signature.

Liverpool set to sign one of the fastest players in the world within days

He looks set to become their first signing of the summer.

By
Tom Cunningham

May 17, 2025

As Liverpool know all too well, however, a Real Madrid call is not one that a player often rejects and Huijsen has more than just answered. The Spaniard, before the transfer window has even opened, has officially completed his move to join the Spanish giants, where he will line up next to Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold next season.

It’s a killer blow for those at Anfield, who will be sick of the sight of Real Madrid following the Alexander-Arnold saga and now this. But Florentino Perez may not be done there with Liverpool.

In a repeat of his deal to sign their academy graduate on a free, the Madrid chief has now reportedly set his sights on signing Konate at the end of his Liverpool deal next summer. Losing Alexander-Arnold for free was a blow, but losing Konate for the same bargain price should be a reality that the Reds avoid at all costs.

With Huijsen no longer an option and Konate doubt creeping in, Hughes has reportedly been forced to turn his attention towards an alternative option.

Liverpool working to sign Nathan Zeze

According to The Boot Room, Liverpool are now working behind the scenes to sign Nathan Zeze from Nantes this summer in a move that would see them jump ahead of Bournemouth.

It’s a deal that would certainly make sense, too – the Cherries see Zeze as an ideal replacement for Huijsen, meaning that the Reds could skip a step altogether by signing the Frenchman first.

Although the 19-year-old has struggled to match Huijsen when progressing play, his numbers out of possession highlight a player who could be an ideal candidate to replace Konate in the coming years.

Included in an “elite” group of players by football talent scout Jacek Kulig last season, Zeze has only kicked on ever since. In the face of a centre-back dilemma, Liverpool could do a lot worse than turning towards the young Nantes star when the summer transfer window swings open.

It’s no secret that Manchester United have fallen way below the high standards they’ve set for themselves this season, currently occupying a place in the bottom half of the Premier League.

The Red Devils are set for their lowest ever points tally and league finish of the Premier League era, with boss Ruben Amorim desperately needing to make changes next year if he’s to be a success at Old Trafford.

The forward line has certainly contributed to their recent failures, netting just 42 goals in their 36 outings, with Bruno Fernandes their current top scorer on just eight goals.

Strikers Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have only managed to find the back of the net seven times between them, highlighting the lack of attacking threat within the current squad.

However, the upcoming transfer window hands boss Amorim the perfect opportunity to improve the situation, with a new talisman needing to be at the top of his list this summer.

United’s hunt for a new striker this summer

With the transfer window rapidly on the horizon, United have already wasted no time in pursuing potential targets to strengthen the options at the manager’s disposal.

The likes of Liam Delap, Matheus Cunha and Victor Osimhen have all been touted with a summer switch to Old Trafford, but no deals have yet been completed for any of the aforementioned trio.

However, another name has entered the frame in the form of Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, with a potential reunion on the cards with Amorim, according to CaughtOffside.

The report claims that the Red Devils are preparing an offer for the 26-year-old Swedish international, who’s managed to register a staggering 52 goals in his 50 appearances throughout 2024/25.

It also confirms that Arsenal and Liverpool are in the race for his signature this window, with the hierarchy needing to work tirelessly to avoid missing out on him to a divisional rival.

Why United’s latest target would be perfect alongside Amad

The Europa League final next week hands United a golden opportunity to end the season on a high, whilst also securing their place in the Champions League for 2025/26.

Amorim’s side must be fully focused on such an occasion, especially considering there is no longer anything to play for in the Premier League.

If they are to go beat Tottenham Hotspur for the first time this season and claim European glory, Amad Diallo will be a key reason, with his success this campaign nothing short of remarkable.

He’s registered 18 combined goals and assists across all competitions despite missing a large chunk of the year through an ankle issue, which required surgery.

However, he’s back and ready for action, with a fully fit 22-year-old a prospect to fear for any opposition, as seen by his contributions throughout 2024/25.

Such figures could fall perfectly into the hands of Gyokeres should he make the switch to Old Trafford, with his goalscoring tally undoubtedly improving the situation Amorim has on his hands.

The Swede, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in Europe” by Fabrizio Romano, has also managed to register 4.4 shots per 90, with 2.5 of which going on target – showcasing his clinical nature in the final third.

He’s also created 2.1 chances per 90 to date, along with a 52% aerial success rate, handing the side an all-round option at the top end of the pitch, which could allow Amad to increase his own tallies.

It’s unclear how much the Red Devils are set to bid for his services this summer, but it would be a phenomenal piece of business that would see the talisman link up with his former boss.

Given the interest elsewhere, the hierarchy will have to jump ahead of the opposition and make him their number one target, with Gyokeres having the tools to thrive in the Premier League and take the club back to where they belong.

He'd be amazing with Cunha: Man Utd prepare £65m bid for "sensational" star

Manchester United could land a star who would be perfect alongside Matheus Cunha at Old Trafford.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 15, 2025

Arsenal’s season now rests on 90 minutes in Paris next week.

Mikel Arteta’s side have failed to win the Premier League for a third campaign on the bounce, but as things stand, they still have a genuine chance of overturning Paris Saint-Germain’s one-nil lead at the Parc des Princes and making it to their first Champions League final in 19 years.

However, to do that, they’ll have to play substantially better than they did on Tuesday night, and more specifically, club captain Martin Odegaard will have to step up in a big way following his dismal showing at home.

With just 15 goal improvements in 40 appearances, the Norwegian international has been a massive disappointment this season, so it’s excellent news that recent reports have linked the club with a striker who should be able to revive his fortunes next year.

Arsenal's striker search

Ask any Arsenal fan what they desperately need in the summer, and we’d hazard a guess that almost all of them will say a striker. After all, despite being just one place ahead of them in the Premier League, Liverpool have scored 17 more goals this season.

Transfer Focus

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

Fortunately, the board clearly agrees with this sentiment, as there have been a whole host of centre-forwards touted for moves to the Emirates in recent weeks, one of the more recent being Jonathan David.

Thanks to his contract expiring at the end of next month, the Canadian international will be available for nothing in the summer, and as he’s already scored 25 goals and provided 11 assists in 46 games this year, he’d undoubtedly be an incredible addition to Arteta’s squad.

A little closer to home, the Gunners have once again been linked with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins in recent weeks.

The Englishman was the subject of a failed £45m bid from the North Londoners in the winter window, and while it’s unclear just how much he’d cost in the summer, it’s clear that with 29 goal involvements in 50 games this season, he’d be a brilliant signing.

However, to really propel the club to the title next year and get the likes of Odegaard firing again, Arteta and Co need to sign a goalscoring machine, which is where Viktor Gyokeres comes in.

According to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, as relayed by GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal remain incredibly keen on bringing the Swedish international to N5 this summer.

A potential price tag is not mentioned in the story, but other reports from this week claim that the striker could be available for up to £70m.

It’s certainly a lot to spend on one player, but given his immense ability and the effect he could have on the likes of Odegaard, it’s a transfer worth doing for Arsenal.

How Gyokeres would revive Odegaard

While there might be several small reasons here and there why Gyokeres would be able to get more out of Odegaard, like his application in training sessions and his attitude during games, his raw output is what matters more than anything.

After all, it doesn’t matter how hard he works if he can’t finish the chances the Norwegian creates for him.

Fortunately, when it comes to being a pure out-and-out goalscorer, it’s hard to think of anyone better than the former Coventry City star in Europe at the moment.

For example, in 48 appearances for Sporting CP, totalling 3858 minutes, the 6 foot 2 “powerhouse,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored a simply staggering 52 goals and provided 12 assists for good measure.

In other words, the 26-capped monster is currently averaging 1.33 goal involvements every game, or one every 60.28 minutes, which is undoubtedly a world-class rate of return.

Just imagine a striker as unrelentingly efficient as that in front of the Gunners’ captain – he’d almost instantly see his assist tally skyrocket.

Moreover, if opposition defenders had to spend more time worrying about the North Londoners’ new monstrous forward as well as Bukayo Saka off the right, there would be more room for the former Real Madrid prospect to operate in, and as a result, his own goal tally would likely increase as well.

Ultimately, while it’s a lot of money, Arsenal should be doing all they can to bring Gyokeres to the Emirates this summer, as not only could he fire them to the title next year, but he could be just the man to get Odegaard back to his mercurial best as well.

He's becoming their new Ozil: Arteta must axe "frustrating" Arsenal ace

The impressive Arsenal star has fallen off a cliff this season.

1

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 1, 2025

Everton have steered away from relegation trouble over the past few months, the rise up the Premier League ladder owing to The Friedkin Group’s start to their ownership role and the squad’s response to David Moyes’ tactics.

Replacing Sean Dyche in January, Moyes has been nothing short of a revelation, restoring the feel-good factor and driving positive action ahead of the much-anticipated move to Bramley Moore at the end of the campaign.

It promises to be a busy summer for the Toffees; you could make a starting 11 from the first-team players out of contract in a few months, with a few even left over for the substitutes’ bench.

The future of Jarrad Branthwaite will be a major talking point, the star defender attracting attention from some of the Premier League’s finest. Whatever happens there, Everton are going to want a new centre-back or two.

Everton chasing new centre-back

As per Caught Offside, Everton are among the growing list of suitors for Inter Milan defender Yann Bisseck, though with Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur also in the mix, it certainly won’t be an easy deal to complete.

Valued at €55m (about £47m), Bisseck has grown into a core part of Simeone Inzaghi’s season, neck and neck with Barcelona for a place in the Champions League final.

Inter view the 24-year-old as one of their most profitable players and would be open to doing business in the coming months.

Yann Bisseck could become Moyes' star man

With Michael Keane slated for a departure from Everton colours when his contract expires at the end of the season, there’s every chance that a player of Bisseck’s quality could be brought in – especially with James Tarkowski sidelined at the moment too.

Branthwaite will only be allowed to leave if a mammoth figure is paid out. Manchester United are known admirers of the England international, with Caught Offside revealing last month that a £50m proposal was being pieced together.

This puts the 22-year-old in a similar ballpark to Bisseck. They do approach the game with contrasting outlooks: Branthwaite is more of a steely threat on the ground, whereas the 6 foot 4 Inter star is a commanding aerial presence, winning 71% of his headed duels per Serie A game this season, as per Sofascore.

Having left Danish side Aarhus Gymnastikforening for the Nerazzurri for just €7m (£6m) plus bonuses in 2023, Bisseck has had to bide his time for chances to shine, only starting 13 league fixtures in total this term, but the impression he’s made emphasises the reasoning behind the Merseysiders striking a deal before their divisional rivals swoop in.

Moreover, he’s managed to make a good account of himself when given a chance to shine, with the attacking dimension and ball-playing advantage he would add to Moyes’ team something that stands out handsomely when alongside Branthwaite’s Premier League statistics since the start of the season.

The metrics are, of course, skewed somewhat by Bisseck’s role in an attacking outfit compared to Branthwaite’s settlement in Everton’s backline, operating as a counter-attacking team in the Premier League.

But the scope for a modern sheen would only widen with Bisseck in the mix, bearing the technical game that truly could see him stretch higher and higher toward a position as one of the Premier League’s finest.

Described as a “diamond” of a defender by journalist Antonio Mango, Bisseck has the perfect blend of modern flair and deep-set defensive solidity that would see him fit right in as a fixed part of Moyes’ Everton backline.

Looking at the German’s statistics when ranked up against Branthwaite’s, it’s maybe not ludicrous to think that he could surpass the Toffees titan, be that as his central defensive partner or as his successor.

The next Barkley: Everton considering move for "unbelievable" £15m star

David Moyes is looking to overhaul his Everton squad this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 2, 2025

Newcastle United believe a Premier League player who is a “class above” his teammates could be a “perfect” signing for them this summer, Fabrizio Romano has claimed, but he is already in talks to join Manchester United.

Newcastle continue to chase new signings

The Magpies may have lost 4-1 at Aston Villa last weekend, but they are still right in the mix to finish in the top five in the Premier League, sealing a return to the Champions League in the process. Should that happen, Newcastle will find it easier to attract top names to St James’ Park this summer, with Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic the latest big name linked.

With Kieran Trippier no longer the force of old and possibly leaving at the end of the season, a new right-back could be needed for the Magpies. Nottingham Forest ace Ola Aina has been mentioned as an option, following an excellent campaign for the third-place Reds.

Bayern Munich centre-back Kim Min-jae is another reported target for Newcastle ahead of next season, having made 26 starts in the Bundesaliga this season, averaging 3.2 aerial duels wins per game and completing 92.6% of his passes in the competition.

Romano talks up Newcastle's admiration for Cunha

Speaking on Give Me Sport‘s Market Madness podcast on Monday, Romano said that Newcastle also continue to pursue a move for Wolves attacker Matheus Cunha, seeing him as a “perfect” summer option.

“Yeah, I think it can be a quick deal, to be honest. I think so. Let’s see how quick, but I think this can be a quick deal. Because, as you mentioned, there is a release clause and all parties involved, the player, club, they really want to resolve the situation as soon as possible. So I think it can be a quick deal. There is genuine interest from Newcastle. They really, really like the player. They believe it could be perfect for their style.”

However , the Italian transfer guru has also revealed the Brazilian is in talks to join Manchester United, even to the point of discussing personal terms at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils in pole position.

Cunha could be an outstanding signing for any top club this summer, having stood out as his side’s best player in the Premier League this season. The Brazilian has scored 14 league goals in 25 starts in 2024/25 to date, which is a highly impressive return for a player in a struggling team, with Troy Deeney heaping praise on him.

“There are few games I have been to this year when I look at one player and think ‘he is better than every other player on that pitch’. But Cunha was miles better than Southampton and his Wolves team-mates. He was a level of class above.”

There is strong competition for Cunha, not least from United, but securing Champions League football could be massive when it comes to attracting players of such quality to Tyneside – especially if their rivals in the race can’t say the same.

Juventus director wants to sell £320k-a-week star amid Newcastle interest

Newcastle have been linked with a move for a “world-class” striker.

1

By
Henry Jackson

Apr 21, 2025

The Brazil international would be a statement signing for Eddie Howe, as he looks to make his team even more of a force heading into next season.

Leeds United supporters won’t be getting carried just yet, but Daniel Farke’s Whites do find themselves in the driver’s seat now in the dramatic automatic promotion tussle in the Championship.

Indeed, the West Yorkshire giants are perched at the very top of the unpredictable division after a slim 2-1 victory over Preston North End, with Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United a sizeable five points off Farke’s troops in third spot after a shock loss on the road to Plymouth Argyle.

Still, Leeds aren’t perfect all over the pitch despite their top-of-the-table appearance, with one problem area at Elland Road coming in the goalkeeper department.

Already, the Whites have targets in mind to improve here, with this potential incoming resting on Farke’s men triumphantly returning up to the Premier League.

The latest on Illan Meslier's future at Leeds

It’s safe to say that Illan Meslier has had a nightmare campaign at Elland Road. From that horror mistake at Sunderland to the dismal error-riddled performance against Swansea, it’s simply gone from bad to worse.

As a result, Farke has been left with no choice but to take the Frenchman out of the firing line. Karl Darlow has replaced the Leeds number 1 instead.

Speaking about the situation at the beginning of the month, the Leeds boss stated: “The goalkeeper position is not one you change week-to-week like outfield players. Illan had the perfect February with many wins and many clean sheets, but in the last few weeks, there have been a few incidents where we thought he could have done better.”

Illan Meslier's 9 worst goalkeeping errors in a Leeds shirt

Meslier has been no stranger to an absolute howler in recent weeks.

By
Stephan Georgiou

Apr 1, 2025

So, it looks as though Meslier may well have saved his last shot at Elland Road, but who could replace him long-term?

Leeds enter race for "phenomenal" Meslier upgrade

As per a report from Football Insider, Leeds see Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale as a “great fit” for the club if promotion is achieved, with the Saints shot-stopper set to be available for around the £25m mark.

The report further elaborates that Southampton’s relegation means a release clause has been activated that could see him be sold for this price tag, alerting the Whites to his services.

Once hailed as “phenomenal” by ex-Arsenal great David Seaman when at the peak of his powers at the Emirates Stadium, the 26-year-old would be an arguable upgrade on an often flappy Meslier, who has dropped out of Farke’s first-team ranks recently due to far too many error-strewn displays.

Amazingly, Ramsdale could even go down as Leeds’ next Paul Robinson if everything slots into place nicely, with the Saints shot-stopper once a recognised England international like the former Whites great.

How Ramsdale could be the next Robinson

Away from Leeds’ current woes involving Meslier, leading to Darlow being shoved into the spotlight, Elland Road has been home to some top-notch ‘keepers over the years.

Robinson definitely fits into that category, with the now-retired stopper tallying up 119 appearances in West Yorkshire before solidifying himself as a Premier League stalwart far away from his boyhood employers.

Robinson even headed home a dramatic header for the Whites before a switch to Tottenham Hotspur occurred, with Ramsdale not quite a goalscoring hero in a similar vain, but he does have bags of top-flight experience like the 41-time Three Lions international.

Indeed, the Southampton number 30 has notched up an impressive 177 Premier League appearances for the likes of Arsenal, AFC Bournemouth and Sheffield United, with plenty of clean sheets also coming his way.

Looking at the table above, Ramsdale has regularly impressed in the top division with 40 clean sheets amassed across his 177 appearances, which is only 48 off Robinson’s own total from a weightier 375 clashes.

Meslier has also struggled in the bright lights of the elite league before, meaning a gloveman who can be reliable making the step-up is a must for Farke and Co, with the error-prone Frenchman only registering an inferior 21 clean sheets from his various top-flight outings.

The German will hope Ramsdale can be that dependable pair of gloves in between the sticks, much like Robinson, therefore, with the Whites hopeful that they can further consolidate as a Premier League capable outfit if promotion is sealed.

Transfer Focus

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

It might not have been vintage Bruno Fernandes this season, yet, even so, the Manchester United skipper is still the heartbeat of Ruben Amorim’s side, as was evident again on Monday night.

Up against an undoubtedly poor Wolverhampton Wanderers side, the 31-year-old was arguably the deciding factor, netting twice himself, while providing a delicious assist for Mason Mount to convert for United’s third.

Two missed penalties earlier in the campaign may have highlighted a drop in standards, although Fernandes still ranks third in the Premier League for goals and assists in 2025/26, while leading the way again for chances created (45).

The hope will be that the Portugal star can replicate last season’s heroics, which saw him overcome a slow start – having failed to score until Ruud van Nistelrooy’s interim appointment – before going on to rack up 38 goals and assists in all competitions.

Suitable for a midfield two or not, the ex-Sporting CP playmaker remains so influential to United’s fortunes – but what will happen if the club are left to make do without him?

Latest on Man Utd's search for a midfielder

It’s worth noting that Fernandes, speaking ahead of his 300th United appearance earlier this season, gave no suggestion that he was angling for a move away from Old Trafford, having openly discussed the decision to turn down a move to Saudi side Al Hilal over the summer.

Nor, however, did the £300k-per-week sensation completely shut down the topic of his long-term future, having relayed that he won’t discuss any potential plans until after the World Cup, with just 18 months left to run on his existing deal.

There have been suggestions that INEOS could even look to cash in on their talisman in order to help fund a midfield overhaul in 2026, with potential replacements seemingly being eyed up.

With that in mind, reports in Spain have claimed that the Red Devils are among the clubs pursuing a move for Real Madrid sensation, Arda Guler, with both Arsenal and Liverpool also in the frame.

The report suggests that United have already ‘accelerated initial contacts’ regarding a possible swoop, with the 20-year-old’s ‘versatility’ noted as a selling point for Amorim and co.

Transfer Focus

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

Whether the LaLiga giants would be willing to sell the Turkish starlet remains to be seen, although prior reports indicate he could command a fee of around £88m.

Why Guler could be the perfect successor to Fernandes

It was a moment that epitomised the genius of Bruno Fernandes.

Picking the ball up just outside the Wolves box, the midfielder – who had been sent off at Molineux just over a year ago – had the vision and the quality to pick out Mount with a stunning dinked pass, building on the two inventive assists he produced at Selhurst Park late last month.

Even when not at his free-flowing best, the majestic talent can still unlock a defence in an instant, possessing the type of creative quality that few can match across the global game.

Finding a successor to such a figure thus appears almost impossible, if not improbable, yet Guler would be a more than worthy option, having been hailed as the “best CM/AM prospect in world football right now” by writer Neal Gardner.

That praise is not without merit, with Como’s Nico Paz the only attacking midfielder under the age of 21 to have registered more goals and assists (ten) than Guler in Europe’s top five leagues this season, as per Transfermarkt.

A key beneficiary of Xabi Alonso’s arrival at the Bernabeu, the rising star has already chalked up ten goals and assists in 22 games in all competitions this term, the same number of goal involvements that Fernandes has achieved back in Manchester.

Like Fernandes, the former Fenerbahce man has the flexibility to flourish in a more advanced role, or on the flanks, although he has blossomed in a slightly deeper role of late, averaging 2.3 key passes per game and creating eight ‘big chances’ in LaLiga this season, as per Sofascore.

For context, back at United, Fernandes has created seven ‘big chances’, albeit while averaging three key passes per game, with the pair both representing the creative hubs for their respective sides.

Interestingly, too, the Red Devils skipper is noted as the fifth most similar midfielder to Guler across Europe’s top five leagues, with regard to their stylistic and statistical likeness, as per FBref, further reinforcing why the Madrid man could fill that possible void in Amorim’s future side.

As indicated above, the pair – across the last 365 days – have enjoyed a particularly similar record with regard to assists, shot-creating actions, progressive passes and progressive carries per 90, all key attributes for a playmaking midfielder in their pomp.

In truth, United have rarely seen a side without Fernandes in it, such is his remarkable reliability and availability, although if the day comes where he opts to move on to pastures new, Guler must surely be at the top of the list with regard to replacements.

Prising him from the Spanish capital might not be easy, although with Alonso’s place at Los Blancos seemingly under threat, now could be the time to pounce.

He's like Caicedo: Man Utd ready bid to sign England's "best CM since Scholes"

Manchester United look set to make a huge January move for one English sensation.

By
Ethan Lamb

1 day ago

South Africa make second-lowest total; Jacob Bethell England’s second-youngest ODI centurion

Sampath Bandarupalli07-Sep-2025342 England’s margin of win by runs in the third ODI at Southampton against South Africa is the highest for any team in men’s ODIs. The previous biggest margin was India’s 317-run win against Sri Lanka in 2023 at Thiruvananthapuram.South Africa’s previous biggest defeat was by 276 runs against Australia at Mackay, two weeks ago. They have been on the receiving end of two of the top seven biggest defeats in men’s ODIs in the space of 15 days.72 South Africa’s total at Southampton is their second-lowest in men’s ODIs, behind the 69 all-out against Australia in 1993 at the SCG. It is also the fourth-lowest total for any team against England in men’s ODIs.South Africa’s innings lasted 20.5 overs, their second-shortest all-out innings in men’s ODIs, only a ball more than the 83 all-out in 20.4 overs against England in 2022 at Manchester.Getty Images414 for 5 England’s total in the third ODI at Southampton is their highest in the format against South Africa. Their previous highest was 399 for 9 at Bloemfontein in 2016.This was the fourth instance of South Africa conceding a 400-plus total in men’s ODIs, only behind West Indies (5), while England have got past 400 on seven occasions, only behind South Africa (8).21y 319d Jacob Bethell’s age on Sunday, when he scored 110. He is now the second-youngest man to score an ODI hundred for England. David Gower had two hundreds by that age – at 21 years and 55 days against Pakistan in 1978 and at 21 years and 309 days against Australia in 1979.ESPNcricinfo Ltd24 Runs added by South Africa before the fall of the sixth wicket, the lowest by them in a men’s ODI. The previous lowest was 36 runs against Afghanistan in last year’s Sharjah ODI. It is also the fewest runs needed by England to take the opposition’s first six wickets in a men’s ODI.The Southampton ODI is only the second occasion of South Africa being six wickets down in the first ten overs in a men’s ODI (where balls faced by partnerships are available). Last year’s ODI at Sharjah against Afghanistan is the other instance.4 for 5 Jofra Archer’s returns in the first ten overs of South Africa’s innings. Only one bowler has had better average in the first ten overs of a men’s ODI innings while taking four or more wickets – 4 for 4 by Makhaya Ntini against Australia at Cape Town in 2006 (where ball-by-ball data is available).80 Runs conceded by Codi Yusuf in his ten overs are the most on ODI debut for South Africa. The previous most was 73 by Duanne Olivier against Pakistan in 2019.Yusuf’s new-ball partner, Nandre Burger, conceded 95, the joint-second most by a bowler for South Africa in a men’s ODI, behind only Dale Steyn’s 96 against Australia in 2016.

Spain defender Dean Huijsen is set to undergo a scan after being left out of the matchday squad for Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Georgia through groin discomfort. The European champions are now sweating on the Real Madrid centre-back’s fitness ahead of their final qualifier against Turkey next Tuesday after he experienced the issue in training.

• European champions Spain preparing for crunch clash with Georgia

  Spain are preparing for their all-important clash with Georgia as they look to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. La Roja can book their place at next summer’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States if they secure all three points in Tbilisi and Turkey fail to beat Bulgaria on the same day.

  Luis de la Fuente’s men are currently top of Group E on 12 points, having won all four of their qualifiers. Meanwhile, Vincenzo Montella’s Turkey are second on nine points, with both sides set to lock horns in Seville next week in what could prove to be a momentous fixture in the qualification process.

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  Huijsen left out of matchday squad after experiencing groin discomfort

  However, Spain have been dealt a blow ahead of their game against Georgia after Huijsen was not included in the squad that made the trip to Boris Paichadze Dinamo Arena. The 20-year-old was left out as a precaution after experiencing groin discomfort in training on Friday, with the former Bournemouth man now preparing to undergo tests to determine if an injury has been sustained.

  Spain’s XI for Georgia: Simon (c); Porro, Cubarsi, Laporte, Cucurella; Merino, Zubimendi, Ruiz; Torres, Oyarzabal, Baena.

  Spain's substitutes: Raya, Barrios, Grimaldo, Vivian, Llorente, Iglesias, Olmo, Pino, Remiro, Fornals, Lopez, Garcia.

• Real Madrid also sweating on Huijsen fitness ahead of La Liga return

  While Spain will be hoping Huijsen has avoided suffering an injury ahead of the Turkey clash, his club side – Real – are also praying for positive news ahead of the return of La Liga next weekend. 

  Xabi Alonso’s men are looking to remain at the summit when they travel to 11th-placed Elche on Sunday, 23 November. Los Blancos are currently top of the table on 31 points, three ahead of old foes Barcelona. 

  Huijsen has been in fine form since joining Real from Premier League side Bournemouth in the summer, making 13 appearances in all competitions and recording one assist. The ex-Roma and Juventus man also missed Spain’s World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Bulgaria in October due to injury.

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  Los Blancos also praying over the fitness of star forward Mbappe

  Real also have their fingers crossed over Kylian Mbappe’s fitness after the forward withdrew from the France squad ahead of Sunday’s qualifier with Azerbaijan due to  an ankle complaint. The 26-year-old sustained the issue in Thursday’s 4-0 victory over Ukraine – a result which saw Les Bleus qualify for the World Cup.

  Confirming Mbappe’s departure from the France squad, manager Didier Deschamps said ahead of the Azerbaijan clash: "Kylian still suffering from inflammation in the ankle. We decided he should return to Real Madrid where their medical staff will determine the next steps.

  “We preferred not to take any risks just like we did with Camavinga. We won’t gamble with any player. Kylian gone back to his club. We still have 22 player available for tomorrow.”