All posts by n8rngtd.top

Good plans and relentless execution made sure Australia took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series

Vishal Dikshit in Mumbai14-Jan-20203:56

Warner-Finch shatter records, Starc-Cummins stifle batting

Australia were playing an ODI for the first time since the World Cup last year and they were arguably facing one of the best one-day sides in their backyard – India in India. And yet they had no problems winning the game, showing, in the process, that they had planned for India’s main batsmen, prepared for subcontinent conditions and had players capable of executing them perfectly.Finch brings his captaincy A game to IndiaAt one point in India’s innings it looked like Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul were going to lead them towards 300 with their century partnership. Mitchell Starc’s and Pat Cummins’ first spells had been seen off and the two batsmen were tackling the spinners without trouble.Finch was not giving up though. When Adam Zampa bowled to Rahul, he blocked the cover region with two fielders – short cover and extra cover – to stop him from playing his fluid drives on the off side that fetched him plenty of runs against West Indies and Sri Lanka. But Australia needed wickets and Finch decided to change ends for Ashton Agar. The bowler struck immediately by dismissing Rahul, and Finch now had an opening. He brought back his (current) best fast bowler, and Cummins struck straightaway with a length delivery. The ball was sticking on the Wankhede pitch on Tuesday and Dhawan popped a leading edge to cover and both the set batsmen were gone.The Zampa v Kohli contestEveryone would have thought of the challenges fast bowlers Cummins and Starc would pose for Virat Kohli. But Finch had faith in someone else. Someone who had dismissed the India captain three times in previous ODIs. Adam Zampa. After Kohli pulled a half-tracker for six, the legspinner replied with a sharp return catch next ball.It was a half-volley and it had been smashed back down the pitch but Zampa stretched his arms over his head and grabbed the ball with both hands, and just like that Kohli was gone, for just 16. Overall, Zampa has bowled to Kohli in seven innings and picked him up four times. That’s well worth conceding 126 runs off 97 balls.Even when Zampa had bowled earlier, he sent down a tidy spell of seven overs for 34, tossing the ball up, bowling on the stumps and using the crease well to make his wrong ‘uns more threatening. The 27-year old conceded only two fours in the first spell, repaying the faith of his captain and continuing the impressive work from last year’s ODIs in India when he had taken 11 wickets, only behind Cummins’ 14, with an average of 25.81 and economy rate of 5.68.ESPNcricinfo LtdThe return of Mitchell StarcWith Kohli gone, India were 156 for 4, and Finch saw another opening into the hosts’ inexperienced middle order. So he brought back Starc for his fifth bowling change in seven overs.Starc was playing only his second ODI in India and he did not start the way he would have liked while opening the bowling: there was no swing from his end and he was taken for two fours by Rohit Sharma in the first over. Seeing the lack of movement, he bowled a cross-seam delivery at 147.7 kph on a good length to Sharma, who miscued it to mid-off for his first breakthrough.Now back in the attack in the 33rd over, with Rishabh Pant and Shreyas Iyer in the middle, Starc served a mixed bag to Iyer. He pushed the batsman on the back foot with a mean short ball that Iyer negotiated a bit awkwardly for a single to the leg side.When he got back on strike two balls later, Starc went full and used the angle from over the wicket to make Iyer play away from his body. Iyer was caught behind for 4 off 9 balls.Aaron Finch kisses the badge on his helmet•AFPIndia slipped to 165 for 5 at that point and never really recovered. Starc and Finch can take credit for that too. The Australia captain had saved three of his spearhead’s overs for the end and asked him to do just one thing. Bowl yorker after yorker after yorker.The first ball of Starc’s final spell, Shardul Thakur lobbed a catch to long-on which Kane Richardson put down. The next ball, Starc was only a tad inaccurate with the yorker with DRS saving Mohammed Shami after Michael Gough had ruled him out lbw. On the last ball of the over, Starc nailed the yorker, right on the base of off stump, and Thakur didn’t have any reply for it.The angles changed, the batsmen changed, but Starc’s plans stayed the same. He conceded a few too many boundaries towards the end off low full tosses, but his job was done and he ended with 3 for 56 from his 10 overs.Starc returned to India after nearly three years. Australia were playing an ODI after more than six months. Neither looked out of place.

The ice beneath Ange Postecoglou has become even thinner, if that were even possible. Indeed, the end is surely nigh as far as his term at Tottenham Hotspur is concerned.

As Spurs lost 4-2 to Wolves on Sunday afternoon, it came as little surprise, truth be told. The errors that dominated the game were of little shock either.

Postecoglou has engineered some brilliant football since arriving at Spurs but the error-stricken performances from his players have been all too frequent now.

The Europa League may well still provide solace for the Aussie and his bunch of players but not even that feels like it will save him from the sack.

Indeed, the display at Wolves just about summed up their season.

An error-riddled display from Spurs (again)

Spurs can score goals; we know that under Ange. They did find the net twice on Sunday, netting through loanee Mathys Tel and substitute Richarlison. However, it was too little too late. The damage had already been done.

It all started early on when Rayan Ait-Nouri’s volley found the net. Guglielmo Vicaro’s punch from a Wolves free-kick didn’t go very far and as a result, was powered home by the left-back.

Vicario had a total nightmare between the sticks for Spurs, notably handed a 2/10 player rating by Football.London’s Alasdair Gold at full-time.

That wasn’t the goalkeeper’s only error. He nearly cost the visitors again just moments later. His pass out from the back didn’t find a teammate and Jorgen Stand Larsen somehow missed from a matter of yards out.

A comedy of errors continued later in the half when Vicario parried the ball into Djed Spence who bundled in an own goal.

The stopper wasn’t the only Spurs player at fault, far from it. Cristian Romero was caught in possession for the third goal, which allowed Ait-Nouri to tee up Stand Larsen. This time he did not miss.

Lucas Bergvall, usually so crisp and composed in possession, was then at fault for the fourth. Caught on the ball by Matheus Cunha, the Brazilian stole it away from him before racing away from Ben Davies and Romero to find the net.

Despite all of that, there were more underperformers in the Spurs camp.

Spurs have found their new Tanguy Ndombele

In July 2019, Spurs smashed their transfer record to bring £63m man Tanguy Ndombele to the club.

It was a landmark transfer and one that Daniel Levy hoped would take Spurs to new heights. While the Frenchman had his moments, he unfortunately flopped big time in the capital, leaving in June 2024 when his contract was cancelled. It was a huge waste of investment.

So, what went wrong? Well, speaking to the Athletic, one training ground source encapsulated it perfectly, stating: “Tanguy is the maverick of the team, he can do stuff that nobody else can do. Incredibly talented, incredible ability, just sometimes you just want to be like, ‘Tanguy you’re so good, just do the basics’.”

Perhaps guilty of doing too much, or in fact, being a little lazy, it was unsurprising that it never worked out for him at Spurs.

Now, in a slightly different sense, Postecoglou may have found the new version of Ndombele in Yves Bissouma. We’ll tell you why.

Writing at full-time, the aforementioned Gold handed the Malian midfielder a dismal 4/10 rating, suggesting that ‘sometimes he looks good on the ball, sometimes looks like it’s alien to him.’

Chalkboard

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

That could easily sum up Ndombele too. So gifted on the ball, there were moments when it looked as though he didn’t know how to kick a ball.

Bissouma didn’t arrive for quite as much as the Frenchman but he did move from Brighton with considerable hype attached to his name, joining in a £35m move.

Sadly, despite a few flashy moments, like Ndombele, it hasn’t quite happened for another big-money midfielder at Tottenham Hotspur.

He has been withdrawn at half-time on three occasions in the Premier League this term and was perhaps fortunate not to have the same fate on Sunday, instead dragged off after just 55 minutes.

Bissouma set the tone early on, booked inside the opening eight minutes of the game. From that moment onwards, he failed to offer Postecoglou’s side the protection they needed against a rampant Wolves.

He did complete 95% of his passes but only won 50% of his duels, failed to complete a key pass and gave away two fouls.

It was another average display from a man who looks like he should be sold in the summer. Spurs have plenty of exciting young players coming through in a similar area of the pitch, chiefly Bergvall and Archie Gray. They should be prioritising their minutes instead.

For the new Ndombele, his time at Spurs should surely be up in a few months time.

Spurs already have their very own Huijsen in monster 18-year-old defender

The incredibly exciting youngster will be a star for Spurs.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Apr 11, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur have now joined the race for an “amazing” Premier League midfielder, but there could be fierce competition for his signature from some of Europe’s top clubs, according to a report.

Spurs' summer transfer plans

The 1-0 victory at Eintracht Frankfurt last week has provided Totttenham with a real chance to make a success out of this season, with Ange Postecoglou’s side now just a two-legged tie against Bodo/Glimt away from reaching the Europa League final.

However, having fallen way below expectations in the Premier League, Spurs have set out to make serious improvements to their squad this summer, with targets being identified in multiple positions, including attacking midfield.

Como maestro Nico Paz has recently been named as a potential target for the Lilywhites, having enjoyed an impressive debut campaign in the Serie A, while they have also set their sights on Athletic Bilbao’s Oihan Sancet.

Tottenham: £10m manager "invited" to Spurs talks with approach made

The Lilywhites want to hold discussions.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 19, 2025

According to a report from The Boot Room, Tottenham are also considering options from within the Premier League, and they have now joined the race for Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly, who is attracting the attention of some of Europe’s top clubs.

Having enjoyed a breakthrough season with Man City, the likes of Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Paris Saint-Germain have now expressed an interest in O’Reilly, while Chelsea and Newcastle United headline the interest from the Premier League.

The 20-year-old is an attacking midfielder by trade, but he has showcased his versatility by starring at left-back since breaking into the City starting XI, and Pep Guardiola is eager to keep hold of him.

In fact, such is City’s determination to retain the services of the youngster, who has previously been valued at £40m, they are in talks over a new contract, which could make it very difficult for Spurs to lure him to north London.

"Amazing" O'Reilly starring for Man City

It is little wonder some of Europe’s top clubs are now queuing up for the starlet, given the level of his performances since breaking into the Man City side, scoring twice in his last two Premier League outings, including what could be a very important effort against Everton last time out.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has clearly been impressed by the City academy graduate’s recent displays, lauding him as “amazing” earlier this month, while also describing him as a “versatile and quality player”, given the job he has done at left-back.

That said, it seems unlikely that Tottenham will be able to sign the England U20 international this summer, considering he is now closing in on a contract extension at the Etihad Stadium, which means they may have to move on to other attacking midfield targets, of which there is no shortage.

Tottenham Hotspur travel to face Liverpool at Anfield this afternoon, with Arne Slot’s side needing just a single point to secure the Premier League title.

Ange Postecoglou’s men will be looking to put a dent in their title ambitions, looking to pick up some momentum ahead of Thursday’s Europa League semi-final first leg against Bodo Glimt.

Given the lowly league standing in 2024/25, there’s no denying that all the attention will be on European football, with the competition giving the side a great chance to end the year with a trophy.

Such dismal form has led to questions being asked about the future of the Aussie in North London, with a triumph in Europe certainly bolstering his chances of remaining in charge next season.

However, if he wants to claim an unlikely win over Slot’s men this afternoon, he desperately needs to drop one player from his starting eleven after his showing against Nottingham Forest on Monday.

Why Ange needs to drop Sarr against Liverpool

Midfielder Pape Matar Sarr was recalled to the starting eleven against Forest, but failed to take advantage of the opportunity handed his way by Postecoglou.

The Senegalese international featured for 81 minutes of the defeat in North London before being replaced by youngster Lucas Bergvall – deservedly so after his own showing.

He failed to complete any of the three crosses he attempted against Nuno Espírito Santo’s side, whilst failing to win a single tackle – failing to have the desired impact at either end of the pitch.

Along with the aforementioned stats, Sarr also lost 100% of the aerial duels he entered, unable to stop the visitors from claiming all three points at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

After such a showing, Postecoglou simply must drop him ahead of today’s clash, handing a rare start to one player in his preferred position after featuring elsewhere in 2024/25.

The player who Ange needs to start against Liverpool today

With the Europa League game certainly Spurs’ main focus for the remainder of the campaign, Ange needs to rotate his side to maintain fresh legs throughout the squad.

Injuries have already hampered the side in key moments of the season, especially in defence with the likes of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven both spending extended spells on the sidelines.

Such spells have undoubtedly contributed to their lowly league standing in 2024/25, with various players having to stand in at the back temporarily throughout the season.

Archie Gray is just one player to operate at the heart of the defence, doing so excellently given his tender age of 19 – deserving of an opportunity to operate in his familiar position.

The youngster, who’s been labelled “sensational” by one analyst, has started 14 games in the league since his move in the summer, the vast majority of which have been at the back.

When delving into his stats from the league, he’s managed to star despite the unfamiliar role, with Ange needing to rotate his pack and offering the teenager needed minutes in his natural position to continue his development.

Gray has completed 91% of the passes he’s attempted to date, completing an average of 59 passes per 90 – having the tools to succeed in such a role based upon those figures.

He’s also completed 50% of the dribbles he’s attempted, whilst also winning 50% of the tackles he’s entered – potentially being the perfect box-to-box option in the Aussie’s system in North London.

Even though today’s clash is one of little importance to Spurs given their league position, they will want to gain some momentum ahead of the crunch Europa League meeting.

If they are to stand any chance of doing that, Gray needs to be handed a rare start, handing him the opportunity to showcase his talents ahead of the vital clash for the Aussie’s future at the club.

Spurs can forget Guehi & Huijsen by unleashing "monster" 18-year-old star

The “freak talent” could be a star for Spurs.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Apr 25, 2025

Everton are in the market for signings this summer, with a raft of first-teamers set to depart when their deals at Goodison Park expire in a few months.

Bramley Moore awaits, and the Toffees appear to be ready to use the change of scenery as more than just a symbolic shift: this is a new era, and hopefully, a new Everton.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin may yet renew his deal, but with Armando Broja set to depart after a disappointing loan spell and Beto attracting plenty of attention from overseas in the recent past, signing a new centre-forward is going to be one of David Moyes’ priorities.

Everton chasing new striker

According to iNews’ Mark Douglas, Moyes is to be handed the powers to enforce a series of changes to his squad this summer, with sights set on rising up the Premier League ladder next year.

The Northern correspondent claims that the Toffees are ‘all in’ for Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, who is one of the hottest commodities in England at the moment, with a £30m release clause now active following his team’s relegation.

Delap bears a throwback kind of attacking profile with a modern, technical twist, with such an approach suggesting that he could be Moyes’ next version of Louis Saha.

Moyes' next Louis Saha

Saha made 134 appearances for Everton, scoring 34 goals across three-and-a-half seasons, signed from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee.

Delap, while his own man, bears a similar kind of profile and could thrive under Moyes as the Scotsman’s next version of the dynamic striker.

Having joined Ipswich from Manchester City’s academy in a £20m deal last summer, the number nine has been the biggest success story from a frustrating campaign for the freshly-promoted side.

His commanding displays up top have given Kieran McKenna’s side a focal point, one which, more often than not, will finish the chances provided and indeed gave Ipswich a fighting chance of retaining their top-flight status.

As per FBref, the Englishman even ranks among the top 15% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 9% for successful take-ons per 90, highlighting his capacity to drive forward with powerful and confident strides.

This is further backed up by Opta Analyst, who described him as a “one-man battering ram” for the Tractor Boys earlier in the season.

His roundedness certainly carries similarities to Saha.

Regarded as the complete striker, Saha’s link-up play, pace and power allowed him to establish himself as one of the most talented forwards in England, only thwarted by recurrent injury problems throughout his career. Wayne Rooney even stated once that the Frenchman was his favourite strike partner.

Delap is endowed with similar athletic and technical properties, and after flourishing for a side fighting relegation all year, he could take his game to the next level as the talisman of an Everton side that, whisper it quietly, is on the rise.

A massive Beto upgrade: Everton enter talks to sign "phenomenal" star

Everton are making moves to land a new striker for David Moyes ahead of the summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 1, 2025

Nottingham Forest are looking for a strong finish to the season and now look to have stepped up their pursuit of a star who is being courted by a lengthy list of suitors, per reports.

Nottingham Forest still aiming for Champions League qualification

Admittedly, Nottingham Forest have lost some ground in their pursuit of Champions League football. However, Nuno Espirito Santo will still retain hope that there can be a special finish to the season at the City Ground.

Competing with the cream of the crop in the Premier League is an unenviable task. The Tricky Trees have overperformed relative to expectation, though the summer transfer window could be an opportunity to bridge the gap even further between themselves and the elite.

Making an early start on identifying targets, Nottingham Forest are now in pursuit of Galatasaray winger Baris Alper Yilmaz and could be willing to match his £26 million price tag. Evangelos Marinakis is reportedly pushing to complete a deal that would see the Turkey international arrive in the East Midlands to kickstart a busy summer that could see plenty of incomings.

Offering Chris Wood support through the middle, the Tricky Trees are also in the mix to sign Yeremay Hernandez from Deportivo La Coruna, who has a release clause valued at £29 million that is set to become active.

He's perfect for Nuno: Nottingham Forest shortlist "lively" £40m striker

Forest have set their sights on a new forward, who they believe could be a perfect in Nuno’s attack.

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 29, 2025

Involvement in continental football next term will undoubtedly help Nottingham Forest’s case when it comes to putting forward convincing proposals to new recruits. For now, it remains to be seen if they can push qualification over the line.

Either way, Espirito Santo and company are now accelerating their pursuit of a prolific striker that could add another dimension in attack.

Nottingham Forest make contact regarding £30m Liam Delap

According to Football Insider, Nottingham Forest have registered their interest in Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, therefore making contact over the England Under-21’s situation at Portman Road.

Despite the Tractor Boys’ relegation to England’s second tier, the 22-year-old is expected to make an immediate return to the top flight.

His contract includes a £30m release clause, and he is also attracting interest from Manchester United and Manchester City. Everton have also made their interest known in his services.

Labelled “fantastic” by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca, Delap could be joined by former youth teammate James McAtee at the City Ground amid reports the attacking midfielder is another target for Espirito Santo.

With the potential to complete a deal on the table, Nottingham Forest now face the challenge of selling themselves as an ideal environment for players to develop into Premier League stars.

Burnley will head back into the Premier League desperate to stay there for the long term, with Scott Parker also having plenty to prove as a top-flight worthy manager.

Parker has now impressively sealed three promotions up to the big time on his managerial CV, but he’s never looked like the most comfortable figure plying his trade in the top-flight away from the Championship, with a dire 30 defeats next to his name when managing at the elite level.

He will no doubt be eager to prove all his doubters wrong from the Turf Moor hot-seat, but he will be very aware that any chance he has of establishing himself as a top manager at the level will rest on the newly promoted side keeping talents such as Josh Brownhill around.

Why Burnley must keep Brownhill

Jumping up a division and staying put there is going to be a very difficult ask for Burnley, especially when you weigh up the ongoing fate that every newly promoted side that triumphantly tastes promotion immediately falls straight back to the EFL.

That’s before you further factor in the grim fact that Burnley could lose a large portion of their promotion-winning heroes this off-season, with 18-goal star Brownhill allegedly on the summer shopping lists of both Everton and West Ham United.

Losing their beloved captain to a top-flight rival would be nothing short of disastrous for Parker’s men, with Brownhill’s 18 strikes and six assists across 44 league games undoubtedly playing a huge part in Burnley’s push back up to the top-flight.

The in-demand 29-year-old has also shown he can perform up a level previously, with six goals and six assists next to his name in the Premier League to date, meaning he could be just the steadying presence the Lancashire club need to try and secure survival.

Away from Brownhill, Burnley will also need to ensure they keep their formidable defence around to try and stave off relegation, with one stern Clarets defender actually boasting a higher worth than the electric midfielder now after a breakout promotion-winning season.

The "exceptional" Burnley star worth more than Brownhill

Remarkably, across the full 46-game marathon, Burnley would only ship a minuscule 16 goals in total, leading to first-choice goalkeeper James Trafford reprotedly being on the radar of Newcastle United.

He isn’t the only defensive star being eyed up by a higher suitor, however, with Crystal Palace also reportedly keeping tabs on Clarets number 16 Maxime Esteve, after the French colossus looked near faultless all season long alongside Trafford.

The former Montpellier man would deservedly slot into the Championship team of the season, with Esteve operating as both a classy performer on the ball with 60.5 accurate passes averaged per league game, but also acting as a forceful presence when needed by picking up a whopping 30 clean sheets.

Unsurprisingly, off the back of such a sterling individual season alongside his standout teammates, Esteve’s transfer value has shot up, with Burnley definitely winning themselves a golden bargain when purchasing the 22-year-old for around the £12.5m mark just last year.

Now, the in-demand centre-back is worth a far heftier £19.3m – as per Football Transfers – with Brownhill’s own value of £9.6m falling way short of Esteve’s bumped up valuation.

Therefore, it will likely have to be an astronomical offer put on the table for Burnley to consider parting ways with their “exceptional” – as he has been previously labelled by Parker – centre-back.

Further billed as possessing “undeniable” Premier League potential by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, it will be intriguing to see if does become even more of an imperious defender next season, whether that be lining up for Parker’s men, for Oliver Glasner’s Eagles or moving elsewhere.

Burnley have struck gold on "superstar" talent who's as good as Trafford

Burnley will hope they can succeed in the Premier League next season with this superstar already possessing top-flight quality.

By
Kelan Sarson

May 12, 2025

Chelsea are “really pushing” to sign a powerhouse striker ahead of their Premier League rivals Arsenal, with both sides holding negotiations and laying groundwork over a deal as we fast approach the summer window.

Chelsea gifted striker boost after vital win over Nottingham Forest

Enzo Maresca’s debut season as Chelsea manager, regardless of the debate prior to Sunday’s kick-off, can now surely be deemed a success after their all-important 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday.

Chelsea make "formal" bid to sign £84m Liverpool target in "ambitious move"

They’ve apparently submitted an offer.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

May 24, 2025

Levi Colwill’s second-half goal was enough to confirm Chelsea’s spot in the Premier League top-five and subsequent Champions League qualification for next season, gifting BlueCo an almighty boost when it comes to their summer recruitment strategy in the process.

Maresca himself confirmed that qualifying for the Champions League would have a profound effect on their plans for the looming transfer window, and reliable reports in the build up to Sunday echoed this theme.

While Chelsea are reported to be prioritising the addition of a new striker, centre-back and winger, it is believed they could also go for a versatile attacking player, goalkeeper, full-back and second centre-back, depending on player sales and their European status (Simon Phillips).

Supporters are very eager to see Chelsea bring in a prolific number nine in particular, and the Blues’ fourth-placed finish is now set to boost their hopes of signing a 25-plus goals-per-season striker who can deliver the goods up front.

“I’m not thinking about next summer, to be honest,” said a coy Maresca after Chelsea’s win over Forest, in his post-match press conference.

“Today is a day that we have to be happy because we brought this club where this club has to be in the most important European competition. And we did today and this is the most important day for them. Now from tomorrow we start to prepare for Wednesday final, and then we have days to see for next season.”

Chelsea now "really pushing" to sign RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko

According to journalist Simon Phillips, while Maresca refuses to get drawn in on the club’s transfer activity behind-the-scenes, they’re in fact making a serious move for RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko.

Chelsea have Sesko on their list of striker targets, as previously claimed, but they’re now believed to be competing with Arsenal for the 6 foot 5 Slovenia international’s signature after his 21-goal season at Leipzig.

His contract includes a £67 million release clause, and Chelsea are now seriously pressing to sign Sesko after holding talks and laying the groundwork for his signature.

“The new info I have is that Arsenal are now really pushing for Benjamin Sesko as well as Chelsea,” wrote Phillips.

“Both clubs have held talks and laid down some groundwork to sign him. Arsenal also really like Viktor Gyokeres, but there’s a split internally there as to which striker they want to push for.”

Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg believes Arsenal’s talks for Sesko are “concrete” as well, so Chelsea do face stiff competition from Mikel Arteta’s side. Interestingly, both sides made a proposal for the 21-year-old last summer, which he rejected in favour of signing an extension at Leipzig (Fabrizio Romano).

However, the Premier League duo haven’t appeared to have thrown the towel in when it comes to tempting Sesko with a move to England, and it will be very intriguing to see how this one develops.

Chelsea are badly in need of a centre-forward, with Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku scoring just two top-flight goals between them this calendar year.

Manchester United’s front line has been the subject of various additions already this summer, as Ruben Amorim looks to overhaul his first-team squad.

The manager has already secured the signing of forward Matheus Cunha from fellow Premier League outfit Wolves, costing a fee in the region of £62.5m.

Despite the huge fee spent on the 25-year-old, more business is expected to be completed in such a department, with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo another name on their shortlist.

He’s been subject to multiple offers from the Red Devils already this window, but a deal is yet to be agreed after he stated his desire to make the switch to Old Trafford.

Other players have remained as key targets for the 40-year-old boss, who appears to be at the heart of various deals which could massively bolster the ranks at the Theatre of Dreams.

The latest on United’s hunt for added reinforcements this summer

The forward line has been the main focus for Jason Wilcox and Co this window, as seen by United’s tireless efforts to complete a move to land Cunha ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The Brazilian isn’t alone in being pursued by staff behind the scenes in Manchester, with the likes of Victor Osimhen, Kang-in Lee and Rafael Leao just three other talents currently in their sights.

However, they aren’t the only options, with Amorim’s side taking a huge step to secure the signature of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, according to Record via CaughtOffside.

It’s been reported that positive meetings have been held with the striker’s representatives and that a bid is expected to be lodged to take the Swede to Old Trafford this summer.

They also claim that the Portuguese outfit are holding out for €80m (£67m) to part ways with their talisman, who’s managed to find the net on 54 occasions throughout 2024/25.

Why United’s latest target could be Amorim’s own answer to Kane

Harry Kane is a striker who every side in world football must wish they had, considering his goalscoring exploits, which have made him one of Europe’s most sought-after talents.

The 31-year-old spent 10 years as a first-team regular at Tottenham Hotspur, racking up 280 goals and becoming their all-time record goalscorer in the process.

However, it wasn’t enough to propel Spurs to any form of silverware, subsequently moving to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2023, with the Englishman carrying on his rich vein of form in front of goal.

He’s netted a staggering 82 goals in his 91 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit, with Kane evidently making the right choice to move to Germany over a switch to Old Trafford after the Red Devils’ previous interest in his services.

This summer presents Amorim’s side with the chance to land their own talisman in the form of Gyokeres, with the Sporting star comparable to the England international by FBref.

When comparing the pair’s respective figures from the recent campaign, the Swede has managed to outperform him in numerous key departments – handing United their answer to Kane should he move this summer.

The Swede, who’s been labelled a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has massively outscored the Bayern ace, whilst also managing to register a higher shot-on-target rate, handing Amorim the deadly threat in front of goal he’s desperately craved.

He’s also managed to complete more take-ons and register more carries into the opposition’s area, subsequently being able to improve the tallies of other players around him.

Gyokeres’ aerial ability could also prove handy for the Red Devils, handing the side a focal point to play-off, whilst also offering an added threat from set pieces to improve their goalscoring record.

There’s no denying Kane will go down as one of the Premier League’s greatest ever goalscorers, with Gyokeres having huge pressure to replicate such success should he move to England this window.

The comparison is credit to the striker and an indication as to how impressive he’s been in recent times, potentially offering a new dimension to the club should he complete the switch in the coming months.

Van Persie 2.0: Man Utd set to be offered "incredible" Gyokeres alternative

Manchester United could be about to make a move for a player who could follow in Robin van Persie’s footsteps.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 12, 2025

With the first stage of the summer transfer window set to come to an end this evening, Manchester United will certainly be trying to complete deals to improve the first-team squad.

Ruben Amorim has already bolstered his ranks, landing Wolves star Matheus Cunha for a reported £62.5m fee, but has yet to add to such business during the off-season.

Such a deal will undoubtedly be the start of the overhaul of the first team squad, with the likes of Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof all released at the end of their contracts.

All areas of the pitch have been subject to improvements from the hierarchy as they look to back the manager to turn around the form, which saw them register a 15th-placed Premier League finish.

A whole host of names have been thrown into the mix over recent weeks, with one name once again popping up and edging closer to completing a switch to Old Trafford.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions

In recent days, striker Viktor Gyokeres has once again been touted with a move to join United after previously playing under Amorim at Sporting CP in Portugal.

The hierarchy have been in contact with the Swede’s representatives over a move to Old Trafford this summer, looking to provide the added quality in the final third, as seen by his tally of 54 goals in 2024/25.

However, he could be joined in the final third by Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, with Sky Sports’ latest update seemingly moving the 25-year-old closer to a move to join the Red Devils.

They claim that Amorim’s side are set to return with a second offer for the Cameroonian international, after their previous bid of £45m plus £10m in add-ons was rejected.

Personal terms aren’t expected to be an issue with the £70m Bees attacker, after he stated his desire to move to join United over a switch to Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Why United’s £70m target could be Amorim’s own Cherki

Rayan Cherki has been in demand throughout the off-season, understandably so given his form for Lyon across all competitions throughout 2024/25.

The 21-year-old registered 32 combined goals and assists for the Ligue 1 outfit, helping the club claim a place in the Europa League under manager Paulo Fonseca.

He even scored twice against the Red Devils in the Europa League quarter-finals this campaign, but it wasn’t enough as Amorim’s side staged one of the greatest European comebacks of all time.

However, they’re likely to come up against Cherki once again next season, after rivals Manchester City agreed a £34m deal to take the attacker to the Etihad in 2025/26.

Despite the pending move, Amorim could be about to land his own version of the Frenchman with a deal for Mbeumo, with the Brentford star also featuring off the right and also able to operate in a central area.

The winger, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, has outperformed Cherki in various key areas, highlighting how much of an impressive addition he would be for United this summer.

He’s registered more goals than the soon-to-be City attacker, whilst posting a higher shot-on-target rate, subsequently posing a bigger threat in front of goal for United.

Mbeumo has also completed more take-ons this season, whilst registering more carries with the ball into the opposition penalty area – further highlighting his desire to get the ball into dangerous areas, something which United have often lacked.

£70m may seem a hefty fee for the forward, but the prospect of him linking up with Cunha within the final third at Old Trafford is certainly an exciting one, making the club a force to be reckoned with.

Should he replicate the levels produced in the capital this season, he would be a superb addition, with his talents undoubtedly improving the options currently at the manager’s disposal.

Gyokeres alternative: Man Utd looking to sign £63m ace who's "like Ronaldo"

Man Utd are stepping up their search for a new striker this summer…

By
Robbie Walls

Jun 10, 2025