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Aston Villa appear eager to consolidate on last season's impressive fourth-placed finish with NSWE giving Unai Emery the backing to continue to deliver success in the West Midlands.

Villans braced for new arrivals this summer

With Villa set to compete in the continent's premier competition for the first time in over four decades, the top priority for the Villans' higher ups is to bring in players with experience at the highest level. It has previously been reported that Sevilla hitman Youssef En-Nesyri is attracting interest from Villa with a figure of around £17million needed to secure the services of the Moroccan.

Aston Villa's most expensive signings of all time

NSWE have splashed the cash in recent years.

By
Charlie Smith

Sep 5, 2025

Another player rumoured to be moving to the West Midlands is Emile Smith-Rowe, who has been linked with a move to Villa Park after falling out of favour at the Emirates. The 23-year-old has struggled for minutes in recent seasons, but a move to the Midlands could be just what he needs to rejuvenate his career.

Continuing the theme of picking up players surplus to requirements at top six sides, the Villans are also in talks to sign Conor Gallagher from Chelsea this summer. A midfielder is top of Villa's wishlist with a replacement for Douglas Luiz likely neccessary with the Brazilian attracting interest from both the Premier League and on the continent.

With a midfielder high on Villa's list of priorities, it now appears that the Villans are targeting a player already pushing for a move away from his current club.

Villa monitoring the situation around Guendouzi

As first reported by Sport Witness, Italian outlets are claiming that Villa are lurking around Matteo Guendouzi's ongoing push to leave Lazio. The outlet states that the French midfielder has made his feelings around coach Igor Tudor clear with Guendouzi reportedly not interested in playing under the Croatian manager.

Despite attempts by Lazio sporting director Angelo Mariano Fabiani to smooth over the situation, it is evident that Guendouzi is eager to leave this summer, a situation Villa are eager to take advantage of. With Emery pushing to spend £25million to get the deal done, it may prove too much for Lazio to turn down.

The current Villa boss was the first to bring Guendouzi to England when the Frenchman signed for Arsenal back in 2018. The 25-year-old went on to make 82 appearances for the Gunners but fell out of favour at the Emirates under Mikel Arteta. Spells in Germany, France and Italy have followed in subsequent seasons but it now appears that a return to the Premier League is on the cards.

A reunion with Emery could be exactly what Guendouzi needs to get his career back on track. too The midfielder's best days at Arsenal came under the Spaniard so there is no reason why he cannot replicate this success at Emery's new side.

Squad depth will be essential if Villa are to continue their success next season and a player like Guendouzi could be essential in their campagin. Boasting experience in both the Premier League and Europe, the Frenchman would be vital to Emery's battle on multiple fronts next season.

Glasgow Rangers have announced their second signing of the summer as Oscar Cortes remains in Glasgow for the 2024/25 campaign on a season-long loan deal.

The youngster spent the second half of last term on loan at the Ibrox side, featuring seven times and registering three goal contributions before suffering an injury against Kilmarnock at the end of February which eventually curtailed his season.

Signing him up on a temporary deal with an obligation to buy is a smart piece of business by Philippe Clement as he seeks to bolster his side ahead of next season.

Might the Belgian be looking to secure another loan signing this summer, however? Someone that could add something different to his midfield options…

Rangers transfer news

Last week, five players departed Rangers following the expiration of their contracts, freeing up a good chunk of wages which will allow Clement some flexibility in the transfer market.

Losing Ryan Jack, John Lundstram, Kemar Roofe, Borna Barisic and Jon McLaughlin means the Gers will have a few gaps to fill this summer, but this is surely a challenge that Clement will relish.

With Jefte and now Cortes signed up for next season, the onus is on the Light Blues to continue this momentum by making a few more signings in the coming weeks.

Journalist Graeme Bailey provided an update on the future of Kalvin Phillips last week, saying: “Man City have informed Kalvin Phillips that he can leave on loan next season.

“City realise that nobody is going to take him permanently and will subside his wages. A host of clubs are keen, and Celtic & Rangers amongst those to show an interest.”

The midfielder currently earns £150k-per-week at City, which ordinarily, would rule him out of a move to Scotland. With the English champions paying his wages, however, this makes a move slightly more feasible.

His value has dropped significantly since joining Man City two years ago. Despite costing the club £42m, according to Football Transfers, the former Leeds man is now worth just €14.3m (£12m) and this will continue to decrease unless he goes on to impress next season, potentially in a Rangers jersey.

With Clement losing Jack and Lundstram, both central midfielders, he desperately needs to recruit a few more bodies in this area before the start of next season. Might Philipps, even on a temporary deal, be an ideal upgrade to Lundstram?

Kalvin Phillips' career since Euro 2020

In the summer of 2022, Phillips looked like he had the world at his feet. The previous summer, he had starred for England during their run to the final of the 2020 European Championship, losing to Italy on penalties.

After an excellent season for Leeds United in the Premier League where he played 20 times, Phillips signed for City for a fee in the region of £42m, becoming the latest talent to join Pep Guardiola’s side.

What should have been a reward for Phillips' rise to the top soon turned into a nightmare as he played only 19 games during his maiden season at the Etihad due to suffering a shoulder injury.

Despite winning the treble, Phillips’ issues continued into the 2023/24 season, making just ten appearances for City before joining West Ham United on a six-month loan deal which was supposed to get him back up to 100% ahead of next season.

Ten appearances and no goals or assists later, the 28-year-old returned to Manchester with his tail between his legs having missed out on England’s Euro 2024 squad.

A fresh start in Scotland could certainly ease his troubles and allow him to secure plenty of game time without facing the same sort of pressure down south. The key question is, can he remain fit?

Why Kalvin Phillips could replace John Lundstram

Lundstram enjoyed a few purple patches during his spell in Glasgow, most notably in the club’s run to the Europa League final in 2022, scoring against Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig, but overall, his spell at Ibrox failed to live up to expectations.

Last season, the midfielder may have made 52 appearances in all competitions for the Gers during 2023/24, but he scored just twice, while his performance levels dipped severely towards the end of the campaign as Celtic defeated the Light Blues in the top flight and Scottish Cup final.

Phillips may have endured a torrid spell at both City and West Ham since moving from Leeds in 2022, with Guardiola going as far as labelling the midfielder as “overweight” once he returned from the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

However, he has previously been hailed as an “absolute beast” by former Netherlands international Nigel De Jong during England’s run to the Euro 2020 final three years ago, proving that he can dominate a midfield.

Indeed, during that tournament, the midfielder played every single match for England as he finished the competition with an 86% pass success rate, averaged 0.4 key passes per game while winning 69% of his aerial duels per match, showcasing his importance in the heart of the three Lions’ midfield.

The season prior to that international tournament, Phillips was incredible for Leeds, finishing the league campaign with an 85% pass success rate while making 2.6 tackles and winning 5.3 total duels – a success rate of 53% – per game for the club, ensuring his place in the England squad for the competition.

Moving on Lundstram was the best thing Clement could do, freeing up plenty of wages for future targets and, at 30, he wasn’t going to get any better.

There is no doubt, therefore, that if Phillips can replicate the form he displayed for club and country between 2020-2022, then Rangers could have an ideal Lundstram replacement ready to make his mark in Scotland.

Much will depend on how far the midfielder is willing to go in order to secure regular first-team football, but if he can prove his fitness to Clement, then the Belgian may be able to plug a void in his midfield with a player who was lauded as the “best modern midfielder” just three years ago by Fabio Capello.

Rangers eye move for set-piece specialist to replace Barisic

Rangers look to be seeking another signing in the coming weeks…

By
Ross Kilvington

Jun 3, 2024

Dejan Kulusevski has revealed how advice from Cristiano Ronaldo that he initially “didn’t understand” has helped to unlock full potential in his game.

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• Spent a season together at Juventus
• All-time great passed on words of wisdom
• Serving Spurs star well in the present

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Tottenham star has been in impressive form of late, making six Premier League starts in the 2024-25 campaign while also taking the captain’s armband for Sweden. His value is being recognised by club and country, with the talented playmaker still only 24 years of age.

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  Greater consistency is being added to his game, with Kulusevski heeding words of wisdom from former Juventus team-mate Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar is still going strong at 39 as he has mastered the art of putting himself in peak physical condition.

• WHAT KULUSEVSKI SAID

  That was not always a priority for Kulusevski, but he has told of looking after himself on and off the pitch: "I’m getting to know my body. When I was younger, I didn’t understand when Ronaldo told me: ‘You will get to know your body’. Because I didn’t know my body then. But now I’m starting to understand my strengths and weaknesses, how I can improve. So I feel like everything is getting easier."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Kulusevski spent one season alongside Ronaldo in 2020-21. The lessons learned during that spell in Turin are serving him well in the present, with Spurs looking for leaders to step forward after seeing a run of five successive wins in all competitions snapped by defeat at Brighton prior to the latest international break.

Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens has made history by becoming the youngest Englishman to score against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

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• Dortmund lost 5-2 at Real Madrid in Champions League
• Gittens on target at the Bernabeu
• Goal sees Dortmund star smash record

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Dortmund travelled to the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday to face defending European champions Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu in a repeat of last season's final. Though they eventually lost 5-2 in a remarkable capitulation, Donyell Malen put the visitors in front before Gittens made history when he netted for 2-0. The winger found the back of the net at the age of just 20 years and 75 days to become the youngest Englishman to score against Madrid in the Champions League, beating the record previously held by Alan Smith.

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  Gittens' feat is even more impressive considering Smith's record had stood for 23 years. The striker scored for Leeds United against Real Madrid in 2001 at the age of 20 years 129 days in a 3-2 loss to Los Blancos. Gittens now has three goals and one assist in three Champions League games for Borussia Dortmund and is clearly enjoying life in Europe's premier club competition.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Premier League sides Liverpool and Chelsea have both been linked with a move for Gittens after seeing the Englishman impress with Dortmund this season. His current contract with the club runs until 2028.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GITTENS

  After this heavy defeat in Madrid, Gittens and Dortmund are back in Bundesliga action on Sunday against Augsburg.

Newcastle United have progressed massively over the course of the last 18 months under current boss Eddie Howe.

However, this season the club have regressed with the squad often depleted with multiple first-team members struggling with injuries and fitness for long periods.

Players such as Sven Botman, Nick Pope and Joelinton have all struggled with injury problems, with Newcastle's results and league position suffering as a result.

The Magpies finished the 2023/24 campaign in seventh place, missing out on a European spot altogether, after featuring in the Champions League for the first time in two decades during the same season.

Howe and the Saudi PIF will undoubtedly be targeting reinforcements during the summer transfer window to bolster their hopes of returning to featuring in the biggest club competition in world football.

So with that in mind, here's a look at the potential starting XI the Newcastle boss could piece together should he be backed by the owners once more at St James' Park during the off-season.

1

GK – Giorgi Mamardashvili

The first of Newcastle's summer signings could come in the form of Valencia shot-stopper Giorgi Mamardashvili, with the Magpies submitting a £35m bid for his services, if recent sources are to be believed.

The Georgian is set to leave the Mestalla this summer after the club agreed a deal to sign Stole Dimitrievski from fellow La Liga side Rayo Vallecano.

The 23-year-old has made 36 appearances during the 2023/24 campaign, keeping 13 clean sheets, the joint third-highest in the division – proving to be a huge upgrade on the current number-one Pope.

2

RB – Tino Livramento

Experienced full-back Kieran Trippier has been a shining light in the club's ambition to return to the top of English football, but a combination of injuries and a drop in form could see his place in the side at risk ahead of next season – the veteran himself admitting back in December that his "standards have dropped".

However, the club already have a ready-made replacement for Trippier in the form of youngster Tino Livramento, who endured an excellent end to the 2023/4 campaign.

Livramento is the perfect modern wing-back, with his relentless running and ability to create opportunities in the final third a huge bonus to the Magpies – making him the perfect replacement for the 33-year-old.

3

CB – Sven Botman

Defender Sven Botman has been a brilliant addition for the Magpies since his £32m move from Lille during the summer of 2022.

Still only 24, he has the potential to develop into one of Europe's best centre-backs within the next few years, with the Dutchman a massive part of the club's future.

Although he will miss the first couple of months through injury, he will walk back into the side upon his return, potentially being the difference in the club's European ambitions.

4

CB – Lloyd Kelly

Newcastle seem to be edging ever closer to signing centre-back Lloyd Kelly from Premier League rivals Bournemouth on a free transfer, with the 25-year-old departing the Vitality Stadium upon the expiry of his current deal.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed that he is set to play under Howe for a second time after the current Magpies boss bought him during his time on the South Coast.

The signing would be one of little risk given there's no transfer fee involved, with the club potentially able to strengthen by signing a proven top-flight talent, whilst complying with the Premier League's FFP rules, especially after their recent losses for the previous financial year.

5

LB – Lewis Hall

In recent seasons, Dan Burn has often featured out of position for Newcastle at left-back, but his lack of pace has seen him get caught on numerous occasions – switching back to a more central role towards the end of the season.

However, following his recent outings, Lewis Hall has been recalled to the starting lineup and has started to look undroppable, with the defender having the potential to transform into one of the best attacking full-backs in the Premier League – his £28m fee looking like a potential bargain.

The former Chelsea man will keep progressing with more game time, with Howe needing to make him a regular starter on Tyneside after his impressive end to the campaign.

6

CM – Bruno Guimaraes

Since signing for the club for £40m back in January 2022, Bruno Guimaraes has arguably been Newcastle's best player – especially in 2023/24 when the side have struggled at times.

The Brazilian has been a leading figure in the Newcastle dressing room, with the former Lyon midfielder showing his talents on multiple occasions this campaign.

He's been subject to interest from Arsenal and Manchester City ahead of the transfer window, but he will only leave St James' if either of the clubs pay his £100m release clause – with Howe undoubtedly wanting to keep hold of his star man.

7

CM – Joelinton

Since arriving at the club originally as a striker, the Brazilian has swapped his forward role for a box-to-box midfielder, where he's excelled to the surprise of many.

The 27-year-old recently signed a new deal at the club, committing his future to the Magpies – also a reflection of his importance to Howe since his transition into the middle of the park.

The former Hoffenheim man has formed an excellent partnership with his fellow compatriot in the last couple of years, with the pair having the ability to catapult Newcastle back into Champions League contention.

8

CAM – Morgan Gibbs-White

In recent weeks, Newcastle have been targeting Nottingham Forest attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White ahead of the summer transfer window – with the Englishman available for around £50m this window.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed an excellent season for the Reds under Nuno Espírito Santo, achieving double figures in assists – securing the club’s Premier League survival for another season.

His ability to create carnage in the final third is out of this world, providing a dynamic in the Newcastle midfield that has often been missing which could provide the forward line with added ammunition.

9

RW – Nico Williams

Newcastle have recently been credited with an interest in Spanish forward Nico Williams, who could prove to be the missing piece in Howe's attacking puzzle.

The 21-year-old right winger has caught the eye in La Liga in recent seasons, however, he enjoyed his best campaign to date in 2023/24, scoring five and assisting 12 as the youngster demonstrated his qualities in the final third.

Williams has a £43m release clause in his current deal in Spain – a deal that would represent excellent business by the Magpies, especially considering the huge increase in player prices over the last few years.

10

ST – Alexander Isak

The Sweden international has been sensational since his arrival from Real Sociedad back in July 2022 for £60m. He managed to score 21 times in the Premier League last season, with the striker having the potential to get even better during his time at the club.

His excellent form, like Guimaraes, hasn't gone unnoticed, with Mikel Arteta's side also interested in signing Newcastle's talisman, but any deal would cost the interested party a huge sum.

The Magpies' number 14 has often been the player to get Howe's side out of the mud this season, with the club potentially struggling without his consistent flow of goals.

West Ham United are readying a fresh bid for a player Julen Lopetegui loves as they look to hand their new boss his dream signing this summer, it has emerged.

Hammers set for change under Lopetegui

The departure of David Moyes at the end of the 2023/24 Premier League season is set to usher in plenty of change this summer, both in personnel and in transfer strategy at West Ham.

They have already begun a new approach under Sporting Director Tim Steidten, and have signed one of Brazil's most exciting talents in the form of Luis Guilherme, with the teenager signing a five-year contract at the London Stadium.

“I’m very happy to be signing with West Ham United, a Club that trusted in my work,” Guilherme told the club media.

West Ham could speed up move for £15k-p/w midfielder after Alvarez injury

Lopetegui could be welcoming a new signing soon.

By
Ben Browning

Jun 24, 2024

“They presented the project, and both my family and I liked it. So, I'm very happy to be signing with this Club and hope to contribute as much as possible. If things go well, we have a beautiful journey ahead.

“The Head Coach and I already had a conversation. He showed me his project and I believe I’ll learn a lot from him. He’s coached at the national level in Spain and managed big clubs."

But as well as young stars, the Londoners have their eye on some Premier League experience.

West Ham ready third bid for Kilman

Now, it has emerged that the Hammers have seen a second bid turned down for Wolves captain Max Kilman, but are readying a third. Kilman is a favourite of Lopetegui, who managed him at Molineux and made him club captain, and the Spaniard is keen to sign the 27-year-old this summer.

However, Wolves are not willing to let him go, with Kilman still having four years left to run on his £50,000-a-week deal in the Midlands.

The Hammers have already seen a £25m rejected, while Fabrizio Romano revealed that a second bid had also been made which included a player in part exchange, but that too has been turned down by the Old Gold. Now, he adds, the London side are set to make a third approach for the 27-year-old, while "talks continue" over a potential move for the defender.

Kilman is a reliable presence for Wolves and came in for praise from pundit Micah Richards for his performances under Bruno Lage, with an outing against Southampton drawing particular enthusiasm. Richards explained on Match of the Day:

“I just liked the way he approached the game today. He’s a left-footed centre-half who plays on the right of a three. He’s played futsal before and that’s why he might be so comfortable on the ball.

“He looks really good in the Premier League. He looks assured, he’s played every minute this season. Everything about his game is mature. He was the one who caught my eye, especially with his body positions. His all-round performance was really good.”

He has missed just nine Premier League games since that point and continues to impress for the Old Gold, making it easy to see why West Ham want him. For now, though, they are finding it a tough deal to complete.

Liverpool have been told that they have "no chance" of keeping Trent Alexander-Arnold as Real Madrid are considered frontrunners for his services.

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• Alexander-Arnold has less than a year left at Liverpool
• Real Madrid are chasing the right-back
• England star could join Bellingham in Spain

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Alexander-Arnold, who played a key role in Liverpool's narrow 1-0 win over RB Leipzig in the Champions League earlier this week, is rumoured to be at the top of Real Madrid's shopping list for a new right-back. He will enter the final six months of his deal in January and will be free to negotiate with foreign clubs, leaving Liverpool vulnerable to losing one of their most valuable assets.

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  Real are in the market for a long-term replacement for Dani Carvajal, whose recent knee injury is expected to keep him out until October 2025. Despite the swirling rumours surrounding Alexander-Arnold’s future, Liverpool manager Arne Slot remains hopeful that the homegrown star will commit to a new deal. However, not everyone shares Slot’s optimism as Sky Sports pundit Tim Sherwood expressed doubt over the club’s chances of retaining the full-back.

• WHAT SHERWOOD SAID

  "I think with Trent, I think he's gone," Sherwood said. "Once Real Madrid come knocking for you… He's won everything at the football club and been a magnificent servant but there's no chance they're keeping him now I wouldn't have thought."

  Alexander-Arnold is not the only player at Liverpool nearing the end of his contract as Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, two other key members of the squad, are also approaching the final stages of their current deals, raising further concerns for the club.

  When asked if Slot could help convince the trio to stay at Anfield, Sherwood argued that the impact of Liverpool’s strong start to the season can be crucial.

  "That helps," he said. "We’re talking about three world-class players who want to win trophies. They’re not interested in just fighting for Champions League spots – they want to be lifting silverware, and a strong start to the season can only help Liverpool’s case. With Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, I think it's completely different because I'm not sure where they are going to go which is better than Liverpool."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

  Liverpool are leading the Premier League standings but face a stern test against title contenders Arsenal at the Emirates. Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk and Salah will feature over the weekend and the trio must put their best foot forward to help the Merseyside club retain top spot.

With Chelsea's transfer business ramping up, Enzo Maresca has already been handed one of his ex-Leicester City players, with the signing of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

But ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season, the Blues will still be looking to strengthen multiple areas, in their bid to return to Champions League football having missed out for the second season in a row.

The forward areas seem to be the next focus point for Chelsea, with rumours stating their interest in multiple wingers, and strikers to add to their already talented set of Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku.

Chelsea transfer news

According to reports from The Standard, Chelsea are among the clubs interested in Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams. Tottenham and Barcelona are also said to be interested, and the reported release clause on Williams' contract is between £45-50m.

The reports suggest, despite there being a lot of competition for the Spanish star, Chelsea could have the upper hand due to Marc Cucurella, who is on international duty with him currently at Euro 2024.

Cucurella said "I've been telling him to sign for Chelsea." So Chelsea could be hoping Williams is being sold on their project, and the prospect of teaming up with his Spanish compatriot at club level.

How WIlliams and Cucurella link up

Williams enjoyed his best G/A season for Athletic Bilbao, scoring eight goals and providing 19 assists in all competitions last season. This sparkling form earned him a spot in the national team, and he has continued to impress on the international stage.

At Euro 2024, Williams has made four starts out of the five games, scoring one goal, and providing one assist thus far. But it's the direct manner of his play that has captured the eye, and been a dangerous weapon for the Spain side.

He has struck a good connection with Chelsea left-back Cucurella, who has also started four of the five games on that left side with Williams, contributing to two clean sheets, and playing the entirety of their most recent and important game against Germany, beating them 2-1 in extra time to progress to the semi-finals.

Williams, described as a "pace demon" by football podcaster Adam Keys, has many strings to his bow in attacking areas, but yes, the statement is true, he is frighteningly quick. This strikes fear into opposition fullbacks, as he runs at them 1v1, and has the ability to go either way.

The 21-year-old winger averages 5.69 progressive carries per 90, and 3.42 successful take-ons per 90, which further proves his ability and desire to beat his man and make things happen in the final third.

Williams is at his most dangerous when being given a high percentage of these 1v1 matchups, for him to attack and be creative, and that's where the perfect partner, Cucurella comes in.

Cucurella is aggressive with his rest defence positioning, prepared to jump up and win the ball back at every opportunity. He is a heavy duelling defender, winning 3.13 tackles per 90, making 1.82 blocks per 90, and making 1.11 interceptions per 90.

Once he does regain possession, he knows his game and doesn't force anything. Cucurella is not a highly creative passer, and won't look to make high amounts of key or progressive passes.

Instead, he is happy to make the simple pass, offer another angle to help his teammate or make a sacrificial run to the byline to afford space for his teammates. Cucurella is the perfect teammate, especially for a 1v1 player like Williams.

After Veiga: Chelsea in the race to sign £25m Calafiori alternative

He is wanted by several PL clubs this summer.

By
Joe Nuttall

Jul 7, 2024

Ruud van Nistelrooy performed a wild celebration after Bruno Fernandes' penalty goal against Chelsea on Sunday.

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• Van Nistelrooy celebrated wildly after Fernandes' goal
• United held to a 1-1 draw
• Van Nistelrooy explained his celebration

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The United skipper broke the deadlock from the penalty spot in the 70th minute after Rasmus Hojlund was brought down by Chelsea custodian Robert Sanchez inside the box. As Fernandes netted the opening goal, Old Trafford erupted in joy. Interim coach Van Nistelrooy performed a wild celebration as he first ran down the touchline and then jumped and fisted the air.

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  The Red Devils' celebrations, however, were shortlived as Moises Caicedo scored the equaliser four minutes later to make sure his team left Old Trafford with at least a point. The Dutch coach took charge of the team on an interim basis after Erik ten Hag left last week. United have appointed Ruben Amorim as their permanent coach who will take charge from next week.

• WHAT RUUD VAN NISTELROOY SAID

  Explaining his celebration after the game, the 48-year-old told "It was a great moment, the goal, when Old Trafford explodes. Bruno Fernandes did well taking it and the emotion came out. This week has been special, I have enjoyed every second of it.

  "I am here to help and will get behind the new manager and make sure the club grows. "We are behind the new manager, everyone at the new club is focusing on the two games that are coming which are very important but then we will work hard to make this club better every day."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  The English giants will face PAOK and Leicester City in the Europa League and Premier League, respectively in their next two games before Amorim formally takes charge of the club.

Bayern Munich CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen has admitted there's no guarantee the club will be able to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen.

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• Wirtz in demand after starring at Leverkusen
• Bayern linked with move for Germany star
• Club adamant they won't overpay

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Wirtz has emerged as one of Germany's brightest young talents at Bayer Leverkusen and has been linked with a host of top clubs including Bayern, Manchester City and Real Madrid. Bayern wanted to sign Wirtz back in 2020, under former manager Hansi Flick, and are expected to try and land Wirtz again in the summer transfer window.

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  However, there's no guarantee that Bayern will be able to poach Wirtz from their Bundesliga rival. They are likely to face competition from other clubs, particularly if Xabi Alonso leaves Leverkusen for Real Madrid, while it hasn't been ruled out that the Germany international could decide to stay with Leverkusen and sign a new contract. Dreesen has also admitted that finances will also be a factor and that Bayern won't overpay for the 21-year-old.

• WHAT BAYERN SAID

  Dreesen told : "It must always be in FC Bayern's interest to have the best German players. But Uli Hoeness also always said that FC Bayern must act economically sensibly. And he would not agree with us if we did not observe both of his basic pillars."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR WIRTZ

  Speculation over Wirtz's future is likely to continue this season and there will be plenty of scrutiny on the forward's form at Leverkusen. Alonso's side return to action after the international break against struggling Heidenheim in the Bundesliga.