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According to reports from The Daily Star, Manchester United are growing increasingly confident of signing Atletico Madrid’s Saul Niguez in a £135m deal.

What’s the word?

It is claimed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s targeting the Spain international as a replacement for Paul Pogba, who is expected to join Real Madrid in the next transfer window provided they meet United’s £100m asking price.

The funds will then be used to help activate Niguez’s £135m release clause, with the United boss believing a midfield containing the Atletico man and January signing Bruno Fernandes can propel the club back towards its domineering status of old.

That would make the 25-year-old the most expensive signing in Premier League history, eclipsing the £94.5m United spent on Pogba almost four years ago by more than £40m.

Cameo Clubs: Which obscure teams did these football legends play for?

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McTominay and Fred at loggerheads

Scott McTominay and Fred have been arguably United’s two most improved players of the 2019/20 campaign, but if The Daily Star’s report is to be believed then the midfield duo could ultimately end up at loggerheads next season.

After managing just 13 Premier League starts during his debut campaign at Old Trafford, the Brazilian has made himself one of the first names on the team-sheet and completely overturned his status as a costly flop, to the extent that United fans were comparing him to Park Ji-Sung and N’Golo Kante after the most recent Manchester derby.

Speaking of which, McTominay’s rise from promising youngster continued in that game with a goal against United’s bitter rivals, while Whoscored have him as United’s sixth-best performer in the top flight this term – his average rating jumping up from just 6.48 in 2018/19 to 7.1 this time around.

But unless Solskjaer intends to use the diamond system that he’s deployed just once in the Premier League this season – according to Whoscored – on a more permanent basis, then McTominay and Fred will be left fighting for the solitary spot left in United’s midfield, presumably anchoring Niguez and Fernandes.

Of course, United will be fighting on multiple fronts and squad depth is crucial, but ultimately both players, Niguez and Fernandes can’t all make Solskjaer’s strongest XI. Rather than working in impressive tandem as they have for much of the current campaign, Fred and McTominay will have to fight it out for that last vacancy in United’s engine room.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Loan Watch series, which takes a closer look at those players who are aiming to galvanise their careers away from the spotlight of their parent club.

The last thing Leeds United need is a disruptive force in the dressing room.

Reportedly, Pontus Jansson’s attitude off the pitch is what saw him depart the club this summer, so it’s clear that Marcelo Bielsa has no patience for any troublemakers in his squad.

With reports circulating this week that Jay-Roy Grot has been involved in a training ground bust-up while out on loan in the Netherlands, there may be a worry that his future at the Whites could be affected by this incident, but that shouldn’t be the case.

Watch Leeds United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

The fact of the matter is that Grot’s altercation with Riechedly Bazoer at Vitesse’s training session has been misreported in certain places.

The original source states that it was Bazoer who kicked off the altercation by threatening the Leeds loanee after they had a coming together in training.

The midfielder then stormed off while aiming a foul-mouthed tirade at his manager.

Ever wondered how modern day skills would cope with the world’s oldest football? Find out in the video below…

This shows that Grot wasn’t the man at fault, and as such, his role in the incident should be downplayed. Is reports are to be believed, he wasn’t the man who started it so if his mentality is to be questioned, it shouldn’t be.

Bazoer’s temper and attitude problems have been documented for quite some time now, and Grot doesn’t seem to be the one at fault here.

Hopefully, his parent club are understanding enough to realise that he’s not the one who has been causing trouble here and this doesn’t affect any future he may have at Elland Road.

After all, his performances on the pitch should dictate what happens. He initially got off to a promising start in the Netherlands too.

Grot netted and assisted a goal in his first five starts, only dipping below an average match rating, via WhoScored, of 7 on one occasion.

Rather than focusing on off-field matters that weren’t his fault, Leeds should analyse his ability with the ball at his feet.

This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Patrick Bamford hasn’t scored for nine league games now.

The striker must be feeling bereft of confidence after his latest goal drought, but it only takes one strike to reignite his form, and this weekend represents a great chance for the forward to get back amongst the goals.

QPR’s defending

While playing against the eighth-placed team in the Championship may represent a real challenge for Leeds United it shouldn’t be too hard for them to get amongst the goals.

Watch Leeds United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

The London club have conceded more strikes than any other team in the Championship barring Barnsley.

While their attack may cause Leeds some problems, the Whites shouldn’t have any issues when it comes to creating chances and having attempts on goal.

Bamford’s chance

The chief complaint about Bamford is that he needs a bagful of opportunities before he eventually puts one in the net, fortunately, he’s likely to get those chances against the Rs.

We mastered the trick in the video below in 8 attempts… could you do better?

Indeed, QPR have allowed 14 shots on target in their last two league games, and with the number of chances Leeds create they should be able to pepper the goal with shots.

This really does represent an opportunity for Bamford to find the net and kick start a revival for his season. After all, he fashions as many as 3.2 shots on goal per game.

The former Middlesbrough striker is massively a form player, just look at the start of this season where he scored four in his first five league games. Since then he’s not found the net.

If he can hit the net with one of the shots he is inevitably going to get against QPR that could be the catalyst for a good goalscoring run heading into a season-defining portion of the Whites’ campaign.

Leeds United look set for a very busy end to the transfer window, as a whole host of faces begin to be lined up to join Daniel Farke's men.

Manor Solomon and Largie Ramazani have both joined the building in quick succession to bolster the Whites going forward, who would have been reeling from the exit of Georginio Rutter hurting them in attack, alongside Crysencio Summerville leaving.

Despite snapping up Solomon on loan, and adding the former Almeria man to their attacking arsenal, Leeds might well not be done with explosive talents up top, with his new target on the agenda.

Leeds show late interest in Algerian star

As per Portuguese newspaper The Record, which has been relayed by football outlet Sport Witness, Leeds are keen on snapping up Farense star Mohamed El Bachir Belloumi before the close of the window on Friday.

Sport Witness states that the Whites have even sent scouts out to Portugal to keep tabs on the Algerian winger in action for Farense, with a growing possibility now that Leeds could try to tempt Belloumi to England to star down the right as another electric forward player.

With Wilfried Gnonto also still at Farke's disposal, Leeds going after Belloumi to further bolster in the right-wing area could see a move for Manuel Benson nipped in the bud, with outlandish claims even suggesting that the Farense number 62 could become the Championship club's next Raphinha.

What Belloumi would offer Leeds

That comparison to the Brazilian magician has come from football analyst Ben Mattinson, who has been waxing lyrical about the promising attacker for some time, labelling the deal as one that might well be "game-changing signing" owing to his "insane" skillset.

Last campaign playing for Farense, the tricky Algerian netted seven times from 35 contests and contributed even more with a further five assists, as his mazey runs forward regularly wrongfooted bewildered defenders, much like Raphinha used to be capable of when donning a Leeds jersey.

Belloumi excels when rampaging forward and twisting and turning defenders trying to keep tabs on him, with 2.65 progressive carries managed per 90 minutes last season playing in the Portuguese top-flight, having been at the very top of his game.

On the contrary, after an electric personal campaign for Benson helped Burnley to lift the Championship title, the Angolan forward struggled to make the first-team moving up a division, with only one pitiful start handed to him last season under Vincent Kompany's watch.

Stat – per 90 mins

Belloumi

Benson

Matches played

33

34

Goals scored

7

11

Assists

4

3

Total shots

2.04

3.09

Shots on target %

48.9%

30%

Shot-creating actions

3.31

4.45

Tackles won

1.22

0.48

Aerials won %

52.1%

23.5%

Although Benson did manage to pop up with three more goal contributions for the Clarets than Belloumi's total during his impressive 2022/23 output, Belloumi could well offer more to Leeds than what the wantaway Burnley man can when glancing at the table above, with the Algerian target not afraid to launch himself into a duel or tackle alongside his attacking game.

Moreover, Belloumi had a higher percentage of his shots find the target when compared to Benson last season, despite having less total shots per 90, with the 22-year-old potentially offering great competition to the likes of Gnonto if signed, compared to the Burnley winger who has seen his stock decrease.

Also capable of playing in the number ten spot, with three appearances coming his way from this spot when playing for previous employers MC Oran, the addition of Belloumi could prove to be a masterstroke purchase, especially if he does live up to his billing as being a star similar to Raphinha's profile.

Imagine him & Ramazani: Leeds pushing hard to sign exciting attacker

The Whites are reportedly interested in a swoop for the Bundesliga midfielder.

ByDan Emery Aug 28, 2024

Leeds United are thought to be in advanced talks to sign a goalscoring midfielder for Daniel Farke, according to a new report.

Midfielder wanted at Leeds before deadline

Manor Solomon became the club’s sixth signing of the summer recently, joining Joe Rodon, Joe Rothwell, Alex Cairns, Jayden Bogle and Largie Ramazani at Elland Road. The Israel international joined on a season-long loan from Tottenham and looks set to help fill the void left by Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter.

However, after losing a number of star players over the course of the window, including midfielders Archie Gray and Glen Kamara, another addition has been wanted for a number of weeks alongside Rothwell.

Farke said during Leeds' pre-season tour of Germany last month that a new signing in the middle of the pitch is wanted: “Overall we have lost two really good midfield options with Archie Gray and also Glen Kamara. We brought in Joe Rothwell, also a pretty experienced player and also good in possession, can chip in with goals and great set-pieces.

“So happy so far, but especially in the central position we won’t fall asleep until the window is really closed. And yes, definitely. In many positions we are already more or less done in our planning but it’s definitely one of the positions where we could do perhaps also with a new addition.”

Terms agreed: Report now claims £15m midfielder has said yes to Leeds move

The Whites now need to increase their bid.

1 ByCharlie Smith Aug 28, 2024

A number of targets have been linked, including Koln’s Dejan Ljubicic and Sheffield United’s Gus Hamer. The 49ers Enterprises appear to have pulled out of the race to sign Ljubicic, whereas a £13m bid for Hamer was rejected by the Blades. That appears to have led Leeds back to a 2023 target.

Leeds in advanced talks to sign Ao Tanaka

According to Football Insider, Leeds are in advanced talks to sign Ao Tanaka from Fortuna Dusseldorf in the final days of the window. The report states that the 25-year-old is keen on a move and that he has a release clause in the region of £2.65m.

The Japan international is also out of contract in under 12 months time, so it looks as if a transfer to Elland Road could go through before the deadline.

Tanaka can play as a holding, central or attacking midfielder, as per Transfermarkt, so would offer plenty of versatility to Farke’s options alongside Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev and Rothwell.

Stats

Per 90

Percentile vs midfielders

Goals

0.28

Top 3%

Non-penalty goals

0.28

Top 2%

Goals & Assists

0.40

Top 6%

Pass completion

87.9%

Top 12%

As can be seen, Tanaka has an eye for goal from midfield compared to his positional peers, scoring 28 goals during his career for club and country, so he could be a shrewd pick up before Friday.

Ipswich Town will hope, after valiantly battling away with Liverpool on the Premier League opening day, that they don't roll over for Manchester City to convincingly win during their next mammoth fixture back in the top division.

That will be easier said than done though, with Erling Haaland already underway this season with a goal versus Chelsea in a 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge, among the other top talents that Pep Guardiola has at his disposal that will be ready to test the Tractor Boys even more.

New recruit Jens Cajuste could have a role to play at the Etihad this coming weekend for Kieran McKenna and Co, after finally signing on the dotted line from Napoli to make a loan switch possible, with more targets also firmly on the newly promoted side's agenda.

Ipswich going after Championship ace

As per journalist Alan Nixon, Ipswich are now targeting Burnley star Dara O'Shea, as McKenna goes about improving his side defensively even more.

With Conor Townsend, Ben Johnson and Jacob Greaves all in through the door as new defensive recruits this summer – with Greaves even starting in the heart of defence versus Arne Slot's Liverpool – the next new arrival could well be the named Irish centre-back, who is being touted for a move away from Turf Moor for £10m.

This could also see the Suffolk side move away from their reported interest in Anel Ahmedhodzic, as the Sheffield United defender is also lined up to make a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers, alongside potentially relocating to Portman Road.

Now, O'Shea could be the man they want to further bolster at the back, with the in-demand gem arguably a better purchase to get in through the door, than the towering Bosnian.

What O'Shea can offer Ipswich

Firstly, the 25-year-old has more experience when it comes to the bright lights of the very top division compared to the other Ipswich target, with 61 top-flight appearances under his belt.

In contrast, Ahmedhodzic only has one top-flight campaign next to his name, and that season would have broken the 25-year-old somewhat, as Chris Wilder's men leaked a dismal 104 goals and finished rock bottom of the pile.

Stat – per 90 mins*

Ahmedhodzic

O'Shea

Games played

31

33

Goals scored

2

3

Assists

0

4

Touches*

44.5

64.4

Big chances created

1

3

Accurate passes*

23.3 (76%)

41.8 (80%)

Interceptions*

1.1

1.1

Tackles*

2.1

1.2

Ball recoveries*

3.4

4.2

Clearances*

4.3

4.8

Total duels won*

4.5

5.5

Clean sheet

1

1

Looking at the extensive numbers from the table above, even though O'Shea was also involved in a side that suffered the same relegation fate as the Blades, the Irishman had a better time of things with the Clarets.

Beating Ahmedhodzic when it comes to total duels won, on top of offering more when operating as a creative spark playing out from the back with an impressive seven goal contributions tallied up, O'Shea would bed in well into his new environment at Ipswich, offering competition to the likes of Luke Woolfenden and Cameron Burgess who have also had their rise courtesy of the EFL.

Already excelling back in the second tier with Scott Parker's Burnley, with a goal on the opening day coolly headed home at Kenilworth Road, O'Shea will be desperate to return to the top flight and prove himself with McKenna's minnows.

Notching up 97 games in the EFL across his varied career to date for the likes of West Bromwich Albion as well as Burnley, his former Baggies boss, Valerien Ismael, has even described the 6 foot 1 star as being a "warrior", after he bravely came back into the Baggies first-team fold after a serious injury back in 2021.

McKenna will want more warriors in his side to try and stave off the drop, as O'Shea is now potentially preferred over other targets on the Ipswich shopping list.

Watch out Woolfenden: Ipswich could land dream £30k-p/w signing for Greaves

Ipswich Town could strengthen at the back with this buy.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 19, 2024

Liverpool are set to submit a bid for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia should they miss out on Nice’s Khephren Thuram and Borussia Monchengladbach's Manu Kone, according to reports.

Is Romeo Lavia leaving Southampton?

The Belgium international was Ruben Selles’ former side’s second best-performing defensive player last season so has been attracting interest following relegation, and one of the manager’s keen on securing his services is Jurgen Klopp.

Writing in his column for Football Insider, journalist David Lynch recently revealed that whilst the Reds have made contact with the 19-year-old’s representatives, they require assurances that he only wants to complete a move to Anfield over the likes of Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United.

After signing Alexis Mac Allister from Brighton and Hove Albion, the Merseyside outfit have been heavily linked with Thuram and Kone as their next two potential targets, though if the hierarchy fail to get the duo over the line, FSG have decided where they will turn their attention to.

Are Liverpool signing Lavia?

According to The Transfer Room, Liverpool have “watched” Lavia for a “long time” and new transfer chief Jorg Schmadtke is ready to “approach” Southampton with a “reasonable offer” should they miss out on Thuram and Kone. The St. Mary’s midfielder is “keen” to return to the top-flight and the south coast outfit “won’t stand in his way” of leaving should they receive a bid of approximately £40m. However, it’s worth noting that should the two preferred candidates join, the board “will not act on their interest” in Lavia.

Should FSG table a bid for Lavia?

Liverpool will know that Lavia is still very much in the early stages of his career being just 19 years of age, but he’s got so much potential and has already been dubbed a “diamond” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, so FSG could test the waters to see if an agreement can be reached.

The Elite Project Group client, who’s sponsored by Adidas, is much stronger in the natural defensive midfield aspect of his game, ranking in the 96th percentile for blocks and winning 35 tackles last season, which was the second-highest success rate in his squad, via FBRef.

Lavia, who has the versatility to operate slightly higher up in centre of the park, can occasionally contribute to efforts in the final third having recorded one goal and assist apiece in a truly torrid Saints side, so for a player that’s as well-rounded as he is, Klopp would be gaining an exciting midfielder for the future.

Arsenal have been linked to an attacking midfielder ahead of the summer transfer window, in a signing that could boost Mikel Arteta’s squad depth.

The Gunners fell just five points short of winning their first Premier League title since 2004 this season, after leading the pack for the majority of the term.

Now, Arteta will turn his attention to the transfer window, as the north Londoners are in need of reinforcements ahead of the 2023/24 campaign if they are to challenge once again.

What’s the latest on Matheus Franca to Arsenal?

As reported by journalist Artur Petrosyan last week, Arsenal reportedly had an opening bid for Flamengo midfielder Matheus Franca rejected.

The Gunners’ opening offer of £15m was declined by the Brazilian club, with Newcastle United also interested in the player.

The 19-year-old is highly rated in South America, having recently graduated from Flamengo’s academy.

What could Matheus Franca bring to Arsenal?

Lauded as being one of the most “exciting” teenagers by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the "big talent" would be a worthy young gem to have in any side.

The Brazilian plays predominantly in advanced midfield, featuring at times on the flanks to showcase his versatility, as supported by Kulig’s praise explaining that the youngster can play "almost everywhere”.

While Arsenal’s attack is packed with talent, there is always room for more, as the Gunners have learned this season in falling short due to squad depth.

In signing a young talent, Arteta could not only replicate the success that was uncovered when the club signed the unknown talent of Gabriel Martinelli from Ituano but also replicate past heroes that have graced the position at the club.

The Emirates has played host to a number of graceful attacking midfielders over the years, not many as adored as Santi Cazorla, who enjoyed a six-year stay in the capital.

Arsenal could have a player with the potential to replicate the threat in midfield of Cazorla by signing Franca, who undoubtedly has a huge career ahead of him.

The similarities between the two are already evident, as supported through their playing styles focusing on the art of passing and playing the ball off the ground – as per WhoScored.

In 2019, the Spaniard had the highest 1v1 dribbling success rate in Europe with 89.13%, as well as averaging 2.35 progressive carries in La Liga that season, comparable to Franca’s 2.96 per 90 at Flamengo.

The young Brazilian ranks highly in terms of a range of attributes that the former Arsenal ace excelled in, making 3.98 progressive passes per 90 as well as registering 6.34 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 – as per FBref.

Such numbers showcase the 19-year-old’s ability on the ball, as well as in terms of getting forward in attack.

Introducing a young and hungry talent, particularly one who can score goals from midfield like Cazorla – Franca bagged eight in the 2022 term – would be a fantastic addition for Arteta to integrate into his squad.

Indeed, it would crucially also fall in a position that could encourage competition to increase individual performance and ultimately increase depth in quality.

While the little Spaniard is irreplaceable to some in Arsenal’s midfield, Franca could give fans a glimpse of what they’ve been missing in his absence if he is to arrive in north London this summer.

Chelsea's transfer policy has shifted dramatically since the arrival of Todd Boehly, although the financial backing has remained. It seems that the American is keen to move the west London outfit away from Roman Abramovich's here-and-now approach, instead planning for the long term in order to forge a successful dynasty that can span many years.

Acquisitions like Olivier Giroud, Pedro and Thiago Silva, whilst successful in their own different ways, are expected to be few and far between given that, of the 16 new signings since last summer, only three are aged 28 or over.

However, it is fair to say that as the one-year anniversary of the takeover nears, this largely has been a failed venture. Three managers and a mid-table finish is far from the trajectory fans would have envisioned for this term.

That is not set to deter the hierarchy from continuing to pump funds into the club though, as this summer window promises to be yet another big one.

Already the rumours are swirling about who the Blues might welcome into Stamford Bridge, with one such report noting a potential move that would align with this new-look philosophy.

Who is Vitor Roque?

As per Mundo Deportivo, noting earlier in the week, Chelsea have leapfrogged Barcelona in the race for Brazilian wonderkid Vitor Roque, who boasts a supposedly sparkling future ahead of him.

The 18-year-old has enjoyed a fine year for Club Athletico Paranaense, recording 12 goal contributions in 20 league games. Remarkably, this is his third year in senior football, thus marking the teenager out as a truly special talent and worthy of the €35m (£30m) price tag claimed in the report.

An athletic striker with a burst of pace, yet boasting quick feet that can dazzle defences, it was not long before the Ronaldo Nazario comparisons inevitably came.

The 46-year-old enjoyed successful spells across plenty of Europe's elite, scoring for Inter Milan, AC Milan, Barcelona, Real Madrid and PSV Eindhoven. It is tough to pinpoint where the apex of a career plagued with injuries came, but it was his 54 goals in 57 games in Holland that truly made the rest of the continent take note, having come through at Cruzeiro just like Roque.

He would go on to terrorise defenders with his unparalleled pace and power, scoring 295 club goals, winning two Ballon d'Or's and playing a huge role in two World Cup successes with Brazil.

So, to have the man himself suggest that this young marksman "is going to fly so high," fuelled the comparisons further. Roque's father, Juvenal, even acknowledged such adulation by noting: "It's exciting to know that the best in the world is praising my son, and that he is following the path of O Fenomeno."

With Mauricio Pochettino soon to take over in the Chelsea dugout, his work in moulding Harry Kane into one of the world's finest forwards should be another reason for this teenage gem to consider the switch.

The Argentinian handed the England captain his breakthrough in the 2014/15 campaign where he would score 31 goals, continuing to nurture him into the striker who is now the second-highest scorer in Premier League history.

With the potential Roque boasts, there is no reason why he cannot follow suit under his tutelage. After all, former national team coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has promised: "He will become one of the greatest players we have ahead of us."

He arguably has no better chance of being just that than in west London under Pochettino.

Manchester United head into tonight's Premier League encounter with rivals Chelsea knowing that just a point will secure their place in next season's Champions League, with the visit of the Blues also allowing Erik ten Hag's men the chance to move above Newcastle United into third place.

Having edged past AFC Bournemouth at the weekend, the Red Devils were handed a timely boost as top-four chasers, Liverpool were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Aston Villa, ensuring that United are all but certain of at least sealing fourth spot.

While the Carabao Cup winners still have a meeting with Fulham to come at home on Sunday, Ten Hag will likely be keen to get the job done later today, providing the Dutchman with ample time to shift focus toward next week's FA Cup final showdown with Manchester City.

The Old Trafford outfit have received some welcome news ahead of this evening's meeting with Frank Lampard's men, with leading scorer Marcus Rashford – who has been absent with injury and illness of late – having been pictured in training in recent days.

The potential return of the Englishman – as well as the growing presence of Alejandro Garnacho – should well spell bad news for £73m man, Jadon Sancho, with the fleet-footed flop seemingly one player in line to be axed later today.

Will Sancho play against Chelsea?

The former Borussia Dortmund man has been unable to make the most of Rashford's absence in recent weeks, having failed to score or register an assist in each of his last five Premier League games.

After the wide man's sparkling previous form in Germany – where he racked up 114 goal involvements in 137 outings – the London-born enigma has looked a shadow of his former self throughout his time at the Theatre of Dreams, having scored just 11 goals and contributed only five assists in 76 games across all fronts.

As United legend Dwight Yorke stated, it is something of a "mystery" as to why Sancho has been unable to replicate his Dortmund displays in the red jersey, with the treble winner subsequently stating that the 23-year-old is now on "borrowed time" at the club due to his blatant woes.

The £350k-per-week dud – who has been linked with an exit this summer – has proven himself to be something of a "weak link" at times this season, as per journalist Tom McDermott, having again underwhelmed at the Vitality Stadium at the weekend.

That trip to the south coast proved particularly disappointing for the Englishman as he 'underperformed again' – according to Manchester Evening News journalist, Samuel Luckhurst – having 'caused almost no danger' throughout his time on the pitch, in the words of GOAL's Richard Martin.

Equally, with regard to coming up against today's opponents, Sancho was also described by Luckhurst as the 'weakest link' when the two sides met in the reverse fixture, having been hooked early in the second half.

As such, on the evidence of the forward's extended woes, Ten Hag must ruthlessly replace his struggling asset this evening.