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Manchester United hit the ground at the end of the season, and they hit it hard, but Ruben Amorim is set on bringing Old Trafford back to the forefront of European football.

It bears testament to United’s stature in the Premier League that after finishing 15th and losing to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha has signed for a £62.5m fee after rejecting interest from Champions League-qualified clubs like Arsenal and Newcastle United.

Moreover, Bryan Mbeumo wants to join Amorim’s side this summer despite interest from the aforementioned outfits, though INEOS are locked in a battle to get that one over the line, with Brentford standing firm on their £60m valuation.

But the Red Devils still need a centre-forward, and no mistake. Rasmus Hojlund struggled last season, scoring only four times in the Premier League.

If Man United are to pick themselves back up, they need a focal frontman who will provide a steady source of goals.

Man Utd's striker search

Last month, Chelsea signed Liam Delap from relegated Ipswich Town after meeting his £30m release clause. There was a wealth of intrigue in the forward’s signature, and Man United were among the interested parties, but their lack of continental football ended what might otherwise have ended positively for Amorim.

In any case, the plan is still to sell Hojlund, who is being targeted by Inter Milan in Italy, two years after leaving Serie A to join the Manchester side in a £72m deal.

With Delap off the cards, who should United turn to? Well, Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike has emerged as a target for Jason Wilcox to mull over, while Amorim would like nothing more than to reunite with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, though the Sweden striker is intent on joining Arsenal.

However, given that signings are needed across other areas even after the frontline has been restored, United might want to delve down a shrewder road, sign a number nine for a cut-price fee.

Well, there might just be such a forward on the market whose style of play has been drawn against Romelu Lukaku’s – worth a shot?

Man Utd make contact for Hojlund upgrade

As per Spanish reports, Manchester United are in the running for Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic as the Italian giants look to part ways with their star striker.

There’s plenty of interest in his services, although Man United and Newcastle United have been singled out for having already opened talks to make an enquiry.

Undergoing some financial adjustments, the Old Lady have never quite realised Vlahovic’s full potential after an incredible start to life in Italy with Fiorentina, who he left for Turin three-and-a-half years ago in a deal worth around £67m.

Earning around £315k per week, Sir Jim Ratcliffe will no doubt look to reduce the Serbian’s earnings, although given that Vlahovic is reportedly available for a cut-price £25m figure, this might just check out. Nottingham Forest, it must be said, are also interested.

Why Man Utd want Dusan Vlahovic

When Juventus paid Fiorentina the big bucks to sign Vlahovic, they bagged themselves one of the most exciting attacking prospects in the world.

24/25

Juventus

29 (21)

10

4

23/24

Juventus

33 (27)

16

3

22/23

Juventus

27 (22)

10

2

21/22

Juventus

15 (12)

7

1

21/22

Fiorentina

21 (21)

17

4

20/21

Fiorentina

37 (34)

21

2

Still only 25, the Serbia international hasn’t matched that La Viola opening in Italy and needs to move on, especially as he’s entering the final year of his current deal.

Once described as a “real superstar” by reporter Andrew Cesare, Vlahovic indeed needs a change of setting to restore his reputation as one of the most effective strikers in the business, but there’s still plenty to like.

As per FBref, the powerful forward ranked among the top 11% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last year for shots taken and the top 10% for touches in the attacking box per 90, highlighting his innate predatory instinct.

It also saw Napoli’s Lukaku pulled out as one of his most statistically comparable players, and if Man United can secure their next version of the Belgian star, they might just make real progress next season.

Lukaku is one of the best-known and most prolific goalscorers of his generation, having played for a wealth of outfits – including Man United, who paid at least £75m to sign him from Everton back in 2017.

The 32-year-old, who stands at 6 foot 3, scored 42 goals and added 12 assists across 96 outings for the club, leaving after just two seasons.

However, his strength and explosiveness are elements that have seen him become a sensation in Italian football, instrumental in helping his Neapolitan team toward the Scudetto, posting 14 goals and ten assists.

It bears testament to Vlahovic’s underlying qualities that he’s still been likened to the Belgium international in spite of what has been perceived as a middling campaign.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig knows that he is “incredibly prolific” at his best, and maybe even a “future legend” in the same manner as Lukaku, who has left his mark on the game for sure.

Across two of the past three seasons, Vlahovic has only returned ten goals in Serie A. Even so, he started 22 and 21 times respectively, which bespeaks his natural instinct in front of goal.

Let us turn toward the signing of Cunha and the deal being pursued for Mbeumo. Such dynamic wide forwards will be sure to bring Vlahovic back to a higher level, charging him with a supply line while also using their goalscoring abilities to ease the nine’s striking burden.

For just £25m, this is a shrewd deal that United need to get over the line.

Their best signing since Bruno: £40m target now wants to join Man Utd

Manchester United could be about to make another superb signing in this summer window.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jun 22, 2025

With Igor Jesus and Jair Cunha already on their way – potentially alongside Cuiabano – Nottingham Forest have now reportedly shifted their focus back towards the Club World Cup and signing two more talents.

Jesus starring at Club World Cup before Nottingham Forest move

If there are still those at the City Ground who are unsure about Jesus as well as Cuiabano and Cunha, for that matter, then all it takes is one look at the Club World Cup to put any of those doubts to rest. An important part of the Botafofo side who defeated Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain, all three are now ready to take the Premier League by storm – particularly Jesus.

The Brazilian forward could become the heir to Chris Wood’s no.9 throne at the City Ground as the New Zealand international inevitably edges past the peak of his powers.

It wasn’t so long ago that Murillo was arriving as an unknown talent fresh from South America. Now, he’s fresh off the back of a standout season within Nottingham Forest’s backline and represents just how successful the Midlands club have been in their recruitment in recent years.

Jesus would only be a continuation of that fine work too. At 24 years old, the forward should be entering his best years and is arguably completing a move to Nuno Espirito Santo’s side at exactly the right time.

Nottingham Forest now eye bid to sign £8.5m-a-year Bayern ace in £30m deal

He could be on his way back to the Premier League.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 22, 2025

Before putting pen to paper, however, Jesus, Cuiabano and Cunha still have a job to do at the Club World Cup with their Botafogo side set to square off against Brazilian counterparts Palmeiras in the Round of 16.

Meanwhile, as the competition continues, Nottingham Forest have reportedly set their sights on another set of Club World Cup teammates in what would be a bargain move.

Nottingham Forest "in talks" to sign Weah and Mbangula

According to Fabrizio Romano, Nottingham Forest are now “in talks” to sign both Timothy Weah and Samuel Mbangula from Juventus in a deal worth over €20m (£17m) this summer.

Whilst Weah is an established talent these days at 25 years old, Mbangula stands out as a player who is yet to reach his full potential and one who should have plenty more to offer in years to come. If Forest can sign both players at different stages of their careers then it could be seen as smart business by all involved.

Both Mbangula and Weah have been at the Club World Cup with Juventus this summer, although the former is yet to feature, and both could have the chance to play against Manchester City in a game that Nottingham Forest fans should be very interested in on Thursday.

Celtic are set for a very busy summer in the transfer market.

Kieran Tierney is back, re-joining the club six years after leaving, and supporters cannot wait to see one of their favourite players back in green and white hoops again.

Now, could Brendan Rodgers be about to add further defensive reinforcements?

Celtic targeting a new defender

The Hoops are very active in the market at the moment with a move for Swedish star, Benjamin Nygren, all but confirmed.

So, who’s the Hoops’ next target?

Well, according to a report by Anthony Joseph of Sky Sports, Celtic “are in talks” with J League club Albirex Niigata over the possibility of signing Hayato Inamura.

He describes the 23-year-old as a “left-footed centre-back” who is also capable of playing at left-back.

Inamure came through Japan’s college system, representing Maebashi Ikuei High School and then Toyo University, before joining Albirex Niigata a year ago, making 33 appearances to date for the side currently in the J League relegation zone.

So, could he become the latest Japanese player to call Parkhead home?

How Inamura could replicate Celtic's Japanese heroes

As the table below outlines, Celtic have a rich tradition when it comes to Japanese players, many of whom have enjoyed massive success.

Shunsuke Nakamura

2005-09

159

Kōki Mizuno

2008-09

12

Tomoki Iwata

2022-24

42

Yūki Kobayashi

2023

7

Yosuke Ideguchi

2022

6

Kyōgo Furuhashi

2021-2025

165

Reo Hatate

2022-present

142

Daizen Maeda

2022-present

158

Of course, the vast majority of the Japanese players Celtic have had were signed by Ange Postecoglou, but this tradition goes back to Shunsuke Nakamura in the mid-2000s, who certainly made a huge impact, described by Tom Hancock of Four Four Two Magazine as one of the best free-kick takers of all time.

In the more modern era, few Celtic players of any nationality have been as impressive as Reo Hatate, making 142 appearances in hoops to date, scoring 27 goals and providing 28 assists, winning eight major trophies.

Manager Rodgers described the midfielder as “top class”, adding that he has been “absolutely brilliant” since the boss re-joined the club in 2023.

Meantime, Martin Crawford of Breaking the Lines labelled him the ‘best player in Scotland’, describing Hatate as a ‘complete, elegant talent’.

Signed for just £1.4m, these performances have seen the midfielder’s valuation skyrocket, with Transfermarkt estimating he is worth around £10m, hence why the Celts’ actually rejecting a £10m bid for Hatate from a Ligue 1 club last summer, according to The National.

While no fee is currently known for Inamura, the club would surely hope he could make a similar impact in Glasgow, which would result in a similar exponential increase in value.

Analyst and scout Will Glavin describes Inamura as “tactically intelligent…composed and comfortable building from the back”, praising his defensive discipline and “positional awareness”, concluding that this deal is a “smart, low-risk investment”. That’s certainly true of the deal to bring Hatate to the club all those years ago under Postecoglou. It was low-risk and he’ll undoubtedly pay the club back when he leaves.

Stephen McGowan of the Herald outlines how he will provide competition for Auston Trusty and Liam Scales, seeking to start as the left-sided centre-half, while also able to cover at left-back when Tierney requires a breather.

So, this once again appears to be a sensible signing from Celtic and, even though Inamura is very inexperienced, this does not mean he cannot be the club’s latest Japanese superstar.

Their new Liel Abada: Celtic on the verge of signing "fearless" star

Celtic are reportedly set to complete their first signing of the summer, so here’s why their “fearless” new winger could be a Liel Abada repeat?

ByBen Gray Jun 15, 2025

Manchester City are now interested in a surprise move to sign a £35,000-a-week player from Chelsea, according to a new report.

Man City closing in on three new signings

As they did in January, City are expected to be very busy this summer, as Pep Guardiola eyes several incomings as well as outgoings. City have already announced the signing of Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers. The deal is thought to be worth around £31 million with £5 million in add-ons, after Guardiola identified him as the player to solve their left-back problems.

After Reijnders: Man City to submit bid for Mahrez 2.0 "in the next hours"

Man City’s squad overhaul looks set to continue this summer, amid Tijjani Reijnders’ expected arrival.

ByRobbie Walls Jun 4, 2025

And the Blues have also agreed a deal worth £46.3 million with AC Milan to sign midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. The Dutch international underwent his medical on Sunday, and he is now expected to sign a five-year deal before the Club World Cup.

The final player City are trying to get in before Tuesday’s deadline is Lyon attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki. It was claimed last week that discussions have been held over a deal, and they are now close to agreeing a deal for around £35 million. His potential arrival at the Etihad could see him become the man to replace Kevin de Bruyne, who has now departed the Blues.

Man City lining up surprise move to sign £35k-p/w Chelsea ace

While City work on deals to get players in before the start of the Club World Cup, they also have their eyes on players they would like to sign further into the summer transfer window. Now, according to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, City are lining up a move to sign goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli from Chelsea.

The Blues want to bolster their goalkeeper options for next season, given that Scott Carson is now leaving the club following the end of his contract. Bettinelli has been identified as a replacement, as City feel his character makes him ideal to be their third-choice keeper.

Leading up to the summer transfer window, there has been a lot of talk about the future of current number one Ederson, who has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia. That has yet to progress, but it seems it could be all change in the goalkeeper department at the Etihad Campus.

Apps

7

Goals conceded

20

Clean sheets

0

The 33-year-old, who earns £35,000 a week at Chelsea, has been at Stamford Bridge since July 2021. He joined the club on a free transfer from Fulham, and in those four years, he has played just one game for the Blues, and that came in the FA Cup in the 2021/22 campaign. The goalkeeper is under contract until 2026.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery will be hoping that missing out on Champions League qualification won’t alter his transfer plans this summer.

The Midlands side will play in the Europa League next season, a competition in which they have a great chance of winning. But will this prospect attract the players Emery wants?

Marcus Rashford returned to Manchester United after the end of his loan spell with Villa. He is valued at £40m by the Red Devils, but with Barcelona interested, Emery might miss out.

Could he perhaps make a move for one of his teammates instead?

Aston Villa transfer news

Bringing Rashford back to Villa Park would be a popular move by the manager, especially given how well the Englishman performed at the club.

It now looks unlikely that he will return, but Emery doesn’t appear to be disheartened, as he eyes a move for Alejandro Garnacho instead.

According to Caught Offside, Villa are exploring a move for the Argentinian sensation this summer in a bid to improve their squad.

The youngster has been told he could leave Old Trafford this summer, although Bayer Leverkusen are keen on signing him. The Bundesliga side are, however, looking for a loan deal, while United would prefer a permanent exit.

It would be a major coup if Emery could lure the player to the Midlands, especially with how highly-rated he is. Much will depend on the fee demanded by Ruben Amorim, as the Midlands club will need to stay within the profit and sustainability regulations.

If he does join, Garnacho could be a better signing than Rashford.

Why Aston Villa must sign Alejandro Garnacho

During his six-month loan spell, Rashford scored four goals and grabbed six assists for Villa, but he missed the final five games of the season due to a hamstring injury.

Throughout the 2024/25 season, Garnacho registered 21 goal contributions – 11 goals and ten assists – for Man Utd. Due to Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, however, he doesn’t fit into his plans.

Metric

Rashford

Garnacho

Goals

6

6

Assists

3

2

Big chances created

8

4

Key passes per game

1.1

1

Successful dribbles per game

0.7

0.7

Shots per game

1.4

2.3

At the start of last season, Statman Dave heaped praise on the South American starlet, saying he was “generational” and the future looked bright indeed for him at Old Trafford.

Given the fact that he is much younger and holds a higher ceiling for development than Rashford, there is no doubt he would be a much better signing, especially for the long term.

This argument begins to hold more weight when comparing the two players over the 2024/25 season from a domestic point of view.

Garnacho not only registered more shots per 90 (3.44 vs 2.15) than Rashford, but he also recorded more shot-creating actions (86 vs 56), more touches in the attacking penalty area (176 vs 64) and more successful take-ons (26 vs 18).

On this evidence, prioritising the signing of Garnacho rather than that of Rashford should be key for Emery heading into the summer window.

He could thrive if played in the correct system, no doubt about that.

Aston Villa exploring deal for £70m "superstar" with more G/A than Rashford

The Villans have set their sights on a forward, who regularly provided goals and assists throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

ByDominic Lund May 30, 2025

Targeting attacking reinforcements this summer, the 49ers are now reportedly leading the race to sign an impressive 21-goal striker for Leeds United in the coming months.

Leeds set to back Daniel Farke with new striker signing

If recent reports are anything to go by, then Leeds are set to go all out in preparation for the Premier League this summer. The 49ers seem determined to back manager Daniel Farke, who will be looking to earn Premier League redemption of his own following previous relegations with Norwich City.

There was a stage in which rumours were emerging that Fake wouldn’t get that chance, however, with those at Elland Road unsure on his top flight record. Club chairman Paraag Marathe has since put those rumours to bed, telling reporters in the middle of Leeds’ title celebrations: “I’m very excited to run it back with Daniel and collaborate with him.

Leeds have "fantastic" Man City target "on their radar" as 49ers plot move

They could pull off a shock hijack…

1 ByTom Cunningham May 16, 2025

“I’m under no illusions that it is going to be easy. The past two seasons the three promoted teams came straight back down but we have something they don’t have, we have Daniel Farke first of all. I have ended the speculation. He is my man.”

Desperate to avoid the same mistakes that Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town made this season, Leeds have reportedly set their sights on signing proven Premier League players this summer, with names such as Kostas Tsimikas and even Jamie Vardy already mentioned as potential targets.

Tsimikas would be a particularly strong signing, given that he’s fresh from becoming a Premier League champion with Liverpool. The Greek left-back would instantly replace Junio Firpo, who is currently on course to leave Elland Road at the end of his contract next month.

Although the focus on Premier League targets is clear, however, the 49ers have also reportedly set their sights on an impressive goalscorer from outside of English football.

Leeds leading race to sign Vanat

According to reports in Ukraine, as relayed by Sport Witness, the 49ers and Leeds are now ahead in the race to sign Vladyslav Vanat from Dynamo Kyiv this summer alongside fellow Premier League side Fulham. The 23-year-old has enjoyed an excellent season, scoring 21 goals and creating a further eight in all competitions, and could now be on the move as a result.

Dubbed an “all-round centre-forward” and praised for his “powerful ball-striking” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Leeds could welcome a hidden gem by signing Vanat this summer.

Whilst his name wouldn’t steal the same headlines as the likes of Vardy, his numbers suggest that he could be an even better signing than the Premier League veteran. Racing against Fulham for his signature, Leeds should push on and formalise their interest in signing Vanat when the summer transfer window swings open.

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.

ByDominic 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.

Liam Delap’s impressive campaign for Ipswich Town – Premier League

Goals

12

Assists

2

Shots on target

31

Chances created

21

Aerial duels won

56

Touches in opposition box

101

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.

With no Premier League game this weekend, every Arsenal fan will have their eyes firmly on their Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint Germain next week.

However, while Mikel Arteta’s side have a real chance of doing something sensational on the continent, it would be impossible to describe their domestic form as anything other than disappointing.

The Gunners crashed out of the FA Cup and League Cup, and should Liverpool pick up even a point at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, they’ll be crowned champions with four games to spare.

While injuries have certainly played their part, poor performances have been just as big of a problem, with club captain Martin Odegaard’s drop in form emblematic of the season overall.

The Norwegian international may well get back to his mercurial best next year, but if recent reports are to be believed, the club may have already identified someone who’d be an upgrade, someone who’s won comparisons to the incredible Jude Bellingham.

Arsenal transfer news

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other incredible names Arsenal have been linked with in recent weeks, such as Raphinha.

The Barcelona superstar would reportedly be available for about £86m in the summer, and while that is a lot, it could be a fee worth paying as he’s already scored 30 goals and provided 23 assists in 49 games this year.

A cheaper player touted for a £43m move to the Emirates in recent days has been Andrey Santos.

Transfer Focus

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

The Chelsea loanee is having a stellar campaign in France with Strasbourg, amassing 15 goal involvements in just 30 appearances from central and defensive midfield.

However, the most exciting name touted for a move to N5, and the one who could replace Odegaard is Désiré Doué.

Yes, according to reports from Spain, Arsenal are one of several Premier League sides interested in signing the Frenchman this summer.

Alongside the Gunners, the report has revealed that Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea are keen on the talent.

However, Paris Saint-Germain are not planning on selling the teenage sensation unless a monster offer of around £86m is made.

It looks like it could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Doué’s immense ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be a dream Odegaard replacement and has been compared to Bellingham.

How Doué compares to Odegaard and Bellingham

So, the first thing to say is that while Doué has spent more time on the wings this season, he has still made nine appearances as an attacking midfielder this term and has even been described as a “true 10” by respected analyst Ben Mattinson.

With that out the way, it’s worth examining this comparison to Bellingham and where it comes from before looking at how he stacks up against Odegaard.

In this instance, it stems from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one and, in this instance, has concluded that the Englishman is the number one most similar midfielder to the PSG gem.

Progressive Passes

7.19

7.29

Goals

0.35

0.34

Assists

0.35

0.30

Goals per Shot

0.12

0.14

Goals per Shot on Target

0.30

0.39

Carries

45.4

43.2

Aerial Duels Won %

43.8%

46.9%

The best way to see where this comparison has come from is to look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including, but not limited to, progressive passes, goals, assists, goals per shot and shot on target, carries and more, all per 90.

So, with his apparent statistical similarities to the Real Madrid star, how does the Angers-born ace compare to the Gunners’ captain?

Well, from a pure output perspective, he comes out miles ahead.

For example, in 46 appearances, totalling just 2538 minutes, he’s scored 13 goals and provided 12 assists.

That means the “absolute genius,” as dubbed by Mattinson, is currently averaging a goal involvement every 1.84 games or every 101.52 minutes.

For his efforts this year, the Drammen-born star has scored just five goals and provided ten assists in 39 appearances, totalling 2982 minutes.

Therefore, the 26-year-old is averaging a goal involvement every 2.6 games or every 198.8 minutes, which is undeniably disappointing.

Ultimately, while he might cost a huge sum of money, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Doué this summer, as not only has he won comparisons to Bellingham, but he could be a younger, more exciting upgrade on Odegaard.

Arsenal in contact to sign mega Partey upgrade with a £1bn release clause

Thomas Partey could stay at Arsenal but they should seek a replacement.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 24, 2025

Manchester United will, unsurprisingly, be focused on potential incomings this summer, albeit with manager Ruben Amorim having already confirmed that the club will need to sell to buy, amid their concerning financial situation.

Talk has already been rife in recent months regarding the futures of both Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho – following January interest from rivals Chelsea – while there have also been suggestions that LaLiga giants, Real Madrid, are plotting a £90m offer for Bruno Fernandes.

The Portuguese playmaker – who revealed he turned down an “offer” to leave last summer – has warranted those admiring glances following what’s been another fine campaign on an individual basis, with the United skipper leading the way at Old Trafford for both goals and assists in 2024/25 to date.

Those rumours have, however, subsequently been put to bed by Amorim, with the 40-year-old outling that his compatriot is “not going anywhere”, particularly with his current deal not set to expire until 2027, plus the option of a further 12 months.

In truth, the Red Devils simply can’t afford to be without their captain and their talisman, with the former Sporting CP hero representing a real outlier with regard to the club’s recruitment over the last decade.

While there have been promising signs from recent arrivals such as Noussair Mazraoui, not since Fernandes has a marquee signing truly hit the ground running in a United shirt – perhaps that could be set to change…

Latest on Man Utd's transfer interest

The arrival of Amorim and the change to a 3-4-3 has ensured that specialised targets will need to be considered this summer, albeit with CEO Omar Berrada having only recently outlined that the club will look to acquire versatile players who can play in “multiple positions”, amid the potential of a possible change in the dugout later down the line.

While that approach may be sensible considering the Red Devils have too often been led by the manager on the transfer front – as indicated by Erik ten Hag’s raft of Eredivisie or Dutch signings above – the Old Trafford hierarchy do still need to ensure that Amorim is handed the appropriate tools to fit his preferred system.

With that in mind, reports in Spain have suggested that United are among the clubs who are interested in prizing Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, with the England international currently operating in Oliver Glasner’s own 3-4-3 set-up.

Transfer Focus

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

The suggestion is that INEOS are preparing to make an offer to land the 26-year-old ahead of next season, with the Eagles set to accept nothing less than his reported £60m release clause.

The former Queens Park Rangers starlet – who moved to Selhurst Park on a £20m deal in the summer of 2020 – is also reportedly the subject of interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool, with United thus facing a real fight if they are to land his signature.

Should Berrada and co move to the front of the queue, however, landing this ready-made, proven Premier League sensation could represent the club’s best move since acquiring Fernandes back in January 2020.

Man Utd could be eyeing their best signing since Fernandes

Having been linked with a move to Manchester City in the summer of 2019, Fernandes eventually made his way to England less than six months later, with the Red Devils forking out an initial fee of around £46m.

From a Man of the Match performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers on debut, the Portugal star simply hasn’t looked back, registering 95 goals and 82 assists in 278 games in all competitions.

What has been a particular feature of the £300k-per-week star’s game, excluding his creativity and availability, is also his willingness to slot into a variety of roles, having lined up as a deep-lying midfielder, a number ten or even on the flanks in recent years.

Those traits are no doubt shared by Eze, with the one-time Wycombe Wanderers loanee comfortable in either of the two number ten berths in Glasner’s system, as well as part of the midfield two. Equally, on international duty, the in-demand playmaker scored for the Three Lions against Latvia, having been introduced off the left flank.

Described as a “frightening” talent by teammate Joel Ward, at 26 – just a year older than Fernandes was when he moved to Old Trafford – Eze could well be entering his prime years, having stayed put in south London despite persistent speculation regarding an exit in recent times.

As previously stated, his proven quality in the Premier League should ensure he is able to slot straight into Amorim’s ranks and make an immediate impact, in a similar mould to Fernandes, having registered 58 goals and assists in 156 games for Palace to date.

In 2024/25, meanwhile, Eze boasts six goals and nine assists in all competitions, with that tally including a return of two goals and six assists in the top flight to date for Glasner’s in-form outfit.

Games

25

Goals

2

Assists

6

Big chances created

9

Big chances missed

7

Key passes*

2.0

Touches*

52.4

Pass accuracy*

82%

Successful dribbles*

2.1

Possession lost*

14.5

Those numbers may not be too eye-catching, yet dig a little deeper, and it is easy to see the Englishman’s quality, as outlined by the fact that he ranks in the top 14% among his Premier League peers for successful take-ons, as well as in the top 12% for shot-creating actions per 90.

That dribbling prowess was on show in last week’s FA Cup win over Fulham as Eze weaved his way past a sea of defenders before curling home a stunning effort into the far corner, having also teed up teammate Ismaila Sarr following a delightful jinking run down the left wing.

Previously described as a “Champions League player” by BBC pundit Danny Murphy, the £100k-per-week genius is – as Fernandes was five years ago – ready to make that next step. United should welcome him in with open arms…

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With Europa League action looming, there is still time left for Rangers to save their season, with the Old Firm side hoping to emulate – and better – their European heroics in 2022 by reaching the competition’s showpiece in May.

In essence, the upcoming tie against Athletic Bilbao represents all that is left to play for at Ibrox for the remainder of the campaign, with the Light Blues having tumbled out of title contention in the Premiership.

Frustratingly for interim boss Barry Ferguson, his side have failed to build on the recent dramatic derby triumph, with Saturday seeing the Glasgow giants slip to a fifth successive defeat on home soil Hibernian.

That 2-0 loss – which was followed by a shock 1-0 defeat for Celtic away at bottom side St Johnstone – has only served to epitomise what has been a miserable domestic campaign at Ibrox, with the gap now at 13 points between the division’s top two.

Such woes have perhaps not been helped by the uncertainty surrounding the permanent manager role and the impending 49ers takeover, with it set to represent a real summer of change for the Gers in all departments.

Indeed, Saturday’s setback showcased once again why the playing squad is also in need of major surgery…

Rangers' worst performers vs Hibs

First and foremost, it proved to be another frustrating day for the polarising Cyriel Dessers in attack, with the experienced striker looking back to his former self with a profligate display against the Edinburgh side.

The Nigerian striker – who notably scored in the first-leg win over Fenerbahce – had scored four across his last four league games heading into the weekend clash, although went on to squander two big chances as the hosts failed to make the breakthrough.

The £27k-per-week striker notably saw his effort denied from the angle after being teed up by skipper, James Tavernier, before then lashing over the bar following a clever, threaded pass from Hamza Igamane.

Minutes played

88

Touches

24

Shots on target

1

Shots off target

2

Big chances missed

2

Pass accuracy

85%

Key passes

0

Ground duels won

3/6

Aerial duels won

0

Possession lost

5x

Offsides

3

Stats via Sofascore

Aside from that moment of quality, meanwhile, it proved to be a ‘completely anonymous performance’ from young Igamane – as per The Scotsman’s Mark Atkinson, with the Old Firm hero notably squandering possession on 20 occasions from just 54 touches, as per Sofascore.

Elsewhere, it was also a grim outing for the members of Ferguson’s backline, with promising full-back, Jefte, having looked off the boil down the left, having failed to complete any of his five attempted crosses, while also losing the ball 18 times in a desperate bid to create for his side.

The Brazilian – and his defensive colleagues – were almost comically undone for the game’s clincher as Martin Boyle was afforded acres of space to run into, with the Australian star duly converting through the legs of Jack Butland, epitomising what was another rough afternoon for the Gers’ number one.

The Rangers star who now needs to be sold

With Dessers failing to fire at one end, Ferguson and co weren’t helped by the woes of the Englishman at the other end, with Butland failing to keep out Dylan Levitt’s deflected strike as the Easter Road side surged into the lead.

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In isolation, that mistake from the £25k-per-week stopper could be accepted, although the ex-Crystal Palace man has now produced a string of gaffes that have proved costly for his side in recent months.

The 32-year-old had initially looked like a real coup following his free transfer arrival back in the summer of 2023, having ended that debut season as something of a shining light for the Gers, after keeping 18 clean sheets and conceding just 32 goals in the league.

Such inspired form even led to calls for Butland to be selected in England’s Euro 2024 squad, with Rangers icon Graeme Souness among those tipping the experienced ‘keeper to be on the plane to Germany:

Unfortunately for Butland, that call never came, with it now looking increasingly unlikely that international recognition will come his way any time soon, with Saturday’s mistake just the latest in a catalogue of errors in 2025.

Journalist Josh Bunting notably stated back in late December, following the 2-2 draw with Motherwell, that Butland was in a “real rut of form”, having begun to look “so shaky with each passing game”.

Indeed, the one-time Manchester United loanee proceeded to punch the ball into his own net against his former side in the 2-1 loss at Old Trafford, while more recently, he could only spill the ball straight into the path of Dundee striker, Simon Murray, in that 4-3 thriller.

Of course, Butland did enjoy the highs of his penalty shoot-out heroics against Fenerbahce, although considering his status among the club’s highest earner – and the fact that he was signed on a free – the 49ers regime may deem it wise to try and cash in on the 2023 arrival this summer in order to secure a profit.

Yes, perhaps he is merely a victim of the wider issues that are currently impacting Rangers, although at a time when no one should be safe from the axe, Butland may find himself nudged toward the exit door.

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