All posts by n8rngtd.top

It’s fair to say West Bromwich Albion’s season hasn’t gone to plan in the Championship with Tony Mowbray axed after just 17 clashes back at the Hawthorns helm.

Losing the steady presence of Carlos Corberan abruptly has ultimately derailed the Baggies’ promotion push, leaving Mowbray with the tough task of picking up the pieces after the Spaniard walked away for a chance at Valencia.

Unfortunately, the 61-year-old would only pick up a meagre five victories from those 17 games, with the failed promotion chasers now after another new manager to freshen up the stale environment.

Marti Cifuentes has been the main name getting all the buzz, but the second-tier underperformers could now opt to appoint this left-field name instead of landing the Queens Park Rangers boss.

West Brom keen admirers of Cifuentes' alternative

Indeed, reports in recent days have suggested that talks have been held between the Baggies and the Hoops over a deal for Cifuentes, with West Brom clearly a fan of what the 42-year-old has managed to achieve to date at Loftus Road.

Manager Focus

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But, he isn’t the only face being considered for the vacant job post, with journalist Darren Witcoop taking to X recently to confirm that the Championship side are also ‘admirers’ of current FC St. Pauli head coach Alexander Blessin.

Blessin took over the reins at the German giants from Fabian Hurzeler, with the 51-year-old perhaps following Hurzeler’s career path even more if he too takes the leap to relocate to England.

After all, when glancing at Blessin’s career achievements so far as a manager, he could actually be viewed as an upgrade on Cifuentes, meaning he might well become the main desired target if QPR aren’t willing to sanction a move.

Why Blessin could be an upgrade on Cifuentes

Before looking more in-depth at Blessin’s varied CV as a manager, there are a multitude of reasons as to why West Brom have cherry-picked Cifuentes as a candidate to replace Mowbray.

Last season saw the ex-Hammarby boss transform QPR’s fortunes on the pitch, with relegation looking nailed on at one point under the previous tenure of Gareth Ainsworth, only for Cifuentes to lift the once downtrodden Hoops all the way up to 18th and six points clear of the dreaded drop-zone.

But, the Spaniard has struggled at points this season to kick on, with a sobering 5-0 loss to an already promoted Burnley side more than kicking his side in the teeth last match.

Whilst Blessin has equally had to navigate choppy waters this campaign in the German top-flight (six points above the relegation zone), his overall resume as a manager to date does look slightly more impressive than his counterpart’s.

Most notably, the Stuttgart-born coach was an overwhelming success in Belgium with Royal Union Saint-Gilloise before the Bundesliga beckoned.

Away from some hiccups at his current employers, Blessin has largely been a success wherever he’s been managing all across Europe, with his celebrated 58-game stay at Union SG even seeing him lift the Belgian Cup.

Overall, the West Brom target has steered all of his teams to an impressive 138 victories from 276 career games. To add context, Cifuentes has a lesser 130 from a heftier 321 clashes.

With his expansive 3-5-2 set-up also potentially suiting the likes of wide man Tom Fellows, this might well be a match made in heaven if a move is signed off on, with the Baggies hopeful they can pick up their next Corberan-style figure shortly to put Mowbray’s dismal return firmly in the past.

Surprise Corberan repeat: West Brom can take big gamble by hiring 3-4-3 boss

West Brom are eyeing a deal for a Premier League coach who could be a Carlos Corberan repeat.

By
Dan Emery

Apr 24, 2025

Celtic were crowned champions of Scotland for the fourth time in as many seasons when they beat Dundee United 5-0 at Tannadice Park at the end of last month.

The Hoops ran out 5-0 winners against the Tangerines away from Parkhead to clinch the title, thanks to two goals apiece from Adam Idah and Nicolas Kuhn after an own goal from Ryan Strain.

Brendan Rodgers has now won the league title in both of his seasons since returning to Glasgow in the summer of 2023 to replace Ange Postecoglou in the dugout at Celtic Park.

The Northern Irish head coach will be aiming to make it a hat-trick next season, but he will have to do it without one of his star players for a significant portion of that campaign.

Jota hobbled off in the win over Dundee United, and it has since been confirmed that he suffered cruciate ligament damage, which is set to keep him out of action for between six and nine months.

This means that the Portuguese dynamo, who joined from Rennes in January on a permanent deal, could miss a significant chunk of the start of the 2025/26 campaign.

Why losing Jota to injury is a big blow for Celtic

Losing Jota to a long-term knee injury is a big blow for Celtic because he is a top-quality forward who has proven, across two spells, that he can make a huge impact at the top end of the pitch in Scottish football.

The Hoops reportedly splashed £8m to sign the winger from Rennes in January, 18 months on from his £25m move to Al Ittihad from Parkhead, to bring him back for a second stint in Glasgow.

As you can see in the graphic above, Jota provided a consistent threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals for the Scottish giants in his first two seasons at the club under Postecoglou in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns before his big-money exit.

The 26-year-old talent scored four goals, created three ‘big chances’, and registered two assists in seven starts in the Scottish Premiership this season, prior to his injury.

As you can see in the table above, Jota ranks highly among his positional peers in the division as both a goalscorer and as a creative threat from the left wing, which illustrates just how impressive he has been since returning to Celtic.

These statistics, along with his form from his first two seasons at the club, speak to how much of a blow it is to lose him for up to nine months, because Rodgers has lost a fantastic talent who can score and create goals consistently.

Celtic, however, could land a perfect replacement for Jota in the upcoming summer transfer window by swooping for one of their reported targets.

Celtic's interest in £7m forward

The Daily Record recently reported that the Hoops had an interest in Sarpsborg forward Sondre Orjasaeter, and that they tried to sign him at the start of the year to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.

It was also claimed that the Norwegian outfit value the winger at around £7m, but it remains to be seen whether or not the Bhoys are willing to splash that kind of cash on him this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

Back in the January transfer window, 67HailHail reported that the Scottish giants made an offer of £4.4m to sign the impressive youngster, only for the bid to be turned down by Sarpsborg, who value him at £7m as aforementioned.

Celtic must react to the news of Jota’s long-term injury blow by reigniting their interest in Orjasaeter to bring him to Parkhead as a perfect replacement for the Portuguese winger in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Why Sondre Orjasaeter would be the perfect Jota replacement

Positionally, the 21-year-old talent could be an ideal signing to come in for Celtic because he is a right-footed forward who predominantly plays off the left flank, like Jota.

Similarly to the Hoops number seven, Orjasaeter is also a slim winger who uses his pace, agility, and technical ability to drive his team up the pitch by taking on opposition defenders.

The Sarpsborg star has averaged 2.3 completed dribbles per game in the Eliteserien in the 2025 campaign, and averaged 2.4 completed dribbles per match in the 2024 season.

No Celtic player, meanwhile, has completed more than 1.9 dribbles per match. This suggests that Orjasaeter could come in as the dribble king for Rodgers on the flanks, consistently taking on full-backs to create dangerous moments in the final third.

The £7m-rated Celtic target’s form in the Eliteserien – Norway’s top-flight – since the start of last year also suggests that he has the quality to make a big impact when he gets into those dangerous positions.

As you can see in the table above, Orjasaeter has created 16 ‘big chances’ in his last 32 appearances in the league for his club, an average of one every other game.

Meanwhile, with 35 league games on the board for Celtic this season, Alistair Johnston (15) is the only player with more than 11 ‘big chances’ created for the Hoops this term.

This suggests that the Sarpsborg magician has the potential to be Celtic’s main man for creativity if he can carry that form over to Scottish football for Rodgers next season and beyond.

Therefore, Orjasaeter could be the perfect replacement for Jota for many reasons, including his position, his style of play, his dribbling skills, and his creativity, which is why the club must press ahead with a swoop for him in the summer transfer window.

Worth more than Maeda: Celtic have struck gold on "immense" star

Celtic have hit the jackpot on this star who is now worth even more than Daizen Maeda.

1

By
Dan Emery

May 3, 2025

Manchester United face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge tonight in the Premier League, entering the penultimate game of what has been a dismal year in England’s top-flight.

Ruben Amorim’s side will want to end the campaign on a high after their disappointment across the board, but all focus will undoubtedly be on the Europa League final.

The Red Devils face Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao on Wednesday evening, with players wanting to save themselves and prevent injury ahead of the vital clash.

However, players will still want to impress against Enzo Maresca’s side, potentially landing themselves a start against Spurs and having the opportunity to make themselves a hero and end the season on a high.

It will hand the boss a chance to assess his squad, but he should drop one player for the clash in West London tonight, after what has been a below-par year at Old Trafford.

Why Amorim needs to drop Hojlund against Chelsea

Striker Rasmus Hojlund had huge hopes of being a success at United following his £72m move from Atalanta back in the summer of 2023 – but it’s safe to say his time at the club has been a disaster.

The Danish international has often been the Red Devils’ main talisman this campaign, but has failed to deliver, netting just four league goals in his 30 appearances.

The 22-year-old even went 21 games without a goal across all competitions earlier this campaign, highlighting his lack of impact at the top end of the pitch.

His all-round play has been just as disappointing, completing an average of just 11 passes per game, unable to offer the side the link-up play needed for success within the final third.

Such a record has led to numerous links to other attackers all across Europe, with the manager needing to experiment with multiple other options against Chelsea to evaluate his side further ahead of the summer.

The United star who Amorim should start in a new role

Over the course of 2024/25, Amorim has experimented with multiple options at the top end of the pitch in an attempt to combat their issues in the final third.

Centre-back Harry Maguire has often been called upon to operate as a makeshift centre-forward this campaign, most notably against Nottingham Forest, where he had an effort cleared off the line.

He’s not been the only player to operate out of position, with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo operating in such a role during the defeat at home to Crystal Palace.

However, he could continue in such vein, by utilising Amad Diallo as a centre-forward, adding yet another position to his resume this season after switching since Amorim’s appointment.

The Ivorian has operated at wing-back and attacking midfield, starring in both positions and being one of the club’s most effective players, given his tally of 10 goals and eight assists across all competitions.

However, his ankle injury has derailed his progress, needing vital minutes before the Europa League final to hand himself the best chance of swinging the game in their favour.

Amad, who’s been labelled a “monster” by former teammate Scott Arfield, has registered 2.3 shots per 90 – undoubtedly aiding his excellent tallies, making him a superb option at the top end.

He’s also completed 86% of the passes he’s attempted, and whilst creating 2.4 chances per 90 – handing the other players around him the opportunity to thrive at the Bridge.

It may seem a bold call to utilise the 22-year-old in such a role, but given the lack of impact from other players in the department this campaign, it could be another masterstroke from the boss.

Ultimately, attention will be fully on next week’s European final, but it presents another chance for the youngster to get minutes under his belt, possibly registering a positive end to what’s been a year to forget for the Red Devils.

INEOS now in direct talks to bring Premier League star to Man Utd with Cunha

The Red Devils have set their sights on an attacking rebuild.

By
Tom Cunningham

May 14, 2025

Chelsea have been handed a boost in their pursuit of a new striker, as a key target of theirs would apparently love to join them regardless of whether they achieve Champions League football for next season.

Chelsea seal huge Man United win in race for Champions League place

Marc Cucurella’s strike twenty minutes from full-time sealed a precious three points for Enzo Maresca on Friday night, with the Spaniard scoring Chelsea’s only goal of the game in a 1-0 win over Man United.

Chelsea have held talks with £70m rival forward who allegedly wants to join

The west Londoners could go for him this summer.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 14, 2025

The victory at Stamford Bridge puts Chelsea in a very good position heading into their final Premier League game of the season against Nottingham Forest, and even if Nuno Espirito Santo’s side beat West Ham on Sunday, Maresca knows that a win at the City Ground would guarantee Champions League football next season.

“Very important. At this stage of the season it’s important to win games,” said Maresca about Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Man United.

“We also pay attention in the way we win the game. I think tonight we struggled on the ball because we didn’t expect them to be so aggressive man-to-man. I used to watch five, six, seven games of the other team. I’ve never seen them so aggressive man-to-man. So they surprised us a little by that.

“I think between the first half and the second half we created enough chances to deserve to win the game.

“It’s very important for sure, but the reason why I was so happy at the end is because United beat City away, drew with City at home, drew with Liverpool, drew with Arsenal. So they know how to play against a big team. So I expected, drew with us away, so I expected a very tough game.

“The reason why I was happy was especially because we beat a team that against Arsenal, Liverpool, City, it was difficult to beat them.”

The importance of a top five finish cannot be understated, especially when it comes to the club’s transfer plans, and Maresca has already confirmed their European status will have a direct effect on their summer recruitment.

Victor Osimhen keen to join Chelsea regardless of Champions League football

That being said, there is one target who’d be eager to make the move to west London anyway – Napoli outcast Victor Osimhen.

The £172,000-per-week marksman, currently on loan at Galatasaray, was a top target for Chelsea last summer before his temporary switch to the Turkish Süper Lig giants, but a move ultimately failed to materialise.

As per journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea remain in the race for him this year, and it is believed that Osimhen would still love to join the Blues, even if they don’t end up qualifying for Europe’s most prestigious competition.

“Chelsea are ‘still there’ for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen,” said Phillips. “The player has always been keen to join Chelsea regardless of Champions League football, and he is still keen now. The deal was worked on hard last summer, and the belief from our insiders is that his wage demands would not be as astronomical as the media are portraying.

“Chelsea can easily go back into the deal and our sources believe that it wouldn’t even be that difficult to come to an agreement.”

The 26-year-old would still be expensive, though, and Chelsea would still have to break their wage structure to seal a deal, Phillips later explained.

Even so, Osimhen’s goalscoring form over the last few seasons heavily suggests he’d upgrade Maresca’s striker options.

The season is over and attention will now turn to what Celtic are going to do in the upcoming summer transfer window to improve their playing squad.

Brendan Rodgers already has one new addition lined up to come in this summer, as Kieran Tierney will join on a free transfer at the end of his contract with Arsenal.

As you can see in the graphic above, the Scotland international enjoyed an incredibly successful first spell at Parkhead after coming up through the academy system, winning five Scottish Premiership titles before his £25m move to Arsenal in 2019.

He is now set to return on a free transfer to bolster the manager’s options at left-back as the first signing of the summer transfer window for the Hoops.

Whilst there will be a focus on incoming signings and how the Premiership champions can strengthen their squad, Celtic also have to be wary of losing their top talents.

They sold Matt O’Riley to Brighton & Hove Albion last summer and Kyogo Furuhashi to Rennes in January, and Nicolas Kuhn is one star who could follow them out of the door.

Why Nicolas Kuhn could leave Celtic this summer

Writing for Sky Sports last weekend, journalist Anthony Joseph claimed that there is ‘plenty of interest’ in the left-footed wizard after his impressive season for the club.

Crystal Palace, Everton, and Leeds United have all been credited with an interest in the German attacker this year, but it remains to be seen whether any of them are prepared to make a tangible move for him this summer.

This interest in his services, though, does suggest that there is a chance that the former Rapid Vienna winger could move on from Parkhead ahead of next season, if offers start coming in for him.

Clubs being keen on snapping him up should not come as a surprise to anyone, though, because Kuhn enjoyed a terrific season for Celtic across all competitions.

As you can see in the table above, the 25-year-old wizard delivered brilliant performances in the Scottish Premiership during the 2024/25 campaign, with 24 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in 32 appearances.

It would be a big blow to lose Kuhn from the squad, because of the goals and assists that he can provide from the right flank, but the Hoops are reportedly looking at a star who could be a dream replacement for him.

Celtic eyeing move for new winger

According to GIVEMESPORT, Celtic are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Peterborough United forward Kwame Poku in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report claims that there are up to a staggering 26 teams eyeing up the Ghana international, whose contract with the Posh is due to expire at the end of next month.

Transfer Focus

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

It reveals that the Hoops have sent scouts to watch the attacker on a regular basis this season, with a view to potentially swooping for him in the coming weeks.

GIVEMESPORT adds that Celtic and Rangers are both in a strong position to sign the winger because they would not have to pay as much money in compensation as English teams, due to UEFA’s cross-border compensation rules, which would allow them to offer a more attractive contract.

The report does reveal, though, that Birmingham City, who have been promoted to the Championship in England, have already submitted their contract offer to the left-footed star.

With this in mind, Celtic must press ahead with their interest in Poku to challenge Birmingham for his signature, because he could be a fantastic replacement for Kuhn.

Why Celtic should sign Kwame Poku

If the club’s German wizard does move on from Parkhead in the weeks or months to come, Rodgers will need a new left-footed right winger who has the potential to deliver goals and assists on a regular basis.

Poku’s performances for Peterborough in the third tier of English football suggest that he could be an ideal signing to replace the impact that Kuhn has at the top end of the pitch.

Whilst some may question the standard of League One, it is worth remembering that Matt O’Riley produced seven goals and five assists in 27 League One matches for MK Dons before his move to Celtic.

Poku could follow in his footsteps by making the move to Glasgow to be a star for the Hoops as an exciting attacking force on the right wing, coming in to replace the productivity that Kuhn provides.

The 23-year-old sensation, who was described as “unplayable” by manager Darren Ferguson, has provided goals and assists on a regular basis in England over the past two seasons.

As you can see in the table above, Poku has delivered 23 goals and 19 ‘big chances’ created in 64 appearances in League One for Peterborough, which shows that he has the potential to make a big impact in the final third.

Like Kuhn, the Posh star is also a left-footed attacker who predominantly plays on the right flank, cutting in onto his stronger foot to cause problems for opposition defenders as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

With this in mind, Poku could come in as a dream replacement for the Celtic number ten, if he does move on this summer, because he is similar in style whilst also having the potential to provide goals and assists at a similar rate.

McCowan 2.0: Celtic agree deal to make "brilliant" star their 2nd signing

Celtic have reportedly agreed a deal to make their second signing of the summer, and he could be Luke McCowan 2.0.

By
Dan Emery

May 26, 2025

It is now down to the Hoops to submit a contract offer of their own in an attempt to convince the winger to turn down the chance to sign for Birmingham.

Manchester United have made some key moves in the transfer market over the last couple of weeks, with Matheus Cunha completing his move to Old Trafford ahead of 2025/26.

The Brazilian could be joined at the club by striker Viktor Gyokeres, who could be reunited with boss Ruben Amorim after previously featuring under him at Sporting CP.

He’s registered 54 goals in his 52 appearances throughout 2024/25, leading to keen interest in his services over the last couple of months, with the Red Devils just one side interested in his signature.

It was reported this week that he would be open to a switch to Old Trafford, with Arsenal another side in the race to land the 27-year-old during the off-season.

However, the club should look past a move for Gyokeres, prioritising a move for another talisman instead, helping the club reach the next level in the near future.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer

Despite the window only opening on Sunday, United have wasted no time in pursuing options to help Amorim’s squad within the final third of the pitch at Old Trafford.

Antoine Semenyo, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Liam Delap have all been on their radar over recent weeks, but have missed out on the latter after he agreed a £30m deal with Premier League rivals Chelsea.

However, they could make a move to land Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who spent the current season on loan at Turkish side Galatasaray, scoring 37 times in 41 appearances across all competitions.

A report from Corriere del Mezzogiorno via Sport Witness confirmed that the Red Devils have been in contact with the Serie A outfit over a deal for the Nigerian, who has a €75m (£67m) release clause in his current deal.

Amorim’s side may have received a boost in their pursuit of the 26-year-old, after he rejected a proposal from Saudi side Al Hilal, with the race for his signature wide open this summer.

Why United’s £67m target could be a great signing for Amorim

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been a player who has set the Premier League alight over the last couple of seasons, often being a nuisance to countless backlines.

The Norwegian has scored a staggering 121 times in his 142 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side, with six of his efforts coming in eight games against United.

Such a talent doesn’t come around very often, with the Red Devils previously passing up an opportunity to land the talisman under the management of Ole Gunnar Solskjær.

Multiple years on, Haaland is now undoubtedly one of the most dangerous strikers in Europe, highlighting the mistake United’s hierarchy made in not pursuing a move for the 24-year-old.

However, this summer, that could all change with United’s latest target Osimhen, being dubbed “even better than Haaland” by agent Andrea D’Amico in recent months.

When delving into their respective stats this season, the Nigerian has managed to better him in numerous key areas, backing up the statement which may have seemed far-fetched.

Osimhen has scored more goals than Haaland throughout 2024/25, whilst also posting a higher shot on target rate – showcasing the clinical edge he possesses over the Norwegian in front of goal.

He’s also won nearly three times more aerial battles and posting a higher success rate in such a department – handing Amorim the focal point he’s lacked since taking the reins.

The loaner’s dominance hasn’t stopped there, completing nearly two times more take-ons in 2024/25, and having the all-round skillset that would bolster the attacking department at Old Trafford.

After splashing £62.5m on Cunha already this summer, a £67m transfer for Osimhen may seem steep, but it’s one that would transform the side based off his figures from this season.

Should he make the move and get anywhere near close to the levels produced by Haaland in England’s top-flight, it would be an absolute bargain – pushing the club closer towards their former glory.

Amorim's next Amad: Man Utd closing in on agreement to sign £70m "monster"

Manchester United could be set to land their next summer addition in the next few days.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 5, 2025

Celtic have already brought in one left-back as Greg Taylor edges closer to the exit door and could be set to recruit another if recent reports are to be believed.

Celtic star Greg Taylor set to leave after Kieran Tierney arrival

Making a start to the window that has created plenty of headlines, Celtic announced Kieran Tierney’s arrival on a free transfer from Arsenal after finding an agreement to bring the Scotland international home in January.

In light of this, long-serving defender Greg Taylor appears to be on the move to PAOK on a two-year deal with the option of a further 12 months. Should he depart under freedom of contract, that will leave the Bhoys in need of another left-back this summer.

The question then becomes, who could become a realistic competitor to Tierney? According to reports, Sassuolo star Josh Doig is being tracked by Celtic and may be on the move back to Scotland after starting his career at Hibernian.

There is also the prospect of a youth player such as Matthew Anderson or Mitchel Frame coming in to fill the void. If that scenario arises, B team manager Stephen McManus believes there is no better role model than Kieran Tierney at Parkhead for young stars to look up to.

He explained: “Kieran’s coming back at the age that he’s at, his full career’s ahead of him. For the national team, for us as a club, it’s tremendous.

Rodgers personally plotting Celtic deal to sign 16-goal star after Tierney

The Bhoys mean business.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 12, 2025

“It’s given everybody a real boost and for the younger lads it’s another role model that we’ve got to look up to.”

Supporters are eagerly anticipating movement on incomings and there could now be potential for Celtic to land a Scottish Premiership star if reports are to be believed.

Celtic in James Penrice scouting mission

According to The Daily Record, Celtic have ran scouting checks on Heart of Midlothian left-back James Penrice and could look to strike on the market for the former Partick Thistle man in their hunt for a competitor to lock horns with Tierney.

Although their watchful eye isn’t to be mistaken for something more, it does show that Rodgers and company are doing their due diligence on potential targets to strengthen their backline.

Labelled “outstanding” by Neil Critchley, Penrice registered two goals and seven assists in 40 appearances across all competitions last term as Hearts narrowly missed out on a top-six finish.

Nevertheless, with Derek McInnes now at the helm, it remains to be seen whether the ex-Kilmarnock boss would be willing to part ways with one of his prize assets.

Hearts and Celtic don’t share a great deal of rapport on and off the pitch, so it would likely take a significant fee to tempt the Jambos into letting Penrice leave Tynecastle for a divisional rival.

Manchester United’s business this summer is already in full flow, after Matheus Cunha was announced as their first signing ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The Red Devils forked out a whopping £62.5m for the Brazilian international, who registered 15 goals and six assists in the Premier League this campaign.

However, whilst it may seem like a hefty figure, it’s an excellent deal for a player who can change the club’s fortunes, after a dismal spell in front of goal over the last couple of months – scoring just 44 league goals in 2024/25.

Ruben Amorim doesn’t appear to be done there though, with a striker still high on his list of priorities, leading to numerous names mentioned over a move to Old Trafford.

Liam Delap was seen as the number one target before his subsequent move to join Chelsea, resulting in a shift of focus, with numerous of Europe’s elite still on their radar.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer

Over recent weeks, numerous top-level talismen have been mentioned as options for United, as Amorim looks to land the goalscorer who can catapult the club back up the table next season.

Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyokeres and Hugo Ekitiké have all been mentioned as potential options for the Red Devils, with no deals yet completed for any of the aforementioned stars.

However, that same can’t be said elsewhere, as they appear to be making a move for Juventus star Dušan Vlahović, that’s according to the latest report from FootballTransfers.

They claim that Amorim’s side have entered talks with the Italian outfit over a move for the striker, who currently earns £315k-per-week, according to Capology.

It also states that he’s keen on a move to join United this summer, seeing the switch as an opportunity to take his career to the next level, with a Premier League move the dream for the Serbian.

Why Vlahovic would be United’s answer to Haaland

Erling Haaland has been one of the Premier League’s leading talismen over the last couple of years, often causing United a whole host of problems in the process.

The Norwegian joined Manchester City back in the summer of 2022 from Borussia Dortmund, subsequently going on to score 121 times in his 142 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s men.

He’s managed to score six times in his eight appearances against the Red Devils, including a hat-trick in the 6-3 rout at the Etihad back in the 2023/24 campaign.

Given his record, most sides across England’s top-flight must wish they had their own version of the talisman, with Amorim potentially able to do just that with Vlahovic.

The 25-year-old has been labelled as a similar player to the City star by FBref, with hope that he can transfer his skillset over to Old Trafford should he move in the coming months.

When comparing their respective figures from the 2024/25 campaign, the Serbian has managed to outperform in numerous key areas, showcasing what an amazing addition he would be this window.

Vlahovic, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, has registered more progressive carries and more progressive passes per 90 in 2024/25, showcasing his all-round nature with the ball in attacking areas.

He’s also won more aerials per 90 and drawn more fouls, subsequently offering Amorim a huge focal point at the top end of the pitch, something which he’s craved since his appointment.

The Juve star has also completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted, able to play off the shoulder or even drop deeper and complete a mazy run past the opposition.

Such a move would likely cost the club a hefty whack in wages, but it’s one that could hand the side the needed attacking threat they’ve lacked this season.

If he manages to reach the levels produced by Haaland over recent years, it would be a sensational pick-up and one that could catapult the side back up the table.

An Elanga repeat: Wilcox in talks to sell £105k-per-week Man Utd talent

Manchester United may be about to make a huge mistake in selling one first-team star.

2

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 17, 2025

Manchester United have now made an approach to sign a “sensational” striker, and they are willing to fork out over £60m to get a deal over the line, according to a report.

Man Utd's striker pursuit heating up

It is clear that Man Utd need to bring in a new striker this summer, given that Rasmus Hojlund scored just four Premier League goals last season, although Ruben Amorim doesn’t believe there was a lack of effort on the Dane’s behalf.

Amorim said: “A striker needs to score goals… so we try to help him and he is trying really hard and he wants things so bad he makes it worse.”

That said, Hojlund has now had two seasons to make the centre-forward spot his own, and having flattered to deceive, United have now stepped up their pursuit of a new striker, with talks recently being opened over a deal for Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku.

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A bid has also been submitted for Ivan Toney, while the Red Devils remain in the race for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, although Arsenal are believed to be leading the race for the Sweden international’s signature.

According to a report from Caught Offside, Man United also have their sights on a Premier League striker, namely Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, having recently made an approach for the Englishman, and they are prepared to spend big to get a deal done.

Villa are demanding a fee of over £60m for Watkins, which United are prepared to match, although there could be fierce competition for his signature, with Arsenal and Chelsea also named as potential suitors.

Amorim believes the Villa star would be a perfect fit in his system, and the fact he has proven himself in the Premier League over a number of years is an added bonus.

Watkins' goal record at Aston Villa

Perhaps the most famous goal of the England international’s career was his extra-time winner against the Netherlands to send the Three Lions to the final of Euro 2024.

However, the 29-year-old has also maintained a solid goal record at club level for a number of years, playing a major role in the transformation of Aston Villa under the helm of Unai Emery.

Man United have made the mistake of taking gambles on strikers unproven in England in the past, such as Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, with the latter scoring just three Premier League goals last season.

As such, a move for Watkins would make sense, with the centre-forward being described as “sensational” by Alan Shearer, although the Red Devils should be wary about spending over £60m on a player set to turn 30 this year.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly playing a key role in the Gunners’ pursuit of key transfer targets.

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Andrea Berta and Arteta, much like the Spaniard’s relationship with previous sporting director Edu, are set to work together on the club’s recruitment drive this summer, as both men look to significantly reinforce the Arsenal squad.

This will be vital ahead of another Premier League title challenge, and Arteta is known to have a major say about whoever Arsenal look to sign in any given transfer window.

According to reliable Chelsea journalist Simon Phillips this week, Arteta has played an active role in attempting to convince Noni Madueke to join Arsenal.

“Arsenal are currently in talks with his agents trying to convince him about a move, and we have also heard that Mikel Arteta is reaching out to him as well, because he really likes the player,” said Phillips, via his Substack.

“Arsenal are yet to make an offer to Chelsea but they are looking to get player buy in first, as Chelsea do themselves. At the moment, Arsenal are still pushing on the player side. We will have to see what happens there and what other clubs come in.”

Interestingly, Madueke isn’t the only player who Arteta’s spoken with.

According to CaughtOffside, Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres has also held conversations with Arsenal’s manager about a move to N5.

Viktor Gyokeres 'verbally agrees' Arsenal contract after Arteta talks

Sky Switzerland reporter Sacha Tavolieri reported in the last few days that Gyokeres has agreed terms on a five-year Arsenal contract, and CaughtOffside appear to back this up in a further piece of information.

The outlet reports that Gyokeres has ‘finalised a verbal agreement’ on a £192,000-per-week contract with Arsenal, and the striker’s decision to prioritise a move to north London was ‘heavily influenced’ by talks with Arteta.

The 27-year-old has even snubbed mega-money salary offers from Saudi Arabia in favour of the Emirates, with CaughtOffside sharing an alleged message he’s communicated to Sporting president Frederico Varandas – ‘my priority is Arsenal’.

Arteta was crying out for Gyokeres’ proficiency in front of goal last season, and it appears the tactician is now taking matters into his own hands.

The Sweden international’s 54 goals in all competitions across 2024/2025 highlight exactly why Arteta is so reportedly keen, and there is a serious case to be made that Gyokeres could be the final missing piece of Arsenal’s jigsaw.

“He [Gyokeres] could be an option, 100 per cent. He is an extraordinary striker,” said ex-Arsenal star and Como boss Cesc Fàbregas to Amazon Prime recently.

“He is a focused player, who pays attention to details, he is competitive, never lets his guard down, and doesn’t want to rest. He is as an athlete, a player and team-mate who instils confidence in his team-mates with what he gives to the team.”