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Sat just one point clear of the Championship’s bottom three, Plymouth Argyle have reportedly turned their attention towards a midfield reinforcement which could help seal survival for Wayne Rooney’s side.

Plymouth transfer news

Whilst one point clear of the relegation zone isn’t too much cause for celebration, many doubted that Rooney would even get this far after Plymouth opened the campaign without a league win in their opening four games.

Turning a corner to pave the way for potential survival since then, however, Rooney is gradually earning the trust of the Pilgrims, who entered the international break off the back of victory over Portsmouth and a draw against Derby County.

Now, the international break has seemingly handed those at Home Park the opportunity to shift their focus towards potential reinforcements in 2025 in what would be a major boost for Rooney and his side.

The Pilgrims won’t be expected to spend big, but recent reports suggest that they’ve got at least one target in their sights when the January transfer window arrives. According to Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet, via Sport Witness, Plymouth have finalised their scout report on Fredrik Hammar and a now considering a move to sign the Hammarby midfielder.

Just 23 years old, Hammar has been a mainstay in the Hammarby side throughout their current campaign, starting 15 of 29 league games and making 30 appearances in all competitions. A player who can play both central midfield and defensive midfield, Hammar could slot straight into Rooney’s side in place of Jordan Houghton or perhaps even Darko Gyabi when he returns to Leeds United at the end of the season.

Providing a defensive foundation in the middle of the park, Hammar would help to shield a backline which has conceded 26 goals in just 15 Championship games so far this season.

Hammar could earn Championship redemption

What is interesting to note is that if Hammar does complete a move to Plymouth in 2025, it will not be his first attempt to break into English football. The midfielder joined Brentford in 2019 but was forced to settle for a place in the B team before leaving back to Sweden and back to Akropolis IF just two years later.

Since that disappointment, however, the midfielder has found his feet back in his home country at Hammarby and could now receive the opportunity to earn redemption in the Championship.

Just how much the Swedish club demand for the 23-year-old remains to be seen, of course, but Plymouth will certainly be prepared to make their move if the price is right, having finalised their scout report.

All eyes will be on survival in the Championship this season and Hammar could more than play a part in achieving that if he completes a move at the beginning of next year.

Arsenal could sign a league’s “standout” forward for just £25 million, with Mikel Arteta’s side holding a serious interest in what would be a bargain transfer.

Arsenal drop points away to Fulham in Premier League title blow

Following an imperious run of four wins in four games across all competitions in the build up to their visit to Craven Cottage, many fancied an in-form Arsenal side to do the business in west London and make up ground on Premier League leaders Liverpool.

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1 ByBen Browning Dec 9, 2024

However, Raul Jimenez was on hand to give the home side an early advantage and send a very clear message to Arteta that this wasn’t going to be a routine afternoon by any means.

The Mexican’s strike kept Sunday’s score at 1-0 for a large portion of the contest, but Arsenal’s potency from set-plays was on hand to rescue the Gunners yet again around 10 minutes into the second period, when star defender William Saliba tucked home a close-range effort from a corner.

Everton (home)

December 14

Crystal Palace (away)

December 21

Ipswich Town (home)

December 27

Brentford (away)

January 1

Brighton (away)

January 4

Thomas Partey missed a glaring opportunity to give Arsenal the lead from another corner – failing to bury a header unmarked – before Bukayo Saka had a late winner chalked off due to Gabriel Martinelli being in an offside position from his cross into the box.

Arsenal couldn’t find a winner despite all of their efforts to break a resolute Fulham side down, in what was a real blow for Arteta, who also watched Chelsea thump north London rivals Tottenham 4-2 to become Liverpool’s closest contenders.

“Gutted that we didn’t win it, because I think we deserved to win from the beginning to the end,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Fulham.

“We did almost everything that we had to do to win it. But this is the quality of the opposition, with one chance they score a goal. And then the margins of the league as well. For millimetres, we could have been sitting here with three points after a really strong and dominant performance against a really good team.”

Arteta’s struggles to break down a team in the low-block has become a reoccurring theme of the club’s season, leading to reports that Arsenal could look to sign another forward in 2025.

Gabriel Jesus is misfiring and failed to make any impact off the bench on Sunday, with Martinelli also criticised at points this season and Leandro Trossard not exactly reaching the heights of 2023/2024.

Arsenal could sign Atalanta star Ademola Lookman for just £25 million

According to GiveMeSport, a player who the club are seriously looking at is Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman.

The ex-Everton star, who ended Bayer Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten run with a hat-trick against them in the Europa League final last season, is enjoying quite a year personally – having scored 20 goals in all competitions across 2024 so far.

The Nigerian is seen as one of Serie A’s “standout” stars, as per GMS, who also write that Arsenal could sign Lookman for just £25 million – considering his deal expires in 2026 and Atalanta may be forced to sell on the cheap.

It is believed Arsenal hold a “significant” interest in the 27-year-old, alongside a host of other clubs, with Lookman potentially available for a bargain fee. While this transfer is more likely for later in the year, rather than January, it is certainly one worth considering for next season.

It is also worth noting that Lookman employs the same agents as both Kai Havertz and academy manager Per Mertesacker.

Wolves have now been offered the chance to sign a club’s mainstay star, and one who Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur are allegedly in talks for ahead of the looming January window.

Wolves decide to back Gary O'Neil despite 'El Sackico' loss on Monday

Their clash with West Ham on Monday, dubbed the ‘El Sackico’, was seen by many as a crucial game to determine the immediate futures of both O’Neil and Julen Lopetegui.

O'Neil could replace Gomes by unleashing "exciting" Wolves attacker

With João Gomes suspended, Gary O’Neil should pick Hwang Hee-chan to complete his front three agains Ipswich on Saturday.

1 ByBen Gray Dec 14, 2024

However, despite Wolves’ boss subsequently losing the clash in east London, chairman Jeff Shi and the club’s board have decided to carry on backing O’Neil – as they look to address other problems like squad balance.

“Understand Gary O’Neil retains the backing of Wolves’ board following the loss to West Ham,” wrote GiveMeSport reporter Ben Jacobs on X, formerly Twitter, early this week.

“Chair Jeff Shi wants to support O’Neil. Wolves’ leadership team doesn’t attribute this season’s challenges to the head coach and are committed to providing him with the necessary tools to turn form around. This includes having a productive January.

West Ham 2-1 Wolves

Everton 4-0 Wolves

Wolves 2-4 Bournemouth

Fulham 1-4 Wolves

Wolves 2-0 Southampton

“Wolves are believed to be actively addressing other issues, including squad balance, and believe results can be turned around. Wolves’ leadership remain calm and will draw on previous experiences to try and get this season on track. Also no chance star players depart in January. Wolves not open to a mid-season Matheus Cunha exit.”

With O’Neil’s future secure for now, the club’s owners must find another way to galvanise his squad, and January appears like a solid solution.

The winter window represents a chance to strengthen in key areas, as Wolves look to avoid the Premier League drop zone and maintain their top flight status.

O’Neil himself has suggested that Wolves’ hierarchy are prepared to dip their toes into the winter transfer market, which comes as good news for supporters ahead of a crucial rest of this campaign.

Targets keep emerging for Wolves as the window opens for business in just over a fortnight, and one player now being mentioned is Getafe centre-back Omar Alderete.

Wolves offered chance to sign Getafe star Omar Alderete by agents

According to The Boot Room, Wolves have been offered Alderete by intermediaries, alongside other Premier League sides, as the Paraguay international potentially looks to seal a dream move to England.

This comes amid other claims that Tottenham are already in talks to sign Alderete, with Ange Postecoglou currently dealing with an injury crisis of his own and having just one natural senior centre-back available right now.

The player’s release clause stands at around £13 million, which could be deemed a bargain considering he’s made more blocks and clearances on average than any other player in Getafe’s squad this season (WhoScored).

It has been a busy transfer window so far for Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side have made three new first-team signings, and have not been afraid to spend big money. The most notable addition has been Omar Marmoush, who joined the club for £59m from Eintracht Frankfurt.

They have also made two new additions at centre-back. One of those was Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov, who cost £33.6m up front with add-ons on top of that. City also bright in young Brazilian centre-back Vitor Reis from Palmeiras, who cost the Premier League champions £29.6m.

The Citizens might not be done with transfer business yet, however, because they have recently been linked with a new addition in midfield.

City target new midfielder

The player in question here is Porto and Spanish midfielder Nico Gonzalez. The 23-year-old has impressed with the Portuguese side this season and now could be in line for a departure before the January transfer window slams shut on Monday.

According to a report from journalist Fabrizio Romano, the reigning Premier League champions have made a ‘formal approach’ to Porto to enquire about signing the Spaniard this month.

However, this may be a tough deal for the Citizens to get over the line. Porto are hoping to keep their midfielder beyond the 3rd of February and will demand an ‘important transfer fee’ or he will stay at the club.

Gonzalez – who reportedly earns £18k-per-week, as per Capology – has a £50m release clause in his contract, and it seems like City will need to meet this to sign him.

Why Gonzalez would be a good signing

It has been an impressive season for Gonzalez so far for Porto. In 29 games for the Dragons this season, he has seven goals and six assists, good numbers from midfield.

Perhaps his most important goal contribution came against Sporting in the Supertaca Candido de Oliveira, the Portuguese Super Cup. He scored a crucial goal in a 4-3 win, helping his side to the trophy.

Gonzalez, an “elegant” midfielder according to football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig, came through Barcelona’s esteemed La Masia academy. He played 37 times for the La Liga giants, scoring two goals and two assists before departing the club, first on loan to Valencia and then making the permanent move to Porto.

If the Citizens got this deal over the line, he could be the second coming of Rodri. The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has been injured for much of the season, although he is “the best midfield player, currently, in the world by far” according to Guardiola.

It has been an extraordinary few years at City for Rodri. He has played 260 times for the club, chipping in with 56 crucial goals and assists.

Undoubtedly his most important strike came in the 2022/23 Champions League final against Inter, where the midfielder scored the only goal to seal the treble for City.

There are certainly similarities between the two midfielders, even if Gonzalez is a more offensive player than Rodri. Both are Spaniards who have had experience playing at a big club in La Liga before making a move to further their career. Of course, the similarities could extend even more if Gonzalez joins City.

Even though they are different types of players, with Gonzalez a more advanced midfielder, you can still see some statistical comparison between the pair, from the 2023/24 Champions League, courtesy of Squawka.

For example, the Porto man had an average pass accuracy of 87.01% and won five ground duels per game. In comparison, Rodri managed a 91.88% pass accuracy and won 4.2 ground duels per game.

Stat (per 90)

Gonzalez

Rodri

Pass accuracy

87.01%

91.88%

Ground duels won

5

4.2

Lay-offs completed

1.5

1.2

Tackles made

2.4

1.9

Ball recoveries

3.4

6.8

There are lots of similarities between Gonzalez and Rodri, even if the pair are not stylistically the same. They both look after the ball well and work hard without possession, and, of course, both hail from Spain.

Although £50m is a big investment for City, this could be a brilliant signing to add to the quality in midfield.

Instead of McAtee: Pep must finally cash in on “ ineffective” Man City star

Amid uncertainty over James McAtee’s future, Manchester City should look to cash in on another forward instead

ByBen Gray Feb 1, 2025

Manchester United are in dire need of improving their poor form this season having now slumped to 15th in the Premier League, and although relegation seems unlikely, they are set for a record-low finish in the Premier League.

United’s most recent game saw them make their final trip to Goodison Park to face Everton. The Toffees were the better side for much of the 90 minutes, but United managed to claw back a 2-0 deficit to draw, thanks to an inspirational performance from Bruno Fernandes.

It was not just United’s captain who stood out, with new signing Patrick Dorgu also impressing.

Dorgu's time at United so far

The Red Devils made Dorgu the first major signing of the Ruben Amorim era at the back end of the January Transfer window. They signed him from Serie A strugglers Lecce, for £25m up front and a further £4.1m in add-ons.

So far, the wing-back is just three games into his United career. His debut came in the FA Cup against Leicester City, where he featured for the first half. He has also played two games in the Premier League, getting 90 minutes under his belt against Tottenham Hotspur and, most recently, Everton.

The Denmark international was certainly one of the better United players against the Toffees. The Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst was impressed by his performance, giving him a 7/10. He explained that Dorgu ‘has not been ground down by the pressure of playing for United’ so far.

Goals and assists will surely follow soon, too. Before his move to Old Trafford, the young wing-back scored three times and grabbed one assist for Lecce this season, showing his threat in front of goal.

In fact, that is as many goal involvements as a former United full-back, who perhaps Amorim wished he could call upon if he was still in his prime.

Former Man United star is now on par with Dorgu

There are plenty of former Red Devils stars performing well since leaving the club. One of the best recent examples of this is Antony, who has five goal involvements in six games since his loan move to Real Betis.

Well, another player who is doing well after leaving United is Ashley Young. Make no mistake about it, the former club captain was exceptional during his time wearing the famous red shirt, and only left in 2020 on a free transfer to Inter Milan, when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was in charge of the club.

The former England international made more appearances for United than he did any other club over his career.

He played 261 games, scoring 19 goals and grabbing 32 assists. Perhaps his best game came against Arsenal in the famous 8-2 win in 2011, where he scored two and assisted three.

The further he got into his United career, Young’s role in the side changed. He went from dynamic and tricky winger to marauding full-back, capable of playing either side. His versatility became key for the managers he had at Old Trafford.

Left midfield

74

12

10

Right-back

56

2

4

Left-back

55

1

7

Left-wing

29

3

9

Right midfield

20

0

1

Right-wing

6

0

0

Second striker

3

0

0

Central midfielder

2

0

0

Centre-back

1

0

0

Now plying his trade for Everton, Young also has four goal involvements this season, just as Dorgu does for Lecce. However, the former England international has one goal and three assists for the Toffees, playing as a flying full-back. At 39 years of age, the former United number 18 is still going strong.

It does make you consider how much Amorim would have appreciated Young this season if he was still at Old Trafford. Given the versatility of the former United skipper, the ability he has to whip in a deadly cross, and the fact he is still contributing to goals, he could have been an ideal wing-back.

Better than Dorgu: Man Utd must regret selling "monster" star for just £5m

Manchester United once sold a defender who is even better than Patrick Dorgu.

4 ByDan Emery Feb 24, 2025

New Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has a huge job on his hands in the next couple of months if he is to turn around the mess left by former manager Erik ten Hag.

The Red Devils currently sit in 13th place, with a total of just 12 points from the opening ten matches – their worst start in their Premier League history.

Such form saw Ten Hag lose his job, with Amorim set to take over on November 11th, with the Sporting Lisbon head coach hoping to make the difference upon his appointment.

His first game at the helm will see him lead his new side to Portman Road on the 24th of November, looking to take advantage of the Tractor Boys’ early season troubles, whilst steering his new side in the right direction.

If the former Portugal international is to make an immediate impact in charge, he may be reliant on one player upon his return to action in the coming weeks.

Why Mainoo could be crucial for Amorim

Academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo has taken to first-team football like a duck to water since his Premier League debut back in November 2023, often being the player to get supporters off their seats.

The 19-year-old has impressed with his ball-winning abilities, as demonstrated by his tally of 2.1 tackles won per 90 so far this season, but also in transition, starring in a box-to-box role under Ten Hag.

Mainoo has achieved an 88% pass accuracy also completing 74% of his attempted dribbles, demonstrating composure way beyond his years and showcasing his ability to find a teammate.

New boss Amorim operates two box-to-box midfielders in his 3-4-3 system, with a real impetus on being strong defensively but also having the ability to play the ball into forward areas and create opportunities for forward-thinking players.

As seen with the aforementioned stats, Mainoo has all the tools to be a hit with the newly appointed United boss, handing him the opportunity to become an immediate fan favourite at Old Trafford.

However, not everyone will be the 39-year-old’s cup of tea quite like Mainoo and he will be busy judging who should be on the chopping block in January. One such player earns as much as six times more than the dazzling midfielder.

The player Amorim needs to get rid of in January

Centre-back Victor Lindelof arrived at Manchester United back in the summer of 2017 in a £31m deal with real expectations of becoming a hit at the club and solving their defensive woes.

However, fast forward seven years, the 30-year-old Sweden international is no longer a regular starter at the club, often having to settle for a place on the substitutes bench, filling in when other players are injured.

The former Benfica talent has notched a total of 265 appearances for the club but has often failed to impress, as seen by the Red Devils’ recruitment this summer which saw two new centre-backs join the Premier League outfit.

2017/18

29

0

0

2018/19

40

1

1

2019/20

47

1

1

2020/21

45

1

2

2021/22

35

0

2

2022/23

35

0

0

2023/24

28

1

1

2024/25

6

0

0

Total:

265

4

7

Lindelof, who’s previously been dubbed as “shocking” by YouTuber Mark Goldbridge, has struggled with the demands of the Premier League, often prone to a mistake or two as demonstrated in the recent Carabao Cup victory over Leicester City.

He still pockets a huge wage despite his lack of impact in Manchester, earning £120k-per-week as per Capology – a figure that is six times higher than youngster Mainoo who only earns £20k-per-week despite his recent rise at his boyhood club.

Given his lack of positive output during his time in Manchester, Amorim must look to brutally part ways with Lindelof, a decision that will save the club a huge amount on a yearly basis in their recent cost-cutting efforts.

The new manager has a plethora of other defensive options at his disposal, with the Swede no longer having the quality needed to be a serious starter in a side looking to mount a push for the top four.

Amorim can revive Man Utd star who dropped a horror 3/10 display v Chelsea

The sensationally talented “superstar” could become a real force for Man Utd under the Portuguese manager.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 4, 2024

West Ham United fans will have to wait until Monday night to get their fix of club football after the international break, as they take on Newcastle at St James Park.

The Magpies sit ninth in the Premier League after 11 games played, whilst the Hammers are languishing in 14th, having won just three of their opening 11.

After significant investment this summer, Julen Lopetegui has big expectations to make it work at the club, and his poor run of form could see his job under threat already, with the club sounding out possible replacements should they pull the trigger on the 58-year-old Spaniard.

A few names that have already been touted are Graham Potter and Edin Terzić, both of whom are currently out of a job, but one name that is beginning to surface is a manager already in the Premier League, who is doing an amazing job with his respective club.

West Ham could hire Premier League manager

According to reports from TEAMtalk last week, one name being mentioned internally is Bournemouth coach, Andoni Iraola, who is also being “eyed up” by a number of other top sides.

Labelled as a “very talented” manager during his time at Rayo Vallecano by scout Jacek Kulig, and he has managed to translate this to the English top flight.

Bournemouth do not play the same heavy possession style that West Ham were initially looking for when going from David Moyes to Lopetegui, but what he does bring is a clear identity, which has proven to stunt many top sides in the Premier League.

The Cherries average 45.0% possession per game (the sixth lowest in the division), but also average 15.5 shots per game (the third highest in the league), with only Tottenham and Manchester City managing more. This speaks perfectly to Iraola’s direct style, and his distinct idea to use their possession effectively, and with purpose.

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The 42-year-old coach has averaged 1.32 points per match (PPM) since joining Bournemouth in July 2023, bettering both the 1.30 PPM Lopetegui managed at Wolves and the current 1.15 PPM he is averaging at West Ham.

If the Hammers did appoint Iraola, it would be a challenge to change their style again, but that change in style could benefit some of their current players, who would be better suited to a more direct approach.

The main West Ham player Iraola could benefit

The first player who could benefit from this change would be Jarrod Bowen, who is already seen as one of West Ham’s most important players. But that importance could be further exemplified under Iraola, highlighting his best qualities and getting the most from him.

Goals

0.47

0.38

Assists

0.23

0.15

xG

0.35

0.18

xAG

0.16

0.27

Progressive Carries

2.73

3.93

Progressive Passes

1.59

4.02

Shots Total

2.61

2.73

Key Passes

0.98

2.24

Shot-Creating Actions

2.78

3.83

Tackles

1.16

1.59

Interceptions

0.49

0.53

The 27-year-old is a hard-working winger, who can press high, and then look to play direct. Under Moyes, Bowen scored 20 goals and provided ten assists in the 2023/24 season, much of his work coming from counter-attacking scenarios, and playing fast in transition.

In Iraola’s system, the way they manufacture their shots comes from their pressing patterns, looking to set traps all over the pitch, win the ball back, and then attack as quickly as possible, in as few passes as possible, looking to hurt the opposition whilst they are out of shape.

Bowen has plenty of the qualities Iraola would like and despite the Hammers’ poor start to the campaign, he is better a host of his numbers from last term.

As a result, with the England international possessing the added bit of final third quality that some of Iraola’s Bournemouth players perhaps lack, it could make for a very exciting prospect if the Spanish coach were to work alongside West Ham’s flying winger.

West Ham must regret selling a star who's rivalling Yamal in 2024/25

West Ham may have made a mistake allowing one star to leave the London Stadium.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 15, 2024

One of Leeds United’s most expensive-ever signings has moved one step closer to leaving the club in 2025, according to a new report.

Leeds throw away two-goal lead at Hull

Championship leaders Leeds were held to a shock draw by struggling Hull City at the weekend in what was a thrilling affair at the MKM Stadium.

Abu Kamara, who was recently forced to apologise for a social media comment he made on rivals Portsmouth’s Instagram account, opened the scoring in just the fifth minute. Ao Tanaka equalised for Leeds straight after the break, before goals Dan James and Joel Piroe put the visitors in the driving seat.

Hull’s Joao Pedro then pulled one back with eight minutes to play, before Kamara completed his redemption arc by rescuing a point in the final moments as he smashed the ball into the net from the edge of the area.

With Burnley and Sheffield United winning on the same day, the defeat means Leeds’ lead at the top of the Championship was cut to just one point.

“Disappointed is probably the right word,” Leeds boss Daniel Farke told BBC Radio Leeds after the game. “We were in control at 3-1 and could have scored a fourth, fifth or sixth goal, especially with Daniel James having a one-on-one chance.

“It’s then difficult to accept how we conceded two late goals without them really having a chance in the half, but somehow they were able to score. To drive away with one point is heartbreaking and disappointing.”

Junior Firpo linked with new Leeds exit

One man who wasn’t involved against Hull was left-back Junior Firpo. The Dominican Republic international, who joined Leeds from Barcelona in 2021 in a deal worth £12.9 million, missed out for the seventh week in a row due to injury as speculation rumbles on about his future at Elland Road.

The 28-year-old is now in the final six months of his contract with Leeds, and is free to talk to other clubs.

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Leeds United could be set to lose to a number of players this month…

1 ByBarney Lane Jan 4, 2025

According to a new report from TEAMtalk, Firpo’s team are now laying the groundwork for a return to his boyhood club Real Betis. Firpo began his professional career with Betis back in 2018, and they claim Firpo is now open to returning to the Estadio Benito Villamarin this month.

TEAMtalk report that “initial contacts via intermediaries have taken place between Real Betis and Firpo’s camps,” and that the Spanish club’s interest in him has been bolstered by the poor displays of current left-back, Ricardo Rodriguez.

Firpo, who is expected to return from injury in the near future, was praised by Farke following Leeds’ 1-0 defeat to Burnley earlier this season.

“Junior played a really good game against Burnley, after long travel, improved defensive skill and turning into a leader. Great will to improve further,” said the German coach of the defender.

Manchester United have now made a proposal of Rasmus Hojlund plus cash to sign “the best striker in the world”, and his club would be open to a deal of that nature, according to a journalist.

Hojlund struggling in the Premier League

Hojlund has regularly found himself on the scoresheet in the Europa League, netting five times in the league phase, but the majority of the Dane’s goals came against relatively weak opposition in Bodo/Glimt and Viktoria Plzen.

The 22-year-old has struggled against tougher teams in the Premier League, netting just two goals in 23 appearances this term and failing to find the back of the net since scoring in the 3-2 defeat against Nottingham Forest back in December.

Summer signing Joshua Zirkzee has also been an unreliable source of goals, scoring six in 42 games in all competitions, so it is little wonder Man United are looking to bring in a new striker when summer comes around.

Man Utd could now move for "outstanding" £84m striker instead of Osimhen

The Red Devils have identified a potential alternative to the Nigerian.

ByDominic Lund Mar 11, 2025

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has emerged as a target for the Red Devils, and journalist Luca Cerchione has now dropped an interesting update on their pursuit of the Nigerian, suggesting a proposal has already been made.

Cerchione said: “Keep an eye on the Rasmus Højlund trail, which was reported to me last week.

“United have proposed Højlund to Napoli as part of the deal that could bring Victor Osimhen to Manchester United. In order for Osimhen’s price tag to drop, they will also talk about Højlund, who Conte likes a lot. We’ll see, we’ll follow this lead. €40m, plus Højlund, would be a deal in favour of Napoli.”

Osimhen is known to have a £62m release clause in his Napoli contract, but United are seemingly keen on a deal of a different nature, which would allow them to get an underperforming striker off the books.

Osimhen could be "the best striker in the world"

It would be a shame to see Hojlund leave United so soon, considering he is still young at 22 and may go on to become a top striker, but Ruben Amorim’s side cannot pass up the opportunity to sign the Nigeria international, should Napoli be keen on a swap deal.

The 26-year-old was lauded as “the best striker in the world” by members of the media during his time with Napoli, and he has since gone on to impress on loan at Galatasaray this season, netting 23 goals in 29 games in all competitions.

There are also signs of interest on the player’s end, with previous reports suggesting the Galatasaray star is open to talks over a move to Old Trafford this summer, indicating a move could be a real possibility.

It is imperative Man United sign a striker this summer, given their current options’ struggles in front of goal this season, so it is exciting news they have now made a proposal for one of the world’s best.

Nottingham Forest are considering making a move to sign a “skilful” £20 million star in the summer, according to a new report.

Nottingham Forest transfer news

The Reds have nine games to go in the Premier League to fulfil their dream and secure a place in next season’s Champions League. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have been outstanding all campaign, with midfielder and captain Morgan Gibbs-White at the heart of that.

Nottingham Forest join battle to sign "monster" Gibbs-White replacement

He’s one of Europe’s most impressive young talents.

ByTom Cunningham Mar 16, 2025

His performances have caught the attention of some of the big teams in the Premier League, but according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, Forest will “do everything they can” to keep hold of the Englishman this summer. O’Rourke goes on to add that securing Champions League qualification will put the Reds in a stronger position to retain their best players.

As they look to keep hold of Gibbs-White, according to TEAMtalk, Forest are keeping a close eye on Sunderland’s Jobe Bellingham ahead of the summer.

Forest are among the Premier League teams keeping a watchful eye on the Black Cats midfielder and could be ready to pounce should Sunderland fail to seal promotion. However, the Championship side are not looking to sell or negotiate with any team, meaning a big offer may have to arrive for them to be tempted.

Nottingham Forest considering move to sign £20m+ star

It is not only a new midfielder the Midlands side want, as according to reports from Italy, relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest are weighing up a move to sign defender Fikayo Tomori from Italian giants AC Milan.

The report claims that there is a concrete possibility that Milan look to sell the English defender this summer as long as they receive a €25 million transfer fee, which is roughly £21 million. Forest are keeping an eye on his situation, but they are not alone, as Newcastle United are also weighing up whether to make a move or not.

However, they may hold a small advantage, as Tomori already knows two Forest players in Ola Aina and Callum Hudson-Odoi, as he played with the pair at Chelsea.

Meanwhile, Tottenham could also be potentially interested in a deal for Tomori after they looked to sign the centre-back during the January transfer window. The Italian giants already have in mind replacements for Tomori should he leave the San Siro.

Apps

14

Starts

11

Clean sheets

1

Interceptions per game

0.8

Tackles per game

1.6

Balls recovered per 90

3.0

Clearances per game

2.2

Touches per game

56.7

Passing accuracy per game

45.4 (93%)

The 27-year-old has been with Milan since July 2021, and while he was an instant regular in the team, this season he has lost his place, playing just 14 times in Serie A. Despite the disappointment of this season, Tomori has been largely successful in Italy, with him being described as a “skilful” defender by Franco Baresi.

He previously told The Daily Mail: “He is young and has played well so far when he’s had the chance. He is skilful and has great physical attributes. He is still adapting to the Italian league, and I think he can only grow as a defender and help us out.”