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Manchester United could have a chance to offload one first-team star in January who is growing frustrated with his situation at Old Trafford, according to a report.

Manchester United's recruitment…

Much promise surrounded Manchester United in the summer as they made some big moves in transfer window, acquiring the likes of Mason Mount, Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund, Altay Bayindir, Sofyan Amrabat, Sergio Reguilon and Jonny Evans.

Nevertheless, a combination of a lengthy injury list and inconsistent performances across the Premier League and Champions League have made bringing in January additions a priority for Erik ten Hag, who will be keen to ensure his side are adequately equipped for the second portion of the campaign.

Looking to the future, the Red Devils are reportedly keen to bring in Brazilian wonderkid Estevao Willian, who is also on the radar of Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Chelsea and Real Madrid.

Despite this, any deal to bring the 16-year-old to Old Trafford would be an expensive one for the English top-flight giants and a fee of £47 million could be required to secure his services.

As referred to by transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United were interested in AS Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana in the summer as a back-up option if their pursuit of then-Fiorentina enforcer Amrabat failed.

Giving an update on Fofana's situation, the Italian journalist stated on his Daily Briefing: "Youssouf Fofana is a name attracting interest at the moment, and I can reveal that Man Utd considered him as backup option for Sofyan Amrabat (who was their top target) in the summer."

He then added: "I can’t mention specific clubs pursuing Fofana now, it’s too early, as this is more a move for the summer than for January as he’s a key player for Monaco. I’m also told that PSG are not working to sign him, despite reports."

Outgoings will also be necessary to balance the books at Old Trafford and one key man could now be set for a move elsewhere, according to a report.

Bayern Munich interested in Raphael Varane

According to reports in Germany via Sport Witness, Bayern Munich have emerged as surprise contenders to sign Manchester United defender Raphael Varane, who is said to have grown frustrated with his role at Old Trafford and presumably, his boss Ten Hag.

The outlet claim that Thomas Tuchel will make a strong case to try and tempt Varane to the Allianz Arena, with the German coach believed to have a budget of €75 million to spend in the mid-season window.

Labelled "incredible" by former teammate Toni Kroos, Varane has fared well regarding the art of completed clearances this campaign, carrying out around 2.5 per match in the Premier League (Varane statistics – WhoScored).

Jonny Evans and Harry Maguire have been picked over the France international at times across 2023/24, which may have fanned the flames of a potential departure for Varane in the near future if both parties decide a mutual parting of ways is an amicable solution to his lack of game time.

Who has played for both Manchester United and Manchester City?

The Manchester derby is one of the standout fixtures in the Premier League season, but which players have represented both sides?

By
Brogan Clasper

Oct 24, 2023

Danny Rohl was a brave man entering into his first job in English football with Sheffield Wednesday, the Owls sinking without a trace in the Championship even before the German manager's arrival on the scene.

The former Bayern Munich coach has managed to pick up a solitary win from his first five games in charge, but the rest of the results have seen Wednesday depressingly come up short – the despondent Hillsborough home masses having to sit through a dire 4-0 defeat last time out versus Millwall, the second tier's basement club played off the park by the visitors from The Den all afternoon.

There are obvious issues at Wednesday currently, one of those being their inability to find the net. The South Yorkshire giants have only scored a paltry seven goals from 16 second-tier matches to date, the downtrodden Owls firing blanks in 11 of those contests.

In stark contrast, former Owls striker Gary Hooper is showing the misfiring Wednesday strikers how it's done in front of goal so late into his career – the tricky 5 foot 9 forward now 35 years of age.

Joining Barnet in the National League in October, the ageing attacker is enjoying life currently in his new surroundings and will want to lead his new employers to promotion up to the EFL.

Gary Hooper's statistics with Sheffield Wednesday

Hooper would join the South Yorkshire club after an up-and-down spell in Norfolk with Norwich City, scoring 12 goals in the second tier for the Canaries during the 2014/15 season before being moved on to Wednesday.

When donning his new blue and white strip, Hooper was a feared forward for opposition defenders to keep tabs on – scoring 13 goals from 29 games in his debut full campaign, netting eight of those in a mini six game purple patch in January and February under Carlos Carvahal to help his team make the playoffs.

In total, Hooper would score 31 goals from 89 appearances playing for Wednesday before New Zealand would come calling in the form of Wellington Phoenix.

Becoming a nomadic figure playing all around the globe as a result, Hooper's return to English football has been welcomed with open arms by Barnet considering his stature in the game.

Gary Hooper's statistics since leaving Sheffield Wednesday

Once referred to as "world class" by Celtic manager Neil Lennon for his goalscoring exploits with the Hoops, the non-league Bees signing Hooper on a deal this season is a major coup.

Hooper has played in New Zealand, India, Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates since leaving Hillsborough behind in 2019 – his most prolific spell globetrotting from club to club coming with Wellington, scoring 13 goals during a one season stay which even saw him play a game in their reserve set-up.

At Barnet, however, Hooper is rolling back the years and showing the current crop of wasteful Sheffield Wednesday strikers how to be clinical in front of goal.

Hooper would net his debut goal for the Bees after only being on the pitch for 20 minutes against Solihull Moors, a poacher-like finish from point-blank range sealing a share of the points right at the death in a 1-1 draw.

He would get in on the goalscoring act versus Chesterfield too for his new employers one game later, netting late on again but to no avail as Dean Brennan's Bees lost 4-2 to the Spireites sitting at the top of the National League.

His two goals even mean he's outscoring Anthony Musaba at Wednesday, the young Dutchman with one meagre goal to show for his efforts since making the move to Yorkshire in the summer.

Sheffield Wednesday fans will hope that one of their current underperforming strikers can take inspiration from Hooper's know-how in front of goal, Rohl's men in dire need of a talismanic figure in attack to help stop the rot at Hillsborough.

Joao Cancelo has pieced together his dream 5-a-side team, with Lionel Messi overlooked as Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho make the cut.

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• Portugal international chooses favourites
• Team-mates for club & country called upon
• Argentine icon unable to earn a spot

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Unsurprisingly, the Barcelona loanee has found room in his selection for a couple of Portugal international team-mates. He has also sided with colleagues from his time at Manchester City, with there plenty of talent to choose from when it comes to those he has worked alongside.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Cancelo has, however, been unable to work eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi into his ranks. Instead, the versatile defender – who is currently enjoying a loan spell in Catalunya – has plumped for the enigmatic talents of ex-Brazil international and Blaugrana great Ronaldinho.

• WHAT CANCELOSAID

  Explaining that selection to FIFPRO, Cancelo has said: “He is, as you already know, I have said it several times before, he is my favourite player ever – the player who made me like football.” The 29-year-old added on choosing Ronaldo ahead of Messi: “Cristiano for being a legend of my country, for all the goals he has scored and for continuing to inspire the youngsters.”

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Manchester City stars Ederson, Ruben Dias and Bernardo Silva complete Cancelo’s dream team, with their defensive ability, creative instincts and work rate being recognised. Cancelo will be hoping to line up alongside Dias, Silva and Ronaldo at this summer’s European Championship in Germany.

Aston Villa were unable to make it five wins on the bounce as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Villans had won their last four matches in all competitions in the build-up to the game but went 1-0 and 2-1 down to the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium, with goals from Leon Bailey and Ollie Watkins helping them to secure a point in the end.

Unai Emery's side are fourth in the division as it stands and four points off Arsenal at the top of the table, with nine wins, three defeats, and 29 points after 14 matchdays.

They are currently competing for a spot in next season's Champions League, and are top of their Europa Conference League group as it stands, but that has not stopped speculation over the future of their star players.

Aston Villa transfer news – Douglas Luiz and Kenneth Taylor

TEAMtalk reported at the end of last month that Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City are all interested in signing Douglas Luiz in January.

The outlet claimed that the club are keen to keep hold of the Brazil international and that it would take an offer in the region of £80m to tempt them into parting ways with him, and it remains to be seen whether or not any of those three sides are prepared to pay that.

However, Villa are not one of the established top clubs in the country that have won major trophies consistently over a prolonged period of time and this means that their players could be tempted by moves elsewhere.

Jack Grealish is an example of this as he completed a then-British record move to Manchester City for £100m in 2021, albeit Villa did not have a manager of Emery's stature in place and were not playing European football at the time.

Moises Caicedo is, perhaps, a better example from a club in a similar position to the Villans. Brighton are not a regular top six contender but reached the Europa League last season and still lost the Ecuador international to Chelsea, who are not in any European competition, for a fee of £115m.

This means that it is not completely out of the realms of possibility that Luiz will move on from the club, whether that is in January or next summer.

Villa will likely have plans in place to replace him if that situation does come around and reported target Kenneth Taylor could come in as an exciting replacement.

TEAMtalk reported earlier this month that the Villans are one of a number of teams keeping tabs on the Ajax starlet ahead of the January transfer window.

Tottenham, Newcastle, and Brighton are also said to be looking at the Dutch whiz, who could be on the move from his boyhood club in 2024.

The report claims that Ajax are weighing up whether or not to move him on next year after their poor start to the 2023/24 campaign. However, the player is may not be receptive to a January exit and could wait until the summer.

Douglas Luiz's season in numbers

It would be a big blow to lose Luiz as the former Manchester City prospect has enjoyed a phenomenal start to the season under Emery.

The Brazil international has been a key cog in the Spaniard's midfield with his superb performances in the Premier League, having caught the eye throughout the 2022/23 campaign as well.

Luiz contributed with six goals and six assists in 37 top-flight matches for the Villans, to go along with 3.1 tackles and interceptions per match and a duel success rate of 51%.

The £80m-rated talent has followed that up with a return of five goals, two assists, and three 'big chances' created in 14 Premier League appearances this term.

He has also made three tackles and interceptions combined and 6.4 ball recoveries per game, which shows that the talented gem has steel as well as craft to his game.

Luiz has the quality to make an impact in and out of possession from his deep-lying midfield position and that is why it would be a difficult task to find a replacement for him if Arsenal, Liverpool, or City manage to snap him up in January or at the end of the season.

The statistics that show why Taylor could replace Luiz

The reported Villa target has not been at his glittering best in the current campaign as Ajax have struggled and sit in eighth after 13 matches.

Taylor has contributed with one goal and one assist in 13 appearances for the Dutch giants in the Eredivisie, along with 1.3 tackles and interceptions and 3.7 ball recoveries per game.

These statistics do not suggest that the central midfielder would be able to come in and replicate the impact that Luiz has had on the pitch this season.

However, the 21-year-old whiz caught the eye with his performances during the 2022/23 campaign and could be a fine replacement for the Brazilian if Emery worked his magic and got him playing at his best again.

Taylor scored eight goals, provided three assists, and created four 'big chances' in 32 top-flight appearances for Ajax last season, which shows that he has the quality to make a big impact at the top end of the pitch.

The left-footed gem, who talent scout Jacek Kulig once described as a "big talent" with an "exciting future" ahead, also made 2.3 tackles and interceptions per match to go along with a duel success rate of 49%.

This suggests that the potential is there for him to be a presence on and off the ball with his ability to win possession back for the side, whilst he also has the quality to make things happen moving forward.

Over the last 365 days, as shown above, Taylor has averaged 7.74 progressive passes per 90 for Ajax. During that time, Luiz has averaged 5.23 progressive passes per 90 for the Villans.

The 6 foot prospect could, therefore, provide more incision than the current Villa star with his ability to break lines and play through the thirds with his passes.

Couple that with his aforementioned defensive and offensive attributes and Emery could secure an ideal replacement for Luiz by winning the race for Taylor's signature.

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah showed off his muscular physique as he stepped up preparations for his side's clash against Tottenham.

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• Salah posts training photos on Instagram
• Liverpool ace shows off his six pack
• Preparing for Tottenham encounter

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  On Thursday, the Egyptian international took to Instagram to show him doing strength and conditioning work, then him being put through his paces on the training ground, and finally a photo of the 32-year-old posing topless in the gym.

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  THE GOSSIP

  This comes days after Salah had an angry confrontation with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp in their 2-2 draw with West Ham, where the former Roma man was only brought on in the final 10 minutes of the match. The Reds ace said there will be "fire" if he divulged what was said between him and the German, so it will be interesting to see if he starts against Tottenham at Anfield on Sunday.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  After the draw, Klopp – who is leaving the club this summer after nearly nine years in charge – said the matter had been dealt with and his answer was virtually the same on Friday.

  He told reporters: "It's completely [resolved], no problem. If we didn't know each other for long I am not sure how we'd deal with it but we have known each other for a long and we respect each other so much."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Liverpool, who sit third in the Premier League with their title hopes all but over, host Spurs on Sunday, before travelling to Champions League-chasing Aston Villa on May 13. Incidentally, there are just three more games of the Klopp era at Liverpool.

Mauricio Pochettino revealed that Mykhailo Mudryk "is not okay" after the Chelsea star was taken out against Brighton due to a concussion.

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• Mudryk had to be subbed off before half-time
• Was caught in face in clash with Lamptey
• Will not be available against Bournemouth

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Goals from Cole Palmer and Christopher Nkunku fired Chelsea to a 2-1 victory over Brighton on the south coast on Wednesday evening. However, the win turned sour as their Ukrainian winger sustained an injury just before half-time and skipper Reece James was given the marching orders with just two minutes left in regulation time.

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  Mudryk's night was cut short following a clash with Tariq Lamptey. Despite receiving initial medical attention, he was unable to continue and Chelsea used a concussion substitute to replace him with Nkunku. The concussion substitution rule permits both teams to make an extra substitution in such circumstances after consulting with the match referee and the club's medical staff. However, the rule necessitates that a player must undergo a seven-day cooling down period which will see Mudryk miss the final Premier League fixture against Bournemouth.

• WHAT POCHETTINO SAID

  During his post-match press conference, Pochettino provided an update on Mudryk's condition, confirming that the player was not in good shape.

  Pochettino stated: "No, he is not OK, we are checking. He was a little bit dizzy but we used the concussion substitution and the rule is seven days, so he is not going to be available for the next game, but I hope it is nothing wrong."

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Chelsea need a single point from their final match of the season against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge to secure European football for the next season. It has been an impressive turnaround from the Blues, winning four league games on the trot, after a dismal start to the season.

It's been reported that an "important" member of Ange Postecoglou's squad is being tempted by a big club in January, with his agent in Tottenham exit talks.

Bissouma, Sarr and Son set to miss Tottenham's January fixtures

One major topic at N17 over this last month has been Postecoglou's severe lack of depth, an issue discussed more and more as we approach the January transfer window.

Yves Bissouma, Pape Sarr and Son Heung-min will be travelling to represent their nations at AFCON and the Asia Cup next month, with both tournaments commencing soon after the new year.

Xavi demands Barcelona sign Spurs star who Ange has transformed

He’s been given a “new lease of life” at Tottenham.

By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 13, 2023

A plethora of Tottenham injuries and suspensions since early November have also really highlighted Postecoglou's shortage of options behind his traditional starting eleven.

Both James Maddison and Micky van de Ven are sore misses in particular, with Spurs also now having to cope without Rodrigo Bentancur yet again after the midfielder's ankle ligament damage.

However, despite these issues, it's rumoured that Tottenham departures are still possible in the winter window. Eric Dier, Richarlison and Giovani Lo Celso are some players linked with Spurs exits in the past week alone, while some reports suggest Bologna are chasing a deal for summer signing Alejo Veliz.

Another player to be repeatedly linked with a move away is midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. The Dane has actually featured in nearly every Premier League game with 15 appearances under his belt this season, but the vast majority have come from the bench.

Hojbjerg tempted by Juventus with agent in Spurs talks

According to Italian news outlet Calciomercato, Tottenham consider Hojbjerg an "important player" and don't want him to go unless it's for a suitable bid. Regardless, Juventus and their director Cristiano Giuntoli won't give up on signing him, and he's in ongoing talks with the 28-year-old's agent.

Hojbjerg has an "appreciation" for Juventus as a Spurs exit option, according to Calciomercato. This factor, combined with his representative's willingness to negotiate, are said to be "two cards" playing in favour of Guintoli who appears determined to strike a deal.

Juve, though, wish to sign Hojbjerg on loan with the north Londoners showing no willingness to green-light such a deal thus far. As well as the report, Postecoglou himself as previously described the former Southampton star as a crucial member of his squad.

“It is obvious someone that has played regularly would have wanted to play more but ultimately our performances have been strong and he has had to bide his time," said Postecoglou on Hojbjerg earlier this season.

“He has also been very important in a lot of the games that we’ve won late or had to shore up late. He has been one of the people who has helped us and it is not like he hasn’t contributed at all. He’s been a really important part for us. We wouldn’t be in this position if we were just reliant on our starting XI.

“With Pierre, he is a professional and very determined."

Manchester United will have to pay as much as £78m to sign a big talent with a "great future" ahead of him, and they've reportedly already made contact with his club.

Man Utd chasing defensive signings in January

Erik ten Hag's side have had plenty of issues this season, from injuries to a lack of quality in attack, but they have also looked short at the back, playing a part in their Premier League struggles. Lisandro Martinez has been an undoubted loss through injury, but the likes of Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans have all looked far from perfect at different times, highlighting the need for reinforcements at the back.

It could even be that Varane leaves United during the January transfer window, according to recent reports regarding his future, and that could generate funds for a younger, less injury-prone replacement this month.

A plethora of centre-backs have been linked with moves to Old Trafford of late, with Crystal Palace ace Mark Guehi seen as a potential option for the Red Devils. Meanwhile, Nice starlet Jean-Clair Todibo is another talented player who could make a difference for Ten Hag, and United are also one of the English clubs who could look to snap up Portugal international Goncalo Inacio, too.

Now, an update has emerged regarding another defensive target, as Ten Hag looks to get some important business over the line in January.

Man Utd target Leny Yoro's price tag revealed

According to a report from Le10Sport [via Sport Witness], Manchester United will need to pay €90m (£78m) to sign Lille centre-back Leny Yoro in the January window.

That's according to the club's president, Olivier Letang, who is demanding an "astronomical sum" for one of his most prized assets – one who is being "courted by all the major European teams". Manchester City are also one of them, and it is claimed that both Manchester clubs have actually already made early contact for the January window.

United simply have to start a rebuild in their defence, with Martinez the only player who looks like a genuinely strong option moving forward, both in terms of age and quality. Varane isn't the force he once was, Lindelof is limited as a regular starter, and Maguire and Evans are both in their 30s now.

Yoro could be such an exciting option for the Red Devils to bring in, though, with the 18-year-old already an influential figure for Lille, despite still being so young.

Granted, he is still someone who has some maturing to do as a footballer, but he could end up being one of the best in Europe in his position, with Paulo Fonseca saying he has a "great future ahead of him".

Yoro would admittedly cost a huge amount of money, and United have been guilty of overspending on players in the recent past, he looks like a top-quality young talent who could be a star at Old Trafford for the next decade or so.

Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne's entourage has reportedly held transfer talks with officials from new MLS side San Diego FC.

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• De Bruyne representatives met with San Diego
• California club to join MLS next year
• De Bruyne contracted to Man City until 2025

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  De Bruyne's representatives held one conversation with the club, who will enter MLS next season, as the playmaker would be open to moving to the city if he were to make the decision to finish his career in the United States, reports.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  However, discussions with the City star's camp have not gone far and a possible transfer is still a long way off. The Belgium international considered staying at City until he retires, but with his contract set to expire next year, he has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia as well as MLS. Heading stateside is becoming a more and more popular move for veteran European players, especially after Lionel Messi's switch to Inter Miami.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  De Bruyne remains a crucial player for Pep Guardiola's team, having just helped them wrap up a fourth consecutive Premier League title. The 33-year-old's campaign was restricted by injury, but he ended up with four goals and 10 assists in 18 Premier League games this season.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR DE BRUYNE?

  An imminent transfer for De Bruyne seems unlikely due to his importance at City and the fact his contract runs until 2025. He will hope to round off the season with another trophy as they meet Manchester United in the FA Cup this week.

Stefan Ortega made a horrific mistake in the FA Cup final as Manchester City gifted Manchester United the lead at Wembley.

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• Ortega charged out of his box
• Gvardiol headed ball over his head
• Man Utd's Garnacho scored

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  A long ball punted forward by United confused the City backline in the FA Cup final's first half, and Ortega burst out of his goal to try to claim. Gvardiol was seemingly unaware of his goalkeeper's presence and headed the ball over his head, allowing Garnacho to nip in and score.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Ortega has played in every single FA Cup game for City this season, keeping four clean sheets, although he did concede twice in a 6-2 win over Luton in the fifth round. He may well have played in the final, then, even if Ederson had been fit.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  United will aim to press home their advantage. They headed into half-time 2-0 up, as Kobbie Mainoo extended the club's lead at Wembley before the interval.