All posts by z3u9t.icu

Manchester United had to react to what happened in the 2024/25 campaign after they endured a dismal end to the season under head coach Ruben Amorim.

The Red Devils lost 18 of their 38 Premier League matches, finishing 15th in the division, and lost to Tottenham Hotspur in the final of the Europa League.

Instead of opting to change manager once again, despite Amorim’s struggles and some question marks over his 3-4-2-1 system, the club opted to change things by dipping into the transfer market.

Manchester United invested in the forward line, despite a lack of European football, by signing Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko to bolster the manager’s options up front.

It is now down to Amorim to find a way to get the best out of those three exciting attacking recruits to ensure that the Red Devils do not go through another dismal season.

Mbeumo has already scored twice, against Grimsby and Burnley, since moving from Brentford, but United supporters are still waiting to see the best out of Cunha in a red shirt.

Why there is more to come from Matheus Cunha

The Brazil international has failed to score a goal or create a ‘big chance’ for the team in his three Premier League starts for United so far this season, per Sofascore, which shows that he has had an underwhelming start to his career in Manchester.

However, there is no need to panic because Cunha is a proven Premier League star who has shown that he can deliver consistent quality at the top end of the pitch, as evidenced by his form for Wolverhampton Wanderers last season.

The chart above shows that he should be a huge upgrade on Mason Mount in the number ten position when he finds his feet at Old Trafford and starts to deliver the kind of performances everyone knows that he is capable of, due to his ability to make an impact in front of goal.

Cunha, who signed for Wolves from Atletico Madrid, has proven that he can score goals and create high-quality opportunities for his teammates at an impressive rate in the Premier League.

Appearances

32

33

xG

9.49

8.63

Goals

12

15

Big chances created

7

13

Key passes per game

0.9

1.8

Assists

7

6

As you can see in the table above, the Brazilian maestro scored 27 goals and created 20 ‘big chances’ in 55 appearances in the top-flight for Wolves in the last two seasons, outperforming his xG by a significant margin in both of those campaigns.

This shows that Manchester United have signed a star who is proven in the division and will deliver quality in the final third if Amorim can set the team up to get him in enough positions to make an impact at the top end of the pitch.

Therefore, there is no need to panic or rush to judgement over Cunha’s fairly slow start to life at Old Trafford, because there is plenty more to come from the Brazilian maestro, given what he has already achieved in the Premier League in the Midlands.

If the former Atletico Madrid attacking midfielder does fail to translate his Wolves form over to Manchester, though, Amorim may find the club’s own homegrown version of Cunha from the academy.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

19-year-old attacking midfielder Jack Moorhouse, who is currently on loan at Leyton Orient in League One, could emerge as Manchester United’s own Cunha in the future if he continues to develop and progress in his career.

Why Jack Moorhouse could be a homegrown Matheus Cunha

Judging young players and predicting what their ceiling is or how they will develop over time is not an exact science, which is why so many players fail to make the grade after emerging as exciting talents early on in their careers.

Moorhouse did not burst onto the scene at 16 like Lamine Yamal or score in the Premier League at 18 like Kobbie Mainoo, but he has shown some very promising signs that bode well for the future.

The teenage talent scored four goals and provided two assists in 13 starts as an attacking midfielder for the Red Devils at U18 and U21 level, per Transfermarkt, almost a goal contribution every other game.

Analyst Ben Mattinson, in the post above, was impressed by his performances for United’s academy sides, describing him as a “game-breaking ball carrier” who is “ideal” for the left-sided number ten role in Amorim’s system, which is currently occupied by Cunha.

Moorhouse’s best performance for Leyton Orient so far this season came in a 3-1 win over Peterborough United in the EFL Trophy, and his display was Cunha-esque on paper.

Minutes

63

Sofascore rating

8.1

Shots

2

Goals

1

Pass accuracy

86%

Key passes

2

Dribbles completed

3/3

Duels won

4/6

As you can see in the table above, the Ireland U21 international showcased his quality as a goalscorer, a creator, and a dribbler, which are Cunha’s main three attributes as a player.

You can see in the clips above that Moorhouse loves to drive forward with the ball at his feet, taking players on, and he scored an excellent goal from range with his weak foot.

Albeit against very different opposition, the goal was not too dissimilar to the one that Cunha scored against Premier League champions Liverpool earlier this year for Wolves.

Both Moorhouse and Cunha are attack-minded midfielders who can score goals and create chances for their teammates, but they are also exciting players to watch because of the way they carry the ball and take defenders on.

Therefore, Manchester United may be brewing their homegrown version of the Brazil international at Carrington and Leyton Orient, and it is now down to the Irish maestro to develop and take the next steps in his career to convince Amorim to bring him into the first-team next season.

Amorim can revive Mainoo by binning £150k-p/w flop in Man Utd system switch

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim can revive Kobbie Mainoo by changing his formation.

ByDan Emery Sep 7, 2025

Sunderland chiefs are now in talks to sign an experienced “leader” for around £8.5 million as the Black Cats join the race to secure his signature, according to a recent report.

Sunderland eyeing new midfielders with spending spree set to continue

Sunderland are set to make their long-awaited return to the Premier League, and Regis Le Bris and co. have been busy in their preparations as they look to make a good go at remaining in the division. The play-off winners have already added six new players to their ranks, which has seen them surpass the £100 million barrier, and it looks as though the spending is set to continue.

£26m release clause: Sunderland considering move to sign "outrageous" ace

He’s reportedly been granted a summer exit by his current club.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 15, 2025

Strengthening their midfield options appears to be a top priority for the Black Cats, as last week it was reported that Sunderland had made an approach to Marseille over the signing of Valentin Rongier. The midfielder is in the final 12 months of his contract with the French side.

The Premier League newcomers are keeping their options open, and at the start of this week, L’Equipe also reported that Sunderland have approached Leicester City over signing Bilal El Khannouss.

The 21-year-old also has interest from AS Monaco and West Ham United, as the Foxes are open to a sale as long as they receive a fee of £22 million. But the list of options to strengthen their midfield doesn’t stop there…

Sunderland in talks to sign £8.6m ex-Arsenal star Xhaka

According to Sky journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Sunderland have joined the race to sign Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen, with Kristjaan Speakman and Florent Ghisolfi in talks with the former Bundesliga champions over a deal worth €10 million, which is roughly £8.5 million.

The Black Cats are not the only team chasing the Switzerland international, as Saudi Arabia side NEOM SC are also keen on striking an agreement. However, this isn’t putting Sunderland off, as they have already offered Xhaka a three-year contract.

Xhaka, who has been labelled a “leader” by football writer Craig King in the past, is under contract with Leverkusen until 2028, but he is expected to leave the club this summer after two seasons, one of which saw his Leverkusen team win the treble in an undefeated domestic season.

Last season, Xhaka scored two goals and registered seven assists in 33 Bundesliga games, as they finished runners-up to Bayern Munich.

Apps

225

Goals

17

Assists

24

Before moving to Germany, Xhaka spent seven seasons at Arsenal, during which he won the FA Cup and Community Shield twice. A potential move to the Stadium of Light would see him return to the Premier League, where Sunderland would hope his experience and leadership skills would help them in their bid to beat the drop.

Manchester United’s business during the ongoing summer transfer window could prove to be crucial in Ruben Amorim’s stint as manager at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have demonstrated with their Premier League finish in 2024/25 that they’re miles behind where they should be, especially given the money spent in recent seasons.

Former boss Erik ten Hag spent in the region of £600m on players in his three summers in the role, with many of his additions failing to impress in England’s top-flight.

The likes of Anthony, Tyrell Malacia and Rasmus Hojlund all arrived during the Dutchman’s tenure at the club, but all look set to depart this summer after falling down Amorim’s pecking order.

Any funds from such departures will likely be reinvested by the hierarchy to help the current boss in his quest for success, with numerous names already on their list this summer.

The latest on United’s hunt for new attackers this summer

Bryan Mbeumo looked almost certain to be a United player next season, after he agreed personal terms with the Red Devils over a move to Old Trafford this window.

However, despite placing two separate bids for the 25-year-old this summer, no agreement has yet been reached with Brentford, with staff behind the scenes in Manchester said to be growing frustrated.

As a result, attention has been turned to other potential attacking reinforcements, with Southampton youngster Tyler Dibling a key target, according to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.

He claims that Amorim’s side have made an approach for the 19-year-old’s signature this summer, but could face tough competition from fellow English side Tottenham Hotspur.

Plettenberg’s update also claims that the forward could be available for a fee in the region of £55m this summer, despite suffering relegation back to the Championship at the end of last season.

Why United’s £55m target is a bigger talent than Mbeumo

There’s no denying that Mbeumo has been one of the Premier League’s most deadly talents in recent seasons, as seen with his tally of 20 goals during the 2024/25 campaign.

The Cameroonian is more than deserving of a big-money move this window, with United the side pushing the most for his signature despite their recent unsuccessful offers.

The player himself has stated his desire to join Amorim’s side during the off-season, but ultimately, no deal can be completed until a fee has been agreed between the two clubs.

Many supporters will still see Mbeumo as the number one option in attacking areas, but they could land themselves a bigger talent in the form of Dibling, should they choose to pursue a move for the teenager’s signature.

Last campaign was his first at senior level, but he wasted no time in impressing, leading to one Liverpool analyst comparing the forward to Gareth Bale after his display at Anfield.

Such a comparison is no mean feat, given the Welshman was arguably one of the division’s best players a handful of years ago, managing to score 71 goals for Tottenham Hotspur across two separate spells.

Despite also being six years younger than Mbeumo, he’s also managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, further highlighting why he’d be a more exciting talent.

Dibling, who’s been labelled “incredible” by former boss Ivan Juric, managed to register a higher tally of progressive passes per 90, along with a higher pass completion rate – having the ability to aid others within the final third.

He also managed to complete more take-ons per 90, along with an increased tally of carries into the final third, showcasing the direct nature he possesses with the ball at his feet.

Games played

33

38

Goals & assists

2

27

Progressive passes

3.8

3.4

Pass accuracy

81%

66%

Take-ons completed

2.2

1.3

Carries into final third

2.4

1.8

Key passes made

1.9

1.8

Fouls won

2.4

1.1

The youngster was a constant nuisance to various backlines last season, including the Red Devils’ winning a penalty against them at St Mary’s, contributing to his tally of 2.4 fouls won per 90.

£55m may be seen as a huge investment for such an inexperienced talent, but it’s a risk worth taking given the levels he’s produced at a below-average Premier League outfit.

He’s already proven that he can outperform Mbeumo in numerous key areas, undoubtedly only going to get better too, playing alongside top-level talents for many years to come should he move to Old Trafford this window.

Perfect for Bruno & Mbeumo: Man Utd to make bid for £20m star this week

Manchester United’s summer spending spree shows no signs of slowing down ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 9, 2025

Newcastle United will play Champions League football once again next season, but Eddie Howe will certainly know that first-team signings are needed if his side are to make headway after an extraordinary year.

Top five was secured, as was the Carabao Cup trophy after an incredible performance against Liverpool, who so dominantly won the Premier League.

Somehow, Howe achieved the feats with limited attacking options, but he’s seeking to rectify that in the summer transfer market.

Newcastle looking at Elanga alternative

Indeed, despite a slow start, The Athletic’s David Ornstein has revealed on Wednesday that the Magpies have seen a £45m offer rejected for Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga.

The Tricky Trees have no intention of selling, and while Antoine Semenyo of Bournemouth and West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus have been also discussed, there’s another winger on British shores who could move to Tyneside this summer.

As per Football Insider, Celtic are determined to keep Nicolas Kuhn beyond the summer transfer window, although it’s anticipated that Newcastle and German club RB Leipzig will push to swipe his signature.

Brendan Rodgers considers the 25-year-old one of his most valuable players, but offers in and around £20m would likely be accepted by the Scottish champions.

Given the amount of money offered to Forest for Elanga, this might prove an incredibly shrewd piece of business for a Newcastle side boasting the fluent tactical conditions for such a player to flourish.

What Nicolas Kuhn could bring to Newcastle

Kuhn, who played for Ajax and Bayern Munich in his youth, joined Celtic from Rapid Vienna for just £3m in January 2024, and his stock has since risen considerably.

With 42 goal involvements from 68 matches across all competitions, the German winger hasn’t done too badly, even hailed for his “breathtaking” technical quality by Marvin Bartley.

With such sharp pace and dribbling skills, Kuhn fits the bill from a tactical perspective, with Howe questing for such a profile to add competition for the industrious Jacob Murphy on the right flank.

As you can see below, the Celtic star definitely boasts faculties that rival those of Elanga, albeit having performed his duties at a level of lower quality in the Scottish Premiership.

Matches (starts)

32 (24)

38 (31)

Goals

13

6

Assists

9

11

Shots (on target)*

1.9 (0.8)

1.2 (0.6)

Big chances missed

9

6

Pass completion

77%

78%

Big chances created

11

9

Key passes*

1.6

1.3

Dribbles*

1.8

0.7

Tackles*

1.2

0.5

Duels won*

3.5

3.0

But even so, the winger takes things in his stride and likes to be in the thick of the action, making things happen. Moreover, his tenacious approach has led to impressive defensive metrics, always chipping in with tackles and duels.

He also carries the ball forward with regularity, although it must be said that Elanga’s low average in that regard is largely due to the pragmatic nature of Nuno Espirito Santo’s tactics.

Ultimately, Newcastle could find that they could sign a dynamic forward in Kuhn who is capable of special things, and for a portion of the price that Elanga would be available for.

Given the underlying strengths that point in the Hoops man’s favour, it might not turn out to be a bad thing for a Newcastle side in need of reinforcements across a wealth of positions.

He's an Isak clone: Newcastle start discussions to sign £50m "superstar"

Newcastle have enquired about signing their next Alexander Isak.

1 ByRoss Kilvington Jun 23, 2025

It is SPFL fixture release day and as Premiership champions, Celtic will have a home game on the opening weekend, 2/3 August.

But, how many new signings will Brendan Rodgers have on board in time for his team’s first pre-season match on 4 July?

Well, Celtic have already added Kieran Tierney to their ranks, re-signing the left-back after he became a free agent, while they’ve also reportedly agreed a fee of £1.7m to land winger Benjamin Nygren in the coming days.

The Hoops are not content with just one attacking signing, however.

Celtic chasing a new winger

According to a report by RMC Sport, talks between Celtic and Royal Antwerp are “underway” as the Hoops seek to sign Michel-Ange Balikwisha, who he claims is ‘keen on the move’ to Scotland.

Transfer Focus

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

Meantime, Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider has previously reported that Celtic are ‘well-placed’ to make this deal come to fruition, describing the winger as a ‘long-term target’.

Balikwisha, who is 24 years old, began his senior career at Standard Liège, before joining Royal Antwerp in July 2021, making 141 appearances for the Reds to date, scoring 29 goals and registering 17 assists.

He was a key figure in the Antwerp team that won the domestic treble in 2023, the club’s first Jupiler Pro League title for 66 years, then scoring the goal against AEK Athens that saw them qualify for the Champions League for the very first time, also on target against Shakhtar Donetsk at Bosuilstadion in the tournament’s group stages.

This season though, Antwerp missed out on European qualification altogether, disastrously beaten 2-1 by Royal Charleroi in a European play-off last month, fuelling speculation that he could be on the move, and hence why the club are looking to cash in.

How Michel-Ange Balikwisha would improve Celtic

Celtic are in the market for a new winger this summer, partially due to the fact that Jota will be sidelined for between “six to nine months” after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament at Tannadice in April.

So, would Balikwisha be a good replacement? Let’s assess his statistics.

Minutes

1,784

99th

Goals

7

17th

Assists

6

9th

Progressive carries

85

10th

Carries into penalty area

34

9th

Shot-creating actions

69

30th

Goal-creating actions

10

13th

Big chances created

6

40th

Key passes per match

1.5

24th

Average SofaScore rating

7.32

14th

Worth noting that the 2023/24 season was chosen because, similar to Jota, Balikwisha is coming off a long-term injury, requiring knee surgery just over a year ago, before a meniscus injury saw him make just three appearances this season before 9 March.

After that, he did enjoy a run of games, starting each of Antwerp’s final 11 matches to conclude the campaign.

Despite his injury issues, analyst Ben Mattinson labels him an “amazing” talent, describing him as “two-footed” and “capable of beating a defender either way”. That certainly suggests he’d be a great replacement for the injury-stricken Jota.

Meantime, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout believes he operates best as an “inside forward”, praising his “pace, dribbling and finishing”, which he believes to be his strongest attributes.

Said to be one of the most ‘talented attacking players’ in the Belgian top-flight by Lee Scott of Total Football Analysis, that’s high praise considering Global Football Rankings believes the Jupiler Pro League to be the eighth-strongest division in the world; for context, the Scottish Premiership is all the way down in 43rd.

Given that Balikwisha has just one year remaining on his contract at Antwerp, it would appear as though Celtic will be able to sign him at a cut-price, and he seemingly has all the qualities to thrive in Glasgow’s East End.

Dream Miller alternative: Celtic ramping up move to sign £1.6m star

Celtic are reportedly keen on signing a star who would be a dream alternative to Lennon Miller.

ByDan Emery Jun 18, 2025

Celtic are taking stock ahead of another busy transfer window and could now be set to field interest in one of their star players from the Premier League, according to a report.

Celtic set to pursue reinforcements in the wide areas

By now, everyone knows that Celtic are in the market to buy a striker this summer and several names have began to crop up on their radar to address the position, including Telstar forward Youssef El Kachati.

However, their pursuit of a winger over the coming months is arguably just as important, especially when you factor in that Jota is a long-term injury casualty at Parkhead.

The iconic Portuguese winger is set to be out for another six months, give or take, meaning there is plenty of room to secure another body or two to prop up Brendan Rodgers’ range of options.

Sarpsborg talent Sondre Orjasaeter was a Celtic target in January and there is every chance the reigning Scottish champions could return to bid for the Norwegian during the window, albeit he won’t be the only name on their shortlist.

Royal Antwerp’s Michel-Ange Balikwisha has also been mentioned in connection with a move to Glasgow and could be available due to his current employers’ wish to cut costs drastically during the summer.

Jeremie Frimpong repeat: Celtic eyeing move for "outstanding" £1m star

Celtic are lining up a move for an English full-back who could be a repeat of Jeremie Frimpong.

ByDan Emery Jun 2, 2025

Daizen Maeda had to feature out wide and as a centre-forward during the second half of the campaign, and it would be wise for Rodgers to provide cover for the Japanese attacker in light of his extraordinary 33-goal campaign for the Bhoys.

Nevertheless, Celtic are also aware that everyone has their price; something that could now be put to the test if recent developments are to be believed.

Brentford emerge as frontrunners to sign Nicolas Kuhn

According to TEAMtalk, Brentford are now frontrunners to sign Nicolas Kuhn from Celtic as they search for potential replacements in light of developments that could point Bryan Mbeumo in the direction of Manchester United, while he also has interest from Arsenal.

The outlet claim a bid of around £20 million could be difficult to reject for the Bhoys, who have made a habit of regularly selling players for profit down the years.

Nicolas Kuhn’s 2024/25 campaign – all competitions

Appearances

51

Goals

21

Assists

15

Mbeumo could be set for Old Trafford if the Red Devils pay in excess of £60 million, and Brentford have turned their attention to the former Germany Under-20 international alongside Brighton & Hove Albion and three other unnamed English top-flight clubs.

Fashioning 52 chances on Scottish Premiership duty, Kuhn was a thorn in the side of opposition defences and has previously been labelled “breathtaking” by Marvin Bartley due to his excellent attacking displays.

Celtic won’t want to lose one of their prize assets. However, they usually do make a signature sale at this time of year, so it is a scenario that cannot be ruled out.

Mohamed Salah is a player who’s exceeded all expectations at Liverpool Football Club, taking the club to new heights in the eight years he’s spent at the club.

The Egyptian joined the Reds in a £34m deal from Roma back in the summer of 2017 and has since registered over 400 appearances, breaking all sorts of records along the way.

He notched a total of 29 goals and 18 assists in his 38 Premier League outings, matching the record for the most combined goal contributions – highlighting his impact within the final third.

The 2024/25 campaign was the fourth time the 32-year-old had claimed the division’s Golden Boot award, with his efforts undoubtedly leading Arne Slot’s side to title glory.

However, many other attackers on the books have struggled to make a similar impact at Anfield, with the manager needing to delve into the transfer market as a result.

Liverpool’s deals to land new attackers over recent years

The likes of Cody Gakpo, Darwin Núñez and Luis Diaz have all been signed by Liverpool in the last couple of seasons, costing a pretty penny in the process.

The trio have set the hierarchy back around £180m, but have struggled to deliver to the same level as Salah – scoring just 28 between them, lower than the Egyptian managed alone.

All three of the players have been linked with a switch away from Merseyside over the summer months, showcasing how much they’ve struggled to deliver on a consistent basis.

Saudi Arabia, Barcelona and Bayern Munich have been touted as possible destinations for the current Reds attackers, but it’s unclear if the hierarchy would be willing to allow them all to leave.

However, if they were to leave the club, it would provide vital funds for Slot to land targets he wants to improve the side, leading to noise about potential additions.

The player who could be Liverpool’s best attacker since Salah

In recent days, Florian Wirtz has been labelled as a potential addition for Liverpool, with talks already being held to land the 22-year-old attacking midfielder.

The Bayer Leverkusen star has impressed throughout 2024/25, registering 30 combined goals and assists, with Bayern Munich also interested in his signature this summer.

However, it’s been claimed that the youngster only wants a switch to Anfield this summer, potentially linking up with current teammate Jeremie Frimpong in the process.

Despite the links to Wirtz, the Reds have also been linked with a move for Atlético Madrid’s Julian Alvarez over the last few weeks, with a real emphasis on improving the club’s front line.

The Argentine has also impressed massively this campaign, registering 36 combined goals and assists, offering a versatile option that can play right across Slot’s frontline.

He only joined the LaLiga outfit from Manchester City last summer, but could be on the move again, should any side agree to pay his lofty £126m release clause during the off-season.

Alvarez, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one journalist, has enjoyed the best year of his career, helping Diego Simeone’s side register a third-placed finish in Spain’s top-flight.

Games played

37

35

30

36

31

Goals & assists

23

14

7

18

22

Goals per 90

0.6

0.4

0.4

0.4

0.3

Shot-on-target accuracy

51%

38%

38%

42%

47%

Shots on target per game

1.3

1

1

1.1

1.2

Take-on success

52%

50%

34%

45%

49%

Aerials won

40%

39%

37%

25%

20%

When delving into his underlying stats, he’s outperformed current Liverpool stars Gakpo, Diaz and Nunez, whilst also being a better option than Wirtz for the Reds.

He’s registered the most combined goal contributions, handing Slot the added dimension in attacking areas to give the side the best chance of retaining their title.

Alvarez has also managed a higher shot on target rate than the quartet, showcasing the clinical edge that he could provide the squad in 2025/26 should he complete a switch to Merseyside.

The £105m fee mooted for his services is certainly a huge investment, but one that could allow him to follow in the footsteps of Salah and become a fan-favourite under Slot.

If he gets anywhere near close to the levels produced by the Egyptian, he will be a sensational signing, one that would allow Slot to have another deadly attacker at his disposal ahead of next season.

Slot's answer to Huijsen: Liverpool enquire about signing £74m "freak"

Liverpool would consider signing a centre-back this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 28, 2025

West Ham United have made contact over a summer deal for an “incredible” £20m defender, who has now been identified as a key target, according to a report.

Important summer on the horizion for West Ham

West Ham are set to part ways with a number of long-serving players in the summer, with Aaron Cresswell, Lukasz Fabianski, Vladimir Coufal and Danny Ings all confirmed to be leaving upon the expiration of their contracts.

As such, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has insisted the Hammers will need to be busy in the summer transfer window, at which point Graham Potter will have the chance to bring in some players more suited to his style of play.

Potter is well-known for his possession-based style of play, which means it could be wise to bring in a new centre-back who is capable of playing out from the back, and the Irons have now made contact over a deal for a defender.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, West Ham United are now serious about signing Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis, and they have enquired about his potential availability this summer.

Harwood-Bellis has been identified as a key target for the Hammers, and an approach has now been made, with the Saints likely to lose the centre-back, who they originally signed for £20m.

Despite being a part of a struggling side this season, the 23-year-old has impressed West Ham’s scouts this season, and the Englishman’s age means his best years could still be ahead of him.

Harwood-Bellis could be "incredible" signing for West Ham

The 2024-25 campaign was far from ideal for the Saints, but there are some signs the centre-back could be a solid signing for the Irons this summer, having received high praise from Pep Guardiola in the past.

The Manchester City manager said: “I’m happy that he’s settling in the Premier League. He’s an incredible threat for Southampton from set pieces and a composer when they have the ball because the manager insists the way they have to play, they have to be close, to move differently.”

The England international’s attacking quality was also on display during his Three Lions debut, scoring on his debut in the 5-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland back in November.

Having impressed for both club and country at times last season, there are signs that Harwood-Bellis could flourish in a better side, so it is promising news that West Ham are stepping up their pursuit of the former Manchester City man.

Manchester United were beaten on Friday night. Again. That’s 18 Premier League defeats for the Red Devils this season, whose one chance of a reprieve lies in Bilbao, Spain, next week.

On Wednesday, Ruben Amorim’s side will have the chance to secure Champions League football next season by defeating similarly beleaguered Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final.

Neither side’s domestic campaign warrants a place among Europe’s elite next year, but United have always had a knack for clawing their way toward silverware, even throughout the dreary post-Sir Alex Ferguson years, who stepped down at the end of the 2012/13 season with one more league trophy under the belt.

FA Cup

2x (15/16, 23/24)

League Cup

2x (16/17, 22/23)

Community Shield

2x (13/14, 16/17)

Europa League

1x (16/17)

Winning the Europa League is crucial. Man United are 16th in the Premier League and need to find a route out of this mess. Especially when securing a place at the continent’s highest level next year could be the definitive factor in determining Bruno Fernandes’ future.

The latest on Bruno Fernandes' future

Fernandes, 30, has been Manchester United’s peerless leader over the past several years, the best performer of a rotten bunch but one who can hold their head high all the same, and that has attracted interest from elsewhere, as recently reported by Fabrizio Romano.

He’s clinched 19 goals and 19 assists apiece this season, with Amorim even claiming the Portugal star is the “perfect captain” for the Old Trafford side, labelling him a “legend.”

But with interest from the Saudi Pro League, it’s crucial that a positive end to the season is secured. United can’t afford to lose their playmaker, their leader, their main influencer.

INEOS are, however, gearing up to sign a successor, one who hopefully will be able to learn from the Magnifico over the next few years.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz may be out of United’s reach, with Liverpool, Manchester City and Bayern Munich locked in a battle for the lucrative ten, but a degree of shrewdness has been shown in United preparing to move for a much cheaper, yet just as exciting, star.

Man United enter talks for sought-after star

According to Caught Offside, Man United have been approached by Rayan Cherki’s agents as intrigue in the Lyon man ramps up ahead of the summer window.

Many clubs are interested in the artful playmaker, but it’s felt that Liverpool and United are showing the most concrete interest at this stage. as they chase a deal for the France U21 international.

Liverpool are big admirers, but their vested interest in Wirtz means United have a golden opportunity to advance discussions with Cherki’s camp and seal a deal promptly.

Reports from earlier this month have even suggested the 21-year-old could be available for a cut-price £25m fee, his Lyon contract about to enter its final year.

What Rayan Cherki would bring to Man United

Cherki has been in fine fettle this season, and no mistake. Across 43 fixtures in all competitions, the wily Frenchman has scored 12 goals and laid on 19 further assists in all competitions.

It’s worth mentioning that Wirtz might be outscoring him with 16 goals, but Cherki’s creativity is wedged at a higher level than the Die Werkself man, who has claimed 16 assists, highlighting just how talented he is.

When looking at his league metrics this year against Wirtz’s, you begin to see why United are so keen on getting a transfer wrapped up quickly.

Matches (starts)

29 (21)

30 (24)

Goals

8

10

Assists

10

12

Shots (on target)*

1.4 (0.7)

2.5 (1.2)

Big chances missed

1

7

Pass completion

84%

82%

Big chances created

21

17

Key passes*

2.4

1.9

Dribbles*

1.5

2.7

Ball recoveries*

2.8

3.6

Tackles + interceptions*

0.7

1.4

Duels won*

3.2

5.3

Lyon’s star boy has created 21 big chances from just 29 Ligue 1 matches this year, also averaging three dribbles every two games. Cherki might not be quite so combative or active in the duel, but he’s hardly given a poor account of himself.

For a United side that has suffered from colourless attacking play at times this term, this could be a real treat for Amorim next year. Moreover, he’s only missed one big chance in the league, scoring eight times, which further denotes his suitability, so clinical when afforded a chance.

Former Arsenal defender Ainsley Maitland-Niles, speaking to BBC Sport, waxed lyrical about his Lyon teammate. “He is the best natural talent I’ve ever seen. An absolute master, a wizard with the ball.”

It’s the kind of flair Man United need to restore the attacking fluency that has been absent all year long. As per FBref, Cherki ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 2% for shot-creating actions and progressive passes, the top 4% for passes attempted and the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90.

It’s an almighty demonstration of his elite-level quality, so much so that FBref’s data-driven algorithm has revealed Wirtz is one of his most statistically comparable players.

Given the financial restrictions at Old Trafford, compounding the need for signings across many positions, it’s unlikely Sir Jim Ratcliffe would green-light a deal for Bayer Leverkusen’s man, with the current transfer interest from Liverpool, City, and Bayern revealing demands of a €150m (£126m) fee.

Cherki, who may well come at over £100m cheaper than the German star, would provide the same flair and gusto. He might not be as refined or indeed potent, but Amorim could nurture him to the fore and shape him into such a player in the coming years.

The Athletic’s Alex Barker has made the bold claim that Cherki could be a “future Ballon d’Or winner,” and if he manages to steady the ship at the Theatre of Dreams, he’d have taken a strong step closer to achieving that lofty goal.

Not just Hojlund: Man Utd must axe one of Ten Hag's best signings in Bilbao

Manchester United fell to yet another defeat last night, losing 1-0 to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

ByEthan Lamb May 17, 2025

Arsenal are now working on a huge offer for an “unbelievable” striker, who has been identified as their top target for the summer transfer window, and they want the deal done as soon as possible, according to a report.

Gunners' striker pursuit heating up

Another trophyless season was confirmed following the Champions League exit at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain earlier this week, underlining the need for Mikel Arteta to strengthen his squad this summer, and a striker could be the final piece of the jigsaw.

It was always going to be a difficult task to defeat PSG, but the lack of an out-and-out striker made it all the more difficult for the Gunners, with Mikel Merino leading the line in a makeshift role, and a number of top-level forwards have now been identified as summer targets.

Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres is one of the names on the shortlist, with the Gunners now making a £85m bid for the Swedish striker, amid fears of a Chelsea hijack, while Andrea Berta is also keeping a close eye on Bayer Leverkusen’s Patrick Schick.

Like a younger Isak: Arsenal already doing work to sign "electric" £70m gem

It’s clear that Arsenal need to sign a striker and, given that they’re unlikely to land Alexander Isak, have they found an electric £70m alternative?

May 10, 2025

Schick could be an attractive option, given that the 29-year-old may have a price tag of just £34m, but a report from Spain has revealed Arteta’s side could also be willing to break the bank for a striker.

Arsenal are now said to be working on a stunning offer for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, which could amount to €150m (£127m), having identified the 25-year-old as their top target for the summer window.

The Gunners are now willing to make a huge bid, with a view to getting a deal done as soon as possible, and they are hoping an offer in that region will tempt Newcastle into a sale, despite the Magpies’ eagerness to keep hold of their star player.

"Unbelievable" Isak could take Arsenal to next level

While Arteta’s side may have missed out on a trophy this season, they are clearly not too far off winning a major honour, having reached the Champions League semi-final, and the signing of Isak could enable them to take that final step.

The Sweden international has shown clear signs of development since arriving in the Premier League, and the current campaign has been his most prolific to date, while scoring in the EFL Cup final to help end his side’s 70-year trophy drought.

Season

Premier League appearances

Goals

Assists

2022-23

22

10

2

2023-24

30

21

2

2024-25

32

23

6

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has also been impressed by the Newcastle star, lauding him as an “unbelievable threat”, while also praising the striker for his speed earlier this season.

Arsenal will be boosted by Kai Havertz’s return from injury ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, but Isak could take them to the next level and allow them to compete for both the Champions League and Premier League next season.