All posts by h716a5.icu

Chelsea appear to have wrapped up a move for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap. That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who confirmed that the Blues have an agreement in place to sign the player for £30m.

It could be a shrewd piece of business for the Stamford Bridge outfit, especially as they needed another centre-forward.

Enzo Maresca is also targeting a defender or two when the transfer window opens. With this in mind, it appears as though a Dutch talent is being earmarked for a move to London.

Chelsea in talks to sign new defender

Journalist Simon Phillips has claimed that the Blues have enquired about a move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite regarding a summer move.

Elsewhere, he stated that Chelsea are “advancing on talks” for Ajax sensation Jorrel Hato, with the Blues ideally wanting to bring in two new defenders, ahead of next season.

Hato could cost the club £46m should negotiations go smoothly. On the surface, this certainly looks like a wonderful bargain given his age and potential for growth.

Champions League football next season should also be an enticement for the Dutchman.

Comfortable at playing either centre-back or left-back, Maresca will likely utilise the Ajax gem as his starting left-back. If so, he could be the club’s next Ashley Cole.

Why Chelsea must sign Jorrel Hato

Cole is arguably one of the finest left-backs that England have produced. Across eight seasons with the Blues, Cole racked up 337 appearances, winning the Champions League and Premier League with the club.

Excellent at bombing forward and creating chances for his teammates, while also offering plenty of defensive qualities, which contributed to him becoming arguably the “best” left-back in Premier League history, as per his former Arsenal boss, Arsene Wenger.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2013/14

26

0

2

2012/13

51

1

5

2011/12

48

0

9

2010/11

48

0

4

2009/10

35

4

5

2008/09

49

1

3

2007/08

41

1

2

2006/07

39

0

4

Hato – who talent scout Jacek Kulig has described as the “complete full-back” – exudes plenty of the same sort of qualities, and he would be a worthy heir to the Englishman, that’s for sure.

Going forward, the 19-year-old registered eight goal involvements, created six big chances and averaged 0.6 key passes per game in the Eredivisie last season.

Defensively, Hato helped Ajax keep 11 clean sheets in the league, while also winning 52% of his total duels, making 1.9 tackles and recovering 4.2 balls per game.

On this evidence, Hato – who has been dubbed “immense” by Kulig – could be a wise signing for Maresca this summer, especially as he could be a long-term option on the left side of the defence.

When compared to his peers across the men’s next 14 competitions, the teenager ranks in the top 1% for pass completion percentage (89.4%) per 90, along with ranking in the top 12% for aerial duels won (1.77) and the top 11% for touches in the attacking penalty area (2.33) per 90 over the previous 365 days.

No one will ever replace the genius of Cole, but in Hato, Chelsea can bring in a player who is still a few years away from being at his very best.

Still, he has the potential to become one of the best full-backs on the continent. For just £46m, Maresca could make a stunning signing.

He's better than Delap: Chelsea make enquiry to sign "world-class" striker

Chelsea appear to be making a move for another striker despite the links to Liam Delap.

ByEthan Lamb May 30, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly identifying targets for incoming new manager Thomas Frank already, with the Dane also having his own input on their summer recruitment plans as he prepares for his debut season in the Lilywhites dugout.

Thomas Frank already identifying transfer targets at Spurs

According to Fabrizio Romano and other reliable media sources, Frank is closing in on the Spurs job and an agreement has been reached for him to replace Ange Postecoglou – just days after the Australian was given his marching orders.

Tottenham now offered £42m star who Mourinho held talks to sign for Spurs

The former Spurs boss FaceTimed him constantly.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 11, 2025

Romano has given his renowned ‘here we go’ to the appointment and there is an expectation that Frank could even be confirmed as Tottenham’s new manager in the next few days (BBC), with the 51-year-old poised to swap Brentford for north London.

The move is so advanced, in fact, that reports are already flooding in regard to Frank identifying his preferred summer transfer targets for Spurs.

GiveMeSport reported earlier this week that Frank has recommended Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze to Tottenham and chairman Daniel Levy as a possible signing, in the event they cannot beat Man United in the race for Bryan Mbeumo.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

This comes amid reports that they’re after a new left-winger after the departure of Timo Werner, with Spurs said to be eyeing Man City star Jack Grealish, who is almost certain to depart Eastlands this summer (talkSPORT).

The arrival of a new forward in that area would also raise questions about the future of Mathys Tel.

The Frenchman arrived at N17 on loan in January, and the deal includes an option to buy for around £45 million. However, it is believed that Spurs would want to whittle down that fee if they do opt to keep Tel, following a mixed first six months at the club.

Tottenham to open talks over cut-price Mathys Tel deal

According to TEAMtalk this week, that is most certainly the plan, and Tottenham are set to open talks over a reduced-price move for Tel in the coming weeks.

They also state Frank has personally told Spurs chiefs that the 20-year-old’s permanent arrival would sufficiently reinforce his attacking options ahead of a 2025/2026 campaign where they’ll be competing in the Champions League.

Frank apparently believes Tel is a perfect fit for his high-pressing system, and is a major fan of the winger’s work rate among other desirable traits, like his versatility.

Taking this into account, Frank has requested that the club keep Tel right where he is, which could end up being the right call considering his glowing reputation among Bayern Munich circles.

Ex-Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann once tipped Tel to bag ’40 goals a season’ at some point in his career, while Bayern back-up keeper, Sven Ulreich, called him a ‘role model’ for younger players.

“Mathys is a fine guy, is inquisitive, willing to learn, down-to-earth and works a lot on himself,” Ulreich said.

“He is a role model for all the young players who come here. He comes up and does his job. We’ve had other examples that didn’t handle it that way.”

Manchester United’s front line has often contained some top-level talents that have gone on to achieve huge things across many different leagues all across Europe.

Cristiano Ronaldo joined the Red Devils back as a teenager in 2003, with no one anticipating the rise he would have during his time as a player at Old Trafford.

The Portuguese international made 270 appearances in his first stint as a Red Devil, scoring 109 times – winning various major honours, including the Ballon d’Or back in 2008.

Other players have starred alongside the iconic forward, with Wayne Rooney often partnering him in forward areas, still holding the record for the most goals scored by a player in the club’s history.

However, fast-forward to 2025, boss Ruben Amorim doesn’t have that calibre of player to rely on, needing to make the right calls over the summer to hand him with the tools needed for Premier League success.

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

After a deal to sign Matheus Cunha was confirmed, United have been working tirelessly to secure a deal for Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo, as the manager looks to add depth and quality in the final third.

It was reported that the 25-year-old wanted a move to Old Trafford this summer, but could be in doubt now after Thomas Frank opened talks with the winger after taking the reins at Tottenham Hotspur.

However, other targets have emerged on their shortlist in recent days, with Viktor Gyokeres once again becoming a man in demand, according to GIVEMESPORT.

They claim that Jason Wilcox has been in constant talks with his representatives over a move to United this summer, calling every day to ensure he’s still keen on a move to the club.

It also states that the Swedish international’s situation with the Portuguese outfit has become tense, with the hierarchy wanting a fee close to his release clause of £84m to sell him this summer.

Why Gyokeres would be a better signing than Ekitike

Given the need for a new striker at United this summer, it has seen countless players already being touted with a move to join the club to improve the current situation.

Gyokeres is just one of many, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitiké the latest player in their sights ahead of the window reopening on June 16th.

The Frenchman has also been of interest from Liverpool and Chelsea this summer, with a three-way battle seemingly appearing over a move for the 22-year-old.

His tally of 22 goals across all competitions this campaign certainly makes him an attractive option, but the club should look to steer clear and focus on a move for Gyokeres during the off-season.

The Swede, who’s been labelled a “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has massively outscored the French star, whilst also registering a hugely better shot on target accuracy rate – demonstrating his edge within the final third.

Games played

33

33

Goals & assists

46

23

Shot-on-target accuracy

52%

38%

Key passes

1.9

1.5

Take-ons completed

46%

43%

Carries into opposition box

3.1

1.8

Aerials won

51%

46%

He’s also managed to complete more key passes per 90 and complete more carries into the penalty area per game – having the tools to provide his teammates at Old Trafford with added opportunities in front of goal.

The 27-year-old has also dominated aerially in 2024/25, handing Amorim the focal point he’s craved after taking the reins at United back in November.

Given the difference in the figures between the pair this season, it’s evident that the Sporting talisman would be the better option this window, with the hierarchy needing to continue with their persistence to land his signature.

It would be a hefty investment, showcasing the board’s ambitions for Amorim’s tenure, with the Red Devils on their way to building an impressive frontline that could transform their fortunes on the pitch in 2025/26.

He'd be amazing with Ekitike: Man Utd "optimistic" of sealing deal for star

Manchester United appear to be edging closer to completing a deal for one top-level talent.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 13, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers are now ready to join Aston Villa and Leeds United in the race to sign a £25 million “animal”, according to a recent report.

Wolves chasing more additions after Lopez signing

Wolves confirmed their first signing of the summer transfer window on Friday, as attacking midfielder Fer Lopez joined the club from Spanish side Celta Vigo in a deal worth £19 million.

Lopez may be seen as the player to replace Matheus Cunha, who joined Manchester United earlier in this window. After signing for the club, Lopez revealed it is an “amazing opportunity for his career” and believes manager Vitor Pereira is “top”.

Offer made: Wolves make bid to sign "electric" 13-goal striker with Lopez

He could become their second signing of the window.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 17, 2025

“It’s an amazing opportunity for my career to play in the Premier League, and I’m very happy.

“[Manager] Vitor [Pereira] told me he thought I was a good fit in the squad, and when it’s a club like this, you have little to think about.

“The team did very good when Vitor came, and I think he is top, so I’m very excited to be with him.”

The Midlands side may not have to wait long until they get their next signing through the door, as Sky Sports have reported that Wolves are showing “intent” when it comes to signing Conor Coady. The centre-back is free to leave Leicester City, but Wolves are not the only team eyeing a deal, as Russell Martin is keen to bring the experienced defender to Rangers this summer.

Wolves ready to join Aston Villa and Leeds in Raskin race

Not only do the Midlands side want to beat Rangers to the signing of Coady, but according to Record Sport, Wolves are set to enter the bidding for Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin.

The report states that the Premier League side have been keeping a close eye on the midfielder’s performances in the last 18 months, and he is now high on their list of potential targets in this transfer window. It goes on to add that Raskin’s representatives are now also aware of the interest from Wolves.

Raskin, who has been dubbed “unbelievable” by Kris Boyd in the past, still has two years remaining on his contract at Ibrox, but the Gers’ technical director Kevin Thelwell is preparing a new contract offer for the midfielder to keep him at the club. However, a new report has revealed that Raskin is “ready to quit” Rangers and could soon tell the club of his desire to leave.

Apps

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29

Goals

4

Shots per game

1.3

Assists

10

Touches per game

68.4

Big chances created

9

Key passes

1.3

Passing accuracy per game

46.8 (87%)

Tackles per game

2.8

This would not only be welcome news for Wolves, but it would also come as great delight to Aston Villa and Leeds United, who are both keen on signing the Belgium international.

Raskin’s potential arrival at Molineux would be a costly one, as it’s been claimed that Rangers would look to get around £25 million should he leave this summer.

Corteen-Coleman, MacDonald-Gay take command in death overs to edge a tight semi-final

ECB Reporters Network22-Jun-2024South East Stars 162 for 5 (Dunkley 49) beat Southern Vipers 157 for 9 (Dean 43, Corteen-Coleman 2-23) by five runsSouth East Stars held their nerve to win the chance to take on The Blaze in the final of the Charlotte Edwards Cup, beating holders Southern Vipers by five runs in a gripping semi-final that went down to the last over.Although seven wickets down, Vipers fancied that their experience would carry them through after needing 21 from the last three overs but two fine overs from Tilly Corteen-Coleman and Ryana MacDonald-Gay left them with a requirement of 10 off the final over, the key moment coming when Charlie Dean (43 from 29 balls) was run out off Tash Farrant’s second ball of that over.Sophia Dunkley (49 off 34) and Georgia Redmayne (39 off 38) had earlier shared a second-wicket stand of 74 to give the Stars a strong platform after losing skipper Bryony Smith earlier before Paige Scholfield cracked an unbeaten 34 off 22 balls to post 162 for five.Danni Wyatt struck 34 from 17 to get Vipers off to a flying start in reply but Corteen-Coleman (two for 23), Dani Gregory (two for 25) in particular bowled superbly to give Stars the edge.Having opted to bowl first, the Vipers dealt the Stars a big blow in the fourth over when Bryony Smith hauled Dean over the midwicket boundary for her second six but skewed the next delivery into the hands of extra cover, but the Stars made a bright start nonetheless, with Dunkley assuming the lead role and Redmayne offering solid support.They turned 48 for one after six overs to 92 for one after 12, giving themselves a platform to set the defending champions a testing chase.Vipers were concerned enough to turn to left-arm spinner Linsey Smith in mid-innings rather than keep her back for the death. It paid off, a flighted turning ball combined with some nifty glovework behind the stumps sending Dunkley on her way one short of a half-century. Freya Davies bowled Emma Jones in the next over to leave the Stars 109 for three with 34 balls remaining.Scholfield’s clean hitting advanced the total by 36 in three overs and though they were checked by a couple of good death overs by Charli Knott and Davies, Vipers knew they would need to bat well to win.Needing a tad over eight an over, Vipers scored at nines in the powerplay, although at a cost of two important wickets. England’s Maia Bouchier fell for two, bowled behind her legs to add to the growing list of big scalps acquired by 16-year-old left-arm spinner Corteen-Coleman. Australian all-rounder Knott hit 21 as she and Wyatt plundered 48 from 29 balls but the last ball of the opening six saw her bowled by Smith sweeping.An even bigger blow for the Vipers came as Wyatt, looking in ruthless mood and picking up her second six in the same over, hit Gregory’s leg spin down the throat of deep mid-wicket.At 84 for three at the halfway point, Vipers were still well in the chase but lost another wicket in an eventful 11th over that saw skipper Georgia Adams caught off a no-ball and dropped off a legitimate delivery before Freya Kemp was stumped as Gregory claimed a second success.When Adams then became another victim of Redmayne’s sharp hands behind the stumps off some more clever bowling by Corteen-Coleman, the balance was tilting in the Stars’ favour, an impression that was strengthened when Smith had Georgia Elwiss leg before and Rhianna Southby was run out by a brilliant throw by MacDonald-Gay running in from deep midwicket.Dean now held the key. She eased the pressure by hoisting Smith over the long-on boundary but a five-run final over from Corteen-Coleman left Vipers needing 16 from the last two overs, which became 10 from six balls after MacDonald-Gay’s last over restricted them to six singles.The decisive blow came with five balls left as Dean, at the bowler’s end after taking a single off Farrant, as non-striker, committed to running whatever Smith did at the other end but was left hopelessly out of her ground as Farrant picked up the ball in her follow through and turned to break the stumps, Vipers ultimately finishing six short of their target.

Water is wet, the sky is blue, and Chelsea are incredibly busy in the summer transfer window.

Like they do every year, the Blues are making the most of silly season, already welcoming in Premier League-proven talents like Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.

Moreover, they have also reportedly agreed a deal worth around £55m to sign the incredibly exciting Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund.

However, it’s not all about the incomings, as the West Londoners have already made a few sales and are looking to make a few more, although one potential exit could end up being something of a Mohamed Salah repeat.

Chelsea's summer sales

While most of the attention this summer has been on the club’s incomings, and rightly so, Chelsea have already made a few sales.

Transfer Focus

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

The biggest thus far has been Bashir Humphreys’ move to Burnley, where he spent last season on loan, for a fee supposedly around £10m.

The full-back isn’t the only Blues player who was on loan last season to leave this summer, though, as Kepa Arizabalaga made the incredibly familiar move to Arsenal for around £5m earlier this month.

Interestingly, based on reports, the Spaniard might not even be the only Blues player to move to the Emirates this summer.

According to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Noni Madueke could follow Kepa to the red side of North London in the coming weeks or months.

In fact, the Italian journalist claims that the Gunners are in talks with the player’s representatives, and that he’d be “open” to a move.

In terms of the money involved, reports from earlier this month claim that the Englishman could end up costing £55m.

While there are certainly some who would see this as an excellent sale for Chelsea, there are also ways in which it bears a resemblance to Salah’s departure all those years ago.

Why Madueke's move could be Salah 2.0

Okay, so before the pitchforks and torches come out, we are not in any way trying to argue that Madueke is as good a player as Salah is today, as that would be patently absurd.

However, there are some similarities between them and this potential transfer to that of the Liverpool star.

The first is that it could be another example of Chelsea selling a young and exciting right-winger years before they hit their peak.

While he was not indispensable last season, the former PSV Eindhoven star was a useful player to have in the squad and someone who showed glimpses of brilliance.

For example, the “unbelievable” forward, as dubbed by former manager Mauricio Pochettino, racked up a tally of seven goals and four assists in just 32 Premier League appearances, and in Europe, he was even better, scoring three goals and providing one assist in five games.

Progressive Carries

6.82

Top 1%

Carries into Penalty Area

4.12

Top 1%

GCA (Defensive Action)

0.04

Top 4%

Touches (Att Pen)

8.15

Top 4%

Non-Penalty xG

0.43

Top 6%

Shots Total

3.54

Top 7%

Progressive Carrying Distance

154.28

Top 7%

Shots on Target

1.33

Top 8%

Moreover, he possesses some genuinely world-class skills, as, according to FBref, he ranked in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries and carries into the penalty area per 90 minutes.

In other words, there were almost no players better at getting the ball up the pitch and into seriously dangerous areas than the Englishman.

Don’t just take our word for the potential of the winger though, as coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst has argued that he’s “further along on his journey than Salah was at the same age” and that “if he continues to work hard, then he could and should be recognised as one of the world’s best down the line.”

Additionally, if the Reading-born ace does get to the very top of the game, then he could end up being as much of a thorn in the Pensioners’ side as the Egyptian has been, only this time for an even bigger rival.

Ultimately, while he’s nowhere near Salah today, Madueke has the ability to be something special, and if Chelsea let him go to a rival now, they could end up regretting it in the same way they regret losing the Liverpool star all those years ago.

More exciting than Delap: Chelsea set to submit £34m bid to sign CWC star

The incredible talent could be a future superstar for Chelsea.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 4, 2025

Leicestershire’s quarter-final hopes dented as Hose sets up Rapids win

ECB Reporters Network11-Jul-2024Worcestershire Rapids ended a run of seven successive defeats in the Vitality Blast and dealt a blow to Leicestershire’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages with a 16-run victory at New Road.Worcestershire achieved their highest score of the season thanks chiefly to Adam Hose’s 63 off just 39 balls, beating last weekend’s previous best of 181for four versus Lancashire Lightning at Emirates Old Trafford.The Leicestershire spinners, Lewis Goldworthy and Rehan Ahmed, both bowled excellent spells which gave them combined figures of 8-0-45-3 before Hose’s late onslaught.But their powerful batting top order line-up was blown away by Tom Taylor and youngster Harry Darley as they were reduced to 28 for 5.Louis Kimber revived Leicestershire’s hopes with their fastest-ever T20 fifty off 21 balls including five sixes in a two-over spell and he and Ben Cox added 85 in eight overs.But his dismissal for 53 ended their hopes of a remarkable win against the odds despite Ben going onto complete a fine 50 off 35 balls. Matthew Waite cleaned up the innings with a stream of late wickets including Cox in the final over for 55 to give him a career-best Blast return of 5 for 21.The injury-hit Rapids have lost several games by tight margins but this was a convincing performance whereas Leicestershire have now gone four games without a win courtesy of two defeats, a tie and a wash-out.Adam Hose top-scored for the Rapids•Getty ImagesLeicestershire received a treble boost with captain Peter Handscomb (shoulder), Rehan (concussion) and leading wicket-taker Scott Currie (Injury niggle) all returning to the side.Hanscomb won the toss and put the Rapids into bat and Jimmy Neesham made the first breakthrough when Brett D’Oliveira sliced his shot into the hands of third man. Kashif Ali got into his stride with four and a massive six over backward square leg off successive balls from Josh Hull.Josh Cobb inside edged Mike for four but was then caught down the leg side by former Worcestershire keeper Cox off the same bowler. The Rapids reached 61 for 2 in the powerplay but then Gareth Roderick made room to hit Rehan through the off side and was bowled.Kashif, having hit Goldsworthy for a straight six, was given out lbw next ball aiming a blow to the legside. His 41 came off 25 balls with two sixes and three fours. Ethan Brookes also perished aiming to hit Goldsworthy to leg and was bowled but Hose looked in good form and kept the scoreboard moving at a decent rate for the Rapids.Ed Pollock fell to a good catch over his shoulder at long off by Kimber off Currie who next ball trapped Waite lbw as Worcestershire lost momentum. But Hose ensured a sizeable total with a series of big hits as he completed a 33-ball half-century before on 63 he was caught by Cox attempting to scoop Neesham.When Leicestershire replied Rishi Patel, the competition’s leading scorer with 400 runs, was bowled for a duck driving at Taylor. There was joy then for Darley with his first Blast wicket as Rehan sliced the ball to Brookes at wide third. Darley then bowled a wide but his second legitimate ball accounted for Handscomb who clipped straight to Pollock atmid wicket to leave the Foxes 9 for 3.There was no let-up for the visitors and Taylor struck again as Sol Budinger went for a big hit and was caught behind and Waite then disposed of Neesham in the same manner. Then came the remarkable hitting from Kimber to revive the Foxes; chances before he holed out to Cobb in the covers off Brookes.Two wickets in two balls from Waite ensured there would be no late heroics from Leicestershire as he got rid of Mike and Goldsworthy. He struck twice more in the final over in sending back Cox and Currie to complete his five-for.

Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli are at three and four, while Pathum Nissanka has risen to No. 8

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Aug-2024Babar Azam is still the No. 1 ODI batter in the ICC rankings, but Rohit Sharma has moved up to the second spot following the ODI series in Sri Lanka. Behind Rohit are Shubman Gill, who has dropped down one spot, and Virat Kohli, while Pathum Nissanka has risen one place to eighth.India lost the three-match ODI series 2-0 to Sri Lanka but Rohit was the top run-getter across the two teams with 157 at an average of 52.33. His sequence of scores was 58, 64 and 35. That took him up one spot, exchanging positions with Gill, and to 765 points. Babar is well ahead, though, with 824 points.Full rankings tables

Click here for the full team rankings

Click here for the full player rankings

For Sri Lanka, Avishka Fernando (137 runs), Dunith Wellalage (108), Kusal Mendis (103) and Nissanka (101) were the primary contributors with the bat. Nissanka, ranked the best among them before the series, consolidated his position in the top ten, while Mendis (up five spots to joint 39th) and Avishka (up 20 places to 68th) gained too.Wellalage also had a good time with the ball, the 5 for 27 in the final ODI the highlight, and that took him up 17 spots to 59th among bowlers.Bavuma and Maharaj move up after Port of Spain TestThe first Test between West Indies and South Africa in Port of Spain was affected by rain but still got to a good finish after an aggressive declaration from the visitors, with all results possible before time ran out and the match ended in a draw.South Africa captain Temba Bavuma scored 86 in the first innings, and with 15 not out coming in the second, he moved up two spots to 16th on the batters’ table. Outside of the top 50, Tony de Zorzi rose 29 spots to 85th after scoring 78 and 45, while Jason Holder and Alick Athanaze also gained.Keshav Maharaj was the bowling star for South Africa with returns of 4 for 76 and 4 for 88, and that earned him the Player-of-the-Match award as well as a jump of seven spots to joint 21st on the Test bowlers’ table.

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

Alyssa Healy wary of the Chamari Athapaththu threat; Bangladesh dropped four catches in win over Scotland

Vishal Dikshit04-Oct-20243:19

Who will be the breakout star of this T20 World Cup?

Australia vs Sri LankaSharjah, 2pm local timeAustralia squad: Alyssa Healy (capt & wk), Darcie Brown, Ashleigh Gardner, Kim Garth, Grace Harris, Alana King, Phoebe Litchfield, Tahlia McGrath, Sophie Molineux, Beth Mooney, Ellyse Perry, Megan Schutt, Annabel Sutherland, Georgia Wareham, Tayla VlaeminckSri Lanka squad: Chamari Athapaththu (capt), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, Kavisha Dilshari, Nilakshika Silva, Hasini Perera, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Sachini Nisansala, Udeshika Prabodhani, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Achini Kulasuriya, Inoka Ranaweera, Shashini Gimhani, Ama Kanchana, Sugandika KumariRelated

Healy: 'Not here to defend the title, here to win it'

Wise beyond her years, Alice Capsey is forever learning

England the heavyweights in Group B

Tournament form guide: After warming up with victories against Bangladesh and Scotland, Asia Cup champions Sri Lanka lost their tournament opener to Pakistan in Sharjah. Australia, not surprisingly, beat England and West Indies in the warm-ups, after batting first in both games.News brief: Sri Lanka are in a spot, having lost their opening match to lower-ranked Pakistan, that too by being restricted to 85 for 9 in a modest chase of 117. They will now play a day game against Australia in the heat of Sharjah – the same as their first game – so team changes may not be no the cards. Sri Lanka will have to pull up their socks on the field after putting down three catches, which cost them heavily on Thursday. Australia might go spin heavy too, like the teams did on the opening day, and they have enough allrounders to do that.Australia have never lost to Sri Lanka in T20Is, the last of which came in the 2023 T20 World Cup that saw Sri Lanka on the receiving end of a ten-wicket drubbing. Australia will, however, not want to be “Atha-ed”, what Alyssa Healy said is being smashed by Chamari Athapaththu.Player to watch: Player of the Tournament in the 2023 edition, Beth Mooney has had a few low scores in the lead up to the tournament, not managing to go past 15 in her five T20I innings. She did score 50 in the England warm-up, but she would want a big score in the main tournament too, along the lines of her unbeaten 99* off 54 balls in the Women’s Hundred not too long ago for Manchester Originals. A strong start with Healy at the top could flatten Sri Lanka early, batting first or second.Bangladesh put down four chances in their tournament opener against Scotland•ICC/Getty ImagesBangladesh vs EnglandSharjah, 6pm local time Bangladesh squad: Nigar Sultana (capt, wk), Nahida Akter, Murshida Khatun, Shorna Akter, Ritu Moni, Sobhana Mostary, Rabeya Khan, Sultana Khatun, Fahima Khatun, Marufa Akter, Jahanara Alam, Dilara Akter, Taj Nehar, Shathi Rani, Disha Biswas England squad: Heather Knight (capt), Lauren Bell, Maia Bouchier, Alice Capsey, Charlie Dean, Sophia Dunkley, Sophie Ecclestone, Danielle Gibson, Sarah Glenn, Bess Heath, Amy Jones (wk), Freya Kemp, Nat Sciver-Brunt, Linsey Smith, Danni WyattTournament form guide” In what is a ‘home’ World Cup for Bangladesh, they started things off on a positive note, with a 16-run win against Scotland, after they had also beaten Pakistan in the second warm-up. England started their warm-ups with a 33-run loss to Australia, before beating New Zealand by five wickets.News brief: Bangladesh now run into a much stronger side in England, who are more aggressive than their 2023 version, and are carrying spinners aplenty for this edition. England also have a fully fit team to choose from. Left-arm spinner Linsey Smith has returned, and also present are Sophie Ecclestone, Charlie Dean, Sarah Glenn and Alice Capsey, with her handy part-time offbreaks. England are likely to go with three frontline spinners for a pitch that aided turn and didn’t see much bounce.Bangladesh were restricted to 119 for 7 by Scotland in the opener, and scoring bigger or quicker against England will be a lot tougher. Bangladesh were the worst fielding side on the opening day, having put down four chances, and they will have to tighten that aspect if they want to think about beating England for the first time in women’s T20Is. This is an evening game, yet not as much dew is expected in Sharjah compared to Dubai, which might have been the reason why Pakistan opted to bat in the evening game here on Thursday.Player to watch: Ecclestone is, without doubt, England’s best spinner, but don’t take your eyes off legspinner Sarah Glenn. She has been England’s second-highest wicket-taker since the end of the 2023 T20 World Cup, with a tally of 26 just behind Ecclestone’s 29. But Glenn has gone for much fewer runs per over with an economy rate of 5.27, compared to Ecclestone’s 6.25. A handy bat down the order, this will be the third T20 World Cup for Glenn at the age of just 25.