All posts by z3u9t.icu

Manchester United fell to a disappointing defeat at Manchester City on Sunday, and Roy Keane didn’t mince his words when reviewing one Red Devils star’s performance.

Manchester United come unstuck in comprehensive derby defeat

Truthfully, the Red Devils were second-best by a considerable margin as they begin to deal with the fallout of a derby loss that has left them sitting 14th in the Premier League table.

Ruben Amorim will be the man who cops the majority of criticism, something that seems only natural as he has now won just eight of his opening 31 matches in the English top-flight, which isn’t a run of form that bodes well when factoring in the size of Manchester United.

Speaking on Premier League Productions, former Red Devils midfielder Owen Hargreaves was stunned that Kobbie Mainoo wasn’t chosen to start against Pep Guardiola’s men, claiming that he ended up being the best player on the pitch for the visitors in the end.

He stated: “Where do you start? There are a lot of issues. How Kobbie Mainoo doesn’t play in this team I’ll never know. He came on for that game and in half hour he was probably their best player, by a country mile. So first of all he’s got to play. Sesko is not ready. He scored lots of goals in Germany but he didn’t look ready today.”

The damage had already been done by that point, and plenty of Manchester United stars have come in for criticism after an unceremonious display.

Altay Bayindir and Manuel Ugarte were two culprits, though football is a team game and everyone needs to take their share of the blame as Manchester United look to bounce back against Chelsea this weekend.

While there is still every chance Amorim’s men can turn around their fortunes, Roy Keane was frank in his assessment of one star’s performance at the Etihad Stadium.

Luke Shaw earns the brunt of Roy Keane criticism after Man Utd defeat

Live on Sky Sports, Roy Keane indicated that Luke Shaw’s performance fell below expectations against Manchester City, citing his role in Phil Foden’s opening goal during proceedings, which the Irishman feels he could’ve done more to prevent.

He stated via The Mirror: “Very good from City, Doku and Foden. Timing perfect not getting in there too early. But United’s defending, the two midfielders beforehand are too square, and Shaw just gives up.

Wayne Rooney scores goal like Man Utd 2011 Champions League final in Seoul

Some players never lose their ability even after retirement…

BySean Markus Clifford Sep 14, 2025

“It’s a nice bit of skill, but Shaw’s an England international player. He’s got hundreds of games under his belt, he doesn’t even get his body position right. It’s like he has thrown the towel in.

“We know people can run off the back of Bruno, that’s been going on for years. But my goodness, even before that, you’ve got two midfielders – they are too square. One pass takes them out. Far too easy. Shaw just throws the towel in there.”

Although criticism of evidently talented players is sometimes harsh, Manchester United were culpable of lapses defensively and came up against a ruthless opponent who dispatched three of their four ‘big chances’ created to claim three points.

Ultimately, Manchester City are a side likely to contend for the title, and conceding countless opportunities is always likely to result in punishment, something that Shaw and his teammates will now hope to rectify.

Setting their sights on a busy end to the transfer window, Aston Villa have now reportedly agreed a deal to sign a bargain defender ahead of Premier League rivals Everton.

Aston Villa's deadline day plans

Ahead of Monday’s deadline, Villa Park chiefs have suddenly burst into life in the transfer market. Unai Emery could yet welcome a number of reinforcements before the window slams shut as a result and get his wish of two players in every position.

One of those could, of course, be Marco Asensio. The Paris Saint-Germain winger enjoyed a successful loan spell in the Midlands last season and now looks destined to complete a permanent move just in time. And he’s not the only one on Villa’s radar.

As reported by Sacha Tavolieri, the final day of the transfer window could yet see a major goalkeeper saga unfold. The transfer reporter claimed that Manchester United have now turned their focus towards Emiliano Martinez rather than Senne Lammens and, as such, Aston Villa are targeting a move for Porto’s Diogo Costa.

The reporter even went as far as to say that the Villans are in advanced talks to sign the shot-stopper, who would be an instant replacement for Martinez if he heads to Manchester United.

The World Cup winner has been linked with a move away from Villa Park all summer long and now looks set to get his move. Villa, meanwhile, have reportedly agreed a deal to welcome another defensive reinforcement.

Aston Villa set to sign Lindelof

According to Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa have now reached an “agreement” to sign Victor Lindelof, whose medical is already “underway” ahead of becoming the latest player to arrive in the Midlands. Joining as a free agent, the Villans are set to welcome an experienced central defender at a bargain price.

Whilst Lindelof’s arrival won’t steal the same headlines as Costa might, he may prove to be just as important. The 31-year-old has played at a very top level and is no stranger to the Premier League after spending eight years at Manchester United.

In a mixed spell, the Swede also still earned plenty of praise. Former United graduate Fraizer Campbell described the defender as “brilliant” in the 2023/24 campaign and there’s still every chance that he can reach those same levels at Villa Park.

Aston Villa now pushing for "incredible" late signing after shock £47m bid

The Villans have made their move…

ByTom Cunningham Aug 31, 2025

In what could be the start of a busy final 24 hours for Aston Villa, Lindelof represents a solid piece of business.

Everton are now reportedly leading the race to sign a Champions League-level winger who will be allowed to leave his current club this summer.

What Everton could do next after signing Travers

After confirming the arrival of Mark Travers from Bournemouth, Everton still have unfinished business in the summer transfer window. Ahead of their first season at The Hill Dickinson Stadium, the current transfer window reflects an opportunity for The Friedkin Group to make an impressive statement and set David Moyes up with a squad capable of more than just survival.

After Travers, Thierno Barry and the permanent arrival of Carlos Alcaraz, the Toffees still have plenty of work to do and that work could be done to reinforce their midfield.

Having lost Abdoulaye Doucoure following the end of his contract at the end of last season, Moyes is arguably lacking a physical presence at the heart of his midfield. But that’s where a familiar face in Tomas Soucek could arrive. The Czech Republic ace thrived under Moyes at West Ham and is now reportedly set to be the subject of an imminent £12m bid from Everton.

Appearances

207

Goals

32

Assists

11

It should come as no surprise that Soucek is now keen to reunite with Moyes after such a successful spell together the first time around. And for just £12m, Everton wouldn’t exactly be breaking the bank.

That said, Soucek isn’t their only reported target in midfield. The likes of Jacob Ramsey have also been mentioned in recent headlines, as Aston Villa continue to struggle on the PSR front. Like Soucek, the England midfielder would be an excellent addition.

Ndiaye 2.0: Everton pushing to sign 'the 2nd best dribbler in the world'

David Moyes wants to add some more attacking quality at Everton this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 15, 2025

The same can be said for a La Liga winger, as the Toffees aim to send a transfer statement.

Everton now in pole position to Samuel Lino

According to reports in Spain, Everton are now leading the race to sign Samuel Lino from Atletico Madrid this summer. The winger is reportedly free to leave the Champions League side and several sides have enquired about his availability as a result. Whether Everton are among those sides remains to be seen, however.

Starts

21

24

Goals

3

1

Assists

4

0

Successful Take-ons

27

24

Previously described as “interesting” by scout Jacek Kulig, Lino would be an instant upgrade on Jack Harrison, who has been linked with a permanent move to Everton this summer.

The Atletico Madrid man was involved in more goals in fewer games last season, whilst also enjoying more take-on success. In every key department, Lino should be preferred over the Leeds United man.

At 25 years old, Lino should be at the peak of his powers if he discovers his most clinical form. Reportedly in pole position, Everton should kick on and sign a player who has Champions League experience and outperformed other targets last season.

Everton manager David Moyes is aiming to build a side that will be able to secure a top-half finish in the Premier League in their first season at the club’s new stadium.

It is the start of a new era for the Merseyside outfit and what better way to commemorate it by emerging from their recent malaise and moving forward under Moyes.

Much will depend on the transfer business that the club manage to pull off this summer. So far, only Carlos Alcaraz has joined the Toffees. Even then, the South American starlet spent the last six months of the 2024/25 campaign on loan. Therefore, he is hardly a brand-new arrival.

A few days ago, it was reported that Everton were in talks to sign Fulham right-back Kenny Tete on a free transfer.

Season

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2024/25

13th

2012/13

6th

2011/12

7th

2010/11

7th

2009/10

8th

2008/09

5th

2007/08

5th

2006/07

6th

2005/06

11th

2004/05

4th

2003/04

17th

2002/03

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2001/02

15th

Moyes is keen on bringing in another full-back, especially on the right side of the defence, and with Tete available for nothing, it is a move that makes perfect sense.

Another player who the club are targeting is Villarreal centre-forward Thierno Barry, who enjoyed a stellar campaign in 2024/25.

Considering Everton scored just 42 goals throughout the Premier League last term, the lowest of any club outside the relegation zone, improving in the attacking department is a major priority for Moyes.

As such, signing Barry could turn into a solid piece of business, especially as he looks ready to take the next step in his career.

Why Everton must sign Thierno Barry

Last season, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Beto and Armando Broja netted just 13 goals between them, highlighting that this area in the squad needs to be vastly improved.

Barry could be the perfect solution for Moyes. Indeed, the Frenchman made a total of 41 appearances for the La Liga club last term, scoring 19 goals and registering four assists in the process.

He also shone across various metrics when compared to his positional peers in the Spanish top flight last season. Not only did the striker rank in the top 25% for non-penalty goals (0.39) per 90, but he also ranked in the top 27% for total shots (2.75) and in the top 17% for aerials won (3.84) per 90.

Although they might not be a spell-binding array of statistics, considering it was his debut season in Spain, it suggests that Barry is only going to get better and better as time goes on.

The striker has spent the previous few weeks representing France at the U21 European Championships. Across his five games at the competition, Barry has scored once, averaged two shots per game and created two big chances, despite averaging just 37 minutes per game for France.

His future looks bright indeed. Should he make the move to the Toffees, could he be a success on Merseyside? Only time will tell on that front.

Moyes will be keen to supplement the signing of Barry by adding further attacking talent this summer, especially those who can help make the French starlet even better.

Might he possibly be eyeing up a move for an Englishman who impressed in the Premier League last season?

Latest Everton transfer news

While Barry is the main attacking target, Moyes has also shown interest in Timothy Weah and James McAtee this summer already.

Transfer Focus

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

Both players would improve the club’s attacking options, without a shadow of a doubt, although they may cost the club a pretty penny.

According to TEAMtalk, Everton are now exploring a potential move for Ipswich Town attacking midfielder Omari Hutchinson this summer.

Amid Ipswich’s relegation, several clubs, including the Toffees, Brentford and West Ham, are waiting to make a move for the player, who is valued at €28m (£24m) according to Football Transfers.

The Tractor Boys may have struggled last term, but Hutchinson was one of the few bright sparks, and it is likely he will depart.

Moyes must make sure he is at the front of the queue to sign the talented Englishman, especially as he could be a dream signing for Barry.

Why Omari Hutchinson could be a dream for Thierno Barry

Last season, Hutchinson played 31 Premier League games for Ipswich, scoring three goals and grabbing two assists.

While it wasn’t enough to prevent their relegation, he impressed in large spells, which is now leading to attention in the transfer market.

Aside from his goal contributions, Hutchinson also created six big chances, averaged one key pass per game and succeeded with 1.6 dribbles per game. This is made even more impressive by the fact Ipswich averaged just 40% possession across their 38 league games last term.

It proves that when the Englishman had the ball, he was willing to make things happen for his teammates, indicating that he would be a dream signing for Barry.

Not only would the youngster create chances for the Frenchman, but he would also be able to consistently get into dangerous positions in the final third.

Labelled “dazzling” by Statman Dave in the Championship, he spent the early part of the summer helping England U21s reach the final of the European Championship, playing a key role in their success.

Hutchinson has started four of England’s five matches and, as well as grabbing an assist, he has also created three big chances, averages 1.8 key passes and succeeds with an impressive 2.2 dribbles per game at the tournament.

If England go on to defeat Germany in the final, it will largely be due to Hutchinson’s impressive performances.

Moyes will surely have one eye on the final this weekend, especially as the club have joined the list of potential suitors for his signature.

Getting a move for Barry over the line will be his priority firstly. But once this deal is signed, sealed and delivered, lining up Hutchinson will be on the agenda.

It all depends on the fee Ipswich demands, but if it is reasonable, the Toffees should be all over the move. That’s for sure.

Everton now confident in their bid to sign forward with £34m release clause

Everton are now ready to progress forward with a deal to sign a new striker, who wants the move.

ByBrett Worthington Jun 26, 2025

In an attempt to get their summer business going, Aston Villa have reportedly submitted an opening offer to sign a defensive target for Unai Emery whose release clause expires soon.

Aston Villa set for tough Newcastle opener

If Aston Villa are keen to find out where their squad is at in the early stages of next season then their opening day Premier League meeting with Newcastle United will hand them the perfect chance to do exactly that. The Villans have been handed a tough start against one of last year’s top five, but Emery will also be well aware that victory over the Magpies would send quite the statement.

Aston Villa vs Newcastle United

16/08/2025

Brentford vs Aston Villa

23/08/2025

Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace

30/08/2025

Everton vs Aston Villa

13/09/2025

Sunderland vs Aston Villa

20/09/2025

Once the Midlands club have got Newcastle out of the way, they have the chance to enjoy a far more routine run on paper. Away trips to Brentford, Everton and Sunderland represent realistic opportunities for three points, whilst the visit of Crystal Palace should also be seen as a game that the Villans are favourites to win.

It’s the type of start that Aston Villa could need following what could be a difficult summer amid PSR concerns. Despite their growing success over the last couple of years, Villa’s spending in the years prior could yet force them to sell at least one key man in the coming months before they can focus on potential incomings.

That said, their PSR concerns have not stopped the rumours from arriving when it comes to additions. Names such as Jesus Rodriguez have already threatened to steal the headlines and now those at Villa Park have also reportedly set their sights on signing a defensive addition.

Aston Villa submit opening Lucumi offer

According to Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Aston Villa have tabled an opening offer to sign Jhon Lucumi from Bologna this summer. That initial bid was below the defender’s reported €28m (£24m) release clause, however, and is unlikely to be entertained by Bologna anytime soon.

Aston Villa make contact to sign £400,000-a-week player ahead of Arsenal

He’s a Premier League winner…

1 ByTom Cunningham Jun 17, 2025

Whether the Villans go again in pursuit of the defender remains to be seen. Bologna certainly hold all of the cards if those in the Midlands decide against triggering Lucumi’s release clause, which reportedly expires on July 10.

Given that they need to be in the market for bargain deals amid their PSR concerns, Aston Villa should think again about returning for Lucumi this summer. For just £24m, until July 10, they can sign a “composed” centre-back who can play with both feet to an “excellent” standard, according to analyst Ben Mattinson.

Goals, goals and more goals; if there was a thing Arsenal missed this season, it was goals.

Mikel Arteta’s side managed to secure a third successive second-placed finish in the Premier League this season, but unlike the last two campaigns, it was a truly distant second place.

Liverpool ended up finishing ten points ahead of the Gunners, and arguably worse than that, they scored a whopping 17 more goals than the North Londoners.

So, with this in mind, it’s hardly been a surprise to see Arsenal linked with a host of incredible strikers in recent weeks, including one who’s supposedly better than Erling Haaland and would be an upgrade on Benjamin Sesko.

Arsenal's striker search

Given their struggles in attack this season, Arsenal have been linked with a plethora of outstanding strikers in recent weeks and months, from Sporting CPs free-scoring Viktor Gyokeres to Aston Villa’s brilliant Ollie Watkins and even Newcastle United’s likely unattainable Alexander Isak.

How Arsenal's striker targets compare in 2024/25.

However, over the last week or so, a frontrunner to come in and lead the line for the Gunners next season has emerged in Sesko.

The Slovenian forward has been a target for the club since last summer, but according to reports last week, talks between his representatives and the two teams seem to be progressing well.

Transfer Focus

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

Yet, another goalscorer has now entered the picture, someone who’d be an upgrade on the RB Leipzig star and who’d hold his own against Haaland: Victor Osimhen.

Yes, according to a recent report from Italian publication Tuttosport, Arsenal are one of several teams now interested in the on-loan Napoli ace.

The report claims that the Nigerian international turned down the opportunity to move to the Saudi Pro League because teams like the Gunners and Manchester United are now keen to sign him.

However, on top of dealing with the competition, the North Londoners will also have to cough up around £63m to activate the release clause in his current contract open to teams outside of Serie A.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Osimhen’s immense ability, it is one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a big upgrade on Sesko.

How Osimhen compares to Sesko and Haaland

So, if Osimhen is currently one of the options for Arsenal this summer, it’s worth seeing how he stacks up with Sesko, who might be his biggest competition at the moment.

Yet, with the Nigerian international being described as “even better than Haaland” by Italian agent Andrea D’Amico, it’s also worth including the Manchester City star in the comparisons, as should the Napoli star move to North London, the Norwegian will be leading the line for one of his biggest title rivals.

With that said, when it comes to their pure output this season, it looks like D’Amico is correct, as it’s the Lagos-born “superhuman,” as dubbed by journalist Paolo Esposito, who comes out on top.

In 41 appearances, totalling 3236 minutes, he was able to score 37 goals and provide eight assists for Galatasaray, which comes out to an average of 1.09 goal involvements every game, or one every 71.91 minutes.

For his efforts, the City star scored 31 goals and provided four assists in 44 appearances, totalling 3786 minutes, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.25 games, or one every 108.17 minutes.

Appearances

41

44

45

Minutes

3236′

3786′

3258′

Goals

37

31

21

Assists

8

4

6

Goal Involvements per Match

1.09

0.79

0.60

Minutes per Goal Involvement

71.91′

108.17′

120.66′

Finally, the Leipzig star was the worst of the three, scoring 21 goals and providing six assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3258 minutes, which translates to a goal involvement every 1.66 games or every 120.66 minutes.

Moreover, while the former Salzburg gem is the youngest and, therefore, might make the most sense in the long term, Arteta and Co are at a point in the project at which winning here and now has to take precedence over what might be best for a few years down the line.

Therefore, it makes sense to sign someone who massively outperformed both Sesko and Haaland this summer, which is why Arsenal should be going all in on Osimhen.

Arsenal set to submit bid for "incredible" star who's like Rodrygo & Yamal

The impressive winger would be a great addition to Arsenal’s squad.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 9, 2025

While there was nothing riding on Sunday afternoon’s game between Arsenal and Southampton, it was still a frustrating match for the Gunners, one that told the story of how this season has gone.

Draws have been Mikel Arteta’s downfall, as have conceding from set-pieces. A draw looked likely until the 90th minute when Martin Odegaard fired home a rare goal, but that defensive ineptitude from set-plays came back to bite them again.

The visitors took the lead through Kieran Tierney but a second-half goal from Ross Stewart at a corner looked as though it has handed the Saints just their 13th point of an arduous campaign.

Truth be told, Southampton deserved to take something from the game for all their endeavour, but in a classic tale of their own season, they couldn’t hold on.

So, what do we discuss from this one? Perhaps we’ll start with a host of farewells for those at Arsenal.

Arsenal's triumphant send off

It’s safe to say this was not the strongest of lineups from Arteta, who selected the aforementioned Tierney at centre-half, Ethan Nwaneri on the right and Raheem Sterling on the left. Oleksandr Zinchenko even featured at left-back.

The performance of all four of those players was rather mixed, although for Tierney, it was a heroic send off.

The Scot is set to leave the Emirates Stadium behind this summer at the conclusion of his contract and having appeared in front of the home support one last time a week ago, concluded his Arsenal journey with a goal on Sunday.

What he was doing popping up inside the box is anyone’s guess but the defender got across his man and steered the ball home from close range after Ben White had picked him out.

While Tierney enjoyed his final day in Arsenal colours, Sterling certainly did not.

Upon signing for the club, he revealed that we were ‘going to see the best’ of him. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

The winger, on loan from Chelsea, is set to return to his parent club and will do so having failed to score in the Premier League all season.

His performance at St Mary’s summed up his sorry loan spell. The England international had just a solitary shot and didn’t create a key pass before he was subbed off in the 63rd minute.

Minutes played

63

Touches

30

Accurate passes

15/15

Key passes

0

Accurate crosses

0/1

Shots on target

0

Shots off target

1

Successful dribbles

1/2

Possession lost

4x

Tackles

1

Elsewhere, it may also have been a final day out in Arsenal colours for Thomas Partey, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

Reports suggest that the club would like to keep him in north London but there has been no breakthrough in contract talks just yet.

Of the rest of the Arsenal starters, it feels likely that it was Zinchenko’s final outing too.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Why Arsenal must get rid of Zinchenko

When the £30m Ukrainian signed for the club in 2022, it marked a bit of a revolution in the Arteta era.

He joined alongside Gabriel Jesus that summer from Manchester City and it looked like the two missing pieces of the jigsaw had been added.

Zinchenko was a fine addition and looked a million dollars playing in that inverted full-back role. However, as voiced by certain sections of the media, he has proven himself to be too much of a “liability” from a defensive point of view.

You can’t criticise the left-back’s technique or touch. That was evident against Southampton when he plucked a high ball out of the sky with remarkable composure, stopping it dead in his feet. He didn’t do a whole lot wrong this weekend, but then again, he also didn’t produce anything too positive against the division’s worst side.

Minutes played

70

Touches

86

Accurate passes

60/63 (95%)

Key passes

1

Accurate crosses

2/3

Ground duels won

2/3

Aerial duels won

1/1

Possession lost

6x

Interceptions

1

Tackles

2

At the technical side of the game, he is outstanding; very few left-backs can do what he does. Sadly for the 28-year-old, his time at the club is likely now going to come to an end.

Back in January, the Ukraine international was attracting interest from Borussia Dortmund but whether their interest is still there, remains to be seen.

Zinchenko would undoubtedly still make for a fine squad player, although with the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly and the presence of Riccardo Calafiori, he simply isn’t going to get much game time.

It perhaps said it all on Sunday that without Odegaard starting, Arteta preferred Nwaneri as the more advanced midfielder, rather than Zinchenko, something the manager had tried with relative success in games against PSV Eindhoven and Brentford in the latter stages of the season.

While he did score against PSV, that is now likely to be his last goal in the red and white of Arsenal.

After 91 appearances for the Londoners, it’s time for him to move on.

Arsenal ready big bid to sign "unbelievable" £68m upgrade on Odegaard

The incredible international would be unreal for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 20, 2025

Manchester United have now held internal talks over signing a former Barcelona player on a free transfer this summer, according to a report.

Man Utd eyeing cut-price deal after Europa League disaster

Of course, winning trophies is always important for a club the size of Man United, but Europa League glory was arguably even more important from a financial point of view, given that success in the competition grants qualification to the Champions League.

Having failed to qualify for Europe’s elite competition next season, United are thought to have missed out on £85m, which could hamper their ability to bring in their top targets this summer, in what could be a very important window.

That is according to Jamie Carragher, who has insisted the Red Devils will need to splash the cash to rebuild Ruben Amorim’s squad, although the former Liverpool man has doubts over whether the former Sporting CP boss is the right man for the job.

Carragher said: “Backing him means getting behind a big idea; a system of play that is uncommon among the elite of Europe, requiring specialist footballers and a squad of back-up wing-backs and centre-halves so he can play three at the back.

“It means spending big on redesigning the squad to meet Amorim’s specific needs in the knowledge that, if he underperforms again next season, his successor will most likely revert to a flat back four.”

However, it appears as though INEOS are set to stand by Amorim, and they have now set their sights on a new target, who could suit the manager’s style of play, having internally discussed a move for Wolverhampton Wanders right-wing back Nelson Semedo.

That is according to a report from Football Transfers, which states Semedo’s name has been raised during talks over Matheus Cunha, with the full-back set to leave Molineux on a free transfer this summer.

Man Utd also ready to pay £44m release clause for "king of kings" after Cunha

The Red Devils are now willing to trigger the release clause for another striker to partner up with Cunha at Old Trafford.

ByDominic Lund May 26, 2025 "Outstanding" Semedo could be ideal for Amorim

The 31-year-old is accustomed to playing at right-wing-back, which could make him a good fit in Amorim’s three-at-the-back system, while his availability on a free transfer is ideal for Man United, having missed out on Champions League football.

Not only that, but the £80k-a-week Wolves star has proven himself in the Premier League over the course of a number of years, with Garth Crooks saying in the 2023-24 season: “Nelson Semedo deserved a mention as he was outstanding. His ability to get forward, but also defend with equal measure, was impressive.”

Admittedly, the former Barcelona man wouldn’t be the most exciting of signings, and there are other areas of the squad in more urgent need of strengthening, with the lack of goals from Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee a real problem.

However, Semedo could be a solid signing as a rotation option at the very least, and the fact the Portuguese defender is available on a free transfer makes him even more appealing.

Liverpool have received a boost in their pursuit of a £84m striker, as he is now keen on a summer move to Anfield, according to a report.

Reds set sights on new striker

While Mohamed Salah may have received most of the plaudits, Jamie Carragher has asserted that the Reds having lots of different goalscorers is the reason they won the Premier League title, considering Arsenal have been more defensively solid.

However, the lack of a dependable centre-forward is a real concern for former Red Danny Murphy, who has claimed Arne Slot is no great admirer of Darwin Nunez, saying: “Slot obviously doesn’t fancy him.

“Slot has played a winger, Luis Diaz, ahead of him as a striker at times. That tells you everything you need to know.”

Murphy also states he would be “amazed” if Nunez remains at Anfield beyond the summer, and work has started on bringing in a potential replacement for the Uruguayan, with DaveOCKOP recently dropping a new update on Liverpool’s pursuit of Benjamin Sesko.

Sky Sports: Liverpool may sell "amazing" £50m player after transfer twist

He played in the 3-2 defeat away to Brighton on Monday night.

ByHenry Jackson May 20, 2025

The report states that Sesko is now interested in a move to Anfield this summer, with the Reds holding a serious interest, but a concrete offer may have to wait until after Nunez is offloaded, with Napoli and clubs from Saudi Arabia keen on the 25-year-old.

The Slovenian striker is attracting interest from across Europe, but a deal will not be cheap, with RB Leipzig looking to hold out for a fee of €100m (£84m), although there may be some leeway to negotiate a lower fee.

"Incredible" Sesko admired by Jürgen Klopp

Former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is known to be a big admirer of the 21-year-old, stating he has “incredible potential” earlier this year, while also detailing that he is happy to have him at a Red Bull Group-owned club.

The forward certainly isn’t short of admirers, with former Leipzig technical director Christopher Vivell also adding: “Benjamin is a real goalscorer, who despite his 1.95m (6’4″) is mobile and technically strong. His abilities make him a special player with a special profile.”

The Reds are known to have a good business relationship with Leipzig, which they will be hoping they can use to their advantage in negotiations, as it is evident that Slot will need to bring in an upgrade on Nunez this summer.

The former Benfica man has just five Premier League goals to his name this season, so it is exciting news that Sesko is now a serious target to replace the striker, alongside a number of other top forwards.

Player

Current club

Potential cost

Viktor Gyokeres

Sporting CP

£60m

Hugo Ekitike

Eintracht Frankfurt

£84m

Alexander Isak

Newcastle United

£150m

Victor Osimhen

Napoli

£60m

With INEOS looking to send a statement this summer, Manchester United are now reportedly ready to table a shock offer worth as much as £85m to sign a Premier League rival.

Man Utd must get summer incomings right

In what feels like an Old Trafford groundhog day, Manchester United cannot afford to get their incomings wrong this summer. Like in 2014 under David Moyes and then under the likes of Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunner Solskjaer, the Red Devils are in no position to make mistakes in the transfer market as they look to hand their latest manager the keys to unlock a place among Europe’s elite again at long last.

Same agent as Dorgu: Man Utd now offered chance to sign "incredible" winger

He’s a serial winner.

ByTom Cunningham May 10, 2025

What does seem to be different about Ruben Amorim compared to Moyes, Van Gaal, Solskjaer and in some ways even Mourinho is just how honest he’s been about the extent of the task in front of him.

Even in the build-up to Manchester United’s 7-1 aggregate mauling of Athletic Bilbao to reach the Europa League final, Amorim assured reporters that silverware would not take away from what has been a disastrous season.

The former Sporting Club boss told reporters: “For me, in that moment and you look at Premier League, we are the worst team since I arrived in terms of results. That is my idea. In the end of the season, we can be the worst team in Premier League history with a European title.

“So we will not change anything. We know that this season was disappointing. Nothing is going to change, in that moment, I have to think a bit more but I felt that. I still feel that this season was the worst in the last 50 years.”

Whether the Red Devils have what it takes to overcome Tottenham Hotspur in the final is another question, but if they do manage to win the competition then their transfer plans could become all the more interesting.

Man Utd readying shock Tonali offer

According to Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, INEOS and Manchester United are now ready to table a stunning €100m (£85m) offer to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United this summer. In an ambitious move, the Red Devils have set their sights on the Italian, who has enjoyed an excellent season at St James’ Park.

Starts

25

21

Goals

3

1

Progressive Carries

33

16

Ball Recoveries

163

117

Manchester United’s interest, whether a deal is feasible or not, should come as no surprise. As the numbers show, Tonali would be an instant upgrade on Manuel Ugarte and perhaps the difference between taking Amorim’s side into Europe and a place in mid-table once again next season.

Eddie Howe will likely be keen to keep hold of his midfielder, however. Full of praise, the Newcastle boss told reporters earlier this season: “We’ve seen that in recent games from a defensive viewpoint now more than an attacking viewpoint, where he’s sprinting to put out fires for us, nicking balls, intercepting balls, using his athleticism to track runners. He’s been excellent in that respect and think that’s really helped the team.”