Manchester United and Erik ten Hag continue to prepare for the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, looking to bolster the squad with the aim of returning to Champions League football, after finishing 8th last season.

Reinforcements have already been made, with the signing of highly rated 18-year-old Leny Yoro from Lille, and Bologna's talented forward Joshua Zirkzee, both joining for sizable fees.

But the additions don't look set to stop there, with United still looking to offload a host of players, and bring more players to Old Trafford, including links to another central defender, a central midfielder, and another attacking signing.

Manchester United transfer news

According to a report from Sport, as relayed by CaughtOffside, Manchester United are interested in RB Leipzig attacking midfielder, Dani Olmo this summer. The 26-year-old has also been linked with other Premier League clubs, including Manchester City and Chelsea.

However, reports also suggest Barcelona are 'very much in the race' for his signature, and are confident of winning it, which could cause the heat on this transfer to increase in the coming weeks.

Olmo made 25 appearances in all competitions last season for Leipzig, scoring eight goals, providing five assists, and totaling 1,715 minutes of football. He also impressed at Euro 2024, helping Spain towards the trophy, scoring three goals, and providing two assists along the way.

Olmo comparison to Simons and Bellingham

Using FBref's "similar players" feature, Olmo is compared to two other attacking midfield stars – Xavi Simons from Paris Saint-Germain and Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid.

The Spanish was described as a "genius" for his technical brilliance by Josh Bunting, praising the Spaniard for his ability to find space and deliver moments of quality, referencing his goal against France at Euro 2024.

The 26-year-old Spain international is currently on £152k-per-week, on a contract running until June 2027, according to FBref.

Olmo vs Simons vs Bellingham Comparison

Stats (per 90 mins)

Olmo

Simons

Bellingham

Non-Penalty Goals

0.28

0.25

0.60

Shots Total

2.98

2.69

2.32

Assists

0.28

0.36

0.30

Shot-Creating Actions

3.98

6.07

4.00

Progressive Passes

4.31

6.04

7.22

Progressive Carries

3.92

4.93

3.30

Successful Take-Ons

1.88

2.74

1.88

Key Passes

1.93

2.71

1.96

Stats taken from FBref

Olmo proves to be a good medium between the two of Simons and Bellingham, offering aspects of both in his game. The extra goalscoring ability and shooting volume Olmo offers over Simons, and the extra carry/creative potential (progressive carries) he offers over Bellingham.

He is also an achievable target, compared to Real Madrid's star summer signing last season, and the competition currently for the highly rated PSG man, who will only be allowed to leave on loan.

The 26-year-old would offer a welcome level of goalscoring ability from midfield, as well as that extra bit of creative genius in the attacking third, with his 0.28 assists per 90, his 0.31 xAG (expected assists) per 90, and his 3.98 shot creating actions per 90.

His versatility would also be crucial, as he can feature as a primary attacking midfielder, but has also played off the left and right in attack, allowing him to feature alongside key man and club captain, Bruno Fernandes.

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This is why United must now swoop to sign the Euros champion before the summer transfer window officially slams shut at the end of next month.

Having already made five summer signings, Monchi is certainly not holding back as Aston Villa get ready to take on Europe’s elite in the Champions League next season.

Improving the first team squad this summer will give Unai Emery the perfect chance to take the club to the next level in Europe while allowing them to maintain a spot in the top four of the Premier League table during the 2024/25 campaign.

It will be a difficult task, but if the Spaniard can recruit well across the remainder of the transfer window, then is possible for the club to continue their upward trajectory.

Could the Midlands side turn towards the Championship for their next potential signing? There is a current second-tier sensation who has been earmarked for a move to Villa this summer…

Aston Villa eye Championship superstar

According to Football Insider last week, Villa could be 'tempted' into making a bid for Leeds United starlet Crysencio Summerville after his displays in the second tier have caught the eye.

The Yorkshire side have placed a staggering £40m price tag on their prized asset in order to sell him this summer, which could fend off interest by several teams.

Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Brighton are also keen admirers of the winger, while Paris Saint-Germain could make a move for the Dutchman as they seek a replacement for Kylian Mbappé.

Having lost the playoff final last season, Summerville may wish to make a return to the Premier League rather than spend another season in the Championship. This could give Emery a solid chance of securing his signature, especially considering they are in the Champions League too.

Lewis Dobbin

Everton

Ross Barkley

Luton Town

Ian Maatsen

Chelsea

Samuel Iling-Junior

Juventus

Enzo Barrenechea

Juventus

Could he even be a better option to call upon than Moussa Diaby? The former Bayer Leverkusen gem struggled for consistent game time last season after his club-record-breaking move in the summer.

Moussa Diaby’s season in numbers

The Frenchman was one of the most interesting transfer stories from the 2023 summer transfer window. Diaby cost Villa £51.9m from Leverkusen as Emery delivered a massive statement of intent as to where he wanted the club to be at the of the season.

Having registered 97 goal contributions across just 172 games for the German side, the transfer was looked upon as one of the most impressive pieces of business conducted by a Premier League side last year.

Unfortunately, despite showing glimpses of his talents, Diaby was rather hit or miss with his form, scoring ten goals while grabbing nine assists in all competitions.

Among his teammates, Diaby ranked fourth for shots per game (1.4) in the top flight, along with ranking second for big chances missed (7), fourth for key passes per game (1.2) and fifth for successful dribbles per game (0.8), solid, but certainly not spectacular statistics during his maiden season in England.

He will be expected to hit the ground running at the start of the 2024/25 campaign, especially after having a year to settle into life in the Premier League.

If Emery does make a concrete move for Summerville, however, might the Dutchman be a better option on the flank than Diaby?

How Crysencio Summerville shone for Leeds

His positional flexibility could be a big bonus for the Midlands side. While he spent the majority of last season on the left wing, Summerville is equally adept at performing on the opposite flank if required.

In 49 matches for the Elland Road outfit, the 22-year-old scored a remarkable 21 goals while grabbing ten assists, ensuring he won the Championship Player of the Season award in April.

Journalist Jake Winderman even praised his “world-class” ability last October, and it is evident that a talent like his deserves to be playing in the Premier League.

Among his teammates last term, Summerville ranked first for goals and assists (28) in the second tier, along with ranking second for big chances created (17), first for key passes per game (2.6) and third for successful dribbles per game (2.3), showing just how much of an impact he had in the final third for the club.

How Summerville could be an upgrade on Diaby

When compared to his positional peers in leagues similar to the Championship, Summerville ranks in the top 4% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 (6.59), the top 3% for shot-creating actions per 90 (6.1) and the top 6% for progressive carries per 90 (5.04).

In comparison, Diaby ranks in the top 18% in Europe's top five leagues for shot-creating actions (3.31), the top 27% for touches in the attacking penalty area (5.63) and the top 5% for progressive carries (3.89) per 90 when compared to his own positional peers.

While Diaby may have been compared to those in higher divisions, Summerville has outperformed him in a range of performance metrics in recent months.

The Leeds gem does have prior experience in the Premier League too, which could prove to be a major advantage for Emery. He has featured 34 times in the top flight for Leeds between 2021 and 2023, scoring four goals while registering two assists in the process.

If he moves to a club like Villa, where he should get plenty of chances in the starting XI, he will be able to carry on his form which saw him emerge as one of the most exciting wingers on the continent.

Splashing out £40m on the player could be a gamble, yet it is one that Emery should be intent on making if he has any ambitions of bolstering his attacking options ahead of next term.

It could pay off handsomely, as there is no doubt the winger can only get better, which could see his value increase as time goes on.

The next few weeks are an exciting time to be a Villa supporter, that’s for sure.

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حقق فريق الزمالك الفوز على نظيره بلاك بولز الموزمبيقي، بنتيجة 3-1، في المباراة التي أقيمت بين الفريقين، مساء اليوم الأحد، ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس الكونفدرالية الإفريقية 2024-2025.

الزمالك واجه بلاك بولز، في إطار مواجهات الجولة الخامسة من مباريات دور المجموعات للبطولة الإفريقية، على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي.

وبهذه النتيجة، واصل الزمالك صدارته لترتيب المجموعة الرابعة في كأس الكونفدرالية برصيد 11 نقطة، ويحسم تأهله إلى دور ربع النهائي من المسابقة القارية.

طالع.. فيديو | زيزو يسجل هدف الزمالك الثالث أمام بلاك بولز

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي فريق الزمالك مع حرس الحدود، في المباراة القادمة له، ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وتقام مباراة الزمالك وحرس الحدود، في إطار مباريات الجولة الثامنة من عمر مباريات الدوري المصري على ملعب استاد القاهرة.

ويحتل الزمالك المركز الثالث، في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، برصيد 14 نقطة، بعد مرور 7 جولات، إذ فاز في 4 مباريات وتعادل في 2 وخسر في لقاء. موعد مباراة الزمالك القادمة بعد الفوز على بلاك بولز

تلعب مباراة الزمالك وحرس الحدود، يوم الخميس 16 يناير 2025، حيث تنطلق في تمام الساعة 4 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 5 يتوقيت السعودية.

Arsenal have been approached over signing a £202,000-per-week Barcelona star, with the player now said to be keen on making a Premier League move.

Arsenal targeting new attacking signings for Arteta

Sporting director Edu Gaspar and manager Mikel Arteta are in the market for new attacking options, as widely reported, with the Gunners looking to challenge Man City for the title in a third-successive race.

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Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz scored a combined 51 goals between them in all competitions last season, but north London transfer chiefs want alternative options to the trio who can provide a similar injection of quality.

Arteta personally prefers Arsenal sign Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams as one option, while other star names like Wolves winger Pedro Neto have also been linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium.

Player

Goals

Bukayo Saka

20

Leandro Trossard

17

Kai Havertz

14

Martin Odegaard

11

Gabriel Jesus

8

via BBC Sport

There are problems in regards to a potential move for Williams as well, with reliable journalist Charles Watts saying his extortionate wage demands could prove to be a serious roadblock, despite Arsenal's admiration for him.

“Arsenal are admirers of the 21-year-old, but so are plenty of other of the top clubs across Europe and that interest is only going to increase as the tournament goes on,” Watts said.

“On paper, the release clause of around £50million for Williams looks a very appealing one, but as far as I’m aware it’s not as simple as that. You have to remember that release clauses in Spain have to be paid in full and that makes deals very expensive as clubs can’t spread the transfer fee out over the length of the contract like they usually do.

“But in Williams’ case, the wages are also understood to be a pretty significant issue. Athletic Club are big payers. They have to be to ensure they keep their team together given the unique way the club operates.

“So Williams is on good money and the word is that interested clubs have been surprised by the wages he would want to move this summer. Arsenal are good payers, but they have a wage bill that they have worked hard to get in check in recent years. So they won’t do anything stupid and undo that hard work."

Arsenal been approached over signing Raphinha from Barcelona

Now, it appears another big-name winger, who could be an alternative to Williams and Neto, comes in the form of Barcelona star Raphinha.

The £202,000-per-week attacker bagged 10 goals and 13 assists in all competitions for the Catalans last season, and Arsenal have been approached over signing Raphinha as he sets his sights on a move to England. That is according to HITC, who claim Chelsea have been approached as well.

“I like him a lot,” said Graeme Souness On Raphinha in 2021, during the players time at Leeds.

"Our football, as we know, is different to everyone else’s. And he’s handled it easily. Anyone who dribbles gets you on the edge of your seat. He can do that, and he can deliver, AND he can score goals. I think this boy’s extremely talented. He’s quick and he understands the game.

"It’s alright having people who can dribble, and get you on the edge of your seat, but he delivers in every sense.“

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has wasted no time in immediately bolstering his new side, as he attempts to lead the club through the transitional period to try and return to the Premier League’s top four.

He’s already added centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo and central midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to his Blues squad, bringing the latter from Leicester City after the pair helped the Foxes secure an immediate return to England’s top flight.

The Italian will be hoping that the duo can make an instant impact at Stamford Bridge, with a real impetus on the new Blues boss to hit the ground running after his appointment during the off-season.

However, despite the recent additions, Maresca is still on the hunt for a new forward to lead the line for Chelsea, with numerous players linked with a big-money transfer to the Premier League this summer.

Chelsea’s hunt for a new striker

At this point, there aren’t many strikers in Europe who haven’t been linked with a move to Chelsea, with two forwards the most consistently linked with a switch to West London.

Newcastle forward Alexander Isak was linked a few weeks ago but the Magpies are reluctant to sell their star man with the PSR deadline now having passed.

The interest is hardly a surprise given his record of 21 Premier League goals in 27 outings, but any deal would set Maresca’s side back at least £100m this summer.

The Blues have also been linked with a deal to sign Napoli forward Victor Osimhen, following up on their long-standing interest in the Nigerian talisman.

Current Chelsea man Romelu Lukaku could be included in a move for Osimhen, but as it stands, PSG have the edge over Maresca’s side in the race for his signature.

However, his potential move to the French side could allow for a domino effect, allowing the Blues to sign current PSG man Randal Kolo Muani.

Journalist Graeme Bailey confirmed that Chelsea have been offered the chance to sign the Frenchman despite only arriving at the Parc des Princes for £75m back in September 2023.

In talks with intermediaries, they have allegedly reached out to clubs to inform the likes of Chelsea that Kolo Muani and his teammate, Goncalo Ramos, will be available.

Whilst it’s unknown how much a deal for the 25-year-old would cost, he could prove to be an excellent addition and the perfect alternative to Isak and Osimhen.

Why Kolo Muani could be the perfect Isak & Osimhen alternative

With the two main options undoubtedly setting the Blues back upwards of £100m, Kolo Muani could prove to be a cheaper, but just as effective, alternative to the duo.

With PSG wanting to sign Osimhen, they may offload other forwards to make way for his potential arrival, with Kolo Muani one option that may have to be sacrificed.

However, their loss could be Chelsea’s gain, with the 25-year-old averaging a better goal-per-shot-on-target ratio than both Isak and Osimhen.

He’s also won more aerial duels than the aforementioned duo, fitting the bill perfectly for that focal point that Maresca is hunting for during the transfer window.

How Kolo Muani compares to Isak & Osimhen (2023/24)

Statistics

Kolo Muani

Isak

Osimhen

Games

28

30

25

Goals + assists

12

23

18

Goals per shot on target

0.54

0.44

0.33

Aerials won

50%

20%

44%

Take-ons attempted

87

74

40

Stats via FBref

The “superb” ace – as he was dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig – has also demonstrated his ability with the ball at his feet, attempting more take-ons than the other transfer targets, allowing him to also play on the shoulder as well as with his back to goal.

The club’s hunt for a new striker has been going on way too long, with Maresca needing to be more direct with his approach to find the man to lead his forward line next season.

Kolo Muani might not be as glamorous as the likes of Isak and Osimhen – he doesn't score as often – but he certainly would prove to be a great option at the top end of the pitch.

He’s demonstrated his talents in the air and with the ball at his feet, but also his ability to find the back of the net – three features which are vital in a centre forward, but more importantly will help Chelsea mount a serious push for the Premier League’s top four.

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Kylian Mbappe doesn't have any desire of playing for France as the Real Madrid star's relationship with Didier Deschamps reportedly turns sour.

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Mbappe left out of France squadForward doesn't want to return to ClairefontaineRelationship with Deschamps fracturedFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Mbappe’s exclusion from the French national squad for the second consecutive time has ignited speculation over the Real Madrid forward’s future with Les Bleus. According to , his decision has been influenced by the ongoing tensions between him and Deschamps and the French forward has vowed not to return to Clairefontaine as his relationship with the manager is "fractious".

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In addressing his decision, Deschamps offered limited details but indicated that he had deliberated over the choice following several conversations with Mbappe. He said: "I had several exchanges with him. I thought about it and made this decision about this gathering. I think it's better like this. I'm not going to argue. What I can tell you, two things: Kylian wanted to come, and it is not the extra-sporting problems that come into play from the moment the presumption of innocence exists. It’s a one-off choice for this gathering with the two matches awaiting us."

Yet, reports from French sources suggest otherwise, stating that Mbappe may abstain from representing France altogether if the managerial situation does not change, signalling deeper issues behind the scenes that may not be easily resolved.

DID YOU KNOW?

Mbappe’s agent and mother, Fayza Lamari, is also reportedly disillusioned with how her son has been portrayed in the French media, with claims circulating that they feel targeted by a hostile press environment. This tension has seemingly led to an “us against the world” approach adopted by Mbappe and Lamari as they believe there is a coordinated effort within French media circles to damage Mbappe’s reputation.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?

With the international break on the horizon, Mbappe now has a chance to recuperate and refocus. The week and a half off from national team duty could offer him an opportunity to work closely with Real Madrid’s coaching staff to refine his role within the squad and get back his best form as quickly as possible. However, before this respite, he will first take the field for Real Madrid in their La Liga clash against Osasuna at Santiago Bernabeu where he will look to reinforce his form and perhaps alleviate some of the frustrations he has been grappling with this season.

If the visitors manage to pull it off, it will be the highest successful chase in Pakistan

Firdose Moonda07-Feb-2021Stumps On a day when West Indies completed the highest successful chase in the subcontinent to win the first Test against Bangladesh, South Africa put themselves in a position to pull off the best effort by a visiting team in Pakistan. Set 370 to win the Rawalpindi Test, South Africa finished the day 242 runs behind, with nine wickets in hand and set batsmen at the crease.Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen’s second-wicket partnership is worth 92 and demonstrated the kind of application South Africa’s line-up have lacked for large parts of the series so far. Although the surface has become easier to bat on, with little sign of the turn that was noticeable on the first day, and no reverse swing yet, both batsmen made noticeable adjustments to their technique. Markram’s improved footwork against spinners saw him record his second half-century of the tour while van der Dussen countered the low bounce with a substantial stride forward stride and by playing the ball close to the body as often as possible. He is two short of his own second fifty of the series.The pair came together after Dean Elgar, whose first 16 runs came from four boundaries, got carried away by his aggressive approach and chased a wide Shaheen Shah Afridi delivery only to edge to Mohammad Rizwan. Television cameras caught Elgar flinging his bat in frustration once he had reached the dressing room.At that stage, Markram had only just found his rhythm after seeing off 22 dot balls, 18 from Afridi, before taking on the spin. In one over, Markram took 14 runs off Nauman Ali and survived a review for lbw after UltraEdge showed he had inside-edged the ball onto his front pad. Markram continued to play Nauman and later Yasir Shah with confidence but also pounced on loose spells from Hasan Ali, who struggled to find the right length. Markram’s fifty came off 71 balls, at better than a run-a-ball after his initial scoreless vigil.Van der Dussen had a little more trouble against Nauman and was twice beaten by flighted deliveries outside off but quickly adjusted to playing the ball as close to the body as possible. He punished Faheem Ashraf for poor lines, leaving Babar Azam with no option but to go back to Afridi and the spinners, neither of whom were able to make a breakthrough.Pakistan may still feel they have enough, both because the highest successful chase in the country is Sri Lanka’s 220 at the same venue 21 years ago and because South Africa have not successfully chased a total over 200 in almost a decade. The last time they achieved the feat was when they scored 236 for 2 to beat Australia in Cape Town in 2011. Since then, South Africa have been set targets of over 200 on 20 occasions, and have lost 17 of those matches , including six in the subcontinent.But this Pindi surface has not deteriorated enough to make it unplayable and, as Pakistan showed in the third innings, run-scoring remains free-flowing. Rizwan was the most fluent of the home batsmen as he scored his first Test century and led a lower-order fightback. Pakistan’s last five pairs put on 222 runs including 53 between Rizwan and Yasir and 97 between Rizwan and Nauman, and continued the trend of the home side getting valuable rearguard contributions. At the same time, their stubborn resistance told the story of the problems South Africa have encountered in dismissing the tail throughout the series. In Karachi, Pakistan’s last five stands were worth 252 in the first innings, setting up a lead that laid the foundation for the win.Despite that, South Africa took pride from how they controlled the run-rate. Even that failed them in the post-lunch session in Rawalpindi. They conceded 81 runs in 17 overs, at a rate of 4.76 as Rizwan and Nauman took advantage of a weary attack. There was some consolation for South Africa’s bowlers. George Linde, bowling with heavy strapping around his lacerated left little finger, took his first five-for, joining Nortje and Hasan as the bowlers who have prospered on this pitch.South Africa’s spinners fared better than their seamers overall with Keshav Maharaj finishing with three wickets. Kagiso Rabada only bowled seven overs on the fourth day, while Nortje’s bouncers were not enough to unsettled Rizwan, who was strong on the back foot and the pull. Since his comeback in November last year, Rizwan has played 12 Tests and scored six fifties and a hundred and he averages a shave under 45.

Debutants Siraj and Gill provide the finishing touches on Day four

Andrew McGlashan28-Dec-2020Bowled out for 36. Virat Kohli goes home. Mohammed Shami out of the tour. Umesh Yadav limps from the attack. India had to overcome so much that their victory at the MCG, achieved midway through the fourth day by eight wickets, will forever have a part in their cricket folklore. Whether it is part of something even greater will depend on the next three weeks, but for now they can reflect on one of the great bounceback victories.Australia fined, docked WTC points for slow over-rate

Australia have been fined 40% of their match fee and docked four World Test Championship points for maintaining a slow over-rate against India in the Boxing Day Test at MCG. David Boon, the match referee, imposed the sanction after Australia were ruled to be two overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration.

The early loss of two wickets will have left India grateful – and Australia rueful – that the target wasn’t in three-figures, but it never threatened to be become nervy and fittingly it was Ajinkya Rahane who secured the winning run. It is three wins in three Tests as captain for him and rarely can a team have gone from such a low to such a high in such a short period time.Australia’s lower order made them work for the final four wickets during the morning session but they could never break free of the stranglehold on their scoring, so by the time R Ashwin wrapped up the innings on the stroke of a delayed lunch the lead stood at only 69. The final tally of 200 in 103.1 overs was their slowest Test innings on home soil since 1986 and they managed just 10 boundaries and this was the first home Test since 1988, against West Indies also at the MCG, where they did not manage an individual half-century.Ajinkya Rahane walks back to the applause•Getty Images

The ghosts of 36 were just about looming, but it would have needed a miracle. Still, when the struggling Mayank Agarwal edged a big drive off Mitchell Starc and Cheteshwar Pujara got a flat-foot outside edge to gully it momentarily lifted the occasion. While not having a bearing on this match, it was the third time in four innings that Pat Cummins had removed Pujara.A brace of boundaries by Shubman Gill, who played another attractive innings, chipped into the target and there was a dismissiveness in the on-the-up drive played by Rahane, the prime architect of India’s victory, against Josh Hazlewood as the target grew near followed by a pull from Gill off the same bowler.Australia had resumed just two runs ahead and while Cummins and Cameron Green survived until the second new ball the scoreboard went nowhere – 16 runs in the 14 overs. The harder ball then provided the breakthrough when Jasprit Bumrah bounced out Cummins although the fact India did not race through the rest of the batting went on to highlight Australia’s problems higher up the order.Related

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Green played very well, looking as assured as any of the top order had in the innings, defending with a solid front foot stride and occasionally showing his strokeplay. A first Test fifty was looming when he was cramped for room by a short delivery from Mohammed Siraj, splicing a pull to midwicket, which removed the last realistic chance of Australia setting a target to really challenge India.Starc thought he was caught at slip on 9, so much so that he was two thirds of way to the rope having forlornly reviewed when the DRS showed he had hit his boot as the ball ballooned off the pad, but Nathan Lyon gloved down the leg side a few moments later to leave Australia nine down. Lunch was delayed as the final pair clung on before Hazlewood was finally befuddled by Ashwin when he left a delivery that clipped off stump.

Manchester United’s 2023/24 season did not quite go to plan. Despite winning silverware, their poor performances domestically and in the Champions League almost cost Erik ten Hag his job in charge of the Red Devils. However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has decided to keep him at the helm, and he seems set to get a new contract soon.

In the Premier League, United came eighth in the table, finishing eight points behind Aston Villa in fourth place, who claimed the final Champions League spot. United’s disappointing season was summed up by the fact that they ended on a goal difference of negative one.

However, the Red Devils did win the FA Cup, beating Manchester City in the final. They have goals from academy graduates Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo to thank for bringing the trophy back to the red side of Manchester.

In the Champions League, United finished rock bottom of the group, and the 15 goals they conceded in the group stage was the most by a Premier League side at that stage of the competition.

Now, with the new season drawing near and the transfer window open, United could turn to a former player to help them climb back up the Premier League table and improve their standings in Europe.

Man Utd target Serie A striker

The player in question here is Chelsea and Belgium international striker Romelu Lukaku, who had a spell at United between 2017 and 2019. He spent the last season on loan at Italian side Roma and is certain to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

According to a report from Italian news outlet Calcio Mercato, United are “on the trail” of Lukaku if a move for their primary centre-forward target Joshua Zirkzee falls through, or they are beaten to his signature by another club.

However, United would not be the only side who are in for Lukaku this summer. Ironically, the other potential destination for Zirkzee, AC Milan, are also eyeing up the Belgian, should they miss out on the Bologna striker. Napoli are the other side interested in Lukaku, with their new manager Antonio Conte hoping to add to his depth up front, regardless of Victor Osimhen’s future.

In terms of a price for their former striker, Chelsea are thought to be demanding a fee of around £34m for the Belgian. This is not a fee Roma are prepared to pay, which has opened the door for United, as well as Milan and Napoli, to make their move.

Why Lukaku would be a good signing

It is fair to say that Lukaku’s first spell at Old Trafford was a mixed bag. Whilst his goalscoring record was not the worst on paper, with 42 goals and 12 assists in 96 games, for the fee they paid, United fans will no doubt have expected a lot more. Lukaku cost the Red Devils £75m from Everton back in 2017.

Since leaving United, Lukaku has gone through phases of being clinical, whilst also having periods of struggling to find the back of the net. He was superb for Inter, the club United sold him to, before returning to Chelsea, where he struggled, with Inter taking him back on loan. He helped his side reach the Champions League final, before burning his bridges at the Stadio Guiseppe Miazza and joining Roma on loan during the 2023/24 season.

As an alternative signing to Zirkzee, Lukaku could be a shrewd piece of business for United. By signing the Dutchman, they would be adding a talented young striker to the squad, who is a very different profile to Rasmus Hojlund, but will demand lots of game time and be someone who the Dane might not be able to learn as much from.

However, from signing Lukaku, United would be adding an experienced veteran of the Premier League to their squad, who even scored a hat-trick in Sir Alex Ferguson's last-ever game as United manager, for West Brom.

He is a striker who would be able to help improve Hojlund’s game, with the young attacker able to learn from him, and Lukaku may not be quite as fussed if he is not in the starting lineup every week.

Lukaku is still a clinical striker, and his instinct in the penalty box is still very impressive. His time at Euro 2024 showed just how good his penalty box movement can be, with the striker getting into plenty of good positions, despite a frustrating tournament where he failed to find the net.

Zirkzee would still be an excellent signing for the Red Devils; he scored 11 goals and registered five assists in 34 Serie A matches. He is a fantastic link-up striker, who is comfortable at dropping deeper and facilitating the wingers, before making forward runs. The Bologna man could add a unique dynamic to the Old Trafford side which has been lost since Anthony Martial left the club.

With that being said, signing Lukaku for the same price, which might not stunt Hojlund’s development as much, whilst also bringing in a striker who still knows where the back of the net is, might well be better business.

He is clearly highly thought of. Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel called the Belgian “world-class” during his second spell at Stamford Bridge. During his time at United, Marcus Rashford hailed the fact he "always wants to better himself", which as a result "pushes others to be better".

Lukaku’s first spell at United had its bumps in the road and ended trophyless, but perhaps it is time to return to Old Trafford and look to right those wrongs under Ten Hag.

Man Utd want to sign 'scary' England star to rival Marcus Rashford

He is wanted by three Premier League clubs this summer

By
Joe Nuttall

Jul 3, 2024

Misbah-ul-Haq has suggested that Mohammad Amir “made up” the circumstances surrounding his retirement from international cricket.Amir said that “enough is enough” in December, citing “mental torture” in his decision to quit international cricket, but Misbah said on Monday that Amir’s claims had blown the situation “out of proportion”. Instead, he said that Amir had not been an automatic selection and suggested that he should have gone back to domestic cricket to prove his form.Amir was not selected for Pakistan’s recent tour of New Zealand, after what the management deemed to be his lack of contribution as a senior bowler in last two years. In that period he picked up seven wickets at 32.00 in nine T20Is with an economy rate of 8.0. His performance in the T20I series in England last year – he went wicketless in 4.1 overs across two games – raised questions about his role, especially after he was punished in the second T20I, limped off the field with a hamstring injury and ended up missing the final match.More middling performances in the National T20 Cup – he picking up six wickets at 38.83 in seven games – further convinced the selectors to move on and invest in younger players. Since the start of the 2020 edition of the PSL last February, Amir has taken 27 T20 wickets, with an average of 33.07 and an economy rate of 7.99.Related

• Mohammad Amir: Too early to talk about a Test return

• Amir retires from international cricket claiming 'mental torture'

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• Who is the real Mohammad Amir?

He was effectively dropped by six selectors – as well as Misbah and captain Babar Azam – in October, but he singled out Misbah and Waqar Younis, Pakistan’s bowling coach, alleging in frustration that he was deliberately sidelined by the pair.”There was talk about Waqar Younis related to Amir but there is no truth in it at all,” Misbah said. “There were six [association] coaches as selectors, me as chief selector and then there was a captain. So this is absolutely not possible, [the idea] that one person out of all could have influenced the decision.”Nobody was supporting his selection on the basis of performance. I have no idea why he made up everything and tried to give this whole scenario a context that is out of proportion. For him, it was a simple method: go back and prove his form and get back in the team and everything else is irrelevant.”His career trajectory and stock started to go down the day he decided to quit red-ball cricket for Pakistan before the tour of Australia in 2019. He was later excluded from the PCB’s list of central contracts. He might be still widely sought after in T20 leagues around the world, which his complete international retirement should allow more time for, but his performance in them aren’t doing much for him to attract the national selectors. His outburst against Misbah and bowling coach Waqar Younis appeared to be an emotional one which the head coach described as unjust.Waqar was the head coach at time Amir returned into the Pakistan fold back in 2016 and there were strong reservations about him being in a Pakistan dressing room. Mohammad Hafeez had already gone public with his reluctance to play in a team that included Amir, who was suspended from international cricket for five years for his involvement in the spot-fixing scandal of 2010. Azhar Ali had also refused to attend a camp that involved Amir, but it was Waqar and the PCB’s chairman Shaharyar Khan who convinced the players to accept him back.Amir struggled for fitness during Pakistan’s tour of England in 2020•Pool/AFP via Getty Images

“Amir has his own point of view and I have always respected every senior or junior cricket,” Misbah said. “I was the captain when he came back [from his five-year ban] and I had welcomed him and supported him for Pakistan, keeping everything aside.”I remember during England tour [in 2020] I gave my everything to convince him for the tour but he didn’t go on personal ground and initially decided not to go. But then later after coming out of his personal issues he messaged me about his availability and even then me and Waqar recalled him, giving him ample respect as a senior pro. But then he got injured and he also had an evident dip in his form.”Amir was wicketless on the England tour and had a lacklustre stint in the National T20 Cup before he was left out of the home series against Zimbabwe. “Against Zimbabwe last year we gave him a simple reason that we are going to play youngsters like [Mohammad] Hasnain, Haris Rauf, Musa Khan,” Misbah said. “He saw him in a T20 tournament, envisaging that he will mark a comeback to earn his place but then there were others in his team [Northern] who were doing better than him. He missed few games and was even struggling to get in the side.”So there was a simple plan for him and we talked out with him very clearly in England. [We told him] you are our senior bowler, our strike bowler and since you play T20 cricket, we expect you to go all out. In four overs you have to go full throttle, take wickets for Pakistan up front and that’s your role. But then, if it’s not happening and despite your ability to bowl up to 87-88mph, you are bowling at 81mph then it will be increasingly difficult for the team.”When there are bowlers like Shaheen [Afridi], Hasnain, Haris who are giving [everything] for the team, improving and doing better than him, then he had to compete with them to get in the side. He, despite being a senior bowler, can’t be preferred without proving his form. It was simply the performance and nothing else. At the when team was announced [for the New Zealand tour] he hasn’t had his form nor his bowling at his full peak. That was a straight case and there is nothing personal.”