Arsenal are progressing in talks to sign a “deadly” Premier League star, who is now “likely” to leave his current club this summer, according to a report.

Gunners keen on new forwards after injury-ridden 2024/25 campaign

Injuries undoubtedly played a part in the Gunners’ inability to finally win the Premier League title this season, with a number of their key attacking players spending differing amounts of time on the sidelines due to setbacks.

Player

PL matches missed

Gabriel Martinelli

3

Bukayo Saka

13

Kai Havertz

14

Gabriel Jesus

19

As such, it is little wonder that Mikel Arteta is looking to bolster his attacking options this summer, and a new striker is believed to be of particular interest, with talks over a deal for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres now advancing.

Botafogo’s Igor Jesus and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko have recently been named as potential alternative targets to Gyokeres, while it could also make sense to bring in a versatile forward, capable of filling in if the Gunners suffer similar injury problems next season.

According to a report from TNATS (via The Boot Room), Arsenal are now pursuing a forward who could fit the bill in that regard, with talks over a deal for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo now advancing, although there is widespread interest in his signature.

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The Brentford star has been a long-term target for the Gunners, but a deal may not be cheap, with reports from elsewhere revealing the Bees could look to hold out for a fee of £65m.

One thing that is clear, however, is that the 25-year-old could be heading for the exit door this summer, with Christian Norgaard revealing his teammate is now “likely” to leave.

"Deadly" Mbeumo could be fantastic signing for Arsenal

As mentioned, the France-born forward’s versatility could be a real bonus for Arteta next season, given that he is capable of playing at both striker and out wide, flourishing at right-wing this season, in what has been an impressive campaign for the Bees.

The Cameroon international has 28 goal contributions to his name in all competitions, scoring 19 goals in 37 Premier League games, while catching the eye due to his work-rate.

Having also been lauded as “deadly” by Statman Dave, Mbeumo has earned a move to a top club this summer, and he could be a fantastic signing for Arsenal.

Ruben Amorim has cut a frustrated figure since replacing Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. The Portugal tactician’s candour has worked against him at times, fingers pointed toward negativity when the club needs the opposite.

But Amorim is at least clear in his vision and clear about where the Red Devils need to improve. He’s been clear about his opinion that beating Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final will not rectify the wrongs, and he’s been clear that changes are needed in the transfer market this summer.

United are down, but they aren’t out, retaining a deep-rooted appeal for players to make the move to Old Trafford. INEOS will certainly hope the club’s reputation holds sway as they look to close their first deal of the summer.

Man Utd on the verge of signing new forward

According to Fabrizio Romano, Man United will complete the signing of Matheus Cunha in the coming days, with the Wolverhampton Wanderers forward keen on wrapping up discussions and making the move to Manchester.

Cunha has a £62.5m release clause in his Wolves contract after renewing terms in January, and given that negotiations between United and the Old Gold are at an advanced stage, it seems to be the structure of the payment being the only hold-up.

What Matheus Cunha would bring to Old Trafford

Regarded as “one of the best players in the Premier League this season” by Statman Dave, Cunha may well have been the definitive factor in Wolves’ season, firing away each week to lift his team away from the relegation fodder.

He might find he’s swiftly required as a talisman at Old Trafford next season, for his efforts suggest he’s a far cry ahead of some of Amorim’s existing options.

Alejandro Garnacho is one of United’s brightest sparks, but there’s no question that he’s ebbed and flowed this year, with talks of a transfer to Chelsea or Atletico Madrid in January coming to nought.

Such clubs may return for the £65m-rated talent this summer.

Amorim and Garnacho didn’t get off to a good start, the manager dropping his 20-year-old star in December following application problems in training.

He has evident talent, but given that Cunha is expected to join, why not cash in and start afresh? To be sure, United need quite the renovation.

And when looking at the players’ respective seasons, it’s clear that Cunha is head and shoulders above the Man United man.

Premier League 24/25 – Matheus Cunha vs Alejandro Garnacho

Stats (* per game)

Cunha

Garnacho

Matches (starts)

31 (28)

36 (23)

Goals

15

6

Assists

6

2

Shots (on target)*

3.2 (1.3)

2.3 (0.8)

Big chances missed

2

14

Pass completion

79%

83%

Big chances created

13

4

Dribbles*

1.9

0.7

Ball recoveries*

4.0

3.0

Tackles + interceptions*

1.6

1.2

Duels won*

5.6

2.8

Data via Sofascore

Cunha is far more clinical, not just outscoring Garnacho (and all the rest) but doing so with style, having missed only two big chances all season. Moreover, he’s more creative and more effective, and active in the duel.

Cunha’s defensive statistics surpass Garnacho’s too, and that’s not because of Wolves’ style of play. United are hemmed in near the bottom of the Premier League table with two games left to go, having averaged 53.2% of possession each game, as per FBref.

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The fact is, Amorim needs this kind of player in his mix. The Red Devils need a tenacious and combative forward who will work hard and shoot true, with a flair for the creative, too.

Hailed for his “incredible” performances at Molineux by his former manager Gary O’Neil, signing Cunha, regardless of United’s Europa League fate, would make a firm comment on the club’s ability to withstand adversity and still attract some of the finest players in the Premier League.

Maybe Garnacho and the £90k-per-week Wolves sensation could work in conjunction next year, but if the Argentina prospect needs to be sold to establish room and balance for this new recruit, so be it.

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Targeting attacking reinforcements this summer, the 49ers are now reportedly leading the race to sign an impressive 21-goal striker for Leeds United in the coming months.

Leeds set to back Daniel Farke with new striker signing

If recent reports are anything to go by, then Leeds are set to go all out in preparation for the Premier League this summer. The 49ers seem determined to back manager Daniel Farke, who will be looking to earn Premier League redemption of his own following previous relegations with Norwich City.

There was a stage in which rumours were emerging that Fake wouldn’t get that chance, however, with those at Elland Road unsure on his top flight record. Club chairman Paraag Marathe has since put those rumours to bed, telling reporters in the middle of Leeds’ title celebrations: “I’m very excited to run it back with Daniel and collaborate with him.

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“I’m under no illusions that it is going to be easy. The past two seasons the three promoted teams came straight back down but we have something they don’t have, we have Daniel Farke first of all. I have ended the speculation. He is my man.”

Desperate to avoid the same mistakes that Southampton, Leicester City and Ipswich Town made this season, Leeds have reportedly set their sights on signing proven Premier League players this summer, with names such as Kostas Tsimikas and even Jamie Vardy already mentioned as potential targets.

Tsimikas would be a particularly strong signing, given that he’s fresh from becoming a Premier League champion with Liverpool. The Greek left-back would instantly replace Junio Firpo, who is currently on course to leave Elland Road at the end of his contract next month.

Although the focus on Premier League targets is clear, however, the 49ers have also reportedly set their sights on an impressive goalscorer from outside of English football.

Leeds leading race to sign Vanat

According to reports in Ukraine, as relayed by Sport Witness, the 49ers and Leeds are now ahead in the race to sign Vladyslav Vanat from Dynamo Kyiv this summer alongside fellow Premier League side Fulham. The 23-year-old has enjoyed an excellent season, scoring 21 goals and creating a further eight in all competitions, and could now be on the move as a result.

Dubbed an “all-round centre-forward” and praised for his “powerful ball-striking” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Leeds could welcome a hidden gem by signing Vanat this summer.

Whilst his name wouldn’t steal the same headlines as the likes of Vardy, his numbers suggest that he could be an even better signing than the Premier League veteran. Racing against Fulham for his signature, Leeds should push on and formalise their interest in signing Vanat when the summer transfer window swings open.

With a deal to sign Matheus Cunha reportedly at an advanced stage, INEOS have now reportedly opened talks with another Manchester United target who could join the Brazilian at Old Trafford.

Man Utd advancing in deal to sign Cunha

As revealed by Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United’s deal to sign Cunha is still at an advanced stage, with the Red Devils now working on details of the agreement to sign the forward. The deal, itself, is unlikely to be a cheap one for the Red Devils, given the forward’s reported £63m release clause, but it is one that should hand Ruben Amorim an attacking solution once and for all.

United’s interest in Cunha certainly makes sense with Amorim at the helm too. The Manchester United manager has often struggled to get success out of his 3-4-2-1 system during the first six months of his spell in charge, but the arrival of Cunha would go a long way towards helping that system function.

Likely to play in one of the two advanced midfield roles behind the one forward, Cunha could form quite the partnership with Bruno Fernandes to finally sharpen what has been a blunt Manchester United frontline for far too long. What’s more, with 15 Premier League goals to his name in all competitions this season, it’s fair to say that the Wolves star knows exactly where the back of the net is.

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That said, he may not be the only one to join Amorim’s attack this summer. Reports have also indicated that INEOS have set their sights on another impressive Premier League attacker.

Man Utd open talks for Semenyo

According to talkSPORT, INEOS have now opened talks with Antoine Semenyo, who could find himself on his way to Manchester United alongside Cunha in the coming months. The Bournemouth winger has enjoyed an excellent season under Andoni Iraola to earn the attraction of clubs of the Red Devils’ stature. Now, he looks set to have a decision to make.

Starts

28

34

21

Goals

15

9

4

Assists

6

5

0

Expected Goals

8

9.5

5.2

When compared to Rasmus Hojlund, it’s clear that both Cunha and Semenyo would offer Amorim two much-needed upgrades this summer. When it comes to goal involvements, both targets have outperformed the Dane, whose output has been disappointing and record of underperforming his expected goals even more frustrating for those at Old Trafford.

Dubbed “strong” by analyst Ben Mattinson, whether Semenyo is willing to leave Bournemouth – a side fighting for European qualification – for a struggling Manchester United side is the big question.

It’s one that the winger must ask himself and one that United must be honest about with themselves. After such a disastrous campaign, that’s the position that they’re in.

Will Celtic spend big this summer?

A year ago, the Hoops broke their transfer record to bring in Arne Engels for £11m, but that was not all, also paying £9.5m to make Adam Idah’s loan move from Norwich permanent, with notable fees paid to sign Auston Trusty, Paulo Bernardo permanently and Luke McCowan too.

Nevertheless, Brendan Rodgers will want to improve his squad further in the upcoming transfer window, so does he have a “quality” new winger in his sights?

The latest on Jota's injury

As reported by Ewan Paton of the Herald, Rodgers confirmed in his Friday pre-Glasgow derby press conference that Jota will be sidelined for up to nine months, after suffering a knee injury against Dundee United on Saturday.

Just five minutes before the injury occurred, the Portuguese winger had helped the Hoops take the lead at Tannadice, it ultimately went down as a Ryan Strain own goal, but that will sadly be his final contribution for a while.

Jota had only rejoined Celtic as recently as January for £8m from Stade Rennais, making 16 appearances and scoring five goals, but now faces a long period on the sidelines.

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Given this injury blow, the Celts could be forced to enter the transfer market to recruit a new winger, so has Rodgers identified his top target?

Celtic's winger target to replace Jota

As was reported back in early April, Celtic are believed to be eyeing a move to sign Million Manhoef of EFL Championship outfit Stoke City.

The Dutch youth international joined the Potters in January last year from Vitesse Arnhem, costing a reported £3m, although a potential exit could lie in store this summer.

With that in mind, let’s assess his statistics.

Appearances

52

Minutes

3,431

Goals

11

Assists

5

Then Stoke manager Steven Schumacher praised Manhoef’s ability to run “towards goal, take people on, get shots away”, believing the 23-year-old will only continue to get better.

Meantime, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labels him “quality and versatile”, while Dean Jones of Give Me Sport notes that Manhoef is “the sort of player that will get fans out of their seats.”

The youngster has certainly earned plenty of praise, hence why journalist Graeme Bailey reports that he is now valued at £10m, so let’s assess how he ranks amongst his EFL Championship counterparts this season.

Appearances

34

185th

Minutes

2,422

170th

Goals

5

61st

Assists

5

27th

Shots on target %

35.6%

91st

Shots per 90

2.71

17th

Progressive carries

82

32nd

Progressive passes received

166

44th

Attempted take-ons

132

9th

Successful take-ons

52

13th

Take-on success % (min 100 attempted)

39.4%

19th

Carries into opposition penalty area

53

10th

Touches

1047

241st

As the table underlines, Manhoef is certainly a high-quality and high-quantity dribbler, ranking in the top ten for both attempted take-ons and carries into the opposition penalty area, despite limited touches and the fact he plays for a struggling Stoke side.

Worth noting that a whopping 758 outfield players have featured in England’s second-tier this season, making Manhoef’s high rankings all the more noteworthy.

The 23-year-old also ranks 17th when it comes to shots-per-90, which is pretty impressive, although his shots on target figure of just 35.6% means there is still room for development.

Nevertheless, with Stoke’s season having now finished, Celtic should start negotiations now, before anyone else becomes interested in securing Manhoef’s signature, given that it certainly appears as though he would be an excellent new recruit. He could be the perfect man to fill Jota’s void on the flanks.

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In what would be one the most interesting deals in the Premier League this summer, Liverpool could yet be offered the chance to sign a replacement for Andy Robertson in a swap deal for one of Arne Slot’s midfielders.

Liverpool must replace Robertson

It becomes increasingly difficult to criticise a club when they sit on their Premier League throne, but Liverpool – crown or no crown – are not yet the finished product under Slot. Their strengths have made them unstoppable at times, but their weaknesses have ensured that they’re not quite impenetrable and a large part of those weaknesses have come down their left-hand side courtesy of Robertson.

There’s no denying his legend status at Anfield. The Scot is now a two-time Premier League winner as well as a Champions League winner and every domestic trophy that English football has to offer. From a left-back relegated with Hull City, Robertson has won it all in Liverpool colours and will have his place among the best in his position in the club’s history books.

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That said, those days may well be exactly that – history. For the first time in his Liverpool career, Robertson has truly struggled to act as the reliable servant he has so often been and the Reds should act ruthlessly as a result this summer.

Whether the 31-year-old agrees with that sentiment is another question, however. When asked about the potential of competition arriving this summer, Robertson told reporters earlier this season: “I think we’ve been linked with pretty much every left-back in the world.

“That comes with playing with one of the greatest clubs in the world. I look back on these eight years I’ve had here as the starting left-back at that club and I feel a lot of pride. Your time comes and I don’t think it’s my time yet, but even if we do bring someone in, then so be it. I’ll always back myself.”

Liverpool could be offered surprise Antonee Robinson swap

One left-back who has been linked with a move to Anfield is Antonee Robinson and the Reds could yet receive quite the opportunity to land his signature. According to The Boot Room, Liverpool could be offered the chance to sign Robinson in a swap deal with Harvey Elliott. Fulham have reportedly spoken about re-signing their academy graduate, who Jurgen Klopp once dubbed “brilliant”, and Liverpool’s interest in their left-back has come up in the same conversations.

The American has enjoyed an excellent season, with 10 assists to his name in the Premier League, and could now earn the biggest move of his career as a result this summer.

Premier League stats 24/25 (via FBref)	Antonee Robinson	Andy Robertson
Starts	32	27
Assists	10	0
Tackles Won	56	22
Ball Recoveries	142	91

The numbers paint quite the picture and it’s far from a pretty one for Robertson, who has been outperformed by Robinson in the current campaign. As the numbers show, it wouldn’t be absurd to suggest that the American has been the best in his position in the Premier League this season.

16th in the Premier League table. A 17th top-flight loss of the season. As manager Ruben Amorim put it, Manchester United are now “losing the feeling of [being] a massive club”.

Those explosive words came amid a noteworthy post-match press conference from the Portuguese coach, following United’s dour 2-0 defeat to a struggling West Ham United side at Old Trafford.

While attention is now focused on next week’s Europa League final, the ex-Sporting CP boss appears furious with the manner in which his side are throwing in the towel domestically, having seemingly demanded a club-wide reaction to the team’s current malaise.

The only saving grace from this wretched league run is that Amorim has been afforded the time to figure out just who he wants to have onboard for next term, with work seemingly already underway in the background, ahead of the looming summer window.

Indeed, by all accounts, the Red Devils could be close to wrapping up a first deal, in the form of Wolverhampton Wanderers talisman, Matheus Cunha.

The latest on Cunha's move to Man Utd

While much of United’s summer business may depend on securing Champions League qualification, via Europa League glory, Amorim has already stated that no player who “only wants” the Champions League will be moving to Manchester – as he outlined in relation to reports surrounding Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres.

Thankfully, as far as the 40-year-old is concerned, it would appear that Cunha is willing to move to the Theatre of Dreams regardless of what happens next week, with talks for the Brazilian forward already said to be advanced.

Indeed, reports last week even claimed that personal terms had been agreed with the 26-year-old, with the former Atletico Madrid man in line to depart Molineux in the coming months, provided any suitor matches his £62.5m release clause.

While there is rival interest from the likes of Arsenal, the suggestion remains that United are the side who are leading the race at present, with Cunha deemed to be the perfect fit for one of Amorim’s number ten berths.

A player with that Eric Cantona-esque edge to his game, the fiery forward has backed up his temperamental displays with a string of standout performances this season, having chalked up 15 goals and six assists in the Premier League to date.

Top Premier League goalscorers – 24/25
Player	Goals	Assists	Games
Mo Salah	28	18	36
Alexander Isak	23	6	33
Erling Haaland	21	3	29
Chris Wood	20	3	34
Bryan Mbeumo	18	7	36
Yoane Wissa	18	3	33
Ollie Watkins	16	7	36
Cole Palmer	15	8	35
Matheus Cunha	15	6	31
Jean-Philippe Mateta	14	2	35
Stats via BBC Sport

The in-form marksman has been a real star of 2024/25, albeit while having actually been outperformed by a figure of United’s recent past, across all competitions…

The Man Utd "disappointment" who's outperforming Cunha

United supporters are wise enough not to be getting too carried away over the prospect of Cunha joining the club this summer, having seen far too many marquee moves go south in recent years.

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As club legend Gary Neville stated, Bruno Fernandes is the “only” player in the last decade to have lived up to expectations, after arriving at Old Trafford, with the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era having been littered with high-profile transfer mistakes – not least under former CEO, Ed Woodward’s watch.

Arguably the “biggest disappointment” in that period, as per Neville, was the capture of Angel Di Maria from Real Madrid on a £59m deal, with the Argentine sensation joining just a matter of months on from his Man of the Match display in the 2014 Champions League final.

As the player himself later admitted, however, he never wanted to make the move to Manchester in the first place, having also described then-boss Louis van Gaal as the “worst boss I ever had”, following the dour nature of his time at the club.

There were flashes of quality, namely the playmaker’s delightful dink against Leicester City, although such moments were few and far between, with the mercurial left-footer swiftly departing for Paris Saint-Germain after just a solitary season, as Woodward and co cashed in for around £44.3m.

The now-veteran playmaker – who did rack up 15 goal involvements in 34 games for United – went on to register 212 goals and assists in Paris, prior to joining Juventus and then current side Benfica in recent years.

Back at the club where he made his name between 2007 and 2010, before moving to Madrid, the 37-year-old remains a central figure for the Lisbon outfit, amid their battle for the title.

Having re-signed in 2023, Di Maria has particularly impressed in the current campaign, after chalking up 15 goals and nine assists across 38 games in all competitions.

That return of 24 goal contributions actually places the ageing star ahead of that man Cunha, with the wantaway Wolves star registering 23 goal contributions for the Old Gold in 2024/25.

In truth, that return highlights the quality that United saw only too briefly during Di Maria’s time in Manchester, with the hope now that Cunha doesn’t follow suit, should he make his own statement switch in the near future.

Amorim’s side no doubt need a maverick, expressive talent like Cunha, although as Van Gaal found with Di Maria, the question remains as to how that individual asset will shine as part of the collective.

As Di Maria swiftly found out, no player is bigger than the club…

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Liverpool are now leading the race to complete the signing of a “great” player in the summer transfer window, according to a new update from Fabrizio Romano.

Liverpool eyeing signings on either flank

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson have been a legendary full-back pairing for the Reds over the past seven or eight years, but there is a changing of the guard at Anfield this summer.

Sadly, Alexander-Arnold has opted to leave Liverpool in order to almost certainly join Real Madrid, which unsurprisingly hasn’t gone down well with many supporters, while Robertson isn’t the force he once was at left-back – no surprise, considering he is now 31 and has years of relentless running behind him.

Jeremie Frimpong is set to arrive from Bayer Leverkusen, potentially coming in as a right-back, but he is also more than capable of taking up a more attacking right-sided role. It remains to be seen how Arne Slot will use him, and if Conor Bradley will be first-choice right-back moving forward.

Meanwhile, Milos Kerkez has emerged as the strongest option at left-back, following an excellent season with Bournemouth, although Fulham’s Antonee Robinson and Ajax teenager Jorrel Hato have also been mentioned as options. Manchester City have reportedly been looking to hijack a move for Kerkez, though, being seen as “genuine rivals” for his signature.

Liverpool in pole position to sign Kerkez after talks

Taking to X on Sunday, Romano said that Liverpool are in pole position to sign Kerkez from Bournemouth this summer, with talks continuing to head in the right direction:

Kerkez really does feel like the natural fit to come in and be Liverpool’s new first-choice left-back, ticking so many boxes, in terms of what Slot will be looking for.

The 21-year-old Hungary international is strong at both ends of the pitch, bagging seven goal contributions (two goals and five assists) in the Premier League this season, as well as averaging 2.6 clearances and 1.4 tackles per game.

Appearances

37

Starts

37

Minutes played

3,251

Goals

2

Assists

5

Clearances per game

2.6

Tackles per game

1.4

Interceptions per game

1.2

Key passes per game

0.9

In fact, Kerkez’s performances haven’t been lost on Slot, who has said he has enjoyed a “great season”, while football talent scout Jacek Kulig called him “amazing” after Bournemouth beat Manchester City earlier in the season.

At this point, it could be a surprise if the Cherries star didn’t join Liverpool, in a summer transfer window that is already threatening to be legendary.

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If the Reds manage to sign Kerkez, Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and a top-quality striker, it will be significant business that may only make them far stronger heading into next season.

Leeds United are currently preparing for a huge summer transfer window as they look ahead to trying to avoid instant relegation from the Premier League.

The Whites won the Championship title, with a staggering 100 points, with their win over Plymouth Argyle on the final day, and now have a top-flight season to look forward to.

Daniel Farke and his staff must recruit players who they feel can bolster the squad to improve their chances of survival, and the West Yorkshire outfit are reportedly looking to bring a former star back to Elland Road.

Leeds considering move for Premier League midfielder

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Leeds United are “considering” a deal to sign Manchester City defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips in the upcoming summer transfer window.

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The reporter claims that the England international would be “ready” to return to West Yorkshire ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, having left the club to join the Cityzens in the summer of 2022.

Bailey’s report on The Boot Room adds that a permanent deal would be difficult for the Whites to do, because the midfielder has three years left on his contract at The Etihad, and that they are currently eyeing up a loan move for their former academy graduate.

Phillips has spent the current season on loan with Ipswich Town, who have already been relegated from the Premier League, but his previous form for Leeds in the top-flight suggests that he could star alongside Ao Tanaka at Elland Road.

Why Kalvin Phillips could thrive with Ao Tanaka

The Japanese midfielder enjoyed a fantastic season in the Championship with the Whites and showed potential to make the step up to the Premier League, with his passing and defensive qualities.

Tanaka ended the 2024/25 campaign with a pass completion rate of 90% and a duel success rate of 55% across 43 appearances, which shows that he was efficient in and out of possession in the middle of the park.

Leeds will need their midfielders to be reliable on the ball and strong off it in the top-flight, as they will be battling against relegation, and that is also why Tanaka could thrive alongside a physical operator like Phillips, who was once dubbed “exceptional” by U23 scout Antonio Mango.

Appearances

29

43

Pass accuracy

85%

90%

Tackles per game

2.6

2.2

Interceptions per game

1.6

1.3

Duels won per game

5.3

4.5

Duel success rate

52%

55%

As you can see in the table above, the English maestro’s defensive form for Marcelo Bielsa in the Premier League during the 2020/21 campaign was even more impressive than the current Leeds star’s in the second tier this term.

This suggests that the potential is there for them to be a robust midfield pairing who can provide protection in front of the back four, whilst also being reliable with their passing into the front players, which could be needed as they battle it out for vital points.

Of course, there are question marks over whether or not Phillips can get back to that level, having struggled of late in loans with Ipswich and West Ham, losing 57% of his duels in the top-flight for the former and 52% of his battles for the latter.

Perhaps a return to familiar surroundings at Elland Road, where he has been successful at the top level in the past, could help him to return to form.

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Signing him on loan, therefore, could be a worthwhile gamble and one that could pay off for Leeds and Farke as it could result in him and Tanaka forming an impressive midfield partnership.

After a defeat in the Europa League final and a Premier League campaign filled with disaster, the last thing Manchester United needed was more football.

Ruben Amorim is crying out for a holiday, yearning for some time off, as too are his players.

Sadly, that isn’t the case. They’ve embarked on a post-season tour to Asia, which rather typically, has started in embarrassing fashion.

Facing off against ASEAN All Stars in front of over 70,000 people, a Red Devils team mixed with academy players and experienced senior pros were beaten 1-0.

While the game ultimately doesn’t matter, it did rubber stamp why United are in dire need of improving the squad this summer.

Man United’s summer transfer plans

The season has only just finished but INEOS are already closing in on their first big addition of the summer.

On Tuesday, it was revealed by multiple sources that Matheus Cunha was set to undergo a medical after United agreed to pay his £62.5m release clause at Wolves.

He’s not the only forward player who could arrive from another Premier League club, with reports suggesting that they’ve held talks to sign Brentford talisman Bryan Mbeumo.

The winger was one of the standout players in England’s top-flight this campaign, scoring 20 times, enough to rank him as the fourth top scorer in the league behind Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland.

It’s evident United are doing their utmost to improve the attack and could bolster further through Liam Delap.

One report a few days ago revealed that personal terms had been agreed with the player, although talkSPORT shared the breaking news on Wednesday that he’s now likely to join Chelsea.

Games

33

38

Goals

15

20

Assists

6

8

With all that said, who would be the number one option for former Manchester United icon Gordon Strachan?

Gordon Strachan's number one option for Man United

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast this week on behalf of Esports Insider, Strachan gave his view on the club’s transfer business this summer.

Asked who would be a better signing, Delap or another target in Victor Osimhen, the former Scotland international said:

“Delap. Absolutely. He’s young, he’s enthusiastic and I don’t think he’ll bring any baggage.” Why is added baggage a problem? Well, Strachan felt like the last thing United needed was another disruptive figure.

“Some recent signings from Man United have had a bit of baggage, in fact the whole club has a bit of baggage at the moment, but Delap would be a safe signing.”

Outlining the Ipswich forward’s best qualities, the player turned pundit commented: “I don’t think defenders like playing against him. If you went round all the defenders in the Premier League and asked who you don’t like playing against, he’d be one of them. This guy seems to really just annoy people, annoy people into making mistakes. He’s a great finisher and there’s a humility about him.”

Compared to Rasmus Hojlund who cost £72m, Delap would be a relative bargain, possessing a reported release clause of £30m.

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