All posts by h716a5.icu

Still on the hunt for attacking reinforcements, Manchester United are now reportedly open to offering Joshua Zirkzee in a summer swap deal to sign one particular target worth a hefty £85m.

Man Utd could face Gyokeres and Mbeumo rejection

Whilst their recruitment of Matheus Cunha gave them plenty of hope that last season’s failure wouldn’t stand in the way of much-needed additions this summer, Viktor Gyokeres and Bryan Mbeumo could quickly flip that narrative.

It’s a fairly open secret that the Red Devils are in pursuit of the duo, with Fabrizio Romano even going as far as to suggest that they’ve been constantly contacting Gyokeres, but that pursuit could yet end in failure.

Thomas Frank’s move to Tottenham Hotspur has suddenly seen the North London side come sprinting into the race for Mbeumo’s signature and reports are claiming that the Lilywhites have met the forward’s £70m price tag. United, meanwhile, have already seen one bid rejected for the Brentford star.

Losing out on two attacking targets would be a frustrating blow for United, but losing out to two rivals in Arsenal and Tottenham would add further salt to their wounds.

The new Martial: Wilcox ramping up move to sign "next Mbappe" for Man Utd

Man United are pressing to bring in a centre-forward with shades of Anthony Martial.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 16, 2025

Those at Old Trafford may have no choice but to dust themselves off and go again, however. Just who they turn to if they miss out on Mbeumo and Gyokeres is the big question. On that front, names such as Antoine Semenyo and an impressive £85m striker have already been mentioned among those that United may begin to chase.

Man Utd open to swap deal for Ekitike involving Zirkzee

That £85m name is of course Hugo Ekitike. According to Caught Offside, Manchester United are now open to offering Joshua Zirkzee in a swap deal to sign Ekitike. Eintracht Frankfurt reportedly value the Frenchman at €100m (£85m), but the inclusion of Zirkzee in any deal could help bring that hefty figure down.

Minutes

2,563

1,402

Goals

15

3

Assists

8

1

Expected Goals

21.6

4.8

Whilst there may well be a concern over just how much Ekitike has underperformed when it comes to matching his expected goals, there’s no doubt that he’d be an instant upgrade on Zirkzee for Ruben Amorim this summer.

The Dutchman struggled to leave his mark in his debut season, making it harder and harder to justify his £105,000-a-week salary. Now, just one year later, he could find himself replaced and shown the exit door in one swift move.

Described as “strong” by analyst Ben Mattinson, who was full of praise for the Frenchman back in March, Ekitike is undoubtedly one to watch this summer. He won’t come cheap, but if Manchester United can find a way past the forward’s hefty price tag, then he is one that they should prioritise.

Aston Villa are set for a busy summer after missing out on Champions League football, but they may now be in position to strike for a talented winger from the continent.

Aston Villa run rule over Rashford and Asensio alternatives

Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio were both instrumental signings from Unai Emery in January, though landing either on a permanent basis may prove difficult after having to settle for a place in the Europa League next term.

Admittedly, Emiliano Martinez departing to ease pressure on Aston Villa’s PSR situation could create some room for manouvre on that front if he leaves before the June 30th deadline.

Talks have been held to sign Asensio and both parties feel a return to Villa Park for the Spain international makes sense, though it remains to be seen if the financial realities of such a scenario stand the test of time.

In the meantime, seeking out alternatives appears to be a smart move from Aston Villa, who have placed Tyler Dibling high on their radar and watched him several times in a campaign where he became a shining light at Southampton.

Similarities have been cited between the Saints’ playmaker and Villans target Jack Grealish amid news that Emery is interested in bringing the Three Lions international back to his former stomping ground.

Aston Villa’s top five scorers in 2024/25 – should they add to their forward line?

Ollie Watkins

17

Morgan Rogers

14

Jhon Duran

12

Marco Asensio

8

Youri Tielemans

5

Such a move would be bound to provoke a mix of excitement and trepidation in equal measure. However, plenty of other names will begin to circulate in connection with Aston Villa as the window begins to heat up.

Like clockwork, Emery’s men are now interested in yet another wide-man and have reportedly started to make advances on that front.

Aston Villa register interest in Real Betis star Jesus Rodriguez

According to Spanish reports, Aston Villa are circling for Real Betis winger Jesus Rodriguez and have moved to register their interest, therefore making contact with the Europa Conference League finalists regarding his situation.

The outlet relay that RB Leipzig have submitted an offer mooted to be in the region of £16.8 million for his services. However, it is noted that he has a release clause of £29.4 million, which is possibly a more realistic price-tag. Manchester United and Liverpool have also been mentioned as suitors.

Aston Villa now ready to offer major deal to sign £50m Mozambique winger

He could replace Marcus Rashford.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 4, 2025

Monchi and company don’t want to miss a market opportunity like Rodriguez, and the Spain Under-21 international’s running style has been likened to Gareth Bale’s unique presence, giving an inkling of what fans could expect if he does end up at Villa Park.

This campaign, the Seville-born talent has registered five goals and four assists in 44 appearances and is very much one for the future at 19-years-old.

With Aston Villa set for changes this summer, Rodriguez could provide some youthful exuberance on either flank as Emery looks to challenge the elite and make strides in Europe.

What once looked like it could be quite a miserable summer for Tottenham Hotspur is now one full of exciting transfer-related possibilities.

Being one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League, the Lilywhites will always be able to attract top talent.

Still, following their Europa League triumph, they now have the added lure of Champions League football and the money that goes with it.

This already seems to be helping their case as well, as, based on recent reports, the North Londoners might soon have a player who’s won comparisons to Bukayo Saka.

Tottenham winger search

Before we get to the star in question, it’s worth looking over some of the other talented wingers linked with Spurs in recent weeks and months, such as Eberechi Eze and Rayan Cherki.

Transfer Focus

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

The former has spent plenty of time in the middle of the park this season but is more than capable of playing out wide, and with 25 goal involvements in 43 games this term, he’d be more than worth his £68m release clause.

Likewise, at a reported £19m, Cherki would be a steal, as in just 44 appearances for Lyon this season, he has scored 12 goals and provided 20 assists.

However, the North Londoners might be able to get an even better deal in the coming weeks.

According to a recent report from Sky Sports News’ Kaveh Solhekol and Michael Bridge, Spurs have been offered the chance to sign Bayern Munich star Leroy Sané.

The report has revealed that in light of the club’s place in next season’s UCL, they have become a far more attractive destination for the German international, who’ll be available for free in a month’s time.

It might not be the most exciting transfer possible, but Sané is a proven winger at the highest level and has even won comparisons to a player who’s terrorised Tottenham in recent years: Saka.

How Sané compares to Saka

So before getting to some of the other reasons why Spurs should be looking to bring Sané in on a free this summer, it’s important to address this comparison to Saka and where it comes from.

In this case, it comes from FBref, which compared players in similar positions at last summer’s European Championships and concluded that the Arsenal star was the third most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Bayern ace in the entire competition.

It’s much easier to see how this conclusion was reached by looking at some of the underlying metrics in which they rank closely, including but not limited to expected assists, progressive passes, passing accuracy, shot and goal-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Expected Assists

0.09

0.11

Progressive Passes

3.04

3.57

Passing Accuracy

83.8%

83.8%

Shot-Creating Actions

3.03

3.30

Goal-Creating Actions

0.43

0.47

Successful Take-Ons

2.17

2.00

Moreover, aside from the significant statistical overlap between the two, they are also both mainly left-footed right-wingers who have benefited tremendously from the coaching of Mikel Arteta at different points in their careers.

With that said, why else should the North Londoners go out of their way to bring the former Manchester City star to the club this summer?

Well, firstly, even as his minutes have been somewhat reduced at Bayern this season, the “world-class” winger, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has remained a genuine attacking threat, living up to Pep Guardiola’s billing that he is one of “the best in the world playing out wide.”

For example, in 45 appearances, totalling just 2377 minutes, the 29-year-old dynamo has scored 13 goals and provided six assists, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 2.36 games, or more crucially, every 125.10 minutes.

Finally, the Essen-born monster is a natural winner; he lifted two Premier Leagues, two League Cups and one FA Cup at the Eithad, and then in Bavaria, he has won four Bundesliga, the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.

Ultimately, even if he was going to cost a modest fee, signing Sané would be the smart move to make this summer, so the fact he’s free makes bringing him to Tottenham a no-brainer – especially as he could be the club’s own Saka.

Their new Dele Alli: Spurs could sign "one of the best 10s in the world"

Spurs could sign their new Dele Alli this summer.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 27, 2025

Newcastle United are charging towards a place in the Champions League next campaign and could now land an exciting import to strengthen once the summer window opens.

Newcastle look to firm up summer window approach

Eddie Howe will be feeling optimistic ahead of the summer window after leading his side to a crucial triumph over Chelsea last weekend that has put them on the brink of securing a return to Europe’s premier competition.

Arsenal and Everton await in their final two Premier League matches, paving the way for what could potentially be a statement few months if they can push Champions League football over the line.

The North East has become a place for talent to thrive in recent seasons and Newcastle want Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo to be their next star signing if they can manage to prize him away from West London. On the same token, Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott could arrive at St James’ Park, adding a threat from the engine room alongside carrying the carrot that he would be a homegrown asset that would aid their squad registration dilemma for European competitions.

Aboubacar Maiga is deemed as one for the future by Newcastle, though it illustrates how committed they are to bringing in young talent and giving them the space to blossom into stars of the future.

Newcastle planning formal approach to bring "special" £50m star to Tyneside

The Magpies are looking to take advantage…

BySean Markus Clifford May 12, 2025

Speculation is beginning to hit fever pitch and that is only likely to increase between now and the end of the campaign. There is real excitement at what Newcastle can achieve moving forward, generated in no small part due to PIF’s financial gravitas. Now, the Magpies are reportedly pursuing an international star who may be on the move this summer.

Newcastle United still firmly in Douglas Luiz hunt

According to reports in Italy via Sport Witness, Newcastle United have started taking initial steps to sign Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz and won’t have the caveat of Sandro Tonali heading the other way as they look poised for Champions League qualification.

The outlet claim there is a chance the Magpies could agree an advantageous deal for the Brazil international, who could join on a loan basis if circumstances align, having originally been nominated as the player heading the other way if Juve managed to secure Tonali.

Douglas Luiz vs Sandro Tonali – how do both players compare?

Douglas Luiz

Pass accuracy

90.5%

Accurate long balls

25

Chances created

15

Tackles won

66.7%

Successful dribbles

11

Sandro Tonali

Pass accuracy

85.8%

Accurate long balls

47

Chances created

22

Tackles won

62.5%

Successful dribbles

19

Earning roughly £135,000 per week at Juventus, Luiz has made 25 appearances this campaign as they look to secure Champions League qualification. Manchester United and Nottingham Forest will provide competition for the former Aston Villa man. However, Newcastle appear to hold a strong hand in the race for his signature and see him as someone who can add bite in midfield.

Still, it remains to be seen whether they will push a deal over the line as transfer speculation begins to heat up across the board.

Crystal Palace have now joined Manchester United in the race to sign a “magnificent” £19 million playmaker who could replace Eberechi Eze, according to a recent report.

Eze edges closer to Crystal Palace exit after FA Cup triumph

It was a weekend to remember for the Eagles as they secured their first major trophy in their history by winning the FA Cup and, in the process, also secured Europa League football for next season.

This achievement will likely see Palace spend some money this summer, as Oliver Glasner looks to build a squad which is capable of competing in Europe and domestically.

Viana now moving to sign £59m Crystal Palace star who destroyed Man City

He’s been in sensational form as of late.

ByTom Cunningham May 18, 2025

Despite securing European football, it appears it hasn’t done much in terms of them retaining the services of Eberechi Eze for next season. The Englishman, who got the only goal of the game over the weekend, has been a standout performer this season and is now wanted by several clubs from the Premier League.

Not long after beating Man City in the final, it was reported that incoming City sporting director Hugo Viana has made a move to sign Eze for the Blues. Eze is thought to have a release clause worth around £68-70 million, and the Etihad hierarchy are ready to activate it.

But City are not the only team ready to activate Eze’s release clause, as a report from Spain has stated that Chelsea are also lining up an offer for the exciting attacking midfielder. The fact that Eze has a release clause means the likelihood is that Palace will lose their talisman this summer unless he downright demands to stay, and therefore, a replacement may well be needed.

Crystal Palace in race to sign Rayan Cherki

The Eagles appear to already have a player in mind when it comes to replacing Eze, as according to a report from Spain, Crystal Palace are interested in signing Rayan Cherki from Lyon, who are desperate to sell their midfielder.

The report states that Lyon’s financial situation means they are having to consider letting players leave the club this summer. It goes on to add that the French side are looking to improve their accounts quickly and therefore are willing to sell Cherki for around 22 million euros, which is roughly £19 million, and they hope an offer will arrive soon.

Cherki

Eze

Apps

30

32

Starts

22

30

Goals

8

7

xG

5.0

10.2

Assists

11

8

Progressive carries

106

67

Palace are not the only team chasing the 21-year-old, as Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on the Frenchman, as well as Manchester United, who have been contacted with the chance to sign Cherki.

The right-winger, who can also play in a more central position, has been dubbed “magnificent” by scout/writer Jacek Kulig, and he could be seen as a player who could fit perfectly into Eze’s playmaker role.

Fabrizio Romano has even reported that Lyon have confirmed Cherki will be leaving the club this summer, and were Palace to sign him and lose Eze, it would represent a good bit of business for the South Londoners from a financial perspective, as much as it would hurt to see their cup final hero walk out the door.

West Bromwich Albion missed out on a playoff spot this campaign and have now identified a leading candidate to replace Tony Mowbray, according to a report.

West Brom's search for a new permanent manager

Despite being in contention for most of the season, the Baggies were eventually left to concede defeat in their hunt for an Championship playoff place after a run of three victories in their last ten league matches.

Mowbray was sacked by West Brom only three months after completing his return to the Hawthorns, leaving James Morrison in charge for their recent draw away to Cardiff City and 5-3 victory over Luton Town on the final day.

Of course, the former Scotland international is a well-respected figure among supporters of the West Midlands-based outfit, but has admitted the prospect of taking the job permanently may have come too early. And so speculation is beginning to do the rounds surrounding who could take the reigns ahead of next season.

Russell Martin and Steve Cooper are reported West Brom managerial candidates, with both out of work after spells at Southampton and Nottingham Forest, respectively. QPR boss Marti Cifuentes was linked with the post, but it is now believed he could be set to take on a new role elsewhere following talks over the role.

West Brom’s narrow EFL Championship playoff place miss

3. Sheffield United

90

4. Sunderland

76

5. Coventry City

69

6. Bristol City

68

7. Blackburn Rovers

66

8. Millwall

66

9. West Bromwich Albion

64

With their fate now sealed and another year in England’s second-tier on the cards, West Brom are now set for a rebuild this summer and need someone to put the foundations in place for success. In light of this, the Baggies have identified an exciting new candidate that is now in the frame to take over.

West Brom could now hire Tottenham Hotspur coach Ryan Mason

According to The Sun, West Brom now have Tottenham Hotspur coach Ryan Mason on their candidate list. However, Spurs’ pursuit of the Europa League could complicate proceedings. The Baggies are willing to wait before deciding their next appointment, which may allow other contenders to move further ahead of the 33-year-old.

He's impressed Pep: West Brom can forget Cifuentes by hiring 4-3-3 manager

West Brom could forget a move for Marti Cifuentes by swooping for this manager.

ByDan Emery Apr 30, 2025

Having spent eight years at Tottenham in a playing capacity and several more as a coach, the ex-England international is keen to do the right thing by his boyhood club despite harbouring aspirations to take permanent steps into management.

Preferring a 4-4-2 formation or 4-2-3-1, Mason has six wins and one draw in 13 matches in charge of Spurs across two caretaker stints at the Lilywhites. Now, it remains to be seen if West Brom are willing to wait a few more weeks or whether they are seeking a more imminent appointment to put the building blocks in place for pre-season.

Manchester City are now ready to make a move for a £80m forward, having identified him as a priority target for the summer transfer window, according to a report.

City's summer transfer plans taking shape

Man City have fallen short of their usual lofty standards in the 2024-25 campaign, but they still have an opportunity to make a success out of the campaign, with an FA Cup triumph still on the cards, while they remain in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League.

That said, it is clear Pep Guardiola is planning a rebuild this summer, having identified targets in a number of positions, including goalkeeper, with Ederson in line to be replaced, and FC Porto shot-stopper Diogo Costa has now agreed to move to the Etihad Stadium.

In terms of defensive targets, Lazio centre-back Mario Gila has recently emerged as an option, while the Blues have also set their sights on Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali in central midfield, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz may replace the outgoing Kevin De Bruyne.

Man City now looking to sign ex-Real Madrid defender in £30m+ transfer

City’s defence has been a huge problem this season.

ByBarney Lane Apr 22, 2025

According to a report from Spain, Man City are also keen to strengthen out wide, and they are now ready to make a move for Barcelona’s Raphinha, having identified the Brazilian as a priority target for the summer transfer window.

The 28-year-old is viewed as the ideal addition to Guardiola’s side at left-wing, given the level of his performances this season, but there may be competition for his signature, with Chelsea and Al-Hilal also in the picture.

The left-winger has made it clear he wants to stay at the Camp Nou, but Barcelona could be willing to listen to significant offers, given their difficult financial situation, and previous reports have detailed £80m could be enough to get a deal done.

Raphinha impressing for club and country

The Barcelona star’s performances this season have landed him firmly in Ballon d’Or contention, picking up a remarkable 30 goals and 23 assists in 49 matches in all competitions.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

La Liga

31

15

11

Champions League

12

12

7

Copa del Rey

4

1

4

Supercopa

2

2

1

Not only that, but the Brazil international has received praise for his performances at international level from Romario, who said: “Raphinha is one of the best players today. He is one of the best in the world. He does very well with the Barca shirt and he is also doing very well with the Brazilian shirt. Raphinha is a pride for all Brazilians, he will give us very special things in football.”

Raphinha could be a fantastic signing for City this summer, having clearly performed at a world-class level this season, but Barcelona are likely to be determined to keep hold of the forward, given his importance to the side.

Everton are enjoying a relatively stress-free Premier League run-in, but they do now have an injury issue to contend with heading into their final matches of the season.

Everton set for big changes as new era dawns

Goodison Park will soon be given an emotional farewell as David Moyes prepares to lead the club into a new era at Bramley Moore Dock, which he will hope coincides with some exciting incomings once the window opens.

Internally, the Scot has several decisions to make on loanees and out-of-contract stars. Loanees Jesper Lindstrom, Jack Harrison, Armando Broja and Orel Mangala don’t know where they will play their football next season, while Carlos Alcaraz is set to sign permanently from Flamengo.

Casting an eye towards the market, Everton have joined the pursuit of Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis alongside several other clubs such as Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest.

Furthermore, the Blues are also in pursuit of Ipswich Town forward Liam Delap. However, Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion will provide stiff competition for the England Under-21 international.

Strengthening across the front four appears to be a priority for Moyes, given he has had numerous injury problems in the forward areas alongside Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s contract status.

Their answer to Salah: Everton want to sign "generational" Liverpool talent

Everton are targeting a summer move for a player who could upset a few should he join the Toffees.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 10, 2025

Coping with absences while managing a squad you have had little time to alter is a difficult task, so it is only fair that Moyes takes major credit for Everton’s stable footing in the Premier League standings.

Nevertheless, he has another fire to fight heading into upcoming fixtures following confirmation that one of his stars will now be sidelined.

Everton star set for spell on the sidelines after surgery

Speaking ahead of Everton’s trip to take on Nottingham Forest, Moyes confirmed that loanee Lindstrom has undergone a hernia operation and he will now be out for ‘most of the season’ as a result.

He stated: “Jesper has had a hernia operation yesterday so that will rule Jesper out for most of the season now. That’s disappointing for him and for us because he started to show some decent form in the last month or so and he was an important player for us.”

Jesper Lindstrom’s loan spell at Everton – has he done enough to earn a permanent stay?

Goals

0

Assists

1

Chances created – (Premier League)

19

Successful dribbles – (Premier League)

17

Duels won – (Premier League)

69

Despite his lack of goal contributions, Lindstrom, a £50,000 per week earner, has emerged as a valuable asset. It is perhaps a little unfortunate that he has not seen better numbers for his work at both ends of the field.

However, it remains to be seen if Everton opt to go in a different direction as they seek quality reinforcements on the flank. His impact has been curtailed due to injury, which may represent a natural opportunity for a clean break between all parties.

One Rangers player is certain to be sold by prospective new owners the 49ers Enterprises this summer, according to a new update.

Rangers and Ferguson preparing for Europa League quarter-final

The Gers and interim boss Barry Ferguson are readying themselves for a last-eight clash in the Europa League with La Liga side Athletic Club, which begins next week.

After overcoming Jose Mourinho and Fenerbahce, Rangers are looking to reach the final in Bilbao with a win over the hosts, something which could set up a semi-final with Manchester United.

Ferguson’s assistant, Neil McCann, has recently claimed that the interim boss is starting to prove people wrong with his impressive spell in temporary charge.

“I think that a lot of people maybe thought from his coaching CV that he maybe wouldn’t even be ready to even take this position. I think he’s proved that wrong. It’s not my place to tell anybody who is to get the job or not (beyond the end of the season). All we can do is work hard.

“He’s trying to bring the character he had as a player, the demands he had as a player. I think we’re showing that we’ve got a wee bit of guts about us.”

The 49ers, who have agreed a deal in principle to take over in Glasgow, will have a big call to make on who gets the permanent Rangers manager job.

Rangers and 49ers eye bid for 20 y/o who can play as right-back or striker

He’s also wanted in Germany and Italy.

ByCharlie Smith Apr 2, 2025

They’ll also be looking to make their mark in the transfer market and could bring a budget of more than £20m this summer. As well as incomings, there may also be plenty of outgoings, and it looks as if one player is likely to leave over the coming months.

Rangers certain to sell Jose Cifuentes this summer

Midfielder Jose Cifuentes joined Greek side Aris Thessaloniki on loan from Rangers for the 2024/25 season, and there have been claims that the club were in talks to lower the option to buy fee.

Now, as per The Daily Record, relayed by Ibrox News, Aris may pass up on their £4m option to sign Cifuentes, however, that doesn’t mean he’ll have a future in Scotland.

As per the report, Cifuentes is “certain” to be sold by Rangers as he is under contract with Rangers until 2027.

Games

26

Goals

1

Assists

3

Yellow cards

2

Minutes played

2,023

The 26-year-old, as can be seen, has made plenty of appearances on loan in Greece, and he was even hailed by South American expert Tim Vickery before he moved to Scotland.

Vickery said on Cifuentes when playing for Ecuador’s U20s: “He was the beating heart of that side and I think he’s a terrific midfielder. He’s strong, he’s got quality, he’s got a good engine – he’s one of the best all-round midfielders, potentially, that I’ve seen come out of South America in a while.”

Manchester United are now in talks to sign a “world-class” striker, and they could use a first-team star as a makeweight in the negotiations, according to a report.

Man Utd's striker targets

It is becoming increasingly clear that Man United will pursue a new striker in the summer transfer window, given that Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have just six goals between them in the Premier League this season.

The Red Devils have set their sights on a number of the Premier League’s best strikers, recently making contact over Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha, whose agent is set to fly to England to continue discussions.

Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap is United’s top target, however, with the Englishman potentially set to be available on the cheap in the summer, given that his side are almost certain to be relegated to the Championship.

£65m price drop: Man Utd and Amorim increasingly keen on "special" forward

The Red Devils are set to battle it out for a winger, whose price tag may have dropped considerably.

1 ByDominic Lund Apr 9, 2025

Delap may be the priority target from within England, but there have also been reports that Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is at the top of Ruben Amorim’s list, with the Nigerian set to leave the Italian club at the end of the season.

According to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), Man United are now in talks to seal a deal for Osimhen, who has a €70m (£60m) release clause in his contract, which is only available to clubs outside of Italy.

United are in discussions over a £60m agreement, but Hojlund is expected to be used as a makeweight in negotiations, so it is unclear how much money they will be putting on the table alongside the Dane, who would clear over £4m-a-year off their books in wages.

Juventus are also in the race for Osimhen, but they are unwilling to meet his high wage demands, and the fact the release clause doesn’t apply to Italian clubs could also pose an issue.

"World-class" Osimhen could be huge upgrade on Hojlund

The Nigeria international has been lauded as “world-class” by football writer Matt Barlow, and for good reason, having maintained a fantastic goalscoring record for both Napoli and Galatasaray over the past few seasons.

Season

Appearances

Goals

2022-23

39

31

2023-24

32

17

2024-25

32

28

Hojlund, on the other hand, has struggled in front of goal for quite some time, averaging just 0.38 goals per 90 over the past year, which places him in the 54th percentile, when compared to his positional peers.

It would be a shame to see the 22-year-old exit Old Trafford, given that he is still young, and as pointed out by Amorim, the lack of goals is a collective problem.

However, if using Hojlund in negotiations helps get a deal for Osimhen over the line, Man United should not hesitate.