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Manchester United have been linked with a move for Barcelona forward Antoine Griezmann as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer plots his way to the Premier League summit.

What’s the story?

The La Liga giants are needing to raise funds this summer amid their dire financial situation, and Griezmann could be one of the first-team stars sacrificed as a result.

According to Spanish outlet Sport, the Red Devils are one of several sides interested in the 30-year-old’s services, with Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Juventus and Manchester City also credited with an interest.

Fans will be buzzing

Since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took charge of United two-and-a-half years ago, the 20-time English champions have looked to move away from signing ageing stars on huge salaries.

Instead, the Norwegian tactician has prioritised bringing in young talent who can grow and develop at the club and has had large amounts of success by doing so.

Griezmann’s arrival, therefore, would represent a reversion back to the Old Trafford outfit’s previous tactics of bringing in established names, an approach which saw the likes of Alexis Sanchez, Radamel Falcao and Bastian Schweinsteiger struggle to make an impact.

However, the World Cup-winning striker has showcased he still possesses top-class quality on the biggest stage in recent months for both club and country.

Despite France being knocked out of Euro 2020 in the first knockout round, Griezmann put in several standout displays for Didier Deschamps’ men, scoring one goal, providing 2.5 key passes per game – the highest tally amongst his teammates – and recorded an impressive 7.17 WhoScored rating.

His solid performances for Les Bleus over the summer followed on from a highly respectable campaign for Barcelona.

Greizmann bagged 20 goals and provided a further 13 assists in all competitions for the Catalan club, winning the Copa del Rey in the process, highlighting the £54 million-rated star’s world-class ability.

Therefore, news that United are interested in signing the Barca man will surely have large sections of the club’s supporters buzzing. He was once described as a “phenomenon” by ex-United man Ander Herrera, and his addition would provide a significant boost to Solsjaer’s ranks.

Although signing players in their thirties isn’t a suitable long-term transfer strategy, it could be the perfect way to bridge the gap to Manchester City next season, allowing the likes of Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho time to develop their skills whilst, hopefully, winning some silverware at the same time.

And, in other news…Man Utd make approach for £22.5m-rated beast, he’d be an upgrade on McTominay 

Plenty of Manchester United fans have hit out at right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka on social media for his performance at Old Trafford against Wolves on Monday.

Ralf Rangnick made two changes from the side which beat Burnley 3-1 last time out, with Phil Jones and Raphael Varane coming in for Harry Maguire and Eric Bailly.

However, it was another defender in Wan-Bissaka who had fans talking, and not for the right reasons either. The 24-year-old was making his 15th Premier League start of the campaign, continuing to re-establish himself back in the side at the expense of Diogo Dalot.

As per SofaScore, the Englishman failed to make a successful tackle all evening, came out second best in five of his seven duels and lost possession 12 times.

United fans react

Here is what these United fans had to say about Wan-Bissaka on Twitter during the game, with one believing that he is the worst player to ever feature for United and another labelling him a ‘donkey’.

“AWB is dreadful truly abysmal, he constantly gives away chances and can’t attack”

Credit: @mufc4thefans

“AWB is the worst player on the pitch as per”

Credit: @LtyeBurns

“AWB get back into position you donkey. You’re leaving Big Phil exposed”

Credit: @SteveLUHG

“AWB is the worst player to ever play for United”

Credit: @_BradHarris

“AWB is an absolute fraud, jogging about the place!”

Credit: @CormieD123

“Wan-Bissaka isn’t good enough and never will be”

Credit: @bkguinness

“AWB, Maguire and McTom probably the 3 players I’d sell my organs to get rid of”

Credit: @redchristian23

In other news: ‘Wow’ – Many MUFC fans erupt over journalist’s swap transfer news

Liverpool have been mentioned in the same breath as some phenomenal players of late.

Of course, the Reds are currently in danger of losing Mohamed Salah but the likes of Alexander Isak and Serge Gnabry have been tipped to potentially fill the offensive void.

What’s the word?

Well, the club have now been touted with possibly making a swoop for a certain Kylian Mbappe.

The Frenchman has been linked with Liverpool before but now there are fresh rumours suggesting a move could be on the cards.

That’s according to reports who suggest a club is ‘moving in the shadows’ to sign the elite PSG star.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-liverpool-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-salah-gnabry-isak-romano” title= “Read the latest Liverpool news!”]

It’s then claimed that it isn’t Barcelona but it could be title rivals Manchester City or Liverpool who are plotting a bid.

Mbappe isn’t currently rated at a whopping £144m by Transfermarkt but can be signed for nothing in the summer with his contract in the French capital expiring in a few months’ time.

Even better than Salah?

Mbappe needs absolutely no introduction.

Described as a “phenomenon” by Noel le Graet, French Football Federation President and as “another Thierry Henry” by Arsene Wenger, he is a player capable of starring on the biggest of stages and in the most eclectic of cauldrons in world football.

Time and time again we see the France international demolishing teams and if Liverpool can pen Salah to fresh terms, as well as signing Mbappe it would be special.

That said, it is evident that the latter possesses even more potential than their frightening Egyptian forward.

Salah is a classic late bloomer but as we can see from the Liverpool target’s 28 goals and 20 assists this season, he can certainly be classified in the same generational bracket.

What’s staggering is that despite the 23-year-old’s young age, he has still found the net on 160 occasions for PSG.

A tally of 26 goals for his country is also fine evidence of the mesmerising talent Mbappe has in his locker and should he join Liverpool, he may just dislodge Salah and become an even bigger hero in Merseyside.

Wouldn’t that be something?

AND in other news, Source: Liverpool now reach agreement to sign 42-goal “demon”, he’s their new Jota…

Leeds United’s latest Premier League outing saw them secure a 2-2 draw at home to Brentford thanks to a late equalising goal from striker Patrick Bamford.

One player that did not feature in the match against Thomas Frank’s side after picking up an injury in their 1-0 win over Crystal Palace last week was defender Pascal Struijk.

However, it seems as though there has been a fresh update on the matter that should have a lot of Leeds fans thrilled.

What’s the news?

Leeds journalist Phil Hay shared a post on his official Twitter page sharing news after the Brentford draw that Struijk has a hip problem and is finishing his recovery.

The fact that Struijk is finishing his recovery should leave plenty of Leeds fans buzzing ahead of their next league match against Chelsea at the weekend. After all, if fellow defender Liam Cooper is unable to play after being forced off the pitch with an injury against Brentford, it will be a seismic boost to get the 22-year-old back.

In the 12 Premier League games he’s appeared in so far this season, Struijk has shown just what an important defensive unit he is for Leeds by racking up an average of 2.3 tackles, 1.6 interceptions and 1.4 clearances per game as well. For context, that tally of tackles is the highest by an out and out defender in Bielsa’s squad this term.

Labelled as a player that has “got it all” by former Leeds star Dominic Matteo, Struijk has certainly proved himself as an important player for the Whites after making his Premier League debut in their opening game of last season against Liverpool at Anfield.

If the Dutchman can be fit enough to play in the game against Chelsea, this would surely give the Yorkshire club a better chance of securing a positive result against Thomas Tuchel’s side, especially after they conceded three goals in their latest league game against West Ham United.

With Leeds having games against the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool in the league before the end of the current calendar year, everyone at the Yorkshire club will undoubtedly be hoping that Struijk will be able to stay fit and available for those tough games to give his side the best chance of getting some more points on the board.

He has been vitally important to their cause this term so fans will undoubtedly be elated to see that he’s well on the recovery trail.

In other news: Huge setback: Leeds struck with double injury blow that’ll surely have Bielsa fuming – opinion

Journalist Toby Giles has been reacting to comments made by Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch live on talkSPORT.

The Lowdown: Marsch’s comments

The 48-year-old spoke to Natalie Sawyer, Darren Bent and Ally McCoist on Tuesday morning on a number of Leeds-related topics, one of which was injuries.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-updates/” title=”Latest Leeds United updates!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-04-02T155252Z_391313781_UP1EI421841M9_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-SOU-REPORT.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The American felt that he inherited a squad which was ‘over-trained’, which resulted in a number of long-term injuries for the Whites this season.

Junior Firpo suffered a serious knee issue last month in Marsch’s second game in charge, with the Leeds boss revealing that he was expecting the left-back to make a return to training.

The Latest: Giles reacts to Marsch outburst

Giles took to Twitter to react to Marsch’s comments on the injury issues. He believed that the current Whites manager was putting the blame with Marcelo Bielsa, adding that it is a ‘big claim’ to make, saying:

“What a news line talkSPORT’s Natalie Sawyer, Darren Bent & Ally McCoist got out of Jesse Marsch today. Blames their injury troubles on the players being “overtrained” – ie. publicly saying it’s Marcelo Bielsa’s fault. Big claim to make against his legendary predecessor.”

The Verdict: Just what Leeds needed

Marsch has been a breath of fresh air since arriving as Bielsa’s replacement at Leeds and is now starting to get a tune out of his players.

The Whites have picked up 10 points from a possible 12 in recent weeks, taking them nine points clear of safety, with his approachable methods to the squad seemingly working wonders.

The small tweaks at Thorp Arch of lowering the workload also appear to be paying off, and hopefully Marsch will be preparing for a first full season in charge of the club in the Premier League.

In other news: Leeds keen: Marsch can land new favourite as Orta now plots move for 17-goal forward – opinion. 

A number of West Ham supporters have hailed exciting Hammers youngster Pierre Ekwah, following footage of his brilliant goal for the Under-23s on Monday night.

David Moyes’ first team are enjoying another impressive season in the Premier League to date, winning 1-0 away to Everton on Sunday afternoon.

The victory leaves West Ham sitting seventh in the table and again looking likely to compete for a European finish.

Away from the senior side, however, the young Hammers enjoyed a memorable win on Monday, picking up a 4-3 victory away to Tottenham U23s.

One player who shone on the night was 19-year-old Ekwah, who scored a stunning left-footed half-volley [via the club’s official Twitter update] to put West Ham 1-0 up.

The midfielder joined from Chelsea in the summer and already appears to be making a positive impression in east London.

West Ham fans laud Ekwah

These West Ham fans took to Twitter to laud Ekwah’s moment of brilliance.

“This lad looks decent to be fair”

Credit: @JoeyTalksFooty

“He’s a beast! Heard he’s very highly rated. New Declan perhaps if he goes? If so, great vision by the club to bring him in”

Credit: @pwhitters

“Ping!”

Credit: @beewestwood

“GOOOAAALLLL! Pierre Ekwah scores a brilliant goal from 20 yards out to make it 1-0 to West Ham”

Credit: @RoshaneSport

“Great goal”

Credit: @RoshaneSport

“Great backup”

Credit: @Caseynewsonnn

In other news, some West Ham fans have reacted to a gruesome injury update. Read more here.

When West Bromwich Albion resigned Romaine Sawyers for around £2.88m back in 2019, hopes at The Hawthorns were extremely high for the Baggies academy product.

Indeed, the 29-year-old had just enjoyed an impressive season with Brentford, providing six assists, creating two big chances and averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.89 over his 42 Championship appearances for the Bees.

This initially appeared to be form that Sawyers would continue for Albion, with the midfielder turning in a number of solid performances during his first season back in the West Midlands, scoring one goal, registering one assist and averaging a SofaScore match rating of 6.80 over his 42 Championship fixtures in 2019/20.

The Saint Kitts and Nevis international’s partner in the middle of the pitch, Jake Livermore, also seemed to be extremely impressed with the ability of Sawyers, with the West Brom captain stating back in 2019: “He is fantastic. I love the boy as a kid and I love him as a player. I love playing alongside him. He is a nice calming influence. I think we bounce off each other quite well.

“He was at West Brom as a kid and credit to them because he has been fantastic since he has come back. I back him to be a real, real top player and I have played with a few. But I back him to be as good as anyone I have played with, to be honest. And I mean that.”

However, upon the Baggies’ promotion to the top flight, things started to take a turn for the worst for the £1.8m-rated midfielder.

Indeed, over his 19 Premier League appearances the following season, Sawyers failed to have any real impact for Albion, scoring no goals, registering no assists and earning an extremely disappointing seasonal SofaScore match rating of just 6.47 – ranking him as the club’s joint-worst performer in the league.

This is a trend that has continued for the £10k-per-week man in the current campaign, as, after being bombed out of the Albion side by Valerien Ismael this summer, the 29-year-old has failed to impress over his eight Championship appearances while on loan at Stoke City, scoring no goals, registering just one assist and averaging an extremely shoddy SofaScore match rating of 6.58.

As such, despite signs of early promise upon his return to West Bromwich a little over two years ago, Sawyers’ poor displays at the bet365 Stadium, coupled with the fact that his contract at The Hawthorns expires next summer, could well indicate that the academy product has played his final game for the club.

In other news: Forget Bartley: WBA’s £36k-p/w “leader” who made just 4 passes failed Ismael once more

French football expert believes that if Maxwel Cornet makes a move to the Premier League it will be to Burnley. 

Football Insider have reported that the Clarets are in advanced talks to sign the Lyon player, in a deal worth £14m and are hopeful of beating Bundesliga outfit Hertha Berlin to his signature.

Leeds United were also reportedly interested in Cornet and according to Olympique-et-Lyonnais, the Whites had an offer of €12m rejected last month.

But White believes that if Cornet was to make the switch to the Premier League then it would be to Burnley, telling Transfer Tavern: “Burnley are the ones that we’re hearing are the closest or the most interested, alongside Hertha Berlin.

“So, yeah, Premier League very possible if Leeds are still hanging around, I’m sure they’re still keeping tabs, but Burnley are more likely as far as we understand.”

Cornet featured mostly as a left-back last season but did also feature on both wings for Lyon, scoring 252 times, scoring 51 goals and providing 29 assists.

If Cornet does make the switch to Burnley, it would be their third signing of the summer, having made two already, with Nathan Collins and Wayne Hennessey both arriving at Turf Moor from Stoke and Crystal Palace respectively.

Having won their first league game of the season at the 15th attempt against Burnley last Saturday, Newcastle will be looking to form a winning habit going into the festive period as they travel to a Leicester City side who were knocked out of the Europa League on Thursday.

The Magpies are three points off safety with a game in hand on 17th-placed Watford after the Hornets’ 2-1 defeat to Brentford on Friday night. They will also be facing a Foxes side who might be low on confidence, having won just one of their last six league outings as well as their elimination from the Europa League after a 3-2 defeat to Napoli.

Furthermore, Brendan Rodgers’ side have shipped 13 goals in their last six matches in all competitions and will be without a handful of key players after a viral outbreak at the East Midlands club, making it the ideal opportunity for Newcastle’s frontline to pounce and add to the Magpies’ tally of 17 goals in the Premier League.

It has also been reported that winger Ryan Fraser has overcome a hamstring issue after missing the win over Burnley. Miguel Almiron was the man to step in for the Scotsman that day, so there is no reason why the Paraguayan should lose his place after a performance which went down a treat with many  members of the Toon Army.

On the chalkboard

It is fair to say that the 27-year-old has been underwhelming since joining Newcastle from Atlanta United in January 2019 for a then-club record fee of around £20m. A return of 13 goals and five assists in 105 appearances is rather tepid, but there is certainly an opportunity for Almiron to get into the Newcastle team now, with Eddie Howe still in the early stages of his tenure at St James’ Park.

Against Burnley, the £74k-p/w attacking midfielder had an 82% passing accuracy, as well as making three tackles and successfully completing 100% of his dribbles (per SofaScore). It was a solid performance and a decent foundation to build upon in an attempt to be a regular starter under the former Bournemouth boss, who has said of the Paraguayan: “When you give someone an opportunity you want them to take it and I thought Miggy did that. His energy is very infectious and I thought his work rate from a defensive perspective was very good. Also he had really good moments going forward.

Like Almiron, the aforementioned Fraser is yet to score for the Magpies this season. However, the Scotland winger hasn’t been particularly impressive of late, with SofaScore rating the performance in his last game, a 1-1 stalemate with Norwich City, at a lowly 6.4/10.

None of United’s wide men have been particularly impressive this season, which is why Almiron is certainly within a shout of getting a frequent run in the team. The Paraguayan just needs to take whatever opportunities come his way.

In other news – Paid £5m, now worth £3.15m: Ashley had a Newcastle transfer howler with this dud who’s “out of his depth”

Aston Villa could miss out to Newcastle United in the race for Axel Tuanzebe, according to Football Insider. 

The lowdown

The Manchester United defender has been made available for loan following the signing of Raphael Varane from Real Madrid.

And Dean Smith is apparently keen to recruit an ‘athletic’ centre-back to provide cover and competition for the first-choice partnership of Tyrone Mings and Ezri Konsa.

Tuanzebe has already spent time on loan at Villa Park, but intriguingly it was during Steve Bruce’s tenure.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has previously hailed Tuanzebe, who made nine Premier League appearances last season, as ‘outstanding’.

The latest

As per a recruitment source, Newcastle have the advantage after Bruce assured Solskjaer that Tuanzebe would enjoy a ‘regular starting role’ at St James’ Park. Manchester United are seemingly concerned that the 23-year-old wouldn’t be afforded those kind of opportunities at Villa.

The report does offer supporters some grounds for hope, though, by pointing out that covering the ‘multi-million pound’ loan fee as well as the player’s wages would be ‘less of an issue’ for Villa than it would be for the Magpies.

The verdict

Recruiting an additional centre-back is an absolute must for Villa. Smith only has three senior options at his disposal at present and adding genuine competition will theoretically extract more from Konsa and, especially, Mings.

Tuanzebe would be an excellent signing, but you can very much understand Manchester United’s concerns.

Perhaps Smith could express a willingness to use a 3-5-2 shape in certain games, significantly improving Tuanzebe’s prospects. That would also have the added bonus of accommodating both Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins at the head of the team.

In other news, there’s an update on Villa’s pursuit of James Ward-Prowse.