Manchester United have placed a £29 million forward who Ruben Amorim knows well on their radar, but this time it’s not the heavily linked Viktor Gyokeres.

Man Utd transfer news

The Red Devils will continue their defence of the FA Cup this season after knocking out Arsenal on penalties in what was an impressive performance by Amorim’s side. The Portuguese will be pleased with his side’s toughness in recent performances, but his focus will now already turn to their next game on Thursday, and he may be hoping there is some transfer activity between now and then too.

Man Utd plot move for £45m "monster" who's better than Mbeumo & Kolo Muani

Ruben Amorim is looking for a new attacker to join his Manchester United side this month.

ByEthan Lamb Jan 13, 2025

If United do conduct business this month, it is likely to be limited due to them staying in line with PSR. A new left-back is very much on the agenda at Old Trafford, but signing a new striker is also high on the list for Amorim. The Premier League side are in direct talks over signing Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani, as he is set to leave the French side this month in what looks to be a loan capacity.

Meanwhile, it has also been reported that United are going to be offered the chance to sign Jonathan David on a free transfer this summer. The Canada international looks set to leave Lille at the end of the campaign, and he is being offered to the Red Devils and other clubs.

Reports are also indicating that talks between United and Juventus over a swap deal for Dusan Vlahovic and Joshua Zirkzee are now at an advanced stage. Both sides are showing a willingness to complete the deal, with the Serbian viewed as an upgrade for the Red Devils in attack, and there is a feeling that a move could be finalised in the coming weeks.

Man Utd now prepared to sign £29m Sporting youngster

The search for a new striker doesn’t stop there for United, as according to reports from Spain, Man United are now interested in signing Conrad Harder from Sporting CP as a Gyokeres “Plan B”, and are willing to invest in such a promising youth talent.

The 19-year-old joined the Portuguese side in September from Nordsjaelland, with Amorim the one who led the pursuit for the player. Harder had spent all his career in Denmark before moving to Portugal, but his exploits in front of goal earned him his move to Lisbon.

Harder has made an impressive start to life in Portugal too, already among the goals and assists, even while not nailing down a regular starting spot as of yet due to the presence of his Swedish superstar teammate.

Apps

30

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6

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9

Assists

6

Harder, who has been described as being “very similar” to Gyokeres by analyst Ben Mattinson, has gained the attention of teams around Europe for having the ability to be versatile in the forward positions. The Denmark under-21 international can play as a number nine but has shown at Lisbon that he can also play as a winger, making him a flexible asset.

If United are to make a move for the striker, Lisbon are going to do what they can to retain his services, with them demanding at least 35 million euros, which is roughly £29 million. That fee may be a problem for United, but signing Harder would be a player for the now and the future.

تقام اليوم الأربعاء 7-5-2025، العديد من المباريات المهمة على الصعيدين المحلي والقاري، أبرزها مواجهة باريس سان جيرمان وآرسنال في نصف نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا، بالإضافة إلى لقاءات قوية في الدوري المصري والدوري السعودي وكأس أمم إفريقيا للشباب.

ويستضيف فريق باريس سان جيرمان نظيره آرسنال الإنجليزي على ملعب “حديقة الأمراء”، ضمن ذهاب نصف نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا لموسم 2024-2025. ويسعى الفريق الفرنسي لتعزيز تفوقه، بعدما فاز ذهابًا على ملعب “الإمارات” بهدف دون مقابل. ومن المقرر أن يواجه الفائز من هذه المواجهة المتأهل من مباراة برشلونة وإنتر ميلان في النهائي المرتقب بمدينة ميونخ.

وفي الدوري المصري، تُستكمل مباريات الجولة الرابعة من مرحلة الهبوط بإقامة مواجهتين، حيث يلتقي الجونة مع مودرن سبورت، بينما يصطدم الإسماعيلي بفريق إنبي في لقاء لا يقل أهمية.

أما على صعيد كأس أمم إفريقيا للشباب، فتشهد البطولة مواجهتين من العيار الثقيل، حيث يلتقي منتخب تونس مع نظيره المغربي، فيما يواجه منتخب نيجيريا منتخب كينيا.

وفي الدوري السعودي، تتواصل الإثارة بمنافسات الجولة الثلاثين، إذ يحل الهلال ضيفًا على الرائد، ويستضيف الأهلي فريق التعاون، بينما يستقبل النصر غريمه الاتحاد في قمة مرتقبة على ملعب الأول بارك.

طالع أيضًا | أراوخو ينفعل على صحفي بعد خروج برشلونة من دوري أبطال أوروبا.. ويوجه اتهامًا إلى الحكم مواعيد مباريات اليوم الأربعاء 7-5-2025 والقنوات الناقلةمواعيد مباريات الدوري المصري اليوم

الجونة ضد مودرن سبورت، الساعة 5 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “on sport 1”.

الإسماعيلي ضد إنبي، الساعة 8 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “on sport 1”. مواعيد مباريات دوري أبطال أوروبا اليوم

باريس سان جيرمان ضد آرسنال، الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN Sports HD 1”. مواعيد مباريات كأس أمم إفريقيا للشباب اليوم

نيجيريا ضد كينيا، الساعة 6 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN SPORTS 6”.

تونس ضد المغرب، الساعة 6 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “beIN SPORTS 6”. مواعيد مباريات الدوري السعودي اليوم

الرائد ضد الهلال، الساعة 7:15 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “SSC EXTRA 1 HD”.

الأهلي ضد التعاون، الساعة 7:25 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “SSC EXTRA 2 HD”.

النصر ضد الاتحاد، الساعة 9 مساءً بتوقيت مصر والسعودية، وتُذاع عبر قناة “SSC1 HD”.

ويُمكنكم متابعة أحداث مباريات اليوم لحظة بلحظة من مركز المباريات من هنــــا

The Real Betis midfielder played a pivotal role in his team's hard-fought 1-1 draw against Barcelona at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys

• Cardoso's defensive work helps Betis contain Barcelona's attack
• American’s performance cut short by injury in 79th minute
• Result keeps Betis in European contention, slows Barcelona's title charge

• AFP
  

  WHAT HAPPENED

  U.S. international Johnny Cardoso put in a solid 79-minute shift for Real Betis before being forced off due to injury, contributing significantly to his team's 1-1 draw against league leaders Barcelona.

  Cardoso's defensive work and positioning were crucial in containing Barcelona's midfield, particularly in the first half. The American midfielder put in an impressive shift, finishing with the second most touches (35) from a midfielder in a Betis shirt, joint-most tackles (three), joint-most interceptions (two), and joint-most aerial duels (three) across both teams, until he was eventually substituted in the 79th minute due to an apparent injury.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Real Betis' draw against Barcelona keeps them in the hunt for European qualification as they currently sit fifth in the La Liga table. Gavi opened the scoring for Barcelona in the seventh minute, but Betis quickly equalized through Natan 10 minutes later. The were then put under a ton of pressure, but some good defending and some poor finishing from Barcelona saw the game end 1-1. The result leaves Barcelona five points behind league leaders Real Madrid, while Betis remain in contention for a Europa League spot.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Cardoso has been a key part of Real Betis’ side this season, playing in all but two league games when fit, contributing to three goals as a defensive midfielder for the club. The USMNT midfielder has spent a year at the club since signing for International in January 2024, making 54 appearances for them since.

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  WHAT’S NEXT?

  Following their hard-fought draw against Barcelona, Real Betis sit fifth on the league table and are back in the fight for a place in Europe next season. They face Jagiellonia Białystok next in the first leg of their Europa League quarterfinal on April 10 and then host sixth-place Villarreal at the Villamarin Stadium on April 12.

Southampton are willing to spend big to sign a “fantastic” player in the January transfer window, according to a report.

Change needed fast at St. Mary's

The Saints were already finding themselves cut somewhat adrift at the bottom of the Premier League table, and Ipswich Town’s surprise 2-0 victory against Chelsea has done them no favours. At the half-way stage of the season, Ivan Juric’s side find themselves 10 points from safety, which is not insurmountable, but change is needed quickly if they are going to avoid relegation back to the Championship.

One of Southampton’s main problems this season has been scoring goals, finding the back of the net just 12 times in the Premier League, the fewest of any side.

As such, Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson has been identified as a target, with the Seagulls potentially willing to let the Irishman leave on loan this winter.

The Saints are in dire need of a goalscorer if they are to avoid the drop, but it appears as though they are also keen to strengthen in other areas.

Southampton’s upcoming Premier League fixtures

Date

Brentford (h)

January 4th

Manchester United (a)

January 16th

Nottingham Forest (a)

January 19th

Newcastle United (h)

January 25th

Ipswich Town (a)

February 1st

According to reports from Spain, Southampton are one of the teams most interested in signing Sergi Altimira this January, but the Real Betis midfielder will not come cheap.

Betis are aware of the interest in the 23-year-old, and they have made it clear that any potential suitor will have to pay his release clause, which is set at €40m (£33m).

Interestingly, the Saints would be willing to pay that amount to get a deal over the line, and talks could intensify when the transfer window opens on Wednesday.

Altimira impressing for Real Betis

Lauded as “fantastic” by members of the Spanish media earlier this season, Altimira has emerged as a key player for Betis this season, making a total of 25 appearances in all competitions.

The Spaniard put in a particularly impressive performance against HJK Helsinki in the Conference League earlier this month, winning seven of the eight ground duels he contested and making four tackles.

Having made an average of 1.64 blocks per 90 over the past year, the Betis ace ranks in the 85th percentile compared to his positional peers, showcasing his defensive ability.

Southampton now advancing to sign "pacey" new £8m defender for Ivan Juric

The Saints could land their first signing under their new manager.

ByTom Cunningham Dec 28, 2024

That said, there are doubts over whether the midfielder is the type of signing Southampton need this winter, given his price tag and their current struggles in front of goal.

A £33m outlay would be Southampton’s most expensive signing of all time, and Juric may be better off investing that money into other areas of the squad, such as at striker.

Ferguson should be the Saints’ priority signing this winter, even if only on loan, given that he has already proven he is capable of scoring goals in the Premier League.

Mikel Arteta's men pulled off possibly the biggest result in the history of the Emirates Stadium with a nearly faultless performance

Arsenal have one foot in the last four of the Champions League after thrashing holders Real Madrid 3-0 on Tuesday night. Two incredible free-kicks from Declan Rice plus a goal from Mikel Merino proved the difference on a thrilling night in north London which leaves Los Blancos needing another miracle to advance in the European Cup.

The hosts nearly found themselves in front inside only five minutes when Antonio Rudiger cleared a Bukayo Saka cross straight against Eduardo Camavinga, and the loose ball sailed only narrowly past Thibaut Courtois' post. There was then a lengthy VAR check for a handball against Raul Asencio when his arm blocked a shot from Rice, but this was dismissed after several minutes of close inspection.

Down the other end, Vinicius Junior flashed a shot from 20 yards wide, while Kylian Mbappe lashed an attempt over the top when Jakub Kiwior sold William Saliba short with a pass, though the ball to him from Real Madrid's No.7 was later flagged for offside.

Another chance came and went for Madrid when Jude Bellingham picked the lock of the Arsenal defence to find Mbappe, who shaped himself like Gunners legend Thierry Henry to shoot, but was thwarted by goalkeeper David Raya.

Saka lashed a low cross through the six-yard box without being able to find someone to prod it home, before Courtois had to make a double save to keep out a Merino header and Rice's rebound as the first half ended goalless.

On the other side of the break, Mbappe fired into the side-netting after a neat move had flowed through Rudiger and Jude Bellingham beforehand.

And then the Emirates Stadium came alive. Saka was felled outside the box by David Alaba, and from the resulting free-kick, Rice curled a belter around the wall and past Courtois into the net.

A hat-trick of chances in the same five-second sequence went begging for Arsenal as they sought to double their lead, with Courtois stopping one attempt from Gabriel Martinelli and two from Merino. Rice had a shot cleared off the line by Bellingham from the following corner.

But Rice was not to be denied seconds later. Another free-kick fell to his feet from a similar distance, and he found the top corner to send the home fans into delirium once more.

Arsenal weren't done there. The excellent Myles Lewis-Skelly got an assist for his efforts with a cutback for Merino, whose bobbled effort crept in at the near post and left the home supporters out of breath.

Madrid's night ended in further dismay when Camavinga was shown a second yellow card in added time as the Gunners' three-goal cushion heading to the Santiago Bernabeu next week was confirmed.

GOAL rates Arsenal's players from the Emirates Stadium…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

David Raya (7/10):

Made the saves required to thwart Mbappe and the cherry on top was his presence in claiming crosses. Couldn't ask for more.

Jurrien Timber (6/10):

Picked up a knock early doors but soldiered on. Most of Madrid's danger came down his flank, though that was not necessarily through any fault of the Dutchman's own.

William Saliba (8/10):

At his imperious best against the side he's been linked to over the last few weeks. Perhaps the downside of such an excellent display is those rumours will only intensify.

Jakub Kiwior (6/10):

Arsenal fans' fears were nearly realised in the first half when he made a string of errant passes to gift Madrid openings. Nevertheless, he sharpened up after the break and was more assured after the break.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (8/10):

It's hard to believe Lewis-Skelly was barely in the first-team frame until December. Madrid had no way of solving him, capable of moving inside and out, consistently getting the better of winger Rodrygo.

AdvertisementAFPMidfield

Thomas Partey (6/10):

Broke up play and kept the ball moving. Kept his composure in that regard unlike in other games this season.

Declan Rice (10/10):

Wow. This is not just a performance that may well have already settled the tie, but one that will be talked about for years to come. One way to show off your free-kick skills is to hammer in two in front of the great Roberto Carlos.

Martin Odegaard (7/10):

Didn't quite demonstrate the game-breaking playmaking he may have hoped for against his former side, though at least knitted together Arsenal attacks and drew bodies with his movement and skill.

Getty Images SportAttack

Bukayo Saka (8/10):

What's remarkable is Saka could barely get to his highest gear, still showing signs of rustiness after injury and eventually being substituted with a knock. Had the ageing Alaba on strings and was unlucky not to get an assist given how easily he could carve Madrid open.

Mikel Merino (8/10):

A chance magnet who eventually got in on the scoring act with a well-taken finish. Maybe Arsenal don't need that big-name striker this summer after all, eh?

Gabriel Martinelli (5/10):

The odd one out in Arsenal's attack, providing only the illusion of threat with his pace and one-dimensional wizardry.

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Getty Images SportSubs & Manager

Leandro Trossard (6/10):

Came on the bruised Saka for the final quarter of an hour.

Kieran Tierney (6/10):

Probably didn't envisage playing for Arsenal in a Champions League quarter-final this season. Subbed on for Rice.

Ben White (N/A):

Subbed on for Timber in added time.

Mikel Arteta (9/10):

An almost faultless gameplan came up trumps. Arsenal kept the match tight when they needed to and had the magic to make their moments in the final third count.

Aston Villa are now closing in on a deal to sign another new face for Unai Emery this January, it has been revealed, as the Midlands side look to push their way up the Premier League in the second half of the campaign.

Aston Villa transfer latest

Currently sat eighth in the top flight after two wins in their last five games, Aston Villa have shown their intentions to do significant business in January already.

The Villans outfit are on the verge of parting ways with Jaden Philogene, with the winger set to join Ipswich Town in a deal worth in excess of £20m in the coming days having struggled in the months since his summer move to Villa Park.

To replace him, Emery’s side have identified Donyell Malen as the perfect man, with the pacey Borussia Dortmund man free to leave Germany this winter and the two clubs in talks over a potential deal. Sky Sports revealed that there is a difference in asking price, with Villa offering just £21m while Dortmund continue to hold out for £25m.

At the other end of the pitch, reports in Turkey claim that Aston Villa have agreed a deal to sign Yasin Ozcan, amid claims that he will arrive in the Midlands next week. It has also been suggested that the club are ready to pay Oscar Mingueza’s release clause in the coming days, which stands at £17m.

There will be exits too, with Robin Olsen and Jhon Duran among those mooted with exits this month, but the club is clearly continuing to try and strengthen as they look to challenge on multiple fronts for the remainder of the campaign and beyond.

Aston Villa closing in on future star

Now, it appears that Aston Villa are closing in on another new signing on top of Ozcan, with a report from Sky Sports man Sacha Tavolieri revealing that the Villans are finalising a deal with Caen to sign teenage gem Tidiam Gomis.

Tielemans rival: Aston Villa could re-sign star who's a "joy to watch"

Aston Villa could look to make a statement move to secure a rival for Youri Tielemans

1 ByBen Gray Jan 11, 2025

A versatile forward who can play across the frontline, the Frenchman has impressed in his limited senior opportunities to date, and is out of contract with SM Caen at the end of the campaign.

As a result, he has been made available and Aston Villa have pounced on the 18-year-old. As per the report, he will pen a five-year deal at Villa Park, but will spend the remainder of the season back on loan with Caen, meaning that the Villa Park faithful will have to wait until at least next season to get a glimpse of their new talent in claret and blue.

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7

Left Wing

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Centre Forward

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Though not official yet, the report claims that the two sides are “currently settling the last details” as they look to beat off interest from around Europe to secure the talented forward.

He is not likely to impact other January business, given his return to France on loan, but could prove another astute youth signing for the midlands outfit as they continue to look for bargains in the transfer window.

Gudakesh Motie found a place in the 13-man squad for the ODIs against Bangladesh

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Jun-2022

Rovman Powell is the new T20I vice-captain•BCCI

West Indies’ search for the ideal squad to take to the T20 World Cup in October continues at pace with an almost entirely new set of personnel set to take on Bangladesh in a three-match series that starts on July 2. Five of the 16 that played in their last short-form assignment have been left out.It had already been announced that Jason Holder would be rested from these matches, and Kieron Pollard has retired from international cricket altogether but Fabian Allen, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell and Shai Hope, who had all made the trip to India in February, have been sidelined. Dominic Drakes only finds place as a reserve player.Meanwhile, Rovman Powell, who had an impressive season with Delhi Capitals at the IPL, was named T20I vice-captain.West Indies vs Bangladesh 2022

T20I squad: Nicholas Pooran (capt), Rovman Powell (vice-capt), Shamarh Brooks, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Obed McCoy, Keemo Paul, Romario Shepherd, Odean Smith, Devon Thomas, Hayden Walsh Jr, Dominic Drakes (reserve player)

Out: Kieron Pollard, Fabian Allen, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Sheldon Cottrell, Jason Holder, Shai Hope

In: Obed McCoy, Shamarh Brooks, Alzarri Joseph, Keemo Paul, Devon Thomas

ODI squad: Nicholas Pooran (capt), Shai Hope (vice-capt), Shamarh Brooks, Keacy Carty, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Gudakesh Motie, Keemo Paul, Anderson Phillip, Rovman Powell, Jayden Seales, Romario Shepherd (reserve player)

Out: Nkrumah Bonner, Shermon Lewis, Hayden Walsh Jr

In: Gudakesh Motie

A T20I squad of 13 featured recalls for left-arm seamer Obed McCoy, who played the IPL final for Rajasthan Royals, allrounder Keemo Paul and wicketkeeper Devon Thomas.Gudakesh Motie, the left-arm spinner who has played a Test and a T20I each, was called up to a 13-man ODI squad to face Bangladesh from July 10. Nicholas Pooran will continue to captain West Indies in both formats.”We know Rovman’s history,” chief selector Desmond Haynes said. “He has captained the West Indies before and is also the captain of his CPL franchise [Jamaica Tallawahs]. Our role is to look at future leaders as well and we have identified a few, including himself, who we will be putting programmes around to ensure we keep them involved in that aspect of the cricket.”Generally, we have to start looking at the bigger picture of getting these players playing together as often as possible in preparation for the ICC T20 World Cup later down in the year. We need to ensure we are fielding a very strong side for that tournament.”West Indies’ last white-ball cricket was in Pakistan, a three-match ODI series they lost 3-0. Brandon King, who struggled in that series, kept his place in the side. The 32-year old Thomas, who broke an eight-year spell between T20I appearances this past December, stayed in the team as well. Over a 101-game T20 career, he averages 18.79 and strikes at 112.90.”Thomas is a very versatile cricketer, who has been knocking on the door in all formats,” Haynes said. “He has been doing well in franchise cricket and with that level of talent, we must ensure we keep him interested. He brings a lot to the table and is basically a four-dimensional player, he can bat, bowl, he is brilliant in the field, and he can keep wicket as well.”The white-ball games will kick off with three T20Is on July 2, July 3 and July 7, before the ODIs on July 10, July 13 and July 16. The first two games will be played in Dominica, the first games that country will host since Hurricane Maria heavily damaged the island in 2017. The final four games will take place in Guyana. West Indies concluded a two-match Test series against Bangladesh on Wednesday, winning both games.

MatériaMais Notícias

Em meio à expectativa da SAF, o Vasco iniciou a Série B com muita turbulência sobre o trabalho de Zé Ricardo. Em campo, deficiências como a dificuldade na criação e a pouca variação tática do time são identificadas. Porém, os problemas vão além das quatro linhas e também estão na montagem do elenco cruz-maltino, sobretudo na carência de determinados setores como as pontas.

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Desde o começo da temporada, Zé Ricardo e Carlos Brazil, gerente de futebol do clube, participaram ativamente da construção deste elenco pautado em três lemas: saúde, competitividade e técnica. Dessa forma, ao todo, foram vinte contratações para todos os setores do time (Luís Cangá ficou apenas três meses no clube).

No entanto, os reforços para as pontas não foram numerosos e as soluções foram meninos da base como Gabriel Pec e Figueiredo. Na disputa do Carioca, o treinador vascaíno optou por improvisar Bruno Nazário em uma posição que não estava habituado.

+ Confira e simule a tabela da Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro

O jovem Figueiredo teve destaque na Copinha como centroavante, sendo o artilheiro da competição com oito gols ao lado de Werik Popó, do Oeste. Com o bom momento de Raniel, ele tem atuado na ponta e tem feito bons jogos e ajudado o time no setor. É uma peça importante na recomposição por ter força física para atuar em uma competição intensa como a Série B.

Para a sequência da temporada, o Cruz-Maltino decidiu fazer apostas para o setor como Lucas Oliveira, ex-Bangu, e Erick, principal nome do Ypiranga-RS no vice-campeonato do Gauchão. O primeiro, porém, não teve uma boa atuação diante do Tombense e não deixou uma impressão positiva.

O segundo sentiuo adutor direito durante o aquecimento da partida contra a Ponte Preta e não entrou em campo diante do Carcará. O jogador ainda apresentou uma discreta dor na topografia da lesão e iniciou o trabalho no campo junto com a fisioterapia, nesta terça. Contudo, deve desfalcar a equipe no sábado contra o CSA.

O Vasco ainda conta no elenco com o equatoriano Jhon Sánchez, que não conseguiu render com a cruz de malta no peito até o momento. Getúlio também já foi utilizado no setor, porém também não conseguiu se firmar. O jovem Vinícius foi relacionado e entrou nos últimos jogos, mas longe de agradar a torcida.

Além deles, o chileno Carlos Palacios foi outro nome testado pelo lado no domingo. Entretanto, suas características são de meia central e não rendeu como ponta pelo Internacional. Essas lacunas evidenciam problemas no planejamento e carências no elenco, que precisam ser corrigidas pela 777 Partners.

+Nene se recupera de desconforto na coxa direita; Erick deve desfalcar o Vasco contra o CSA, no sábado

Com a transição para SAF cada vez mais próxima, o clube pretende utilizar a janela de julho para movimentar o mercado. Todavia, ela só será aberta na reta final do primeiro turno (de 18 de julho a 15 de agosto). Diante disso, a tarefa de Zé Ricardo é fazer a equipe render com as peças que tem em mãos.

Following a difficult start to the season under new manager Julen Lopetegui, West Ham United have reportedly set their sights on signing a Champions League winner who could arrive for a bargain price.

West Ham transfer news

The Hammers splashed the cash in the summer transfer window, welcoming the likes of Crysencio Summerville, Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo. But it’s been to no avail in Lopetegui’s first campaign in the charge and it’s only in recent weeks that he’s begun to save his job following a tumultious spell.

The Hammers were even linked with names such as Massimiliano Allegri, but it looks as though those at the London Stadium are sticking with their summer choice for the time being.

Following draws against high-flying Bournemouth and Brighton & Hove Albion as well as victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers to make it three games without defeat, that decision has so far been justified.

With Lopetegui’s job seemingly safe for now, the Hammers now looks set to turn their attention towards the January transfer window and potentially landing a bargain deal.

According to reports in Spain, West Ham have set their sights on signing Hakim Ziyech in the January transfer window, with the Galatasaray winger possibly terminating his current contract at the Turkish giants to become a free agent next month.

In what could be a bargain free deal, West Ham may welcome Ziyech back to the Premier League just six months after he left London rivals Chelsea on a permanent basis.

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A move that would steal the headlines, it may be worth the gamble for those at the London Stadium. Whilst Ziyech is 31 years old and now arguably edging past the peak of his powers, the possibility of securing such a player’s signature without having to splash out on a transfer fee is one that the Hammers may not be able to resist.

"Decisive" Ziyech could come back to haunt Chelsea

If they need any more incentive to pursue Ziyech’s signature, then the fact that the Moroccan could come back to haunt London rivals Chelsea should help to tip the balance. The Galatasaray winger certainly brings plenty of experience to the table too, having become a Champions League winner when Chelsea defeated Manchester City in the 2021 final. And that experience may prove to be vital for a number of sides.

In the end, Ziyech endured a mixed spell at Stamford Bridge and one that ended with a whimper more than anything else. At his best, however, the former Ajax man earned high praise from former manager Thomas Tuchel, who told reporters via The Independent in 2021: “The attitude with which he arrived here was absolutely the right attitude to grow and to show personality, and this is what he did.

“He was fantastic from day one. He was decisive in every single friendly game we played and he was decisive in the first competitive game, in the final against Villarreal.”

We are pretty much halfway through silly season now, and as things stand, the only addition Tottenham Hotspur have made to their injury-riddled squad is that of goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky.

Now, the former Slavia Prague shot-stopper has seriously impressed thus far, but given the hole in the Lilywhites’ squad, he simply cannot be the only signing Daniel Levy and Co make this month.

There were strong links to Paris Saint-Germain’s exciting forward Randal Kolo Muani over the last week or so, but he now looks set to join Serie A giants Juventus on a short-term loan.

Fortunately, it appears as if the club are not letting this setback stop them from looking for another attacker, as recent reports have linked them to another exciting forward from Ligue 1, a forward who looks like he could be miles better than the Frenchman.

Tottenham chase free-scoring forward

According to a recent report from Daily Mail journalist Matt Barlow, Tottenham are one of several sides interested in signing OGC Nice star Evann Guessand.

Alongside the Lilywhites, the report has revealed that fellow Premier League teams West Ham United and Bournemouth are keen to bring the Ivorian international to England this month.

The good news for Levy and Co is that it shouldn’t cost them too much to sign the 23-year-old ace this month, with the report revealing that offers in excess of £20m should be enough to tempt the French side to come to the table.

He might not be a household name in England, but based on his form this season, signing Guessand for £20m could be a brilliant deal, especially as he’s been far more impressive than Kolo Muani.

How Guessand compares to Kolo Muani

So, with Kolo Muani now almost certainly off the table as an option for Spurs this month, would signing Guessand instead be a wise option? How does he stack up to his fellow Ligue 1 attacker?

Well, despite having a much lower profile in world football, the Nice star actually comes out way ahead of his older counterpart when we compare their pure output from this season, which for strikers is what matters more than anything.

For example, in 25 appearances, totalling 1937 minutes, the “very interesting” Nice star, as analyst Ben Mattinson described him, has scored nine goals and provided five assists, equating to a goal involvement on average every 1.78 games, or every 138.35 minutes.

In contrast, the PSG ace has scored two goals and provided one assist in 14 appearances this season, totalling 453 minutes, which works out to an average of a goal involvement every 4.66 games, or every 151 minutes.

Moreover, while it is a little closer when we compare their underlying numbers from this season, the 23-year-old Ivorian still emerges victorious in the majority of relevant metrics.

Guessand vs Kolo Muani

Statistics per 90

Guessand

Kolo Muani

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.56

1.19

Actual Non-Penalty G+As

0.74

0.50

Progressive Passes

3.02

1.25

Progressive Carries

3.02

2.00

Shots

2.60

3.77

Goals per Shot

0.19

0.07

Shots on Target

0.99

1.51

Goals per Shot on Target

0.50

0.17

Passing Accuracy

76.9%

73.1%

Expected Assists

0.19

0.15

Key Passes

1.05

1.25

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.05

0.75

Shot-Creating Actions

3.28

3.27

Goal-Creating Actions

0.62

0.75

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 Ligue 1 Season

For example, he produces more actual non-penalty goals plus assists, scores more goals per shot and shot on target, completes more progressive passes and carries, has a better passing accuracy, produces more shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, Spurs fans might be understandably upset over missing out on the talented Kolo Muani this week, but from a pure output and underlying metric perspective, Guessand looks to be the far superior player.

Therefore, Levy and Co should be doing all they can to ensure they get this deal done ahead of the chasing pack.

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