Liverpool stars were spotted at a Major League Baseball game between the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Yankees.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
A big Manchester City earner has played his last game for the club, according to a new report.
Pep Guardiola’s full focus is on matters on the pitch as we head into the business stage of the season, with City still on track to defend their Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League titles from last season.
|
Man City's upcoming fixtures |
|
|---|---|
|
Man City vs Arsenal |
March 31st |
|
Man City vs Aston Villa |
April 3rd |
|
Crystal Palace vs Man City |
April 6th |
|
Real Madrid vs Man City |
April 9th |
|
Man City v Luton Town |
April 13th |
|
Man City vs Real Madrid |
April 17th |
However, those behind the scenes at the Etihad appear to be making plans on summer targets. Reports in recent days have suggested that Man City are ready to make a bid for Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala, whereas they are also monitoring Bayern Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz.
Man City keen on signing "magnificent" £60m player ahead of Man Utd
The Premier League champions are monitoring developments.
By
Henry Jackson
Mar 24, 2024
Away from Germany, Man City have also allegedly made an approach for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. Should a number of players come in, there could be a plethora of exits, and it looks as if one specific departure is certain to happen over the coming months.
Recently, City full-back Joao Cancelo, currently out on loan with Barcelona, hit out at claims that he was a bad teammate to Nathan Ake and Rico Lewis before his loan to Bayern Munich, where he was hailed as an "important player" by former Bayern director Hasan Salihamidzic.
Football Insider have now provided a new update on Cancelo’s future at Man City, saying that the Portugal international has played his last game for the club.
Cancelo doesn’t want to return to the Etihad following his loan at Barcelona, and the feeling is mutual, with City not wanting him back either.
It will be interesting to see where the £250,000-a-week defender ends up, especially following rumours of a move to top-flight rival Arsenal in recent days.
Two Premier League clubs reportedly asked loan transfer questions of Real Madrid after seeing them acquire Brazilian wonderkid Endrick.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Manchester United’s latest 1-1 draw against Brentford further exposes the on-the-field issues at the club that have haunted them all season.
The only positives that can be taken from this season thus far is the rise and progress of Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho, who have become key players in Erik ten Hag’s side.
With the Red Devils preparing to undergo a complete rebuild with Sir Jim Ratcliffe at the helm, the transfer strategy could be to focus on signing young talent, just like the aforementioned duo.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at an extremely highly-rated 2007-born ace who is reportedly on United’s radar.
According to a recent report from Spain via Football365, Man United are interested in signing 16-year-old gem Estevao, otherwise known as Messinho.
The attacker plays his football for Palmeiras, the same side that developed wonderkid Endrick, but they are not willing to let him go for cheap.
Messinho is attracting plenty of interest from across Europe, including Real Madrid, who could battle United for his signature in the summer.
However, Unuted are reportedly willing to pay an extreme figure for the winger, at least £77m, which could fend off competition for his services.
Ten Hag could ease LB woes by trialling Man Utd "monster" in new role
The Red Devils’ lack of options at left-back has left the Dutchman needing to get creative…
By
Robbie Walls
Apr 2, 2024
As previously mentioned, Garnacho has simply been fantastic this campaign, showing courage and determination to succeed, which can’t be said for some of his teammates.
At 19 years of age, the Argentine wonderkid has the world at his feet, and he’s played 27 matches in the Premier League this season, scoring five goals and providing three assists.
Due to the lack of quality on the right wing this season, with Antony failing to register a goal contribution in the league, the number 17 has switched flanks to gain regular game time, but his long-term future is surely on the left if United do sign Messinho.
The Brazilian is a left-footed winger who mainly plays on the right, and he’s set to breakthrough the Palmeiras academy this year after making five substitute appearances since January.
That said, the number 41 has shown his ability in the youth teams and for Brazil’s U17 side, particularly during the U17 World Cup in Indonesia, as you can see below.
|
Messinho vs Ecuador U17's |
|
|---|---|
|
Stats |
Messinho |
|
Match rating |
10 |
|
Goals |
2 |
|
Key passes |
5 |
|
Big chances created |
2 |
|
Successful dribbles |
5/5 |
|
Shots on target |
4 |
|
Duels won |
8 |
|
Via Sofascore |
|
Against Ecuador in the Round of 16, Messinho was almost untouchable, displaying absolutely everything he has to offer and why he is regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in the world.
It’s fair to say that the Brazilian is absolutely frightening, not only because he can score goals but also because he has the ability to create opportunities from absolutely nothing.
This is what makes him a “future Ballon d’Or winner,” as per analyst Ben Mattinson, with his five key passes and successful dribbles proving that it’s impossible to stop him as an opposition defender.
This illustrates the immense potential the teenage star has and that is why he could enter Old Trafford as a bigger talent than their current Argentina international, who former United midfielder Paul Parker claimed needs to work on his discipline and mentality on and off the pitch to reach Balon d'Or level.
It’s quite clear that Estevao is also extremely confident in his own ability, just like Garnacho, which makes him even more of a promising talent, and gives him a much better chance of making it to the very top of the beautiful game.
Overall, signing an inexperienced gem for potentially such a large fee is clearly a huge risk to take, but we have seen it pay off in recent times with the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona tapping into the South American market and securing superstars like Vinicius Junior, Endrick, and Vitor Roque.
Charlotte FC manager Dean Smith has revealed that he tried to lure Leicester City legend Jamie Vardy to MLS earlier this summer.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
West Bromwich Albion needed a slice of luck to get over the line in the end against Rotherham United, a fortuitous penalty gifting John Swift the opportunity to make it 2-0 just before the half-time whistle which was tucked away confidently.
That killed the Championship contest really, with the already relegated Millers attempting to find a way back into the game but the Baggies ended up securing the 2-0 win without much bother.
Swift was a star performer for Carlos Corberan's men away from his spot-kick finding the back of Viktor Johansson's net, the ex-Reading attacking midfielder allowing West Brom to tick going forward in the absence of Alex Mowatt creating from deep.
Making a number of changes from the side that stumbled to a 2-2 draw away at Stoke City last time out in Championship action, Corberan's decision to bring Swift back into the first-team fold looked an inspired one based on his display against Leam Richardson's men.
Alongside his strike clinching the three points, the former Chelsea youth player turned seasoned Baggies man notched up two key passes in the contest in a bid to make the win even more convincing in his promotion-chasing side's favour.
Moreover, Swift would register three accurate crosses and five accurate long balls when constantly trying to create openings for West Brom to further exploit the frail nature of the lowly visitors.
The 28-year-old would last the full 90 minutes on his return to the XI, a satisfactory reintroduction into the lineup for Swift who should now start West Brom's next second-tier match versus Sunderland this Saturday.
It wasn't just Swift who was brought back into the side for this clash with the Millers and passed their assessment, with Adam Reach coming in surprisingly for Conor Townsend at left-back and succeeding with flying colours.
The former Sheffield Wednesday man's versatility could prove to be very useful for the playoff hopefuls between now and the end of the regular season, with Reach capable of playing in midfield alongside in defence.
Chosen to replace Townsend in this one, Reach – who has had a stop-start Baggies career since joining in 2021 – put in an admirable shift to help his side keep a clean sheet on top of clinching the 2-0 victory.
|
Reach's numbers vs Rotherham |
|
|---|---|
|
Minutes played |
90 |
|
Clearances |
3 |
|
Tackles |
4 |
|
Duels won |
10/11 |
|
Accurate passes |
51/60 |
|
Assists |
1 |
|
Stats by Sofascore |
|
Reach demonstrated his varied game by battling bravely at the back with four tackles registered alongside winning ten duels, but also showed his knack of foraying forward with confidence by assisting Brandon Thomas-Asante's opening goal on the night.
Amassing 86 touches playing out from the back four too, Reach was crucial to how West Brom played moving forward in the contest away from just teeing up Thomas-Asante to bag and filled in for Townsend excellently with the usually preferred left-back given a breather against the division's basement club.
Corberan wouldn't think twice about starting Reach or Swift for the test of the Black Cats this coming Saturday now, the Spanish boss thrilled with his rotated side's performance against Rotherham.
West Brom were rinsed by record flop who earned double Wallace’s wages
West Bromwich Albion were made to regret signing this terrible flop.
By
Kelan Sarson
Apr 4, 2024
Erik ten Hag put the blame on Manchester United defenders for leaving Joao Pedro unmarked during Brighton's late winner.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Manchester United may have to break the bank to sign one rumoured target this summer, after it emerged that he would demand to be on more than Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford.
It is set to be a summer of major change at Manchester United following another disappointing Premier League season. Currently seventh, they arguably have no chance of reaching next season's Champions League and though they could yet lift the FA Cup, it would serve only to paper over the cracks of the squad.
Up to 21 players could leave this summer in a major overhaul of the playing staff at the Theatre of Dreams, with Raphael Varane, Jonny Evans and Anthony Martial all out of contract and Sofyan Amrabat's loan not set to be made permanent.
Man Utd wasted millions signing Mount instead of Champions League hero
The former Man United star scored and picked up two assists this week in the UCL.
By
Tom Lever
Apr 19, 2024
Beyond that, the likes of Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Christian Eriksen, Scott McTominay, Jadon Sancho and Amad Diallo could all depart, while Donny van De Beek looks set to return from his latest unsuccessful loan spell and may also move on.
There could be plenty of work on the incoming front too, with a centre-back and a full-back possibly among the priorities due to injuries, along with a central midfielder and a striker to provide cover and competition to 21-year-old Rasmus Hojlund, who has endured a mixed first season at Old Trafford.
That comes in the form of Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who had previously been discussed amid links to Chelsea and Arsenal.
Now, Manchester United have reportedly entered the race for his signature, but whoever signs him will have to stump up a lot of cash. That is because Toney is demanding a massive £250,000 per week for any new contract, according to The Sun, which is also why Brentford are struggling to offer him a new deal.
That sort of wage would see him take home more than Manchester United captain Fernandes, who currently earns £240,000 per week at Old Trafford.
|
Manchester United's highest earners |
|
|
Player |
Weekly wage |
|
Casemiro |
£350,000 |
|
Raphael Varane |
£340,000 |
|
Marcus Rashford |
£300,000 |
|
Anthony Martial |
£250,000 |
|
Mason Mount |
£250,000 |
|
Bruno Fernandes |
£240,000 |
Toney himself has made no secret of his desire to leave Brentford on several occasions, but Thomas Frank has admitted that he would still like to keep his "world-class" striker until his contract runs out in 2025.
“For me as a coach I do not want to sell him. Of course I want my best players. Of course I say to Phil (Giles) and Matt (Benham) do not sell him", he explained. Ivan is a world class player, so why should we sell a world class player? I would rather want him to play here for the rest of his contract. That is not up to me to decide.”
Toney could reportedly set any buying club back £40m according to The Sun, though Frank hit back at this report claiming: "Normally I don’t go into these price labels, but I would say that’s very cheap for a 20-goal goalscorer in the Premier League.”
With such hefty wages and a not-so-cheap transfer fee, could he prove value for money for INEOS?
Gary Lineker has revealed his pick for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, while also making a “next five years” prediction for Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Everton have excelled in recent weeks under boss Sean Dyche, securing Premier League survival after three successive victories against Nottingham Forest, Liverpool and Brentford.
Idrissa Gueye has starred in midfield, even finding himself on the scoresheet in two of the victories against Forest and Brentford – securing vital points in their battle for survival.
The Toffees have had their setbacks this campaign, suffering an eight-point deduction after multiple breaches of the Premier League's PSR rules – putting their ever-present Premier League status at risk.
However, Dyche has transformed his side's fortunes in recent weeks, looking to build a stable platform ahead of the 2024/25 season, with the club aiming to consolidate as a mid-table side.
One player deserves to be a crucial figure within the Toffees squad next season, with his excellent recent form seeing a sharp increase in his market value.
After joining the club for £20m from Burnley during the summer of 2022, midfielder Dwight McNeil endured a solid first campaign at Goodison Park, scoring seven times and providing three assists for his teammates – as the club narrowly avoided relegation.
However, whilst he's scored fewer goals this season, just three in total, his all-round play has been much improved – with McNeil's stats backing up his development.
The 24-year-old has provided six assists in the Premier League this season, the most of any player within Dyche's squad, with the winger making up for his lack of goals with his other contributions.
However, out of his three goals this season, two of them have come against Forest, with McNeil producing consistently against sides in and around the Toffees in the table.
His brilliant performances have seen the attacker achieve an average rating of 7.18, as per FotMob, the highest of any player in the Everton squad this season.
McNeil's excellent campaign doesn't stop there, with the former Burnley man creating 65 chances and 17 big chances, in the league – tallies that simply can't be matched by any of his teammates.
|
McNeil's stats at Everton in 23/24 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistics |
Tally |
Ranking (squad) |
|
Average rating |
7.18 |
1st |
|
Assists |
6 |
1st |
|
Chances created |
65 |
1st |
|
Big chances created |
17 |
1st |
|
Successful dribbles (per 90) |
1 |
3rd |
|
Stats via FotMob |
||
As previously mentioned, his excellent displays have allowed for the winger's value to skyrocket, to the point where he's now valued more than one Everton talent who's been linked with a huge move this summer.
Less than two years on from his move to Merseyside, the "fantastic" McNeil, as described by journalist Zach Lowy, has seen an increase in his market value, with the 24-year-old now valued at £31m, as per Football Transfers.
His figure, which is £11m more than the club paid for him, is also two times higher than Amadou Onana, who joined the club for a fee of around £33m during the same summer as McNeil.
The young Belgian is now only valued at £15m after failing to truly kick on over the last two years or so, while McNeil has firmly established himself as a key figure at Goodison.
The latter man has been superb in what has been a difficult season for the Toffees, proving in recent weeks that he has the ability to be a crucial part of the club going forward.
With the wideman only being 24, he has the potential to grow into a sensational talent and increase his market value further, subsequently making the club a huge profit on their £20m investment.
Everton could hit jackpot by selling "complete" star for 6,900% profit
The Toffees titan has been linked with a move away from Goodison this summer.
By
Dan Emery
Apr 30, 2024