£375k-p/w Star Wants Man United Stay But Future Unclear

David de Gea wants to stay at Manchester United but his future looks far from certain, journalist David Ornstein has claimed.

What's the latest on David De Gea?

The Spaniard's £375k-per-week contract is set to expire this summer, but whilst an extension previously looked to be on the cards, there is currently no resolution and he could depart for free.

The 32-year-old has come in for criticism following some glaring errors this season, and Erik ten Hag could look to move on from United's longest serving player.

Speaking on Sky Sports News, Ornstein outlined that whilst De Gea is still keen to extend his deal and remain at Old Trafford, he could depart if United choose to replace him.

"It's a huge decision for Manchester United. I think De Gea wants to stay, he intends to report back after the summer break, at which point he'll be out of contract as things stand," he stated.

"Manchester United are not seeing the 30th June as a hard deadline, so they presumably think they could still come to an agreement with him. There were reports recently that the agreement was there, but it doesn't seem that it's there in full and so it presents Manchester United with a massive decision.

"Do they renew him on reduced wages, but still really significant, when he's not the sort of player that Ten Hag is looking for from his goalkeeper, or do they go for somebody else and let him go as a free agent and go for Andre Onana for example, he has been linked or one of a number of keepers that will be gettable.

"So this is a pretty seismic moment for Manchester United and De Gea, and it's gone this far, it looks like he may well leave."

Should Man United keep De Gea?

Although he previously operated at a world-class level for United over the years, it is clear that Ten Hag needs to upgrade on his number one goalkeeper.

De Gea's poor ability on the ball and in the air, which sees him ranked in the bottom 10% of European keepers for both goal kicks and crosses claimed via FBref, fails to help United in possession.

Ten Hag's style, which saw Andre Onana play the ball out from the back at Ajax, may require a more modern keeper than De Gea, and given that the former Spain international could depart for free and make space on United's wage bill, now seems to be the ideal time to move on and find a replacement.

Rangers’ "Physical" £5k-p/w Target Set To Fly In For Medical

Glasgow Rangers target Jose Cifuentes is set to fly in to complete a medical ahead of a move to the Scottish Premiership, according to reports.

Who is LAFC's Jose Cifuentes?

The Los Angeles FC midfielder first arrived in the Major League Soccer back in 2020 and has since gone on to make a total of 113 appearances for Steve Cherundolo’s side, but with his contract set to expire at the end of the year, he’s likely to be available for a cut-price fee this summer.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Fabrizio Romano credited the Light Blues with a strong interest in the 24-year-old and claimed that initial conversations are “going well” after Michael Beale and Co offered him an “interesting project”.

The Ecuador international also recently sparked excitement among supporters after he was spotted liking social media comments from fans welcoming him to the club despite a deal having not yet even been completed, though it sounds as if a move is pretty imminent.

Are Rangers signing Cifuentes?

According to The Herald, Cifuentes is “poised to quit” Los Angeles FC in the MLS and is “expected to jet in for a medical sooner rather than later” to finalise his switch to Rangers. Beale now “closes in” on securing his next new signing and one that will add “further strength” to the centre of the park, with all of the fresh faces set to join up with the rest of the squad in next month’s pre-season training camp over in Germany.

Ecuador midfielder Jose Cifuentes.

Could Cifuentes be a strong addition for Beale?

Rangers recently confirmed the signing of Crystal Palace goalkeeper Jack Butland so Beale will now be focusing on what other targets he can bring in next, and having been described as a “physical” central midfielder by Ecuador specialist Benedikt Duda, Cifuentes would be a fantastic addition at Ibrox.

The World Cup participant, who pockets £5k-per-week, is naturally stronger in the attacking aspect of his game, ranking in the 98th percentile for successful take-ons and turning his dribbling skills into results having posted five goal contributions (four assists and one goal) in 18 appearances across all competitions this season.

Cifuentes, however, is also good at getting stuck in defensively having won 15 of his 19 tackles made since the start of the term so loves to dispossess the opposition and win the ball back for his side. For someone who has a positive impact at both ends of the pitch, this seems like a no-brainer of a deal to complete.

ذا أثليتك ترد على تصريحات ميدو بشأن توصل محمد صلاح لاتفاق مع ناد سعودي

أوضح ديفيد أورنستين، الصحفي بصحيفة “ذا أثليتك” حقيقة ما تردد عن توصل محمد صلاح جناح ليفربول، لاتفاق مع أحد أندية الدوري السعودي.

وسبق أن نشر لاعب كرة القدم السابق أحمد حسام ميدو، تغريدة عبر حسابه على موقع “إكس”، أن محمد صلاح وافق بالفعل على عقد مع فريق سعودي.

ويرتبط محمد صلاح بعقد مع ليفربول حتى يونيو 2025، وأفادت تقارير في وقت سابق، وجود محادثات للتجديد.

وأوضح أورنستين: “كل الاحترام لميدو والآخرين الذين يقدمون معلوماتهم، ولكن قيل لي إنه ليس صحيحًا أنه تم توقيع العقود، إذا كنت مخطئا، سأتراجع”.

اقرأ أيضًا | ماك أليستر: أنا ومحمد صلاح نستفز فان دايك بـ جملة ميسي الشهيرة

وأشار: “هناك فرصة كبيرة لملاحقته من قبل فرق من الدوري السعودي للمحترفين مرة أخرى، خاصة أنه يقترب من آخر 12 شهرًا من عقده الحالي، لكن هذا لا يعني أنه يريد مغادرة ليفربول أو أوروبا”.

ورغب اتحاد جدة في التعاقد مع محمد صلاح خلال سوق الانتقالات الماضية، ورفض ليفربول الاستماع إلى العرض.

وتشير التقارير إلى أن أندية الدوري السعودي ستجدد محاولاتها للتعاقد مع محمد صلاح خلال سوق الانتقالات الصيفية القادمة.

Man Utd Could Find George Best 2.0 In £100m "Monster"

With focus now beginning to turn toward the summer transfer window for those at Manchester United, a sense of uncertainty remains at the club amid the ongoing takeover talks, with it yet to be decided just who will replace the current owners, the Glazers.

At present, it would appear that it is a straight fight between INEOS' Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Qatari investor, Sheikh Jassim, albeit with a decision still needing to be made after numerous rounds of bidding from both parties.

In the case of Jassim, reports in Spain have suggested that the interested bidder has already put together a ten-man transfer wishlist should he edge out Ratcliffe and become United's new owner, with it seemingly apparent that the Qatari banker is ready to splash the cash this summer.

Among that reported list of targets is Napoli sensation, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, with the Georgian wizard having dazzled during his first season in Italian football, helping Luciano Spalletti's side to Scudetto glory after bagging 12 goals and 13 assists in 33 Serie A games.

Recognised by his club as arguably the "best player in world football" – as per CBS reporter, Ben Jacobs – the 22-year-old is unlikely to come cheap if he is to make the move to Old Trafford, with journalist Ryan Taylor previously suggesting that it could take around £100m to pull off a deal.

While that fee may appear rather sizeable, the signing of the fleet-footed "monster" – as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig – could well prove worth it for Erik ten Hag's side…

How good is Khvicha Kvaratskhelia?

The talent of the former Dinamo Batumi ace can seemingly be best illustrated by his apparent likeness to an iconic figure of Red Devils history, with former Italy international, Christian Vieri having stated that the "days of George Best will return" if Kvaratskhelia is to sign for the club, as the Tbilisi native is the "same" as the late, great Northern Irishman.

Any comparison to Best is likely to catch the eye of United supporters, with the European Cup-winning sensation having arguably been "the greatest talent our football ever produced", according to Sir Alex Ferguson.

George Best

Having arrived in Manchester as a teenager from his native Belfast, the legendary wide man would go on to score 179 goals in 470 appearances over the decade or so, establishing himself as a true cult hero due to his instinctive and dynamic brilliance on the pitch, as well as his lavish lifestyle off it.

A true wizard with the ball at his feet, the enigmatic ace had the ability to run rings around opponents with apparent ease, with former teammate Bobby Charlton having stated previously:

"At the time when [Best] first got in the team, no one had seen his like before: someone who was so small and tough, who would go into tackles, but also had the ability to turn people inside out and beat anyone he liked. George was as good as anyone you will see; he used to embarrass players time and time again."

It would appear that Kvaratskhelia also possesses that "untamed" quality – as hailed by journalist Rory Smith – as he notably ranks in the top 6% among his European peers for progressive carries and in the top 3% for successful take-ons, as a marker of his dribbling prowess.

Hailed for his "incredible dribbling ease" by ex-Napoli talisman, Marek Hamsik, the 20-cap menace undoubtedly possesses a likeness to that of Best, with the hope being that is not too long before the emerging superstar is snapped up by the United hierarchy.

تشكيل ريال مدريد أمام أتلتيكو مدريد في الدوري الإسباني

أعلن نادي ريال مدريد تشكيل الفريق لمباراة الديربي أمام أتلتيكو مدريد، في الدوري الإسباني “الليجا” لموسم 2023-2024.

ويستقبل ريال مدريد نظيره أتلتيكو مدريد مساء اليوم الأحد على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو”، في مباراة بالجولة الثالثة والعشرين لليجا.

طالع موعد والقناة الناقلة لمباراة ريال مدريد وأتلتيكو مدريد اليوم في الدوري الإسباني.. والمعلق

يدخل ريال مدريد اللقاء متصدرًا للدوري الإسباني برصيد 57 نقطة، وخصمه أتلتيكو مدريد في المركز الرابع ويملك 47 نقطة.

وتعرض البرازيلي فينيسيوس جونيور للإصابة في الإحماء وحل إبراهيم دياز بدلاً منه في التشكيل الأساسي. تشكيل ريال مدريد أمام أتلتيكو مدريد

حراسة المرمى: لونين.

خط الدفاع: داني كارفاخال، فيرلاند ميندي، ناتشو، لوكاس فاسكيز.

خط الوسط: توني كروس، كامافينجا، فيدي فالفيردي.

خط الهجوم: إبراهيم دياز، بيلينجهام، رودريجو جوس.

البدلاء: كيبا، دييجو بينيرو، مودريتش، خوسيلو، سيبايوس، فيران جارسيا، إبراهيم دياز، أردا جولر.

Khawaja shakes off 'horrendous' fielding

Usman Khawaja’s ability with the bat has never been in doubt, but there have been question-marks over his fielding during the course of his five years in international cricket

ESPNcricinfo staff17-Jun-2016Usman Khawaja’s ability with the bat has never been in doubt, but there have been question-marks over his fielding during the course of his five years in international cricket. So it was again during Australia’s loss to West Indies on Monday in St Kitts, where he top scored with 98 but then spilled two early chances in the field to give reprieves to both of the West Indies openers.In the second over of the chase, Khawaja was at mid-on where he dropped a gettable chance from Andre Fletcher, and in the eighth over Khawaja was at long-on when he missed a sitter to reprieve Johnson Charles. Australia will need far sharper performances in the field when they take on West Indies and South Africa in Barbados in the push for a place in the tri-series final.”I don’t think we fielded particularly well and obviously I put my hand up in that department,” Khawaja said. “Sometimes you just have horrendous games and you just can’t do anything about it, the ball follows you around.”Obviously it’s a big part of cricket. A big part of what we do well. If we’re fielding well, we usually win games so it’s quite important. I’m not the first person to drop a catch. It happens. You try and move on as quickly as possible.”Australia’s first training session at Kensington Oval in Barbados focused solely on fielding, with no bowling or batting, as stand-in coach Justin Langer sought to turn around their sloppy work. The Australians take on South Afric on Sunday and West Indies on Tuesday, and the series has already shown the evenness of the three sides, with each team having won two and lost two.Australia are without opener David Warner, who broke his finger earlier in the series, which has allowed Khawaja to move up the order to open the batting alongside Aaron Finch. Khawaja looked comfortable in the role on Monday and although he missed out on a maiden ODI century, he is now averaging 46.66 in the format this year.”When I was younger I was always pigeonholed as a four-day player. It frustrated me a lot,” Khawaja said. “Even when I performed back in first grade cricket at the time when I was really young, I still wouldn’t get a chance at New South Wales.”I finally got a chance – I put some numbers on the board and I did well and we won a few games. Australia just had a set one-day team and no matter how many runs I scored in the Matador Cup, it was too hard to crack it.”

Aston Villa: Emery Could Have Buendia Heir in Teen Prodigy

Aston Villa are having a season to remember since the transformation of the squad’s form by Unai Emery. The Spaniard has raised the bar since making the switch from Villareal to the Midlands and taking Villa from relegation candidates to European hopefuls in just over half a season.

The squad has been rejuvenated under the 51-year-old’s watchful eye, and has boosted the form and performance potential of many squad members, most notably Ollie Watkins who has 14 goals in the league so far this season.

Another player that has been performing well under Emery is Emiliano Buendia, when the Argentinian arrived at Villa Park in the summer of 2021, no one could doubt his quality after being named Player of the Season in the Championship the year prior.

With the club’s change in managers and change in form, it was a difficult period for Buendia, who looks to be back to his best playing as a versatile forward in Emery’s system, covering a range of positions.

The four-time Europa League winning coach praised the Argentinian’s “mentality” as well explaining his desire to explore in midfield and attack, using him as a “second striker” and “left-winger playing inside” in this dynamic Villa team.

Buendia has scored five goals this season, four of which coming during Emery’s reign as manager, and ranks in the top five in expected goal conversion in the Premier League.

It’s clear to see that the forward is flourishing under Emery, and despite having the playmaker on a five-year-contract, Villa already seem to have an heir to the 26-year-old in their ranks.

Who is Omari Kellyman?

Northern Irish forward Omari Kellyman is a player capturing the eye of many, including Emery from the club’s academy. The 17-year-old has already trained with the first team, and scored in front of the Spaniard during Villa’s behind-closed-doors fixture against Bristol Rovers.

Heralded as a “star in the making” by Birmingham Live’s Villa correspondent Ashley Preece, the youngster is on the right track to being a star in the Premier League one day.

The former Derby County academy star had a strong start to life with the Midlands side, scoring a goal and assisting three in the U18 Premier League, which saw his promotion to the U21’s side.

Moving things up a notch hasn’t bothered the starlet, who has five goal contributions in 10 appearances in the PL2, scoring three and assisting two so far.

Kellyman was nominated for the U21 league’s player of the month award for February, and has become more and more impressive since his transfer to Villa last year.

The youngster bears a lot of similarities to Buendia, sparking thoughts that he could be the next attacking star to grace the top division for the club in the future. Like the Argentinian, the 17-year-old is versatile in attack, featuring as a right-winger, a central midfielder and at times on the left too this season.

Midfielder’s with the ability to move in and around the attack is a trait that Emery is a fan of, as shown through Buendia’s emergence to form in his free flowing system behind the striker.

At just 17, there is a bright future ahead for Kellyman, who is ticking all the right boxes so far at Villa.

Tottenham Eyeing "Interesting" Manager To Replace Conte

Journalist Ryan Taylor of The Daily Express has shared his own update on Tottenham Hotspur and their links to Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner.

What's the latest on Glasner to Spurs?

The Austrian is one of many names to have been mentioned as a possible Antonio Conte replacement at Spurs. Indeed, Glasner comes as another managerial candidate who is reportedly attracting chairman Daniel Levy's interest.

The 48-year-old joins many prestigious coaches currently on the Lilywhites' managerial wishlist, with Mauricio Pochettino, Luis Enrique, Julian Nagelsmann, Zinedine Zidane and even Brendan Rodgers among those wanted in north London.

Levy has many pressing issues to contend with at the club – most notably their hunt for a new boss, sporting director Fabio Paratici's worldwide footballing ban and star striker Harry Kane's contract situation. It is the job of Spurs' eventual next manager to steady the ship and potentially sway the likes of Kane to commit themselves – a tall order given the situation at Hotspur Way right now.

Glasner, according to recent reports, may well be a possible nomination to help move Tottenham forward – with reporter Taylor now sharing what he knows about the former Wolfsburg manager.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, backing other claims, the Express journalist says Spurs admire him and is one of a few 'interesting' names to have emerged. This comes after reliable reporter Alasdair Gold reported that Tottenham actually interviewed Glasner to replace Jose Mourinho in 2021.

Taylor said:

"You've got Oliver Glasner at Frankfurt, who seems to be admired by the club. Even Ange Postecoglou as well at Celtic. I think he deserves a crack at a job in the Premier League.

"But yeah, there are some interesting names out there. So it's certainly something for Tottenham to get stuck into because there are so many candidates."

Could Glasner get the Spurs job?

While big-name options like Pochettino and Enrique come as, arguably, far more tantalising given their status – we believe Glasner could also be a fairly solid move.

Having guided Frankfurt to a Europa League triumph last year, the 3-4-2-1 manager has been praised for his pre-game preparation and attention to detail.

Niko Kovac, speaking to the Frankfurt Allgemeine Zeitung (via Bundesliga.com), shared his opinion on Glasner whilst seriously endorsing him, explaining:

“He’s very structured, very well organised, meticulous, observes the opposition very closely and prepares the team very well for them."

This could be music to the ears of Tottenham chiefs who must weigh their next manager carefully, and if they decide to formally move, there is apparently an exit clause in Glasner's current contract.

Arsenal Could Sign £30m Xhaka Heir

Arsenal are flying of late, with a team full to the brim with talented youngsters who are already starring on the biggest stage and at the highest level.

However, it is Mikel Arteta's older and more experienced core that truly ties the squad together. Without the likes of Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka, none of the success they are currently enjoying would be possible.

Both of these midfield maestros have been imperative in their unlikely title charge, missing few games between them to maintain stability in the engine room.

However, they will not be around forever.

The latter in particular, who turns 31 in September, is entering the twilight years of his tumultuous career that could end with the most unlikely of Premier League winners medal.

As such, his role is one that needs filling with immediacy.

Fortunately for Gunners fans, and even Arteta himself, Feyenoord's Orkun Kokcu marks an incredibly viable option.

Who is Orkun Kokcu?

As noted by The Sun late last week, the Turkish midfielder has emerged as a target for both the north London outfit and Brighton and Hove Albion. To be involved in a transfer battle with a side boasting such a commendable transfer policy suggests that they are certainly looking in the right places.

Rated at £30m however, it is expected that the Seagulls could be priced out of a move, given that their record transfer stands at just £18m.

As such, it gives Arteta free rein to swoop in on the high-flying 22-year-old who too is masterminding his side to an unlikely title charge.

His goalscoring exploits in the engine room have proven vital for Arne Slot's outfit, with his role as club captain marking him out as a truly immeasurable figure for his age.

The 5 foot 9 magician has recorded 12 goals and eight assists in all competitions this season, not too dissimilar from Xhaka's seven goals and five assists with both proving themselves to be well-rounded attacking assets.

granit-xhaka-arsenal-Orkun-Kokcu-transfer

However, what sets Kokcu apart from the rest is when he is compared to other midfielders across Europe's 'next 8 best competitions'. Within this sphere, he ranks in the top 1% for shot-creating actions and progressive passes, the top 4% for progressive carries, and the top 2% for total shots, via FBref.

It is no wonder that former Liverpool midfielder Mohamed Sissoko, when asked about his style of play, said the following: "I get unbalanced and answer Modric, for me he has the same quality of play. He has the potential to reach his level."

This outstanding praise is just a mere testament to the huge potential of the Feyenoord star, who clearly already boasts that attacking impetus that Xhaka has found of late.

His signing could prove to be the perfect acquisition to phase out the Swiss cult hero in favour of a younger, more dynamic model for whom the sky really is the limit.

Move over Havertz: Conte’s 6 ft 2 machine would now be an “animal” in Potter’s Chelsea – opinion

Chelsea have an illustrious recent history, boasting some of the greatest players to grace the Premier League.

Enjoying countless domestic honours including six league titles and further two Champions Leagues, it is no surprise that they have attracted some true star power to Stamford Bridge.

However, it is not just the allure of the club alone that has convinced players to join over the years, as the immeasurable quality of managers has served to match the playing staff.

They too boast the pulling power needed to succeed at a club as unique as the west London outfit, with few personifying it better than Antonio Conte (Jose Mourinho excluded, for obvious reasons).

His tactical ideals revolutionised the Premier League, but it was buoyed up by the players he had at his disposal within the system, most notably the fearsome forward Diego Costa.

How long did Diego Costa play for Chelsea?

Having signed for the aforementioned Portuguese legend in 2014, the Brazil-born striker had starred at Atletico Madrid and came ready to use his aggression to take England by storm.

Hitting 20 goals in his debut season in the league as they won the title, the 6 foot 2 marksman would follow that up with the same tally during the 2016/17 campaign, adding eight assists as he then led Conte’s team to the same honour.

The Spaniard was feared by all across the division, with his penchant for the reckless and the dark arts often leaving defenders in a constant state of unease around him.

Journalist Alex Brotherton even suggested he was an “absolute animal” during that first year in the country.

With a desire to win at all costs, he typified a polarising club that had upset the apple cart for years now, and fans loved him for it.

Given their current struggles of late in the striker department, with Kai Havertz having deputised there, it is worth wondering just how impressive Graham Potter’s side would be with a prime Costa up front.

Six league goals this season is admirable for the German playing out of position, but he pales in comparison to the lethal finisher who would score, create and forge bedlam throughout.

For all his control, Potter craves an agent of chaos like the 34-year-old, to create space for the wealth of tricky talent that would surround him.

Although purely hypothetical, it remains a comforting thought to reimagine Costa tearing it up for Chelsea. Indeed, the brutish striker would now be perfect for their current needs.

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