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Chelsea’s grip on a Champions League spot looks more and more uncertain by the day, especially after Enzo Maresca’s Blues stumbled to an unconvincing 0-0 draw versus Brentford on Sunday.

Indeed, the race for that final coveted spot in the Premier League’s top four is heating up, with the likes of Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Manchester City all fancying their chances over the up-and-down West Londoners.

Unfortunately for Maresca, one dud at his disposal is slowly becoming his team’s next version of Timo Werner, with the German a colossal failure in-front of goal for most of his cursed stay at Stamford Bridge.

Werner's frustrating Chelsea stint

Werner would join the Chelsea ranks back in 2020 with a growing reputation for being one of Europe’s most clinical strikers, costing the Blues a pretty £45m subsequently.

Indeed, the Stuttgart-born star had managed to fired home a staggering 113 goals from 213 games donning a RB Leipzig strip – across his two spells – but his time in the English capital with Chelsea would be anything but lethal.

In total, the former Chelsea number 11 would slot home a weak 23 strikes from 89 games playing for the Premier League giants, leading to Werner retreating back to Leipzig in the summer of 2022 to try and recapture his deadly edge.

Now on the books of Tottenham Hotspur – where he continues to struggle with zero league strikes picked up in 2024/25 – Chelsea will definitely jot down the deal for Werner as a blunder in the transfer market, coupled with the fact the German would relocate back to the Bundesliga for just £25.3m.

History could now be unfortunately repeating itself with this dud in Maresca’s camp, with the wasteful flop also costing Chelsea a hefty amount, only for the expensive attacker to be staring the exit door in the face after one too many passive performances in West London.

Maresca's very own Werner

The Champions League chasers aren’t exactly blessed with plentiful numbers in the centre-forward department, considering both David Datro Fofana and Marc Guiu are sidelined currently, alongside Nicolas Jackson being drip-fed more and more minutes recently after battling back from injury issues of his own.

Therefore, Maresca has had his hands tied behind his back somewhat when it comes to team selections, resulting in a goal-shy Christopher Nkunku having to regularly lead the line.

The Frenchman was particularly below-par away at Brentford on Sunday, with the former Leipzig attacker – which is where the similarities with Werner begin – only registering one shot on goal all game, before Maresca dragged him off at the half-time interval.

With just three goals all season long in the top-flight, Nkunku will now have the same unwanted tag above his head as the German in being an extortionate waste of money, with the 27-year-old only amassing a weak 17 goals on English shores overall, after costing an eye-watering £52m to obtain back in 2023.

Moreover, his explosive spell with Leipzig – which saw him collect a stunning 122 goal contributions from 172 games – makes his poor showings at Stamford Bridge even harder to stomach, with Nkunku managing just 18 touches on average this season in the Premier League as a presence now too afraid to leave a lasting mark on a contest.

Even labelled as one of Maresca’s “passengers” versus the Bees according to one football journalist, the beginning of the end for Nkunku at Chelsea already looks to be underway, with the Blues perhaps having to offload the inconsistent Frenchman for way below his past £52m price tag – much like they had to with Werner.

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By
Connor Holden

Apr 6, 2025

Newcastle United have enjoyed tangible success under Eddie Howe this campaign and may now be willing to follow that up by showing ambition in the transfer market.

Newcastle in Champions League race ahead of summer window

Retaining a game in hand over most of their rivals for continental qualification, Newcastle will feel a sense of quiet optimism over their chances of securing a Champions League berth ahead of next season.

Mathematically, England is now set to have five positions available for Europe’s premier competition via the Premier League. At the same time, either Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur could clinch a spot if they win the Europa League.

Eddie Howe deserves a lot of credit for leading his side into the mix, and it is likely PIF will back the Englishman on the market following his role in helping the Magpies to claim their first silverware since 1955.

Alexander Isak’s future will come under the microscope at St James’ Park, so it is no surprise that Newcastle could target Benfica forward Vangelis Pavlidis as a replacement for the Sweden international.

In addition, Callum Wilson is expected leave the Magpies on a free transfer at the end of the season, which will require work to be done behind the scenes to provide adequate squad depth at centre-forward.

Aaron Ramsdale is on Newcastle’s wishlist up the other end, but it is likely that firepower will be the first port of call on the agenda this summer for Howe and the recruitment department.

Now, the Geordies have identified who they feel could be a main contender to succeed Wilson ahead of 2025/26, per recent developments.

Newcastle want to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer

According to reports, Newcastle have made contact with Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s entourage and the Three Lions international is viewed as a priority signing to replace Wilson at St James’ Park.

They also have another unnamed star in the frame, but they are believed to be ‘very keen’ on the Everton man after he turned down multiple offers to extend his time on Merseyside.

Best since Isak: Howe struck gold signing “big game player” for Newcastle

Eddie Howe hit the jackpot signing this “big game player” who’s Newcastle’s best signing since Isak.

By
Connor Holden

Apr 6, 2025

Labelled a ‘top striker’ by Carlo Ancelotti, Calvert-Lewin has registered 71 goals and 20 assists in 269 appearances for his current employers. However, frequent injury problems and goal droughts in recent years have led him to a career crossroads in his prime.

Earning £100,000 per week at Goodison Park, the former Sheffield United man possesses a lot of distinctive qualities that could offer Newcastle a more physical Plan B in attack, alongside the carrot that he is a homegrown star who would offer leeway in European squad registration.

Given his availability on a free transfer, the Magpies may feel Calvert-Lewin is a risk worth taking to bolster their forward line.

The race to finish inside the coveted Champions League spaces in the Premier League is really starting to heat up with Chelsea staring down the barrel of a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Fulham on Sunday.

Thankfully for the Blues supporters who made the short journey over to Craven Cottage, their side managed to dramatically fight back to pick up a crucial three points.

That was thanks to 19-year-old sensation Tyrique George making himself an instant hero off the bench with the equaliser before Pedro Neto thumped home the last-gasp winner.

Chelsea fans packed into Fulham’s home ground would have been largely impressed with the showing of Cole Palmer too, away from Neto and George stealing the limelight, with the ex-Manchester City attacker guilty of putting in some rather subdued displays prior to this 2-1 victory being clinched.

Chelsea's Palmer problem

Amazingly, the once unplayable 22-year-old is now without a Chelsea goal since netting versus AFC Bournemouth all the way back in January.

But, he was still lively in spurts versus Fulham to show Maresca that he warrants a first team spot, with Palmer involved in the slick passing move that resulted in the 20-year-old forward grabbing his side’s much-needed equaliser.

Moreover, the hot-and-cold number 20 would trudge off the Craven Cottage turf at the close of the dramatic victory with only six misplaced passes, alongside firing two efforts of his own at Bernd Leno’s goal to try and guide his team to a less nervy win.

Of course, Palmer is stil some way off the blistering best that has seen him tally up a stunning 14 goals and eight assists overall this season in league action, but there is enough on show to indicate that other underperformers are costing Enzo Maresca more dearly.

Instead, there is a bigger problem right now at the Bridge…

4/10 Chelsea star is becoming a problem

The Champions League chasers haven’t been the most front foot team in recent matches, considering Maresca’s side have only bagged five Premier League strikes across April to date.

Nicolas Jackson, unfortunately, finds himself deep in a barren spell up top, with the low-on-confidence forward now up to 13 games without a goal after firing even more blanks away at Fulham. Considering they rely on him so much to find the net, one could argue that he’s becoming a bigger problem than the aforementioned Palmer.

Jackson just never looked confident leading the line for the Blues against Silva’s tricky hosts, with the Senegalese attacker failing to find the back of the net again by mustering up just one effort all contest.

He was also anonymous in large patches in an attacking capacity when attempting to find openings, with just 12 accurate passes accumulated, alongside weakly winning just one of his four duels.

Amazingly, within five minutes of the number 15 coming off the pitch, the Blues would celebrate hitting the back of the net through the aforementioned George, leaving Maresca with an almighty conundrum as to who he should select here moving forward.

Of course – much like Palmer – Jackson has displayed his class in the not so distant past at Stamford Bridge with nine goals powered home this campaign alone, but the scathing post-match reaction to his shoddy showing says it all, with London Evening Standard journalist Malik Ouzia dishing out a low 4/10 rating to the striker who he labelled as a “shadow” of his former lethal self.

There were jubilant celebrations at the final whistle as Chelsea picked up their 16th league victory of the season, but if they are serious about cementing a spot inside the top five, blindly sticking by a wasteful Jackson might prove to be a costly call.

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By
Ethan Lamb

Apr 20, 2025

Sheffield United head into this afternoon’s clash with Blackburn Rovers at Bramall Lane knowing that the result of the match is largely irrelevant to them.

The Blades have already finished in third place in the Championship and will head into the play-offs with the aim of gaining promotion back to the Premier League.

Irrespective of whether or not Chris Wilder and his men achieve that goal, Sheffield United are likely to be in the market to bolster their squad in the summer transfer window, and that could be bad news for club captain Jack Robinson.

Why Sheffield United need to upgrade on Jack Robinson

The long-serving defender, who has been at the club since his move from Nottingham Forest in 2020, has been a regular starter in the Championship this term.

Robinson has started 31 of his 34 appearances in the division, but has had some struggles of late. The 31-year-old dud lost three of his four ground duels and five of his eight aerial battles in the disappointing 2-1 defeat to Plymouth Argyle.

Wilder dropped him for the following game against Cardiff and it led to a 2-0 win over the Bluebirds, before he came back into the team for a 2-1 defeat to Burnley.

This suggests that Robinson, who has given away two penalties and made one error that directly led to a goal this season, is a player whom the club could improve upon in the summer transfer window.

Transfer Focus

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

It was recently reported that Sheffield United are one of the teams, alongside Middlesbrough and Norwich City, interested in a deal to sign Oxford United centre-back Ciaron Brown, who could come in as an upgrade on Robinson.

Why Ciaron Brown would be an upgrade on Jack Robinson

Wilder could finally move on from the English defender as a regular starter and ditch him from the side by swooping to sign the Oxford United star this summer.

Firstly, Brown could provide more of a goal threat from the centre-back position. The left-footed defender has scored four goals and provided three assists in 41 matches in the league this season, compared to Robinson’s zero goals and zero assists in 34 games.

The Oxford United colossus, who former manager Gary Holt claimed has “real hunger”, could also be more reliable in his defensive work, as he has not made a single error that has led to a shot, goal, or penalty for the opposition this season.

As you can see in the table above, Brown has the beating of Robinson in several key defensive statistics, whilst also providing a greater goal threat from set plays, which suggests that he could prevent Michael Cooper from being worked as much by making vital clearances, tackles, and interceptions.

He is also four years younger than the Sheffield United man and could, therefore, be a longer-term option for Wilder in the left-sided centre-back role.

He pocketed Brereton Diaz: Sheffield United racing to sign "fantastic" star

The Blades know all about his quality.

1

By
Tom Cunningham

May 1, 2025

This is why the Blades must pursue a deal for the Oxford United brute in the summer transfer window because they could improve their play at both ends of the pitch by ditching Robinson to bring Brown into their starting XI next term, whether that is as a Premier League or a Championship club.

Crystal Palace now want to appoint an “unbelievable” 4-2-3-1 manager should Oliver Glasner leave Selhurst Park, according to Sky Sports.

Crystal Palace stretch unbeaten run to four games with Forest draw

The Eagles looked like they were on course to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League on Monday after going 1-0 up against Forest thanks to Eberechi Eze’s penalty. However, the away side soon got back on level terms, and that is how the game finished, meaning Palace picked up another point as they aim to finish in the top half of the Premier League.

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By
Henry Jackson

May 6, 2025

Palace’s priority will be the upcoming FA Cup final, which they play in under two weeks against Manchester City. But despite not much being on the game against Forest, Glasner was pleased with his side’s performance and said the desire to win was “unbelievable”.

Glasner told BBC Match of the Day: “It was pretty even. After taking the lead, the equaliser was too quick. It was a set-play and a deflected ball. I really liked how the players wanted to win this game. I’m really pleased. The desire to win was unbelievable.

“We had many situations in the 60 or 70 minutes to come from the wing, but our crosses were not good enough. We got the penalty. We found the rhythm, and we had set-plays. You always have to be aware of the transitions – but we did well. We weren’t as efficient as in other games.”

Glasner also went on to provide an update on midfielder Adam Wharton, who had to come off after suffering an injury. He said: “It doesn’t look like it’s really serious. It was more precaution.”

Sky Sports: Crystal Palace now want 4-2-3-1 manager should Glasner leave

As the Eagles prepare for their Wembley final and look ahead to the future under Glasner, Palace, and by extension chariman Steve Parish, are also preparing for the worse when it comes to the future of their manager.

According to Sky Sports German reporter Philipp Hinze, Crystal Palace are interested in appointing Danny Rohl should Glasner decide to leave the club.

Hinze reports that Rohl, who has been dubbed “unbelievable” by Josh Windass, looks set to leave Sheffield Wednesday this summer. The German has a small exit fee in his contract, and that has alerted Palace as well as Fulham, as Glasner and Marco Silva are being linked with potential exits.

Leicester City and Southampton are also interested in appointing Rohl, who likes to play a 4-2-3-1 formation as a manager, as well as teams from the Bundesliga, but it looks as though he is likely to remain in England.

Sheffield Wednesday was the 36-year-old’s first managerial job, and after guiding the club away from relegation trouble last season, he guided the Owls to a mid-table finish this time around, comfortably away from relegation trouble but not enough to be in the race for the play-offs.

Palace’s interest in Rohl comes as the Austrian has been linked heavily with a move to RB Leipzig, as they look for a new manager, while Glasner has also emerged on Tottenham Hotspur’s radar as they look for candidates to replace Ange Postecoglou.

Leeds United could spend up to £90m on three more players alongside a potential deal to sign Everton striker Beto this summer.

Beto linked with move to Leeds this summer

Chairman Paraag Marathe has recently confirmed that Daniel Farke will remain as Leeds United manager following promotion to the Premier League, with the Whites lifting the Championship title on the final days.

After a promotion parade through Leeds city centre, attention will soon be on the summer transfer window and what the 49ers Enterprises will do as they look to make Leeds an established top flight club.

Talking about the summer plans, Marathe recently said: “You’ve got to nail your transfers. You’ve got to nail the players that come in that really fit the style of play that you want to have, that fit the club and and play together cohesively.

“I think that’s really important. Some lessons learned from the three years when I was sitting as a vice chairman, watching us do what we did those three years.”

One player who has been heavily linked with a move to Elland Road in recent days is Beto. Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett shared Leeds’ interest in the Everton forward on Wednesday.

The Yorkshire Evening Post have now added that ‘Leeds could test the Toffees’ resolve with a bid before the June 30 accounting deadline’, and that a sale could be possible ‘if Everton sign a new striker and tie Dominic Calvert-Lewin down to a new deal’.

At this stage, the 27-year-old is Everton’s only senior forward under contract for the 2025/26 season, so a transfer could prove tricky as Leeds look to make their mark early in the window.

Alongside Beto, Sky Sports have shared some further information on where Leeds will look to strengthen ahead of their Premier League return.

Leeds willing to spend £90m on three more players

As per Sky Sports, Leeds are looking to improve the spine of their team by signing a new goalkeeper, centre-back and central midfielder alongside a new forward. The 49ers are also ‘willing’ to spend £30m on each position, meaning a £90m spend on three new players along with a striker.

Those areas of the pitch are seen as ‘priorities’ for the Whites and if they manage to get those in, new full-backs and a right-winger could also be targeted, it is added.

There have been previous claims that Leeds and the 49ers will target players with Premier League experience, a category that Beto falls into.

Leeds now readying £6m bid for star defender who's in talks to join Everton

Leeds will send officials to watch him in action this weekend.

By
Brett Worthington

May 7, 2025

It promises to be a busy and crucial first transfer market for new managing director Robbie Evans and sporting director Adam Underwood and one Leeds will have long been preparing for.

Another “unique” player is believed to be in “advanced talks” with Liverpool over joining Jeremie Frimpong at Anfield, according to an update from journalist Matteo Moretto.

Liverpool closing in on Frimpong signing

The Reds are acting fast in their search for a Trent Alexander-Arnold replacement this summer, with Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong seemingly the man to come in at the end of the season.

The Dutchman was left out of the German side’s starting lineup for their final Bundesliga game of the season at Mainz on Saturday, and has now undergone a medical with Liverpool ahead of his move being completed.

Frimpong has the potential to be such an exciting signing for the Reds, with the 24-year-old possessing blistering speed and impressive end product, having racked up 30 goals and 44 assists in 190 appearances for Leverkusen.

There is no guarantee that the Netherlands is being brought in as a right-back – he can play on the wing, too, and Conor Bradley is already a great option there – but it would be a surprise if that wasn’t the case. Now, an exciting update has emerged regarding a target on the opposite flank.

Kerkez in "advanced talks" with Liverpool

According to Moretto on X, Liverpool are now in “advanced talks” with Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez, as a move to Anfield edges closer: “Milos Kerkez is in very advanced talks with Liverpool over contract terms.”

And while Moretto only stated negotiations between the clubs would begin soon, Fabrizio Romano has since added those are now advancing as well: “Understand Liverpool have contacted Bournemouth for Milos Kerkez deal with talks now advancing.”

Romano also confirmed Moretto’s claims that the player is keen to join and is “completing the agreement on personal terms”.

If Liverpool manage to snap up both Frimpong and Kerkez before the next transfer window has even technically opened, it would represent such a promising start to the summer.

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2

By
Matt Dawson

May 18, 2025

Kerkez looks like a perfect option to come in and be Andy Robertson’s long-term successor, with the Hungarian ten years younger than the Reds legend, and possessing more pace and energy, which is understandable given the different points their careers are at.

The Bournemouth ace has shone throughout this season, bagging five assists and a couple of goals in the Premier League, while goalkeeper and former teammate Mathew Ryan has lauded him in the past.

The idea of Liverpool having Frimpong and Kerkez marauding down either flank next season is a mouthwatering prospect, giving them an extra dimension under Arne Slot, and the future feels extremely bright at Anfield.

Nottingham Forest could now look to sign an “unbelievable” forward as part of a swap deal for Morgan Gibbs-White, according to a report.

Gibbs-White could be heading for Nottingham Forest exit

It may have been a difficult task for Forest to keep hold of Gibbs-White even if they had secured qualification for next season’s Champions League, but having missed out on the top five, it now appears as though the midfielder could be heading for an exit.

The 25-year-old is now considered a dream signing for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, amid Martin Odegaard’s disappointing performances last season, while Manchester City are also considered frontrunners in the race for the Englishman.

The Tricky Trees are not willing to let their star player leave on the cheap, however, with the aforementioned report suggesting they could look to hold out for a fee of £100m for the maestro, who remains under contract until 2027.

A new report from Football Insider has also suggested that Nottingham Forest could agree a deal of a different nature, as they may look to sign Jack Grealish as part of a swap deal for Gibbs-White.

Having been left out of Pep Guardiola’s squad for the final game of the season, Grealish could be on his way out this summer, and a move to the City Ground is a possibility, with transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke adding: “Swap deals are notoriously hard in the Premier League, but we know Morgan Gibbs-White is a major target for Manchester City this summer.

Nottingham Forest make bid to sign "elegant" defender likened to Van Dijk

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are working to strengthen their squad after a terrific season overall.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 31, 2025

“If they get an offer which is too good to turn down, Forest might have to let him move to City… to work under Pep Guardiola… you’d probably be thinking that Forest will be looking to double their investment.

“Jack Grealish potentially is a swap deal – [that] might cause unrest if Forest were to break their budget to try and get Grealish in.”

"Unbelievable" Grealish could reignite career at Forest

The England international has been lauded as “unbelievable” courtesy of his contributions for the Three Lions in the past, but he has struggled to force his way into Guardiola’s plans as of late.

As such, it would make sense if City cash-in on their £100m signing this summer, and he could be a solid signing for Forest under Nuno Espirito Santo, if he is able to rediscover his previous form, with the winger often catching the eye during his time at Villa Park.

The 29-year-old was arguably at his best during his Aston Villa days, during which time he regularly contributed goals and assists in the Premier League.

No Forest fan will want to see Gibbs-White leave this summer, and it could be a risk to sign Grealish, considering he hasn’t been a regular starter for quite some time, but his previous exploits for club and country indicate he is clearly a very talented player.

Manchester United’s 2024/25 campaign was certainly one to forget for the club and their supporters, falling way below the levels the side have set for themselves over recent years.

The Red Devils finished 15th in the Premier League, with Ruben Amorim unable to turn the club’s fortunes after taking the reins at Old Trafford back in late November.

He did lead the side to the Europa League final, but lost 1-0 to fellow English side Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao, restricting them to no European football for 2025/26.

It may prove to be a blessing in disguise for the manager as he attempts to build a squad capable of mounting a challenge for a spot in the top four next campaign.

The transfer window presents the 40-year-old with the perfect opportunity to improve his squad, adding needed quality and depth in numerous key areas of the side at the Theatre of Dreams.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

After Matheus Cunha joined United last week, the club have continued to make moves in the transfer market, making an opening offer for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo in the last few days.

The Red Devils placed a £55m bid that was swiftly rejected, with the Bees demanding a fee in the region of £70m, with the winger wanting a switch to Old Trafford this summer.

However, the 25-year-old could be joined at the club by Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, with the Swede once again emerging on their radar, according to reports in Italy.

They claim that they’re set to enter talks with the talisman who’s registered 54 goals this campaign, potentially setting up a reunion with Amorim after plying his trade under him in Portugal.

It also states that he could be available for a fee in the region of £55m this summer, with fellow Premier League side Arsenal also firmly in the race for the 27-year-old’s signature.

Why United’s £55m target could be Amorim’s next Bruno

Bruno Fernandes has been the shining light in what’s been a dismal year for United, with it unthinkable to imagine where the club would be without his contributions.

The Portuguese international registered 37 combined goals and assists despite the team’s failures, by far and away the most of any player in the squad – highlighting his importance to the side.

Such form didn’t go unnoticed, with Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal willing to pay up to £100m for the 30-year-old star, which could prove to be the Red Devils’ last chance to cash in on his services.

However, he rejected the interest earlier this week, turning down a contract in the region of £700k-per-week, showcasing his loyalty to helping the side turn around their recent fortunes.

Fernandes joined the club from Sporting CP back in 2020, which Gyokeres having the opportunity to follow suit in the current window, potentially following in the midfielders’ footsteps.

The £55m fee touted for his signature appears to be a potential bargain, especially when delving into his underlying figures from 2024/25, having the tools to offer the club a leading talisman.

Gyokeres, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, has registered a staggering 2.6 shots on target per 90 – certainly aiding his goal tally, which saw him net a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League.

He’s also completed 1.9 successful dribbles per 90, along with 10.5 touches in the opposition box per 90, handing the club that fox-in-the-box type forward they’ve craved over recent months.

The Swede’s talents don’t end there, winning 51% of the aerials he’s entered, offering the club a focal point that can score and tee up other forwards within the final third.

It’s safe to say the attacking department is high up on Amorim’s demands this summer, looking to add key depth as seen by the moves for Gyokeres, Mbeumo and Cunha already this summer.

Should he complete a move to Old Trafford and get anywhere near the levels achieved by Fernandes in Manchester, it would be a superb addition and one that could play a huge role in their ambitions of rising up the table in 2025/26.

He's "better than Haaland": Man Utd in talks for £67m Gyokeres alternative

Manchester United can forget about Viktor Gyokeres with a move for another attacking star.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 6, 2025

Over the years, Manchester United have landed countless young talents who have joined the club and made a huge impact on the first team at Old Trafford.

Amad Diallo is just one player who falls into that category, costing £37m from Atalanta back in 2020, before spending various loan spells at the likes of Rangers and Sunderland.

The Ivorian has now registered over 60 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring on 14 occasions – including the winner in the Manchester Derby back in December.

However, the off-season presents Ruben Amorim with an opportunity to invest in more young talents who can make an immediate impact for the Red Devils, whilst also keeping an eye on the future.

Numerous names have been mentioned as potential targets ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, especially as the club looks to return to their former glory.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

Youngsters have been a key focus over the last couple of weeks, setting them up for potential long-term success, which aligns with the current project in operation.

Benjamin Sesko, Rodrygo and Yann Bisseck are just three names mentioned with a summer switch to join the Red Devils, all of whom are under the age of 24, having the ability to star in Amorim’s revival.

However, another name has been added to the mix over the last couple of days, with Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney the latest on their radar, according to GIVEMESPORT.

They claim that the Championship are willing to part ways with the 22-year-old after United’s interest, led by Jason Wilcox, demanding a fee in the region of £20m to sell the academy graduate.

The report also states that they face tough competition from the likes of Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa, Spurs and West Ham for the midfielder, who made 43 appearances in the league last season.

Why United’s £20m star could be Amorim’s own Carrick

Midfielder Michael Carrick was a superb servant during his spell as a United player, racking up over 450 appearances for the club over a 12-year period at Old Trafford.

The Englishman joined the Red Devils way back in 2006 in a £13m deal from fellow top-flight side Tottenham Hotspur – a fee that would prove to be a bargain given his time at United.

During his time as a player, the now-43-year-old won five league titles, one Europa League and one Champions League, along with 11 other trophies – offering a consistent presence during Sir Alex’s reign.

He became known for his excellent work ethic and superb passing ability, which saw him register a total of 35 assists and 24 goals – an impressive tally from his deep-lying position.

However, in the present day, Amorim could be about to land his own version of the midfielder in Middlesbrough’s Hackney, with the youngster having the tools to follow in his footsteps.

The 22-year-old, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one analyst, has been able to learn from the United legend, after plying his trade under him for multiple years at the Riverside Stadium.

He’s also been dubbed a “young Carrick” by the Second Tier Podcast, further showcasing the potential he has to explode should he move to the North West this summer.

When delving into the youngster’s stats, he’s managed to impress with the ball at his feet, further indicating how he can replicate the 43-year-old’s achievements at the Theatre of Dreams.

Hackney has managed to complete 10.4 progressive passes per 90, with 8.6 of which going into the final third – handing those ahead of him the opportunity to impress at Old Trafford.

He’s also won 1.3 tackles per 90, whilst making 1.5 blocks per game – subsequently having the defensive talents to be the perfect deep-lying option in Amorim’s midfield.

£20m could prove to be an absolute steal for the Red Devils, signing a youngster who can easily cement his place at the heart of the side for many years to come.

However, given the interest from elsewhere, they will have to work tirelessly to avoid missing out on his signature and subsequently improving a divisional rival ahead of 2025/26.

McTominay repeat on the cards: Wilcox now happy to sell £34m Man Utd star

Manchester United could be about to sell a star who could follow in Scott McTominay’s footsteps.

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By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 11, 2025