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Manchester United are set to submit an offer for Fiorentina defensive midfielder Sofyan Amrabat in the coming days, and reports have revealed the club’s chances of bringing him to the Premier League.

How old is Sofyan Amrabat?

Amrabat is 26 years of age so is very much in the prime years of his career, and with his contract expiring in less than a year meaning that the ongoing window will be Vincenzo Italiano’s final opportunity to cash in should he not want to risk losing his prized asset for free, he’s been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford.

The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell has reported that the Red Devils have already held talks over a deal for the Morocco international and that personal terms are not expected to be a problem, which seems to be the case with the player having turned down offers from West Ham and Saudi Arabia to force a switch to M16.

Read The Latest Man United Transfer News HERE…

With Fred having now completed a permanent exit to Fenerbahce and Donny Van De Beek also looking like he’ll be on his way out before September 1st, Erik ten Hag should create more space for new central reinforcements, and if the following update is to be believed, the Serie A star is a candidate being targeted by the boss in the top-flight.

Are Man United signing Sofyan Amrabat?

According to TuttoMercatoWeb (via Sport Witness), Man United could table a “proposal” for Amrabat “after” August 15th (Tuesday). Fiorentina’s talisman is “courted” by Ten Hag, and a different outlet, Corriere Fiorentino, claim that the club are still the “main contenders” to secure his signature, with a bid of €27m (£23m) likely to be “enough” to seal a deal.

When recently asked during a public interview whether or not he’d be moving onto new pastures this summer, the player said: “I don’t know if I’m leaving… maybe I can stay here at Fiorentina. I don’t know, I could remain.”

How good is Sofyan Amrabat?

Man United will know that Amrabat isn’t that strong in the attacking aspect of his game having provided just one assist across all competitions last season, but having been dubbed a “monster” in defensive midfield by reporter Carlo Garganese, he could be an excellent recruit for Ten Hag.

The Huizen native last season recorded an 89.8% pass success rate which would make him the third-highest in comparison to what the manager’s current squad achieved, displaying his calmness and composure on the ball, alongside averaging 1.3 tackles per top-flight game, showing his desire to get stuck in and win back possession for his team.

Amrabat, who has the versatility to operate in an outstanding eight different positions over the pitch, including everywhere across the centre and even three roles in the defence, also shares the same agent, CAA Stellar, as Luke Shaw, Dean Henderson, Kobbie Mainoo and Facundo Pellistri, so this existing connection that his representative already has to the club could give them a small advantage in their pursuit during the final weeks of the window.

Aston Villa are reportedly ready to go head-to-head with Everton in their pursuit of Juventus winger Samuel Iling-Junior.

Unai Emery and Monchi have already secured the signings of Youri Tielemans, Pau Torres and Moussa Diaby in an impressive summer so far, however, reports suggest that the Villans could have a lot more in the tank yet.

Could Aston Villa sign Samuel Iling-Junior?

According to Calciomercato, former Chelsea academy star Iling-Junior is on Monchi’s list and the Midlands side are ‘willing to present a concrete offer’ and are joined by the Toffees with this stance.

Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…

It’s speculated that Juventus will expect a fee in the region of €25m (£21m) to sanction a sale, as the Italian giants prepare to offload talent this summer to adhere to financial requirements.

No one at the Old Lady is reported to be ‘non-transferable’ this window as per reports in Italy, making Villa’s claim to the winger encouraging.

How good is Samuel Iling-Junior?

Making the move from Chelsea’s academy to the youth set-up in Turin in 2020, the winger has showcased his talents performing in Italy’s Primavera 1 youth league.

The 19-year-old made a fast start to life with the Bianconeri, contributing to 11 goals in his opening campaign in Primavera 1, scoring four and assisting seven in 27 appearances.

The standard was exceeded the season after in the 2021/22 term, in which he scored 10 and assisted another seven goals in 26 appearances in the league, cementing himself as a key member of Juventus’ youth side.

Last season, the teenager earned his first taste of Serie A, in which he recorded a goal and an assist in just 309 minutes played for Massimiliano Allegri’s side.

Once hailed as an “assist machine” by Eurosport Italy journalist Michele Neri, the winger was identified by scouting site Total Football Analysis as being a competent ‘creative output’ as a player that fits the ‘old-school winger narrative’ due to his favoured approach of dribbling to then ‘whip rapid balls into the penalty area’.

For Villa, the interest in Iling-Junior could hand Emery the key to unlock the next door to Ollie Watkins’ talents, in a move that could allow the Englishman to add to his highest Premier League goal tally of 15 goals, secured last season.

The 27-year-old is a striker identified as being one to lurk in the penalty area to ‘pose a close-range threat’, as per a scouting report via The Coaches Voice.

Such traits make the striker the ideal outlet for a player as dynamic and creative as Iling-Junior, who could feed the goal-hungry star with added opportunities that suit his style of line leading.

Averaging 1.47 key passes per 90 during his cameo in Serie A last term, the Londoner could be the perfect acquisition for Emery to integrate into his side with a bid to bolster his depth in attack as a reliable source in the final third.

An area of the former Chelsea man’s game that could make him a strong capture for Monchi is his experience in playing in England, and his understanding of the demand of the English game, a trait that can determine the success of a transfer.

In a reportedly cheap swoop, the Spanish duo could once more add to the project on show at Villa Park with a teenager that could have his best years in the Midlands.

Manchester United have a "long-standing interest" in signing AS Monaco defender Axel Disasi, but there probably won't be any new centre-back arrivals unless there is a departure in that position, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

Harry Maguire's time at Old Trafford appears to be coming to an end, with it recently being reported the Englishman is set to be stripped of the captaincy, as Erik ten Hag favours the centre-back partnership of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.

To replace the 30-year-old, it has now emerged that Man United are plotting a shock move for Antonio Rudiger, who could be tempted by a return to the Premier League if he is guaranteed game time at centre-back.

While a move for the former Chelsea man would no doubt be exciting for United fans, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has no plans to sell the German defender this summer, so the Red Devils may continue to run the rule over some other options.

Back in June, it was reported that United were leading the race for Disasi, but Sheth has now suggested that a move is unlikely, unless Ten Hag is able to shift on Maguire, or another centre-back this summer.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, the Sky Sports reporter said: “They are looking at other players in that position. Axel Disasi from Monaco is another player they've also got a long-standing interest in.

“But the information I've been given is there probably won't be any arrivals in that position unless there's a departure in that position.”

Is Axel Disasi signing for Man United?

It is clear that Ten Hag would be keen on a move for the Monaco defender, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently claiming the manager has "approved" a move, after weeks of talks on the player's side.

However, Man United may have to move swiftly if they are to win the race for the £11k-per-week ace, with Romano also explaining that Newcastle are now exploring a deal, and the Magpies are now expected to make contact with Monaco.

As such, the race for the 6 foot 3 centre-back appears to be wide open, but if United do manage to beat Newcastle in the race for his signature, they could be signing a fantastic player.

Football scout Jacek Kulig has hailed the France international as "complete & dominant", while praising him for his pace, tackling, heading and athleticism, and likening him to Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk.

The former Reims man is a forward-thinking defender, ranking in the 96th percentile for progressive carries and progressive passes per 90 over the past year, and he also poses a threat in the opposition box, placing in the 93rd percentile for non-penalty goals.

With Maguire's time at United seemingly coming to an end, it is important that Ten Hag brings in a top-quality replacement to provide competition for Varane and Martinez, and Disasi looks like he could be a very good addition to the squad.

علق سيد عبد الحفيظ مدير الكرة السابق بالنادي الأهلي على مباراة الأحمر أمام الزمالك والتي انتهت بفوز الأخير، مؤكداً على أهمية مواجهة مازيمبي ضمن منافسات دوري أبطال إفريقيا.

وقال سيد عبد الحفيظ في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة “ام بي سي مصر” عن لقاء القمة: ” هي مجرد مباراة في الدوري، الأهلي أنهى ثلث مبارياته، ولكن هذه كرة القدم وتقييمي للموقف الأمور ليست سوداء”.

وتابع: “الأهلي مقبل على حدث تاريخي، بطولة من أربع مباريات، مهم أن تصل لنهائي إفريقيا لخامس مرة على التوالي”.

وأردف: “هذا لا يحدث مع أي فريق في العالم تحديدًا في آسيا وإفريقيا وأوروبا، يجب أن يتم غلق صفحة الدوري والتركيز على مواجهة مازيمبي”.

وأضاف: “تفاجأت بتشكيل كولر في مباراة القمة، في المجمل حقق إنجازات كبيرة جدًا مع الأهلي، حساباته بالأمس ليست مثل كل مباراة، وهذا وارد، جوارديولا وهو أفضل مدرب في العالم، عندما كان يواجه ريال مدريد من ثلاثة سنوات أجرى تبديلين”.

طالع | أحمد سليمان عن واقعة إخفاء الكرات بمباراة الأهلي والزمالك: سيكون هناك تحقيق وعقاب

وأكمل: “الأمور ليست سوداء في الأهلي، الأحمر حقق السوبر وكأس مصر وبرونزية كأس العالم ووضعك في الدوري إذا فزت بالمباريات المؤجلة ستكون متصدر الدوري بفارق 4 نقاط”.

وواصل: “الأهلي وصل للدور قبل النهائي بدوري أبطال إفريقيا، ولكن توجد بعض الأرقام تقول هذا جرس انذار خذ حذرك، منها الأهداف التي تدخل مرمى الفريق خلال أخر 10 دقائق”.

وأتم: “إخفاء الكرات تصرف صغير جدًا في مباراة كبيرة، وهي اسوأ لقطة في اللقاء أمس، والزمالك كافح في المباراة، وناصر ماهر قدم لقاءً رائعًا”.

Manchester United are in the transfer market to continue to rebuild their squad for success and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

What's the latest on Man United's interest in Marcos Llorente?

According to reports coming out of Spain, Man United are interested in signing Atletico Madrid midfielder Marcos Llorente this summer.

As per the report, the Red Devils will compete with bitter Premier League rivals Liverpool for the Serie A star's signature ahead of next season and it is claimed that a 60m (£51m) offer would be enough for his club to part ways with their player.

How good is Marcos Llorente?

Erik ten Hag has already started to add quality depth to the midfield personnel ahead of next season with Mason Mount joining the club from Chelsea and now he could add another talent by acquiring the services of Llorente this summer.

The versatile whiz can offer the Red Devils a diverse skill set and experience in a number of positions with Llorente tallying up numerous appearances in the central, defensive and attacking midfield roles, as well as excelling in the right-back role too, which could make him an incredibly valuable asset to Ten Hag next season.

Gavi, Khephren Thuram and Sandro Tonali are all talented midfielders who have been named as the most comparable to Llorente over the last 12 months, demonstrating that the Spaniard has a strong work ethic and ability to influence in both attacking opportunities and defensive situations too.

As per FBref, Llorente – who was dubbed "influential" by former Atletico teammate Luis Suarez – ranks in the top 10% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for progressive carries, touches and progressive passes received, as well as sitting in the top 25% for shot-creating actions.

There is no doubt that Mount is a major coup for the Red Devils, however, finding his best position on the pitch and harnessing a more disciplined role will be important to ensure he can reach his potential at Old Trafford. As a result the signing of Llorente could be a chance to make the England star even more unplayable.

Despite his greatest strengths being in attack, Llorente outperformed Mount in interceptions per 90 (0.89 v 0.52), clearances per 90 (1.03 v 0.47) and pass completion (81.2% v 76.4%), proving that he could be relied upon more in the deeper role alongside Casemiro – who he used to be the back-up for at Real Madrid.

It is unclear as yet what exact role Mount will be applied to in the centre of the pitch next season, however, having a hard-working teammate who can not only collect the ball to progress play but provide decent attacking opportunities to the England ace would be massively advantageous.

Mount's best season at Chelsea saw him register 29 goal involvements in all competitions throughout 2021/22, so if Llorente can help him reach those levels again, it could be a game-changing proposition for the Red Devils.

With that being said, there is no doubt that Llorente would be a great signing for Man United this summer.

Aston Villa have initiated contact to enquire about a summer deal to sign Benfica star Fredrik Aursnes, according to reports.

Who is Fredrik Aursnes?

Aursnes is naturally a defensive midfielder who first arrived in Liga Portugal from Feyenoord last summer, where he quickly established himself as a regular feature of Roger Schmidt’s first-team, clocking up 42 appearances during his debut season.

The Norway international’s contract isn’t set to expire for another four years, but with his deal including a €50m (£42m) release clause, there’s always the chance that he could be prized away from a potential suitor earlier, possibly one in the Premier League.

Football Insider have recently reported that Unai Emery has given the green-light to sell Leander Dendoncker because he doesn’t view him as part of his plans next season, so the boss will need a replacement should he depart, and it sounds like the 27-year-old has been highlighted as a possible candidate.

Are Aston Villa signing Aursnes?

According to Portuguese newspaper Record (via Sport Witness), Aston Villa have “made contact” regarding a summer swoop for Aursnes.

The Midlands outfit have “knocked on the door” to register their interest in the central talisman, but they were met with a “denial” from his club who are “only letting the player go” should his release clause be met.

Benfica losing their prized asset is “out of the question”, and as a result of this interest, it’s believed that they have opened talks over fresh terms.

Should NSWE make a second approach for Aursnes?

Benfica’s manager Schmidt has hailed Aursnes a “complete” defensive midfielder for the positive impact that he has at both ends of the pitch, so despite having been knocked back in their opening approach, NSWE should definitely make a second move to bring him to Aston Villa.

The 2022/23 Champions League participant won 29 out of his 41 tackles made last season so isn’t afraid to get stuck in and win back possession for his side, but he’s also more than capable of posing a threat in the final third having posted seven goal contributions (five assists and two goals) in 28 Liga Portugal outings.

Finally, Aursnes is a remarkably versatile operator having been deployed in an outstanding ten different positions since the start of his career including in defensive, midfield and attacking roles, so he really would add a bit of everything to the boss’ squad, making this a no-brainer of a deal to pursue if Emery likes what he sees.

Man United midfielder Fred is "willing to join" Fulham and Marco Silva's side are eyeing a move, according to reliable journalist Jason Burt.

Who will Fulham sign this summer?

It's been a successful first season back in the Premier League for Silva and Whites supporters after their 2022 promotion from the Championship.

Securing a top half finish, above the likes of west London rivals Chelsea, Fulham were even in hot contention for European places at one point but just fell short behind the likes of Brentford and Aston Villa.

The domestic summer transfer window is now open for business and it could well be an interesting few months, with reports suggesting that Fulham won't be bullied by England's elite in the market.

The Cottagers are apparently set to demand around £90 million for star midfielder Joao Palhinha amid heavy interest from big-hitters like Man United and Liverpool – as well as West Ham United (The Daily Mail).

In terms of incomings, it is believed Fulham have their eyes on a few targets, including the likes of Leicester City defender Timothy Castagne, Coventry City's Viktor Gyokeres and Norwich full-back Max Aarons.

Fred, who could leave Old Trafford this summer, has also been linked with a move to Craven Cottage and reliable reporter Burt of The Telegraph has shared an update.

Writing for the outlet, Burt claims Fred is "willing to join" Fulham this summer and Silva's side "want to sign" him. Ten Hag has apparently transfer listed the Brazilian with Man United entertaining offers.

United, however, are after a £20 million fee for the £120,000-per-week squad member and Fulham currently have zero intention of reaching that figure. Fred is apparently interested in working under Silva.

The 30-year-old only has one year remaining on his United contract and will not be offered fresh terms with the club.

What has Fred done for Man United?

Fred made 35 league appearances under ten Hag last season, but the vast majority came from the bench, with consistent starts coming very few and far between.

He was once highly valued at United, though, with former interim boss Ralf Rangnick once calling him a "valuable" member of the team who can do it all.

"‘For me, he is an extremely valuable player, a team player in the true sense, a player who puts in every effort that he has and would give his last drop of blood for the team," Rangnick told Sky Sports.

"That combination makes him extremely valuable, and to reduce him to only a number six, a defensive midfield player, does not rate him highly enough. He can do a lot more than just defend."

Based off this endorsement, there is certainly a player of use there, and it will be interesting to see how far Fulham go.

Tottenham Hotspur officials have held talks with Juventus director Giovanni Manna over a potential discount for winger Dejan Kulusevski, according to reports out of Italy.

Who could Spurs sign this summer?

It's a new era at Spurs after the departure of Antonio Conte, and after over two months of searching, chairman Daniel Levy finally elected to appoint Ange Postecoglou early last week.

The north Londoners can now give their full focus to the summer transfer market with Levy and co reportedly setting their sights on a number of key targets for different areas of the squad.

Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris could well depart N17 after over a decade at Spurs, meaning they're actively sourcing his replacement, with Brentford's David Raya and AC Milan's Mike Maignan apparently on the radar.

Leicester City star James Maddison is also a firm transfer target for the Lilywhites, while Postecoglou has reportedly given the green-light for his side to sign a centre-back.

However, amidst all of these plans, Spurs still haven't officially signed Kulusevski from Juventus on a permanent deal yet.

The Sweden international signed on an 18-month loan-to-buy deal in January 2022, which contains a clause for Spurs to sign him permanently for around £26 million in total.

According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport (via juventusnews24.com), Juve director Manna met with Spurs officials on a recent mission to England – where they held talks over Kulusevski's future.

During these talks, Tottenham apparently made it clear that they're not willing to pay the £26m clause in his deal, instead hoping for a discounted price.

They apparently know Kulusevski didn't get on well at Juve under Massimiliano Allegri, something which could put them in a better position to negotiate a lower fee.

Who is Dejan Kulusevski?

Despite enduring a more difficult 2022/2023 season, the forward has displayed some true class at points during his Spurs career.

During the second half of 21/22, under the tutelage of Conte, Kulusevski contributed with some electric performances as Tottenham sealed Champions League qualification that season – scoring five goals and racking up eight assists from February onwards.

Former Italy international Antonio Cassano, speaking to Bobo TV (via TUTTOmercatoWEB), heaped praise on the 23-year-old's form at that time.

"Dejan is sensational between plays, assists and goals. Conte then manages to squeeze his players by making them perform at their best. He always did it, last year at Inter and today at Spurs."

Kulusevski has already displayed his true quality in a Spurs shirt and we believe £26m would actually be a fair price to play.

Celtic could now consider appointing Red Bull Salzburg boss Matthias Jaissle as their new manager, according to a recent report from 90min.

What's the latest Celtic manager news?

Celtic chiefs are compiling a shortlist of manager targets, with Manchester City's Enzo Maresca at the top, however there are a number of other potential successors to Ange Postecoglou, including Jesse Marsch and Bodo/Glimt's Kjetil Knutsen.

West Ham United boss David Moyes is the Hoops' "priority" target, according to journalist Santi Aouna, with reports indicating the Scot could leave his current role, regardless of whether his side wins the Europa Conference League final tonight.

Alternatively, former player Kris Commons has urged the board to make a "box-office" appointment by going for someone like Graham Potter, as his attacking play-style is "everything you would want" in a modern manager.

Another manager in this mould is Jaissle, with BBC journalist Raj Chohan previously claiming that he plays "liquid footy", and there are now reports that Celtic could consider the RB Salzburg boss as an heir to Postecoglou.

According to a report from 90min, the Hoops could turn to the 35-year-old manager, however a number of other potential options are named, including Marsch, Moyes and Brendan Rodgers.

It appears as though Celtic's interest is tentative at this stage, but the German will certainly be considered.

Who is Matthias Jaissle?

The young manager has started to make a name for himself in the Austrian league, leading RB Salzburg to two league titles and an Austrian Cup, and what is equally impressive is the style of play he has implemented at the Red Bull Arena.

Journalist Raphael Honigstein believes the Nurtingen-born coach could be the "next big thing", and the man himself has spoken of his desire to play "brave and bold" football, even when his side faced tough very tough competition in Chelsea.

BBC's Chohan has also indicated the former FC Liefering manager could be a better appointment than Marsch, given that he evolved Marsch's Salsburg side in possession when the American left to join RB Leipzig.

Despite his age, the Salzburg boss already has ample experience competing for silverware, and he became the youngest-ever manager to successfully defend the Austrian Bundesliga title this season.

Appointing Jaissle would be a risk, as he does not have any experience managing outside of Austria, however he could be a shrewd appointment, given that he has already experienced some success and plays an exciting brand of football.

Angelo Mathews’ calf tear has ruled him out of the remainder of Australia’s tour, while allrounder Thisara Perera and left-arm wrist spinner Lakshan Sandakan have been released from the squad for the fifth ODI

Andrew Fidel Fernando02-Sep-2016

Angelo Mathews’ calf tear has ruled him out of the remainder of Australia’s tour, while allrounder Thisara Perera and left-arm wrist spinner Lakshan Sandakan have been released from the Sri Lanka squad for the fifth ODI. In place of these three players, Sri Lanka have drafted in batsmen Upul Tharanga and Niroshan Dickwella, as well as seam-bowling allrounder Dasun Shanaka.Mathews has not undergone a CT scan for the injury he sustained during the fourth ODI, but the team management has already confirmed he will be unavailable for the remaining ODI and two T20Is. Mathews had hobbled off the field during his innings on Wednesday and, though he returned to bat towards the end of the innings, had been substantially hampered by the injury.Perera had played all four ODIs as the primary seamer but, although he claimed 3 for 33 in Sri Lanka’s sole win, at Khettarama, he has since been less effective. Perera had also been dropped for the England tour, following a long stretch of modest returns. He is effectively being replaced by Shanaka, who had some success in that tour of England and Ireland – he claimed three wickets in the first innings of Test at Headingley, and also took a five-wicket haul in an ODI against Ireland, in Dublin.Tharanga had also been somewhat effective in England, making a 53 not out and 40 from the lower middle order. Following Dilshan’s retirement, the selectors may wish to bat him at the top of the order again, though Dickwella is also a candidate for the opening spot. In his last three List A innings, against England Lions and Pakistan A, Dickwella hit 51, 44, and 60.Sri Lanka have already lost the ODI series. The final match is set to be played in Pallekele, on Sunday.