Manchester United Rumours Member Posts
KurtisHaywood's Profile
KurtisHaywood's Posts and Other Poster's Replies To KurtisHaywood's Posts
To KurtisHaywood's last 5 rumours posts
To KurtisHaywood's last 5 banter posts
To KurtisHaywood's last 5 rumour replies
To KurtisHaywood's last 5 banter replies
KurtisHaywood's rumours posts with other poster's replies to KurtisHaywood's rumours posts
14 Aug 2024 11:05:26
Morning Ed, hope you're well and appreciate you'll be busy this time of year.
Any truth in the reports we have made contact with Marcos Alonso?
{Ed002's Note - Alonso is one of the options but he has interest from elsewhere.}
1.) 14 Aug 2024 13:13:24
Good Morning ED002
Do you mind sharing who else might be a target for left back for united.
Thank you as always,
{Ed002's Note - Ben Chilwell (LB) Chelsea have added a younger option which may well allow Chilwell to depart with three other Left Backs who have already gone. May still be wanted by Manchester City. I am not aware of any approach by Manchester United at this time, but don't rule it out.
Milos Kerkez (LWB) Only joined last summer after picking Bournemouth over Lazio for game time. Down the list for Chelsea who have a much preferred target. Manchester United have been sending scouts.
Miguel Gutierrez (LWB) Moved to Girona from Real Madrid who retain a nominal 50% of his rights and can buy him back for a fixed fee of double what they sold him for - so €8M total. Bayern Munich fear losing Alphonso Davies and have Gutierrez as their first choice replacement if that happens. Manchester United may yet look to an offer after sending scouts. Chelsea have spoken to Girona about the player but have preferred options and Manchester City have sent scouts.
Marcos Alonso (LB) Free Agent. He is aware Atletico want him. Manchester United may offer a one year deal, but he would likely want more than that.
Rayan Ait-Nouri (LWB) Barcelona's interest in Ait-Nouri has likely moved on as they focus on another. The player is on the list of LB options Chelsea are considering but they have a far preferred option. Potential option for Arsenal who need to bolster the position or Liverpool if they look to upgrade on Robertson although his injury issues seem to now be behind him. Watched by scouts from Manchester United who are likely to start to push. PSG have declared an interest in Ait-Nouri to replace Kurzawa and it is where his agent would like him to move to - but he would not be first pick.
Fredrik Aursnes (RB/LB/DM) No.
Devyne Rensch (RB/LB) No.
Jeremie Frimpong (RB/RWB/RM/LB) No.
Devyne Rensch (RB/LB/CB) No.
Jeremie Frimpong (RB/RWB/RM/LB) No.
Antonee Robinson (LB) No.
Marc Cucurella (LB) No.
Alejandro Balde (LWB) No.
}
2.) 14 Aug 2024 13:41:08
TY and really appreciated.
3.) 14 Aug 2024 17:41:40
I'd be happy with Ait-Nouri. Very good player and ready for a step up.
4.) 14 Aug 2024 19:21:12
Chilwell or Alonso seem likeliest before don’t really block Amass and would allow Shaw to be LCB cover and save a signing.
I like Hanko for CB cover and LB or Kerkez personally but see the Chilonso argument.
5.) 14 Aug 2024 19:24:22
He’ll be super expensive though and Wolves won’t sell cheaply.
The chap at Bournemouth looks very interestiing for me.
6.) 15 Aug 2024 09:22:31
Hernoso at lb would be a good signing for a couple of years and wouldn't block Amass.
15 Jul 2024 10:28:13
Reports that Galatasaray board member Ibrahim Hatipoglu has said "Scott Mctominay's transfer fee is being discussed. "
Don't shoot the messenger, just sharing from X. Would likely mean Cas is staying is McTominay gets a move.
1.) 15 Jul 2024 11:06:37
I think it's more likely for Casemiro to leave.
2.) 15 Jul 2024 11:25:26
Fair enough. Can’t see McT wanting to leave the Prem though. Would much rather they sold Cas, assuming Saudi are interested. Probably get a a higher fee and save much more in wages.
3.) 15 Jul 2024 12:26:42
Agreed. McTominay will still have value in 12 months time.
4.) 15 Jul 2024 15:02:38
McTominays contract expires at the end of 2025.
5.) 15 Jul 2024 15:09:21
He's out of contract next summer redseven, unless we activate the optional one year extension he will have no value in 12 months time.
6.) 15 Jul 2024 15:55:40
The club need to decide whether they see a benefit in having McTominay as an impact sub and if so extend his deal for 12 months. If not then move him on which will help with PSR.
Within the premier league he should look at an Everton/ West Ham level team where he will be a big player. Other teams either will not fit the profile he will want or lower in the division.
I agree that I don't see him going abroad, however we have seen others do this and be successful so long as they choose the right club.
7.) 15 Jul 2024 16:05:37
I think he'd be a great signing for a mid-table Prem team where he can make a massive difference, maybe even be captain material. Some might argue that's what we are, I'm holding onto the perhaps misguided belief that last season was an anomaly!
{Ed025's Note - Branthwaite = £50m + McTom would be a good deal for both clubs i feel spenno..
8.) 15 Jul 2024 17:23:42
50m plus McT, good one Ed. Keep him ?.
{Ed025's Note - im just trying to broker a deal angel, we want £70m so would you think that McTom is worth more than £20m mate?..
9.) 15 Jul 2024 17:50:44
I’d go McT and £45m for Branthwaite.
The club obviously wants him and the club would likely accept offers for McT. Wages wise it would probably be similar.
Good for all involved I think.
10.) 15 Jul 2024 18:00:16
Ah. My bad. Even so, would be more costly to keep cas on the books for another season or two. In an ideal world we’d sell both, but difficult to see us bringing in two CMs (three if Erikson also leaves) and not sure it would be fair to place that kind of pressure on fresh academy graduates.
11.) 15 Jul 2024 19:32:32
ED025,
That would be a good deal and quit suit both parties.
Would McTominay go to Everton?
{Ed025's Note - i think his days at United are numbered anyway MH so it would be a logical move for him i think, he would stay in the North West and replace Onana for us which is better for him than being a bit part player at Old Trafford mate, just my take on things though..
12.) 15 Jul 2024 19:38:14
Agreed red, would prefer they both go but unlikely. Wouldn't be against Keeping McTom as a squad player and move Cas on.
13.) 15 Jul 2024 20:18:17
Feels a bit pricey to me Ed but reckon there would be something in that suggestion.
{Ed025's Note - im guessing at the prices obviously spenno but i think the concept would work for both teams mate, it may not even be McTom but another player who could be the makeweight..
14.) 15 Jul 2024 21:55:46
ED024,
That's a fair point. Would you be happy with MCT at Everton?
{Ed025's Note - personally i would MH, we dont really have a box to box midfielder which i think McTom could fill, i also think his style would suit Dyche to a tee mate as hes a grafter if not the most cultured of players, i like him..
15.) 16 Jul 2024 03:15:58
McT is on 1/ 5 the salary of Cas. On last year's performance, it would be wise to cut losses with Cas and trim the wages significantly. One more year of McT is not the end of the world, I don't buy that he is 'that bad'. He can play a role within the squad. CAS cannot, he is done.
I understand the option to use as. Make weight for JB, not the worst idea.
16.) 17 Jul 2024 06:49:38
Cash plus Lindelof may make more sense all round?
17.) 17 Jul 2024 08:25:24
Only 20m for Scott? That's insane. Delap just left City for 15m, last summer they sold someone to Ajax for 17 without a single PL minute played. Mangala from NF to Lyon for 15m, Archie Gray, a guy who just started playing football, 30m to Spurs. Kilman 40m to WH. 35m for Scott.
01 Jun 2024 20:04:32
Evening Ed. Hope you're having a good weekend.
Is there any truth that Bruno may leave if ETH also leaves? There are reports he is considering his future at United and this is dependent on him understanding the project and manager situation?
I know previously you mentioned some players who would leave depending if ETH stays, but this suggests he would leave if ETH leaves.
Obviously I'm taking this with a pinch of salt.
Feel free to delete my previous post, I clicked send by accident.
{Ed002's Note - Bruno Fernandes (AM) ME still beckons after an offer from Al Hilal was rejected by the player. Al-Nassr are willing to pay a premium fee to Manchester Unted and provide the player with significant compensation. A wildcard may be Bayern Munich who his agent approached - but they would not be interested if any significant fee was demanded. May well depart in the summer when there will be many changes or perhaps wait one more year. The club will not want him to leave, so they may need to offer a new contract. }
1.) 02 Jun 2024 14:57:38
I don't see it as an issue if he wants to leave.
The fee would be welcomed and despite being our major creative influence there are plenty of examples of teams flourishing after selling influential players.
Sometimes the team benefits.
As good a player as he has been the team has never excelled over a full season with him.
If he wants to chat the dollar in the middle east it would suggest to me that its right to let him go.
2.) 02 Jun 2024 15:46:31
Big fan of Bruno at his best. But agree he’s not irreplaceable if he wants to go. Probably justifiably fishing for a new contract, he’s the captain but I read he’s nowhere near a top earner at Utd and even Mount is on more.
3.) 02 Jun 2024 16:32:04
I do wonder if he's thinking I've done what I can at utd, and if a top cl club comes in for him he might be tempted as he's at that age that he's got one last top move. be interesting after euros anyway.
4.) 02 Jun 2024 19:48:29
Great first season, post that, not so much. I have no issue with him leaving, how he ever became captain is beyond me.
5.) 02 Jun 2024 20:38:56
If get 100 million for him, can fund signings like Jaoa Neves.
Need to start planning for the future, building a team that can challenge for the title in 3 years - and stay on top.
Not sure if Bruno part of that long term future.
We need to be ruthless, unsentimental and sell players at the right time.
This is what top clubs do, rather than hang onto players as they decline.
6.) 02 Jun 2024 20:43:37
But when’s the last time a team full of kids without experience won anything serious? Needs the mixture IMO.
7.) 02 Jun 2024 20:53:55
We’re not getting anywhere near that amount for Fernandes Wallace.
8.) 02 Jun 2024 21:50:25
I'm happy to see us looking to keep Bruno but at the same time, selling him likely wouldn't be the worst thing. He is our best player, he's there every week, goals, assists and he never hides. He's been easily the best signing we've made in the last decade in my opinion.
But he's 29 and we're not close to challenging for major honours. Even if this rebuild goes very well and in 2 years time we're in a spot to challenge for major honours again, Bruno will be 31 and will have a lot of football behind him. I'm not saying he'd be past it at 31 by any means, but his re-sale value is only going down from here. If someone offered a big money deal, I think it makes sense for United to take it.
9.) 02 Jun 2024 21:58:31
AJH you alright? One season? FML.
Bruno is head and shoulders our best player. He stands up and out all the time. Honestly, the disrespect he gets is incredible.
I understand that season one was exceptional but look at his consistency since in a pretty crap united team.
19/ 20 - 49 G/ A
20/ 21 - 45 G/ A
21/ 22 - 24 G/ A
22/ 23 - 28 G/ A
23/ 24 - 28 G/ A.
10.) 02 Jun 2024 22:13:46
If we can get north of £50m I’d take it tbh.
He is 29 and not getting any younger. But I wouldn’t take any less than that and it would be better to keep him if the price isn’t right.
11.) 02 Jun 2024 22:37:40
Angel, it really is baffling. He’s been by far our best player since he walked through the door. And he was given the armband because there is nobody else.
12.) 02 Jun 2024 22:48:07
Cannot believe anyone would want him to leave. He has been by far and away our most creative and consistent player. Yes he has moaned but he definitely cares and he puts himself about all over the pitch. He has created the most goal chances put in the Premier league and this from a team who have been well under par. We have nobody to replace him.
13.) 02 Jun 2024 23:58:50
Bruno is our best player by a mile.
Selling him for anything less than £100m would be sabotage.
14.) 03 Jun 2024 01:30:19
Straight swap for Neves ?.
15.) 03 Jun 2024 03:05:12
Wallace did you mean 100m pesos? Not sure even the ME clubs would pay £100m for him. Bayern certainly wouldn’t. Think 70-80m would be the absolute max anyone would pay.
16.) 03 Jun 2024 05:13:21
Let’s hope all this talk is just to push the club to offer a new deal
We lose Bruno that puts us even further behind
The work rate off the ball from him alone, people saying they wouldn’t be bothered if he was to be sold baffle me.
He’s by far our best player and is the sole reason we create anything, it shown how much we missed him when he was missing
Just look at his numbers is a very poor united side
Imagine the numbers he would get playing in that fergie 08 side
The hate for Bruno is astonishing.
17.) 03 Jun 2024 07:03:51
Transfer market has him valued at €70 million.
18.) 03 Jun 2024 07:41:57
If Bruno was at another club and we were chasing him the price would be £100m.
Anything less than £80m for a genuinely world class player is not worth selling imo. It will cost that to replace him.
19.) 03 Jun 2024 08:31:03
I've never been a fan of Bruno. He is very good, and has consistently been among our better players since he arrived, but his behaviour is atrocious, and he is lacking in vision for someone who is meant to be our main creative force. He just doesn't see the runs his team-mates are making, or worse, he does see them and chooses not to make the pass.
If we can get a good fee for him, I'd say sell him, let Mount take his spot and invest the money back into the team.
20.) 03 Jun 2024 09:14:58
Football is not just about numbers. The obsession with stats is baffling. Ronaldo scored a lot of goals for us on his return but he clearly made the TEAM weaker.
As much as I love Bruno, he is the worst offender on our team in terms of giving the ball away cheaply.
I think with astute signings to replace him, the loss of Bruno would allow us to have a much more rounded side, capable of controlling games and consequently scoring more goals.
21.) 03 Jun 2024 09:40:31
I dunno. I get that a lot of people aren't fond of his character traits but like a few have alluded to, we're not going to replace him with the same quality. Let's take two of the younger in-form players who play in a similar position, Florian Wirtz and Eze - are we getting either of those for £80m?
22.) 03 Jun 2024 15:36:39
Bruno does not make us weaker, and if he gives the ball away trying to create something I don’t see the issue
Selling Bruno makes 0 sense.
23.) 03 Jun 2024 15:42:25
How would you know what sense it makes bolger?
I
He wants to move or he would not be permitting his agent to talk to other clubs.
You don't know what the clubs plans are or how they will use money from any potential sale.
24.) 03 Jun 2024 16:08:00
How would you know he wants to move ken?
Plenty of agents put stories out there in order to get new contracts. So how would you know?
You have no idea what players are and aren't doing, what the club is and isn't doing, what ETH knows and doesn't know.
You go after people on here for professing to know things, when you do the exact same yourself.
25.) 03 Jun 2024 16:30:16
Bruno is out beat player but he is 29, and it's going to take a few hours to be in a position to challenge again. If we aren't going to challenge until he is 32 or 33 then why not use that money and the significant wages to get a player who is going to be part of that challenge, a younger player to develop into what we need.
Cold hard decisions need to be made on what is best in the medium term, they need to identify players who will form part of a title challenge in 3 or 4 years and get them and if that means sacrificing a player now because the reality is you don't think he is going to be a part of that then it must be done.
I love Bruno as a player but I would understand if in the bigger picture a decision was made to sell.
I could also be understand if Bruno wanted to go somewhere he can win in the next two years.
26.) 03 Jun 2024 17:41:47
Bruno has another 5 to 7 years of top level football in him and a bit like modric. He is so damn durable knock on wood and most top teams would love having him. He is a top midfielder who gives you tons of goals and assist and yes gives the ball away as he tries stuff other players don't have in their locker or can even see the pass.
Imagine what he would be like if he had two top mids next to him in a balanced team.
I get the argument if he wants to go you can't do anything about it and try and get max value for him.
The replacement cost would be very high and people mentioning neves, but he plays as a 6/ 8 most games. A top number 10 would cost us an arm and a leg and not many come to mind. Wirtz or musailah, odegard, come to mind but all very pricey and not even sure you can get them.
Read saudis prepared to pay 100 plus for him but doubt he would go there and still has plenty to offer and ambition to win in europe.
27.) 03 Jun 2024 18:09:12
Isn’t Mount’s best position at 10? Why would Utd need to necessarily buy a Wirtz/ Musiala to replace Fernandes if he left?
28.) 03 Jun 2024 19:36:15
Good evening angel. How are you doing?
His agent is talking to several clubs. If Bruno didn't want to entertain the possibility of a move I don't think he would allow his agent hawk him around.
If he wants a new contract at united he will ask for one. He doesn't need to use other offers as a bagining c
Tool. It's not how things happen and is irrelevant when looking at contract extensions from a business point of view. Having a counter offer would not alter the clubs strategy 1 iota I'm quite sure.
He has said publicly that he happy to stay and wants to stay with a pretty big caveat so why is is agent looking to explore other potions?
I very much agree with you that I don't know what the clubs plans are with regards to signings nor have I claimed to. So I don't make any claims that the club MUST do this that or the other because I'm not intimate with any details. Its not rocket science.
The point I was making to bolger is that it's daft to suggest any must or mustn't do's until its clear what the plans are, who the coach is style of play etc.
I don't think anybody is disputing that Bruno is a very good football player.
If he wants to leave to you think it's right we keep him?
If we got an offer of 60-80m for him at 30 starting next season it would be foolish not to consider a big offer if it came in.
The finances might stack up best to sell they may not but you've closed your eyes and ears to a possibility without knowing the detail or consequence to the business.
So much more to consider than the emotional whims of fans.
The business comes first so that's what will be the driver of any decision.
If he is seen as an integral part of the next 3 years then he will be kept if not he will be sold for the right offer. Don't think he will be pushed out so if he moves it will be his decision ultimately.
As I said if I was him I'd sit tight to see how it evolves and if its not improving leave on a free in 2 years time.
29.) 03 Jun 2024 20:23:54
Of course it’s how things happen, there are thousands of examples of this. Just look at Rooney or Gerrard every time their contracts were due for renewal.
30.) 03 Jun 2024 20:43:42
Depends on if you believe the yeah or not. It's not how things happen wazza. If those players are not part of the strategy they will be sold or if they want it they will be sold more often than not.
The security any club has when negotiating a new deal is that they are often in no rush and in this case they have 2 years so him having other offers on the table will not force the hands of the club in this case the club hold the power. A little like ashworth where Newcastle hold the power.
Usually things get sorted without resorting to unpalatable tactics.
If Bruno has an offer more then united want to pay him it will make no difference if we want to keep him.
If he wants to stay and the club want to keep him an offer from bayern or Barcelona that he may have will be irrelevant.
If we want to keep him and he won't sign a new deal because he can get more elsewhere we can then try to sell him for best price or stick him to his current terms for 2 years.
Bruno is too old to give a new contract to in order to preserve his market value there is little point in that.
But the bottom line is his agent is offeringhim around by all accounts and if he doesn't want to move he can stop that talk dead. That's easy. But Bruno has not done that, I don't think he should personally because its his lady chance for a really big move.
31.) 03 Jun 2024 21:14:54
I think ideally we would want him to stay another year, he's still our most creative and consistent player in attack. He's also flexible enough to play several different roles/ positions if needed.
I also don't see us getting a huge fee for him, probably somewhere between 50-60m at most I'd imagine. Very few clubs who'd be able and prepared to match his wages AND pay a massive fee for him. Plus he's 29, so any fee paid for him now has to be considered a write-off as he won't have any resale value.
Best to keep him another year, allow the team to grow and evolve then wish him well in a year or twos time when others are ready to step up and take on his mantle as creator in chief.
There is such a thing as trying to change too much too quickly. Yes we want to rebuild the squad, but we still need players to perform and hopefully get us top four next season to help that rebuild. We'll need it both for the money it brings in and to attract those top players we'll need to sign.
Bruno is one of the few if only player we can rely on to produce 20 goals and assists for us next season. Big gamble to lose that.
However, all that said ultimately it comes down to the player. He has to want to be here, to be a part of our team next season. If the players wants to leave and an acceptable offer is made then the club should accept that offer, shake his hand and wish him well.
We won't get anywhere with players who don't want to be here.
32.) 03 Jun 2024 21:54:01
Fuser, we can’t rely on Mason Mount to play one single game, let alone 70 across a season… Bruno would need replacing by some level of attacking midfielder, fair enough maybe not top end but an option, particularly if Eriksen leaves too.
33.) 03 Jun 2024 22:05:56
Mount wouldn't be asked to tie the laces of Luke Chadwick, let alone Bruno.
34.) 03 Jun 2024 22:50:51
That's my thoughts shappy. If he wants to try and commit as he always has done then great.
But if his head has been turned by either glory and a top cl club or for money in the middle east and he would like to take on a new challenge then if the right offer came in and it fits our strategy then there would be no benefit for either party not to let him go.
Nobody is suggesting that his goals and assists wouldn't be a big loss but sometimes the team can benefit in the medium to long term.
I'd like to think both parties might want to give it one more year but without an extension the club would be wide open to a bosman the following year so logic and finances will dictate not emotion.
@spenno I very much agree they are big boots to fill.
Mount is a long way off and if he stays fit he still has a long way to get his form of 2 seasons ago back.
I think any new coach coming in would like to have Bruno so it's a tricky one.
As shappy said sometimes you can change too much too soon so it all depends on the strategy.
Sjr might well well think the 'nuclear ' option of ripping everything up from day 1 is the best option.
If things are a bad as reported (and I'm working off the assumption that they are worse) then who are we to argue.
It appears some of the clubs employees have been so far from best in class professionals upholding standards as you can imagine that they have forgotten that they work for a business and one of the biggest brands in the world.
He has said from the start this will require time and patience.
The business comes 1st right now once the foundations are in place and we are working to a solid strategy we will begin to understand the 'why's and see the 'How's
Lots of times things can happen really quickly, sometimes, not so much and you seem to spend more time in reverse than going forward. That can be frustrating for all us fans.
Anybody joining the club now has an opportunity of a lifetime that's they way I see it. We are lower than a snakes belly at the moment from top to bottom and have been for the last 4 or 5 years. So having the opportunity to become part of the team that revitalised the club is huge for any player dof coach owner head of med science whomever. A few will not succeed along the way but that's OK.
35.) 04 Jun 2024 00:19:48
For me tumble why would it make sense to sell your best player?
And given what Bruno has said in multiple interviews he doesn’t want to leave which normally indicate his agent is facilitating a new contract at the club putting pressure on them to offer more wages
But again you can’t always trust what players say in interviews
But the quotes where he said he cried when he was told united made an offer make me think his agent is just trying to get a new deal at United
BUT the main thing that needs to happen and happen quick is the manager situation, that is the most importantly “transfer”
But my opinion is we should not even be entertaining the thought of selling captain fantastic.
36.) 04 Jun 2024 01:20:40
Tumble I do agree with your reply above, spot on there tbf.
15 Apr 2024 23:44:53
Evening Ed, when you're not too busy, would it be possible to get a updated departure list of players in the summer? Those out of contract and those the club is actively looking to move on.
Also, given the CEO and DOF haven't been onboarded yet, do you expect the summer targets to change when they do?
{Ed002's Note - The targets will change as players stay where they are or move elsewhere. Ashworth will have a say if he joins.
Potential Departures:
There are players who need to move on as soon as possible, but the club will be reluctant to take too much of a loss and will need to make payments to players who cannot recoup similar terms. One player has made it clear that his future will depend on the coach departing and as I have said I do not expect ten Hag to be coach next season.
Andre Onana (G) Not worked out and could be offered to Michael Emanalo as Manchester United look to upgrade - could stay as second choice as Bayindir wants out and Heaton will be out of contract.
Altay Bayindir (G) Wants out and a return to Turkey may be possible with Galatasaray.
Tom Heaton (G) Out of contract.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (RB) Manchester United have invoked a one year contract extension as the replacement they had in mind is not interested in the move. Middle East may offer a solution. Inter Milan might be a wildcard solution.
Alvaro Carreras (LB/LW) On loan to Granada with his representative offering him around as there is no clear route to first team football at Manchester United. With Benfica offering a firm B squad place and progress based on performance, it is an attractive solution to the player. There has been a discussion with Manchester United who will be open to a deal if there is a sell on clause and their valuation is matched.
Brandon Williams (LB) Disappeared off my radar so I don't have any feelings. I expect he will be available.
Raphael Varane (CB) Future at Manchester United will depend on whether or not the coach is replaced. He will have options in Europe with Bayern Munich and the Middle East come the summer - but the club may look to a new contract on reduced terms.
Harry Maguire (CB) May be available in the Summer and West Ham may prove his only viable option in England.
Victor Lindelof (CB) Manchester United have invoked a one year contract extension – will likely stay a while longer.
Jonny Evans (CB) Will leave as a Free Agent.
Rhys Bennett (CB) May get another loan.
Casemiro (DM) Manchester United would be willing to let him leave but will take a huge loss. Michael Emanalo spoke of him as one option for Saudi clubs but will pe concerned about persistent injuries. PSG offer a wildcard option but only as cover.
Sofyan Amrabat (DM/CM) Loan has not worked out well and he will head back to Fiorentina at the end of the season. Agent is already doing the rounds and has interest in the player.
Scott McTominay (CM) If available at the right price, West Ham will be interested. I suspect he will stay.
Donny van der Beek (CM) - Eintracht Frankfurt do not want to pay the €10M option to make the deal permanent. His misfit laden agent is knocking on doors again. Wages are an issue.
Hannibal Mejbri (AM) Will be available.
Bruno Fernandes (AM) ME still beckons after an offer from Al Hilal was rejected by the player. May well depart in the summer when there will be many changes or perhaps wait one more year.
Christian Eriksen (AM) The player has a contract until 2025 but may leave in the summer to guarantee game time.
Amad Diallo (RW) Will want game time and that may be tough but he may go on loan.
Antony (RW) Available.
Facundo Pellestri (RW) will be sold ideally - but clubs may only be interested in a loan. Villareal has a declared interest. PSV may provide an option.
Jadon Sancho (W) Borussia Dortmund would take the player back but would not pay more than half of what they sold him for and will step back unless the demands of the player and club are more reasonable. Newcastle may have provided an option but signed an alternative. Agent approached Spurs but they can be discounted. Perhaps a loan to buy for Juventus, but they will not accept an obligation to buy. RBL may be open to a discussion.
Anthony Martial (W/F) Has to go but there little clear interest. Juventus had an interest but he would not be first choice now. Out of contract in the Summer with Fenerbahce keen to take a chance, else it will be the Middle East or a new contract.
Alejandro Garnacho (LW) Agent was looking to move on Garnacho and Patino after demanding game time from both Manchester United and Arsenal last summer. Garnacho was offered to Real Madrid knowing that Vinicius Junior may move on, but I am not convinced he would be a regular there. Juventus have also been offered to player as they too seek a LW replacement but I can't see they would bite. Having a good season and will stay where he is.
Mason Greenwood (F) Time to move on - offered to Lazio, Marseille and Atalanta but none seem to be biting. Turkey or the Middle East might provide permanent options. Atletico Madrid or Real Sociedad may offer an option but the fee will be too high for Getafe to buy but they will try to find a creative solution or another loan. He is on the list of Michael Emenalo, but that may not suit the player,
Marcus Rashford (LW/F) Much will depend on what happens in the summer regarding a new coach, but I am sure Manchester United will be regretting the new long-term contract. A third-party has spoken to clubs, including Juventus and Arsenal about him on behalf of Manchester United, but I am not aware of any serious interest. Suggestion that he could be a Mbappe replacement at PSG seem far-fetched given they have other clear targets in mind.
Potential Arrivals and Players known to have been subject to scouts watching them:
Mike Maignan (G) Of interest to Chelsea, but not first choice, and Milan won't look to sell but the player has not yet signed a new contract. Manchester United may be interested if Onana were to move on. Bayern have an interest in taking him to replace Manuel Neuer.
Diogo Costa (G) Manchester United need to make a decision over their goalkeepers moving forward and Costa is a player they have been looking at for some time, but so have Spurs, Chelsea and Roma. Porto will resist a sale unless and offer of €80M plus arrives.
Patrick Schulte (G) Columbus Crew goalkeeper Schulte has attracted scouts from RBL, Arsenal and Manchester United. A Work Permit may prove an issue in moving to England unless paying over the odds.
Denzel Dumfries (RB) Bayern Munich interest has gone. Inter offered him to Chelsea as a CA replacement - and that may yet be an option but Chelsea opted for another. Arsenal could be interested as they have been playing Ben White out of his natural CB position. Spurs and Manchester United offer options and he may well be first choice for Manchester United .
Miguel Gutierrez (LWB) Moved to Girona from Real Madrid who retain a nominal 50% of his rights and can buy him back for a fixed fee of double what they sold him for - so €8M total. Bayern Munich fear losing Alphonso Davies and have Gutierrez as their first choice replacement if that happens. Manchester United may yet look to an offer after sending scouts. Chelsea have spoken to Girona about the player but have preferred options and Manchester City have sent scouts.
Devyne Rensch (RB/LB/CB) No interest in joining Manchester United as cover but attracted to them if first choice. Interest in the very versatile Devyne Rensch will likely leave with ten Hag. Inter might make a declaration of interest after having him scouted as a possible Darmian replacement.
Michael Kayode (RB) Manchester United has a declared interest but Fiorentina will not wish to sell. Inter consider him a replacement for Denzil Dumfries.
Jeremie Frimpong (RB/RWB/RM/LB) Bayer Leverkusen would not be open to offers unless someone is paying well over the odds. Being versatile has made him attractive to Chelsea. 10 years at Manchester City might be against a move to Manchester United, but they have looked.
Milos Kerkez (LWB) Only joined in the summer after picking Bournemouth over Lazio for game time. Down the list for Chelsea who have a much preferred target. Manchester United have been sending scouts.
Antonee Robinson (LB) Fulham are open to selling but have priced him as €45M which Marseille see as far too high. Newcastle may offer an option. Fallback position for Chelsea - an exchange may be possible. Manchester united and Liverpool have sent scouts.
Marc Cucurella (LB) Attracting interest from Atletico and Manchester United still. Real Madrid enquired but they should now be able to secure their first choice. Wants to stay at Chelsea but he will be made available.
Rayan Ait-Nouri (LWB) Barcelona's interest in Ait-Nouri has likely moved on as they focus on another. The player is on the list of LB options Chelsea are considering but they have a far preferred option. Potential option for Arsenal who need to bolster the position or Liverpool if they look to upgrade on Robertson although his injury issues seem to now be behind him. Watched by scouts from Manchester United who are likely to start to push. PSG have declared an interest in Ait-Nouri to replace Kurzawa and it is where his agent would like him to move to - but he would not be first pick.
Alejandro Balde (LWB) Barcelona do not wish to sell but coming in to the last year of his contract are concerned that negotiations for a new contract will hinge on what Mendes may ask for in terms of wages knowing that interest in the player remains for the Chelsea Vision 2030 project after attempts to sign him over the past three years failed. He has the opportunity to take the LB position in the first team at Chelsea and it is possible a player plus cash option might be acceptable to Barcelona. The clubs will again meet to discuss potential options. A wildcard option for Manchester United.
Odilon Kossounou (CB/RB) With Tapsoba, Tah and Hincapie all attracting attention Bayer Leverkusen will not want to lose Kossounou as well. Versatility to play at both CB and RB as attracted scouts from both Manchester sides and Real Sociedad who may be forced to replace Robin Le Normand.
Matthijs de Ligt (CB) Player has been happier with Tuchel as coach and will likely stay where he is when a new coach arrives in the summer, as long as he gets the playing time he desires. In the unlikely event that ten Hag is still at Manchester United he may well be interested but he would not be top of the list at all. Bayern have no interest in selling although they are persisting in chasing another CB themselves.
Giorgio Scalvini (CB/DM) Milan, Chelsea, Manchester City, Inter, Manchester United, Spurs, Juventus and Southampton have shown an interest in the young centre back who has also covered for Koopmeiners as a DM. Southampton can be discounted, and probably Spurs with the Italian management gone. Napoli and Atletico offer wildcard options. Milan are well placed to strike a deal.
Ronald Araujo (CB) Bayern Munich and Manchester United have an interest. Barcelona wants the defence rebuilt but need funds and €80M for Araujo would help but will likely opt for extending the player’s contract and looking to other sales. Bayern rejected an exchange proposal.
Edmond Tapsoba (CB) Arsenal and Leicester interest has gone. With the injury to Timber, that interest of Arsenal may return. Leverkusen are open to selling. Spurs interest will now have gone, and Newcastle interest will only return if there is a departure. Scouted by Chelsea but not a first choice option for them. West Ham interest was of no interest to the player. Manchester United have him on a shortlist of Harry Maguire replacements but the player has said he has no interest in moving to Manchester United.
Antonio Silva (CB) Benfica say that "many scouts" have been to watch the player - perhaps they are looking for someone to pay his €100M buy out clause - a move at that price seems unlikely but PSG are keen. Juventus and Napoli would want a reduction in the asking price to make any move viable. Looked at by Spurs and Manchester United. For Liverpool perhaps a Konate replacement but very unlikely. Discussed with Chelsea during a conversation about another player and perhaps number two or three on their list.
Jean-Clair Todibo (CB) Various scouts, including a very high-end independent scout and ex-PL player who has recently been helping Manchester United and Liverpool, together with scouts from Newcastle, Aston VIlla and Lyon have been looking. Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Spurs, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United have declared an interest, but Nice are still looking for perhaps €50M to sell but Manchester United and Chelsea have a preferred first choice additions - and Nice would ask for the loan of Lesley Ugochukwu as part of any deal with Chelsea. Nice will look to block a sale to Manchester United fearing a backlash from their fans. Spurs might provide a wildcard option but I would expect Liverpool to look to other options first. Player has made clear his preference is for a return to Barcelona.
Gleison Bremer (CB) Juventus do not want to sell and the player wishes to stay but the club need to raise funds which has led to his representatives testing the waters with Manchester United, Spurs and Chelsea to see if there is interest. He may well emerge as a first choice target for Spurs and Manchester United – will cost perhaps €70M.
Jarrad Branthwaite (CB) Everton want a new contract but Spurs, Manchester United and Newcastle have an interest. Ancelotti has spoken to Solari about him and scouts were sent to watch him against Newcastle, but Solari is not convinced that English players settle well on the continent. Manchester United will likely need a complete rebuild at CB with departures in the summer and so he will likely be an option. Spurs have a need for a CB. Newcastle has a compelling need to add one or two younger CBs. A wildcard would be Manchester City.
Marc Guehi (CB) Arsenal has a declared interest but prior interest of Spurs likely went with Conte. Chelsea have a first refusal but it is doubtful they would wait to invoke it and will be happy to either make a cash or part exchange offer or take funds from the sell on clause although Chelsea do see the return of Guehi as a potential long-term Silva replacement when he leaves in 2024 and may yet offer Conor Gallagher as part of the deal. Newcastle may make an offer but right now are in talks over Inacio but they will turn back to Guehi if they cannot sell their project to Inacio. Manchester United offer a wildcard option but have preferred targets. A number of Premier League and Serie A clubs have sent scouts. Crystal Palace do not want to sell.
Tosin Adarabioyo (CB) Spurs interest may remain as they struggle to sign their preferred options and are still light at CB - although they may not guarantee a starting role. Free Agent in the summer and expect MIlan and Monaco to make an approach for discussions before then. Milan fear the departure of Fikayo Tomori with Monaco being light at CB and running the chance that Guillermo Maripan will move on. West Ham will also consider making the player an offer. Wildcard may be Liverpool or Manchester United. Fulham will look to a new contract.
Joshua Kimmich (DM) Bayern Munich may now make him available, a significant fee would be sought - well beyond what interested sides Barcelona or Manchester City would pay for a 28 year old on €400k per week although Manchester City may well look to find a solution that suits everybody. A wildcard option would be Manchester United or Arsenal. New coach will have a say at Bayern Munich.
Kenneth Taylor (DM) Seen as an option to replace Luiz if he departs Aston Villa. Manchester City consider him an option to replace Phillips and Manchester United an option to replace Casemiro although interest may depart with ten Hag.
Joao Palhinha (DM/CM) Fulham will not look to sell unless a huge offer is made and the player asks for a move. All interest except that of Bayern Munich, Arsenal and possibly Newcastle will have gone with the signing of a new contract although Manchester United and Liverpool have had a will respected ex PL and high-end independent scout watch the player on their behalf - although both have other targets. Fulham will still look to replacements as they fear the player could have his head turned by Bayern Munich or Arsenal, who see him as an option to Trindade, who Fulham are also keen on.
Amadou Onana (DM/CB/CM) Only moved to Everton in 2022 and they are not looking to sell him but with troubles mounting they may have to listen to offers. West Ham interest has returned and Arsenal may look again after failing to agree alternatives, but they must now be seen as a wildcard option. Newcastle spoke with Everton in the summer and have failed to sign their primary DM/CM target but could return again this summer. Manchester United had him a long way down their list of targets but failed to sign preferred options in the summer and he may still be of interest, but I rather doubt it. Chelsea have him on a list of midfield options but not at the top, and Barcelona may look to some horse trading but they have to deal with their own financial issues. Real Madrid may look to a player plus cash deal, but he would largely be used as cover. Another wildcard could be Bayern Munich if the cannot sign Palhinho - but they will have a new coach in the summer.
Youssouf Fofana (CM/DM) An approach from Crystal Palace was rejected by Monaco who told them they will be negotiating a new contract, although that has not yet happened. Interest of Lyon has gone. Chelsea have strong ties with Monaco and the clubs have discussed him but he is not first choice for Chelsea. Nottingham Forest interest was turned away with a bid being rejected. West Ham have now replaced Rice so their interest has likely gone unless they lose Soucek or plan to use him exclusively as a CM player. Manchester United may see him as an option but he would not be a direct Casemiro replacement. However, Juventus have declared an interest and the wages would not be an issue with local tax laws being favourable but I suspect they will opt for another. I am not aware of Liverpool interest. Wages might be an issue for some clubs.
Khephren Thuram (DM/CM) Nice felt they were messed around by clubs last summer and then the player picked up an injury. Interest of Spurs and, in particular, Juventus remains but Liverpool will look to other options. Interest of Newcastle will likely of fallen away. Milan may offer an option. If interest further grows his price will rise and the club would sell given the emergence of Alexis Beka Beka regardless of impressive youngster Reda Belahyane being sold to Verona. Nice do not want to sell and again a move to Old Trafford will not be welcomed by the Nice supporters. Real Madrid have him on a list of potential additions given they are facing midfield departures in the summer - and I would not rule them, or indeed Manchester City or Barcelona, out. Player wants PSG but they have no interest at this time - but his representative is pushing PSG as well as Real Madrid and will encourage the player to wait and see what happens.
Hayden Hackney (DM) Manchester United and Spurs have sent scouts. The issue will be playing time if he moves from Middlesborough.
Joao Neves (DM/CM) Discussed with Chelsea when meeting over another player as they were seeking a replacement for Loftus-Cheek. Potential Casemiro replacement for Manchester United. Huge buy out clause and Benfica will not look to sell but recognise there will be growing interest. Versatile but falls over easily. I expect Manchester United to push.
Morten Hjulmand (DM/CM) Arrived from Lecce in the summer of 2023 - not available unless an offer that meets his huge release clause is made - and even then the player may not be interested in a move so soon after joining. Arsenal are looking at Elneny and Jorginho leaving as Free Agents in the summer and have sent scouts. He is also seen as an option for Manchester United but currently not first choice.
Frenkie de Jong (CM/DM) Barcelona will look for a new contract with reduced wages else he will be sold in the summer with possible interest remaining from Manchester United. PSG have spoken with his agent and additionally his agent has raised his availability with Chelsea whist discussing another player.
Manu Kouadio Kone (CM/DM) Prior interest of Milan has gone. Newcastle did approach Borussia Muenchegladbach but they will resist a sale and try and agree a new deal, but Newcastle remain keen. RBL are keen to add Kone to replace Laimer. Watched by a number of other Premier League sides including West Ham, Manchester United, Liverpool and Brighton. A wildcard maybe PSG. Player wants Chelsea move but they have other targets. Asking price will by €60M including add ons.
Taylor Booth (CM/RW) Utrecht know they will get offers in the summer with scouts from a number of sides including Brighton, Manchester United and Leicester City having attended games. A Work Permit will be difficult.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (CM) Manchester United could look to KDH to help refresh their midfield. Brighton are keen. Brentford, Spurs and Fulham offer options. An Everton enquiry will go no where. I suspect one for the summer but promotion and FFP issues may be relevant.
Chris Rigg (CM) Kiddie spotted by Chelsea scouts when watching another Sunderland player. Of an age where he can reach the position of being Club Developed as well as Home Grown. Liverpool and Manchester United have sent scouts.
Sebastian Szymanski (AM) Having a great season for Fenerbahce attracting the serious interest of Napoli and scouted as an option by Chelsea, Manchester United and Spurs. Recommended to Liverpool last summer but moved to Fenerbahce from Dinamo Moscow after a successful loan.
Antonio Nusa (LW/RW/AM) Chelsea are looking at preferred options as well as Nusa, who they don't value as highly as the asking price and have now recalled Diego Moreira to likely end their interest. Real Madrid interest has shifted to others. Juventus, Spurs, Manchester United, Brentford and Arsenal have sent scouts with Spurs asking for a price - but it is hard to see where he would fit in without departures. Brentford agreed a price with Brugge but the player was unsure. One to watch for the future but seen as a bit of a flake.
Nico Williams (LW/RW) Young Basque winger and brother to Inaki who has eased himself in to the first team over the last two seasons. Terse response from the Spanish U21 set up (along the lines of "he does not score many goals for an attacker") when told he was changing his allegiance to Ghana, like his brother - and that led to him changing back to Spain. There was plenty of interest in him so a contract extension and buy out clause were awarded to the player at the start of 2022 and again in December 2023, pricing him out of a move to Barcelona at €50M plus a significant signing on fee. The Aston Villa coach wishes to be reunited and they will push for a deal in the summer but he may opt to stay for a year or two more after signing a new contract. Looked at by numerous Premier League clubs including Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal as well as Barcelona and Real Madrid. Chelsea may look to an offer if their first choice is unobtainable.
Luis Guilherme (AM) Manchester United, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Barcelona have shown an interest in the player for next summer. Chelsea discussed him during negotiations two other players. Spurs may well have noted him when scouting another Palmeiras player. However, a new contract and a €60M release clause will prove to be an issue.
Dani Olmo (AM/W) Signed a new contract but could still be sold this summer if a significant offer were made. Atletico, Spurs, Manchester City and Barcelona are interested, although Barcelona have preferred options. Chelsea considered him as a Mason Mount replacement but have preferred options. Manchester United may offer a wildcard option. Bayern Munich interest has gone.
Marcus Edwards (RW/AM) Spurs would like to re-sign the player they let leave for Guimaraes and there is interest from West Ham, but that will go nowhere. Crystal Palace have a declared interest. Discussed with Chelsea on an informal basis and on the list of RW/AM players Chelsea need - but they have a preferred options. Could prove a suitable Salah replacement for Liverpool but Sporting may still have no interest in dealing with Liverpool and they have preferred options, but with a change of coach that may change. Manchester United see him as a potential addition and have declared an interest - but much will depend on what happens in the summer with the coach. Sporting has no interest in selling and would demand his full release clause in a single payment.
Takefusa Kubo (RW/LW) Move has worked out well for him. Real Madrid may look to invoke their buy-back option which is about half his buy out clause. This season is going well for him and I doubt he would want to return to RM. Manchester United and Liverpool have sent scouts but neither has declared an interest with his club and the player has signed a new long term contract.
Rafael Leao (LW) Right footed left winger Leao signed a new contract last summer after serious interest was shown earlier in the year by Bayern Munich and Manchester City. Manchester City's interest remains. The interest of Chelsea went with the signing of Mykhaylo Mudryk and even though they are still looking for another similar player they have a far preferred option. I cannot see the player moving to Newcastle who enquired in the summer but PSG have sent scouts and he is seen as an option to replace Mbappe, but not top of the list. Barcelona have him on a lengthy list of wide options for the summer but need to sell. He could also be an option for Real Madrid as they clear the decks - but they would look to including a player in a deal which will cost at least €120M and it would mean Mbappe moving elsewhere - and that is not going to happen. I am not aware of Liverpool making any approach and they have four right footed players who can play on the left side of attack - and they need a left footed right sided forward. As such it would make little sense and costs a great deal of money. A wildcard would be Manchester United. Player likely wants to stay in Milan.
Michael Olise (RW/AM) PSG and Manchester City want him as cover although the departure of Mahrez will mean more opportunities now, but the RW position is effectively Foden's. If de Bruyne or Silva were to depart, he becomes an option again. Crystal Palace has no real interest in selling but know that Chelsea want to take Olise back to Stamford Bridge and Olise has made clear that one day he wants to be playing with his brother. Down the list of AM players Chelsea want but they will again perhaps push for him. His representative has said no other clubs have made an approach for Olise - but maybe Klopp's obsession with Chelsea Academy players will continue as Liverpool have sent scouts - but they will have preferred targets to replace Salah. Manchester United have also regularly sent scouts and he may end up first choice for them. Will be available in the summer when a significant release clause will need to be met.
Kaoru Mitoma (LW) Fortunate to get a Work Permit initially and Brighton has no interest in selling him but Manchester City and Manchester United see him as an option.
Vinicius Junior (LW/S) Player was distraught after the abuse and agent has offered him to PSG and Chelsea but the arrival of Mbappe could see further interest. Then you will likely see interest of Manchester United and perhaps PSG making an offer but he is only a second or thirdd choice Mbappe replacement for them. Chelsea has a preferred option but he may not be attainable.
Raphinha (RW/LW) Has struggled to displace Dembele or Ansu Fati on a regular basis and will be sold if Barcelona can recover the fee they paid for him, else they will keep him. Manchester United or Newcastle may be an option. Even Spurs, Liverpool or Arsenal perhaps. Barcelona will look to sell to the Middle East to get the best possible price and have spoken with Michael Emenalo with Al-Hilal interested.
Jonathan David (S/AM) Lille, like many French clubs were hit hard by the loss of broadcast revenue and will need to sell some of their more valuable assets even though they do not want to. Jonathan David is valued by Lille at an unrealistic €50M but moving in to the last year of his contract will need to accept perhaps €30M. Napoli and Spurs no longer see him as a possible addition. Real Madrid have previously declared an interest but their focus has turned away as they wanted to include a player in any deal. He has been recommended to Chelsea by an ex player but they have a preferred targets. The Manchester United coach tried to take him to Ajax and could potentially look to taking him to Manchester United - and I would not discount them even if ten Hag departs. Aston Villa or Milan may offer a viable solution with Milan beginning to push.
Joshua Zirkzee (S) Manchester United had a third-party scout watch him in a game against Roma in December. Milan has declared an interest knowing Giroud is coming to the end of his contract but don't know if Zirkzee will match his goal tally. Bayern Munich have an option to buy the player back but will likely not be interested in following up on it. Napoli offer an option when Osimhen moves. Player will not move to become cover or second choice likely ruling out Juventus.
Victor Osimhen (S) Napoli made it clear to Chelsea who enquired in 2021 that even €100M would not buy the player - but they do maintain an interest and he has been first choice and expect an offer to be made in the summer - they have already assured Napoli that they will pay his release clause in full – but that may change. Al Hilal may well have offered Napoli the huge fee they were looking for, but that may not suit the player just yet. Real Madrid could look to him as an option to Haaland but Madrid would want to offer players in exchange. He has signed a new contract and, at the behest of his agent, included a release clause. Arsenal have a preferred option and see the price as too high. PSG have him on a list of potential Mbappe replacements. If Manchester City were to lose Haaland, he would be an option. Manchester United may offer a wildcard option but the change of staff could end any interest. There is a suggestion that Liverpool have negotiated directly with the player and his agent and not spoken to Napoli. Given Napoli registered a complaint against Liverpool over another player last year, it would seem unlikely, or particularly stupid. In the players hands next summer - may decide to stay but there will be a return from Michael Emanalo with a very good offer but I understand that both PSG and Chelsea have already informed Napoli that remain keen - but Chelsea have not had a positive response from the player - perhaps because of the lack of Champions League football. Chelsea are already looking at options but could make a take-it-or-leave-it offer below his release clause with discussions over two other players going on between the clubs.
Benjamin Sesko (S/F) RBL could be offered a quick profit. His agent has not stopped offering the player around since his move to RBL. Described by a well known ex-Premier League player and high-end scout as "raw but improving". Was on the list for Spurs as a potential Kane replacement and Newcastle enquired but continue to struggle to sell their project. Chelsea spoke with his agent but have preferred options – but they are struggling to sign targets so cannot be discounted. Milan offer an option as a potential Giroud replacement. A wildcard may be either Manchester United or Arsenal. Milan will be favourites as they want Sesko and Zirkee.
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (F) Manchester United asked for a loan of the player from Bayern Munich in January. I have no idea why and I assume interest has gone.
Viktor Gyokeres (S) After only joining in the summer Sporting have no interest in selling but fear a club could simply pay his €100M buy out clause in full and try to persuade him to move. Sporting fear Chelsea may do that and have avoided the subject during discussions over another player and a separate issue. He has attracted scouts representing Manchester United and Arsenal with Arsenal seeing him as an option to Toney. Sporting are looking to a new contract and an increase in his buy-out clause.
Brian Brobbey (S) Everton interest remains but so does their financial plight. Eric ten Hag has a remaining interest but I doubt that position is supported by the club and he will leave in the summer.
1.) 16 Apr 2024 12:56:31
Holy cow. One of your best ever Ed!
2.) 16 Apr 2024 13:00:08
Ed002 thank you for your response, amazing amount of info. May I ask if there is still interest in Inacio or will he be going elsewhere? Thanks.
{Ed002's Note - Yes - he should have been there:
Goncalo Inacio (CB) Watched by scouts from a number of PL sides, including Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United, with each declaring an interest. Sporting will not be keen to do business with Liverpool although the club could potentially arrange to pay his full Release Clause in a single payment and force the situation if the player is interested - and that seems a strong possibility. The other sides to declare an interest are Newcastle and PSG, but PSG have a plan over another player but it is looking unlikely he will join - so Inacio might become the focus. Real Madrid offer a wildcard option. Sporting would rather not sell and are looking to a further new contract and an increased release clause. Newcastle have held talks with Sporting in order to be able to speak directly to the player and to understand if there is flexibility in the payment schedule – but there isn't. Arsenal interest would have departed with the signing of Timber although it has returned with the injury to Timber and impending departures. They are actively seeking talks with Sporting. The player has also been offered to Chelsea by his agent when discussing another player, but they have preferred options for a long-term Silva replacement although do have an interest in Inacio's CB partner Diomande. Arsenal have made a tentative offer that has been rejected. The player's agent has also said that Inacio is open to a move to Manchester United and they may push depending on departures.}
3.) 16 Apr 2024 13:03:21
Holy smoke that's some list.
Thanks ed002.
Loving the outs list no surprises at all there let's vote we can messiaen a lot of the difficulties and get those out who don't want to be here.
4.) 16 Apr 2024 13:08:26
Ed, brilliant as always. Thanks a lot for getting this as quickly as you did!
5.) 16 Apr 2024 13:14:21
Holy smokes thanks Ed, that’s incredible ?.
6.) 16 Apr 2024 14:20:23
Incredible work Ed002. Amazing, thank you.
7.) 16 Apr 2024 14:24:40
My word that is some response Ed. Thank you.
8.) 16 Apr 2024 14:44:10
Ed02 the GOAT as always. Thanks for that amazingly detailed and insightful breakdown!
9.) 16 Apr 2024 17:44:26
Chelsea fan here in peace as my best friends are all United fans. I'm kinda curious as to why Nice fans seem to be strongly against their player moving to United, could you perhaps explain that Ed? Or maybe anyone else who would know?
10.) 16 Apr 2024 18:02:41
Nice fans do not want another club with a financial interest from the owner of Nice to be taking their best players. }.
11.) 16 Apr 2024 18:45:23
I think it's pretty obvious Ktbffh.
On the other hand.
Can you imagine how dissatisfied they would become if we start selling our players to them? They need to look on the bright side??.
12.) 16 Apr 2024 20:40:18
Bit disappointed there is no Luke Shaw, but maybe a years time and things will hanve changed. I’m pleased to see a majority lf the squad are being discussed to be shipped out. Great news and great info.
13.) 16 Apr 2024 20:27:39
Nice one Ed002, quality that.
Unfortunately, I've forgotten was was at the top - could you repeat the first few lines please? ?.
14.) 17 Apr 2024 00:50:27
KTBBFH, I imagine it would be the same if Chelsea started buying Strasbourg players for 20% under value. That’s the sort of implication that Utd buying Nice players will have. Player A is worth 100m but was sold to Utd for 80m etc. Regardless whether true or not but say if Utd buy Todibo for 50m the Nice fans will feel cheated regardless of whether that’s the max bid or not:
15.) 17 Apr 2024 04:51:52
Out Shappy'd Shappy right there!
16.) 16 Apr 2024 21:00:35
Thanks Ed! I figured that was the reason, but it's nice to get it confirmed. Have a nice evening!
17.) 16 Apr 2024 21:17:30
Great list ed002 and thank you. the outs seem to be the difficult part and not surprised. The ins seems to have many clubs involved and everyone will improve their squads.
Is Todibo our first choice CB and what your personal view of Diomande?
18.) 17 Apr 2024 11:13:59
Yeah I agree, really appreciate all of that Ed002. You are always top mate!
19.) 17 Apr 2024 22:57:02
Thanks Ed.
16 Mar 2024 17:59:03
Evening as always Ed.
Is there any intetest in Viktor Gyokores?
If not from us, from any other PL side?
Thanks.
{Ed002's Note - Manchester United have sent scouts but they have an interest in another Sporting player. There is interest from elsewhere in the Premier League.}
1.) 17 Mar 2024 12:46:09
I imagine we are looking at inacio maybe Hjulmand?
2.) 17 Mar 2024 15:50:01
Looking at the recent Sporting lineup, could be Inacio, Diamonde or Marcus Edwards. Or a n other.
3.) 18 Mar 2024 09:32:29
That narrows it down Wallace :D.
4.) 18 Mar 2024 11:55:00
Ed02 - which Sporting player do we have an interest in?
Thanks.
{Ed002's Note - Goncalo Inacio but others have been scouted as well.}
KurtisHaywood's banter posts with other poster's replies to KurtisHaywood's banter posts
26 Sep 2024 18:31:59
Our start to this season under Erik ten Hag is worth a closer look when compared to his first two seasons. Here's how it shapes up after the first 8 games:
In 2022-23, we had 5 wins, no draws, and 3 losses. We scored 10 goals, conceded 9, and kept 3 clean sheets. In 2023-24, we managed 4 wins, again no draws, but 4 losses. We scored more—13 goals—but conceded 14 and again had 3 clean sheets. Now, in 2024-25, we’re at 3 wins, 3 draws, and 2 losses. We’ve scored 14, conceded 7, and kept 4 clean sheets.
Looking at the losses, the 2022-23 season saw defeats to Brighton (2-1 at home), Brentford (4-0 away), and Real Sociedad (1-0 at home) . In 2023-24, we lost to Spurs (2-0 away), Arsenal (3-1 away), and Brighton (3-1 at home) . This season, it’s been Brighton again (2-1 away) and Liverpool (3-0 at home) .
Defensively, we’ve actually improved this season. We’ve conceded the least number of goals and kept more clean sheets than before. We’ve also lost fewer games. While we’ve scored more, it’s worth noting that 7 of those goals came against Barnsley. The most striking stat this season is that we’ve missed 16 big chances, more than any other team in the league, which has clearly affected our results.
So, have we had a worse start than in previous seasons? It’s not black and white. If we start converting some of these chances, things could look very different. Last night, for instance, we had 19 shots but only 5 on target, which just isn’t good enough. This isn’t about defending Ten Hag but about offering some perspective. It’s easy to get lost in the emotions of the latest result rather than seeing the bigger picture. Turning these draws into wins is essential, but at least a draw is better than a loss.
Sunday’s game against Spurs will be massive. If we don’t get a result, the pressure on Ten Hag will be intense, and his position could become untenable.
1.) 26 Sep 2024 18:58:20
The fact it’s not black and white demonstrates no clear progress. That’s the issue.
2.) 26 Sep 2024 20:22:55
ETH may not be the perfect coach,
But we will always be a poor team as long as bruno, rashford and maguire make the team.
Maguire is at best a west ham level CB who can sit deep and play long balls.
Rashford needs 5 variables to work out to get the best out of him. A overlapping fullback, long balls, fans loving him, manager loving him, and long shots going in.
Bruno, apart from his poor demeanour as a captain, complaining all the time, he cannot run with the ball, his shooting is not as good as it used to be, his flicks and tricks almost never work out. He keeps losing the ball and we get countered from it.
All 3 of them do not take care of the ball, and there is a reason we are a cup team, and these are central to it.
All of them have been over promoted and over inflated with the back of mickey mouse cup wins and 6th place finishes and the day we beat PSG.
Our defense has actually improved a lot. Mazraoui is a class player and De Ligt is good too.
I think Eriksen, Mainoo and Ugarte is our best midfield going forward and we should stick to it, with mount covering and bruno and casemiro being the backups. I feel collyer plays better than these 2 because he does simple things.
Our football is too reliant on hollywood passes and goals, whereas the likes of zirkzee and amad play simple football, can you remember one zirkzee or amad pass that was hollywood?
We had a cull this year, and the moment we let rash, bruno, maguire go, no matter who the coach is, we will see massive improvements.
3.) 27 Sep 2024 03:01:31
Backpass - and who is it that keeps picking Rashford, Bruno, and Maguire?
4.) 27 Sep 2024 03:41:30
I've resigned myself to not fan the flames of manager out. I am sick of the churn, so I want to see this version of united through. I would spend another season mid table and watch the teams younger players grow up another year and see out another summer of outs and ins before I want to give up on this. We still have Fernandes, rashford, eriksen, mcguire, lindelof and others who's times are at an end with utd. We have ineos now bringing in young talent and scouting more.
I appreciate others may think this manager has had all the chances they are willing to give. But I am not expecting a quick fix, and so the slow start to the season is less spectacular. I do think we will get better this season, but top 4 would be a huge improvement. UEFA (which would get us ucl) is a throw of the dice, but could prove easier.
5.) 27 Sep 2024 06:33:11
@dodgy do you really want to hand over all the promising youngsters development to ETH? And what evidence is there we will get better? Genuine questions. Not looking to be divisive.
6.) 27 Sep 2024 07:22:00
BRD
The advice ETh gave to Garnacho, one of our most exciting attacking players, defend defend defend. I am still at a loss on that and it doesn’t sound positive to his development to me. That must be a serious concern to the DOF if ETH has or was given total control over young player development.
7.) 27 Sep 2024 10:41:57
Redseven, eth is definitely not inspiring, acting similarly to Ole has previously.
As long as bruno, rash and maguire stay at the club, some or the other excuse will come up to rely on them.
Only Ralf consistently benched Rashford, and both Ole and ETH kept showing good faith in these 3.
8.) 27 Sep 2024 12:39:23
Good post Kurtis. Unfortunately he is not helping himself given the last result and it was not a good performance at all. A win vs spurs and a point away at villa seem to be a minimum requirement now in the league.
Watched the Porto game against the Norwegian side before our game came on. Porto will not be easy given they lost and will be in desperate need of 3 points. That can be a positive depending on how you look at things if you want a more open game. We have never really done well away to Portuguese or Spanish teams with a few exceptions.
We need to start scoring and the rest will take care of itself imo. Bruno's form is really bad and he looks really labored running as the game goes on. Defensively he is a liability atm given how cheaply he gives the ball and not sure he will retain a place in the starting 11 if this continues.
Dropping Bruno will come with a lot of noise as he still enjoys a large majority of fan support. Never a dull day as a united supporter or easy decisions if you are managing this team.
9.) 27 Sep 2024 18:42:28
Backpass. What concerns me is that both Rashford and Bruno were given big new contracts during Ten Haag’s reign, making them very difficult to move on and thus forcing the next manager to incorporate them into his (or her) plans. I’m sure that the upper management also played a role in those decisions, but when we’ve needed a strong manager who was willing to bench players who weren’t meeting expectations, we instead got one who continued to pick them despite both failing to deliver.
I wouldn’t mind so much if we had no other options, but the fact that players like Garna and Mount are sat on the bench while Bruno and Rashford are floundering is a massive source of frustration for me (and I’m sure many other fans) .
10.) 27 Sep 2024 20:36:23
I fully agree red7, and with players like rooney I could understand what he achieved and his quality when he was not getting dropped.
I do not understand how people like bruno and rash who have won nothing major get the same status.
11.) 27 Sep 2024 20:54:12
The fa cup isn't mickey mouse . in fact no cup is. Boils my piss when people say a cup is mickey mouse, can only compete in 3 or 4 in Europe. so nothing is mickey mouse.
12.) 28 Sep 2024 01:22:25
I agree Nick.
If you win any if the 4 you enter its no mean feat.
Obviously there is rankings of the comps and the domestic cups don't offer the same rewards as a euro or league win and some would rather be top 4 than win a domestic cup for the rewards on offer.
Winning cups is not always the indication of being a good team.
In todays game its not easy to win any competition.
13.) 28 Sep 2024 22:02:21
I agree on the cups thing. Winning trophies is what it’s all about. That being said, the narrative is changing for ETH and I think more fans are beginning to realise he’s probably out of his depth here, and his ideas are not working.
04 Jul 2024 11:42:42
EtH has signed his new extension until 2026. Hopefully with this and Ashworth resolved, we will start to see some movement in the player department.
1.) 04 Jul 2024 11:59:13
I see mitchell gone to Newcastle, so they upgraded.
2.) 04 Jul 2024 12:03:54
Very happy with the contract. Two years is perfect. Gives the new staff time to plan for the future, but allows them to move on from ETH if he isn’t working out.
I’m hoping we get a cb, dm, and cf sorted before the new season starts.
3.) 04 Jul 2024 12:11:00
Great business by Newcastle. Obtain a compensation package for Ashworth whilst recruiting a better Sporting Director.
4.) 04 Jul 2024 12:27:17
FFS can’t do right for doing wrong ?.
5.) 04 Jul 2024 13:39:20
Couldn't care less about Mitchell. The club got the man they wanted. Newcastle identified his replacement. End of.
6.) 04 Jul 2024 14:26:13
Ashworth a club builder, described as the hub in the middle of a wheel, organising the spokes that reach outwards.
Am sure Mitchell brilliant as well, but INEOS want to rebuild the club from scratch.
7.) 04 Jul 2024 15:28:11
The pertinent conditions and pressures at United are very different to those at Newcastle so the roles will carry different responsibilities and different scales of priority.
Mitchell would have been available to United during the time it took to get Ashworth on board so, ultimately, SJR pursued the option he decided would best fit the strategy required at United.
I'd imagine SJR to be far more successful in business than any of us so it's a bit arrogant for any of us to suggest that Mitchell, for the actual nature of the role, would be the better option?
8.) 04 Jul 2024 16:31:12
I was keen on Mitchell going back before Ineos came in, however I am very happy with Ashworth and think that with the size of club, what we need to do and the remit he will likely get he is right for us now.
I think SJR and Ineos already had a relationship with Mitchell and decided not to offer him the Sporting Director role (possibly role reporting to Ashworth) so we got the person we wanted.
Fans need to stop wishing for the next thing, the thing we do not have andn focus on the brilliant moves the club are making and give it time.
Ultimately it could be win win for us and Newcastle, we got who we wanted, they got who they wanted and a bit of money to help PSR.
9.) 04 Jul 2024 16:12:36
Other than of course Ed02 said he would be best for the role, which I rather fancy may be the source of many people thinking he would be best for the role.
10.) 05 Jul 2024 06:48:05
I am glad the eth saga is over makes sense for all parties. Ashworth or Mitchell on their own means very little and its the overall structure that you need to put into place to help any senior executive to succeed.
I think the club has done exceptionally well getting all the pieces together and probably more coming. Ultimately it going to come down to improving the team, culture, environment and winning. It may take a few years but we are on the right path.
One of the most interesting seasons in the Pl ahead of us.
20 Jun 2024 19:42:52
Would rather Ineos give Ten Hag a 15 year contract extension than go anywhere near Southgate.
1.) 20 Jun 2024 22:02:31
Bring back the wally with a brolly.
2.) 20 Jun 2024 23:50:31
I woke up at 1am to watch that dross.
14 Jun 2024 17:10:52
First bit of business complete, not sure who this "Carrington" player is or where he plays but from what I've read it sounds like a much needed upgrade for £50m.
1.) 15 Jun 2024 08:52:49
More mobile than Branthwaite.
2.) 15 Jun 2024 11:40:12
BRD, silly comment. Branthwaite is very good at defending in the channels, he is 5th in Europe's top five leagues for both number of challenges and percentage of challenges won amongst all players 21 or under. While he's 19th for all CB's of any age.
Is he the complete player? No, but no one is. Every player has areas of weakness in their game.
Branthwaite is 21 with a lot of potential. We aren't buying the finished article, he will need to continue to develop and improve.
Common sense suggests that we should be mostly targeting player with potential rather than those who are at their peak. Realistically we are at least 2-3 years away from a serious title challenge. Any player we sign who is 26 or older will possibly need replacing before we have a team capable of seriously challenging.
3.) 15 Jun 2024 13:37:31
Putting Branthwaite in beside Martinez will help his development. Martinez is the type to make players around him better.
4.) 15 Jun 2024 16:34:06
I had hoped that when Martinez initially returned from injury that Kambwala would play alongside him. His experience and nous would have helped develop him Unfortunately that didn't happen. It's clear to see just how significant and integral that Martinez reall.
08 Jun 2024 11:46:48
Ineos looking to sell Nice amid fears over UEFA's multi-club ownership rules. Interesting, no other multi-owned club has had any issues with it.
I wonder if it's more because they have failed to make any progress with Nice, and don't want to get drawn into comparison when looking at their handling of United.
1.) 08 Jun 2024 13:29:45
Think this has been on the cards since getting the stake in United, he also wants to up his shares in United.
2.) 08 Jun 2024 14:24:14
Kurtis tell me what your understanding is of the hugely reduced revenue for French clubs now with the new TV rights income?
3.) 08 Jun 2024 15:25:23
BeIN have shown an interest of €700m which is about €80m less than the current deal. I wouldn't call this a huge revenue reduction when split amongst clubs over 5 years.
I'm not saying this isn't a factor, it was to open discussion not invite your patronising questions.
{Ed001's Note - they didn't even have a deal for most of the season, so it is not even really a reduction because now they have a guaranteed income from it. And it was known when they bought Nice that there were problems getting any kind of TV package done. It will not have been a factor, it was expected to be a much lower figure, but BeIn need to keep propping up PSG.}
4.) 08 Jun 2024 19:45:57
Cheers for the insight Ed001.
Do you have any thoughts about why they might be looking to now suddenly sell? Do you think it's revenue/ performance based or just looking to raise capital for future purchase of shares in United?
{Ed001's Note - I would think it is a culmination of things. The fans don't want them, the European difficulties, the lack of a credible French star in Ligue 1 without Mbappe meaning that audience engagement (and consequently future income) is dropping, and it is likely they would rather use the money in a place where the return has a much higher potential.}
5.) 08 Jun 2024 20:59:32
I thought they were trying to implement a multi-club model (hence Omar Berrarda) to circumvent Brexit rules on youngsters? Thus part ownership in Nice be essential?
KurtisHaywood's rumour replies
28 Oct 2024 23:01:29
Agreed Salford. Amorim and Gyokores could be a dream double swoop. Watched a lot of him when he was at Coventry - he's an unbelievable talent.
Man City and Arsenal are both interested. Ed002 is there any fresh United interest? Would he be a realistic target if we landed Amorim?
{Ed002's Note - Viktor Gyokeres (S) After only joining in 2023 Sporting have no interest in selling but fear a club could simply pay his €100M buy out clause in full and try to persuade him to move. Sporting fear Chelasea may do that and have previously avoided the subject during discussions over another player and a separate issue - and whilst Chelsea has a preferred option he is proving difficult to sign. With Viana moving to Manchester City, it is possible they could opt for him as the fear losing Haaland. He has attracted scouts representing Manchester United, Spurs and Arsenal with Spurs showing an interest. A wildcard would be PSG, but again, not first choice or Juventus if they sell Dusan Vlahovic. Sporting are looking to a new contract and an increase in his buy-out clause.}
28 Oct 2024 15:30:10
Luke Shaw and Malacia have now both been out injured longer than it took Christian Eriksen to recover from cardiac arrest. Whoever the new manager needs to address getting in a fit left back before thinking about formations.
27 Oct 2024 16:21:45
Not sure Eric, the way we are performing and competing currently I'd say you have more of a chance!
20 Aug 2024 19:46:58
Strange that Pellistri is out before Antony.
26 Jul 2024 20:20:50
Ken sorry but that's a ridiculous point. Where we finished has nothing to do with Dalots performance.
Check the stats, Dalot outperformed Ben White, who some would argue was the best RB in the league last season and Arsenal finished 2nd.
You can't use a collective team performance over a whole season to play down Dalots.
KurtisHaywood's banter replies
01 Nov 2024 06:22:48
Nothing about what I have seen of Zirkzee suggests there is a player there. I'm fed up of giving players "time to adapt to the league". Haaland scored 36 goals in his first season. Where was his time to adapt?
I'm sorry but Zirkzee is closer to Bebe than a decent striker.
31 Oct 2024 12:58:56
Thought we played quite well with 10 men. To score 5 goals without a forward on pitch is impressive.
28 Oct 2024 19:13:41
Blackpool Red - the report mentioned it in regards to RVNs time at PSV. Has nothing to do with the current players.
28 Oct 2024 14:47:38
Fizz - it was from his time at PSV. Don't know the context or details, just in reports.
28 Oct 2024 13:00:26
Probably will have a good run of form like all new managers do. Hopefully it doesn't see RVN given the job permanently. Don't think he's ready and apparently players didn't like his training methods. Would hope the hierarchy know better than that now.
All the best to ETH and his future. Despite the underwhelming last 2 seasons, he still gave the fans something to celebrate.