Aston Villa face a transfer fight with Manchester United to sign an “incredible” £67m star this summer, according to a new report.

Aston Villa chase new defender as Rogers gains admirers

The Villans strengthened their bid to finish in the top four over the weekend as they beat Nottingham Forest 2-1. Unai Emery will be keen to secure another season of Champions League football, as it will help their finances when it comes to the summer, and perhaps more importantly help them keep players such as Morgan Rogers.

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The midfielder has been one of Villa’s best players this season, and that has earned him the reward of an international stage. It may also not be a surprise to see Rogers’ performances have “attracted admirers”, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein. No specific teams are mentioned, but it is clear that huge clubs have taken notice of the Villa midfielder.

On the incomings front, Villa are looking to make an offer to sign Ousmane Diomande from Sporting CP. Emery is keen on signing a new defender this summer, and Diomande has emerged on their radar, as Sporting are willing to sell as long as they receive a £50 million fee.

Aston Villa looking to beat Man Utd to Maignan deal

As well as looking to sign a new defender, Emery is also planning on strengthening his goalkeeper department, as according to journalist Niccolò Ceccarini, relayed by Sport Witness, Aston Villa are interested in signing AC Milan’s Mike Maignan, gathering information on the player and the chances of a deal.

The report states that Villa have taken an interest in Maignan and could now make a concrete approach to sign the France international this summer, as he will enter the final 12 months of his contract at San Siro. Maignan has agreed a new contract with Milan in principle but has yet to sign the deal, so he could be moved on by the Italian team this summer, but would still cost around £67 million.

Villa, who already have Emi Martinez between the sticks, are not the only team from the Premier League to take a close look at the shot-stopper, as Chelsea are also interested, despite having several goalkeepers on their books.

Manchester United are also keen on Maignan and are said to be preparing an offer to bring the Frenchman to Old Trafford as a replacement for Andre Onana. Maignan, who has been hailed “incredible” by former Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny, was asked about his future on Saturday after Milan’s 2-2 draw with Fiorentina.

Apps

154

Goals conceded

163

Clean sheets

55

The Frenchman was unwilling to talk about his contract situation at AC Milan: “As I said, I feel good at Milan; I give everything for the shirt every time I put it on, every day. At this moment, I tell the truth; I don’t want to talk about the contract; I want to talk about football.

“Milan deserves more; we want more. My personal case is not the most important thing at this moment.”

With Ruben Amorim reportedly set to show Alejandro Garnacho the Old Trafford door, Manchester United are reportedly seriously keen on signing a rising star to replace the winger this summer.

Amorim to show Garnacho the door

From one of Erik ten Hag’s most influential players, Garnacho has become someone who looks destined to head for the exit door under Amorim amid disappointing form and Manchester United’s PSR problems. In a campaign to forget, the 20-year-old has scored just four Premier League goals and one assist in what sums up the struggles of United’s frontline.

Amorim hasn’t shied away from criticising the young Argentine either, telling reporters earlier this week: “Garnacho needs to improve the way he runs, the way he defends, scores and assists. He is improving. He is doing the right things. Like any player in our team, he has to choose better in the last third. Bruno is the only one scoring goals easily.”

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It’s a relationship that has been on the rocks ever since the former Sporting Club boss arrived and dropped Garnacho for the Manchester derby and now one that looks likely to come to a bitter end when the summer arrives.

INEOS could certainly do with the spending power potentially gained by selling the Argentine too, with Napoli reportedly submitting a bid worth over £60m to secure his signature in recent days and Amorim ready to show the winger the door.

Such a sale would allow the Red Devils to go in pursuit of some much-needed reinforcements of their own amid links to the likes of Mike Maignan in recent weeks. The shot-stopper is one of the best in his position and could bring an end to Andre Onana’s nightmare spell between the sticks at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, United could also land an instant replacement for Garnacho this summer who has looked destined for big things in South America.

Man Utd seriously keen on Ian Subiabre

According to journalist Sebastian Sur, Manchester United are now seriously keen on signing Ian Subiabre from River Plate this summer but are joined by Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City in the race to secure the teenager’s signature.

Still just 18 years old, Subiabre is not a talent that the Red Devils will want to miss out on – especially to a Premier League rival. The young Argentine is certainly full of confidence, having previously talked up his talents, saying: “I’m a powerful, high-scoring striker. And strong in one-on-one situations. I like to drop back to link up with my teammates and provide assists. I can also play on the right or left wing.”

The likes of analyst Ben Mattinson haven’t shied away from praising the teenager either, dubbing him a “technical winger” at the beginning of last year. After scoring seven goals and assisting another eight last season too, it’s fair to say that Subiabre is exactly that.

Leeds United have their eyes on a new centre-back signing and one who could come in to replace Pascal Struijk.

Leeds return to top of Championship with win over Middlesbrough

The Whites and Daniel Farke managed to get back to winning ways in the week after a run of just one victory in their previous six Championship games with a 1-0 triumph over Middlesbrough.

Dan James’ early goal proved to be the winner, although Ao Tanaka and Patrick Bamford both had goals wrongly ruled out for offside.

Leeds’ win, coupled with both Burnley and Sheffield United dropping points, ensured that they’d return to the top of the table with just five games remaining.

Talking after the game, Farke said: “I’m proud of my boys. It was a tough game, overall an excellent advert for the Championship. Both sides had periods, but in the end we found a way to win this game and it was crucial today to return to our clean sheet behaviour.

“We had to dig in, had to deal with a couple of injuries and had one day less in between games, and Middlesbrough were in red-hot form. “We had to dig in and show steel and togetherness and spirit to bring this over the line in a hard-fought game and a well-deserved win.”

Championship run-in

Leeds (85 pts)

Sheffield United (83 pts)

Burnley (85 pts)

Preston North End (h)

Plymouth Argyle (a)

Norwich City (h)

Oxford United (a)

Cardiff City (h)

Watford (a)

Stoke City (h)

Burnley (a)

Sheffield United (h)

Bristol City (h)

Stoke City (a)

QPR (a)

Plymouth Argyle (a)

Blackburn Rovers (h)

Millwall (h)

Leeds won at the Riverside without Pascal Struijk, with the left-footed centre-back suffering an injury against Luton Town. There is a concern that Struijk may have a fracture in his foot and could be out for the season, which resulted in Ethan Ampadu filling in at centre-back.

Now, a transfer target has emerged on the Elland Road radar who could prove to be a replacement for Struijk.

Leeds keen on signing Modibo Sagnan

According to reports in France, relayed by Sport Witness, Leeds and the 49ers are interested in signing Montpellier HSC centre-back Modibo Sagnan.

Like Struijk, Sagnan is a left-footed defender and could be on the move this summer with Montpellier bottom of Ligue 1. Leeds could take advantage of their potential relegation with a move for the Mali international.

Sagnan, 25, can also turn out as a left-back as well as a centre-back and has played for the likes of Real Sociedad, Lens and FC Utrecht before joining Montpellier.

Over the last 12 months, Sagnan has ranked in the top 10 percentiles when compared to centre-backs in the big five European leagues for both goals and take ons – he has scored five times in 39 games for his current employers.

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Struijk also has an eye for goal with Leeds, but by the looks of things, should Leeds win promotion, a move for Sagnan could be one to watch.

Celtic could reportedly now complete the signing of an “excellent” player this summer, having missed out on snapping him up in the January transfer window.

Celtic eye signings amid doubts over Rodgers' future

The Hoops are preparing to make the trip to St Johnstone this weekend, as they look to go one step closer to Scottish Premiership title glory. They have a 13-point lead over Rangers currently, so it surely feels like a matter of time until they are once again crowned champions.

In terms of potential summer signings to further bolster Brendan Rodgers’ squad, Celtic are believed to be pushing to sign Royal Antwerp forward Michel-Ange Balikwisha, with the manager a big fan of him.

Speaking of Rodgers, one new report that has emerged has claimed that he “could quit” the Hoops at the end of the season, amid possible interest from clubs in the Premier League.

It is stated that the 52-year-old is “content at Parkhead as things stand”, but there doesn’t appear to be any guarantee that he will be in charge of Celtic when next season gets underway, especially if he does not receive backing in the transfer market.

Celtic plan to back the boss with £4.2m long-term target

According to TuttoMercatoWeb [via Sport Witness], there is still belief that Celtic could sign David Strelec from Slovan Bratislava this summer. The Hoops attempted to sign him at the eleventh hour in the January window, but were unable to entice him to the club midway through the season.

The 24-year-old could be available for as little as £4.2m at the end of the season though, potentially rising to £5.9m, with offers expected to come his way.

Strelec could be a potent addition to Celtic’s attack, which is needed after the surprise departure of Kyogo Furuhashi back in January. The Slovakian has enjoyed an impressive season for Bratislava, scoring three times in the Champions League qualifiers before also finding the net twice in the main competition itself.

Strelec has proven his worth at international level, too, scoring seven goals in 28 caps for Slovakia, while scout/writer Jacek Kulig has hailed him as an “excellent” player.

The striker ticks so many boxes for Celtic, at a time when Rodgers will want more firepower added to his squad, not least his age. Strelec turned 24 on Friday, meaning he now has plenty of experience at a good level, but is still a young player whose peak shouldn’t arrive for another few years.

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He is an attacking player with genuine pedigree, and if Celtic were able to snap him up for as little as £4.2m, it could be a superb piece of business. That said, £5.9m is still hardly paying over the odds for a player of his quality.

It was another miserable game for Tottenham Hotspur last night.

Ange Postecoglou’s side travelled to Stamford Bridge hoping to turn things around with what would have been an unlikely win, but instead of doing that, they practically handed Chelsea all three points.

It was an entirely lifeless performance from the North Londoners and one that could well seal the manager’s fate.

One of the worst displays came from James Maddison, who continues to frustrate in the middle of the park, which is something he might not be able to do for too much longer, as Hotspur Way is currently brewing the perfect replacement.

Maddison's frustrating Spurs career

When Tottenham completed the £40m signing of Maddison in the summer of 2023, there was plenty of understandable excitement from fans as he had just produced 19 goal involvements for a relegated Leicester City.

His initial form for the North Londoners justified this excitement as well as he produced eight goal involvements in his first ten league games for the club, but then he picked up an ankle injury against Chelsea, and when he returned in late January, the problems began.

Instead of being a game-changing midfielder, capable of controlling matches and tearing opposition defences to shreds, he became far more passive, lacklustre and simply ineffective, picking up just five goal involvements across his final 17 league appearances.

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This season has been just as frustrating, as while he has managed to score 11 goals and provide seven assists in just 39 games, he continues to put in incredibly inconsistent performances.

One week, he’s like the player we saw at the start of last season, and then in the next, he’s a total passenger.

We saw the latter in the game last night, as even though it was a derby between two teams and fanbases who do not like one another, he was practically anonymous in the middle of the park, coming off in the 81st minute with no goals or assists, having lost five out of five duels and with a combined expected goal and assists figure of just 0.11, which is nowhere good enough for the team’s creative hub.

It’s hard to see where Maddison goes from here, as nobody doubts his talent, but he is seemingly unable to produce consistently enough for a top side, and if he’s not careful, he could see himself replaced by one of the most exciting players currently in the academy.

The Spurs academy star who could replace Maddison

While Mikey Moore, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray have all made a mark on the first team this season, we could see an even more exciting youngster do the same next year: Lucá Williams-Barnett.

The 17-year-old phenom is undoubtedly the most promising prospect in the academy at the moment and could be battling Maddison for a place as the midfield’s chief creator sooner rather than later.

Now, that might sound like hyperbole, but we really don’t think it is, as in just 17 appearances this season, totalling 1375 minutes, the young maestro has already amassed a frankly absurd haul of 18 goals and nine assists.

Appearances

17

Starts

16

Minutes

1375′

Goals

18

Assists

9

Goal Involvements per Match

1.58

Minutes per Goal Involvement

50.92′

That means he is currently averaging 1.58 goal involvements every game, or one every 50.92 minutes, which is the sort of incredible output that could and really should see him introduced into the first team next season.

Moreover, the Luton-born gem is also incredibly versatile and has made appearances in left midfield, on both wings and even up top, leading to academy expert and pundit John Wenham to describe him as a “cheat-code.”

Ultimately, Maddison might still have one more season of being the team’s recognised ten purely down to the age of Williams-Barnett, but if he doesn’t massively improve soon, then the teenage sensation could take his spot in the coming years, and, based on his output in the academy, we wouldn’t be surprised to see that happen.

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Tottenham Hotspur are being handed a boost in the chase for a key transfer target also wanted by Man City, with the player said to be considering a move to north London behind-the-scenes.

Tottenham face Nottingham Forest after Europa League triumph

Under-fire Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou was given some rare breathing room after his side put in a dogged display to overcome Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday.

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A penalty by Dominic Solanke was eventually enough to send the Lilywhites into their first Europa League semi-final since 1984, with Tottenham showcasing the much-needed mature defensive qualities which they’ve lacked all campaign.

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Postecoglou’s future remains in the balance, but the Australian could still make good on his promise of always winning silverware during his second season in charge.

A tough test in Bodo/Glimt awaits Tottenham in the semis, and despite their minnow status, they cannot be taken lightly – having just knocked out Serie A giants Lazio.

“From our perspective, we’ve had a difficult season and I think there’s some reasoning behind that. It was pretty evident that when we’ve got our strongest team out there, a lot of things we’ve suffered with this year I’m sure we wouldn’t have,” said Postecoglou on Tottenham’s chances of winning the Europa League.

“The spine of our team, at times we’ve been missing Vicario, Romero, Van de Ven, Bentancur, Solanke, all of them we’ve been missing at different times this year.

“We’ve got the whole group. It’s not just them, it’s the whole group together. We know that we can be a team that’s pretty compelling against anybody. We’re in the final four now, so we’ve given ourselves a chance.”

Before their all-important battle against the Norwegians, which could make or break their season, Spurs have two tough Premier League tests in Nottingham Forest and champions elect Liverpool.

Postecoglou will be looking to maintain the positive mood around N17 after their quarter-final triumph, and hopefully not add more top flight defeats to their record after already losing 17 this term.

Hugo Larsson now considering move to Tottenham this summer

Summer transfer targets will also be keeping a keen eye on Tottenham’s end to the season, and one of them is believed to be Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Larsson.

The versatile Sweden midfielder is a mainstay for Dino Toppmoller’s side, racking up 40 appearances in all competitions, and he’s done enough to earn himself a £50 million price tag and interest from Man City (Pete O’Rourke).

However, according to GiveMeSport, the 20-year-old is also a wanted man at Spurs. As per their sources, Larsson is privately considering a move to Tottenham, so he’s fully aware of their interest, and it is claimed that Postecoglou’s side are now “increasingly confident” they can tempt him to N17 as a result.

Predominantly a defensive midfielder, the Scandinavian starlet has already drawn comparisons with Rodri, and Football Analyst Ben Mattinson believes Larsson is “one of the most exciting talents” to come out of Sweden in recent years.

However, Chelsea are also believed to be in race for Larsson, so there is plenty of competition.

Glasgow Rangers return to Premiership action this weekend after their midweek heroics in the Europa League.

This has become something of a recurring theme for the Ibrox side over the previous few seasons, as they have reached the last 16 of the competition every season except one since 2019/20. Although they did compete in the Champions League during the 2022/23 season.

The tie against Aberdeen is effectively a dead rubber for the Light Blues, as they will finish second in the table regardless of what happens this weekend.

All eyes will be on the return leg against Athletic Bilbao in Spain on Thursday evening. A 0-0 result during the first leg, which saw Robin Propper sent off after 12 minutes, along with Liam Kelly saving a penalty, means the Gers have a fighting chance of making it to the semi-finals.

There were a few poor performers during the first leg, however, and this should force Barry Ferguson into making a change or two, especially with the return tie in mind.

One player who should be dropped against the Dons is Cyriel Dessers, who was dismal against the La Liga side.

Cyriel Dessers' game in numbers vs Bilbao

The 30-year-old was tasked with leading the line in place of Hamza Igamane, which was perhaps seen as a bit of a surprise given their contrasting form in the competition.

Nevertheless, Dessers had scored against Manchester United and Fenerbahçe, with hopes high that he could repeat the feat against Spanish opposition.

Unfortunately, he didn’t have the best of games for the Light Blues. Typically, Dessers missed a big chance, while failing to even register a single shot on target during his 85 minutes on the pitch.

The striker managed to take just 18 touches, completed four of his ten passes and won only 40% of his total duels contested against Bilbao, offering next to nothing in the final third.

Despite his decent scoring record for the club – netting 45 goals in 102 appearances – he is always going to be a point of discussion among the fanbase.

Assistant manager Neil McCann said of the striker last week: “Cyriel Dessers will always divide opinion because he will miss chances, but this is the life of a striker. I was so proud of him after the game because he didn’t stop pushing and making runs – we need to create chances for him and that is what we are doing.”

That said, should he now be replaced?

Why Cyriel Dessers must be dropped by Rangers

In December, journalist Scott Bradley criticised the striker, saying: “I’ve had a lot of patience with Cyriel Dessers, but Rangers need to cut ties with him in January. He’s the most frustrating player I’ve watched at Ibrox. I’ve never seen a player quite like him, but it’s clear as day he’s not got the mentality to play for Rangers.”

Rangers didn’t move him on during the January transfer window, but it might be a possibility that he moves on in the summer, especially considering it could be the ideal time to cash in with two years left on his deal.

With changes expected ahead of the Aberdeen clash, Ferguson will be keen to give minutes to those who haven’t featured as often in the last few weeks.

Could this see Igamane return to the starting XI? He will need some minutes in the legs ahead of the second leg next Thursday. Igamane has already scored once against the Dons this season, netting in the comfortable 3-0 victory back in January.

Before his winner against Celtic midway through March, that was his last Premiership goal and there has been a slight downturn in his form in recent weeks, no doubt about that.

Goals

10

4

Assists

1

1

Shots per game

2.8

1.4

Goal conversion percentage

13%

31%

Big chances created

9

1

The overall feeling, however, is that his maiden season at Rangers has been an overwhelming success. Across 40 matches in all competitions for the club, the 22-year-old has scored 14 goals and grabbed three assists.

This works out as a goal contribution once every 2.3 matches. Given how poorly received he was on arrival last summer, he has proven plenty of his critics wrong.

In recent weeks. Ferguson has deployed Igamane on the left wing in order to cater for Dessers as his main option through the middle.

The Moroccan international is at his best when operating in a central role, especially as his hold-up play is far better than his senior teammate.

Indeed, journalist Joshua Barrie noted after the 0-0 result in midweek that Igamane had made nine successful passes/carries during his 15-minute cameo at Ibrox.

In comparison, Dessers only managed eight successful passes/carries across 85 minutes of action on the pitch. It is clear that the youngster is far better at linking up play, carrying the ball into the final third and is much more energetic.

Starting him against Aberdeen would allow the centre-forward to get some vital minutes in his legs ahead of the second leg against Bilbao, where he must start.

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A goal or two against the Pittodrie outfit would certainly bolster his confidence, that’s for sure.

Football Insider reported last month that Everton are looking to make a move for the African sensation when the summer transfer window opens up in a few months.

No fee has been mentioned as yet, but whoever arrives as the new permanent manager of Rangers will surely be looking at maximising the profit so that he has some funds to work with this summer.

And what about Dessers? Will the new boss retain his services? That will depend on his style of play and whether there is scope for him in the first-team squad next term.

Whatever happens, Igamane must be used to leading the line, especially against Bilbao next week. Replacing Dessers for the trip north this afternoon must be the one change that Ferguson has to make, especially if he wishes to lead the Ibrox side to their second European semi-final in just three years.

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Manchester United are now willing to make a £52m offer for a “special” Real Madrid player, who is likely to leave if Carlo Ancelotti remains in his post as manager, according to a report.

Man Utd set sights on attacking midfielder

Ruben Amorim’s side were put to the sword at St. James’ Park on Sunday, with Newcastle United emerging 4-1 winners, in a match that once again underlined the need for the manager to make major changes to his squad this summer.

Having recorded an xG of just 0.72 against Newcastle, Man United were clearly devoid of ideas once again at the weekend, which indicates they may need to bring in a new attacking midfielder this summer, and a number of targets have been identified.

The Red Devils are now plotting a bid for Lyon maestro Lyon Cherki, while they have also launched a £70m move for Aston Villa playmaker Morgan Rogers, who has played a major role in the Villans’ success in both the Premier League and Europe this season.

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It may be difficult to convince Villa to strengthen a direct rival, however, which means it could make sense to pursue an attacking midfielder from abroad, and a report from Spain has revealed United are now keen on signing Real Madrid’s Arda Guler.

Such is their level of interest, Amorim’s side are willing to submit an offer of around €60m (£52m) for the attacking midfielder, who is also capable of playing at right-wing.

Injuries have stunted Guler’s development this season, and there is now a feeling the 20-year-old is likely to be moved on this summer, should Ancelotti remain in his post as manager.

"Special" Guler could be "genuine superstar"

It is a little strange Ancelotti could be willing to sanction the youngster’s departure this summer, given how highly the Italian has spoken of him in the past, saying: “I think the closer to goal, the better. He is very effective, he scores a lot with little space, he has a special talent. He shows it better closer to the goal.”

The Turkey international also received high praise from football writer Colin Millar, in light of his impressive performances for his national side at Euro 2024.

The 20-year-old hasn’t caught the eye quite as much for Madrid, picking up just one goal and four assists in La Liga this season, but it was always going to be a tall order to get on the scoresheet regularly, given that he has often been limited to appearances as a substitute.

Should Man United be willing to give Guler regular game time, there are signs he could become a star player in the future.

Manchester United have a huge task this summer to change their fortunes and avoid a repeat of the 2024/25 Premier League season, which currently sees them occupy a place in the bottom half.

Ruben Amorim’s appointment back in November was seen as a decision to save their campaign, but he’s been unable to transform the situation with just five games remaining.

It’s evident that new additions and first-team sales are needed to hand the manager the best chance of making amends and potentially taking them closer to the top four once again.

With the summer window around the corner, it would be a surprise to no one that the foundations are already being laid ahead of a crucial off-season that could define the 40-year-old’s period in charge.

One position is in desperate need of attention, given the lack of quality in such a department, with moves already being explored for numerous targets.

The latest on United’s pursuit of a new striker

Whilst Matheus Cunha is the player on everyone’s lips after expressing his desire to move to Old Trafford this summer, he’s not the only target linked with a move.

Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen has also emerged on their shortlist in recent days, with the 26-year-old expected to depart Napoli after spending the year on loan at Galatasaray.

However, David Ornstein confirmed yesterday that he’s now off the club’s radar ahead of the summer, with Amorim and the board pursuing other potential targets.

Such a decision could lead to a move for Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui, who’s set Serie A alight this season, registering 23 league goals in his 31 appearances to date.

According to TuttoAtalanta, the Red Devils have already made concrete steps to start talks over a potential move for his signature during the summer window.

Indeed, contact has been established between the Red Devils and the player’s agents to ascertain whether a move would be possible this summer.

It won’t be too costly a move either, with previous reports suggesting Atalanta have set an asking price of around £50m.

Why United’s latest target would be better than Osimhen

There’s no denying that United need reinforcements at the top end of the pitch ahead of 2025/26, with the options currently at the club simply not at the level required to succeed.

Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have often shared the responsibility as the side’s focal point, but have only registered a combined tally of six league goals between them this campaign.

The latter even went 21 games without a goal in all competitions during the winter months, highlighting the need for investment over the summer – with Retegui certainly a better option than Osimhen for the Red Devils.

When comparing the Italian’s stats with those of the Nigerian, he’s massively outperformed him in numerous key areas, finally offering the club that clinical box striker they’ve greatly craved in recent months.

Retegui, who is said to possess a “thunderous strike” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has managed to outscore Osimhen in their respective leagues, whilst also achieving a higher goal per 90 rate – showcasing his clinical nature within the final third.

Games played

31

25

Goals scored

23

21

Goals per 90

1.05

0.90

Goals per shot on target

0.7

0.3

Pass accuracy

78%

66%

Chances created

1.4

1.2

Times caught offside

0.2

1.3

He’s also completed more of the passes he’s attempted to date, creating more chances per 90 – having the ability to provide opportunities for those around him, making him the perfect all-round number nine in Amorim’s system.

He may not be the glamorous name that the supporters were expecting this summer, but from the stats produced, it’s evident that the 25-year-old has all the tools to be a hit in Manchester should he move.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for Retegui would set the hierarchy back, it’s a move that would hand the manager the ammunition he’s desperately craved since his arrival in November.

If the side are to progress and make the huge jump back towards the summit of the division in 2025/26, a new talisman simply has to be on the agenda, with the Atalanta star needing to be their main target ahead of the upcoming window.

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Ipswich Town have agreed a deal to sign a new teenage midfielder ahead of Premier League side AFC Bournemouth.

Ipswich set for relegation as Tractor Boys prepare for summer

Kieran McKenna’s side could officially be relegated from the top flight this weekend as they travel to Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon. Meanwhile, 17th place West Ham travel to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Anything but five straight wins for Ipswich, coupled with five straight defeats for West Ham and a 20-goal swing in goal difference will relegated the Tractor Boys.

When asked about the lessons he’s learned in the Premier League, McKenna recently said: “There’s a whole list of things. But there’s plenty of time for that in the summer, the season is still strong.

“Of course, we’ve been reflecting and having discussions as we’ve gone along. Most of those reflections will stay in-house, to be honest, because I think it’s the right way, but I think it’s fair to say that most of them are regarding the unique challenge that we came into this year.

“They are not necessarily the finer details of football, they are more about the scale and the challenge of bringing up a football club so quickly from where it was to compete in the best league in the world – in this, a very, very difficult season in that league.

“As a football club, from the manager to every staff member to the board here, we will all have learned an awful lot about that scenario. I still have a lot of pride and belief in how we’ve tried to tackle that challenge.”

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Heading into the summer and a likely Championship campaign, Ipswich could lose a number of star players, including striker Liam Delap who will have his release clause lowered to £30m after relegation.

In regards to incomings, Ipswich have been linked with a plethora of players, some of which have been teenagers. Sheffield United forward Ryan One has been identified as a potential replacement for Delap, whereas 17-year-old defender Corbin Mthunzi, formerly of Brighton, has penned professional terms after a successful trial.

Ipswich Town remaining Premier League fixtures

Date

Newcastle United vs Ipswich Town

April 26

Everton vs Ipswich Town

May 3

Ipswich Town vs Brentford

May 10

Leicester City vs Ipswich Town

May 18

Ipswich Town vs West Ham

May 25

Now, another teenager has followed Mthunzi in signing at Portman Road.

Ipswich sign young midfielder on three-year contract

As relayed by TWTD, it has been announced by agency Dominance Sports Group that 17-year-old midfielder Charlie Wood will sign for Ipswich Town on July 1st after a three-year deal was agreed.

Taking to Instagram, Dominance Sports Group: “Charlie Wood has completed his transfer to Premier League side Ipswich Town from National League North side Needham Market, signing a three-year professional contract. Subject to FA & League approval on 1st July 2025.”

Wood is almost 6 foot tall and is a central midfielder who has also been on an extended trial with Bournemouth this season. It was his displays with the Cherries that caught the eye of Ipswich, who have now made their move for his services.

Previously of Needham Market, Wood has played first-team football in non-league and his next challenge will be to break into the first-team picture with the Tractor Boys with a deal until 2028.