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Manchester United could secure the ideal midfield partner for Paul Pogba after being linked with a move for Monaco ace Aurelien Tchouameni.

What’s the story?

The Red Devils were reportedly interested in the highly-rated 21-year-old’s services over the summer, although no formal offer was ever made for the Frenchman.

Now though, according to The Express, United are one of three European heavyweights vying for Tchouameni’s signature after a string of impressive performances.

The report also states that fellow Premier League side Chelsea and Serie A giants Juventus are keen to snap up the youngster, meaning a bidding war could be on the horizon.

Imagine him & Paul Pogba

After rising up through the ranks at boyhood club Bordeaux, Tchouameni joined Monaco in a big-money move in January 2020 and has gone from strength to strength ever since.

The youngster made 42 appearances in all competitions for Niko Kovac’s charges last season, scoring three goals and providing a further four assists for his teammates.

However, it’s his work off the ball that really catches the eye. As per WhoScored, Tchouameni averaged a whopping 3.5 tackles per league game in 2020/21, by far the highest tally amongst his teammates.

He also made 1.7 interceptions, the joint-highest total when compared to his teammates, and the £27m-rated colossus not only dominated proceedings on the ground but in the air as well, winning 67% of his aerial duels.

Tchouameni’s domineering displays have caught the eye of several impressed onlookers, including current Monaco teammate Cesc Fabregas, who praised the youngster.

“He has the potential to be a complete midfield player,” the former Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea maestro wrote on Twitter. And now his compatriot and United star Paul Pogba has lauded his talents.

“He’s not a boy; he’s a man. It’s a pleasure to play next to him; he provides a lot, plenty of energy, technical quality and extraordinary physicality. I hope to play plenty of games together and always be on his side,” the World Cup winner said.

Tchouameni got the ideal opportunity to show just how effective his partnership with Pogba could be at Old Trafford after lining up alongside him during France’s National League final victory over Spain.

The duo worked extremely effectively throughout the 90 minutes, with the United star enjoying the attacking freedom that his more disciplined colleague allowed him.

It’s a duo that has the potential to transform Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s stuttering engine room, and therefore, football director John Murtough must swoop for Tchouameni over the coming months.

And, in other news…Man Utd suffer big injury blow ahead of PL return, Ole will be absolutely gutted

Liverpool are believed to be in the market for another forward player in the current transfer window, but the club have been tipped to make a move for Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland next summer.

What’s the story?

The Reds are one of many clubs  to have been credited with an interest in the Norway international in recent months, and with a reported £70m release clause becoming active in 12 months’ time, a move could well be on the cards.

Former Dortmund star Michael Rummenigge believes that Anfield is a likely destination for the highly-rated 21-year-old, also stating his belief that Kylian Mbappe could end up plying his trade in the Premier League.

“Yes. They (Haaland and Mbappe) could get there. We’ll have to wait and see where he goes after this season. Real and Barca have financial problems, so I could imagine him moving to England. His father used to play there too,” Rummenigge said in an interview with Sport1.

“I could well imagine Liverpool for Haaland. Haaland is an exceptional phenomenon. There is a player like that every 30 or 40 years. I don’t know what his career plans are, but for Dortmund, it’s great that he’s still wearing the black and yellow jersey this season.

“He is an absolute goal machine, his opponents only fly away to the right and left when he starts running. I’ve never seen anything like him at that age. The only drawback in his size is his headers. He doesn’t score enough goals. Otherwise, Haaland is a perfect player,” he concluded.

Jurgen Klopp would love him

Haaland has showcased his incredible, truly world-class potential on a regular basis since moving to Signal Iduna Park in January 2020, bagging an astonishing 62 goals in 61 games for the German giants and winning the DFB-Pokal along the way.

The youngster has also notched up 18 assists for his teammates, illustrating how he can also play the role of provider as well as a finisher when needed.

He is set to become one of football’s poster boys of the next generation once Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi finally call it a day, and Klopp – just like any manager – would love to be able to call upon his services.

The normally dependable attacking duo of Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino struggled to exert their usual levels of influence over proceedings last term, and Haaland’s significantly reduced price tag next summer could make him a realistic target for the Anfield outfit.

Many other Premier League and European clubs will also have the £117m-rated monster in their sights, though, so Liverpool’s director of football Michael Edwards may have to pull off another masterclass to get this deal over the line.

In other news… Report reveals exciting Liverpool update which will have Reds fans absolutely buzzing 

If you’re a Liverpool supporter then life can’t get much better right now. You’ve just watched your side defeat their local rivals 4-1, and what makes that even better, is that it was against their former boss, Rafa Benitez.

Last season was a mediocre one for the Reds but it’s evident that with fans back in the stadium, they are their rampant selves again.

Jurgen Klopp’s frontline is a force to be reckoned with and in Mohamed Salah, they have arguably the best player in the world right now.

Lionel Messi may have been crowned the winner of the Ballon d’Or for a seventh time earlier this week but come 2022, it wouldn’t be a great surprise if the Egyptian king was up there in contention too.

He has fired home a whopping 19 goals already this term and has been ably helped by Diogo Jota too.

The Portuguese has ensured that Roberto Firmino’s injury blow can be forgotten about as the ex-Wolves attacker has found the net on nine occasions in 2021/22.

Jota was a valuable asset last term but was more of a squad player who provided Klopp and co with extra depth. He still put in some mesmeric performances, namely when he scored a Champions League hat-trick. However, this campaign, he’s become a genuine star among Liverpool’s elite offensive setup.

His addition to the squad has been vital for Liverpool and without him this term, their title challenge might not be so strong.

It shows the value of investing in depth, something Manchester City have evidently benefitted from with a squad full of sparking quality.

Liverpool cannot rest on their laurels in that regard, though, especially ahead of January when both Salah and Sadio Mane will head to the Africa Cup of Nations.

More depth will be needed and they could find it from Wolves again. Adama Traore has been linked with a move to Merseyside while South Korean forward, Hwang Hee-chan, is another name reportedly in the mind of Michael Edwards.

Traore is blessed with remarkable pace but it’s Hwang who looks the more appealing prospect. After all, he has the end product to go with his ability to beat a man too.

Wolves have an option to buy the 25-year-old for just £13m from RB Leipzig but Liverpool must take advantage of that and hijack a deal.

After all, the 43-cap dynamo looks every bit the type of player that Liverpool need in their squad if they’re going to compete on multiple fronts for the rest of the season. The extra body he’d add to the squad would be truly beneficial but he’s not merely a spare part.

He has four goals for Bruno Lage’s side this term, being described as “Jota-esque” in the process by Wolves reporter Tim Spiers for the way he drives forward with the ball.

Finding the net is something Hwang has done with great regularity, specifically at RB Salzburg when he bagged 45 in 126 appearances. One of his finest nights in Austria happened to come against Liverpool.

During a frantic night of European football at Anfield, Hwang found space inside the area before sending a certain Virgil van Dijk to the deck and then smashing the ball home.

Several years on and that moment clearly still lives long in the memory of the South Korea international with The Telegraph’s John Percy and the Wolves gem combining to come up with the following definition that he sent the Dutch defender “out for a hot dog.”

With that in mind, he clearly has what it takes to evade even the best centre-backs in the game and if Liverpool do seek more depth next year, FSG must ensure that Hwang is brought to the club.

AND in other news, Klopp could save Liverpool millions by unleashing rarely-seen £7.2m-rated “monster”…

Antonio Conte has been dealt a further injury setback ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s clash with NS Mura in the Europa Conference League this evening…

What’s the latest?

The Italian will be without three players after delivering a fresh update to reporters during his pre-game press conference over in Slovenia.

“[Dane] Scarlett in this moment is not available. During the international break he had a problem in his ankle and is not available. He’s injured in the same way like Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso,” he revealed (via football.london).

But to make matters worse, it appears the injury to the Atalanta loanee is a lot worse than first feared, handing the 52-year-old a crushing long-term blow.

On Romero’s absence, he then added: “We are waiting for another scan. I think his injury is a bit serious and we have to wait. It’s an injury that is more serious that Lo Celso and Scarlett.”

So not only will Conte be without Romero for the foreseeable future but he is also without two players that would’ve most likely earned some minutes on the pitch in an encounter like this one in young striker Dane Scarlett and attacking midfielder. Lo Celso.

Devastating setback

This update will surely leave the Spurs boss absolutely gutted, if not slightly annoyed and frustrated by the international break because three members of his first-team squad are now on the treatment table.

And one of his key starters in Romero is now facing a serious stint out.

[snack-amp-story url = “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/tottenham-hotspur-latest-team-injury-team-news-updates-transfers-gossip-rumours-antonio-conte-thfc” title=”Read the latest Spurs news, transfer updates and much, much more!”]

Indeed, the Argentina international started both of Conte’s first two games in charge, making 12 starts across all competitions this term but now the manager is going to be light on options in defence – a big worry because of his three-at-the-back system.

The fact that Conte believes it is ‘more serious’ is a huge cause for concern right now.

Meanwhile, Lo Celso has found it hard to pick up regular minutes for the club this campaign but has featured regularly in Europe, starting four times when fit. He would have certainly been in line to lessen the burden on some of the usual starters, who will be feeling the effects of Conte’s fitness work in recent weeks.

Similarly, Scarlett is really the only alternative to Harry Kane upfront, so the England talisman may no longer be able to be rested with the teenager out injured, thus for all of the reasons mentioned above, it makes it a very frustrating and significant blow to Conte ahead of kick-off.

He’ll need to be a little wary with team selection as his side face a tough trip to Burnley on Sunday afternoon but with three players missing, that task isn’t going to be an easy one.

AND in other news, Conte could repeat Cesc Fabregas trick with “unplayable” Spurs dynamo…

Manchester City are seemingly looking to sell Yangel Herrera this summer as they look to raise transfer funds, and recent reports have claimed that West Ham have made a bid, but it could be a mistake to let him join the Hammers.

What’s the word?

Herrera is a wanted man this summer After two impressive seasons on loan with Granada, with the likes of West Ham, Southampton and Leeds United having all been linked with a move for him so far in this transfer window.

The Daily Mail claimed earlier this month that City were looking for £20m for the 23-year-old midfielder, who Pep Guardiola has decided is surplus to requirements at the Etihad Stadium following Fernandinho’s recent contract extension.

The Citizens have already cashed in on the likes of Jack Harrison, Angelino and Lukas Nmecha as they look to raise money for the potential signings of Jack Grealish and Harry Kane, and it seems as if Herrera could be the next out of the door, with the latest reports suggesting that West Ham have submitted a bid.

Will Man City regret selling Herrera?

It seems rash of Guardiola to cash in on Herrera when he is still just 23, as next season could well be Fernandinho’s last for City, so they will likely need to look for competition for Rodri next summer should the Brazil veteran move on.

Herrera is yet to make a first team appearance for City and has spent the last four seasons out on loan with New York City FC, Huesca and Granada.

The Venezuela international made 82 appearances for Diego Martinez’s side during his time at Granada, contributing 10 goals and five assists from midfield. He also playing a starring role in their superb Europa League run to the quarter-finals last season, managing two goals and one assist in 10 appearances and averaging a solid 7/10 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-manchester-city-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=”Read the latest Manchester City transfer rumours and news!”]

Football commentator Andy West was full of praise for Herrera’s performances last season, saying: “You have to be incredibly fit to play the style he does – Thursday and Sunday every week – without dropping your standards. And he has done that, it is something that has stood out.

“He has been one of their most important players.”

[freshpress-quiz id=“577936”]

Therefore, it seems strange that City are willing to cash in on him this summer, and it could prove to be a disastrous move by Txiki Begiristain if the 23-year-old becomes a success in the Premier League with another club.

In other news… Man City could sign their ideal Kane alternative with swoop for “unbelievable” Premier League beast

Rafa Benitez is yet to be confirmed as the new manager of Everton but it already looks as though he’s doing the groundwork on recruitment.

What’s the word?

One area of the squad that Everton are looking to strengthen this term is in defence.

The Toffees have been linked with a number of central defenders over the last few months including Kalidou Koulibaly and Merih Demiral.

However, Benitez has his own targets in mind, one of which is already plying their trade in the Premier League.

According to Football Insider, the Spaniard has sanctioned a move for Wolves skipper Conor Coady.

The 28-year-old was discussed by the hierarchy and Nuno Santo before talks stalled over his appointment in Merseyside.

However, the England international has also been talked about during talks with Benitez as Everton look to launch a bid this summer.

The new Carragher

Everton supporters might not like the idea of the Spaniard becoming their new manager, nor will they be too keen to see one of their transfer targets compared to a Liverpool legend.

However, with Benitez set to become the new head coach at Goodison Park, comparisons will naturally be drawn between his previous spell in Merseyside.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-everton-manager-transfer-nuno-conte-wood-marcelo” title= “Read the latest Everton manager and transfer news!”]

He will have his work cut out to drag Everton towards their ultimate goal of Champions League football but one player who could aid their cause is Coady.

A boyhood Liverpool fan, the Scouser is a bubble of energy and has an infectious personality that would ensure he fits in at any new side.

Though, a move back to his hometown would be absolutely perfect for the centre-back.

He is a leader of men and in two of his five England caps to date, he has captained the Three Lions. It’s an accomplishment that Wolves reporter Tim Spiers described as “phenomenal.”

Immediately, we begin to get a feel for why Coady is like Carragher. Both players were leaders of men and they enjoyed barking orders at their teammates on the pitch.

Speaking about the footballer turned pundit previously, Emile Heskey commented: “Virgil van Dijk is the one player in the [Liverpool] team who is a leader, and they haven’t had that since Jamie Carragher left. Someone who barks out orders and gets them out of sticky situations.”

That says a lot about not only the former defender’s character but also his qualities on the field of play.

Coincidentally, no other player has made more appearances under the incoming Everton boss than Carragher. He featured on 326 occasions for the 61-year-old, proving to be a dominant figure in the backline.

Coady might not be as physical but in terms of the way he leads the team forward, there are few better in the Premier League.

Ruben Neves waxed lyrical about those very qualities earlier this year: “I’ve never played with a player like him,” he began. “Well, actually, when I played in the Portugal squad when I was young, we had a player like him that was always talking and helping the team. That was Ruben Dias, who is in Manchester City now.”

Neves added: “So, he’s the second centre-half I’ve played with who talks and helps the team that much. Conor always gives us the best instructions to do our best on the pitch.”

Supporters might point towards his inability to play in a four-man defence but that is easily remedied by a change in system.

Benitez is right to consider him this summer if he becomes Everton boss.

AND in other news, Huge twist emerges in Everton manager hunt, it’s not good news for Benitez…

Liverpool are reportedly in the running to sign RB Salzburg striker Karim Adeyemi as manager Jurgen Klopp looks to bolster his forward line.

What’s the story?

According to German outlet BILD (as relayed by The Mirror), the Reds are one of three European heavyweights keen to secure the highly-rated 19-year-old’s services.

The report states that Bayern Munich and Barcelona are also eyeing a move for Adeyemi, while Salzburg are believed to have placed a £17 million price tag on their prized asset.

Jurgen Klopp would love him

With Xherdan Shaqiri departing Anfield over the summer and Divock Origi continuing to be linked with a move away from Merseyside, Klopp is believed to be in the market for a new attacker.

The German tactician was unable to lure one to Liverpool in the recently concluded window, meaning he may make a move either in January or 12 months’ time.

And Adeyemi could be the ideal signing for the 19-time English champions. Klopp has a history of purchasing players from the Red Bull system due to their preferred style of play matching his.

The likes of Naby Keita, Ibrahima Konate and Takumi Minamino have all departed a Red Bull affiliated club to join Klopp at Anfield as their pressing system is similar is the 54-year-old’s unique gegenpressing setup.

Therefore, the Liverpool boss would surely love to snap up Adeyemi, signing a ready-made replacement for Origi and competition for the likes of Roberto Firmino and Diogo Jota.

Last season the teenage talent bagged nine goals and provided a further 11 assists in 39 appearances as he helped his side secure a domestic double, and he’s started the current campaign in blistering fashion.

The 5 ft 10 dynamo has already notched up an incredible seven goals and one assist in his first nine outings in 2021/22 before he scored on his international debut for Germany against Armenia.

It remains to be seen whether Liverpool’s director of football makes a formal offer for Adeyemi in the coming months, but Klopp will surely be hoping a deal can be done for his compatriot.

And, in other news…Liverpool suffer injury blow pre-Leeds United, Jurgen Klopp will be gutted 

Express & Star reporter Luke Hatfield believes Wolverhampton Wanderers target Duje Caleta-Car would be an exciting deadline day signing if they can get the deal over the line, although Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas has reported a move is unlikely before 11pm.

The 24-year-old Marseille defender has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League for some time and turned down a switch to West Ham United last year.

According to French media outlet RMC Sport, Wolves have become Caleta-Car’s latest suitors and have tabled a £12.85million bid. The report suggests Marseille are looking to cash in on the Croatia international, who made two appearances at Euro 2020.

The 24-year-old has yet to feature for Marseille this season and new Wolves head coach Bruno Lage, who succeeded Nuno Espirito Santo in June, could be keen to strike a deal before the transfer window slams shut tonight.

Hatfield, who admits Wolves have been linked with a number of central defenders throughout the window, believes Caleta-Car would improve Lage’s backline.

He told The Transfer Tavern: “Central defence is a position where they need to strengthen.

“Caleta-Car would be an exciting signing and it rings a little bit more true when compared to other players who have been linked to Wolves. It seems like a more reasonable link than some other names.

“He could be an interesting signing if it were to happen.”

In what could be a huge statement of intent going into next season, Manchester United are set to prioritise a move for Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho over Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane this summer.

What’s the story?

According to The Mirror, United are planning to sacrifice any chance they had of securing Kane’s signature over the coming months as they concentrate on a deal for Sancho instead.

The report claims that Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s side can only afford one marquee signing in the upcoming transfer window due to the financial impact of the ongoing pandemic, meaning big decisions have had to be made by the club’s hierarchy.

Fans will be buzzing

Although in an ideal world, United fans would surely have loved to see both stars arrive at Old Trafford this summer, in reality, the vast majority will accept the fact that the funds simply aren’t available for that to happen.

Sancho has been a long-term target for the Red Devils, with a lengthy pursuit 12 months ago ending in disappointment as Ed Woodward baulked at the Bundesliga outfit’s £108 million asking price.

However, it is widely believed that the 21-year-old is available for a significantly reduced fee of just £75m this time around after Dortmund’s sporting director Michael Zorc came to an agreement with the England international.

“We already had a gentlemen’s agreement with Jadon last year that he can switch under certain conditions,’ Zorc told German publication ARD (via Goal).

“He’s been with us for a couple of years. However, this agreement does not exist with Erling [Haaland].”

After a slow start to the 2020/21 campaign, Sancho rediscovered his best form at the Signal Iduna Park, bagging 16 goals and providing an incredible 20 assists in 38 appearances for BVB.

Therefore, news that he is United’s priority in the transfer window will surely have United fans buzzing, even if his potential arrive comes at the expense of Kane.

The Spurs hitman had another sensational season in north London, picking up the Premier League’s Golden Boot and Playmaker awards after topping the charts for both goals and assists.

After another trophyless campaign with Tottenham, though, rumours of an imminent exit have gathered pace in recent weeks, but a £150m price tag means his proposed departure is far from certain.

At double the price of Sancho and six years his senior, it’s easy to see why Kane is a less attractive option for United despite his world-class quality, and it seems as though the 20-time English champions are making the sensible, logical decision on this occasion, and that’s reason for United fans to get excited.

And, in other news…Romano update could signal mass change at Man Utd, £19.8m-rated ace needs to watch out 

New Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will have a £200m budget this summer and has already got to work to create a four-man transfer shortlist.

The Lowdown: Ten Hag announced

The Red Devils finally announced the Dutchman as their new manager on Thursday morning.

Ten Hag was confirmed as Ralf Rangnick’s replacement from the end of this season, signing a deal through to June 2025 with an option of a further year.

The 52-year-old previously demanded to be 100% involved when it comes to new signings, and he has wasted no time by already having four possible marquee additions in mind.

The Latest: Four mega targets

The Mirror shared a story regarding Ten Hag and Manchester United shortly after the announcement, claiming the Red Devils will give their new manager £200m to spend ahead of his first season in charge.

Up to 12 players could leave the club, with Ten Hag placing Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Darwin Nunez and Ruben Neves at the top of his wishlist.

The Verdict: Rebuild begins

Plenty of change is needed at Old Trafford ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, but getting Ten Hag confirmed prior to the summer window is a good first step.

He’ll have a huge job on his hands in what looks set to be an extremely busy summer off the pitch and it looks as if a new midfielder and forward is crucial as he gets to work already.

Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani look set to be two players who will leave as free agents, so one of Kane or Nunez and Rice or Neves could be shrewd moves to replace the two outgoing big earners.

In other news: ‘Source has told Sky Sports’ – Big live TV update on another Man Utd exit.