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Jamie Vardy's plans for the future have been revealed amid transfer links to newly-promoted Championship side Wrexham.

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• Vardy set to leave Leicester in summer
• Linked with a move to Wrexham
• But does not want to drop into Championship

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Last week, Leicester legend Vardy formally announced that he would leave the Foxes at the end of the 2024-25 campaign after the club's relegation from the Premier League was confirmed. Since his announcement, the 38-year-old's future has come under scrutiny as the England forward has been tipped to join newly-promoted Championship club Wrexham.

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  However, reports that Vardy has "no interest" in moving to a Championship club and is "adamant" he has a lot to offer a Premier League club or a top-division side in Europe. The player will take a final call on his future once the 2024-25 campaign is over.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  had earlier reported that several Major League Soccer clubs in the USA are eyeing a move for the veteran English player.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LEICESTER CITY?

  Ruud van Nistelrooy's side will be next seen in action on Saturday as they take on Southampton at home in a Premier League encounter.

Tottenham Hotspur have been ravaged by injuries throughout the entire squad this season, which has really hampered their progress in the Premier League. Incredibly, they sit 14th in the top flight, and although they have made good progress in the Carabao Cup, this season has simply not lived up to expectations.

Towards the start of the season, Ange Postecoglou claimed he has a record at each club he has managed that sees him “always win things in my second year”. Well, that theory will be truly put to the test this season, with the Carabao Cup, FA Cup, and Europa League still all winnable.

The Lilywhites might need reinforcements to help with their trophy-winning quest and have been linked with one attacker who could add plenty of firepower.

Spurs target new attacker

The player in question here is Barcelona and Spain winger Ansu Fati. The La Masia graduate has also had terrible luck with injuries, and a fresh start away from the Nou Camp could be on the cards this winter.

According to a report from The Guardian, Spurs are one of the sides interested in signing the winger, given the fact they are “in need of attacking reinforcement” in the January transfer window, with Postecoglou lining up a swoop for the Barcelona outcast.

However, they are not alone in the race to sign Fati, who earns £226k-per-week according to Capology. The Guardian also suggests London rivals West Ham United are interested in adding him to the squad under new boss Graham Potter. There is currently no clarity on if it is a loan deal or a permanent move.

Why Fati would be a good signing

It has once again been a really disappointing season for Fati. Once one of the biggest stars to come out of the esteemed La Masia academy, he was handed Lionel Messi’s number 10 shirt when the legendary attacker left Barca in 2021.

This season, injuries have struck the winger again. He has missed 11 games, a total of 84 days, with a muscle issue and a foot injury. Thus, the 22-year-old has only managed eight appearances across all competitions and has not scored a goal.

His Barca record overall curtailed somewhat over time, as the injuries hit. He has played 120 times, scoring 29 goals and grabbing nine assists. That includes a goal and two assists against Real Sociedad in 2022/23.

Over time, he had 13 separate injuries for the La Liga giants, and one for Brighton and Hive Albion during his loan spell, where he scored four times and assisted once in 27 appearances for the South Coast side.

Yet, Spurs still want to sign the winger, surely because of the obvious talent there. His debut season in 2019/20 was a prime example of what he can do, a campaign where he scored seven times and grabbed an assist, becoming a breakthrough star.

That season, Fati was comparable to Spurs legend Gareth Bale, who was playing for Real Madrid in 2019/20. The Welshman scored two goals and grabbed two assists in 16 La Liga games.

For the Lilywhites, Bale was sensational. Over two spells in North London, he scored 71 times and grabbed 53 assists. One of his best goals came against Inter in the Champions League, where he carried the ball from inside his own half and fired home. That day, he also got his first Spurs hat-trick.

The similarities between Fati and Bale in 2019/20 are there to see from a statistical point of view, as per FBref. For example, they both had an Expected Goals tally of 0.33xG per 90 minutes, and the Spaniard averaged slightly more key passes each game, with 1.58 compared to 0.99. The Welshman’s 2.89 progressive passes per game slightly trumped Fati’s 2.54.

If Spurs can get Fati back to a good level of fitness, they might have a “phenom” on their hands, as football statistician Statman Dave once described him, who can progress the ball up the pitch and make things happen in the final third in a similar way to how Bale did in his career.

Postecoglou will be hoping the 22-year-old can regain those levels at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as they look to win a trophy for the first time since 2008, when Bale was just breaking through.

Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez's contracts end on June 30, 2025, but upon a special request by FIFA, the duo will earn two-week extensions.

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• Modric and Vazquez nearing contract expiry
• Real Madrid will rely on the duo for the Club World Cup
• FIFA has asked club to give two-week extensions

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Real Madrid will be among the leading contenders to win the inaugural edition of the revamped Club World Cup, set to kick off in June. In preparation for the tournament, FIFA has requested that clubs offer special short-term contract extensions to players whose current deals expire on June 30, 2025. As a result, AS reports that Madrid veterans Modric and Vazquez are expected to receive unique two-week renewals, ensuring they remain eligible to compete in all of the Club World Cup fixtures scheduled for July. That is, if Madrid progresses to the knockout stages.

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  Madrid have been paired with Al-Hilal, Pachuca, and RB Salzburg for the group stage of the Club World Cup. Their games will be played on June 18, June 22, and June 27. Should they finish as runners-up in the group, they will play their Round of 16 tie on June 30. If they finish first, they will play their last-16 tie on July 1, one day after the contracts of Modric and Vazquez expire. For the two seasoned campaigners to legally be eligible for all the subsequent games, provided Los Blancos go deep into the tournament, they'll have to sign short-term renewals until July 13. Madrid are patient and will sit down with two of their senior-most members to extend their contracts for a further 14 days.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  However, the long-term futures of both Vazquez and Modric at the Santiago Bernabeu remain uncertain beyond the Club World Cup. Reports suggest that the Merengues are unlikely to offer a contract renewal to the 33-year-old right-back for the 2025–26 season. With Dani Carvajal expected to fully recover from his ACL injury ahead of the new campaign — and the anticipated free transfer arrival of Trent Alexander-Arnold — Madrid are already planning for the future at right-back, potentially leaving Vazquez surplus to requirements.

  As for Modric, AS reports that a renewal remains difficult but not entirely off the table. The Croatian maestro is eager to continue competing at the highest level in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. However, any extension would be contingent on him accepting a reduced salary and embracing an even more diminished role within the squad.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

  Although Madrid were eliminated from the Champions League in the quarter-finals and lost the Copa del Rey final to Barcelona, they remain alive in a bid to defend their LaLiga crown. Carlo Ancelotti's side are currently four points behind their rivals from Catalonia, whom they will face on May 11. Before that, though, a game against Celta Vigo on Sunday, May 4, awaits.

Transfer deadline day has been quiet in terms of incomings for Chelsea, but it’s safe to say it’s been dominated by outgoings, with various players on the way out of Stamford Bridge.

João Félix has agreed a late deal to join Serie A side AC Milan on a loan deal until the end of the season, but it doesn’t include a permanent option to move at the end of the campaign.

Axel Disasi is another player who could still move before the 11 pm deadline, after previous talks with Spurs and Aston Villa, but it’s previously been reported that despite wanting a move to Unai Emery’s side, Enzo Maresca wouldn’t allow him to join a Champions League rival.

Ben Chilwell is another player edging closer to a temporary exit from West London, looking set to move to Crystal Palace on loan until the end of the season to gain valuable game time after being frozen out by the Italian.

As a result of the pending exits, it could allow the Blues boss to dip into the market and make a new addition, with one player popping up on their radar in recent hours.

Chelsea in talks to land midfield talent

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea have held talks over a move to land Sporting CP midfielder Dario Essugo before the 11pm deadline tonight.

The 19-year-old is currently spending the season on loan at LaLiga outfit Las Palmas, but has caught the eye of the Blues, with it being unclear whether he would move now or in the summer.

Romano confirmed that he’s under consideration by the club with his parent side expecting movement in the coming hours, potentially opening the door to a move to West London.

Any move for Essugo would be yet another phenomenal piece of business for an upcoming star, helping one player reach the next level during his own time at Stamford Bridge.

Why Essugo could be perfect for Palmer at Chelsea

Cole Palmer is a player who’s thrived at Chelsea since his big-money £40m move from Manchester City back in the summer of 2023, a fee that now looks to be a bargain given his success at the club.

The now England international has featured 70 times since moving from Manchester to London, registering a combined tally of 60 goals and assists – undoubtedly becoming their key man within the final third over the last two years.

By the end of the campaign, Maresca will want to have secured a return to Champions League football, with the Blues needing to continue their early season form and finish within the top five come the end of May.

Whilst it remains to be seen if Essugo would link up this month or in the summer, he would provide a superb addition, despite his tender age – aiding Palmer in his efforts within the final third.

The teenager may primarily be a defensive midfielder, but he’s excelled in and out of possession regaining the ball before playing into forward areas – something which would certainly be of use to the England international.

Essugo, who’s been dubbed “one of the most exciting DMs in Europe” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has won an average of 2.8 tackles per 90 and completed two interceptions per 90 in 2024/25 – showcasing his stellar defensive ability.

However, his ability in possession has been just as impressive, completing 4.4 progressive passes per 90 at a completion rate of 87% – with his passing ability aiding Palmer within attacking areas to boost his already impressive goalscoring tallies.

It’s unclear how much any deal for the Sporting youngster would cost on deadline day, but as seen from his figures so far this season, he would be another superb youngster to add to Maresca’s ranks.

He could provide serious competition to the current starters in the first-team squad, having the potential to develop into a world beater given his tender age.

Perfect O'Reilly alternative: Chelsea closing in on "Lavia-esque" talent

Chelsea are getting ready to complete a last-gasp January signing or two.

By
Angus Sinclair

Feb 3, 2025

Liverpool are well on course to clinch a second Premier League title in the club’s history as they sit six points clear of Arsenal, with a game in hand still to play.

The Reds ensured that the gap remained at six points over the weekend with a convincing 4-1 win over newly-promoted side Ipswich Town at Anfield.

Two goals from Cody Gakpo, after strikes from Dominik Szoboszlai and Mo Salah, secured all three points for Arne Slot’s team, which meant that the Gunners did not gain any ground on them.

The Reds, who are also top of their Champions League group, have benefitted from Manchester City having their first huge wobble in the Premier League in many years.

Pep Guardiola’s team have lost six of their 23 matches in the division, leaving them 12 points behind Liverpool, having played a game more, as it stands.

The reigning champions have, however, dipped into the market to bolster their squad ahead of the second half of the season and that may be a concern moving forward, more so for next season, after they swooped to sign Omar Marmoush this month.

Why Omar Marmoush could concern Liverpool

Back in October of 2024, Sky Germany reported that Liverpool were in talks with Eintracht Frankfurt over a deal to sign the Egypt international to bolster their attacking options.

This suggests that the recruitment team, and Slot, viewed Marmoush as a player with the quality, or potential, to come in and improve the team’s attack with his play as a centre-forward or out wide on the left.

Manchester City, however, ultimately won the race for his signature and reportedly paid a fee of £59m to bring him to The Etihad, before he made his debut in a 3-1 win over Chelsea on Saturday.

The 25-year-old star was signed by the Cityzens, and wanted by Liverpool, after a return of 37 goals and 20 assists in 67 matches for Frankfurt in all competitions during his time with the German outfit.

Marmoush racked up 20 goals and 14 assists in 27 outings in all competitions in the first half of the 2024/25 campaign, which shows that he has arrived in England in red-hot form in the final third.

As you can see in some of the clips above, Marmoush is a direct, fast, and dynamic forward who can score all types of goals from different positions across the pitch with his exceptional footwork, speed, and finishing ability.

This is why Liverpool may be concerned about City’s deal to sign the forward, because he has the potential to be a big signing for Guardiola who can help to bring them back to their best, whether that happens this season or for their title-challenge next term.

The Reds could, however, sign their answer to Omar Marmoush by dipping into the market to land their own right-footed left-sided attacker from the Bundesliga.

Liverpool's interest in Bundesliga forward

German journalist Christian Falk recently revealed, whilst speaking on The Daily Briefing, that Liverpool are one of a number of clubs that are interested in a deal to sign Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund.

Transfer Focus

The reporter claimed that Dortmund would prefer to sell him to a team from abroad, amid interest from Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, which could provide the Reds with a boost in their pursuit of the England U21 international.

Speaking on The Daily Briefing, as transcribed by CaughtOffside, Falk said: “It’s true. Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea are also in the transfer race with Bayern for Jamie Gittens.

“Dortmund are currently looking for a transfer fee of €100m. Should Premier League clubs bid for the Englishman, Bayern are aware that completing a transfer on their end will be difficult.”

This means that Liverpool would have to splash out a mega transfer fee of £84m to secure a deal for the 20-year-old youngster, although it remains to be seen whether the interested parties want to get a transfer done now or if they are willing to wait until the summer.

If the Reds can see off interest from the likes of Chelsea and Bayern Munich, Slot could land his own version of Marmoush by signing the former Manchester City academy starlet.

Why Jamie Gittens could be Liverpool's Omar Marmoush

The obvious connection between the two players is that they have both starred in the Bundesliga this season and are both right-footed players who can operate on the left side, cutting in on their favoured foot, or in central areas.

Gittens has not quite matched Marmoush’s incredible haul of 34 goal contributions in 27 matches in all competitions for Frankfurt, but the Dortmund dynamo is five years younger than the Manchester City signing and has shown immense potential with his performances in the German top-flight and the Champions League this term.

In Europe, the English whiz has racked up four goals and two ‘big chances’ created in seven appearances – six starts – in the league phase, which shows that he has made a big impact in the final third in that competition.

The £84m-rated star, who was once described as a “pure difference-maker” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has the pace, technical quality, and movement to constantly make things happen at the top end of the pitch, much like Marmoush.

As you can see in the table above, Gittens has also offered plenty of quality in the Bundesliga this season, with 12 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in 15 starts.

Overall, the England youth international has contributed with 11 goals and seven ‘big chances’ created in 21 starts in the Bundesliga and the Champions League combined, which shows that he could arrive at Anfield to make a big impact in the final third on a consistent basis.

Best January move since Van Dijk: Liverpool plot bid for amazing defender

Liverpool could sign a “magnificent talent” who would be their best January signing since Van Dijk

By
Connor Holden

Jan 27, 2025

Therefore, the 20-year-old starlet, who still has plenty of time left to develop and improve, could be Slot’s own version of Marmoush on the left flank if the club can secure a deal for his services this month or in the summer.

Brett Goldstein has confirmed that will return as a “producer and writer” on Season 4 of Ted Lasso, but will he reprise his popular Roy Kent role?

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• Jason Sudeikis bringing AFC Richmond back
• Contract option taken up on Roy Kent character
• Production about to begin on new series

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  It has been announced, after several months of speculation, that at least one more series of the popular Apple TV+ show will be produced. With a “reboot” being set in motion, it has been suggested that another three seasons could be brought to the small screen.

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  Jason Sudeikis is steering the ship, as he plays the character of Ted Lasso while doubling up as a writer, and he will be coaching in the women’s game this time around. New characters and storylines are ready to be introduced.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  A number of familiar faces are also on board, with a contract option being taken up on Goldstein. He is giving little away, though, after being asked how prominently he will figure in the world of AFC Richmond.

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  WHAT BRETT GOLDSTEIN SAID

  Goldstein, who plays foul-mouthed player-turned-pundit Kent, told when quizzed on his role behind and in front of the camera: “What I can say is I'm back in a professional capacity as an executive producer and writer.”

Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be among the many clubs contending to sign in-demand Lille striker Jonathan David on a free transfer, with the player now allegedly making a decision on his next landing spot.

Jonathan David scores for fun in France with contract running down

After June 30th, the Canada international will be free to move on to new pastures at zero cost, with his contract expiring at the end of this season.

"Alarm bells" – Pundit shares Kevin Danso "concern" for Tottenham

The Austrian comes in as much-needed centre-back cover.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Feb 6, 2025

David, who’s scored 20 goals across 34 appearances for Lille in all competitions already this season, has entered the final few months of his career at the Ligue 1 club – which has piqued interest from a host of top European sides.

The 25-year-old Brooklyn-native stands out as, potentially, one of the summer’s biggest bargain transfers. Despite barely reaching the peak of his career, David’s already hit over a century of goals for Lille, 104 to be exact, not to mention 27 assists to go with that truly impressive tally.

The former Gent sensation’s record in front of goal speaks for itself, and while you could make a case that he hasn’t been tested in a truly elite division like the Premier League just yet, that argument can be somewhat quashed by David’s record in the Champions League.

This term, he’s managed six goals in eight Champions League outings. They’ve come against big-name opposition as well, with David bagging a brace against Atlético Madrid, grabbing Lille’s winner in a 1-0 victory over Real Madrid and even scoring at Anfield – alongside another strike against Juventus.

There is little denying that David can be considered an elite-level marksman at this point, making the prospect of signing him for nothing a very tempting proposition.

Tottenham have been linked with a move for David, as have an array of other top European clubs, with journalist Graeme Bailey now sharing a potentially important update on his future.

Jonathan David makes Tottenham transfer decision after contact

According to Bailey, writing in a piece for The Boot Room, suitors believe that David has already chosen his preferred next club.

Tottenham held talks with the player’s representatives recently, alongside Manchester United, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Newcastle and West Ham, but it is Barcelona who are leading the race to sign him.

Bailey claims that David has chosen to join Barcelona over Tottenham as his preferred choice, and talks are at an advanced stage. A Barça deal for the centre-forward is said to be close, so if the Lilywhites wish to pull off a hijack, or turn the tide like they did with Mathys Tel, they’re already running out of time.

Given Barca are the team David grew up supporting, by his own admission, so Spurs could be facing an uphill battle to beat Hansi Flick’s side to his signature.

“[Barcelona] was always the team I grew up supporting,” said David in 2024. “When you grow up supporting a team, it’s a dream to play for them.”

Casemiro will reportedly receive a huge pay rise if Manchester United win the Europa League this season.

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• Casemiro in line for pay rise
• Will get it if Man Utd win Europa League
• Wages will match what Ronaldo had

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Daily Star states if United win the Europa League, with Ruben Amorim's men currently in the semi-finals, Casemiro will receive a 25 per cent pay rise due to a clause in his contract. The report states that the midfielder will see his wages rise to around £500,000-a-week – which is what club legend Cristiano Ronaldo got during his second spell at Old Trafford.

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  While Casemiro had a good first season at United, the 33-year-old has not lived up to his hefty wages and huge £70 million ($88m) transfer fee from Real Madrid in 2022. The veteran has been heavily criticised by pundits for his displays, and it seems he is on the decline, with the club said to be keen on moving him on soon. So to potentially receive this huge wage hike would be quite telling about the Red Devils' state of affairs.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The report states this could cause a problem for United, who may yet sell Casemiro to the Saudi Pro League, with head coach Amorim being asked to slash the wage bill by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Casemiro's United will hope to advance to the Europa League final this week when they host Athletic Club on Thursday with a 3-0 first-leg cushion.

Gary Lineker's early departure from the BBC has been confirmed, meaning that he will not front FA Cup and World Cup coverage in 2025-26.

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• Ex-England striker stepping down as MOTD presenter
• Final year of contract will not be honoured
• Alternative host required for FA Cup & World Cup coverage

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The former England international had already announced that he would be stepping down as presenter of Match of the Day when the 2024-25 Premier League season comes to a close. It has now been confirmed that the final year of his contract with the BBC will not be honoured.

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  WHAT THE BBC SAID

  A statement from the read: "Gary Lineker will leave his presenting role following the conclusion of Match of the Day for the 2024-25 season. He will not be part of the BBC's coverage of the 2026 World Cup or next season's FA Cup coverage."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Lineker is stepping down after generating more controversy on the back of a social media post about Zionism that included an illustration of a rat, which is historically considered to be an antisemitic insult. He apologised for that post and quickly deleted it, insisting it was unintentional, but the damage had already been done.

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• WHAT GARY LINEKER SAID

  Lineker said in a social media video of his own: “I would like once again to say I’m sorry unreservedly for the hurt and upset caused. It was a genuine mistake and oversight but I should have been more diligent. I know that.

  "I’ve stood up for minorities and humanitarian issues and against all forms of racism all of my life including of course anti-Semitism which I absolutely abhor. There’s no place for it and never should be.

  "So I think it’s best for all concerned that I step down from BBC presenting duties altogether and not do next season’s FA Cup or World Cup. The final day of the Premier League season will be my last show.

  "It’s been a pleasure and huge privilege working with the BBC for 30 years, especially hosting Match Of The Day, a programme that is so close to my heart and an integral part of my life. I would like to thank the quite brilliant, talented and lovely people both in front and behind the camera that I’ve worked alongside for three decades. You’re the absolute best.

  "The relationship with the BBC has been long and wonderful but it’s the right time for the organisation and myself to go our separate ways. Thank you also to all of you for your incredible support and love over so many years, it means the world to me. I’ll see you all on Sunday."

Manchester United are already thinking about sacking Ruben Amorim, and a “genius” manager who’s won 11 trophies may be on the list of candidates to replace him, according to a report.

Tottenham defeat adds to Amorim's troubles

It has been far from an ideal first three months at Old Trafford for Amorim, with his side now languishing in 15th place in the Premier League.

A 1-0 defeat away at fellow strugglers Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday has piled even more pressure on the Portuguese coach, who has since expressed just how difficult he has found his time in charge of United, saying: “I have a lot of problems. My job is so hard but I’m here to continue my job to the next week with my beliefs. I will try to do it, I will try to win again,”

Of course, the Red Devils were hardly flying under Erik ten Hag prior to Amorim’s arrival, but it would be fair to say there have been no real signs of improvement, leading to questions about the 40-year-old’s future at Old Trafford.

Man Utd progressing in talks to sign £33m ace who wants Old Trafford move

The summer transfer window is still a few months away from opening but United are looking to wrap up a deal fairly quickly.

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By
Brett Worthington

Feb 17, 2025

According to a report from Spain, INEOS are already thinking about sacking the former Sporting CP boss, with doubts about his long-term project now starting to emerge.

The United ownership are likely to give their current manager until the end of the season, barring anything drastic happening, but they are now starting to evaluate potential alternatives for the summer.

Former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is named as someone who could be on the list of candidates, with INEOS keen on bringing in a manager capable of returning Man United to Europe’s top table.

Zidane has a track record of success

Although United have managed to compete for honours since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson, winning the Europa League under Jose Mourinho and the two domestic cups with Ten Hag, replacing their legendary manager has proven to be extremely difficult.

Reports suggest some players are already starting to lose patience with Amorim’s methods, in light of the poor results, so it is no wonder INEOS are starting to assess replacements for the summer.

That said, the players have to take a huge share of the responsibility, given that they have been poor in the Premier League for quite some time now, with the FA Cup triumph last season arguably papering over the cracks of a eighth-place finish.

Zidane has a proven history of success at a top club, winning 11 trophies during his time with Real Madrid, while he has also been dubbed a “tactical genius” by Steve McManaman.

However, the truth is this Man United squad needs a major overhaul if they are going to return to being the dominant force they once were, regardless of which manager is in the dugout.