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Manchester United this could very well hand the title to city rivals Manchester City this weekend by seeing off bitter enemy Liverpool at Old Trafford.

In a weird twist of fate almost, City find themselves needing United to do them the biggest of favours this game week, where Old Trafford will play host to one of the biggest games on the domestic calendar.

However, despite the obvious implications for the likes of City and Liverpool, there are other issues at large, namely at United, where a win for manager Ole Gunnar Solksjaer might well be enough for him to justify being given the job on a permanent basis.

In recent times, Liverpool have looked a cut above United, but things are changing under the Norwegian, and a win against their biggest rivals could well be the icing on the cake.

It’s a tough call though for the United board, who will no doubt have other candidates in mind when it comes to appointing a new manager in the summer. Solskjaer though is doing little to hurt his case, and while he might not have the experience, he clearly knows and loves the club, something which stands out a mile.

Liverpool represent a different threat of course, but having already masterminded the downfall of both Chelsea and Spurs away from home, Solskjaer will be confident he can get one over on Klopp.

We will see how it pans out, but Solksjaer can do little more if he gets the right result this weekend.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has made a claim on Leeds United and possible move for Barcelona right-back Sergino Dest.

The Lowdown: Dest links

Victor Orta and Jesse Marsch met earlier this month to discuss the profile of player they want to target this summer ahead of the latter’s first full season in charge.

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Dest was linked with a move to Yorkshire prior to those talks, with sources revealing that the USA international is on Orta’s radar alongside RB Salzburg’s Brenden Aaronson.

Dest is currently under contract at the Nou Camp until 2025 and has made 69 appearances for the Catalan giants, turning out at full-back and on the wing on both sides.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

Talking to This is Futbol, O’Rourke said that Leeds will be on the hunt for a right-back and name-checked Dest, suggesting it could be a ‘big deal’.

“They’ll be looking at a right-back, I think, as well. Sergino Dest has been mentioned possibly as that one which will be a big deal for Leeds.”

The Verdict: Ayling replacement?

By the looks of it, the Whites will be ‘looking’ to bring in a right-back over the summer, which could result in Luke Ayling becoming second-choice at Elland Road.

Ayling has grown with the club since joining in 2016 and has made 217 appearances for the Whites. However, he will be entering the final 12 months of his contract in the summer, where he will turn 31.

He reportedly wants to stay at Leeds for the rest of his career, however, he may have to accept dropping down to the bench going forward, should the Whites land someone like Dest over the coming months.

In other news: Leeds and Orta want ‘extraordinary’ ace in Bosman move; same agent as Bamford. 

According to David Moyes, West Ham United could welcome Manuel Lanzini back to action today as the Hammers make the short trip to west London to take on Brentford.

What’s the story?

The Argentine was involved in a terrifying car crash last week, but was luckily left without serious injury. He missed the 2-1 victory over Everton and Thursday’s 1-1 Europa League draw with Lyon, although the latter was due to suspension.

On the 29-year-old’s availability, Moyes said: “We’re still hoping Lanzini can be improve and be better. He is still carrying a knock from the car crash. He’s been training but gingerly in everything he’s doing. Hopeful he’ll be closer to playing.”

The attacking midfielder has been a regular for West Ham this season, making 35 appearances across all competitions, scoring six goals and setting up a further three.

Therefore, his return will certainly be a boost for the Irons as they look to secure a top-six finish.

Moyes will be relieved

Ahead of the football, the main thing is that Lanzini wasn’t seriously injured in the car crash, and thankfully he has been able to return to training.

Although goal contributions haven’t been a regular occurrence, the 29-year-old is certainly an important option for West Ham. Moreover, the Argentine is a fans’ favourite at the London Stadium, having been at the club for almost seven years now.

The east London outfit have a handful of options in attacking midfield, with the likes of Pablo Fornals and Nikola Vlasic also able to play there, although the 29-year-old has been deployed in a deeper role at times this season.

Having Lanzini back in contention will come as a relief to Moyes, who is attempting to orchestrate another top-six push after last season’s success, along with going as far as possible in the Europa League.

West Ham are currently sixth, level with seventh-placed Manchester United on goal difference ahead of the trip to 15th-placed Brentford. Also, a 1-1 draw at home to Lyon in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday night keeps the Hammers in contention of making the last four in that competition.

Moyes’ side are on course for achieving their respective targets, but one or two slip-ups in the coming weeks could see everything fall to ruin. At least potentially having the productive Lanzini back could offer the Irons a welcome lifeline.

In other news – Imagine him & Zouma: Moyes could unearth West Ham’s next Rio Ferdinand in “clever” £12k-p/w gem

Leeds United winger Raphinha is in advanced negotiations regarding a move away from Elland Road this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a claim made by Fabrizio Romano, with the transfer insider revealing in a recent post on Twitter that Barcelona are now in advanced discussions with Deco – the 25-year-old’s agent – concerning a move to Barcelona at the end of the current campaign.

The journalist went on to state that, while discussions with the Brazilian are progressing quickly, official talks with Leeds regarding the forward’s transfer are yet to begin, with these negotiations expected to take a considerable amount of time.

Speaking about Barcelona’s interest in Raphinha, Romano said: “Barcelona are in well-advanced talks with Deco for Raphinha as [a] summer target since one month, but the official negotiation with Leeds won’t start now – it will take some time.”

Supporters will be devastated

While it would appear likely that, should Raphinha indeed go on to leave Leeds this summer, the Whites would be in line to receive a considerable fee for the 25-year-old – with it being reported that Victor Orta has informed Barca they will have to pay the winger’s €75m (£62.5m) release clause in order to prise him away from Elland Road – the news that the Brazil international looks to all but have agreed personal terms with the LaLiga side will nevertheless leave supporters devastated.

Indeed, over his 27 Premier League appearances this season, the £36m-rated sensation has been in breathtaking form for Leeds, scoring nine goals, registering three assists and creating nine big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.7 shots and making 2.1 key passes per game – which see him rank first in Jesse Marsch’s squad in both metrics.

These returns have seen the £63k-per-week forward average an extremely impressive SofaScore match rating of 6.97, ranking him as the Whites’ second-best performing outfielder in the current campaign.

Furthermore, considering just how highly FBref rank the 25-year-old in a number of key metrics in comparison to every attacking midfielder and winger in Europe’s big five leagues – being in the top 14% for xA per 90, as well as the top 11% for progressive passes, the top 19% for dribbles completed, the top 26% for shot-creating actions and the top 29% for non-penalty xG over the last 365 days – it is clear to see just how talented a player Raphinha really is.

As such, while receiving a transfer fee of around £62.5m would undoubtedly represent a fantastic piece of business on a player Orta signed for £17m just a year and a half ago, the loss of the Brazilian would nevertheless come as a gutting blow to both Marsch and the Elland Road faithful – who will now be well accustomed to seeing Raphinha tear Premier League defenders apart for Leeds on a weekly basis.

AND in other news: Leeds United dealt yet another huge injury setback, Jesse Marsch will be devastated

According to a report from Italian outlet Calciomercato (via Sport Witness), Tottenham Hotspur are in contention to sign Real Madrid forward Marco Asensio. 

The lowdown: Asensio profiled

The 26-year-old has enjoyed a stellar career to date and has been part of a Los Blancos side that has lifted no few than 12 major honours including two La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League successes.

Despite the trophy-laden time at the Bernabeu, Asensio has struggled to cement a place under Carlo Ancelotti this season and could be on the move this summer as a deal in the Spanish capital fast approaches its final 12 months (Transfermarkt).

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A fresh update regarding the former Mallorca man has emerged from Italy, suggesting that Spurs could well be taking a closer look at the versatile star…

The latest: Tottenham ‘appear’

As per the report from Calciomercato, translated by SW, Conte could provide a ‘new path’ for the 26-cap Spain international.

It’s claimed that Asensio’s switch to ‘super agent’ Jorge Mendes could open up a move the Lilywhites as the N17 club ‘appear’ in the frame for the signing.

The report cites interest from AC Milan and Arsenal but it’s stated that Mendes would like to take the ace once hailed as ‘world class’ by ex-Spain boss Vicente del Bosque to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The verdict: No brainer

Albeit Asensio has only completed 90 minutes on five occasions this season, the classy Spaniard has racked up 230 club appearances in seven years at Real Madrid and clearly possesses plenty of quality, actually trending closely with current Spurs’ favourite Son Heung-min in terms of style of play (Fbref).

Predominantly operating as a left-winger, the £36million valued star can play anywhere across the frontline as well as in more conventional midfield positions and would therefore offer all-important versatility to Conte’s options.

Boasting an impressive 7.06 average Sofascore rating from 28 league outings this term – only bettered by eight members of a star-studded Madrid squad – Fabio Paratici would be wise to remain attentive to the possibility of adding Asensio to the ranks in north London as the long term future of Steven Bergwijn remains unclear.

In other news: ‘That’s for sure’ – Sky Sports reporter now backs big transfer news out of Tottenham, find out more here.

Everton signed Dele Alli on a permanent deal on Deadline Day after the player had become out of favour in Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur squad.

Frank Lampard was reportedly instrumental in getting the deal over the line but could it be a risk?

The Toffees have found themselves in a sticky situation in the Premier League so far this season, with a string of poor performances leading the side to a league position of 16th and teetering on the edge of a relegation battle just four points clear of the drop.

This means that there is no room for error or inconsistency, and the new manager must hit the ground running in order to save the season for Everton. He will be relying on not only the squad he inherited to step up, but his new signings to make an instant impact on the team in helping the side secure some winning form that can help them pull away from the bottom of the table.

When you look at Alli’s most recent seasons at Tottenham Hotspur, it is no secret that the player has had his struggles which reflect in his market valuation which has plummeted by 75% since June 2019, going from £90m to his current valuation of £22.5m according to Transfermarkt.

This season he has made 18 appearances for Spurs, with 13 of those in the starting line up, scoring two goals and assisting once, but his inconsistencies in his performances and availability have seen him dropped from the England team, and slowly becoming out of favour with each manager that joins the north Londoners, with the latest struggles coming down to Conte unsure of his best position.

The player who was once hailed a “machine” by Rio Ferdinand and  “too good to not be one of the world’s best” by his former manager Jose Mourinho, will need to make an instant impression on the side to help Everton climb the Premier League table, something that would stand him in good stead to rebuild his reputation under a manager who has not only taken on a risk by signing him but is experienced in playing as an attacking midfielder, which is one of Alli’s most impactful positions.

It could become the perfect master and the apprentice relationship for the Chelsea legend and Spurs outcast, which could be an incredible boost for Everton’s future if the pair can work together to get the very best out of the £22.5m-rated star.

Alli has now been given his second chance to become the player he is capable of being, and with hard work under his new manager he could rectify the problems of the past and even get in with a shout to be in contention with a spot at the World Cup in Qatar with England in December if he can prove he still has what it takes to play consistently at the highest level.

That being said, it is hard to ignore those inconsistencies we’ve spoken about. His market value has fallen off a cliff and it is yet another expensive gamble from Farhad Moshiri.

The majority shareholder loves to fantasise over a star and in the £100k-per-week Dele, he has forked out what could end up being a meteoric sum of money again. After all, this is a transfer that could come back to haunt him if they end up paying the full £40m potentially involved in the transfer.

That is why it is imperative Lampard gets the most from him immediately.

In other news: Lampard must axe Holgate in defensive masterclass

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Ridvan Yilmaz to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Turkish media outlet Turkiye Gazetesi (via Sport Witness), who claim that Fabio Paratici has submitted an €8m (£6.75m) offer for the Besiktas left-back, with the player himself thought to be extremely keen on a move to the Premier League side.

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The report goes on to state that the 20-year-old has asked his current team not to stand in the way of his proposed switch to Spurs, however, it is believed that the Super Lig outfit are hoping to receive an offer closer to €10m (£8.5m) before sanctioning the Turkey international’s sale this summer.

There’s no one “identical to him”

Considering how impressive Yilmaz has been since breaking into the Besiktas first team as a 17-year-old back in 2019, coupled with the fact that left wing-back has been something of a problem position for Antonio Conte this season, it is easy to see why Spurs would be interested in a move for the defender this summer.

Indeed, over his 25 Super Lig appearances this season, the £4.95m-rated full-back has been a constant threat for Valerien Ismael’s side, scoring three goals, registering four assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 0.8 shots and making 0.8 key passes per game.

The £3k-per-week dynamo has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, helping Besiktas keep four clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.3 interceptions, 1.7 tackles, 1.2 clearances and winning 3.9 duels – at a success rate of 56% – per fixture.

These returns have seen the player about whom was it was claimed in comments made to Breaking The Lines that “there isn’t really a well-known full-back that’s identical to him” average a SofaScore match rating of 6.89, ranking him as his club’s ninth-best player in the top flight of Turkish football.

And, with recent reports suggesting that Sergio Reguilon could be on his way out of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer, as well as Ryan Sessegnon continuing to struggle with injuries, the signing of a new left-back could very much be one of Paratici’s priorities ahead of 2022/23.

As such, considering his tender age, undoubted ability and huge potential – not to mention his extremely reasonable asking price – it would indeed appear as if landing Yilmaz this summer would be a fantastic piece of business for the Tottenham sporting director to get over the line – as the 20-year-old’s unique abilities would certainly be put to extremely good use in Conte’s left wing-back role next season.

AND in other news: “From what I understand…”: Gold drops transfer claim that Spurs supporters will love

Joe Wainman has been reacting to the news that Leeds United turned down a late move for midfielder Donny van de Beek.

The Lowdown: Van de Beek snub

Leeds failed to add to Marcelo Bielsa’s senior squad last month despite making two bids for RB Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson, who was the club’s main target.

Young forward Mateo Joseph Fernandez was the only arrival at Thorp Arch, however, the Whites were offered the chance to sign Van de Beek, who eventually signed for Everton on deadline day until the end of the season.

According to Graham Smyth, Leeds were offered the opportunity to bring in Van de Beek and also Harry Winks from Manchester United and Tottenham respectively, but declined the chance to do so.

The Latest: Wainman’s post

Wainman, a Leeds content creator on his JustJoe Football Show, took to Twitter on Tuesday morning after learning of the club’s Van de Beek snub.

He labelled it as ‘madness’ but backed Bielsa to guide the Whites to safety.

“Everyone will slam Orta and co, but for me, they would have liked deals done, and it’s MB who is the one saying no. Take the DVB deal he has declined. I think that is madness, but Bielsa is the man, so as always, he gets my backing, and as I’ve always said, we will be fine.”

The Verdict: A risk

Believe it or not, Leeds still haven’t signed a single central midfielder on a permanent deal since Bielsa arrived at the club, and it seemed as if last month was the perfect opportunity to do so.

Victor Orta was thought to be working on two midfield additions after Kalvin Phillips’ injury towards the end of 2021, however, Leeds are still left with just four out and out midfielders, two of which are injured in Phillips and Jamie Shackleton.

That appears to be a massive risk from the board, especially with Leeds just seven points off relegation with 17 games remaining.

In other news: Phil Hay and Graham Smyth buzzing at free transfer news. 

Celtic supporters should ‘love’ the fact that shareholder Dermot Desmond is a lifelong Hoops fan, according to finance expert Doctor Dan Plumley.

The Lowdown: Desmond a lifelong fan

The 71-year-old has been hugely involved at Parkhead since 1995, having also owned part of Manchester United before the Glazer family’s takeover in the 2000s.

Desmond recently stressed that he wouldn’t sell his stake in the club even if he offered ‘three or four times the share price’, such is his love for Celtic.

While billionaires aren’t always universally loved by supporters, Plumley believes the situation is different with Desmond.

The Latest: Expert provides thoughts on billionaire

Speaking to Football Insider, the ‘finance guru’ stressed that the Irishman’s Celtic roots should be something that supporters admire in their shareholders:

“There are good and bad aspects to this. Most fans would argue that it is a good thing to have a genuine supporter of the club in charge.

“Business investment probably takes on a slightly different form as a fan. But the flip side is that if somebody did offer three or four times the share price, they might have the potential to grow the club even further.

“That is a very hypothetical situation, but you can see the good and bad here. However, in general, most fans would love to keep an owner who is passionate and personally invested in the club.”

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The Verdict: Makes a fair point

While Plumley’s comments could be divisive due to Desmond not necessarily always pleasing Celtic supporters, he does make a fair point.

If you know you have a fellow fan in charge high up, it instantly suggests that big decisions made will be in the best interests of the club, rather than by billionaires who care more about their wealth.

The Hoops could certainly have worse majority shareholders than Desmond and it could be a case of only fully appreciating him when he eventually moves on.

In other news, Celtic have been backed to seal the signing of one player. Find out who it is here.

Wolves could still sign a replacement for outgoing winger Adama Traore in the next two days, according to journalist Ryan Taylor.

The Lowdown: Traore off to Barcelona

The Spaniard is on the verge of completing a return to Barcelona, having initially spent time in the club’s academy before making four first-team appearances.

Traore will join the Catalan giants on loan initially but the deal could become permanent at the end of the season (Sky Sports).

With the winger leaving Molineux and no replacement lined up yet, it could be argued that Wolves are looking light in attacking areas between now and the end of the season.

The Latest: Journalist talks up new signing

Speaking to Give Me Sport, however, Taylor claimed a new face could still arrive before deadline day ends on Monday:

“If Traore completes his move, he’ll (Bruno Lage) probably push for another signing within the final days of the window.”

The Verdict: Is it needed?

In an ideal world, a ready-made replacement for Traore would arrive in the coming days, ensuring Lage isn’t left with a lack of attacking depth.

That being said, Traore wasn’t a key starter for Wanderers – he has started 10 out of 21 Premier League matches this season – and the returning Pedro Neto could feel like a new signing after a long injury absence.

Should Traore leave permanently in the summer, they should receive big money for him, at which point it is vital that Wolves use the funds effectively on new signings. Perhaps that would be better than rushing into a January deal.

In other news, Wolves have suffered a transfer blow regarding one player. Find out who it is here.