The 2024/25 Scottish Premiership season kicks off in less than a month and Celtic are still yet to make their first signing of the summer transfer window.

Brendan Rodgers' side have already played two pre-season friendlies, drawing 1-1 with Ayr and beating Queen's Park 6-4, but are yet to dip into the market to bolster the squad.

The Hoops are in need of a new number one and have been linked with moves for both Newcastle United's Martin Dubravka and Croatia star Dominik Livakovic.

Joe Hart retired at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, after three years at Parkhead, and Rodgers must now find his first-choice goalkeeper for next season.

The Scottish Premiership champions are also reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Paulo Bernardo on a permanent deal, whilst they are plotting a second bid to sign Adam Idah from Norwich City.

Celtic could also make additions to their midfield ranks as they have been linked with an interest in a central midfielder from the English Championship this week…

Celtic's interest in Championship maestro

According to HITC, Rodgers is keen on a swoop to sign Australia international Riley McGree from Middlesbrough ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.

The report claims that the Hoops failed to sign the £9.4k-per-week midfield maestro during Ange Postecoglou's time in Glasgow but the Championship star has remained on their radar.

They are now looking at the 25-year-old whiz as a possible target to join the club this time around, as they look to bolster their midfield options before the end of the window.

It states that his current contract has one year left to run and this means that it could be the last chance for Boro to cash in on him before a free transfer exit next year.

They would either need to pin him down to a contract extension or sell him before the end of the window to ensure that they do not lose him for nothing.

This suggests that the door could be open for Celtic to make a move for the left-footed gem in the coming weeks. However, the report does not reveal how much Middlesbrough would demand for McGree or how much the Hoops would be prepared to pay for him.

If the Scottish giants could secure a deal to sign the midfield wizard, though, then Rodgers could find his next version of Tom Rogic in the middle of the park in Glasgow.

Tom Rogic's midfield spark for Celtic

McGree would not be the first left-footed midfielder from Australia to turn up at Parkhead in an attempt to make his mark on the pitch in the Premiership.

Rogic enjoyed a fantastic spell with the Hoops during his time in Scotland a midfield maestro who had the quality to chip in as a scorer and a creator of goals.

The talented ace joined the club from Central Coast at the start of 2013 and eventually moved on in the summer of 2022, 18 months short of a decade in Glasgow.

In that time, the Australia international racked up 46 goals and 49 assists in 272 appearances in all competitions for the Bhoys, including 31 goals and 35 assists in 165 outings in the Premiership.

These statistics show that the central midfielder had the quality to move forward into attacking positions to contribute as both a scorer and a creator for the Hoops.

Appearances

32

Starts

20

Goals

6

Assists

6

Big chances created

10

Key passes per game

1.5

As you can see in the table above, Rogic enjoyed a strong final season at Paradise before his exit in the summer of 2022, with 12 direct goal contributions in just 20 league starts.

The Celtic whiz also provided a threat in transition with his ability on the ball as he completed 1.6 dribbles per game with a success rate of 57%, which shows that the experienced ace could glide past opposition players to make things happen in the final third.

Rodgers, who worked with Rogic throughout his first spell at Parkhead between 2016 and 2019, could now find his new version of left-footed ace by securing a deal to sign McGree before the end of the summer transfer window.

Why Celtic should sign Riley McGree

The Premiership champions should press ahead with a swoop to land the Australia international because he could add another attacking threat to the side.

McGree, who was hailed as "terrific" by manager Michael Carrick, was restricted to just 14 starts and 22 appearances in the Championship through injury last term, which limited his impact on the pitch.

The 25-year-old star only produced four goals and one assist from midfield in that time but did rank within the top 9% of midfielders in the division for progressive passes per 90 (5.72) and the top 35% for progressive carries per 90 (3.22).

This shows that McGree can provide quality in possession without being the player to carry out the final action, as a scorer or a creator, by being the one to progress the play through a pass or carry to get his teammates into dangerous positions at the top end of the pitch.

When he was able to get on the pitch on a regular basis in the 2022/23 campaign, though, the Rogic-esque ace showcased his ability in the final third.

Appearances

43

Goals

6

Assists

3

Big chances created

8

Key passes per game

1.1

Pass accuracy

83%

As you can see in the table above, McGree played in 43 of Middlesbrough's 46 Championship games and caught the eye with 14 goals and 'big chances' created combined.

He created more than one chance per game on average and proved himself to be a midfielder who can push forward to be a difference-maker in matches.

Celtic set to pull off "miracle" as £4m+ sale of forward expected

The Hoops are reportedly set to cash in on the rarely-seen attacker this summer.

1 ByDan Emery Jul 9, 2024

This is why the Boro star could come in as Rogic 2.0 – alongside their shared nationality and favoured foot – for Celtic as a midfield maestro who can link up play between the midfield and the attack, with his progressive passing and carrying, whilst also being a threat as a scorer and a creator.

Tom Blundell will take over as wicketkeeper and move down the order

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Dec-2020

Will Young has been a consistent scorer at domestic level•Getty Images

Will Young has been handed his Test debut against West Indies in Hamilton after BJ Watling was ruled out with a hamstring injury.Tom Blundell will take the wicketkeeping gloves and move down the order with Young partnering Tom Latham at the top.Watch the cricket on ESPN+

New Zealand vs West Indies is available in the USA on ESPN+. Subscribe to ESPN+ and tune in to the series

Young, 28, has been close to a Test debut before and was set to play against Bangladesh in 2019 before the final Test in Christchurch was cancelled following the terror attack in the city.He averages 43.76 in his first-class career with ten centuries, the most recent of which came against West Indies for New Zealand A last week”It’s an exciting opportunity for him at the top of the order and I know he’s just looking forward to getting involved after some near opportunities that didn’t eventuate,” captain Kane Williamson said. “He’s been around the environment for some time without getting his first opportunity so I think that’s also a real positive. Often you come into teams and it’s new, you are trying to get a feel for the group but he’s got that feel, he’s an experienced player, has played a lot of first-class cricket and to a very high standard and he deserves that opportunity.”He’s pretty calm and relaxed and knows that he just wants to go out and contribute as much as he can to the team so that attitude is a great thing to have.”Watling picked up the injury during his last outing in the Ford Trophy and following assessment in Hamilton it was decided there was too much risking including him for a Test.”He has seen it all before,” Williamson said. “He knows his body better than anybody. Obviously, he has got a sore hamstring at the moment, but he’s very confident that he can get back to full fitness quite soon. He himself is aware of the challenges you put your body through over a five-day period, and so it’s very difficult to go into a match at a sort of half-fitness.”He cares about the team more than anybody, so he sees it from that perspective. Through discussion with the management, they found that was the best option. He’s a leader in the group, and he showed that through the conversations we had yesterday.”A decision over the rest of the final XI is yet to be made with one of the key debates whether New Zealand go in with a frontline spin option in Mitchell Santner, who was called up in place of the injured Ajaz Patel, or opt for an all-pace attack.”It’s a little bit tricky,” Williamson said of the make-up of the likely XI. “Naturally that is always a bit of a challenge playing in New Zealand, and looking at the roles that you might believe have larger factors. It’s unique to here more than in other places in the world.”

تمكن ريال مدريد من تسجيل هدفين في الوقت القاتل بشباك ريال مايوركا، بمنافسات كأس السوبر الإسباني.

ويواجه ريال مدريد نظيره ريال مايوركا، ضمن منافسات دور نصف نهائي كأس السوبر الإسباني، على ملعب “الملك عبد الله الدولي”.

اقرأ ايضاً.. فيديو | لاعب ريال مدريد يغادر مباراة ريال مايوركا مصابًا

وأحرز مارتن فالينت هدفاً عكسياً في مرمى فريقه بحلول الدقيقة الثالثة من الوقت المحتسب بدل من ضائع عن نهاية المباراة.

بينما نجح لاعب ريال مدريد، رودريجو، في تسجيل هدف ريال مدريد الثالث بحلول الدقيقة الخامسة من الوقت المحتسب بدل من ضائع عن نهاية المباراة.

الهدف الجاء بعدما تلقى رودريجو تمريرة عرضية من لوكاس فاسيكز، الذي سدد الكرة وهز شباك الخصم. هدف ريال مدريد الثاني في مرمي ريال مايوركا 2 0 كأس ملك اسبانيا

هدف رودريجو في مرمي ريال مايوركا بكأس ملك اسبانيا

Leicester City managed to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking last season, not falling victim to any dramatic last-minute heartbreaks like Leeds United, but rather triumphantly holding the Championship title aloft at the end of the challenging 46-game marathon.

Enzo Maresca has now left the Foxes hot seat after delivering this instant promotion success though, with Steve Cooper tasked with keeping the East Midlands outfit afloat upon their re-entry to the top division.

The former Nottingham Forest boss has already signed off a number of new signings, with Matias Soule potentially next through the door, but the Welshman will also be having some awkward off-season conversations now with players he will be looking at offloading if he can.

Victor Kristiansen's future at Leicester

It would be understandable, from a Leicester point of view, if you had completely wiped from your memory the once record-breaking purchase of Victor Kristiansen, with the Danish full-back joining the King Power Stadium for an excessive £17m back in 2023, the most a player from his native Superliga has ever been sold for.

Yet, despite splashing the cash lavishly for the former FC Copenhagen man just a year ago, Kristiansen never managed to fully acclimatise to his new English surroundings, leading to a loan deal to move to Bologna coming to fruition after the Foxes' dreadful relegation.

The Serie A side were rumoured to be tempted into trying to sign the 21-year-old back permanently, but that deal is yet to get off the ground, with Kristiansen now reporting back to Leicester first-team training instead, after venturing out to Germany for the Euros with his Scandinavian nation.

With only 14 Leicester appearances under his belt, the Copenhagen-born defender's time at Leicester would be coming to a very abrupt end if he was to be moved on, after showing some signs of early promise donning a Foxes strip in the top-flight.

Emotionally embraced by his family after making his Premier League debut in February last year, Kristiansen did shine in that outing away at Aston Villa, with 100% of his ground duels successfully won in the barnstorming 4-2 win.

Helping Thiago Motta's men clinch Champions League football whilst out on loan too, Cooper might not turn his nose up in attempting to keep Kristiansen around.

Yet, when you look at this expected transfer valuation via Football Transfers, the newly promoted side might look to cash in, with his value above that of Soule's speculated £25.2m fee.

Kristiansen's transfer value in 2024

Kristiansen's worth has skyrocketed to a grand £29.4m, despite the Danish defender never making waves back at Leicester, which means he is the most high-value asset currently in Cooper's camp.

Therefore, it feels like a no-brainer decision for all involved to try and offload the 21-year-old to capitalise on his high worth in the here and now, before it inevitably shrinks again.

1. Victor Kristiansen

£29.4m

2. Wout Faes

£17.9m

3. Boubakary Soumare

£14.4m

4. Wilfried Ndidi

£12.8m

5. Stephy Mavididi

£12.7m

The ex-Bologna loan star is some way out in front, when looking at the table above, with the likes of Wout Faes, Wilfried Ndidi and Stephy Mavididi all paling in comparison with their respective values, despite performing week in week out for the Foxes to be crowned league winners last season.

Leicester will just hope paying an excessive amount for Soule pays off, with the Juventus winger dazzling in Serie A last season facing off against Kristiansen's Bologna, helping himself to 11 goals from 39 clashes for Frosinone.

Once described as being a "powerful" player when signing for Leicester by ex-Foxes player Iwan Roberts, this deal just hasn't worked out whatsoever for the Dane, and his short time at the King Power could soon be up if a suitor gambles on his expensive services.

Leicester table fresh £21m bid for "fantastic" ace they're pushing to sign

The Foxes aren’t giving up in their pursuit…

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Newcastle United have reportedly moved to hijack a transfer for a "big character" this summer, with Aston Villa already bidding £21.1m for his services.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies are eyeing up new signings all over the pitch, with the centre of Eddie Howe's defence arguably a key area to bring in reinforcements, amid injury problems there. Barcelona ace Ronald Araujo has emerged as a hugely exciting option, but Premier League rivals Manchester United and Manchester City are also believed to be interested in snapping him up.

Elsewhere, a near £30m bid is reportedly being prepared for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, who is seen as one of the most exciting young players around currently, having done well at Turf Moor since sealing a permanent move from City last summer. The 21-year-old could come in and provide stern competition for Nick Pope, who found himself injured too often in 2023/24.

Juventus midfielder Arthur Melo has also been touted as a summer target for Newcastle, although the Brazilian did struggle in a loan spell at Liverpool in 2023, making only one appearance and not playing once in the league. He is believed to be available for £17m, however, and wants a return to England.

The Magpies are tussling with Bayern Munich for the signing of Mainz right-sided midfielder Brajan Gruda, too, with the 20-year-old available for £42m in the current transfer window.

Newcastle want to hijack move for Aston Villa target

According to Gazzetta dello Sport [via Sport Witness], Newcastle are moving to sign Lazio midfielder Matteo Guendouzi this summer, entering the race in the "last few hours". The Magpies are looking to swoop in ahead of Villa, who have already attempted to tempt the former Arsenal youngster with a £21.1m bid.

Guendouzi has the potential to be a really shrewd signing by Newcastle ahead of next season, with the Frenchman an impressive midfielder who has Premier League experience, enjoying 57 outings in the competition in the past, and featuring 82 times for Arsenal in total.

The Lazio man may still only be 25 years of age, but he has been a highly-rated prospect for some time now, with Gary Neville hailing him back in 2020, saying: "Since the moment he came into the team, Guendouzi, he has looked like a big character and a leader.

"He gets on the ball all the time, he shows great courage to play and he’s always demanding from his teammates. He’s not (a squad player). You see him on the pitch, he’s always got his arms stretched, looking over his shoulder. He demands from himself but also others."

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This all points towards Guendouzi shining for Newcastle, adding bite and technical ability in the middle of the park – he completed 85.5% of his passes in Serie A last season – and pipping Villa to his signature would make it even sweeter, considering they are direct rivals, with both fighting for European football next season.

Bairstow in line to bat No. 3 in Sri Lanka and hopes to be “huge contributor” to Test side

George Dobell07-Jan-2021Jonny Bairstow believes he can be “a huge contributor” to England’s Test team over the next few years, claiming his game has never been better.Bairstow hasn’t played Test cricket for more than a year and hasn’t scored a Test century for more than two years. But, despite having played only two first-class games in 2020, he looks set to bat at No. 3 in Sri Lanka.He will go into that series with decent memories of success in the country, at least. His most recent Test century – 110 in November 2018 – came in Colombo when he was recalled to bat at No. 3 in the final match of the series. However, he has averaged just 18.55 in 10 Tests since the end of that tour.Related

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“I genuinely think my game’s in the best place it’s been,” he said shortly after England completed their first training session in Hambantota. “Obviously there have been periods when I’ve wanted to work on different things. Techniques do change; they’re ever evolving.”The work I’ve put into my game and the runs I’ve got left in the tank over the next three, four, five years… I definitely believe I can be a huge contributor to English cricket in the Test arena. I’ve proved it in the past.”It was interesting to note that Bairstow talked only of “runs”. Despite improving markedly as a keeper over his time in the Test side, he would appear to be – at best – third choice keeper on this tour, behind Jos Buttler and Ben Foakes.But, following Rishabh Pant’s tough day with the gloves in Sydney, CricViz produced some statistics to put his keeping struggles in perspective – statistics that also showed that Bairstow’s record as a keeper against spin was substantially better than Matt Prior’s and significantly better than Buttler’s. Indeed, since 2010, his catch success percentage was shown to be better than that of MS Dhoni, Brad Haddin and many more.Still, it was a keeper-batsman Bairstow compared himself to when making the point about his long-term record.”I’m less than 60 runs short [actually 69] of Matty Prior’s runs on pretty much exactly the same amount of innings [123 in Test cricket],” Bairstow said. “He averaged 40 [40.18], I average 35 [34.74].”But he’s had something like 20 [21] not outs while I’ve only had seven. So if you do the numbers on it, I’m still averaging and scoring. It’s just the not outs which are a bit different.”I’m content with where I am in my head. I’m excited about what is to come with my red-ball stuff and that’s a good place to be.”England will play an intra-squad warm-up game starting on January 8•ESPNcricinfo Ltd

If Bairstow required any further motivation, he may receive it with the knowledge that Ollie Pope is set to make a partial return to action on Friday. While Pope was not named in the original tour party – not even as a back-up player – he is expected to take some part in the warm-up game as he targets the India series for a full return.So, although Pope is not expected to spend long in the field in this game, as he builds up strength in the shoulder that has required surgery, Bairstow may feel him, figuratively at least, breathing down his neck. Rory Burns and Ben Stokes can be expected to return for that India series, too.England also hope the warm-up match starting on Friday will provide an introduction to Jacques Kallis in his new role as batting consultant. Kallis, who arrived from South Africa on a commercial flight a few days ago, is due to leave quarantine on Friday morning. Bairstow described his involvement as “absolutely brilliant” and “a fantastic addition”. Kallis averaged 49.77 in 49 Tests batting at No. 3.”In my eyes he is the best allrounder that there has ever been,” Bairstow said. “I’m really looking forward to listening to what he has to say and working with him.”The warm-up game will see the England squad split into two teams – Team Root and Team Buttler – to play a two-day match. With rain expected on the second day, each side will bat and bowl for 50 overs on day one.All this, however, is subject to Covid-19 test results. The entire squad were tested again on Thursday with an expectation that the results will be announced on Friday. Any further positive tests could prove enormously problematic.

The wicketkeeper is out of contract at the end of the 2021 season

George Dobell01-Feb-2021Ben Cox has turned down a new contract offer from Worcestershire.Cox, widely regarded as one of the best keepers in the English game, is out of contract at the end of the 2021 season. He was offered a two-year extension on improved terms but has decided to go into the final year of his contract, meaning he will be able to hear offers from other counties.Aged 28, Cox is at the stage of his career where he may feel time is running out on his ambition to play international cricket. While he has represented England Lions and secured a contract with Trent Rockets in the Hundred, he has limited franchise experience – he recently had to pull out of a stint in the Abu Dhabi T10 after a bout of Covid-19 – and was briefly left out of Worcestershire’s County Championship side in favour of Alex Milton.Cox’s relationship with Worcestershire has been long and, to this point, highly successful. Cox made his debut for the club as a 17-year-old schoolboy in 2009. After a tricky start, he has emerged into a top-class keeper who has played a significant role in Worcestershire’s white-ball success with his ability to stand up to the stumps to many of the side’s seamers. He has previously impressed with his keeping off the spin of Saeed Ajmal, who had a spell as overseas player at the club. Perhaps only Ben Foakes, among contemporary English keepers, is more highly regarded.While Cox is not quite in the same class with the bat as Foakes, he is still a useful middle-order batsman. He was player of the match in both the semi-final and the final of the T20 Blast when Worcestershire won the competition in 2018 – he made an unbeaten 46 in the final and finished the game off with a six and four off Jofra Archer – and has made four first-class centuries and one more in List A cricket.It may be, however, that Cox feels he needs to move to gain more appreciation for his skills or that he needs to focus minds at New Road as he negotiates the next phase of his career. A period in the shop window has worked wonders for other players.ECB regulations prohibit approaches on contracted players until a few weeks into their final season, so there has been no contact with other clubs at this stage. But it is likely that several – including, perhaps, Somerset and Warwickshire – could be interested in a player with Cox’s skills. Nottinghamshire could be another attractive destination, with their incumbent wicketkeeper Tom Moores out of contract at the end of the season and yet to sign a new deal.Worcestershire’s management revealed Cox’s status at an online forum with county members. They subsequently released minutes of the meeting saying they would be “disappointed” if he left but saying “that is up to the player.” They also revealed that former captain, Daryl Mitchell, former England Lions player Ross Whiteley, Riki Wessels, Josh Dell and Milton are out of contract at the end of the 2021 season.

MatériaMais Notícias

O apresentador Neto criticou veementemente o anúncio publicado por Daniel Alves, em que o jogador anuncia a decisão de permanecer sem clube até o fim do ano. Na postagem, o ex-jogador do São Paulo afirmou que a rescisão com o clube paulista não foi motivada por “dinheiro”, e sim”valores”, “hombridade”, “caráter” e “legado”.

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– Venho aqui comunicar que optei por não assinar com nenhum clube para o resto do ano. Vim ao Brasil por um sonho de criança, e o sonho foi realizado. Ser campeão com o clube do coração não tem preço. Não é sobre dinheiro, é sobre valores, é sobre hombridade, é sobre caráter, É SOBRE LEGADO. As decisões difíceis precisam ser tomadas, mas como sempre nada na minha vida foi fácil. É apenas mais uma decisão. Agradeço a todos pelo interesse, mas gostaria que o capitulo fosse fechado sem nenhuma interferência. Sei que foi comentado muitas coisas, mas a verdade é só uma, vim aqui por um sonho e saio daqui realizado – escreveu Daniel Alves.

+ Veja a posição do seu time no Brasileirão!

No programa “Baita Amigos”, o comunicador disse que o ex-São Paulo mentiu no texto de desabafo. Neto alegou também que a escolha de deixar o Tricolor foi motivada por dinheiro.

– É mentira sua. Você foi conversar com clubes para acertar. Então, o que esta escrito é mentira! Não tem preço? Tem sim! Você não jogou a final e ganhou R$ 18 milhões só de rescisão. É sobre dinheiro sim. É sobre grana. Você saiu por causa de dinheiro, se não ficaria. É tudo mentira! Quem achar que é verdade, tudo certo, tem problema algum. Você não deixou legado nenhum no São Paulo, só dívidas – disparou Neto.

Nos últimos dias, havia expectativa no Rio de Janeiro para o acerto entre Fluminense e Daniel Alves por conta do período de inscrições para o Campeonato Brasileiro, que se encerrou na sexta-feira. Aos 38 anos, o ex-Barcelona agora espera a abertura de uma nova janela de transferências para decidir seu destino.

Manchester United have reportedly inquired about Leroy Sane as the Bayern Munich star edges closer to an exit from the Allianz Arena.

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Man Utd inquire about Leroy SaneSane close to an exit from BayernArsenal also interested in wingerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Manchester United had a poor start to the season under Erik ten Hag which resulted in the Dutchman's sacking and Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim's appointment as head coach. The Red Devils are now looking to make upgrades to their attack in January to try and set Amorim up for success.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

As per BILD, Manchester United have approached Bayern Munich about Sane's availability during the January transfer window but the German could be available in the summer of 2025 as a free agent. In the Red Devils' current squad, only Antony is seen as a natural right-winger with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho preferring to play on the left side. As such, Manchester United are looking to give Amorim a better option on the right.

DID YOU KNOW?

As per the report, Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have also shown interest in Sane's services. However, the former Manchester City winger is said to be open to having a conversation with Bayern Munich over a contract extension before making a decision on his future.

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Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR SANE?

The 28-year-old has not been a nailed-on starter for Vincent Kompany, and as such, Bayern may not be too reluctant to let him leave if either club makes an approach in January, especially given the fact that he could exit the club for free in the summer.

Manchester United are in advanced talks to sign a "terrific" £130k-a-week player this summer, according to an update from Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Man Utd transfer rumours

The Red Devils have made a promising start to their summer transfer window, with Joshua Zirzkee and Leny Yoro representing exciting young signings, steering away from the previous approach of signing older players.

United's spending is highly unlikely to stop there, however, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to complete various pieces of business, and Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries has been linked with a summer move to Old Trafford. Talks have been held with the Dutchman, with a potential swap deal with Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the cards.

Meanwhile, central midfield looks like a key area of focus for Erik ten Hag this summer, with his former player at Ajax, Frenkie de Jong, one rumoured option again. Manuel Ugarte is seen as another option, with the Uruguayan keen on joining United and leaving Paris Saint-Germain.

Real Sociedad's impressive midfielder Martin Zubimendi is also a reported target for Ratcliffe and INEOS, having sealed Euro 2024 glory with Spain earlier this summer, producing an impressive individual second-half performance in the final against England.

Man Utd "pushing" to sign Bayern player with talks "advanced"

Taking to X, Plettenberg claimed that Manchester United are "pushing" to sign Bayern Munich full-back Noussair Mazraouri and talks are "advanced", with West Ham's move for him now off:

Full-back does need to be looked at as an important position to bring in reinforcements, even though Luke Shaw remains an excellent option when he is fit and firing on the left-hand side. The problem is, the Englishman struggles to stay fit too often these days, and turns 30 next year, so it is important that a top-quality successor is lined up.

The £130,000-a-week Mazraoui could provide cover at left-back, although he is primarily a right-back, having made 55 appearances for Bayern, showing that he can perform for one of the biggest clubs in Europe. That means he shouldn't be daunted by joining United, and could slot straight in, and former manager Julian Nagelsmann has lauded him in the past, saying:

"Terrific! He had good attacking moments but also defended well. He has done exceptionally well and has more confidence in himself. He will start tomorrow and can show what he's capable of."

Man Utd now eyeing move for "complete" player who INEOS have signed before

The Red Devils are looking to sign a back-up for Luke Shaw…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 26, 2024

At 26, Mazraoui is both hugely experienced and still young enough to find another gear, and it looks as if a deal is one to watch over the coming days following this update.