All posts by n8rngtd.top

A familiar tale played itself out as defensive frailties and poor shot selection hastened the visitors’ slide to defeat

Mohammad Isam in Indore16-Nov-2019Big gaps between bat and pad, bats coming down at odd angles against seaming deliveries, indecision outside the off stump, and the general lack of long-format temperament. Saturday was the same old story for the Bangladesh batting line-up in an overseas Test match, and the flaws were further exposed by arguably the best bowling attack in the world.It was only thanks to Mushfiqur Rahim, who faced one-third of all the balls faced by Bangladesh’s batsmen in the entire Test, that the game went on until 3.30pm on the third day. He hadn’t done anything out of the ordinary, but among a group of batsmen who hardly showed any patience, his 43 and 64 stood out like a beacon.Openers Shadman Islam and Imrul Kayes looked susceptible against both the incoming and outgoing deliveries. Both got out to balls leaving them on the first day, and on the third day both were bowled by balls that came back in, and not terribly sharply. They were undone by subtle movement.Mahmudullah was undone by his lack of patience in both innings, exposing all three stumps and missing a sweep in the first and poking at numerous deliveries from the quicks in the second. Mohammad Mithun survived 36 and 26 balls, and could be considered unlucky to get out to a brilliant delivery in the first innings, but in the second dig, his bat coming down at an angle got him into trouble against a Mohammed Shami bouncer.Liton Das may have fewer technical issues to sort out, but his impatience is eating into his international career. In the second innings, he put on 63 with Mushfiqur before giving it away by playing one shot too many.Mushfiqur Rahim flicks one on the leg side•BCCIThrough this Test match, Bangladesh’s batsmen were not in control of 20% of the balls they faced, as against India’s 5%. While this was reflective of the disparity in quality between the two attacks the respective teams faced, it was also indicative of the issues of technique and shot selection that continue to bog down Bangladesh in Test cricket.Even Mushfiqur isn’t without flaws. Teams have been trying to target him with the big inswinger homing in on his off and middle stumps, in the hope that he’ll leave a gap between bat and pad. West Indies have tasted notable success with this tactic recently, and Shami did so too in the first innings, finding the gap between bat and pad. There were a couple of close calls of this nature on day three too.Mushfiqur will no doubt busy himself practising against the incoming ball over the next five days, trying his best to iron out his weakness. At least he knows exactly what his issue is. And at least it’s just one issue. The problems are a lot more complicated when it comes to his colleagues. In overseas conditions in the last two years, they have been exposed in multiple ways, technically and mentally.It calls into question Bangladesh’s preparation for these challenges.Apart from the lead-up to the 2015 World Cup – when their then coach Chandika Hathurusingha installed a granite slab at the Shere Bangla National Stadium to simulate the bounce of Australian pitches – there haven’t been too many recent instances of Bangladesh coming up with specific training methods to combat specific challenges. That kind of preparation is essential for batsmen to develop the habits that will serve them well when their techniques are examined relentlessly for long periods.Bangladesh’s recent struggles against New Zealand, West Indies and India have suggested that this isn’t happening.It isn’t that Bangladesh’s batsmen lack the pedigree to play at the top level. The current lot is much better against pace and bounce, for instance, than previous generations were. But when it comes to dealing with a full arsenal of bowlers asking them questions ball after ball, they are still quite some way behind most batting line-ups.

Nottingham Forest could now look to hijack a rival Premier League club’s move for an “unbelievable” player, according to transfer expert Graeme Bailey.

Forest's summer transfer plans taking shape

Forest still have plenty to play for this season, with Champions League qualification still very much on the cards despite the 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa last weekend, while they will also have dreams of winning the FA Cup.

However, with the summer transfer window edging ever closer, it is important Nuno begins to lay the groundwork ahead of next season, and the manager appears to be particularly keen on signing a new striker.

Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, AFC Bournemouth’s Evanilson, and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha are some of the biggest names on the shortlist, with Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin also emerging as an option in recent days.

Nottingham Forest very keen on signing £26m USA international this summer

The Tricky Trees have set their sights on a midfielder, who is now likely to leave his club this summer.

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 8, 2025

Bolstering his attacking options appears to be a priority for Nuno, but there have also been suggestions the manager could look to bring in a new goalkeeper this summer, with replacements being eyed for Matz Sels, despite his impressive form.

Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is one of the names on the shortlist, with the 26-year-old set to be available for £25m, now the Saints’ relegation from the Premier League has been confirmed.

Speaking to Nottingham Forest News, transfer expert Bailey has now confirmed Burnley’s James Trafford is also of interest to the Trickly Trees, saying: “They have been delighted with how Sels has performed, he has been superb but I know they are looking at the market.

“There are some very good goalkeepers going to be available – Aaron Ramsdale, James Trafford and Caoimhin Kelleher amongst them, and Forest like those three – and that isn’t including the plethora of foreign options. It is not definite but they are looking at it.”

Trafford could be "unbelievable" signing

Sels has been reliable for Forest between the sticks this season, starting all 31 of their Premier League matches, but there are clear indications Trafford could be an upgrade on the Belgian.

Burnley have shipped just 12 goals in the Championship this season, which is by far the best defensive record in the league, and he has received high praise from minority owner JJ Watt, who lauded the goalkeeper as “unbelievable”.

That description is fully justified, given that the 6’6″ colossus ranks extremely highly on a number of key metrics for goalkeepers over the past year.

Trafford has long been expected to sign for Newcastle United this summer, and it may be difficult to hijack the move for the goalkeeper, but if Champions League football is on offer at the City Ground next season, moving to Forest could be an attractive proposition.

Arsenal have now been informed an “unbelievable” forward could be available for a fee of £80m in the summer transfer window, according to a report.

Gunners planning to bolster attacking options

At this stage, it seems almost certain that a new striker will arrive at the Emirates Stadium this summer, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealing the Gunners are now “working hard” to secure a deal.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres are among the more attainable targets, while Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is also well-liked, although the Magpies have shown little interest in sanctioning a departure this summer.

Not only has Mikel Arteta set his sights on a new striker, but there is also interest in a versatile forward, and Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo is on the shortlist, with the Bees looking to receive a fee of £50m for the Cameroonian.

Pole position: Arsenal now leading Spurs in race for "incredible" £30m star

The Emirates Stadium is now the most likely destination for a forward who scored the winning goal in a Champions League final.

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 21, 2025

Mbeumo’s performances in the Premier League this season indicate he could be a great fit at the Emirates Stadium, but there have now been suggestions the north Londoners could also look to bring in one of Europe’s most renowned forwards.

According to a report from The Boot Room, Arsenal have now been informed that Barcelona star Raphinha could be available for £80m this summer, with intermediaries hinting that a deal may be possible in talks.

The Gunners are huge admirers of the left-winger, and they will remain informed about his situation at the Camp Nou, where the Brazilian remains very happy, with Barcelona currently attempting to tie him down to a new contract.

There could be fierce competition for the 28-year-old’s signature, with Chelsea and Liverpool said to be big fans, while there is also interest from the Saudi Pro League, with clubs willing to fork out £100m for his services.

"Unbelievable" Raphina draws praise from Thierry Henry

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is clearly a big admirer of the Brazil international, stating he “has it all” after Barcelona’s triumph against Napoli in the Champions League back in March, while also tipping him as a favourite for the Ballon d’Or.

The former Leeds United man has been extremely influential en-route to the Champions League semi-finals, picking up 12 goals and seven assists, while also ranking extremely highly on several key attacking metrics over the past year.

Lauded as “unbelievable” by Romano, Raphinha could be capable of taking Arsenal’s frontline to the next level, but given that he remains happy at Barcelona, it remains to be seen whether a deal is possible.

Tottenham Hotspur and chairman Daniel Levy are making transfer plans ahead of the looming summer window, with a report now suggesting Spurs have their eyes on a West Ham United star.

Tottenham's rumoured transfer plans amid Postecoglou uncertainty

The Telegraph’s Matt Law has already reported that the Lilywhites are facing a potentially difficult ‘sell to buy’ style window, so the club are carefully planning their targets amid the very uncertain future of manager Ange Postecoglou.

24-year-old confirms decision to leave Tottenham after talks with Spurs

They’ve reached an agreement to mutually part ways.

2

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 29, 2025

While Postecoglou faces the looming threat of being sacked by Spurs, regardless of their Europa League campaign (The Telegraph), the Lilywhites are running out of time to prepare for the special limited-edition first summer window of 2025, which will open from June 1st to June 10th.

This gives clubs like Man City and Chelsea an opportunity to sign players before the Club World Cup, but it could also hand Spurs an early opportunity to strengthen the squad, even if it famously isn’t Levy’s style to get deals done early.

Tottenham reportedly want to strengthen their squad across the board, and are one of the many Premier League sides eyeing a move for Bournemouth starlet Dean Huijsen, who is set to be in high demand thanks to his £50 million release clause (Sky Sports).

Spurs are also targeting Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Hugo Larsson, who would apparently be open to joining them (GiveMeSport), but Postecoglou’s side are also keen to bolster their attacking options.

Richarlison could well depart Spurs this summer, and the same can be said of Bryan Gil and Manor Solomon, who don’t appear to have long-term futures at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after spending 2024/2025 out on loan elsewhere.

A permanent deal for Mathys Tel could still be on the cards, with there being confidence both Bayern and the north Londoners can come to an amicable agreement, but the Frenchman may not be their only forward signing.

Tottenham could now bid £51 million for West Ham forward Jarrod Bowen

According to a report from CaughtOffside, West Ham star Jarrod Bowen is of interest to Tottenham.

The England international has bagged nine goals and seven assists in the league this season, standing out for the Irons amid a disappointing campaign, and this has attracted admiring glances from across London.

It is now believed Tottenham could even bid £51 million to sign Bowen from West Ham, but according to other reports, this may not be anywhere near enough. Graham Potter’s side consider Bowen “untouchable”, as per Daily Express reporter Ryan Taylor, and West Ham valued their star man at around £100 million just last summer.

Signing him for half that price just one year later is a tall order for Levy, especially considering their fierce rivalry on the field. Called one of the Premier League’s most “underrated” stars of recent years, West Ham are fully aware of his value, and it would surely take a record-breaking bid from Spurs to even get them thinking.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has suggested that he would like to extend his Everton contract, which is due to expire this summer, in comments which pertained to the excitement surrounding David Moyes’ budding project. BBC Sport report that a new deal is in the pipeline.

Injury-prone and inconsistent this season, some will feel the £100k-per-week star should depart, but keeping him on the books would lessen the urgency for a new number nine.

Thus allowing for signings across other areas, signing one new striker instead of two. It means Everton could move for their next Iliman Ndiaye, a player who has been nothing short of a revelation for the Toffees this term.

Iliman Ndiaye will be the key for Moyes

Ndiaye has proved this season that Everton do have the players to become a high-level attacking force while still being rooted in Moyes’ core defensive principles.

Joining from Marseille in a deal worth £15m last summer, the Senegal international has scored nine goals across 34 Everton appearances, a shining light for Dyche and one of the driving forces behind the Moyes-led resurgence, scoring three in a row before being unfortunately injured in February’s Merseyside derby.

He’s quite the player, this 25-year-old left winger, all electric pace and frightening directness, with Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp hailing him for his “dynamite” ability earlier in the campaign.

It would take some beating to secure a signing capable of topping Ndiaye this summer, but The Friedkin Group are the harbingers of a new era, and they might just have their sights set on a real force.

Everton could seal their best signing since Ndiaye

Earlier this week, Football Insider revealed that Everton will explore the possibility of signing Gustavo Hamer from Sheffield United this summer, though a deal will likely hinge on whether the Blades qualify for the Premier League through the Championship play-offs.

Hamer, who last week was named the Championship’s Player of the Season, joined United from Coventry City in a £15m deal in 2023 and has since made 81 appearances, notching 29 goal contributions, with his technical quality and tireless work rate setting him apart from his positional rivals in England’s second tier.

This season, he’s been a fearsome presence off the left flank of Chris Wilder’s system, with journalist Ryan Dilks even going as far as to call him a “creative genius.”

Shifting beteen the left lane and a more central creative berth for his outfit this season, Hamer ranks among the top 20% of positional peers in the Championship for goal involvements, the top 6% for passes attempted, the top 1% for progressive passes and the top 4% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref, underscoring his value as a high-class playmaker.

Given that he demonstrated his ability to thrive in England’s highest tier last year – and in an imperilled Blades team at that – by clinching ten goal contributions, creating 11 big chances and averaging 4.4 ball recoveries per game, as per Sofascore, there’s every chance that the 27-year-old could rival Ndiaye for that left-sided berth and potentially even elevate his game to the next level.

His playmaking prowess seems tailor-made for the success of a player like Ndiaye, and Calvert-Lewin, for that matter. It would be a fantastic signing and the perfect way for TFG to show to Moyes and the Blues fanbase that this new chapter could be one to remember.

The next Barkley: Everton considering move for "unbelievable" £15m star

David Moyes is looking to overhaul his Everton squad this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 2, 2025

While this season has come to an incredibly underwhelming end, Mikel Arteta has still helped to utterly transform Arsenal.

The Spaniard took charge of the side when they were languishing in tenth place, and now he’s led them to a Champions League semi-final and potentially a third second-place finish in the Premier League in as many years.

Moreover, the former captain has overseen a clear improvement of the team in almost all areas, from defence to midfield, between the sticks and out wide.

However, one position in the team which has probably got worse since December 2019 is centre-forward, as Arteta hasn’t been able to find a poacher as prolific as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, although based on recent reports, that might be about to change.

Arsenal's striker search

You don’t have to be a brilliant analyst to see that a lack of cutting-edge up top has cost Arsenal this season, so, in turn, it’s hardly surprising to see the club linked with several sensational strikers in recent weeks, like Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

The former has arguably been the best centre-forward in the Premier League this season, racking up a haul of 27 goals and six assists in 41 games this season, but with recent reports claiming he could cost the club in excess of £127m, this feels like more of a dream than a realistic transfer.

Coming in at the slightly more reasonable £63m is his compatriot Gyokeres, and while that’s still a lot of money, his tally of 52 goals and 13 assists in 50 games suggest he’s worth it.

Even then, Andrea Berta and Co might want an even better deal, which might explain the interest in Jonathan David.

According to a recent report from Italy, Arsenal are now one of several sides incredibly interested in signing the LOSC Lille star, whose current contract will come to an end this summer.

Interestingly, while the likes of Inter Milan, West Ham United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle United are credited with an interest in the Canadian international, the report has revealed that the Gunners are currently the favourites to secure his services.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line as Napoli, another interested party, have already made a salary offer to the forward. That said, Arsenal would surely have the financial firepower to outmuscle the Italian side to his signature.

Why David would be Arsenal's best striker since Aubameyang

While things might’ve ended on a sour note, there can be no denying that for much of his time at Arsenal, Aubameyang was a goalscoring tour de force.

For example, he became the fastest player in the club’s history to hit 50 Premier League goals, and when he left, he did so with 92 goals and 21 assists in 163 games, which, again, is made all the more impressive when you take into account his lacklustre final 18-months.

Since he left for free in early 2022, three players have led the line for the Gunners: Alexandre Lacazette, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.

The former became the club’s starting nine in the latter half of the 22/23 campaign, and while he didn’t do too badly, he wasn’t prolific and eventually ended that season with a haul of 17 goals and three assists in 41 games.

For their efforts, Jesus and Havertz have managed to rack up tallies of 46 goal involvements in 96 games and 42 goal involvements in 85 games, respectively.

However, while the latter two have done well in North London, their level of output doesn’t come close to David’s.

For example, this season alone has seen the “mind-blowing” forward, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, score 25 goals and provide 12 assists in 48 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.29 games.

Moreover, he’s been this effective for some time, as, over the last four campaigns, the New York-born marksman, whom journalist Tony Marinaro dubbed “one of the best strikers in the world,” has scored 96 goals and provided 25 assists in just 183 club appearances, which is a goal involvement every 1.51 games.

Ultimately, while Arsenal have had some good forwards play for them since Aubameyang left, there is no doubt that, thanks to his incredible track record, David would be their best striker since the Gabonese icon.

Top target: Arsenal now very keen on £48m forward who's "ideal" for Arteta

The Gunners have identified an “unbelievable” star as their number one target at left-wing.

By
Dominic Lund

May 12, 2025

With the summer transfer window fast approaching, Manchester City are now reportedly readying a formal proposal to sign a talented South American defender for Pep Guardiola.

Pep reveals Man City's FA Cup pride

Whilst it’s been a fairly disappointing season in the Premier League and arguably Guardiola’s toughest, Manchester City still have the FA Cup final to look forward to this weekend. In what is the third year in a row that the Citizens have reached the final at Wembley, they will be desperate to avoid an upset against Crystal Palace and fall at the final hurdle for the second consecutive year.

Perez willing to sell: Man City now in talks with "special" Real Madrid ace

He could ditch the Bernabeu this summer…

By
Tom Cunningham

May 15, 2025

Guardiola knows exactly what the occasion means and spoke about how proud he and his side are of their FA Cup achievements in recent years. The Spaniard told reporters earlier this week: “I say it every time we are in this position, but I will say it again: it is such a privilege to be able to play in this incredible stadium and have a chance to win this beautiful trophy,” said Guardiola, ahead of his squad’s trip to north-west London.

“This is our third year in a row in the FA Cup Final, which is something we are very, very proud of. In the FA Cup, you play all the top teams from the Premier League and the Championship and always there are times when it is difficult.

“To have made three Finals in a row shows how consistent we have been. It says everything about this generation of players and the club itself. The FA Cup is the most challenging and beautiful domestic cup competition in the world, there is no doubt about that.”

Away from their potential Wembley success this weekend, meanwhile, those at The Etihad have already reportedly set their sights on welcoming a defensive reinforcement when the summer transfer window arrives.

Man City readying Wesley proposal

According to Coluna do Fla, as relayed by Sport Witness, Manchester City are now readying a formal proposal worth €35m (£29m) to sign Wesley Franca from Flamengo this summer. The Brazilian right-back is reportedly keen on a move to Man City, but has also attracted interest from Manchester United and Liverpool as a result of his impressive campaign.

Their £29m proposal will reportedly fall short of Flamengo’s valuation, however, with the Brazilian club demanding as much as €45m (£38m) to sell Wesley before the Club World Cup begins.

Dubbed “pacy” by South American football expert Nathan Joyes, Wesley looks set to have quite a decision to make this summer. With a whole host of Premier League clubs chasing his signature, the 21-year-old looks destined for England and may well end up in a Manchester City side who desperately need a right-back.

Crystal Palace are now eager to sign a £20m midfielder, who could join as part of a swap deal for Marc Guehi in the summer, according to reliable reporter Alan Nixon.

Guehi could be heading for the exit door

It was widely reported that Palace chose to reject a £70m bid for Guehi from Tottenham Hotspur back in January, and their decision to hold on to their captain was vindicated by their surprise triumph over Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

However, the England international is yet to commit to a new contract, with just over a month remaining on his current deal, and it now looks as though he could be heading for the exit door, considering this summer will be the Eagles’ last chance to cash-in.

The 24-year-old defender would be keen on talks to join Tottenham Hotspur, who have now sealed a spot in next season’s Champions League, while there may also be a temptation to join former club Chelsea, with a £60m move possible.

Crystal Palace intensify transfer talks to bring winger to Selhurst Park

The Eagles are building for next term…

By
Sean Markus Clifford

May 25, 2025

However, according to Alan Nixon, the two clubs may also be able to strike a deal of a different nature, as Crystal Palace are now keen on signing Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, who could join as part of a swap deal for Guehi.

Palace would prefer to pay straight cash for Santos, who impressed on loan at Strasbourg this season, and the Blues are now prepared to cash-in on the midfielder for a fee of around £20m, but a swap deal is not completely off the table either.

Santos is "one-man war machine" in midfield

The Brazilian is yet to make an appearance for Chelsea, but there are signs he could now be ready to start for a Premier League side, having made significant improvements to his game during the 2024-25 campaign.

On loan at French side Strasbourg, the Rio de Janeiro-born ace picked up ten goals and four assists in Ligue 1, while he is very impressive at winning back possession, as demonstrated by the number of tackles he has completed per 90 over the past year.

Having performed well across several key attacking and defensive metrics, the Chelsea gem is clearly a well-rounded player, and the 21-year-old has also received plaudits from football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who described him as a “one-man war machine in midfield.”

Santos could be a fantastic signing for Palace this summer, as Oliver Glasner looks to build a squad capable of competing in the Europa League next season, but they should be hesitant about sending Guehi in the opposite direction unless they receive a huge fee for their captain.

Celtic find themselves in the market for reinforcements this summer and have now moved closer to landing a new target amid recent developments.

Celtic begin to motor in the transfer market

On the face of it, Celtic fans will attest to the fact that the last few days have become a whirlwind in their search for new additions, with several names mentioned in connection with a move to Glasgow’s east end.

Josh Doig could replace Greg Taylor at left-back following Kieran Tierney’s arrival at Parkhead, which would add significant depth on that side of the backline alongside strengthening the Bhoys’ homegrown quota.

Casting the point of focus to Brendan Rodgers’ hunt for a striker, Shay Given has recommended a loan move for Evan Ferguson to Celtic as the Brighton & Hove Albion striker searches for consistency after an unfortunate spell at West Ham United.

He stated: “I just feel he’s ready now to burst onto the scene for a full season with somebody. For us with Ireland it would be great too.

“I don’t know (what) the finances would be to buy him, but if you said for a loan for the season it would be perfect. But I’m not the financial power at Celtic or Newcastle, so I don’t know!”

Celtic moving for attacker who Brendan Rodgers revealed is a real "talent"

The Bhoys could land a familiar fance to Brendan Rodgers…

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Jun 12, 2025

The Champions League qualifiers will soon be on the horizon for Celtic. Being seeded will help, but potential opponents such as Basel and Sturm Graz aren’t to be sniffed at.

Finding value for money on the market is paramount. The Bhoys have a proven track record of bringing in talent with sell-on value, so it will come as no surprise to hear they are heading down the right lines on that front.

Celtic granted permission to speak to Benjamin Nygren

According to Sky Sports, Celtic have been granted permission to speak to Nordsjælland playmaker Benjamin Nygren, and they are now in talks with his representatives to try and convince him to move to Glasgow.

The Sweden international is out of contract in December and is free to explore a transfer due to a gentleman’s agreement with his current employers. It is mooted that he will be available for just £2 million.

Should Celtic agree terms with Nygren, negotiations will then begin with Nordsjælland to agree on a fee. However, it remains to be seen if other players come to the table.

Enjoying a fantastic campaign, the 23-year-old registered 16 goals and four assists in 32 appearances across all competitions this term, operating mainly off the right flank.

Showcasing his versatility, Nygren is also capable of fitting in as an attacking midfielder, centre-forward or on the left-hand side, carrying a level of appeal due to his multi-functional nature.

Now, it remains to be seen if Celtic can push this one over the line as they aim to prolong an era of domestic dominance in Scotland that nobody has been able to match.

Robin van Persie is a striker who managed to hugely impress at Manchester United, leading the club to their last Premier League title back in the 2012/13 campaign.

The Dutchman controversially left rivals Arsenal to join the Red Devils in a £24m deal, a move that would be a massive bargain given his form in front of goal at Old Trafford.

He registered 30 goals in his 48 appearances across all competitions, 26 of which came in the league, subsequently claiming the division’s Golden Boot award.

Van Persie’s talents with the Red Devils are there for all to see, with current boss Ruben Amorim potentially wishing he had his own version of the talisman in the present day.

However, the 40-year-old may be able to land just that this summer, with the manager already laying the foundations for potential additions within the final third.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

With Rasmus Hojlund touted with a move away from United this summer, it’s no surprise to see various names linked with a summer move to join Amorim’s men.

The likes of Moise Kean, Hugo Ekitiké and Benjamin Sesko have all been mentioned as potential additions, as the hierarchy look to add a new dimension to their attack.

However, another name has entered the mix in the form of Dušan Vlahović, with the Juventus talisman set to depart the Italian club this summer, according to GIVEMESPORT.

They claim that United will be offered the opportunity to land the Serbian international for a fee in the region of £20m this summer, with the attacker demanding £200k-per-week.

It also states that the 25-year-old is extremely keen on a move to the Premier League this window, after scoring 10 goals in just 21 league starts this campaign.

Why Vlahovic could be the perfect Gyokeres alternative for United

Viktor Gyokeres is another striker who has been hugely touted with a move to join United this summer, unsurprisingly so given his tally of 54 goals in all competitions this season.

The Swede has also been subject to huge interest from Arsenal, with the pair battling it out for his signature ahead of the reopening of the window next week.

However, any deal would likely cost the Red Devils hierarchy a pretty penny, with Sporting CP demanding a fee in the region of £70m to part ways with the 27-year-old this window.

Such a fee could lead to a move to Vlahovic becoming the main target, given the difference in fee, offering a cheaper alternative who could follow in Van Persie’s footsteps.

The Serbian, who’s been labelled “incredible” by Statman Dave, possesses a similar skillset, with a powerful strike off his stronger left foot – also being able to play off the shoulder, similarly to the Dutchman.

He could also provide a cheaper yet effective option than Gyokeres, managing to produce some impressive figures in numerous key areas despite the difference in fee.

Vlahovic has registered 1.5 shots on target per 90 in Serie A this campaign, showcasing the accuracy that he possesses when finding himself in front of goal within the final third.

He also managed to win 48% of the aerials he’s contested, whilst registering 6.7 touches in the opposition’s box per 90 – handing Amorim a fox in the box option at Old Trafford.

£20m is a bargain in today’s market, especially for a talent like the 25-year-old, with such a deal likely to allow for a potential profit down the line in years to come.

Whilst Gyokeres may be many supporters’ first choice, a move for Vlahovic shouldn’t be looked past, with the Serbian having all the tools to follow in Van Persie’s footsteps at United.

Amorim's own Wirtz: Man Utd lead race to sign "sensational" £70m star

Manchester United appear to be making huge moves with a deal for one talent this summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 12, 2025