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With just a couple of games to go in the Premier League this season, Chelsea sit in a superb position to claim a top-five place and secure a Champions League spot.

The Blues are two points clear of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest, but could be set for a last-day showdown with the Reds at the City Ground – in what will undoubtedly be a nervy affair.

However, regardless of what happens between now and the end of the campaign, Enzo Maresca deserves tremendous credit for the work he’s done during his first year in charge at Stamford Bridge.

The Italian has achieved a 60% win rate in the role, with the prospect of winning the Europa Conference League firmly within their own grasp ahead of tonight’s semi-final second leg against Djurgarden.

However, given their previous work in the transfer market, it would be no surprise to see them spend big again to take the side to the next level under the manager’s guidance.

The latest on Chelsea’s hunt for new signings this summer

Since Maresca took the reins back in the summer of last year, he’s desperately been in the market for a new talisman to help lead the line and take Chelsea to the next level.

Liam Delap has been one player who’s been on their shortlist over the last couple of weeks, potentially moving to the Blues after his £30m relegation release clause became active.

However, he’s not the only attacking player in their sights, with AC Milan winger Rafael Leao once again emerging on their shortlist, according to one Spanish outlet.

The report claims that the Blues have begun talks with the 25-year-old’s representatives over a move to the club after registering 23 combined goals and assists across all competitions this campaign.

It also states that the Portuguese international is seen as a top-level reinforcement for Maresca, taking the side to the left level as a result – but it’s previously been reported he could cost in the region of €80m (£64m).

Why Chelsea’s £64m target would be a better signing than Gittens

Over the last couple of months, Chelsea have been strongly linked with a move to land Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens this summer, but no deal has yet been agreed with the Bundesliga side.

The 20-year-old has impressed in Germany this campaign, registering 12 goals and three assists to date, with other English sides such as Liverpool and Arsenal also interested in his signature.

The former Manchester City youngster looks almost certain to return to England this summer, but the Blues should look to swerve a deal despite their keen interest.

Such an interest in Leao proves the club are evaluating all options to improve their attacking department, needing to make the right call over whom to land to fill the void in the final third.

When comparing the Milan star’s stats with those of Gittens, he’s managed to outperform in numerous key areas, highlighting what a superb addition he would be to Maresca’s side.

Leao, who’s been labelled “world-class” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has registered more combined goals and assists than the Dortmund star’s, whilst also completing more take-ons, showcasing the threat he possesses in attacking areas.

He’s also managed to complete more progressive carries per 90, along with more passes completed into the final third – having the tools to aid other people in improving their own tallies in the final third.

Games played

33

30

Goals & assists

16

11

Progressive passes

3.6

2.1

Passes into final third

1.5

0.8

Shot-creating actions

4.4

3.7

Take-ons completed

46%

45%

Aerials won

57%

41%

His all-round dominance doesn’t stop there, winning more of the aerial duels he’s entered, potentially offering Maresca an added option in central areas should they fail to land a new striker.

£64m may appear to be another hefty fee to splash out on a new signing, but Leao has proven in Serie A this campaign that he has all of the qualities needed to improve the Blues squad.

As a result of the latest transfer story, the hierarchy should look to forget about any deal to land Gittens in the coming months, subsequently putting all of their focus into a deal for the Milan star.

The perfect Jackson upgrade: Chelsea ready to bid for £76m "complete CF"

Chelsea are looking to add a new striker to their ranks this summer

ByJoe Nuttall May 7, 2025

Leeds United are now interested in signing a “unique” Premier League striker, but there could be competition for his signature from fellow promoted Championship side Burnley, according to a report.

Leeds planning for next season after sealing promotion

Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League was confirmed on Monday night, courtesy of Burnley defeating Sheffield United 2-1 at Turf Moor, and they have already started to make plans for their first season back in the top flight.

Surprisingly, there have been widespread reports the 49ers are considering sacking manager Daniel Farke, perhaps in light of the fact the German has struggled during his previous stints in the Premier League with Norwich City.

Not only are the 49ers considering bringing in a new manager, but there is also a strong desire to upgrade the playing squad, and there has now been a new update surrounding the Whites’ potential transfer business.

A dream first deal after promotion: £15m star wants to sign for Leeds

The player is reportedly keen to secure a permanent move to Leeds United this summer.

ByDan Emery Apr 23, 2025

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has revealed there will be a focus on bringing in players with Premier League experience, in order to give Farke’s side the best chance of avoiding the drop, and they are particularly interested in signing a new goalkeeper and striker.

Amid plans to bring in a new striker, Leeds have now swooped for Ipswich Town’s George Hirst, according to a report from Football Insider, but it could be hard to prise the 26-year-old away from the Tractor Boys.

Ipswich are desperate to keep hold of Hirst, given that fellow striker Liam Delap is expected to leave this summer, and they are now keen to tie the Scot down to a new deal to extend his stay at Portman Road beyond 2027.

Burnley are also interested in signing the forward, and it remains to be seen whether Ipswich are able to ward off interest from the two soon-to-be Premier League clubs.

"Unique" Hirst is dominant in the air

The Scotland international arrived at Portman Road for just £1.5m during Ipswich’s League One days, picking up 18 goals and 11 assists in 76 appearances for the club, with two of those goals coming in the Premier League this season.

Unsurprisingly, the Sheffield-born striker has found it difficult to displace Delap in the starting XI, often being utilised as a substitute, while he also missed a large portion of the season due to a knee injury.

As such, it is difficult to assess whether the former Portsmouth man would be capable of being the first-choice striker for a club with aspirations of avoiding the drop, with manager Kieran McKenna describing his skill-set as “unique”.

At the very least, Hirst could be a solid option as a target man off the bench for Leeds, given that he stands at a towering 6 foot 3 and ranks in the 97th percentile for aerials won per 90 over the past year, when compared to other strikers.

Patrick Dorgu has become a key player at Manchester United since his January move from Lecce. The Dane, who cost the Red Devils £25m up front, has already played ten times for his new club this term, although he did miss three games due to suspension.

The 20-year-old is yet to score or assist for the first time in a United shirt. However, he did win a penalty, which Bruno Fernandes converted in the Europa League Round of 16 against Real Sociedad, showing just how deadly he can be.

With that being said, it has not all been smooth sailing for the wing-back. Aside from his red card, he was recently rotated out of the team for United’s 4-1 loss away to Newcastle United, with Harry Amass stepping into his shoes.

Amass’ full debut for United

For a football fan, there probably aren’t many better birthday presents than making your professional debut, and for Man United, nonetheless. Well, that was the case for Amass, who made a substitute appearance away to Leicester City in the Premier League on his 18th birthday.

Just weeks later, the youngster, who was born in London and played for Watford’s academy originally, made his first start in the top flight. The youngster was selected to start ahead of Dorgu at left wing-back.

Indeed, it was an impressive showing from Amass, as the stats on Sofascore reflect. The 18-year-old had 31 touches of the ball, completed 85% of his passes and won two duels. He certainly performed well.

That was certainly a sentiment that football statistician Statman Dave seemed to agree with. He was full of praise for Amass, explaining that he “didn’t look out of place in senior football” at St James’ Park last weekend.

There is certainly no worry about squad depth for the Red Devils at left-wing back, with the emergence of Amass and the signing of Dorgu. Incredibly, they are adding to that depth over the summer with another new signing.

United’s latest left wing-back signing

One of the continents where big European clubs tend to find hidden gem players is South America. Well, United may have pulled off a masterclass of their own in that sense, with the signing of youngster Diego Leon.

In the middle of January, it was confirmed by BBC Sport that the 18-year-old undertook a medical at United’s Carrington training ground. The reported fee is £6m, with the left-back set to join in the summer.

Now, United are not just signing a player without first-team experience who could one day break into the fold at Old Trafford. No, Leon has actually had years of experience at first-team level for Paraguayan side Cerro Porteno.

He has already played 26 times for the club over the past couple of years, and has even managed three goals in that time, from left-back. His 2092 minutes so far equate to 23 full 90-minute games, showing his importance to the Cerro Porteno side.

In fact, his underlying stats via Sofascore from his time in professional football so far are impressive. For example, Leon played nine key passes last term, and five this season, as well as making 45 tackles and interceptions in 2024, and 11 in 2025.

Minutes

1643

450

Key passes

9

5

Pass accuracy

71.5%

76.8%

Tackles and interceptions

45

11

Aerial duels won

21

11

One person who rates the youngster highly is football analyst Ben Mattinson. Discussing Leon in December 2024, just one month before his United medical, the analyst said he “runs like a steam train”, highlighting the physicality he will bring to Old Trafford.

Leon certainly seems like a player United fans can get excited about. The 18-year-old will bring first-team experience with him to the Premier League, and he clearly has final-third flair. He could be the perfect player for Amoirm to add to his wing-back options.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

Both Amass and Dorgu may well need to watch out…

Upgrade on Rashford: Man Utd leading the race to sign £30m "monster"

Man Utd are looking for attacking reinforcements this summer

ByJoe Nuttall Apr 16, 2025

Strikers have captured the hearts of supporters over the years at Chelsea, but none more so than Didier Drogba given his time as a player at Stamford Bridge.

The Ivorian joined the Blues under José Mourinho back in the summer of 2004, with not many knowing what to expect after he arrived from Ligue 1 outfit Marseille.

However, he would provide the goods on a consistent basis, notching a total of 147 goals over two separate spells – spanning a total of nine years in West London.

Such a record has cemented him in the club’s history forever, currently sitting as the Blues’ second-highest Premier League goalscorer behind the iconic Frank Lampard.

Fast-forward to the present day, boss Enzo Maresca has the opportunity to land another version of the Ivorian with a move for a star currently plying his trade in France’s top division.

Chelsea plot summer move for new talisman

According to French journalist Mohamed Toubache, Chelsea are keen on a summer move to land Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha to improve the current forward department.

The 22-year-old, who’s currently plying his trade for the Blues’ sister club, has notched a total of 12 goals in all competitions this campaign, in what has been a breakout year as a professional.

He’s in his second year at the French outfit after joining from Sturm Graz in the summer of 2023 but has enjoyed a rapid development over the last couple of months.

Whilst no fee has been touted for his signature over the off-season, it’s likely the Dutchman could demand a decent fee given his form in Ligue 1 throughout 2024/25.

Emegha may not be many supporters’ first choice to improve the current situation, but when comparing him to the other options on the table, he’s managed to match or better them in numerous key areas.

How Emegha compares to other strikers linked with Chelsea

Although the summer transfer window is yet to open, Chelsea have wasted no time in targeting a new talisman to aid Maresca’s first-team squad next season.

Matheus Cunha is just one player linked with a move to West London, with the Brazilian stating his desire to leave Wolves this summer to reach the next level in his career.

The 25-year-old also has admirers from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest, with a real battle facing the sides upon the opening of the window.

Dušan Vlahović is another player on the club’s shortlist, once again appearing on the radar after previously being of interest back in the January transfer window.

However, despite the previous names mentioned, Emegha, who’s previously been labelled “phenomenal” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has managed to produce stats way beyond the levels of the pair.

Games played

22

26

23

Goals & assists

14

17

11

Goals & assists per 90

0.7

0.7

0.6

Shot-on-target accuracy

58%

41%

35%

Pass accuracy

79%

70%

69%

Aerials won

45%

31%

44%

The Dutchman may have registered slightly fewer combined goals and assists than Cunha, but has matched him for contributions per 90 – highlighting the threat he poses in attacking areas.

He’s managed to notch a higher shot-on-target accuracy than the pair, showcasing his accuracy when the ball falls his way, offering Maresca the dangerman he’s been hunting for.

Emegha has also completed more of the passes he’s attempted this campaign, whilst also coming out on top in more aerial battles, demonstrating his all-round ability – something which they’ve desperately been craving.

His 6”4 frame coupled with his pace and ability to run the channels makes him a similar build to Drogba, potentially being the club’s next version of the fan-favourite.

Should the hierarchy complete a deal for his services this summer, it would undoubtedly be an exciting addition, with the Blues getting themselves a future icon should he get anywhere close to the Ivorian’s level after his own move from Ligue 1 over 20 years ago.

Maresca must unleash Chelsea star who's the "key to unlocking Cole Palmer"

Chelsea face Spurs in a huge London derby at Stamford Bridge

ByJoe Nuttall Apr 3, 2025

Arsenal have wasted no time in drawing up plans for the summer transfer window, looking to finally end their two-decade wait for a Premier League title.

Mikel Arteta has done a superb job of transforming the squad during his near five-year spell in charge, but more work needs to be done to take them to the summit of the division.

Viktor Gyokeres has emerged as a huge target for the upcoming window, with new sporting director Andrea Berta making an immediate impact in pursuing a move for his signature.

Given his goalscoring record, which has seen him score 86 times in his 93 outings in the last two seasons, it’s understandable that the Gunners are pursuing a striker to bolster their forward line.

Should he move to North London in the summer, he could be joined by another player who’s been a constant target, with a new update emerging on his potential move to the club.

Arsenal make contact to land £51m talent

According to Sun Sport, Arsenal’s director Berta has already been in contact with the representatives of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi ahead of a summer move to the Emirates.

It was reported in January that a deal was on the verge of being agreed for this upcoming window, but no news has emerged since – with this the latest update on any transfer.

The Spanish international has made 29 LaLiga appearances this campaign, featuring in all but one of their league outings, showcasing his importance and quality.

The report claims that the hierarchy are still “working hard” on a deal to land the 26-year-old this summer, with the £51m release clause not thought to be an issue.

Any move for Zubimendi could provide added quality to the middle of Arteta’s side, allowing one player to return to his former best after his recent slump in form.

Why Zubimendi could decide Odegaard at Arsenal

Midfielder Martin Odegaard has been a player so often tasked with providing the goods for Arsenal in attacking areas but ultimately has struggled to deliver in recent months.

The Norwegian had a long injury layoff with an ankle issue but hasn’t been the same player since his return – leading to huge amounts of criticism in the process.

He’s also featured in more of a deeper role, taking away his best qualities with his intricate passing able to create chances for attackers within the final third.

Zubimendi, who’s a defensive midfielder, could be able to sit in front of the backline should he move in the coming months, freeing up Odegaard to go and create carnage further up the field.

The Spaniard, who’s been labelled “superb” by the Spanish Football Podcast, has excelled out of possession, having the quality to be the ball-winning talent the side have been crying out for.

He’s won 1.3 tackles per 90 to date, along with 5.4 duels won – coming out on top of the latter on 60% of the occasions he’s entered a battle with an opposition player.

Games played

29

Goals & assists

3

Pass accuracy

85%

Tackles won

1.3

Duels won

5.4

Duel success rate

60%

Dribbles completed

70%

However, he’s also got the passing ability to aid Odegaard in higher areas, registering an 85% pass completion rate, along with a 70% dribble success rate.

Whilst the club would have to fork out a pretty penny to secure his signature this summer, it’s evident that Zubimendi would be a player who could certainly increase the club’s title credentials.

As for Odegaard, he’s been an influential player in various title battles, with Arteta needing him to return to top form if they are to go one better next season – with the Sociedad star having a huge say in his fortunes if a deal is completed.

Better than Trossard: Arsenal ace who won 14 duels is hitting "cult status"

He’s been one of the bright sparks at the Emirates in recent weeks.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 6, 2025

Glasgow Rangers failed to get back to winning ways in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday night as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Dundee United.

The Light Blues, who were held to a 0-0 draw by Falkirk at Ibrox at the weekend, had to come from behind on two occasions to secure a point on their travels, on a night where they should have aimed for all three points.

Max Aarons was caught as he got to a loose ball first in the box deep into stoppage time to provide Nedim Bajrami with a chance to equalise from the spot in the 98th minute.

That came after their first goal was a stunning long-range strike from Brentford loanee Jayden Meghoma, who rifled in his first goal for the club with a sweet left-footed finish.

Ultimately, Danny Rohl will be unhappy with the fact that his team only came away from the game with one point to show for their efforts after they created seven ‘big chances’, per Sofascore, to the host’s two.

One of the players who was guilty of wasting one of those ‘big chances’ was Macedonia international Bojan Miovski, who should be dropped by the German boss.

Why Rohl should drop Miovski for Rangers

The left-footed marksman was given the chance to lead the line for the Light Blues once again in the Premiership against Dundee United, but he did not do enough on the pitch to suggest that he deserves to keep his place.

Miovski, who was signed from Girona during the summer transfer window, missed the only ‘big chance’ that came his way, as he failed to beat Dave Richards.

To his credit, the Rangers striker was more involved than he usually is. Miovski completed 32 of his 33 passes on the night, despite averaging ten completed passes per game for the season, per Sofascore, which shows that he was trying to get involved and was reliable with his passes.

However, the 26-year-old flop is in the team to score goals, as the main number nine, and he has not been anywhere near good enough in that respect for the Light Blues.

After Wednesday night’s 2-2 draw with Dundee United, the former Aberdeen centre-forward has only scored one goal in 11 outings in the Scottish Premiership for the Ibrox giants.

Appearances

11

Goals

1

Minutes per goal

730

Big chances missed

5

Assists

1

Ground duel success rate

32%

Aerial duel success rate

31%

As you can see in the table above, Miovski has not done enough this season to suggest that he has been a good addition to the squad by former sporting director Kevin Thelwell, as he has struggled in front of goal and physically on the deck and in the air.

That is why Rohl should ruthlessly drop him from the starting XI for the trip to Kilmarnock on Saturday, because he was wasteful again on Wednesday night, and is yet to prove that he can be relied upon week-in-week-out in a Rangers shirt.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Whilst the goalless Miovski was disappointing again for the Light Blues, Emmanuel Fernandez was even worse than the Macedonia international with what was his worst performance for the Scottish giants since his permanent move from Peterborough United in the summer transfer window.

Where that performance ranks in Emmanuel Fernandez's Rangers career

The English central defender has played seven matches for the Light Blues since his move, and his display against Dundee United was his worst outing for the club to date.

Fernandez, who was given a 3/10 player rating by IbroxNews, was beaten far too easily in the channel for the opening goal from Zach Sapsford, who burst past the centre-back before racing through to chip the ball over Jack Butland.

Heart & Hand content creator David Edgar described it as “dreadful” defending, which is hard to argue with, as he got sucked in on the halfway line and spun with ease.

On top of that error, Fernandez only won ten of his 18 duels and six of his 11 aerial duels. Per Sofascore, he has won 75% of his aerial battles in the league this season, which makes his 55% success rate against Dundee United look poor by his usual standards.

He was even worse than Miovski, therefore, because the central defender was nowhere near his best and was at fault for a goal, whilst the striker at least looked a lot better in his all-round game as a passer, even if his finishing was not good enough.

When looking at his other performances for the Light Blues, it is hard to look past Wednesday night’s showing being his worst display for the club.

1

Livingston (H)

2

Falkirk (H)

3

Braga (H)

4

St Mirren (A)

5

Alloa Athletic (H)

6

Dundee United (A)

N/A

Hibernian (A)

He only played one minute off the bench against Hibernian, which makes it impossible to judge, and he scored goals against Alloa Athletic in the League Cup and Livingston in the Premiership.

Fernandez also won ten of his 12 duels against Falkirk and nine of his 12 duels against Braga, per Sofascore, as Rangers conceded two goals in those games, whilst he was not at fault for the goal conceded in the 1-1 draw with St Mirren under Russell Martin.

Per Sofascore, his 55% aerial duel success rate against Dundee United was his lowest in a game for Rangers in any competition, which speaks to how off the pace he was on the night, without even taking into account his error for the opening goal.

With John Souttar and Derek Cornelius out injured, though, Rohl does not have many alternatives in his position at the moment, so Fernandez may keep his place at the heart of the defence against Kilmarnock.

Rangers "passenger" has been so bad that he makes Dowell look good

This Glasgow Rangers flop is currently making Kieran Dowell look like a good player by comparison.

ByDan Emery Dec 3, 2025

If that is the case, the former Peterborough colossus will need to get back to his usual dominant self at the back, after a disappointing game against Dundee United.

Chelsea dropped points for the second game in a row, suffering a disappointing 3-1 defeat away to Leeds United at Elland Road. The Blues put in a lacklustre performance in a tough environment, and never really managed to get into the game.

It was a poor start for Enzo Maresca’s side, who went 1-0 down inside the first six minutes after a fast start from the Whites. It was slack defending from a corner, with Jaka Bijol making a darting run from the edge of the penalty box and heading home at the near post.

The home side doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time. It was yet more questionable defending from the West Londoners, who let Ao Tanaka have acres of space just outside the area. The Japanese international unleashed a vicious shot which nestled into the back of the net.

Chelsea did pull a goal back, with just 50 minutes on the clock. Pedro Neto managed to shake off his marker and pull to the back post, firing home Jamie Gittens’ cross.

It was all in vain, though, after a defensive error with 18 minutes to go meant Leeds scored a third and sealed the win.

It was a disappointing night for Chelsea, with some particularly worrying performances across the board.

Chelsea’s worst performers vs. Leeds

There were some notable bad showings from a few of Maresca’s men against Leeds. One of those came from Tosin Adarabioyo. It was his error which led to Leeds’ third goal and all but secured the three points for the West Yorkshire side.

The former Fulham man received the ball inside the penalty area and took a heavy touch before playing a five-yard pass back to Robert Sanchez.

It was a frustrating lack of awareness from the Chelsea number four, who put his goalkeeper under pressure from the Leeds press.

Another member of the Chelsea side who struggled was centre-forward Liam Delap. It was a night where the Blues’ number nine seemed isolated. Aside from a snapshot in the second half, which he fired over the crossbar, he did little to trouble the Leeds defence.

One person who was critical of Delap’s performance at Elland Road was Goal journalist Tom Ritchie. He gave the English striker a 4/10 for his efforts, and described him as a ‘bystander’ during the first half.

Those two Chelsea stars were not the only players to struggle on Wednesday night, though.

Maresca could boldly bench £180k-per-week Chelsea star

It was a night to forget for Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez. The Argentine, who captained the Blues at Elland Road, struggled to get any sort of control in midfield.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Perhaps that coincided with the fact that his usual partner in the centre of the park, Moises Caicedo, was suspended.

Chelsea’s number eight was arguably at fault for Tanaka’s goal. He was dispossessed in midfield, facing his own goal, with the ball breaking loose, a situation Leeds capitalised on.

This weighed into the 3/10 rating he got from Ritchie, who said he ‘looked rattled at times’. Indeed, Fernandez’s stats from the game show how much of a tough night it was.

Normally, so good on the ball, the £180k-per-week asset only had a pass accuracy of 77% in the Whites’ half, losing the ball 21 times. He also failed to complete a dribble or a tackle.

Touches

106

Opposition half pass accuracy

77%

Number of times ball lost

21

Unsuccessful touches

5

Ground duels won

1/4

Tackles

0

Dribbles

0

After a showing like that, it will be interesting to see if Maresca keeps Fernandez in the starting lineup for their next game against Bournemouth this Saturday. He certainly struggled without Caicedo next to him, and Reece James inverting from right-back.

There are options at his disposal, too. Cole Palmer is now back from injury and played 30 minutes at Elland Road on Wednesday. Whether or not he can play from the start remains to be seen, but he could slot into the side.

Alternatively, James could be brought back into the starting XI and operate in midfield, as he has done this season to a good degree of success.

Fernandez’s performance at Elland Road was disappointing, and it would not be a surprise if he dropped out of the side, especially with options at Maresca’s disposal.

As bad as Tosin: Maresca's 4/10 flop must never start for Chelsea again

Chelsea’s title hopes seemingly went up in smoke away at Leeds United.

ByRobbie Walls Dec 4, 2025

Joining Manchester United in their pomp is easy. Joining Manchester United in their current state, fresh off the back of a worst-ever Premier League campaign at Old Trafford, requires a little bit of craziness.

Craziness to believe that you can be the man to lift the Red Devils out of their ongoing decline, with ex-Brentford talisman Bryan Mbeumo – signed on a £71m deal over the summer – already looking like he’s ready to do just that.

There may not have been the glamour attached to the deal that there was when names like Angel Di Maria or Radamel Falcao rocked up in Manchester, but that might be because this marquee move actually made sense, with Ruben Amorim and co forking out for a properly Premier League-proven figure.

Having netted 20 times in the top-flight last time out under Thomas Frank, there was a feeling that the Cameroonian was destined for the Champions League, with his former boss intent on taking him to Tottenham Hotspur.

The 26-year-old, to his credit, made it clear he only wanted United, patiently waiting out protracted negotiations to eventually seal his desired switch. Six goals in his first 12 games for the club have since followed.

Mbeumo is now the benchmark for further reinforcements to try and meet, with recent reports indicating that additional attacking recruits could potentially be in the works.

Man Utd's search for a forward

While the extent of his injury is yet to be known, the potential absence of Benjamin Sesko has brought the lack of genuine alternatives to the Slovenian into sharper focus, with Joshua Zirkzee the only other senior striker in Amorim’s ranks.

Sesko, signed for £74m from RB Leipzig, has made a promising albeit unspectacular start in English football with just two goals scored across league and cup, with questions to be asked over whether a more experienced marksman is still required.

According to reports in Spain, that very fact may well see United renew their interest in a certain Harry Kane in 2026, with the England skipper deemed to be a ‘proven solution’ to their long-standing centre-forward woes.

Transfer Focus

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

As per the report, the likes of Barcelona and Chelsea are also paying close attention to the 32-year-old’s situation at Bayern Munich, with his existing deal in Bavaria set to expire in 2027.

Kane, the piece suggests, is keen to stay at the Allianz Arena, although the presence of a reported €65m (£57m) release clause in his current contract will certainly spark a raft of interest heading into the New Year.

Whether it is January or next summer, Kane – who was Erik ten Hag’s prime target back in 2023 – would still remain a significant coup if INEOS could pull it off.

Why Man Utd could land an even better signing than Mbeumo

2023 remains a frustrating window as far as United are concerned, with Ten Hag’s apparent interest in the likes of Kane and Declan Rice ultimately counting for little, as Mason Mount, Rasmus Hojlund and Andre Onana all arrived instead.

Hojlund, as those at Old Trafford are aware, has since proved to be something of a mixed bag, having scored just 26 goals in 95 games in all competitions, alongside a further four goals on loan at Napoli this season.

Since leaving Spurs for Bayern two years ago, meanwhile, Kane has gone on to amass a ridiculous haul of 108 goals in just 113 games for the Bundesliga giants, becoming the quickest player this century to reach triple figures for a team in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

Mbeumo might have stolen the show with a standout 2024/25 campaign for the Bees, but if it is true Premier League proven quality that you are after, then Kane is the man. 213 goals in England’s top-tier places him third on the all-time list.

Widely regarded as the best striker in the world, Kane has scored at least 17 league goals in every season stretching from 2014/15 to 2024/25. As for the new campaign, he already has 13 in ten in Germany’s top division. Mbeumo, for contrast, has five in 11.

2024/25

31

26

2023/24

32

36

2022/23

38

30

2021/22

37

17

2020/21

35

23

2019/20

29

18

2018/19

28

17

2017/18

37

30

2016/17

30

29

2015/16

38

25

2014/15

34

21

Not your typical superstar, the former Spurs talisman is simply efficient to the extreme, with few players in the modern era having possessed such a ruthless, clinical streak in front of goal.

The beauty of Kane too, however, is that he isn’t just your average penalty box poacher. There are so many strings to his extraordinary bow.

Even deployed in almost a central midfield role at times under Vincent Kompany this season, namely in the win over Borussia Dortmund, England’s record scorer has that knack for being able to spray passes at will, having developed into an all-encompassing, playmaking number nine.

Such traits even led Tottenham great David Ginola to liken him to a legendary figure of the past back in 2022: “He is like the new Diego Maradona now. Long passes, short passes, he has it all.”

At 32, while he may be entering that ‘last dance’ territory, Amorim and United certainly shouldn’t turn their nose up at the chance to bring Kane back to England. There is Alan Shearer’s record to chase for him, after all.

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Glasgow Rangers head coach Danny Rohl has won his first three Scottish Premiership matches in charge of the club, after Russell Martin failed to string back-to-back wins together.

The Gers beat Dundee 3-0 at Dens Park on Sunday in the last game before the international break, and there was a first league goal for winger Djeidi Gassama.

He cut in from the left wing to curl a brilliant finish into the far corner, as show in the clip above, after he had failed to score in his first ten appearances in the division after his move from Sheffield Wednesday in the summer.

Gassama has now scored six goals in all competitions for the Light Blues, having scored four goals in the Champions League qualifiers and one in th Europa League, per Transfermarkt, after a £2.2m move from the Owls.

The French winger will be hoping that his goal against Dundee will be a platform to build from for the rest of the season, as he looks to provide consistent quality at the top end of the pitch on the left flank.

Rangers will also be hoping that is the case so that they can mark him down as another successful attacking signing, of which there have been a few in recent seasons.

Ranking Rangers biggest talents since they last won the Premiership

Since the Gers won the Premiership title under Steven Gerrard in the 2020/21 campaign, the Scottish giants have not had too much success on the pitch or with managers.

A couple of domestic cup wins has not been enough to see continuity in the dugout, which is a cause for concern, but the Light Blues have had some exciting players to watch in the last few years.

It is hard to look past Vaclav Cerny and Hamza Igamane as being two of the biggest talents at the club since the last league win. Cerny provided 18 goals and nine assists in all competitions, whilst the Morocco international managed 16 goals and three assists.

Calvin Bassey, who was sold to Ajax for £19.6m, also has to be up there because he is the club’s most expensive sale of all time, and is currently playing consistently in the Premier League with Fulham.

Arguably the biggest talent Rangers have had since they last won the league, though, is attacking midfielder Malik Tillman, who was on loan from Bayern Munich in the 2023/24 campaign.

1

Malik Tillman

2

Hamza Igamane

3

Calvin Bassey

4

Vaclav Cerny

5

Abdallah Sima

The USA international provided 12 goals and five assists in all competitions for the club during his loan spell, per Transfermarkt, and provided many moments of quality for the supporters to enjoy.

On top of his excellent performances for Rangers, Tillman has gone on to enjoy a successful career away from Ibrox. He currently plays for German giants Bayer Leverkusen and is valued at £30m by Transfermarkt, which is more than any other player on that list.

It is, therefore, hard to argue against the goalscoring midfielder being the biggest talent Rangers have had since they last won the league, because he is currently the most valuable former or current Gers player, per Transfermarkt, from then to now.

Whilst Gassama will be hoping to follow in Tillman’s footsteps in the months and seasons to come, there is another Gers star who could be the club’s biggest talent since the American.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Mikey Moore has not had the perfect start to his career at Ibrox, since signing on loan from Tottenham Hotspur, but recent performances suggest that he is turning a corner.

Why Mikey Moore could be the biggest Rangers talent since Malik Tillman

The England youth international failed to provide a goal or an assist for Russell Martin in five Premiership appearances, in what was a very difficult opening couple of months for him at the club.

Since Martin’s exit, though, Moore has scored one goal and provided one assist in four appearances in the division, matching Gassama’s tally from 11 league outings this season, per Sofascore.

Like the French forward, the Spurs loanee scored his first goal for the club in the 3-0 win at Dens Park on Sunday, as he picked up the ball in a central position and finished brilliantly into the bottom corner.

The 18-year-old starlet is still learning and developing each week as he gains vital first-team experience, and it is showing in his improved performances on the pitch, with two goal contributions in the last four league matches after none in the first five.

Moore is getting better each week, as evidenced by his improved form in front of goal, and that is an exciting prospect when you consider his form for Spurs at academy level.

The English forward scored 19 goals and provided 13 assists in 24 matches at U18 level for the Premier League side, per Transfermarkt, which shows the kind of output that he has the potential to offer if he can get to his very best.

Moore, who Como scout Ben Mattinson claimed has “superstar potential”, could develop into a brilliant forward for Rangers if he can add the consistency that was shown in his performances at academy level, after finally getting off the mark in the Premiership on Sunday.

Mikey Moore

£14m

Nicolas Raskin

£10m

Mohamed Diomande

£7m

Youssef Chermiti

£7m

Nasser Djiga

£7m

Valuations via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, the Spurs loanee is currently the most valuable player in the Rangers squad, at £14m, and that is whilst he is also the youngest player in the team.

At the age of 18, Moore has so much time left ahead of him to progress and develop, and he is already showing signs of growth in his performances for the Gers.

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That is why the English winger could be the club’s biggest talent since Tillman because he is a future “superstar” who could go on to be worth as much, if not more, than the American star.