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Glasgow Rangers have held positive Ibrox talks with a leading Gers manager target to replace Russell Martin.

Managers who could replace Martin at Rangers

Sunday’s 1-1 Scottish Premiership draw with Falkirk proved to be the last straw for Martin at Rangers, who was dismissed that evening.

Gers chairman Andrew Cavenagh and vice-chairman Paraag Marathe have since written an open letter to Ibrox supporters, telling fans that a ‘rigorous, thoughtful recruitment process is already underway’ to find a new manager, with the pair ‘treating it with the urgency it deserves’ and are ‘deeply involved’.

A number of targets have already been linked with a move to Glasgow, including former Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl who is “appreciated by senior figures” at Ibrox.

Another candidate currently out of work is Sean Dyche. The former Everton and Burnley boss has been without a job since leaving Goodison Park, and he is thought to be very keen on moving to Glasgow.

In Europe, there have also been more names mentioned to come in and replace Martin. Dutch head coach Mark van Bommel is another “interested” in replacing Martin, whereas Spanish manager Quique Setien is also on the Gers’ radar after leaving Beijing Guoan.

Martin upgrade who's "similar to Postecoglou" in running for Rangers job

The Ibrox hierarchy are on the hunt to find an upgrade on Russell Martin at Rangers.

ByDan Emery Oct 7, 2025

A ‘fan favourite’ and one of Rangers’ top targets, though, is former Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard, and there has now been a positive development over a return to Glasgow for the former title winner.

Rangers hold positive talks with Steven Gerrard

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Rangers have now had ‘positive progress in talks with Gerrard’ over a reunion at Ibrox.

It was stated on Monday that discussions were set to continue and that negotiations are complex, however, the ball appears to be rolling in regards to a move back to Glasgow for the 45-year-old.

Gerrard, who plays an attacking 4-3-3 system, averaged 2.15 points per game during his 192 matches in charge of Rangers between 2018-2021, winning the Scottish Premiership in 2020.

Days in charge

1,228

Games

192

Wins

124

Goals per game

2.12

Players used

65

His assistant from his time at Ibrox, Gary McAllister, was even asked about a return to Rangers with Gerrard on Monday, to which he said:

“We had a wonderful time there. We really enjoyed our time there. Steven did an amazing job to get that 55th title.

“He’s always going to be linked with Glasgow Rangers, he loved his time up there. You never know what can happen.”

Rangers look set to take their time when appointing their fourth manager of 2025 due to the current international break, but by the looks of things, a return to Ibrox for Gerrard is a real possibility.

Being the massive club they are, Arsenal have had some genuine world-class stars play for them over the years.

Most fans will go straight to the likes of Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Robert Pirès, but there is another who perhaps deserves more respect: Cesc Fàbregas.

The Spaniard certainly tarnished his reputation in the way he left and then joined Chelsea, but during his time in North London, he was utterly incredible, racking up a tally of 57 goals and 95 assists in 303 appearances.

Arsenal have had their fair share of unreal midfielders since, but there is one player in Mikel Arteta’s current squad who could be on his way to emulating Fabregas at his very best this season.

Ranking Arsenal's best midfielders since Fabregas

A name that springs to mind when thinking about some of the best offensive midfielders Arsenal have had since Fabregas left is Aaron Ramsey.

The Welsh international was never on the same level as the Spaniard, but there were points in his tenure at the club when he was near enough unplayable.

For example, in the 13/14 season, the Cardiff-born monster scored 16 goals and provided nine assists in 34 appearances, and while he left for free in 2019, he did so with three FA Cups to his name, and as something of an Emiratés icon.

Another icon of the Emirartes era and one who arguably was as talented as the Como manager, but supremely unlucky with injuries, was Santi Cazorla.

The 40-year-old magician joined the club for under £15m in the summer of 2012 and went on to score 29 goals and provide 44 assists in 180 games before leaving in 2018.

However, the numbers alone don’t do the Lugo de Llanera-born star justice, as, at his best, watching him play football was breathtaking. He could use both feet with ease, could spot a pass way before anyone else and had sensational close control.

The firm fan favourite is perhaps one of the best examples of a ‘what if’ player, as at his best, he could do whatever he wanted.

Finally, when it comes to superstar midfielders in the years after Fabregas, you cannot ignore Mesut Ozil.

Yes, his last couple of years at the club were nothing short of a disaster, but for a significant period of his time in North London, he had a fair chance of being the best ten in the Premier League.

Appearances

254

Starts

237

Minutes

20816′

Goals

44

Assists

77

Goal Involvements per Match

0.47

Minutes per Goal Involvement

172.03′

Points per Game

1.89

By the time he left the club, the former Real Madrid star had made 254 appearances, in which he scored 44 goals, provided 77 assists and won four FA Cups.

And now, it looks like one of Arteta’s signings could reach the levels Fabregas did this season.

The Arsenal star who could reach Fabregas levels

There is plenty of excitement around the potential of Ethan Nwaneri, and the arrival of Eberechi Eze has bolstered Arteta’s midfield options.

Chalkboard

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

However, in this instance, the player who could potentially reach the level of a prime Fabregas this season is Martin Odegaard.

Now, it’s undoubtedly true that last season was the Norwegian’s worst in an Arsenal shirt, and led many to consider whether he was good enough to lead the club.

However, it’s essential to remember that he suffered an ankle injury early on, and in the two previous campaigns, the “world-class” talent, as dubbed by ex-Arsenal star Paul Merson, was named the club’s Player of the Year.

Moreover, based on his performance in the last two games, he looks to be getting back to his very best, if not surpassing it.

For example, once he came off the bench against Newcastle United, his passing was perfect, and he got the ball to Declan Rice for him to cross to Mikel Merino for the equaliser.

Then, on Wednesday night, he started against Olympiacos and delivered what might be his most impressive performance in years, living up to the billing that he is “more complete than Bergkamp and Ozil” in the words of fellow Norwegian John Arne Riise.

The manager seemed to give him more license to roam, and so, instead of sticking to the right-hand side, he was popping up here, there and everywhere, and it was difficult to keep track of every brilliant pass through the Greek side’s backline he played.

While he did finally get his assist courtesy of a Bukayo Saka finish towards the end, on another night, he could have ended up with two or three.

Now, when you combine this renewed “sensational” passing ability, as one content creator put it, with the fact he’s being allowed to play more of a central midfield role and roam, it doesn’t feel absurd to suggest he could start putting in the sort of performances Fabregas once did at his prime.

Ultimately, there is still so much of the season to go, so if this is just the start of a fully fit Odegaard, then Arteta and Arsenal could have an incredible campaign with him pulling the strings in the middle of the park.

Arsenal have signed a "powerhouse" who looks like a new Saka-type player

Arsenal may have found a new talisman, akin to Bukayo Saka.

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Chelsea chiefs are already making recruitment plans ahead of 2026, and they have their eyes on a former player to bolster Enzo Maresca’s ranks after failing to fulfill some of their transfer goals in the summer.

While the Blues recorded England’s second-highest expenditure during the last window, second only behind Premier League champions Liverpool, Chelsea also wanted a new goalkeeper and centre-back.

The Premier League’s biggest summer spenders

Team

Spent

Received

Net Spend

Liverpool

£415,000,000

£187,000,000

£228,000,000

Chelsea

£285,000,000

£288,000,000

-£3,000,000

Arsenal

£255,000,000

£9,000,000

£246,000,000

Newcastle

£250,000,000

£152,000,000

£98,000,000

Man Utd

£216,000,000

£68,000,000

£148,000,000

Nottm Forest

£205,000,000

£107,000,000

£98,000,000

Tottenham

£181,000,000

£36,000,000

£145,000,000

Sunderland

£162,000,000

£44,000,000

£118,000,000

Man City

£152,000,000

£53,000,000

£99,000,000

West Ham

£124,000,000

£55,000,000

£69,000,000

via BBC

Doubts have surrounded Robert Sanchez and his long-term capability as Chelsea’s number one shot-stopper, prompting the west Londoners to try their hand at a move for France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

AC Milan and BlueCo couldn’t agree on a price for the 30-year-old, as Chelsea were only prepared to pay around £12 million and the Rossoneri wanted closer to £25 million (Ben Jacobs).

Reports suggest Chelsea are still planning to sign Maignan, this time on a pre-contract in 2026 as his contract ticks down towards expiry this season.

Meanwhile, Chelsea also failed with a move for centre-back Dean Huijsen in the summer, as per reliable media sources, with the Spain international starlet eventually joining Real Madrid in a £50 million deal.

Maresca’s side remained in the market for a keeper and defender until the latter weeks of the window (Simon Phillips), but it appears as if Chelsea couldn’t secure targets of the desired quality to reinforce their squad.

Rest assured, their aim to bring in defensive options for between the sticks and outfield hasn’t waned, with Chelsea believed to be among the many contenders to sign Crystal Palace stalwart Marc Guehi on a free transfer next year.

Guehi was on the verge of joining Liverpool in a deadline day move and was given permission to undergo a Merseyside medical. The Reds submitted a deal sheet so they could secure a deal past the 7pm cut-off point too, but Palace U-turned on a deal at the final moment, which forced the England international to remain at Selhurst Park (Sky Sports).

Now, a host of elite sides are lining up to sign Guehi as a free agent next summer, including Liverpool, Man City, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Chelsea "determined" to re-sign Marc Guehi

According to TUTTOmercatoWEB, via Juve FC, Chelsea are also “determined” to re-sign Guehi after he departed Stamford Bridge for Palace in 2021.

However, they face stiff competition from Juventus, who want to open talks for the 25-year-old at the earliest possible opportunity.

The Old Lady could offer an intriguing opportunity to contend for the Serie A title as they look to reestablish their dominance of Italy after a disappointing last few years, but there is reason to believe Guehi would thrive alongside the likes of Levi Colwill (injured), Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana back at his former home.

Why Chelsea should go all out for Marc Guehi

The defender has established himself as a firm England international regular and an undroppable for Thomas Tuchel, with Guehi looking like a shoo-in for the 2026 World Cup squad after an impressive Euro 2024 replacing Harry Maguire.

Calm on the ball, strong in the air and quick across the ground, he offers the all-round skillset modern centre-backs need. Chelsea have been crying out for a consistent presence at the back after repeated defensive injuries over the last few years. Guehi’s blend of composure and leadership could instantly raise the level.

At zero cost, it’s practically a no-brainer, with the only concern being Chelsea’s serious competition for his signature.

Steve Parish branded Guehi a “superstar”, and Chelsea signing him for free would undoubtedly be a major coup.

Despite already welcoming Callum Wilson, West Ham United have now reportedly made contact to sign another striker target who’s keen on a move to the Premier League.

Hermansen: West Ham step "great" for career

Following a quiet start, West Ham’s summer is finally beginning to heat up. With around two weeks until deadline day arrives, the Hammers have now welcomed El Hadji Malick Diouf, Wilson, Kyle-Walker Peters, Daniel Cummings and, in their latest deal, Leicester City’s Mads Hermansen. The latter is a particularly impressive arrival and was full of anticipation after putting pen to paper.

Just how many of West Ham’s new arrivals feature in their opening day clash against Sunderland is now the big question. In a game against one of the three newly-promoted sides, the Hammers have the chance to lay down a marker against any potential relegation battle ahead of what needs to be a much improved campaign.

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Meanwhile, away from the pitch, the London club are still reportedly on the hunt for attacking reinforcements.

West Ham make contact to sign En-Nesyri

According to reports in Spain, West Ham have now opened talks to sign Youssef En-Nesyri from Fenerbahce this summer. The Turkish club reportedly value their forward at more than €40m (£35m), with negotiations now underway between themselves and the Hammers.

Of course, it’s not the first time that En-Nesyri has found himself on West Ham’s radar. Before he completed a move to Fenerbahce last season, the 28-year-old was targeted by the London club during his time at Sevilla, who won the Europa League with the Moroccan leading the line.

Now, after just one year in Turkey, En-Nesyri could finally be on his way to the Premier League and the London Stadium. As the numbers highlight too, West Ham’s interest should come as no surprise.

Minutes

2,001

370

Goals

20

0

Assists

4

0

Dubbed “exceptional” by Jose Mourinho, En-Nesyri is at the peak of his powers and would be an instant upgrade on an ageing, injury-prone Wilson.

For around £35m, the Fenerbahce star would prove to be an undeniable striker given how difficult it is to find 20-goal strikers at an affordable price in today’s market.

Heather Knight has urged the cricket community to lend its voice to the Afghanistan women’s team amid concerns that the group had been largely “forgotten” until a row broke out last week over the England men’s team playing Afghanistan at the Champions Trophy.England are due to play Afghanistan in Lahore on February 26 in their second match of the tournament and the ECB has faced calls from UK politicians to consider boycotting the match. UK prime minister Keir Starmer and ECB chief executive Richard Gould have called upon the ICC to show leadership on the issue.Women’s cricket in Afghanistan has effectively been outlawed since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Further restrictions have included banning the sound of women’s voices from being heard in public.Related

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Some 22 women contracted by the Afghanistan Cricket Board before the Taliban took control fled to Australia and are now based in Melbourne and Canberra. A number of them will play for an Afghanistan Women’s XI against a Cricket Without Borders XI in a T20 match at Melbourne’s Junction Oval on January 30, the same day England and Australia begin their Women’s Ashes day-night Test at the MCG.Knight, England Women’s captain, plans to meet a number of exiled players, who are now based in Melbourne, when they attend the second Ashes ODI at Junction Oval on Tuesday.”I think it’s a really good thing that people are talking about it and it’s been in the news again because honestly, I think it’s been forgotten a lot which is a really bad thing,” Knight said. “Obviously, it’s a really complex situation with what’s going on but I think the biggest positive can be that group of women being talked about.”They’re playing a game at Junction the first day of our Test match so I’d love to see that broadcast far and wide. Let’s get that voice out there that those women are playing cricket, which is a really cool thing. I think that could be a really positive message from a pretty heartbreaking situation going on in their home country.”

تتزايد الدعوات في الوقت الحالي من أجل تعليق مشاركة إسرائيل في مسابقات كرة القدم، في ضوء المجازر التي يرتكبها العدو الصهيوني ضد الفلسطينيين في قطاع غزة.

ويتعرض أهل قطاع غزة لعدوان غاشم منذ ما يقرب من عامين على يد العدو الصهيوني، وأعلنت لجنة التحقيق التابعة للأمم المتحدة بشكل رسمي أن ما يلقاه الشعب الفلسطيني يُعد إبادة جماعية.

ويشارك المنتخب الإسرائيلي حاليًا في التصفيات الأوروبية المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم 2026، بينما يشارك نادي مكابي تل أبيب في منافسات الدوري الأوروبي ذلك الموسم.

وقد أبلغ مسؤول بارز في أحد اتحادات كرة القدم، شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية، أن العديد من الدول تضغط من أجل إجراء تصويت على استبعاد إسرائيل من كرة القدم الأوروبية، وأن مسؤولي يويفا يرغبون في اتخاذ إجراء.

ووقعت مجموعة مكونة من 48 رياضيًا على رسالة مشتركة، يوم الجمعة الماضي، تدعو إلى تعليق مشاركة إسرائيل على الصعيد الرياضي، حسبما ذكرت شبكة “بي بي سي” العالمية.

اقرأ أيضًا.. أمريكا: سنتصدى لأي محاولات تمنع إسرائيل من المشاركة في كأس العالم

وأفادت صحيفة “تايمز” أن التصويت قد يُجرى في أقرب وقت، في غضون أيام، وأن رئيس الوزراء الإسرائيلي بنيامين نتنياهو يشن حملة ضده، بينما تعهدت وزارة الخارجية الأمريكية بمقاومة أي محاولة لمنع إسرائيل من التأهل المحتمل لكأس العالم.

وأشارت “بي بي سي” إلى أن مجموعة الرياضيين، المذكورة سلفًا، دعت إلى تعليق مشاركة إسرائيل في كافة المسابقات الرياضية بشكل فوري حتى تلتزم بالقانون الدولي وتتوقف عن قتل المدنيين في غزة.

وأفادت أن الفرنسي بول بوجبا يُعد أبرز الموقعين على البيان، في حين أن لاعب خط وسط كريستال بالاس شيخ دوكوري هو اللاعب الوحيد في الدوري الإنجليزي الذي وقع على تلك العريضة.

إلى جانب ذلك، هناك المصري سام مرسي لاعب إيبسويتش تاون السابق، ولاعب تشيلسي السابق حكيم زياش، إلى جانب لاعب الكريكيت الإنجليزي السابق معين علي.

وقال الموقعون، في بيانهم، إنهم “صوت موحد لمحترفي الرياضة من جميع أنحاء العالم، يدافعون عن العدالة والإنصاف والإنسانية في الرياضة”، مؤكدين على أن “أفعال إسرائيل تنتهك القانون الإنساني الدولي وتتناقض مع مبادئ الاحترام والسلامة والسلام التي تمثلها الرياضة”.

وأوضحوا: “الرياضة ليست محايدة في مواجهة الظلم، الصمت يعني القبول بأن حياة البعض أقل قيمة من حياة الآخرين”.

وسبق لـ يويفا معارضة كافة دعوات منع إسرائيل من المشاركة في مسابقاته، حيث صرح ألكسندر تشيفيرين في أغسطس الماضي بأنه يعارض الحظر بشكل عام، قائلًا: “أعتقد أنه يجب أن تتاح لجميع الرياضيين فرصة المنافسة، وأن تُعامل الأمور الأخرى بشكل مختلف”.

وتعرض يويفا لانتقادات شديدة – بما في ذلك من نجم ليفربول محمد صلاح – قبل شهر عندما نشر خبرًا عن لاعب كرة القدم الفلسطيني سليمان العبيد على مواقع التواصل الاجتماعي، دون إيضاح ملابسات وفاته.

وكان الاتحاد الفلسطيني لكرة القدم قد أعلن بأنه اُستشهد في هجوم إسرائيلي أثناء انتظاره مساعدات إنسانية في جنوب قطاع غزة، مؤكدًا على أن عدد لاعبي كرة القدم الذين اُستشهدوا أو ماتوا جوعًا في غزة بلغ 421 لاعبًا، من بينهم 103 أطفال.

Tottenham Hotspur are now in contact to sign a £70m Premier League “superstar”, who is keen to leave his club this summer, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed.

Spurs set sights on new forward

It appears as though Son Heung-min is set to remain at N17 for at least one more season, although former scout Mick Brown has suggested Tottenham could look at replacing the forward in the near future, given that he is no longer the player he once was.

Brown said: “You look at his stats last year, they were nowhere near as good as they were the year before, but you know what type of player you’re getting.

“With just one year left on his contract, there’s more value in keeping him for a Champions League and Premier League campaign rather than selling him now. You don’t really want to lose that type of player and what Sonny can offer you.”

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Consequently, it may be time for Thomas Frank to start running the rule over potential long-term replacements for Son, and Southampton’s Tyler Dibling has recently been identified as a potential option.

However, Spurs are also targeting a current Premier League player, according to Bailey, who recently told The Boot Room: “Alejandro Garnacho wants to stay in England, and there are only so many options. Chelsea, we know, like him, whilst Tottenham have maintained contact.”

There may also be rival interest from Aston Villa, with Unai Emery’s side making contact over Garnacho, who is valued at around £70m, and Bailey states the winger would be open to a move to Villa Park.

One thing that is clear is that the Man United forward is likely to be on the move this summer, having already informed his current employers that he wants to leave.

"Superstar" Garnacho could reignite career at Tottenham

At 21-years-old, the United ace is still very young, with plenty of time to fulfill his lofty potential, and journalist Liam Canning believes the youngster is already a “superstar”.

The 2024-25 season was, of course, very difficult for the Red Devils, with Spurs ultimately coming out on top in the Europa League final, but the Argentina international still managed to impress at times, amassing 21 goal contributions in all competitions.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Premier League

36

6

2

Europa League

15

1

4

FA Cup

3

0

1

EFL Cup

3

3

3

Community Shield

1

1

0

Ruben Amorim was also left impressed by the starlet, praising him for his performance in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal: “I think Garnacho made a really complete game. He was upset last Thursday and today, he was amazing.”

As such, United’s loss could be Tottenham’s gain this summer, and Garnacho’s ability to play on the left-wing could make him a solid long-term replacement for Son.

Anderson believes his playing days are not behind him and is open to exploring T20 opportunities

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Aug-2024James Anderson has floated the possibility of an improbable foray into franchise cricket after his international retirement, a decade after his most recent T20 appearance. Anderson turned 42 two weeks ago, but believes that he still has “something to offer” as a bowler and has said that extending his playing career is “not off the table”.Following his final Test match at Lord’s last month, Anderson has been working with England’s bowlers in a coaching capacity and will continue in that role in their upcoming series against Sri Lanka. But he may step back for their tours to Pakistan and New Zealand this winter, which would leave his schedule open for opportunities overseas.”I feel there is something there, that I still want to play a little bit more – I just don’t know what that is yet” Anderson told the podcast. “I’m pretty open to anything at the minute. Things will become clearer as the rest of the year progresses. There’s two Test tours in the winter and I’m not sure I’ll be on them in this [coaching] role.”There’s plenty of things to think about and I just need to sit down and chat to people about it. I watch the Hundred and see the ball swinging around in the first 20 balls, and I think, ‘I can do that. I can still do that.’ I don’t know if that is a viable option, to maybe see if I could do a job in white-ball cricket? Franchise cricket is something I’ve never done.”Anderson has not played any white-ball cricket since 2019 and his last T20 match was the 2014 NatWest Blast final for Lancashire. But he remains England’s all-time leading ODI wicket-taker and believes that he still possesses the relevant skills, having bowled at England’s batters in the nets ahead of the second and third Tests against West Indies.”I don’t know how seriously I’m actually thinking about this myself right now,” Anderson conceded, “[but] the bowling thing is still a definite option for me, the way my body feels right now, the way my head is. From a skills point of view, the way Test cricket’s gone… I don’t think that’d be an issue. But I don’t know how much people would want a 42-year-old bowler in their team.”Anderson has not played T20 cricket in the last decade•Getty ImagesAnderson also intends to “give back” to Lancashire, the county where he developed as a young bowler. “I’ve played more Tests than I have first-class games for Lancs,” he said. “Whenever I’ve gone back, I’ve tried my very best and loved it. But there may be something there where I do feel like I could give something back to the club.”I’m actually quite excited about what’s next because I don’t know what that is, and that excites me. I’ve still got plenty of options, whether it is the coaching side of it, the media side of it, or whether it’s still playing in some capacity for a couple more years. I still feel like that’s not off the table, with the way that my body feels and the way that I’ve been bowling in recent years.”Anderson said that his body “at no stage has started to feel like it’s 42” and that he wants to make use of his ability to bowl fast while he still can. “There will be a time when I can’t turn my arm over at all and I can’t bowl at 50mph, never mind 80, so while I can do that, I want to keep doing it,” he said. “I’ll still dive around in the field if I play for Burnley in five years’ time.”

There’s no hiding from the fact that Manchester United fell by the wayside last season, but Ruben Amorim is intent on bringing Old Trafford back to the fore.

The Premier League giants were grounded, finishing 15th. Having also lost the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur, Amorim knows he has his work cut out, but with Matheus Cunha signed and conversations ongoing for the transfer of Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, there’s hope yet that a corner can be turned in the coming months.

However, it’s not only the frontline that needs repackaging. Indeed, the Red Devils are also hoping to make some changes in the central engine room.

The latest on Man Utd's midfield search

Manchester United need a midfielder, hopefully someone who can help to dynamise and widen the scope of Amorim’s ball-playing tactical vision.

Juventus’ Douglas Luiz has been placed on the radar, but after a disappointing season in Italy that led to only three Serie A starts, would he be the best pick?

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

Instead, United appear to be showing greater interest in Valencia star Javi Guerra, with reports from Italy claiming that the 22-year-old is actually close to joining United this summer.

A fee could be agreed for around €30m (£26m); this is an attractive figure, but it’s led to Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid also registering their interest.

United need to move quickly to get this one done.

What Javi Guerra would bring to Man Utd

While Christian Eriksen’s departure at the end of his contract takes away some experience from United’s ranks, last season’s travails have made it clear that some youthful exuberance would be a good thing for the progression of Amorim’s project.

Guerra would certainly offer that. His technical quality and trademark Spanish footballing IQ have led talent scout Jacek Kulig to liken him to Xabi Alonso, one of the finest playmakers of his generation.

More contemporarily, he’s perhaps cut from the same cloth as Martin Zubimendi, who has just signed for Arsenal in a deal worth £51m. In this way, United could land their own version of the distinguished Spain international, thus bridging the gap toward England’s leading pack.

Matches (starts)

36 (31)

36 (33)

Goals

3

2

Assists

3

1

Touches*

49.8

61.0

Pass completion

80%

84%

Big chances created

6

1

Key passes*

0.6

0.5

Dribbles*

0.8

0.5

Ball recoveries*

4.7

3.9

Tackles + interceptions*

2.0

3.2

Duels won*

3.5

4.6

Zubimendi is obviously the crisper and more refined player, with ex-Spain manager Luis de la Fuente even going as far as to name him one of the “best central midfielders in the world”.

Slightly more progressive and mobile, Guerra could add that robust number eight profile that the Red Devils so crave in the middle of the park. Guerra actually ranked among the top 17% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for successful take-ons and the top 18% for ball recoveries per 90, as per FBref.

Hailed a “serious talent” by Statman Dave, Guerra might be young but he’s already proving himself capable against the best of them, one of only six U21 midfielders to have won over 50 tackles and take-ons each across Europe’s top five leagues last year, a list that also contains Jude Bellingham and Barcelona’s Pedri.

It’s a profile that United don’t quite have at present, especially now that Eriksen has gone. This could herald a new wave of quality through to this great football club, looking to get back on its feet after quite the rough patch.

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Former Sri Lanka batter Mahela Jayawardene, who had signed a one-year extension as their consultant coach in January, has handed in his resignation six months into his contract.”Sri Lanka Cricket wishes to announce that Mr. Mahela Jayawardene, who served as the ‘Consultant Coach’ of the SLC, has tendered his resignation with immediate effect,” an SLC media release said. “Jayawardene, during his tenure, helped implement significant changes to the structure of the national team ecosystem and the High-Performance Center.”Jayawardene, who started his role from 2022, had seen mixed results during his time with SLC, with an unexpected win in the 2022 Asia Cup followed by a run to the final a year later being the highlights. But poor showings at the 2022 and 2024 T20 World Cups, and the 2023 ODI World Cup, had brought his position under scrutiny, though SLC themselves had been keen to extend his role citing his good work behind the scenes.Related

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His primary role, however, had been in overseeing an overall cultural shift within Sri Lanka cricket. What was notable was his championing of the National Super League, Sri Lanka’s domestic competition in both first-class and List A cricket, and technical improvements brought to the High Performance Centre, as well as an increased focus on data and performance analytics.Even within the national side, Jayawardene’s role had been more pronounced in recent years – he had accompanied the side on tour for major tournaments 2022 and 2023 – but his absence was conspicuous at the ongoing T20 World Cup in the US and West Indies, where Sri Lanka couldn’t make it to the Super Eight.ESPNcricinfo understands that the plan had initially been for Jayawardene to travel with the side, but as it transpired, recently-appointed cricket consultant Sanath Jayasuriya travelled with the team instead. Jayasuriya was announced in the newly-created role in December last year. On the face of it, the position seemed to have some overlaps with Jayawardene’s, with it understood to range from strategic and technical planning to the overall development of the national team.”It has become apparent to me that current decision-making is no longer fully aligned with the direction we were taking in some of these areas, and after careful consideration, I have concluded that it is best I step down,” Jayawardene had stated in his resignation letter, which ESPNcricinfo has seen.Jayawardene, who remains the second-most successful coach in the IPL, is currently the global head of performance at Mumbai Indians and its franchises.