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Glasgow Rangers manager Philippe Clement looked like he was trying to establish a new model at Ibrox during the summer transfer window.

Previous managers attempted a rebuild but had spent significant money on players who were either not good enough or far too old for any profit to be secured once they were moved on.

This led to the likes of Cyriel Dessers, Sam Lammers and Ben Davies being brought to the Light Blues over the last couple of years. All three failed to live up to their transfer fees.

Clement has come under fire recently for his approach to most games, with the Gers looking stagnant, failing to create enough clear-cut chances, notably in the defeat to Kilmarnock.

The Belgian is trying to change how the club operate in the transfer market alongside Nils Koppen, the director of football recruitment.

The player trading model at Rangers

During the summer, a total of ten players joined the club. Vaclav Cerny and Neraysho Kasanwirjo arrived on loan deals lasting the season, while the other eight were permanent transfers.

Besides Robin Propper and Liam Kelly, the rest of the new arrivals are aged 25 or under, representing a shift from bringing experienced players to Ibrox, to a more youth-based approach.

Of course, doing this during a transitional spell for the Gers might not appease the Ibrox faithful, but it is evident what Clement is trying to do – sign talented young players who can go on to make the club a profit in the near future.

It won’t happen overnight, but the Belgian simply has to take a glance at what Celtic are doing at the other end of Glasgow to realise just how important establishing an effective player-trading model is.

They have been doing this for years. Indeed, one of their first big sales while operating under this method could lay claim to being one of the finest centre-backs in the world – Virgil Van Dijk.

Virgil Van Dijk made Celtic a massive profit

The club signed the Dutchman in the summer of 2013 for a fee in the region of £2.6m from the Eredivisie as they bid to bolster their defence.

He impressed during his two-year stint in Scotland, showcasing his class, which would eventually lead to a move to Liverpool, winning everything there is to be won in the game.

Southampton signed the centre-back in 2015 for £13m, representing a wonderful profit made on the Dutchman, despite spending only two years in Glasgow.

When he made his move to Anfield a few years later, due to Celtic’s sell-on clause, they managed to rake in another £6m for the player, meaning the move certainly paid off for the club in the long run.

This is the sort of business Rangers need to start doing in order to catch up with their rivals from a financial point of view.

Players such as Jefte, Mohamed Diomande and Connor Barron are prospects who can help the Gers narrow the financial gap between the teams.

Is there a player in the current first-team squad who could have been their own Van Dijk sale a year or so ago? But his prospects don’t look as promising as they did back in 2022 – Leon King.

Leon King’s Rangers statistics

The defender had the world at his feet back in 2020 when he made his senior debut for the Light Blues against Falkirk in a League Cup clash during the 2020/21 campaign.

Steven Gerrard used that game to test out a few youngsters, with King only 16 at the time. The defender made an appearance in the league towards the end of that campaign, before featuring six times the following year, emerging as one of the most promising talents the club had produced in years.

In the summer of 2022, King was hailed by former Rangers’ defender Alan Hutton, who predicted that the youngster could have a big season ahead of him under Giovanni Van Bronkhorst.

“I’m interested to see Leon King this year,” Hutton said. “I think when I did watch him last season, he was like a big Rolls Royce, very elegant on the ball.

“He came out, kept possession and looked very comfortable for someone of such a young age.

“With the likes of Balogun leaving, Goldson signing a new contract, we know Souttar’s coming in, you need that competition for places to drive you on.”

The 2022/23 season saw King make appearances in both the Premiership and Champions League, as injury issues began to take their toll on a few defenders.

Everything was looking rosy until Michael Beale took over in December 2022. Having made 19 appearances under the Dutchman, King played just four times for Beale.

Leon King's decline at Rangers

Last season, King only made six appearances for the Ibrox side, as Clement preferred to go with more experienced players at the heart of the defence and this philosophy has continued into the current campaign.

The 20-year-old has yet to feature for the first team this term, and it looks like his potential is being wasted in the B team.

Players don’t improve unless they are given opportunities against senior teams. In the Champions League, King struggled against the likes of Liverpool and Napoli, but the experience would definitely have made him a better player.

Once thought of as the player who could be the next big sale at the club – having been the subject of interest from the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle United, among others – King may find himself leaving the Gers sooner rather than later unless Clement has a change of heart.

Considering the manager is under pressure, there doesn’t seem a way into the starting XI for the Scot, who so desperately requires first-team football.

The Gers may have had their own Van Dijk in King, but it looks as though he will leave with a whimper in the near future instead.

5 duels lost: Clement must ditch Rangers man who was bullied vs St Mirren

Rangers secured a narrow win over St Mirren on Sunday

By
Ross Kilvington

Oct 28, 2024

Reliable journalist Adam Pope has given an update on the absence of Leeds United player Patrick Bamford in the 3-0 victory against Plymouth Argyle on Saturday afternoon.

Leeds cruise to victory over Plymouth

The Whites hosted a struggling Plymouth side in the Championship knowing that they were strong favourites to prevail at Elland Road. While the league is one of the hardest to predict in Europe, it never felt like being anything other than a home win on Saturday.

Daniel Farke’s side raced into a 3-0 lead before half-time, effectively putting the game to bed, with Dan James, Joel Piroe and Brenden Aaronson all finding the back of the net. It meant that Leeds were able to be in cruise control during the second half, with the scoreline not changing and the hosts preserving energy ahead of more fixtures during a busy period.

The Whites’ one-sided victory means they sit second in the Championship table and look in a great position to go one better than last season, sealing promotion to the Premier League, hopefully by virtue of finishing in one of the two automatic places.

Sunderland’s 0-0 draw away to Queens Park Rangers also means that Leeds are now only three points behind the current league leaders, so it was a positive afternoon all round for Farke and his players. Bamford was absent from proceedings, however, and a key update has emerged explaining why.

Leeds journalist explains Bamford's absence vs Plymouth

Writing on X, Pope claimed that “we’re told Bamford is ill today”, adding in a separate post that the Leeds striker “couldn’t train but maybe back for Millwall” on Wednesday evening.

It is good to know that the 31-year-old’s absence wasn’t because of an injury, suggesting that he will overcome his illness and be available for selection again in no time, potentially even for the trip to Millwall in the coming days.

That being said, the £70,000-a-week Bamford has been a spectator for much of this season, seemingly not being rated by Farke as a key player. He has only actually appeared in five Championship matches in total and hasn’t started a single game in the competition in 2024/25 to date. Just 47 minutes of action have come his way in the process, showing that he has barely been a part of the campaign.

The Englishman has undeniable quality that could still be important during a long and taxing season, though, with former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp even once waxing lyrical over him, saying: “He’s an exceptional player, perfect. The work rate is outstanding and still playing the football he plays on top of that and scoring goals, that’s rare.”

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It remains to be seen what the future holds for Bamford, but he is out of contract in the summer of 2026, so next year currently feels like the right time to part ways. That would allow Leeds to receive a fee for him, and let the attacker enjoy more regular player time away from Elland Road.

يلتقي فريق برشلونة، مساء يوم الأربعاء، مع خصمه فريق بنفيكا وذلك في إطار منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، موسم 2024/25.

ويستضيف ملعب “النور” مباراة الفريقين في إطار منافسات ذهاب دور الـ16 من دوري أبطال أوروبا، هذا الموسم.

وتأهل برشلونة مباشرة إلى دور الـ16 من دوري أبطال أوروبا، من مرحلة الدوري، حيث احتل المركز الثاني.

طالع.. مباشر بالفيديو | مباراة برشلونة وبنفيكا في دوري أبطال أوروبا.. إعلان التشكيل

في حين أن بنفيكا احتاج إلى خوض مرحلة الملحق حيث تأهل على حساب فريق موناكو الفرنسي.

ويواجه المتأهل من برشلونة وبنفيكا مع المتأهل من صدام بوروسيا دورتموند وليل، في دور ربع نهائي البطولة. موعد مباراة برشلونة وبنفيكا اليوم في دوري أبطال أوروبا

تنطلق المباراة في تمام الساعة 10 مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة، 11 بتوقيت السعودية. القناة الناقلة لمباراة برشلونة وبنفيكا اليوم في دوري أبطال أوروبا

تُذاع المباراة عبر قناة beIN SPORTS 2. معلق مباراة برشلونة وبنفيكا اليوم في دوري أبطال أوروبا

سيعلق عصام الشوالي على أحداث مبارة الليلة.

ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا

Leeds United could attempt a loan offer to sign an attacking midfielder who has been compared to Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.

Leeds’ summer signings

The Whites and the 49ers Enterprises were busy over the summer, bringing in eight new additions. Joe Rodon, Largie Ramazani, Jayden Bogle, Ao Tanaka, Isaac Schmidt and Alex Cairns all arrived on permanent transfers, whereas Manor Solomon and Joe Rothwell joined on loan.

However, Daniel Farke did lose a number of important players from the 2023/24 campaign, including star trio Crysencio Summerville, Archie Gray and Georginio Rutter. Summerville departed for West Ham and was replaced by Ramazani and Solomon, whereas Gray joined Tottenham with Bogle coming in at right-back. However, no replacement was brought in for Rutter, who left for Brighton.

£12m wasted: Farke must sell Leeds man who earns more than Gnonto

The Whites loanee must be ditched from the squad in one of the next two transfer windows.

1 ByDan Emery Sep 25, 2024

Former Leeds manager Simon Grayson still thinks the club need a number 10, saying: “Before the transfer window closed I said Leeds needed a creative No.10 to pull the strings in midfield. I still think that’s the case, if only to add competition for places, but there’s more than enough quality in that team to win promotion.”

One player linked with coming in over the summer was Manchester City’s James McAtee, and a new transfer claim has emerged.

Leeds could make January loan move for McAtee

Angus Kinnear revealed on The Square Ball podcast earlier this month that the Whites were keen on bringing McAtee to Elland Road over the summer.

“Two of the other players, looking at the level we were looking at, McAtee at Man City, there was talk he might be released all the way through the window and then Pep decided to keep him.”

Leeds Live relayed the comments from Kinnear in a recent story looking at the Whites’ number 10 transfer targets. They state in the report that ‘a loan move for the England youth international is not out of the question come the January transfer window if Leeds want to bolster their squad for promotion’.

A swoop for McAtee in the New Year could be a shrewd move for all involved. As we know, Leeds failed to bring in a number 10 after losing Rutter to Brighton, with Farke having Brenden Aaronson as his only out-and-out attacking midfielder.

Wilfried Gnonto and Joel Piroe have been used there as well but are arguably naturally a winger and a centre-forward respectively. Therefore, McAtee, who has played 58 games as an attacking midfielder, scoring an impressive 24 goals and providing 10 assists, could be just what Leeds need.

The Man City man has played just one minute of Premier League football this season as well, so more game time for him in the second half of the season could be appealing.

Pep Guardiola has heaped praise on McAtee in the past as well, saying: “Maybe it happened because he’s a special player. These players when we don’t have incredible depth, we cannot forget he’s just 19, training every day is so important for him.”

Meanwhile, former Blades striker Carl Asaba compared McAtee to Arsenal star Odegaard late last year, saying: “He’s a bonus player in that he plays midfield and you have an extra number in there but then he can just attack. He’s like Odegaard. You play him in midfield so he’s defending for you, he’s another body for them to try and navigate away from but he likes the ball 30 yards out because he can go past you like you’re not there.”

Former Test opener lured to Lord’s by long-term contract and chance to play all formats

George Dobell18-Aug-2021Mark Stoneman is to leave Surrey and join Middlesex on a three-year deal.Stoneman, the former England Test opener, had been offered a new deal to remain at The Kia Oval but has been lured to Lord’s by a long-term contract and the prospect featuring in all three formats of the county game. Stoneman has struggled to gain a place in Surrey’s T20 team.The 34-year-old, who has spent five years at Surrey having previously represented Durham, is to join Middlesex on loan immediately and is available for their final four LV= Insurance County Championship matches of the season. The deal secures his future at Middlesex until at least the end of 2024.”Mark brings a wealth of experience from the cricket side of things, and it will be great to use that experience to drive our young batsmen forward,” Stuart Law, the Middlesex head coach, said. “[He is] a tough no-nonsense bloke who will form an experienced opening partnership with Sam Robson at the top of the order.”This is a significant signing for us as we build a squad for future success here at Middlesex, and it won’t be the last signing we make before next season. There’ll be more to come on this in the coming weeks.”Related

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Stoneman started and finished his Surrey career with centuries. After making 165 in his first Championship innings for the club (against Warwickshire) in 2017, he finished with a List A century against Glamorgan on Tuesday in the Royal London One-day Cup semi-final. In between times, he won 11 Test caps and played an important role in Surrey’s Championship-winning side of 2018.”I have had a fantastic five years at Surrey and will be forever grateful to Alec Stewart for giving me the opportunity to represent the club,” Stoneman said. “They played a key part in helping me achieve an ambition of playing for England. It was an incredibly difficult decision to turn down their contract offer as I’ve loved being part of the Surrey family.”During my time at the club, I have received fantastic support both on and off the field. However, I was offered a fantastic opportunity by Middlesex and I’m grateful to Alec for his understanding of my decision.”Stewart, Surrey’s director of cricket, admitted he was disappointed to lose Stoneman, but wished him well.”We are obviously disappointed that Rocky chose not to accept our new contract, but I respect his decision and the reasoning behind his move,” Stewart said. “He has been brilliant to work with during his time at Surrey and I wish him every success as he joins Middlesex.”

The West Indies quicks had reduced South Africa to 37 for 3 before Elgar and Verreynne added 87 for the fourth wicket

Firdose Moonda18-Jun-2021Dean Elgar, in his second Test as permanent captain, top-scored with 77 as South Africa negotiated a tough batting day against a much-improved West Indian side. Facing a must-win situation to share the spoils in the series, the hosts’ four-pronged pace attack made good use of the movement on offer in seamer-friendly conditions to make inroads into South Africa’s line-up early on and kept their visitors relatively quiet, with a run rate that stayed under three an over throughout the day.Shannon Gabriel, on his return from a hamstring injury that kept him out of the first Test, was the most successful bowler on the day. Gabriel was used in short bursts, never bowling more than four overs in a spell, and took 2 for 47. Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales and Kyle Mayers took one wicket apiece and Jason Holder, whose 14 overs cost just 25 runs, held an end even though he went wicketless.Between them, the quicks reduced South Africa to 37 for 3 inside 18 overs before Elgar and Kyle Verreynne shared a fourth-wicket stand of 87. Verreynne was dismissed in the last over before tea but Elgar took South Africa to within three overs of the second new ball being due and put on 79 for the fifth-wicket with Quinton de Kock, the centurion from the first Test. de Kock remained unbeaten on 59 off 103, at a strike rate of 57.28, the quickest of the match so far.Watch cricket on ESPN+

The WI vs SA series is available in the US on ESPN+. Subscribe to ESPN+ and tune in to the match.

Under cloudy skies and after morning rain, the toss was delayed and play eventually started 15 minutes late and was interrupted after three-and-a-half overs for another ten minutes by a passing shower. By then, South Africa had already lost their first batter. In the second over, Aiden Markram chased a short, wide delivery from Gabriel and was caught at backward point by Roston Chase. This was Markram’s sixth Test duck and he equalled the most number of scoreless dismissals by any opener since his debut in September 2017.Elgar shares that record with Markram and was at risk of going past him and departing for a second duck in the series. He was beaten twice by Roach and squared up by Gabriel before the rain break and went into it scoreless. But he returned to find his first runs with a boundary and battled through most of the rest of the day.At the other end, Roach found Keegan Petersen’s outside edge but the chance fell short of third slip. Petersen did not look comfortable against the moving ball and though he survived a stifled appeal for a catch down the leg side, he did not last long after the introduction of Seales. In his second Test, Seales struck with the first ball of his third over when he tempted Petersen into the drive off a ball that moved away from him. Petersen edged to Holder at second slip.Rassie van der Dussen was bowled after shouldering arms to a Roach inducker•AFP/Getty ImagesElgar started to look more convincing when he drove Seales through mid-off but he was beaten by Holder’s first ball, a beauty that pitched on middle and off and moved away then went back into his shell. He battled on, but Rassie van der Dussen couldn’t. Roach, who had switched ends from when he opened the bowling, got the ball to move into van der Dussen several times in his sixth over to set him up, and then did the same with the third ball of his seventh when van ver Dussen shouldered arms and was bowled.Verreynne stayed with Elgar until lunch and through most of the second session showing glimpses of the aggression he has become known for in domestic cricket. But he also had his nervy moments. He was beaten several times after that and survived an lbw review off Mayers, who surprised Verreynne with a ball that nipped back into him from outside off and hit him on the back pad. West Indies reviewed but ball-tracking showed it was going over the stumps.Elgar had been watchful throughout that period but played a few shots in anger. He brought up South Africa’s hundred with a flick off a Roach full toss and his own fifty when he top-edged a Gabriel short ball, which ended up being a no-ball, off the 146th delivery he faced.Two overs later, Verreynne attempted a pull off Gabriel, who had returned for a pre-tea burst, but did not get hold of the ball as it swung down the leg side. He was given out caught behind and reviewed but UltraEdge confirmed Verreynne’s bat had made contact.de Kock picked up where he left off in the first Test and approached his innings positively. He punched a full Chase delivery between extra cover and mid-off, hit Gabriel through the covers and spurred Elgar on to some more aggressive strokes too. The captain pulled Seales through midwicket and drove Holder down the ground to enjoy some reward after an innings of mostly hard graft.The pair seemed set to take South Africa to the close but in the 78th over, Mayers bowled Elgar with a delivery that came back into him and squeezed through the bat-pad gap. West Indies ended up not taking the second new ball instead opting to wait until the morning to make use of it, when conditions may again be ripe for swing. They’ll look to repeat their first morning’s performance but will also be aware of the number of extras they gave away on the first day – 42 – the third-highest scorer in the innings.

Tash Farrant, Sophia Dunkley also called up as Nat Sciver is named vice-captain across all formats

Valkerie Baynes09-Jun-2021Emily Arlott has earned a maiden call-up to the England Women’s squad ahead of their Test against India after taking a hat-trick in domestic cricket last weekend.She joins fellow seamer Tash Farrant, who has also enjoyed a strong start to the domestic season, in an extended 17-player squad which is expected to be trimmed before the Test starts in Bristol on June 16. Also untried in the format and called into England’s squad announced on Wednesday are Sophia Dunkley, Sarah Glenn, Mady Villiers and Freya Davies.Arlott, 23, produced a four-wicket over and finished with 5 for 29 for Central Sparks in a 120-run victory over reigning Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy champions Southern Vipers on Saturday.Related

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Lisa Keightley, England Women’s Head Coach, was at Hove to witness her performance but Arlott was already on the radar, having also caught the attention of Heather Knight, the England captain, when her Western Storm side faced Sparks the previous week.”I was loving yesterday, Issy Wong and Emily Arlott – two good, young fast bowlers – coming in and bowling quick on a pitch with pace and carrying a bit in it at Edgbaston,” Knight said last week. “It’s brilliant and I’m pleased to see the England girls go well and some of the domestic players really pushing as well.”Dunkley’s call-up caps a successful week for her after she was awarded a central contract for 2021-22. Dunkley broke back into the England set-up during the five-match T20I series against West Indies last summer after an absence of 18 months and has started the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy strongly with scores of 104 not out, 0 and 92.Farrant returned to the England fold when she was recalled for the tour of New Zealand in February and March after being omitted from the central contracts list in early 2019.At the other end of the Test experience spectrum, Georgia Elwiss is in contention to play her fourth Test match almost two years since her last England appearance, having missed last summer because of injury. Lauren Winfield-Hill could also play the fourth Test of her career and her first since the 2017 Ashes in Australia.England confirmed that Nat Sciver would become team vice-captain across all formats, having stepped in on the winter tour of New Zealand for Anya Shrubsole, who was injured at the time but has returned to the England squad for the India Test.England Women’s Test squad to face India•ESPNcricinfo LtdKeightley said: “It’s been hard to pick a squad given the balance of needing cover in a COVID world while wanting to give players as much chance as possible to play cricket.”We want players to have opportunities out in the middle so we’re looking to reduce our numbers slightly ahead of the Test to give the non-selected players that chance.”India are a strong side and it’s the beginning of a two-year journey for us that takes in two ICC World Cups, an Ashes and the Commonwealth Games.”While 10 of India’s 18-member touring party are yet to play a Test, 11 players in the England squad have Test-match experience.

Julen Lopetegui has had a busy summer since becoming the new West Ham United boss, with the club acquiring eight new senior signings so far this window, and their business doesn't appear to be finished yet.

The Hammers have made multiple defensive acquisitions this summer, one of them being Manchester United fullback, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who joined for £15m.

Wan-Bissaka – who made 30 appearances for United in all competitions last season, providing three assists, and contributing to five clean sheets in 2,411 minutes played – will be hoping to make an instant impact at the London Stadium, although Lopetegui could well be plotting to sign an instant rival for that right-back berth.

West Ham transfer news

According to reports from The Telegraph, West Ham are said to be monitoring the situation of Newcastle defender, Kieran Trippier. Other interested parties are Everton, Atalanta, and Galatasaray.

The 33-year-old is currently on £120k-per-week for The Magpies, according to Capology. This would put him on more than fellow new right-back signing, Wan-Bissaka, who is earning £90k-per-week for the Hammers.

Trippier made 39 appearances in all competitions for Newcastle last season, scoring one goal, providing 11 assists, and contributing to 11 clean sheets in his 3,079 minutes played, although is now believed to be pushing for an exit from St James' Park.

Trippier vs Wan-Bissaka comparison

Whilst both Trippier and Wan-Bissaka play at right-back, the pair are known for different aspects of their game. Trippier being a more attacking and creative outlet from fullback, and Wan-Bissaka being more of a lockdown 1v1 defender.

Gareth Southgate did describe Trippier as a "solider" during the recent Euro 2024 competition, praising his ability to step in at left-back and play through injury troubles coming into the tournament.

Stats (per 90 mins)

Trippier

Wan-Bissaka

Goals

0.03

0.00

Assists

0.32

0.11

Progressive Carries

1.41

1.49

Progressive Passes

6.52

3.94

Passes Attempted

82.9

49.8

Key Passes

2.39

0.63

Shot-Creating Actions

3.80

1.31

Tackles

2.23

2.22

Interceptions

0.84

2.25

Blocks

1.61

1.36

Aerials Won

1.08

1.00

As you can see from the metrics, Trippier offers a much more creative spark from right-back, chipping in with plenty of assists, being an integral part of build up with his 82.9 passes attempted per 90, and 6.52 progressive passes per 90.

This is an important factor for Lopetegui, who wants to use his fullbacks in the build-up, and then allow them to support the forwards as an attacking outlet too. Therefore, an ability to contribute to the first phase of the build-up, but also the attacking phase is key.

Trippier also makes 2.39 key passes per 90, which is a very telling metric as to how he manages 0.32 assists per 90, highlighting his creative mind and ability to play riskier passes to create chances for others, also highlighted by the 3.80 shot-creating actions per 90.

Wan-Bissaka, who is more known for his defensive qualities, actually only ranks above Trippier for interceptions per 90, averaging 2.25, whereas Trippier's tackle, block and aerials won metrics are actually better than those of Wan-Bissaka.

Therefore, an addition such as Trippier would have much more of a gain in the attacking phases of play, whilst not majorly losing out on defensive output numbers, perhaps opting to start Wan-Bissaka as a 1v1 defender against tougher opposition.

Lastly, Trippier, of course, is a huge set-piece threat, delivering corners, free-kicks and even striking them goal-bound himself. This would add extra dead-ball quality, especially when James Ward-Prowse doesn't find himself in the team.

All in all, the veteran defender could prove an astute pickup for the Irons to further strengthen an already star-studded squad at Lopetegui's disposal.

West Ham pushing for £20m talent who could be Lingard 2.0

The Hammers want another signing, but will need to sell first.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 22, 2024

Manchester United are set to submit a new big-money offer for a "magnificent" long term target this summer, according to an exciting transfer update.

Man Utd transfer news

It is a matter of time until the Red Devils confirm the signings of Bayern Munich pair Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui, with the defensive duo in the process of completing their respective moves from the Bundesliga giants. It has been a promising summer at Old Trafford, with Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee among those to have also come in, but Sir Jim Ratcliffe's spending may not be done there.

One recent report has claimed that United are considering making a move for highly-rated young Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, with a transfer worth as much as £50m mooted. The Republic of Ireland international is still just 19 years of age, but has been touted to become a superstar over time.

Fenerbahce and Turkey left-back Ferdi Kadioglu has also been linked with a summer move to Old Trafford, having caught the eye with his performances for his country at Euro 2024. He also averaged 3.6 tackles and two clearances per game at the tournament, enhancing his reputation in the process, and he could be viewed as a long-term replacement for the injury-prone Luke Shaw.

A move for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong also isn't seemingly out of the question, despite United failing in their efforts to sign him so far, bidding far lower than the Catalan giants are willing to accept for his services.

Man Utd to submit bid for "magnificent" player

According to a new report from Football Insider, Manchester United have now "re-opened talks" to sign Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite in the summer window, as they look to snap him up alongside De Ligt.

Red Devils chiefs are about to submit a new bid of £60m this week and they believe the offer will be accepted by the Blues, even though their previous efforts have been unsuccessful.

Signing Branthwaite as well as De Ligt and Yoro really would represent a superb summer of spending at the heart of Erik ten Hag's defence, as they look to make huge improvements in the Premier League. The 22-year-old has enjoyed such a meteoric rise at Everton over the past 12 months or so, and he looks like a potential regular starter for England in the coming years.

Branthwaite's quality hasn't gone unnoticed by Premier League legend Alan Shearer, who has hailed him as "magnificent", while Jamie Carragher has also heaped praise on him: "Branthwaite has been outstanding. I think this lad is pretty special. He's a big part of why Everton in my eyes have a good chance of staying up, him and his partnership with [James] Tarkowski."

Report: Man Utd now considering £50m move for Premier League star

His finishing has been described as “phenomenal”.

ByHenry Jackson Aug 12, 2024

It would arguably be a surprise to see Branthwaite come in now, considering the money already spent on new defenders by United this summer, but few supporters will be against his signing, given his long-term promise.

Derbyshire have signed Australia fast bowler Billy Stanlake as one of their overseas players for the 2021 summer. The 6ft 7in quick, who is capable of bowling at 150kph/93mph, will be available across all formats, subject to clearance.Stanlake, 26, was first picked by Australia in 2017, having played only a handful of senior games. He has taken 27 wickets in 19 T20Is, as well as seven in as many ODI appearances, but has had regular injury problems and last featured in 2019.Related

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A full season with Derbyshire will allow Stanlake to work on his red-ball game, having only played eight first-class matches since making his debut in 2015.”I can’t wait to get started with Derbyshire and show the supporters what I’m all about, it’s a really exciting time for me,” Stanlake said. “I’m keen to develop my red-ball game, and this move gives me the opportunity to hopefully help Derbyshire to build on their form across the competitions. The club are ambitious, they want to win trophies and hopefully I can be a part of that success.”Derbyshire had agreed a T20 deal with Stanlake for the 2019 season, only for it to be scuppered by injury. He was also pulled out of a T20 stint at Yorkshire the previous summer, after Cricket Australia chose to manage his workload.He will line up in white-ball cricket at Derbyshire alongside fellow Australia international Ben McDermott.Derbyshire’s head of Cricket, Dave Houghton, said: “Billy is a player we’ve been watching for some time, there’s not too many players of his quality available for all formats, so it’s really pleasing to get him in. He’s tall and he bowls at a high pace with a good level of bounce and variation.”He’s someone who has made his name with the white ball, but he’s determined to show what he can do in first-class cricket as well. That hunger will be huge for us, and he’s a great addition [to our] bowling attack.”