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Manchester United are eyeing a swoop for Ajax centre-back Lisandro Martinez as they aim to reinforce the defence and reunite the player with manager Erik ten Hag.

What’s the story?

According to The Mirror, United have met with the representatives of Martinez and were told that £42m would be what’s needed to secure his services.

They face competition for his signature from fellow Premier League club Arsenal who also met with his agent. The Gunners recently had a £25m enquiry for the player turned down with United planning a bid of £30m.

The report said that the player wants to move to the England but fears the asking price could put suitors off.

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Ten Hag desperately needs him

If United are to improve on last season then recruiting defensively is a must. The Red Devils conceded more goals than they ever have done in a single league season (57) and ended with a goal difference of 0.

Their defenders came under a lot of media scrutiny last season and rightly so, new manager Ten Hag needs to reinforce the backline if they are to have any chance of qualifying for the Champions League.

Signing Martinez could help solve the problem, he is a talented defender who has been described as a “bulldog” by journalist Casey Evans and his statistics seem to back that claim up.

He has won 69% of his total duels in the Eredivisie last season which shows his aggressive nature and ability to win his battles. It’s this willingness to fight that United have lacked recently and if signed maybe he could influence others.

It’s not the only area where he excels, he has a passing accuracy of 92% in his own half and made 0 errors leading to a shot or goal last season.  This proves his reliability and composure when playing out from the back.

Above all else, Ten Hag was his coach last season, so he wouldn’t need time to adapt to his methods and could slot straight into the back line at United.

The competition would also likely bring the best out of current defenders Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Victor Lindelof.

While Ajax might be asking for a high fee, he’s currently paid just £43k-per-week so United could save money on wages.

If it means securing him ahead of their rivals, we think United should pay the money they’re asking for.

AND in other news: Ten Hag closes in on Man Utd swoop for £54m-rated “genius”, he’s a big upgrade on Fred…

Dean Jones has dropped an update on reported Leeds United transfer target James McAtee.

What’s the talk?

In a recent interview with Football Transfer Tavern, the transfer insider revealed that, despite recent reports suggesting the attacking midfielder is keen to stay at Manchester City heading into the 2022/23 campaign, Victor Orta nevertheless remains interested in a move for the 19-year-old this summer.

Regarding Leeds’ pursuit of the England U20 international’s signature, Jones said: “McAtee at Man City is somebody that they are still in for as well. That might be one that still ends up happening.”

Supporters will be buzzing

Considering just how exciting a prospect McAtee evidently is, Jones’ claim that the Whites could yet seal a deal for the teenager this summer is sure to be news that the Elland Road faithful will love.

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Indeed, over his £2.7m-rated talent was in breathtaking form for City’s U23 side, scoring 18 goals and registering seven assists – ranking the forward-thinking gem as the joint top scorer and fourth-highest assist provider in the division.

As such, it is easy to see why the player who Jacek Kulig dubbed “exceptional” has been labelled as Pep Guardiola’s next Phil Foden – the £128m-rated England international who has so far scored 45 goals and provided 33 assists over his 167 appearances for City.

In fact, when comparing McAtee’s record over City’s various age groups to that of Foden’s, it is the former who comes out on top, with the 19-year-old scoring a total of 44 goals and registering 27 assists over 87 fixtures – averaging a direct goal involvement every 90 minutes of football played – while the 22-year-old bagged 21 goals and provided 13 assists in 42 games – averaging a direct goal contribution every 112 minutes.

As such, should Orta go on to land the £3.1k-per-week sensation this summer, it is clear for all to see just how promising a forward Jesse Marsch will have at his disposal next season – with Jones’ latest update regarding the Whites’ pursuit of the attacker sure to delight everyone involved with the club.

AND in other news: Orta could yet seal “extraordinary” signing after Leeds talks for £22m “explosion”

Manchester United have ‘already been in contact’ with RB Leipzig over a deal for forward Brian Brobbey, according to ESPN’s Rob Dawson. 

The lowdown

The Red Devils may need another centre-forward option after Edinson Cavani left the club and Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his desire to follow him out the door.

With Anthony Martial also keen to leave Manchester, Marcus Rashford may be left as the only available striker at Old Trafford.

Brobbey came through the youth ranks at Ajax before joining RB Leipzig on a free transfer in July 2021. In January, Erik ten Hag brought him back to Amsterdam on loan for the second half of the campaign.

The latest

According to ESPN, ‘sources have’ informed them that United are interested in Brobbey and have already initiated dialogue with RB Leipzig.

‘There is hope’ that the two sides can shake hands on a fee of around €20m, which equates to £16.9m.

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The verdict

This pursuit continues an early trend of the Ten Hag reign, with the new United manager pursuing players with whom he’s already worked – Frenkie de Jong, Lisandro Martinez and now Brobbey.

The 20-year-old impressed at the Johann Cruyff ArenA last season, scoring seven goals in 11 league appearances.

Those numbers are even more impressive when you consider that he only started 396 top-flight minutes. That works out as one goal every 56.6 minutes, or one every 0.63 matches.

With no goals in the top five European leagues up to this point, Brobbey probably isn’t ready to be United’s starting striker just yet.

However, there’s certainly an argument to be made that the Red Devils need more than one new face in that department, and the young Dutchman could be a smart prospective long-term addition.

Nottingham Forest have been heavily linked with a move for Morgan Gibbs-White this summer and now a new update has emerged on the club’s plans for competing to sign the player.

What’s the latest?

According to The Athletic, Nottingham Forest are the most likely suitors to sign Gibbs-White alongside Everton this summer.

As per the report, Forest are keeping a close eye on the player’s situation at Wolverhampton Wanderers and in terms of a transfer fee the club is more than willing to break the club’s record to sign the midfielder to compete with Everton for his signature.

Imagine him & Awoniyi

Steve Cooper is clearly wasting no time or resources in ensuring that Forest can build a team that can compete in the Premier League when they return to action next month, and Gibbs-White would be the perfect addition to complete the team’s attacking threat.

Forest have already signed seven players to bolster their squad ahead of their long-awaited return to the top-flight, with Taiwo Awoniyi joining the side from Union Berlin – where the striker was the Bundesliga side’s top scorer last season with 17 goals.

Now, the Welsh manager can reunite with his former player to complete a formidable attacking partnership between Awoniyi and Gibbs-White, as the midfielder has displayed his endless creativity whilst on a season-long loan with Sheffield United last season.

Gibbs-White – who was hailed “sensational” by Ryan Bennett – scored 12 goals and delivered 10 assists in all competitions for the Yorkshire club, finishing the season as the second-highest scoring player in the squad.

In the Championship he also created an impressive 16 big chances, proving that he would be a very valuable asset to Forest in the Premier League.

Furthermore, the youngster has also expressed his frustration at not getting the game time he feels he deserved at Wolves, revealing his desire to be a starter in the team in an interview with FourFourTwo last year:

“I feel I’m at a stage in my career where I’m ready to play week in, week out. Going to Sheffield United was the right move because I didn’t want to be sat on the bench at a Premier League team. I’m enjoying every minute of it.”

After working with Gibbs-White on the international stage with England U17s and signing him up at Swansea City, Cooper is no stranger to his talent and the £30m Wolves dynamo has also claimed that he has a “good relationship” with the Forest boss already:

“Steve Cooper and I have always had a good relationship. He did unbelievable things for me in the [U17] World Cup with England and when he was at Swansea, he gave me my chance when I went on loan there.”

With that being said, Forest must do everything they can to sign Gibbs-White this summer and should not be put off by the efforts of Everton, as he could make a huge difference in the newly-promoted side’s chances of survival in the Premier League next season.

AND in other news: “Will happen..”: Reliable journo drops big NFFC transfer claim, Cooper will be buzzing

Leeds United are waiting in the wings with a ‘counterattack’ to sign Club Brugge attacker Charles De Ketelaere this summer, according to journalist Alexandre Braeckman.

The lowdown: Top target

The Whites have been extensively linked with De Ketelaere throughout the transfer window as the interest was ramped up following the sale of last season’s star attacker Raphinha to Barcelona.

Journalist Dean Jones of Eurosport claimed this week the Whites are ‘ready’ to make a deal happen if possible and the player has even agreed personal terms, but Victor Orta hasn’t faced a free run at signing the 21-year-old Belgium international as Italian giants AC Milan also attempt to make a deal happen ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

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In fact, it’s been the Serie A outfit who have become the main protagonist for the race for De Ketelaere recently, leaving Orta sidelined and Jesse Marsch even publicly admitting they are ‘not finished’ but a deal is unlikely.

The latest: ‘Counterattack’

Taking to Twitter, Braeckman – a journalist for Bel RTL who has covered this saga closely – claimed there is ‘optimism’ between Milan and Brugge regarding a deal but Leeds have their ‘counter-attack’ ready to sign the eight-cap ace.

He stated: “These discussions are followed very closely by LUFC , which will counterattack immediately if no agreement is reached. They are ready to ‘steal’ the player if the Milan-Bruges deal fails.”

The verdict: Be prepared

Although it’s smart to wait for any opportunity to sign a player clearly so highly coveted by Marsch, the Whites have been in danger of putting all their eggs in the basket of De Ketelaere and instead should perhaps be turning attention to alternative options as the Belgian edges towards Italy.

Hailed for his ‘remarkable’ form during 2021/22 by football writer Adam Rae Voge after directly contributing to 28 goals in 49 appearances last term, Leeds are certainly in the market for a top-class prospect who would add a whole new dimension to the attacking ranks due to his outstanding versatility.

Whilst a deal is never over the line until it’s confirmed and therefore the Yorkshire officials can remain hopeful of landing the £27million valued De Ketelaere, should there be no complications and Leeds miss out on the youngster, it’s equally imperative that Orta and co are ready to attack other targets such as Paris Saint-Germain’s Arnaud Kalimuendo or the £40m Ivan Toney.

Manchester United and Arsenal are both interested in signing Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans this summer, with the player favouring a move to the Gunners, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: United pip Arsenal to Martinez

The Red Devils recently made defender Lisandro Martinez their third summer signing after Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen. A deal is thought to be worth £57m, with United pipping Arsenal in the race for the Argentina international.

It now looks as if the two clubs could do battle in the transfer market again, this time for Tielemans, who has been hailed as ‘one of Europe’s top midfielders’ by Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers.

The Latest: Tielemans transfer latest

Football Insider shared an update regarding Tielemans on Monday evening, claiming that both United and Arsenal are interested in his services.

However, their report states that the Belgium international has told friends that he would favour a move to the Emirates Stadium over Old Trafford after entering the final 12 months of his Leicester contract.

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The Verdict: Not ideal

United don’t appear to be having any luck when it comes to their search for a new marquee central midfielder.

The Red Devils agreed on a fee with Barcelona for Frenkie de Jong, but the player has no intention of leaving the Nou Camp to reunite with his former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag.

It now seems as if United could also miss out on Tielemans, and with time ticking ahead of the new season, there’s a real possibility that Ten Hag will have to choose between Scott McTominay, Fred and Donny van de Beek when it comes to holding or central midfield.

Leeds United are the latest team to register an interest in Julian Quinones…

What’s the word?

That’s according to French outlet Foot Mercato, who claim that the Whites are expected to rival Ligue 1 outfit Strasbourg in the race to sign the Atlas forward.

It’s thought that the Colombian is ‘very popular’ with manager Jesse Marsch, and that has since been reinforced by journalist Sebastien Denis.

“It’s just an interest for the moment,” he said to MOT Leeds News. “But, Marsch likes his profile. [He is worth] €5million (£4.2m) – he is a striker, best player of the last Mexican championship.”

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Raphinha replacement

Quinones, who is capable of playing anywhere along the frontline, could be a bargain solution to the gap left behind by Raphinha.

Whilst a striker by trade, Marsch will be looking for the former Colombia U20 international to replace the goals and assists that he will now be lacking as the Brazilian swapped west Yorkshire for Barcelona this summer.

The 5 foot 10 machine enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last term, where he delivered a whopping 14 goals and nine assists across 42 appearances, on Atlas’ way to the Liga MX title.

One goal contribution every 152 minutes is a more than respectable return, no matter what division it’s in. By comparison, Raphinha managed one every 211 minutes in the Premier League last term as his finished the campaign as their top goalscorer (11 goals) and most creative outlet (1.9 key passes per game).

Described as an “animal in all training sessions” by central defensive teammate Diego Reyes, it’s clear that Quinones could have all the key attributes to replace the void left behind by Raphinha – goals, creativity and relentless work rate.

If Marsch does indeed want him this season, then £4.2m could be an absolute snip, and as such, director of football Victor Orta must launch a bid in the coming days, with the new season less than two weeks away.

AND in other news, Orta plotting Leeds offer for “stunning” target, he’s “one of the brightest prospects”…

Nottingham Forest are reportedly in the mix to sign Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Junior Dina Ebimbe this summer, according to French outlet Le10Sport.

The lowdown: Previous interest

The Reds were initially linked with a move for Ebimbe in July 2021, but the move failed to materialise as then-PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino included the talented youngster in his early season plans.

However, the 21-year-old France youth international struggled to hold down a regular place in PSG’s senior starting XI and ended the season with just 14 first-team outings overall to his name.

A fresh claim emerging from France has suggested that Ebimbe – who spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan at Dijon – could be on the move once again…

The latest: Forest ‘seduced’ by Ebimbe

As per Le10Sport, having confirmed the capture of Orel Mangala from Stuttgart over the weekend, Steve Cooper could already be considering a 13th summer signing ahead of the new Premier League opening campaign, which begins on Friday night.

It’s claimed that Nottingham Forest are ‘seduced’ by the possibility of bringing the France under-21 starlet to the City Ground, whilst Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt are ‘strongly interested’ in the powerful midfielder.

The report also states that the ‘idea of ​​a departure is more than on the table’ for Ebimbe, and that Forest ‘came forward’ to discuss the idea of making a deal happen.

The verdict: Go for it

Further additions in central midfield aren’t essential following the signings of Mangala, Lewis O’Brien, Brandon Aguilera and Jesse Lingard, and Forest are seemingly also in the market for Josh Bowler and Glen Kamara. Nonetheless, adding a player of Ebimbe’s potential to the City Ground ranks would be a sensational coup for the top-flight returnees.

Previously linked with Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen, the £4.5m-valued battler’s ability to operate in numerous positions across the midfield and in more advanced areas would make him a welcome boost to Cooper’s squad.

Last season, Ebimbe earned a 6.73 Sofascore rating whilst winning two duels per game and completing 90% of his attempted passes in Ligue 1, showcasing his acumen both in and out of possession.

Earning a reported £5,300 per week in Paris and into the final 12 months of his contract (Transfermarkt), this looks to be a wholly affordable venture for the Forest hierarchy, and one which would further enhance what has already been an impressive summer transfer window for the Reds.

Football Insider’s John Wenham is full of praise for the decision to reward Eddie Howe with a new contract at Newcastle United. 

The lowdown: New deal

Appointed in November 2021, Howe has overseen an immediate upturn in fortunes at St James’ Park and was able to guide the Magpies well clear of the threat of relegation.

The 44-year-old manager has since added a further three players to the ranks this summer having signed Kieran Tripper, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes and Dan Burn during the January window.

Following the confirmed news that Howe has signed a new long-term deal in the North East, one pundit has suggested that the Englishman is right up there with the very best.

The latest: ‘Phenomenal job’

Speaking to Football Insider, Wenham – an insider who breaks mostly Tottenham news on his Lilywhite Rose social media channels – lauded the work done by the former Bournemouth man since arriving in Newcastle.

He said: “Eddie Howe has done a phenomenal job at Newcastle. When he took over he lost Wilson to injury straight away. Trippier then came in and he went out injured after three games.

“He has done a phenomenal job and I really like the recruitment this summer. Pope and Matt Targett are great deals.

“Howe has been very good in the window so far, I can’t think of any bad signings Newcastle have made under him. He is getting the best out of the players and he started off with a positive result and a clean sheet. It’s a well-deserved contract and I’m really pleased to see a young English manager doing well at a big club like Newcastle.”

The verdict: Spot on

Having kickstarted the 2022/23 campaign with a 2-0 victory against Nottingham Forest, the Toon are certainly enjoying a new lease of life under Howe and indeed the ownership group.

Still with time remaining in the transfer window, it remains to be seen whether the man in the hot seat will seek further reinforcements in order to mount a sustained challenge at the higher end of the Premier League.

Working in conjunction with sporting director Dan Ashworth, Newcastle have been heavily linked to numerous stars such as Anthony Gordon, James Maddison and Maxi Gomez in recent weeks and adding at least one more attacking option to the ranks would make Howe’s job potentially even more impressive moving forwards.

Whatever happens between now and September 1, this new deal and current feel-good factor on Tyneside are a far cry from the previous incumbents and have certainly given the Magpies’ faithful something to be optimistic about once again.

Liverpool have been heavily linked with a move for Matheus Nunes and that speculation has escalated following the injury to Thiago Alcantara, however, a reliable source has now weighed in on the transfer rumour.

What’s the latest?

According to The Athletic’s Liverpool reporter James Pearce, Liverpool are not interested in signing Sporting CP midfielder Nunes before the transfer window closes.

Pearce replied to a supporter who had questioned the speculation surrounding a move for Nunes:

“Reported a few weeks ago when rumour first came up that LFC were not interested and believe that’s still the case.”

Klopp could regret it

The Portuguese midfielder is probably the most closest linked player to making a move to Anfield at the moment, so if Pearce is adamant that Liverpool are not interested in the £42.2m target, then where does that leave Jurgen Klopp’s midfield going into the upcoming games in the Premier League?

The Reds will host Crystal Palace in their next game on Monday and then head to Old Trafford for one of the most highly anticipated fixtures in the league calendar in a clash against Manchester United on 22nd of August, and at the moment the Liverpool boss is dealing with a number of injury issues in midfield.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is out with a serious hamstring injury, Curtis Jones is out with an injury that is set to see him sidelined for a month and now Thiago has also sustained a hamstring injury after limping off in the disappointing draw with Fulham at Craven Cottage last weekend.

The Spanish midfielder is believed to be out for around six weeks, but will now see another specialist to make sure the timeframe is accurate. Nevertheless, Liverpool can’t afford another injury to hit the centre of the pitch over the next few weeks if they want to continue to compete at the highest level.

Klopp did speak out after the Fulham draw on the potential of a new midfielder coming into the squad on Merseyside, but claimed it “must make sense” to do so (via The Mirror):

“A transfer must make sense, now and in the long term. We still have eight midfielders, just some of them are injured at the moment. It’s not a good situation at all, but we won’t panic. We have to see how we react.”

This is certainly not the first time the German coach has paid the price for having a small squad, as Liverpool had a tumultuous season in 2020/21 when their entire defence collapsed with injuries, leading to a season of struggles with the makeshift side managing a third place finish on the last day of the season.

As a result, Klopp could regret not making that extra midfielder signing this summer. Signing Nunes, or a like-minded midfielder, would allow his current central options the freedom to return to fitness when they are completely ready, and when they do suffer injuries to key players like Thiago, there won’t be a huge drop off from the quality and technicality of his replacement. At the moment, that feels like it could well be the case.