All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Birmingham City fans will just want a settled face in the St. Andrew's dug-out next season, with another new manager walking in through the door very soon owing to Tony Mowbray now stepping down.

Whoever does take on the reins after the ex-Sunderland man will have their work cut out to a degree, trying to breathe life back into the Blues who have slipped down to League One for the first time in 29 years, despite having ambitious new American owners in the background.

In a different reality, Birmingham would have stuck by John Eustace earlier in the season – who secured survival for his new club Blackburn Rovers at the expense of his ex-employers – instead of appointing Wayne Rooney, but not much good can come from being bitter about the past now.

Funnily enough, the new third-tier side could try and show they mean business by going after this former assistant manager to Rooney, who has Championship suitors eyeing up him too.

Birmingham going after ambitious swoop

Football Insider first reported last week that Birmingham were interested in trying to bring ex-Hull City manager Liam Rosenior to St. Andrew's, attempting to fend off a barrage of clubs from the division above going after the in-demand 39-year-old.

With Sunderland and Plymouth Argyle also convinced that Rosenior should be their next manager, rumours have circulated since that the former Tigers man isn't interested in the League One vacancy, according to football journalist Alan Nixon via his Patreon.

Holding out for a job in the league above presumably, having been controversially axed from his job post at the MKM Stadium after securing a reasonable seventh placed finish for Hull, the powers that be at Birmingham will just have to hope they can sell a vision and project to Rosenior to pull off this coup.

The Championship Manager of the Season nominee could well relish the task of restoring the Blues to their former pride if he was to eventually be sold on becoming Mowbray's successor, having succeeded in League One before alongside Rooney and in his own capacity as interim manager at Derby.

Liam Rosenior's record at Derby

Going about his business in an understated manner after Rooney's exit, Rosenior steadied the Rams ship when there was still turmoil in the air in Derbyshire during the start of the 2022/23 campaign before Paul Warne's arrival from Rotherham United.

That short stint seemingly made a sizeable impact, with Sky Sports pundit Clinton Morrison notably stating: "I actually think he’s a top manager. I spoke to a few people at Derby. He was unlucky to lose his job, the players respected him. He’s one of the best coaches ever."

He could well be the ideal manager to calm everything down at Birmingham in the present, therefore, with the club so up-and-down in recent years with a revolving door of bosses coming in and out of the building at a rapid pace.

Manager

Time spent in the job

Gary Rowett

19th March 2024 – now

Mark Venus

4th March 2024 – 19th March 2024

Tony Mowbray

7th January 2024 – 4th March 2024

Wayne Rooney

11th October 2023 – 2nd January 2024

John Eustace

3rd July 2022 – 9th October 2023

Lee Bowyer

16th March 2021 – 2nd July 2022

Aitor Karanka

31st July 2020 – 16th March 2021

Steve Spooner

10th July 2020 – 31st July 2020

Josep Clotet Ruiz

18th June 2020 – 10th July 2020

Going through a ridiculous nine managers in the last five years, with Rowett expected to move on after taking on the reins on an interim basis from Mowbray, Birmingham will hope rolling the dice on Rosenior comes good.

Winning seven of the 12 games he took in charge of the Rams on an interim basis, with just three losses in League One managed from these games to come away with a 58.3% win ratio, the 39-year-old also proving himself at Hull would stand him in good stead to be a success with Birmingham.

Described as doing a "superb" job with the Tigers before his dismissal by Arsenal legend Ray Parlour, with the former Rams face a success in initially securing survival for Hull in his first season before nearly making the playoffs, Birmingham would certainly make a statement getting Rosenior in if they can.

Birmingham offered chance to bring in promotion expert Mowbray replacement

He has earned four promotions in his career so far.

ByHenry Jackson May 13, 2024

Tottenham have held talks with super agent Kia Joorabchian over a potential move for one of his clients, a Brazil international forward.

Spurs expected to make more attacking signings after Werner

Spurs sealed their first transfer of the summer in very quick fashion, having come to an agreement over loaning Timo Werner from RB Leipzig for another season.

£100,000-per-week Tottenham player reaches agreement to leave for Europe

He’s already said yes to the move.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 5, 2024

The Lilywhites were only meant to have him on a temporary deal from January till the end of 23/24, which included a £15 million option to buy the German outright. However, chairman Daniel Levy re-negotiated the clause down to £8.5 million, which Spurs may choose to take up next summer after extending his loan for an additional campaign.

At zero cost, barring Werner's reported £165,000-per-week wages, Ange Postecoglou has kept hold of a suitable player who bagged Spurs two goals and three assists in the second half of last season.

Appearances

13

Goals

2

Assists

3

Minutes per goal

408

Minutes played

815

However, despite the 28-year-old remaining in north London for the foreseeable, it remains the case that Spurs are in the market for more attacking signings.

Tottenham want an outright striker to finally replace Harry Kane, and have been heavily linked with Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri this week in particular. Meanwhile, there is a belief that Spurs could bring in another winger after Werner as well.

Rennes starlet Desire Doue is being targeted by Tottenham as one option, but there are an array of players who could also be suitable. Fulham winger Andreas Pereira starred under Marco Silva last term, scoring three goals and bagging a further seven assists in the Premier League.

Tottenham hold talks with Joorabchian over Pereira

As per Globo, Spurs have held "conversations" with super agent Joorabchian over signing Pereira, as have Aston Villa and Newcastle United.

The top flight trio have all expressed an interest in signing the Brazil international forward, who cost them around £30-£35 million to prise away from Craven Cottage. Pereira remaining in west London is seen as unlikely, but Villa could have an advantage due to the player's desire to compete in the Champions League.

“I think he's doing really well at Fulham, he's a great player. Everyone knows how good he is,” said former Man United teammate and fellow Brazilian Fred in late 2022.

"We played together here for some time, he was at Flamengo in Brazil where he did well, I was following him there.”

“Now he's back here with Fulham and having a great season in the Premier League. Great player, we know his quality, but we have to play our game, we know the qualities of their players, but we need to play our game and get the win.”

Nottingham Forest are "confident" of avoiding further FFP issues this summer even without selling their very best players, thanks to a £25m injection of cash through an imminent transfer, it has been reported.

Forest walking financial tightrope

Having spent liberally since promotion to the Premier League was achieved back in 2022, Forest felt the full force of the Premier League's financial fair play rules this season.

Nuno Espírito Santo's side were docked four points for breaching the regulations, after "an independent commission found Forest's losses to 2022-23 breached the threshold of £61m by £34.5m". Though Forest contested the decision, their appeal was dismissed.

Nottingham Forest eyeing Nuno upgrade who'd take Wood to the next level

The current Forest boss may still depart the City Ground despite maintaining the club’s Premier League status.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 9, 2024

It left them fighting for their Premier League lives, and they only clinched survival on the final day of the season ahead of Luton Town and Burnley. But this summer threatened to be equally difficult, with early reports suggesting that more sacrifices would have to be made to keep them afloat and the Premier League lawmakers from the door of the City Ground.

There were fears that the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White or Murillo, both of whom starred for the Reds last season, may be forced to leave as a result of financial fair play issues. Now though, they and their fans have been handed a boost in that regard.

Forest confident of compliance

That is because reliable Forest correspondent John Percy has revealed that Forest will not have to sell either of their star men for financial fair play reasons.

Though the Midlands club still need to raise around £20m, the "amount required is understood to be lower than first estimated" in order to be compliant, and the club "are aiming to meet the £20 million figure before June 30 with the sales of fringe players".

The sale of midfielder Orel Mangala will help and provide a much needed cash injection, with his £25m departure to Lyon set to become the club's second-highest sale ever after a successful loan spell with the French side.

Nottingham Forest record sales

Player

Fee

Year left

Brennan Johnson

£45m

2023

Orel Mangala

£25m

2024*

Britt Assombalonga

£15m

2017

Matty Cash

£13m

2021

Oliver Burke

£13m

2017

Meanwhile, it is added that "former captain Joe Worrall, goalkeepers Matt Turner and Odysseas Vlachodimos, Lewis O’Brien, Emmanuel Dennis and Josh Bowler are available and could bring in further profit", with Ipswich Town rumoured to be eyeing a move for O'Brien.

Despite this, it is claimed that "one sale may be required this summer to guarantee financial stability over future seasons" when it comes to their key men, even if it makes little difference to this summer.

Meanwhile, "significant offers for their players would have to be assessed", it is added, despite the club not necessarily needing to sell for immediate safety, but rather to allow them to keep spending this summer and beyond.

Rangers lost out on both the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup to their closest rivals, so this summer could prove vital in their quest to return to the summit of Scottish football.

Rangers look to close the gap with rivals this summer

The latest rumours out of Ibrox point towards Rangers being in the market for attacking reinforcements. Theo Bair is a name that has been linked with Rangers as of recent, however, they will have to battle it out with rivals Celtic for the signature of Motherwell's top scorer.

Top 95% for dribbling: Rangers could sign dream Diomande partner for £1m

Philippe Clement will be keen to strengthen his midfield this summer…

ByRoss Kilvington Jun 24, 2024

Other recent reports suggest that Rangers are among a host of clubs who want to sign Middlesbrough striker Ajay Matthews. At just 18, the youngster scored 16 goals in 17 starts for Boro's youth side last season. Joining Matthews on Philipe Clement's wishlist is Coventry star Callum O'Hare who is available on a free this summer.

With Rangers looking towards the English Championship for their transfer inspiration this summer, it now appears that another of the league's stars is being targeted by the Glasgow outfit.

Rangers target move for McLean

As first reported by The Daily Record, Rangers want to make a summer move for Scotland and Norwich City star Kenny McLean. The outlet states that the higher-ups at Ibrox have been watching McLean for some time and Clement and his recruitment team have placed McLean on their list of summer targets.

The 32-year-old has just returned home from a Euro 2024 campaign which saw Scotland exit the competition at the group stage. McLean featured in all three of his nation's games at the tournament, but all of those appearances were from off the bench.

Despite struggling for game time on the international stage, McLean shone at club level last season, featuring in all 46 of Norwich's league games as they lost to Leeds United in the Championship playoff semi-final. It was his exploits for the Canaries that earned McLean the accolade of Norwich's player of the season.

The midfielder also earned the praise of his former boss David Wagner over the course of the last campaign. Speaking to the local media the German sang McLean's praises telling the press:

"He has been in this football club quite a while. Maybe he improved. I can only judge from the time I've been here with him, but what I can say is that he's an outstanding athlete, a top trainer, and super competitive."

"He is one of, if not the, most reliable players we have. He is a good person as well."

McLean has two years left on his existing deal with Norwich which also includes an option for a further year. Whilst the Canaries may be unlikely to sell, the 32-year-old's links with Rangers may prove to tip the scales in favour of the Ibrox side.

Speaking to The Athletic back in 2021 McLean spoke about what it would mean to play for his boyhood club, telling the outlet that "for me and my family, it would be pretty special."

Whilst much of the focus has been on potential outgoings, Aston Villa have now reportedly made their first move to sign a new midfielder for Unai Emery.

Aston Villa transfer news

Those at Villa Park would have been hoping to feel the financial power of being a Champions League side this summer. That's been anything but the case, however. Instead, the Midlands club are among the sides who must raise funds before the end of June if they want to avoid breaking the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules.

Those rules have already resulted in one exit, with young midfielder Tim Iroegbunam completing a move to Everton worth a reported £9m, and there looks to be more on the cards.

Fast transfer possible as Aston Villa eye £42m Bayern target amid Luiz exit

The Brazilian is closing in on a move to Juventus.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 22, 2024

According to Fabrizio Romano, star midfielder Douglas Luiz is set to join Juventus in a deal that will see Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea come the other way, whilst a deal has reportedly been agreed to sell academy prospect Omari Kellyman to Chelsea for a hefty £19m.

Following those potential exits, meanwhile, Villa look set to turn their attention back towards incomings this summer, with a deal for Ian Maatsen also set to be completed after Lewis Dobbin.

According to The Express, Aston Villa have enquired about a deal to sign Brais Mendez from Real Sociedad, reportedly making contact with the attacking midfielder's agent. Alas, they are reportedly joined in their interest by Manchester United, AS Roma and Juventus to create a hectic race in the coming months.

"Sensational" Brais Mendez could shine at Aston Villa

A player who has spent the entirety of his career in La Liga, moving from Celta Vigo to Real Sociedad, Mendez can finally move on to kickstart Villa's summer transfer window and hand Emery the attacking depth that a Champions League side will need. The 27-year-old, who reportedly has a £52m release clause, impressed once more in Spain last season to prove that he is more than capable of pushing the likes of Moussa Diaby for a starting place if he completes a move to the Midlands.

Goals

5

6

Assists

6

8

Key Passes

40

47

Ball Recoveries

121

62

What instantly stands out about Mendez is his ball recovery ability alongside his hand in Sociedad goals last season. Those two traits combined would make him quite the option for Emery to turn to next season.

As a result of such form during his time in Spain, the midfielder has earned plenty of praise, with Zach Lowy once dubbing the 27-year-old "sensational" as a bright spark in a season to forget for Celta Vigo in the 2018/19 campaign. Now at Sociedad, that quality has far from dwindled to more than earn a big move this summer.

In the midst of a hefty summer rebuild, Rangers could now be set to lose a first team midfielder to former chief James Bisgrove, who is reportedly eyeing a big-money move for his new club.

Rangers transfer news

To say it's been a busy summer transfer window so far at Ibrox would be quite the understatement. Rangers have already signed six fresh faces for Philippe Clement, who ruthlessly showed the door to the likes of Ryan Jack, John Lundstram, Borna Barisic and Kemar Roofe at the end of last season. The latest to arrive out of the six was recently Clinton Nsiala on a free deal following his departure from AC Milan.

The young centre-back expressed his delight over the move, telling Rangers' official website: “First of all, there’s a huge sense of pride. This club is legendary, with lots of titles and lots of prestige, including in Europe. I’m honestly very honoured to sign for this club.

“I know it’s a club that the fans are very committed to. They put so much heart in getting behind the team in every competition. I feel a big sense of responsibility, and lots of anticipation and excitement about experiencing the atmosphere too."

Rangers hit gold with Beale signing who's now worth more than Diomande

Former Light Blues boss Michael Beale played a blinder by bringing him to the club.

2 ByDan Emery Jul 4, 2024

As another fresh face emerges, however, Clement could be about to make some more room in his squad. According to the Scottish Sun, Saudi Arabia side Al-Qadsiah are now eyeing a move to sign Todd Cantwell in a mega money move this summer, as former Gers chief executive James Bisgrove weighs up a reunion with the 26-year-old.

Bisgrove and Al-Qadsiah have already signed Real Madrid legend Nacho Fernandez, who bowed out in Spain as a Champions League winner once again, and now want to add Cantwell to their summer business. Given the riches of Saudi Arabian clubs, affording the midfielder's reported £25,000-a-week salary would be a simple task too.

Cantwell's opportunity has passed at Rangers

Whether it's been a lack of form or ill-timed injuries, Cantwell has never really been at his best during his time in Scotland. And as Clement looks to stamp his mark on the current Rangers' side, it may be time for the former Norwich City star to move on and ponder what might have been in Glasgow, especially with a familiar face in Bisgrove after his signature this summer.

Appearances

64

Goals

14

Assists

12

Now 26 years old, Cantwell should be in his prime but his record whilst at Rangers suggests that he's been far from firing on all cylinders. If the Gers can cash in, as reports over Al-Qadsiah's big money move suggests they could, then they should jump at the chance in the coming months.

With Clement looking to dethrone Celtic for the first time in three seasons in the Scottish Premiership, he is acting with all the ruthlessness needed to become champions up against their dominant Old Firm rivals, which may cost Cantwell his Rangers place.

Whilst the big news out of the Etihad Stadium centres around the stars who could be leaving the club this summer, Manchester City are also set to join the race to sign an in-demand midfielder.

Guardiola could lose numerous stars this summer

Jack Grealish is the latest name linked with a move away from the Premier League champions with the club reportedly willing to let the winger leave this summer.

Doku upgrade: Man City register interest in £75m PL "menace"

The Cityzens are reportedly keen on a deal to sign the England international this summer.

ByDan Emery Jul 9, 2024

A return to Aston Villa appears likely for Grealish as City attempt to recoup a fraction of the £100million fee they spent on the player three years ago. Joining Grealish on the list of potential departures from the Etihad are City stalwarts Ederson and Kevin de Bruyne. The duo are said to have both received big money offers from Saudi Arabia that may be too good to turn down.

With at least some of Pep Guardiola's star players set to leave, the club are set to compete with their closest rivals for a talented midfielder.

Man City have serious interest in PSG player

As reported by Sport Witness, the Uruguayan press are claiming that Man City are making concrete moves to sign PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte. The outlet states that Manchester United, City and Barcelona have all positioned themselves ready to make a move for the 23-year-old.

Ugarte is currently away with Uruguay at this summer's Copa America, however prior to the tournament, the midfielder made clear his preference to play for United. The arrival of Guardiola's side into the race for the 23-year-old may change Ugarte's mind however, as the promise of Champions League football could be enough to tempt him to the blue half of Manchester.

Ugarte featured 37 times for PSG in all competitions last season as the Ligue 1 outfit once again finished at the summit of French football. During this triumphant campaign, Ugarte stood out as one of the division's best performers in the middle of the park.

Passes attempted

62

84th percentile

Pass completion %

91.2%

96th percentile

Tackles

4.57

99th percentile

Interceptions

1.86

95th percentile

Blocks

1.26

65th percentile

Ugarte's performances for PSG have seen him earn significant plaudits from current boss Luis Enrique who said of the player back in August 2023: “He was magnificent, wonderful, with or without the ball. He recovered balls, pressed very high, intercepted balls. He had a 10/10 performance.”

Whilst numerous clubs have boasted an interest in the Uruguayan, there is also the chance that Ugarte chooses to remain at PSG next season. Ugarte only joined PSG last summer in a £50 million move from Sporting CP, and this figure would likely need to be bettered if the 23-year-old is to leave Paris this summer.

With the future of Man City's midfield looking somewhat uncertain going into next season, bringing Ugarte to the Etihad would be a smart piece of business from Guardiola and Co.

Aston Villa’s successful 2023/24 campaign was one of their most memorable in recent seasons. In their history, they have only finished higher than last season’s fourth place on six occasions, with only one of those coming in the Premier League era, in 1992/93 to be exact. The 1995/96 campaign was the only other time in the competition’s history they finished in the top four.

Last season, the Villans’ 68 points were enough to see them finish above Tottenham Hotspur and clinch the final Champions League spot. Unai Emery’s side finished two points ahead of the Lilywhites and had a better goal difference, meaning their spot amongst Europe’s elite was just about secure.

Their impressive campaign was largely thanks to Ollie Watkins. The England striker took home the Premier League’s playmaker award for his 13 assists, and he also scored 19 goals in 37 games in the top flight last season.

Villa have already made eight summer signings to help strengthen their squad for next season and become an established Champions League club. However, they have recently been linked with another player who could join the club and become a catalyst for success at Villa Park next season.

Villa target Bundesliga winger

The player in question here is Borussia Dortmund and Germany winger Karim Adeyemi. The 22-year-old has impressed at Signal Iduna Park in recent months and could depart the club this summer, with interest from elsewhere in Europe beginning to pick up.

According to a report from Simon Jones, a journalist for the Daily Mail, Villa are one of the sides who are interested in adding the exciting attacker to their squad. Jones explains the Villans are 'monitoring developments' on the winger’s future at the German giants this summer.

However, the Villans might not be the only side interested in signing the winger this summer. Jones notes that Premier League rivals Chelsea, and Italian giants Juventus, are also interested in acquiring his services. However, Adeyemi wants to play Champions League football next season, which immediately rules out the Blues.

In terms of a price, Dortmund are open to selling the winger for a fee of around £35m. That is a figure that is 'viewed as good value'. With that in mind, both Villa and Juventus, who are also interested in signing Jadon Sancho from Manchester United, could look to do a deal at that price.

Why Adeyemi would be a good signing

The 2023/24 season was not quite as fruitful in terms of sheer goal and assist numbers as Adeyemi would no doubt have wanted. The young winger scored just five goals and registered two assists in 35 games in all competitions, which included three goals and an assist in the Bundesliga and two goals and one assist in the Champions League.

Should Villa get this signing over the line, it would have shades of their signing of Leon Bailey back in 2021. The Jamaican winger made the move to Villa Park from Bayer Leverkusen for £25m, and although he took some time to settle into the club, has really found his feet under Emery. He scored ten goals and grabbed nine assists in 35 Premier League games last season.

The similarities between the two wingers are noticeable. Assuming Villa sign the 22-year-old this summer, he would join the club from a Bundesliga side, as the Jamaican did, and, like Bailey, favours his left foot.

Not only that, Adeyemi could be a perfect replacement for the recently departed Moussa Diaby. The Frenchman left Villa Park after one season at the club, joining Saudi side Al-Ittihad for a fee of around £50m.

Adeyemi and the former Villa winger have fairly similar profiles. They are both lightning-quick, direct wingers who love to drive at defenders. Last season, the Dortmund man clocked a higher speed than Diaby, a searing 36.3 km/h compared to the former Leverkusen winger’s top speed of 36.1 km/h, according to SpeedsDB.

With the ball at his feet, Adeyemi is fearless. He loves to run at defenders, using his burning pace to carry the ball past them. His stats on FBref also reflect this. Last season in the Bundesliga, the winger averaged 5.13 progressive carries and 2.66 carries into the penalty area per 90 minutes. These rank him in the top 12% and 5% of Bundesliga attacking midfielders and wingers respectively.

Stat (per 90)

Number

Progressive carries

5.13

Carries into final third

2.17

Carries into penalty area

2.66

Take-ons attempted

5.91

Take-ons successful

1.77

Football analyst Ben Mattinson described the winger as “unstoppable”, and it is clear to see why given his electric pace and confidence with the ball at his feet. Should he join Villa next season, they could add his deadly attacking threat to an already potent attack as they look to become an established Champions League side.

Forget Felix: Aston Villa offered "magical" star who has shades of Grealish

He is available on a free transfer

ByJoe Nuttall Jul 25, 2024

Manchester United are beginning to develop a really impressive core of young players within their first-team squad. It seems to have been a transfer strategy under Erik ten Hag during his two-year tenure at Old Trafford so far, and he has built an excellent group of youngsters.

Of course, two of the most notable rising stars at United currently are Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. The pair, who are 19 and 20 years of age respectively, scored both goals as United beat Manchester City 2-1 in the 2024 FA Cup final. That was just two years after they won the FA Youth Cup together, with Garnacho grabbing two in the showpiece at Old Trafford.

Some of their other exciting talents include Amad, the 22-year-old winger who scored the winner in the FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool last season. 21-year-old Rasmus Hojlund was signed last summer, with 18-year-old Leny Yoro and 23-year-old Joshua Zirkzee joining the club in the 2024 summer window.

Name

Age

Position

Leny Yoro

18

Centre back

Dan Gore

19

Central midfielder

Kobbie Mainoo

19

Central midfielder

Alejandro Garnacho

20

Winger

Hannibal

20

Attacking midfielder

Rasmus Hojlund

21

Striker

Amad

22

Winger

Facundo Pellistri

22

Winger

Joshua Zirkzee

23

Striker

Given they have already got a great core of youngsters for the future, it will stand them in good stead in the years to come as Ten Hag looks to build a dynasty. However, they might not be done yet, and have been linked with a young Real Madrid star.

Man Utd target Real Madrid starlet

The player in question here is Real Madrid’s 16-year-old centre-back prodigy Joan Martinez. The Spain under-17 international, who has 11 caps at that level, has featured on Los Blancos’ first-team pre-season tour and has impressed, resulting in some string links away from the club.

According to Spanish news outlet AS, Man United are one of the sides interested in bringing Martinez to the club this summer. The report explains that the Red Devils have ‘have already moved to take an interest in his situation’ if there is any chance of a move this summer.

They are not the only Premier League side interested in adding him to their squad this summer, however, with rivals Chelsea also monitoring his situation. However, on Madrid’s end, there is ‘maximum calm’ when it comes to the youngster’s future at the Santiago Bernabeu, and they are ‘working hard to take care of his development’ and ensure he remains at the club.

Why Martinez would be a good addition

The teen prodigy, who turns 17 on the 20th of August, has been compared by many to Sergio Ramos, including social media account Rising Ballers. Whilst he might not slot right into the United first team, the fact Carlo Ancelotti rates him enough to give him an opportunity on Los Blancos’ pre-season tour is a real testament to his ability. He impressed in his first game out in the USA against Milan.

Not only did Martinez play for Madrid's under-19s in the UEFA Youth League last term, he also represented Spain in the under-17 European Championships last May, starting the first group game against Portugal.

Should United add Martinez to their academy this summer, he might end up becoming the dream partner for Yoro in the future. The Red Devils' new defender, who cost £52m from French side Lille, is just 18 years of age himself, and could well be at the heart of United’s defence for over a decade.

The duo could make a formidable pair, given their age, and height, with both players standing at approximately 6 foot 2. Football analyst Ben Mattinson described him as “one of the most impressive CB’s of his generation”, and whilst it may be hard for United to tempt him from the Santiago Bernabeu, they could have a superb defensive pairing for the future with Martinez and Yoro.

If Martinez was to be integrated into United’s first team fairly quickly, he could begin to develop an understanding with Yoro, if not in games, at least in training. However, in some cup games and games in Europe that United are expected to win, it could give Ten Hag a chance to bed in a potential first-choice partnership in the future.

De Ligt upgrade: Man Utd can land £56m Leny Yoro replacement

He’s said to be “the best defender” in his league…

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 3, 2024

A Chelsea player is said to be open to the possibility of joining Manchester United this summer, coming after Dan Ashworth and co made contact with his agents.

Players who could still leave Chelsea this summer

Thiago Silva, Hakim Ziyech, Malang Sarr, Ian Maatsen, Omari Hutchinson, Michael Golding and Lewis Hall have already departed Stamford Bridge this summer, helping to bring in around £89 million worth of transfer fees in total.

Bid pending: Chelsea plot move for "Haaland-esque" £58m Duran upgrade

He’s been described as having “Haaland-esque” properties…

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 27, 2024

Their exits have also worked wonders to trim Enzo Maresca's bloated squad, but the Italian could be set to watch on as co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley seek new homes for more surplus Chelsea players.

Romelu Lukaku is a drain on the club's wage bill, and it is believed Todd Boehly is eager to find a buyer for the Belgian. As reported by Fabrizio Romano, that suitor could well be Napoli, as the Serie A side are becoming increasingly open to the prospect of a part-exchange deal involving Victor Osimhen.

Meanwhile, it is also believed by some that Atletico Madrid are locked in talks with Chelsea over signing Conor Gallagher. The England midfielder's exit would be a very unpopular one considering his status among Chelsea supporters, but Gallagher's contract expires next year, so Boehly and co are faced with the difficult decision of selling for pure profit while they still can.

Armando Broja, Lesley Ugochukwu, Carney Chukwuemeka and Cesare Casadei have also been linked with exits in the last few weeks, but a far more interesting name attracting plenty of debate is Trevoh Chalobah.

Chelsea left the Cobham academy graduate out of their pre-season tour, which sparked fury among sections of the fanbase, especially when factoring in just how impressively he performed towards the back end of 2023/2024. Chalobah started seven of Mauricio Pochettino's final 10 Premier League games last term, earning plaudits for his displays, while the Englishman helped to guide his club to a Conference League qualifying place.

"He was probably our best defender in the last 10-15 games last season," said Chelsea season ticket holder Bert Barrett to GOAL.

"No coincidence our form improved massively with him in there instead of Disasi and [Benoit] Badiashile."

Chalobah would consider Man Utd move from Chelsea after agent talks

The 25-year-old's contract doesn't expire until 2028, but it is believed Chelsea could green-light his sale for a fee of around £25-30 million.

TEAMtalk suggest that Man Utd could well take this opportunity in their search for defenders, with Old Trafford director Ashworth and his team reaching out to the "impressive" Chalobah's agents to gauge the conditions of a deal.

They add that Chalobah would think about a move to Man United from Chelsea if the opportunity arises. Erik ten Hag's side are also looking to raise funds by selling winger Antony for a cut-price £25 million, despite signing the Brazilian for around £81 million.