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Manchester United could secure a transfer deal for Christian Eriksen during the current summer transfer window.

What’s the latest?

In a recent Twitter post from Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth, he had this to say on the matter.

He said: “Manchester United feel deal with Christian Eriksen is possible after initial contact. Ultimate decision rests with player – he has other offers.”

Between 2013 and 2020, the midfielder scored 69 goals and delivered 90 assists in 305 appearances for Tottenham Hotspur.

After a spell with Inter Milan, the Denmark international joined Brentford having left Italy as a result of Serie A rules not allowing him to play with an ICD that he was fitted with after his cardiac arrest during Euro 2020.

In his 11 Premier League appearances with the Bees, the 30-year-old scored one goal and delivered four assists.

Great news for United fans

The news that United are positive about concluding a deal for the Dane is likely to serve as great news for supporters who will undoubtedly be keen to see him pen terms at Old Trafford.

After all, this is one of the most graceful players currently in the Premier League and his underlying stats tell the story of a marvellous player, one who could light up Erik ten Hag’s new side.

He ended the season with a higher rate of shot-creating actions per 90 minutes (5.08) than any other player in the Brentford squad to make more than one appearance in the league while delivering 30 crosses as his magical creativity stood out.

In fact, despite only joining the squad in the winter transfer window, the former Spurs man ended the campaign with a higher performance rating (7.37/10) than any other player at the club according to WhoScored.

Taking this into account, it’s safe to say that Eriksen clearly still has what it takes to be a dangerous figure in the league and play at a high level, which is why United will be after him.

With Sheth claiming that the decision of where he’ll be playing next season will ultimately be down to Eriksen, the United hierarchy and the fans will have to hope that they have done enough to convince the midfield maestro to sign a deal with them.

In other news: Deal close: MUFC now on the verge of “unreal” £40m signing, Ten Hag will be buzzing

A big update has emerged on Newcastle United’s pursuit of Merih Demiral in the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Turkish journalist Osman Cengiz has claimed that the Magpies have tabled a £21m (€25m) offer for the centre-back as PIF aim to strike a deal for the Old Lady gem.

He Tweeted: “Merih Demiral #PremierLeague, whose contract continues with #Juventus and who completed last season on loan in #Atalanta, from their team, Newcastle United, has applied. #Newcastle sacrificed 25 million euros for Turkish defender Merih Demiral!”

Huge Fabian Schar upgrade

By landing the Juventus defender, the club would be bringing in a player who would be a huge upgrade on Schar at the back.

In the Nations League, the Swiss enforcer has averaged a SofaScore rating of 6.1 for his country. He has also averaged a score of roughly 6.77 across the last two Premier League campaigns combined, which shows that he has been a solid – if not outstanding – performer for the club.

Demiral, meanwhile, has averaged a rating of 7.5 in the Nations League for Turkey, showing that he has caught the eye with his displays at international level whilst Schar has struggled in this break.

Domestically, the 24-year-old has averaged a rating of 6.91 or higher in each of his four seasons in the Serie A, playing for Sassuolo, Juventus and Atalanta.

Turkish-football.com founder Emre Sarigul previously lauded the machine, saying: “The Turkish international towers above most players, is physical, strong in the air and surprisingly technical with the ball for such a big man. He is a natural leader and cool under pressure.”

He has also been described as an “absolute beast” by talent scout Jacek Kulig and Sarigul’s comments and the defender’s statistics in the Italian top-flight back that up.

In the 2021/22 campaign, Demiral won an outstanding 69% of his aerial battles and has never won less than 67% over the course of a season – winning 80% in 2019/20. This shows that he is a physically dominant centre-back who is able to get the better of his opponent in the air the majority of the time.

Schar, meanwhile, lost 51% of his overall duels and only won 52% of his aerial battles in 2021/22 for Newcastle, which suggests that the Juventus man would be a major upgrade in terms of his ability to win headers.

The aforementioned ratings of the players in their respective leagues also suggests that Demiral would be the better option, whilst the Turkey international is also six years younger and has the potential to improve in the future – making him an excellent signing in the short and long-term.

AND in other news, NUFC can find their own Paqueta in deal for “glorious” £64m gem with “no weaknesses”…

An update has emerged regarding Rangers youngster Josh McPake and his future at Ibrox ahead of the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Journalist Jacque Talbot has revealed that the winger is being eyed up by a number of teams south of the border after a loan spell in the fourth tier of English football.

The reporter tweeted: “Understand Rangers youngster Josh McPake is the subject of interest from several League Two sides. Carlisle United and Hartlepool United are keen on the attacker, who’s just finished his loan spell at Tranmere Rovers.”

Ross Wilson will be delighted

Rangers’ sporting director Ross Wilson will be left delighted by this claim, as it suggests that he will be able to cash in on the attacker in the coming months.

The youngster has spent the last two seasons on loan in League Two but failed to show that he has the potential to come back and make an impact in the first-team at Rangers.

In the 2020/21 campaign, he scored four goals and failed to provide a single assist in 23 outings for Harrogate Town. He also lost 56% of his duels as he struggled to deal with the physicality of the game, although that was to be expected as it was the then-teenager’s first experience of regular senior football.

However, he did not use that season to improve, as he left a lot to be desired again in 2021/22. In 14 League Two appearances for Tranmere, he managed one goal and zero assists whilst losing 62% of his individual battles.

These statistics indicate that McPake regressed after a year of experience in the English fourth tier, and this is a worry in relation to his future at Ibrox. He has not shown that he is on the right path in his development and there is little to suggest that he is a player who Gio van Bronckhorst will want to call upon any time soon.

Therefore, now is the right time – whilst his stock is seemingly high amongst League Two clubs – to cash in on him whilst the Gers still can.

At the age of 20, clubs may want to take a punt on him in case he is able to improve over time, but his statistics in his career so far are less than encouraging with respect to the chances of him making the first-team in Glasgow.

Wilson will now be delighted to learn of the interest in McPake’s services, as he can rake in a fee for the underperforming youngster and use the money to bring in another young prospect or invest it in another area of the club.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Lundstram: Wilson must land Rangers deal for “fabulous” £28k-p/w maestro…

Wolves are finally on the cusp of signing Sporting CP midfielder Joao Palhinha, having been linked with him countless times in the past six months.

The Lowdown: Palhinha a long-time target

Wanderers are expected to make a number of new signings in the summer transfer window but no player has been tipped to move to Molineux more often than Palhinha.

Links dating all the way back to last June have suggested that Bruno Lage would make a move for the 26-year-old, eyeing him up as Ruben Neves’ natural replacement in Wolves’ midfield.

Now, the deal looks like it is closer than ever to going through, after transfer reporter Pete O’Rourke confirmed earlier this week the midfielder is a ‘long term target’.

The Latest: Transfer set to go through?

According to Correio da Manha on Thursday evening, Palhinha will be a Wolves player next season, with the transfer on the verge of being completed.

An agreement is believed to have been reached over a €20million (£17m) move, with another €5m (£4.2m) in achievable add-ons.

Wolves have already secured their first summer signing in the permanent capture of Hwang Hee-chan, so Palhinha looks set to become addition number two.

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The Verdict: Perfect Neves replacement

Neves is clearly going to leave a gaping hole in Wolves’ team if he goes, but this update is hugely exciting, with Palhinha appearing to be a tailor-made replacement, having been hailed as a ‘very good’ player by Jorge Jesus.

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Classy with the ball at his feet, the Sporting CP man enjoyed an 87.8% pass completion rate this season in both the Primeira Liga last season and in World Cup qualifying for Portugal, which is actually higher than Neves’ in England.

A hugely impressive average of 4.5 tackles per game at Euro 2020 last summer also proves that he is tenacious off the ball, so Wolves are getting themselves a strong all-round package.

In other news, a transfer insider has made a key Wolves claim. Read more here.

Reliable journalist Alasdair Gold has highlighted the three key areas that Tottenham will look to strengthen next during the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Perisic and Forster incoming

This looks set to be an intriguing summer for Spurs, having finished in the Premier League top four and returned to the promised land of the Champions League.

The money should be available for Antonio Conte to bring in a number of new signings, beginning with winger Ivan Perisic and goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

The pair are both expected to be Spurs players by the start of next season, with the former Inter star’s deal the first to be confirmed in an announcement on Tuesday.

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The Latest: Gold makes fresh claim

Writing in a Q&A for football.london, Gold was asked what comes after Perisic and Forster, claiming there are three areas of the pitch Conte will specifically look to strengthen next:

“They’ll keep looking across the squad for improvements and move when they can. Right wing-back, a forward-thinking midfielder and a striker are all on the list plus replacing anyone who might be heading out the door.”

The Verdict: Exciting times

There is no doubt that these are exciting times to be a Spurs fan, with Conte excelling as manager and masterminding a return to Champions League action, and now backed by a £150m cash injection.

While it is not clear how much of that capital increase is just for transfers, the financial gains from a top-four finish are great, too, and there is no reason why this can’t be one of the most productive summers in recent memory, as top players come in and replace those deemed not fit to serve in Conte’s system.

If the Italian can strengthen in those positions mentioned, another top-four finish has to be the bare minimum next season, with winning a trophy surely the main target.

In other news, a journalist is adamant over one Spurs agreement. Read more here.

Wolves have made Barcelona midfielder Nico Gonzalez one of their top targets this summer if they are to lose Ruben Neves during the upcoming transfer window.

What’s the story?

That’s according to reports from Sport (via Barca Universal), claiming that the 20-year-old could be used in a deal to lure Neves to the Nou Camp, with the Spanish giants interested in signing the Portugal international.

It has been suggested that the Blaugrana are favourites to sign the Wolves midfielder this summer, with the 25-year-old likely to be allowed seek pastures new after five years of service if the right fee was to be received.

However, they could benefit from allowing the Portuguese midfielder to join Barcelona by making one of their top targets in Gonzalez part of the deal, with Oscar Mingueza and Riqui Puig also mentioned to be potentially included in a deal with the La Liga giants.

Wolves must sign Nico Gonzalez

Despite being just 20 years old, Gonzalez has been a regular for Xavi’s side this term, making 36 senior appearances across all competitions. Although most of his appearances have come as a substitute, the Spaniard is well regarded in Catalonia, having come through the ranks at La Masia.

With characteristics of a box-to-box midfielder, the 20-year-old averaged a 90% passing accuracy in La Liga this term from 33.6 touches per game, with over half of his appearances coming from the bench.

Labelled “spectacular” by Cesc Fabregas, Gonzalez has shown promise defensively with 1.1 tackles, 0.4 clearances and 0.2 interceptions per match, whilst being excellent on the ball with 1.3 successful dribbles per game at a 79% completion rate.

Neves may not be the only midfielder leaving Molineux this summer, with 35-year-old Joao Moutinho yet to sign a contract extension at Wolves and his current deal set to expire at the end of June.

Even if the veteran does extend his stay in the Black Country, he is 36 in September and a long-term replacement will be required, with Gonzalez being an excellent candidate.

At just 20 years of age, the Spaniard has made 36 senior appearances, all of which coming this season in what has been an impressive breakthrough campaign.

With an excellent footballing education at La Masia, Gonzalez should only improve even further and could eventually become a mouth-watering option for Wolves in the not too distant future, if they can perhaps use him as a sweetener in the potential sale of Neves.

AND in other news: Wolves now closing in on “special” £23.4m-rated signing, it could be bye-bye Neves

With Afghanistan securing their place in next year’s World Cup, there’s only one spot left for automatic qualification

Sampath Bandarupalli28-Nov-2022Afghanistan became the seventh team to secure direct qualification for next year’s 50-over World Cup following the rained-off ODI against Sri Lanka on Sunday. Afghanistan, alongside the World Cup hosts India, England, New Zealand, Australia, Bangladesh and Pakistan, will occupy the top seven spots in the Super League, barring points deductions for slow over-rates.That means only one of West Indies, South Africa, Sri Lanka and Ireland have a realistic chance for the remaining spot to avoid the qualifiers. The maximum number of points the current six teams in the bottom can achieve is 109, while each of the top six teams have 120 and more. Afghanistan, currently placed seventh with 115 points, still have ten matches to be played. It is unlikely they will slip below 109 with over-rate penalties due to their spin-heavy bowling unit and having not lost a point yet.Related

• Steve Waugh: 'The public has almost overdosed on cricket'

• Afghanistan effectively seal 2023 World Cup spot after no-result in Pallekele

West Indies

West Indies are the only side to complete their 24 fixtures of the Super League. For West Indies to make it through to the World Cup directly with 88 points, none of Ireland, Sri Lanka and South Africa should win more than two of their remaining matches. West Indies could see themselves tie on 88 points with Ireland (if they win two of their remaining three), but they will be ranked higher based on the number of wins.Ireland

Ireland would need to win their remaining three matches to have any chance of direct qualification for the World Cup. That, however, won’t be enough if either Sri Lanka or South Africa win all their remaining matches. Ireland’s chances will improve only if both Sri Lanka and South Africa don’t win more than three games from hereon.Getty ImagesSri Lanka

Sri Lanka need to win at least three of their remaining matches to have a chance of direct qualification for the World Cup. In the scenario of three wins, they need to hope South Africa don’t win more than three while Ireland don’t win more than two of their remaining games. Even if Sri Lanka win their remaining four games, they still need South Africa to lose a game.It also won’t be easy for Sri Lanka going ahead as their remaining games are New Zealand in New Zealand after the last ODI against Afghanistan. Sri Lanka have not won an ODI series in New Zealand since 2001 and New Zealand not losing an ODI at home since 2019.South Africa

South Africa still have eight matches to be played, but three of those are against Australia, a series for which they will lose points due to forfeiture. South Africa can qualify for the World Cup irrespective of other results if they win the remaining five games. They must, however, win at least three matches to have a chance of a No.8 finish.Three wins will be enough for South Africa if Sri Lanka and Ireland don’t win more than two matches, but they have to win four if any of Sri Lanka and Ireland bag three wins. South Africa will be in a must-win scenario for their remaining five matches if Sri Lanka manage to win their remaining four.South Africa should fancy themselves to win their remaining five matches as all those games will be at home, including two against the Netherlands, placed at the bottom of the Super League. The remaining three are against England, staged between the inaugural SA20 to ensure maximum availability for the home team. But England could miss a few key players who will play in the International T20 League, scheduled in UAE simultaneously.

Bukayo Saka revealed a pre-match message from Thierry Henry helped make sure Arsenal did not allow history to repeat itself at home to West Ham.

Saka’s second-half penalty ensured the Gunners downed London rivals West Ham by a 2-0 score on Saturday in Mikel Arteta’s 300th match in charge of the club.

It was a milestone occasion with Saka able to mark his 200th appearance in the Premier League with a goal, which Henry had previously achieved. It brought up 100 goal involvements in the division for the England attacker. Asked about those stats and Henry, Saka told broadcasters:

“I’m really happy on these records. I’m just going to keep pushing and try and get some team trophies, which is what we have been searching for.”

Arsenal should have scored after 13 minutes but Viktor Gyokeres could not finish off Saka’s dangerous delivery and Eberechi Eze blazed the rebound over.

The deadlock was broken seven minutes before half-time when Eze had a shot saved by Alphonse Areola and Declan Rice made no mistake against his old club.

West Ham remained in the contest until Jurrien Timber was bundled over in the penalty area by El Hadji Malick Diouf and Saka tucked away the spot-kick for his first goal of the campaign after 68 minutes to seal a comfortable victory at Emirates Stadium.

It was Saka’s 55th goal in the Premier League to go with 45 assists. “I don’t really like to linger on these things, but you said it – it’s a beautiful achievement and I’m really proud of it,” Saka, 24, said.

“Obviously 200 games for Arsenal in the Premier League is a really big moment. I’m going to enjoy it and it was nice to get the goal as well and the win.”

Arteta talked up Saka’s “really impressive” numbers, saying: “When you look at those numbers, 200 games, 100 goal involvements, I mean it’s unbelievable.

“His age, what he’s doing, the manner that he’s doing it as well, really impressive. That’s the kind of players that we need to achieve what we want.”

Nuno Espirito Santo handed a debut to West Ham academy graduate Callum Marshall over experienced forward Callum Wilson.

“First of all, let’s be correct and I said it, it’s not easy to play a young lad in front of Callum Wilson, but I think it’s important for us that

we all understand that we need as soon as possible to have total knowledge of what we have in the squad,” Nuno said.

“It’s good on that aspect but this is the issue and the main reason behind that is we are going to need all of them. We have hopes that the young lads bring new things.”

Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer, 39, has cheekily avoided questions about his future, joking he has to "take care of my bones" after a major 4-0 win in the Champions League. Major reports state that the German giants are planning December talks for a new deal, which could force Alexander Nubel's exit and add fuel to speculation of a possible 2026 World Cup return with Germany.

• Neuer’s cheeky response on contract timing

  Neuer humorously deflected questions regarding his future following his side's dominant 4-0 Champions League victory against Club Brugge. The veteran goalkeeper, whose contract expires at the end of the season, has been in imperious form, prompting increasing debate over a potential extension.

  The victory at the Allianz Arena was Bayern's 12th win in their 12th competitive match of the season. Goals from Lennart Karl, Harry Kane, Luis Diaz and Nicolas Jackson secured their third consecutive Champions League win.

  When asked directly about the timing of a possible contract extension on Thursday night, Neuer joked about his advancing age and the physical toll of his career.

  "I have to take care of my bones. It's getting late, and I'm already feeling it again," the 39-year-old said with a mischievous smile. "Let's see how it is when I get up."

  Pressed on his morning routine, Neuer continued the joke: "Yes, the doctor's just passing by. I have to wait a moment." He then added: "There are good days – and better days."

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• Bayern planning December talks for post-40 extension

  While Neuer remains coy, Bayern Munich are preparing to open formal contract negotiations in December, according to reports in Germany. The discussions will focus on a new deal that could see the legendary shot-stopper remain the club's No. 1 beyond his 40th birthday and into the 2026-27 campaign.

  Neuer, who joined Bayern in 2011 and kept a clean sheet against Bruges, has been in outstanding form this season, reinforcing his status as the undisputed first choice for manager Vincent Kompany.

• New contract spells 'highly likely' exit for Nubel

  A new contract for Neuer would have significant consequences for the future of his heir apparent, Nubel. The report states that should Neuer extend his stay, a "permanent sale" of Nubel next summer is considered "highly likely".

  Nubel, 29, is currently on a long-term loan at Stuttgart but remains under contract with Bayern until 2029. Another loan move is reportedly "out of the question" for the club. Stuttgart, however, are believed to lack the financial means to secure Nubel on a permanent transfer, opening the door for other suitors.

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• Ter Stegen injury fuels World Cup 2026 return speculation

  Neuer's exceptional club performances have also reignited a public debate over a sensational return to the German national team for the 2026 World Cup, despite his retirement from international duty.

  This speculation has intensified following news that Germany's current No. 1, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, is still out injured and is expected to be stuck on the bench at Barcelona after his recover if he decides against leaving in January.

  Former Bayern and German Football Association (DFB) director Matthias Sammer added fuel to the fire when asked about a possible Neuer return, telling : "If we can afford to do without our best players, then we shouldn't throw away the World Cup title."

Wednesday night saw Arsenal pick up their second win in as many Champions League games this season.

Was it the perfect performance? No, probably not, but Mikel Arteta made a slew of changes to the lineup, and on another night, they could have scored a handful more goals.

Moreover, several starters really shone, including David Raya, Martin Zubimendi, and, even though he didn’t score, Viktor Gyokeres looked lively.

However, when it comes to the man of the match, it’s hard to look past Martin Odegaard, who, unlike one of his teammates, has undoubtedly played himself into the lineup for West Ham United.

Arsenal's best player vs Olympiacos

It would be fair to say that, following his ankle injury, last season was one to forget for Odegaard.

The Arsenal captain looked a shell of his former self for the best part of a year, so much so that plenty of fans and pundits alike began to doubt his quality and ability to get back to his best.

Now, it’s certainly still early doors in that respect, but the Norwegian looked great in his cameo against Newcastle United on Sunday, and then took things up another level against Olympiacos on Wednesday.

According to content creator Connor Humm, the Gunners’ number eight showed a version of himself that “has been absent too long” and was “sensational.”

It would be hard to disagree, as for much of the first half and moments of the second, he seemed to be constantly playing perfect balls through the Greek side’s defence and got his rewards with an assist for Bukayo Saka’s strike.

The Drammen-born star was so effective that the Standard’s Simon Collings gave him a 9/10 match rating at full-time, writing that he ‘looked so sharp and played some majestic through-balls’.

Such high praise is more than justified by his statistics, as in his 95 minutes of action, the 26-year-old amassed a combined expected goal and assists figure of 1.65, took 86 touches, played four key passes, was accurate in seven of ten long balls, took one shot on target, completed 100% of his dribbles and made one clearance.

In short, it was the kind of performance that has to see him keep his place for the weekend, which is the opposite for another starter.

Arsenal's worst player vs Olympiacos

While most of the team played well, some starters, such as Ben White and Gabriel Martinelli, were not particularly impressive, despite the latter’s goal.

Chalkboard

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

However, it would be hard to deny that the most disappointing display in red and white on Wednesday night came from Leandro Trossard.

The Belgian international retained his place in the starting lineup from the Newcastle game, but unfortunately, he was even less effective than he had been in that match.

In fact, if there is one word to describe the 30-year-old’s display against the Greek outfit, it would be frustrating.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion star kept finding himself in promising positions, but time and time again, he’d waste the moment, either through a wayward shot or a poor pass.

Collings felt similarly about the winger, giving him a rather generous 6/10 match rating and writing that he ‘wasted’ his fair share of chances.

Unsurprisingly, his statistics tell a similar story: in 73 minutes of action, he amassed a combined expected goal and assists figure of 0.48 but failed to produce either, took 48 touches but completed just 17 passes, lost 50% of his duels, lost the ball 14 times, and was dribbled past twice.

It was a performance that did little to dispel the idea that the 5 foot 8 ace is far better coming off the bench than starting games.

Therefore, while it might seem harsh, Arteta should look to drop Trossard for the upcoming game against West Ham.

Not Mosquera: Arsenal have signed a Gabriel & Saliba hybrid in £45m "beast"

The international star could be a game-changer for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta this season.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Sep 30, 2025