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Tottenham Hotspur's search for a Harry Kane successor continues, but one name has cropped up that could offer more promise than most…

Who can replace Harry Kane at Tottenham?

The sale of their star striker understandably has left fans devastated, but it did almost feel like an inevitability after the years of speculation linking him with various clubs.

Whilst Ange Postecoglou would likely prefer to trust in what he already has, given the impressive performance attained in their 2-2 draw with Brentford, the money earned from his departure will definitely be burning a hole in his pocket. It is expected that at least a chunk of it will be used to offset the exit.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

Journalist Ben Jacobs certainly thinks so, who spoke in his column for Fabrizio Romano's Daily Briefing regarding some of the options arising.

One such name was LOSC Lille star Jonathan David, who the transfer insider suggested that an approach cannot be ruled out given he was the most likely target to replace Kane before the departure of Fabio Paratici, who is still helping advise the club despite his ban from football.

It is expected that the Canada international, who has seemingly never left their radar, would be available for around €60m (£51m).

How good is Jonathan David?

To replace the England captain is an unenviable task, given the immense goalscoring quality he has that everyone is well aware of.

He has been one of the most prolific forwards in the Premier League even since he burst onto the scene, with his 30-goal haul just last season in the league marking an outstanding feat given the struggles felt throughout the term.

However, such was his talent, it came as no surprise to see him as the sole standout amongst the turmoil. It is this reliability that led to him breaking Jimmy Greaves' record as Spurs' all-time scorer and put him just 47 shy of equalling Alan Shearer's all-time Premier League scoring tally.

To outright replace his goals will be an impossible task, but perhaps offsetting them with a forward who aligns with Postecoglou's system might be a smarter option to help bolster the entire team rather than a sole role that arguably cannot be improved upon.

After all, ex-Celtic man John Collins did laud the Australian's former front-man Kyogo Furuhashi for his deadly movement, noting how "he hounds defences"; a trait which is valued just as highly as goalscoring by the 57-year-old.

This is fortunately a similar asset that has been outlined in David too, as the analysis page Breaking the Lines wrote: "David is a typical fox in the box type of striker, albeit with good off-the-ball movement and blistering speed. He is a clinical finisher who scores a wide variety of goals".

Not only this, but he is suitably prolific, suggesting that they would not see a significant drop-off in goalscoring should they select him as Kane's heir.

Last season saw the 23-year-old post 26 goals across all competitions, chipping in with a further four assists too. This came a year after he managed a 19-goal haul despite it being one of the poorest years in the club's recent history, slumping to mid-table.

Such consistent form led broadcaster Tony Marinaro to offer him some of the highest praise, as he wrote just last year: "To all Canadians, enjoy Jonathan David. He is a student of the game. He does everything right. Simply put, he’s a phenom. One of the best strikers in the world is Canadian".

There are few on the planet who could directly replace Kane, but David would certainly offer an admirable alternative.

Chelsea are believed to be in the race to sign Lyon attacker Bradley Barcola this summer and a fresh claim could further excite Blues supporters.

Who is Bradley Barcola?

The 20-year-old is currently plying his trade in Ligue 1, standing out as a big young talent at Lyon and catching the eye with his attacking performances since breaking into the first team in 2021.

Barcola already has 19 goal contributions (seven goals and 12 assists) in 46 appearances for the French outfit, despite his age, and he has also netted twice in five caps for France's Under-21s, outlining his international pedigree at youth level.

The right-sided winger is contracted with Lyon until the summer of 2026, but that doesn't mean that he won't depart in the current transfer window, with Chelsea linked with a move for him, as their spending continues. Sunday's 3-1 defeat away to West Ham showed that further reinforcements could be needed and Barcola could be an option to come in and bolster the squad.

What's been said about Barcola?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, transfer expert Dean Jones backed Chelsea to make one more eye-catching attacking signing "soon", name-checking Barcola as one of three options:

"Chelsea’s interest in Bradley Barcola is interesting as this is a player that has been hitting the radar of big Champions League clubs for some time. He’s been causing a stir as he made his first steps into senior football and both AC Milan and Manchester City have had temptations in terms of snapping him up before now.

"Mohammed Kudus, Rayan Cherki – they are both amazing players but would still come with a certain amount of risk if they land in the Premier League this summer. Chelsea also have Brennan Johnson and Jeremy Doku potentially on their list so whatever happens, whoever it is, it feels like another exciting addition is on the way soon."

It is refreshing to see Chelsea looking to sign highly-rated young talent, rather than simply looking at quick fixes who are past their best before you know it.

It seems to be a very deliberate approach, as the signings of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia show, and Barcola could be a great option out wide this summer.

Read the latest Chelsea transfer news HERE…

With Raheem Sterling turning 29 later this year, and doubts surrounding the impact of both Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke, the Lyon ace could provide competition for them, maturing into a special player over time and hopefully benefiting from working under a keen advocate of youth in Mauricio Pochettino.

At just 20, there is still so much more to come for Barcola, who has been hailed as "simply superb" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, not to mention being part of a "magnificent youth system" at Lyon.

While Newcastle United look to have concluded their transfer activity this summer, Eddie Howe's hand might be forced after star central defender Sven Botman sustained an injury during the recent defeat to Liverpool at St. James' Park.

The Magpies have enjoyed an impressive summer after securing Champions League football with a top-four Premier League finish, with Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall all joining the fold.

And while the Toon gaffer confirmed that the club's business is now done, there could yet be movement on Tyneside after the recent setback.

Who could replace Sven Botman?

According to Football Transfers, Newcastle could revisit their interest in Sporting Lisbon centre-back Goncalo Inacio before the transfer window closes later this week.

The 22-year-old recently signed a new contract with his homeland outfit, but the report claims that a €60m (£52m) release clause has been instated, though whether the Toon have the capacity to meet such a figure remains to be seen.

What is Sven Botman's injury?

How quickly things can change in football. 30 minutes into Newcastle's 2-1 defeat to Liverpool, the Magpies were ahead and their opponents' captain, Virgil van Dijk, had received his marching orders after bringing down Alexander Isak, who was gliding through on goal.

Substitute Darwin Nunez bagged a brace to turn delight into despondency, but it was perhaps the late injury to Botman that was the most dispiriting moment of a bitter evening for Howe's men.

Indeed, The Telegraph's Luke Edwards claims that while the severity of the ankle injury is not expected to be too troublesome, the Dutchman will almost certainly be out of action for around a month, if not more.

Read the latest Newcastle transfer news HERE…

The lynchpin to United's defensive structure, Botman has made 47 appearances since joining from French side Lille for approximately £35m last summer, having been hailed for his "incredible impact" by pundit Leon Osman.

Should Newcastle sign Goncalo Inacio?

The 23-year-old's injury highlights the trouble Newcastle will face in retaining their position in the Champions League, and impressing in the esteemed competition this season. As such, Inacio would be the problem-solver.

Despite his youthful years, Inacio has forged displays for the Leaos and is renowned as one of football's most exciting young defensive talents; the quintessential modern-day centre-half, he has been described as "complete" by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 1% of centre-backs across leagues most similar to the Portuguese top-flight over the past year for assists, shot-creating actions, passes attempted and progressive passes, the top 3% for progressive carries and the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90.

This highlights a first-class ball-playing ability and robustness that tantalises a career right at the very top of the game, and Newcastle's lofty ambitions would likely align with Inacio's, and his quality, should Howe and co forge ahead with a transfer.

Hailed as "immense" and as a defensive "dominator" by analyst Raj Chohan, the two-cap Portugal sensation would serve as the perfect cover for Botman while arriving as a long-term solution to the club's defensive problem.

Such a claim might appear ludicrous for a high-rising team that has recently returned to Europe's premier continental competition after two decades away, having finished the season with the division's joint-best defence, but Fabian Schar, aged 31, is in the final year of his contract and Jamal Lascelles does not appear to make the grade, having started just twice in the top-flight last term.

Botman could occupy a starring role at St. James' Park for an age, and while Inacio could be the optimum replacement in the short term, he could also be the dream partner as Newcastle strive to continue their ascent.

Finally completing a move to Manchester United in 2021, it felt like a guarantee that Jadon Sancho would hit the ground running and instantly write himself into the history books at Old Trafford, after recording 114 goal involvements in just 137 games at Borussia Dortmund.

That has been anything but the case, however, and the winger has instead endured a nightmare three years in the Premier League, failing to establish himself in the United side, and quickly becoming a transfer flop.

Now, to make matters worse, Sancho has found himself in a public disagreement with United manager Erik ten Hag, releasing a statement going against the Dutchman, who said that he dropped the England international after a poor week in training.

Speaking on the situation, Rio Ferdinand was quick to deliver his verdict.

What has Rio Ferdinand said?

Taking to Twitter to react to Sancho's statement, Ferdinand was left somewhat in disbelief, saying: "There's no way Jadon's putting out a statement like that if he hasn't, in his own eyes, performed well. Now, that's the difference as well. On his chart, I've trained alright, but the manager might have a certain standard.

"There's only one way that this ends right now. Well, two ways. There's only one window open, and that's Saudi, or you're on the bench or not getting in the squad for the rest of the season."

Sancho was, of course, responding to Ten Hag's interview, in which the former Ajax boss said, via the BBC: "Jadon, on his performances in training we did not select him.

"You have to reach a level every day at Manchester United and we can make choices in the front line. So for this game he was not selected."

What next for Jadon Sancho?

To say that Sancho now has an uphill climb when it comes to getting back into Ten Hag's plans would be an incredible understatement. The former Dortmund man already looked unlikely to break into the Dutchman's strongest line-up. Now, however, any chance of eventually proving his doubters wrong at Old Trafford has been completely slashed.

Where the winger goes from here is uncertain with the transfer window closed in the majority of Europe. As things stand, unless there is a dramatic turnaround, Sancho will go down as one of the biggest flops in Premier League history.

During his time at the Red Devils, he has managed just 18 goal involvements in 82 games, with 12 goals and six assists. For a player who reached the 50-goal mark in Germany, those numbers are a damning representation of just how badly things have gone since Sancho's return to English football.

At 23-years-old, it could be argued that there is still time for Sancho's career to take another turn, this time in a more positive direction. That turn for the better looks increasingly unlikely to come in the red half of Manchester, however.

With the games coming thick and fast in the Premier League, too, it will certainly be interesting to see just how Sancho and Ten Hag's public disagreement develops in the coming weeks.

Leeds United's start to the season has been less than ideal, but there have been positives to emerge from a Championship campaign that has brought just one win from their opening five fixtures.

It seems that Daniel Farke is still struggling to put together his perfect side, and in experimenting over the weekend he quickly came to the realisation that Georginio Rutter is not a number nine.

Many questioned why Joel Piroe had been signed for big money only to essentially drop him into midfield, with good reason, just a week after the Dutchman had showcased his lethal instincts with a true poacher's finish from close range.

Whilst the fanbase would likely implore their German coach to revert back to the formula that saw them score four goals away from home against Ipswich Town, if he is to persist with deploying the former Swansea City man deeper, then he will therefore need another centre-forward with the qualities to hit the ground running.

Many might look to the wide men who have enjoyed stints in such a role to occupy the position, or even to the academy for those deserving of a call-up.

However, all these suggestions dance around the question of where exactly is Patrick Bamford?

Where is Patrick Bamford?

As the man who had so often been their star talisman, helping spearhead their return to the Premier League before starring upon their first season back in the top flight, a string of injuries saw the 30-year-old's influence wane dramatically.

Then, throughout last campaign's debacle, a clear loss of confidence led to a string of golden opportunities squandered, which proved costly in the end. Striking wide from point-blank range against relegation rivals Leicester City stands out as the key blunder, with the points they would have gained being integral.

Despite that, many might question why he has not been around the match-day squad given the obvious quality he boasts, with the answer being another injury-related one.

Just before their curtain-raiser against Cardiff City back in early August, the Whites were dealt a series of blows as numerous stars were struck down with injury. One of those was Bamford, with his ailment thought to be far worse than the ones sustained by Georginio Rutter and Mateo Joseph.

"Sadly we've had some injuries during the last seven days. Patrick Bamford has a hamstring injury and won't return before the first international break so he'll miss the next games," Farke noted, with a lack of clinical finishing proving to be their undoing after just five games played.

They are crying out for someone to come in and snuff up the chances they are forging, and if Farke is intent on Piroe instead helping with the build-up, they clearly need someone to fulfil that role. After all, the Yorkshire outfit are averaging 59.4% possession in the second tier, raining down an average of 15.4 shots per game too despite having notched only seven goals, via Sofascore.

Bamford scored 16 times in the league the last time they were in this division, and then upon earning promotion would score a further 17 in the English top flight, even assisting eight too. Such form even drew praise from Jurgen Klopp: "Top player, Bamford. I can remember before the season I heard on talkSPORT that people said, 'Leeds need a proper goalscorer, Bamford is not good enough'. I’m so happy that he could prove them wrong, 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. They have a lot of interesting players but Bamford I’m happy for him, don’t know him obviously but it’s a nice career, a little bit later than others but still very impressive."

And yet, it could be argued that he is still not the outstanding candidate to take such a mantle, with an in-form youngster in Sonny Perkins surely meriting a start should his loan spell prove fruitful.

Who is Sonny Perkins?

Despite his impressive start to his tenure at Elland Road, having joined from West Ham United just last summer, Perkins was sent out on loan just last month likely in an effort to toughen him up in preparation for the top two English leagues.

After all, he has already showcased his fine form in front of goal on numerous occasions, and should he bulk up to the requisite physicality, it could prove bad news for the rest of the Championship.

Last season saw the 19-year-old ease into life in Yorkshire with 11 goals and three assists in the Premier League 2, whilst also chipping in with strikes in the subsequent playoffs, the EFL Trophy and even the FA Cup, as he netted his first senior goal.

The consistency of the teenage finisher is exemplified through his 2021/22 performances too, with a further 12 goals in that same league.

Given Bamford has struggled to even muster 25 league starts across the last two campaigns, already Perkins would mark an upgrade on the ageing marksman purely due to his availability.

Not to mention that Rutter, his alternative, has scored just one goal across 18 senior appearances despite joining for a club-record fee. The former Hammers starlet managed this in 14 fewer games.

Michael Skubala, the U21 boss, has been effusive in his praise for the reliable goalscorer since joining: "So we've got this little thing going on the dressing room, like ‘don't let me down today’. He's brilliant, but I think he's hit the ground running and I think you can see him growing.

"He's strong. He's a goal machine. We have to be patient because he's still got things to work on in the way we want to play but I think he's pleased at the minute and we're pleased with his progression.”

The hope is that he can translate such form into senior football with Oxford United, with the plan surely to bring him back as the triumphant answer to their goalscoring woes in January or next summer.

Perkins is clinical, fast, direct and everything Farke's side have been lacking, with his exceedingly bright future hopefully set to be closer than expected in an effort to usurp all the competition and star alongside Piroe rather than instead of.

Everton face a daunting Premier League assignment against Arsenal this weekend, but they have received a much-needed injury boost before the game.

Who is injured for Everton currently?

The Blues return to domestic action on Sunday international, following two weeks without a game because of international football getting in the way.

It has been a grim start to the season for Sean Dyche's side, with just one point picked up from four league games, and things don't get any easier for them on Sunday afternoon, as Arsenal make the trip to Goodison Park.

The Gunners arguably look like Manchester City's biggest rivals in the title race, as Mikel Arteta continues to build an impressive team, so Everton will clearly have their work cut out when it comes to trying to pick up a positive result.

The Blues aren't without injury problems going into the match, with Jack Harrison still missing after his loan move from Leeds United, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin also out, but closing in on a return.

One positive update has emerged regarding an Everton player, however, following Dyche's press conference on Friday.

Is Jarrad Branthwaite fit to face Arsenal?

According to Liverpool World, Jarrad Branthwaite is available for selection to face Arsenal this weekend after overcoming an injury, with Dyche's quotes about other individuals also included:

"Jack Harrison is still to make his debut since signing on loan from Leeds United because of a hip injury. The winger was spotted in team training earlier this week but the game comes too soon.

"Jarrad Branthwaite dropped out of England under-20 duty with a minor groin issue but is fine to feature. Lewis Dobbin missed the 2-2 draw at Sheffield United before the international break with knocks."

This is an undoubtedly positive piece of news for Everton, ahead of a game that could see them having to defend for large periods, given the quality that Arsenal possess, whether it be Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, or others.

Branthwaite is fresh off the back of an impressive season on loan at PSV Eindhoven, where the 21-year-old made 27 appearances in the Eredivisie and three in the Europa League, not to mention being hailed as "complete" by Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Whether Dyche throws the Englishman straight into the starting lineup to face Arsenal remains to be seen, but he started alongside James Tarkowski in the 2-2 draw away to Sheffield United in Everton's last game, so it makes sense to retain him, assuming he is deemed fit enough.

The youngster will need to be at his very best, coming up against either Eddie Nketiah or Gabriel Jesus, as he looks to build on his average of two tackles and interceptions apiece per game in the Premier League this season.

Glasgow Rangers return to domestic action this afternoon following their 1-0 win over Real Betis in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

Michael Beale will be looking to secure the Gers their third straight win for the first time this season and a home tie against Motherwell in the Premiership represents the perfect chance for another three points.

The second half of the Betis tie was arguably the best display by the Ibrox side, totally dominating the La Liga outfit and Beale will hope that the team can carry this momentum into today’s match.

Due to the quick turnaround between games, there will likely be a few changes to the starting XI and this could potentially see Ryan Jack come back in as Tom Lawrence was substituted with an injury against the Spanish side.

How did Ryan Jack perform vs Real Betis?

The Scottish midfielder didn’t start the match as Beale went with a 4-2-3-1 formation, deploying Jose Cifuentes and John Lundstram at the base of the midfield as Jack had to settle for a spot on the sidelines.

He did emerge from the bench with just ten minutes remaining to take the place of the Ecuadorian and enjoyed a decent cameo display.

During his short spell on the pitch, Jack won five out of five ground duels while making four tackles as he demonstrated his defensive abilities which preserved the Gers' slender 1-0 advantage and with Lawrence looking like he may miss the match today, Jack should be deployed in a midfield three alongside Cifuentes and Lundstram.

How has Ryan Jack performed for Rangers this season?

The £12k-per-week gem has been at the club since 2017 and former manager Steven Gerrard heaped praise on him back in 2020, saying: “He does everything right at the gym, he eats well and he trains and prepares every single day for the game at the weekend or midweek. So it’s no surprise that Ryan finds that level of consistency because he does everything right.”

There is no doubt he could do 'everything right' against the Steelmen again today. The 31-year-old has played three league matches so far this term and has won 60% of his ground duels while recovering 3.3 balls per game, which is even more impressive considering he has averaged just 35 minutes per game.

He will add some much-needed solidity into the midfield and his presence could give Cifuentes a licence to perhaps push further forward and try to create plenty of chances.

Squad rotation will be key due to the demands of European football and being able to call on a player such as Jack is an added bonus for Beale.

The Scot has already shown he is comfortable on the ball, averaging 27 touches during his spell on the pitch and with the Gers likely to control possession today, he will be crucial in dictating play.

Another three points will come as a welcome relief for Beale and will set them up nicely for the League Cup quarter-final tie against Livingston in midweek, a competition which they have an excellent chance of winning for the first time since 2011.

Everton are a club in crisis at the moment, with the fans having very little to feed off, and in turn the team seldom receiving the backing, especially at home, to spur them on to victory.

Whilst many will argue it is a two-way street, and that the players must give the Goodison Park crowd something to cheer about, there are few players really capable of achieving such a feat, whether that be due to a lack of technical quality or just a lack of ingenuity.

In the end, all Evertonians crave is some hard work, with a high press and a few tough tackles often enough to cultivate a fine atmosphere.

David Moyes was one of few managers who truly understood this, and as such built his teams around such an image. The Toffees under the Scotsman were solid and hard to beat, built from a deprived financial backing and turned into an outfit that embodied the club's image.

He would employ midfielders with enough combative steel to overraw opposition, but with a touch of class that could see them sweep them aside too. Wingers would seek to do the same, supplying hulking frontmen who would batter home goalscoring opportunities.

Few exemplify the quintessential hard-working Moyes wideman more than Steven Pienaar, who achieved cult-hero status on Merseyside across two successful spells.

How good was Steven Pienaar?

Having joined from Borussia Dortmund back in 2007, initially on loan but with a pre-agreed permanent fee of just $4m (£3.4m), it took little time for the diminutive trickster to acclimatise to life in a new country.

After all, his tenure in Germany had been tough, with the South African never really feeling accepted at his previous club.

Whilst that would swiftly change under the former Preston North End manager, the 41-year-old was hardly famed for the phenomenal figures he would post throughout each season. Especially given his debut year would see him record just eight Premier League goal contributions, following that up with a further ten the following year.

Instead, what he offered was a near-telepathic connection with his full-back, as he and Leighton Baines struck up a legendary partnership that Moyes would outline: "In the end, this partnership between Steven Pienaar and Leighton Baines will be very hard to improve on. Their ability to find each other with the ball, they wanted to play and combine together, their combination play down the left was exceptional.

"We found that we always wanted Pienaar to lock on and encourage the full back to follow him in. If the full back chose not to come, we were happy for the combination between Baines and Pienaar to get on the ball. Quite often we sucked a full back out, and as I said earlier these two had an incredible ability to get the ball back to each other."

Their presence typified an era that, whilst unsurprisingly devoid of silverware, actually had the fans excited to come to Goodison Park knowing full well that their support would be justified by the relentless performances on the pitch.

To justify just how highly these supporters value hard work, Pienaar even won the 2010 Player of the Year award following a campaign in which he had scored just four league goals.

However, despite how revered the left midfielder remains, he does not even come close to another star who the current West Ham United boss reportedly came close to signing back in the day.

Admittedly, there are few wingers who can compare with a prime Eden Hazard.

Did Everton nearly sign Eden Hazard?

Back in 2012, Moyes would detail exactly how they missed out on the Belgian wizard, who rocketed to stardom after his summer move to Chelsea for a mouth-watering £32m fee.

The 60-year-old simply noted: "We knew all about Hazard because of Marouane Fellaini and the Belgium boys. But it was always going to be biggish cash for us – and we’ve had a few like that, I can tell you!"

For comparison, during the summer in which the current free agent signed, the Toffees would only spend a total of €21.65m (£18.7m), bringing in the likes of John Stones, Kevin Mirallas and Pienaar, who had returned after a failed move to Tottenham Hotspur.

It is fair to say that Hazard would eclipse the latter two with ease.

How good was Eden Hazard?

To emphasise just how much better the former Real Madrid superstar was than Everton's South African ace, his final year in England saw him post 21 goals and assist a further 17 across all competitions.

Meanwhile, Pienaar would only score 22 and assist 40 across his entire career in the Premier League, spanning eight and a half years.

All stats via Transfermarkt

This should come as no surprise though, with Hazard naturally bound to have reached the elite levels given the £150m paid to tempt his Stamford Bridge exit. He had reached the pinnacle of world football, and a step up to the biggest club in the game made natural sense after he had nearly won it all with the Blues.

After all, early on in his time there, writer George Sessions had already suggested the future was bright, noting: "Eden Hazard is a bit special. He started this season quite slowly but is turning into a world beater for Chelsea. Huge potential."

Chelsea fan Frank Khalid then sought to remind the masses of a talent that was lost to injuries upon that fateful transfer to Madrid: "Just a reminder to everyone what Eden Hazard could do, I’m really fed up with the constant negative things said about Eden Hazard. He will always be a Chelsea legend".

The 126-cap maestro departed west London having scored 110 goals, assisting a further 92 across 352 appearances in England, and will likely go down as one of the most exciting stars the Premier League has ever seen. Few in history can compete with that, let alone the workmanlike, technically inferior Pienaar.

Whether he would have thrived in Moyes' work ethic-dependant system remains to be seen, but with talents like the 32-year-old, it is always worth making allowances. After all, his managers at Chelsea always did, and they would perennially reap the rewards of his efforts.

Had he moved to Merseyside instead of the English capital, perhaps it could have been them whom he propelled towards the apex of English football, with his ability certainly impressive enough to have done so.

Florentino Perez has laughed off more questions of Kylian Mbappe and Alphonso Davies becoming the latest ‘Galacticos’ at Real Madrid.

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Article continues below

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• Blancos back in the market for top talent
• Deal reported for French forward
• Canadian full-back also in their sights

• Getty/GOAL
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Blancos president is famed for his recruitment policy that sees the best players on the planet lined up for transfers to Santiago Bernabeu. There is no sign of that approach being tweaked heading towards the summer of 2024.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Real are said to have an agreement in place that will see World Cup winner Mbappe join them as a free agent when his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expires. Bayern Munich left-back Davies is another being lined up for a big-money move.

• WHAT PEREZ SAID

  Perez, though, is giving little away when it comes to high-profile signings. After seeing a fan tell him “you have to bring Davies and Mbappe – with them, we are going to win everything”, Perez jokingly responded by saying: “Who is Mbappe? Who is Davies?”

  @morong10

  Florentino Pérez no sabe ni quien es #mbappe ni #alphonsodavies 😂 #realmadrid #humor #president #football #noticias #view #viral #tiktok #news

  ♬ sonido original – ChrisMG

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• WHAT NEXT FOR REAL MADRID?

  Real are reported to have a lucrative contract ready for Mbappe to sign, while he could be joined in the Spanish capital by Canada international Davies. He has not agreed fresh terms at Bayern, leading to talk of Madrid lining up a €40 million (£34m/$44m) approach for the 23-year-old’s signature.

Manchester United’s poor run of form continued with a 2-2 draw away from home against Everton. It was a disappointing performance for much of the game from the Red Devils, who were 2-0 down at halftime thanks to first-half goals from Beto and Abdoulaye Doucoure.

In a chaotic final 20 minutes plus stoppage time, Bruno Fernandes scored a well-directed freekick past Jordan Pickford, who was rooted to the spot, to pull one back. Moments later, Manuel Ugarte fired home a spectacular volley, after controlling a loose ball on his chest, to equalise.

There were claims for a last-gasp penalty for the Toffees after Ashley Young was brought down in the box. It was initially given on the field, but the referee reversed his decision after being sent to the monitor to have a second look.

It was a poor performance from United’s defensive unit, who were leaky again as their side went behind in a game once more. Harry Maguire was someone who particularly struggled.

Maguire’s stats vs. Everton

It was a tough day at the office for one of United’s most experienced players, Maguire. The England international was arguably at fault for Doucoure’s goal. He was outjumped by the Everton midfielder, who won the race to Andre Onana’s parry up in the air, nodding home for 2-0.

At times, the United number five showed his dominance. For much of the game, he was strong in the air, although not when it mattered most, and was also progressive and calm on the ball. As per Sofascore, he won six from nine aerial duels and had a 97% pass accuracy.

However, the former Red Devils captain struggled in the crucial moments. The Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst gave him a 4/10 and said his error for Doucoure’s goal was ‘reminiscent’ of one he would have made in Erik ten Hag’s first season.

It was a disappointing performance from such a crucial player under Ruben Amorim. Maguire has been in strong form for much of the season, but the Portuguese manager will be hoping this was nothing more than a blip, a one-off game.

However, there is one United player who continues to struggle for form in a United shirt.

The United player who needs to be sold

It has been a dire season in front of goal for United. They loaned out one of their richest sources of goals, Marcus Rashford, and Amad is out for the rest of the campaign with a knee injury.

That leaves a lot of pressure on Rasmus Hojlund, who has been anonymous for much of 2024/25. The Dane has just two goals in 21 Premier League games and is now 11 games without a top-flight goal. Against Everton, he was described as a “passenger” by football analyst Waseem.

Luckhurst agreed that Hojlund struggled against the Toffees. He gave him a shockingly low rating of 1/10 and did not hold back in his review. He described the Dane as ‘hopeless’, and said he ‘did very little right all afternoon’.

Hojlund was substituted at the 70-minute mark, replaced by young striker Chido Obi. One academy analyst was full of praise for the youngster, saying there had been “no drop in quality since his introduction”.

Statistically, there was not too much difference between him and Hojlund. In 50 minutes less, Obi had just two fewer touches, with ten to Hojlund’s 12, and won more duels, one out of three to the United number nine’s zero from eight.

It is becoming concerning that Hojlund simply cannot break this goalless run he is on. At times, he can look out of his depth, which must be frustrating to see from Amorim’s point of view. His side needs goals, and Hojlund is not providing them.

Perhaps his future at Old Trafford is not as guaranteed as it once seemed. Time might be running out in a United shirt for the former Atalanta man. He certainly needs goals soon, or it would not be a surprise if the Red Devils decided to go as far as selling him in the summer.

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By
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