Manchester United "In The Race" For £7.1k-p/w "Top Talent"

Manchester United are “in the race” to sign Dinamo Zagreb defender Josip Sutalo this summer, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

What's the latest on Sutalo's future?

The Premier League outfit have Phil Jones out of contract at the end of the season and captain Harry Maguire is facing an uncertain future having been linked with an exit due to his lack of game time, so if one or both of the duo were to depart, Erik Ten Hag will need to enter the market to find replacements, and the 23-year-old has been identified as a potential ideal candidate.

The Croatian international is an academy graduate at the Maksimir Stadium having worked his way up through the youth ranks which saw him get promoted to the first-team back in 2020, as per Transfermarkt, making 77 senior appearances since that time.

The Red Devils target still has another five years to run on his deal so a transfer would be far from cheap to complete, but being Igor Biscan’s second top-performing defensive player and third overall with a match rating of 6.74, has caught the eye of the hierarchy at Old Trafford.

Taking to Twitter, Galetti revealed that Manchester United are firmly in the running to sign Sutalo during the upcoming window, but are set to face stiff competition from several other admirers. He wrote:

“Arsenal put in their sights Josip Sutalo, Dinamo Zagreb centre-back. AFC scouts are expected to travel to 🇭🇷 soon in order to watch him closely, as first reported by @lorenzooleporee. Fiorentina, RB Leipzig, Fulham, Wolfsburg and Man Utd [are] also in the race.”

Dinamo Zagreb defender Josip Sutalo.

Would Sutalo be a good signing for Ten Hag?

Standing at 6 foot 3, Sutalo would add some great height to Manchester United's defensive backline, and having been lauded a "top talent" by journalist Fabrizio Romano, he would definitely be a fantastic addition to the squad for Ten Hag.

The World Cup and Europa League participant is currently averaging 4.3 clearances, two tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game in the Champions League, via WhoScored, and would provide the boss with some versatility having also operated at left-back alongside his natural centre-back position.

Sutalo, who pockets £7.1k-per-week, has also clocked up ten goal contributions (six goals and four assists) in 77 senior appearances for Dinamo Zagreb so is capable of being a threat at the opposite end of the pitch when it comes to set pieces and launching long balls for his fellow teammates, so the board shouldn't even have to think twice about wrapping up a deal should the opportunity present itself this summer.

Predicted Leeds XI And Team News Vs Fulham

Leeds United travel to Fulham on Saturday afternoon, with a positive result a must for the Yorkshire outfit after two morale-sapping defeats in recent weeks.

Javi Gracia's side were embarrassed at Elland Road last time out and have been dragged right back into the thick of the relegation battle, and will need to perform far better if they are to take anything from Craven Cottage in Saturday's early kick-off.

The Whites have been boosted by the return of Max Wober and Wilfried Gnonto to full fitness recently, while defensive changes seem likely after the concession of 11 goals in their last two outings.

How should Leeds line up against Fulham on Saturday?

Here is how Football FanCast expects Leeds to line up against Fulham this weekend, with four changes from the team that started against Liverpool on Monday night.

(4-4-2): Robles (GK); Kristensen (RB), Cooper (CB), Struijk (CB), Wober (LB); Harrison (RM), McKennie (CM), Roca (CM), Sinisterra (LM); Rodrigo (ST), Gnonto (ST).

The first change is a controversial one, which sees Illan Meslier miss out on the starting side for the first time this season, as he has now conceded more goals than any other Premier League goalkeeper.

The young Frenchman is surely low on confidence and perhaps cannot be relied upon as a solid option for the predicament that Leeds find themselves in, so Gracia should hand Joel Robles his first Premier League appearance of the season.

Selecting Rasmus Kristensen or Luke Ayling at right-back is like choosing between a rock and a hard place for Gracia right now, but the Danish full-back gets the nod despite his role in the display against Liverpool.

On the opposite flank, Wober makes his first start after returning from injury, replacing Junior Firpo at left-back, in the hope that the Austrian can help to solidify Leeds' defence.

A final change in the back four sees captain and "leader" Liam Cooper handed a rare start at centre-back, with the £25k-per-week defender partnering Pascal Struijk in the heart of the backline, and his leadership could prove vital in preventing another heavy defeat for the Yorkshire outfit.

Tyler Adams is still sidelined through injury so Gracia is struggling for options in central midfield, which suggests that Marc Roca and Weston McKennie could keep their spots at Craven Cottage.

Luis Sinisterra and Jack Harrison also keep their starting positions on the wings, although they could drop a little deeper in order to accommodate a change to 4-4-2, which allows the dangerous Gnonto to return up front.

He partners Rodrigo in attack, with Brenden Aaronson dropping out, in the hope that his speed alongside the experienced Spaniard can cause Marco Silva's side problems and earn Leeds a massive three points this weekend.

Rangers Must Sign "Really Skilful" Titan This Summer

Glasgow Rangers need to undergo some major rebuilding during the summer transfer window if they wish to overcome their Old Firm rivals at the top of the Premiership table next season.

Michael Beale has enjoyed a solid start to life at Ibrox. However, heading into this weekend, the gap between them and Celtic sat at 12 points – and this is unacceptable.

There has been progress, with the likes of January signing Todd Cantwell settling in well, and he could certainly be the figurehead of a new era under Beale.

One area the Englishman must get right is that of a good solid goalkeeper, as Allan McGregor and Jon McLaughlin have been poor this term. The duo have conceded 46 (1.4 per game) and 18 (1.8 per game) goals respectively this term, and with a combined age of 76, the time has surely come to bring in someone slightly younger.

Beale could plump for a player who looks set to become a free agent this summer, and having played in the English Premier League during his career, Jack Butland could be an ideal signing.

Could Rangers sign Jack Butland?

Rangers were linked with Butland last summer; however, a broken finger suffered in pre-season ruined any chances of a deal going through.

We think Beale should try and make a move for the ‘keeper, especially as the current Manchester United loanee is set to become a free agent this summer as Crystal Palace are seemingly happy with their options heading into 2023/2024.

This could prove to be a major coup for the Gers, with Butland only 30 years of age, he could become the No 1 for the foreseeable future, and with plenty of experience in England, it could be considered a no-brainer to offer the 6 foot 5 titan a deal.

Across his career, Butland has appeared 87 times in the English top flight, keeping 21 clean sheets in those games.

Jack Butland warming up

There is no doubt that the goalkeeper hailed as "really skilful" by Erik ten Hag has a wealth of experience, also winning nine caps for England. Meanwhile, Joe Hart has proved that moving from England to Scotland later in your career can generate excellent results, as he has enjoyed a resurgence since turning out for the Hoops.

Beale will surely be keeping tabs on the Palace shot-stopper, and hopefully he makes his move sooner rather than later as the Gers aim to reclaim the SPFL title next year.

Newcastle Eye Swoop For £35m Premier League Star

Newcastle United have taken huge strides since their Saudi-led takeover in 2021 and could now look to continue their pursuit of success at St James' Park by adding more talent to their squad this summer.

What's the latest on Newcastle's interest in Kaoru Mitoma?

According to The Telegraph's Northern football writer Luke Edwards, Newcastle are interested in several Premier League players this summer with Brighton and Hove Albion winger Kaoru Mitoma named as one of the potential targets.

As per the report, despite concerns surrounding the club's Financial Fair Play obligations, both sporting director Dan Ashworth and manager Eddie Howe have stressed the importance of being bold in the transfer window to maintain the high standards they have set throughout this season.

It is claimed that Mitoma is just one of many players that the club are looking to bring in this summer, with Ivan Toney, Declan Rice and James Maddison also named as players already discussed as potential targets.

Will Newcastle sign Mitoma this summer?

There is no doubt that the Newcastle boss will be absolutely thrilled with the phenomenal form his squad have been in over the last nine months, with Champions League football next season becoming a huge possibility for the club ahead of schedule.

The Magpies are currently fourth in the top-flight table after chalking up just four defeats over their 30 fixtures so far and conceding the fewest number of goals (24) in the entire league, which is an incredible achievement for the team.

However, should the North East club find their European football dreams become a reality, it would be advantageous to add some fresh legs and perspectives to key areas of the pitch to ensure they are capable of comfortably competing at the highest level whilst juggling multiple competitions.

As a result, the signing of Mitoma would be a fantastic coup for the club to provide star striker Alexander Isak – a man with five goals in the last month – with a partner in the forward line who can offer high-quality opportunities and further increase their creativity in the final third.

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The Brighton winger – who has a reported price tag of £35m – has had an outstanding season and has been one of the Premier League's stand-out performers for his contributions to the Seagulls' impressive campaign.

Mitoma ranks in the top 15% of his positional peers in the top five European leagues for non-penalty goals, pass completion, progressive carries, touches and tackles.

he matches that dazzling quality and work-ethic with goal involvement too, scoring seven times this term, as well as registering four assists and creating seven big chances over 24 Premier League appearances.

The Japanese forward's huge influence on the pitch has not gone unnoticed, with Brighton's CEO Paul Barber signing Mitoma's praises on The Beautiful Game Podcast last month:

“Obviously, he’s [Mitoma] another player that will be in the spotlight in the next transfer window.

“He is so exciting to watch – a throwback to old-school wingers.”

With that being said, Howe could form a dream strike force for the Magpies this summer by acquiring the services of Mitoma. Indeed, he would fit perfectly alongside their energetic and incisive striker Isak next season to spark more goal contributions and add quality depth to the forward line.

Arsenal Could Make Move For £199k-p/w Star

Arsenal could make a move for Barcelona winger Raphinha in the summer transfer window, according to a new update from journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Who could Arsenal sign this summer?

Despite their remarkable performance in the Premier League so far this season, the Gunners are looking at new options all over the pitch for the summer, with Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund on the agenda, in a deal that could be worth over £44m.

In central midfield, Declan Rice remains a key target, and it has also emerged that the West Ham United captain is pushing for a summer move – according to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook – which could make a deal easier to orchestrate.

The Gunners are said to have a three-man shopping list of potential options in the engine room, with Moises Caicedo and Amadou Onana also being considered, although Rice remains their first choice.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, O'Rourke has claimed Mikel Arteta could also make a new attempt to sign Raphinha in the summer, having failed with a €70m (£61m) offer in the January transfer window.

The journalist said: "I think there's a possibility they could revisit the situation with Raphinha; it seems Arsenal sporting director Edu is a huge admirer of his fellow Brazilian; a lot will depend on what's going on at Barcelona this summer. If they need to sell players to raise funds, which it looks likely, Raphinha could be made available on the market and I'm sure that will pique Arsenal's interest if they think they can land the former Leeds man on a cheap deal."

Should Arsenal sign Raphinha this summer?

The Brazilian has a proven track record in the Premier League, having scored 11 goals and bagged three assists in his final season with Leeds United, and he has made a solid start to life in La Liga.

In 25 league games, the £199k-per-week earner has weighed in with six goals and four assists, which indicates Barca would be unwilling to let him go, if not for their concerning financial situation.

Journalist Muhammad Butt has also hailed the former Leeds man for his capabilities at the back, describing him as a "defensive monster" in February, while praising his work-rate and ability to drive the ball forward.

Arsenal are likely to be well-stocked in wide areas, given that Bukayo Saka is expected to sign a new contract, with Gabriel Martinelli already committing to a new deal.

However, Arteta will want to compete on all fronts next season, with the Gunners almost certain to be back in the Champions League, and Raphina would provide the Spaniard with fantastic strength in depth.

Man United Hit The Jackpot On "Unstoppable" £18m-Rated Sensation

Manchester United are set to return to Premier League action away to top-four rivals Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon, with Erik ten Hag's men gearing up for what will be yet another relentless run of fixtures over the coming weeks.

With the former Ajax boss set to see his squad depth tested to the extreme, the Dutchman will likely be anxious to see teenage sensation, Alejandro Garnacho return to the fold sooner rather than later, with the 18-year-old having sustained ankle ligament damage during the draw with Southampton in the club's last league game.

The expectation is that the Madrid-born speedster will be available for selection before the end of the campaign, although in the meantime, Ten Hag will have to make do without a player who has become something of a "game-changer" for the Red Devils, as per Manchester Evening News journalist, Samuel Luckhurst.

Despite his relative youth, the Argentine international has already contributed nine goal involvements in all competitions so far this term, having looked "unstoppable" at times prior to his recent injury setback, according to pundit Darren Bent.

Such has been the youngster's impact at senior level to date, it would appear that the Old Trafford outfit are already intent on handing out a new, bumper new deal to the former Atletico Madrid asset, with another La Liga giant, Real Madrid, having been circling in recent times.

A long-term extension would seemingly be just reward for a player who has truly exploded onto the scene this season, with United left to feel that they truly hit the jackpot with the signing of the wing wizard, following what has been a remarkable, meteoric rise.

How much is Alejandro Garnacho worth now?

While it is still early days in Garnacho's Red Devils career, it already looks as if the Premier League side pulled off a true bargain deal when bringing the teen starlet to England back in 2020, having prised the 5 foot 11 man from the Spanish capital for a fee of just £420k.

It is clear to see that the exciting showman is already a far more valuable asset, with CIES Football Observatory now valuing him at around £18m, with that roughly 42 times more (4,185%) than what United initially paid for his services.

Not that Ten Hag will be contemplating a sale any time soon, with Garnacho having quickly cemented his status as a vital part of the 53-year-old's squad, notably netting at Elland Road last month, while also providing an assist for Marcus Rashford's winner in the Manchester derby back in January.

Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho

Those two moments, in particular, have illustrated that the emerging superstar is a truly fearless and confident individual, having shown no sign of nerves despite the often pressurised nature of competing in the senior set-up.

While there have been concerns over his attitude at times this season, Garnacho has swiftly earned the adulation of those at the Theatre of Dreams due to his direct and dynamic nature, possessing the ability to get the crowd off their feet with a moment of trickery or a penetrating run in behind.

There are, of course, still issues to iron out – with Ten Hag stating earlier this month that the forward needs to begin making more of an "impact as a starter" – yet last season's FA Youth Cup final hero is fast becoming a cult figure among the United support.

Levy Could Now Appoint ‘Most Exciting’ Permanent Boss At Spurs

Feyenoord boss Arne Slot could be a contender to replace Antonio Conte at Tottenham, according to Voetbal International editor Pieter Zwart.

Who could replace Conte at Spurs?

The Premier League top four chasers finally announced the departure of Conte earlier this week, coming after a week of speculation over the Italian's immediate future. Conte was expected to depart Spurs even before his infamous post-Southampton rant, as his contract was set to expire at the end of the season, but both the manager and club mutually agreed to call time prematurely.

A plethora of big name managers and more left-field options have been linked with the post, including former Tottenham manager and fan favourite Mauricio Pochettino. Other notable names include the likes of Julian Nagelsmann, who's just left Bayern Munich, and another free agent in ex-Barcelona boss Luis Enrique.

Even the likes of Roberto De Zerbi and Thomas Frank, who've both been performing brilliantly at their respective top flight clubs, have been tipped as possible contenders for the Spurs job. Abroad, Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner is a name consistently linked and Slot, who is currently chasing a title with Feyenoord, has been a name mentioned by reliable outlets like The Times.

Feyenoord coach Arne Slot during training

Now, analyst and editor-in-chief Zwart has weighed in on Tottenham's links to the 44-year-old – claiming to Voetbal Primeur (via Sport Witness) that he could seriously appeal to chairman Daniel Levy. He says that Slot's work on a shoe-string budget at both Feyenoord and Ajax puts him in real contention to succeed Conte in the summer.

Zwart explained:

“Daniel Levy has the image of a miser. He wants to achieve a lot with little money. That is, of course, what Arne Slot has done. First at AZ, where he competed for the title, and now he is doing the same at Feyenoord with a low budget. I can imagine that he would come into the picture.”

Is Slot the ideal Spurs manager candidate?

Slot has arguably overachieved with Feyenoord this season, having led the Dutch title-chasers to the Eredivisie summit, losing just one game all season. They're currently on a real hot streak, winning their last six league games and boasting the second-best defensive record in the division behind FC Twente.

Their Dutch head coach is seemingly working wonders at Feynoord with members of the media holding Slot in seriously high esteem. Netherlands football expert Marcel van der Kraan, speaking to talkSPORT recently, even called him the "most exciting head coach" he's seen in the last 10 years – going on to claim he utilises a "more" attacking style than Man City boss Pep Guardiola.

Going by his team's sublime form and steadily rising reputation, he could certainly appeal to Spurs.

Javi Gracia has Leeds issue with Wilfried Gnonto

Journalist Beren Cross has claimed that Leeds United manager Javi Gracia has an issue with Wilfried Gnonto after the Italian was subbed off in the most recent game

What’s the latest Willy Gnonto and Leeds?

In the Premier League this weekend, the Whites managed to pick up a vital win against relegation rivals Wolves in their fight to avoid the drop this season.

Indeed, in a thrilling match, goals from Jack Harrison, Luke Ayling, Rasmus Kristensen and Rodrigo gave Gracia and co a 4-2 win while two opposition players were also sent off.

At 61 minutes, Leeds were 2-0 up and Gnonto was impressing having already delivered a fine assist to help set up the opener. Even so, the winger was hooked by his manager with plenty of time left on the clock.

While speaking about it on a LeedsLive video stream, Cross suggested that the treatment is a little "strange" before claiming that Gracia doesn't seem to "quite fancy" the 19-year-old.

He said (18:51): “There's clearly something in Gnonto that he just doesn't quite fancy. I don't know what it is because for me, again that first goal is just typical Gnonto, that's what he brings to the team with the assist that he gave to Harrison.

“So it was strange but there's clearly something there in Gnonto that Gracia just doesn't quite fully like.”

Javi Gracia observing Leeds United in action.

Does Gracia have an issue with Gnonto at Leeds?

Under former manager Jesse Marsch, the youngster had managed to establish himself as a regular starter but under Gracia things have changed.

Indeed, the Italian had to settle for a role off the bench as a substitute in the last two Premier League games and was only trusted for about an hour in this most recent win.

Gnonto has done enough to earn himself a spot in his national team's squad for the upcoming international break – so he must be doing something right – but Gracia does seem hesitant to rely on him too much.

At such a young age, the 19-year-old still has plenty to learn and so perhaps his new manager is just trying to develop him carefully but it is odd that one of the club's best attacking players has suddenly been somewhat marginalised.

Crystal Palace could move for ‘fabulous’ manager

Crystal Palace could look at a move for Al-Ittihad manager Nuno Espirito Santo, according to The Daily Express’ Ryan Taylor.

The Lowdown: Vieira sacked

The Eagles officially parted ways with Patrick Vieira on Friday morning after a run of 11 games without a win in 2023. Wednesday’s Premier League defeat to rivals Brighton & Hove Albion proved to be Vieira’s final game in charge, with Steve Parish and co now on the hunt for his long-term replacement.

Palace have a trip to league leaders Arsenal to prepare for on Sunday afternoon, with backroom staff members Osian Roberts, Kristian Wilson and Said Aigoun also leaving the club.

The Latest: Nuno claim

Taylor shared a story for The Daily Express shortly after Vieira was sacked on Friday morning. He looked at five possible options to come in at Selhurst Park, one of which being Nuno. Taylor said:

‘Nuno was previously on the verge of being appointed Palace boss in June 2021 before a deal collapsed at the eleventh hour.

“The former Wolves manager is now working in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ittihad but there is a sense he would be open to returning to the Premier League where he has a point to prove after being sacked by Tottenham in 2021 just months into his tenure.

“The Portuguese coach is renowned for playing a back-three, a system that was so effective as he guided Wolves to the quarter-finals of the Europa League in 2019/20. Nuno’s contract in the Middle East is thought to contain a release clause though meaning Palace would have to reach for the chequebook if they were to agree terms with the 49-year-old.”

The Verdict: Good option?

Nuno has enjoyed a successful stint in Saudi Arabia so far, winning 11 of his last 12 games in charge of Al-Ittihad. He also has proven Premier League experience and was hailed by Gary Lineker for his “fabulous job” with Wolves, where he took them from the Championship to the Europa League.

The 49-year-old also likes to play a 4-2-3-1 system and has wins over high-flying Premier League managers like Mikel Arteta and Jurgen Klopp on his CV. His record against Palace also stands at four wins from eight games, and you’d expect he would arrive in London full of confidence, should a move go through.

Therefore, he could prove to be a shrewd target by Palace chiefs, who you expect will want Vieira’s replacement brought in relatively quickly to work with the squad during the international break ahead of the run-in.

McGinn was Villa’s unsung hero vs West Ham

Unai Emery’s Aston Villa side extended their unbeaten run to three matches in the Premier League as they were held to a 1-1 draw by West Ham United on Sunday.

The Villans remain 11th in the table and are now eight points clear of 12th place and 11 points ahead of the bottom three, which leaves them in a comfortable position heading into the final weeks of the campaign.

Villa took the lead in the first half as Alex Moreno’s terrific delivery from the left flank was met by the head of Ollie Watkins, whose header bounced into the far corner.

However, the advantage did not last for long as Lucas Paqueta was clumsily brought down by winger Leon Bailey in the box, which allowed Said Benrahma to brilliantly fire past Emi Martinez from the penalty spot.

Whilst Watkins may grab the headlines for his sixth goal in seven matches, central midfielder John McGinn deserves plenty of praise for his performance in the middle of the park.

How did John McGinn perform against West Ham?

The Scotland international was Emery’s unsung hero on the day as the midfielder put in a fantastic display and deserved to be part of a winning team.

Defensively, the captain was almost faultless throughout the match. As per Sofascore, the gem won a whopping six of his seven (86%) individual duels – including all six of his battles on the ground – and made two clearances, two interceptions, and one tackle.

These statistics show that the enforcer was a monster in the centre of the pitch as he consistently won his duels and was able to use his physicality to either prevent West Ham from doing what they wanted to do or to win the ball back for his side.

In possession, McGinn was energetic and reliable with the ball at his feet. As per Sofascore, the Scotsman – who had 67 touches – completed 83% of his attempted passes and all three of his dribble attempts, whilst also completing four of his six long passes.

This shows that the Scot was composed and effective in everything that he tried to do throughout the match, which made him a useful outlet for the team with the ball.

Couple this with his outstanding defensive work and that is why McGinn was the unsung hero for Emery’s side on the day. Indeed, the midfielder put in a complete performance.

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