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According to 90min, Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their reported pursuit of Aston Villa star Jack Grealish.

What’s the word?

The Villa captain has been in sensational form for his boyhood club so far this season, having made 21 Premier League appearances with six goals and 12 assists to show from his 21 starts.

Naturally, other sides have begun to take notice a lot more, and FourFourTwo claim that he has been linked with both sides of Manchester in recent weeks.

However, it appears that they may face a bit of a problem, as the 90min report adds that Villa intend to offer him a new contract that would see him become one of the highest-paid players in the Premier League in an attempt to ward off any potential suitors in the summer.

Ed Woodward can redeem himself

Having failed in their efforts to sign Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho last year, a move for Grealish has presented itself as an opportunity for Ed Woodward to redeem himself and atone for his mistakes by signing a player of a similar calibre.

Like Sancho, Grealish is a class operator who has earned rave reviews for his performances from fans and pundits alike, including current Middlesbrough manager Neil Warnock, who likened him to United great Eric Cantona.

Even England manager Gareth Southgate praised his “outstanding” performance in the Nations League defeat to Belgium last year.

The 25-year-old, who predominantly plays as a left-winger, made no secret of his desire to move to Old Trafford in the past, although a move failed to materialise and he went on to pen a new deal at Villa Park.

But the bottom line is that  Woodward simply has to put his money where his mouth is if he is legitimately interested in turning United into genuine title contenders. He could do this by making Villa an offer they can’t refuse.

AND in other news, Manchester United transfer target Raphael Varane was superb in Real Madrid win…

Glasgow Rangers striker Kemar Roofe has been slapped with a two-game ban for a tackle during their 1-0 win over St Johnstone at Ibrox last week.

The 28-year-old received a booking by referee David Munro for a late challenge on Saints midfielder Murray Davidson but the Scottish FA decided to take retrospective action against the striker after he was found guilty of serious foul play.

There is no doubt this will be a significant blow for manager Steven Gerrard, who already faces the prospect of being without his star striker Alfredo Morelos for the home game against Kilmarnock, having served two matches of a three-game ban following his stamp on Hibernian defender Ryan Porteous.

Able to play in the centre or on the right, Roofe’s ability to operate in two positions upfront has been an added bonus for Gerrard. He has scored 12 goals in 24 games this season, that being the best of all forwards and the second-highest overall, a leaderboard topped by none other than James Tavernier (17).

However, his latest ban has now left Gerrard with a dilemma upfront as none of his other options can come to matching his 14 goal contributions in 24 appearances across all competitions this season.

Cedric Itten and Jermain Defoe are the two competing for a place upfront for Rangers, as Greg Stewart has been all but frozen out of the first-team picture, meaning the aforementioned duo are battling to bag a spot in-between Ryan Kent and Ianis Hagi.

Both players will be looking to seize the opportunity to impress Gerrard having fallen down the pecking order behind the likes of Morelos and Roofe as they try to establish themselves as regular starters at Ibrox.

Itten started on the left-hand side of the attack the last time the Gers faced Kilmarnock as Gerrard’s side ran out 2-0 winners at Rugby Park.

However, it could prove to be a tough test for the 24-year-old as he drew a blank against the likes of Stuart Findlay and Kirk Broadfoot, so he will need to be at his very best if the Premiership leaders are to get a result against the visitors.

Whilst Gerrard has given both players his full backing, he will no doubt be gutted to lose a player who has become an instrumental part of his side so far this season.

AND in other news, Rangers monitoring Maccabi Haifa star Dolev Haziza…

After sweeping aside Southampton 3-0 last time out, Leeds United welcome fellow Premier League surprise packages Aston Villa on late Saturday afternoon.

Both clubs have really turned on the style this season, with Villa still very much in the hunt for a shock European place for next year. Dean Smith’s side find themselves just nine points behind fourth-placed West Ham, but with two games in hand on the Hammers.

Leeds could be set for a pre-match boost with Jack Grealish potentially missing from action again after picking up an injury last week, but while Villa’s talisman may be ruled out, Marcelo Bielsa must instead beware Ollie Watkins.

The summer signing from Brentford has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water, scoring ten goals and providing a further two assists in 23 top-flight games.

And, speaking after he scored the winning goal against Arsenal earlier this year, his manager Smith said: “‘I think every week we’re speaking very well of his performance, and that’s what he brings to the team.

“He’s selfless in terms of what his work-rate is. He’s such a good footballer but a good team-mate as well. It’s no surprise to me he has got into double figures already in the Premier League.”

Watkins isn’t just a prolific goal-scorer who does his best work inside the box. The £27m-rated star runs hard into the channels, dragging opposition centre-backs this way and that, and isn’t someone who Leeds’ defenders will find easy to hold off – he wins a mammoth 7.4 duels per game, which for context, is more than double that of Patrick Bamford (3.1).

Brentford’s programme editor, Chris Deacon, told The Athletic: “Ollie transformed himself into a physical specimen. We’d call him a machine because it looked like he would set himself into third gear and then cruise along at the front while everyone else was blowing.”

The pace and power that Wakins has is a major threat to Bielsa and Leeds, who always look to press high and can leave gaps in behind. The Villa front-man’s movement and work-rate as Smith talked up could prove to be a thorn for the Whites’ back-line, especially if they’re intent on trying to play out from the back – you only have to look at Illan Meslier being caught out by Bukayo Saka against Arsenal just recently to see that.

So while Grealish being out may be a massive relief for Leeds, Watkins is the man that Bielsa must beware.

Speaking after Tottenham Hotspur’s 4-0 Premier League victory over Burnley, Jose Mourinho provided an update on the fitness of Spurs’ man of the match in the fixture, Gareth Bale.

Bale was in sensational form for Tottenham, bagging two goals and providing one assist, as well as making one key pass, completing two dribbles and winning five duels, all of which culminated in a highly impressive SofaScore match rating of 8.9 – ranking him as the club’s best performer in the match.

However, speaking after the game, when Mourinho was questioned as to whether the 31-year-old would now be starting in both of Spurs’ upcoming fixtures against Fulham and Dinamo Zagreb, the 58-year-old cast some doubt on the £18m-rated forward’s availability.

The manager said: “Day after day, day after day, and as I was saying, he is experienced and his knowledge of his body and his feelings are going to be fundamental.

“A player that gives me this kind of performance of course I want to play him on Thursday and on Sunday, and I want to play him next week against Dinamo Zagreb but I don’t think I can. I don’t think I can.”

Transfer Tavern Take

Indeed, Bale’s performances in recent fixtures – the Welshman has scored four goals and provided three assists over his last four appearances in all competitions – could be an indication that the Real Madrid loanee is beginning to get back to his best at Spurs.

However, considering just how blighted the 31-year-old has been by injury so far this season, perhaps Mourinho’s cautious approach to the forward’s future game-time is a way of ensuring that Bale remains as fit as possible over his remaining time in north London.

In other Tottenham news, this Spurs transfer admission lifted the lid on a failed Daniel Levy coup with Pochettino – find out more here!

Manchester City will be looking to extend their winning run and take a huge step towards the title by beating Manchester United at the Etihad on Sunday afternoon.

Pep Guardiola’s side have now won 21 games in a row in all competitions after beating Wolves 4-1 in their last fixture and the Citizens are currently 12 points clear of second-placed Leicester City, having played a game less than the Foxes.

Therefore, victory in the derby on Sunday would be another big result for Guardiola’s side in their hopes of securing the title this season, as if their current form continues, it is difficult to see any team catching them.

Here’s how Football FanCast expects Guardiola to line his side up against Manchester United, with three changes from the team that started against Wolves…

Ederson keeps his place in goal and will be looking to pick up another clean sheet, having conceded rare goals against West Ham and Wolves in the last two fixtures.

There’s one change in defence, as John Stones returns to resume his partnership with Ruben Dias at the back, with the pair having been superb so far this season.

Ilkay Gundogan is likely to return in midfield alongside Rodri after being rested for the game against Wolves, which allows Kevin De Bruyne more freedom to go forward.

Phil Foden also comes back into the side having not started either game against West Ham and Wolves, which moves Raheem Sterling up front in place of Gabriel Jesus, who despite his brace against Wolves, was again guilty of missing big chances.

Riyad Mahrez drops to the bench as a result, with Bernardo Silva moving to the right-wing as the Algerian’s replacement, however, the “special” former Leicester man, who earns £120k per week at City, can definitely be relied upon to make a difference from the bench if required.

And, in other news… Forget Zinchenko: Man City can sign their dream Mendy successor in £34.4m gem

Liverpool’s search for a centre-back has seen them turn to some unconventional places.

Going through a defensive injury crisis, they turned to Ozan Kabak, who was brought in on loan from Bundesliga basement club Schalke 04. Meanwhile, Ben Davies was recruited from Championship outfit Preston North End.

Now, the Reds have reportedly turned their attention to a former Premier League flop in the form of FC Porto’s Chancel Mbemba.

According to TuttoMercatoWeb, the Reds are interested in his services, but it has to be suggested that they can do better in their search for defensive recruits.

Of course, the Congolese is a capable defender despite struggling in his time with Newcastle United, where he was frozen out by Rafael Benitez and suffered relegation in 2016.

He has recovered from his poor spell at St James’ Park, where he played just 59 times across three seasons, with current employers Porto, having played 33 times in all competitions during the current campaign.

Also, with the report suggesting that he could be available for as low as €15m (£12.88m) with his contract ticking down, it is difficult to argue that a potential move wouldn’t be shrewd.

However, that price and Mbemba’s statistics suggest that he wouldn’t quite be the centre-back Jurgen Klopp’s men need.

According to WhoScored, the £9.9m-rated 26-year-old is averaging 0.8 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 0.5 blocks and 3.1 clearances per match for Porto this season in the league.

When compared to January arrival Kabak, the Turk is statistically a lot more convincing on the pitch with 2.3 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, three clearances and 0.5 blocks.

As a matter of fact, Mbemba is also being outperformed by current Reds Joel Matip and Nathaniel Phillips.

It makes more sense, then, for Jurgen Klopp and Michael Edwards to stick with the defenders they currently have at their disposal at Anfield, or indeed take the search for a centre-back elsewhere as opposed to Porto’s Mbemba.

AND in more news, take a look at why a current Premier League star could become Liverpool’s perfect Mo Salah replacement…

Kevin Phillips has exclusively told Football FanCast that he believes Sunderland are “capable” of finishing in the automatic promotion places this season.

Lee Johnson’s team have won six of their previous seven League One matches to move into top-two contention, and have already enjoyed success in the Papa John’s Trophy following Sunday’s victory over Tranmere courtesy of Lynden Gooch’s second-half strike at Wembley.

Sunderland’s impressive recent form has seen them climb to fourth in the third-tier standings, just two points behind second-placed Peterborough United, who currently occupy the second automatic promotion place.
Much of Sunderland’s good results have been down to the goals of Charlie Wyke, whose the League One top scorer with 21, and Phillips reckons that their automatic hopes could rely on the fitness and form of the former Bradford City striker.
He told Football FanCast: “I think they’re hitting form at the right time. My only concern is if they were to lose Charlie [Wyke] or if he was to go off the boil, or if they were to lose [Aiden] McGeady, the two players that have been so influential in this run.
“I think defensively they’re looking fairly solid, Dion Sanderson, whose come in, has looked really strong. From what I’ve seen, they’re capable of finishing in the top-two.”
Sunderland travel to Accrington Stanley on Wednesday evening knowing another three more points could send them into the top-two for the first time since April 2019.

RB Salzburg striker Patson Daka has been linked with a move to Manchester City recently and the 22-year-old could be a superb addition to Pep Guardiola’s side.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, a host of Premier League clubs including Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal are all interested in signing the Zambia international, who is enjoying another superb season in the Austrian Bundesliga.

Jesse Marsch’s side have gained a reputation for helping to develop superstars in recent seasons, with Takumi Minamino, Dominik Szoboszlai and Erling Haaland having all earned moves away from Salzburg as a result of their superb performances there.

Would he be a good signing?

Daka has enjoyed a superb season with Salzburg so far this campaign, having contributed a superb 20 goals and five assists in just 18 top-flight appearances.

He looks on track to improve on his remarkable returns from last season, when he managed 24 goals and eight assists in 31 Austrian Bundesliga appearances, with the last two seasons, in particular, emphasising why he is so in-demand at the moment.

The 22-year-old’s former coach in Zambia, Dan Kabwe, was full of praise for him last year, saying:

“When I saw Patson Daka, what came into my mind is this guy is the next Thierry Henry – and in no time, he has proved it.”

This is high praise indeed, and if Daka were to join City and have the same impacts as the Frenchman did at Arsenal, then he would surely prove to be a fantastic addition to Guardiola’s side.

Daka’s superb goal record in recent seasons, as well as the fact that he’s valued at just £18 million by Transfermarkt, suggests that he would arguably be a better fit at City than Southampton striker Danny Ings, who has also been linked with a move to the Etihad in recent weeks.

The 28-year-old’s last big move to Liverpool proved to be something of a disaster, as injury problems meant that he would make just 25 appearances for the Merseyside club, scoring four goals.

Daka has the edge over Ings in that he is younger and perhaps wouldn’t cost as large a fee and given time, the Zambian could establish himself as a top Premier League player under Guardiola’s tutelage, so sporting director Txiki Begiristain should forget about Ings and instead focus on bringing the Salzburg man to the Etihad.

And, in other news… No goals or assists in March: £63m-rated Man City ace let his standards drop this month

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, former Southampton midfielder Carlton Palmer believes Ralph Hasenhuttl is right to demand a bigger squad for next season in a clear message to owner Gao Jisheng to back his manager.

The Southampton boss is aiming for success at St. Mary’s but is adamant he needs more first-team players if the Saints are to evolve.

Hasenhuttl has had to contend with an array of injuries this term, including to 2019/20 top scorer Danny Ings, making it hardly a surprise that he would like his squad to be significantly reinforced in the summer.

And it is a sentiment shared by Palmer, who highlighted Southampton’s pressing style as one reason for why Hasenhuttl needs better depth. The retired Premier League footballer told FFC in an exclusive interview:

“You need it [a bigger squad], especially the way they play. They play a very offensive, closing down style, which if you don’t retain the ball well when you’ve got it, that’s hard work game after game after game. So, yeah, every manager will tell you he wants a big squad, every manager would like to have two players for every position – so two first teams in effect.”

As well as losing Ings, Hasenhuttl has also had to cope without the likes of Theo Walcott, Michael Obafemi and Oriol Romeu, with all three players currently out injured. The latter, for a matter of fact, is out for the rest of the season after picking up a serious foot injury.

Evidently, Hasenhuttl has had a bad time with injuries this term, so any plea to the Southampton board for signings this summer would be understandable.

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been handed another significant attacking injury blow with Anthony Martial sustaining a problem during the international break.

Taking on Kazakhstan in a 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier with France, the Red Devils winger was withdrawn in the second half of the game with a suspected knee injury.

Martial appeared to develop the problem after the half-time break in Les Bleus’ 2-0 success and despite receiving treatment and initially continuing, he had to be substituted just before the hour mark when he was replaced by Paris Saint Germain star Kylian Mbappe.

Solskjaer will certainly be hoping that the problem is not too serious, with the Red Devils’ attack being a problem position in regards to injuries in recent weeks.

Forward Marcus Rashford is already out and despite being initially called up for the latest England squad, he has returned to Old Trafford for treatment.

Meanwhile, Uruguay forward Edinson Cavani has missed six out of the last eight Manchester United matches in all competitions with an injury, only making a brief cameo in the Red Devils’ 3-1 FA Cup defeat to Leicester City before the international break.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/latest-man-united-transfer-rumours-and-news” title=” Latest Man United transfer rumours and news!”]

Martial himself is also only just back having missed wins against West Ham United and AC Milan with a hip injury.

Should all three be doubts once club football returns, it would leave Solskjaer with extremely limited options in forward positions.

Mason Greenwood would be the only natural striker available to lead the line but having only scored once in the Premier League so far this season, he is not showing the type of form that should see him become a more consistent starter.

The Red Devils would also be missing a huge goal threat. Cavani, Rashford and Martial have contributed 32 goals between them in all competitions, accounting for approximately 37% of United’s entire total.

With the aim of securing a top four position and progressing in the UEFA Europa League, the triumvirate’s absence could be hugely harmful.

The last thing that Solskjaer needed then was another injury in a key attacking position but his fears seem to have come to fruition with Martial’s problem.

AND in more news, take a look at which Man Utd defender has taken his club form onto the international stage…