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Celtic are believed to be tussling with Premier League clubs for the signing of an "exceptional" young star this summer.

Celtic transfer news

The Hoops started their 2024/25 Scottish Premiership season with a bang on Sunday afternoon, cruising to a 4-0 win at home to Kilmarnock. While their dominance was there for all to see, that doesn't mean that more fresh faces aren't required, as Brendan Rodgers also looks to keep hold of Matt O'Riley, amid much interest in the Dane's services.

One player who Celtic have been linked with signing is highly-rated Liverpool youngster Owen Beck, who has emerged as an exciting left-back from the Reds' academy. He is seen as ideal competition for Greg Taylor, with both loan and permanent moves mooted for the 21-year-old. Wolves youngster Hugo Bueno is considered an option in that position, too, as he potentially eyes more regular football in 2024/25.

In terms of possible replacements for O'Riley, should he move on to pastures new, Philadelphia Union’s Daniel Gazdag, Southampton’s Shea Charles and Venezia’s Tanner Tessmann have all been mentioned as options to come in. Rodgers would surely rather just keep hold of his current star, however, having picked up his first assist of the season against Kilmarnock.

Celtic could also reportedly look to hijack Rangers' move for Hearts and Scotland striker Lawrence Shankland, in what would be an audacious swoop. The attacking ace was a standout player in the Scottish Premiership last season, and whoever potentially signs him this summer could immediately see their title hopes boosted significantly.

Celtic battling to sign prolific youngster

According to Football Insider, Celtic are "in the driving seat" to complete the signing of Mason Melia this summer, although the same applies to Premier League side Brighton, with Everton and Premier League champions Manchester City now behind.

The 16-year-old is considered a big young talent for St Patrick's Athletic – he has been called "exceptional" by former manager Jon Daly – and it is stated that Man City have held "strong interest" in him.

The Cityzens have made a habit of bringing through young stars despite their riches, with the likes of Phil Foden and Oscar Bobb now fixtures in the senior squad, while they have also signed 20 year-old Savinho this summer, but the player may see more opportunities at Celtic.

Melia may not be an established star who will come in and boost Celtic's squad depth from the off this season, but acquiring the signature of the most talented young talent around can be just as important when looking at the long-term picture.

The emerging attacker has showcased his ruthlessness in the final third by scoring nine goals in 19 caps for the Republic of Ireland's Under-17s, as well as netting twice in six outings for the Under-16s. Despite his tender years, Melia has also found the net seven times and registered three assists in 43 matches for St Patrick's at senior level, showing that he is already more than holding his own alongside older players.

Forget O'Riley: 8/10 Celtic ace may already be their new superstar

Brendan Rodgers will be hoping for a huge season from the midfield ace this year.

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By
Dan Emery

Aug 5, 2024

The hope is that Celtic can pip their rivals to the teenager, which would be a coup in itself given the lure of the Premier League, allowing him to shine in the youth team to begin with, before eventually making the grade at Parkhead.

Arsenal are looking to strike a rapid agreement to sign one player who apparently has his "heart set" on working under manager Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal tipped to make more signings after Riccardo Calafiori

The north Londoners, with just a month remaining of the summer window, finally confirmed their first outfield signing of the window this week.

Arsenal could hijack deal for "marvellous" ace attracted to PL

He’s a man in demand…

By
Tom Cunningham

Jul 27, 2024

Arsenal officially announced the signing of Italy international defender Riccardo Calafiori on a five-year contract, which puts an end to their search for an alternative to Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba. Calafiori, who stood out as a star player for Italy during the Euros, also helped Bologna to qualify for the Champions League last season – highlighting the 22-year-old's real potential and quality.

Speaking to the club's official website, Arteta drew attention to Calafiori's "big personality" and "specific skills" which can help elevate the north Londoners to another level.

“We welcome Riccardo and his family to Arsenal. He is a great signing and gives us huge strength to reinforce our defence," said Arteta.

“Riccardo is a big personality and character, with specific skills which will make us stronger as we push to win major trophies. He has already shown great development in recent seasons with his performances for both Bologna and Italy, with his progression and development in the past year being really impressive.

“We’re looking forward to working with Riccardo, integrating him into the squad, and supporting him in the years to come.”

Calafiori starred under Thiago Motta at Bologna over his 30 Serie A appearances last season, even contributing in the final third with two goals and five assists.

The ex-FC Basel star's reputation as a forward-thinking centre-back was seen on the biggest stage at Euro 2024 as well, with Calafiori setting up Mattia Zaccagni's last-gasp 98th minute equaliser against Croatia after his mazy run into their half.

He could be quite the asset for Arteta, but it's now back to the drawing board for Edu Gaspar and co as they seek to upgrade the Spaniard's squad further. Midfield is seen as a position which could be strengthened before deadline day on August 30, with Real Sociedad's Mikel Merino heavily linked.

Arsenal want to seal quick Merino deal with player's stance clear

Football Transfers have an update on their pursuit of the Spain international, who also impressed at Euro 2024.

Merino has entered the final 12 months of his deal at Sociedad, meaning he could leave for less than his £55 million release clause. Arsenal want to seal a rapid deal for Merino, who has his "heart set" on joining Arteta at London Colney and has already agreed personal terms.

However, this will depend on Emile Smith Rowe and his move to Fulham, as Arsenal will need to finalise his £35 million switch to Craven Cottage before pressing ahead with a deal to sign Merino.

The 28-year-old, who's been called "creative" by IF Brommapojkarna performance analyst Marcus Bring, racked up eight goals and five assists in 45 appearances across all competitions for Sociedad last season.

Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney had a fantastic view of his team's last-gasp win against Barnsley, even though the Hollywood star was in Los Angeles.

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• McElhenney watched Wrexham from LA
• Saw last-gasp winner on incredible screen
• Danny DeVito spotted celebrating victory

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The creator could not attend the League One clash in Wales, but he had the next best thing as he watched the game on a giant screen at Cosm in Los Angeles, which offers an incredible stadium view.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  It looked like the Red Dragons would have to settle for a goalless draw as full-time approached, but they managed to steal the three points when Oliver Rathbone popped up with a 92nd-minute goal, sparking celebrations from McElhenney and his fellow fans.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  McElhenney was not the only celebrity watching on in LA as legendary actor Danny DeVito was seen celebrating and high-fiving others after the late winner.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

  Wycombe Wanderers' draw with Exeter on Tuesday evening allowed Wrexham to move two points behind the League One leaders, though Phil Parkinson's team have played one more match. They will go in search of a fourth-straight victory when they meet bottom team Burton Albion on Saturday.

Matt Turner has been advised what he might need to do to help become a regular in Europe, with the USMNT goalkeeper told "Arsenal was a hard push".

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• Keeper left MLS in a bid to crack Europe
• Toiled at Arsenal, Forest & Palace
• Backwards step might've served him better

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 30-year-old shot-stopper bid farewell to his native America in the summer of 2022 when severing ties with MLS side the New England Revolution. He was chasing a dream at that stage, with an opportunity to link up with Premier League heavyweights at Emirates Stadium proving too good to turn down.

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  EPL STRUGGLES

  Turner made just seven appearances for Arsenal before heading to Nottingham Forest, where he took in 20 outings last term but tumbled down the pecking order after making several costly errors. He is now on loan at Crystal Palace, but has figured in only one Carabao Cup fixture as his career threatens to grind to a halt.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  While Turner’s ambition in heading for England is to be applauded, a countryman that once did likewise has suggested that the United States international took the wrong career path. Kasey Keller forged his reputation at Millwall before going on to represent Leicester, Tottenham and Fulham, while Brad Friedel is another who took a step backwards from Liverpool to Blackburn before becoming a Premier League stalwart.

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  WHAT KASEY KELLER SAID

  Quizzed on what Turner needs in order to avoid seeing his starting berth with the USMNT come under threat, Keller – speaking in association with – told GOAL: “He’s getting picked because there is nobody else to challenge him! That’s a tricky one when you look at the situation. Friedel went three-and-a-half or four years at Liverpool without playing and then Brad was able to get to Blackburn in the Championship, and then they get promoted and he went on to have a great Premier League career.

  “The hard part for Matt is, originally going to Arsenal was a hard push at that stage to say you’re going to break into this. But then when you go to a club like Forest, and then you go to Palace, there has to be a point where you’re either good enough for the Premier or you’re not.”

Liverpool start their 2024/25 season on Saturday as they travel down to Suffolk to take on Ipswich Town at Portman Road in the Premier League.

The Reds will have a new manager in the dugout for the first time since Jurgen Klopp's arrival in 2015, with Arne Slot set for his managerial debut in England.

Klopp was replaced by the Dutch head coach, who was at Feyenoord last term, this summer and the supporters will get the chance to watch his style of football in action for the first time in a competitive setting this weekend.

However, at the time of writing, it does not appear as though there will be any new signings for fans to get excited to see against the Tractor Boys.

Liverpool have not made a single addition to their first-team squad during the summer transfer window, which officially slams shut at the end of the month.

That is not through a lack of trying, however, as it has been well-documented that the club have been in the market to add a new defensive midfield option to their ranks this month, with no luck.

Liverpool's failed pursuit of Martin Zubimendi

Sky Sports reported that Liverpool had identified Real Sociedad defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi as a player who could have made a big impact in the middle of the park at Anfield.

The outlet added that the Reds believed that the Spain international, who won the European Championship with his country in Germany this summer, was set to move on from his boyhood club before the end of the window.

Instead, the 25-year-old midfielder has opted to remain with Real Sociedad after an offer of a contract extension with increased wages, which has convinced him to extend his stay with the Spanish side.

Sky Sports claimed that Zubimendi, who has a £51m release clause in his current contract, has decided to reject a move to Liverpool, in a blow to Richard Hughes' recruitment plans.

Their failure to tempt the Spaniard into making the move to England does not have to be a major disaster, though, as Slot could forget about him by landing another one of the club's reported targets.

The Mirror recently claimed that the Dutch boss added free agent Adrien Rabiot to his list of possible number six targets, as he believes that the France international could provide his young squad with valuable experience and quality.

He is available on a free transfer after his contract with Juventus expired at the end of last season and that could make him an ideal target for the club now that they have missed out on Zubimendi, as they would not have to negotiate a fee with a selling team.

What Liverpool missed out on with Martin Zubimendi

It is easy to see why the Reds were keen to sign the Euros winner to bolster their midfield options for the 2024/25 campaign when you consider his form for Real Sociedad last term.

The 25-year-old ace made 31 appearances in LaLiga for his club and showcased his quality in and out of possession at the base of the midfield.

His progressive passing from a number six position was one of his biggest strengths. In fact, he ranked within the top 26% of midfielders in LaLiga for progressive passes (5.15) per 90, and the top 21% for pass accuracy (85.7%).

This shows that he was one of the best players in his position in the division when it came to being reliable and progressive on the ball, as the £51m-rated talent rarely gave possession away and constantly looked to play forward.

As you can see in the table above, Zubimendi also caught the eye with his work off the ball, outperforming current Liverpool number six Wataru Endo in a host of key defensive statistics.

The Spanish brute won the majority of his physical battles, notably in the air, and made more tackles, interceptions, and recoveries per match on average.

Whilst, on paper, it appears as though the Sociedad star would have been a fantastic addition to the squad, there are alternatives out there and Rabiot is one who could make Slot forget all about Zubimendi.

Why Liverpool should sign Adrien Rabiot

Firstly, the France international being available as a free agent could make him an ideal target as it would alleviate the need for the club to go out and splash millions on a number six, which could then free up those funds to be used in other positions.

Rabiot's form for the Old Lady in the 2023/24 campaign suggests that he has the quality to make up for the Reds missing out on the Real Sociedad star.

Firstly Zubimendi produced four goals and one assist in LaLiga last term, whilst Rabiot racked up five goals and three assists in 31 outings in the Serie A for Juventus, which suggests that the free agent could make a greater impact in the final third.

The 6 foot 4 Frenchman also ranked within the top 49% of midfielders in the Serie A for progressive passes per 90 (4.07) and the top 13% for progressive carries per 90 (2.44) – illustrating his ability to drive his team forward in possession.

As you can see in the table above, Rabiot and Zubimendi's defensive statistics in their respective leagues were very similar, with the Spanish ace slightly shading it in a few areas.

This suggests that Liverpool would be bringing in a midfielder with similar attributes to the Real Sociedad ace by signing the former Juventus star, who was once hailed as "incredible" and described as a "proper wardrobe" by the legendary Gigi Buffon.

Therefore, Slot could forget all about the club's failure to sign Zubimendi by landing the experienced Rabiot on a free transfer, due to his quality in and out of possession in a number six role.

Liverpool targeting 'one of the best players in the world' to replace Salah

Liverpool could have found their long term Salah replacement

By
Connor Holden

Aug 12, 2024

Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk has been spotted in Saudi Arabia days after his doping ban as he prepares to support Oleksandr Usyk against Tyson Fury.

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• Mudryk banned after positive doping test
• Spotted in Saudi Arabia by a Chelsea fan
• In Riyadh to support Usyk against Fury

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The FA confirmed on Tuesday that Chelsea's Mudryk has been placed on provisional suspension after he tested positive for the banned substance Meldonium last month. The Ukrainian winger has maintained his innocence and accepted the FA's investigation into his positive test as he submitted another sample for confirmatory tests.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mudryk was spotted in Riyadh by fans as he prepares to support his countryman and WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBO heavyweight champion Usyk against Briton Tyson Fury on December 21. A Chelsea fan shared a photo of Mudryk on social media and claimed Mudryk told him 'I hope everything is gonna be fine' when he expressed his support of the winger following his suspension.

  Instagram (@sirshargi)

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has maintained his support of Mudryk's innocence as reacted to the suspension and said: "We support and we trust Misha.

  "Trust means that we believe Misha. We support Misha and then we see. We are all sad. Me, the club, the players, we are all there. We all believe that, then we see. I think he is going to come back. The only thing is that we don't know when.

  "I'm there to try to help Misha in anything he needs. It's normal that he's going to need help from the club, from me, from his team-mates. We are all there to try to support him. They (Mudryk’s team-mates) were all surprised because Misha at the beginning was ill, he wasn't good, then this happened. They were all surprised and at the same time sad.

  "No matter if he is 20 or 30, no matter if he is English or Italian or Ukrainian, no matter nothing. When these things happen, I need support, you need support, they need support, we all need support because something happened. It’s not about Misha, it's not about the age, it's not about the country. It's about that."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MUDRYK?

  The 23-year-old is set to miss at least Chelsea's next clash against Everton on Sunday, December 21 and potentially also their Boxing Day matchup with Fulham. Mudryk will have to wait until the 'B' sample's test comes in before he can understand what the future holds for him.

Leeds United are leaving it late when it comes to getting bodies into the building, with the next few days expected to be dramatic before the transfer window officially slams shut.

Both Largie Ramazani and Manor Solomon have entered Elland Road in quick succession, but more new faces are expected to join, with the likes of Roland Sallai on the predicted Whites shopping list among a whole host of other names.

Daniel Farke will want to add in a new attacking midfielder if he can, with Georginio Rutter breaking everyone's hearts in West Yorkshire when he moved on to Brighton and Hove Albion, as this exciting target now emerges on to the Leeds agenda.

Leeds transfer news

As report by journalist Alan Nixon, via Football League World, Sheffield United are another new Championship club prepared to battle it out for the services of AFC Bournemouth gem Philip Billing, who has also attracted the interest of Leeds.

Cherries manager Andoni Iraola has stated that he wants to keep Billing situated at the Premier League outfit, however, but an increase in game-time could well see the 28-year-old be tempted to relocate to Elland Road, with only 12 minutes of action coming his way so far in the new top-flight season from two games to date.

The Scandinavian star would take the second tier by storm if he was snapped up as a statement purchase right at the death, with Joel Piroe bumped way down the pecking order at Leeds if Billing was to enter at the last minute, when you consider the Dane's unbelievable numbers at the level in the past.

What Billing can offer Leeds

The former Huddersfield Town man would amass a very impressive haul of ten goals and ten assists from 40 clashes last time he was playing in the second tier, with the Cherries number 29 capable of playing either as a traditional central midfielder or behind the lone striker where Piroe has struggled recently.

Piroe has fallen out of favour with the Leeds masses of late, even with 13 goals and three assists notched up last season in the Championship, with his absence from the starting line-up away at Sheffield Wednesday last time out actually benefitting the Whites, as Brenden Aaronson fired home the opening goal in the 2-0 victory in his spot.

More willing to get on the ball and make things happen when contrasted with Piroe, with ten more big chances created during the 2021/22 season compared to the Dutchman's 2023/24 output, Billing would make the hole left behind by Rutter's departure feel less obvious, with the Dane always willing to receive a pass and create an opening.

Bettering Piroe's duels won count as well, with five won on average per Championship clash on the way to automatic promotion being clinched, Billing would be a great body to have around Farke's nervy camp during crunch games, when a make-or-break decision could decide a nail-biting affair.

Also capable of performing when making the step-up to the Premier League, with Billing impressively finding the back of the net seven times during the 2022/23 season, the £45k-per-week target – as per Capology – feels like a perfect fit for the Whites, as they strive to win promotion once more.

It remains to be seen whether Billing – who David Wagner once described as a player who "has everything" – can be persuaded to move back down to the Championship, but Leeds must push on to try and make this statement capture happen if they're truly serious about their promotion chances.

Leeds could sign Farke's own Hernandez with late swoop for "beautiful" ace

The Whites have already had one offer turned down for the Championship playmaker.

By
Dan Emery

Aug 27, 2024

Newcastle United have agreed personal terms with one of their top targets and he's even told his current club he'd like to make the move, but the deal has reportedly collapsed on the eve of deadline day.

Isak repeat: Newcastle have offer on the table for "insanely good" target

They have wanted him all summer

By
Joe Nuttall

Aug 29, 2024

Newcastle United transfer news

So far, with just a day remaining in this summer transfer window, Newcastle and Eddie Howe have added four new players to their squad, as well as signing defender Lewis Hall on a permanent basis, after his loan last season from Chelsea.

The Magpies have just cemented their place in the third round of the Carabao Cup, and it now appears as though they could be busy towards the end of the transfer window. One player that Newcastle are looking to sign ahead of the deadline is Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford. The Premier League side held an interest earlier in this transfer window, and then it seemed to fade away, but it now appears as though Howe and Co. are keen to get the player on board before the close of play on Friday.

As well as potentially looking to sign Trafford, Newcastle are reportedly plotting a late move to sign Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The Geordies held an interest earlier in the summer, but were unwilling to pay the £40 million asking price, but with the striker rejecting several contract offers from the Merseysiders, Everton may be forced to sell below that price tag now, given he is in the final year of his contract.

Newcastle agree terms with "great" player but deal collapses

Football Insider reported early on Thursday that Newcastle are now willing to pay Crystal Palace’s £70m asking price after agreeing personal terms with Marc Guehi. The England international is said to have informed Palace that he wants to leave the club before Friday’s 11pm deadline and has agreed to a presumed rise on his current £50,000-a-week deal.

However, trusted sources like Sky Sports' Keith Downie now believe the deal has collapsed due to Newcastle balking at Palace's refusal to budge on the asking price. Downie confirms the Magpies have gone as high as £70m, with £65m of it up front, but that has still been rejected by Steve Parish and the situation now "isn't good".

Guehi, who was labelled as being “great” by teammate John Stones at Euro 2024, is contracted at Selhurst Park until the summer of 2026, meaning Palace still have time on their hands should a deal with Newcastle not go through in this transfer window. The defender has started and finished all of Palace’s two league games this season.

Arne Slot is reportedly "not impressed" by Federico Chiesa's "application and mentality" at Liverpool, with the Italian now being linked with an exit.

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• Slot unimpressed with Chiesa
• Italian winger could leave Liverpool this month
• Has played only four games for the Reds

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Chiesa joined Liverpool from Juventus for a cut-price £11 million ($14.4m) fee with add-ons in the summer transfer window. The Italian winger was expected to take some of the burden off Mohamed Salah and act as a cover for the Egyptian, however, his first six months in England have been a complete nightmare. The winger has appeared in only four matches across all competitions, clocking just 18 minutes in the Premier League, as he's struggled to maintain full fitness.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 27-year-old was left out of Liverpool's matchday squad against West Ham last Sunday and according to journalist Peter Staunton, Slot is "not impressed" with Chiesa's "application and mentality", which suggests he has not been working hard enough in training. Chiesa is said to be homesick and not fond of the weather in England, while he has also struggled to adjust to the physicality of the Premier League.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  While Chiesa's current deal runs until 2027, it is unlikely that he will stay at Anfield until the end of his contract. The Italy international is being tipped to head back to his homeland in the January transfer window, with Napoli, Fiorentina and Inter all reportedly keen on signing him.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

  The Premier League leaders will play their first match of 2025 on Sunday as they take on arch-rivals Manchester United at Anfield. It remains to be seen whether Slot recalls Chiesa to his matchday squad amid mounting speculation over the winger's future.

Manchester United are among the clubs interested in signing a Champions League winner, according to a new report. The Red Devils got back to winning ways over the weekend as they beat Southampton, and they will be looking to make it two wins in just a couple of days as they face Barnsley in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.

Mainoo dropped, academy duo earn 1st start: Predicted Man Utd XI v Barnsley

Ten Hag rings the changes in the League Cup.

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Sep 16, 2024

Man United transfer news

United added five new players to their squad over the course of the summer, but it appears as though their hierarchy is keen to get ahead of the rest when it comes to their next transfer targets.

Since the transfer window has been shut, United have been linked with several players who could be transfer targets for January or the 2025 summer transfer window. The Red Devils are said to be keeping an eye on Martin Baturina of Dinamo Zagreb after watching him during the recent international break. United had scouts in place for Croatia’s games, and they are said to have followed Baturina back to Zagreb.

As well as looking at Baturina, United have also sent scouts to Norway to watch Sverre Nypan in action for Rosenborg. The 17-year-old impressed against the Red Devils in pre-season, and United are said to have kept an eye on the player, with them having someone present on Sunday to watch him in action.

Nypan is said to be a fan of the Premier League side, so that could give them the edge when it comes to a transfer race, as Bayer Leverkusen also had scouts in attendance. Baturina and Nypan are two up-and-coming talents that United appear to be keeping a close eye on, but the Red Devils also have their eye on a more experienced player ahead of the next transfer window.

Man United are keen on “world-class” star

According to The Sun, relayed by the Metro, Manchester United are interested in signing Leon Goretzka of Bayern Munich, but they face competition from West Ham United.

Goretzka is said to be “upset” over his lack of game time at the Bundesliga giants, as he’s fallen down the pecking order under Vincent Kompany. So far this season, the midfielder has played just one minute of competitive football.

United and West Ham have already shown interest in the 29-year-old, but other Premier League teams could make a move for the player should a move away from Munich appear very likely. Goretzka is contracted to the German side until 2026, meaning Bayern may be happy to sell the midfielder in January before he enters the final year of his contract.

However, the report states that one stumbling block INEOS face in completing a deal is that Goretzka is said to be on a weekly wage of 346,154 euros, which is roughly £290,000. Goretzka, who has been described as being “world-class” by journalist Stefan Bienkowski, turns 30 in February, so signing him on such a huge salary would go completely against the new INEOS regime’s transfer policies.