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Sitting ninth and 11 points adrift of the Premier League's top four, there was once a time when Newcastle United would have bitten your hand off when offered such a start to the campaign, but times have changed and standards have gone up. The arrival of rich owners quickly saw the Magpies rise from relegation contenders to a side qualifying for the Champions League, all without even fully dipping into their massive funds. One season later, however, and that looks unlikely to be the case this time around.

In a shock decision, PIF could lose patience with Eddie Howe and turn to one of La Liga's best managers this season to guide Newcastle back on course to earn a place in Europe ahead of next season.

Newcastle manager news

After losing four of his last five games in charge, which has included defeats against Luton Town and Nottingham Forest, Howe's job isn't quite as secure as it once was at Newcastle. It once felt as though the former Bournemouth boss was somewhat untouchable following Newcastle's top four finish last time out, but results have stalled ever since. Reports now suggest that those in charge at the club are looking at one exciting potential replacement.

Newcastle could sign £26m Schar upgrade who is better than Dragusin

This £26m “monster” could be a better alternative to Dragusin for Newcastle.

By
Adam Scully

Jan 4, 2024

According to MARCA, Newcastle are eyeing a move for Michel Sanchez, who has guided Girona to a shock place in second and only behind Real Madrid on goal difference in La Liga this season.

PIF are reportedly looking very seriously into appointing Michel if they decide to show Howe the exit door at St James' Park. If they do want to land the manager, they may need to act sooner rather than later, given how in-demand the Girona man is likely to be after such stunning success.

What is Girona's style of play?

It would arguably be one of the biggest shocks in La Liga history if Girona went on to win the title this season, but it is very much a possibility. They have already defeated Barcelona this season and overcame Atletico Madrid in a last-gasp 4-3 victory on Wednesday evening.

With a ten point gap down to the rest of the league behind Girona and Real Madrid, the duo look set to battle it out in a dramatic title race. The Catalan outfit have scored the most goals in the league this term, netting 46 times in 19 games, with a brave, attacking style that focuses on creating overloads in the wide areas.

In the middle of that race, however, Girona could yet lose one of the most important figures in their rise in the form of Michel. The manager has been at the centre of their success, as Michel's win rate of 81% proves. Michel's preferred formation of 4-1-4-1 could suit Newcastle too – it would see one man sit at the very base of midfield, whilst allowing others to push on. This would allow the likes of Anthony Gordon and Miguel Almiron to prove their attacking ability even further, whilst getting the best out of Kieran Trippier due to the focus on overlaps out wide.

All that said, it remains to be seen whether Michel would give up a title race with Girona if Newcastle come calling this season. Choosing between a Premier League sleeping giant and a La Liga title race certainly won't be an easy choice, that's for sure.

Brentford forward Neal Maupay has discussed his supposed feud with James Maddison but has maintained he has no issue with the Spurs star.

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• Maupay discusses Maddison feud
• Says he has no problem with Spurs man
• Reveals why he copied Maddison's darts celebration

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The supposed feud between the duo started when Maupay copied Maddison's darts celebration and the England star responded coldly. The most recent incident came after the Brentford star seemingly mocked Maddison's omission from Gareth Southgate's England squad for the Euros.

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• WHAT MAUPAY SAID

  Speaking to talkSPORT, Maupay said: "You need to ask him. From my side, I’ve got no problem with him or anyone. I know when I do things like that and we lose the game they will come for me. That’s fine, I can take it. For me, football is a game and growing up I did the same stuff. I don’t want to stop now. I’m just having a bit of banter and a bit of a laugh, there’s nothing deep. I like to give something, but I can receive as well.

  "It’s just fun. I like a bit of banter with my mates. That’s just how it is, just because I’m a professional footballer doesn’t mean I can’t do it. I don’t know how people react to it, but it’s just me."

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  Maupay also revealed why he copied Maddison's darts celebration and said it was not pre-meditated.

  "I actually didn’t think about it before. I score and celebrate with whatever is going through my mind. I don’t have one celebration, so I do a bit of everything. When I scored, I was running to the corner flag and saw the fans and they were angry at me. I don’t know how my brain works, but I just did the darts celebration. It wasn’t towards Maddison, but one of their players does the celebration so I just did it," he explained.

  The Brentford star added that found the Tottenham players' reaction hilarious, adding: “That was even funnier. How do you take a celebration so personally? Before that game, I was cool with everyone and with Maddison. He grabbed me straight away as I was coming back from the goal and he was so p*ssed. “I was like ‘relax, it’s just a celebration’."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR THE MAUPAY/MADDISON FEUD?

  While Maupay has said that he has no interest in continuing the feud with Maddison, it seems unlikely that the Brentford star will shy away from further banter next season.

Arsenal have gone from cloud nine just a couple of weeks ago to a mini-crisis after their 2-0 loss to Liverpool on Sunday, their third defeat in a row. Where they were top of the Premier League table on Christmas day, the Gunners now find themselves in fourth place and five points off the Reds.

One of the biggest reasons for Mikel Arteta's side's fall off since Christmas has been the abysmal finishing of his frontline, which is made very clear by the fact that they ended each of the previous three games with a higher expected goals figure than their opponents but scored just one goal in all three games.

This lack of lethality in the strike force has clearly been a concern for the club, as one of the players they have been linked with recently has been scoring for fun and has been likened to former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins.

Arsenal's hunt for a striker in January

According to a report from the Daily Mail last month, Arsenal are on the lookout for a new striker in January, and one of the names that has made it onto their list of targets is Villa's Watkins.

The former Exeter City sensation is sure to cost the Gunners a pretty penny, with journalist Pete O'Rourke telling Football FanCast previously that any deal would likely cost in the region of £70m, which sounds about right considering he signed a new long-term contract with the Claret and Blue in October last year.

However, the north Londoners have something significant in their favour: Watkins has always wanted to play for the club.

In an interview with the Sports Gazette in 2020, the then Brentford striker was open about his desire to pull on the red and white of the Gunners, saying: "That's the dream, to play for Arsenal one day. But, you know, it's a long shot."

While it would be a complicated deal to complete, the knowledge that the sensational striker wants to play for the club should encourage Edu and Co to push on.

How Ollie Watkins compares to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Gabriel Jesus

Now, while Aubameyang ultimately left the club under a cloud of controversy and didn't enjoy a particularly fruitful final season and a half in north London, it should not be forgotten just how good he was when things were going well at the club.

For example, in the summer of 2020, he became the fastest player in Arsenal history to reach fifty Premier League goals, and then in the same season, he scored against Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final before scoring a brace in the final to win the entire competition.

So, FBref's claim that the Gabonese superstar is the fourth most similar player to Watkins across Europe's top five leagues should be viewed as a favourable comparison, especially as the 34-year-old is currently in the top 1% for assists in Europe's top five leagues – while the Villa man has racked up ten assists in all competitions.

Moreover, with the "phenomenal" Watkins, as described by BBC Sport pundit Farah Williams, seemingly scoring for fun this season – with 14 goals thus far across all fronts – he could replace Gabriel Jesus in the starting XI and even go on to replicate some of the goalscoring form that led to Aubameyang getting the captaincy during his spell with the club.

When comparing the pair's underlying numbers, it is very apparent that the Brazilian would have to seriously up his scoring rate or vacate his position in the starting XI.

The Arsenal fan scores more goals, provides more assists, requires fewer chances to score and produces more goal-creating actions per 90 compared to Jesus – who has just three league goals this season, in contrast to Watkins' nine.

Ultimately, while this would be an expensive deal to complete and potentially upset Jesus, the team is in need of a clinical finisher, and Watkins' performances this season suggest he could be that for the Gunners.

Gareth Southgate defended Trent Alexander-Arnold amid criticism of his performance as a midfielder against Serbia.

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• Southgate backed Alexander-Arnold's performance
• Was fielded in central midfield against Serbia
• England beat Serbia 1-0

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Liverpool star was fielded in central midfield instead of his usual position at right-back. While his performance in England's 1-0 win over Serbia on Sunday drew criticism from some quarters, manager Gareth Southgate came to the player's defence after the game.

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• WHAT GARETH SOUTHGATE SAID

  Speaking to BBC Sport, the Three Lions boss said, "I have to say, he has been really diligent in getting his positioning right. I think he adapted and adjusted really well and used the ball well. We have got a squad and we need to use it."

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  Earlier England hero Jude Bellingham defended the Reds star's performance as he highlighted the contribution of Alexander-Arnold and how he controls the game defensively at the centre of the park.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

  After sealing a narrow win over Serbia in their opening match, England will now aim to secure a berth in the round of 16 as they next face Denmark on Thursday.

It hasn't been a good start to the year for Crystal Palace, as they crashed out of the FA Cup in a replay against Everton just before being thoroughly beaten by a wounded Arsenal side 5-0.

What makes it worse is that the team have failed to score a single goal in those games, meaning that they are currently goalless in 2024.

The striker that started two of those three games was Jean-Philippe Mateta, and while he has had his moments for the club here and there since permanently signing from Mainz in Winter 2022, there simply haven't been enough to justify his place in the team anymore – even as a backup.

It would appear as if Roy Hodgson and Steve Parish share this sentiment as the club have been linked with several number nines this month, so let's take a look at three of them.

1

Eddie Nketiah – Arsenal

The first name on the list has been touted for a move to Selhurst Park multiple times this month, and for a fee in the region of £30m is Arsenal's Eddie Nketiah.

The Gunners' number 14 started out in Chelsea's Cobham academy before moving to Hale End after he was deemed surplus to requirements by the Blues.

He was sent out on loan for half a season to Leeds United in the 2019/20 season, but has otherwise spent his entire senior career at the Emirates and has become a first-team regular under Mikel Arteta.

He has a reasonably respectable haul of 38 goals and ten assists for the north Londoners in 159 games, giving him a goal involvement every 3.31 games across his entire career.

However, he has scored some big goals for the Gunners, including two away to Chelsea and a last-minute winner against Manchester United last season.

While he might have some doubters, he would represent a massive upgrade on Mateta, and the pair's underlying numbers say as much.

The English "monster", as described by The Athletic's Aaron Catterson-Reid, has the Frenchman beat in every single relevant metric, and in the case of things such as non-penalty goals per 90 and goals per shot on target, it is by a landslide.

Ultimately, there is clearly some talent there, and if Arsenal opt to sell him this month, the Eagles should do their best to sign him.

2

Armando Broja – Chelsea

From a striker in north London to one in west London, Chelsea's Armando Broja has been a player touted for a move to Palace multiple times this month, and while he has been priced at around £35m by the Blues, a loan with an obligation to buy has also reportedly been floated.

Unlike Nketiah, the 22-year-old Albania international has had fewer first-team opportunities since making his debut for the Blues. However, this can be attributed to his age, injury history and the fact that he has spent an entire season on loan with Southampton.

It was on this loan spell that he first caught the attention of the wider footballing public, as his performances for the Saints were consistently strong and occasionally superb. He ended the spell with nine goals and one assist to his name in 38 appearances, and while these aren't world-class numbers, they do represent a goal involvement every 3.8 games, which is a better ratio than Mateta has delivered in south London.

During this loan spell, football talent scout Jacek Kulig described the Slough-born striker as a "complete forward" as well as "athletic and powerful", and when looking back at his highlight reel from that season, it is hard to disagree.

Last but not least, if you are still unconvinced, look at his underlying numbers compared to Mateta's, as the Frenchman is completely outclassed in every metric bar progressive passes, where he is tied with his potential competition.

3

Borja Mayoral – Getafe

The last player on this list takes us away from the Premier League and into Spain, Madrid to be specific, as Getafe's Borja Mayoral was touted for a move to Selhurst Park earlier this month, and while the other sides he has been linked to such as Arsenal might have more money to spend, this is a player well worth fighting for.

The 26-year-old Spaniard has been tearing it up in his home country this season, and as things stand, only Girona's Artem Dovbyk and Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham have scored more than his 13 league goals.

Those 13 goals have come in just 19 starts, and he has added one assist for good measure as well.

Described as a "poacher" by data analyst Ben Mattinson, the former Roma ace could be exactly what the Eagles need this season to pull themselves away from an impending relegation scrap, as their current goal tally of 22 is the third-worst in the entire league.

Sealing the deal could cost as much as £39m, but with the consequences of relegation being so much dearer, this seems like an opportunity too good to miss.

Lazio have reportedly seen their opening bid for Manchester United outcast Mason Greenwood rejected, but transfer talks remain ongoing.

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• Forward impressed during Getafe loan
• Interest shown from across Europe
• Rome-based outfit discussing deal

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Red Devils are expected to part with one-cap England international Greenwood during the summer window. With there seemingly no way back for him at Old Trafford, the 22-year-old forward spent most of the 2023-24 campaign on loan at Getafe.

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  Greenwood impressed in Spain, with a 10-goal haul earning him Player of the Year honours with his loan employers. Interest from across Europe has been shown in the talented winger, with the likes of Juventus, Napoli, Borussia Dortmund and Valencia all said to be monitoring his situation.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Juve were considered to be leading the race for his signature at one stage, but the Serie A giants are now said to be taking a step back. That has left the door open for domestic rivals Lazio to step in, with claiming that they have already seen one €20 million (£17m/$21m) approach – which included a 50 percent cut of any future transfer fees – knocked back.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  United are holding out for closer to €30m (£25m/$32m), with the Premier League giants still having the option of extending Greenwood’s contract for a further 12 months through to 2026 despite a likely backlash. Lazio are said to remain in discussions, with the Rome-based outfit hopeful that there is a deal to be done.

Leeds United momentarily sent shockwaves through the Championship on Friday night, a slender 1-0 away victory at Bristol City catapulting Daniel Farke's men into second spot.

Southampton didn't take kindly to this result however and restored their position in the automatic promotion places on Saturday without much fuss, routinely beating Rotherham United 2-0 on their travels to South Yorkshire.

To keep up the pace with Russell Martin's electric Saints, Farke could be tempted to introduce new recruit Connor Roberts into his starting lineup in the matches to come.

The German boss occupying the Elland Road dug-out will have to be ruthless with his lineup selections in order to get the best possible results from his promotion-chasing side, with Ilia Gruev being one player who could be an unfortunate casualty from the Whites first-team if Farke decides to be more cut-throat.

Illia Gruev's season in numbers

Breaking into the Leeds first team as a result of Ethan Ampadu being pushed back into defence, the ex-Werder Bremen holding midfielder has been solid if a little unspectacular in Championship action to date.

The £5m summer buy was flat in Leeds' narrow win away at Ashton Gate on Friday, winning just four of his nine ground duels in the tight contest versus Liam Manning's Robins.

Moreover, Gruev was dribbled past twice in the closely-fought encounter which thankfully wasn't detrimental as his side ended up clinching their 18th win of the campaign already come full-time.

Despite Gruev's unerring calmness on the ball this campaign sticking out – coming away with an impressive 93% passing accuracy on average per match – Farke could well just fancy a personnel switch now, especially with the news of Roberts signing on the dotted line last-minute.

Archie Gray could be utilised in a more natural midfield spot as a result of the last-gasp capture of the Clarets full-back. Gruev – who in the eyes of Farke is still a "top player" – may well be sacrificed for this reshuffle to take place.

It's a no-brainer decision to start Roberts as the main right-back too, the Whites finally strengthening their defence with Roberts excelling at Championship level whenever he's been selected in the second tier in the past.

Leeds' £5k-p/w superstar could become even better after Roberts move

The Welshman’s arrival solves one of the Peacock’s biggest problems.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Feb 2, 2024

Why Roberts comes into the team

The Welshman won the Championship title just last campaign with Burnley, helping himself to four goals and six assists as a crucial cog in the unbelievable Clarets machine that romped home to a 101 points total.

Roberts' creativity coming out from the back will be a major plus for Leeds in their pursuit of the Championship top two, giving them an obvious edge when foraying forward to set up the likes of Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter who are already in scintillating form even without this new body in through the door.

Leeds could also get more out of Gray by rejigging slightly, the 17-year-old has been competent as a makeshift full-back for the majority of this season but the breakout sensation is far more comfortable in the middle of the park.

His numbers at U21 level for the West Yorkshire outfit from midfield is why Farke showed little apprehension in giving him more and more minutes in the senior fold this campaign, amassing two goals and five assists from 26 starts before making the jump up.

In contrast, whilst playing in an unfamiliar full-back spot this season, Gray's inventiveness on the ball has been somewhat stunted with just one assist from 28 appearances in Farke's XI.

Gruev will feel harshly treated if he is removed from the starting lineup, but with Roberts' expertise at second tier level making him a set-in-stone first-teamer and Gray's exciting presence in the Leeds first-team potentially heightened pushed into midfield, it's a change he will quickly have to get used to.

West Ham United chiefs could be tempted into an elite managerial alternative to the heavily-linked Graham Potter as David Moyes' future remains up in the air.

Moyes contract expiring as West Ham delay renewal

The Scotsman is under contract until June, and while talks have been held over extending his stay at the London Stadium, there is a real belief now that recent results are making West Ham think twice.

West Ham opportunity to hire Moyes replacement who was top of Spurs' list

Daniel Levy really wanted him across London.

By
Emilio Galantini

Feb 14, 2024

Moyes is without a win in 2024 as pressure surrounds his precarious position, with supporters now divided over whether he is the right man to take the club forward despite a very successful last few seasons. West Ham clinched the 2023 Europa Conference League last year, ending their near-40-year wait for a major trophy, but Moyes' dogmatic style isn't exactly winning over a large portion of the fan base.

Technical director Tim Steidten is apparently assessing alternatives to Moyes if the 60-year-old does end up leaving, with reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano telling GiveMeSport that his future remains an open situation.

“It’s still an open situation with regards to David Moyes staying at West Ham," said Romano.

"Every week, we seem to have ten different reports. One day, they’re saying a new deal is done, and then the next day, some are saying he’s leaving. The reality is that a new deal has been discussed, but the situation is fluid, and there’s still no final decision been made by both Moyes and the West Ham board.”

There have been many different names floated in the press as possible candidates to succeed Moyes, with former Chelsea and Brighton boss Potter regularly mentioned.

West Ham chiefs have shortlisted Potter as a credible managerial option, and this is backed by national outlets like The Telegraph, who state that the 47-year-old is among their lead contenders. That same outlet, though, also states that another free agent in Julen Lopetegui could entice interest from east London.

West Ham could turn to Lopetegui appointment

According to their information, via reliable journalist Matt Law, Lopetegui is a tempting option for West Ham despite his spell at Wolves ending unceremoniously.

A Europa League winner at Sevilla, the 57-year-old is readily available like Potter and has a few big-name admirers. One of them is Man City boss Pep Guardiola, who called the tactician an "exceptional" person following his sacking by Real Madrid.

"I would like to call him in the next days. I'm so disappointed, but I know what football is," said Guardiola on Lopetegui.

"I'm sorry for Julen because he's a friend of mine, he's an exceptional person. We played together at Barcelona, and have an amazing relationship.

"But, it is what it is football. Nobody can escape that. When you have bad results you will not continue in places like Barcelona, Madrid. You win matches in a row, or you won't have the chance to continue."

Cristiano Ronaldo couldn't hold back the tears after missing a penalty in the first half of extra-time against Slovenia.

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• Ronaldo broke down after missing a penalty
• Fans mocked Portugal legend on social media
• Selecao set to face France in the quarter-final

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The stage was set for the 39-year-old to score a record-breaking goal and guide his team to the quarter-final of Euro 2024 as Portugal earned a penalty towards the end of the first half of extra-time against Slovenia. Ronaldo, however, missed the opportunity to score in sixth straight European Championship as Jan Oblak parried away his spot-kick.

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• WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  The Al-Nassr could not hold back tears during the half-time hurdle as he was found weeping inconsolably near the dugout. Fans, however, mocked the legendary footballer as he produced yet another underwhelming performance in the ongoing Euros.

  A handle named Ehix urged Ronaldo to retire as he wrote on X: "And he misses the penalty….. It's time to call it a day, Ronaldo."

  Matthew Corke shared a funny GIF as he wrote in the caption: "Ronaldo missing a dodgy penalty."

  Another fan wrote: "Bruno’s one of the best penalty takers in the world Ronaldo had no business taking that but pride comes before the fall."

  Tommy found amusement in Ronaldo's misery as he wrote: "I'm sorry but there is nothing funnier than Cristiano Ronaldo crying."

  A fan named Josh Boyes claimed Ronaldo is finished, as he wrote: "Ronaldo’s crying cos he knows he’s finished. Can’t do it anymore."

  Brian Gallagher questioned the decision to award Portugal the penalty as he posted: "Justice done with the save. Never in a million years was that a penalty. Still, it did bring us the sight of Ronaldo in tears, so swings and roundabouts."

  James Fisher posted: "Wtf is going on with Ronaldo, can’t be crying like that during the game!"

  A handle named Pagan Min pointed out that the star player is now holding Portugal back as the post read: "Ronaldo is old now and he should realize that. He is holding his team back and whatever happens next in this match Ronaldo has to think the better of his team than just trying to score a goal. Portugal deserves better."

  A fan named Neil Gibbons accurately predicted that the ex-Manchester United would miss the penalty as he wrote: "Lovely to think there are millions of us watching this Portugal game united by nothing more than the hope that Ronaldo doesn't score."

  Journalist Ross McCafferty took a dig at the Al-Nassr captain as he wrote: "I'll tell you something that's not so funny – right now Cristiano Ronaldo is sitting on the halfway line crying like a little girl!"

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  The former Manchester United attacker made amends for his miss when he finally found the back of the net during the penalty shootout as the Selecao picked up a 3-0 win in the tie-breaker to book a quarter-final berth. Earlier in the second half of extra time, Benjamin Sesko had a golden opportunity to finish off the game as he found himself one-on-one with Diogo Costa from a counter-attack, however, he failed to keep his cool and put the ball into the back of the net.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR PORTUGAL?

  Ronaldo and Co will now meet Kylian Mbappe's France in a blockbuster Euro 2024 quarter-final clash on Friday.

Bayern Munich are set to sell centre-back Matthijs de Ligt if their price demands are met, amid contact from Manchester United.

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• Bayern ready to sell De Ligt
• Man Utd in contact already
• Agent working for best solution

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bayern are seeking a guaranteed €50 million (£42m/$54m) for De Ligt, as reported by . That figure would then be further inflated by various add-ons. Agent Rafaela Pimenta is already described as "working on a top solution" and Bayern are claimed to be contact with United.

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  A move to Old Trafford would see De Ligt reunite with former Ajax boss Erik ten Hag, under whom he flourished while still a teenager. That past bond, on top of the player's availability, appears to be a motivating factor as De Ligt is "willing" to move to United and Ten Hag "really wants him". But there has been no formal offer from Manchester just yet, although a report suggests a contract proposal has been put to De Ligt.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Depending on the size of the add-ons, De Ligt could become the third most expensive centre-back in United history behind Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez. A new central defender is high on the list of transfer priorities this summer following Raphael Varane's exit, uncertainty over Victor Lindelof's long-term future and Jonny Evans not yet re-signed.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR DE LIGT?

  While his club future remains the subject of discussion behind the scenes, De Ligt is currently with Netherlands ahead of Tuesday night's Euro 2024 last 16 clash with Romania. He didn't get on the pitch during the group stage, with coach Ronald Koeman preferring to start Stefan de Vrij alongside Virgil van Dijk.