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Manchester United could land an experienced player on a free transfer once his contract at his current employers runs out, according to a recent report.

Manchester United transfer updates…

Undoubtedly, the Red Devils will feel the need to strengthen in January amid their topsy-turvy start to the Premier League campaign and Erik ten Hag will have designs on recruiting some high-profile stars to help combat their recent run of injury issues.

Nevertheless, the Dutchman has thrown caution to the wind in that respect, detailing that Financial Fair Play issues may limit the power his side, alongise others, have to be able to recruit on a large scale in January, as he stated via BBC Sport: "It gives you limitations. You tell me 'bring this player in', but you have to match the FFP rules, in those rules you have to construct the best squad possible. When you set such rules everyone has to match the rules because otherwise it's not fair."

Spending a figure in the region of £170 million across the summer, it is unclear how much financial muscle Manchester United will have to throw about in the mid-season window. Recently, The Sun have reported that Nice's Jean-Clair Todibo and Sporting Clube de Portugal man Goncalo Inacio are both targets for the Premier League giants as they aim to shore up their backline.

The report states that incoming investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe has cleared the sale of France international Raphael Varane at Old Trafford, which could pave the way for a younger alternative to take his place.

According to TEAMtalk, Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite is believed to be the Red Devils' main defensive target from the English top-flight alongside detailing that the club monitored his progress during his spell at PSV Eindhoven last term.

Despite links to big-money arrivals, Manchester United could also land themselves an economically advantageous deal in the market, according to a report.

Thomas Muller eyed on free transfer

As per BILD via Sport Witness, Manchester United are keen on Bayern Munich veteran Thomas Muller and could look to sign the Germany international in 2024, when his contract at the Allianz Arena is due to expire.

Thomas Muller 2023/24 statistics – all competitions (Transfermarkt)

Appearances

14

Goals

2

Assists

5

The outlet claim that there is not yet clarity over whether Muller will sign an extension at the Bundesliga champions, which has also put clubs from the United States and Saudi Arabia on alert. 34-year-old Muller has been forced into a diminished role for his current employers due to the emergence of Jamal Musiala in the engine room.

Labelled "intelligent" by Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, Muller has still been able to have a positive influence in offence for the German champions, recording 1.4 key passes per match in the Bundesliga (Muller statistics – WhoScored).

Restricted in his duties at present, Muller ending his career by having a swansong at Old Trafford would definitely be an enticing thought for all concerned; however, we will need to wait and see on that front.

10 most famous players in Manchester United history 

Manchester United are undoubtedly one of the biggest clubs in world football, and with that comes a certain fame for the players wearing the shirt.

NFL legend Tom Brady, who is now an investor at Birmingham, joined Real Madrid’s dressing room celebrations following their Clasico triumph.

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American football icon in SpainWitnessed thriller at the BernabeuBellingham secured dramatic winWHAT HAPPENED?

The American football icon added to the Blues flavour at Santiago Bernabeu, which saw St Andrew’s academy graduate Jude Bellingham net a dramatic 91st-minute winner for Los Blancos. They prevailed 3-2 on the day, having trailed on a couple of occasions.

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Brady had revealed ahead of the game that he was in Madrid to savour the experience of El Clasico. He was treated to a thrilling contest in the Spanish capital, with Vinicius Junior and Lucas Vazquez also on target for the home side.

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DID YOU KNOW?

Real were happy to let former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Brady join in with their celebrations afterwards, as he mingled with jubilant players behind the scenes. Carlo Ancelotti’s side are now nine points clear at the top of La Liga.

South Africa captain said the last thing he wanted was one of his bowlers getting injured just before the World Cup

Liam Brickhill in Cape Town02-Jan-2019South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has pointed to the Indian Premier League as “a concern” in terms of managing the workloads of his bowlers ahead of the World Cup in England starting at the end of May.”The obvious one for me is the IPL,” du Plessis said. “The IPL is just before the World Cup, and the last thing you want is one of your bowlers getting injured just before the tournament. That’s something that’s a concern for us, seeing how we can play that scenario out best.”With Dale [Steyn], or KG [Rabada] or any other bowlers, in terms of workload, the World Cup is still quite a while away. Probably you’ll see that closer to the World Cup we’ll think about stuff like [managing workloads].”Du Plessis’ concern echoed those of Cricket Australia, who indicated in November last year that Australia’s 2019 World Cup players can expect to have only limited involvement in the IPL, if they are able to play at all. CA’s stipulations around player availability are believed to have contributed to Kolkata Knight Riders’ decision to release Mitchell Starc.Du Plessis is part of the Chennai Super Kings squad and will be able to keep a close eye on Imran Tahir and Lungi Ngidi, both of whom have also been retained by the franchise. Kagiso Rabada remains with Delhi Capitals. Dale Steyn was not picked up this year, but Chris Morris has also been retained by Delhi, and Anrich Nortje – the Warriors and Cape Town Blitz quick – has picked up his first IPL contract with Kolkata Knight Riders just as he started to enter the frame for national honours.ALSO READ: Philander’s return amps up pressure on Pakistan’s middle orderMorris provides an example of the sorts of concerns du Plessis and coach Ottis Gibson might have. He missed South Africa’s engagements with Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe after picking up a back injury at last year’s IPL, and coach Gibson has suggested that worries over Morris’ fitness have been a primary factor in his limited chances with the national side of late.Rabada, who was South Africa’s leading Test wicket-taker in 2018 and is central to their World Cup bowling plans, admitted ahead of the second Test that the last few months have been tiring for him. If he plays a leading role in South Africa’s home series against Sri Lanka, which ends on March 24, Rabada won’t have much time to rest before the IPL, which is likely to start in late March and runs till mid of May, around two weeks before South Africa’s World Cup opener against England on May 30.”I’ve been feeling a bit tired the past three months,” Rabada said. “But it’s been getting better. That’s a positive. [I’m] gradually getting there. Hopefully, I peak at the right time [against Pakistan].”Du Plessis added that player workload and the fitness of his fast bowlers for the World Cup is something he thinks about often, but highlighted the importance of focusing on the here and now.”That’s certainly something that’s always at the back of my head. I can only speak from a personal point of view. You’re continuously thinking about the decisions, and stuff that will impact that. But it’s also important to stay in the present. If you look at the World Cup the whole time, you’ll lose sight of what’s going on in front of you. So there is that little bit of thinking ahead, but unfortunately, it’s too far out to start making decisions now that will impact then.”

Australia equally certain it was a fair catch, says Lyon, while former players criticise Kohli’s behaviour in Perth

Melinda Farrell in Perth16-Dec-2018India’s players were “surprised” that Virat Kohli was given out on the field after Peter Handscomb claimed a catch off the bowling of Pat Cummins, according to Jasprit Bumrah.A diving Handscomb appeared to scoop up a thick edge after Kohli drove hard at a full and wide delivery, but the decision was then referred to the third umpire, Nigel Llong. Llong was unable to find conclusive evidence, after extensively reviewing replays, to overturn the soft signal of out given by Kumar Dharmasena in consultation with Chris Gaffaney on the field.But Bumrah said India were puzzled by the original decision.”We were a little surprised by the on-field call,” said Bumrah. “Now it has been done, and it has been done. Now we will move forward with the game.”Conversely, Nathan Lyon said there was no doubt in the minds of the Australian players that Handscomb had taken the catch cleanly.”I wasn’t sure about the conversation between the umpires but, yeah, we thought it was out.”Conversation was ‘great catch’.”Getty ImagesKohli’s wicket fell at a crucial time in India’s innings, with India on 251 and trailing Australia’s first-innings total by 75 runs. The decision sparked a lively debate among fans and commentators alike and drew a strong reaction on social media in India.ALSO READ: Bat, breathe, bat – the essence of Virat KohliSpeaking on ABC radio, former Australia batsman Ed Cowan took an opposing view. “There is zero doubt in my mind that this catch has carried,” Cowan said. “Virat has made this a news story, and he shouldn’t.”He should have the grace to walk off and say that was a fair catch.”Kohli’s demeanour was animated through the day’s play. When he reached his century he held his bat up with one hand and made a talking gesture with his other hand. He encouraged the enthusiastic and noisy Indian contingent in the crowd and was front and centre for celebrations whenever an Australian wicket fell. There was also what appeared to be a colourful exchange between Kohli and Tim Paine as the pair walked off the field at the end of the day’s play.Lyon played down the significance of the exchange.”I think he just asked him where he was going for dinner that’s all,” Lyon said. “I’ve played enough cricket against Virat to know what he’s like.”Virat’s Virat and I’m not worried about what he’s doing or what India’s doing.”But Kohli’s animation throughout the day was enough to draw criticism from some, including former Australia batsmen, Michael Hussey.”Virat Kohli is out of control out there,” said Hussey, speaking on Macquarie Radio. “He is revving up the crowd and he is going nuts when they take a wicket. I don’t like his attitude at the moment.”

Alisha Lehmann has revealed a brand new look ahead of Aston Villa's Women's Super League clash with West Ham.

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Lehmann reveals shock new lookHas completely changed her hairstyle Villa in action on Sunday WHAT HAPPENED?

Lehmann has taken to Instagram to show off a brand new look ahead of Villa's clash with West Ham in the WSL this weekend. The Switzerland international so regularly wears her hair in a ponytail when playing but she revealed new curly locks in her latest upload.

Instagram @alishalehmann7AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE GOSSIP

Lehmann has enjoyed a busy week, attending a Brazilian Football Foundation event with her boyfriend Douglas Luiz in midweek. The pair had briefly split up, but reconciled earlier this year, and have repeatedly posted loved-up selfies.

DID YOU KNOW?

Lehmann has made 12 appearances for Villa this season but has yet to score a goal or register an assist. She has continued to play for Switzerland, however, despite her dismal league form.

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

Lehmann will hope to register her first goal involvement of the season against West Ham next weekend. Villa are currently seventh in the WSL.

Tottenham Hotspur have joined the race to bring an overseas defender to the Premier League in January, according to a fresh report.

Postecoglou's centre-back options

The Lilywhites currently have Micky Van De Ven, Ashley Phillips, Cristian Romero and Eric Dier as their four natural options at centre-back as it stands, but this season has proven that Ange Postecoglou needs to enter the market to find further reinforcements.

Both Van De Ven and Phillips are undergoing a spell on the sidelines due to injury, whilst Romero is suspended and Dier is expected to leave having fallen significantly out of favour, and the manager already appears to have highlighted a potential replacement.

Latest Tottenham transfer news: Striker search latest; defender nears exit

Ange Postecoglou is looking to strengthen his side in the summer market once again.

ByBrogan Clasper Aug 1, 2024

Sao Paulo’s Lucas Beraldo has worked his way up through his club’s various academy ranks to get promoted to their first-team, where he’s since gone on to make a total of 49 senior appearances to date (Transfermarkt – Beraldo statistics).

Brazil’s former youth international has already been linked with Liverpool, Newcastle United and Wolves in the top-flight, but with a deal yet to come to fruition for his three potential suitors, the 20-year-old is now also wanted at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spurs keen on deal for Lucas Beraldo

According to The Sunday Mirror (via The Boot Room), Tottenham are interested in Beraldo, but they aren’t alone in their pursuit to secure his services. Both Jurgen Klopp and Eddie Howe are still chasing their target, who is rated at £20m, and it's believed that he is a player who will soon be leaving his league to join the highest division in England.

Spurs chiefs have the defender "on their radar", but with Chelsea and Manchester United also hovering in the background, it will be a difficult deal to get over the line in January.

Ange could land "fearless" defender in Beraldo

Standing at 6 foot 1, Beraldo provides a real physical presence at the heart of a defensive backline, which he’s proven this season at Sao Paulo as he’s currently averaging 3.4 clearances and 1.7 aerial wins per game in the Serie A (WhoScored – Beraldo statistics).

Postecoglou’s target is also attack-minded – he ranks in the 95th percentile for progressive passes by defenders, highlighting his desire to push his team as high up the pitch as possible to give them the best opportunity to create chances (FBRef – Beraldo statistics).

Sponsored by Nike, the left-footed star has even had a taste of success having been named the 2023 Brazilian Cup winner, so he will possess a winning mentality that will match that of the current squad who are already playing their football in N17.

According to football scout Jacek Kulig, Beraldo is a “fearless” defender, and with the boss’ style of play being all about taking risks and pressing the opposition, he could be the perfect addition in the new year and someone who could slot straight into the starting line-up dependent on the other options available to the Australian.

Liverpool have reportedly agreed on a costly compensation fee for Arne Slot, as the Feyenoord boss prepares to join replace Jurgen Klopp this summer.

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Slot set to replace Klopp in summer

€9m fee reportedly agreed

Final deal edging closerWHAT HAPPENED?

With Klopp set to depart at the end of the season after eight years at Liverpool several candidates for the job have been floated, but Slot has emerged as the frontrunner with the deal on the verge of completion. Now has reported that the Reds will pay his current club a compensation fee of €9 million plus €2m in add-ons (£9.4m/$11.8m), which would make him the third most-expensive manager in the history of the Premier League.

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Earlier this week, it was revealed that the move was edging closer and a substantial compensation fee was to be confirmed, with some reports suggesting that that sum would be significantly more than the €11m package agreed upon.

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Slot's Feyenoord team have been an impressive outfit in recent seasons; as well as winning the 2022-23 Eredivisie title, he also guided the club to the Europa Conference League final in his first season and won the KNVB Cup a week ago.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR SLOT?

PSV are on the brink of securing the 2023-24 Eredivisie title, but Slot's Feyenoord — their closest rivals by some distance — will need to keep the pressure on until the very end. Before turning his attention to the upcoming challenge at Anfield, the Dutch boss has three final league fixtures to navigate.

Despite a couple of setbacks against Aston Villa and PSV over the last week, Arsenal are once again flying in the Premier League.

While the team are less pleasing on the eye this season, Mikel Arteta has seen his side grow in maturity and develop a sterner side.

The £105m signing of Declan Rice has been instrumental in the solidifying of Arsenal, and while he and Martin Odegaard are practically guaranteed places in the starting XI, the third member of the Gunners midfield has been changing on a fairly regular basis.

Arsenal could sign Rice regen in 'one of the best young midfielders in Europe'

The 18-year-old could replace Rice one day, or become the perfect midfield partner.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Dec 15, 2023

However, that could soon change as the latest player to be linked with a move to the Emirates, Martin Zubimendi, could become the Englishman's perfect partner.

Arsenal transfer news – Martin Zubimendi

According to The Mirror, Arsenal are conscious of their FFP position going into January but are still on the lookout for a new midfielder, and while their interest in Villa's Douglas Luiz remains, the 'mega, mega-money' it would take to sign him renders the transfer unlikely.

However, the north Londoners are also interested in another fantastically talented midfielder, Real Sociedad's Zubimendi and the fact that he has a £53m release clause makes a move for him far more realistic – at least from a balancing-the-books perspective.

It would still represent a hefty investment from the Gunners – and make him their fifth most expensive signing ever – but for a player that Luis de la Fuente, Spain's manager, called one of "the best midfielders in the world", it would likely be worth it.

Martin Zubimendi could be the perfect partner for Declan Rice

As mentioned before, Rice and Odegaard are practically guaranteed their place in this Arsenal team, as the former has been integral this year, and the latter is the captain who looks back to his best after a slightly rocky start to the campaign.

So, the Sociedad man would have to replace one of the players Arteta has been swapping in and out of the starting XI this year: Kai Havertz, Jorginho, Fabio Viera and even Thomas Partey when he was fit.

However, "the heart of La Real's midfield", as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, primarily plays as a defensive midfielder, meaning he would likely replace Jorginho or Partey, allowing Rice to occupy the left-eight role.

The first advantage Zubimendi has over the competition is age. The "special talent", as described by U23 scout Antonio Mango, is still just 24 years old, whereas Partey is 30 and Jorginho 31, meaning that Zubimendi could come in and reach his peak at the same time as Rice and Odegaard, securing Arsenal's midfield for nearly a decade.

When it comes to their output, however, it is a little trickier to claim the Spaniard is the outright superior player, but given how close their overall underlying numbers are, there is no reason to suggest that with time and the right coaching, he couldn't replicate their best – or even better them.

Zubimendi

Jorginho

Partey

0.18

0.04

0.14

1.34

1.18

1.23

5.10

7.55

8.37

0.34

0.04

0.14

85.4%

85.8%

87.2%

0.87

1.52

1.45

1.95

0.63

1.49

0.81

0.93

1.20

6.11

7.93

8.15

The young ace outclasses his older opposition for progressive carries, clearances, miscontrols, shots on target, and non-penalty expected goals and assists but falls short in other areas, such as progressive passing and ball recoveries.

Ultimately, with both Arsenal players seeing less and less game time and are arguably over the hill in a football sense, bringing in someone young, exciting and potentially brilliant such as Zubimendi just makes sense.

Equally, given enough time to bed in, he could prove to be the perfect partner for Rice at Arsenal.

There are wholesale changes in the squad, which includes four uncapped players in Lasith Embuldeniya, Mohamed Shiraz, Angelo Perera and Oshada Fernando

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Feb-2019Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal has been dropped from the Test squad, in a shock move by the selectors. The captaincy goes to opener Dimuth Karunaratne for the tour of South Africa.According to an SLC release, Chandimal has been released to play domestic cricket and regain his form with the bat, after he made only 24 runs in four innings in the recently concluded Tests against Australia. In his last five Tests, he has crossed fifty only once. Chandimal is also understood to have disagreed with the selectors about his position in the batting line-up. He has begun batting at No. 3 in recent weeks – with little reward so far – but the selectors believe he is better suited to No. 5 or No. 6, where he has historically made most of his runs.Despite the recent downturn, however, Chandimal’s overall form as captain has been decent. He averages 40.93 in the 17 Tests he has led in. Since taking the reins in the middle of 2017, he has also hit overseas hundreds in the UAE (against Pakistan), India and the West Indies.Also axed from the squad are senior offspinner Dilruwan Perera and middle-order batsman Roshen Silva. Although South Africa shapes as an immensely difficult tour, the selectors have chosen to make wholesale changes. Several inexperienced players come into the squad, with eight of the 17 named having played five Tests or fewer. Of those eight, four – left arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya, seam bowler Mohamed Shiraz, and batsmen Angelo Perera and Oshada Fernando – are uncapped altogether.Making a return to the Test squad after a hiatus, meanwhile, are Milinda Siriwardana, 33, and opener Kaushal Silva. Siriwardana last played a Test in mid-2016, and makes his way back courtesy hundreds against Ireland A at home. Silva most recently played against England in November, and returns on the back of a 273 in the Premier League Tournament – the biggest score of the season so far.The fresh entrants have also impressed, either against Ireland A or in the Premier League, or both, in order to earn their places. Angelo Perera hit two double hundreds in the same match this past weekend, becoming only the second batsman in first-class history to achieve the feat. He has also been in good touch for Sri Lanka A. Oshada Fernando, meanwhile, had struck a hundred and a double hundred the previous weekend.Embuldeniya and Shiraz had also been good in the first-class games against Ireland A – Embuldeniya taking 14 wickets across the two unofficial Tests and claiming seven.Shiraz joins a threadbare pace attack, however, with Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha Chameera and Nuwan Pradeep all ruled out of the series with injuries. Thankfully for Sri Lanka, spearhead Suranga Lakmal is expected to be fit for the first Test in Durban despite having missed the second Australia Test with a stiff back. Kasun Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando and Chamika Karunaratne – all of whom played the Canberra Test – are the other quicks in the squad.Angelo Mathews remains unavailable due to the hamstring injury he had sustained in late December, in a Test against New Zealand.The two-Test series begins in Durban on February 13.Sri Lanka squad: Dimuth Karunaratne (capt), Niroshan Dickwella, (v-capt), Lahiru Thirimanne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Milinda Siriwardana, Dhananjaya De Silva, Oshada Fernando, Angelo Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Kasun Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne, Mohamed Shiraz, Lakshan Sandakan, Lasith Embuldeniya

Ex-Premier League striker Saido Berahino has revealed he would be willing to join Wrexham to take part in Ryan Reynolds' and Rob McElhenney's project.

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Berahino played in the top flightNow on the books at AEL Limassol in CyprusContract expires this summerWHAT HAPPENED?

Berahino revealed in a question and answer session on X, formerly Twitter, that he would be open to making the move to the Welsh club this summer once his contract at Limassol expires. He has been with the Cypriot club since 2022 but has scored just four goals in 44 games, and his deal ends at the end of the season.

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Berahino scored 23 goals in the Premier League for West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City, while he was the subject of interest from Tottenham in 2015, as they saw a £15 million ($19m) bid rejected. He eventually moved to the Potters, after being hit with a drug ban due to a positive test for MDMA. He has since played for Zulte Waregem and Charleroi in Belgium, as well as Sheffield Wednesday and now Limassol.

WHAT BERAHINO SAID

Berahino was asked if he would be willing to play in League One with Wrexham and simply replied: "Why not?"

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Wrexham already have Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer on their books, but they may well be convinced to have a look at Berahino if he is willing to make the move. Director Humphrey Ker has already confirmed that they would be willing to do a deal for Jamie Vardy were the Leicester striker to become available.