All posts by z3u9t.icu

The future of Leeds United appears increasingly uncertain as we enter the closing stages of the 2021/22 Premier League campaign, with the Whites’ 2-1 loss at Arsenal on Sunday, coupled with Everton’s 2-1 victory over Leicester City, seeing Jesse Marsch’s side slip into the relegation zone with just three games left to play.

Indeed, these two results could very easily prove to be a sliding door moment in Leeds’ campaign, something that could render Luke Ayling’s red card for a cynical and unnecessary two-footed challenge on Gabriel Martinelli in the first half of the fixture as the moment that sealed the Whites’ fate.

This is an opinion Jamie Carragher clearly holds, with the former Liverpool centre-back telling Sky Sports (via talkSPORT): “What an idiot. The lack of professionalism from his teammates and what this could mean going forward.

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“It’s not just going down to 10 men, it’s a disgusting tackle going in with two feet and reminds me of a tackle that Vinnie Jones did a long time ago. What he thinks is going to happen on the back of that, I don’t know. It was an obvious red card.

“To put your team down to 10 men, miss the last three games of the season, that might be the last game that Luke Ayling ever plays in the Premier League.”

As Carragher suggests, the 30-year-old’s subsequent three-match suspension could well mean the Arsenal loss is the last time the right-back features in a Premier League fixture for Leeds, however, with Phil Hay recently suggesting that Victor Orta could look to replace the defender this summer, Sunday could also have been the £35k-per-week Ayling’s last outing for the club altogether.

If this does prove to be the case, before Orta spends millions of pounds on a potential replacement in the summer transfer window, it would seem an extremely wise move for Jesse Marsch to take a closer look at 20-year-old Cody Drameh, as the youngster could well be a perfect successor to the 30-year-old full-back.

Indeed, the £900k-rated talent highly impressed over his 22 Championship appearances on loan at Cardiff City this season, helping his side keep six clean sheets, registering three assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.0 interceptions, 3.8 tackles, 2.0 clearances and winning 6.9 duels – at a success rate of 57% – per game.

These returns saw the £4.4k-per-week starlet who Glen Williams dubbed “such an exciting prospect” average a SofaScore match rating of 6.92, ranking him as the Bluebirds’ fourth-best performer in the English second tier.

As such, should Orta and Marsch indeed believe it is best to move Ayling onto pastures new this summer, they could save Andrea Radrizzani millions of pounds in transfer fees by finally handing Drameh a much-deserved shot in the first team.

AND in other news: Orta can land £60m talent’s dream replacement with Leeds bid for £46k-p/w “phenomenon”

Manchester City have a healthy number of English players in their squad who have played for the senior national team such as, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish.

Now that the next summer transfer window is around the corner, the Citizens have been linked with another English talent who has been a regular figure in the Premier League for a number of years.

It was reported late last month that the Manchester club have their eye on signing Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse during the upcoming summer transfer window.

However, it seems as though a behind-the-scenes development has emerged which could be a setback for Pep Guardiola’s side and their attempts to bring the 27-year-old to the Etihad Stadium this summer.

What’s the latest?

Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl seems to have poured cold water on the possibility of the Saints captain making an exit from St Mary’s this summer.

The Austrian said: “He has another four years on his contract, he’s our captain and he’s happy here. Fans love him and we know how important he is to our team. The development of his game is why he’s a true winner.”

Bad news for City

If City are aiming to add the Southampton star to their ranks this summer, taking into account what Hasenhuttl has had to say, this could be bad news for their chances of securing the Englishman’s signature.

Having worked his way through the youth ranks at the south coast club to then go on and make 360 senior appearances across all competitions, it’s easy to see why Saints supporters have an infatuation with the midfield star, according to Hasenhuttl. In those senior appearances, the 27-year-old has scored 43 goals and provided 48 assists along the way.

To further highlight just how crucial he is for his team, no other Southampton player has completed more passes (1,515) or made more shot-creating actions (105) than Ward-Prowse this season.

This shows just how reluctant the south coast club would be to let him leave this summer, especially to another Premier League side, and it comes as a big blow to City’s chances of landing him this year.

Given the midfielder’s apparent happiness at Southampton and the fact that his current contract there isn’t set to expire until 2026, the Citizens would have to splash out a big amount of cash and use all their persuasive power if they are to convince Ward-Prowse to wave goodbye to his boyhood club.

In other news: “Will sign..”: Exciting behind-the-scenes Man City claim is great news for supporters

Wolves transfer target Joao Palhinha is reportedly at the top of the list of players that current employers Sporting Lisbon are happy to sell this summer.

What’s the story?

That’s according to Correio da Manha, via Sport Witness, who claim that the Portuguese giants will need to raise funds by selling assets this summer.

Moreover, the report states that it ‘seems impossible’ that Sporting could now demand €40m (£33.5m) for the midfielder’s signature after a dip in form, meaning that Wolves could sign the 26-year-old for a cut-price fee.

Their next Neves?

After seeing a major downturn in his side’s form of late that could well cost Wolves a place in Europe next season, Bruno Lage will undoubtedly be keen to add high-quality recruits this summer with Palhinha certainly high up on that list.

Furthermore, it does appear as though midfielder Ruben Neves will be allowed to depart Molineux this summer after five years of loyal service if a suitable offer was to be received, with Arsenal and Manchester United reportedly interested.

Therefore hiring new recruits in the middle of the park is absolutely vital, particularly if Joao Moutinho is also to seek a new challenge upon the expiry of his contract next month.

With 24 league appearances this term as well as six in the Champions League, Palhinha is a vital cog in the Sporting midfield and certainly fits the requirements of what Wolves will seek.

Labelled as “special” by Sporting manager Ruben Amorim, the 26-year-old has averaged a 7.13/10 rating in the Portuguese top-flight this term, better than Moutinho’s 7.03 in the Premier League and slightly below Neves’ 7.17, certainly making him a worthy replacement if either are to depart.

Like his 35-year-old countryman, the Sporting midfielder averages an 87% passing accuracy with Neves’ slightly lower at 84%.

However, as expected with the intensity of the Premier League, both Moutinho and Neves average a higher amount of touches per match with 69.6 and 72.5 respectively compared to Palhinha’s 53.9.

With the high amount of Portuguese talent Wolves have signed over the past five years, making a move for Palhinha makes perfect sense, especially when replacing a fellow countryman of the 26-year-old.

Therefore, to receive a golden chance to sign the midfielder is a major boost for Wolves and it must be taken if they are to replace Neves sufficiently if the 25-year-old leaves Molineux this summer.

AND in other news: Lost the ball every 2.6 touches: “Inconsistent” Wolves passenger failed Lage yesterday

Crystal Palace have now joined the race to sign an “absolute star”, who is being targeted by some of Europe’s top clubs.

Palace on track to push for Europe after Burnley victory

After the disappointing 2-1 loss at home to Manchester United last weekend, Palace returned to winning ways against Burnley on Wednesday night, securing a 1-0 victory courtesy of Daniel Munoz’s goal on the stroke of half-time.

It was another resolute defensive display from the Eagles, who boast the second-best defensive record in the Premier League this season, having shipped just 11 goals, with only Premier League leaders Arsenal conceding fewer.

Having jumped to fifth place courtesy of the win at Turf Moor, there is every sign Oliver Glasner’s side could make a push for European qualification this season, particularly if they continue to be tough to score against, with captain Marc Guehi at the heart of their defence.

However, with Guehi’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, and Liverpool recently opening fresh talks, Glasner will have to start making plans for life after the England international soon, and Sporting CP’s Ousmane Diomande is one of the centre-backs of interest.

Crystal Palace are keen to strengthen at the opposite end of the pitch too, according to a report from TuttoAtalanta (via Sport Witness), which states they have now joined the race for Watford star Rocco Vata, alongside Fulham and two Champions League clubs.

Indeed, Eintracht Frankfurt and Atalanta are also vying to sign Vata, who has an affordable asking price, with it being revealed potential suitors will have to fork out a fee of around €8m – €12m (£7m – £11m).

Crystal Palace could now sign £80k-a-week "warrior" in "good value" January deal

There has been a new update on the Eagles’ pursuit of a defender.

ByDominic Lund Dec 3, 2025

‘Half of Europe’ are credited with an interest in the former Celtic man, who has really kicked on since leaving Parkhead to join the Hornets back in 2024…

"Absolute star" Vata could be savvy addition for Palace

Scout Ben Mattinson has been left impressed by the 20-year-old’s performances since signing for Watford, lauding him as an “absolute star” back in January, and the starlet established himself as an important player last season, chipping in with seven goal contributions in 33 Championship games.

Palace have been very successful when recruiting players from the Championship in the past, signing the likes of Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise, and the Watford star could go on to achieve similar things, having performed very well across some key statistics over the past year.

Rocco Vata’s key statistics

Average per 90 (past year)

Assists

0.30 (88th percentile)

Successful take-ons

2.31 (92nd percentile)

Tackles

1.70 (79th percentile)

Given that Vata could be available for a very affordable fee, Crystal Palace should look to get ahead of the likes of Atalanta and Frankfurt in the race for his signature by making a January offer.

Manchester United are now lining up a move for a former Puskas Award nominee, with Ruben Amorim personally keen on the deal.

Amorim lining up targets for the January transfer window

The 2-1 victory over Chelsea at the weekend will certainly have bought Amorim some time, but the Man United boss has stressed the importance of carrying the momentum into the next game against Sunderland on Saturday.

Should United pick up victories against the Black Cats and Brentford in the following game, their Premier League standing will start to look a lot healthier, but after a slow start to the campaign, the manager has already started to identify potential January targets.

After missing out on a central midfielder in the summer, it would make sense to look to improve in the engine room in the upcoming window, and the Red Devils are on red alert over a potential move for Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher.

Not only that, but Man United are also looking to bolster their defensive options, according to a report from Il Napolista, which states they are now lining up a January move for Federico Dimarco, with Amorim personally very interested in a deal.

The United boss has placed Dimarco high on his list of winter targets, given that the left-back would be an ideal fit in his system, while he also ‘really likes’ the defender for his technical and shooting qualities.

The Italian’s shooting ability was perhaps best displayed in Inter Milan’s clash with Frosinone, during which he scored a remarkable goal from distance, earning a nomination for the 2024 Puskas Award in the process.

"Revelation" Dimarco could be ideal for Amorim

Given that the Inter Milan defender has regularly played at both left-back and left-midfield throughout his career to date, he could be an ideal fit in Amorim’s system, which, of course, utilises wing-backs.

£120,000-a-week star has played his last game for Man Utd after Amorim axe

The Red Devils are now ready to part ways on a permanent basis.

2 BySean Markus Clifford Sep 23, 2025

The 27-year-old was also lauded by Paolo Cando, courtesy of his impressive performances in the 2022-23 season, with the Italian journalist saying: “Federico Dimarco has been the revelation of the season. He started at Inter as a backup, and quickly became one of the ironclad starting eleven players.”

Having averaged a 7.38 SofaScore rating so far this season, the Italy international is ranked as the third-best performing player in the Inter squad, and at 27-years-old, he could now be entering his prime.

Consequently, Dimarco could be exactly the type of signing needed to take Man United to the next level, and they should undoubtedly pursue a January move.

Glasgow Rangers legend Brian Laudrup has called a former Gers teammate “one of the best players in the world”, making it clear how highly he thought of him during their time together at Ibrox.

Laudrup a true great at Rangers

Laudrup is still remembered with great affection by Gers supporters, with the Dane arguably one of the most talented foreign players to ever represent the club.

The midfielder was often a joy to watch during a great period at Ibrox in the 1990s, with the former Denmark international spending four years with Rangers between 1994 and 1998, endearing himself to the fans.

Laudrup scored 45 goals in 151 appearances for the Scottish Premiership giants, with his technical ability almost unrivalled in the Scottish games at the time, and he actually admitted he’d love to play for the Gers team that won the title under Steven Gerrard back in 2021.

“I would have loved to play in that team. The style of play they have nowadays is fantastic to watch. It’s all about ball possession, that’s not to say my Rangers team were a long ball team far from it actually, but now it’s all about possession. Our team in 97 had a lot of top class footballers, as they have in this team now, but it’s perhaps a more assembled team with younger players.”

Laudrup had some great times during his spell as a Rangers player, including the small matter of winning three Scottish league titles and winning the Player of the Year award twice, and he has also played alongside some wonderful footballers.

Laudrup lauds former Rangers teammate

Speaking to FourFourTwo magazine in the past [via Give Me Sport], Laudrup heaped praise on the brilliance of Paul Gascoigne as a teammate at Rangers, calling him one of the best footballers on the planet.

“I played with him at Rangers and in his prime he was one of the best players in the world. He glided with the ball in a way that made him virtually untouchable for opponents and he was a match-winner, who had great technique when striking the ball. He was also a great entertainer – on and off the pitch! A tremendous natural talent.”

Gascoigne’s life after football has been well-documented, with lots of personal issues sadly affecting him, but it should never be forgotten what a great player he was at his peak.

The former England star was the complete midfielder in many ways, combining skill, power, intelligence and leadership, and the manner in which his personality rubbed off on those around him is almost unrivalled.

Rangers must regret losing the "Mbappe of Scottish football" for nothing

Rangers had a star who was described as the Kylian Mbappe of Scottish football, then lost him for nothing.

ByDan Emery Sep 11, 2025

Laudrup and Gascoigne enjoyed so many special times together, linking with each other superbly on the pitch, and you wonder what Russell Martin would do to them both in his current squad in their prime.

Despite winning the Europa League, Spurs’ first trophy in 17 years, Tottenham Hotspur will head into the 2025/26 season under a new manager in Thomas Frank.

Daniel Levy made the call to sack Ange Postecoglou and bring in Frank, who he may well back in the transfer market with Champions League football on offer once again.

AI predicts the 2025/26 Premier League table

Who are the winners and losers from AI’s table?

1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 7, 2025

Spurs have already signed Mathys Tel on a permanent transfer worth £30m, and AI thinks a further £180m could be spent on three more players ahead of the Premier League opener against Burnley.

Grok, the AI tool on X, has predicted who will be in Frank’s Spurs’ starting line-up for the 25/26 season in a 4-3-3 formation.

AI predicts Tottenham’s 2025/26 starting line-up 1 GK: Guglielmo Vicario

Starting in goal, Guglielmo Vicario has been backed to get the nod ahead of Antonin Kinsky under Frank.

Games

74

Clean sheets

16

Goals conceded

105

Described as a ‘reliable shot-stopper and a leader in the dressing room’, AI says ‘Vicario’s place is secure unless a major upgrade becomes available’.

2 RB: Pedro Porro

Despite rumours of a move away, Pedro Porro is expected to ‘continue as the first-choice right-back under Frank, who values dynamic full-backs’.

The Spainard’s ‘attacking flair and crossing ability make him a key asset’, and he’s now made more appearances for Spurs than any of his previous clubs.

3 CB: Marc Guehi

Cristian Romero has been linked with a move away from north London, which has resulted in AI predicting Marc Guehi to replace the Argentine at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Spurs tried and failed with a bid for Guehi in January, but they have been backed to sign the Crystal Palace star at a cost of £60m, who will offer ‘composure, leadership, and Premier League experience’.

4 CB: Micky van de Ven

AI says ‘Guehi and Micky van de Ven could form a rapid, modern center-back partnership’, with the speedy Dutch defender hopefully back to full fitness in 25/26.

Micky van de Ven

37.1km/h

Matheus Nunes

36.7km/h

Bryan Mbeumo

36.6km/h

Yankuba Minteh

36.4km/h

Anthony Elanga

36.2km/h

Van de Ven only made 13 Premier League appearances last season, but if he is available, he should be a regular under Frank, whose ‘high line system suits his recovery speed’.

5 LB: Destiny Udogie

Another defender who missed large parts of the 24/25 season through injury was left-back Destiny Udogie.

The Italian is labelled by AI as ‘one of Europe’s most promising full-backs’ due to his power and versatility, and if he can remain fit, should start under Frank.

6 DM: Morten Hjulmand

With ‘Frank expected to prioritize a deep-lying playmaker’, fellow Dane Morten Hjulmand has been backed to join Spurs in a £50m transfer.

Currently at Sporting CP, Hjulmand ‘fits the bill with his passing range and defensive nous’, and he ‘would anchor the midfield, allowing others to push forward’.

7 CM: Rodrigo Bentancur

Ahead of Hjulmand is Rodrigo Bentancur following his strong finish to the 24/25 season, and he could be the ideal option in a box-to-box role.

The Uruguayan’s ‘versatility and work rate suit Frank’s high-pressing system’, according to AI, however, he is only under contract until 2026.

8 CM: Eberechi Eze

Completing the midfield is Eberechi Eze, who is backed to join Guehi in leaving Crystal Palace for Tottenham.

Eze has a £70m price tag and his ‘creativity, dribbling, and goal threat would replace James Maddison in the attacking midfield role’. AI has doubts over Maddison due to his injury issues and inconsistent form, which could open the door for Spurs to finally land the Eagles star.

9 RW: Dejan Kulusevski

With target Bryan Mbeumo on course to move to Man Utd, Spurs are predicted to have Dejan Kulusevski on the right hand side under Frank.

The Sweden international is still under contract in north London until 2028 and has been an important player for Tottenham when fully fit, contributing to 55 goals in 146 games.

10 LW: Mathys Tel

Confirmed as a permanent Tottenham player for £30m from Bayern Munich, Mathys Tel’s ‘versatility and potential make him a likely starter’ in attack.

The Frenchman made 17 appearances on the left-wing last season, contributing to five goals, so Tel has been backed to get the nod there under Frank.

Liverpool have been extremely busy in the transfer market even before the window has officially opened, and there is also a chance they could convince a £49m forward to become their fourth signing of the summer.

Liverpool to put icing on title cake with three new signings

Reds supporters have been treated to a dream week, as the Premier League trophy was hoisted by a Reds captain in front of a fully packed Anfield for the first time, having celebrated their previous top flight title behind closed doors.

The fun didn’t stop on Sunday either, as thousands of supporters took to the streets of Liverpool to celebrate their heroes at Monday’s parade.

Away from the action on the pitch, FSG, Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes have already been hard at work to ensure they capitalise on their domestic dominance, with three signings close to completion.

Florian Wirtz is expected to join from Bayer Leverkusen, with a first bid of over £80m submitted and the player keen to join, while his teammate, wing-back Jeremie Frimpong, is all but signed, sealed and delivered having already completed his Merseyside medical.

Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez is expected to become their third capture of a busy summer period – he has agreed personal terms and the clubs remain locked in talks over a possible £45m move.

Approach made: Liverpool make contact to sign "ridiculous" £51m PSG target

The Reds have now made a move to sign a forward, who is also wanted by Paris Saint-Germain.

ByDominic Lund May 21, 2025

But with Darwin Nunez expected to move on this summer as well as doubts over the futures of Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota, there could also be movement on a fourth new face in the shape of a £49m forward.

According to a report from Spain, Liverpool are now Real Madrid’s biggest rival in the race for Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, and there is a feeling he is tempted to ignore the interest from Spain and move to Anfield.

Williams is willing to listen to offers from English clubs, and being part of a Reds frontline which may soon include Wirtz is seen as exciting by the speedy Euro 2024 winner.

Bilbao are desperate to keep hold of the winger, but they could be powerless to prevent a departure if the £49m release clause is paid in full, although there is a feeling those at Anfield would have to dish out hefty wages to win the race for his signature.

"Electric" Williams could be perfect Luis Diaz heir

Diaz is yet to sign a new contract, with the Colombian now approaching the penultimate year of his deal, and interest from Barcelona could pose a problem for the Reds, with Hansi Flick reportedly a huge fan of the tricky winger.

Williams however has been a key player in Bilbao for quite some time despite only being 22 years of age, making 166 appearances for his boyhood club and picking up 11 goals and seven assists in all competitions this season.

Much like Diaz, the Spain international also likes to drive at opposition defences, ranking in the top 2% for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, making it no surprise La Liga’s official media channel called him “electric”.

Statistic

Average per 90

Successful take-ons

3.32 (98th percentile)

Progressive carries

5.70 (92nd percentile)

Shot-creating actions

5.24 (89th percentile)

Slot may be hoping that Diaz is tempted to extend his stay at Anfield, having scored 13 Premier League goals this season, but Williams is clearly a solid long-term replacement, with similar pace and directness and potential to even better the Colombian’s end product as he approaches his prime.

Despite losing sporting director Paul Mitchell, Newcastle United are pushing on with their summer transfer plans and could now sign one of their top targets for £65m when the window swings open.

Paul Mitchell to depart Newcastle

After just one season at the club, Mitchell has made the decision to leave St James’ Park and hand Newcastle the job of finding a new sporting director this summer. In truth, Mitchell never truly made his mark in Tyneside and always had a tough job on his hands after replacing Dan Ashworth, only to enter a club desperately looking to comply with PSR regulations.

The sporting director released a statement after his departure was confirmed, saying: “I’d like to thank everyone at Newcastle United for their support over the last year, including Eddie Howe, Becky Langley, the players, staff, owners and fans. It has been an honour to be part of the club and to work with some incredible people.

“I’m leaving at a time that is right for me and the club, particularly with Darren Eales – someone who I have worked so closely with in my career – moving on soon. The club is in great hands on and off the pitch, and is in a fantastic position to continue building. I’d like to wish everyone connected with Newcastle United a bright and successful future.”

Anthony Gordon 2.0: Newcastle prepare offer for "world-class" £20m star

Newcastle are prepared to make a series of exciting signings in the transfer market.

ByAngus Sinclair May 30, 2025

Off the pitch, the Magpies will suddenly be an intriguing side to watch this summer as they look towards the market not just for fresh arrivals for Eddie Howe’s squad, but also a new name behind the scenes.

With Champions League qualification only boosting their spending power ahead of the window too, whoever comes in to replace Mitchell could have quite the job on their hands. Their first move, no matter the new name, may even be to sign a Premier League rival for a hefty price.

Newcastle could now sign Kudus for £65m

According to Football Insider, Newcastle could now sign Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United for £65m this summer, with the London club ready to sell one the Magpies’ top targets for a hefty fee in the coming months. However, it is a fee that his £20m less than the attacker’s release clause, which should come as a boost to PIF.

It’s a deal that PIF have already explored and one that certainly seems feasible following the Hammers’ disastrous season. As Kudus eyes bigger and better things, those at St James’ Park could spend big to come swooping in.

Despite enduring a frustrating season in a poor West Ham side, Kudus has still found himself at the centre of Graham Potter’s praise. The 50-year-old manager told reporters at the end of March: “I think Mo has had probably a season that, from his perspective, would be a little bit disappointing, not because of his lack of effort or anything like that, but sometimes these things happen.

“Speaking personally, he’s been great with us in terms of how he’s worked every day, fantastic. He has built his fitness up, built his condition up to the point where he can sustain things a lot better now.”

Having reportedly explored a deal to sign the winger, whether Newcastle decide that Kudus’ £65m valuation is worth pursuing will be the big question when the transfer window opens.

As he looks to make his mark on his side at long last, Ruben Amorim is now reportedly personally driving Manchester United’s move to sign a Premier League rival who has been compared to Michael Carrick.

Amorim admits Man Utd embarrassment

To say that Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United reign hasn’t gone to plan would be a major understatement. The former Sporting Club boss arrived at a club in chaos. Six months on, however, that same club are lower than they have ever been in the Premier League.

From concerns over their position in the race for European football, the Red Devils have been forced to keep one eye on the dropzone at some stages of the current campaign. And that, more than anything, sums up how far they’ve fallen since Amorim’s arrival in November.

The Manchester United boss hasn’t shied away from criticism, however, admitting his embarrassment over his side’s league position following another defeat at Old Trafford – this time against West Ham United.

Amorim told reporters: “For me the biggest concern is that feeling that ‘it’s OK’, and ‘we cannot change our position so much so it’s OK’. That is the biggest problem in our club in this moment because we are losing the feeling of we are a massive club and it’s the end of the world to lose a game at home. I think that is the biggest concern in our club.

Forget Obi: Amorim can finally axe Hojlund for Man Utd's homegrown Gyokeres

Man Utd could have another academy sensation up their sleeve…

1 ByRobbie Walls May 14, 2025

“How a manager of Manchester United is supposed to feel in that position – embarrassed, and it’s hard to accept. I think everybody has to think seriously about a lot of things here. Everybody is thinking about the final. The final is not an issue in this moment in our club.”

Amorim personally driving Man Utd's Wharton move

Arguably more aware than anyone else about just what the club need this summer, the Portuguese manager has reportedly set his sights on one specific target. According to Caught Offside, Amorim is now personally driving Manchester United’s move to sign Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace.

The Red Devils are reportedly in the strongest position to sign the England international alongside Newcastle United, but any deal will not come cheap amid rumours that Palace will demand in excess of £80m to sell their star man this summer.

Minutes

1,318

1,764

Progressive Passes

107

60

Interceptions

20

27

Ball Recoveries

102

122

Despite playing over 300 minutes less than Manuel Ugarte courtesy of his injury problems this season, Wharton has completely outperformed the Manchester United midfielder in possession, whilst almost matching his numbers off the ball.

It should come as no surprise that the Crystal Palace star has earned praise from the likes of Rio Ferdinand, who said on his YouTube channel: “Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton – I’d go and get him. The reason why I’d take him is he’s one that can take the ball and transfer it through the middle of the pitch.

“He’s got a great range of passing. I think he’d be a great addition to the squad, a young English talent as well. He’s like Carrick sometimes, the way he slaps the ball about.”