Sky Sports Shares Man United Transfer Update On "Machine"

Manchester United loanee Marcel Sabitzer appears to be keen on joining the club on a full-time basis and there will be "decisive talks" over the coming weeks.

What’s the latest on Man United signing Sabitzer permanently?

Sabitzer made the move to Old Trafford from Bayern Munich on deadline day earlier this year after it emerged that Christian Eriksen was set to be sidelined through injury.

Since then, the 29-year-old has made 11 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring his first goal for the club in an FA Cup quarter-final victory over Fulham.

The Austria international signed a loan deal until the end of the season which didn’t include an option to buy in the summer. However, it looks as if there could be a possibility of Sabitzer remaining in England ahead of Erik ten Hag's second season in charge.

Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg took to Twitter on Wednesday to share what he’s been told about Sabitzer’s future. He stated that a return to Germany seems unlikely, adding that the player is “comfortable” in Manchester and seems keen on a permanent move.

“News Sabitzer: He feels comfortable at MUFC & can imagine to join Man Utd on permanent deal. But nothing decided. Decisive talks will follow next weeks. Return to Munich unlikely at this stage. Been told that many clubs of the Premier League inquired about him.”

Erik ten Hag for Man United

Should Man United sign Sabitzer?

Bringing in Sabitzer on a temporary basis has proven to be a shrewd move by those at Old Trafford, especially following Eriksen’s injury and Casemiro’s two separate Premier League suspensions.

He has featured in all but one of the eight top-flight fixtures since arriving and has been described by Diogo Dalot as a "machine", averaging 1.6 tackles and 1.4 clearances per game, as per WhoScored. Sabitzer has been United’s eighth-best performer with a match average 6.77/10 rating, better than the likes of Eriksen, Fred and Scott McTominay.

Therefore, you could say that a full-time deal could make sense, however, the player is set to turn 30 later this year, so the Red Devils need to decide whether or not offering him a long-term contract and paying a fee for his services would make sense in the long run, especially as they already have two experienced midfielders in Casemiro and Eriksen.

That may come up in talks over the coming weeks, but if Sabizter had his way, it seems as if he would remain a United player heading into the 2023/24 season.

Newcastle United Following £130m Star For Summer Move

Newcastle United are following Napoli striker Victor Osimhen for a summer transfer swoop, but he could cost more than €150m (£130m), according to journalist Ciro Venerato.

Do Newcastle need a new striker?

Club-record signing Alexander Isak has had a difficult first season at St. James' Park on the injury front, having been ruled out of 13 games due to hamstring issues. However, he has recently started to prove his worth.

The Sweden international has scored five goals in his last five Premier League games, beginning to display his quality at a crucial stage in the season, but Eddie Howe may have some concerns about his injury problems returning.

During his time with Real Sociedad, the 23-year-old suffered from hamstring and knee problems, also having the latter during a spell with Borussia Dortmund, meaning Howe may want to bring in some more competition at striker.

According to Venerato, Osimhen is being followed by Newcastle for a summer transfer swoop, although they are not the only side interested, with Chelsea and Bayern Munich also being named as potential suitors.

The journalist does not expect Napoli to sell their star striker for anything less than €150m (£130m), meaning the Magpies would likely have to break the Premier League transfer record if they were to win the race for his signature.

Venerato describes the Nigerian as the "most promising" young striker on the international stage, alongside Erling Haaland, so it is no real surprise Napoli will look to hold out for an astronomical fee.

Should Newcastle sign Victor Osimhen?

Purely based on ability, the Lagos-born marksman would be an excellent signing for Newcastle, given that he has scored an incredible 25 goals, as well as registering five assists, in just 29 games so far this season.

The "world class" forward is way out in front at the top of the Serie A goal-scoring charts, having averaged a goal every 91 minutes, ranking in the 99th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 in the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.

That said, because the Nigeria international is contracted until 2025, Napoli are able to hold potential suitors to ransom this summer, and £130m would be far too much to shell out on one player.

The Magpies already have Isak to lead the line, and they should instead look to invest in multiple areas of the squad, rather than spending a sizeable chunk of the budget on one player.

21 y/o Leeds Loanee Could Prove A Big Summer Return

Leeds United could be boosted by the return of Cody Drameh in the summer with the right-back seriously impressing during his latest loan move.

What has happened to Cody Drameh?

Once again, Leeds find themselves scrapping at the wrong end of the table with just several games to go with relegation a serious threat.

The Whites could be set to return to the Championship over the coming weeks with their league form taking a recent dive over the last few games.

However, there could be something to look forward to over the summer in the expected return of Drameh from his latest loan spell away from the club.

The 21-year-old has spent the second-half of the 2022/23 campaign away on loan with Championship side Luton Town who are looking to make their move into the top flight.

This comes after the Englishman's stint out on loan last season with Cardiff City where he was awarded their Player of the Season despite only arriving in January.

Yet Leeds decided it was best for the youngster to move away from Elland Road once again in search of more regular football.

And speaking on his podcast, Phil Hay has waxed lyrical about the right-back who has enjoyed an impressive backend to the campaign under Rob Edwards at Kenilworth Road:

(39:10) "It's funny because Cody Drameh is having a very, very good season at Luton in the way that Charlie Cresswell up until that eye injury was starting to put together a really good season at Millwall, as well.

"And suddenly you look, I mean I've always liked Cresswell. Drameh has looked good in the U21s but hasn't really played enough at first-team level at Leeds to be sure about that.

"But he's looked excellent at Luton and you start to think to yourself, maybe actually there are options there going forward that are potentially better than some of what they've got."

How well has Drameh played for Luton?

Since arriving in the latter stages of January, the 21-year-old has gone on to make 14 appearances for the Hatters in the Championship and he has started all 14 of those games (via Transfermarkt).

Drameh has racked up two assists in those games, however, what is perhaps most impressive is Luton have only lost once with Drameh on the pitch.

And that solo defeat comes with the caveat of being against – the already-promoted – Burnley and it was a narrow 1-0 defeat to the Clarets.

Meanwhile, Leeds have begun to chop and change their right-backs with Luke Ayling and Rasmus Kristensen after the Englishman's recent run in the starting XI.

Hay was clearly impressed with what Drameh has been able to produce in the Championship and it is clear to see why when he ranks inside the top third percentile for tackles made (via FBref).

The 21-year-old ranks inside the top third percentile for blocks, too, but he has also shown his threat in attack as he ranks inside the top eighth percentile for shot-creating actions.

It seems apparent the youngster has plenty to offer and it will be intriguing to see if he feels his opportunity will come at Leeds or whether he will have to look for a permanent move in the summer to find regular football.

Man United’s £240k-p/w "Monster" Was Insane vs Spurs

Manchester United let slip a two-goal lead last night, as the fatigue finally started to set in following their penalty-shootout victory on Sunday.

Going into the break 2-0 up, having comfortably swept aside Tottenham Hotspur, through their tiredness and some inspiration from Ryan Mason’s men, they would creep back into the game, eventually salvaging a point as it ended 2-2.

Whilst it changes little in their race for the top four, it did allow Newcastle United to leapfrog the Red Devils after their thumping win elsewhere.

With injuries piling up as they travelled to north London, the big talking point was surrounding Bruno Fernandes, as Erik ten Hag had previously suggested he would be a doubt for the clash.

The Portugal international had never previously missed a club match through injury, so all the attention focused on whether the 28-year-old could at least make the bench to uphold his impossible record.

However, he did more than that, starting in midfield against all the odds and shining for 90 minutes.

How did Bruno Fernandes play vs Spurs?

Whilst his inclusion alone marked a mini-miracle, to dominate the game in the way the former Sporting CP maestro did further emphasises not only his importance to this team, but his truly top-end quality with regard to the rest of the Premier League.

As a creative and goalscoring influence, there are few who can compare with this polarising superstar.

Starting just in front of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen in the engine room, the platform was well-built for him to thrive. Fernandes would take this opportunity with both hands, recording 73 touches and maintaining a 7.6 rating throughout. Only goalscorer Marcus Rashford earned higher on his team.

manchester-united-bruno-fernandes-harry-kane

However, it was his magical through-ball that set the speedster free to score their second goal of the night, adding another special assist to his ever-growing collection. It could have been so much more, though, as he forged three key passes and created two big chances. He would even miss one himself, fashioning a golden opportunity all on his own, only to hammer his close-range effort against the bar (via Sofascore).

Such a dominating midfield display led one United writer to take to Twitter, unapologetic in his claim that: “Bruno Fernandes is the best in the world, man, I don’t even care.”

Having been branded a “creative monster” by Statman Dave earlier this month, it seems that with each passing game, the magician only serves to further support this claim.

The £240k-per-week midfielder may not have been on the winning side last night, but his immeasurable play certainly merited it.

Warning Issues To 42 y/o Rangers Figure After Defeat

Rangers boss Michael Beale has been warned by Simon Jordan that he will get everything he deserves if he is unable to spoil their rivals' dominance over the coming months.

What has Michael Beale said?

The Englishman has now been at the helm of the Glasgow club for a number of months having joined in the latter stages of last year.

He made the move north of the border from Queens Park Rangers on the back of announcing that he would not be leaving the club despite the interest coming his way from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Yet, when the Scottish giants came calling, Beale was away and did not hesitate in returning to the club he had previously coached at under Steven Gerrard.

Since returning to Ibrox, the 42-year-old has been unable to close the gap on their city rivals who look set to retain the Scottish crown this season.

And the Gers will, therefore, end the campaign without a piece of silverware to their name having been dumped out of the Scottish Cup on the weekend by Celtic.

On the back of their struggles to flip the dominance in Glasgow, talkSPORT presenter Jordan has issued a warning ahead of the reaming games of the term:

(2:00) "I can cut him no slack, because I'll tell you why: because Queens Park Rangers gave him an opportunity. There was no queue of people to give him first team manager's job. He got an opportunity given to him by Queens Park Rangers, and there should have been a little bit more respect for QPR.

"And then he's gone to Rangers, so he will reap his own potential whirlwind."

"He's at the big boy's seat now. Away you go. The only job you've got to do is win at Rangers. And if you don't get it, you'll get precisely what you deserve. Your loyalty, your support, your backbone, your football nous took you to Rangers. Let's hope it works out well for you because you'll get precisely exactly what you deserve."

Can Beale turn Rangers around?

It has to be said, the Gers have not been in poor form under the Englishman but they do remain 13 points off their rivals and league leaders.

Rangers have amassed 55 points under the 42-year-old and have averaged 2.39 points per game which is certainly a respectable figure (via Transfermarkt).

Perhaps the issue lies in his inability to get the better of their city rivals.

Ryan Kent of Rangers

Over the course of his time at Ibrox, Beale has now overseen four games against Ange Postecoglou's side and in those games all he has been able to guide Rangers to is one draw.

Two of those games have come in cup competitions which have ultimately played big roles in why Rangers look set to end the campaign without a trophy to their name.

However, he has also tasted defeat in the league which has enabled Celtic to increase their cushion at the top of the table.

There is certainly something in what Jordan says as Beale has taken a huge step up from QPR to manage Rangers and will leave himself exposed to criticism if it – ultimately – fails to pay off.

But it has to be remembered he is yet to have a summer transfer window at the club where he can really put his stamp on things before going again next season.

Leeds: Phenomenal Teen Could Replace Tyler Adams

Leeds United are in a desperate situation in the Premier League and it would not be a surprise if the higher powers at Elland Road were already planning for the Championship next season.

The appointment of Sam Allardyce was a final throw of the dice by the Yorkshire outfit but with tough games against West Ham United, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur to come, Leeds will need luck on their side.

Who could leave Leeds United this summer?

If the worst were to happen and Leeds did go down, it is hard to imagine star players such as Rodrigo, Wilfried Gnonto and Tyler Adams remaining at the club, as all three would surely attract interest from a top league in the summer.

Adams in particular has already been touted as an option for the likes of Newcastle United following a solid debut season at Elland Road, which sees him ranked as the third-best performer according to WhoScored.

Tyler Adams could join Manchester United.

While Leeds' form in the absence of the former RB Leipzig man has been worrying to say the least, and they would surely miss a player of his quality next season, the Yorkshire outfit may already have a dream replacement for the USA international at the club in Darko Gyabi.

How good is Darko Gyabi?

Relegation to the Championship could be exactly what a player such as Gyabi needs in order to kickstart his career at Leeds, having struggled for game time since joining from Manchester City last summer.

The teen midfielder signed in a deal worth £5m but he has been limited to just one substitute appearance in the Premier League so far this campaign, despite the woes of Weston McKennie and Marc Roca in recent weeks – with the Athletic's Phil Hay suggesting in a recent Q and A that they were far too easy for opposition sides to bully.

Instead, Gyabi has been making a name for himself in Premier League 2 with Leeds, contributing two goals and three assists in 18 appearances so far this term.

Journalist Joe Donohue was in attendance as the 19-year-old dominated proceedings at that level in March and was quick to sing his praises on Twitter.

He wrote: "Darko Gyabi's performance tonight is the most complete midfield display by any Leeds player, at any level, (I've seen) this season. Passing, strength, presence, awareness, use of his body – class.

"Gyabi has toyed with Derby at every opportunity. Plays with an attitude, dynamism & real vitality."

If he can live up to his obvious potential and is afforded more opportunities next season at Elland Road, there seems no reason why he couldn't be the man to replace Adams in this Leeds side.

Leeds May Already Have Bargain Weston McKennie Replacement

Leeds United are staring down the barrel of what could promise to be another devastating relegation, with the late appointment of Sam Allardyce only emphasising the precarious nature of their plight.

To welcome such an experienced firefighter is for the hierarchy to admit all their mistakes that have led to this moment, many of which have come in this one season.

Trusting in Jesse Marsch was a decision they essentially had to make after he saved them the season prior, but keeping him in charge for as long as they did was far from a necessity.

Then, in appointing Javi Gracia, they afforded the Spaniard just two months before then replacing him with the affectionately known 'Big Sam'.

It has been a year of poor decisions made too late, and with three tough fixtures looming, things do not look good.

weston-mckennie-leeds-charlie-allen

With much of this current squad underperforming, hence their league position, whether they survive or not this summer must mark a turning point. With Victor Orta having left and the future of the club's ownership still up in the air, this team must be gutted and an identity reclaimed for the club.

No longer can they afford the panic acquisitions of big names akin to Weston McKennie's January arrival, when the academy boasts such readymade talent.

Should the American return to Juventus this summer, it could allow an opportunity to open up for young Charlie Allen to step into; someone hungry, full of desire, and actually deserving of a first-team spot.

Who is Charlie Allen?

Upon joining, McKennie described himself in his first interview as someone with: "physicality, able to run, I can get box-to-box". More crucially, when questioned by teammate and compatriot Tyler Adams, he agreed to the claim: "I've got goals."

The hope was that an attacking impetus from deep would be crucial in bolstering their survival bid, yet the 24-year-old is yet to score or assist since moving to England.

Meanwhile, for the U21s, the 19-year-old maestro has six goal contributions in 18 Premier League 2 games despite operating all across the pitch. His versatility lends to his preparedness for senior football, as such fluidity in-game could prove imperative.

It is impressive that the teenager has managed to amass such numbers from defensive midfield, and often a deeper right midfield role.

However, it likely comes as no surprise to journalist Patrick Van Dort, who once claimed:

"Charlie is one of those boys that you throw him on to the park and go and ask him to play. [He’ll] play anywhere with the same attitude and enthusiasm. Technically very good and physically can handle it – he is quick enough and he has a real chance

"People say he's a dream to coach, a good listener and ticks the boxes you'd expect of someone so highly rated."

Given he sits there for free, biding his time, whilst McKennie would likely cost a king's ransom for what little he has offered thus far, no matter their division at the end of the season, Allen deserves to play over the 24-year-old flop.

Arsenal Could Sign A ‘Beast’ This Summer

Arsenal's starting XI has proven its ability to battle with anyone this season, and had they have all remained fit there was reason to believe that Mikel Arteta would have led them to the Premier League title.

However, as is always the way with these arduous campaigns, things did not go to plan.

Losing one or two key men makes it somewhat possible to account for, however, when the alternatives are so poor, it makes for a frustrating viewing. For example, given William Saliba's absence, the next-best alternative then became Rob Holding, who has never really been at the required level to play regularly for the Gunners.

Some roles are more bolstered than others, but with reports linking Kieran Tierney with an exit from the Emirates, perhaps the Spanish boss and Edu will seek to offer Oleksandr Zinchenko some ample competition in the form of Ferland Mendy, whom they are set to be offered the chance to sign according to reports.

Given their unbridled success in prying Martin Odegaard from Madrid's grasp, with the Norwegian having been dubbed surplus to requirements in Spain, perhaps they could gladly welcome another Real Madrid outcast who can blossom into a similarly important player as their current captain for just a £17.5m fee.

How has Ferland Mendy played at Real Madrid?

To emphasise his importance to this current side, the creative 24-year-old boasts 15 goals and eight assists in a league campaign in which they are set to just fall short of Manchester City.

Everything good offensively within this team often comes through their midfield magician in Odegaard, and in Mendy, they could find a defensive alternative.

Having enjoyed a tumultuous time in Madrid since moving from Lyon, the 27-year-old is now a well-established star who would upgrade most teams. Although this season has not been his best, just last year he proved imperative for Carlo Ancelotti's Champions League and La Liga-winning side.

Starring in the latter, the left-back retained a 7.00 average rating in which he scored twice and maintained a 92% pass accuracy, 0.9 key passes and 1.1 tackles per game, via Sofascore.

martin-odegaard-arsenal

It seems that even strong showings of this ilk do not make you immune from the chopping block at a club the size of Real Madrid, as even Odegaard maintained a 7.23 average rating in his final full season before moving to north London on an initial loan. Despite this, their loss would definitely be Arsenal's gain.

Given the remarkable care he takes of the ball, whilst also being branded a "1v1 beast" by writer Raj Chohan, it seems Edu is set to once again prey on the Spanish giants' reject pool, which has already proved profitable once before.

West Ham’s future lies in "stylish" 17 y/o academy gem

It has been a strange whirlwind of a season for West Ham United – they have dramatically plummeted from a side that achieved consecutive top-seven finishes to one that has laboured through a relegation battle.

Yet again, the shining light of their season has been another glorious European run, which has seen the Irons progress to the Europa Conference League final.

Within this fabulous odyssey, David Moyes has been able to sporadically include certain members of the academy to give them a taste of first-team action.

Their chances of making the senior team have been enhanced thanks to the U18’s incredible FA Youth Cup Final victory over Arsenal – the first time they have won the trophy since 1999.

A vital member of this history-making team was Oliver Scarles, who has already made inroads into Moyes’ plans this season and will be hoping for an even more prominent role next season.

Who is Oliver Scarles?

The teen began playing for the West Ham U18s at just 16 years old in the 2021/22 season and would make 25 appearances in all competitions. Scarles’ immense start to his Hammers career earnt him his scholarship deal last summer.

West-Ham-celebrating-the-FA-Youth-Cup

One of the Englishman’s most sought-after and impressive attributes is his versatility, which has seen him pop up as a defensive midfielder, centre-back, and left-back, as per Transfermarkt.

In 40 appearances in all competitions this campaign, the prodigy has recorded ten goal contributions.

His most memorable outing would have been his senior debut back in November 2022 against FCSB to become the club’s sixth-youngest-ever player and Moyes felt he played “exceptionally well.”

During this encounter, whilst magnificently operating from a left-wing-back role, the ace registered two key passes, 80% pass completion, and won four ground duels.

The former Manchester United boss added:

“We knew about him but you never think they are going to come on but we’ve been pleased. We think he’s stylish on the ball, he’s composed.”

Scarles' chances of featuring more regularly are boosted by his ability to function in various positions. This means he can deputise for either Aaron Cresswell or Emerson at left-back and provide some relief to the humongous void set to be left by likely departing skipper Declan Rice in the centre of the park.

The 17-year-old could follow in the footsteps of the club captain from the academy to a first-team regular and adoring Claret support may have another homegrown talent to endlessly eulogize over.

Arsenal Eyeing Move For "Wonderful" £50m Star

Arsenal are eyeing a summer move for Leicester City's James Maddison, with the midfielder now set to leave, according to a report from The Mirror.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

Arsenal have set their sights on strengthening their midfield this summer, and Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has now claimed that Declan Rice could join "immediately", despite Bayern Munich making a late push for the West Ham United star.

Rice could replace Granit Xhaka, who is expected to complete a move to Bayer Leverkusen soon, but the 24-year-old is not their only midfield target, as they have an interest in Chelsea's Mason Mount, as well as Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan.

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth outlines Brighton & Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo as another option for the Gunners, while they are also keen on strengthening in more advanced areas, with Maddison emerging as a potential target.

According to a report from The Mirror, Arsenal are eyeing up a move for the Leicester City star, but they will face fierce competition for his signature, with Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur also being named as potential suitors.

Given that he only has a year remaining on his contract, Leicester may be forced to sell the Englishman for around £40m, although they are hoping that a bidding war will drive his price up to around £50m.

The Foxes are set to lose the 26-year-old following their relegation from the Premier League, and the Emirates Stadium is a potential destination, but Arsenal's number one target is Rice.

Should Arsenal sign James Maddison?

Hailed as "wonderful" by members of the media, the attacking midfielder impressed in a very poor Leicester side during the 2022-23 campaign, picking up nine assists in the Premier League, the joint-seventh highest amount in the division.

Not only that, the England international also showed a keen eye for goal, scoring ten times in 30 league appearances, displaying his versatility by playing through the middle and on both wings.

james-maddison-leicester-premier-league-man-united-transfer

Given that Mikel Arteta already has the likes of Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka at his disposal, it may be difficult for Maddison to force his way into the team, but his ability to play in multiple positions should mean that he is able to receive regular game time.

With Arsenal heading into the Champions League next season, it is vital that they have top-quality back-up options, and the £110k-per-week star's attacking threat and versatility means he could tick plenty of boxes in north London.

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