Man United Plot Bid For "Incredible" £51m Star

Manchester United have made just one signing during the transfer window so far, luring Mason Mount to Old Trafford for a fee that could eventually reach £60m.

With just a few weeks until the beginning of the Premier League season, Erik ten Hag will be determined to add a few more players to his squad, and AC Milan defender Theo Hernandez could be a potential option.

Are Manchester United interested in Theo Hernandez?

According to sources in Spain, United are keen on luring the Frenchman to Manchester ahead of the 2023/24 campaign as Ten Hag looks to bolster his defensive options.

Initial links for the left-back first surfaced last month according to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), with Milan demanding a ‘sensational’ offer to let one of their prized assets depart the club this summer.

The Red Devils are prepared to offer around €60m (£51m) in order to secure his signature and this could well be enough to tempt the Serie A outfit to sell during the transfer window.

What could Theo Hernandez offer Manchester United?

The 25-year-old would be an excellent addition to the United squad, especially as he could offer a key attacking threat from left-back.

The defender made 1.2 key passes per game in Serie A last term, which would rank him fourth in the United squad, while he also completed 0.6 successful dribbles per game, and this figure would rank him as the second-highest defender across the whole Red Devils squad, suggesting that he could certainly offer something different to the current crop of defenders at the club.

Further evidence of his qualities going forward are provided by FBref, where he ranks in the top 11% across Europe’s big five leagues for progressive carries per 90 (3.37) and the top 5% for total shots per 90 (1.48) and Ten Hag would be signing one of the finest attacking full-backs on the continent should he succeed with a move for Hernandez.

This isn’t just good news for the United team as a whole, but also Marcus Rashford in particular, who he could form a solid partnership with down the left-hand side next season.

The Englishman certainly looks revitalised under Ten Hag, enjoying his most productive season since making his United debut in 2016, registering 41 goal contributions – 30 goals and 11 assists – across all competitions as he was typically deployed on the left wing.

With the Dutchman actively looking for a new striker, this could mean Rashford will continue to play from a wide position and Hernandez could use his abilities to create plenty more chances for him. With WhoScored stating that crossing is one of his main strengths and with the United forward scoring 15 of his 17 league goals from inside the box, he could be on the end of one of the Frenchman’s regular deliveries.

Stefano Pioli was full of praise for the defender in 2021, saying: “He can play both phases very well, with his physical abilities it is enough to stay in the game. He can very well become one of the best.

AC Milan defender Theo Hernandez.

“He has only been playing continuously for a year and a half, I always tell him that he must not be satisfied with being talented.

“He has an incredible physical strength and quality, he must prove that he wants to become the best every day."

£51m may sound a lot on the surface, but judging by his attacking talents and the fact he could become a dream partner for Rashford, it could be a move worth making for Ten Hag this summer.

Sky Sports Reporter Drops Big Lukaku Update

Romelu Lukaku will likely never "play for Chelsea again" as the player's surprise switch to Italian giants Juventus nears ever closer, per Sky Sports News reporter Kaveh Solhekol.

Is Romelu Lukaku leaving Chelsea?

There have been a fair few transfer flops in the Premier League over the years, with players like Nicolas Pepe, Alvaro Morata, or Harry Maguire struggling to live up to their hefty price tags and lofty expectations, but there might be no bigger transfer disaster in recent memory quite like Lukaku's move to Chelsea in 2021.

Soccer Football – Serie A – Inter Milan v Udinese – San Siro, Milan, Italy – February 18, 2023 Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku celebrates scoring their first goal REUTERS/Alberto Lingria

It all started so well for the Belgian international. He made the £97.5m switch and started scoring almost immediately, with his performance against Arsenal at the Emirates a particular highlight in those early weeks.

However, the goals soon started to dry up, and during a period on the sidelines, he had that infamous interview with Sky Italia, where he professed his love for Inter whilst criticising Thomas Tuchel, a decision from which he never recovered.

He spent last season back with the Italian side, and from all accounts, it looked like he could've made the move permanent, but after recent developments, he might be swapping Milan for Turin.

According to reports from Italy (via the Telegraph), the Belgian international has snubbed Inter after feeling aggrieved that he did not start the Champions League final last month and that, where the famous Blue and Black were once favourites to sign the striker, it is now Juventus who are the new favourites to land his signature.

This has created a situation where the only club in Europe willing to sign the Antwerp-born titan are the Bianconeri, although he does still have an offer to join the immensely wealthy Saudi Pro League, per Kaveh Solhekol.

He explained the situation live on Sky Sports News (via Football Daily), saying:

"Inter Milan have made a couple of bids to sign him. Over the weekend, our colleagues over at Sky Italy were reporting that Inter Milan had decided to pull out of negotiations to sign him because they found out he had been in talks to sign for their great rivals Juventus.

"So at the moment, Juventus are the ones who are the favourites to sign him. I think he would cost around £35m, he does have an offer from Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia as well. But what's clear is that I don't think he's ever going to play for Chelsea again."

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How did Romelu Lukaku perform for Inter Milan last season?

With Chelsea seemingly set on selling Lukaku for a third of what they paid for him, you'd think he was just as abysmal for Inter last year as he was for the Blues the year before, but this isn't the case.

He certainly wasn't a world-beater for I Nerazzurri last year, but he was no flop. According to WhoScored, he averaged a match rating of 6.96 across his 19 Serie A starts, scoring ten goals and assisting a further six, earning himself three Man of the Match awards along the way.

His underlying numbers were impressive as well, with FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, putting him in the top 2% for assists, the top 6% for expected assists and shot-creating actions, the top 7% progressive passes received, the top 20% for non-penalty goals, and the top 21% for non-penalty expected goals.

His performances last season showed that he still had it, especially in the 3-2 win against Atalanta, when he won plaudits from the media for his performance, with La Gazzetta dello Sport (via Football Italia) saying:

"Romelu calls Istanbul. A fury, almost unmarkable in the one-on-one, focused on the third goal. Highly sought after by his team-mates, the best signal."

Hopefully, he can maintain his resurgence as one of Italy's best goalscorers if he makes the move to Juventus.

Tottenham: Spurs Will Make Imminent Bid For "Beast"

Tottenham Hotspur are expected to make an imminent offer to sign Montpellier star Elye Wahi as Spurs and manager Ange Postecoglou target new strikers.

Who will Tottenham sign?

The north Londoners have made just three major signings so far, not including permanent deals for both right-wing-back Pedro Porro and forward Dejan Kulusevski.

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, England midfielder James Maddison and winger Manor Solomon have all officially put pen to paper on moves to Spurs whilst making their debuts in pre-season.

Weeks remain of this year's summer transfer window but reliable media sources suggest that there could be a few more additions at Tottenham, with chairman Daniel Levy on the lookout for centre-backs, a midfielder to replace Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (if he leaves for Atletico) and a potential new striker.

The Harry Kane situation is one currently dominating the headlines in north London, as Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, Ligue 1 champions Paris-Saint Germain and league rivals Man United take a serious interest in him.

harry-kane-transfer-gossip-tottenham-hotspur-postecoglou

Postecoglou, speaking to the press recently, admitted he certainly isn't comfortable with the ongoing saga.

"Fair to say I am not relaxed about it," said the Australian.

“It’s not something you go: ‘Ah, well, you know if it does or doesn’t happen!’ I mean it’s a very important part of this football club, not just the team, but the football club.

“So, you’ve got to deal with it, and I think, for everyone concerned, we don’t want to be doing it for too long. I don’t think that is good for anyone. I don’t think it is good for Harry, I don’t think it is good for the club."

As such, Tottenham have reportedly been making contingency plans for if the 29-year-old does leave, with Juve's Dusan Vlahovic and Eintracht Frankfurt star Randal Kolo Muani among the strikers recently linked.

Now, according to French news website Midi Libre, as translated by Sport Witness, a Tottenham offer for Montpellier forward Wahi could be in the offing.

Chelsea's latest bid to sign the player wasn't enough, as per Montpellier president Laurent Nicollin, with Midi Libre sharing that message and dropping an interesting line of their own.

Spurs are mentioned as an interested party with more offers for Wahi expected to arrive "in the near future", where the Lilywhites are named, and it's stated they could make an imminent bid.

There isn't much detail given on the nature of this proposed offer, but it appears a Tottenham approach is expected in France.

How good is Elye Wahi?

Scoring 19 goals and assisting five others in 33 Ligue 1 appearances last term, there is little denying Wahi was Montpellier's star player going forward.

The 20-year-old, who can play both as an attacking midfielder and wide forward, is also an intriguing versatile option for Postecoglou with plenty of shelf life yet given his age.

Journalist Andrés Onrubia Ramos, taking to Twitter, heaped praise on Wahi for his potential and says he is a "real beast" in the final third.

"Elye Wahi (2003). If he manages to polish the definition, we are facing a striker who is going to exceed ten goals per season," said Ramos.

"A real beast in space that, in addition, associatively also leaves interesting things. It should definitely explode."

Aston Villa Could Sign ‘Wonderful’ £165k-p/w Doku Alternative

Aston Villa are reportedly continuing their pursuit of Barcelona forward Ferran Torres, as Unai Emery and Monchi resume their search for star talent this summer.

The Villans have already equipped their side with reinforcements in the wide areas, after capturing Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen, however, the latest news suggests that the Spanish duo aren’t done spending yet.

What is Ferran Torres' market value?

Valued by Football Transfers at €40m (£34m), Torres is a player that has been linked with the Midlands side throughout the summer, with news in Spain reporting contact back in May.

News reported on Sunday from Spain, relayed by Sport Witness, has reinforced Villa’s interest in the winger, claiming that the club are pushing to sign him.

The report focused on Barcelona’s potential sale of Ousmane Dembele, and how heavily that move would rely on the Catalan giant’s desire to allow Torres to depart, along with Emery’s side’s requirement to up their price.

Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…

Earning £165k-per-week, the 23-year-old’s wages are mentioned as a problem that Villa could face in their pursuit, however, added that the club are ‘willing’ to make the effort to do what they can to bring the player to Villa Park.

How good is Ferran Torres?

Lauded as a “wonderful footballer” by Barcelona manager and Spanish footballing legend Xavi, the young winger could be one to fire the Villans to further glory.

The Spaniard isn’t the only wide-playing acquisition that Villa have been linked to this summer, with Belgian talent Jeremy Doku also a figure rumoured to be on Emery’s shopping list.

Despite being a “menace” in attack, as praised by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the Rennes winger may not be the best option on show for Emery and Monchi to poach, with Torres providing experience that the 21-year-old lacks.

ferran-torres-barcelona-arsenal-transfer-gossip-edu-arteta-gabriel-martinelli

As a former player of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, the Spaniard possesses the knowledge of what it takes to succeed in the Premier League, an asset that leaves some new signings fumbling after making the move from abroad.

A two-time Premier League winner at the Etihad, the versatile forward netted nine goals and recorded three assists in just 28 league appearances for the Citizens, where he struggled to maintain a spot in the competitive pecking order.

Placing Doku’s six goals scored in Ligue 1 compared to Torres’ four in La Liga aside, chasing the Barcelona gem may be the better option in Emery’s pursuit for an additional winger.

The two are similar in their strengths, however, the Midlands side would want to swerve away from hiring from abroad to avoid past mistakes, best highlighted by Leon Bailey’s move to Villa Park from the Bundesliga.

The Jamaica international registered 18 goals and assists in his final league campaign for Bayer Leverkusen, and has since recorded just five goals and six assists in the Premier League, showcasing that the grass isn’t always greener for those unfamiliar with the English game.

Speaking after securing a hat-trick in the Premier League, Torres admitted to the standard being “very physical” however added that he had “adapted very well”, supporting Villa’s claim to chase his talents.

Monchi and Emery could pull off a masterclass by opting for the former City ace over the talents of Doku, in a move that could present to be less of a risk with a high reward.

Celtic: Rodgers Eyeing Next Roberts In Deal To Sign £7k-p/w Maestro

An update has emerged on Celtic and their plans to bolster the playing squad before the end of the summer transfer window…

What's the latest Celtic transfer news?

According to The Scottish Sun, Bhoys boss Brendan Rodgers is eyeing up a swoop to sign Manchester City midfielder Tommy Doyle on loan for the 2023/24 campaign.

The report claims that the Hoops are now in a queue of clubs hoping to land the England U21 international before the deadline passes.

It states that Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers are also interested in acquiring the talented gem but that the Bhoys could have an advantage as they have a strong relationship with City and can offer Champions League football this season.

How good is Tommy Doyle?

The 21-year-old maestro is an impressive young player who could make a big impact at Parkhead on loan, which means that he has the potential to be Patrick Roberts 2.0 for Rodgers.

During the Northern Irish tactician's first spell at the club, the ex-Liverpool boss enjoyed great success with the English winger who was with the Hoops on a temporary basis from the Citizens.

Roberts racked up 12 goals and 24 assists across 65 competitive appearances under the head coach and won six domestic trophies between the 2016/17 and 2017/18 campaigns combined.

Former Celtic winger Patrick Roberts with Brendan Rodgers.

Celtic won the Scottish treble in both of the now-Sunderland ace's seasons with Rodgers, and Doyle could help the Bhoys to dominate again with his potential to make things happen in the final third.

The City academy dynamo enjoyed a productive spell on loan with Sheffield United last season as he produced four goals and seven assists in 38 matches in all competitions, which included 33 appearances in their Championship promotion-winning campaign.

That came after a short stint with Cardiff City during the previous year. Doyle averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.05 over 19 league games and created ten 'big chances' for his teammates for the Welsh side, which shows that the mercurial technician can open up the opposition's defence on a regular basis.

He made the step up to first-team football after an outstanding 2020/21 season with his club's U21 side, in which the exciting hotshot plundered four goals and ten assists in 18 Premier League 2 outings.

Matt O'Riley (12) is the only current Celtic player who managed more than eight Scottish Premiership assists and this suggests that the Hoops target could be an excellent creator for Rodgers if he is able to finally translate those performances to senior level.

Reo Hatate (six) was also the only central midfielder with more than four league goals and the £7k-per-week ace could, therefore, add another goal threat to the club's options in that position.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig once described Doyle as one of City's "exceptional" young talents and he would arrive at Parkhead as a player with potential rather than the finished product. This means that his form to date may not reflect his true ability and his output at the top end of the pitch could increase with more growth and experience.

Therefore, Rodgers could land his next Roberts from the Premier League champions by snapping up the ex-Hamburg loanee in the hope that he takes the next leap in his development.

Fulham: Whites Hoping To Strike Bargain Signing For Silva

A report has shared news on Fulham's transfer plans and it involves Real Betis defender Juan Miranda, a player once praised by Lionel Messi.

Who will Fulham sign?

After sealing deals for both defender Calvin Bassey, who put pen to paper on an £18.2 million move from Ajax, and Mexico striker Raul Jimenez, there is still plenty of work to do at Craven Cottage.

Indeed, reliable media sources like transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano have claimed that Fulham are also pushing to sign Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi, with their west London rivals "clear" he can leave.

Meanwhile, there has also been talk of reignited interest in Man United midfielder Fred, coming after claims earlier in the transfer window that he is willing to join Marco Silva's side.

This will be pleasing for Silva, as the Fulham manager has publicly admitted that he is far from satisfied with the club's progress this summer.

Marco Silva

“Unfortunately, we need many still. We have some important players injured,” he said.

“I hope they can come sooner. We have just two full backs, we need a midfielder too and we have just two wingers so we need another two wingers.

“We have completed our central defenders. I needed these players 15 days or 20 days ago, not now.”

Fulham, after Silva admitted they have a real full-back shortage, have reportedly joined the race for AS Monaco full-back Ismail Jakobs – who featured for Senegal at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

It appears new full-backs are firmly on the agenda, with a report sharing news on Miranda of Real Betis.

The 23-year-old has under 12 months left on his contract, and Fulham are hoping to strike a "cut price" move for Miranda as a result.

He has apparently caught the eye of Silva, who has made the signing of a new left-back one of his top priorities before deadline day. That is according to TEAMtalk, who also say Silva is eager to add competition for Antonee Robinson on that left side.

How good is Juan Miranda?

The Spaniard made 21 appearances under Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini last season, ranking among their best-performers per 90 by average match rating in La Liga (WhoScored).

Miranda also featured among their best regulars for clearances made per 90, indicating he can be relied upon defensively.

Meanwhile, the young defender also ranked joint-third out of Real Betis' regular starters for key passes made going forward (WhoScored).

Miranda could be seen as a real asset both at the back and in more advanced areas, with footballing icon Messi once praising him as ones to watch out La Masia's famed Barca academy.

"They [Miranda and Rique Puig] have been training with us for a whole and you see they are different players," said Messi five years ago.

"The club did well in bringing them up to train with us. They will grow more and that's good the club are using people from the youth academy because for a while nobody came.

"Going back to that model is important for the academy and the club."

Aston Villa Plotting Swoop For £350k-p/w "Phenomenon"

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery will be aiming to end the transfer window on a high by adding another couple of players to a squad which is brimming with talent.

The Spaniard has lured Moussa Diaby, Pau Torres and Youri Tielemans to Villa Park, despite the demand from much bigger teams and with Europa Conference League football to look forward to, it’s an exciting time for the supporters.

Emery isn’t resting on his laurels however as he could potentially make a swoop for Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho before the window closes.

Could Aston Villa sign Jadon Sancho?

According to Caught Offside, Villa are considering a late approach to capture the Englishman in the last few weeks of the transfer window.

There are other Premier League teams interested in the former Borussia Dortmund starlet however, including teams from abroad and this could give Emery some food for thought regarding a potential move.

Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…

Sancho cost United a staggering £73m in 2021 after shining in the Bundesliga for Dortmund, yet he has struggled to replicate that form for the Old Trafford side.

Erik ten Hag is reportedly open to letting him go, so long as a realistic offer is made and this could tempt Emery into testing the water with a bid.

What has happened to Jadon Sancho?

The 23-year-old emerged as one of the finest talents on the continent during his stint in Germany, registering an impressive 114 goal contributions – 50 goals and 64 assists – across just 137 games and upon moving to the Red Devils, it looked as though he would just get better.

The move hasn’t worked out as he scored just five goals during his first season and last term was plagued with a variety of issues. He missed the 2022 World Cup due to fitness and form concerns before missing a large chunk of club football.

Sancho didn’t make an appearance for United between October and January and it looks as though his days are numbered.

Emery could reignite the winger however, bringing him to an environment where there is considerably less pressure, forming a dangerous attacking duo alongside Diaby.

Like Sancho, the Frenchman saw the Bundesliga as his playground, scoring and grabbing assists for fun during his spell at Bayer Leverkusen, and he could take the Premier League by storm.

Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho.

The former Paris Saint-Germain starlet ranked second across the squad for overall Sofascore rating while finishing top of the pile for goals and assists (17), big chances created (14) and third for successful dribbles per game (1.5).

These are impressive figures and the onus will be on him to shine in England. Sancho – lauded as a “phenomenon” by talent scout Jacek Kulig in 2021 – did rank fifth across the United squad for big chances created (six) and second for key passes per game (1.7), suggesting that even though he missed large chunks of action, he still contributed well.

The £350k-per-week dynamo may not have endured the greatest of times at Old Trafford, yet a change of scenery may just be the catalyst for him to return to his spellbinding best.

With Diaby prowling on the right wing, Sancho could add goals and assists from the left flank and Emery could have two genuinely world-class players supporting Ollie Watkins should he get his way in the next few weeks.

Southampton: Martin Eying Manning Repeat With "Outstanding" £12m Titan

It has been a promising start to Championship life for Southampton under Russell Martin, who was appointed as manager earlier in the summer, following an impressive two-year stint at Swansea City.

Across three games, the Saints have acquired seven points, scoring eight times.

However, the club has yet to keep a clean sheet, conceding six goals.

Therefore, Martin is still on the lookout for more defensive reinforcements and could raid one of his former sides…

What’s the latest Southampton transfer news?

According to the Daily Mail, the south coast outfit are set to make a move for Swansea’s Nathan Wood.

The Welsh club value the centre-back, who signed last summer under Martin, at around £12m.

The English coach is now hoping to repeat the same trick and bring Wood to St Mary's Stadium.

Would Nathan Wood be a good signing for Southampton?

During his debut season for Swansea in 2021/22, the England U21 defender made 43 appearances in all competitions and has quickly been established as one of the team’s most valuable and consistent assets.

On Wood’s debut for the club on the opening day of last year’s Championship campaign, Martin hailed him as “absolutely outstanding.”

In total, he started 40 of the 46 league matches, completing 67% of his dribbles and winning 57% of duels, as per Sofascore.

The 6 foot 2 titan’s most impressive attribute is his technical ability and ball-playing competence – this is mirrored by his rank within the best 5% outside of Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for pass completion per 90 and progressive carries per 90.

Nathan Wood plays int he Championship for Swansea City against Bristol City.

Back in March 2023, when Wood made his England U21 debut, Martin again applauded his limitless potential and said:

“He is a huge asset to the football club, on the pitch and off the pitch.

"He's been amazing – a young man who has just grown and grown on the pitch and off the pitch as well.

"He is becoming a real leader in the group. He's an incredible learner and he's incredibly brave with the way that he plays. He will play at the very top, no doubt about it."

If Southampton managed to complete this transfer, it would be a second steal from Swansea this summer, following Ryan Manning’s departure.

The left-back joined the Saints from Swansea in July after a sensational season at the Liberty Stadium.

Last term, Manning made 43 Championship appearances, averaging the most tackles per game (2), interceptions per game (1.3), key passes per game (2.5), and assists (10) in the squad.

Martin was overjoyed when he was reunited with the 27-year-old and said:

“Firstly, he's a brilliant character. He's got a real edge to him. He's got a fantastic personality, a lot of energy and was a really important member of our group at Swansea.

“In terms of on the pitch, he's an outstanding footballer who has a brilliant understanding of what we want. He played in a few positions for us previously, and he's coming here as a left-back because he ended up performing as one of the best left-backs in the division last year.”

The signing of Wood would be a magnificent coup for the recently relegated club and would be a continuation of the promising direction that is being spearheaded under Martin.

Man United Transfer News: Glazers Readying Bid For New Goalscorer

Manchester United have earmarked a striker that Erik Ten Hag is looking to bring to Old Trafford to strengthen his attacking options, according to reports.

What's the latest news at Manchester United?

Manchester United are not finished with their summer business yet following the additions of Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount and Andre Onana, as per FootballTransfers.

Veteran central defender Jonny Evans is said to set to agree a one-year contract with Manchester United after featuring for the club during their endeavours in pre-season and the Northern Ireland international's impending arrival could make Harry Maguire's future at Old Trafford more uncertain, as per Telegraph Sport.

Maguire looked set to sign for West Ham United in a deal worth £30 million earlier this summer; however, his move to the London Stadium collapsed and he will remain at the Premier League giants for now despite being stripped of the captaincy at Manchester United.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update detailing that Manchester United are in contention to sign one of Europe's brightest young prospects, stating on X: "Understand Manchester United and RB Leipzig are both negotiating to sign top talent Dino Klapija — also an option to close the deal now for January. Decision on player side expected soon as 2007 born striker will leave Croatian side Kustosija soon."

Manchester United's new midfield signing Mount has been ruled out for between four to six weeks with an injury complaint and his absence may pave the way for Scotland international Scott McTominay to re-enter the fold in the engine room, according to Telegraph Sport.

Who else could Manchester United sign?

Summer signing Hojlund has spent time out injured with a back problem in the early portion of this campaign, though he may make his debut this weekend against Nottingham Forest, as per The Evening Standard.

In light of the Denmark international's injury, Gazzetta dello Sport via Sport Witness claim that Manchester United are keen to ignite a swoop for Santos forward Marcos Leonardo, who is also garnering attention from Jose Mourinho's Roma.

Brazil U20 striker Marcos Leonardo.

The report states that Manchester United are ready to offer a package to the Brazilian giants worth €20 million + €5 million in 'bonuses' to sign the youngster, who has been dubbed "the king of the penalty area" by Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig.

Kulig has also christened Leonardo as a "natural goalscorer" and it is easy to see why, given that he has hit 49 goals and laid on 11 assists in 149 appearances for Santos across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Leading the Santos line with efficiency, the 20-year-old has successfully carried out 36 shot-creating actions this term in the Brazilian top flight, as shown on FBRef.

Manchester United boss Ten Hag will be aware of his side's shortcomings in attack and bringing an exciting young talent like Leonardo to Old Trafford would definitely provoke excitement among the Red Devils' support.

Man United team news: Martinez could play in brand new role

Manchester United concluded their summer business in fine style by welcoming Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat to the club.

It capped off a busy deadline day for the Red Devils who also welcomed Sergio Reguilon through the door and handed a new one-year deal to Jonny Evans.

Amrabat is suffering from a lack of match fitness so is unlikely to feature against Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, although a debut could be handed to Reguilon who will be hoping his Spurs connections come in handy against the north Londoners.

Why did Man United sign Sergio Reguilon?

When you look back in several years time, the signing of Reguilon, however good he turns out to be, may be looked upon as a panic signing.

On reflection, however, this is a smart move. Acquired on a loan deal, the agreement can be cut short in January providing United look better stocked at left-back.

Reguilon's clubs

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Tottenham

67

2

9

UD Logrones

43

7

1

Sevilla

38

3

5

Real Madrid

22

0

3

Atletico Madrid

12

0

0

Stats via Transfermarkt.

The primary reason for his signing is a lack of options in that area of the pitch. Tyrell Malacia is injured and so is Luke Shaw, with the Englishman potentially set to miss a couple of months with a muscle problem.

Reguilon played a part in Tottenham's pre-season but is yet to play a single minute in the Premier League this term, meaning it could well be a baptism of fire to throw him straight in against the Gunners.

Tottenham defender Sergio Reguilon.

Instead, Erik Ten Hag should consider unleashing someone else in that role; Lisandro Martinez.

Can Lisandro Martinez play at left back?

Throughout his club career, Martinez has featured on the left-hand side of defence on 12 occasions, scoring three times.

It's a role he's not too familiar with, but such is his football IQ and ability to play on the front foot that it's a position he could make his own.

Martinez positions played

Games

Goals

Assists

Centre-back

185

5

9

Defensive midfield

22

2

1

Left-back

12

3

0

Right-back

3

0

1

Stats via Transfermarkt.

That said, the £37m-rated defender hasn't actually featured in that role since the 2020/21 campaign with Ajax.

He did so on seven occasions that term, even scoring twice from that position in the Eredivisie.

The only other occasions that Martinez has played there was back in his homeland, when he was playing for Defensa y Justica.

Lisandro Martinez

Although ranked against centre-backs for that aforementioned season, the 25-year-old proved exactly why he'd be such a great option at left-back.

As per FBref, the Argentina international took 1.54 shots per 90 minutes, enough to rank him in the top 1% of centre-backs for that metric in the Dutch top-flight throughout 2020/21. The World Cup winner also produced 1.74 shot-creating actions every 90, placing him in the top 5% and 1.23 successful take-ons over the same time frame, enough to rank him in the best 2%.

Heralded as a "monster" for his performances last season by 90min's Scott Saunders, Martinez boasts some surprising qualities in the final third.

Known as a pitbull at the back, he is composed in possession and could use that to his advantage from a makeshift left-sided role.

Against Bukayo Saka too, he could be the physical contest the Arsenal star hates.

Who, therefore, would move into a centre-back role next to Victor Lindelof? Well, it would likely mean a rare starting berth for Harry Maguire.

That may well put the frighteners on Man United supporters but it's a tactic worth considering if Ten Hag feels Reguilon isn't quite ready to start yet.

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