Tag Futebol

Liverpool enter the third international break of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign second in the table, with 27 points and eight victories from 12 matches – they are one point behind imperious league leaders Manchester City.

Last season, the yarn spun a very different tale. At the same stage, Liverpool had just suffered an ignominious 2-1 loss at Anfield against Leeds United, shackling Jurgen Klopp's side to midtable mediocrity and illuminating the shocking discrepancies in a squad that had come within an inch of a historic quadruple mere months before.

The midfield was sapped of energy; enervation was rife. It was clear that the likes of Fabinho and captain Jordan Henderson no longer offered the stability, constancy and vigour in their work, and the Reds were feeling the detrimental effects as they toiled through the campaign.

A late-season purple patch did reignite the optimism on Merseyside, but it was too little too late and Liverpool's resurgence only yielded a fifth-place finish, meaning Champions League football slipped out of reach.

But a new season brings a new dawn and Klopp's transfer work over the summer has restored the verve, with the midfield pack thoroughly reshuffled and the pursuit of glory back on track.

The Reds' new phase is still incomplete, however, despite additions of Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch's ilk, and it seems that the German manager is lining up a bid in 2024 for a prodigious talent to serve Liverpool for years to come.

Liverpool transfer latest

According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool are interested in signing Leeds United midfielder Archie Gray, with the report claiming that Klopp is lining up a bid for the teenager next summer.

Aged just 17 and mere months beyond his first-team debut, Leeds believe that they have a gem on their hands and will demand in excess of £40m, with Gray's start to life in the Championship taking the division by storm.

Games Played

15

Shots per game

0.4

Key passes per game

0.6

Pass Success Rate

81%

Tackles + interceptions per game

3

Balls recovered per game

5.2

Duels Won

54%

Dribble Success

52%

Stats via Sofascore.

Further, Premier League sides Crystal Palace and Everton are also listed as suitors, and while United boss Daniel Farke will be loathe to enter negotiations, the growing interest could force Leeds to cash in.

Archie Gray's season by numbers

Last year, Leeds fell back into the second tier after three seasons in the Premier League, with frequent managerial tinkering and a lack of cohesion and defensive resilience impeding hopes of returning to prominence in the top flight.

Gray only made his senior debut this term – perhaps not entrusted with a start given the importance of securing every possible point – but he did earn six appearances in the Premier League matchday squad, if not actually provided with minutes on the pitch.

Now, however, he is thriving at the heart of Farke's project and has earned 17 displays across all competitions this term, starting 13 of Leeds' 16 Championship fixtures.

As per Sofascore, Gray has impressed with his versatility, alternating between the centre of the park and right-back, and has completed 81% of his passes in the league, also winning 2.3 tackles and making 5.2 ball recoveries per game and succeeding in 54% of his duels.

Hailed as an "unreal talent" by TEAMtalk editor and lifelong Leeds fan James Marchment, Gray is making all the right moves and the fact that he is at the centre of a side pushing for promotion in an infamously tough division to escape from speaks volumes for his character and natural quality.

Archie Gray's style of play

Principally a central midfielder but recently deployed – to great success – at right-back, and according to The Athletic's Phil Hay, he "already ranks as one of Farke's main men."

As per FBref, Gray ranks among the top 20% of positional peers across divisions similar to the Championship for pass completion and the top 19% for tackles won per 90, highlighting his budding crispness in possession and robustness in challenging for the ball.

Should Liverpool secure Gray's signature, he could even bloom into a player of greater quality than Stefan Bajcetic, who starred for Klopp's struggling side last season, making 11 Premier League appearances, completing 79% of his passes and succeeding with 64% of his dribbles, as per Sofascore.

His breakthrough campaign was cut short in March after an abductor injury, and he has yet to return to consistent match action since.

While the young Spaniard is immensely talented, Gray's dominance in the Leeds squad this season bespeaks an illustrious future career, and given that Liverpool are interested in his services despite the lofty price tag, he might just slot in as the club's standout youngster, should he sign.

This age-belying rise has been exemplary and is a testament to the effectiveness of Leeds' academy ranks, and given the player's dynamism between central and right-sided roles, he has drawn comparisons to Klopp's Trent Alexander-Arnold.

How Archie Gray compares to Trent Alexander-Arnold

Gray's versatility might indeed be the reason behind Liverpool's interest, with the Anfield side possibly getting their hands on the perfect foil for the 25-year-old Scouser, who has recently undergone a tactical tweak, shifting away from his typical wide role into an inverted, hybrid central deployment in possession.

Long has Alexander-Arnold been regarded as one of European football's foremost creative forces, described as a "genius" by journalist Neil Jones, and he has chalked up 16 goals and 75 assists across 287 appearances for the Reds.

The £180k-per-week sensation ranks among the top 1% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, shot-creating actions and passes attempted, while also ranking among the top 3% for progressive passes per 90.

Also among the top 12% for interceptions per 90, the dynamo offers a robustness that Gray could seek to emulate, and Anfield might just be the perfect ground to realise such potential.

Whites winger Dan James, who has often partnered Gray down the right channel this season, was left waxing lyrical over the youth's skills, remarking that he is comfortably talented enough to become a leading figure in English football.

James said: “The ability he's got is something that he can take to be one of the best players in the Premier League if not the world.

“He’s still 16 I think he is, absolutely crazy. He's got obviously still to a lot to grow and grow into his own body. His ability is something I've not seen a young person before, he can go on and do top things."

While Leeds have started strongly in the Championship this season and are pushing for an instantaneous return to the big time, Gray might be tempted to make the move to Merseyside and continue his development among a Liverpool fold nurturing an exciting crop of prospects right now.

And given the likeness to Alexander-Arnold, he may well be wise to take the leap and absorb the fruits of the creative phenomenon's labours, treading the same path to the forefront of the game.

Inter Miami have included four new signings into their matchday squad against New York Red Bulls on Saturday following Lionel Messi's absence.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Inter Miami confirmed four new signingsAll four players drafted into matchday squad against NY Red BullsIncludes MLS SuperDraft pick Yannick BrightWHAT HAPPENED?

After confirming the signing of 2024 MLS SuperDraft pick Yannick Bright on Friday, Inter Miami have now announced the arrival of three players from the reserves side Inter Miami CF II on short-term deals. All four players have been included in the club's matchday squad for their upcoming MLS clash against New York Red Bulls on Saturday, which won't feature Messi due to injury.

AdvertisementGetty/FOX SoccerTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The Herons decided to add four new players to their senior team after Messi picked up an injury. The veteran footballer was forced to leave the pitch in the second half of their CONCACAF Champions Cup against Nashville on March 13. The Argentina skipper missed the club's clash against DC United and was even removed from the national team for their upcoming international friendlies as a result.

DID YOU KNOW?

As per MLS rules, short-term agreements allow clubs to rope in players on loan from their respective MLS NEXT Pro affiliate. The players are eligible to play in the MLS, the U.S. Open Cup, the CONCACAF Champions League, Canadian Championship and exhibition matches.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?

With no risks being taken with the 36-year-old's fitness, Messi is expected to be back in action by April 3. He is therefore likely to be available for selection for the club's CONCACAF Champion Cup quarter-final first leg clash against Mexican side Monterrey.

Whilst Everton have been fighting against the drop for many a Premier League season now, that does not mean Goodison Park hasn’t been home to some exceptional talents in recent memory.

Even this campaign has seen the likes of Iliman Ndiaye strut their stuff when times have been tough, with the now-injured ex-Sheffield United trickster up to six goals in Premier League action when not sidelined.

There’s also a resurgent Beto among other standout faces, but heading back into the past away from David Moyes’ revitalised troops, there have been many notable occasions where the Toffees have hit gold on a player that has then departed for mega millions.

The most notable sales during the Goodison Park era

Beto might well be showing off his lethal edge now with five strikes from his last four top-flight contests, but the Merseyside outfit have been blessed with a whole host of exciting centre-forwards in recent times.

Indeed, the most notable of the bunch is Romelu Lukaku who is still an adored figure at Goodison Park to this day, with his deadly record of 87 strikes from 167 appearances leading to Manchester United forking out a whopping fee in and around the £75m mark back in 2017.

Richarlison would also gift Everton £60m when Tottenham Hotspur came calling five years, with the Brazilian another revered figure in Toffees history by chipping in with 53 goals of his own.

Away from some standout names from yesteryear, Amadou Onana would leave the building just last summer for £50m, having only been present at Goodison for two full campaigns.

There is another face in Moyes’ current camp that is being speculated to leave for even more than Lukaku’s record-breaking £75m, despite costing the Toffees very minimal to originally pick up during Carlo Ancelotti’s reign.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

The Everton star who could be sold for a record fee

Whilst most of the talk above focuses on the headline-grabbing attackers Everton have had at their disposal, one of the main stars in the here and now that could make the Merseyside outfit some significant cash is a defender.

Of course, that is Jarrad Branthwaite, who is still being linked with many an audacious move from Moyes’ men, with his former boss Ancelotti even reportedly eyeing him up now at the helm of Spanish force Real Madrid. According to reports it’s a move that could cost a mega £80m.

The much celebrated Italian gifted him chances here and there when still positioned in the Toffees dug-out, but the ex-Carlisle United centre-back – who cost Marcel Brands just £1m to obtain in January 2020 – very much came into his own last campaign, even as his team fought against relegation.

From 36 top-flight clashes in 2023/24, the towering presence at the back would put his lofty frame to good use with three goals, whilst also bravely winning 5.3 duels per clash to keep teams out and to ensure his side didn’t fall victim to too many demoralising losses to make relegation an actual grim reality.

Branthwaite’s numbers at Everton by season
Season	League games	Goals	Clean sheets	Value
24/25	19	0	7	£50m
23/24	35	3	12	£34m
21/22	6	1	0	£2.4m
20/21	0	0	0	£2.4m
19/20	4	0	1	£1m
Sourced by Transfermarkt

The first couple of seasons were shaky for the one-time England international – based on the table above – but he has never looked back after a formative loan stint out to PSV Eindhoven during the 2022/23 campaign, with his value skyrocketing to £34m come the close of the following season back in England.

Now, the “monster” defender – as he’s been labelled by scout Jacek Kulig in the past – is shining bright under Moyes’ wing, with his showing last time out against Manchester United, who are known to be admirers of the brute, seeing him win all but one of his sizeable eight duels.

Branthwaite could well find his name amongst Everton’s record sales soon, with the potential for him to be sold around this astronomical £80m ballpark – which is a mammoth 7900% increase from his modest £1m price-tag – if Moyes and Co continue their upward trajectory in the Premier League.

2400% price rise: Everton must regret selling flop who’s "one of the best"

He’d be one of the best players in David Moyes’ current Everton side.

By
Angus Sinclair

Feb 21, 2025

With new manager Philippe Clement set to take charge of his first game since taking charge of Rangers, which comes against Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership, the Gers have been focusing part of their attention on making sure that things go to plan off the pitch. It's undoubtedly a transitional period at Ibrox following the tenure of Michael Beale, who failed to make an impact in Scotland.

Under Clement, Rangers will hope to return to the heights that Steven Gerrard once climbed to, even with Celtic already sitting seven points clear at the top of the league. Despite their poor start to the season, however, one particular player is set to be offered a deserved reward.

Latest Rangers contract news

Whilst the transfer window doesn't open until January – limiting Clement's options when it comes to reinforcements – Rangers can at least ensure the futures of certain stars already at the club. And the latest Borna Barisic update suggests that the left-back is among those to be offered a new contract at the club, with his current deal coming to an end next summer. The Croatian is one of the more experienced players at Ibrox these days, which could be crucial for Clement.

Meanwhile, more Rangers contract news has seen reports of another player set to be offered a new deal. According to Fabrizio Romano, Ross McCausland is set to be offered a new contract, which will see him remain at the club beyond 2024. The winger has featured in Rangers' last two games, impressing in the process, and clearly doing enough to ensure his future at Ibrox.

At just 20-years-old, McCausland will be hoping to pick up where he left off after the international break, continuing his rise into the first-team, in what is a fresh start for every player under Clement.

Who is Ross McCausland?

Coming through the Rangers academy, McCausland has been one of few positives at Rangers this season, making an appearance in both the Scottish Premiership and the Europa League. Prior to those big moments, the 20-year-old also featured in the Challenge Cup, where McCausland's stats were impressive, with one goal and one assist to his name in three games.

Now under Clement, he has the chance to impress once more, and if he can break into the new manager's plans as soon as possible, then it could be a big season for the winger.

Rangers B coach David McCallum is certainly a fan of McCausland, too, having previously told the club's official website: "You can see what Ross has got in talent, two goals tonight that were top class. But he’s not the only one. Everyone has that challenge to try to get to a level that makes the first team talk about them. We’re here to get (youth players) to the level that gets the first team staff to think of them and it’s up to that player to try to get ahead of who is already there. That’s not an easy challenge. It shouldn’t be when you’re at Rangers.”

Liverpool return to action tonight in the Europa League just days after their Premier League defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

It was a controversial game to say the least, especially with Luis Diaz’s goal being incorrectly ruled offside and Jurgen Klopp will be looking for his team to take some of their anger out on Union Saint Gilloise this evening as they look to return to winning ways.

Europe’s second-tier competition is proving to be a chance for the German to unleash a few of his young talents, with Ben Doak starting in their tie against LASK a few weeks ago and there could be another surprise or two tonight.

One player who must drop to the bench is Joe Gomez, who was deployed at right-back against Spurs and failed to shine.

How did Joe Gomez perform vs Tottenham Hotspur?

The Englishman has spent the majority of this season operating on the right-hand side of the defence due to Trent Alexander-Arnold missing a few games through injury.

Gomez took his place on Saturday yet struggled against the Spurs frontline. He lost possession 17 times during his 74 minutes on the pitch while being dribbled past twice and winning five of his nine duels, suggesting that Richarlison got the better of him on a regular basis.

He was replaced with 15 minutes to go by Ibrahima Konate, while Alexander-Arnold made his return from injury against Spurs and the European tie tonight could represent a perfect chance for him to start his first match since Aston Villa on 3 September.

Will Trent Alexander-Arnold start for Liverpool tonight?

The defender played 16 minutes against the north Londoners and managed to record one key pass, deliver an accurate cross and take ten touches and the cameo was all about getting some minutes in his legs.

The £180k-per-week star has played five Premier League games thus far and ranks third across the Liverpool squad for key passes per game (two) and fourth for successful dribbles per game (one) and his attacking qualities will be a big boost for Klopp against the Belgian opposition.

Former Liverpool midfielder James Milner hailed the youngster back in 2018 when he was a talented gem making his way in the senior game, saying: "As an all-round player at such a young age, he is phenomenal and he’s just going to get better and better, which is the best thing. Because of his attitude and the way he is off the field, I can’t say enough good things about him really."

It's safe to say he has certainly kicked on over the previous five years and is making his mark on the continent when compared to his positional peers.

Indeed, Alexander-Arnold ranks in the top 4% for assists per 90 (0.29), the top 5% for shot-creating actions per 90 (3.67) and the top 2% for passes attempted per 90 (84.55), indicating that he is one of the finest players across Europe’s top five leagues with regard to these performance metrics.

Given his abilities at pushing forward at all times and creating chances for others, Klopp should unleash the player tonight, allowing him to regain some match fitness, especially with tougher tasks ahead.

Amid what has been another poor start to the campaign for Everton – with just one point from their opening five Premier League games – one issue that has been exposed is the lack of a quality, first-choice option at left-back.

In truth, those woes stretch back to the sale of Lucas Digne during the end of Rafa Benitez's time in charge back in January 2022, with the Frenchman moving to Aston Villa after having racked up 26 goals and assists in 127 games in all competitions for the Toffees.

In his absence, the Merseysiders turned to Ukrainian starlet Vitaliy Mykolenko to fill that void, although the former Dynamo Kyiv has failed to earn a regular role in the side of late, having made just his first league appearance of the season against Arsenal last time out.

The fact that manager Sean Dyche has favoured veteran asset Ashley Young in that role, while Ben Godfrey has also been a makeshift option in recent years, is a stark indication of the club's shortcomings in that department.

With that in mind, it may be time for the former Burnley boss to consider looking to the academy in order to find a much-needed solution in that role, with Mykolenko, in particular, having not been up to scratch.

How much did Everton pay for Mykolenko?

It still remains a bizarre decision for the Everton board to have backed Benitez and his decision to part ways with Digne just over 18 months ago, only for the Spaniard himself to depart just days later after receiving the sack.

The exit of the one-time Barcelona full-back ensured that the Merseysiders were forced to dip into the market late in that January window, with then-boss Frank Lampard snapping up Mykolenko for a reported fee of around £17.9m.

The 24-year-old has since made 53 appearances in all competitions following that move from his homeland, albeit having been unable to replicate Digne's attacking threat, after scoring just once and providing no assists in that time.

Those woes in the final third are also laid bare by the fact that the £58k-per-week asset ranks in just the bottom 5% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for progressive carries and in just the bottom 37% for pass completion, showcasing his seemingly erratic nature in possession.

It is not as if the 34-cap international has fared much better in a defensive sense, ranking in the top 50% for aerial duels won and in only the top 39% for tackles made, while he also lost seven of his 12 ground duels against the Gunners last time out.

Games

28

34

Starts

18

30

Goals/Assists

1

0

Tackles & interceptions (per game)

1.7

3.1

Total duels won

54%

52%

Pass accuracy rate

79%

76%

Average match rating

6.67

6.77

Stats via Sofascore

The £13m-rated dud – who was also 'tortured' by Italy's Nicolo Zaniolo while on international duty – may then need to be properly replaced sooner rather than later, rather than relying on the ageing Young and usual centre-back, Godfrey.

Who could replace Mykolenko?

There aren't exactly too many options for Dyche to consider, with the Merseysiders having notably endured the frustration of losing promising left-back talent Ishe Samuels-Smith to Premier League rivals Chelsea over the summer.

Having been included in The Guardian's Next Gen List for 2022, Samuels-Smith looked set for a bright future at Goodison and was even training with the first team last season, hence the disappointment at seeing the 17-year-old move on to Stamford Bridge.

With the Toffees having also allowed 22-year-old Frenchman, Niels Nkounkou to depart in January, there is a distinct lack of depth in that department – particularly with former loanee Ruben Vinagre also no longer at the club.

That being said, however, a possible replacement for Mykolenko could have presented itself in the form of academy star, Mackenzie Hunt, with the versatile gem having caught the eye at Finch Farm in recent times.

Who is Mackenzie Hunt?

It was not too long ago that the 21-year-old was among those who looked set for a departure heading into the 2022 summer window, with the Englishman having been approaching the end of his contract at the time.

Thankfully, as far as Dyche is concerned, the youngster was subsequently offered a contract extension in June of last year, with the Toffees having made a wise move in keeping the defender on the books – such has been his standout form since then.

While noted as an attacking midfielder by trade, Hunt has slotted in at left-back predominantly over the past year or so, providing two goals and two assists in 23 games in all competitions last term as a marker of his desire to get forward from his defensive berth, unlike Mykolenko.

As The Athletic's Patrick Boyland noted, the promising machine also netted a "special" strike for the U21's in the friendly clash with Braga back in September 2022, producing a spectacular volley from just outside the area on his left foot.

While hampered by injury in the past, Hunt looks to be back fit and firing at present, having also received praise from youth coach Paul Tait for his display against Doncaster Rovers in the recent EFL Trophy meeting:

“Macca [Hunt] was also excellent and he showed his versatility going in at centre-back. He was really good in possession."

Although that display came with the academy sensation lining up in a centre-back berth for a spell, the quality of his performance against senior opposition will have caught the eye, as he notably won 16 duels on the day.

Just as impressive was his ability to play out from the back – in contrast to the awkward Mykolenko – as he successfully completed all six of his attempted dribbles, as well as winning three fouls as a sign of just what a threat he can be in an attacking sense, as per Sofascore.

To be able to replicate such a performance at Premier League level is a different challenge altogether – while Hunt is yet to even make a senior appearance for the Toffees – although with Dyche having an obvious problem at left-back, the Finch Farm prospect could be the perfect answer.

The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has decided to shift the November 1 ODI between India and West Indies from Kochi to Thiruvananthapuram with the issue gaining a political dimension. The decision was taken after the southern Indian state’s sports minister intervened in the matter and asked the KCA to shift the venue.Last week the BCCI’s tours, programmes and fixtures committee finalised the itinerary for West Indies’ tour of India, which comprises two Tests, five ODIs and three T20Is. One of the ODIs, scheduled for November 1, was to be hosted at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Kochi.The Kochi ground has predominantly become a venue for football in recent years. It was one of the six venues for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup in October 2017 and is also home base for the Kerala Blasters in the Indian Super League (ISL). The last cricket match played at the venue, in 2014, was also against West Indies, a big win for the visitors.Since then, only one other international match has been played in Kerala, a T20I against New Zealand last November at the Greenfield International Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram, which India won. Critics of the KCA asked why the association was so keen to host the ODI in Kochi when another ICC-certified cricket ground was available in Thiruvananthapuram.As soon as the BCCI announced Kochi as the venue for the West Indies ODI, a number of leading voices in football including Sachin Tendulkar – a co-owner of the Kerala Blasters franchise – raised the red flag. On Tuesday, Tendulkar posted a message on his Twitter feed, saying he had “urged” Vinod Rai, chairman of the Supreme-Court-appointed Committee of Administrators (CoA) that is supervising the BCCI, to look into the matter.”Worried about the potential damage to the FIFA approved World class Football turf in Kochi. Urge the KCA to take the right decision where cricket (Thiruvananthapuram) and Football (Kochi) can happily coexist,” Tendulkar tweeted.Rai had already been made aware of the issue by another prominent voice, Shashi Tharoor, the Minister of Parliament from Thiruvananthapuram, who called the KCA move to play the match in Kochi a “suspect” and “bizarre” decision. Tharoor told Rai to review the decision only because the Kochi turf would need to be dug up to get the venue ready for the ODI, which would would prove detrimental to its footballing use.Since both the grounds in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram are owned by the state government, the Kerala sports minister AC Moideen held a meeting with the KCA top brass on Thursday to chalk out a solution.According to Jayesh George, the KCA secretary, the state cricket body has signed a MoU with the government to get both the grounds on lease. Accordingly the KCA has invested money in uplifting the infrastructure at both venues and felt it has the right to choose the ground for cricket matches.However the MoU also states that both grounds, being multi-purpose venues, can host football too. “Till today we planned to host the ODI in Kochi,” George told ESPNcricinfo. “Since 2011 we had maintained the stadium in Kochi. But the government took possession of the ground last year for the Under-17 World Cup.”George said Moideen assured the KCA that the government would grant land to develop a cricket-only stadium to avoid such issues in future. “Since the government has intervened and advised us to conduct the match in Thiruvananthapuram, we are doing that.”

Manchester United are eyeing a surprise solution to their injury crisis at left-back as they aim to bring in some cover before the end of the window, according to reports.

What's the latest news involving Manchester United?

According to German outlet BILD, Bayern Munich are considering a surprise loan swoop for Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay as they look to bring in a defensive-minded enforcer before the window closes.

The outlet claim that Netherlands international Ryan Gravenberch, who has been mooted as a potential target for the Red Devils, may head the other way in what would essentially become a swap deal between two loanees.

In a surprising turn of events, Manchester United have also established 'initial contact' with Tottenham Hotspur regarding Danish midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Spurs would be willing to offload the 28-year-old if a suitable proposal arises for his services, as per Sky Sports.

Erik ten Hag has previously worked with Hojbjerg at Bayern Munich and it is believed that Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat is another option in holding midfield that is being considered by the Dutchman.

As per 90min, Luke Shaw is out with a muscle injury and is joined on the sidelines by Tyrell Malacia, which led to Diogo Dalot taking up the role at left-back in the Red Devils' 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest last weekend.

Contact has been made regarding Chelsea outcast Marc Cucurella and Barcelona veteran full-back Marcos Alonso as Manchester United look to bolster numbers on the left-hand side of defence before the transfer deadline.

Former Leicester City man Ryan Bertrand is also on a shortlist of candidates to strengthen the Red Devils' problem position. At the same time, current Foxes ace Luke Thomas could also emerge as a surprise contender to fill the role despite further interest from Sky Bet Championship side Leeds United, who are keen to take him to Elland Road on a loan deal, as per The Daily Mail.

Who else could Manchester United sign?

According to Sky Sports News on X in the last 24 hours, Manchester United are now believed to be 'considering' a move for out-of-favour Tottenham left-back Sergio Reguilon to help provide cover at left-back.

Telegraph Sport add that Fulham are also keen on the Spaniard; however, Manchester United held an interest in Reguilon back in 2020 before electing to bring in Alex Telles, who departed Old Trafford to join Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr last month.

Manchester United are also set to complete the signing of Fenerbache goalkeeper Altay Bayindir for £4.3 million to provide cover for Andre Onana and Dean Henderson looks likely to depart for Crystal Palace.

Reguilon spent time out on loan at Atletico Madrid last term, though various injuries and complications led the £53k-a-week earner to make just 12 appearances in all competitions for the Spanish giants, as per Transfermarkt.

Labelled as "brilliant" by pundit Noel Whelan back in 2021, Reguilon could be a cost-effective solution to Manchester United's gaping problem at left-back; nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether Ten Hag will turn to him to deputise for Shaw and Malacia, so it could be a busy final few days at Old Trafford.

Leeds United have been eyeing a move to sign Genk attacker Joseph Paintsil and a further update has now dropped regarding his future.

How old is Joseph Paintsil?

The Whites have already brought in a number of key signings since the end of last season, as they look to finish the summer transfer window as the strongest-looking Championship team.

The likes of Ethan Ampadu and Joel Piroe have come in and added real quality to the team, and the fact that Wilfried Gnonto and Luis Sinisterra have stayed put at Elland Road so far also acts as a massive bonus. Last Saturday's 4-3 win away to Ipswich Town steadied the ship after a disappointing start to the season, and the hope is that the Whites will now kick on further, potentially aided by some more late-summer signings.

Paintsil has been constantly linked with a switch from Genk in recent weeks, emerging as a primary transfer target, having scored 32 goals and chipped in with 25 assists in 143 appearances for the Belgian side.

Now 25 years of age, it looks as though a new challenge could be coming his way this summer, in what is an exciting update from a Leeds perspective.

Is Joseph Paintsil joining Leeds?

Taking to X on Monday, journalist Santi Aouna claimed that an agreement is in place between Leeds and Genk and also with Paintsil, although the player is "arguing" with Genk over "a loyalty payment".

'Leeds and Genk have an agreement for the transfer of Joseph Paintsil. The player has an agreement in personal terms. But the agent and the player arguing with Genk over a Loyalty Payment."

However, since then Phil Hay has claimed that a transfer is at a standstill due to Paintsil and Genk.

Leeds have been pushing hard recently to acquire the signature of Paintsil, with the Genk man someone who may elevate them to another level and make them one of the most feared teams in the Championship, if they aren't already.

His aforementioned goalscoring and assist tally for his current side highlight the end product he has in his game, and he is capable of thriving in both central and wide attacking roles, which is an added bonus.

A lack of firepower was painfully evident at Leeds far too often in the Premier League last season, with teenager Gnonto relied upon too often to provide a spark in their relegation campaign, but having Paintsil and Piroe thrown into the squad would give the Whites a very different look.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

The 25-year-old has been hailed as "superb" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig in the past, and he has nine caps to his name for Ghana, so Leeds would be bringing in someone who could be a shrewd signing for the next four or five years, helping them get back into the Premier League and making them an established top-flight side again.

If the Whites were able to seal the signing of Paintsil this week, and a few further additions, it could complete what has been a solid summer transfer window, at a time when the club simply had to nail their business after such a disappointing spell.

An update has emerged on Leeds United and their attempts to bolster the playing squad before the end of the summer transfer window…

What's the latest Leeds transfer news?

Daniel Farke has already been able to sign Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu, Karl Darlow, and Sam Byram, and is now looking to secure his fifth addition.

According to Argentine journalist Victor Bilsky, the Whites have opened talks with Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion over a deal to sign attacking midfielder Facundo Buonanotte.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

The reporter claims that the Seagulls are prepared to allow the Argentina international to depart on loan before next month's deadline.

He also states that Leeds are pursuing a move that would include a purchase option for them to sign him on a permanent basis at the end of the season, although it remains to be seen what the fee would be.

How good is Facundo Buonanotte?

The 18-year-old prodigy, who was signed by Brighton for a fee of up to £10m, is a talented young player who could have the potential to be the club's next Pablo Hernandez if he explodes onto the scene this term.

Farke has a history of developing exciting talents and the German tactician could use his coaching ability to turn the teenage ace, who was dubbed a "huge talent" by scout Jacek Kulig, into a star for the Whites.

AllLeedsTV presenter Oscar Marrio claimed that Buonanotte has a "similar" profile to Hernandez – as well as former Norwich star Emiliano Buendia – as a player who can play in a hybrid role as a right winger and attacking midfielder.

Farke helped to develop the likes of Max Aarons, Ben Godfrey, James Maddison, Buendia, and Jamal Lewis during his time at Carrow Road.

Godfrey (£20m), Maddison (£20m), and Buendia (£38m) went on to be sold for a combined £78m.

This suggests that the Leeds boss knows how to get the best out of up-and-coming prospects, which is why Buonanotte could thrive up at Elland Road this season.

The 18-year-old talent has already been capped once by Argentina and was given 13 Premier League appearances by Roberto De Zerbi last term, which shows how highly he is rated by club and country at such a young age.

Prior to his move to Brighton, Buonanotte scored four goals and provided two assists in 19 league starts for Rosario Central as he created 1.2 chances per game, whilst no current Leeds player managed more than 0.9 per outing last season.

The Argentine gem, who scored one goal and provided one assist in six top-flight starts for the Seagulls, could now take the next step in his career and start to deliver quality at the top end of the pitch on a regular basis.

Stepping down to the Championship could provide him with the opportunity to showcase his ability against lesser opposition after showing flashes, with two goal contributions, in the Premier League.

Whilst it remains to be seen whether or not he will be able to replicate Hernandez's return of 36 goals and 41 assists in 175 matches, but Buonanotte is an exciting prospect who can play in the Spanish wizard's attacking midfield role and has the potential to score goals and create chances from that position.