Fabrizio Romano says "expensive player" would "love" to join Man Utd

Manchester United are eyeing a move to sign an "expensive player" who would now "love to join", according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Man Utd transfer news – defender

The Red Devils were busy in the summer and made a number of new signings, splashing the cash on three big-money moves for Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund.

Man Utd's summer signings

Player

Previous club

Fee

Rasmus Hojlund

Atalanta

£72 million

Jonny Evans

Leicester City

Free transfer

Andre Onana

Inter Milan

£47.2 million

Mason Mount

Chelsea

£60 million

Sergio Reguilon

Tottenham Hotspur

Loan

Sofyan Amrabat

Fiorentina

Loan

Altay Bayindir

Fenerbache

£4.3 million

However, the club didn’t invest heavily in a new marquee centre-back and Harry Maguire ended up remaining at Old Trafford, leaving the England international to rival the likes of Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans for a starting spot.

With the January window fast approaching, though, a new defender was reportedly Man Utd's top transfer priority in 2024. The likes of Jean-Clair Todibo and Goncalo Inacio have been linked, although recent Man Utd transfer reports claimed moves for the top targets were off the table due to limited Old Trafford resources.

In a new Jean-Clair Todibo transfer update, though, Romano, relayed by United in Focus, said that the centre-back would still “love” to make a move to Old Trafford and remains a player of interest to those at the club.

“Todibo is a player in the list of Manchester United already since June, July, they had very positive conversations on player side.

“From what I’m hearing still now, the ideas not changed, Todibo would love to join Manchester United. He’s really attracted by the opportunity to play in the Premier League. He’s an expensive player. He remains a player appreciated by United’s scouring department… not the only one.”

Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo.

Jean-Clair Todibo profiled

Todibo is an out-and-out centre-back who appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high valuation of €30m. The France international began on the books with Toulouse but made the switch to Barcelona in 2019. (Jean-Clair Todibo profile – Transfermarkt)

However, the defender struggled to make an impact at the Nou Camp and was sent out on loan to Schalke, Benfica and Nice before making a move permanent in 2021.

Since then, the player has made more than 100 appearances for his current employers, featuring heavily in the last two seasons and also making his international debut back in September. (Jean-Clair Todibo stats – Transfermarkt)

German legend Lothar Matthaus has also hailed Todibo in the past, previously saying:

"Todibo is the best centre back I’ve seen in a long time.”

United haven’t had much luck at the back this season with injuries to the likes of Varane and Martinez, so looking at a move for Todibo appears to make sense, and with the player seemingly keen, it could be one to watch heading into the New Year.

Chelsea scouting for more Brighton talent?! Mauricio Pochettino and sporting director Paul Winstanley bizarrely spotted among crowd at Amex in Europa League exit to Roma

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino was seen last night attending Brighton's round of 16 clash against Roma alongside sporting director Paul Winstanley.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Pochettino spotted at Amex StadiumWatched Brighton win 1-0 against RomaWas accompanied by Paul WinstanleyWHAT HAPPENED?

The Argentine was spotted at the Amex Stadium as Brighton attempted to pull off an unlikely victory over Roma in their knockout round second leg. Led by Chelsea's rumoured managerial target Roberto De Zerbi, the Seagulls suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat in Italy last week in the first leg. Despite their 1-0 win last night, the English side crashed out of Europe as it was insufficient against an inferior Roma squad without Romelu Lukaku, who is on loan from Chelsea.

AdvertisementTHE BIGGER PICTURE

The Blues have been linked to a few Brighton players ahead of the upcoming transfer window. However, the exact purpose of Pochettino's visit has not yet been revealed. The club is said to be targeting a striker, with Evan Ferguson a player they greatly admire. Even though he didn't start last night, Ferguson is regarded as one of the league's rising stars.

DID YOU KNOW?

It had earlier been reported that the relationship between Pochettino and Winstanley had significantly deteriorated over the last few months. However, the duo's presence together may indicate that the situation between them is not as bad. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen what will happen in the future between the Argentine coach and the club, if the current situation cannot be rectified.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

WHAT NEXT FOR POCHETTINO?

It will be back to the drawing board and the Argentine's training field as he prepares his forces to take on Leicester City in the FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday, March 17. The club will push hard to try and win the tournament this season to try and ensure that they don't go trophyless for a second consecutive campaign.

'Really complicated' – Tyrell Malacia 'struggling' at Man Utd with Premier League giants set to publicly 'clarify' Dutch full-back's mysterious 10-month absence

Tyrell Malacia is stuck in a "complicated" situation at Manchester United amid claims he is struggling physically and mentally.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Malacia hasn't played this seasonLeft-back said to be struggling mentallyTen Hag short of options in his positionWHAT HAPPENED?

The Dutch left-back has not featured for United this season, with his last appearance for the club coming 10 months ago in a 2-1 win over Fulham on the final day of the 2022-23 campaign, and it has been reported that he is struggling with his physical and mental wellbeing. The Red Devils have yet to offer a full explanation for his absence, but Fabrizio Romano says Malacia's situation is a difficult one.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Malacia's absence has left Erik ten Hag short of options on that side of the defence, with Luke Shaw also being sidelined through injury for more of the campaign. It has been reported that the Old Trafford club may look to sign a new left-back in case Malacia's condition remains an issue.

WHAT ROMANO SAID

Transfer guru Romano said on : "It's a really complicated moment for the boy. He's really struggling. I think Manchester United will make some clarity in the next weeks or months to clarify what's happening."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MALACIA?

Ten Hag recently insisted that the Netherlands international is back in training and that the 24-year-old "will fight" to get his place in the starting XI, but does not expect him to return to competitive action this season. United take on Brentford in their next Premier League match on March 30.

Man Utd could replace Ten Hag with swoop for "special" 38 y/o boss

Not since the 1962/63 season under the legendary Matt Busby have Manchester United endured a worse start to a campaign, losing eight of their opening 15 matches across all competitions.

Back-to-back 3-0 defeats at Old Trafford has piled the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag and despite a decent first season in charge, all that progress has been wiped out after their woeful beginning to 2023/24.

Having secured United’s first trophy for six years by winning the EFL Cup last term, along with qualifying for the Champions League, some may have felt that the Dutchman was the true heir apparent to Sir Alex Ferguson, and it was a matter of when, not if, the Old Trafford side could finally return to the summit of English football.

Things started to unravel during the summer transfer window, as the ex-Ajax tactician's business that was conducted was not exactly what was required to take United to the next level, on the current evidence.

Andre Onana arrived from Inter Milan and took over from David de Gea, who left after his contract expired over the summer, while Mason Mount cost the club around £60m from Chelsea, yet he had just a year left on his contract at the Blues.

Combine these poor transfers with the performances on the pitch and it is evident the former Ajax boss is in a sticky situation, one that will need remedying as soon as possible.

He is now feeling the heat and only a win against Fulham on Saturday will be enough to ensure he has some respite in the coming days, yet this might not stop the rumour mill with regard to who could potentially replace him.

One name that has emerged as a potential successor to Ten Hag is current Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim.

Man Utd manager news – Ruben Amorim

According to the Times, the Red Devils have looked at candidates who could take over from Ten Hag should this dire run of form continue, and two names have emerged – Amorim and former Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.

Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim.

The Portuguese manager has done a stellar job at Sporting over the previous few seasons, and he recently dropped a hint regarding his future following their recent win over Farense.

He said: "This year, I'm not going to go back to the same conversation as last year. I'm not going to make any kind of comment on these situations.

"Regarding the future, I have an idea for the end of the season, but I won't say it now. But the results and the context take us to something different.

"I don't want to be commenting on these things. I have not been contacted by Manchester United."

These coy comments do give much away and it remains to be seen whether or not the Red Devils will make an official approach for his services.

Ruben Amorim’s managerial record

As a player, Amorim spent the vast majority of his career starring for Benfica, going on to make over 150 appearances for the club while winning three league titles along with a handful of domestic cups.

The former midfielder also earned 14 caps for his country and represented Portugal at two World Cups and this experience could only benefit him if he decided to make the move into management when he retired.

Indeed, he became manager of Casa Pia in 2018, yet took charge of just four games before moving on to SC Braga towards the end of 2019 across only 13 matches, he secured a points per game average of 2.38 while also defeating Porto in the League Cup final, winning a trophy in only his fifth game in charge of the club.

He defeated Sporting in the semifinals of the competition, and they were clearly impressed, going on to hire him during the 2019/20 campaign.

The club had not won a top-flight title since the 2001/02 season and given Benfica and Porto had dominated since then, it was not looking like they would break through this recent duopoly.

Under Amorim however, they made history. Sporting lost just one league match all term throughout 2020/21, and it came during their penultimate match with the title already secured. They ended up five points clear of Porto while also claiming the League Cup, and it returned the club to the summit after a nearly two-decade wait.

Ruben Amorim’s style of play

The 38-year-old has been hailed as a “special manager” in the past by journalist Zach Lowy, while he was lauded as “the most exciting young manager in Europe” by journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke before Sporting clashed with Manchester City in the Champions League last year, indicating how well revered he is already.

Indeed, Amorim led Sporting to victories over Tottenham Hotspur in Europe’s premier club competition last season while sending Arsenal packing from the Europa League at the last 16 stage, and it is clear that his presence may be feared should he move to England.

173

2.23

13

2.38

4

2.25

He prefers to use a 3-4-3 formation and with his teams scoring 386 goals across 190 matches, working out as just over two goals per game, he has a clear penchant for attacking football and this could endear him to the United faithful.

With players such as Antony, Marcus Rashford, and Rasmus Hojlund, Amorim would be blessed with some wonderful attacking players should he end up in Manchester and his style could bring out the best in them.

Under Ten Hag this season, the Red Devils have been mediocre at best and if this continues up until the festive season, change may be required at Old Trafford.

There are deeper problems at United, without a shadow of a doubt, but the current manager is failing to get a tune out of this squad of overpaid players, and they may not even qualify for Europe if they continue at their current rate.

Amorim has shown his capabilities both domestically and on the European stage with Sporting since taking over nearly four years ago and now is the perfect time to spread his wings and embrace a new challenge.

Therefore, the genius tactician could be a dream replacement for Ten Hag if the Red Devils do decide that they want to go in a new direction and part ways with the Dutchman over the coming weeks or months.

Perhaps the biggest of challenges – returning United to the top of the Premier League.

Bowlers, Ihsanullah lead Afghanistan to series win

Afghanistan bowlers bundled Ireland out for 124 before Ihsanullah’s unbeaten 57 sealed the three-ODI series 2-1 with an eight-wicket win

The Report by Ankur Dhawan31-Aug-2018
Rashid Khan takes flight•Getty ImagesIreland opted to bat upon winning the toss on a tired pitch, but that was about the only thing they did right as their batsmen surrendered meekly against a disciplined Afghanistan attack and were shot out for 124. After that, not even Tim Murtagh, with eight wickets in the last two matches, could save them the ignominy of a heavy defeat as the visitors hurtled to their target to clinch the series 2-1.The moth-eaten adage you miss, I hit couldn’t have been reinforced stronger as five Ireland batsmen fell lbw to a very straight line of attack, largely due to their penchant for wanting to work the ball square off their pads, three of those off Rashid Khan’s staple googly. Their troubles, however, started much sooner, between overs nine and 11 to be specific.Till then, they had done well to recover from the early loss of Paul Stirling, who fell caught behind for two in his 100th ODI, poking at a length ball from Aftab Alam that moved away fractionally. William Porterfield and Andy Balbirnie looked set before the former became the first of six Ireland batsmen to cross double figures and squander the start. Looking to drive Alam, he was early into the shot, offering a simple catch to Asghar Afghan at mid-off, who fumbled twice before latching on. Porterfield fell for a painstaking 34-ball 14, followed by Niall O’ Brien, who was slightly unlucky to be adjudged lbw off Gulbadin Naib to one that looked to be going over the stumps. When Balbirnie, the in-form batsman with two fifties in the series, nicked Gulbadin to the wicketkeeper four balls later, Ireland had suddenly been reduced to 39 for 4 in the blink of an eye.Curiously, the next 31 balls was the most productive phase for Ireland as Kevin O’Brien and Simi Singh counter-attacked. The 15th over yielded 13 runs – comfortably the most in the innings – as both batsmen used the pull shot to good effect against some wayward bowling from Gulbadin. But the next over saw the introduction of Rashid and he struck off the last ball the over, trapping Kevin O’Brien plumb in front as the batsman looked to work a googly towards square leg, and missed. Simi fell to the same mode of dismissal in Rashid’s next over, leaving Ireland reeling at 72 for six. Gary Wilson and Andy McBrine then had a 37-run stand, also the best of the Ireland innings, but that it came so late was part of the problem rather than the solution. And when captain Asghar pinned Wilson in front for only his second ODI scalp, the end was imminent as Rashid and Mohammad Nabi polished off the tail.In response, Afghanistan appeared in a hurry to get the runs and lost Mohammad Shahzad early in the process. Shahzad’s poor tour continued as his upper cut off Boyd Rankin landed in the lap of third man. But that hardly made any difference to Afghanistan’s gung-ho approach, as opener Ihsanullah, who had replaced Hazratullah Zazai, and Rahmat Shah continued to attack, taking Afghanistan to 53 in quick time, before the latter fell lbw to Murtagh at the stroke of lunch. Ihsanullah was unperturbed by the break in play and returned to complete his third ODI fifty in the company of Hashmatullah Shahidi, who struck 34, as the duo took Afghanistan home.

Game Time Prep Unveiled: Players Share Their Rituals with INDIVISA and e.l.f. Cosmetics

Ready to Play is a new video series revealing how top U.S. soccer players prepare for life on and off the field.

With the popularity of women’s soccer on the rise and the Paris 2024 Olympics only months away, is a new platform where top players share their routines, rituals and the mental preparation required to compete at the highest levels of the game.

Creators Megan Reyes and Jessica Black host conversations with U.S. Women’s National Team and West Ham star Kristie Mewis; Houston Dash/Nigerian National Team player, Michelle Alozie, and Chilean National Goalkeeper, Ryann Torrero. 

Kristie takes us through her routine and how she sets herself up for success and to feel confident, while sharing some pretty incredible moments along the way.

Alongside these interviews, several players share their own videos, inspired by the popular Get Ready With Me trend, to share how they prepare for different occasions including media day, training, an off day of errands or even,

A good day starts with good eyebrows

For players, their morning routines include a mix of making coffee, checking social media channels, and curating the perfect combo of e.l.f products to set their face as they get ready for the day. 

“I think as I’m getting older, my skin is actually getting more dry,” said Mewis. “So, I feel like the [e.l.f. Camo CC] cream just sits so well on my face.”

Beyond her soccer skills as a midfielder for Team USA, Mewis’s camera-ready eyebrows are iconic. She refers to them as her “Holy Grail” and shares her favorite hack to make her eyebrows look longer.

@indivisauk

Ever wondered how @Kristie mewis gets those infamous brows so perfect? Fear not, she takes us through her brow hacks whilst getting ready for a relaxing day off 💖 #GRTP x @e.l.f. Cosmetics

♬ original sound – indivisauk

Angel City FC defender Sarah Gorden also emphasizes her brows as a key essential to her routine. 

“For me, the most important part of getting ready is my eyebrows,” said Gorden. “This pencil has done wonders for my eyebrows because I like them to look perfect every single day,” she adds, holding the e.l.f. Instant Lift Waterproof Brow Pencil. 

AdvertisementThe Fun of the Game

While debunking myths about superstitions and favorite stadiums, Mewis confirmed that having chapped lips will affect a player’s performance on the field. “When my lips are chapped in a game, I can’t focus on anything else. Like, I might as well get off the field… I cannot function.”

Alozie firmly planted her flag on team “more goal cellies in soccer.”

When asked how she feels about “doing a victory dance everytime you score a goal” she answers “Oh for sure… let’s get those going. I think we need to do a little bit more of Lo'eau LaBonta’s goal celebrations in the NWSL.”

Alozie plans on leaning into her hand-to-ear celebration but wants to get a little more of her Brazilian dance going! 

Tools players use to build confidence

Athletes typically build a mindset of focus, determination, and grit to boost their performance on the field. Off the field, players utilize visualization, manifestation, and breathing techniques to help keep their focus. In Torrero’s unique role as both a model and a professional soccer player, the set of challenges she faces nearly doubles in her dual industries. 

“As a model, you are criticized as a woman, on your body, on your appearance, and on your age,” said Torrero. “As an athlete, you’re criticized on your performance, but what I can say is that I’ve found peace in the quiet moments and I’ve found confidence in the things that I know that are most valuable about myself and that’s how I try to impact the people in my world: my family and the people that love and value me.” 

While winning is the name of the game, setbacks, losses, injuries and bad days are an inevitable part of the journey. Alozie shared how she frames those moments on and off the field.

“I try to think of setbacks as a great opportunity for a comeback,” said Alozie. “I realize that the setback is happening now, but in 2 weeks from now, I’ll be so thankful that I went through that and I just have to grow from that and move on from that and just learn from all of my battles.” 

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Beyond the game

With an NWSL season that runs February through November, players shared how they find joy and self expression outside the sport.

Houston Dash and Mexican National Team forward Diana Ordóñez uses a mix of fashion and faith to stay grounded. 

“Fashion is a really big passion of mine,” said Ordóñez as she prepared for a full shoot day. “Being able to express myself in a different kind of way other than on the field is something I’m excited to do.” 

Off the field, Alozie is a Research Technician working in the pediatric leukemia research lab at Texas Children's Hospital. “I knew it was always a dream of mine and a goal of mine to attain when I’m done with playing soccer and so to be able to do those concurrently right now is amazing. It also helps me mentally to just completely shut off my soccer brain and do something completely different that is so meaningful and worthwhile to my life”.

The full episodes of are available across Indivisa.com, GOAL.com and YouTube, with exclusive cutdowns running across OTT channels, TikTok, Instagram and select women’s lifestyle and sports sites. Look out for more episodes coming soon!

"Possibility" – Romano says "important" Arsenal man could leave with Partey

Respected transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano says the prospect of a "very important" Arsenal player leaving in January is a "possibility".

Arteta's transfer plans

Manager Mikel Arteta looks set to be in with another shout of getting his hands on the Premier League title this season, coming after he narrowly missed out to treble-winning Man City last term.

Arsenal have won eight out of a possible 12 league matches so far, losing just once in that time, with the Gunners bouncing back from that defeat against Newcastle last weekend after a 3-1 triumph over Burnley. However, if they're to maintain their challenge alongside the likes of City and Liverpool, there are some glaring issues which need to be addressed.

Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing a striker, as both Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah stand out as their only natural options right now. Brentford star Ivan Toney is on Arteta's transfer wishlist as a result, according to widespread reports, while some rumours suggest the Spaniard also wants an alternative to Bukayo Saka.

A lack of depth in central midfield could be a problem too, as highlighted by Thomas Partey's injury problems lately. Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz is being eyed by Arsenal to solve this problem, while it is believed Partey could also depart Arsenal in the winter.

The Ghanaian has apparently told Arsenal he wants to leave in January, with murmurs also surrounding goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and his future at the club.

Romano suggests Ramsdale could leave

Ramsdale lost his spot to David Raya after the summer signing arrived on loan from Brentford, despite being Arsenal first choice for a long time before then. This has led to rumours he could depart if his game time doesn't improve, with reliable reporter Romano now providing an update on the former Bournemouth star's situation.

Speaking to the DeBrief podcast, as transcribed by CaughtOffside, it's believed there is a "possibility" Ramsdale leaves Arsenal – but it's also not "guaranteed".

“I think it’s a possibility because he’s not playing but it’s not guaranteed as well," Romano explained.

“It’s not easy … goalkeepers usually move when there’s a domino effect and at the moment we’re not seeing that effect, and in the January transfer window clubs are not usually changing their goalkeeper.

“Ramsdale wants to play more but from what I’m heard he’s also prepared to fight for his place. I can also guarantee that he’s not a target for Chelsea and they’re not going to sign a goalkeeper in January.”

The 25-year-old, despite his lack of involvement lately, is still one of Arsenal's "very important" players according to Arteta. Indeed, the boss insists that he sees every member of his squad that way.

"For sure, he's been exceptional around the place – and especially with the situation," said Arteta on Ramsdale after a 1-0 EFL Cup win over Brentford recently.

"We love him, for sure. We know his character and what he brings to the team and we are happy to have him. Every player is very important. Today he had the opportunity to play and he had a really good game."

Kedar Jadhav not picked because of fitness history, says chief selector

The allrounder said he was fully fit but MSK Prasad clarified that they wanted him to play at least two games before getting him back in the national side

Sidharth Monga in Delhi25-Oct-2018MSK Prasad, India’s chairman of selectors, has said Kedar Jadhav was not picked for the last three ODIs against West Indies because of his fitness history.”We did not pick Kedar because of his history of fitness,” Prasad was quoted as saying by . “There have been occasions earlier when he has come back fit and then broke down, a case in point being the Asia Cup last month.”Jadhav’s hamstrings – “compromised”, as his Chennai Super Kings coach Stephen Fleming described it during commentary – have caused him issues for a while. He injured himself in his first IPL match this season and missed the entire tournament, and then reinjured himself during the Asia Cup.When the team was announced for the first two ODIs against West Indies, Prasad had said at the press conference that Jadhav was on course to come back after the first two matches. Fit again, Jadhav was playing a Deodhar Trophy match in Delhi on the day he was left out of the India squad. Jadhav batted, bowled and fielded in the Deodhar game, running twos without any apparent trouble; he was shocked when told moments after the match that he was not part of the India squad.”I didn’t know [that I have not been selected],” Jadhav said in a press conference minutes after the match. “Obviously, I have to see [why].”When asked if he was surprised, because his form was not a concern and he had proved his fitness at both the NCA and Kotla, Jadhav said: “Let’s see. I don’t know. You are the first one to tell me this [that I have not been picked]. I have to see why they have not picked me.”Prasad clarified that they wanted Jadhav to play at least two games before they select him for India, given his fitness history, but Jadhav’s team was eliminated and he won’t get that chance. “Actually, we were thinking that if India A won today, then Kedar would have got another match, which would have given us a fair assessment of his match fitness,” Prasad said. “Maybe we could have added him as an additional player (in Indian team) before the fourth ODI as the Deodhar final is on Saturday. Players need to understand that there is a process that we follow while selecting the team.”Jadhav said that he was fully fit. “The rehab was good, I cleared all the fitness tests, I was cleared match fit, which is why I was playing here,” Jadhav said. He ran hard in his 25-ball 41, pinching three consecutive twos in the last over of the innings. He bowled and fielded too, although he did leave the field for a few minutes before coming back on. However, it is unlikely there was any assessment made on the day because the team was announced at around 3.30pm IST. Three selectors were watching the match at the Feroz Shah Kotla, so it is unlikely the selection meeting took place today.”They pick you only if you clear all the tests [at NCA] and you are completely fine,” Jadhav said.Jadhav said there was no need for doubts despite his repeated injuries, as long as there was clearance from the NCA. “Only if you have followed all the rehab, all the fitness rules, all the exercises do they clear you at NCA. As long as they clear you, you shouldn’t be having any doubt when playing on the field. You should express yourself. When I get clearance from NCA, I don’t hold myself back to play or to dive or to bowl.”Whatever injury it might be, when you are playing well, batting well, bowling well, it sets you back,” Jadhav said. “You don’t know how long you will be out for, and when you do come back whether you will rediscover the touch you were in. And you lose out on the matches in between. It hurts, but then you have to accept it and move on.”The three remaining matches against West Indies are the last ODIs India play this year. Jadhav is now expected to turn out for Maharashtra against Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy at the start of November.

Man City want to sign gem compared to Gabriel Jesus, £40m+ release clause

Manchester City regularly cast the net to try and acquire upcoming talent and Pep Guardiola now looks to have an exciting prospect in his sights at the Etihad Stadium, according to a report.

Manchester City transfer updates…

Manchester City are never far away when it comes to conversations surrounding top players potentially moving to the cream of the crop in English football, with Guardiola known to have a keen eye for talent. This summer, Jeremy Doku, Matheus Nunes, Josko Gvardiol and Mateo Kovacic were all brought to the Etihad Stadium and it is fair to say that all have made some form of tangible impact for the Premier League champions when called upon, albeit to varying degrees.

Nevertheless, further surgery to the Cityzens' squad is likely in January as they aim to once again compete on multiple fronts for silverware. According to reports in Spain via Sport Witness, Girona loanee Savinho is attracting interest from La Liga giants Barcelona; however, Manchester City will be given priority if they wish to sign the 19-year-old, whose parent club is Ligue 2 outfit Troyes.

Of course, both Troyes and Girona are involved with the City Football Group, which, in turn, allows Manchester City to monitor a vast network of players from around the globe as they look to maximise their reach and appeal toward young stars. Despite this, the Sky Blues also have enormous influence in the wider market and sent scouts to watch Napoli superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia during Georgia's 3-1 defeat away to Spain in EURO 2024 qualifying, as per 90min.

Now, a fresh claim has indicated that Manchester City are now well in the running to sign a talented young star from the other side of the world.

Manchester City's next five fixtures – all competitions

Competition

Opponent

Venue

Premier League

Liverpool (H)

Etihad Stadium

Champions League

RB Leipzig (H)

Etihad Stadium

Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur (H)

Etihad Stadium

Premier League

Aston Villa (A)

Villa Park

Premier League

Luton Town (A)

Kenilworth Road

Manchester City keen on Matheus Reis

According to a report from Calciomercato, Manchester City are in the hunt to sign Fluminense's young striker Matheus Reis, who is attracting interest from a whole host of clubs alongside both Mexico and Brazil's international sides, with both keen to get him onboard.

At club level, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool are also keen on the 16-year-old, who is compared to both Gabriel Jesus and Marcos Leonardo in the copy. Reis is said to have a €50 million (£44 million) release clause inserted into his current contract at Brazilian giants Fluminense.

Reis is yet to make a senior appearance in his fledgling career; however, he has been capped nine times by Brazil's Under-17 side, registering a solitary goal against Uruguay Under-17's (Reis statistics – Transfermarkt).

Looking ahead, it will be intriguing to see if Manchester City can land Reis amid stiff competition for his services and turn him into a potential star of the future at the Etihad Stadium.

‘Harry Kane is that kind of player‘ – Arsenal fans rage after Bayern star escapes red card for ‘scum move’ in Champions League tie

Harry Kane felt the wrath of Arsenal fans after he caught Gabriel with a swinging elbow during Bayern Munich's Champions League clash.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Arsenal fans slammed KaneCaught Gabriel on his jaw with his elbowGunners held to a 2-2 draw at homeWHAT HAPPENED?

The former Tottenham Hotspur star narrowly escaped a red card on his return to England after he caught Arsenal defender Gabriel with a swinging elbow. Kane did get a booking for his actions, however, Gooners felt that the forward should have been handed a direct red card.

AdvertisementWHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

Arsenal fans at @theshortfuse were not impressed with Kane, posting on X: "Every Arsenal supporter knows that Harry Kane is that kind of player. He looked where Gabriel was and popped him with an elbow in the neck/jaw. Despicable player. Has always been one. Tries to hurt defenders."

Another fan, @eduardohaghn, demanded a red card for the Bayern star as he wrote: "That’s a red card for Kane. Elbow on the throat."

Meanwhile, @SuburbanGooner had some very strong words for the Bayern star: "Kane – a deliberate elbow. Not quite enough for a red but that’s the kind of scum move Kane has made a career of."

Another user @afcjzmes called the England captain a 'nasty' player as he wrote, "Kane is a nasty, nasty footballer. Took a look for where Gabriel was and gave him a straight elbow to the face."

And @afcstuff felt it was a deliberate move by the striker: "Only a yellow card for Harry Kane for what looks like an intentional elbow on Gabriel Magalhães."

WHAT THE PUNDITS ARE SAYING

CSB correspondent James Benge did not seem too surprised by the incident. He wrote on X, "Harry Kane is that sort of player."

Football London journalist Kaya Kaynak added, "Kane booked for an elbow on Gabriel. Naughty that as he checked to see the #AFC defender coming."

And Marca's Chris Winterburn felt the Bayern star got away with one, posting: "Kane is lucky there."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

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

Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Bukayo Saka handed the hosts the lead in the 12th minute but former Gunners star Serge Gnabry cancelled the English winger's strike six minutes later as he netted the equaliser. Just minutes after the half an hour mark, Leroy Sane was brought down inside the penalty with Kane converted the resulting spot-kick to put his team in front. In the 76th minute, Gabriel Jesus made a brilliant move as he went past a couple of Bayern defenders before finding Leandro Trossard who found the back of the net.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus