Southampton are now “interested” in signing a £400k+ defender who has been likened to Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk, Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph has revealed.

Still overseeing major rebuild at St. Mary's

The Saints came from behind to defeat National League side Eastleigh in their first pre-season friendly, with Adam Armstrong and Cameron Archer getting on the scoresheet, but new manager Will Still has insisted he is still very much in the process of a rebuild.

Still said: “I think there are a lot of things to learn. We’re going to have to work incredibly hard and we’re not going to walk over any opposition, you can see that it’s a team in the middle of a complete reconstruction.

“We’re restructuring the identity and style of play and after 10 to 11 days training we’ve seen a lot of positive things as well as things we have to work on.”

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Of course, Still’s main ambition next season will be to lead his side to promotion from the Championship, but he may have to bolster his backline if they are to achieve that goal, having shipped 86 goals in the Premier League last term.

Southampton have already made one new addition at centre-back, securing the signing of Joshua Quarshie from Hoffenheim, and they have now joined the race for another, according to an update from Joseph on X.

The Sky Sports reporter claims the Saints are now “interested” in signing Volendam centre-back Xavier Mbuyamba, and there are positive signs that a deal could be possible, with the Dutch club “keen” to cash-in on the defender this summer.

However, Watford are also interested in the centre-back, while Fabrizio Romano has revealed the likes of Gent and Rangers could also provide competition for his signature, and the transfer expert believes his price tag will be around the €500k (£434k) mark.

"Dominant" Mbuyamba could excel at St. Mary's

Earlier on in his career, the Volendam defender was often compared to Van Dijk, perhaps given that he is a “dominant” figure in defence, according to scout Jacek Kulig, who also praised him for his tackling and heading ability.

However, after coming through the youth ranks at Barcelona, before going on to sign for Chelsea, the Dutch defender’s career probably hasn’t panned out how he would’ve hoped, but there are signs he is now ready to test himself properly in England.

During his time with Volendam, the Maastricht-born ace has established himself as a key player, making 62 Eredivisie appearances across the past two seasons, and showcasing his attacking threat by scoring ten goals.

At 23-years-old, Mbuyamba still has plenty of time to fulfill his potential, and for a fee of around £434k he could be a bargain signing for Southampton this summer.

Following the arrival of Mark Travers, Everton have reportedly made their first move to sign a South American star ahead of Premier League rivals Manchester United.

Travers "extremely proud" to be an Everton player

Becoming Everton’s third signing of the summer following the earlier arrival of Carlos Alcaraz and Thierno Barry, Travers is likely to act as a replacement for Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia by becoming David Moyes’ new No.2 behind Jordan Pickford. Whilst the Irishman won’t steal the same headlines as Barry and Alcaraz, the depth that he will add should prove important in its own right.

Speaking for the first time since putting pen to paper, the former Bournemouth shot-stopper said: “I’m extremely proud and excited to be an Everton player. Coming in, you can feel how big this club is and the history that comes with it. You really feel that with the fanbase, the new stadium now as well and the direction the Club is going in.

“It’s a fresh start for me to come up here and try a new chapter in my career. It’s a really exciting time to be part of this massive football club and I just can’t wait to get going.”

Travers was also full of praise for Pickford, who he will be deputising, saying: “Jordan [Pickford] is an outstanding goalkeeper for Club and country. I’m looking forward to competing with everyone here and being a Premier League player.”

Ndiaye 2.0: Everton pushing to sign 'the 2nd best dribbler in the world'

David Moyes wants to add some more attacking quality at Everton this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 15, 2025

That said, the goalkeeper may have more than just Pickford to compete against. According to recent reports, the Toffees could yet welcome another goalkeeper before the summer transfer window comes to an end.

Everton make contact to sign John Victor

As reported by O Dia and relayed by Goodison News, Everton have now made their first enquiry to sign John Victor from Botafogo this summer. The Brazilian goalkeeper has also attracted interest from both Aston Villa and Manchester United, but Everton will be hoping to send a statement to their rivals by securing his signature.

Whilst another goalkeeper after Travers could hand Moyes an unnecessary headache, Victor proved his worth at the Club World Cup this summer as part of a Botafogo side who defeated Paris Saint-Germain before eventually exiting the competition at the last 16 stage.

Praised for his “strong underlying shot-stopping metrics” by The Athletic, Victor would instantly hand Travers a problem at The Hill Dickinson Stadium as both goalkeepers compete for a place behind Pickford.

Whether the Friedkin Group push on with their move to sign the Brazilian is the big question. They’ve already signed Travers and there are other priorities within Moyes’ squad as the Premier League season closes in.

Although squad depth is key, the Toffees may be better off looking to welcome midfield additions rather than another goalkeeper this summer, despite how talented Victor is.

Arsenal have just as many outgoings to sort out as new signings potentially coming through the door, with Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta revamping almost the entire squad ahead of a crucial 2025/2026 campaign.

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The biggest name who appears poised to leave N5 very soon is star midfielder Thomas Partey.

The Ghanaian re-established himself as a firm favourite under Arteta last season, putting his previous injury woes behind him and making over 50 appearances in all competitions.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Partey starred in both midfield and as an emergency right-back, which proved pivotal for the Gunners as they reached the Champions League semi-finals, despite coping with the various absences of key players due to fitness issues.

His renewed form even prompted the club to open talks over an extension for the £200,000-per-week star, but according to recent reports, negotiations have hit a standstill, and it is growing increasingly likely that Partey could leave when his contract expires at the end of this month (The Athletic).

While Arsenal assess alternatives to Partey, with Sevilla’s midfield sensation Lucien Agoume repeatedly linked in the last week, the 32-year-old isn’t Arteta’s only potential next departure – following the confirmed exits of Kieran Tierney, Jorginho, Raheem Sterling and Neto.

Left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko has seemingly been deemed surplus to requirements by Arsenal’s manager after his limited appearances last season, and AC Milan are showing a very keen interest in the Ukraine international.

Oleksandr Zinchenko keen on joining AC Milan after talks

Zinchenko has reportedly held “positive” talks over a move to Atletico Madrid, but Milan are also believed to be firm contenders for the £150,000-per-week ace.

As per Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Milan’s sporting director, Igli Tare, recently held talks with Zinchenko’s representatives, and the 28-year-old is becoming increasingly open to a San Siro move.

This comes as Milan look to sign an heir for Theo Hernandez, who could soon be joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, with Zinchenko seen as an immediate potential replacement for the Frenchman.

His high wages are the main obstacle standing between Zinchenko and a potential move to Milan, but Arsenal are apparently ready to sell the player for around £17 million, which is feasible for the Rossoneri.

Despite falling down Arteta’s pecking order in the last 12 months, Zinchenko has been a wonderful servant to Arsenal overall, and the ex-Man City defender could still have plenty to offer abroad.

“He moves out of his position and gets into little pockets to try and make things happen and this is quite incredible. You can tell that he’s played under Pep Guardiola because he plays in a similar way,” said former Arsenal defender Armand Traore to talkSPORT in 2023.

“For Arsenal, he’s been great. The second choice left-back is Kieran Tierney [and] he’s a great left-back, but at the moment he can’t get much of a game because of how great Zinchenko has been.

“He’s also great for the mentality of the whole squad because he’s won titles. I think he’s come in and been absolutely fantastic. I’m really impressed with him. He’s almost like the cherry on top [of the cake].”

انتهت مباراة الأهلي وإنبي بالتعادل الإيجابي 1-1، في المباراة التي جمعتهما اليوم، ضمن منافسات مسابقة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

والتقى الأهلي أمام إنبي، على أرضية استاد المقاولون العرب، في الجولة السادسة من عمر بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

طالع | ترتيب الدوري المصري بعد تعادل الأهلي أمام إنبي

ويحتل الأهلي المركز الخامس عشر في جدول ترتيب الدوري المصري، برصيد 6 نقاط جمعها من الفوز بمواجهة وحيدة وهزيمة أمام بيراميدز والتعادل في 3 لقاءات.

ومن المقرر أن يواصل الأهلي مبارياته في الدوري المصري بخوض لقاء قوي أمام سيراميكا كليوباترا، في إطار مواجهات الجولة السابعة من المسابقة المحلية.  موعد مباراة الأهلي وسيراميكا كليوباترا في الدوري المصري

الأهلي يواجه منافسه سيراميكا كليوباتر، يوم الجمعة 19 سبتمبر المقبل، في تمام الثامنة مساءً بتوقيت القاهرة والسعودية.

Hosts ended Day 2 with a 185-run first-innings lead, with Jayasuriya bagging 5 for 102 for visitors

ESPNcricinfo staff15-Aug-2024

File photo: Hamza Shaikh scored 91 against Sri Lanka in what was his first-class debut•Dan Istitene/Getty Images

In their only tour match ahead of their three-match Test series in England, Sri Lanka face a fight to save the game after conceding a heavy first-innings deficit to an inexperienced Lions team in Worcester.Sri Lanka were bowled out for 139 in just 43.5 overs on Wednesday, with no batter reaching 30 and Gloucestershire’s Zaman Akhter taking 5 for 32, the second five-wicket haul of his first-class career. Lions took a six-run lead heading into the second day after losing four wickets on the first evening, three of them to Prabath Jayasuriya’s left-arm spin.But by the time rain brought the second day to an early finish, Lions had secured a first-innings lead of 185. Hamza Shaikh, the 18-year-old Warwickshire batter on first-class debut, made 91 from No. 4, sharing a 104-run stand for the seventh wicket with Kasey Aldridge, the Somerset allrounder, who himself made 78.Related

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Jayasuriya finished with 5 for 102 from his 31.2 overs, with Kasun Rajitha taking 2 for 51 from 19. But Lahiru Kumara, who has not played a competitive match since June, was expensive, leaking 92 runs from his 18 overs and dismissing only tailender Ajeet Singh Dale.Lions are fielding an under-strength side, with two first-class debutants in Shaikh and Farhan Ahmed, whose elder brother Rehan has played in all three formats for England. The ECB have only pulled one player – Josh Hull, who has made two appearances for Manchester Originals – out of the Hundred, which features most of the country’s best young players.Sri Lanka have not played a Test since their tour to Bangladesh earlier this year, which ended at the start of April, and most of their squad have not played any first-class cricket since the domestic four-day tournament finished in early May. Vishwa Fernando, who is not playing against Lions, took 12 wickets in two appearances for Yorkshire in June.Sri Lanka’s 18-man squad will travel from Worcester to Manchester after the tour game ahead of the first of three Tests against England, which starts on Wednesday at Emirates Old Trafford. They will be joined in Manchester by former England batter Ian Bell, who has been recruited as a batting coach for the series to provide local knowledge.

All 15 players who played the men’s T20 World Cup in June are in the Scotland squad, to be led by Richie Berrington

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Aug-2024Scotland have called up right-arm quick Charlie Cassell and medium pacer Jasper Davidson for their first-ever bilateral men’s T20I series against Australia this September in Edinburgh. The 15 players who played the men’s T20 World Cup in June make up the rest of the squad, which will be captained by Richie Berrington.Cassell made a sensational start to his international career, taking 7 for 21 – the best ODI haul on debut – against Oman in the Cricket World Cup League 2 in July. He’s played two ODIs for Scotland so far and was also recently part of three matches in the One-Day Cup for Somerset.Davidson also made his ODI debut in the CWC League 2, against Oman, and took four wickets in that game.”After coming into the squad at CWCL2 and doing so well, it’ll be great for Jasper and Charlie to have the experience of what it’s like playing against the best, in front of a fairly large crowd,” Doug Watson, Scotland’s head coach, said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to play one of the best teams in the world, and I’m pretty sure that our players won’t need any motivating for this series. It’s a great opportunity for them to share the field with world-class players. They’re wanting to put in some huge performances and compete, and really push this Australia team.”The goal for us is to win this series. The first game is really important – if we can win that, it’ll set up the next two matches. The whole week will be brilliant for the squad, staff, supporters, and all of Scotland.”It will be Australia’s first tour of Scotland in 11 years. The sides will meet just three months after their T20 World Cup 2024 game in St Lucia, where Australia won a close match by five wickets. The games will be played at The Grange on September 4, 6 and 7.Scotland T20I squad vs AustraliaRichie Berrington (capt), Charlie Cassell, Matthew Cross, Brad Currie, Jasper Davidson, Chris Greaves, Ollie Hairs, Jack Jarvis, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Chris Sole, Charlie Tear, Mark Watt, Brad Wheal

What a whirlwind 24 hours or so it has been for Newcastle United. On Tuesday afternoon, it was reported that they received a huge approach from Liverpool for star striker Alexander Isak, which is said to be a ‘record bid’ from Fabrizio Romano.

That is something that could scupper their move for French striker Hugo Ekitike. The Magpies are believed to have bid £69m for the Eintracht Frankfurt star, also confirmed by Romano, but the German side rejected that offer. If Liverpool are priced out of a move for Isak, they could instead move for Ekitike.

The two clubs are certainly embroiled in one of the sagas of the summer so far, although perhaps Newcastle will turn their attention elsewhere completely.

The latest on Newcastle's transfer business

It will be fascinating to see who ends up where at the end of the Isak and Ekitike saga, with it looking increasingly likely that one will play for Liverpool next season. Thus, the Magpies may well switch their focus and look for an alternative centre-forward, regardless of what happens.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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A recent report from Chronicle Live says that Eddie Howe’s side are ‘long-term admirers’ of RB Leipzig and Slovenia striker Benjamin Sesko. Reading between the lines, perhaps a move for the 22-year-old will materialise.

However, there is a stumbling block, and that is the fact that he is ‘one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe’, as described in the report. Arsenal are one club linked with the striker, having reportedly been in talks over a £70m move for him back in June.

With the Gunners now set to sign Viktor Gyokeres instead, it remains to be seen if Sesko is still on their list.

How Sesko compares to Ekitike

There is no doubt that Sesko would move to St James’ Park with a fantastic reputation. Described as a “menace of a striker” by football scout Antonio Mango, the Slovenia international is well-regarded across European football.

The 2024/25 campaign was an impressive one for the Leipzig striker. In 45 appearances for the German side, he scored 21 goals and grabbed six assists along the way. His Bundesliga record of 13 goals and five assists is impressive for someone just 22 years of age.

When you think of a “menace” in front of goal, as Mango described the Leipzig number nine, a deadly centre-forward who can score plenty of types of goals may spring to mind.

Look at this strike in the Champions League last season, which really highlights what the scout means. That is a deadly finish.

There is certainly a case to be made that the striker is a bigger talent than Ekitike. The Frenchman impressed for Eintracht last term, with 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 games for the Bundesliga outfit.

There is no doubt that the former PSG player is a superb striker and someone whose game is well-rounded, given the number of assists he gets. He also knows where the back of the net is, too, as the video showcases.

However, looking at some of the numbers on FBref, you can certainly make a case for the fact that the Leipzig striker is a bigger talent. Some of the key numbers for a striker certainly weigh in Sesko’s favour. It is also worth bearing in mind that, whilst Ekitike scored more goals last season, he did feature in more games.

For example, the 22-year-old Slovenia international averages 0.38 goals per shot on target per 90 minutes, compared to 0.32 goals per shot on target each game for the Frenchman. In terms of off-the-ball work, Sesko wins 2.65 aerial duels per game compared to Ekitike’s 1.82.

Sesko and Ekitike key stats compared

Stat (per 90)

Sesko

Ekitike

Goals

0.49

0.53

Goals per shot on target

0.38

0.32

Shots on target

43.9%

38.6%

Goals per shot

0.17

0.12

Aerial duels won

2.65

1.82

Stats from FBref

You can certainly form a strong argument which says Sesko is a way bigger talent than Ekitike, not least having already scored 93 club goals to date at senior level, from 214 games. The latter man, by contrast, has scored just 44 club goals from 136 games, despite being just over a year older than the Leipzig sensation.

Whilst the Magpies are in many ways stuck in limbo with their striker signing, perhaps the opportunity to sign Sesko could present itself this summer.

A £70m fee is expensive, but it is only the same fee that they bid for the Eintracht star, and would surely be enough to tempt Leipzig into a sale. The Newcastle striker saga, from here, will be fascinating, but Sesko is surely a strong option.

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No prospect of a result after several sessions lost to rain, but 40-year-old ends season in style

ECB Reporters Network29-Sep-2024

Wayne Madsen swings away a pull•Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Leicestershire’s rain-hit Vitality County Championship match against East Midlands neighbours Derbyshire ended in the tame draw that had been long anticipated as the curtain came down on the season at the Uptonsteel County Ground.What would otherwise have been a decidedly unmemorable final day was rescued by the veteran Derbyshire stalwart Wayne Madsen, whose sixth century in this fixture took his career tally of first-class runs against Leicestershire to 2,032 at an impressive average of 63.50.The 40-year-old hit 11 fours and a six in an unbeaten 105, although it was not a chanceless century. He was dropped at midwicket on 72, which would have left him tantalisingly on 1,999 against the Foxes.Skipper David Lloyd made 73 as Derbyshire posted 252 for three declared in their first innings in reply to Leicestershire’s 280 all out, in which Lloyd’s three for 43 was his side’s best performance with the ball. The first two days of the match had been lost to the weather.Nonetheless, it is a season Derbyshire will want to forget after finishing bottom of the Division Two table with just one win from 14 matches, while it did not reach the conclusion Leicestershire had been hoping for in August, when they were still contention for a promotion place.Three draws and two defeats in their last five matches put paid to that ambition and 2025 will be their 20th consecutive season in Division Two.Resuming at 264 for eight, Leicestershire added 16 runs before Zak Chappell uprooted debutant Alex Green’s middle stump to end their first innings, Pat Brown having had Sam Wood caught at first slip, both with the second new ball.Ben Cox, a possible contender to take over from Lewis Hill as captain next season, finished on 42 not out.Leicestershire had been bowled out in 87.1 overs. With a minimum 86 overs left in the match, some watching were hopeful that each team might forfeit an innings to leave Derbyshire a target of 265, which at least would have created a meaningful conclusion to the match, even if the prize at stake was no more than regional pride.But if there had been any discussions around manufacturing a finish, they clearly did not end in agreement. Derbyshire emerged from the pavilion to little apparent purpose other than to add such batting bonus points as they could to the three they picked up for bowling, although nothing can now alter the fact that they have finished bottom of the table for the 17th time in their history.Then again, after five defeats in six matches coming into this one, it could be argued that it is better to finish the season with a draw than another loss.As it happened, by lunch Derbyshire were well on the way to that objective at 79 for one from 18 overs, left-arm spinner Liam Trevaskis picking up the sole wicket to fall with his first delivery when Mitch Wagstaff edged to slip.Against a depleted Leicestershire attack, with no Josh Hull, Chris Wright, Scott Currie or Rehan Ahmed for a variety of reasons, runs came relatively easily at times.Green, 6ft 6ins and not 18 until February, bowled his first overs in first-class cricket but found there was little margin for error with length or line on an unresponsive pitch, although he troubled the batters at times.Lloyd, who has had a chastening first season as Derbyshire’s captain, completed his fourth half-century of the campaign, but after 11 fours he was denied the chance to register his first hundred since his triple century against Derbyshire for Glamorgan in 2022 when he slashed at a delivery from Ben Mike outside off stump and was caught at slip.Harry Came had been the second wicket to fall, edging to wicketkeeper Cox off Ben Green, one of six seamers deployed by the home side.Madsen’s stand with Brooke Guest added 132, the 40-year-old clearly in the mood to take advantage of the docile conditions on a bright, if cool afternoon, providing some entertainment for the pockets of keen spectators, reaching the 100-run milestone for the 39th time in his first-class career with an uppercut off Mike for his 11th four.

Fair to say, Everton have not made a rip-roaring start to pre-season.

So far, the Toffees have drawn 1-1 with Accrington Stanley, Beto converting a late equaliser at the Crown Ground, but David Moyes’ men were beaten 1-0 by Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Saturday.

Next up, the Blues have travelled stateside to participate in the Premier League Summer Series, taking on Bournemouth in New Jersey on Saturday, before games against two of Moyes’ former clubs, facing West Ham in Chicago and Manchester United in Atlanta.

Before then, will Evertonians everywhere have a new signing to get excited about?

Everton's search for a new signing

So far this summer, Everton stalwarts Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucouré have both been released, meaning reinforcements will be needed.

Well, to replace Calvert-Lewin, Thierno Barry has arrived from Villarreal for a reported fee of £27.6m, with Cerys Jones and Steve Madeley of the Athletic outlining how, at 6ft 5in (195cms), he is your archetypal, classic target man centre-forward, adding that he does his best work inside the penalty area.

To add to this, according to reports in Spain, Everton are ready to make a move to sign Atlético Madrid left-back Samu Lino, with the Toffees said to be ‘willing to sign’ the defender.

They add that Atleti are listening to offers for him, with the Premier League his most-likely destination, while reports elsewhere in Spain claim that he is valued at around £20m.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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Los Colchoneros, for their part, have already bought a replacement, namely Matteo Ruggeri for around €20m, also bringing in Álex Baena (€50m), Johnny Cardoso (€30m), Thiago Almada (€27m) and Marc Pubill (€15m), which all suggests they’d be open to a sale.

So, could Lino soon swap the Metropolitano for Hill Dickinson Stadium?

How Samu Lino would improve Everton

Vitaliy Mykolenko started 35 of Everton’s 38 Premier League matches at left-back last season, so Lino is coming in to usurp him in the pecking order.

So, let’s assess how the duo compare.

Vitaliy Mykolenko vs Samu Lino 2024/25 comparison

Statistics (per 90)

Mykolenko

Lino

Assists

0.1

0.3

Chances created

0.8

1.2

Crosses attempted

3

2.4

Crossing accuracy %

29%

22%

Take-ons completed

0.3

1.6

Duels won

4.5

6

Touches

51

64

Ball recoveries

2.6

5

All statistics courtesy of Squawka

As the table outlines, Lino comes out on top for the vast majority of statistics included.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout believes the 25-year-old has a “very interesting profile”, while Sive Vishwa of Breaking the Lines describes him as ‘athletic and strong’, adding that ‘he is a very attacking player’ often ‘overlapping’ to support attacks.

In 93 appearances for Atleti, Lino has accumulated 12 goals and 16 assists, underlining his attacking threat, while he also ranks in the top 1% of his peers in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries per 90, as well as in the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

While that ball-carrying quality is exciting, the point about getting forward to put crosses in and create chances is particularly key, given the profile of Everton’s new striker Barry.

The towering Frenchman scored 11 times in La Liga, three of which were headers, from an average distance of 12 yards out from goal, underlining that he does all of his best inside the box. Indeed, he also ranks in the top 14% of strikers in Europe’s top five leagues for aerial duels won, once again highlighting that aerial prowess.

So, with Lino – who was described as “incredible” by scout Antonio Mango during his time on loan at Valencia – bombing forward and putting in crosses, he and Barry could form a lethal combination.

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After finally agreeing a deal to sign Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United are now set to intensify their efforts to sign another impressive attacking addition.

Man Utd reach agreement to sign Mbeumo

After a long few weeks, United are finally set to get their man after reportedly agreeing a deal worth as much as £70m+ all-in to sign Mbeumo. INEOS had been spending recent weeks attempting to get that price tag down, but Brentford’s stubborn stance soon forced their hand. Putting the hefty fee aside for the moment, however, there’s no denying that Mbeumo will be an instant upgrade at Old Trafford.

The forward’s arrival will take United’s spending to around the £133m-mark after welcoming Matheus Cunha for a reported fee of £63m at the start of the summer transfer window. For all the criticism that they have received, INEOS have so far backed Ruben Amorim in the summer transfer window.

Starts

38

29

Goals

20

15

Assists

7

6

Expected Goals

12.3

8.6

Not only did Mbeumo and Cunha score a combined 35 Premier League goals last season, but they also stood out for how they outperformed their expected total. Their records suggest that Manchester United are set to welcome two much-needed clinical finishers to their side.

To give context for just how much of an upgrade they’ll provide Amorim, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund managed a combined seven Premier League goals last season.

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After Mbeumo and Cunha, however, the Red Devils are reportedly not done there in the summer transfer window.

Man Utd set to intensify Sesko move

According to TeamTalk, Manchester United are now set to intensify their move to sign Benjamin Sesko, who is valued at a hefty £67m by RB Leipzig this summer.

The 6 foot 5 Slovenia star initially caught United’s eye in 2022, when they first contacted the forward whilst he was still at Red Bull Salzburg. And, having worked on their relationship with player and camp ever since, the Red Devils are in position to step up their interest and complete their attacking overhaul in style.

Starts

30

23

14

Goals

13

4

3

Assists

5

0

1

Expected Goals

10

5.3

4.8

Like Mbeumo and Cunha, Sesko outperformed Zirkzee and Hojlund last season, with his clinical nature in front of goal also standing out when compared to their underperformance. If Sesko arrives to join the incoming duo then United could be going from one of the most disappointing frontlines to one of the most promising in the Premier League.

Described as a “menace” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the 22-year-old is ready to take the Premier League by storm after stealing countless headlines in the Bundesliga.