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After Erik ten Hag’s dismissal from Manchester United in October last year, it was always going to be crucial that the hierarchy made the right call with their next appointment.

The Red Devils board turned to Ruben Amorim to fill the void, but around 13 months on from his arrival, he’s still struggling to provide the goods on a consistent basis.

He’s currently achieving a 41% win record in his 56 matches in charge at Old Trafford to date, with the 40-year-old only registering a total of 23 victories across all competitions.

His 3-4-2-1 system is yet to be seen in full flow, as numerous players are still getting used to the demands of the manager’s intricate system in the Premier League.

One player in particular has had to adapt his playstyle over the last couple of months as a result of the switch, but he’s struggled in 2025/25 – as seen by his stats in recent weeks.

The stats behind Dalot’s struggles in 2025/26

Diogo Dalot was signed by United back in 2018 from boyhood club Porto, with the Portuguese star seen as the long-term solution at right-back at Old Trafford.

The 26-year-old has already racked up over 200 senior appearances for the Red Devils since his transfer, but concerns have been raised about his performance levels in 2025/26.

He’s been asked to operate in a more advanced right-wing-back role as a result of Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system – a position in which he’s massively struggled to date.

In his 11 appearances in the Premier League, he’s massively struggled in possession, as seen by his lowly tally of just 2.8 progressive passes completed per 90.

Such a tally ranks him within the bottom 20% of all full-backs in the division this season, further showcasing his lack of impact when in possession this campaign.

Going forward, he’s also massively struggled to impress, as seen by his tally of just 1.7 passes into the final per 90 – which also places him in the bottom 14% of other defenders in the league.

When he gets himself into shooting positions, Dalot has also massively struggled in the Premier League, as seen by his tally of zero shots on target, the joint-worst of any player in the division.

It’s evident that he’s massively struggled to impress since the arrival of his compatriot, with the manager desperately needing to address the situation in such an area.

The star who can end Dalot’s Man Utd career

In an attempt to fix the issues in the wing-back department, Amorim has put faith in Amad Diallo to try and nail the place down as his own in recent months.

The Ivorian, who’s primarily a winger, has managed to impress in the role, with the 23-year-old netting 11 goals and eight assists across all competitions in 2024/25.

In the current season, the youngster has continued to impress, already netting a goal and two assists – with his only goal a tremendous strike in the 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest.

However, the manager could be presented with an issue in the months ahead, with the player set to join up with the Ivory Coast national team for the African Cup of Nations.

Despite the issues, the manager could call upon academy star Bendito Mantato to try and fill the void and solve the long-standing problem in wide areas.

The Englishman joined the academy at the age of nine, subsequently spending his entire youth years with the Red Devils and is now a star performer in the youth ranks.

He’s made three appearances for the U18 squad during the early stages of this season, but has managed to impress – as seen by his tally of three goals and three assists.

Mantato, who started out as a winger, has even played as a full-back for the academy sides, subsequently allowing him to make 11 appearances for the under-21 side this campaign.

As a result of his recent performances, analyst Ben Mattinson has already labelled “explosive” – even touching on his ability to get up and down the pitch with his tireless nature.

Games played

14

Goals & assists

9

Pass accuracy

89%

Successful dribbles

1.1

Tackles made

3.4

Duels won

6.7

Duels won

49%

Fouls won

1.3

The youngster starred in the U18s 7-0 demolition of Liverpool at the weekend, with the wideman finding the net early on to get the ball rolling against their bitter rivals.

At just 17, expectations will no doubt have to be managed by the club and Amorim, but it’s evident that he’s a player with bags of talent and potential for the future.

However, if he does manage to continue his current trajectory, there’s no reason why he can’t replace Dalot in the first-team setup and save the hierarchy millions.

The Portuguese international is certainly on borrowed time at Old Trafford, with the full-back needing a miracle to prevent the hierarchy from looking at options to replace him.

Better than Dorgu: Man Utd plot move to sign 'the world's most coveted LB'

Manchester United look set to make yet another big-money move in the defensive department.

ByEthan Lamb Dec 2, 2025

أدلى مدرب تشيلسي، إنزو ماريسكا بتصريحات عقب فوز فريقه أمام برشلونة خلال منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، حيث تواجه الخصمان مساء الثلاثاء.

واستقبل تشيلسي نظيره برشلونة على ملعب “ستامفورد بريدج” وتغلب عليه بثلاثية دون رد، ضمن مباريات الجولة الخامسة لمرحلة الدوري بدوري أبطال أوروبا.

وقال ماريسكا في تصريحات نشرتها شبكة “بي بي سي”: “إنه فوز جيد، بصراحة، لم يكن أكثر من ذلك، كنا ندرك أهمية هذه المباراة، ولكن جميعها مباريات مهمة، الفوز على برشلونة دائمًا ما يكون أمرًا رائعًا، ونحن سعداء اليوم”.

وأضاف: “أهدرنا نقاطًا أمام كاراباخ خارج أرضنا، ثم فزنا على بنفيكا وأياكس، ثم خسرنا في المباراة الأخيرة أمام بايرن ميونخ، هذا يُظهر أن جميع هذه المباريات معقدة”.

وأردف: “برشلونة فريق يشعر بالراحة عندما تكون الكرة بحوزته، أما إذا لم تكن بحوزتهم، فلا يشعرون بالراحة، لذلك حاولنا الاحتفاظ بالكرة، حتى في مواجهة 11 ضد 11، كان شعوري جيدًا جدًا لأن الفريق كان يلعب بشكل جيد”.

اقرأ أيضًا | فليك: طرد أراوخو كان له تأثير كبير في هزيمتنا أمام تشيلسي.. وأعدكم بـ برشلونة مختلف

وواصل: “الجانب الدفاعي مهم دائمًا لأنه يحتاج إلى التوازن، لحسن الحظ، بدأنا الشهر الماضي بإنهاء مبارياتنا بشباك نظيفة في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، إنه أمر يجب القيام به إذا كنت ترغب في تحقيق أهداف مهمة”.

وعن هدف إستيفاو ويليان، البالغ من العمر 18 عامًا، علّق ماريسكا: “كانت ليلةً رائعةً له، ولكن أعتقد أنها ليلةٌ رائعةٌ أيضًا للنادي بأكمله ولجميع المشجعين، إنها ليلةٌ رائعةٌ للجميع، سنرى (إن كان سيبدأ أساسيًا ضد آرسنال)، الآن، حان الوقت لنستعيد نشاطنا”.

وعن قيمة كأس العالم للأندية التي اكتسبها فريقه، أكد: “كان الفوز بها مهمًا جدًا للاعبي من حيث الثقة، لأنهم أدركوا أنهم قادرون على الفوز ضد أي فريق، عندما تحاول بناء عقلية الفوز، فأنت بحاجةٍ إلى الفوز بالمباريات”.

The New York Yankees hosted the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in the Bronx. Despite the action on the field, many people watching at home were distracted by one fan sitting behind home plate who was wearing a Philadelphia Phillies hat and a New York Mets shirt.

People ran to social media to share pictures and post messages that communicated the general sentiment of Whether he made his wardrobe choices hoping to get a reaction or just liked the National League East, some people thought this was a grevious violation of the fan code and wanted him banned from ballparks across the country.

Considering the date, some wondered if this might be an April Fools' Day gag.

Exactly how this is a prank is hazy unless the goal is to be noted for wearing a sundry of NL East merch, but maybe that really was the aim all along.

Maybe this person was a plant and the intent was to distract from the Yankees' new bats. It's classic misdirection.

Fans are too busy looking at the person in the random baseball garb to notice Anthony Volpe and all his friends hit a bunch of home runs with torpedo bats then maybe we have been made to be April Fools this time.

Former Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani has opened up on the regrets he has from his time at Elland Road, and revealed two “world-class” managers could’ve been brought in to replace Jesse Marsch.

49ers looking to establish Leeds in the Premier League

During the Radrizzani era, Leeds were unable to establish themselves as Premier League regulars, being relegated at the end of the 2022-23 campaign following a tumultuous season, with Sam Allardyce taking charge of the final four games.

Following the relegation, the club was sold to the 49ers, who, after installing Daniel Farke as manager, oversaw the Whites’ return to the top flight, and there have been encouraging signs at the start of the new season.

Despite widespread reports suggesting the owners were thinking about sacking Farke after promotion, they ultimately stuck by the German, whose side have gone on to amass eight points from their first seven games, although they arguably should’ve taken more.

It remains to be seen how costly the late goals conceded against Fulham and AFC Bournemouth are at the end of the campaign, but Farke is likely to be happy that his side remain outside the relegation zone.

The 48-year-old has twice been relegated from the Premier League, which means it was arguably a risk to stick by him, and it has now been revealed that Leeds could have appointed two established top-level managers if they’d sacked Marsch earlier.

In an interview with The Daily Mail, Radrizzani said: “We spent a lot of time trying to find someone with a similar style of play as Marcelo. I regret that we didn’t change sooner. Jesse is a good coach but I could see signs of frustration and misunderstanding with the team.

“We could have had Unai Emery or Julen Lopetegui but we missed that window. Then we tried with Arne Slot and Andoni Iraola after the World Cup but it was too late. It was my responsibility.”

Farke can forget Calvert-Lewin to unleash "versatile" Leeds ace in new role

This could help Leeds become more clinical in front of goal

ByJoe Nuttall Oct 13, 2025 "World-class" Emery and Slot could've guided Leeds to safety

It is painful to see the list of managers Leeds managers missed out on, especially considering they ended the 2022-23 season with Allardyce in the dugout, with Emery and Slot going on to prove they could’ve built legacies at Elland Road.

Lauded as “world-class” by Ross Barkley, the Aston Villa manager has overseen a dramatic transformation at Villa Park, guiding them to the Champions League and Europa League in back-to-back seasons.

Slot, of course, has also gone on to prove himself at the top level, leading Liverpool to the Premier League title last season, during which time he also received high praise from Accrington Stanley boss John Doolan.

Eventually, things worked out for Leeds, with Farke restoring their Premier League status, but it is no surprise Radrizzani has major regrets about some of his decisions while at Elland Road.

Liverpool and Tottenham have set their sights on 21-year-old Wolfsburg centre-back Konstantinos Koulierakis, who is rapidly emerging as one of the Bundesliga’s standout young defenders. With Liverpool planning for a future beyond Ibrahima Konate and Spurs seeking depth on the left side of defence, both clubs are preparing potential moves as interest across Europe continues to grow.

• Liverpool and Spurs intensify scouting of Koulierakis

  The Premier League giants Liverpool and Tottenham are closely monitoring the development of Wolfsburg defender Koulierakis, with both clubs reportedly considering him as a priority target for the upcoming windows. The Greek international has impressed significantly since moving from PAOK in 2024, integrating quickly into the Bundesliga and establishing himself as a composed, left-footed central defender capable of playing in a high-line system.

  Liverpool’s interest is understood to be strategic, with the club preparing for the possible departure of French international Konate, who has not yet signed an extension and could leave on a free at the end of the season. Konate’s injury record has further complicated the situation, prompting Liverpool to explore long-term replacements who can grow under Arne Slot’s evolving defensive structure.

  Spurs, meanwhile, are seeking cover and competition for the Dutch starlet Micky van de Ven, especially after a series of injuries exposed the squad’s defensive depth. The London club have long targeted athletic, progressive centre-backs, and Koulierakis’ ability to play comfortably on the left side makes him an ideal stylistic match.

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• Wolfsburg’s track record and growing market interest

  Wolfsburg have developed a strong reputation for producing high-level central defenders, with recent examples including Van de Ven and Maxence Lacroix, both of whom have earned moves to the Premier League, joining Spurs and Crystal Palace, respectively. Koulierakis appears to be the next in that line, displaying anticipation, ball-carrying confidence, and strong aerial presence despite being just 21.

  Transfer expert Graeme Bailey highlighted the growing demand around the defender when speaking to , explaining: “Koulierakis is attracting a lot of attention across Europe, composed and left-sided, left-footed defenders do tend to carry a bit more of a premium and he is standing out at the moment.”

  Both the Reds and Spurs have been scouting him for months, while several continental clubs are also monitoring his progress. Wolfsburg are expected to resist offers in January unless a significant bid arrives, though a summer move appears more realistic.

• A defender built for possession-based football

  Koulierakis’ profile fits the modern demands of high-tempo Premier League football, and his control in possession, willingness to break lines through passing, and strong spatial awareness allow him to operate in systems that build attacks from the back.

  He has also demonstrated high-potential aerial control, winning a higher percentage of aerial duels than Van de Ven during the Dutch defender’s final season at Wolfsburg. Last season, Koulierakis attempted 256 long passes, completing nearly 44%, a strong indicator of his ability to launch transitions and switch play efficiently.

  Though not the quickest centre-back, Koulierakis compensates through sharp positioning and reading of play, qualities that appeal particularly to data-driven recruitment models like Liverpool’s.

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• AFP
  

  Transfer race could heat up as Premier League rivalry continues

  For now, Wolfsburg are not under pressure to sell, but they are aware that interest in Koulierakis is rising rapidly. With both Liverpool and Tottenham planning structural defensive upgrades before next season, a competitive bidding scenario is becoming increasingly likely.

  Liverpool will continue monitoring him as they weigh decisions on Konate and the long-term future of their defensive core. Tottenham, meanwhile, are keen to secure depth ahead of future European ambitions and see Koulierakis as a player with potential to develop into a consistent Premier League starter.

  Whether a move happens in January or next summer may depend on how aggressively the clubs move, and how much Wolfsburg really demand.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has now personally requested the board sign a “special” star, with a £105m opening offer now in the works.

Man City looking to sign successor to Rodri

After spending the majority of the 2024-25 campaign sidelined due to an ACL injury, 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri is starting to show signs he is getting back to his best, most notably impressing in the 2-0 Champions League victory over Napoli.

The Spaniard received an 8.3 SofaScore match rating against the Italian side, the second-highest of any City player, after making a number of key contributions and touching the ball 109 times, more than anyone else on the pitch.

Statistic

Number completed

Duels won

6

Accurate passes

87/95 (92%)

Key passes

3

Defensive actions

6

Esteemed Kompany’s Steven McInerney also sung the central midfielder’s praises after his display against the Serie A champions, but it has since emerged that Guardiola is now running the rule over potential long-term successors.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that Pep is keen on Bayern Munich’s Aleksandar Pavlovic as an heir to Rodri, and the manager has now set his sights on a different young midfielder.

That is according to a report from Spain, which states Pep has personally requested the Man City board sign Paris Saint-Germain’s Joao Neves, with the manager said to be a keen admirer of the midfielder.

Such is City’s level of interest, they are already preparing a massive initial offer of €120m (£105m) for Neves, but it could be difficult to tempt the French club into a sale.

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The 20-year-old is regarded as an essential part of PSG’s project, given that the youngster has already established himself as one of the best players in the world in his position, so his current employers are extremely hesitant to sanction a departure.

"Special" Neves would be statement signing for Man City

It seems like it will be very difficult to get a deal done, but the Portuguese maestro could be a statement signing for the Blues, with scout Ben Mattinson suggesting he is destined for the very top.

Much like Rodri, the PSG star is an incredibly well-rounded midfielder, placing in the 96th percentile for tackles per 90, the 97th percentile for pass-completion rate, and the 92nd percentile for non-penalty goals over the past year, compared to other midfielders.

Despite his age, the starlet is already vastly experienced at the highest level, making 17 Champions League appearances en-route to PSG’s maiden triumph last season, which suggests he could be a top signing for Man City.

That said, given that Neves remains under contract until 2029, PSG should be in a strong negotiating position, and it remains to be seen whether he would even be willing to leave the reigning European champions.

It was another night to forget for Celtic on the European stage as they were condemned to another defeat by SC Braga, but it was VAR that stole the biggest headlines.

Rodgers admits he must find Celtic "solution"

Whilst Rangers’ struggles have taken much of the focus in Scotland this season, Celtic are quietly enduring a frustrating season of their own by their standards. The Bhoys haven’t won in three games and now sit second in the Scottish Premiership courtesy of a surprisingly quick start from Hearts, with things not getting much better on the European stage.

Playing host to Braga in their first home game of the Europa League campaign, Celtic were put to the sword and found themselves behind in the first-half courtesy of Ricardo Horta’s effort from range, before Gabri Martinez sealed the three points from the bench in the 85th minute.

After another disappointing evening, Brendan Rodgers admitted that he must find a “solution” to his side’s current problems.

It’s not just Celtic’s performance that the manager will be frustrated by, though. It was also an interesting night in the VAR room, with the officials deciding to rule Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal out to deny Celtic their equaliser in controversial fashion.

The Nigerian has been in excellent form since arriving in Scotland, but had his best moment yet chalked off in a decision that has left Celtic and Rodgers fuming.

VAR audio exposes why Iheanacho had goal ruled out

The VAR audio, shared by commentator Jamie Lyall, exposed why officials denied Celtic an equaliser. Lyall said: “Officials are saying there is a clear brush of the left arm somewhere in the footage.”

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Now, this is where things begin to get controversial. In the replay of the goal, it’s difficult to spot just where this “clear brush of the arm” is that the VAR officials have spotted. The more that the moment is replayed, the more it seems as though Celtic have every right to be frustrated.

Rodgers had his say on the moment after the game, telling reporters: “I can’t understand why the referee isn’t asked to go and have a look at it.

“Even if you look at it once, twice, and I’m assuming the guys in the VAR will have watched it more than that, because of the time it took, there’s absolutely no way from every angle you look at that he’s touched it. It’s hit his face, he’s gone on and finished it really, really well.”

Manchester City star John Stones has revealed that he considered announcing his retirement from professional football last season amid his persistent injury problems. Stones appeared in just 11 Premier League matches for the Cityzens in 2024-25, having to remain sidelined for a long period with foot and hamstring problems. He played his last game of the 2024-25 season in February.

• Stones had an injury-plagued 2024-25 season

  Last season proved to be a nightmare for Stones, who is now back to fitness and ready to make an impact for club and country. However, he's admitted injury problems led him to some dark places mentally.

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• AFP
  

  Retirement became an option

  Speaking to the , Stones said: "Last season was tough for me, to the point where I thought about stopping. I didn't want to do it. I had had enough of being so professional and trying to do everything right in my power, to then keep breaking down and not having the answers. It was a very difficult place to be in.

  "There comes a point where you don't know why it happens and it is even harder when you put in so much effort, or you are ultra professional, to be able to play and be available. When that time comes and something happens, it would be easier to say 'well I didn't do X, Y and Z that's why' – but when you do it, it's then mentally challenging. Hopefully I don't go back to that place.

  "My emotions were high. I wasn't thinking straight. I don't think deep down I would have ever done it [retired].

  "I said years ago when City wanted me to have a new challenge, I said 'I am going to fight'. That's all I have known since I was a kid – why should I stop that now? So yes, there is that fight in me and that winning mentality that doesn't want to stop."

• Stones ready to sign new City contract

  The reported last month that City want to keep Stones at the club and are ready to open talks over a new contract. The England star's current deal expires at the end of the season but he remains a key member of Guardiola's squad, and he is now minded to remain at the Etihad.

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• Getty Images
  

  Stones set to make England comeback

  Stones was forced to pull out of the England squad in September after suffering a minor muscle injury, but he is now up and running and has earned a Three Lions call-up for the October international games. Thomas Tuchel's side face Wales in a friendly on Thursday, before travelling to Riga to face Latvia in a World Cup qualifier five days later.

Tottenham are set to be very active in this final stretch of the window, and we can expect talks for attacking targets to intensify quickly after they were robbed of a deal for Eberechi Eze by north London rivals Arsenal.

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The Lilywhites thought they were closing in on Eze, then Arsenal moved, and everything changed.

Spurs were deep in talks with Crystal Palace, seemingly on the brink of agreeing a deal for their star number 10.

However, Arsenal reignited their long-standing interest almost immediately after losing Kai Havertz to injury – seizing the initiative and agreeing a deal worth £60 million upfront, plus £7.5 million in add-ons.

Despite Tottenham agreeing both personal terms and a deal in principle with Palace, the final decision rested with Eze, and he chose a move to the Emirates.

The 27-year-old grew up a Gunners fan, trained in their academy as a youth, and Mikel Arteta’s side needed fresh attacking flair amid Havertz’s fresh knee problem. Arsenal have been targeting Eze all summer, but Havertz inadvertently pushed them into action whilst breaking Spurs’ hearts in the process.

Now Spurs are left scrambling for different options to plug the creative voids left in their squad – made worse by Son Heung-min’s departure and James Maddison’s long-term ACL injury.

In just a few hours, the tag-team of Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta snatched the deal from under Daniel Levy’s nose. From nearly finalized by Tottenham to firmly Arsenal’s – this one will sting in N17 for some time.

Levy and Thomas Frank will be desperate to put the saga behind them whilst making a serious statement of intent, and they’ve been linked with a few intriguing attacking options in the aftermath of their botched Eze deal.

Tottenham are still trying to loosen Man City’s grip on Savinho, but another option is still there in the form of Real Madrid star Rodrygo.

Tottenham could be close to agreeing loan deal for Rodrygo

According to Defensa Central, the Brazilian is not in Xabi Alonso’s plans, and his pool of suitors is running thin.

As things stand, Spurs are the most realistic destination for him, and their eagerness to offload him has resulted in Bernabeu chiefs softening their stance when it comes to his £86 million price tag.

So much so, in fact, that Real are now prepared to green-light an initial loan for Rodrygo, something that is enticing Tottenham as Levy maintains an interest in the 24-year-old.

As per Defensa, this means that Tottenham “could be close” to reaching an agreement for Rodrygo, as they’re also ready to cover the player’s entire £208,000-per-week salary.

The only roadblock is apparently whether Levy will agree to include a buy-option/obligation, as Florentino Perez would ideally like his price tag paid in full, but could be forced to wait until 2026.

Rodrygo, for his part, has decided to leave Real in pursuit of more game time, and while not explicitly stated, the prospect of a Premier League move could well tempt him.

Called a “superstar” by Luka Modrić, Rodrygo bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions for Los Blancos last term.

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Chelsea have been one of the busiest Premier League sides this summer, and that’s been the case in pretty much every summer window since Todd Boehly/Clearlake Capital’s takeover of the club in 2022.

Better signing than Hato: Chelsea now leading race for £52m PL "nightmare"

The dynamic gem could be something special at Chelsea.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Aug 5, 2025

Only this time, the west Londoners head into next season looking like genuine title contenders.

Chelsea are fresh off the back of a very promising last few months, winning both the UEFA Conference League and the inaugural new edition of the Club World Cup, not to mention qualifying for the 2025/2026 Champions League.

BlueCo have therefore sought to back manager Enzo Maresca with a complete revamp of the squad, with Chelsea being extremely active in terms of both incomings and outgoings.

In the last 72 hours, a host of surplus players in Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Lesley Ugochukwu and Armando Broja have sealed permanent exits from Stamford Bridge – with the trio’s departures poised to yield around £65 million (The Mail).

After being fined for breaching FFP rules by UEFA last month, player sales are absolutely key, as Chelsea must produce a “positive transfer balance” or face not being able to register new signings for their Champions League squad next season (Nizaar Kinsella).

The Blues are intent on spending even more money before deadline day too, adding to their already-impressive collection of new signings in Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro and left-back Jorrel Hato.

Chelsea have been in talks for RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons for some time, but a potential deal for the Dutchman apparently won’t impact their long-standing interest in Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho.

Reliable media sources indicate that Chelsea are expected to bid for Garnacho before the window shuts as they pursue another left-winger after Gittens. Now, Sky Sports have shared an update on this.

Chelsea in talks to sign Alejandro Garnacho and Xavi Simons

The broadcast giant reports that Chelsea are in ongoing talks to sign both Garnacho and Simons right now, and Maresca’s side are “pushing” to make the duo their next signings of the summer.

Simons is apparently valued at around £60 million, according to talkSPORT, while The Mirror recently claimed that United have slashed Garnacho’s asking price to around £40 million with the clock ticking to strike a deal.

The latter is on Ruben Amorim’s ‘for sale list’ after his Old Trafford fallout, while Simons has apparently made it clear that he’d like to leave Leipzig this summer, with manager Ole Werner leaving him out of their Saturday squad for a friendly defeat to Atalanta.

This potential £100 million double-signing would be a real statement of intent from Chelsea.

Garnacho and Simons bagged a combined 22 goals and 20 assists in all competitions last term, and depending on their role in the squad, the promising young attackers could be major assets as Maresca looks to compete with Liverpool, Arsenal and Man City at the very top.