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Manchester United look set to overhaul their defensive options in the upcoming summer transfer window to fix their disappointing defensive record this season.

The Red Devils are currently 17th in the Premier League for xGA as they have conceded a whopping 57.3 xGA. Only West Ham United, Sheffield United, and Luton have let up more high-quality chances for the opposition.

In fact, only the Blades (555) have faced more shots than United (548) in the division so far this season, which speaks to how leaky Erik ten Hag's backline has been.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his team are now reportedly looking to make changes to the personnel at the back, and have identified a Premier League star to improve their defence.

Man Utd make Branthwaite a priority target

According to Football Insider, Ratcliffe has made Everton colossus Jarrad Branthwaite a 'priority' target ahead of the summer transfer window, with Raphael Varane set to leave Old Trafford.

They have earmarked the Englishman as their top target to come in and bolster the defence due to his fantastic performances in the Premier League this season.

The report claims that United want to add two new centre-backs to their squad ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, and are looking to make one 'big-money' addition – Branthwaite or an alternative – alongside a young central defender with more long-term potential.

Football Insider states that Varane and Jonny Evans are both set to depart upon the expiry of their current contracts this summer, which would open up two spots within the group to recruit new additions.

The outlet does not reveal how much it would take for the Red Devils to secure his signature. However, TEAMtalk reported last month that Everton are set to demand a fee of around £80m, and it remains to be seen whether or not United are willing to pay that.

Jarrad Branthwaite's Premier League excellence

The left-footed titan has emerged as a regular starter for the Toffees in the Premier League this season, after a loan spell in the Netherlands with PSV last term.

He has won an eye-catching 69% of his individual duels across 28 appearances in the top flight, which shows that the 21-year-old ace has been a dominant figure at the back.

Appearances

28

21

Sofascore rating

7.04

6.92

Duel success rate

69%

68%

Ball recoveries per game

5.5

3.1

Tackles + interceptions per game

3.5

1.6

As you can see in the table above, Branthwaite has been far more impressive than Varane at defending his goal this term, with significantly more recoveries, tackles, and interceptions.

This has played a part in helping Everton to be fifth in the Premier League for xGA conceded at just 43.9 – a staggering 13.4 less than United's xGA of 57.3.

The £80m-rated titan, who has been described as an "absolute monster" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has had a tangible impact on his team's defence, as you can see from the aforementioned statistics his multiple interventions per game have resulted in his side having one of the best defensive records in the league.

This suggests that the 21-year-old giant could be a dream replacement for Varane as a player who could come in to improve United's dire defence this summer.

Liverpool youngster Sepp van den Berg has reaffirmed his opinion that the Reds' asking price for him is too high, as he considers leaving this summer.

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Van den Berg looking to leave LiverpoolBelieves Liverpool's valuation is too highWilling to stay if he get minutes under SlotWHAT HAPPENED?

After joining Liverpool from PEC Zwolle in 2019, Van den Berg has only made four senior appearances for the Reds as he has spent two years on loan at Preston in the Championship and another with Schalke and Mainz in the Bundesliga. The decision-makers at Anfield value the centre-back at approximately £20 million ($25.7m). A number of European teams, including PSV Eindhoven, Wolfsburg, and Mainz are reportedly interested in signing the Dutchman, however, the Reds' asking price may deter the interest.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT VAN DEN BERG SAID

Speaking to the media, Van den Berg said: "I know in today’s market (high prices) will happen. For the price they want for me, hmmm…

"Liverpool may think it is right as I had a good season, if they want £20-£25million that is a lot more. Hopefully, we can find a way. Maybe I stay, maybe I go. The first reaction from me is that it was quite high! It is also a compliment. But it makes it difficult, £20m is majorly high."

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If the opportunity arises, Van den Berg has said that he is ready to stay with the Reds as he has had a conversation with new boss Arne Slot.

He said: "I spoke with (Slot) on my first day. He said to me I have to show myself in pre-season. I had my own visions, I want to play. We will see what happens. But I am happy here. My goal is to play football next year so we will see if it is here or somewhere else.

"Of course, I am here now. Liverpool is one of the biggest, if not the biggest club in the world. It has always been my dream. I am here to show myself I am Liverpool worthy. If he gives me a chance and likes me, there’s a big chance of me staying.

"But we are still early in the window, we will see. I was a boy when I came here, 17. I have done one and a half years in the Championship, two years in the Bundesliga. I am still young but I feel very old! It’s about game time and experience. If I get it here, there is no better place to be."

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WHAT NEXT FOR VAN DEN BERG?

The 22-year-old will try and impress Slot during the preseason and only then will his future be decided mutually as the Dutchman will want to have a regular amount of playing minutes.

In Chattogram, South Zone and North Zone played out a draw

Mohammad Isam03-Feb-2020Tamim Iqbal’s record-breaking triple century handed East Zone an innings win over Central Zone at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.On his way to an unbeaten 334, Tamim recorded the highest individual score in first-class cricket by a Bangladeshi.East Zone declared on 555 for 2 in reply to Central’s 213 in the first innings, as Tamim put on partnerships worth 62 with Pinak Ghosh for the first wicket, 296 for the second wicket with Mominul Haque and 197 for the unbroken third wicket with Yasir Ali. Tamim struck 42 fours and three sixes in an innings that spanned nearly ten hours, while Mominul made 111 as East Zone put on a mammoth 555-2 in their first innings.Nayeem Hasan took six wickets to bowl Central Zone out for 333 runs in their second innings, with Mohammad Mithun top-scoring with 83.At the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, South Zone and North Zone played out a draw. South Zone took a 55-run first-innings lead after being bowled out for 262.Fazle Mahmud had made 125 for South Zone in the first innings, while Shafiul Islam impressed with the ball. He took six wickets, four of which came in an incredible first over in North Zone’s innings when he removed Liton Das, Junaid Siddique, Mizanur Rahman and Naeem Islam.South Zone then racked up 398 for 3 dec, with Shahriar Nafees (111), Shasmur Rahman (109) and Mahmudullah (100*) hitting centuries and setting a 454-run target. Liton hit an unbeaten 103 for the North Zone as the teams settled for a draw.

Tottenham have approached a Premier League player ahead of a potential free transfer this summer.

Ange Postecoglou wants defensive reinforcements

Tottenham have enjoyed a solid 2023/24 campaign under Ange Postecoglou, with some form of European football likely set to return to north London for the forthcoming season. However, if Spurs are to improve even further under the Australian, they may need to sure up their leaky defence.

The Lilywhites have kept just six clean sheets across 32 league games so far this term, leading to Postecoglou admitting that Spurs will look to bring in another centre-back this summer.

“If you’re saying, ‘Is it an area we can strengthen?’, yes it’s an area we will probably look at”, said Postecoglou on Spurs' summer transfer plans.

“With all these things, it’s about trying to strengthen the group as much as anything else. If you think about when I first arrived, we had maybe six or seven centre-backs at the club. So it’s not just numbers. It’s more about the ability of those players to play the football we want and to fit in to what we’re trying to build here.

“I think it is an area of the park we will look to strengthen, but I think we’ll look to strengthen all areas of the park come the end of the season. That is planning that’s already underway, and other people are in charge of it at the moment.”

On that front, Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly is reportedly considering his future with the Cherries and Tottenham are willing to make an offer for the stopper. Elsewhere, it emerged recently that Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo is open to joining Tottenham and Postecoglou is a big fan of the 26-year-old.

Tottenham eye "special" player on free transfer

Now, a fresh update on Tottenham's interest in Tosin Adarabioyo has emerged via TEAMtalk, who report Manchester United and Tottenham have approached Adarabioyo to try and agree his signing on a pre-contract deal, with his current Fulham contract set to expire at the end of June.

The 6ft 5 centre-back joined Fulham in 2020 from Manchester City for around £1.2m and has been a mainstay in their backline since. Adarabioyo has proven to be a crucial player for the Cottagers, with Marco Silva lamenting his absence due to injury in the first half of the campaign and labelling the 26-year-old as a "special" player.

“We missed him a lot, we missed him because he didn’t play the first three months of the season. Tosin is a special player for us, I can’t hide that situation. The way he can defend the box but also on the ball he is a special player for me, the way I want to play, the way he can build (from the back). For three months we missed him but he has just played the last four or five games and he is getting better and better."

The report from TEAMtalk adds that Fulham were hoping to tie Adarabioyo down to fresh terms last month but those attempts failed, leaving the door open to a free transfer.

Manchester United are close to signing Bayern Munich's defensive duo Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.

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Man Utd reach agreement to sign De Ligt and MazraouiMazraoui's transfer subject to Wan-Bissaka's departureRed Devils face Man City in Community ShieldWHAT HAPPENED?

Per The Athletic's David Ornstein, the Red Devils have reached an agreement with Bayern Munich over the transfer of Dutch centre-back De Ligt. The deal is worth €45 million (£38m/$49m) plus €5m (£4m/$5m) in add-ons. The 24-year-old is expected to undergo his medical soon before formally putting pen to paper on a five-year contract with an option to extend it by 12 months.

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The report adds that United have also agreed on a separate deal with the Bavarian club for the transfer of their right-back Mazraoui. The Premier League giants have agreed to pay €15m (£12m/$15m) plus €5m (£4m/$5m) in bonuses. However, the deal is subject to Aaron Wan-Bissaka moving out of Old Trafford this summer who is all set to join West Ham.

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Erik ten Hag's side are also considering signing former Atletico Madrid defender Mario Hermoso on a free transfer. The 29-year-old Spaniard can play as a central defender as well as a left full-back.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

The reigning FA Cup champions will play their first competitive match of the new season on Saturday as they take on rivals Manchester City in the Community Shield at Wembley.

Aston Villa are among a host of Premier League clubs who are interested in signing a "really important" player from a top flight rival in the summer transfer window.

Aston Villa top four hopes & transfer news

Unai Emery's side are still basking in the glory of Sunday's superb 2-0 victory away to Arsenal in the Premier League, as they did their top four chances no harm whatsoever. It was arguably their most impressive result of the season, along with the victory at home to Manchester City, in what has been a memorable campaign.

Emery deserves so much praise for the job he is doing – winning at his former club may have felt particularly sweet for him over the weekend – and the hope now is that they can hold off Tottenham and secure definite Champions League football ahead of next season.

Qualifying for Europe's biggest club competition would not only be a huge financial boost, but it would also allow Villa to target top-quality players in the summer transfer window, with Vitoria de Guimaraes winger Jota Silva linked with a move to the club, being compared to former hero Jack Grealish.

Meanwhile, Villans owners NSWE have reportedly made steps to sign Inter Milan and Netherlands right-back Denzel Dumfries, with the Dutchman wanting more than £80,000 if he makes a move to Villa Park.

Aston Villa want "important" Premier League player

According to a report from HITC, Aston Villa are keen on hijacking West Ham defender Ben Johnson this summer, but they are far from being alone when it comes to the race to sign him.

It is claimed that the defender "could leave West Ham for nothing this summer with Aston Villa, Everton, Wolves and Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur all running the rule over the out-of-contract defender".

Meanwhile, it is also believed that "clubs in Italy, France and Germany have talked to Johnson’s representatives too".

While Johnson may not be the world-renowned signing that Villa fans will no doubt crave this summer, particularly if Champions League football is secured, he could still be a shrewd addition considering he will be available for free.

The £20,000-a-week West Ham man is capable of doing a reliable job at both centre-back and right-back, and he has made 13 Premier League appearances this season, also enjoying three outings in the Europa League. David Moyes has been full of praise for him in the past: "He’s a really important player for us. In the squad and the group he’s really important.

"Quite often we’ve brought him on and used him in different roles and he’s had a chance to have some games under his belt, he’s not let us down and scored a good goal in midweek."

Stan Collymore desperate for Aston Villa to sign 21-year-old this summer

He’s been a standout for his club.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 14, 2024

The fact that Hammers insiders are desperate to keep hold of Johnson says a lot about his worth, and while not a stellar, match-winning option, as mentioned, he could give Villa much-needed depth in a couple of defensive areas.

‘It’s not about egos or anything like that, it’s about sending your best team to the World Cup,’ South Africa coach says

Firdose Moonda16-Feb-2020The one person South African coach Mark Boucher is sure of ahead of this year’s T20 World Cup did not even play in the series against England, which ended on Sunday. South Africa lost 1-2 and head straight into another rubber against Australia on Friday, where they could sport a very different squad that could even include AB de Villiers, who Boucher indicated is a shoe-in for the tournament later this year.”He’s a discussion in the media and in the public but he is no discussion for me. I have had chats with him and we will probably know pretty soon what’s going to happen with him,” Boucher said. “Like I said from day one when I took over, if we are going to a World Cup, I would like to have our best players there.”If AB is in good form and he is raring to go and he makes himself available for the time we have asked him to be available; if he is the best man for the job, then he must go. It’s not about egos or anything like that, it’s about sending your best team to the World Cup to try and win that competition.”ALSO READ: Ice-cool Morgan hands England 2-1 series winDe Villiers retired from all international cricket in May 2018 but attempted to make a comeback for the 2019 50-over World Cup, which was blocked by national selectors. At the time, it was explained that the refusal to let de Villiers back was because he had snubbed a request to play in two ODIs leading up to the tournament. This time, de Villiers will be part of South Africa’s build-up, although it is not clear how many matches he will be required to play.South Africa have a two-month break after the Australia series, which includes three T20Is and three ODIs and will be followed by a white-ball tour of Sri Lanka and a visit to West Indies that includes five T20s. Early indications were that de Villiers would return to the national side after the IPL but with Australia bringing a full-strength squad, de Villiers may be convinced to come back earlier so South Africa can settle on combinations.South Africa are expected to announce their squad on Tuesday, with Faf du Plessis and Kagiso Rabada, who were rested for the England series, likely to be back.That will give South Africa further options to consider as they look to refine their playing group for the T20 World Cup, after Boucher conceded that he still has vacant spots in this team. “A couple of questions have been answered – maybe in a positive way, maybe one or two in a negative way but least the questions have been answered and we are getting an idea of which positions are filled,” he said.Although Boucher did not reveal exactly which places had been claimed, a quick glance at the series suggests the openers have sealed their spots. Quinton de Kock and Temba Bavuma, who has just five T20 caps to his name, got South Africa off to three strong starts with stands of 92, 48 and 84 and finished as the first and second top-scorers for their team.Though South Africa had some middle-order challenges, Boucher was “very happy with the batting,” as a whole. That suggests Rassie van der Dussen, Jon-Jon Smuts, David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen, who only played the final match, have all done enough to remain in contention for the T20 World Cup.The performance of the attack was less satisfying for Boucher, with South Africa failing to defend 222 at SuperSport Park. “The bowling has, at times, been very good. We’ve got wicket-taking ability but as a unit we are not hitting our straps enough and there are a couple too many soft options. If we can clean that act up then I think we are going in the right direction,” Boucher said.In particular, he wants to work on bowlers’ skills, especially the yorker but stressed that it is difficult to focus on that in between matches because of the tight travel schedule. “We did speak about trying to nail more yorkers but it’s difficult to train those sort of things because we play, we travel, we play, we travel,” he said. “I don’t think the skill is where it should be and that’s something we need to work on. We are looking at a camp that we can put together so that we can work on particular things with our bowlers and our batters.”While Lungi Ngidi, who defended seven runs off the last over in East London, is unlikely to have been the focus of Boucher’s comments, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Beuran Hendricks and even Dale Steyn will want to take notes so they know what’s expected of them as South Africa head into their next assignment. Rabada and Sisanda Magala, who has spent the series working on his fitness, are the other options South Africa will consider.Overall, Boucher has assessed his first full series as national head coach as “tough,” but no different to what he thought it would be when he took the job in mid-December.”I knew it was going to be tough,” Boucher said. “I don’t want to get emotional about the whole thing. You’ve got to try and be practical and look at where we are as a team and understand that there is a lot of hard work to do.”With regards to our Test cricket, we are a long way off the mark so we need to work nice and hard there, especially on our batting. In one-day cricket, we are a very young side and I was pretty happy with the way that went. We are in a stage now, I don’t like to call it rebuilding, but we are looking at opportunities for guys to stand up and take responsibility for a position that they could own for a long period of time. If there is a chance to give guys opportunity, then I think we must.”Despite a number of debuts – South Africa handed out five in the Tests and three in ODIs – the team has not won a series since March last year, which speaks to the dire straits they find themselves in. But for Boucher, this time seems to present possibilities for new heroes, and maybe for a veteran like de Villiers, to come back.

Enzo Fernandez has been slammed for "cursing" Chelsea's season before it has even begun following his Copa America racism controversy.

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Fernandez in Copa America racism controversyChelsea legend says he's "cursed" club's seasonClaims Blues team-mates won't fight for him WHAT HAPPENED?

Fernandez was at the centre of a racism storm after posting a controversial video of the Argentina national team following their Copa America triumph. The Chelsea man and some of his Argentine team-mates were seen signing a song which was later described as "racist and discriminatory"bythe French Football Federation. While the 23-year-old issued an apology and manager Enzo Maresca and captain Reece James seemed keen to move on from the incident, former France international Petit has torn into the midfielder and warned his team-mates won't "fight" for him as much this season.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT EMMANUEL PETIT SAID

He told Gambling Zone: "If I’m Wesley Fofana or someone else who would be personally affected, I’m angry. The song will not be forgotten and will have left a scar. This is not something you can brush under the carpet. This is a really serious issue and a really serious incident. If I’m someone in that dressing room, I will feel concerned. OK, he apologised. It’s easy to apologise and say to your teammates we’re all brothers fighting for the same badge. Perhaps they can forgive him, but, emotionally, it would have left a big scar. I just don’t think that on the pitch, after what he said, the Chelsea players will fight in the same way for him. I can’t see it. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe the players will show something different; a different example when they cross the line.

Petit added: "Are we going to fight together on the pitch to win games and competitions? Really? Explain to me how the Chelsea players are going to do that. Are they going to run through brick walls to help Fernandez? I don’t think they will. It’s not going to be the same and it can’t be the same after what he said. You can’t normalise racism in society. You see it everywhere and it’s really upsetting. Social media allows people to lose their inhibitions. It’s bullshit. It’s becoming normal in our world. I think this incident could really curse Chelsea’s season. As I said, they have so many troubles in the club, don’t bring any more in, especially from your own players."

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Despite the furore around the Chelsea man's actions, manager Maresca will make Fernandez his vice-captain this season. Team-mate Wesley Fofana initially criticised the former Benfica man, before later saying he "is not racist". All of this has left a stain on the club's pre-season preparations, something that has been made worse by the poor form in recent friendlies. This could be another chaotic season for the Blues.

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

Chelsea round off their pre-season campaign against Inter Milan on Sunday afternoon at Stamford Bridge, before kickstarting the season proper against defending Premier League champions Manchester City at home on August 18.

Arsenal sporting director Edu has personally been given "real belief" that he can strike a "huge summer deal", with the club consequently open to selling a £200,000-per-week ace.

Edu and Arteta set for record Arsenal spend this summer

The next transfer window, according to some reports in the last few weeks, could be Arsenal's biggest ever. Indeed, it is believed Arsenal are set for a record summer spend and could well end up forking out even more than the £208 million splashed on new signings last year, which included a club-record deal for star midfielder Declan Rice.

Edu ready to approve triple exit to fund Arsenal move for £100 million star

The Gunners mean business this summer.

ByEmilio Galantini May 2, 2024

This comes as the Gunners look to bolster a few key areas and have marquee options in mind. Arsenal are widely thought to be looking at signing a prolific new striker, despite scoring more goals than any other Premier League side this season.

Arsenal are very interested in Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres as one option, and have been repeatedly linked with a move for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee as well.

Bournemouth (home)

Tomorrow

Man United (away)

May 12th

Everton (home)

May 19th

Alongside the possible addition of a new forward, it has also been claimed that Arsenal want to bring in another midfielder to partner Rice in the centre. Both Jorginho and Mohamed Elneny are set to leave the club on June 30 when their contracts expire, as things stand, meaning Arsenal are eager to bring in another body.

Thomas Partey's contract also expires in 2025, and his recurring fitness issues highlight the need for Edu to consider a long-term replacement for the Ghanaian.

An ambitious target they've set their sights on, according to widespread reports in the last fortnight, is Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes.

The Brazilian has a soon-to-be-active £100 million release clause in his contract, but it is only available for a limited time over the summer, and some reports have suggested that Edu is ready to sanction a triple-exit to fund Arsenal's move for Guimaraes.

He's been a star player under Eddie Howe, so Newcastle may be reluctant to do business if Arsenal can't trigger his release clause in time, but a new update has offered some hope for Arsenal supporters.

Edu given real hope over Guimaraes deal as Arsenal prepared to sell Partey

According to TEAMtalk, Edu has been given "real belief" a "huge summer deal" can be struck for Guimaraes, and Arsenal are gaining confidence they can sign him.

While current midfielder Partey has been assurance he can stay beyond 2023/24, it is believed Arsenal are open to offers for the £200,000-per-week ace as well, especially as the prospect of a Guimaraes move appears realistic.

It could be one in, one out at the Emirates Stadium, which would undoubtedly upgrade Mikel Arteta's options before next term.

Manchester United have made clear what they want if Jadon Sancho is to leave the club before the summer transfer deadline.

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Man Utd clear on Sancho Long-term future must be resolvedTalks with Juventus plannedWHAT HAPPENED?

According to 's Simon Stone, United will only let Sancho leave if it is to be a permanent sale or as a loan with an obligation to buy. In short, they are not interested in a loan that leaves his future beyond this season unresolved or requiring further action. suggest that Juventus, linked in recent days, ideally want a straight loan, seemingly an obligation to buy. But they are aware of potential rival interest from Chelsea.

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The adds that United are set to hold "formal discussions" with Juventus. Those talks will be crucial, although a private jet is tellingly scheduled to fly from Manchester to Turin at a later time on Monday, perhaps to facilitate in-person negotiations, rather than transport Sancho himself at this stage of proceedings.

DID YOU KNOW?

Despite being reintegrated during pre-season following last year's falling out with Erik ten Hag, Sancho is behind Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Diallo and Antony in Manchester United's winger rotation. He hasn't been included in the squad for either Premier League fixture so far, with the manager citing undisclosed "issues" and suggesting that Sancho still had work to do to prove himself worthy of being picked.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Time is of the essence if Sancho is to leave Old Trafford. The transfer window for English clubs is open until Friday, should Chelsea wish to launch a late approach, while it doesn't shut until Saturday in Serie A, giving Juventus slightly longer.