Manchester United have now made contact over a summer move for a striker dubbed “aggressive” by Roy Keane, according to a report.

Man Utd's striker pursuit

It has recently been revealed that Napoli’s Victor Osimhen is Man United’s dream target for the summer transfer window, but it could be difficult to get a deal done unless they manage to qualify for the Champions League via a Europa League triumph.

However, United remain undeterred in their pursuit of the Nigerian, recently making a proposal of a Hojlund plus cash deal, which could be tempting to Antonio Conte, who is a big fan of the young Dane.

FC Porto’s Samu Aghehowa has emerged as a potential alternative to Osimhen, should the Red Devils be unable to lure the Galatasaray loanee to Old Trafford, while they have also opened talks over a deal for Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta.

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Mateta’s impressive form this season has caught Man United’s eye, but he is not the only Premier League striker on the shortlist, with a report from The Boot Room revealing they are also interested in a move for Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap.

The race for Delap is now hotting up, with Liverpool stepping up their interest, while Newcastle United and Chelsea are also keen, and previous reports have revealed a deal could amount to £50m.

The Red Devils appear to have made initial contact over a deal, having asked to be kept informed about the striker’s situation ahead of the summer transfer window.

Delap enjoying breakthrough season at Ipswich Town

The 22-year-old didn’t quite manage to make the grade at Manchester City, being shipped out on loan to Stoke City, Preston North End and Hull City, but he has managed to prove himself as a reliable source of goals for Ipswich this season.

With the Tractor Boys now six points from safety, it is looking increasingly likely they will be relegated from the top flight, but the former Man City man has made sure they haven’t been cut adrift, netting 10 goals in 27 league games.

The forward received high praise from Daniel Sturridge earlier this season, who described him as “very exciting”, before Roy Keane added: “He’s aggressive, I like that.”

After proving himself at Ipswich this season, Delap could now be ready to make the step-up to one of England’s top clubs, and it is clear he could be a real upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee.

Despite playing for a relegation candidate, the Ipswich talisman has scored double the number of goals of Hojlund and Zirkzee combined in the Premier League, and he could be even more effective in a better side.

A “world-class” player has teased the possibility of leaving Chelsea for a European club this summer, with the ace’s future set to be among many key exit decisions that BlueCo will be forced to make before next season.

Chelsea players likely to leave this summer

It is increasingly difficult to keep up with who is actually on the books at Stamford Bridge, as many players deemed surplus to requirements by Enzo Maresca are on loan spells away from the club right now.

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It would be a head-turning move.

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Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, Alfie Gilchrist, Trevoh Chalobah, Armando Broja, Raheem Sterling, David Datro Fofana, João Félix, Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell and Axel Disasi appear destined to leave Stamford Bridge, if BlueCo can find suitable buyers, while Mykhailo Mudryk also faces an uncertain future after failing a drugs test.

Tottenham (home)

April 3rd

Brentford (away)

April 6th

Ipswich Town (home)

April 13th

Fulham (away)

April 20th

Everton (home)

April 26th

Fabrizio Romano has already said that Chelsea are ready to sell Disasi, and potentially for a profit, as Maresca doesn’t want the Frenchman. Sterling is in the same boat, and it is believed by some that the winger is attracting interest from Juventus.

Some of the aforementioned crop, like Gilchrist, are actually putting in some impressive performances out on loan, so it could be much less complicated for BlueCo to acquire bidders for their services.

Another loanee in top form right now is goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, who is dazzling under Liam Rosenior as Strasbourg’s number one shot stopper.

The Serbian has conceded just 27 goals all season, keeping eight clean sheets in the process, but he is still likely to leave west London this summer due to the impending arrival of Mike Penders from KRC Genk, while there is still faith from Chelsea in the likes of Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen (GiveMeSport).

The 25-year-old’s future appears away from Chelsea, despite his excellent form throughout 2024/2025 and impressive past performances while donning the Blues shirt at points last season.

Djordje Petrovic teases Chelsea summer exit to Strasbourg

Opening up on his long-term future, the keeper has had his say, with Petrovic teasing a summer exit from Chelsea to remain at Strasbourg for 2025/2026.

However, this could be dependent on whether they qualify for the Champions League, with the Ligue 1 side currently four points off a top three place.

“I am focused on finishing the season in the best way. We’ll see after what could happen this summer. It could be a very good option to stay here if Strasbourg qualify for the UEFA Champions League,” said Petrovic.

“I always had confidence in my ability to improve. I have progressed more than I thought (at Strasbourg), but I can still improve more between now and the end of the season.”

Given Petrovic’s form, and some criticism aimed towards Chelsea’s current options, there are those who believe Strasbourg’s star loanee could be a solid option between the sticks for Maresca, with Rosenior calling him a “world-class” player already.

“We have seen huge progress from Petro,” said the Strasbourg boss, via X. “He is a world-class goalkeeper. We see it every day, and it is still paying off today.”

The draft schedule has them playing Australia in Bengaluru and Afghanistan in Chennai

Umar Farooq and Nagraj Gollapudi20-Jun-2023

The PCB doesn’t want Pakistan to play Afghanistan in Chennai or Australia in Bengaluru•AFP via Getty Images

In an extraordinary move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has requested the ICC to swap venues for two of their league matches in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Pakistan are currently scheduled to play Australia in Bengaluru on October 20, and then Afghanistan in Chennai on October 23 but they have asked for a change where they play Afghanistan in Bengaluru and Australia in Chennai.It is learnt that the PCB offered no specific reason to the ICC for the request, but an internal note accessed by ESPNcricnfo says the venue swap would “make” Pakistan “favourites” in both matches.”Australia in Bengaluru and Afghanistan in Chennai are the two which we should look to get changed as much as possible,” the PCB’s internal note said. “Ideally, we can switch these around. Australia in Chennai and Afghanistan in Bengaluru would make us obvious favourites in both matches.”It could not be confirmed whether the ICC had responded to the PCB request, or, whether it would even consider it. Pakistan are also scheduled to play Afghanistan in one of their warm-up matches, and it is learned that the PCB has asked the ICC if they could play one of South Africa, England, New Zealand or Australia instead.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Normally, security is the primary reason for a venue change at an ICC event. For example, during the 2016 T20 World Cup, the original schedule had the India-Pakistan match on March 19 in Dharamsala, but in the absence of a water-tight security assurance from the from Indian government, the match was moved to Kolkata.There is no mention of a security threat in the PCB’s internal note, which was prepared as part of an assessment of the grounds where they will be playing during the World Cup. It suggests looking into changing the venue for all but three of Pakistan’s matches, including the one against India on October 15.”India in Ahmedabad will be advantageous to them, but I doubt that’s going to change considering what that venue means for the BCCI and what this match means for the World Cup.”Related

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Pakistan's participation subject to government approval

The New Zealand match, listed on November 5 in Bengaluru, is an “issue” but “not a hill worth dying on.” The internal note cites a bit more concern about the two games Pakistan play in Kolkata, against Bangladesh on October 31 and defending champions England on November 12, the last match of the league phease. It also presents alternative venues that the team would be more comfortable playing.”Lucknow would also be a good ground for us considering the overall numbers there. Delhi against most teams would be good for us too. If there is a third change we can make it to get the England game to Lucknow or Chennai.”World Cup schedule on June 27?It is understood the BCCI was planning to unveil the World Cup schedule on June 27, which will be 100 days from October 5, the scheduled start of the tournament. However, the PCB are yet to give their approval of the fixture list which the ICC had distributed to all participating countries and the broadcaster in search of feedback.Najam Sethi, who stepped down as interim PCB chairman on Monday, had said this at a recent media briefing: “We have written to the ICC that we can’t give approval or disapproval to this [World Cup schedule]. It’s our government who has to decide, just like when it comes to India, it’s their government that decides when they go to play.”In its email to ICC, the PCB stressed that the Pakistan government would need to give a clearance for all venues. It is learnt that the PCB’s response has played a part in the ICC’s inability to release the World Cup schedule to the public and go live with ticket sales.The next PCB chairman, who is likely to be Zaka Ashraf, will need to have an immediate conversation with Pakistan government. It is understood that ICC has notified the PCB that it cannot afford to wait for much longer before releasing the schedule.

Despite his initial reservations, Ruben Amorim was coaxed into joining Manchester United mid-season, with the Portuguese tactician having been selected as the man to succeed Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

Whether the 40-year-old regrets jumping ship remains to be seen, although both he and the United hierarchy now face a pivotal summer of recruitment, following what’s been yet another dour campaign.

Having been afforded the last few months to test out the current squad in his preferred 3-4-3 set-up, Amorim now requires the appropriate reinforcements to turn his dream into a reality.

The evolution of the squad has, it must be said, already begun following the signings of Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven in January, while recent weeks have also seen the emergence of the likes of Chido Obi and Harry Amass from the ever-fruitful academy ranks.

Turning to Carrington could be a wise solution for the cash-strapped side, although statement signings are no doubt needed, with Amorim hinting that the club will have to sell to buy this summer.

With that in mind, here’s a look at how the Red Devils could lineup next season, if the necessary moves are made…

1 GK – James Trafford

Recent speculation has suggested that Amorim is keen on signing a new goalkeeper, with talkSPORT also reporting that current number one, Andre Onana, would be open to sealing a departure, amid Saudi interest.

Talk surrounding the 28-year-old’s future has also come following claims that United are in the mix for Burnley’s James Trafford, with the promising Englishman – who was named in Thomas Tuchel’s first Three Lions squad – having been a key figure in a side that kept 12 consecutive clean sheets in the Championship earlier this season.

Still only 22, the Manchester City youth product would represent an ideal, long-term acquisition to United’s goalkeeping ranks.

2 RCB – Leny Yoro

Injuries have been the story of Leny Yoro’s debut campaign at Old Trafford, although having fought off Real Madrid for his signature, United certainly have high hopes for the teenage centre-back.

The 19-year-old hasn’t been a consistent presence, although with his quality on the ball and elite recovery pace – a trait showcased by his stunning last-ditch tackle on Darwin Nunez at Anfield – he appears to be perfect for that right centre-back role.

3 CB – Matthijs de Ligt

Having overcome a shaky start in Manchester, Matthijs de Ligt has been quietly excellent of late as part of the back three, elevating himself to one of the leaders in Amorim’s side.

As he evidenced against Leicester City last time out, following a vital block on Facundo Buonanotte, the Dutchman is a real old-school “warrior”, as noted by one content creator, and at just 25, he could be a mainstay for years to come in the heart of the defence.

4 LCB – Jarrad Branthwaite

Reportedly the subject of a £35m bid by United last summer, Jarrad Branthwaite is likely to again be on the Red Devils’ radar this time around, particularly with Lisandro Martinez having been struck down by an ACL injury.

The rise of young Heaven has helped to ease that blow, although Branthwaite – who is still only 22 – is a ready-made Premier League option, having spent the last two seasons in Everton’s first-team ranks.

The 6 foot 5 left-footer – who his former PSV boss Ruud van Nistelrooy described as “very complete” – won’t come cheap, although he looks perfect to slot into that left-side berth.

5 RWB – Amad

Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have both lined up at right-wing back in recent months, although neither man truly possesses a natural attacking threat. Indeed, Dalot has just 22 goal involvements to his name in 202 games for the club to date.

With United missing out on Sporting CP’s Geovany Quenda, who is now Chelsea-bound, Amorim could then persist with Amad in that wide role, with the Ivorian looking comfortable in that berth, or as a number ten.

With nine goals and seven assists to his name this season, prior to being struck down by injury, the 22-year-old has made himself one of the first names on the team sheet, ahead of 2025/26.

6 CM – Manuel Ugarte

Previously on the books at Sporting under Amorim, Manuel Ugarte is likely to be a key figure moving forward under the new regime, having shown flashes of his quality since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

The 23-year-old – who scored his first goal for the club at Goodison last month – possesses the relentless work ethic that his manager is looking for from his side, a fact epitomised by his ranking in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe for tackles made per 90.

7 CM – Ederson

Bruno Fernandes has taken up a deeper role of late, but is that the long-term plan? As The Athletic’s Carl Anka noted, when writing about Amorim’s Sporting side, the ‘central midfielders in Amorim’s 3-4-3 are chosen for their athleticism and tackling qualities first and foremost’.

Fernandes, it must be said, does not fit the bill in that regard, although someone who could is Atalanta’s Brazilian machine, Ederson, with the 25-year-old one of those being linked with a summer move to Old Trafford.

Like Ugarte, the Europa League winner is an adept ball winner, as shown by the fact he ranks in the top 10% in Serie A this season for interceptions, making it a potentially dream partnership in the centre of the park.

8 LWB – Patrick Dorgu

Having been snapped up on a £30m deal from Lecce in January, Dorgu has enjoyed a bright start to life in English football, despite suffering the setback of seeing red against Ipswich Town.

Aside from that, the promising Dane has looked at home in that left wing-back berth, having notably impressed in the 4-1 win over Real Sociedad, after winning a penalty and winning 11 duels in total.

9 RAM – Bruno Fernandes

Man United’s man of the moment – or man of the decade – Fernandes has been in red-hot form of late, having chalked up six goals and assists across his last four league outings.

While that resurgence has come in a deep-lying role, in the long-term, it would be preferable to get the Portuguese playmaker operating closer to goal once again, with the 30-year-old boasting the necessary tools to dazzle in one of the two number ten berths.

10 LAM – Alejandro Garnacho

The win over Leicester last time out marked the end of a lengthy goal drought for Alejandro Garnacho, albeit with the Argentine still the joint-second top scorer for United this season with nine goals.

His penchant for missed chances may frustrate at times, but the 20-year-old always seems to make things happen when he plays, with such dynamism and directness ensuring he is deserving of a starting berth in Amorim’s side. Talk of an exit was mooted in January, yet INEOS should not be tempted into a sale.

Chelsea are preparing a pre-summer offer to sign one striker for Enzo Maresca, with his club already looking at replacements if they’re forced to sell him.

Chelsea play FC Copenhagen in Conference League second leg

Tonight, the west Londoners are favourites to overcome Danish minnows FC Copenhagen and stride into the Conference League quarter-finals after their 2-1 first leg win last week.

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Goals from Reece James and Enzo Fernández handed them a crucial advantage heading into tonight’s face-off at Stamford Bridge, while Gabriel Pereira clawed one back for the visitors and ensured that Copenhagen could still be in with a shot of causing a major upset.

Arsenal (away)

March 16th

Tottenham (home)

April 2nd

Brentford (away)

April 5th

Ipswich Town (home)

April 12th

Fulham (away)

April 19th

Chelsea have won their last three games in all competitions, slightly lifting the spirits around Cobham after a real mid-season slump in form, and Maresca will be keen for his side to make an electric start to the 90 this evening.

“I was surprised, as I said last week because I watched many games, they were off the ball always defending with a line of four and then against us, they were in a line of five,” said Maresca on FC Copenhagen’s performance against Chelsea last week.

“Even in their game two days ago, they were again a line of four. The reason why we were a little bit surprised was because of that, but then we tried to adapt.

“To be honest, I do not know if they are going to be in one way or another way. We will see.”

During his pre-match press conference on Wednesday, Maresca also shared an update on striker Nicolas Jackson, and when the Senegalese could be back from injury.

“He could be back, probably after the international break,” said Maresca on Jackson’s recovery. “Him and Noni also. This is good news. Before the international break, we have two games, tomorrow and Sunday, and then we have international break, we can recover energy, recover players and then go for the last [bit of the season].”

Jackson’s return after the international break will be a welcome boost for Maresca, given his lack of available out-and-out centre-forwards, but it is believed Chelsea are planning to sign a new striker to partner him ahead of next season.

Chelsea ready to make £50m offer for Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap

According to The Boot Room, Ipswich Town star Liam Delap remains very high on Chelsea’s shortlist of potential alternatives to Jackson and Christopher Nkunku after previous links to the former Man City forward.

The outlet and journalist Graeme Bailey report that Chelsea want to sign Delap as soon as possible, and are very eager to finalise a pre-summer deal for the Englishman, as they grow very wary of rival interest for him.

They’re also said to be planning a £50 million offer for his services as they look to secure his services before the next window, but Ipswich are in no rush to reach an agreement given the potential bidding war for Delap, despite already working on potential replacements for their star striker.

The 22-year-old is Chelsea’s top summer target alongside RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko, but £50 million may not even be enough, as other reports suggest his valuation could shoot up to £60 million.

Delap has scored 10 goals in 27 Premier League appearances for Kieran McKenna’s relegation-threatened side this term, including one against Chelsea back in December.

تحدث طلعت يوسف مدرب الاتحاد السكندري الأسبق، عن رحيل وسام أبو علي مهاجم فريق الكرة بـ الأهلي، في ظل امتلاكه لعروض احتراف مغرية في الفترة الحالية، معلنًا قراره اعتزال التدريب في الفترة المقبلة.

وكان النادي الأهلي أعلن عبر موقعه الرسمي، وصول عروض من أندية عربية خليجة وأوروبية، لضم وسام أبو علي بعد تألقه في كأس العالم للأندية مؤخرًا، إلا أن إدارة القلعة الحمراء أبدت تمسكها باللاعب.

وقال طلعت يوسف في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة اون سبورت: “أنا مع رحيل وسام أبو علي رغم أنه ليس له بديل في الأهلي، في حالة رحيله لا بد من التعاقد مع مهاجم سوبر من الخارج”.

وتابع: “وسام أبو علي تألق في كأس العالم للأندية ولكن لا تضمن هذا التألق على المدى البعيد، ولا تضمن العرض المالي المقدم فيه حاليًا يأتي مرة أخرى”.

طالع | طلعت يوسف: موقف بن شرقي في مونديال الأندية كان غامضًا.. ولاعب الأهلي تعرض للظلم

وأضاف: “أي نادي في العالم لا بد أن يكون فيه نسبة استثمار في أسلوب آدائه وسياسته، الأندية في مصر تخضع لصوت السوشيال ميديا والمدرجات، إنما لو تفكر بشكل محترف يتم بيع وسام أبو علي، خصوصًا لو هذا الرقم يزيد إلى 12 و13 مليون دولار”.

وأوضح: “محمد علي بن رمضان لديه حضور داخل الملعب عالي جدًا، في وسط الملعب لديه رؤية، واللاعب الذي يلعب في وسط الملعب يحتاج إلى رؤية كاميرا 360 درجة يرى الملعب بالكامل لأنه عندما يتخذ قرارًا يكون القرار في الاتجاه الصحيح، محمد بن رمضان يمتلك ذلك”.

وأشار: “قدرات بن رمضان الفنية تسمح له أن ينفذ أي قرار يأخذه في أي وقت وأي مكان لأنه يأخذ القرار الصحيح وفي التوقيت الصحيح، ويمتلك شخصية احترافية بنسبة كبيرة ويستغل كل الإمكانيات خلال الـ 90 دقيقة وعطاءه داخل الملعب يجعلنا نقول إنه متميز”.

وأردف: “عملت في مجال التدريب حوالي 37 سنة وكانوا متواصلين بنسبة كبيرة جدًا، والعمل في مجال التدريب وتحديدًا داخل مصر مرهق جدًا على جميع المستويات ونفسية وصحيًا بالإضافة إلى الارهاق البدني”.

واستطرد: “وصلت لمرحلة من خلال عقلي المشوار التدريبي في حاجة إلى نقطة، لأبدأ مشوار جديد ومرحلة أخرى من الراحة والاستجمام والحياة بشكل عام لم أعشها مع أسرتي، 90% أخذت قرار أن أكتفي بالذي قدمته في الفترة الماضية من التدريب”.

Whilst Leeds United have been known to flex their muscles whenever a transfer window opens in terms of classy incomings, the Championship giants should also be commended for how often they gift homegrown talents a chance in the senior mix.

This season has seen Daniel Farke throw the likes of Mateo Joseph into first-team action without much hesitation with the Thorp Arch product now up to six goals from a bumper 70 first-team chances while 17-year-old Sam Chambers earned a debut against Plymouth last November.

Every player that breaks into the first team picture from the esteemed academy will be aiming to replicate Archie Gray’s rise, with the versatile 19-year-old now on the books of Tottenham Hotspur after a major £30m switch last summer.

It’s up to Farke to unearth his next diamond in the same mould as Gray as a number of top starlets in the here and now begin to bang down the door for some senior opportunities.

Leeds' best academy prospects in 2025

Obviously, it is unlikely that every single talent that leaps up into the senior side from the academy structure will be a rip-roaring success.

But, the conveyer belt has worked wonders recently and it could do so again, particularly if Rhys Chadwick ends up making a name for himself down the line.

Amazingly, Chadwick has amassed six goals and four assists this season in the U21 structure, with the 18-year-old’s ability to play in a whole range of different positions making him a likely candidate to be the club’s next Gray-like figure.

Moreover, there is Luca Thomas who will have caught Farke’s eye, with the exciting winger helping himself to four goals and two assists out on loan this campaign at nearby York City and FC Halifax Town.

But, away from those who currently harbour aspirations of being a superstar under Farke’s guidance, there are other youth players who ended up falling by the wayside.

One talented young prospect was even ahead of the aforementioned Gray.

The Leeds academy star who was ahead of Gray

For all the Grays of this world, there are a whole host of other homegrown players that never make the cut.

Indeed, that is the case with now 21-year-old Morten Spencer, who joined the Whites ranks back in 2019 with plenty of hype attached to his name.

Spencer allegedly attracted interest from the likes of Manchester City before making the move to Thorp Arch a reality, after a promising stint in the Sunderland academy piqued the interest of the West Yorkshire outfit.

Hailed as a “very talented” young player by his own mother Heidi Spencer when still on the books of the Black Cats, it’s clear that Leeds must have thought they’d hit the jackpot with the ex-Norway U18 international when he first arrived at Elland Road.

Games played

58

37

Goals scored

7

4

Assists

8

5

U18s debut

January 2021

August 2021

FA Youth Cup debut

March 2021

December 2021

U21s debut

August 2022

October 2021

First team appearances

0

52

He initially went on to succeed playing for both the U18s and U21s, with his debut in the U18 bracket coming way before Gray was handed his first chance. Indeed, the Spurs youngster would first line up for the U18s in August of 2021, a couple of months on from Spencer’s introduction into the side.

But, as much as Spencer would fire home seven strikes and pick up eight assists for both the U18s and U21s, he never earned himself any first-team minutes, culminating in his release in June of last year.

That same summer, Gray was eventually rewarded with a huge Premier League move, with Farke hopeful that the next crop of youngsters coming through won’t fall victim to Spencer’s regrettable fate.

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