TRANSFER GOSSIP
Man Utd set to table £190m double raid on European giants; Casemiro upgrade identified
Man Utd set to table £190m double raid on European giants; Casemiro upgrade identified
Manchester United are reportedly planning big-money moves for two Benfica players in January as Erik ten Hag looks to bridge the gap with the top four.
The Red Devils endured a difficult start to the season but their form has been much better of late – winning their last three Premier League matches.
They now sit in sixth place in the table, four points behind fourth-place Aston Villa. Despite their upturn in form, Ten Hag is looking to add some additions to his Man Utd squad in January.
A new striker seems to be one of Ten Hag’s priorities. Recent reports have suggested that former Chelsea man Timo Werner has emerged as a shock target, for example.
The Man Utd boss is also keen to strengthen in midfield and defence, however, with the futures of Casemiro and Raphael Varane currently in doubt.
Now, it seems that the Red Devils are planning January moves for two of Benfica’s best players. They will have to spend a lot of money to bring in both players, however.
Joao Neves in action for Benfica
According to Portuguese outlet Record, Man Utd are set to intensify their efforts to sign talented Benfica defensive midfielder Joao Neves ahead of the January transfer window.
As previously reported by TEAMtalk, it’s thought that Ten Hag sees him as his ideal long-term replacement for Casemiro, who is attracting interest from Saudi clubs.
Neves, 19, is widely considered to be one of the best young midfielders in Europe. He broke into the Benfica first team last season and has already become one of their most important players.
Neves has made 39 senior appearances to date for Benfica – including seven in the Champions League – scoring two goals and making two assists in the process.
A versatile player, he has the ability to play as a defensive, central or attacking midfielder, so could provide cover in several positions for Man Utd.
Record claim that the Red Devils are in the ‘front line’ to sign Neves with ‘capital letters’ but Benfica are said to be determined to keep him beyond the current campaign.
Benfica are reportedly reluctant to accept anything less than his buy-out clause in January – which currently stands at an eye-watering €120m (approx. £104,2m.)
A transfer for Neves could get even more expensive, however, as Benfica are keen to tie him down to a new contract that would see his release clause rise to €150m (approx. £130.2m)
Therefore, Man Utd will have to move quickly if they want to sign Neves in January. It remains to be seen whether they are willing to splash big amounts on the youngster this winter.
Interestingly, Neves isn’t the only Benfica player Man Utd are considering a move for.
As mentioned, another of Ten Hag’s priorities is to bring in a top quality young centre-back to provide competition for the likes of Varane, Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire.
One of the defenders linked with a move to Old Trafford is Benfica star Antonio Silva. The 20-year-old, like his teammate Neves, is one of the most in-demand young players in Europe.
Silva has made 61 appearances in all competitions for Benfica so far, scoring six goals in the process.
West Ham, Liverpool and Arsenal have all made enquiries into Silva’s availability ahead of January, so Man Utd will face competition for his signature.
Sky Sports Germany claim that Silva will be Man Utd’s ‘number one’ defensive target at the end of the season. They are said to be keen to discuss contract details and a plan for the young Portugal star.
Silva has a release clause in his Benfica contract that becomes active next year. United would have to pay £86.7m if Benfica are not willing to negotiate a lower price.
The report claims that the Portuguese side ‘expect’ Silva to leave next summer despite knowing he will still have three years remaining on his contract.
Silva only signed an extension to his current deal earlier this season, which saw his release clause increase.
With that in mind, we could potentially see two of Benfica’s brightest talents make the switch to Old Trafford in the not too distant future.
Bubba Wallace joins the Dark Side and will race with a special Star Wars paint scheme at Phoenix
Bubba Wallace is set to make a striking impression at the upcoming Phoenix race with a special Star Wars-themed paint scheme, marking a unique crossover between the worlds of motorsport and pop culture. This collaboration promises to ignite excitement among fans of both NASCAR and the beloved sci-fi franchise.
Wallace, known for his dynamic personality and advocacy for social justice, will pilot his No. 23 car adorned with imagery that pays homage to the iconic Star Wars saga. The paint scheme features familiar characters and motifs, designed to capture the essence of the series while showcasing Wallace’s vibrant style on the racetrack.
The decision to embrace a Star Wars theme comes as part of a larger trend within NASCAR to engage fans through innovative partnerships and themed events. With the enduring popularity of the Star Wars franchise, this collaboration aims to draw in a wider audience, appealing to both die-hard racing fans and Star Wars enthusiasts alike. The iconic imagery of lightsabers, starships, and perhaps even elements of the Force will make for a visually stunning spectacle as Wallace competes for position on the track.
As Wallace prepares for the race, the excitement is palpable. He has often expressed his love for motorsport and pop culture, making this partnership a natural fit for his brand. “Racing and Star Wars are two passions of mine, and to combine them in such a creative way is truly exciting,” Wallace stated in a recent interview. “I can’t wait to see the fans’ reactions and bring a little bit of the galaxy far, far away to Phoenix.”
The unveiling of the paint scheme is also expected to include a series of promotional events leading up to the race. Fans can look forward to meet-and-greets, special merchandise, and perhaps even appearances from popular Star Wars characters, creating an immersive experience that transcends the typical racetrack atmosphere. This approach not only enhances the entertainment value but also strengthens the connection between the racing community and popular culture.
On the track, Wallace’s performance will undoubtedly be in the spotlight, but the unique paint scheme will add an additional layer of intrigue. As the race unfolds, viewers will be treated to a spectacle of speed, skill, and stunning visuals, making the event a must-watch for fans. The combination of high-octane racing and the fantastical elements of Star Wars creates a thrilling narrative, drawing attention to Wallace’s journey as he navigates the twists and turns of the track.
The Phoenix race is set to be more than just another event on the NASCAR calendar; it will serve as a celebration of creativity and fandom. As Wallace takes to the track with his Star Wars-inspired design, he not only carries the hopes of his team but also represents a fusion of two worlds that continue to inspire millions. With each lap, he’ll be channeling the spirit of adventure, courage, and determination that defines both racing and the Star Wars legacy.
As the green flag waves, fans will undoubtedly be cheering for Wallace, not just as a driver, but as a beacon of innovation and passion, showcasing the power of collaboration in sports and entertainment. The force will be strong at Phoenix, and Bubba Wallace is ready to lead the charge.
TRANSFER GOSSIP
Manchester United considering €70m swoop for PSG striker in January to boost forward – Reports
Manchester United considering €70m swoop for PSG striker in January to boost forward – Reports
According to reports from CaughtOffside, Manchester United are understood to have a genuine interest in the transfer of Paris Saint-Germain striker Randal Kolo Muani, though he is not expected to be available this January.
CaughtOffside is aware of Kolo Muani was previously signed by PSG for a hefty sum of money—up to €95 million—while Man United is believed to value the France international at closer to €70 million as they search for upfront reinforcements.
Kolo Muani might be a good fit for the Red Devils, even though he hasn’t quite displayed his finest play in a PSG jersey.
After Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee’s setbacks at Old Trafford, the team could definitely use a more seasoned and tested alternative up front.
The 25-year-old remains highly regarded by his current club, however, and sources have indicated there is little chance of him being sold this winter, even if the situation could perhaps be looked at again by next summer.
United have invested in the future by bringing in two young forwards in Hojlund and Zirkzee in the last two summers, so it might perhaps be a bit of a surprise to see the club spending big on yet another striker.
Still, one has to wonder how much more time Hojlund in particular will be given as he’s not made much of an impact in over a year in Manchester now, so there could be a case for bringing in Kolo Muani as an upgrade.
At the same time, if PSG aren’t keen to sell, then this could potentially mean paying a lot of money to make them change their minds, and that might be seen as a bit of a risk, considering that the former Eintracht Frankfurt man isn’t in the best form right now.
TRANSFER GOSSIP
Man United tipped to sign Outstanding €80m PSG Playmaker ahead of Manchester City as Ruud Van Nistelrooy backs him to shine – Reports
Man United tipped to sign Outstanding €80m PSG Playmaker ahead of Manchester City as Ruud Van Nistelrooy backs him to shine – Reports
It seems that Manchester United isn’t giving up on the prospect of signing RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons, even though no agreement was struck during the most recent transfer window.
Man United showed a keen interest in the Dutch attacker for a significant portion of the summer, according to Fabrizio Romano, who stated that the club became even more interested in Simons following his Dutch team’s performance at Euro 2024.
In the end, a deal remained far off, even though Simons made a suggestion that he would return to Leipzig on another Paris Saint-Germain loan.
This advice came to pass in July when he agreed to join a new one-year loan with Leipzig.
Even as he returns to Germany, however, United have not given up on their pursuit of the Dutch forward.
Christian Falk, the head of football at the BILD Group, revealed that United may just manage to hijack a potential deal for Simons being formulated by bitter rivals Manchester City.
“United and Liverpool were interested in the player historically, but also Manchester City are in the race and he would be a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola’s system,” Falk noted. He also revealed why United may be ahead in the race to sign Simons.
“Liverpool have a coach who can speak the same language. There’s a Dutch coach also present at Manchester United. So, these offer huge chances for either club,” he explained, suggesting that Simons would appreciate playing under a coach who speaks the same language.
For United, Simons is a young, versatile player who could significantly bolster their attacking options over the long-term future.
It’s no secret that Erik ten Hag is a fan of the Dutch rising star, praising Simons for his performance against England in the Euro 2024 semifinals.
“I enjoyed Xavi Simons in that game. The drive he has, the passion with which he conquers balls and recognises situations are top,” Ten Hag stated. “His enormous drive as well. That is almost un-Dutch. I think you can see that he was trained abroad. He almost has a southern European doggedness in his game.”
Of course, Simons’ impressive performances extend beyond his appearances for the Netherlands. He was a key player for Leipzig last season, scoring eight goals and providing 13 assists in 32 Bundesliga games last season.
Although Simons’ market value is €80 million, according to Transfermarkt, United may just manage to afford him comfortably should they do adequate financial planning before bidding on the player once his loan deal expires
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