TRANSFER GOSSIP
Why Manchester United may not sign ‘outstanding’ £28m ace he likens to Salah
Why Manchester United may not sign ‘outstanding’ £28m ace he likens to Salah
Former Aston Villa captain Gabby Agbonlahor sees no reason why the Premier League high-flyers would cash in on Ollie Watkins even if Manchester United came calling for the England international.
As speculation continues to swirl surrounding the future of Brentford’s Ivan Toney, another of Gareth Southgate’s England hitmen remains conspicuous by his absence as far as the gossip columns are concerned.
Despite the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United all being in the market for a new centre-forward, Ollie Watkins’s name has barely come up.
According to Agbonlahor, there is a very good reason for that. This, after all, is an Aston Villa side on the rise – still in Champions League contention despite Sunday’s capitulation at home to Tottenham Hotspur – backed by billionaire owners with the funds to back their ambitions.
Villa earned a nine-figure sum when selling skipper Jack Grealish to Manchester City back in 2021. And with four years left on his own contract, one suspects it would take a similar fee – in the region of £100 million – to convince Villa to cash in on Watkins too.
“Aston Villa can pay exactly the same (wages as Man United),” Agbonlahor tells talkSPORT when asked how his former employers would react if the Red Devils came knocking.
“I think they would (match Man United’s offer) for a one-off player.”
Watkins, a winger during his days at Brentford, has blossomed into one of the most complete number nines in European football at Villa Park. In all competitions, the tireless frontman has 21 goals and 10 assists this season. Beyond that, Watkins also possesses the searing pace, the relentless work ethic, the physicality and the movement that would appeal to the majority of every elite-level clubs, Manchester United among them.
“Look at (Sadio) Mane and (Mo) Salah, they start off on the wing and then drift in. Watkins has got that,” Agbonlahor adds, comparing Watkins’ remarkable rise to that of two Liverpool legends.
“His best position is down the middle but you could easily have him off the left. He’s got that speed.”
Agbonlahor, who finished as a runner-up to Man United in the 2010 League Cup final, sees no reason why Watkins – or anyone else in Unai Emery’s squad – would want to leave one of the most ambitious, upwardly-mobile clubs in England.
Villa, as things stand, still occupy the final Champions League spot. They are also eight points ahead of Erik ten Hag’s sixth-place United side.
“Aston Villa are a massive club. Where Aston Villa are at now, there’s no player in the squad who I feel is bigger than Aston Villa,” Agbonlahor argues.
“Yes, of course (Watkins is Champions League-quality). So are John McGinn and Douglas Luiz. He’s an outstanding striker, having an outstanding season, he’s nailed-on for the England squad.
“(Goalkeeper Emiliano) Martinez won the World Cup and he’s still at Villa, because these players want to be at Villa!”
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
NFL7 days agoFINAL DECISION: Las Vegas Raiders Owner Mark Davis In a Bold Statement Announced Why Antonio Pierce Should Be Given Another Year
- Las Vegas Raiders3 days ago
Both the NFL community and Raiders fans are still in shock after a terrible statement by former HC Josh McDaniels concerning Antonio Pierce
- NFL2 days ago
TOUCHDOWN: Saints Head Coach Darren Rizzi Breaks Silences as He Announces NFL Super Star Taysom Hill Has Reportedly
- NFL6 days ago
“Saints Fans know he’s the right choice” Darren Rizzi won’t commit to starting Spencer Rattler because of
- Las Vegas Raiders5 days ago
BREAKING: Raiders suffers another Blow as star DE is Suspended Following….
- NFL7 days ago
GREAT: His amazing performance has captured the hearts of the entire NFL, with the New Orleans Saints agreeing with QB Spencer Rattler on
- NFL4 days ago
SAINTS REPORT: His efforts and dedication have taken him to another Level; the owner of the New Orleans Saints, Gayle Benson, promises
- NFL4 days ago
Saints new signing RB’s Wife Sends 3-Word Message After leaving Chiefs
