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Forest identify Morgan Gibbs-White replacement amid Tottenham transfer battle

Forest identify Morgan Gibbs-White replacement amid Tottenham transfer battle

Metro4 days ago
Nottingham Forest reportedly want to sign an England hero should Morgan Gibbs-White complete a £60million transfer to Tottenham.
Two weeks ago, Gibbs-White looked destined to join Spurs after they triggered his release clause and booked his medical.
But the deal is on hold with Forest threatening legal action against their Premier League rivals, as they believe Tottenham made an illegal approach for their star player.
The Three Lions midfielder still wants to move to north London but has remained professional throughout the saga, reporting for training and starting Saturday's pre-season friendly against Monaco.
Gibbs-White moved to the City Ground from Wolves in 2022 in a deal worth up to £42m and last season recorded 17 goal contributions as he helped Forest qualify for Europe.
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Forest have no intention of selling the 25-year-old, having already seen Anthony Elanga join Newcastle, but have lined-up a replacement just in case.
The Telegraph report that Nuno Espirito Santo's side are among the clubs pushing to sign Manchester City star James McAtee, who is valued at £35m.
Despite being highly-rated, Pep Guardiola has scarcely given McAtee a chance to show his worth, giving him just three Premier League starts last season.
West Ham, Borussia Dortmund and Frankfurt are also pursuing the 22-year-old, who turned down the chance to play at the Club World Cup to instead captain England to glory at the U21 Euros. More Trending
McAtee recently met with the German clubs and was impressed by their offers, while the Irons believe he could replace Mohammed Kudus who recently joined Spurs for £55m.
However, all four interested clubs don't agree with City's price tag and instead value the attacking midfielder, who has entered the last year of his contract, at £20-25m.
Manchester United had previously been linked with a shock move for the Citizen but their interest has almost certainly cooled following the arrivals of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
Forest are about to embark on their pre-season tour of Portugal and kick-off the new season, with or without Gibbs-White and McAtee, on August 17 against Brentford.
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
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MORE: Adam Wharton makes transfer decision amid Man Utd and Liverpool interest
MORE: Thomas Frank explains why three players missed Tottenham's win over Reading
MORE: Spurs boss Thomas Frank sends message to Bryan Mbeumo over £71m Manchester United transfer
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Mason Mount insists he's ready to fight for his place after Man United's £130m splurge on Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha
Mason Mount insists he's ready to fight for his place after Man United's £130m splurge on Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha

Daily Mail​

time16 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

Mason Mount insists he's ready to fight for his place after Man United's £130m splurge on Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha

Mason Mount is backing himself in the fight for places at Old Trafford this season despite Manchester United spending more than £130million on Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha. Both new signings play in the two No.10 positions in Ruben Amorim 's 3-4-2-1 system, bringing them into direct competition with Mount. But the 26-year-old former Chelsea star is confident in his ability to hold down a regular first-team place after finally fighting his way back to form and fitness at the end of last season. 'One hundred per cent,' said Mount at United's hotel base in Chicago on their pre-season tour of the US. 'I mean, any time you do get that opportunity to be on the pitch, you want to do something. You want to affect the game. That's always the way I've looked at it. 'Any opportunity you get, you've got to try and take it. I'll always back myself. I know what I can do. But we're a team and we're all working together in that. 'Obviously with the new signings coming in, they're going to elevate us to another level and we all need to be at that level to really perform. 'It's competition. When you're at a club like Manchester United, there has to be that competition there to perform. As a group, we want to win and we're all in that together. We want to perform as a group. We know last season wasn't good enough so it's about kicking on, as I said. 'Looking forward, the new lads that have come in have been brilliant in training so far, and the first couple of weeks is not easy. So it's about integrating them into the group and making them feel as comfortable as possible and I think we've all done that. 'They know what's coming with the Premier League and the games and how difficult it is now; what they've done in the Premier League already, the amount of goals they've scored, the amount of assists they've created, that's exactly what we need. 'We're working together to try and improve that because last season we didn't hit those goals or assists as much as we could have done.' Mount has had an injury-plagued two years since joining United from Chelsea for £60m in 2023, making just 46 appearances and scoring four goals. But he was a regular after returning from a three-and-a-half month lay-off at Nottingham Forest at the start of April, rewarding Amorim's faith in him. 'He's definitely given that confidence to me from the first day he came in, speaking to me, and I know what he wants, and I feel like I know how he wants the team to play,' added Mount. 'So, yeah, it's been brilliant and definitely having the manager's confidence in me to go out there and perform, it definitely helps as a player. 'At the end of last season, obviously getting back and feeling really, really good, playing some games and having some goals and getting back involved in the goals was obviously very important for me. 'Still, obviously, I want to kick on and we want to do that as a team. So, it was a positive end for me at the end of the season to get back and play some games. But, yeah, want to push on for more now.' Mount scored three goals towards the end of the season and also picked up three yellow cards in his desperation to make up for lost time. 'I was getting far too many yellow cards for my liking! I think I've always had that in me. It's just when you're at the end of last season and I was coming back. At the beginning I was obviously not starting games. I was watching games and when you have that opportunity to come into the game, you want to have an impact and you want to get straight into the action. You want to do something. I got too many yellow cards and I had too many fouls.' Mount has been taking extra care to try and stay fit as he looks for a sustained run of games. 'Yeah, we've definitely looked at it in more detail,' he said. 'The small things matter massively in this day and age and in football now. 'When you've had small setbacks, it's about how you correct that and how you push on, and I think we've done that. We've looked at it and looked at why, and I feel we're in a really, really good place now going into this season. 'I had a good off-season and rested. I think that was probably one of the most important things, to take the rest. I slowly built up some sessions in the off-season, and that was from the staff here. 'They give us a little schedule to work off and just build up on our training. The first message was to rest for the first week or so and then build up and be ready because when we come back to pre-season, we know it's going to be kicking on and trying to get to the levels as quick as possible because we've got games here (in the US) and we've had a game already (against Leeds in Stockholm). 'It can't be a slow progression. We've got to try and kick on and get to the levels as quick as we can because, as I said, this game's coming thick and fast and the next minute it'll be the first game of the season, so we have to be ready.'

Inside Man United's striker options: Priced out of a move for Alexander Isak and with Viktor Gyokeres Arsenal-bound - who SHOULD Ruben Amorim go for?
Inside Man United's striker options: Priced out of a move for Alexander Isak and with Viktor Gyokeres Arsenal-bound - who SHOULD Ruben Amorim go for?

Daily Mail​

time16 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

Inside Man United's striker options: Priced out of a move for Alexander Isak and with Viktor Gyokeres Arsenal-bound - who SHOULD Ruben Amorim go for?

Manchester United finally got the Bryan Mbeumo deal over the line after agreeing a £71million fee with Brentford, and have now set their sights on bolstering their fire power upfront. The signings of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee over the last two seasons have proved something of a damp squib, with the duo registering a measly 33 goals between them in 144 combined appearances. Arsenal have seemingly pulled off a coup in bringing in Viktor Gyokeres, which will have been enough to induce an ulcer in Amorim, whose pursuit of the rampant Swede has been extensively documented since he took over the reins at Old Trafford. The former Coventry man was a proven focal point in Amorim's system at Sporting, racking up an impressive 66 goals in 68 appearances under the Portuguese. Now, Amorim and Co will have to refocus their efforts ahead of the new season, as the squad embarks on a three-game tour in the U.S. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has looked to tighten the purse strings since purchasing a 27.7 per cent stake in the club and assuming football operations, making a swathe of high-profile job cuts in the process, therefore any striker acquisitions will likely be dependent on outgoings. One player who the Red Devils will likely not be targeting is Alexander Isak, who Mail Sport revealed is looking to leave Newcastle, but will likely require a fee beyond United's means to bring to Old Trafford. United recently left their 'bomb squad' - Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia, Jadon Sancho, and Antony - behind to train at Carrington, and will be hopeful that any club is tempted to the shop window, even if the latter two go for a significant loss. Here are some of the contenders to take the workload off Hojlund and Zirkzee up top next season… Benjamin Sesko Age: 22 Appearances: 224 Goals: 100 Assists: 26 The RB Leipzig frontman was initially pursued by Arteta this summer, but Gyokeres' interest in joining the Gunners led to them cooling interest in the Slovenian. Sesko is a powerful, physically imposing (6ft5in) forward who would suit Amorim's system, with darting runs in behind becoming a signature move at the Red Bull Arena. He is not too dissimilar – in style or stature – to Gyokeres, but less productive, registering 39 goals in his 87 appearances at Leipzig. At just 22 years old though, he has a high ceiling and would be an investment for the long-term, even at a price above United's current comfort level. The German club were reportedly asking for between €80m to €100m (£68m to £85m) for their star striker, which may well be a bridge too far for United unless they manage to offload some of their wantaways. Jean-Philippe Mateta Age: 28 Appearances: 308 Goals: 119 Assists: 19 Mateta's Crystal Palace career has gone from strength to strength since the arrival of Oliver Glasner last February. The battling Frenchman is a proven Premier League product who can press relentlessly and make clever movements in the box, all qualities that United have earmarked for their first choice No 9. He has goalscoring nous, converting 15 times in the league last term, nearly double the tally of United's top scorer Bruno Fernandes on eight. According to Transfermarkt, he has a current market value of £26m, which would make him a bargain compared to others on this list, though United's history of getting bullied in negotiations makes that a somewhat unrealistic fee. Still, Mateta's profile suggests he should thrive in a 3-4-3, and he would be an upgrade on Amorim's current options. Ollie Watkins Age: 29 Appearances: 444 Goals: 162 Assists: 74 Watkins endured something of a tumble back down to Earth last season, which may sound ridiculous when you consider he netted 16 times in the league – the 7th most of any player in the league – and set up a further eight for Villa. But that's a testament to the phenomenal form he was in the previous year, which saw him contribute 34 league goal involvements – only pipped by Cole Palmer with 35 – on the way to the Birmingham team's return to the Champions League. It is because of those dizzying heights that top clubs maintain an interest in the England international, and the Villains will likely demand a fee deserving of that potential. Watkin's potency against the top Premier League will be another draw for United. The striker averages more than a goal a game against Liverpool and Arsenal, and has netted a combined seven against Spurs, City and Chelsea. He is the most proven goalscorer on this list, and if he can replicate his Villa form into his 30s, the Red Devils could quickly pull themselves back into European contention with his signature. Nicolas Jackson Age: 24 Appearances: 173 Goals: 51 Assists: 27 When Jackson arrived at Stamford Bridge from Villarreal in 2023, many baulked at the £32m price tag for a player with only twelve top flight goals. Wayward shots, goal droughts and high-profile misses have led to a slightly unwarranted perception of Jackson as incapable of succeeding in a top Premier League team, but the Senegalese striker is more than capable of being deadly on his day. He is strong in transition and works hard at the top of the pitch to facilitate more dangerous players like Palmer – a style that he could replicate in front of the likes of Bruno, Cunha and Mbeumo. The arrivals of Joao Pedro and Liam Delap this summer – and their impressive form at the Club World Cup – look to have pushed him down the pecking order, which may convince Chelsea to drop their current asking price of £80m-100m if the forward demands a move. Christopher Nkunku Age: 27 Appearances: 356 Goals: 113 Assists: 71 The French international has flopped since arriving from Chelsea for £52m in the summer of 2023, hitting the back of the net just six times in his 38 Premier League appearances. His time at Stamford Bridge has exposed a brittleness that may not suit the extreme physicality of the Premier League, but the West London club have dropped their asking price from £65m to £43m since the start of the window, according to The Athletic, making him one of the more affordable options for the United top brass. His versatility at the top of the pitch would provide some depth for the front three positions of Amorim's system, which could prove especially useful with the departure of Rashford and the others who are likely to follow. But United are looking for a focal point to their attack, and Nkunku's lack of credentials in that role – at least in English football – makes him one of the weaker options on this list. Dusan Vlahovic Age: 25 Appearances: 302 Goals: 130 Assists: 24 Vlahovic's scintillating Fiorentina form convinced Juventus to part with £66.6m for his services in the 2022 winter window, but he has lacked the same bite since joining the Old Lady, who are reportedly desperate to offload the striker before he is out of contract next summer. In addition to making a £66.6m loss, his salary will reportedly increase by around £1.3m in the final year of his Bianconeri contract, causing further consternation amongst the Juventus board. Vlahovic is another imposing figure of Gyokores and Sesko ilk, who can run in behind, and who would provide the presence that Hojlund has failed to show up top. But he has underwhelmed during his two seasons in Turin, notching up 58 goals in 145 games, and just about hitting double figures in the league last year. Juve have reportedly offered their Serbian striker in their pursuit of Jadon Sancho amid their interest in the winger, offering the possibility of a win-win for both teams. What remains to be seen is if Amorim would be keen to sanction such a deal – a lack of action suggests not – and with Milan reportedly closing in, this seems the unlikeliest of the bunch.

Liverpool's transfer Q&A: How can they afford Alexander Isak? Will they get him after he asked to leave Newcastle? Do the Reds need to sell to buy?
Liverpool's transfer Q&A: How can they afford Alexander Isak? Will they get him after he asked to leave Newcastle? Do the Reds need to sell to buy?

Daily Mail​

time16 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

Liverpool's transfer Q&A: How can they afford Alexander Isak? Will they get him after he asked to leave Newcastle? Do the Reds need to sell to buy?

Liverpool are readying an official approach to Newcastle after Alexander Isak told the club he wants to explore a move away this summer. Mail Sport exclusively revealed the bombshell on Thursday, after Isak did not did not travel with the Newcastle squad on their pre-season tour of the Far East Newcastle's hierarchy are aware of Isak's wish to consider his options this summer, with Liverpool readying a British record offer. An offer in the region of £150million could see a move accelerate in the coming weeks, despite Newcastle's desire to keep hold of the forward. A Liverpool move for Isak would continue the reigning Premier League champions vast spending this summer. Mail Sport's Lewis Steele answers the key questions surrounding Liverpool's interest in the Newcastle forward. HOW CAN LIVERPOOL AFFORD ISAK? They have barely lifted a finger in the transfer market in the two years before this window, and they are well within the profit and sustainability rules. That's despite signing Florian Wirtz (£116million), Hugo Ekitike (£79m), Milos Kerkez (£40m), Jeremie Frimpong (£29.5m), Giorgi Mamardashvili (£29m) and young goalkeeper Armin Pecsi (£1.5m). Mail Sport reported several months ago that Liverpool have a 'war chest' for transfers this summer and that five or six key signings would be no surprise. So yes, they can afford Isak. DO THEY WANT HIM? Yes. They have already made an approach to Newcastle and, despite being politely told to go away, they have not. They believe the signing of Ekitike, who jetted into Hong Kong on Thursday and met his new team-mates for the first time, is shrewd business. Measured against their data tests, the France striker scored higher than all but Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland. In many respects, they have got their new No 9. But if Isak is available, they will have another look and are readying an official approach. WILL THEY GET HIM? If they go all out for him and put the money on the table, there is every chance that Liverpool will sign Isak this summer. A lot will depend on whether Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes decide to press forward with the move. The next few days will be interesting. It seemed unlikely they would sign Wirtz when the interest was first known and they did, so let's see. DO THEY HAVE TO SELL IN ORDER TO BUY? Yes. And they will. Of the 30 men on the pre-season tour of Hong Kong and Japan, quite a few have uncertain futures. Luis Diaz has strong interest from Bayern Munich, Darwin Nunez is unsure over his future and Harvey Elliott said on Thursday: 'If I had it my way I would be here for the rest of my career. I love everything about the club, but I kind of need to be selfish and see what's best for me. I have big ambitions. I want to get in the World Cup squad.' Young midfielder Tyler Morton, like Elliott, has interest from West Ham and clubs on the continent, while Federico Chiesa has not travelled to Asia and is likely to depart. They have already sold Caoimhin Kelleher and Jarell Quansah but more exits are expected. ARE OTHER CLUBS IN FOR ISAK? He is probably the best No 9 on the market so, naturally, yes. But it does feel like he wants Liverpool. Saudi Arabian clubs have posted their interest but it is hard to see him going there. If the champions want him and opt to go full out for the deal, it seems likely he will be pulling on the new Liverpool kit come next month. A lot of ifs, buts and maybes but the simple summary is: the Reds like him and he wants to leave Newcastle. Normally that only ends one way.

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