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Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Man United 'enquire about move for Gianluigi Donnarumma' as they continue to hunt for new goalkeeper - but face major stumbling block
Manchester United have enquired over a move for Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma as they continue to hunt for a new shot stopper, according to a report. The Red Devils are on the search for a new No 1 this summer as uncertainty continues around the future of current goalkeeper Andre Onana. Onana joined the club in a £47.1million deal two years ago, but has endured an indifferent time at Old Trafford and various reports have suggested the club are looking at replacing him this summer. One of the goalkeepers who has been widely linked with a move to United is Aston Villa 's Emiliano Martinez, who appeared to wave goodbye to the fans at Villa Park at the end of the season ahead of a potential move away. Though no progress has been made on that deal, a number of moves have seemingly been made elsewhere, and one report suggests that Donnarumma is on United's shortlist. According to ESPN, United officials would be keen to bring the Italian to the club, but face a major stumbling block. That stumbling block is that, according to the report, Donnarumma, who was one of the heroes of PSG's Champions League success this season, doesn't want the move. The 26-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best shot-stoppers in the world, and pulled off a number of impressive saves - including against the likes of Arsenal - to help his side lift the Champions League for the first time. England fans will also remember him from his Euro 2020 heroics, which saw him save three penalties as England lost to Italy in the final of the competition at Wembley. The report states that United and Inter Milan - the team PSG beat in the final of Europe's premier competition, have enquired about a move for Donnarumma, contacting his agent, Enzo Raiola. His current deal is up at the end of next season, meaning he could be available at a cut price if PSG and the player can't come to an agreement on a new deal. Donnarumma, though, has made it clear he wants to stay on after the end of his current deal, telling Sky Italia while on international duty: 'My priority is to stay at PSG. I don't think there will be problems with the negotiations.' PSG's sporting director Luis Campos is also understood to be keen on Donnarumma staying at the club, though has reportedly lined up Lucas Chevalier - France's No 2 - as a replacement. Donnarumma joined PSG five years ago from AC Milan on a free transfer, and has made 154 appearances in all competitions for the French champions. Podcast All episodes Play on Apple Spotify United, meanwhile, reportedly made contact with Aston Villa over signing Martinez in the winter transfer window. United, who endured a miserable campaign - finishing in 15th and missing out on European football for just the second time in 35 years - were looking to bolster their squad ahead of a difficult second half of the season. They stuck with Onana, though, but that could change this summer. Martinez moved to Aston Villa five years ago from Arsenal and has shone, reaching the Champions League quarter-finals this season.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
How every Premier League club's summer business is shaping up
Arsenal Recruitment was cast as the main reason for the club's disappointment last season. Mikel Merino playing as an auxiliary centre-forward after Kai Havertz had broken down made that apparent. This will be a summer with a marked difference with Andrea Berta ready to go as the club's new sporting director. Berta spent 12 years at Atlético Madrid, supplying the players and foundation behind Diego Simeone's dynasty. Arsenal seek to avoid friction between Arteta dictating as he did previously and Berta wielding the same kind of power that was so effective in Madrid. Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig is heavily linked to the striking vacancy with Sporting's Viktor Gyökeres seen as too costly. Martin Zubimendi is expected to reunite with Merino in Arsenal's midfield, though Real Madrid may yet turn the midfielder's head. Kepa Arrizabalaga will come in as a back-up goalkeeper within a squad well set for success but missing the final pieces. John Brewin Aston Villa There is another profit and sustainability-shaped hole to fill this summer, though the picture is not thought to be as pressing as last year, when Villa's director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, compared the situation to a ticking timebomb before they sold Douglas Luiz to Juventus. At the same time, another big sale would be a welcome relief to the bottom line, which is why Villa are preparing for the departure of Emiliano Martínez. Villa are targeting the additions of two goalkeepers, with Lille's Lucas Chevalier among those on the shortlist, and will need to replace the loanees who arrived in the winter window, with none of Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi expected to return permanently. Villa immediately targeted a young striker after agreeing to sell Jhon Duran in January and have agreed a deal for the 18-year-old Zépiqueno Redmond to join from Feyenoord next month. Ben Fisher Bournemouth No wonder the Bournemouth technical director, Simon Francis, recently conceded they are victims of their own success. Even before last season ended, the club were being mined for their prized assets, with Real Madrid triggering the £50m release clause in Dean Huijsen's contract. Milos Kerkez, who has been a superb signing from AZ Alkmaar, is poised to join Liverpool, so a left-back is high on the agenda. Paris Saint-Germain have also inquired about Illia Zabarnyi, another consistent performer. The official line is Zabarnyi is not for sale but it will be tough to keep him if PSG stump up. Regardless, Bournemouth will generate significant funds to strengthen and view a new goalkeeper as perhaps the most important piece of the puzzle. Kepa Arrizabalaga, who spent last season on loan from Chelsea and remains the world's most expensive goalkeeper, has a modest £5m release clause in his contract but Bournemouth are exploring all options in their search for a permanent No 1. BF Brentford This could be a summer of change at the Gtech. Thomas Frank continues to be touted as the next Tottenham manager and there is a possibility that Brentford will be forced to replace the goals and assists of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoanne Wissa. Both forwards have interest from elsewhere – Mbeumo is likeliest to leave, with United circling, while Wissa was targeted by Nottingham Forest in January. But Brentford will back themselves to bounce back. They recovered from losing Ivan Toney last summer and tend to use their funds wisely. They have already made an eye-catching addition in goal, signing Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool after selling Mark Flekken to Bayer Leverkusen. Michael Kayode, the 20-year-old Italian defender, has joined from Fiorentina for £14.8m. Jacob Steinberg Brighton Summer 2025 recruitment will have been planned some time ago with the ad-hoc approach some clubs still favour a stranger to Tony Bloom's set-up. Tommy Watson scored the playoff final goal that sent Sunderland to the Premier League when the teenage winger was already set to become a Brighton player. Note that Brighton refuse to loan to other Premier League clubs, which may see Watson returned to the north east. The Olympiakos striker Charalampos Kostoulas, for whom a bid is logged, fits the brand of hot property bigger clubs will end up paying more for in the coming years. Brighton can be a selling club but only at the right price, so moves for Kaoru Mitoma will have to be credible, though could fund a defensive rebuild where Lewis Dunk and Joël Veltman are both 34. Olivier Boscagli, 27, out of contract at PSV, is signed as a centre-back. JB Burnley As one of the six clubs to have won promotion to the Premier League and suffered an immediate return to the Championship in the past two seasons, Burnley are painfully aware of the leap they need to make this summer. Two years ago, having won the Championship with 101 points, the Clarets invested more than £100m in Vincent Kompany's squad, only to finish second from bottom of the Premier League with 24 points. This summer, having won automatic promotion with 100 points, Scott Parker intends to keep the core of his squad intact while strengthening in several departments. He may also have holes to fill in goal and in central defence should James Trafford and Maxime Estève depart. Burnley have already signed last season's loanees Marcus Edwards, Zian Flemming, Jaidon Anthony and Bashir Humphreys on permanent deals and released veterans Nathan Redmond and Jonjo Shelvey. A big summer is required to buck a worrying trend at the top of English football. Andy Hunter Chelsea Champions League qualification and Conference League glory should be followed by another flurry of activity. The aim is to move quickly given that Chelsea compete in the Club World Cup this month, and there is satisfaction at winning the race to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich for £30m. A new striker was the top priority, but other positions are being targeted. Chelsea want a right-footed winger after sending Jadon Sancho back to Manchester United, view Ajax's Jorrel Hato as a good option in defence and have checked on the Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Another striker is a possibility, too. The pace is relentless. Chelsea will look to make a lot of sales – Noni Madueke could leave for the right price – and a lot of business was done before this window, with deals concluded for youngsters such as Dario Essugo, Willian Estêvão, Mamadou Sarr, Kendry Páez and Mike Penders. JS Crystal Palace Selhurst spending power is likely to be decided by the ongoing dispute over the club's participation in the Europa League. Should Palace be excluded, their status as a destination – and a place to stay – will be much reduced. Anyone wishing to buy Eberechi Eze will have to pay a release clause of £68m, a hefty premium following the previous practice of pricing Wilfried Zaha highly. Jean-Philippe Mateta, Adam Wharton and Marc Guéhi will have similar premiums; Wharton would cost significantly north of £60m for interested parties like Liverpool. Who makes the decisions? Dougie Freedman was a hugely admired sporting director but departed to Saudi Arabia, a combination of deputy Ben Stevens and the experienced consultant Iain Moody has stepped in, a hotline to Freedman kept open, too. Oliver Glasner needs bodies if European football happens, particularly in defence and midfield. JB Everton The theory that a new stadium plus new owners equals a new start for Everton is appealing, but the reality is not so straightforward. The mess left by the previous regime still lingers. The contracts of 13 members of last season's squad, including loanees, expire this summer. Eight departures have been confirmed and the futures of four others are yet to be resolved. On the bright side, the impressive Carlos Alcaraz has been signed on a permanent deal. A comprehensive rebuild is unavoidable, there are profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) issues to contend with, Jarrad Branthwaite is coveted again and both the club's head of recruitment and director of football have left, the latter at Everton's behest. David Moyes has admitted being worried at the scale of the overhaul required and no wonder. The Friedkin Group need him to perform heroics in the transfer market once again. AH Fulham The most important thing is to hold on to Marco Silva. The manager has been linked with Juventus, Spurs and Saudi Pro League clubs in recent months and would not be easy to replace if he leaves. Silva's influence at Craven Cottage is vast and he will want Fulham to show ambition. A new striker is wanted to compete with Raúl Jiménez and Rodrigo Muniz. PSV Eindhoven's Ricardo Pepi has been linked, although he suffered a serious injury in January. The Benfica winger Rafa Silva is also on the club's radar. Fulham need a new wide player following the end of Reiss Nelson's loan from Arsenal. They are also waiting to see if Kenny Tete and Tom Cairney sign new deals. Willian and Carlos Vinícius have been released. JS Leeds Daniel Farke will aim to strengthen the spine of his promoted side. The Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope and central midfielder Sean Longstaff loom large on his wish list, while the Leeds manager is also a fan of the Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga. A forward is also being targeted, with Lecce's Nikola Krstović under consideration. Manor Solomon, excellent as the Championship was won last season, is likely to return to Spurs after the end of his loan deal and there could be other high-profile exits, including those of Patrick Bamford and Illan Meslier. Farke should have around £100m to spend, although it is not ideal that the transfer window's opening has coincided with the departure of the club's influential chief executive, Angus Kinnear, to Everton. Louise Taylor Liverpool The busy summer that Virgil van Dijk predicted – or was promised during contract negotiations – has commenced in impressive style as the Premier League champions revamp Arne Slot's squad from a position of strength. The disappointment of losing Trent Alexander-Arnold has been quickly offset by the arrival of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, although, Liverpool do not consider the £29.5m signing a like-for-like replacement. Moves are afoot to strengthen on the opposite flank with a deal close for the Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez. But it is the pursuit of Frimpong's former Leverkusen team-mate Florian Wirtz that promises to be the most spectacular piece of business by a club that has kept its powder relatively dry in the last three transfer windows. Wirtz will cost Liverpool a club record fee whatever the final sum proves to be and will bring the creativity and finishing touch that Slot believes can elevate his champions next season. And a new striker is wanted. There will be several exits to help fund a statement of intent this summer. AH Manchester City The Manchester City chair, Khaldoon al-Mubarak, promised the club would be 'aggressive' in this summer window despite the fact they still await the outcome of their hearing into alleged breaches of the Premier League's financial rules. City certainly have not been shy with their early moves in the market, agreeing a £46.3m fee for Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and pursuing Wolves' Rayan Aït-Nouri, who is expected to move for around £30m plus add-ons. City were admirers of Liverpool-bound Florian Wirtz as they eye attacking midfield reinforcements in the wake of Kevin De Bruyne's departure. Lyon's Rayan Cherki looks set to fit the bill instead, although City have until 7pm on 10 June to finalise all three deals if the trio are to feature in the Club World Cup. In terms of outgoings, James McAtee and Jack Grealish could follow De Bruyne through the exit door. Dominic Booth Manchester United Bruno Fernandes' decision to reject a move to the Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, who were prepared to offer Manchester United £100m for their captain, was an early boost in the window for Ruben Amorim's side. Although the fee may have helped United's delicate PSR situation, the club's priority was always to keep Fernandes. That, coupled with the arrival of Matheus Cunha from Wolves, with United meeting the Brazilian's £62.5m release clause, has given supporters cause for summer optimism. Bryan Mbeumo is next on United's radar, but Brentford have rebuffed an initial bid, requiring a fee similar to the one paid for Cunha. The club would still like a striker, central midfielder and possibly a goalkeeper to go with the attacking midfield pair. They won't get them all without significant sales, with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho among those deemed surplus to requirements. DB Newcastle Newcastle are in a state of flux. The club's sporting director, Paul Mitchell, is leaving at the end of June, with chief executive, Darren Eales, also poised to depart on health grounds. While the club's Saudi Arabian ownership consider replacing Eales with David Hopkinson, a Canadian with previous executive experience at Real Madrid, Eddie Howe seeks a new goalkeeper, a right-sided centre half, a right winger and a striker to understudy Alexander Isak. The Burnley keeper James Trafford and the Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi remain at the top of his wish list. Having missed out on Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap, Howe is likely to target Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga and Brighton's João Pedro. Fraser Forster or Tim Krul could also return as back-up goalkeepers, boosting the squad's homegrown contingent demanded by Uefa's Champions League rules. LT Nottingham Forest Nuno Espírito Santo wants to add depth after returning Forest to European competition for the first time since 1996. Providing support for Chris Wood is a priority and Forest could revisit a move for Brentford's Yoane Wissa, for whom they bid £22m in January. There is a familiar figure working in the shadows – Edu Gaspar, the former Arsenal sporting director, who, for now, is working for Evangelos Marinakis on an unofficial basis. First up? A triple signing from Botafogo is in the pipeline, with striker Igor Jesus, centre-back Jair Cunha and left-back Cuiabano being pursued. A backup goalkeeper and a central midfielder are also on their wanted list. Murillo and Morgan Gibbs-White are of interest to the elite but Forest are hopeful of holding on to their best players. BF Sunderland Régis Le Bris has already made his first summer signing following promotion, with Enzo Le Fée's loan from Roma becoming a £20m record transfer. Although Sunderland would like to keep Jobe Bellingham, the England Under-21 midfielder is poised to join Borussia Dortmund for an initial fee of around £28m, while winger Tommy Watson, scorer of the winning goal in the playoff final against Sheffield United, has already joined Brighton for £10m. While Sunderland's sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, will not be drawn on suggestions that the Ajax captain Jordan Henderson could return to the club where he began his career, he has indicated that a handful of high-calibre recruits capable of stepping straight into Le Bris's youthful team are being sought. The idea is that four or five new arrivals will solidify the spine ofthe starting XI. Those targeted could include the Monaco defender Wilfried Singo. LT Tottenham There had been only one story at the club since the end of the season – whether Ange Postecoglou would stay on as the manager or go. We now have the answer. However, the hierarchy have been pushing on with moves for transfer targets, with the technical director, Johan Lange, prominent. There is also the possibility that Fabio Paratici, the former recruitment chief, who has been working for them in a consultancy role, will return in a more formal capacity. With a Champions League campaign to come, it will be important to add depth. The future of the captain, Son Heung-min, must be resolved – he has one year on his contract and turns 34 next summer – and a decision must be taken on Cristian Romero, who is a target for Atlético Madrid. Will Mathys Tel be added permanently? The 18-year-old Croatian defender Luka Vušković will join from Hajduk Split in a deal put in place in 2023. Fraser Forster, Alfie Whiteman and Sergio Reguilón have been released. Timo Werner's loan has ended. David Hytner West Ham Money is tight because of PSR concerns caused by years of costly, ill-advised deals. The recruitment team have been told that little can be done before sales are made. The problem, though, is that West Ham have few lucrative assets. Much will depend on whether a buyer appears for Mohammed Kudus. Lucas Paquetá could also leave if he is declared not guilty of breaking the Football Association's betting regulations. As it is, though, Graham Potter knows that he has to be creative as he looks to revamp an ageing squad. West Ham need more legs and youth in midfield, and have scouted Sunderland's Chris Rigg, Sheffield United's Sydie Peck and Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney. There is also interest in the Sunderland forward Eliezer Mayenda. West Ham want a goalkeeper but are lukewarm on Southampton's Aaron Ramsdale. A new left-back is needed. JS Wolves This summer has so far taken on a familiar theme: headline departures. Matheus Cunha is the latest key player to exit, Manchester United triggering his £62.5m release clause, while Rayan Aït-Nouri is primed to join Manchester City. Twelve months on from Max Kilman leaving for West Ham, Wolves look likely to lose another captain, with Nelson Semedo out of contract this month. It is shaping up to be another rebuild, which Vitor Pereira will oversee. He wants to focus on bringing in at least one forward, while new full-backs will be necessary if Aït-Nouri and Semedo depart. The departure of sporting director, Matt Hobbs will likely give Pereira greater autonomy, with the Italian Domenico Teti, whom Pereira worked with in Saudi Arabia, poised to take on an influential role. The intriguing bit will be whether Jorge Mendes, who represents Pereira, also gains greater control. BF
The Guardian
a day ago
- Business
- The Guardian
How every Premier League club's summer business is shaping up
Recruitment was cast as the main reason for the club's disappointment last season. Mikel Merino playing as an auxiliary centre-forward after Kai Havertz had broken down made that apparent. This will be a summer with a marked difference with Andrea Berta ready to go as the club's new sporting director. Berta spent 12 years at Atlético Madrid, supplying the players and foundation behind Diego Simeone's dynasty. Arsenal seek to avoid friction between Arteta dictating as he did previously and Berta wielding the same kind of power that was so effective in Madrid. Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig is heavily linked to the striking vacancy with Sporting's Viktor Gyökeres seen as too costly. Martin Zubimendi is expected to reunite with Merino in Arsenal's midfield, though Real Madrid may yet turn the midfielder's head. Kepa Arrizabalaga will come in as a back-up goalkeeper within a squad well set for success but missing the final pieces. John Brewin There is another profit and sustainability-shaped hole to fill this summer, though the picture is not thought to be as pressing as last year, when Villa's director of football operations, Damian Vidagany, compared the situation to a ticking timebomb before they sold Douglas Luiz to Juventus. At the same time, another big sale would be a welcome relief to the bottom line, which is why Villa are preparing for the departure of Emiliano Martínez. Villa are targeting the additions of two goalkeepers, with Lille's Lucas Chevalier among those on the shortlist, and will need to replace the loanees who arrived in the winter window, with none of Marcus Rashford, Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi expected to return permanently. Villa immediately targeted a young striker after agreeing to sell Jhon Duran in January and have agreed a deal for the 18-year-old Zépiqueno Redmond to join from Feyenoord next month. Ben Fisher No wonder the Bournemouth technical director, Simon Francis, recently conceded they are victims of their own success. Even before last season ended, the club were being mined for their prized assets, with Real Madrid triggering the £50m release clause in Dean Huijsen's contract. Milos Kerkez, who has been a superb signing from AZ Alkmaar, is poised to join Liverpool, so a left-back is high on the agenda. Paris Saint-Germain have also inquired about Illia Zabarnyi, another consistent performer. The official line is Zabarnyi is not for sale but it will be tough to keep him if PSG stump up. Regardless, Bournemouth will generate significant funds to strengthen and view a new goalkeeper as perhaps the most important piece of the puzzle. Kepa Arrizabalaga, who spent last season on loan from Chelsea and remains the world's most expensive goalkeeper, has a modest £5m release clause in his contract but Bournemouth are exploring all options in their search for a permanent No 1. BF This could be a summer of change at the Gtech. Thomas Frank continues to be touted as the next Tottenham manager and there is a possibility that Brentford will be forced to replace the goals and assists of Bryan Mbeumo and Yoanne Wissa. Both forwards have interest from elsewhere – Mbeumo is likeliest to leave, with United circling, while Wissa was targeted by Nottingham Forest in January. But Brentford will back themselves to bounce back. They recovered from losing Ivan Toney last summer and tend to use their funds wisely. They have already made an eye-catching addition in goal, signing Caoimhin Kelleher from Liverpool after selling Mark Flekken to Bayer Leverkusen. Michael Kayode, the 20-year-old Italian defender, has joined from Fiorentina for £14.8m. Jacob Steinberg Summer 2025 recruitment will have been planned some time ago with the ad-hoc approach some clubs still favour a stranger to Tony Bloom's set-up. Tommy Watson scored the playoff final goal that sent Sunderland to the Premier League when the teenage winger was already set to become a Brighton player. Note that Brighton refuse to loan to other Premier League clubs, which may see Watson returned to the north east. The Olympiakos striker Charalampos Kostoulas, for whom a bid is logged, fits the brand of hot property bigger clubs will end up paying more for in the coming years. Brighton can be a selling club but only at the right price, so moves for Kaoru Mitoma will have to be credible, though could fund a defensive rebuild where Lewis Dunk and Joël Veltman are both 34. Olivier Boscagli, 27, out of contract at PSV, is signed as a centre-back. JB As one of the six clubs to have won promotion to the Premier League and suffered an immediate return to the Championship in the past two seasons, Burnley are painfully aware of the leap they need to make this summer. Two years ago, having won the Championship with 101 points, the Clarets invested more than £100m in Vincent Kompany's squad, only to finish second from bottom of the Premier League with 24 points. This summer, having won automatic promotion with 100 points, Scott Parker intends to keep the core of his squad intact while strengthening in several departments. He may also have holes to fill in goal and in central defence should James Trafford and Maxime Estève depart. Burnley have already signed last season's loanees Marcus Edwards, Zian Flemming, Jaidon Anthony and Bashir Humphreys on permanent deals and released veterans Nathan Redmond and Jonjo Shelvey. A big summer is required to buck a worrying trend at the top of English football. Andy Hunter Champions League qualification and Conference League glory should be followed by another flurry of activity. The aim is to move quickly given that Chelsea compete in the Club World Cup this month, and there is satisfaction at winning the race to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich for £30m. A new striker was the top priority, but other positions are being targeted. Chelsea want a right-footed winger after sending Jadon Sancho back to Manchester United, view Ajax's Jorrel Hato as a good option in defence and have checked on the Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan. Another striker is a possibility, too. The pace is relentless. Chelsea will look to make a lot of sales – Noni Madueke could leave for the right price – and a lot of business was done before this window, with deals concluded for youngsters such as Dario Essugo, Willian Estêvão, Mamadou Sarr, Kendry Páez and Mike Penders. JS Selhurst spending power is likely to be decided by the ongoing dispute over the club's participation in the Europa League. Should Palace be excluded, their status as a destination – and a place to stay – will be much reduced. Anyone wishing to buy Eberechi Eze will have to pay a release clause of £68m, a hefty premium following the previous practice of pricing Wilfried Zaha highly. Jean-Philippe Mateta, Adam Wharton and Marc Guéhi will have similar premiums; Wharton would cost significantly north of £60m for interested parties like Liverpool. Who makes the decisions? Dougie Freedman was a hugely admired sporting director but departed to Saudi Arabia, a combination of deputy Ben Stevens and the experienced consultant Iain Moody has stepped in, a hotline to Freedman kept open, too. Oliver Glasner needs bodies if European football happens, particularly in defence and midfield. JB The theory that a new stadium plus new owners equals a new start for Everton is appealing, but the reality is not so straightforward. The mess left by the previous regime still lingers. The contracts of 13 members of last season's squad, including loanees, expire this summer. Eight departures have been confirmed and the futures of four others are yet to be resolved. On the bright side, the impressive Carlos Alcaraz has been signed on a permanent deal. A comprehensive rebuild is unavoidable, there are profitability and sustainability rules (PSR) issues to contend with, Jarrad Branthwaite is coveted again and both the club's head of recruitment and director of football have left, the latter at Everton's behest. David Moyes has admitted being worried at the scale of the overhaul required and no wonder. The Friedkin Group need him to perform heroics in the transfer market once again. AH The most important thing is to hold on to Marco Silva. The manager has been linked with Juventus, Spurs and Saudi Pro League clubs in recent months and would not be easy to replace if he leaves. Silva's influence at Craven Cottage is vast and he will want Fulham to show ambition. A new striker is wanted to compete with Raúl Jiménez and Rodrigo Muniz. PSV Eindhoven's Ricardo Pepi has been linked, although he suffered a serious injury in January. The Benfica winger Rafa Silva is also on the club's radar. Fulham need a new wide player following the end of Reiss Nelson's loan from Arsenal. They are also waiting to see if Kenny Tete and Tom Cairney sign new deals. Willian and Carlos Vinícius have been released. JS Daniel Farke will aim to strengthen the spine of his promoted side. The Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope and central midfielder Sean Longstaff loom large on his wish list, while the Leeds manager is also a fan of the Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga. A forward is also being targeted, with Lecce's Nikola Krstović under consideration. Manor Solomon, excellent as the Championship was won last season, is likely to return to Spurs after the end of his loan deal and there could be other high-profile exits, including those of Patrick Bamford and Illan Meslier. Farke should have around £100m to spend, although it is not ideal that the transfer window's opening has coincided with the departure of the club's influential chief executive, Angus Kinnear, to Everton. Louise Taylor The busy summer that Virgil van Dijk predicted – or was promised during contract negotiations – has commenced in impressive style as the Premier League champions revamp Arne Slot's squad from a position of strength. The disappointment of losing Trent Alexander-Arnold has been quickly offset by the arrival of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen, although, Liverpool do not consider the £29.5m signing a like-for-like replacement. Moves are afoot to strengthen on the opposite flank with a deal close for the Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez. But it is the pursuit of Frimpong's former Leverkusen team-mate Florian Wirtz that promises to be the most spectacular piece of business by a club that has kept its powder relatively dry in the last three transfer windows. Wirtz will cost Liverpool a club record fee whatever the final sum proves to be and will bring the creativity and finishing touch that Slot believes can elevate his champions next season. And a new striker is wanted. There will be several exits to help fund a statement of intent this summer. AH The Manchester City chair, Khaldoon al-Mubarak, promised the club would be 'aggressive' in this summer window despite the fact they still await the outcome of their hearing into alleged breaches of the Premier League's financial rules. City certainly have not been shy with their early moves in the market, agreeing a £46.3m fee for Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and pursuing Wolves' Rayan Aït-Nouri, who is expected to move for around £30m plus add-ons. City were admirers of Liverpool-bound Florian Wirtz as they eye attacking midfield reinforcements in the wake of Kevin De Bruyne's departure. Lyon's Rayan Cherki looks set to fit the bill instead, although City have until 7pm on 10 June to finalise all three deals if the trio are to feature in the Club World Cup. In terms of outgoings, James McAtee and Jack Grealish could follow De Bruyne through the exit door. Dominic Booth Bruno Fernandes' decision to reject a move to the Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, who were prepared to offer Manchester United £100m for their captain, was an early boost in the window for Ruben Amorim's side. Although the fee may have helped United's delicate PSR situation, the club's priority was always to keep Fernandes. That, coupled with the arrival of Matheus Cunha from Wolves, with United meeting the Brazilian's £62.5m release clause, has given supporters cause for summer optimism. Bryan Mbeumo is next on United's radar, but Brentford have rebuffed an initial bid, requiring a fee similar to the one paid for Cunha. The club would still like a striker, central midfielder and possibly a goalkeeper to go with the attacking midfield pair. They won't get them all without significant sales, with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Alejandro Garnacho among those deemed surplus to requirements. DB Newcastle are in a state of flux. The club's sporting director, Paul Mitchell, is leaving at the end of June, with chief executive, Darren Eales, also poised to depart on health grounds. While the club's Saudi Arabian ownership consider replacing Eales with David Hopkinson, a Canadian with previous executive experience at Real Madrid, Eddie Howe seeks a new goalkeeper, a right-sided centre half, a right winger and a striker to understudy Alexander Isak. The Burnley keeper James Trafford and the Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi remain at the top of his wish list. Having missed out on Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap, Howe is likely to target Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo, Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga and Brighton's João Pedro. Fraser Forster or Tim Krul could also return as back-up goalkeepers, boosting the squad's homegrown contingent demanded by Uefa's Champions League rules. LT Nuno Espírito Santo wants to add depth after returning Forest to European competition for the first time since 1996. Providing support for Chris Wood is a priority and Forest could revisit a move for Brentford's Yoane Wissa, for whom they bid £22m in January. There is a familiar figure working in the shadows – Edu Gaspar, the former Arsenal sporting director, who, for now, is working for Evangelos Marinakis on an unofficial basis. First up? A triple signing from Botafogo is in the pipeline, with striker Igor Jesus, centre-back Jair Cunha and left-back Cuiabano being pursued. A backup goalkeeper and a central midfielder are also on their wanted list. Murillo and Morgan Gibbs-White are of interest to the elite but Forest are hopeful of holding on to their best players. BF Régis Le Bris has already made his first summer signing following promotion, with Enzo Le Fée's loan from Roma becoming a £20m record transfer. Although Sunderland would like to keep Jobe Bellingham, the England Under-21 midfielder is poised to join Borussia Dortmund for an initial fee of around £28m, while winger Tommy Watson, scorer of the winning goal in the playoff final against Sheffield United, has already joined Brighton for £10m. While Sunderland's sporting director, Kristjaan Speakman, will not be drawn on suggestions that the Ajax captain Jordan Henderson could return to the club where he began his career, he has indicated that a handful of high-calibre recruits capable of stepping straight into Le Bris's youthful team are being sought. The idea is that four or five new arrivals will solidify the spine ofthe starting XI. Those targeted could include the Monaco defender Wilfried Singo. LT There had been only one story at the club since the end of the season – whether Ange Postecoglou would stay on as the manager or go. We now have the answer. However, the hierarchy have been pushing on with moves for transfer targets, with the technical director, Johan Lange, prominent. There is also the possibility that Fabio Paratici, the former recruitment chief, who has been working for them in a consultancy role, will return in a more formal capacity. With a Champions League campaign to come, it will be important to add depth. The future of the captain, Son Heung-min, must be resolved – he has one year on his contract and turns 34 next summer – and a decision must be taken on Cristian Romero, who is a target for Atlético Madrid. Will Mathys Tel be added permanently? The 18-year-old Croatian defender Luka Vušković will join from Hajduk Split in a deal put in place in 2023. Fraser Forster, Alfie Whiteman and Sergio Reguilón have been released. Timo Werner's loan has ended. David Hytner Money is tight because of PSR concerns caused by years of costly, ill-advised deals. The recruitment team have been told that little can be done before sales are made. The problem, though, is that West Ham have few lucrative assets. Much will depend on whether a buyer appears for Mohammed Kudus. Lucas Paquetá could also leave if he is declared not guilty of breaking the Football Association's betting regulations. As it is, though, Graham Potter knows that he has to be creative as he looks to revamp an ageing squad. West Ham need more legs and youth in midfield, and have scouted Sunderland's Chris Rigg, Sheffield United's Sydie Peck and Middlesbrough's Hayden Hackney. There is also interest in the Sunderland forward Eliezer Mayenda. West Ham want a goalkeeper but are lukewarm on Southampton's Aaron Ramsdale. A new left-back is needed. JS This summer has so far taken on a familiar theme: headline departures. Matheus Cunha is the latest key player to exit, Manchester United triggering his £62.5m release clause, while Rayan Aït-Nouri is primed to join Manchester City. Twelve months on from Max Kilman leaving for West Ham, Wolves look likely to lose another captain, with Nelson Semedo out of contract this month. It is shaping up to be another rebuild, which Vitor Pereira will oversee. He wants to focus on bringing in at least one forward, while new full-backs will be necessary if Aït-Nouri and Semedo depart. The departure of sporting director, Matt Hobbs will likely give Pereira greater autonomy, with the Italian Domenico Teti, whom Pereira worked with in Saudi Arabia, poised to take on an influential role. The intriguing bit will be whether Jorge Mendes, who represents Pereira, also gains greater control. BF
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Former Man United star claims Andre Onana 'hasn't done enough' to keep his No 1 spot - and reveals which goalkeeper the club has 'got to get' to replace him
Andre Onana 'hasn't done enough' to keep his spot as Manchester United 's No 1 next season and the club must buy a replacement, according to Ben Foster. Onana, who joined in a £47million deal from Inter Milan in 2023, made a number of high-profile and costly mistakes over the last campaign and his future at Old Trafford has been brought into question with the summer window now open. Indeed, United could be open to allowing him to leave before bringing in a new first-choice stopper, especially with back-up Altay Bayindir similarly failing to impress. Cameroonian Onana kept just nine clean sheets in his 34 appearances in the Premier League, conceding 44 goals as the Red Devils stuttered to a 15th-placed finish. Adding fuel to the fire, recent reports have linked United with a swoop for Aston Villa keeper Emiliano Martinez - and Foster believes the Argentine is a must-buy. Delivering his verdict on Onana, Foster told talkSPORT: 'It's a brutal league, the Premier League, and I kind of think [over] the last two seasons that he hasn't done enough to prove that he is a Manchester United No 1. 'I think he's got ability and like so many other Man United players, he'd go elsewhere and probably flourish. I think that's probably going to be the case with him as well. 'If the opportunity does come to sign somebody like an Emi Martinez, they've got to go for it. He's still one of the best goalkeepers in the world. 'A lot of people said this season, probably not up to the standard of the previous two years, but still one of the best goalkeepers in the world. 'You've got to have a strong spine in any football team. If you get the goalie right, you get a couple of strikers in, Bruno's going to be staying now. 'It's a great start to the transfer window for them.' According to Argentine outlet TyC Sports, United contacted Villa about a move for Martinez in January before deciding to keep faith in Onana. It has also been reported that the Red Devils will be interested in Martinez if he leaves Villa this summer. Martinez, 32, looks set to be sold by Villa, who need to offload a prized asset this month in order to meet the top-flight's strict profit and sustainability rules. He was moved to tears after Villa's final home game of the season - a 2-0 win against Tottenham - last month and appeared to bid farewell to supporters. Martinez was then sent off in his final outing of the season after rushing out and clattering Rasmus Hojlund during Villa's defeat by United at Old Trafford. Asked about his future ahead of Argentina's upcoming World Cup qualifiers, Martinez said: 'I don't know, I come here to play for the national team, and that's the only thing that matters to me right now. Do I want to move to a new club?
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Manchester United are leading the race for Aston Villa's World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez
While Manchester United are focusing on improving the team's attack first and foremost, fans will argue that improving the goalkeeping options is equally important. Andre Onana was shambolic last season, committing huge errors in both the Premier League and Europa League, and he has never truly convinced since his move to Old Trafford. Advertisement INEOS have offered the Cameroonian to clubs in the Saudi Pro League, with Neom SC a possible option, but so far, no concrete talks have taken place. The Red Devils are keeping their options open, with Emiliano Martinez emerging as a potential option with the Argentine looking to leave Villa Park in the summer. Emiliano Martinez on United's radar As reported by TyC Sports, the World Cup winner has been approached by Barcelona, but the 20-time English league champions are in pole position and have shown the most concrete interest. The report further revealed that INEOS had spoken with the 32-year-old's camp before the January window as well, back when Ruben Amorim was trying to get rid of Onana. Advertisement In the end, the United No.1 ended up staying at Old Trafford while Emiliano Martinez also stayed with the Birmingham side. 'The end of the season in the European leagues left a striking image: Emiliano Martínez said his farewell in tears during Aston Villa's final match at Villa Park, and his future remains unknown. 'Dibu, with a very high contract as the star player, could bid farewell in this transfer window, especially after it emerged that the club is looking for another goalkeeper. The Argentine still has no offers on the table, but Manchester United is reportedly interested. Strongest interest from United 'His departure won't be easy, especially given the high price they're asking for a key goalkeeper. While no official offer was made public, Barcelona has sounded him out, but the strongest interest is believed to come from the Premier League giant. Advertisement 'Six months ago, the Red Devils contacted the Argentina national team goalkeeper and discussed his possible signing for weeks, but ultimately opted for André Onana.' The former Arsenal shot-stopper is valued at £40 million by Villa, a fee United will struggle to cough up given the need to improve in so many other areas. Maybe if they can secure Onana's exit, a move could be made possible. All eyes on Onana and INEOS. One thing is for sure, Amorim needs a better goalkeeper than his current No.1. Feature image Richard Heathcote via Getty Images Follow us on Bluesky: @
