All posts by h716a5.icu

Aston Villa have now joined the race to sign Abde Ezzalzouli, at Unai Emery’s request, and Real Betis’ asking price has been revealed.

Villa’s interest in signing a new forward comes amid doubts surrounding Harvey Elliott’s future, with widespread reports suggesting Liverpool could recall the attacking midfielder from his loan spell in the January transfer window.

Elliott has failed to establish himself as a first-team regular, featuring for just 97 minutes across four matches in the Premier League this season, and Fabrizio Romano has now provided an update on whether there is any way back for the Englishman.

The transfer expert said: “At the moment, it depends on his performances in training. The situation is still not changing and of course, Elliott is not happy.”

Should the 22-year-old exit Villa Park this winter, there may be room in the squad to bring in another attacker, and the Villans are now looking to sign a new winger…

Aston Villa join race to sign Abde Ezzalzouli at Unai Emery's request

According to a report from Spain, Aston Villa have now joined the race to sign Real Betis star Ezzalzouli, with the forward being monitored closely ahead of the January transfer window, although there could be competition for his signature from Crystal Palace.

The Betis board’s asking price is ‘significantly’ in excess of the Moroccan’s current value of €12m (£11m), with the Spanish club eager to retain one of their key players, and manager Manuel Pellegrini has made it clear he wants to keep hold of him.

The 23-year-old has been personally requested by Emery for January, with the manager setting out to sign a new winger in order to strengthen his side’s chances of winning the Europa League.

It is little wonder Pellegrini is keen to keep hold of the 25-time Morocco international, given that he has impressed at Real Betis for quite some time, with scout Ben Mattinson waxing lyrical about the left-winger during the 2024/25 campaign.

The former Osasuna man has also made a flying start to the season, chipping in with three goals and two assists in his opening eight games, which has helped propel his side to fifth in the La Liga table.

Emery strengthened his options at left-wing in the summer, signing Jadon Sancho, but the Manchester United loanee is yet to make an impact, failing to register a single goal or assist in his opening eight matches in all competitions.

As such, it would make sense to bring in a new winger in the January transfer window, and Ezzalzouli could be a fantastic long-term addition to the squad.

Aston Villa targeting Ansu Fati alongside Abde Ezzalzouli Aston Villa prepared to make Ansu Fati offer but face complicated roadblock

The Villans are willing to make a bid for a new forward, after Emery’s plea to the board.

ByDominic Lund Nov 4, 2025

The three players will start with their new state by playing in the Uttarakhand Premier League

ESPNcricinfo staff14-Sep-2025Left-arm spinner J Suchith, opener Prashant Chopra and batter Bhupen Lalwani have moved to Uttarakhand ahead of the domestic season in 2025-26. The three players will start with their new state by playing in the Uttarakhand Premier League.Suchith, who represented Karnataka before playing for Nagaland, first played domestic cricket in April 2014 in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy before going on to make his List A and first-class debuts in the coming seasons. He played for Nagaland only for one season, in 2024-25, where picked up 43 wickets in six first-class matches and was the highest wicket-taker in the Plate group.Chopra, meanwhile, made his debut for Himachal Pradesh as an 18-year-old in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in February 2011, and has represented them in his entire domestic career so far. Last season, he made 386 runs in seven first-class matches, which included 171 against Uttarakhand. Overall, he has played 81 first-class matches and scored 5093 runs and hit 14 hundreds. He has also notched up 4012 runs in 103 List A games at an average of 41.79, and 2035 runs in 70 T20s at a strike rate of 114.58.Lalwani has represented Mumbai and Chhattisgarh in a short domestic career so far that started in January 2020. He switched to Chhattisgarh ahead of the 2024-25 season, where he played just two first-class matches for them. Overall, he has played 16 first-class matches and three List A games.The change of teams continue a bunch of transfers ahead of the upcoming domestic season, the most notable among them being Karun Nair returning to Karnataka, Harshal Patel switching back to Gujarat from Haryana, and Jalaj Saxena moving from Kerala to Maharashtra.

The MLB season marches on today with teams across the country beginning their weekend series. For us bettors, there's no better way to start our weekend than by putting some extra money in our pocket by winning a few Friday bets.

I have three wagers locked in for Friday's slate, including a bet on the total between the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers. Let's dive into them.

Top MLB Picks Today

Rays -124 vs. BravesAngels +134 vs. AstrosCubs vs. Dodgers UNDER 8 (-112)Braves vs. Rays Prediction

The Braves' offense has started to turn things around, but they still enter the weekend batting just .218 on the season. I think there's still some meat on the bone in terms of fading them, especially tonight when they're playing on the road with Bryce Elder on the mound. Elder recorded a 6.52 ERA in 10 starts last season and allowed three earned runs in just 4.0 innings in his first start in 2025.

A combination of poor hitting and bad pitching by the Braves tonight puts the Rays in a favorable spot. I think -124 is more than a fair price for Tampa Bay.

Angels vs. Astros Prediction

I can't believe I'm typing this right now, but the Los Angeles Angels have been one of the best offensive teams in the Majors in the early part of the season while the Houston Astros have been one of the worst. The Angels are seventh in OPS at .767 while the Astros are 29th at .583. Additionally, Ronel Blanco is starting for the Astros, and there are signs we're going to see some significant regression from him this season. He has allowed seven earned runs in just 6.2 innings pitched across his first two starts.

If you're betting on the Astros as home favorites today, you're completely throwing out the results from the first two weeks of the season. Instead, I'm going to ride the momentum (or lack thereof) from both teams and take the Angels to win as significant underdogs in Houston.

Cubs vs. Dodgers Prediction

Yoshinobu Yamamoto has already had one solid performance against the Cubs, keeping them to three hits and one earned run across 5.0 innings in the opening series of the season in Japan, so why not bet on another strong outing against Chicago tonight? Matthew Boyd is also coming into this game hot, having pitched 11.0 scoreless innings so far in 2025.

You may be surprised to find out the Dodgers, while showcasing some power, have been batting just .230 on the season.

With all of that in mind, I'll take the UNDER in this National League duel.

Mustafizur Rahman and Mahedi Hasan picked up five wickets between them in eight overs

ESPNcricinfo staff20-Sep-2025Dasun Shanaka clobbered 64 not out off 37 balls to propel Sri Lanka through the middle and death overs, after their openers had provided a rapid 44-run opening stand.In between those batters, however, Bangladesh imposed themselves, mainly through Mustafizur Rahman and Mahedi Hasan, who took five wickets between them, and were also economical. Mustafizur was especially impressive, taking 3 for 20. His last over – the 19th of the innings – cost Sri Lanka three wickets, but they could only scramble five runs off it. Mustafizur had also had Shanaka dropped off his bowling on 38 off 27, in the 17th over.Related

Tait confident Mustafizur Rahman will do better against Sri Lanka

Bereaved Dunith Wellalage rejoins SL squad in Dubai

Shanaka’s was not the only catch Bangladesh missed. Mustafizur himself had failed to attack a dying chance at fine leg (he likely could have got there), to reprieve Kusal Perera on 11. Charith Asalanka was also put down by Towhid Hridoy at deep point, on 16. Both those batters made five further runs. Asalanka was also dropped a second time by Hridoy, but was run out off that same delivery, attempting a second.Sri Lanka will feel their total competitive, on a Dubai track known to be tough for batters. Bangladesh are unlikely to be fazed by its heft either, however.

West Ham chiefs are looking to back new manager Nuno Espírito Santo with key additions in January as they attempt to stave off the looming threat of relegation.

The Hammers were gifted a ray of sunshine in an otherwise dismal start to the Premier League season just before this international break, winning back-to-back home games for the first time since October last year against Newcastle and Burnley.

While the two wins provide plenty of encouragement for Nuno after inheriting a squad bereft of confidence and form, reports suggest that the east Londoners will look to January for much-needed reinforcements to bolster their head coach’s squad.

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

West Ham 3-1 Newcastle

West Ham 3-2 Burnley

According to Sky Sports, Nuno has been told that funds will be available for West Ham to spend when the window reopens, and it is believed they’d ideally like a new defender, midfielder and forward.

With Niclas Fullkrug poised to leave West Ham in January, following a lacklustre spell marred by injuries and underwhelming form when available, it is more likely than not that a striker will be arriving at Rush Green, with Fabrizio Romano confirming their intention to sign one.

Romano also said recently that West Ham are in the mix to sign Man United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo amid his links to Napoli, so a new midfielder remains on the cards, but there are now suggestions that a winger could come in too.

West Ham could strike 'cut-price' January move for Adama Traoré

Indeed, according to Football Insider and journalist Pete O’Rourke, West Ham have been handed the opportunity to secure Adama Traoré on a bargain deal in January, with Fulham willing to accept a cut-price offer rather than lose the winger for free next summer.

Traore is in the final year of his contract and is not going to agree a new deal at Fulham, meaning January is their last chance to cash in if they sell him. The 29-year-old’s contract situation leaves the Cottagers vulnerable to low-ball bids, with Nuno apparently keen to reunite with a player he previously transformed at Wolves.

Before Nuno joined the Hammers, he tried to reunite with Traore at Nottingham Forest too, highlighting his long-standing admiration for the Spain international.

That being said, the forward has never quite reached the same heights he once hit under Nuno’s tutelage at Molineux, which included a failed spell at Barcelona.

During his best Premier League campaign to date, Traore bagged 13 goal contributions in 37 appearances for Wolves back in 2019/2020, finishing that campaign as their best-performing player on average whilst completing a seismic five successful take-ons per 90 (WhoScored).

Traore has enjoyed flashes of brilliant form at Craven Cottage too, with Marco Silva calling him an “almost unstoppable” player on his day.

Whilst Birmingham City’s unbelievable attacking arsenal undoubtedly helped them to stroll to the League One title with 81 goals being scored, the defenders also more than played their part in the Blues’ title-winning success when shutting out some dangerous third-tier attackers.

Chris Davies’ men would boast the sternest defence in the division come the end of their near flawless 46-game campaign, with only 31 strikes being shipped in total courtesy of Christoph Klarer at the back showing off their imposing nature.

Still, the reawakened giants won’t be resting on their laurels moving back up to the Championship, with signings all over the pitch rumoured to join the impressive St Andrew’s ranks.

Birmingham's growing list of transfer targets

Davies’ side won’t be content with simply making up the numbers next season after promotion, knowing full well that chairman Tom Wagner will again give the Blues adequate funds to spend on some top buys.

Birmingham have already been linked with major moves for former star Che Adams alongside League One superstar Kwame Poku to enhance their potent forward areas. Further, a move for Irish shot-stopper Mark Travers has also been rumoured.

But, the ever-growing list of statement targets doesn’t stop there, with journalist Alan Nixon now reporting that the newly promoted side could go back in for the much-admired Harry Darling who Birmingham have previously had on their shopping list.

Davies and Co might well be able to land the experienced Swansea City centre-back for nothing, considering his deal with the Welsh side expires very soon, but fellow promoted outfit Wrexham are also allegedly sniffing around for the 25-year-old.

Amazingly, if a deal was to get over the line, Birmingham would be able to land an instant upgrade on Hannover 96 powerhouse Phil Neumann who is also set to join the Blues this summer from the Bundesliga, meaning competition for places in the heart of defence would be extremely fierce.

How Darling would be an upgrade on Neumann

Winning both Neumann and Darling in quick succession would make sense, with the likes of Grant Hanley exiting St. Andrew’s at the expiry of his contract, alongside Dion Sanderson’s future at the club being up in the air after a loan stint at Blackburn Rovers.

But, if it was a toss-up between the two new potential centre-backs as to who would partner a formidable Klarer moving forward, Darling could well get the nod over the 6 foot 3 German when picking apart their impressive 2024/25 numbers below.

Games played

39

32

43

Goals scored

5

2

1

Assists

3

1

3

Touches*

74.5

64.4

91.8

Accurate passes*

53.9 (88%)

38.9 (83%)

68.4 (88%)

Ball recoveries*

3.9

4.3

3.5

Clearances*

5.0

5.2

5.6

Total duels won*

4.9

4.3

7.5

Clean sheets

12

10

18

Straight off the bat, Darling already possesses a lot of experience of the English game to his advantage, with 108 career games under his belt in the difficult Championship.

On top of that, the soon-to-be free agent has also averaged a better pass accuracy per league clash this season in the second tier than Neumann has managed in the German top-flight, alongside also bettering the Hannover number five when it comes to winning duels.

Klarer has shown in abundance for Birmingham that he can be equal parts classy yet attritional too, meaning the “heroic” Swans centre-back – as he was once labelled by former manager Luke Williams – and the Austrian enforcer could soon be a match made in heaven in the heart of the Blues defence.

Of course, Neumann would still be pushing for a starting spot here, but if Birmingham can win such a distinguished performer at the level on a free transfer, it’s a move they simply must pursue.

He'd be amazing with Adams: Birmingham make move for "unplayable" EFL star

Birmingham City would scare Championship defences stiff if they picked up this top EFL talent alongside Che Adams.

ByKelan Sarson May 8, 2025

And so, Manchester United are Bilbao-bound again. The Europa League final awaits…

Having cruised to a surprise 3-0 win away from home last week at San Mames, the Red Devils endured a typically nervous start on what should have been a routine night at Old Trafford, with Mikel Jauregizar’s first-half stunner sparking renewed hope for a depleted Athletic Club side.

The away side’s dominance continued in the early knockings of the second period, with United looking set to potentially pay for their inability to kill the tie sooner, with Alejandro having spurned a gilt-edged chance before the break.

Thankfully for Ruben Amorim, the Portuguese rolled the dice with his 60-minute substitutions and the right number came up, with the introduction of Mason Mount, in particular, helping to reinvigorate the misfiring hosts.

Two stunning strikes from the Englishman – which marked his first goals at the Theatre of Dreams in any competition – bookended further efforts for both Casemiro and Rasmus Hojlund, with the Premier League side romping to a 7-1 aggregate scoreline in the end.

It was a night that began in shaky fashion, but this one was all about the finishers – in truth, it was the night that Mount finally came to the party.

Mason Mount's magic Man Utd moment

What a week it has been for the former Chelsea man. Handed his first start since his return from injury against Brentford at the weekend, the 26-year-old duly popped up with the opener at the Gtech, before again delivering the goods this time around.

In truth, Amorim’s repeated praise for the injury-hit playmaker has looked more like blind faith than anything else in recent months, with Mount seemingly heading the way of a litany of failed signings before him. Indeed, two goals and only one assist in 41 games before Thursday night’s encounter made for grim reading.

And yet, is there life in this £55m man? On the evidence of last night, there certainly is, with the forgotten talent sparking United’s in-game comeback with a delightful cruyff-turn and curler into the far corner.

As journalist Samuel Luckhurst noted, there were shades of Federico Macheda’s famous Aston Villa effort about that equaliser, although Mount went on to emulate a far more notable name in David Beckham at the death, having lofted the ball into the empty net from range.

Amid a largely wretched two seasons in Manchester, the Champions League winner has hardly come close to reaching the heights of his fellow number seven, although this electric cameo – hopefully – can be the start of something brighter.

In the short term, perhaps the Cobham graduate has etched his name into Amorim’s showpiece starting lineup. The same is also true of Amad Diallo.

Man Utd star now "has to start the final"

They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and well, that is certainly true in the case of Amad.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The shining light of Amorim’s early tenure, the Ivorian was cruelly struck down by injury in mid-February, having at that stage looked almost certain to miss the remainder of the campaign.

Having since defied the odds to work his way back to fitness, the 22-year-old has simply picked up where he left off earlier this year, as indicated by his stunning strike off the bench against the Bees on Sunday.

GK

Andre Onana

RCB

Matthijs de Ligt

CB

Harry Maguire

LCB

Leny Yoro

RWB

Noussair Mazraoui

CM

Bruno Fernandes

CM

Casemiro

LWB

Patrick Dorgu

RAM

Amad

LAM

Mason Mount

ST

Rasmus Hojlund

Again called upon as an impact player on Thursday night, the former Atalanta starlet quickly showcased why he now “has to start the final”, according to Luckhurst, after putting in a dazzling 30-minute showing.

Involved in the initial build-up to Mount’s first of the night, having surged down the left flank, the diminutive speedster was particularly crucial in teeing up Hojlund late on, having skipped his way into the penalty area before picking out the goal-shy Dane from the byline.

As he showcased amid that assist, Amad is simply a relentless and electric presence down that right flank. At one stage, he evaded his man with a sensational turn on the halfway line, albeit with teenager Harry Amass unable to convert at the end of that fine sweeping move, following another key intervention from Mount in between.

In all, that 8/10 showing – as per Luckhurst – from the dynamic left-footer saw him successfully complete 100% of his attempted dribbles and win 100% of his total duels, taking no time at all to get up to the speed of the game.

That standout cameo may suggest that Amad – and Mount too – could well be vital in helping to change the game in the final against Tottenham Hotspur, although Thursday served as a reminder as to why he simply must be in the starting XI, be it as a wing-back or a number ten.

With options now there for Amorim to call upon, as his squad edges back to full fitness, perhaps United may well finally peak at just the right time. Bring on Bilbao!

Man Utd could land a bigger talent than Amad in "unplayable" £60m star

Watch out Amad… Man Utd are looking to sign another standout attacker this summer

ByRobbie Walls May 8, 2025

Chelsea are now favourites to sign a £148m star ahead of Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, despite the latter’s bottomless financial power, and talks have already been over a move for the player.

Chelsea transfer plans amid tight Champions League race

Enzo Maresca and co face off against top-five rivals Newcastle United in the Premier League this afternoon, knowing a win at St James’ Park will give them an almighty boost in their chase for Champions League qualification.

£65m forward who Atletico Madrid are pushing for wants to join Chelsea

Diego Simeone’s side really want him.

ByEmilio Galantini May 10, 2025

Both Chelsea and Newcastle are neck-and-neck in the table, level on both points and goal difference, with nothing separating either side – so this will be a very tough one to call for onlookers.

Eddie Howe’s men boast the home advantage, but Chelsea will be in good spirits after an excellent run of form and their win over English champions Liverpool last weekend. It is a truly mouth-watering clash, and one which even has the power to have an effect on Chelsea’s summer transfer plans this summer.

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

This is because qualification for the Champions League is intertwined with the club’s recruitment drive, as per Maresca himself in a recent press conference, and a top-five finish is seen as vital when it comes to Chelsea’s aims for the window.

According to reports, Chelsea are aiming to sign a new winger among their chief priorities, and BlueCo already have their eyes on a host of targets.

Talks have already been held over a move for Borussia Dortmund sensation Jamie Gittens, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, while reports this week also indicate that Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho is still a target for Chelsea as well.

As well as the aforementioned duo, links to AC Milan star Rafael Leao continue to be fairly strong.

Chelsea ahead of Al-Nassr in race for Rafael Leao after initial talks

The Portugal international’s contract includes a £148 million release clause, which is active for around 10 days in July, but clubs are likely to negotiate a price lower than this pretty seismic figure.

As per CaughtOffside, Chelsea have held initial talks over signing Leao, and despite interest from Al-Nassr, the Blues have an advantage over them. The outlet reports that Leao wants to stay in Europe, which puts them ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s side, and as things stand, Chelsea are the “most advanced” when it comes to any kind of agreement for his signature.

Arsenal are in the mix as well, but they view the winger as more of an alternative to Athletic Bilbao starlet Nico Williams.

Leao has been a star player for Milan since joining them from Lille, with former Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham branding the forward an “unstoppable” force on his day.

“Leao is a very important player for us,” said Abraham to Italian media.

“I don’t think he knows how good he is. He can win games on his own, on his day, he is unstoppable. We have to fill him with confidence and bring him on our path.”

The decision for Liverpool to extend the contract of star centre-back Virgil van Dijk is one that has delighted supporters, undoubtedly so given his importance to Arne Slot.

He joined the Reds for a mammoth £75m back in January 2018, providing a leading presence at the heart of the defence – allowing the side to enjoy success in the Premier League.

The Dutchman has featured in every minute of their league season to date, allowing the club to be within touching distance of claiming a record-equalling 20th league triumph.

His extension takes him to the summer of 2027, having another two years to try and win even more trophies at Anfield, cementing his place as one of the best defenders to ever play the beautiful game.

However, he could be joined by one player in the backline in 2025/26, with Slot and the hierarchy both working together to complete a deal for an in-demand talent.

The latest on Liverpool’s pursuit to land Dean Huijsen this summer

In recent weeks, reports have emerged linking Liverpool with a move to land Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen during the summer transfer window.

It was stated that the Reds’ hierarchy have already met the Spaniard’s representatives over a potential switch to Anfield, but they aren’t alone in their pursuit of the 20-year-old.

Chelsea, Real Madrid, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have all also been credited with an interest in the youngster, who has a £50m release clause in his current deal at the Vitality.

However, despite the ambitions of landing Huijsen, another defensive name has emerged on their shortlist, in the form of Nottingham Forest talent Murillo.

According to CaughtOffside, the Reds hold a firm interest in his signature, but would have to pay a fee in the region of £70m for his services given the Reds’ potential top-five status come the end of the season.

Why Murillo would be a better signing than Huijsen

There’s no denying that Bournemouth star Huijsen will be at the top of many Liverpool fans’ list of targets this summer, offering Slot another dimension at the heart of his defence.

His form on the south coast has seen the Cherries battle for a place in Europe next season, leading to rumours around his future away from the club in the near future.

Given his release clause, it’s highly likely he will depart Andoni Iraola’s outfit this summer, but the Reds need to swerve a deal for his services and prioritise a move for Murillo instead.

Whilst the Brazilian would cost an additional £20m compared to the Spaniard, it’s a cost worth taking, having a much higher ceiling to thrive at the top of European football.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the ongoing season, the Forest star has massively outperformed Huijsen in numerous key areas – further highlighting the talent he possesses.

Murillo, who’s been labelled “one of the best defenders in the Premier League” by one analyst, has kept more clean sheets, whilst also winning more of the tackles he’s entered to date.

He’s also posted a higher tally of blocks made per 90, alongside more clearances made and aerials won – showcasing the defensive ability he possesses, subsequently playing a huge role in Forest’s success.

Games played

32

27

Clean sheets

15

7

Tackles won

1.5

1.1

Blocks made

2.1

1.4

Clearances made

7.2

6.9

Take-ons completed

79%

40%

Aerials won

66%

59%

The Brazilian has also starred with the ball at his feet, completing more of the take-ons he’s attempted, often catching the eye with his dazzling efforts.

Whilst £70m may be a huge sum for another defender, it’s a fee that is certainly worth it given the performances produced in 2024/25 – potentially being in the league’s Team of the Year.

It would take a lot of convincing to take him out of Forest’s side, given the success they’ve endured this season, but the prospect of moving to Anfield could be one that may tempt Murillo into a huge switch.

Huge upgrade on Jota: Liverpool set to bid for the "best striker in Europe"

Liverpool appear to be readying a mammoth bid for a new attacking talent this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 23, 2025

Manchester United have now made contact over a deal for an “incredible” striker, who would be keen on a move to the Premier League this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Patrick Berger.

Man Utd pursuing new striker for Amorim

Man United suffered yet another setback in their last Premier League outing, suffering a 4-1 defeat away at Newcastle United to remain 14th in the table with just six games left to play, and they were very poor at both ends of the pitch.

Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund both squandered one big chance at St. James’ Park, which once again underlined the need for Ruben Amorim to bring in a new striker this summer, and several targets have now been identified.

Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap is believed to be chief among them, with the Englishman set to be available for just £30m this summer, given that his side are almost certain to be relegated from the Premier League.

Man Utd making moves to sign "incredible" assist king for bargain £20m fee

The Red Devils are in pursuit of a playmaker, who is set to leave his club on the cheap this summer.

ByDominic Lund Apr 15, 2025

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike are also on the shortlist, with the Red Devils considering options from abroad, and another Bundesliga striker has also recently entered the frame.

According to an update from Sky Sports reporter Berger on X, Man United have now made initial contact over a deal for Bayer Leverkusen striker Patrik Schick, although the move is still in the early stages, with nothing concrete so far.

Leverkusen would be looking to receive €25m – €30m (£21m – £26m) for Schick, making him an affordable option for United, and there are some signs he would be keen on the move, given that the Premier League is said to be his “preferred destination”.

Ideally, Amorim would be looking to bring in a younger striker, but the 29-year-old is viewed as an “interesting” option.

Schick enjoying another impressive Bundesliga campaign

The Czech striker has spent the majority of his career in Germany, chalking up 70 goals and 13 assists in 138 Bundesliga outings, and the current campaign is on course to be one of his most prolific to date.

With 17 league goals to his name, there are clear signs the Leverkusen star is now entering his prime, and he has averaged a remarkable 0.87 non-penalty goals per 90 over the past year, placing him in the top 1% of all strikers in a top five European league.

Not only that, but the forward has been lauded as “incredible” by members of the media in the past, indicating that he could be a real upgrade on Hojlund and Zirkzee, who have fallen way below expectations this season.

That said, it would be a gamble to sign Schick, given that he is unproven in the Premier League, and Delap should remain United’s top striker target.