Manchester City are now ready to accept offers for a £300,000-per-week player, who has become unhappy with his role at the Etihad Stadium, according to a report.
Man City could lose a number of stars this summer
Although Man City are still in contention for the Champions League, there has been a serious drop-off this season, and their hopes of qualifying for Europe’s elite competition were dealt a blow in the 1-0 loss against Nottingham Forest last time out.
It could be very much the end of an era for Pep Guardiola’s side, with Kyle Walker already leaving on loan to AC Milan, while Kevin De Bruyne and İlkay Gündoğan are set to be out of contract at the end of the campaign, leaving doubt over their futures.
As such, Guardiola will be tasked with rebuilding his squad in the summer, and there could be some more departures, with a report claiming Bernardo Silva has agreed terms with Paris Saint-Germain, and now another player involved in the historic treble-winning 2022/23 campaign could be shown the exit door.
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According to Football Insider, Man City are now ready to accept offers for winger Jack Grealish, who moved to the Etihad Stadium for £100m back in 2021.
Grealish remains contracted until the summer of 2027, but he is said to be unhappy with his role in the squad, which could lead to a premature departure.
Manchester City's JackGrealishbefore the match
The Sky Blues have dropped their asking price for the winger, who they are now happy to let leave, and they are willing to accept a bid if their demands are met, although it is unclear what sort of fee they would be looking to receive.
Time up for Grealish at the Etihad
The 29-year-old will never be forgotten for the part he played in the treble-winning campaign, but it is probably best for all parties if he moves on this summer, given that he has fallen down the pecking order considerably this season.
The former Aston Villa man hasn’t started a Premier League match in the entirety of 2025, having been ineffectual whenever he was provided with opportunities in the team earlier in the campaign, picking up just one assist in 16 appearances.
Of course, on his day the £300k-per-week winger is still capable of conjuring up magic, scoring against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, while he also received high praise for some of his play in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal back in September.
However, Grealish has arguably become far too inconsistent to justify his £100m price tag and huge wages, so it is a wise decision for City to accept offers in the summer, as Guardiola looks to continue the rebuild required to turn his side back into title contenders.
West Ham United could make a move for a “magnificent” striker who’s scored 11 goals this season, alongside top target Jonathan David, according to a report.
David emerges as priority signing
David is out of contract with Lille at the end of the season, meaning he is set to be available on a free transfer, and West Ham boss Graham Potter has identified him as his top target to strengthen his frontline.
It will not be easy to win the race for the Lille star, however, with the aforementioned report revealing the likes of Inter Milan and Juventus are also keen, and more recently Barcelona have been mentioned as potential suitors.
The Canadian is said to favour a move to the Camp Nou, but the Hammers could have a major advantage in the race for his signature, as they are able to outspend the La Liga side.
Lille'sJonathanDavidin action with Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni
In fact, the Irons have now submitted a contract offer worth a total of £16.5m, in an attempt to beat the European giants to the 25-year-old, but he is not the only striker they have in mind for a summer move.
According to a report from GiveMeSport, West Ham could also make a move for Strasbourg’s Emanuel Emegha at the end of the season, with Potter keen on bringing in some additional firepower in attack.
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The Hammers have been impressed by Emegha’s red-hot form since returning from injury, and there is a chance he could be brought in alongside David, with club chiefs planning to bring in two forwards ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
There could be competition for the forward’s signature, however, with Newcastle United also named as potential suitors, while Chelsea could have a major advantage if they decide to make a move, given that Strasbourg are the Blues’ sister club.
West Ham need new forward options
West Ham have had some bad luck on the injury front this season, with Niclas Füllkrug and Michail Antonio being ruled out, and given their ages, the duo are likely to be approaching the twilight years of their careers.
Considering Potter’s side have also scored just 30 Premier League goals this season, the second-fewest outside the relegation zone, it makes sense to bring in two new forwards this summer, and there are signs Emegha could be a good acquisition.
At 22-years-old, the Dutchman is at the right age to be a long-term success at the London Stadium, and he has scored 11 goals in 19 Ligue 1 appearances, while also providing two assists.
That said, David should remain West Ham’s priority target for the summer, given that the Canada international has proven himself over a number of years in Ligue 1, while also impressing in the Champions League this year, registering six goals and two assists.
Turning their attention towards a future star, Manchester United are now reportedly battling to sign a young winger in the summer transfer window who’s already impressed their scouts.
Man Utd transfer news
With cost-cutting measures continuing and Ruben Amorim’s side sitting in the bottom half of the Premier League as the season nears its conclusion, Manchester United were left frustrated once again when Real Sociedad equalised to rescue a draw in their Europa League first leg.
Scoring from the spot through Mikel Oyarzabal thanks to what the referee deemed to be a handball from Bruno Fernandes, the Spaniards will now travel to Old Trafford with it all to play for.
In many ways, a Europa League exit at the last 16 stage would encapsulate Manchester United’s season in its entirety, but Amorim will be desperate to avoid yet more disappointment in the first months of his tenure.
With every game, it’s become clearer and clearer that the Red Devils need affordable reinforcements, which has seemingly seen them turn their attention towards a future star.
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According to The Boot Room, Manchester United are now battling to sign Roger Fernandes from SC Braga, who value their 19-year-old winger at €40m (£34m) this summer. The rising star has already impressed United’s scouts and could now be on the move.
As ever when it comes to a talent of such calibre though, Manchester United aren’t alone in the race to secure Fernandes’ signature. Reports have also linked Manchester City, Liverpool and Newcastle United with moves to sign the Braga teenager in what could deal those at Old Trafford a frustrating blow.
Roger Fernandes for SC Braga.
Set to miss out on Champions League football in a season which has only seen their stock fall even further, convincing Fernandes to ditch the likes of Liverpool in favour of Amorim’s project has become increasingly difficult in the current campaign.
"Specialist" Fernandes is one to watch
Whether there’s doubts over Manchester United’s ability to sign such talents in their current state, the Red Devils are certainly looking in the right direction. Fernandes has been on the rise since 15 years old and hasn’t looked like slowing down ever since.
Now 19 years old, the winger has scored five goals and assisted another five in all competitions for Braga this season. Earning the praise of Ben Mattinson as a result of his recent rise, the analyst described Fernandes as a “1v1 specialist” and dubbed him an “unselfish winger” back in January of last year.
When the summer arrives, it looks as though the teenager is likely to find himself at the centre of a Premier League battle, as the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool all jostle for his signature.
It’s fair to say tonight’s Championship contest between Leeds United and Sheffield United is a hotly anticipated one, as the second tier’s top two do battle at Bramall Lane.
The Blades could well topple the Whites off their perch at the top of the division with a special win, with South Yorkshire also winning itself bragging rights in the process.
Chris Wilder
Of course, Chris Wilder’s men might find Leeds too difficult of a team to break down, on the contrary, with Daniel Farke and Co potentially five points clear at the summit come full-time.
It will be a fascinating match to take in, with the 57-year-old left with many a selection dilemma too ahead of Leeds’ visit as various injured personnel could be back fit and ready to go.
Sheffield United's selection dilemmas
One face that could be back in contention for this second-tier humdinger is Tom Cannon with the nine-goal striker in the Championship this season nowhere to be seen last time out versus Luton Town owing to injury.
Now, however, he could be fast-tracked back into the first team fold to try and catch a staunch Leeds defence cold, with the ex-Stoke City loanee yet to get off the mark in his new surroundings after a potent stint at the Potters.
Tom Cannon in action for Sheffield United
It would be quite the dramatic stage for Cannon to start to recapture his Stoke best, with Wilder also potentially boosted by experienced head Kieffer Moore being back fit as another body he can call upon up top.
Amazingly, the Welshman has never scored against Leeds from nine career contests, but unwanted records like that are made to be broken, with the ex-Cardiff City man on five strikes for the season when fit.
But, away from the two named strikers, there is another figure who could make a timely return from the treatment room that would really hurt Leeds, having previously been on their radar as a transfer target.
The Sheffield United star who could really hurt Leeds
Leeds have definitely kept a keen eye on proceedings at Bramall Lane in recent years when it comes to their incoming transfer business, with Jayden Bogle poached from South Yorkshire last summer to defect over to Elland Road.
In the same window, Farke and Co were allegedly interested in snapping up second-tier star Gustavo Hamer, but no such deal came to be, leaving the high-flying Blades with a top talent for the level.
The table-toppers eventually landed Manor Solomon’s signature, who has taken to life in the Championship swimmingly with seven strikes and seven assists in league action, but Hamer feels as if he would’ve been a sterling buy long-term for the Whites especially if promotion is reached.
Indeed, the 27-year-old managed to tally up an impressive four goals and six assists across 36 Premier League appearances last season for Wilder’s men – even as a rock-bottom finish was confirmed in the top-flight – on top of the fact he is only two goal contributions off Solomon in the here and now.
1. Joel Piroe
33
14
6
2. Daniel James
27
10
6
3. Manor Solomon
26
7
7
4. Brenden Aaronson
33
8
2
5. Wilfried Gnonto
30
5
5
Amazingly, his seven goals and five assists would place him among Leeds’ top five performers if he had entered the building, with Farke’s men even more of a terrifying prospect potentially if Hamer was thrown into the side down the left or as an attack-oriented body centrally.
Hamer could have the last laugh later on, however, if he is fit enough to start, as the “beautiful” Blades ace – as he’s been heralded in the past by football journalist Josh Bunting – goes about delivering a reality check to the league leaders
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Leeds United dropped down to second in the Championship table over the weekend after Sheffield United secured all three points in their clash with Luton Town.
The Whites are now second in the division but can move straight back to the top of the league with as little as a point in their match against Sunderland this evening.
Daniel Farke’s side welcome the Black Cats, who are fourth in the table and can move level with Burnley with a win, to Elland Road for a big match-up tonight.
The West Yorkshire outfit come into this clash off the back of a terrific 4-0 win away at Watford in their last outing in the Championship, and will be hoping to follow up with another impressive showing.
Leeds are currently gunning for automatic promotion back to the Premier League at the second time of asking and that means that every point counts, with Sheffield United and Burnley providing stern competition.
Leeds United manager DanielFarkeapplauds fans
The Whites came close to a huge three points when they visited the Stadium of Light in the reverse fixture earlier this season, only for disaster to strike…
What happened when Leeds visited Sunderland
Farke’s men travelled to Wearside at the start of October, in the early stages of the 2024/25 campaign, and played out an entertaining, for the neutral, 2-2 draw.
It was the Black Cats who struck first, though, as teenage sensation Chris Rigg converted from close-range after a scramble in the box provided him with a huge chance to score after just nine minutes.
Sunderland'sChrisRiggand Wilson Isidor celebrate after the match
Joel Piroe did not need long to find an answer for Leeds, however, as the Dutch centre-forward met Wilfried Gnonto’s beautiful cross from the right flank to head into the bottom corner in the 22nd minute.
It was then a stalemate until Junior Firpo drove forward down the left flank and played a one-two with Gnonto, who put it on a plate for the left-back to find the far corner in the 56th minute.
Leeds appeared to be on course for all three points at the Stadium of Light as they repelled attack after attack, with Joe Rodon making six clearances and three blocks in total.
However, with just seconds left in the match, Illan Meslier inexplicably allowed the ball to bounce through his grasp and into the back of his net after Firpo deflected an effort that seemed to be going straight towards the French goalkeeper.
It was a big mistake by the former Lorient man and one that he will surely be keen to avenge by putting in a fantastic performance against Sunderland this evening.
All of the players across the defence could need to be at their best, though, because Black Cats centre-forward Wilson Isidor has been in phenomenal form of late.
Wilson Isidor's form this season
The 24-year-old number nine failed to score in the reverse fixture but he did create a ‘big chance’ for his teammates and won four of his seven duels, which shows that it was far from a poor performance.
Sunderland's Wilson Isidor
Isidor, who joined the club on a permanent deal in the winter window after initially being on loan from Zenit, has proven himself to be a reliable striker at Championship level so far this season.
The French whiz has racked up 11 goals and seven ‘big chances’ created in 26 starts in the second tier for Regis Le Bris’ side, and has been in particularly impressive form of late.
Plymouth Argyle (H)
7.0
1
0
Middlesbrough (A)
7.3
1
0
Watford (H)
7.2
0
1
Luton Town (H)
7.5
1
0
As you can see in the table above, Isidor has registered one goal contribution in each of his last four matches in the league, which shows that Leeds are up against a striker who is confident and ready to produce tonight.
The Sunderland star, who scored the winner in a clash with Sheffield United last month, is a huge threat at the top end of the pitch and one that the Whites have to be wary of ahead of this game this evening at Elland Road.
In order to silence the in-form French marksman, Farke must ruthlessly ditch Ilia Gruev from the starting line-up in order to bring Pascal Struijk into the side.
Why Pascal Struijk could silence Wilson Isidor
Firstly, it will be harsh to drop the Bulgarian dynamo from the XI after he played the full 90 minutes against Watford last time out, but Struijk is now back from injury and bringing him into the team would allow Ethan Ampadu to play in his natural midfield role.
Gruev lost seven of his 11 duels against the Hornets and the captain, who has won 64% of his duels this season, could move up into midfield to offer more physicality in the middle of the park.
As well as improving the physicality of the midfield set-up, moving Ampadu into the midfield alongside Ao Tanak and dropping the Bulgaria international to the bench would provide Farke with the chance to reinstate Struijk next to Rodon.
The £50k-per-week Dutch defender, who was once dubbed “unbelievable” by former teammate Liam Cooper, recently missed four matches through injury and has been on the bench in the last three league outings, but should be brought into the XI for this game in order to utilise his defensive skills up against Isidor.
Appearances
32
27
Tackles + interceptions per game
1.4
1.7
Duels won per game
3.8
4.4
Aerial duel success rate
54%
64%
Error led to shot/goal/penalty
3
0
As you can see in the table above, Struijk could have a better chance of dealing with the in-form Sunderland centre-forward than Rodon, based on his superior defensive statistics in the Championship this season.
The former Ajax youngster has won the ball back more frequently than the Wales international, without making any major mistakes that have led to shots, goals, or penalties, and this suggests that he could be the man to silence Isidor this evening.
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That is why Farke must drop Gruev down to the bench to shuffle his side around, with Ampadu moving into midfield to dominate in the middle of the park and Struijk coming into the XI to deal with the French striker.
Erik ten Hag’s time at Manchester United ended in disaster. The Red Devils might have won two trophies under the Dutchman, but his below-par performances in the league eventually led to his dismissal in October.
United’s poor efforts under their former boss were not through a lack of backing in the transfer market. The Old Trafford club reportedly spent more than £600m under their former manager.
He looked to recruit players familiar to him and his system, signing plenty of his former Ajax players, and not all of them were hits. The best example of that is winger Antony.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag speaks toAntony
On United’s 2024 summer additions, the jury is still out. One of their marquee additions has been Matthijs de Ligt.
De Ligt’s United career so far
The Red Devils signed Dutch international De Ligt from Bayern Munich in the summer for a fee of £42.7m including add-ons. He joined in a double deal alongside another former Ajax player, Noussair Mazraoui.
Despite the change of manager at Old Trafford this season, the experienced centre-back has been an important player for United. He has made 22 appearances in the Premier League, where he scored his only goal away to Southampton, and six in the Europa League.
Former United defender Wes Brown, a product of the club’s academy, backed the 25-year-old to succeed under new boss Ruben Amorim. He claimed back in December that he “can be an elite defender” and will “find his rhythm” under the Portuguese manager.
He has indeed been important under the tutelage of Amorim so far. De Ligt has featured in all but two of United’s games with Amorim at the helm so far, and it does not seem likely that he will become any less important in the coming months.
De Ligt scores against Southampton.
The Red Devils actually sold someone once compared to De Ligt, which could have meant they never signed the Dutchman. However, things did not quite work out for this player.
The defender who Man United sold
The player in question here is academy graduate Teden Mengi. The Manchester-born centre-back seemed like he had a big future at Old Trafford, but never managed to break into the first team.
He was a prominent player in the Red Devils academy, featuring for the under-18s, under-19s, and under-21s a combined total of 83 times. He was also the captain of various academy sides on multiple occasions.
Former United manager and club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer once described the centre-back as “something special”, and compared him to De Ligt. He explained that just as Ten Hag put his trust in De Ligt as a youngster at Ajax, there was potential for Mengi to experience the same thing at United. Like United’s number four, Solskjaer said Mengi was “ready” for the challenge.
Sadly for the former England under-21 international, he never made it at United. He made just two first-team appearances for his boyhood club, both substitute appearances in European competitions.
After loan spells at Derby County and Birmingham City, the defender moved to Luton Town on a permanent deal in 2023, leaving United after years spent at the club and being ruthlessly sold by Ten Hag. He has since gone on to make 50 appearances for the Hatters and is valued at around £8.3m via Transfermarkt, up from £1.7m when he left the club..
Even though he has departed Old Trafford, Mengi has impressed at the highest level, thriving for Luton in the top flight last term. It was a difficult campaign for the team, who got relegated, but the defender impressed. As per Sofascore, he averaged 4.2 ball recoveries per game and won 58% of his aerial duels.
Games
30
Pass accuracy
78%
Tackles and interceptions per game
3.7
Ball recoveries per game
4.2
Clearances per game
4.5
Ground duel win rate
57%
Aerial duel win rate
58%
It is a shame that things did not work out for Mengi at Old Trafford, the club where he spent such a long time. However, he has certainly gone on to have a good start to his career away from United.
Had things gone differently, the Red Devils might never have needed to sign De Ligt and could have had another academy star thriving in his role.
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