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GOAL US writers debate some of the biggest stories in soccer, including USMNT in Nation's League, Miami's MLS collapse

The USMNT are never really of the news cycle – such is the fervor around the team following the arrival of Mauricio Pochettino. But now, there is some actual soccer to be played. Pochettino's side are set to take on Jamaica in the Nations League quarterfinals – a duo of fixtures that will have implications as the new manager chases down silverware for the first time.

Considering that the U.S. have won three straight Nations League titles, it will be interesting to see how he fares, especially with more injuries to contend with.

Elsewhere, things are getting interesting in MLS. Miami suffered a shock exit at the hands of Atlanta United in the first round of the playoffs, and will have some major questions ahead of next season. Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba are all locks to return. But could Luis Suarez hang up his boots?

And with Miami out of the playoffs, who swoops in? The Los Angeles teams certainly feel a lot better about their chances than they might have a few weeks ago. GOAL US writers tackle it all in the latest edition of… The Rondo.

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  What is the fallout for Messi and Miami, and who wins MLS Cup?

  Tom Hindle: Well, it's all a bit embarrassing, isn't it? Inter Miami, flawed or not, really should have won this thing. All credit to Atlanta, but Miami has more money, bigger stars, and that Messi guy. The loss is not catastrophic – they will retool and go again next year. But, to use a frightening Americanism, it's not a good look for them. As for who's next, it's wide open, which is loads of fun. With most of the best teams in the East losing, it'll probably be someone in the Western Conference. Let's go with LAFC, on the assumption that Olivier Giroud remembers how to play this sport again at the right time.

  Ryan Tolmich: It means they have to go back to the drawing board. It doesn't seem as if the Herons need to burn it all down, but they could use a few tweaks. Use the money from the Diego Gomez signing to beef up the defense or midfield, both of which were exposed by Atlanta. Add a few new pieces and run it back with an angry Messi leading the charge. As for who wins, MLS Cup has to be going west now with the LA Galaxy and LAFC now the top contenders to bring it home.

  Jacob Schneider: Honestly? Not a ton. Miami had their flaws – everyone was aware of them – and they got exposed in playoff format. Simply put, it wasn't the most stunning result, despite it literally being the biggest upset in MLS history. Point the finger at Tata Martino for abandoning his midfield in game three, and at the club's front office for poorly constructing a top-heavy roster. You cannot compete in MLS unless you embrace it – and Messi's Miami has yet to embrace MLS.

  As for who wins it now, it should be the Galaxy. They're the best team left in the postseason. However, Minnesota are no easy foe, and getting past either Seattle or LAFC in the Conference Final would be no easy task. Regardless, the MLS Cup winner should come from the West, now. No teams left in the East seem like genuine competitors.

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  Should Miami move on from Luis Suarez?

  TH: Keep him around for one more year. Yes, he was pretty poor against Atlanta, and the defining image of that series will be him pushing Brad Guzan into the net. But it doesn't change the fact that he tore the regular season apart – and is best mates with Messi. If Miami are able to tweak their roster and go again, he could still be a tremendous asset. Then again, there's all sorts of talk that they're after another No. 9 this winter. If that happens, it would seem that Suarez's future is up in the air.

  RT: He looked a bit older and more sluggish in the playoffs, but it's worth giving it another go, right? The numbers don't lie, and Suarez put up a whole lot of them this season. Maybe that will drop off next year due to load management, but Suarez is still a difference-maker of a striker. The question is price. Can they get him on a TAM deal to keep a DP spot for, say, Neymar? That would be fun, wouldn't it?

  JS: If you can get him on another cheap, then it's a no-brainer. However, if he's asking for a DP-style contract, absolutely not. Then again, the Herons' transfer strategy seems to be based around putting pieces Messi wants next to him – so perhaps it's already a done deal, now, it's just determining what the contract looks like.

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  Who wins USMNT's Nations League quarterfinal against Jamaica?

  TH: It should be a relatively comfy win – even if these guys are still learning how to play under a new manager. Kingston isn't a fun place for a first leg, but the USMNT probably have enough to do them on the day. In the second leg, you'd back Pochettino and Co. to do the business in St. Louis. Let's go 4-1, and the Poch era begins in full. If you can't beat these lot, 2026 is looking mighty rough. In other words: Lads, it's Jamaica.

  RT: It won't be easy, that's for sure. CONCACAF games, particularly on the road, are always tough. And of all the CONCACAF teams, Jamaica is among the most dangerous. Still, the USMNT is under pressure to perform, so playing for a tie or narrow loss in Jamaica can't be the path forward. Look for the U.S. to squeak out a win in Kingston before fending off an aggressive Jamaica in St. Louis to win the tie.

  JS: The USMNT should cruise to two-straight wins, and anything less is unacceptable. They're on a seven-game win streak against the Reggae Boyz. They should be able to get the job done with this roster.

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  Outside of Christian Pulisic, who's the USMNT's biggest difference maker?

  TH: Well, Pulisic has been the guy for so long that it's pretty hard to look beyond him. Suppose the most obvious answer for the second leg is Tim Weah (he's suspended for the first match.) The winger has been scoring a few goals for Juventus – albeit in sporadic playing time. It will be interesting to see what he can do with a bit more faith from a manager. In the first leg, though, let's say Brenden Aaronson. He's been rather good for Leeds this year, chipping in with goals and assists. He might need to provide that little bit of magic if the USMNT are to make things comfortable for themselves.

  RT: We won't get to see him in the first game, but it'll be Weah. His ability to break through a defense at any time is key for how the USMNT plays (at least that was the case under Gregg Berhalter). It'll be interesting to see how Pochettino uses him now that he's fit and in good form. Particularly if the U.S. can get a result in Jamaica, Weah will be important for the quick counter attacks in St. Louis that could put the tie to bed.

  JS: Antonee Robinson or Tim Ream come to mind for this series against Jamaica. Robinson will be tasked with shutting down Leon Bailey, while Ream will have his hands full with Michail Antonio. If they can lock down their ends of the pitch, it will be just as much of a bonus.

Newcastle United will be hoping that their 2024/25 season can be more productive than their previous campaign. Last term, the Magpies struggled at times in the Premier League, and it cost them qualification for European football at the end of the season.

Despite coming seventh, which theoretically would see them qualify for the Europa Conference League, Eddie Howe’s side were knocked out of the qualification spot for the third UEFA competition. Manchester United’s FA Cup victory saw them secure Europa League football next season, meaning Chelsea took the Magpies’ Conference League spot and Newcastle were out of Europe altogether.

Howe’s men will be disappointed that their performances in the league were better, having won just 18 games and lost 14 last campaign. Frustratingly, their squad was decimated by several long-term injuries, which left them struggling to field string line-ups for many games throughout the season. One silver lining of this injury crisis was the breakthrough of exciting talent Lewis Miley into the first team.

With the transfer window in full swing, the Magpies will no doubt need to strengthen across the board to add better depth to their squad. They have recently been linked with one player who could help sure things up in defence.

Newcastle target Serie A defender

The player in question here is AC Milan and Germany international Malick Thiaw. The 22-year-old has impressed during his time at the San Siro, and could now depart the club this summer as a result of his performances.

According to a report from CaughtOffside, the Magpies are thought to be keen on a deal for Thiaw this summer and are 'trying to get the deal done' as quickly as possible.

They seem to be the only side in the race to sign the youngster, as the report states that the 22-year-old German 'could be tempted to move to the Premier League'. This is inclusive of the fact that Newcastle are building an exciting project at St James’ Park and the fact they can give the youngster a healthy pay rise, as the piece notes

In terms of a price, it is believed that Thiaw would cost Howe’s side around £34m. However, the report states it will 'be interesting to see if Newcastle are willing to pay the asking price' for Thiaw, given they want to pay a 'more reasonable' fee for the 22-year-old.

Why Thiaw would be a good signing

Last season, the 22-year-old defender featured 30 times in all competitions for the Italian giants, which included 21 times in Serie A. He did actually play against Newcastle, playing all 90 minutes at the San Siro in the Champions League group stages, a game in which he kept a clean sheet.

Indeed, that shutout was one of ten he helped to keep in all competitions for the Rossoneri last term. That included seven in Italy’s top flight, one in the Europa League in Stade Rennais and two in the Champions League, including the one against the Magpies.

Worryingly for Howe, Thiaw did miss a sizeable amount of time with injury last campaign. He had a hamstring injury which kept him out for 78 days with a hamstring injury, meaning he missed 15 games. Given Newcastle’s struggles with injury last season, this may be a concern for Howe.

Should the Magpies add Thiaw to their squad next season, he could become a dream replacement for Fabian Schar. The experienced Switzerland international was a key player last season, featuring in 36 of their 38 top-flight games.

However, at 32 years of age, he perhaps does not have long left at the top level, and how could look to prime a replacement, with Thiaw perhaps the perfect option. This would reduce the workload on Schar and ensure he can be a part of their squad for a longer period of time.

Not only could the young German become the long-term replacement for Schar, but he could also prove to be the dream partner for Netherlands international defender Sven Botman. The Dutchman was one of the players who suffered worst from injury last season, missing 34 games with three separate cases of injury, an anterior cruciate ligament issue being the brunt of his problems.

With that being said, there is no doubt that Botman is a guaranteed starter for the Magpies when fully fit, and he could be a dream partner for Thiaw. This is not least because the Dutchman is left-footed and the former Schalke man right-footed, meaning they are already a complementary pairing.

However, it goes further than that, with their FBref profiles suggesting the duo would be a great pairing, too. Firstly, their progressive passing stats show they can be a huge asset to the Magpies when progressing play from the back. Last season, Thiaw averaged 3.89 progressive passes per 90 minutes, and Botman in the 2022/23 season averaged slightly less, with 2.51 progressive passes each game.

Indeed, both defenders are confident carrying the ball out from defence, too. Last season, the Milan number 28 completed 50 carries per game, although just 0.83 of those counted as progressive carries. Comparatively, Botman averaged 33.7 carries and 0.23 progressive carries each game in 2022/23.

Thiaw is comfortable carrying the ball and is progressive from centre-back, crucial aspects for Howe’s side. However, like Botman, he is also a superb defender. The 22-year-old averaged 2.61 tackles and interceptions last season, compared to 2.07 for the Dutchman.

Not only that, the youngster is good in the air, averaging a 63.8% aerial duel win rate, with the Newcastle number four winning 65.2% of his aerial duels, a colossal duo to have at the back. The Milan defender also made an average of 4.22 ball recoveries each game last season, compared to 5.24 per 90 for Botman in 2022/23.

Football scout Antonio Mango described Thiaw as “outstanding”, and it is easy to see why. He has all the attributes to make it to the top and could be Howe’s ideal replacement for Schar whilst also being Botman’s long-term partner.

At just 22 years of age, he has all the tools to make it at the top of the game, and for just £33.7m, could be a perfect piece of business for the Magpies.

Terms agreed: Newcastle line up Almiron heir who has shades of Ben Arfa

His arrival at St James’ Park would undoubtedly excite the fanbase…

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By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 27, 2024

Mohamed Salah's revelation that he has yet to be offered a new contract has prompted a scathing attack on Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes.

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• Salah speaks out on Liverpool future
• Disappointed at lack of offer from club
• Reds sporting director slammed

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Salah dropped a bombshell after scoring in Liverpool's win over Southampton by revealing that he was "more out than in" at Anfield and still waiting on a contract offer. The Egypt international's existing deal expires at the end of the season, meaning he will be able to talk to overseas clubs from January 1st and move on a free transfer in the summer if the situation remains unchanged.

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  Salah's comments will be of deep concern to Liverpool fans who will be eager for the superstar to continue his career at Anfield. His comments have also drawn criticism of Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes. Experienced agent Rob Jansen, who represents Arne Slot's assistant Johnny Heitinga and has dealt with the club recently, says Hughes lacks the empathy needed in the current situation.

• WHAT HAS BEEN SAID

  Jansen told the Kieft Jansen Egmond Gijp podcast: "One thing Richard Hughes doesn’t have is any sense of empathy. Zero. He’s a robot. I know that because I negotiated with him, for Heitinga. There’s zero feelings in him. That may well be the reason. Especially with a player like Salah, who has emotion, has a different culture and is sensitive to warmth."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR SALAH

  Salah has also been criticised for his comments, with Jamie Carragher saying he is being "selfish" for voicing his complaints during a pivotal week for the club. The Reds take on Real Madrid in the Champions League next and then face defending champions Manchester City in the Premier League.

Manchester United have turned their attentions to a fresh midfield target, and have made an opening offer for his services as Erik ten Hag looks to bolster his engine room ahead of the new season.

Man Utd seeking Casemiro upgrade

After finishing eighth in the Premier League last season, Man Utd have already added two fresh faces to their squad. They have signed highly-rated defender Leny Yoro from Lille in a deal worth £52m to strengthen their backline, while Joshua Zirkzee has also been signed from Bologna in a £34m move.

Though both players are younger and more promising alternatives to those they replaced in Ten Hag's squad (Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial), it is unclear whether either player immediately strengthen the first XI as things stand.

Sky Sports: Man Utd want £21m Ugarte rival who's the "monster" Mainoo needs

He seems set to leave his club this summer

By
Joe Nuttall

Jul 28, 2024

The Red Devils are far from done in the market though, and have now turned their attentions to a new right back and a defensive midfielder. They are in advanced talks to sign Bayern Munich defender Noussair Mazraoui to replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka, but their midfield targets have gone cold.

They are also chasing a deal to sign PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte, but those links have since cooled. Nonetheless, a replacement for Casemiro is arguably needed, with the Brazilian linked with a move away having endured a horror end to the 2023-24 season, with one performance leading Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher to urge him to head to Saudi Arabia.

“I think Casemiro should know tonight that he should only have another three games left at the top level. The next two league games and the cup final, then he should be thinking, I need to go to the MLS or Saudi.

"This has to stop because we are watching one of the greats of the modern time. I always remember the saying 'leave the football before the football leaves you'. The football has left him. At this top level, he needs to call it a day at this level and move.

Now, an alternative target to Ugarte to replace the Brazilian may have been found.

Man Utd submit £50m+ offer for midfielder

That comes as reports in Spain claim that Manchester United have tabled a £50.8m (€60m) to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who helped Spain to Euro 2024 glory at England's expense a fortnight ago.

The diminutive defensive midfielder has long been on the radar of Arsenal and Barcelona but has repeatedly stressed that he is happy with Sociedad.

Now though, that has reportedly changed. According to Catalan outlet El Nacional, United have "put €60m on the table" to sign Zubimendi, and said offer represents "considerable temptation both for the club and the player".

That fee matches the release clause in his Real Sociedad contract, which sees Zubimendi take home £48,000-a-week in Spain and is not due to expire for another three years. But they have been given food for thought with the Red Devils offer.

They add that the 25-year-old will take some time to consider his decision, but that should the offer be rejected by Sociedad the Red Devils will return with an improved one as they look to add the deep lying midfielder to their squad.

Zubimendi is a household name in Spain, and demonstrated his talents when replacing Rodri in the Euro 2024 final, though it had been evident well before that.

Arsenal loanee Kieran Tierney, who spent the 2023-24 campaign with Sociedad, had no doubts about his ability.

"You have world-class players like Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Brais Mendez. It's not that people don't think they're good, it's just that if you're only watching the Premier League every week, it's hard to know. They're world-class", he explained in February.

Now, even Premier League fans may come to appreciate his ability should he become a Manchester United player before the new season kicks off.

Luis Enrique issued a sarcastic comment after Paris Saint-Germain's loss to Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

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• Luis Enrique refused to blame individuals
• Bayern edged out PSG
• Ligue 1 giants could face Champions League elimination

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bayern Munich edged out PSG 1-0 courtesy of a first-half strike from South Korean defender Kim Min-jae, who capitalised on an error from Matvei Safonov inside their penalty box and headed the ball into the net. Things worsened for the Ligue 1 champions when star winger Ousmane Dembele was sent off after he picked up his second yellow card of the night.

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  The French club have not won a Champions League game since the win over Girona in their season opener. The result against the Bundesliga giants left them in 26th place in the Champions League with just three games to go in the league stage. Manager Luis Enrique did not want to single out any particular individual for yet another defeat and instead offered a sarcastic quip.

• WHAT LUIS ENRIQUE SAID

  Speaking to Canal+, the former Barcelona and Spain boss said: "The responsibility is global, it’s on the whole team, for good or bad things. We shouldn’t look for culprits. We shouldn’t look for heroes or villains. There’s always this desire to look for someone to blame. If there’s someone to blame, it’s me. I’m responsible. There you go, you’ve found the culprit. From there, I accept all criticism."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR PSG?

  While their performance in Europe has been a disaster, the reigning French champions continue to dominate the Ligue 1 as they enjoy a healthy six-point lead at the top of the table. They will next face Nantes on Saturday night in a league clash.

Dan Ashworth has left his role as Manchester United's sporting director, only five months after being appointed to the role.

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• Ashworth leaves Old Trafford
• Only joined the club in July
• Follows acrimonious Newcastle exit

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  were first to report on Sunday that Ashworth had left United after just five months. The sporting director joined the club after a lengthy period of gardening leave with Newcastle, with United paying around £3 million to appoint him. He was heavily involved in United's summer recruitment but the report claims that the club instigated his departure, although all parties claim that the separation was eventually mutual.

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• WHAT MAN UTD SAID

  Shortly after report became public, United released a statement which read: "Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as Sporting Director of Manchester United by mutual agreement. We would like to thank Dan for his work and support during a transitional period for the club and wish him well for the future."

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  Ashworth had been in charge of United's football performance, recruitment, and operations, but his exit has been overseen by chief executive Omar Berrada. He will now likely need to be replaced, although it remains to be seen if Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS will be able to source a replacement quickly.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  United spent around £200m ($280m) in the summer but they have underperformed and sacked Erik ten Hag earlier this season; on Saturday, the Red Devils lost 3-2 to Nottingham Forest under new boss Ruben Amorim, their second successive defeat in the top-flight.

Aston Villa are gearing up ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season, and have already made some big moves in the midfield department of the squad, with Douglas Luiz leaving for Juventus, alongside the signings of Enzo Barrenechea, Ross Barkley and Amadou Onana.

Villa also sold first-team assets such as Morgan Sanson and Tim Iroegbunam as well as Luiz, completing a midfield overhaul this summer ahead of their looming European venture.

The aim for Unai Emery and his side will be to sustain the excellent season they had last year, finishing fourth in the Premier League and earning themselves a spot in the Champions League for the first time since 1982.

Aston Villa transfer news

As reported by Football Insider over the weekend, Aston Villa have submitted a loan offer for Manchester City midfielder, Kalvin Phillips. The 28-year-old is pushing for a move away from the Etihad, with Everton also said to be interested.

Phillips missed out on the Euro 2024 squad, despite previously being a favourite of Gareth Southgate's, and the English midfielder will want to revitalise his chances under the new manager by securing a move away from the Premier League champions in search of more game time.

The 28-year-old made 20 appearances last season for Manchester City, and West Ham (on loan), scoring one goal, and totaling 639 minutes of football.

Why Phillips could be a dream for Onana

Onana is coming off the back of a stellar season at Everton, also making an excellent account of himself for Belgium at Euro 2024. The 22-year-old made 37 appearances for the Toffees in all competitions last season, scoring three goals and providing one assist.

However, it is the defensive work of Onana that many value so highly, contributing to 11 clean sheets for Everton and two clean sheets for Belgium at the Euros. His 6 foot 1, athletic frame makes him a perfect defensive midfielder, capable of covering ground and protecting the defensive line.

One of the first things that stands out about both these players, is their tackling numbers, both ranking in the top 13% for midfielders in Europe's top five leagues. Completing 5.86 tackles per 90 between them, would offer Aston Villa a very good base rate for winning the ball back, and completing defensive actions.

Phillips offers that extra bit of ball progression and passing quality, averaging 5.93 progressive passes per 90, and 1.81 progressive carries per 90, whilst also averaging nearly 20 more passes attempted per 90 than Onana.

Whilst Onana is capable on the ball, and actually has a lot more to show in terms of his ball-playing ability, Phillips would take some of the build-up responsibility away from Onana, allowing him to roam, win duels higher up, and highlight his best attributes as a marauding midfielder.

The deal has seemingly already been given the thumbs up from former Villa skipper Jack Grealish – who has played with Phillips for both Man City and England – with the 28-year-old lauding his compatriot as "very difficult to play against" in the past, having faced off when playing for the Villans and Leeds, respectively.

With tentative whispers emerging that Grealish could also be on his way back to Villa Park from the Etihad, perhaps his Three Lions colleague can follow suit, with Phillips able to prove a dream signing for both Emery and Onana this summer.

Forget Felix: Aston Villa offered "magical" star who has shades of Grealish

He is available on a free transfer

By
Joe Nuttall

Jul 25, 2024

and the signing of Phillips alongside Onana could make for a very formidable and difficult to play against pairing in the middle of the park.

Arsenal have made contact over signing a potential midfield alternative to Real Sociedad star Mikel Merino, who Manchester United interestingly failed to sign for around £15 million in 2022.

Arsenal in lengthy talks over signing Merino from Sociedad

In similar fashion to Riccardo Calafiori, who was announced as Arsenal's second summer signing around a fortnight ago after weeks of talks, negotiations over sealing a deal for Merino have also dragged on.

Arteta set to promote Arsenal teenager after £100k-per-week star's injury

The Spaniard is set to turn to one of his younger players ahead of their clash with Wolves on Saturday.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 14, 2024

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta and the club's sporting director Edu Gaspar are on the hunt for a new midfielder to complement or alternate with star man Declan Rice in the middle, landing on Merino as a potentially astute option.

The 28-year-old, who has proven Premier League experience with Newcastle United, could leave on the cheap this summer as his contract expires next year – giving Sociedad little choice but to sell him for a meagre fee this month if they can't agree a new deal.

According to reliable media sources like Fabrizio Romano, Merino wants to join Arsenal and has already agreed personal terms with the north Londoners. However, there is seemingly still work to do in club-to-club talks, as there has been no breakthrough despite the length of these discussions.

As these lengthy negotiations carry on into the final two weeks of this transfer window, time is running out for Arteta and Edu to get their desired midfielder over the line, while it is also believed Arsenal remain in the market for a new attacker before deadline day.

Perhaps a dip into the free-agent market could alleviate Arsenal's search for a new midfielder. One prestigious name available for hire, after he left Juventus earlier this summer, is France international Adrien Rabiot.

Arsenal make contact over signing Adrien Rabiot on free transfer

As per La Gazzetta dello Sport, who shared an extensive update on his future, the 29-year-old's agent (and mother) Veronique has backed an approach from the Emirates Stadium.

La Gazzetta have relayed private information from the representative that Arsenal have been in contact over signing Rabiot on a free deal, as have Man United, Liverpool and Chelsea from the Premier League.

Interestingly, United actually agreed to a £15 million deal to sign Rabiot two summers ago, but the move fell through due to issues regarding personal terms. The former PSG star apparently wanted an "obscene" salary, according to The Manchester Evening News, so it will be interesting to see just how much he'll demand at his next club.

Jose Mourinho has left the door open to returning to Real Madrid, insisting he will "always be a big fan" of the club.

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• Mourinho led Madrid between 2010 and 2013
• Portuguese now in charge of Fenerbahce
• Ancelotti's contract runs until June 2026

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mourinho was asked by Cadena SER whether he would be open to coaching the Spanish giants again in the future. The 61-year-old led Madrid to a La Liga title, Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup during his three seasons at the club between 2010 and 2013.

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  Carlo Ancelotti's contract expires in June 2026 and the Italian has come under pressure at times this season. While he appears to have steadied the ship, president Florentino Perez will already be thinking about life post-Ancelotti, with Mourinho refusing to rule out a return should he receive a call.

• WHAT MOURINHO SAID

  "I'll always be a big fan of Real Madrid. They have the best coach in the world, my friend Carlo. He's doing very well," Mourinho said. "The future depends on what the president wants, if he wants a young coach with a big projection as Xabi [Alonso] or continue in the same line as Carlo, a coach with experience, or look at the youth section [Madrid reserves coach] with Raul or [Madrid youth team coach Alvaro] Arbeloa. It depends."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, who played under Mourinho at the Bernabeu, is among the leading candidates to be the next Madrid boss. Whoever Perez selects to replace Ancelotti, Mourinho is confident it will be the right choice.

  "Florentino hasn't made many wrong decisions at Madrid," the Fenerbahce boss added. "I'm certain as a Madrid fan that his next decision will be the right one."

New Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth has reportedly opened talks over another high-profile signing after Manuel Ugarte.

Romano teases “last-minute” Man Utd signing after Ugarte

The Red Devils are set to make Ugarte their fifth signing of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first window as co-owner, with INEOS backing manager Erik ten Hag with a number of big-money deals.

A deal between Man Utd and Paris Saint-Germain was agreed on Tuesday, with Ugarte set to cost just over £50m – a €50m initial fee followed by €10m in fixed add-ons.

However, the Uruguay international might not be the final player through the Old Trafford door, with Fabrizio Romano telling GiveMeSport there could still be time for a “last minute” incoming.

"In terms of other business, it will depend. Maybe some player leaves, there could still be space for something last-minute for Manchester United. Nothing 100% confirmed yet, so Man United will decide [this] week based on opportunities, but I would keep the door always open for last-minute opportunities."

Now, it looks as if that last-minute signing could be Raheem Sterling from Chelsea, with a new development emerging.

Ashworth opens talks to sign Sterling for Man Utd

According to The Telegraph, Man Utd have opened talks to sign Sterling in a deal that could see Jadon Sancho head to Stamford Bridge, although the latter could also move to Juventus. The report claims that Ashworth opened dialogue with Chelsea on Tuesday but the Red Devils will only progress on a deal on their own terms.

Both Sancho and Sterling appear to be surplus to requirements at their own clubs, with Blues head coach Enzo Maresca saying on Sterling after leaving him out of their Premier League opener with Manchester City:

"I spoke with Raheem one-on-one the day before City and I explained him exactly the situation. I didn't see Raheem after the game. He is training apart, as I said, but in case I sit with Raheem, I will tell him exactly the same things that I already told him. I don't have anything new to tell him because I was quite clear."

The 29-year-old, on £325,000-a-week which works out at £16.9m-a-year, has made 379 Premier League appearances in total, scoring 123 goals and providing 62 assists, turning out for Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea.

They must get rid: Man Utd ace who earns more than Maguire set to be sold

Erik ten Hag won’t be too gutted to see the back of this Manchester United man.

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 26, 2024

He’d therefore provide Ten Hag with plenty of experience at the highest level and is also able to turn out on either wing or through the middle if required. Man Utd could potentially be his next destination after talks were held, making this one to keep an eye on in the final days of the market.