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Oh to be Manchester United's misfiring striker, Rasmus Hojlund right now.

Burdened with being the man to lead Erik ten Hag's attack at the age of just 20 – having scored only nine league goals last season for Atalanta – it is fair to say that the £72 summer signing has not yet found his groove at Old Trafford.

While Ten Hag's first-choice target, Harry Kane, is off scoring a bucket-load in Germany – already boasting 22 Bundesliga goals this season – Hojlund, meanwhile, has only one Premier League goal to show for his efforts.

There were signs of life on the continent as the youngster hit five during the Red Devils' dismal Champions League run, yet it is domestically where he will be truly judged, having also failed to fire during the recent FA Cup victory over Wigan Athletic.

That 2-0 triumph over the League One outfit could have been all the more comfortable had Hojlund had his shooting boots on, notably striking the crossbar with a header from close range, while also prodding an effort agonisingly wide with the goal at his mercy.

If it wasn't already evident prior to that performance, the Old Trafford outfit must now be aware that signing a new striker is a necessity, either this month or in the summer, particularly with the typically unreliable Anthony Martial also nowhere to be seen due to illness.

Latest on Man Utd's hunt for a striker

The Athletic revealed last week that United are yet again seeking a low-cost, short-term fix in the winter window, having previously snapped up the likes of Wout Weghorst and Odion Ighalo in desperate late deals in years gone by.

The likes of Serhou Guirassy, Eric-Maxim Choupo-Mouting and Thomas Muller are all said to have been considered by Ten Hag and co, while contact had even been made regarding a move for Timo Werner, prior to the German's recent loan switch to Tottenham Hotspur.

Man Utd could banish Martial by signing “one of the best strikers in the world”

Erik ten Hag is keen to improve his attack this winter by signing a Ligue 1 star.

By
Tom Lever

Jan 10, 2024

In truth, none of those options will have had supporters licking their lips, with both Choupo-Mouting and Muller well into their 30's, while – as The Athletic noted – there are fears that Guirassy may merely be enjoying something of a freak season.

One name that may spark some more excitement, however, is Joshua Zirkzee, with recent reports in Italy indicating that the Dutchman is of interest to those at Old Trafford, amid his sparkling form for Bologna.

Valued at around €20m (£17m) according to CIES Football Observatory, the 22-year-old is said to have a €40m (£34m) release clause in his current deal, although further reports have indicated that the Italian outfit would be looking for closer to £50m, amid interest from Arsenal.

While the cash-strapped United may have to bide their time until the summer to land the 6 foot 4 striker, he would certainly be worth the wait.

Joshua Zirkzee could be the next Zlatan

Amid the woes of Hojlund, signing another striker from Serie A may have alarm bells wringing, yet all the indications point to a player who has the tools to be a real superstar in a United shirt.

Despite previously failing to flourish at Bayern, for whom he made just 17 first-team appearances, Zirkzee truly came to life during the 2021/22 campaign while on loan at Anderlecht, scoring 18 goals in all competitions under the watchful eye of then-boss, Vincent Kompany.

A move to Italy soon followed, and while two goals in 19 league games last term is nothing to write home about, a return of eight goals and four assists so far in 2023/24 has certainly caught the attention, as to have the plaudits that have flooded his way.

A towering, yet elegant marksman, the former Netherlands U21 international has even earned comparisons to a certain Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with Torino boss Ivan Juric only recently stating:

“Those who are good (coaches), take these talents, cultivate them and manage to make them explode. In some moves, I see Ibra again. He is an atypical striker who also manages to score many goals.”

The now-retired Swede – who is also a physical frontman at 6 foot 5 – previously shone during his brief stint in Manchester, scoring 28 goals in all competitions in 2016/17, as Jose Mourinho's side claimed the League Cup and Europa League.

What was also evident from that short spell was the veteran's link-up play as he also contributed ten assists that season, with that also a trait that Zirkzee shares, notably providing 13 assists during his time in Belgium.

Not only could the Bologna gem prove to be United's next Zlatan if a deal was to be agreed, but he could also rival a man who is ripping up the league on the other side of the city, having been favourably compared to Manchester City's, Erling Haaland.

How Zirkzee compares to Haaland

It doesn't take a genius to see that Zirkzee is nowhere close to hitting the type of goal returns that Haaland has enjoyed in his career to date, with the Norwegian already smashing in 71 goals in just 75 games during his time at the Etihad.

That said, the Dutchman's all-round game could potentially be superior – that's the view of reporter Suleyman Ozturk, at least, who has sensationally claimed that the former Bayern man is "better than Haaland at everything":

“Now you may be dismayed because of this statement. But I will frame it. (Zirkzee) has vision, technique, strength, charisma, flair, footballing ability. He is therefore better than Haaland in almost everything.

“Imagine if Zirkzee had the energy and focus of Haaland. Then he would be the best striker in the world.”

On the eye test, Zirkzee certainly passes with flying colours, seemingly possessing an ability to glide across the park, with data analyst Ben Mattinson hailing him as "one of the most complete" strikers of the season, due to his array of strengths – "A creator, physical presence, ball-striking, dribbling & taking on defenders".

That is reflected statistically, as the one-time Parma loanee ranks in the top 18% among his European peers for successful take-ons per 90, and in the top 22% for progressive passes per 90, rubberstamping his silky quality in possession.

Haaland, meanwhile, is less likely to impact proceedings in the build-up, as he ranks in just the bottom 24% and the bottom 22% for those same two metrics, respectively, instead acting as an undoubtedly clinical penalty box poacher.

It can be seen then in that regard that Zirkzee may have more strings to his bow than the 23-year-old, with the next step now to truly begin to flourish as a prolific presence in front of goal in his own right.

Such talents, of course, are unlikely to come cheap, but this Ibrahimovic heir may well be the man to ease the burden on Hojlund's young shoulders.

Premier League clubs have voted to keep VAR but want to see improvements made to "benefit the game and supporters."

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• Wolves brought motion to abandon VAR
• Clubs vote to keep technology
• But changes needed after talks with teams

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Premier League side Wolves submitted a resolution to abandon VAR after a season where the technology was regularly in the spotlight and drew plenty of controversy from players and fans alike. A vote was subsequently held with clubs voting 19-1 in favour of keeping the technology. Such a proposal would have needed 14 of 20 clubs to vote in favour for it to pass but it was instead soundly beaten.

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• WHAT THE PREMIER LEAGUE SAID

  A statement read: "Premier League clubs today voted in favour of continuing to operate VAR in the Premier League.  While VAR produces more accurate decision-making, it was agreed that improvements should be made for the benefit of the game and supporters. As part of thorough discussions at the Annual General Meeting, it was agreed that PGMOL, the Premier League and clubs all have important roles to play in improving the system and its reputation."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Premier League went on to highlight the six areas where improvements are needed following discussions with club regarding the technology,

  "1.Maintaining a high threshold for VAR intervention to deliver greater consistency and less interruptions to the flow of the game.
  
  2. Reducing delays to the game, primarily through the introduction of semi-automated offside technology (SAOT) and the maintained high threshold for VAR intervention.
  
  3. Improving fan experience through a reduction in the delays, in-stadium announcements from referees after a post-VAR change of decision and where possible, an enhanced offering of big screen replays to include all VAR interventions.
  
  4. Working with PGMOL on the implementation of more robust VAR training to improve consistency, including an emphasis on speed of process while preserving accuracy.
  
  5. Increasing transparency and communication around VAR – including expanded communications from Premier League Match Centre and through broadcast programming such as "Match Officials Mic’d Up".
  
  6. The delivery of a fan and stakeholder VAR communication campaign, which will seek to further clarify VAR’s role in the game to participants and supporters."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR THE PREMIER LEAGUE

  There will certainly be changes next season in the Premier League with semi-automated offside technology set to be introduced. The technology has been used previously in the Champions League and at the World Cup and is expected to make decisions quicker and easier.

Since signing Joe Rothwell on loan this month, Southampton have stood still in the January transfer window as Russell Martin's side push to leapfrog Ipswich Town in the race for automatic Championship promotion and fend off close challengers Leeds United. Now, however, with just one week left until the window slams shut, the Saints could get one over on their rivals by signing a Premier League right-back.

Southampton transfer news

Even though just one fresh face has arrived at St Mary's so far this month, plenty of potential reinforcements have been linked with a winter move to Southampton. The likes of Hungary international Mihaly Kata and Burnley's Manuel Benson have both been mentioned when it comes to potential arrivals during the January window, but still Southampton remain without another arrival after Rothwell.

Of course, a lot can still happen in the final week though, with the promotion hopefuls potentially dipping into the Premier League market to land what could prove to be a difference-maker for Martin in pursuit of the Championship's top two.

According to Lewis Steele of The Daily Mail, Southampton are eyeing a move for Calvin Ramsey in a deal that would see them beat Leeds United to the Liverpool right-back's signature.

That said, whilst they do battle on the pitch to secure an automatic place into England's top flight, Southampton and Leeds may well go head-to-head in the transfer market in an attempt to hand Ramsay a fresh start.

"Fantastic" Ramsay needs next move to work out

It's fair to say that Ramsay hasn't had the best luck since moving into English football, whether that be on loan or at Liverpool. His first loan spell away from Anfield at Preston North End failed to work out as all involved would have hoped and the young Scot found himself back in Merseyside. Now, however, Southampton could offer the former Aberdeen man the chance to kick on – the Saints will have to be wary of Ramsay's injury history though.

Nonetheless, even amid his fitness struggles, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has been full of praise for Ramsay in the past, saying via BBC Sport: "Everything we heard about him was that he is a fantastic boy. And what a player he is – what he did for Aberdeen last year, absolutely exceptional. In his age group and you know the things we need from a full-back, he is as close as it gets to the things we want and is still a kid. So we really expect a lot from him in the long term."

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney acquired a “different breed” of player in James McClean, says the Irishman’s Wrexham team-mate Jacob Mendy.

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• Experienced star snapped up in 2023
• Contract extension option triggered
• Red Dragons preparing for League One

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Having previously graced the Premier League for the likes of Sunderland and West Brom, McClean stepped down into League Two when agreeing to join the Red Dragons in 2023. He helped them to promotion at the end of his debut campaign and has seen a contract extension option taken up.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Hollywood co-owners Reynolds and McElhenney are big fans of the dark arts that McClean brings to the Wrexham squad, while those around him in Phil Parkinson’s ranks are delighted to have the 35-year-old on board – as he boasts ability and work rate that few in North Wales can match.

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  WHAT MENDY SAID

  Gambia international Mendy admits as much, telling of a player that he competes with for a left wing-back berth: “James is a different breed. I don't know how he does it. I really admire his work ethic. He is a very good player but he is a good man as well. I have a very good relationship with him.”

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• WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

  Parkinson has found a way of giving Mendy and McClean enough minutes to keep them both happy, with that one area of the field that Wrexham should not be looking to bolster as they prepare to put the riches of Reynolds and McElhenney to good use once again in the summer transfer window.

The United States men's national team have announced three friendlies at home against Panama, Canada and New Zealand to be played this fall.

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• USMNT set for three fall friendlies
• Will take on Canada, Panama and New Zealand
• Games come before Nations League quarter-finals

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  U.S. Soccer announced Tuesday that the USMNT will play three friendlies in September and October this fall on home soil. First up is a game against Canada at Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City on September 7. The United States then take on New Zealand at the TQL Stadium, Cincinnati on September 10. The third and final fixture comes on October 12 against Panama at the Q2 Stadium in Austin.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The match-up against Canada in Kansas comes as part of Fan Appreciation Night, an evening of celebration and the chance for supporters to win prizes. Meanwhile, the USMNT's fixture against Panama will be part of U.S. Soccer’s Hispanic Heritage Night. The matches come after the Copa America and will be part of the team's preparations for the 2024-25 CONCACAF Nations League quarter-finals which are scheduled for November.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The USMNT will be confident of success in all three games as they have never lost in any of their fixtures played at all three venues.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT

  Gregg Berhalter's side are currently in Copa America action and opened up with a 2-0 win over Bolivia. The Stars and Stripes go on to play Panama next and then complete their group stage schedule against Uruguay.

After a disappointingly quiet January transfer window, Arsenal are reportedly already looking ahead to the summer, when they could once again splash the cash. It's no secret that the Gunners have a striker on their wishlist and now it seems as though they could turn to the Bundesliga in an attempt to solve one of Mikel Arteta's biggest problems.

Arsenal transfer news

The biggest name linked with a move to Arsenal during the winter window was Ivan Toney, but Brentford's reported £100m price tag seemingly scared away any potential suitors for the time being. Toney recently returned from a lengthy ban for breaching betting rules and has already found the back of the net, scoring a free-kick in his first game back against Nottingham Forest, before scoring against Tottenham Hotspur in his second game. How he performs in the majority of the campaign could play a part in whether Arsenal return for his signature this summer.

If it is not Toney, however, then those at The Emirates could turn their attention to a rising Bundesliga star. According to Fussball News, Arsenal are eyeing a move to sign Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt this summer, alongside Spurs and Newcastle United, in what could be a busy race for his signature this summer.

The Egyptian reportedly does not have a release clause in his current contract, which could make any deal a tougher one to negotiate. The Gunners may well be in the mood to spend, however, given that they failed to splash the cash a single time during the January transfer window. If they miss out on the Premier League title, it could especially be a busy summer in North London.

"Agile" Marmoush is more clinical than Gabriel Jesus

It's no surprise that Marmoush is now reportedly attracting interest from the Premier League after the season he's enjoyed in the Bundesliga so far. The 24-year-old has shown all the signs that he is a player finally reaching his best years and could yet get a major move as a result. Marmoush's stats also show that he's even gone stride for stride with Gabriel Jesus so far this season, particularly out performing the Brazilian when it comes to finishing.

It was a rise that former St Pauli manager Timo Schultz will be incredibly proud of, having praised Marmoush during his time at the club, saying via the St Pauli website: "I don’t need to say much about Omar, he’s an extremely agile player who is superb in attacking one-on-ones and has a good finish. I’d have had no objections if he’d rewarded himself with a second goal."

Now, it is Arteta who will hope to benefit from the Egyptian's agility, as Arsenal eye a potential solution to their striker problem after it became clear that Jesus is not the out-and-out goalscorer that the Gunners have been crying out for this season.

Ryan Reynolds has explained how he and Rob McElhenney talk new signings into joining Wrexham, with the Hollywood superstars breaking the mould.

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• Famous faces calling the shots
• Boast obvious appeal to recruits
• Ambitious on and off the pitch

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Since arriving in North Wales as part of a stunning takeover deal in 2021, Reynolds and McElhenney have made it their business to be across every part of life at SToK Racecourse. They have provided the funds from which marquee deals can be delivered – leading to back-to-back promotions being enjoyed.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  As stars of the screen, rather than the pitch, they are also able to help build Wrexham and their playing staff as brands. An award-winning documentary series has made stars of EFL performers around the world, while the likes of Ollie Palmer have branched out in industries – such as fashion – which may previously have been out of reach.

• WHAT REYNOLDS SAID

  Having famous faces on board is of obvious appeal to any player considering a switch to Wrexham, with Reynolds telling Rio Ferdinand’s YouTube channel of the part that he plays in getting transfer deals over the line: “It’s always leading with honesty. I talk to every single potential signing that we have. I talked to George Dobson, who just signed. You just want them to feel like you have their back and that you are setting them up to win. You want to make sure that they understand that I am not going to make football decisions. I am going to make storytelling decisions about this club, its history and its future. It’s really instilling in them a belief in their ability and backing them in terms of whatever they want to do outside of football – because that is just as important. What is your plan for your family? Do you have a brand? These are things that are increasingly important in 2024.”

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  Reynolds added when Ferdinand pointed out that said approach allows Wrexham to bring in players that others would consider out of reach, with the established norm of life as a professional footballer in the lower leagues being tinkered with: “I think it’s important. This could be my last job. You always think it could be your last job. I’m sure footballers, where your bread and butter is based on a very specific and highly-applied skill set, you have to also think ‘what else can I do?’”

Liverpool are believed to be "confident" about sealing a huge triple piece of business in the coming months, according to an exciting new update.

Liverpool contract news

The Reds have been hit hard by the news that Jurgen Klopp is leaving as manager at the end of the season, with the German one of the most influential figures in the club's history.

Jurgen Klopp's record in major cup finals with Liverpool and Dortmund

Klopp and Liverpool added another trophy to their collection at the weekend.

By
David Comerford

Feb 27, 2024

His decision will no doubt have come as a shock to the players, too, who only found out at a similar time to the fans, and it may have some individuals thinking about their own futures at Anfield now.

In terms of the current contract situation at Liverpool, Joel Matip and Thiago are two high-profile figures whose current deals expire this summer, and it feels increasingly likely that both will leave at the end of the season. They are both 32 years of age and injury-prone, so offering them an extension on big wages feels like a big risk.

In the summer of 2025, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah will all be out of contract, too, so there is understandable concern that none of them have penned extensions yet, considering they are three of the most important players at the club.

Liverpool receive huge triple boost

According to a fresh update from Football Insider, Alexander-Arnold, Van Dijk and Salah could all sign new deals at Liverpool, with the club "confident" about all three extending their stay.

"Liverpool are hopeful of tying Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold down on new deals, sources have told Football Insider. The superstar trio’s contracts are all set to expire in 2025, but there is no panic among the Liverpool hierarchy regarding them penning new terms.

"A well-placed source told Football Insider that the club is 'confident' they will keep hold of the stars – all of whom have been pivotal to their success in recent seasons. It is believed that if the club show the right ambition in their post-Jurgen Klopp plans, the players will be convinced to extend their stays at Anfield."

The importance of these three individuals signing new deals at Liverpool cannot be overstated, with the Reds needing to keep hold of key men once Klopp has gone. An exodus would be a potentially huge issue, bringing an end to a glorious period at Anfield.

Alexander-Arnold has to be treated as the main priority to tie down, due to him still only being 25 years of age, and he surely only sees his future lying at his boyhood club. Meanwhile, Van Dijk is only new to the captaincy and must feel he has some years still left in him at the top.

Liverpool willing to pay £51m for "great player" this summer

He has been compared to Xabi Alonso as a footballer.

By
Henry Jackson

Feb 9, 2024

Salah arguably feels like the most likely of the three to leave this summer, especially if an eye-watering offer comes along from the Saudi Pro League, but he might still want to break many more records with Liverpool, not wanting to drop down a level in standard while still at his peak.

Whilst there are few certainties for the future at Anfield, Fenway Sports Group and Liverpool are looking to make sure that one star player is a part of it.

Latest Liverpool transfer news

With the news of Jürgen Klopp's departure having finally sunk in for Liverpool fans, work has now started envisioning what the post-Klopp era may look like on Merseyside.

On top of the search for a new head coach, FSG will have to address the other vacancies left by the members of staff who have left the club alongside the German. Once the backroom staff posts have been filled, the top of the in-tray for a prospective manager will be to reshape the playing squad.

In line with the vast majority of Premier League sides, the January window saw no incomings at Anfield with the only high-profile outgoings being loan deals. With a number of young players departing Merseyside in search of minutes in the EFL, attention has quickly turned to the summer.

Liverpool willing to pay £51m for "great player" this summer

He has been compared to Xabi Alonso as a footballer.

By
Henry Jackson

Feb 9, 2024

Star players Mohammed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all set to see their contracts expire in the summer of 2025. Whilst the departure of Klopp may have an influence on the player's eventual decisions, FSG are confident that they can get all the deals over the line and have already made significant progress in securing the future of one key player.

Alexander-Arnold set for new Liverpool deal

Whilst a knee issue saw Alexander-Arnold's game end at half-time on Saturday, the news of a new deal for the 25-year-old will offset any disappointment caused by the injury.

Sources have told Football Insider reporter Pete O'Rourke that the deal on the table will be the “biggest” and “longest-term deal” out of himself, van Dijk and Salah. With his current wage of £192,000 a week dwarfed by that of Salah and van Dijk, the new deal will represent a substantial pay increase for Alexander-Arnold and shows just how important he is to his side.

Unlikely to push for a move away from his boyhood club, the news of a fresh contract shows a massive vote of confidence in the fullback. Racking up a record-breaking 58th Premier League assist this weekend, Alexander-Arnold has pretty much revolutionised the fullback position, turning an unassuming defensive role into the focal point of attacks.

Whilst defensive frailties have sometimes been the frequent criticism of Alexander-Arnold's game, his transition into midfield over the last couple of seasons has nullified this potential weakness. An elite crosser with a set-piece in his locker, the England international has mastered stepping into an advanced position to create space and cause chaos on the attack.

With Connor Bradley's breakthrough this season suggesting a potential competition at right back, it may actually be the catalyst for his teammates' transition to a full-blown midfielder. Regardless of where on the pitch his future lies, as long as that pitch is Anfield, he will look to continue to cement his legacy as one of the best to ever pull on the famous red shirt.

The USMNT will have to go without two key players at the Olympics, with Ricardo Pepi and Malik Tillman staying at PSV for preseason training

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• Eredivisie club preventing Pepi, Tillman from playing
• Duo expected to be key players for Marko Mitrovic
• Full roster set to be announced later this week

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The USMNT's Olympic roster is already looking thin, with reigning Dutch league champions PSV electing to keep Ricardo Pepi and Malik Tillman around for preseason, manager Peter Bosz announced on Tuesday. The duo have been sent on holiday prior to the club's preseason training camp – which starts on July.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The loss would seem to be a big blow for Miytrovic as he pieces together his U23 Olympic roster. Neither player was named to the provisional roster – announced May 29 – due to their participation in Copa America.

• WHAT PETER BOSZ SAID

  The PSV manager outlined his call to block the duo from playing in the tournament: "We do not have to give permission for this and I will not do that. The combination with the Olympic Games is too much."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR THE PEPI AND TILLMAN?

  The duo will enjoy a break before returning to PSV duty in two weeks. The USMNT, meanwhile, will not have to address holes up front and in midfield ahead of the tournament – which kicks off in late July.