O zagueiro paraguaio Fabián Balbuena não quer retornar à Rússia. Ele pertence ao Dínamo de Moscou, mas tentará usar um dispositivo da Fifa referente aos países que estão em guerra no leste europeu para suspender o seu vínculo com a equipe russa que vai até junho de 2025. O defensor tem contrato de empréstimo com o Corinthians até o fim deste mês, mas desde o dia 12 de maio treina separadamente ao elenco principal, já que o clube alvinegro não vai realizar a compra em definitivo.
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O estafe do atleta tem procurado encaixá-lo em clubes da primeira divisão do Campeonato Brasileiro, já que o desejo do jogador é permanecer no país. Ele foi oferecido para Fluminense e Vasco, mas até aqui não houve abertura de conversas com essas equipes.
O principal motivo para Balbuena não querer voltar para a Rússia e deseje permanecer no Brasil é familiar. A esposa do jogador está decidida a não voltar mais para Moscou e a família dele sempre gostou bastante de residir em território brasileiro.
+ Confira as 20 contratações mais caras já acertadas para temporada 2023-24
Quando conseguiu um contrato provisório com o Balbuena, se usando de um mecanismo da Fifa, que autorizou que jogadores que atuassem na zona da guerra entre Rússia e Ucrânia suspendesse os seus contratos e aceitassem por um ano com outros times, o Timão cogitava a manutenção em definitivo do zagueiro, campeão brasileiro pelo clube alvinegro em 2017, na primeira passagem do clube alvinegra. Porém, as más atuações do paraguaio fizeram com que a direção corintiana recuasse. De toda forma, os representantes do atleta ainda acreditam que ele tenha mercado na primeira prateleira do futebol brasileiro.
Arsenal laboured against a spirited Port Vale to ease into the League Cup fourth round, courtesy of Eze's first goal in a Gunners shirt early in the first half and a late strike from substitute Trossard. The Gunners made a flying start to the match, scoring inside the opening 10 minutes and looked like they would blow League One Vale away. But chances were hard to come by and the hosts enjoyed more possession as the match progressed, then Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta introduced Trossard who secured the win with five minutes remaining.
Arsenal were captained by Bukayo Saka, making his first start since suffering injury against Leeds in the season curtain-raiser. And while Arteta will be pleased with the result he'll know his side were efficient, but not impressive on the evening as they struggled to break Vale down.
The Gunners needed just eight minutes to open the scoring, with Eze sliding home a low finish after a neat team move. The visitors looked set to run away with it after netting an early goal but found it tough going against a resolute Port Vale side.
Arteta threw on reinforcements in the second half, including Viktor Gyokeres and teenage talent Max Dowman, but it was Trossard who came up with the goods again. The Belgium international fired a low shot into the bottom corner with just four minutes of normal time remaining to seal Arsenal's place in the next round.
GOAL rates Arsenal's players from Vale Park…
AFPGoalkeeper & Defence
Kepa Arrizabalaga (6/10):
Making his first appearance this season, but had little to do all evening. Could've taken a seat in the away end with the travelling Arsenal fans.
Miles Lewis-Skelly (7/10):
Has been urged by Arteta to make the Arsenal manager's life difficult this season as he battles for a regular starting place and he responded well by being awarded the assist for Eze's opener – but whether he got a touch on it is debatable.
Cristhian Mosquera (7/10):
Has impressed following his move from Valencia this summer, plays like he's been at the club for years. Happy to shift from central to wide positions later in the game. One risky pass raised a few eyebrows.
William Saliba (7/10):
Typically composed performance, snuffed out Vale threats, but had to work hard for the clean sheet.
Ben White (6/10):
Making his return after picking up a knock against Manchester United in the opening day fixture. Made forays forward, but failed to make an impact and hooked off in 71st minute.
AdvertisementAFPMidfield
Mikel Merino (6/10):
Knows he has a battle on his hands to land a starting place in Arsenal's talent-laden midfield. Dealt well with Vale's physical presence, subbed in 71st minute.
Christian Norgaard (6/10):
Making his first start for Arsenal following his switch from Brentford. Busy presence in midfield as Vale pressed to create chances. Solid.
Ethan Nwaneri (7/10):
Promising start to the season after signing a new long-term contract in the summer. Worked hard, but struggled to make an impact in the final third.
AFPAttack
Bukayo Saka (7/10):
Arsenal captain for the evening and will be very pleased to play just over an hour. Offered threat down the right and was very grateful to be able to shake off a very hefty challenge in the second-half.
Eberechi Eze (8/10):
Confidently scored his first goal for the Gunners in the eighth minute, alive and bright all evening, a constant thorn in Port Vale's side. Taken off in 81st minute.
Gabriel Martinelli (7/10):
Laboured across the front line all evening and while he deserves credit for the leg work, he struggled to create many chances. Subbed with nine minutes remaining.
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Subs & Manager
Mikel Arteta (8/10):
Named a very strong side and, despite the nine changes, his side were dominant from start to finish. His side had 82% possession in the opening 15 minutes. Job done.
Max Dowman (6/10):
Youngest Arsenal player to feature in the competition, replacing Saka in the 62nd minute.
Gabriel Magalhaes (6/10):
Replaced White in the 71st minute, too few touches to make an impact.
Viktor Gyokeres (6/10):
Brought on to add more attacking threat, replacing Merino in the 71st minute.
Declan Rice (N/A):
Introduced with only a few minutes remaining, no significant impact.
Leandro Trossard (8/10):
Given just under 10mins by Arteta, but did excellently with his control and strike from edge of the box to seal the game for the Gunners.
Passada a euforia após a vitória do São Paulo contra o Vasco por 4 a 2, agora o Tricolor se prepara para uma maratona intensa até chegar no estádio Misael Delgado, na Venezuela, onde será o palco da partida contra o Puerto Cabello, pela Copa Sul-Americana. Porém, o que complicou toda a logística é o fato do jogo já ser nesta terça-feira (23).
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Assim, o Tricolor não deve realizar praticamente nenhum trabalho em campo antes da partida. O voo com a delegação partirá na madrugada desta segunda-feira (22), aproximadamente 3h20 da manhã (de Brasília), rumo ao Panamá – o que dá, mais ou menos, sete horas de viagem.
Depois desta escala, aí sim a equipe seguirá rumo à Valência, cidade venezuelana onde fica localizado o estádio em que acontecerá a partida. Assim, a delegação deve chegar – de fato -, na Venezuela aproximadamente 15h (no horário local). A chegada no hotel está prevista para uma hora depois.
ATUAÇÕES: “Crias de Cotia”, Beraldo e Juan garantem vitória do São Paulo diante do Vasco pelo Brasileirão
Desta forma, é possível que não exista nenhum intervalo de tempo propício para a equipe realizar, pelo menos, um treinamento antes do confronto – que pode ser importante para encaminhar a classificação do São Paulo para a próxima etapa.
+ Clique aqui e veja como apostar no Brasileirão
+ Confira os jogos e classificação resultados do Brasileirão-23 na tabela do LANCE!
A ideia é que, mesmo sem treinos, as orientações para a partida sejam feitas pela comissão técnica na base da conversa. O São Paulo enfrenta o Puerto Cabello às 21h30 (de Brasília), na terça-feira (23).
Everton are starting to make significant progress in the transfer market and could look to the continent to strengthen their engine room, according to reports.
Everton look to secure more arrivals after Thierno Barry
David Moyes has a rebuild on his hands at Everton this summer and will carry a sense of relief after sealing a deal to bring Thierno Barry to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
After becoming the Toffees’ second signing of the window after Carlos Alcaraz, the former Villarreal forward stated: “I’m very happy. It’s very exciting to be here. I just can’t wait to start and I hope to start very quickly.
“Everton is a big club in the Premier League. They have a good history and good players have played here, like Wayne Rooney and Romelu Lukaku. When I was young I liked to watch these players, now I want to do like these players who have gone before.”
Looking to build on their recent news, Everton have been in touch regarding the availability of PSV winger Johan Bakayoko, who is set to leave the Netherlands in search of a new challenge this summer.
Manchester City’s James McAtee is also a target for the Toffees, indicating that they have designs on strengthening from middle to front following a spate of injury issues last term in forward areas.
Better signing than McGinn: Everton holding talks over "world-class" star
David Moyes is looking to sign a midfielder or two this summer at Everton
ByRoss Kilvington Jul 11, 2025
Republic of Ireland international Mark Travers has agreed to join Everton, per reports, though it remains to be seen whether he will swap the South Coast for Merseyside to support Jordan Pickford.
However, all of the above show that Moyes and company are beginning to make moves, and they could be set to strike again for a talented midfielder if recent developments are to believed.
Everton battling to sign Spezia midfielder Salvatore Esposito
According to TBR, Everton are one of a clutch of clubs in the mix to sign Spezia midfielder Salvatore Esposito, who is set to leave the Italian outfit this summer after they failed to win promotion to Serie A and is being lined up to head to England.
Brighton & Hove Albion, Burnley, Brentford, Fulham and Sunderland have all expressed interest in a deal. Meanwhile, Scottish Premiership champions Celtic and their rivals Rangers are also looking to bring him north of the border.
Salvatore Esposito in 2024/25 – all competitions
Appearances
37
Goals
7
Assists
10
Capped once by Italy, the 24-year-old is capable of playing in defensive midfield, as an eight or in the ten role, which has made him a prime candidate to become a cog in Everton’s major rebuild at their new stadium.
Talks have been held with unspecified parties over a scenario that could see Esposito leave on loan with an option to buy, though a straight sale hasn’t been ruled out either at this stage.
Everton have made heavy weather of pushing deals over the line so far, but there is a chance they could look to firm up their interest on this front due to the favourable terms involved.
The trio hit 40s as South Africa chased down Pakistan’s 154-run target with nine balls to spare
Firdose Moonda20-Sep-2024South Africa capped off their Women’s T20 World Cup preparations with an eight-wicket win in the series decider against Pakistan, which was also their joint fifth-highest successful chase in T20Is.Chasing 154, Anneke Bosch retired four runs short of a fifth half-century in the format in extreme heat but had done enough to set up victory. Laura Wolvaardt’s 45 and Annerie Dercksen’s unbeaten 44 took South Africa to the target with nine balls to spare.In the first day game played in the series, Pakistan were on the field at the hottest time of the day and lacked intensity with ball in hand despite a good start. Muneeba Ali pulled off an excellent piece of wicket-keeping to stump Tazmin Brits with her foot just in the air, off Sadia Iqbal’s fourth delivery. The wicket was Sadia’s sixth, and made her the leading bowler in the series, but she lacked support.Diana Baig and Fatima Sana were ineffective on a slow surface, Nida Dar was expensive and though Nashra Sandhu and Tuba Hassan were economical, South Africa could treat them with caution with runs coming off other bowlers.A highlight of South Africa’s chase was the batters’ use of their feet against spin, which has been a concern for them previously. Wolvaardt was characteristically strong down the ground while Bosch and Dercksen opened up scoring areas square of the wicket, leaving South Africa in a good place ahead of next month’s T20 World Cup in the UAE.Anneke Bosch set up South Africa’s chase with 46 before retiring hurt•PCBPakistan will feel in the opposite position after they squandered the opportunity to post a bigger total on the back of a strong start. Muneeba and Gull Feroza put on 49 in the powerplay, but they were separated in the next over. Gull chipped a return chance back to Sune Luus, who has been bowling offspin since the tour of India mid-year and took a sharp catch. Two overs later Muneeba was run out and Pakistan needed the middle-order to rebuild.Former captain Nida Dar became Pakistan’s second-highest run-scorer in T20I cricket, and is now only behind Bismah Mahroof. She was given a lifeline when she was dropped on 10 by Nadine de Klerk at deep mid-wicket. But, Dar only added two runs to her score before making room to play for turn against Nonkululekho Mlaba and was bowled. Fatima Sana’s 17-ball 27 was the major contributor in a 46-run fourth-wicket stand with Sidra Amin and set Pakistan up for a strong finish but when she was dismissed, they struggled to add quick runs.Chloe Tryon’s left-arm spin proved particularly difficult to get away. She bowled the 16th and 19th over and gave away just 11 runs to finish with figures of 1 for 23 in four overs. Luus was South Africa’s most economical bowler and conceded just 18 runs in her four overs. Importantly for South Africa, their attack was able to keep Pakistan in check without Marizanne Kapp and Ayabonga Khaka, who were rested from the second and third matches of the series.Fielding remains a concern for both sides, but cost Pakistan more in the final match. They put down Dercksen on 7, which gave her the opportunity to finish the game. In total, according to ESPNcricinfo’s ball-by-ball data, nine catches were put down across the three matches and South Africa were guilty of six of those. Both teams will want to work on their judgement under the high ball ahead, especially with low lights, in Dubai.
Bryan Mbeumo’s deal to join Manchester United this summer appears to finally be heading in the right direction, with the club having a third offer accepted for his signature.
The Red Devils had previously tabled two offers for the 25-year-old Brentford star, the latest totalling £62.5m, which fell shy of the Bees’ valuation of the attacker.
However, Ruben Amorim’s side’s latest proposal is believed to be £65m guaranteed, with a further £5m in potential add-ons, which exceeds the current asking price for his services.
After finally reaching an agreement with Keith Andrews’ side, the player can now complete the formalities of the deal, needing to undergo a medical before he can be announced as a United player.
However, even after a deal for Mbeumo is completed, other additions are likely to be made at Old Trafford, subsequently helping the forward in his attempts to take the side up the Premier League table next season.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
Over the last couple of days, Corentin Tolisso has been linked with a potential surprise move to United, as they look to take advantage of Lyon’s current financial woes.
The Frenchman could be available for a fee in the region of £20m this window, a potential bargain given his tally of 10 goals and six assists across all competitions last season.
Olympique Lyonnais' CorentinTolissocelebrates scoring their first goal with teammates
However, he’s not the only midfielder currently in their sights, with Palmeiras star Richard Rios a player greatly admired at Old Trafford, according to TuttomercatoWeb.
Their report claims that the Red Devils are preparing a £30m bid to try and secure a deal for the Colombian international after Roma appeared to be leading the race.
It also states that, despite the interest from Italy, a move to England would be the priority this summer, opening the door for a late deal to Old Trafford for the 25-year-old star.
Why United’s £30m target would be more important than Mbeumo
There’s no denying that Mbeumo would be a superb addition for United this summer, handing Amorim the creativity and clinical nature he’s craved since taking the reins.
Brentford's BryanMbeumocelebrates after the match
The Cameroonian enjoyed his best-ever goalscoring campaign last time around, registering 20 Premier League goals, helping the Bees notch a top-half finish.
His ability to provide for his teammates was also evident, ending the year with seven assists – the second highest in the squad, with only Mikel Damsgaard setting up more goals.
However, despite his excellent numbers throughout 2024/25, other areas of the pitch are in need of investment ahead of the upcoming campaign.
New addition Matheus Cunha will certainly provide the ammunition needed for any success within the final third, potentially making Rios a pivotal addition given the need for a new central midfielder.
The Colombian has showcased during his time in Brazil that he’s more than capable of having a positive impact at both ends of the pitch, arguably being the perfect box-to-box option in Amorim’s system.
Rios, who’s been labelled a “ball-carrying machine” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has registered 1.6 carries per 90, 1.3 of which were into the final third, backing up the high praise he’s received.
Games played
15
Goals & assists
4
Pass accuracy
82%
Progressive passes
4.2
Passes into final third
3.6
Progressive carries
1.6
Carries into final third
1.3
Tackles won
1.7
Interceptions made
1.2
However, he’s also provided the end product after his mazy runs, completing 4.2 progressive passes, with such a tally undoubtedly providing those ahead of him with the chances they need for any success in the near future.
The midfielder has also thrived without the ball, winning 1.7 tackles per 90 and making 1.2 interceptions per 90, highlighting that he’s more than capable of doing the dirty work alongside the creative side.
£30m for a player of Ríos’ calibre could prove to be another excellent deal from the United hierarchy this window, strengthening their chances of success in the near future.
There’s no denying that Mbeumo would be a phenomenal addition, but Cunha can operate in such a role alongside Bruno Fernandes, putting added emphasis on a new player at the heart of the side – with Rios arguably being the perfect man for the job.
He's perfect for Mbeumo: Man Utd discussing move to sign £100m-rated CF
Manchester United could be about to land another star alongside a deal for Bryan Mbeumo.
Leeds United are already making significant moves in the transfer market as the brand-new Premier League season kicking off in August edges ever closer.
It’s less than two months now until the Whites get their daunting top-flight season underway with a Monday night affair against David Moyes’ Everton, with both Lukas Nmecha and Jaka Bijol – who have joined from Wolfsburg and Udinese respectively – desperate to be in Daniel Farke’s starting lineup when the Toffees come to Elland Road.
They’re unlikely to be the only fresh signings competing for a starting spot, however, with a new central midfielder clearly a priority based on the latest rumours filtering out of West Yorkshire.
Leeds make approach for £13m star
As per a report from Foot en France, Leeds have now made an approach to land Stade Brestois star Madhi Camara this summer, as their ongoing pursuit of a central midfielder drags on.
Indeed, it had previously been reported that the Whites were also chasing after another midfield ace from Ligue 1 in the form of Habib Diarra, with an alleged £24m bid even being made.
Mahdi Camara for Stade Brest.
Now, however, their attention could shift towards attempting to land Camara instead, with fellow promoted outfit Sunderland also keen on snapping up the 26-year-old at Farke and Co.’s expense.
With the report ending on the fact that Leeds might be able to win the Brest number 45 for around the £13m mark, securing Camara’s signature might well be deemed as an even better purchase to make than solely going after the more expensive Senegal international, before you consider delving deeper into their comparative statistics.
Why Camara would be a better signing than Diarra
With Joe Rothwell heading back to AFC Bournemouth this summer, Leeds do look slightly depleted in the middle of the park, which is where Camara might come to the rescue.
After all, the 26-year-old will feel he’s earned his stripes enough in the top French division now to be a success story in the Premier League, with 182 appearances under his belt in Ligue 1 for both Brest and Saint-Etienne. On the contrary, Diarra has just 94 clashes next to his name.
In addition to his wealth of top-flight experience in France, Camara also has the boost of amassing ten Champions League clashes on the books of Éric Roy’s men, with a goal even coming the 5-foot-10 ace’s way in the illustrious competition this season when facing off against RB Salzburg.
Farke would surely love the “all-action” nature of Camara – as he was once labelled by football analyst Ben Mattinson – if he were to arrive on English shores shortly, with his ability to pick up 26 goal contributions in total for Brest, which beats out Diarra’s own Strasbourg total by five, backed up by a second side to his wide-ranging game that can also offer up plenty of grit and determination when needed.
Camara’s FBref numbers over the last year vs Diarra’s
Stat – per 90 mins
Camara
Diarra
Total shots
1.58
0.96
Shot-creating actions
2.33
2.18
Attempted passes
38.23
37.42
Pass completion %
84.9%
83.0%
Successful take-ons
1.02
0.50
Tackles
2.46
0.84
Interceptions
1.12
0.50
Blocks
1.50
0.84
Stats by FBref
Away from trumping his 21-year-old counterpart in terms of shots averaged and shot-creating actions managed over the last year, the table above also shows off that attritional side to Camara’s game that might well have caught Farke’s eye, with more tackles, interceptions, and blocks also won in favour of the £13m midfielder.
Hailed further by Mattinson as possessing a “nice all-round midfielder profile”, this might well be a smart signing for Leeds to make if a battle against the drop is on the menu, away from gambling on Diarra to come good at a far steeper price tag.
The Whites have shown they’re ready to splash the cash, having forked out £15m on Bijol’s services, with Camara perhaps the next notable pick-up from Europe that can help Leeds stave off relegation.
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After such a dismal season in 2024/25, Manchester United have a huge opportunity to end the campaign on a high with the Europa League final on the horizon.
Ruben Amorim’s men face Tottenham Hotspur in Bilbao on Wednesday night, looking to claim his first trophy in charge and secure a place in the Champions League next year.
Such an achievement could be vital in their pursuit of landing new talent this summer, with the manager already targeting new additions to help revitalise his current squad.
Qualifying for the biggest club competition in Europe could hand the Red Devils a boost of offering top-level talents an exciting project despite their lowly Premier League standing.
With the summer window rapidly approaching, work has already been done behind the scenes to hand Amorim with the tools needed to be a success at Old Trafford.
The latest on United’s pursuit of new talents this summer
Matheus Cunha appears to be edging ever closer to completing a switch to join United this summer, with the deal entering its final stages, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The 25-year-old has already accepted a proposal to move to Old Trafford this summer, with the hierarchy ready to trigger his £62.5m release clause in four instalments.
Wolverhampton Wanderers' MatheusCunhacelebrates after Rodrigo Gomes scores
However, he could be joined at the Theatre of Dreams by one of his compatriots, with Atalanta’s Ederson the latest player on their radar, according to reports in Italy.
They claim that the Red Devils have been in contact with a move to land the Serie A star, currently having the advantage over Manchester City and Juventus in the race for his signature.
The journalist also confirmed that the 25-year-old would cost a fee in the region of £50m this summer, but that the hierarchy are set to enter negotiations after the Europa League final.
Why United’s £50m target could be Amorim’s own Pogba
Paul Pogba still holds the club-record for the highest fee paid for a player, costing £89m from Juventus back in the summer of 2016, just a couple of years after departing on a free transfer.
Paul Pogba at Manchester United.
The Frenchman made over 200 appearances during his second spell at Old Trafford, helping them win the Europa League – something which Amorim could hope to replicate this week.
The midfielder caught the eye in his box-to-box role for the Red Devils, often producing a moment of magic with the ball at his feet, resulting in countless excellent strikes in the North West.
Despite leaving on a free transfer in the summer of 2022, his spell at the club was a success, potentially replicating such a deal with a move for Ederson in the coming months.
The Atalanta star could follow in Pogba’s footsteps by completing a switch from an Italian outfit, also possessing a similar skillset, which could make him a key component in Amorim’s overhaul at the club.
When comparing his stats to those of Pogba’s from his first year at United, the Brazilian has managed to star at both ends of the pitch, making him a superb option as a box-to-box in the manager’s 3-4-2-1 system.
Ederson, who’s been labelled “monster” by The Mirror’s Ryan Taylor, has achieved a higher pass completion rate, handing other players at Old Trafford the chance to improve their own tallies.
Games played
36
30
Goals & assists
5
9
Shot-on-target accuracy
31%
23%
Goals per shot-on-target
0.4
0.3
Pass accuracy
86%
83%
Tackles won
1.6
1.3
Interceptions made
1.2
0.8
Despite registering fewer combined goals and assists, the Brazilian has notched a higher shot-on-target rate along with a better goal-per-shot-on-target rate – highlighting the clinical edge he possesses in attacking areas.
He’s also won more tackles per 90 and completed more interceptions, offering Amorim the added defensive cover he needs within the midfield department at Old Trafford.
£50m may seem to be another hefty investment from the hierarchy this summer, but it’s one that would drastically improve the options currently at Amorim’s disposal.
Should he manage to reach similar levels to those produced by Pogba, it would be an excellent pickup, potentially playing a key role in any success down the line under the current management team.
Man Utd flop who should be "fourth choice" has been even worse than Onana
This Manchester United flop has been an even worse signing than Andre Onana.
An “exceptional” former Manchester United player could make a surprise return to Old Trafford this summer, according to a report.
Man Utd pursuing midfielder amid Casemiro doubts
Casemiro’s future at Old Trafford appears to be in doubt, despite the Brazilian putting in some much-improved performances in recent times, making a remarkable 11 tackles against Manchester City earlier this month.
As such, Ruben Amorim may be tasked with bringing in a new tough-tackling midfielder this summer, and the manager’s search has led him to Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with Man United expected to make a £52m bid for the Brazilian.
Other potential options include Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Larsson, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Joao Gomes, with United certainly not short on options as we edge closer to the summer transfer window.
Manuel Ugarte joined the Red Devils last summer, following the decision to sell Scott McTominay to Napoli for £25m, and the Scot has really kicked on since arriving in the Serie A, establishing himself as a key player for the Serie A title chasers.
Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries in action with Napoli's Scott McTominay
As such, according to a report from Spain, McTominay could now be in line for a surprise return to Old Trafford, although a deal will not be cheap, as his performances for Napoli have elevated his market value considerably.
It may also be difficult to prise the 28-year-old away from Napoli, with the Italian club determined to keep hold of him, and given that he is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career, the midfielder may not be overly keen on a return despite the interest from his former club.
Top target: £64m "Superman" now Man Utd's leading candidate to replace Onana
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"Exceptional" McTominay shining in the Serie A
The Scotland international was much-maligned during his time with Man United, which ultimately led to the decision to cash-in last summer, but he has shown serious signs of development since moving to Napoli.
The Lancaster-born midfielder has picked up a very impressive eight goals and four assists in 28 Serie A appearances, most recently bagging a brace against Empoli to ensure his side remained just three points behind league leaders Inter Milan.
In light of the improvements the central midfielder has made to his game, he was lauded as “exceptional” by journalist Josh Bunting earlier this season, and he ranks highly on some key metrics for midfielders over the past year.
Statistic
Average per 90
Non-penalty goals
0.26 (97th percentile)
Successful take-ons
1.05 (85th percentile)
Aerials won
1.84 (90th percentile)
That said, it seems very unlikely that McTominay will be on his way back to Old Trafford anytime soon, given that he left less than a year ago, and appears to be flourishing with Napoli.
49ers Enterprises have now made contact with a rather surprising new candidate over the possibility of replacing Daniel Farke at Leeds United, according to a report.
Latest on Daniel Farke’s future at Leeds
Despite talking about the fact that the Whites sealed automatic promotion to the Premier League last weekend, talk since then has been about the future of Farke, as the 49ers weigh up what to do with the German.
Shades of Pablo Hernandez: Leeds could sign "unbelievable" Aaronson upgrade
Leeds United could try to snap up this top EFL star now promotion has been sealed.
1 ByKelan Sarson Apr 28, 2025
It’s been reported that club chiefs could be ready to sack the former Norwich man and bring in a replacement before the new season begins in the top flight. The hierarchy are tempted to move on from the Leeds boss as they are not sure whether he is the right man to lead them in the Premier League, given his record in the division while in charge of the Canaries. A decision hasn’t been fully made yet, but already there are names being linked with a move to Elland Road.
Jose Mourinho has been talked up about making a return to England and the Premier League, while Give Me Sport have reported that the Whites are interested in former Southampton manager Russell Martin. Leeds are said to be considering a move to appoint the Scotsman, despite the fact he was sacked by the Saints because of their start to life in the top flight. Martin has been sounded out about a return to the managerial dugout and what his vision would be.
49ers make contact with ex-Rangers boss to replace Farke at Leeds
But the list of possible replacements doesn’t stop there, as according to The Guardian, Leeds have made contact with Giovanni van Bronckhorst about becoming their new manager.
Former Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
The report states that chairman Paraag Marathe is flying into the UK on Monday from San Francisco to talk to Farke about his future at Elland Road. The American will attend Leeds’ match against Bristol City before then holding a meeting with the German later in the week.
Marathe will need to be convinced by Farke that he is the right man for the job, as the Whites already have looked at managers who are out of work or would cost a low compensation fee given their financial restrictions. They have ‘sounded out’ van Bronckhorst, as well as Roger Schmidt and Davide Ancelotti.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s record at Rangers
Games
68
Won
42
Drawn
11
Lost
15
Points
137
Points per game
2.01
Van Bronckhorst, who managed Rangers between November 2021 and November 2022 and led them to the Europa League final in the process, has been out of work since leaving Besiktas in November last year.
The 50-year-old has experience of playing in British football, as he played for Rangers and Arsenal, but has never managed in England. Therefore, his arrival would be a huge gamble for the Whites and a baffling one at that, with Farke’s experience with Norwich likely better than none at all.