Inter chiefs are heading to London to hold talks with Tottenham over two defenders swapping clubs.
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Month-long red-ball tour will coincide with start of England men’s five-match Test series in India
ESPNcricinfo staff13-Dec-2023England Lions have announced a 15-man squad for their red-ball tour of India in the New Year, designed to run parallel with the men’s five-match Test series at the start of 2024.Hosted entirely in Ahmedabad, the Lions will play a two-day warm-up match against India A, followed by three four-day matches against the same opponents at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The group will be in situ from January 12 to February 4, coinciding with the first Test in Hyderabad (starting January 25) and the first half of the second Test in Visakhapatnam (February 2).The squad will ultimately shadow the main tour and as such has more of a “second XI” feel than the spin and allrounder heavy group who recently completed a three-week training camp in the UAE. Recent Test openers Alex Lees and Keaton Jennings are part of the 15, along with internationally capped fast bowlers Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts and Matt Fisher.Related
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Uncapped Lancashire batter Josh Bohannon, long considered the next cab off the ranks, will captain after leading the County Championship Division One run charts last summer with 1,257 at an average of 59.85 with four centuries. Sussex off-spinner Jack Carson and left-arm orthodox Callum Parkinson, who has moved from Leicestershire to Durham, are also included. Both were shots for the main tour before Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum picked precocious Somerset spinner Shoaib Bashir. James Coles (Sussex) and Dan Mousley (Warwickshire) are the two other slow bowlers in the travelling party.England Men’s performance director Mo Bobat said: “Playing a series in India at any level is a challenge to get excited about, it’s one of the truest tests for any cricketer. It’s great that our Lions team can experience that challenge and have the opportunity to showcase their skills in those conditions.”The squad has a strong core of players in it that were out in Abu Dhabi recently for the training camp, with some of those players already selected into the Test squad. There’s also a return for some more experienced players which aligns with supporting England’s more immediate needs.”England Lions squad: Josh Bohannon (Lancashire, captain), Kasey Aldridge (Somerset), Brydon Carse (Durham), Jack Carson (Sussex), James Coles (Sussex), Matt Fisher (Yorkshire), Keaton Jennings (Lancashire), Tom Lawes (Surrey), Alex Lees (Durham), Dan Mousley (Warwickshire), Callum Parkinson (Durham), Matt Potts (Durham), Ollie Price (Gloucestershire), James Rew (Somerset), Ollie Robinson (Durham)Schedule12-13 January: England Lions v India A, Narendra Modi Stadium – Ground B, Ahmedabad17-20 January: England Lions v India A, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad24-27 January: England Lions v India A, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad1-4 February: England Lions v India A, Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
MatĂ©riaMais NotĂcias
da betobet： Durante um evento realizado na sede da CBF na tarde desta quarta-feira, ficou decidido que Botafogo e Ypiranga se enfrentarĂŁo na terceira fase da Copa do Brasil. AndrĂ© Mazzuco marcou presença no evento e concedeu uma entrevista aos repĂłrteres doLANCE!. O diretor de futebol do clube alvinegro fez uma projeção do jogo e comentou sobre as obras do estádio Nilton Santos. Assista ao vĂdeo acima.
+Ao L!, Luis Henrique revela motivo de retorno ao Botafogo, fala sobre adaptação e elogia trabalho da SAF
– Vamos decidir em casa. Acho que isso Ă© um fator muito relevante para nĂłs. Vai ser importante encontrar nossa torcida em casa. É uma coisa que está nos fazendo falta e acho que isso Ă© um benefĂcio para nĂłs. Vai ser um jogo durĂssimo. Temos que nos preparar bem. A prioridade dos clubes Ă© ganhar sempre, independentemente do momento do time. Nosso pensamento Ă© ganhar sempre – declarou Mazzuco.
+Um ano de LuĂs Castro no Botafogo: relembre os desafios, promessas e dificuldades do treinador
– Os shows (Coldplay) marcaram a finalização do gramado. É lĂłgico que tem uma parte burocrática, mas nossa intenção Ă© preparar o estádio rapidamente. Se possĂvel, queremos contar com ele (Nilton Santos) na final da Taça Rio sim. É o que queremos. Estamos trabalhando nisso – completou.
Ao contrários das Ăşltimas fases, Botafogo e Ypiranga se enfrentarĂŁo em dois jogos. O duelo de ida será no OlĂmpico Colosso da Lagoa. O confronto de volta ocorrerá no Nilton Santos. As datas ainda serĂŁo divulgadas pela CBF.
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The Argentine shared his favorite aspects of American culture in a lighthearted Instagram video, revealing preferences ranging from cities to sports
Pochettino names Chicago as his favorite American city while appreciating several othersArgentine picks with Teddy Swims as favourite American musicianNFL emerges as Pochettino's favorite American sport beyond soccerAFPWHAT HAPPENED
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino participated in a rapid-fire Q&A about his favorite American experiences since taking charge of the national team. The Argentine manager named Chicago as his top U.S. city, though he also expressed fondness for Miami, Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, and Nashville. When asked about American music, Pochettino selected soul singer Teddy Swims as his favorite artist, while naming Chick-fil-A as his preferred American fast-food option.
AdvertisementWATCH THE VIDEOTHE BIGGER PICTURE
The video represents part of U.S. Soccer's ongoing efforts to build Pochettino's profile among American fans who may be less familiar with the former Tottenham, PSG, and Chelsea manager. By highlighting his engagement with American culture through cities, food, entertainment, and other sports, the federation continues positioning Pochettino as someone committed to understanding the country he now represents.
AFPWHAT’S NEXT?
The USMNT will participate in the 2025 Gold Cup as one of the co-hosts and will face Trinidad and Tobago in their first game of the tournament on June 14.
Azeem Rafiq has criticised the expected return of Colin Graves as Yorkshire chair and urged sponsors to walk out on the club if he is reappointed.Rafiq – who spoke out against the racism he experienced as a Yorkshire player, leading to the club being fined ÂŁ400,000 and docked 48 points in last year’s County Championship, in addition to sanctions against six individuals – said in a Sunday newspaper column he feared “nothing had changed” in the 40 months since he first raised the issue and that “all we have are empty words and broken promises”.Graves has reportedly been in talks with Yorkshire about a return, having previously been chair between 2012 and 2015, presiding over part of a period in which the club has subsequently admitted to an ECB charge of failing to address the systemic use of racist or discriminatory language. Graves refused to appear as a witness in November 2021 at the parliamentary hearings which followed Rafiq’s complaints and sparked controversy in a TV interview last June when he described allegations of racism – which he said were never raised with him at the time – as “banter”.Related
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“Maybe there is still time to act, still time to show some backbone, but it’s running out fast,” Rafiq wrote in the “I cast my mind back to November 2021, when under intense political pressure the England and Wales Cricket Board suspended Yorkshire from hosting international cricket because of its slow and substandard response to my testimony. In the hours that followed dozens of companies ended their associations with the club.”My question now is for Yorkshire’s current sponsors… Does Colin Graves reflect your values? Is it acceptable to describe racism as banter?”Sponsors found their moral compass before, and they need to find it again, because any organisation supporting this is complicit in it. There is still time for them to act, to leave now and stop Yorkshire stepping back in time and undoing what progress they have made in the past three years.”In 2002, Graves bailed the club out with a multimillion-pound loan, of which some ÂŁ14.9 million is still owed to the Graves Family Trust. Graves revealed last week that a new ownership offer had been accepted and his consortium was in exclusive negotiations until January 5. Depending on the result of those negotiations, club members could be asked to vote on his proposal at an extraordinary general meeting.”I still believe that everyone deserves a second chance,” Rafiq said. “If Graves wants to lead the club and the game in a positive direction he can’t just say the right things, he needs to do the right things – not just words, but action.”He has to show he has accepted what has happened in the past, and is ready to take substantial action and offer clear direction now and when difficult decisions are necessary in the future. It is fair to say there has been no sign of any of this yet.”
Phil Foden has failed to match the high levels of performance he produced for Manchester City last season, resulting in a decrease in game time over the last few months.
The England international notched a total of 39 combined goals and assists in his 53 appearances across all competitions, subsequently claiming the PFA Player of the Year award.
However, this time around, he’s currently only on 15 goal contributions, undoubtedly a contributing factor to the club’s drop in the Premier League, which has seen them struggle in large periods.
Pep Guardiola is tasked with the challenge of helping the 24-year-old return to the levels he’s previously demonstrated at the Etihad over the last couple of years.
He certainly will face more responsibility in the North West next season, especially after the news that emerged out of the squad earlier on this afternoon.
Kevin de Bruyne announces his City departure
It was confirmed earlier today that Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyne would be departing City at the end of the season when his current contract expires.
The 33-year-old became the club’s record signing back in 2015 after joining in a ÂŁ54m deal from German side Wolfsburg – with the former Chelsea ace excelling beyond all expectations.
He’s racked up over 400 appearances in his decade as a Citizens player, scoring 106 times and registering 159 assists, cementing himself as one of the best midfielders to ever grace England’s top flight.
De Bruyne has been known for his phenomenal passing ability, but has unfortunately declined over the last couple of months, with injuries plaguing his final couple of seasons in Manchester.
However, his departure leaves Guardiola with the huge task of replacing the talent at the Etihad, something which may appear to be a tricky quest given his time at the club.
The player who could be City’s perfect KDB replacement
Whilst Foden would undoubtedly be the first choice to replace the Belgian in the current first-team squad, his form over the last couple of months could cast doubt over his ability to fill the void.
There’s no denying his quality, as seen by the numbers he produced last season, but he’s been unable to achieve such heights on a consistent basis.
Such form could allow fellow academy graduate James McAtee to stake his claim for a regular starting role – building on the progress he’s made over the last couple of months in 2024/25.
After multiple loan spells at Sheffield United over the last couple of years, Guardiola decided to keep the 22-year-old within his side, handing him frequent opportunities to impress – something which he has taken with both hands.
He’s made 23 appearances to date, scoring six times across all competitions, including two goals in the Premier League during his first year at such a level.
McAtee, who’s been labelled “superb” by one analyst, is yet to start a single league outing this campaign, but given his output and underlying stats produced in 2024/25, he’s more than deserving of a consistent run next season.
Games played
11
Goals & assists
2
Conversion rate
29%
Pass accuracy
86%
Duels won
63%
Goals per game
0.2
Expected goals (xG)
1.37
De Bruyne’s place in the squad could free up the youngster to gain more valuable minutes to continue his upward trajectory, enabling him to showcase his talents further.
Whilst Foden will likely fill the void vacated by the Belgian, Guardiola must give McAtee a fair chance to stake his claim to make the position as his own – potentially saving the Citizens millions of pounds in the process.
The youngster has previously been subject to interest from various sides for his signature over the last couple of months, but it’s pivotal that the hierarchy stand firm and keep hold of the star who’s destined for big things in the future.
Move over Nunes: Man City begin work on signing the new Joao Cancelo
Manchester City could land their next Joao Cancelo in this attack-oriented defender.
ByKelan Sarson Apr 2, 2025
Maxwell signs with Washington Freedom to play alongside Steven Smith and Travis Head under coach Ricky Ponting
Alex Malcolm18-Apr-20244:18
Was Maxwell right in asking to be dropped?
Glenn Maxwell has joined Travis Head and Steve Smith in signing with Washington Freedom for the upcoming Major League Cricket season while clarifying that his form was the major reason for his self-omission from Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s side in the IPL rather than needing a mental break.Maxwell has become the latest Australian player to sign in MLC and will join his Australia teammates in Head and Smith, along with his former IPL coach Ricky Ponting, at Washington Freedom.He told ESPN’s that he was excited about the opportunity to play in the United States.Related
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“It’s a tournament that I watched from afar last year and was extremely excited about hopefully playing this tournament one day and luckily enough the timings have aligned this year,” Maxwell said. “I’ve been speaking to Ricky Ponting and a few other players a fair bit over the last little period and certainly extremely excited to get stuck in.”Having Travis and Steve there and Ricky, three guys who I’m extremely familiar with, I think that sort of probably tipped me over the edge. You sort of um and ah about that time of the year about where you’re going to be and whether you take the time off, whether you play the Hundred or what you might do and I think just having those couple of Aussies there and I think the opportunity to be a part of something really big in MLC and grow something is really exciting as well.”Maxwell joins Head, Smith, Adam Zampa (Los Angeles Knight Riders), Spencer Johnson (Knight Riders), Tim David (MI New York), Matt Short (San Franciso Unicorns) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (San Franciso Unicorns) as confirmed Australian signings for the second season of MLC, with more expected to join for the tournament which starts immediately after the T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies ends on June 29.Meanwhile, Maxwell has moved to clarify his decision to ask to be omitted from RCB’s line-up from the last IPL match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Maxwell explained that it had nothing to do with needing to take an extended break from the tournament. He simply felt like he was not in the best XI and wanted to take any tough conversations away from captain Faf du Plessis and coach Andy Flower by asking to be dropped.”I was pretty low on confidence,” Maxwell said. “I had a good couple of net sessions and just went out to the ground and felt really tentative. I wasn’t able to really commit to my game plans and just felt like if I had kept playing and playing that role, I don’t think the results would change too much.2:51
Glenn Maxwell to join Washington Freedom in MLC
“So I just went to Faf and said, look, I think we need to try someone else in my position and had the same conversation with Andy Flower, the coach, and to me it was a bit of a no-brainer. I think it sort of saves the tough conversation they might have to have about dropping me.”I felt really at peace with it. Obviously, I’m frustrated that I wasn’t able to get the results I would have liked but comfortable in the fact that I know I feel like I’ve made the right decision for the team and it’s certainly not like I’m taking an extended break away from the game.”I just think it’s a better opportunity for someone else to have a crack at my position. I know I’m an important part of this side but at the moment I’m not playing well enough to I suppose warrant a spot.”Maxwell revealed he is unlikely to come back in for the next game, against Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday, given he is battling a minor hip injury. He said he understands he has to bide his time to get another opportunity.”I’ve actually got a little bit of a hip strain so I’ve got a few more days off and during recovery,” Maxwell said. “So I’ve got a little period here where I’m still training, still trying to get myself right. If there is a spot that becomes available, I’ll obviously put my hand up and take it”It’s not one of those things where I’ve set a date that I’ll be out for three games then I’ll come back whenever I’m ready. That’s that’s not how it works. I haven’t been at a level that’s good enough to warrant a spot on the side this year.”
da betway： Arsenal are set to open talks over the signing of an “underrated” player, following a decision made by new sporting director Andrea Berta just days into the job.
Andrea Berta making Arsenal transfer recommendations
da pinnacle： The 53-year-old was officially confirmed as Arsenal’s head transfer chief last weekend, replacing Edu, who departed the club in November after many successful years working with Mikel Arteta.
Berta has Arsenal in "pole position" to sign cut-price Brazil international
The transfer chief’s influence is tipped to play a vital role.
ByEmilio Galantini Apr 3, 2025
While Edu’s exit was seen as an almighty blow for the Gunners, Arteta has expressed his excitement over the Brazilian’s heir, whilst claiming Arsenal are set for a “big” first summer transfer window under his leadership.
Berta was responsible for an array of impressive AtlĂ©tico Madrid deals over his impressive 12-year stint at the Wanda Metropolitano, including moves for Antoine Griezmann, Marcos Llorente, Diego Costa, Yannick Carrasco, Luis Suarez, Jan Oblak and eventual Balon d’Or winner Rodri – who all went on to be major successes with the La Liga side.
Arsenal’s next five Premier League games
Date
Everton (away)
April 5th
Brentford (home)
April 12th
Ipswich Town (away)
April 20th
Crystal Palace (home)
TBD
Bournemouth (home)
May 3rd
Both the Italian and Arsenal will be hoping he can replicate similarly heroic business in north London, and according to various reports, he’s already well underway in terms of getting work done.
Berta has held talks with the representatives of Nico Williams, according to reliable reports in France and England this week, with the winger seemingly one of Arsenal’s top targets heading into the summer window.
All eyes will be on whether Arteta’s side can finally sign a prolific striker this summer as well, and it is believed Sporting CP sensation Viktor Gyokeres is a leading candidate to reinforce that area of the pitch.
The Sweden international has enjoyed a phenomenal return of 42 goals from 42 appearances in all competitions this season, following up his equally impressive 2023/2024 campaign with yet another prolific year in the Primeira Liga.
His displays are turning heads at the Emirates Stadium, as reported by the credible David Ornstein, with Portuguese media sources also claiming that Gyokeres wants to join Arsenal over Man United, despite Ruben Amorim’s presence at Old Trafford.
Arsenal set for Viktor Gyokeres talks after Andrea Berta decision
Now, GiveMeSport have provided another update on the situation. Berta apparently identified the 26-year-old as a key target just days after his appointment was made official, and Arsenal are set to open talks over a deal for Gyokeres as a result.
Considering the ex-Coventry City star’s incredible goalscoring record, it is perhaps surprising that he hasn’t yet sealed a big move to the Premier League. Called one of Europe’s most “underrated” strikers, it would be very surprising if Gyokeres remains at Sporting for another campaign at this point.
Berta has apparently put the forward on his personal list of choices to bolster Arteta’s striker options, and while Gyokeres’ deal includes an ÂŁ84 million release, there is a consensus that he could be allowed to leave for less, with the BBC reporting his actual transfer fee could be around ÂŁ62-70m.
Archie Gray captured the attention of the country last season after his mesmerising rise into the Leeds United first-team, playing a huge role in the side despite his tender age.
The versatile talent broke into Daniel Farke’s side despite being just 17 years old, and he would feature in 52 matches across all competitions, with his ability to operate in various roles also impressing.
The academy graduate is naturally a central midfielder by trade but was also utilised in a right-back role in the Whites’ first-team, not looking out of place despite his youthful years.
His consistency, coupled with the club’s failure to win promotion from the Championship would see Gray move to Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur for a whopping £40m last summer.
It’s now been nearly a year on from his big-money transfer, but how is he coping with the demands of the top-flight and has he been able to make the same impact he did during his time with his boyhood club?
During the early weeks of the 2024/25 campaign, Gray found minutes hard to come by – understandably so given the strength in depth within Ange Postecoglou’s midfield.
However, the recent injury crisis in North London allowed the talented teenager to gain valuable minutes in the Lilywhites’ first team, albeit in an unnatural role once again.
The now 19-year-old would offer cover at centre-back during the winter months, starting 19 consecutive games at the heart of the defence, adding another role to his already impressive versatile profile.
He’s still thrived despite operating out of position, registering a 91% pass accuracy, and winning 53% of his aerial battles, demonstrating performance levels way beyond his tender age.
However, despite his impressive form in North London, Leeds could be about to unearth a player who could become even better than Gray, demonstrating the quality the club’s academy possesses.
There’s no denying that Gray has been the biggest star to emerge from the club’s academy setup in recent years, having a huge impact on the first-team before leaving in a big-money deal – subsequently improving their finances.
However, given the cutthroat nature of football, the staff behind the scenes will undoubtedly be looking at the next star to break through and follow in a similar fashion.
Such a feat could happen in the form of Harry Gray, the younger brother of Archie, who’s already captured the attention of numerous Premier League teams as a result of his impressive form at academy level.
The 16-year-old has been on the radar of Newcastle United and Tottenham in recent days, looking to get ahead of the game given his brother’s rapid rise to stardom.
Ben Mattinson has previously said that the current Leeds star is “more talented” than his older brother, understandably so given his record in 2024/25, which has seen him net 10 goals in 17 games at various youth levels in the last two years.
Two of his subsequent goals have come at U21 level this season, showcasing his talents despite operating at an age group five years above where he should be playing.
The “supremely talented” youngster, as dubbed by another analyst, has also featured for England’s U17 side, having huge potential to catapult himself into Farke’s side in the near future, just as Archie did.
|
Leeds United’s most expensive academy sales |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Player |
Team joined |
Fee |
|
1. Kalvin Phillips |
Manchester City |
ÂŁ45m |
|
2. Archie Gray |
Tottenham Hotspur |
ÂŁ40m |
|
3. Jack Clarke |
Tottenham Hotspur |
ÂŁ11m |
|
4. Fabian Delph |
Aston Villa |
ÂŁ8m |
|
5. James Milner |
Newcastle United |
ÂŁ6m |
|
Stats via Transfermarkt |
||
Undoubtedly, he has huge pressure on his shoulders to succeed given the achievements of his family in recent times, but he’s already shown he’s capable of operating way beyond his tender years.
However, given his form and interest from elsewhere, it’s pivotal that the club utilise him to their advantage, offering him minutes despite his youthful years and allowing them to command a bigger fee in years to come.
Farke has found his new Rutter at Leeds and it's not Aaronson
One Leeds United star has showcased why he’s been their new Georginio Rutter this season.
1
By
Ethan Lamb
Mar 20, 2025
da stake casino： Despite the phenomenal effort by Bruno Fernandes in 2024/25, Manchester United simply haven’t been good enough in attacking areas, undoubtedly contributing to their lowly league standing.
da jogodeouro： The Portuguese international has notched a staggering 33 combined goals and assists in all competitions, but has been alone in his attempts to transform their fortunes in recent months.
Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have both shared the responsibility of leading the line for Ruben Amorim, but have both been massively disappointing and struggled to provide the goods.
The aforementioned pair have only netted six Premier League goals between them this campaign, leading to huge rumours over new additions this summer.
One player in particular has emerged as a key target, with the club wasting no time in identifying players to make amends for the dismal season this time around.
The latest on Matheus Cunha’s move to United
Over the last week, huge rumours have emerged linking Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha with a move to join United this summer, as the hierarchy looks to back Amorim in the market.
The Brazilian, who’s registered 18 combined goals and assists in the league this season, currently has a ÂŁ62.5m release clause within his current contract – something which the club could look to exploit.
According to Fabrizio Romano’s latest update, the 25-year-old is keen on a move to Old Trafford this summer, with the hierarchy willing to trigger his release clause and being confident of completing a deal.
However, they could turn their attention to another summer target in the form of Villarreal star Alex Baena, who’s emerged as an alternative to Cunha for the upcoming window.
According to Spanish journalist Eduardo Burgos, United have already entered talks with the Spanish side over a deal for the 23-year-old, who has a ÂŁ50m release clause.
Why Baena would be a better signing than Cunha
There’s no denying that Cunha is a fantastic talent, as seen by his tally of goals and assists this season, but the only major concern is his attitude issues that have prevented him from starring further in 2024/25.
He received a two-match ban for an incident after the clash with Ipswich Town, whilst also receiving a separate four-game suspension for headbutting Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez.
If he is to move to Old Trafford this summer, there’s hope that Amorim will be able to separate that side of his game, allowing him to become a key member of the side.
However, it’s a huge amount of money to spend with a risk lingering over his head, potentially opening the door for a move for Spanish star Baena in the coming months.
When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the ongoing campaign, the LaLiga ace has managed to outperform the Brazilian star in numerous key areas, showcasing what a superb addition he would be to Amorim’s squad.
Baena, who’s been labelled a “creative machine” by one analyst, has managed more progressive passes per 90, along with a higher tally of passes into the final third, highlighting his ability to find his teammates in attacking areas.
The 23-year-old is best suited in a role behind the striker, but that hasn’t stopped him from achieving a higher goal per shot on target rate and more shot-creating actions than the Wolves star.
How Baena compares to Cunha in 2024/25 so far
Statistics (per 90)
Baena
Cunha
Games played
27
28
Goals & assists
13
18
Progressive passes
6.7
4.7
Goals per shot-on-target
0.4
0.3
Passes into final third
3.5
3.2
Shot-creating actions
6.1
4.2
Aerials won
46%
27%
Stats via FBref
He’s also won more of the aerial battles he’s entered, offering Amorim a dangerous all-round option alongside Fernandes in the number 10 role at Old Trafford.
It’s unclear whether Cunha would be signed to play as the focal option or slightly deeper, but if it’s for the latter, there’s no denying that Baena would be a better option this summer.
Given his age, he has the ability to improve further in the years to come, playing a vital role in Amorim’s ambitions of taking the club back to the heights they’ve achieved in previous years.
Amorim's next Gyokeres: Man Utd hold talks to sign "unplayable" ÂŁ70m star
It isn’t just Matheus Cunha who could be on their way to Man Utd this summer
ByRobbie Walls Apr 23, 2025