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Following their shock decision to sack Tony Mowbray, Sunderland's first priority must be finding a new manager and one who can pick up where Mowbray left off to guide the Black Cats towards the play-offs in the Championship.

So far, we've seen the likes of Will Still and Kim Hellberg linked with the Sunderland job, as those at the Stadium of Light continue their search for the next manager in the all-important hot seat.

Whoever arrives will have the almost immediate responsibility of making their mark on the Sunderland side through the January transfer window, which could make or break their season. That said, the Black Cats are reportedly already eyeing a move for one particular La Liga gem.

Sunderland transfer news

Sunderland don't operate with the biggest budget in the Championship, instead often relying on cheap moves or smart loan deals to keep their promotion hopes alive. We've seen the likes of Amad Diallo arrive before becoming a crucial player in a short loan period at Sunderland in what is the perfect example of how wise they can be in the transfer market. Now, they could show off this transfer tactic yet again to welcome a La Liga gem to Wearside.

According to TEAMtalk, Sunderland are eyeing a move to sign Sevilla youngster Musa Drammeh, who is available for a cut-price in January with his contract coming to an end in six months. The Black Cats have already reportedly sent scouts to watch the forward play for Sevilla Atletico – Sevilla's B team – this season and could now strike to land a bargain deal.

Sunderland aren't the only Championship club reportedly interested in Drammeh, however, with Birmingham City also eyeing a January move for the young striker, who is on the verge of a first-team debut at Sevilla.

Drammeh is ready for first-team football

Drammeh's stats show that he is a player ready for first-team football, whether that be for Sevilla or, indeed, another European club. The forward has scored five goals and assisted a further two strikes in 13 appearances for the La Liga side's B team in the current campaign so far. And at 22 years old, Drammeh must start making steps towards bigger and better things.

We saw last season just how much young players can thrive at Sunderland through the success of Diallo. If the Black Cats can now land another young gem in the form of Drammeh, they could finally have a replacement for their former loanee's star power. Heading into the weekend, only Watford and Preston North End have scored fewer goals than Sunderland in the Championship's top ten this season, highlighting just how important it is for them to reinforce their attacking options when the January transfer window opens.

Sunderland could forget Still by appointing EFL boss who plays "similar system"

The Black Cats could poach this exceptional EFL manager to replace Tony Mowbray, forgetting about Will Still instantly if the deal was successful.

ByKelan Sarson Dec 8, 2023

Of course, Sunderland must first find a new manager after Mowbray's dismissal before turning their attention to additions who have the chance to transform things at the Stadium of Light ahead of a key promotion push. Whether Drammeh is part of that push as a new arrival remains to be seen, however.

Former Arsenal star Ian Wright has been left thrilled after an "amazing" gesture by Tottenham Hotspur supporters for their Spurs side.

Latest Tottenham news

Spurs are absolutely flying under new manager Ange Postecoglou and the feeling around north London is one of real excitement.

The north Londoners, just six months after Antonio Conte's infamous rant attacking Tottenham, have put the Italian's tenure to bed with some rip-roaring displays this season.

Spurs have tasted victory in four out out of their opening four Premier League games so far; remaining unbeaten while standing out as the division's third-highest goalscorers.

Postecoglous brand of exciting, attack-minded football has been on full display for all to see, with Tottenham sealing impressive wins over Man United, Bournemouth, Burnley and Sheffield United.

The Lilywhites were forced to really dig deep for their latest victory against the latter side, and it took two very late goals to overturn a 1-0 deficit.

Gustavo Hamer's strike against the run of play was later overturned courtesy of dramatic, last-gasp strikes from Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski – with Postecoglou later hailing his side's elite mentality.

The signs of promise are very, very evident and Tottenham's manager believes supporters shouldn't lower their expectations atoll.

“No, no, no, let them go, let them go and enjoy it," said Postecoglou to the media.

"My role is not to burst people's bubbles. Let them get excited, let them get ahead of themselves. That's the beauty of being a supporter.

"They go through enough pain mate, you want to let them enjoy it. If they think we're going to be world beaters then great, that's up to us to match that expectation. Our supporters deserve to have some happiness and enjoy it any way they want to.”

What Ian Wright has said about Tottenham

Speaking to Premier League productions [18/09/23 at 2:10 pm], Wright has reacted to Tottenham's latest win while holding special praise for supporters.

Taking aim at the "celebration police", the former Arsenal star turned pundit claimed Spurs supporters shouldn't be criticised for their incredible celebrations after Kulusevski's last second winner – praising their gesture of real excitement.

“This one? This is the latest ever? Wow,” said Wright (as transcribed by HITC).

“Look at the crowd. What I was pleased to see there is the rapturous applause and the celebrations of Spurs.

“We (Arsenal) have already had one of those this season (against Manchester United) where you score a late one, it’s what it is about.

“At the latter stage of a game and you snatch it. Fans should be enjoying it. People say ‘oh, the celebration police come out’. They say ‘why are they celebrating, it’s only five games?’. It’s amazing.”

It was a match full of emotion and perhaps exemplifies the stunning job Postecoglou, his Spurs staff and players have done to reinstill much-needed positivity at the club.

Tottenham lost star striker Harry Kane to Bayern Munich over the summer; a transfer which seriously worried sections of the fanbase given just how crucial he was for many, many years.

However, despite his departure, the club have come on leaps and bounds under Postecoglou – and it will be interesting to see if they can challenge for top four/silverware.

Leeds United return to action in the Championship tonight, with the daunting task of halting the indomitable Leicester City machine at the King Power Stadium.

Daniel Farke's side have been impressive in the second tier after enduring a slow start, having been relegated from the Premier League after three years, and are now firmly in promotion contention, though the third-placed Whites are already 14 points behind the table-toppers.

Leeds team news

Avoiding defeat could be the goal tonight, with Enzo Maresca's side winning 13 of their 14 matches this term, losing only to Hull City, and while Leeds have won four of their past five, losing tonight would provide the Foxes with a 17-point buffer already at this early stage.

Leeds appear to have found some real fluidity in offence and Crysencio Summerville and Dan James have been wreaking havoc on the flanks of late, so they will likely start.

Georginio Rutter and Joel Piroe's partnership down the centre has been up for debate, but again, Farke could stick with his guns there.

Junior Firpo could be in line for his first involvement of the campaign after returning to team training just shy of two weeks ago, but Joe Gelhardt is out for the foreseeable after

Joe Rodon, Sam Byram, also Summerville were all fitness concerns following the Huddersfield mauling, but Elland Road's German gaffer has eased concerns of unavailability.

Archie Gray's season in numbers

While the attacking department is unlikely to receive must tinkering, Farke will be wrestling with the best choice to quench the Foxes' fiery frontline, with Stephy Mavididi particularly terrifying after signing from Montpellier in the summer, and might boldly opt to unleash precocious talent Archie Gray.

The 25-year-old Mavididi has posted three goals and assists apiece thus far and put in a sensational showing against Queens Park Rangers last time out, bagging a goal, an assist, and also making five key passes, as per Sofascore.

The experienced Luke Ayling has been a solid, industrious leader this season but might not fare well against the electric Leicester man, who ranks among the top 3% of positional peers across divisions similar to the Championship over the past year for progressive carries and the top 5% for touches in the attacking box per 90, as per FBref.

With this in mind, Gray could be the man for the job, having been praised by James for his talent, who said: "The ability he’s got is something that he can take to be one of the best players in the Premier League if not the world."

Once hailed as “phenomenal” by ex-Whites forward Jermaine Beckford, Gray's level this term has been just that, considering he is still only 17 years old, with the dynamic player starting 11 Championship matches thus far, though he was an unused substitute against Huddersfield last time out.

A 6 foot midfielder, the starlet has deputised at right-back for his past three league outings and starred against Bristol City last month, incredibly winning 11 of 14 duels, making seven tackles, and completing one key pass.

It is this kind of assiduous tenacity that could stifle Mavididi, effectively shutting down one of Maresca's most important attacking outlets, as the English forward's dribbling skills could be locked down by the teenage sensation, due to his tough-tackling nature.

Despite his youth, Farke must seriously consider deploying Gray from the outset once again, it would be a bold move indeed, but one that could pay dividends as the Yorkshire outfit seek to close the gap on the top two.

Tottenham Hotspur have a rich history of academy production, with their current squad propped up by a strong youthful core, and teams of the past having been built around graduates who fans can relate with.

Making your way up and eventually featuring for your boyhood club is a dream every supporter has so to watch a youngster achieve it makes it that much more special when they perform. It is what made Manchester United's 'Class of 92' so special, and what led the Lilywhites to fall so madly in love with Harry Kane.

As one of the most famous products of the north London outfit, which has played host to some truly outstanding players in recent memory, the current England captain arguably stands out above all given the records he would shatter.

He outlived numerous managers, and although his departure was a gut-wrenching one over the summer, the renewed hope that Ange Postecoglou has brought has eased the pain that such a move would have otherwise facilitated.

The Australian was appointed to oversee a revolution in N17, after numerous failed tenures that did not deliver on the silverware promised. Now, the former Celtic man is seeking to usher in a fresh, exciting era at the club, hopefully laden with the trophies they have been avoiding.

It is a testament to his start to life at his new club that few are complaining about Kane's sale, but that does not mean it is not worth mentioning.

Is Harry Kane a Spurs legend?

When they offloaded the 30-year-old, the north Londoners lost far more than just the goals they were essentially promised every year. Although, that by itself was astronomical.

The current Bayern Munich man made an astonishing 430 appearances for Spurs across his 19-year tenure, stretching back into his youth days, and would score 278 times.

His clinical nature saw him surpass Jimmy Greaves' record for most goals scored for the club, whilst Kane even added elite creativity to his game that made him one of the best strikers in the world. This was perfectly outlined during the 2020/21 Premier League term, where he scored 23 and assisted 14, winning both the Golden Boot and the Playmaker award in the same year.

During this period, he unsurprisingly earned praise, with pundit Paul Merson even noting: "He's got an all-round game and I personally think he's the best centre-forward in the world, he's the only player I know who has got the whole package. People will go 'oh (Erling) Haaland, he's 20, he scores goals, that's what he brings to the party'. Kane brings everything to the party.

"He's got an array of passing, he can put people in, he can join the play. I can't talk highly enough of the lad, I really can't, he's a special, special player."

This was extended even into his last year in north London, where his 30 league goals marked an astronomical figure for a side that had been so poor. Postecoglou may have pleaded with him to stay, but the £100m offer from the Bavarian giants proved too lucrative to decline.

2022/23

30

3

7.44

2021/22

17

9

7.38

2020/21

23

14

7.63

2019/20

18

2

7.24

2018/19

17

4

7.29

All stats via Sofascore

The 58-year-old tactician would still speak highly of the man he oversaw briefly: "It's only fair on a day like today that our supporters do have a sense of mourning and loss, as despite the lack of success at the club, he's been a hero to them."

However, Kane's success has not solely been tied to his club form, as in March he actually surpassed Wayne Rooney to become England's all-time leading scorer. It was widely expected that, had he remained in England, Alan Shearer's Premier League record was massively under threat too.

Despite that, he is a man who no longer plays for the club, with all his successes now a thing of the past. Postecoglou is promising a brighter future regardless of that setback, with one of his youngsters potentially set to step up to fill this vacancy.

Who is Alejo Veliz?

As he acted shrewdly in the market to recover from such a crushing loss, the signing of James Maddison, in particular, having paid off as the Englishman only recently took home the Premier League Player of the Month award for August.

It is exciting to see the direction he seeks to take the Lilywhites, although that number nine position still feels rather empty.

Even with Heung-min Son's hat trick last time out, it is unlikely that the South Korean will play there for a full season, even with Richarlison's faltering form.

So, it will be a welcome sight to see youngster Alejo Veliz training with the first-team, with the Argentine one of those aforementioned summer additions that perhaps went under the radar. "Alejo is finally on the pitch, which is great." Postecoglou recently noted. "It was his first session yesterday. He's been impatient waiting to get started. It was good to have him involved yesterday and he'll be available from here on as well."

The 19-year-old joined for a £13m fee, with great reviews from his homeland. In fact, Daniel Bertoni, who won the World Cup with Argentina in 1978, was desperate to praise the teenage striker: "Congratulations to Tottenham, who took Alejo Veliz from Rosario Central. For me, [Veliz is] a phenomenon.”

Postecoglou would supplement this by profiling his newest forward: "He’s got a lot of talent for a youngster. He’s got a great profile. He’s a big guy but he’s very mobile and he works hard."

To already be tearing up senior football at his age is a hugely impressive feat, with his 11 goals in the Argentinian top flight last term a fine figure to build on the six he had scored the year prior.

Adding to this, he also notched three times in four matches at the recent U20 World Cup, as if to emphasise his international pedigree too.

Although far from a similar profile to Kane physically, as he seems like a far more hard-working and brutish forward, the goals he could score might make him the heir to the position left vacant by their legendary ex-marksman.

With Richarlison once again faltering in front of goal, having recorded just one league strike last term and seen his position taken by a natural left winger already this season, it seems an opportunity is opening up for someone to step into Kane's place. Despite his youth, Veliz has all the attributes to be that man.

After last season's successful top four finish in the Premier League, Newcastle United have been left to balance Champions League football on top of any domestic action. And, so far, Eddie Howe's side have coped fairly well. They sit four points adrift of the Champions League places and have lost just one European game, which came in their recent outing against Borussia Dortmund.

As it turns out, too, that loss came with an even greater blow, with Alexander Isak limping off through injury, leaving Howe with just one striker to call on in the form of Callum Wilson. The injury exposes Newcastle's lack of depth when it comes to attacking options, especially with two wingers now out in the shape of Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy, turning their attention towards the January transfer window.

Newcastle transfer news

Now at the end of October, Newcastle's summer business is looking less and less spectacular by the day, with Barnes missing through injury and Sandro Tonali set to serve a ten-month ban. That said, the Magpies have the ideal opportunity to set things right in January, and that could result in the arrival of a new forward, especially after Isak's injury along with Wilson's persistent problems.

The latest Serhou Guirassy transfer news certainly suggests that may be the case. According to The Shields Gazette, the Vfb Stuttgart striker could find himself on Newcastle's shortlist of potential options when the January transfer window swings open. It comes as little surprise to see Guirassy's name mentioned when it comes to a top side, given that he has got off to a blistering start in the Bundesliga this season.

It remains to be seen whether Newcastle decide to make their move for the in-form striker, who will undoubtedly have several admirers when it comes to a potential winter exit – he would definitely solve the Magpies' depth issue, that's for sure.

Serhou Guirassy's stats

To say that the Stuttgart man has enjoyed an incredible start to the campaign would be an understatement. Guirassy's stats show that he is having one of the best goalscoring seasons in the entirety of European football, with his focus firmly fixed on winning the Bundesliga golden boot ahead of the likes of Harry Kane. He has even outperformed Newcastle's Isak and Wilson, as per FBref.

Player

Goals

Assists

Progressive Passes

Serhou Guirassy

14

1

13

Callum Wilson

5

0

2

Alexander Isak

6

0

10

It comes as no shock, then, that Guirassy has been the centre of praise this season, with Seb Stafford-Bloor taking to X to post: "Goals 11, 12 and 13 for Serhou Guirassy this season and now approaching an average of two goals/game. An outrageous hot streak."

The January transfer window can make or break a season, and for Newcastle, it could be the difference between a place in next season's Champions League or what will be a frustrating spot in either the Europa League or Europa Conference League. Guirassy would play a large part in helping the Magpies to avoid the latter, but at this stage, it remains to be seen whether they'll pursue the forward.

Manchester United return to domestic duty following the recent international break today as Erik ten Hag’s side travel to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United in the Premier League.

The Dutchman will be hoping to carry on the momentum which saw United secure a stunning last-gasp win against Brentford in their last league match, although he will have to make a few changes to his starting XI.

What is the Man Utd team news vs Sheffield United?

Ten Hag will travel to Sheffield knowing quite a few of his players will miss the tie against the Blades due to injury problems.

Indeed, the Dutchman will be without Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez and Aaron Wan-Bissaka while the likes of Tyrell Malacia and Raphael Varane are also unavailable.

A new name has been added to those who will miss the tie, as Casemiro won’t be available due to suffering an ankle injury whilst on international duty for Brazil.

The midfielder was withdrawn during the 1-1 draw against Venezuela, with manager Fernando Diniz saying: "He asked to come off due to a blow to his ankle."

Ten Hag will now need to replace the 31-year-old, who was the only outfield player to feature in all 11 of United’s matches so far this term.

Scott McTominay is certainly an option, especially after his confidence-boosting cameo against Thomas Frank's men a couple of weeks ago.

Could Scott McTominay replace Casemiro?

The Scot didn’t start the tie against the Bees, but he certainly finished it. Trailing by a goal to nil heading into injury time, McTominay popped up and made himself a hero, and potentially kick-starting United’s season in the process.

While he only took five touches of the ball and completed just two passes, the midfielder scored an equaliser, before coming up with a Fergie-esque winner to secure a stunning comeback victory.

McTominay has only started two matches all season, but the £60k-per-week star gave everyone at Old Trafford a glimpse of just what he offers when given a chance.

His form for Scotland during the Euro 2024 qualifiers is testament to this. Across six matches for his country, he has scored a whopping six goals, while taking 2.3 shots per game and averaging 37.8 touches each match, and it is time Ten Hag gave him a proper chance in the Red Devils starting XI.

Lauded as “sensational” by broadcaster David Tanner following his goal for Scotland against Cyprus last month, the Dutchman will hope he can translate his form for his national side to his club as they seek points in the league.

The academy graduate managed just ten starts in the Premier League last term, yet created two big chances, succeeded with 59% of his attempted dribbles, won 60% of his aerial duels and lost possession just 5.4 times on average per game.

He has slipped down the pecking order of late, yet with injuries starting to take their toll on the Old Trafford side, the former Ajax boss might have no choice but to slot McTominay into the heart of his midfield.

It could well turn out to be a wise move.

Chelsea and Todd Boehly by extension could be forced to sell a "clever" star in January, even if Mauricio Pochettino "may be keen" for him to stay.

Latest Chelsea news

The west Londoners spent £397 million on the signings of Christopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi, Nicolas Jackson, Lesley Ugochukwu, Robert Sanchez, Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer, Djordje Petrovic, Angelo and Deivid Washington in the summer transfer window, but it hasn't exactly been a wonderful start to the new Premier League season.

Pochettino's men have dropped points against Liverpool, West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth and, most recently Aston Villa – despite creating a host of chances against Unai Emery's side last weekend. The Blues slumped to a 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge, with the Chelsea boss giving a damning assesment of his squad who need to "grow up".

“We need to grow up like a team, not only in an individual way,” Chelsea’s head coach said.

“I think players like Nico who are so young and feeling the Premier League, they need time. In this type of game, we are competing and want to win and football is about winning. But also players, when they are young, need to learn, and experience and make mistakes. That’s why we feel disappointed as there are too many situations like this.”

Next up, Chelsea take on Fulham in a west London derby clash at Craven Cottage on Monday, and supporters will be hoping they can turn their dismal form around sooner rather than later.

What's the latest Chelsea transfer news?

On the field, things aren't going to plan at the moment, but off the field, there could be some interesting developments. Indeed, Pochettino's side are reportedly one of the teams plotting a January move for Brentford star Ivan Toney, while certain squad members could face the axe.

Left-back Marc Cucurella is being linked with a Stamford Bridge exit, and despite his good form under Pochettino, another player who could depart is young Dutch ace Ian Maatsen in the same position. The 21-year-old has been introduced on four separate occasions by Pochettino this season, and the coach is actually a big admirer of him.

"I am so happy with him," said Pochettino in a recent press conference. "He is a player that can play in different positions. He has quality, he understands the game, and he is such a clever player. So far, he is in my plan, yes. I am so pleased with him, as I’ve said, because of his attitude, commitment and his understanding of the game."

However, according to journalist Matt Law of The Telegraph, Chelsea could actually be forced to listen to offers for Maatsen in January if he doesn't sign a contract extension – coming after they had agreed a fee with Burnley in the summer window. Given Cucurella could well depart the club, Pochettino "may be keen" for Maatsen to remain where is given the lack of cover in that position.

Maatsen could also be a crucial player in the next two games, as Malo Gusto, Reece James and Ben Chilwell are all out right now.

Newcastle United failed to make it back-to-back victories in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon with a disappointing 1-1 draw away at Brighton and Hove Albion.

Gaining all three points would have seen Eddie Howe’s Magpies really lay down a marker when it comes to their top five aspirations, but this draw means the tussle between themselves, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest will only intensify more ahead of a thrilling May to follow.

On another day, however, the Tyneside outfit could have returned back home empty-handed, with more heroics from Alexander Isak thankfully bailing the visitors out.

Isak's heroics on the South Coast

It’s hardly a surprise now when Isak’s name flashes up as a goalscorer for the Toon, with the unerringly accurate Newcastle number 14 now up to 27 goals in all competitions after firing home a last-gasp penalty on the South Coast.

The spot-kick beating Bart Verbruggen also means Isak is now on a hefty 23 Premier League strikes, with this total being the most lethal tally a Newcastle player has managed in league action since Alan Shearer’s 22-goal haul during the 2003/04 campaign.

Amazingly, Howe’s men had actually had two penalties overturned via VAR before Isak’s was given, meaning it was crucial that the lethal Swede fired home with confidence, and he did just that to send the away masses into momentary delirium.

Away from his effort from the spot wrongfooting the Seagulls goalkeeper, it was somewhat of a quiet day at the office from Isak in open play, seen in the 25-year-old only registering two efforts on goal and 20 accurate passes, away from his last-gasp moment of quality.

But, any negatives from his overall game were quickly brushed under the carpet after the penalty trickled in.

Whereas, one of Isak’s attacking teammates might well find his starting spot is up for grabs after an entirely unmemorable performance against Fabian Hurzeler’s hosts.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The 5/10 Newcastle star who could now be dropped

It’s clear when reading over the match numbers that there were a whole host of underperformers from Newcastle’s perspective.

Indeed, having posted two assists last weekend, Kieran Trippier was nowhere near his rampaging best down the right flank when squandering possession 15 times, whilst Joe Willock struggled too in an attacking capacity when making just 17 accurate passes, also booked for diving.

But, Jacob Murphy would be the biggest letdown for Howe, considering the usually electric number 23 has eight goals and 11 assists next to his name across 32 Premier League outings this season, but offered virtually nothing when bombing forward against the Seagulls.

This would result in Howe putting Murphy out of his misery on the 56th minute mark, with the Magpies boss clearly fed up by the fact the 30-year-old had registered just one effort on Verbruggen’s goal when still on the pitch, among other lacklustre numbers.

Minutes played

56

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

30

Accurate passes

17/22 (77%)

Accurate crosses

0/2

Accurate long balls

0/1

Shots

1

Successful dribbles

1/2

Total duels won

1/4

Frustratingly, Murphy would also tally up no accurate crosses, no accurate long balls and just one successful dribble when attempting to create an opening for the visitors, on top of also failing to be aggressive when needed when winning just one duel from four attempted.

Arguably, the 30-year-old’s replacement in Anthony Gordon offered more from his limited minutes on the Brighton turf, with one of the overturned penalties on the day coming about from the ex-Everton man’s burst of pace, alongside the lively attacker winning four of his own duels.

Northern Echo journalist Scott Wilson would hand out a low 5/10 rating to the former Norwich City winger subsequently stating that his afternoon was defined by a number of promising crossing opportunities being ‘wasted.’

It could well be time for Howe to axe Murphy from his starting lineup to freshen up proceedings, therefore, with the Magpies boss hopeful that both Gordon and Harvey Barnes next to Isak can cause Chelsea all sorts of bother in a huge Premier League clash up next.

In-demand player would rather join Newcastle despite offer from Barcelona

The Magpies could land his signature…

1 BySean Markus Clifford May 4, 2025

When Manchester United take one step forward in one game, they take five steps backwards in the next.

After a 3-0 win away at Everton last Sunday, the Red Devils suffered a further blow in Europe by crumbling to a 3-3 draw in Istanbul against Galatasaray in midweek and were bested by top-four rivals Newcastle United on Saturday night in the Premier League.

Erik ten Hag will be left scratching his head once more after his side's performance away at St. James' Park. Man United had just eight shots on goal against the Magpies, with only three coming from inside the penalty area. All eight attempts at goal registered a measly xG of merely 0.48 which averages out at 0.06 xG per shot.

The centre-forward position has become a graveyard shift this season at Old Trafford and the noticeable lack of service to the striker is quite stark during games, but United's frontmen are struggling to convert the chances that are created. As a result, Ten Hag is eyeing up a player in January who could potentially alleviate his team's goalscoring woes.

Manchester United transfer links – Serhou Guirassy

According to The Guardian, Manchester United have added VfB Stuttgart centre-forward Serhou Guirassy to the club's Christmas wishlist ahead of the winter window to provide adequate competition for Rasmus Hojlund.

The outlet are reporting that the English giants have made contact with the player's agent and that the Guinea international has a release clause of just £15.1m which United could activate over the coming weeks.

Guirassy has had an incredible rise to stardom this season, breaking Robert Lewandowski's Bundesliga record by scoring ten goals in the first five matches of the campaign. The 27-year-old is currently second in the goalscoring charts with 16 goals. Only England captain Harry Kane has found the net more times this season in Germany's top-flight.

In addition to the Manchester United links, Stuttgart's star striker is reportedly being eyed up by a whole host of clubs in England, including Arsenal, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Serhou Guirassy's stats this season

With his fifteen goals for Stuttgart, Guirassy has scored more than three times Manchester United's £72m summer showpiece signing Hojlund who has converted five opportunities this term, with all five coming in the Champions League.

Meanwhile. United's backup centre-forward Anthony Martial has scored just twice in all competitions for the English giants. Overall, Guirassy has scored more than double Ten Hag's two frontmen put together.

The surprise academy star who could replace Martial at Man Utd

Ten Hag could turn to some United youngsters in order to bolster his attack

ByRoss Kilvington Nov 20, 2023

The former Rennes number '9' is one of the most prolific goalscorers in European football this season and has outperformed both Hojlund and Martial in several key attacking metrics in all competitions.

Goals

1.77

0.4

0.31

Expected Goals

1.16

0.5

0.24

Shots

4.58

2.02

1.09

Shots On Target

2.08

0.81

0.63

Goals Per Shot

0.32

0.2

0.29

Stuttgart teammate and Brighton and Hove Albion loanee Denis Undav even described Guirassy as "ice cold" in front of goal, having scored 1.77 goals per 90 which is a tremendous record for a striker.

Since the beginning of the 2022/23 season, no player in Germany's top tier has scored more times than the Guinean with 27 goals in 33 appearances.

Additionally, Guirassy is one of only three players to score 15 or more goals in Europe's top-five leagues this term, alongside Bayern's Kane and Paris Saint-Germain's Ballon d'Or nominee Kylian Mbappe, meaning the Stuttgart frontman has achieved this feat quicker than even Manchester City's goalscoring machine Erling Haaland.

Bruno Fernandes' stats this season

Bruno Fernandes has been Manchester United's main creative fulcrum since moving to the club almost four years ago, recording 59 assists in 205 appearances since joining the Red Devils.

Before this weekend's fixtures, the captain had the second-highest expected assisted goals tally in the Premier League behind Liverpool star Mohamed Salah with 4.9.

Compared to all other number 10s in Europe's top five leagues over the past calendar year, Bruno is in the top 15% for assists per 90, the top 1% for expected assists per 90 and the top 1% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

However, United's skipper has actually underperformed his 0.37 expected assisted goals per 90 by registering just 0.26 assists per 90. The underperformance comes as a result of his strikers not being able to convert the opportunities that he creates. As a result, that man Guirassy could well be perfect for a creative talent such as Fernandes.

Both Hojlund and Martial have a higher xG per 90 rate than goals per 90 in the Premier League as the duo have struggled for consistency while leading the line. Meanwhile, Guirassy has scored 0.59 goals per 90 from an xG of 0.57 per 90 in the Bundesliga.

Additionally, Fernandes is whipping 6.27 crosses into the penalty area per 90 and needs a centre-forward who can be dangerous in the air to get on the end of these balls.

Guirassy is winning 3.1 aerial duels per 90 this term and 57.4% of his total duels in the air. The duo could complement each other very nicely in the final third should Man United decide to activate Guirassy's modest release clause.

Manchester City have deployed chiefs to watch a new forward live in action as they consider bringing him to the Premier League, according to a reliable journalist.

Man City's season so far

The Sky Blues have made a fantastic start to the new campaign having won nine, drawn one and lost just two of their opening 12 games, meaning that they currently find themselves at the top of the table during the international break.

Whilst Pep Guardiola will be happy with his side’s form and confident that they can go on to achieve big things this term like last season, that may not stop him from assessing his options in the market to see if he could bolster his ranks with players who will improve the squad.

Ahead of January, Napoli’s left-winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has been identified as a potential target having established himself as Walter Mazzarri’s overall best-performing player so far this season with a match rating of 7.50 (WhoScored – Napoli statistics).

The Georgia international still has another four years remaining on his deal at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium (Napoli contracts), but regardless of his situation, the 22-year-old has been brought onto the radar of the hierarchy at the Etihad Stadium.

Man City send scouts to assess Khvicha Kvaratskhelia

Taking to X, reporter Graeme Bailey confirmed that Man City deployed representatives to watch Kvaratskhelia during Georgia's 3-1 defeat to Spain on Sunday, with the forward scoring in a 3-1 defeat.

He wrote: "Chelsea, Man City, Man Utd and Newcastle make Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scouting trip. Kvaratskhelia is one of Europe's most intriguing and in-demand talents. Napoli are hopeful of finalising new deal with the Georgian."

However, expanding in his column for 90min, the reporter revealed that the forward is in talks to extend his contract with his current club by a further 12 months which will include a significant pay rise, so any potential suitors may have to act fast should they want to tempt him into starting a new adventure elsewhere in January.

Kvaratskhelia is a real "magician" in the final third

Since putting pen to paper at Napoli, Kvaratskhelia has posted 39 contributions, 22 assists and 17 goals, in 58 appearances which shows just how extremely prolific he can be in the opposition’s penalty area (Transfermarkt – Kvaratskhelia stats).

Sponsored by Nike, the two-footed talent has also recorded 41 shots over the course of the current campaign which is more than any other of his fellow teammates (FBRef – Napoli stats), representing his constant desire to hit the back of the net.

Key passes

Likes to cut inside

Finishing

Likes to dribble

Dribbling

Likes to do layoffs

Through balls

Passing

The Serie A “magician”, as dubbed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, even has the versatility to operate in five different positions over the grass, including everywhere across the frontline alongside as an attacking midfielder, so it could be a deal to watch ahead of 2024.