Manchester United are monitoring young Bayern Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender.
The 23-year-old has put together a string of impressive performances for his club which has helped him brake into the German national side.
Bayern Munich tried to buy Bender in the summer but Leverkusen sporting director Rudi Voller is keen to keep hold of his star players.
United scouts have taken an interest and have watched him represent both his club and his country where he plays in midfield or at right back.
United look to continue to add to their youthful transfer policy and Bender who joined Leverkusen from 1860 Munich in 2009 will certainly fit the bill for Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.
The midfielder has begun to attract interest from clubs around Europe and has impressed during his three seasons at the BayArena and more recently, under Joachim Low’s national side.
Bender is a box-to-box midfielder and has been integral to the tireless German side, which is why it’s no surprise that Europe’s ‘Elite’ have begun to take notice of the Bavarian born player.
Ferguson has had an eye on the future for some time and has put a lot of faith into the younger generation of late. He has brought in the likes of David de Gea, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Javier Hernandez in recent seasons, English youngster Nick Powell and Chilean forward Angelo Henriquez have also been picked up during the Premier League transfer window.
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Lars’s twin brother Sven, who plays for Borussia Dortmund, is also sought after and likewise could make a big money move in the near future.
Not many would have guessed last week that Liverpool’s back-up keeper with just 17 senior career appearances in all competitions would be called the hero as they lift a piece of silverware.
That is exactly though what Caoimhin Kelleher did yesterday in the EFL Cup Final against Chelsea, after keeping a clean-sheet before scoring his spot-kick as the Reds won on penalties.
The Irish shot-stopper was trusted by manager Jurgen Klopp to keep out the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Kai Havertz and Mason Mount – and the decision came under criticism from the likes of Jamie Carragher, who said: “I was the idiot before the game who questioned playing Kelleher – he’s the hero now!”
The 23-year-old, who was described as “faultless” didn’t just earn a medal for his heroics, he also wrote himself into the Liverpool history books after becoming the first goalkeeper to win three penalty shootouts for the club.
He was also singled out by his manager for praise, with Klopp calling him “the world’s best number two goalkeeper.”
Despite all the plaudits earned and heads turned with his performance, having been behind in the pecking order for four years now, it’s unlikely that the Cork-born keeper would be happy with being a ‘number two’ for much longer – however it’s crucial that the Merseyside club hold on to him.
Having a ready-made back-up option with enough quality to step in and replace Alisson – one of the world’s best, is something not many teams have the luxury of utilising.
An even bigger advantage to retaining Kelleher is his homegrown status, having been with the club since he joined as a 16-year-old back in 2015.
The club could look at letting Adrian go to free-up a foreign player spot in their squad registration, and they would not need to replace him with another goalkeeper either as the 6 foot 2 Republic of Ireland international has transitioned smoothly into becoming Klopp’s second-choice, and another keeper from the academy could soon follow suit.
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Having a quality keeper like Kelleher who has come through the academy and knows the club inside and out as well as being able to cover for Alisson whenever required will also prevent the club from potentially spending millions, as other clubs have done, on a back-up.
In other news: Forget Ox: Klopp must now unleash “classy” £1.8m-rated LFC maestro one last time
Tottenham Hotspur remain without four first-team stars ahead of their FA Cup clash against Middlesbrough this evening…
What’s the latest?
That’s according to Evening Standard reporter Dan Kilpatrick, who delivered a worrying update to social media ahead of tonight’s encounter at the Riverside Stadium.
“Team news for Boro is the same as Leeds,” he revealed.
“[Oliver] Skipp, [Rodrigo] Bentancur, Lucas [Moura], [Japhet] Tanganga [are] all still sidelined.”
Spurs face the Championship outfit with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
Huge blow
This will come as gutting news to manager Antonio Conte as he is still without four important players, in which three are arguable starters with the latter – Tanganga – usually in line for an appearance in a competition like this.
The FA Cup presents one last opportunity for the Italian to seal instant silverware in north London at a club starved of glory since 2008. They are out of both the Carabao Cup and the Europa Conference League, whilst only a place inside the Premier League’s top four is viable from here.
It’s also a competition that Conte has won before at Chelsea, so he knows all too well what it would mean to clinch it at the end of the season and there’s a promising opportunity to be only three games away with a victory tonight.
Skipp and Bentancur are huge absentees in the engine room as it leaves the manager with only Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Harry Winks as his only senior options available, and they both played the full 90 minutes in the 4-0 win over Leeds on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Moura poses a different type of threat in the attack and whilst he may have lost his place to deadline day signing Dejan Kulusevski, this game would’ve been the perfect chance to hand him some more minutes.
Just like with Tanganga, whose versatility of playing anywhere in defence makes him a valuable rotation option.
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To not have any of these four players available at the Riverside is surely a gutting blow, regardless of the opposition, as Conte may not be able to freshen up his starting XI as much as he would’ve perhaps liked.
With important top-flight games against Everton and Manchester United on the horizon, the 52-year-old will be hoping some of, if not all, of his absent stars are back in time.
AND in other news, Forget Bale: Conte has a new secret weapon at Spurs in “explosive” £27m-rated monster…
Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Pete O’Rourke has made a promising Tottenham Hotspur transfer claim involving Inter Milan defender and Antonio Conte target Stefan de Vrij.
The Lowdown: Conte eyes de Vrij move…
It is believed that Tottenham’s head coach has personally earmarked the possible signing of his former centre-back this summer.
Indeed, reports out of Italy in this last week suggest that Conte has requested de Vrij as a target with Spurs managing director Fabio Paratici and chairman Daniel Levy willing to offer him a four-year deal (InterLive.it).
The Nerrazzuri allegedly value their star defender at around €25-30m (£20.7m-£24.8m) with his San Siro deal set to expire in 2023.
The Latest: O’Rourke makes claim….
Speaking to GMS, reporter O’Rourke now suggests that Tottenham, and by extension Levy, are willing to pay ‘whatever the price’ for de Vrij and will be interested regardless of the fee needed.
When asked if Spurs would be keen on a move for the Netherlands international, he explained:
“Definitely. They would be interested in De Vrij whatever the price tag is.”
The Verdict: Ideal man…
Given his obvious quality, potentially bargain price tag and vast experience at the top level – signing the 30-year-old should almost definitely be considered.
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Former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson, speaking to Football Insider recently, explained how de Vrij is the ‘perfect fit’ for Conte and the Lilywhites – going on to rave over the ‘world class’ defender.
Taking into account plaudits like this, the central defender could be what Tottenham’s boss is crying out for as he seeks to upgrade his N17 roster.
In other news: Conte green-lights Spurs move for ‘world-beater’ as price tag plummets by nearly 50%, find out more here.
Tottenham Hotspur correspondent Alasdair Gold has now shared a Spurs stadium naming rights update during a questions and answers session on Reddit.
The Lowdown: £500m talks?
In the last week, there have been rumours of a major development in £500 million talks with an unnamed company as Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy continue to seek out a mega money naming rights agreement for the club.
Football Insider recently broke news of the negotiations with discussions having now been held over a potential 20-year deal – coming over two years after Levy commenced his search for a £25 million-per-year contract.
Spurs even appointed former NFL executive Todd Kline last year as the club’s chief commercial officer in a bid to boost their efforts.
Kline has previously played a role in brokering a marquee 18-year naming rights deal for the Miami Dolphins worth around £180m but even his presence hasn’t resulted in a breakthrough just yet.
Now, Gold has shared what he’s heard after Football Insider’s big development.
The Latest: Gold shares update…
Taking to Reddit, speaking in a Spurs fan Q&A, the reliable journalist says that while talks have indeed been held with multiple interested parties, nothing is in fact close.
“I’m told Spurs are constantly having discussions with different interested parties but nothing is close,” Gold explained.
“I can’t believe they haven’t been able to get a great deal for that incredible stadium. I can only presume they’re waiting until the post-pandemic era kicks in and money is more readily available for companies.”
The Verdict: A huge priority…
As managing director Fabio Paratici takes the reins in overseeing Tottenham’s on-field activity, securing the naming rights in a big potential financial boost should be Levy’s number one priority with no distractions.
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The Lilywhites announced an £84 million loss after tax in their latest set of financial results and finally agreeing a stadium sponsorship contract could go a long way to reducing Spurs’ mounting debt.
Tottenham supporters and Levy will certainly be hoping that a breakthrough can be reached sooner rather than later.
In other news: ‘I have to say’…Simon Jordan fires live-on-air dig at Spurs player who gets too much ‘credit’, find out more here.
Frank Lampard has now dropped some positive Everton injury news on Yerry Mina ahead of their game at home to Newcastle United on Thursday night.
The Lowdown: Injury update
Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of the match (via The Liverpool Echo), Lampard confirmed that both Mina and Fabian Delph were ruled out through injury, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin is still to be ‘assessed’ after taking ill during their 1-0 loss at home to Wolves last time out.
Aside from the suspension of Jonjoe Kenny, due to his red card in that clash, the former Chelsea and Derby County manager has no other fresh concerns with regards to his squad.
The Latest: Mina boost
Despite the fact that he ruled Mina out for the clash, Lampard also gave an update on where the Colombia international is in terms of his recovery:
“Mina is still a few weeks away at best. So that one is slightly parked but he’s working very, very hard. It’s good to see.”
The Verdict: Positive
The fact that Mina is working hard to get back to full fitness is at least some positive news for the Goodison Park faithful, with ‘a few weeks’ a decent timescale for fans when two of those weeks will be an international break.
Championship back four‘, says a lot for his credentials.
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He also ranks highly among his teammates in terms of average aerial duels won, clearances and pass success per match in the top flight (WhoScored), and so Lampard will be desperate for him to recover as soon as possible for the relegation battle ahead.
In other news, find out which ‘world-class’ Lampard favourite may now leave this summer here!
Leeds United are heading for something of a transfer nightmare this summer, if emerging reports are to be believed…
What’s the word?
Not only is star winger Raphinha drawing interest ahead of the transfer window but first-choice goalkeeper Illan Meslier too.
According to the Daily Mail, the Yorkshire giants are braced to lose players before next season and both the Brazil international and the French shot-stopper are amongst their most attractive options.
It’s thought that the club’s recruitment team are already on the lookout for a replacement for Raphinha, with Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona keen, though little is mentioned about a successor to the 22-year-old gem.
Transfer nightmare
Whilst the 25-year-old dynamo is undoubtedly United’s best player, leading the squad for goals (nine) and creativity (three assists, 2.1 key passes per game), via WhoScored.
But a winger is easily replaceable, especially given the options available at Jesse Marsch’s disposal already and the fact that they already appear to be planning for life without him.
Club-record signing Daniel James is one name that could fill the void on a more permanent basis, whilst the Premier League side have been linked to many alternatives in the past, including Club Brugge’s “phenomenon” Noa Lang and Georgian wonderkid Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
However, finding someone capable of shielding the goal for many, many years is harder to come by – not since their stint in League One (2006/07 to 2009/10), have they had a long-serving no.1 – that being Casper Ankergren.
Raphinha has often provided crucial input in the final third during Leeds’ few wins this campaign but the 6 foot 4 colossus has stopped many a goal at the other end of the pitch.
When compared against the rest of the Premier League and those goalkeepers that have started in at least 50% of games played, the £42m-rated Meslier leads the league for shots saved per 90 (3.68), via FBRef.
His shot-stopping abilities have been lauded as a “rare talent” by The Athletic’s Phil Hay in the past, whilst also claiming that “the potential in him is vast.”
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Indeed, at just 22, the France U21 international has a bright future in the game and Leeds will be hoping that it’s in west Yorkshire for the foreseeable, though given these reports at this stage of the season, that seems rather unlikely.
As such, Marsch and director of football Victor Orta could be heading towards an absolute nightmare. They’ll be dealt a gutting blow if they have to try and find a new no.1 for next season.
AND in other news, Marsch dealt another gutting injury blow this international break…
Leeds United will be without Leo Hjelde against Southampton this afternoon, despite the defender returning to training.
The Lowdown: Hjelde’s surgery
Hjelde, labelled as a ‘superb player’ by Paddy Kenny following his move from Celtic last summer, has been out of action in recent weeks after breaking into Marcelo Bielsa’s first-team squad.
The 18-year-old was last seen for the Whites against Everton back in February, missing the last seven games due to a knee problem he sustained at Goodison Park.
He underwent surgery on the issue earlier this month and appears to be making good progress, however, Hjelde won’t be in the squad for the clash with Ralph Hasenuttl’s side.
The Latest: Marsch’s comments
As relayed by LeedsLive, Jesse Marsch confirmed that Hjelde has returned to training at Thorp Arch in the week but will be ‘unavailable’ for selection this afternoon.
Marsch admitted the defender was ‘close’ to making a return but will once again have to watch on from the sidelines.
The Verdict: Watford return?
It seems as if Hjelde will be able to return to the squad before the end of the season, as Marsch hoped earlier this month.
Should that prove to be the case, it will come as a welcome boost, with Hjelde showing he can cope with the Premier League’s high standards following an impressive league debut against West Ham in January.
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He’ll soon give Marsch another option at left-back, which is key due to Junior Firpo’s absence, also due to injury, and who knows, he could be ready for the trip to Watford next weekend.
In other news: Orta and Marsch now keen on signing ‘wonderful talent’ who shares agent with 6 Leeds players.
Ex-BBC pundit Noel Whelan has claimed that if West Ham United can secure European football for next season, they could seal a move for Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans.
The Lowdown: Leicester could sell Tielemans
According to a report by The Telegraph on 31 March, the Foxes are willing to sanction a £25m exit for the 24-year-old, whose contract expires in the summer of 2023.
The Irons have made it a top priority to sign a central midfielder when the transfer window reopens. David Moyes hopes to add competition to his squad, which will allow for the rotation of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek; and as a result, the Hammers have been linked with a move for the Belgium international.
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The Latest: Whelan’s claim on Tielemans
Whelan, who regularly used to feature as a pundit for the BBC, believes that West Ham could sign Tielemans if they are to maintain European football next season.
Speaking with Football Insider, the ex-Leeds striker claimed: “I think they could [sign him].
“He’s got everything, hasn’t he? Goals from outside the box, creativity, works hard, dictates the game, very competitive. And he’s at a good age – the best is yet to come.
“Leicester will be forced to let him go because players like Tielemans deserve to be playing in Europe.
“If West Ham could offer him that, then him joining really would not surprise me.
“With the likes of Benrahma around him, David Moyes could have some really good options next season.”
The Verdict: Would be a very good signing
The Belgian ranks in the 95th percentile for shot-creating actions, the 93rd percentile for total shots and the 92nd percentile for progressive passes (via FBRef). Therefore, it is clear to see why Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers hailed him as “one of Europe’s top midfielders”, which furthers his cause to be playing regular European football.
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With a current Transfermarkt value of £49.5m, signing Tielemans for a mere £25m would prove to be a fantastic piece of business by GSB.
However, at this price, a myriad of other Premier League clubs will likely be queuing to secure the midfielder’s signature, so this could prove to be a tricky deal for West Ham to get over the line, especially if they miss out on a place in Europe for next season.
In other news: Sky Sports pundit drools over ‘important’ West Ham star with 94% passing accuracy v Everton
Manchester United have a huge couple of weeks ahead of them if they are to mount a serious challenge for a place in the Premier League’s top four this campaign.
Ruben Amorim’s side appear to have turned a corner over the last couple of weeks, as seen by their recent four-game unbeaten run that has placed them within touching distance of the top four.
However, the January transfer window could be coming at a perfect time, handing INEOS the perfect chance to bolster the squad and improve their chances of European football.
After spending £200m on new additions during the summer transfer window, it remains to be seen how much the hierarchy will invest in the upcoming winter window.
Numerous players already on the books may have to be sacrificed as a result, which could see one player moved on after just 18 months at Old Trafford.
Why Ugarte could be sold by INEOS in January
Back in the summer of 2024, United forked out a reported £50m for the signature of midfielder Manuel Ugarte from PSG – d deal that injected optimism into the fanbase.
However, 18 months on, it’s clear the deal has been a disaster, with the Uruguayan international rapidly dropping down Amorim’s pecking order in the current campaign.
He’s only started three league matches out of a possible 17, with the likes of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes both currently ahead of him in the pecking order.
Ugarte was handed a start against Aston Villa after the Brazilian picked up his fifth yellow card of the season, but it was an afternoon to forget for the 24-year-old.
He featured for 73 minutes in the West Midlands before being withdrawn, with his underlying figures from the defeat showcasing his lack of quality and impact.
The midfielder lost 50% of the duels he entered, whilst only winning 40% of the tackles he entered- showcasing his lack of quality without the ball, something which is meant to be his biggest asset.
United have now lost all seven of the games he’s started this season, which could see him drop down the selection order further, with the big-money addition struggling to match expectations.
The star who could end Ugarte’s Man Utd career
In an attempt to bolster the midfield department, United could turn to the transfer market to try and improve the options at Amorim’s disposal for the immediate and long-term future.
Elliot Anderson is one player who has been firmly on their radar over the last couple of months, with the Nottingham Forest star potentially costing a fee in the region of £100m.
He’s not the only player currently in their sights, with Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton another option being considered by the hierarchy ahead of the winter window.
However, both deals would cost a small fortune in the January transfer window, which could prevent the hierarchy from landing one of their dream targets in the coming months.
As a result, youth talents could well be considered to make the jump up into the senior ranks, which could allow midfielder Sekou Kone to gain his first taste of senior football in the Premier League.
The 19-year-old, who joined from Guidars FC in the summer of 2024, has been a part of the youth ranks every since his transfer, racking up a total of 20 appearances across various levels.
During such time, he’s already racked up two goals and two assists despite his deep-lying role, with more of a defensive responsibility being placed upon his shoulders.
The Malian youngster has yet to make his first-team debut for the Red Devils, but he could end Ugarte’s career at the club if he’s given the chance to succeed in Manchester.
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Kone, who’s been dubbed a “beast” by talent scout Antonio Mango, has produced some impressive numbers at youth levels, many of which could make him a superb long-term option for the Red Devils.
Sekou Kone – U17 World Cup
Statistics
Per 90
Tournament total
Key passes
1.6
10
Dribbles completed
2.5
16
Long balls completed
5.5
35
Tackles and interceptions
6.4
41
Aerial duels won
2.5
16
Stats via Sofascore
He’s also previously featured at the U17 World Cup for his nation, subsequently completing an average of 1.6 key passes and 2.5 dribbles completed per 90.
The youngster’s talents are further reflected in his tally of 6.4 tackles and interceptions and 2.5 aerials won per 90 – arguably making him the perfect box-to-box option at Old Trafford.
At the tender age of just 19, he has bags of time to improve further during the years ahead, potentially being the future of United under Amorim for many years to come.
As for Ugarte, he could find minutes extremely hard to come by in the near future, which could see the hierarchy cash in on his services to prevent losing a whole host on their investment.
Sesko's dream player: Man Utd in "advanced" talks to sign big-money PL star
Manchester United look set to make a move for a top-level Premier League star this January.