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Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich and reuniting him with his former manager Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.

The United boss is thought to be very keen on the idea of working with De Ligt again after their stint together at Ajax, although any move will of course depend on whether he's still in the job by the summer, with the Red Devils currently languishing down in seventh place in the table.

It's possible that the centre-back could become one of his top transfer targets for 2024 as he considers his future in light of limited game time at Bayern, where he's only started four of the ten Bundesliga games for which he's been available this season. And now, Ten Hag has received further encouragement from Germany.

De Ligt could receive green light to leave

According to Sky Sports, Man Utd target De Ligt could leave Bayern this year. If the reigning Bundesliga champions receive a "suitable offer", it's "likely" that he'll be allowed to move on, and that means his "chapter" at the club could soon be "history". Bayern bosses are aware of the player's current dissatisfaction, and that makes him a "candidate" to move on in the off-season.

Over in Manchester, United are "watching developments closely", and it's very much "conceivable" that De Ligt links up with Ten Hag again in the Premier League unless anything major changes between now and the end of the campaign.

United interest in Bayern target Araujo sets up transfer poker

The next question is how much Bayern will demand for De Ligt. It was only 18 months ago that they paid up to £60m to sign him from Juventus, and already there's talk of a departure. That move ranks as one of the ten biggest defensive transfers in football history, and incidentally, De Ligt also occupies third place after his £77m move from Ten Hag's Ajax to Juve in 2019.

He's still relatively young at 24, and his contract runs until 2027, so all these factors point to sizeable demands, possibly comparable to the £57m outlay for Lisandro Martinez in 2022. That's in addition to the player's reported £263k-per-week salary, which is thought to be one of the highest at the club.

However, if De Ligt remains outside Thomas Tuchel's first-choice XI in the coming months and Bayern express an openness to offers, that naturally reduces the strength of the club's negotiating position because he'd appear a less valuable asset.

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One intriguing subplot here is that both United and Bayern have shown an interest in Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo. Tuchel has already added Tottenham's Eric Dier to his squad this month, but he's after another reinforcement in defence, with PSG's Nordi Mukiele also considered.

In a strange way, it might actually be wise for United to let Bayern have a free run at Araujo and hope they can secure his services, before pouncing on De Ligt, who by that point would be categorically surplus to requirements. The stage is set, then, for a game of transfer poker.

Last summer, Chelsea paid £30m to activate the release clause in Nicolas Jackson's Villarreal contract, and committed him to an eight-year deal. While the 22-year-old still has plenty of time to improve, it's undeniably been a slow start at Stamford Bridge.

He's scored eight goals in 23 appearances in all competitions so far, and it's worth noting that three of those came late on against nine-man Spurs in a 4-1 victory in early November. The Senegalese frontman, who's currently representing his country at AFCON, has been wasteful in front of goal, ranking joint-fourth in the Premier League for big chances missed (12). Only Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin (-4.6) has undershot his xG by a bigger margin than Jackson's 3.6.

This is a big part of the reason why Chelsea are only eighth in the league for goals scored (35), despite creating the second-highest xG (41.6), and ninth in the table overall. Mauricio Pochettino will hope that a potential deal for Karim Benzema could fix the issue.

Chelsea talks over Benzema

According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea have held discussions over a move for Benzema, who's currently playing his football at Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia after leaving Real Madrid last year. The Blues have been monitoring his situation in the Gulf with a view to possibly making a move.

London rivals Arsenal are also "considering a blockbuster loan deal", provided that Al-Ittihad are willing to sanction one. It remains to be seen whether the Gunners present a formal offer and whether Chelsea decide to submit a rival proposal.

Ballon d'Or winner could give Chelsea clinical touch

Journalist Zach Lowy has dubbed Benzema a "legend", and it's impossible to argue with that description. Benzema left European football with a collection of medals that would be the envy of virtually any footballer worldwide, headlined by five Champions Leagues and eight domestic titles (four in Spain with Real and four in France with Lyon).

At the individual level, meanwhile, Benzema is one of only two players not named Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to win the Ballon d'Or between 2018 and 2023, alongside former Los Blancos teammate Luka Modric, having landed the prize in 2022 on the back of Real's league and Champions League double. He put up staggering numbers of 44 goals and 15 assists in 46 games that season, so few could dispute his worthiness for the prize.

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Things have been somewhat tumultuous for Benzema so far in Saudi Arabia after reports of a dressing room spat with Nuno Espirito Santo prior to the Portuguese's sacking at Al-Ittihad. Despite that, he's maintained a strong goalscoring record, netting 12 in 20 in all competitions and nine in 15 in the league. Only six players have scored more in the Saudi top flight.

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One potential issue, especially for a club that is already in danger of breaking the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules, is Benzema's reported salary. The Frenchman apparently earns a whopping £1.65m per week in Jeddah, and even if Chelsea could convince Al-Ittihad to split that salary 50/50, it would be an extraordinary outlay. If they are able to make a deal work, though, it's clear that Benzema could provide the clinical touch Pochettino needs to salvage something from this season.

Junior Firpo continued as Daniel Farke's first-team choice at left-back away at Cardiff City, the ex-Barcelona defender helping himself to another assist in Leeds United's straightforward 3-0 win versus the lacklustre Bluebirds.

Re-energised by more first-team minutes recently – Firpo also picking up two assists against Birmingham City on New Year's Day – Farke can't just rely on his improved number three to be a reliable starter for the rest of the season off this recent upturn in form with Sam Byram also susceptible to picking up a knock as another left-back option.

Therefore, a transfer window priority for Leeds this month could well be strengthening at left-back with this potential incoming even showing shades of former Whites man Barry Douglas when it comes to creative flair and getting fans off their seats.

Leeds' search for a left-back

With Djed Spence returning to Tottenham Hotspur after a brief but turbulent loan switch in West Yorkshire and Luke Ayling moving to Middlesbrough, Leeds are light when it comes to full-back numbers especially on the left-hand side of the pitch.

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It's resulted in Leeds being linked with a whole plethora of defensive options so far this month, with Football Scotland now indicating that the second-tier promotion candidates are going after experienced Rangers figure Borna Barisic to strengthen at left-back.

Garnering a reputation for being an assist king at Ibrox – amassing 53 assists next to his name since joining the Glasgow giants back in 2018 – 6 foot 1 Barisic could well be a shrewd and smart buy for Leeds to help the Whites fire in even more goals in crunch clashes to come in the Championship.

Douglas also arrived at Elland Road with a similar glowing reputation for being a creative machine the same year the Croatian defender joined Rangers, history potentially repeating itself.

How Borna Barisic compares to Barry Douglas

Joining Leeds off the back of a sterling individual campaign that saw the Scotsman contribute to 20 goals in one singular season for Wolverhampton Wanderers, it's fair to say Douglas' signing was doused in hype as to what he could pull off in West Yorkshire.

Douglas would register five assists in his first and most impactful season at Leeds, picking up an assist on his debut against Stoke City in a 3-1 win.

This season for Rangers, Barisic is already onto the same total of five in all competitions from 23 games – the Croat's creativity and knack for teeing up teammates expertly showing no signs of slowing down despite now being 31 years of age.

Ex-Rangers assistant manager Gary McAllister has waxed lyrical in the past about Barisic's expertise when it comes to floating in an inch-perfect cross like it's second nature, stating that Barisic had a "beautiful left foot" back in 2021.

Everyone at Leeds will hope signing the 31-year-old is a transfer that proves to be a masterstroke, going against the grain of the current Leeds first team with the likes of Archie Gray waving the flag for youth in the starting eleven at just 17 years of age.

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Yet, with Barisic entering the final few months of his contract up in Scotland, Leeds could land the assist expert for a cut price and bed him in as a reliable defender renowned for his attacking capabilities.

Those at Elland Road will just hope that Barisic sticks around in West Yorkshire if he does join unlike Douglas who uprooted again after just 44 games, Barisic a useful weapon for Farke to deploy to catch teams off-guard and unlock Championship defences with ease if signed.

Manchester United are keen to strengthen this month and are now reportedly willing to pay the release clause of one of their well-documented targets.

Manchester United January transfers

Given his side's inability to consistently carve out results this campaign, Erik ten Hag will be keen to utilise the January window as a launchpad to reboot Manchester United's campaign as the Dutchman endeavours to elevate their standing in the Premier League.

Speculation has already ran wild over who the Red Devils could look to recruit this window, especially in the forward areas, as identifying and acquiring support for Rasmus Hojlund and Anthony Martial in attack creeps up the priority list at Old Trafford.

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Speaking in his Daily Briefing via CaughtOffside, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Manchester United are keeping informed on Bayern Munich striker Eric Choupo-Moting as they look to add variety in the final third.

Romano stated: "Bayern Munich striker Eric Choupo-Moting is one of many names being discussed internally. It’s nothing concrete, nothing advanced yet. Still, Bayern have Harry Kane and Mathys Tel as options up front, so obviously there’s not so much space for Choupo-Moting and Man United have been informed of his situation. At the moment it’s not a negotiation, from what I’m told, but it may become one to watch."

The Cameroon international is believed to be part of a four-man shortlist of strikers who the Red Devils could try to entice to the North West, with Timo Werner, Thomas Muller and Serhou Guirassy also in their thinking.

United willing to pay Guirassy release clause

According to reports in Spain, via The Faithful MUFC, Manchester United are ready to pay a fee of £15.1 million to sign Stuttgart striker Guirassy this month, which is in line with his release clause at the Bundesliga outfit.

Serhou Guirassy in-game statistics – Bundesliga (Sofascore)

Goals per game

1.2

Shots per game

3.4

Shots on target per game

1.8

Expected goals

11.56

Big chances missed

10

Average match rating

7.86/10

The outlet claim that the Guinea international has been on the radar at Old Trafford for quite some time and is now viewed as an option the Red Devils could look to invest in; however, he will not be available during January as he is on international duty at the African Cup of Nations.

Previously dubbed "incredible" by Dean Jones on the Ranks FC podcast, the 27-year-old has already notched 19 goals and two assists in 16 appearances this campaign across all competitions (Guirassy statistics – Transfermarkt).

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Looking ahead, Guirassy could provide a spark in attack at Manchester United if he were to move to England this month, though we will need to wait and see on that front.

Everton have been doing a lot better under Sean Dyche than the table suggests. The Toffees would be sitting in the top half of the table within four points of the final European place had the club not been punished for breaching FFP regulations.

Nevertheless, the reality of the situation is that Everton are just one point above the relegation zone, having lost back-to-back games in the Premier League against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City.

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However, with the January transfer window set to open in just a matter of days, Dyche could be set to dip into the loan market to bolster his squad ahead of the second half of the campaign.

Everton transfer news – Amad Diallo

Over Christmas, it was reported by Football Insider that Manchester United are willing to send Amad Diallo out on loan for the remainder of the season, having not played a single minute yet for the Red Devils this term. Championship outfits Southampton and Sunderland were keen to bring the tricky Ivorian back to England's second tier.

However, it is now being reported by journalist Seb Ecrivain, via the Liverpool Echo, that Everton are keeping tabs on the winger's situation at Old Trafford and could make a move for him once the January transfer window opens in a few days. The player's market value currently sits at £9m but it's unlikely that the English giants will take any money for Diallo.

The 21-year-old spent all of last season on loan at Sunderland, with the former Black Cats boss Tony Mowbray calling him "magic", but featured for United in pre-season before picking up a nasty knee injury which has kept him out of action ever since – although he has recently returned to training.

Nevertheless, United head coach Erik ten Hag admitted that Diallo was in contention to be named in the squad this past week so a comeback doesn't seem long away.

Amad Diallo stats comparison vs Jack Harrison

On Wednesday night, Jack Harrison scored Everton's only goal of the game, taking the lead just before the half-hour mark. However, the winger had an off night concerning his overall performance, and not for the first time this season.

The Leeds United loanee won just one of his seven total ground duels, was dribbled past three times and made merely one pass into the final third all game. Additionally, Harrison whipped only one successful cross into the box for Beto who had little to no service throughout the match, leaving the pitch in the 61st minute with an xG total of 0.09.

Furthermore, Harrison's goal at Goodison Park in midweek was just his second of the season and his fifth goal contribution in 16 matches in all competitions. Dyche needs to sign a winger who can provide a greater output on the right-hand side, mirroring Dwight McNeil's five assists on the opposite flank. Diallo could be the perfect player to fill this void.

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The last time Everton signed a player from Manchester United was eighteen months ago when the club secured James Garner's signature for £15.5m. This season, Garner has been instrumental to the side's success under Dyche and was superb against Tottenham last Saturday despite the team's defeat.

Everton need the right-winger version of Garner, someone who can make a real difference on the flank in Harrison's place and Diallo certainly fits the bill as his stats from the previous campaign with Sunderland are levels above the Toffees' attacker from this term.

Per 90 Metrics

Amad Diallo

Jack Harrison

Goals

0.41

0.14

Expected Goals

0.28

0.17

Assists

0.13

0.22

Expected Assists

0.13

0.14

Progressive Passes

5.12

2.46

Progressive Passes Received

7.87

5.35

Progressive Carries

3.73

2.37

Key Passes

1.39

1.32

Take-Ons Success Rate %

42.5%

36.8%

Stats via FBref

If Diallo is available, as reports have suggested, Dyche would be silly not to sanction a deal given the Ivorian's quality and ability to not only score goals but to create chances too, which is something that Everton are missing on that side.

A new contract could be heading the way of "magic" Rangers star Borna Barisic in the near future, according to a new update from journalist Dean Jones.

Rangers January transfer news

The Gers have done so well to battle to within touching distance of Celtic in the Scottish Premiership title race, as Philippe Clement's positive start to life as manager at Ibrox continues. Rangers won 3-1 at home to Dundee on Saturday afternoon, while the Hoops' 2-1 loss at Kilmarnock the following day means Clement's side are now only five points adrift of top spot with a game in hand.

New signings in the January transfer window are surely needed to further increase their chances of going all the way in the league, however, and Nottingham Forest defender Scott McKenna has been linked with a move to Rangers. Everton's Ben Godfrey is another who has been seen as a potential Ibrox target, as it's clear the defence is an area of focus for the new boss.

There are also key players who Clement will have to fight to keep hold of however, and an important update has emerged regarding one such figure.

Barisic in line for new Rangers deal

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones said talks are underway between Rangers and Borna Barisic over a new deal at Ibrox.

"Obviously, there is uncertainty around the left-back position at the moment. Barisic has been at the club for a long time now, and he has got a few clubs looking at his situation because he could sign a pre-contract with a club abroad in January.

"There have been a few mooted in that sense, so it is a situation to watch. But Rangers have begun the process of talking to him about an extension, and that began a couple of months back. You would be expecting that to progress pretty soon if there is going to be a good ending to it from a Rangers perspective.

"They need to try and make sure that the contract situation works out suitably, from their point of view, pretty soon because Rangers will need to be wondering what they will do by the time they get to the end of the season if they don't get good indications that he is going to sign a new deal."

Barisic signing a new deal at Rangers would be great news, with the 31-year-old such a steady performer for the club over the years, making 222 appearances in total and chipping in with 52 assists in that time.

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Steven Gerrard hailed him as "magic" during his time as Gers manager, following a goal in a 1-0 win against St Mirren, and he is someone with so much experience but still with years left in him at this level.

Barisic has started ten Scottish Premiership games so far this season, averaging 1.9 clearances and 1.8 aerial duel wins per game, and with his current deal expiring next summer, an extension is a no-brainer

Over the last five matchdays, Tottenham Hotspur have failed to win a single game, which has ultimately put them in fifth place in the Premier League.

Throughout this spell, it has been glaringly obvious that the gap in quality between the starters and the replacement players is huge. Unfortunately for Ange Postecoglou, he has had to deal with numerous setbacks due to injuries and suspension.

The central defender position is particularly light at the moment due to the injury of Micky Van de Ven and with that in mind, the boss may look to reinforce his defensive options in the transfer market.

Tottenham Hotspur transfers latest – Marc Guehi

According to Sky Sports, Spurs are interested in signing Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, alongside two other centre backs, and have made him one of their priority targets as he is 'high' on their list of potential recruits.

The Eagles’ star has started 14 Premier League games this season and his partnership with Joachim Andersen is vital to the way Palace play.

Guehi may want to prioritise game time ahead of the 2024 Euros and Crystal Palace value the defender at around £60m.

How Marc Guehi compares to Cristian Romero

Prior to the long-term injury that he picked up in the 4-1 loss to Cheslea, Van de Ven was proving himself as one of the most complete central defenders in the Premier League. The Dutch star ticks every box for a modern defender, he has incredible recovery speed, composure on the ball, and proactivity.

Cristian Romero remains the first-choice right centre back, but he does not have much competition. There is no questioning that the Argentine is a quality defender, but his erratic nature often puts his side in danger, as shown by his three yellow cards and one red this season.

On the other hand, Guehi is a much more disciplined individual, only being shown a yellow card once in 14 matches, which was due to an argument.

Availability is key with the busy schedule in modern day football and the England international’s injury history is amongst the best in the Premier League. The 24-year-old has only missed three games in his entire career due to an injury that occurred in 2021. Romero on the other hand has suffered six separate setbacks since joining Spurs, keeping him out for 34 games since 2021.

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From a stats perspective this season, Romero wipes the floor with Guehi but it is vital that team context is taken into consideration. The positive for Guehi is that he can operate on both sides of the defence, meaning that he can start or provide cover with ease. His performances versus Manchester City in the 2021/22 season showcased just how brilliant Guehi is at defending, which led to Football Talent Scout, Jacek Kulig, describing his influence as “Beast mode”.

Guehi has more than enough quality to play for a side that competes in Europe consistently and he would instantly make Spurs a team with class and quality in depth. With Romero’s lack of reliability and availability over the years, purchasing another dominant defender would send a statement of intent to the rest of the Premier League.

The right-footed Palace defender could provide perfect balance with the left foot of van de Ven in possession, as Romero does currently, which is why they could be an ideal pairing.

To say that Aston Villa are flying under Unai Emery this season would be an understatement. The Villans sit as high as third in the Premier League and just four points adrift of league leaders Arsenal, who they play next. By the end of the weekend, the Midlands club could sit just one point away from the top of the league with Christmas fast approaching, summing up just how impressive they've been throughout the current campaign so far.

Their last victory, coming over champions Manchester City, was arguably their best yet under Emery. But it's not all good news for those at Villa Park as the January transfer window approaches, with one particular player potentially on the move when the winter window swings open.

Aston Villa transfer news

When it comes to incomings, Aston Villa got it fairly spot on in the summer. Moussa Diaby's stats, four goals and five assists show just how quickly he's settled in alongside Pau Torres, whilst Youri Tielemans and Nicolo Zaniolo begin to find their feet under Emery. All of that has resulted in new heights for the club in the Premier League as we near the halfway point. Amid their successful summer, however, is one man who is yet to make his mark and could already leave the Midlands club.

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According to Bild, Bayern Munich are interested in Clement Lenglet, who is currently on loan at Aston Villa from Barcelona. The La Liga giants are reportedly open to the move as long as the German side cover the defender's wages in full. Villa, meanwhile, reportedly want to see out their loan move for Lenglet, keeping him until the end of the season as planned.

This comes as a surprise, given Lenglet's game time. The Frenchman has not played a single minute in the Premier League and has been handed all of his opportunities in the Europa Conference League. Despite that though, Villa reportedly want to keep hold of their loanee.

"Quality" Lenglet needs move

When Lenglet secured his return to the Premier League after an impressive loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur last season, he would have been full of hope over his Aston Villa role – but things just haven't worked out. Whether it be Ezri Konsa, Pau Torres or Diego Carlos, Emery has opted for other options ahead of the Barcelona loanee, who may need a move elsewhere if he is to receive regular minutes in the current campaign.

With Bayern Munich reportedly interested too, Lenglet may not get a better chance to secure an end to a stint in the Midlands and a move to a club in the Champions League. It's a surprise that things haven't worked out so far at Villa, with Emery full of praise for Lenglet upon his arrival. Emery said:

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"Lenglet was a very good opportunity on loan for one year. He has experience in Barcelona, Sevilla and Tottenham playing at a high level, playing in Europe. I'm very happy with him because he is joining us with his quality, his experience."

Chelsea have quenched their thirst for acquiring a whole host of emerging talent since the arrival of Todd Boehly.

The Blues have scoured Europe to unearth gems, predominantly aged 21 or under, who boast a high ceiling of potential and can direct the club back towards a trophy-laden period under Mauricio Pochettino.

In the summer, this model was particularly prevalent as only three of their 12 signings were older than 23, including Christopher Nkunku, Robert Sanchez and Axel Disasi.

From the evidence of their recruitment, it is no surprise to see the Blues field the youngest squad on average in the Premier League this season (23.7).

If reports linking them to AS Monaco's youngster Malamine Efekele are to be correct, the 19-year-old would bring the average age of their squad down even further.

Chelsea transfer news – Malamine Efekele

According to Foot Mercato [via Football Transfers], Chelsea are one of several clubs scouting winger Efekele after reports emerged of the Blues' interest.

Compared to former Monaco wonderkid, Kylian Mbappe, who left the club to join Paris Saint-Germain for €180m (£157m) in 2018, the Frenchman has been in fine form for the youth teams this term, scoring four goals and supplying five assists.

The Mbappe comparisons run deeper than the fact that Efekele is a lightning-quick winger from Monaco, having also played for AS Bondy, like the PSG star, and was coached by Mbappe’s father, Wilfried, at the club.

Despite admiring the Frenchman's qualities, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has admitted that there have been no concrete talks between Efekele and Chelsea, although several clubs are interested.

Romano said in his Caught Offside Daily Briefing column: “I’ve had some fans ask me about Monaco wonderkid Malamine Efekele and links with Chelsea.

“He’s a very good and interesting talent, but I’m not aware of any concrete talk or link, at this stage. It’s just normal scouting activity by many top clubs, something very normal for talents like Efekele.”

If Chelsea were to secure the wonderkid's signature, it wouldn't be the first time they've utilised the French market, having acquired Benoit Badiashile, Malo Gusto, Disasi and Lesley Ugochukwu in the past year.

However, Blues legend Eden Hazard – who arrived at Stamford Bridge as a 21-year-old in 2012 – is arguably their most successful Ligue 1 export.

Eden Hazard's goal record for Chelsea

Hazard was captured from Lille for a fee in the region of £32m and the rest, as they say, is history.

The brilliant Belgian moved to England on the back of a staggering 20 goals and 18 assists in one campaign for Lille and instantly left his mark at Stamford Bridge by terrorising defences.

In 352 appearances for Chelsea, Hazard enjoyed a glittering career at the club, recording 110 goals and 92 assists as well as scooping a whole host of domestic honours, including two Europa League trophies, an FA Cup and two Premier League titles.

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If Efekele was to link up with Pochettino, although he boasts the blistering pace and the fleet-footed nature of Hazard, it would be near impossible for him to eclipse what he achieved at the club.

Despite demonstrating his tremendous talent in the youth setup, Efekele is still yet to make a senior appearance in Ligue 1 at the age of 19.

By contrast, the former Belgium international was already ripping up France's top division at his age, posting 18 goal contributions in the 2010/11 season to help Lille secure their third-ever Ligue 1 title.

When comparing the abilities of both players at a similar age, Hazard was, quite clearly, levels ahead in terms of his development, however, the Monaco youngster could soon see his talents explode on the world stage and reach the potential that the "next Mbappe" tag promises.

Leeds United could be set to lose another one of their rising stars next year alongside Finley Gorman, according to a new report that has recently emerged.

Man City agree deal for Finley Gorman

The Whites have a history of developing younger players with the aim of bringing them through the academy to integrate them into the first-team later in their career, with the likes of Sam Byram and Jamie Shackleton being prime examples under Daniel Farke. Gorman is another hugely promising product who has been working his way up the ladder through the club's system, but his impressive performances have caught the eye of Man City, who have already started completing the necessary steps towards a switch.

According to The Athletic’s Phil Hay, Premier League giants Man City have agreed a deal to sign the 15-year-old for a seven-figure fee, which is a British transfer record for a player his age, though if the following update is to be believed, he might not be the only one heading for the exit door in the near future.

Leeds – record sales

Fee

Raphinha (Barcelona)

£47m

Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City)

£42m

Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United)

£39m

Tyler Adams (Bournemouth)

£23m

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (Atletico Madrid)

£14m

All stats according to Transfermarkt

In West Yorkshire, Harry Gray is a regular feature of the U18s side and he also represents England internationally at youth level, and whilst Pep Guardiola’s side are set to secure the services of Gorman, it’s believed that they are also looking to make a separate swoop for the teenage attacker who is his teammate.

Leeds facing battle to keep Harry Gray

According to TEAMtalk, Man City are plotting a move for Gray, but as it stands, it’s highly unlikely that he will leave and follow in the footsteps of Gorman with his family wanting him to remain in the Championship.

“Manchester City are plotting a second raid on Leeds United for teenage sensation Harry Gray after agreeing a deal for Whites youngster Finley Gorman, sources have told TEAMtalk. Despite City’s interest, however, Gray’s family are not in a hurry to see the player move on and would likely advise both Harry – and any forthcoming interest in Archie – be batted away for now. As a result, we understand there is a confidence at Leeds that any approach from City will be rejected.”

Gray is a real star in the making

In the U18s Premier League, Gray has already scored three goals in the same number of games so far this season which shows just how prolific he can be in the final third (Transfermarkt – Gray statistics), therefore, Leeds need to do everything they can to retain his services.

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Farke’s up-and-coming prodigy has also already received heaps of praise from club reporter Phil Hay, who previously said: “Harry is another one they’ve been talking about for a long time as [he’s] looking incredibly talented, masses and masses of potential."

Furthermore, Gray is the younger brother of Archie, who has established himself as a first-team regular, recently attracting interest from Liverpool, Everton and Crystal Palace, so it’s vital that the board fend off interest in the siblings and keep them in the building for the foreseeable future.