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While Manchester United’s recent Carabao Cup triumph has indicated that new boss Erik ten Hag is primarily concerned with leading the club to success in the short-term, the Dutchman has also showcased his desire to look to the future in his Old Trafford tenure to date, having already put his faith in the club’s promising youth products.

The most obvious breakout star so far this season has been that of Alejandro Garnacho – with the 18-year-old having provided eight goal involvements in 28 games in all competitions – although the Argentine is not alone in having forced his way into the first-team picture, as fellow teenager Kobbie Mainoo has also been handed a chance to shine of late.

While the 17-year-old has only made three senior outings thus far, those brief cameos are a marker of just how highly thought of he is by those at the club, with it undoubtedly rare to see a player of his age making a mark for an elite club.

Even despite the Englishman not earning a place in the matchday squad for Sunday’s win at Wembley, the youngster still appeared to be on the mind of Ten Hag, with the former Ajax boss seeking out his emerging star for a chat amid the ongoing celebrations.

Although it is not clear with the 53-year-old said to the promising midfielder, it perhaps represents he is seen as a figure who could go on to be a key part of the club’s success in the years to come, with the Red Devils’ conveyor belt of young talent continuing to prove fruitful.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke – speaking to Football FanCast – certainly believes that Mainoo’s emergence is a real positive for the Premier League side, having stated:

“So yeah, it’s obviously impressive for Manchester United, the players that are coming through the academy like Garnacho and Mainoo.

“So it can only be good for the club who’ve had a long history of producing their own players that these players are coming along and you know, making inroads into the first team.”

Could Kobbie Mainoo be Man Utd’s own Jude Bellingham?

The aim now will be for the teenage sensation to solidify a regular role in the side moving forward, with Mainoo likely hoping that he proves to be the long-term solution in the centre of the park, with the likes of Christian Eriksen, Fred and Casemiro all in and around their thirties.

The recent suggestion has been that the club are keen on landing another exciting English talent in the form of Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham – after previously missing out on the 19-year-old’s signature in 2020 – albeit with rivals Liverpool also firmly in the mix for the player’s signature.

Even if United are to fend off the Merseysiders in the pursuit of the former Birmingham City gem, any deal is likely to cost as much as €150m (£131m), hence the potential desire to avoid splashing the cash by turning to Mainoo instead.

Like Bellingham – who can operate as both a defensive-minded midfield asset or in a more creative berth – the England U18 international also has the capability and versatility to feature all across the midfield, with youth coach Travis Binnion having stated earlier this year:

“In recent weeks, we’ve seen him play as a 6, 8 and 10, and that shows the making of a really good football brain and an athletic capability to play throughout the pitch and play in different roles and systems. He’s progressing nicely.

“His strengths are close control, good awareness, body contact. He’s really good in both boxes, he’s combative. He’s got a nice blend of many skills. He’s been training with the first team and doing well. He’s been really consistent.

“With young players, they’re up, they’re down, and sometimes they get carried away with themselves. Then they get a reality check and struggle to deal with it. The thing with Kobbie is that he comes into the club every day, he applies himself really well. He’s never too high, never too low. He’s got quite an old head on his shoulders.”

As Binnion noted in that final line, Mainoo’s maturity has been central to his impressive rise up the age groups of late, with the FA Youth Cup winner seemingly sharing such a trait with the aforementioned Bellingham, as the Dortmund star has already emerged as a “leader” in Germany, according to teammate Mats Hummels.

That mentality should ensure that the Stockport-born ace is able to replicate his compatriot in thriving at the top level at such a young age, with Bellingham having already scored 20 goals and provided 24 assists in 120 games for the Bundesliga side to date, despite still being in his teens.

The latter man’s example should show Ten Hag that taking the risk on a youngster can well prove worth it, with Mainoo potentially able to replicate the Three Lions machine by becoming a leading figure despite his relative youth.

Manchester United could well have identified a potential, long-term centre-forward solution ahead of the summer transfer window, amid reports that manager Erik ten Hag is eyeing a move for Red Bull Salzburg sensation, Benjamin Sesko.

What’s the latest on Benjamin Sesko to Man Utd?

According to Football Insider, the Red Devils are currently ‘keeping tabs’ on the 19-year-old striker with one eye on a potential swoop in the coming months, despite the teenager having previously agreed to join sister club RB Leipzig on a £21m deal next season.

As ESPN previously outlined, however, the German outfit could be inclined to instantly part ways with the Slovenian marksman if they do receive a big offer this summer, hence opening the door for United to pounce.

There had been reports last year that suggested the Old Trafford outfit were keen on striking a deal for the 6 foot 5 powerhouse, while The Athletic also previously revealed that the Premier League giants had opted against securing the player’s signature for just £2.5m back in 2019, as the fee was deemed ‘excessive’.

Could Man Utd repeat their Erling Haaland error?

Talk of signing an exciting, teenage forward from Salzburg will no doubt send shivers down the spine of some at the Theatre of Dreams, with the club having previously missed out on acquiring Erling Haaland from the Austrian side in the recent past.

The Norwegian giant had burst onto the scene after scoring eight goals in his first six Champions League group stage appearances for the Bundesliga side back in 2019, with United having been linked with a move in the following January window.

Despite the prolific gem’s links to his former Molde boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – who had recommended the youngster to those back in Manchester years earlier – Haaland ultimately opted to join Borussia Dortmund at the start of 2020, before sealing a £51m move to rivals Manchester City last summer.

United have since had to watch the 22-year-old net 27 goals already this season in the league alone – with three of those coming in the 6-3 derby defeat at the Etihad – with it undoubtedly set to sting that they could not get a deal wrapped up when they potentially had the chance.

The aim now, however, will be to avenge that blunder by snapping up Sesko ahead of next season, with the towering asset already showing signs that he could potentially emulate the current City star, having provided 29 goal involvements in only 67 games for Salzburg.

The 17-cap hotshot had also previously bagged 22 goals in just 44 games while on loan at lower league side FC Liefering, having been lauded as something of a “machine man” in front of goal by talent scout, Jacek Kulig.

Also described as a “complete forward” by Kulig, the one-time Domzale youth star has unsurprisingly earned comparisons to the aforementioned Haaland due to his physical stature and finishing prowess, with the player himself commenting on that likeness:

“My team-mates at the club tell me that Haaland and I are very similar, especially in terms of speed. Most of them even tell me that I’m better than him!”

With Ten Hag and co craving a solution to their number nine woes – with Anthony Martial frequently ruled out through injury – then turning to Sesko could prove a dream scenario for the former Ajax boss, such is the forward’s undoubted potential.

Having let Haaland slip through their fingers, the Old Trafford hierarchy can’t make the same mistake again.

Tottenham Hotspur boss Antonio Conte may be back in the dugout but he will be without another first-team star as his side faces Leicester City in the Premier League this afternoon.

What is the latest on Yves Bissouma?

Earlier in the week, reports confirmed that first-choice goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris would be ruled out for the next six-to-eight weeks with a knee injury and now, the club have announced that midfielder Yves Bissouma is the latest name on the treatment table at Hotspur Way.

The 26-year-old, who joined Spurs in a £25m deal from Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer, underwent surgery on Friday to repair a stress fracture on his left ankle.

It remains to be seen exactly how long he’ll be absent. However, it’s hard to envisage the Mali international returning anytime soon and he could be out for a similar amount of time as his French teammate.

How will this Spurs injury blow impact Conte?

This is another major blow for Conte and the squad heading into a busy fixture list.

Bissouma has made 20 appearances in the Premier League this campaign – of which eight have been starts – as he finds himself sat behind Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur in the pecking order.

Tottenham have a two-legged tie with AC Milan in the Champions League, either side of London derbies against West Ham United and Chelsea, as well as Sheffield United in the FA Cup fifth round.

With so many games coming thick and fast, the returning Italian would have liked to rotate his squad, keeping them fresh throughout a hectic schedule but injuries such as the one to Bissouma will only impact his ability to do so.

Pape Matar Sarr has also been rocked with injuries lately, meaning Conte only has Oliver Skipp available for cover in the engine room, which is one of the most important parts of the pitch.

The 27-time Mali powerhouse was once hailed as an “absolute monster” by journalist Aaron Stokes for his commanding nature in the heart of the pitch. Indeed, for the Seagulls last season, Bissouma averaged 2.9 tackles, 1.9 interceptions and 1.3 dribbles per game in the Premier League, highlighting his ability to take control of matches at the very top.

Whilst it hasn’t happened for him yet in north London, there is no doubt that there is still a major talent in there and given the upcoming fixtures, the ever-rising injury list and the need to rotate, Conte really could have done with his services – thus making his absence a gutting setback indeed.

AND in other news, Spurs could now unearth Kane’s true heir in “highly-rated” teen, move over Scarlett…

An update has emerged on Aston Villa and Johan Lange’s interest in Ismaila Sarr heading into the final days of the January transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to journalist Alan Nixon, via his Patreon, the Villans are eyeing up the Senegal international and face competition from Premier League rivals Crystal Palace, who have held a long-term interest in the forward.

The report claims that Watford are set to demand a fee in the region of £25m from any interested parties as they attempt to keep hold of their start heading into the second half of the campaign.

This comes after Villa agreed a deal, for that figure, to sign the pacey attacker during the previous summer transfer window under Steven Gerrard, before the ex-manager decided to walk away from the proposed transfer.

Bye-bye Phil?

Lange and Unai Emery swooping to sign the attacker before Tuesday night’s deadline could signal the end of Philippe Coutinho’s time at Villa Park as it would add even further competition to those positions in and around Ollie Watkins.

Sky Sports recently reported that the Brazilian attacking midfielder is set to reject interest from Corinthians in order to remain in England until the end of the season.

However, the signing of Sarr could force him to change his mind heading toward the deadline or it could rubber-stamp his exit ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Coutinho has only started six times in the Premier League and has failed to produce a single goal or assist in 17 appearances in the division so far this season.

The ex-Liverpool man has struggled to find his best form in the top flight and the signing of Sarr, who has been impressive in the Championship, could push him further down the pecking order.

In the second division this season, the Watford star has plundered seven goals and five assists in 23 starts for the Hornets – averaging a Sofascore rating of 6.93.

The dynamo, who ex-teammate Ben Foster once hailed as a “freak of a talent”, also produced five goals and two assists in 21 Premier League starts for the club as they were relegated from the top-flight last term. 

These statistics indicate that the winger would be an upgrade on Coutinho as the gem has shown that he can have a big impact at the top end of the pitch, in both of the top two tiers, while the Brazil international has struggled badly in 2022/23.

At the age of 24, Sarr is also six years younger than the current Villa man and could, therefore, offer more to Emery’s side in the long term, which is another reason why his arrival could spell the beginning of the end for the 30-year-old.

Aston Villa are certainly starting to take shape under Unai Emery’s tutelage, but Sunday’s chastening 2-1 home defeat in the FA Cup to League Two outfit Stevenage was evidence that the work in establishing a platform for success is still very much unbalanced. 

Emery, arriving in October to replace the dismissed Steven Gerrard, who lasted only 11 months in his first Premier League appointment as manager, has already injected an element of positivity into Villa Park, with three of the club’s six divisional victories this term coming under the five-match period he has taken the reins – starting with an emphatic 3-1 victory over Manchester United.

With discernible holes still weathering the Villa ship, several well-placed signings this January would go a long way toward providing the distinguished Spaniard manager with the tools to forge a top-half Premier League finish this term, perhaps even pushing for a coveted European spot.

A wide option of top-class quality will be integral in this endeavour, and Emery could return to his previous outfit, Spanish side Villarreal, to prise the talented dynamo Samuel Chukwueze to Villa Park. 

Last month, Football Insider revealed that the Villans hold concrete interest in the whiz, and that if the opportunity arises to seal his signature this winter then the requisite moves will be made to bring him to England. That said, according to other reports, his asking price is a mighty €50m (£44m).

Perfect Buendia partner 

Chukwueze is a player that Emery indeed knows well, having made 94 appearances under the 51-year-old’s wing, scoring 14 goals and 15 assists.

This season, the 23-year-old has netted seven goals and six assists from 25 outings across all competitions for the Yellow Submarine, although only one goal and one assist have been plundered in the Spanish La Liga.

A breath of fresh air might do the world of good for the promising attacker, who won the 2020/21 Europa League under Emery’s tutelage.

As per FBref, the 24-cap Nigeria international ranks within the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for dribbles completed and the top 14% for touches in the attacking penalty area.

His transitional approach, utilising his pace and physicality to burst through enemy lines and provide multi-dimensional offensive support for his teammates, is exactly what Villa need in their pursuit of greener pastures, with wingers Anwar El Ghazi and Mahmoud Trezeguet both departing on permanent deals last summer.

Celebrated for his “explosive” nature and for being a “game-changer” – as per scout Jacek Kulig – he could form a brilliant partnership with Emiliano Buendia, whose own talent is unquestionable but execution has begged a few questions since his club-record £33m move to Villa from Norwich City in 2021.

Having only scored six goals and registered seven assists from 58 appearances for the Midlands outfit, Buendia is desperate for an upturn in proficiency and performance, with Sofascore recording his average rating this season at 6.89 in the Premier League this year; solid, if not spectacular, and that extra gear could finally see him prosper.

With Chukwueze adopting a wide position and likely flourishing in his ball-carrying role, Buendia could unleash the fleet-footed brilliance that brims from his core, finally replicating form that was forged in the Championship, where he won the Player of the Season with the Canaries following a title-winning campaign that saw him snatch 32 direct contributions from 39 appearances.

Footballing icon Samuel Eto’o lauded the “incredible” Chukwueze for his talents on the pitch, but did urge him to up the ante on his goalscoring form, and at Villa, with a growing pool of creative talent, his career could soar to the next level alongside the club’s Argentina maestro.

Leeds United are reportedly plotting a ‘surprise’ move for a star from a Premier League rival…

What’s the latest?

Reports from 90min this month have suggested that the Whites are one of the clubs interested in signing Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Manchester United.

Now, Pete O’Rourke has given his verdict on those rumours, claiming it could well be somewhat of a shock to see him make the move to Elland Road.

He told Football FanCast: “Yeah I think it is a bit of a surprise one, they’ve obviously got Rasmus Kristensen who they brought in in the summer and I think he’s done really well since his arrival at the club.

“He’s been keeping Luke Ayling out of the team as well and in Ayling, they’ve got good cover for Kristensen and if anything did happen to him.”

“Surprise” move

Although he has proven himself a dependable defender for the division, this does seem to be a position where Jesse Marsch is arguably least in need.

As the transfer insider stated, they boast full cover and a solid starter in the Denmark international.

Although, when the former Crystal Palace man was at the peak of his powers, he was arguably unrivalled defensively in world football.

Roy Hodgson had claimed that he was: “absolutely excellent, both offensively and defensively”, hoping that he “would go from strength to strength”.

Although his time at Manchester United has seen his career falter, during the 2020/21 season he would show glimpses of the sparkling career promised to him.

Boasting a 7.14 average rating, he would score twice and assist four more alongside 1.8 interceptions, 2.6 tackles and 1.8 clearances per game – via Sofascore.

The £90k-per-week dynamo has once again offered a lifeline to his career in the Red Devils’ EFL Cup win over Burnley, where he produced a brilliant assist as he stretched to volley across goal for Christian Eriksen to tap in the opener.

Even late last season saw ex-footballer David Cotterill label him a “beast” due to his displays.

Of late, he has suggested that he might recapture the form that saw prompted his £50m price tag.

However, the question will remain as to whether he is needed at Elland Road given their slew of reinforcements in that role.

For that reason alone, it would be a surprise for all associated with Leeds, particularly when you consider the rivalry between the two sides involved. That didn’t seem to matter to Rio Ferdinand or Dan James, however.

Chelsea are in regular contact with the representatives of Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, according to 90min.

The Lowdown: Potter’s options

Graham Potter has a plethora of midfield talent on the books at Stamford Bridge as he enters his first transfer window as Blues manager.

The club have three defensive midfielders, four central midfielders and three attacking midfielders, as per Transfermarkt. One of those is loanee Denis Zakaria from Juventus, and it looks as if a move for another midfielder from the Italian giants could be on the cards.

The Latest: Rabiot news

90min shared an update regarding Rabiot on Thursday, claiming that Chelsea are in regular contact with the player’s representatives.

The report says that Chelsea and a number of other Premier League clubs have been offered Rabiot’s services, with his contract set to expire in the summer.

The Verdict: One to watch?

It looks as if Chelsea are set to sign exciting forward David Datro Fofana from Molde in what could be Potter’s first signing in charge.

The club may then look at Rabiot’s situation, and should it stay the same, Chelsea would be able to offer pre-contract terms in January.

Rabiot, described as ‘very strong’ by Gianluigi Buffon, has plenty of experience at the highest level for club and country and is preparing for the World Cup Final with France. He’d provide an option as a holding or central midfielder and is still just 27 years of age, so could be a shrewd signing for Blues officials to explore further.

West Ham United have been linked with plenty of big names for the upcoming window, with David Moyes clearly keen on steering his side away from their current predicament.

Having spent £157m over the summer, there was hope the Scotsman might be able to build on last season’s impressive Europa League run as well as boost their Premier League performance.

However, they currently sit just one point from the relegation zone after 15 games, with some of his big-money signings having yet to work out.

He and David Sullivan therefore could look to implement a shrewder recruitment strategy this winter, by moving for Salernitana’s Boulaye Dia.

The Senegalese striker has been starring in Serie A thus far this season and has converted his goalscoring prowess into international success, having scored the opener in his side’s 3-1 win over Qatar.

This season, the 26-year-old has scored six times and assisted a further two in just 14 games for the Italian minnows, having already backed up his seven-goal and six-assist campaign for his parent club Villarreal just last season.

During his career, he already boasts 58 goals.

Signing this in-form marksman could be the final piece to unlocking the Hammers’ toothless attack, who have scored just 12 goals so far this season.

Having been signed for £35.5m, Gianluca Scamacca has just two goals in domestic competition, a figure which is only bested by one from the 32-year-old Michail Antonio.

Dia was actually likened to the Jamaican who remains the club’s all-time Premier League goalscorer when ex-Irons striker Marlon Harewood spoke to Football FanCast: “It seems like he’s got goals, and he’s got a good ratio at the moment.”

He continued: “So hopefully he’s another Antonio because he’s been absolutely fantastic. And that’s the sort of player that West Ham need upfront.”.

West Ham need something in the new year to spark them back into life, and with this red-hot frontman, they could finally complete their attack.

Wolverhampton Wanderers could be tempted to ‘step up their interest’ in Alexis Vega if he impresses at the World Cup with Mexico, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Wolves linked with Vega

Wolves’ new manager Julen Lopetegui has now officially taken charge at Molineux, and he will likely be eyeing up new signings in the coming transfer windows.

One player who has been linked with a move to Wolves recently is Vega, who is currently plying his trade at Guadalajara in his homeland, also scoring five goals in 22 caps for Mexico.

The 24-year-old is part of his country’s squad for the World Cup, which starts next Sunday, as he looks to impress on the biggest stage of all.

The Latest: Wolves could ‘step up’ interest in Vega

Speaking to Transfer Tavern, O’Rourke said Wolves could make a move for Vega if the Mexican excels in Qatar over the next month or so.

The journalist said:

“Wolves probably do need to strengthen again. Lack of goals and lack of creating chances has been a big problem for Wolves and that’s why they find themselves at the wrong end of the table.”I’m sure the new manager Julian Lopetegui will be looking at attacking reinforcements come the January transfer window, and if Vega does do well at the World Cup, I’m sure Wolves might just step up their interest in him.”

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The Verdict: All eyes on the World Cup

Vega would be a risky signing in some ways, considering that he is yet to play any football in a European league, only representing Toluca and Guadalajara so far in his career.

That being said, the winger has proven himself at international level and is expected to start for Mexico at the World Cup, in what is an ideal opportunity to put himself in the shop window.

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Wolves badly need additional firepower in wide areas – Daniel Podence and Adam Traore have scored just three goals in the Premier League between them this season –  and Vega could be someone who adds that bit of extra magic in attacking positions at Molineux.

Aston Villa will improve their position in the Premier League under Unai Emery with a ‘huge’ January transfer budget, according to pundit/insider John Wenham.

The Lowdown: NSWE plans

The 50-year-old was officially announced as Steven Gerrard’s permanent successor in the Villa dugout during the week and will formally take charge on Tuesday.

Subsequent reports have stated that NSWE have made it clear to the Spaniard that he will be backed with a ‘huge’ transfer kitty in the New Year. Villa are ready to make another round of big-money signings in 2023, despite spending more than £430m since returning to the top flight three years ago.

The Latest: Wenham’s comments

Speaking to Football Insider, Wenham – a regular pundit and Tottenham insider for the outlet – reacted to the news on Emery’s appointment and NSWE’s transfer plans.

He labelled it a ‘huge coup’ for the Midlands club and is sure that Emery will be backed by the board, which he feels will result in Villa climbing the Premier League table after the World Cup.

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Wenham said of Emery’s appointment: “Huge, huge coup for Aston Villa. I think he is a real, European pedigree manager.

“He was courted quite publicly by Newcastle United last season but he chose to stay at Villarreal on that occasion.

“Villa have done very well to attract a manager of that calibre. I actually think he is the biggest calibre of manager they have attracted since Gerard Houllier.

“It’s a real big name, statement manager. If he adds one or two players that he knows well from Villarreal then they could build something good this season.

“They have a lot of unearthed talent in there, some good, young, English players in there. They have a great support, a great stadium and I think they could really improve their position very, very quickly.

“They will back him, I’m sure. That will get them even higher up after the World Cup.”

The Verdict: Exciting

Villa failed to put in back-to-back positive performances under interim manager Aaron Danks, falling to a 4-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday. NSWE may want to follow in Newcastle’s footsteps under Emery, with Eddie Howe improving the club massively over the past 12 months.

Howe has been backed by the new Magpies owners, and with Emery also set to be given money to spend, Villa will be hoping that they too can be fighting for European football in years to come.