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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nottingham Forest have a charge pending from the Premier League for breaching profit and sustainability rules, with journalist Dean Jones sharing the piece of business which could prove crucial in determining the success of their appeal.

Forest appeal charge to avoid points deduction nightmare

Nuno Espirito Santo's side face the possibility of being deducted points if their appeal comes to no fruition, in similar fashion to Everton, who had ten points struck off in the largest punishment in English top-flight history.

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Forest's battle against the drop would therefore take an almighty hit if their case to the judicial panel, and subsequent independent commission hearing, fails to come through.

Sky Sports journalist Kaveh Solhekol says Forest's appeal will be resolved in a fairly quick fashion following their confirmed charge midway through January, and specifically by April 12.

"These rules are designed to deal with these cases very, very quickly. They are fast-track, new, streamlined rules," said Solhekol to Sky last month.

"These accounts went in on December 31, two weeks later we're hearing Everton and Nottingham Forest are in breach of the rules. The clubs have two weeks to respond to these charges and pretty quickly two separate independent commissions are going to be set up. And within 12 weeks these independent commissions will have finished their hearings – which last between one and five days – and a week after that we will get the decision.

"By April 12 we will have the decision."

Nottingham Forest's best-performing players this season

Match Rating

Morgan Gibbs-White

6.90

Willy Boly

6.88

Murillo

6.82

Anthony Elanga

6.73

Chris Wood

6.66

(data via WhoScored, minimum 15 appearances)

Relegation as a result of any potential charge would be a disaster, but Forest apparently believe their January business has them well prepared for that worst-case scenario. That is according to Jones, who claimed to GiveMeSport that they have very limited potential to spend big in the summer following their off-field sanctions.

Brennan Johnson sale will prove crucial to FFP charge at Forest

The reporter also claims one crucial piece of business by Forest could prove to be decisive in their appeal against PSR charges.

Indeed, Jones claims Brennan Johnson and the timing of his Tottenham transfer will be a deciding factor in Forest's FFP battle.

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"We know exactly where Nottingham Forest are at; a current charge pending for a PSR breach that they informed the Premier League about, and they are now waiting for their case to be heard," wrote Jones.

"Much will centre on the timing of the Brennan Johnson sale within that verdict and any potential points deduction would put them firmly in the relegation battle. Any summer spending would then be dictated by league status but under a worst-case scenario of relegation, expect a fire sale of players to bring the wage bill down."

Johnson signed for Spurs last summer for around £45 million, and his status as a Forest academy player means his sale has gone down as pure profit.

Jim Ratcliffe's preparations for his first season in charge of the sporting operation at Manchester United are picking up pace. Ratcliffe has already landed Omar Berrada from local Premier League rivals Manchester City as his new CEO and, earlier this week, the league officially ratified his acquisition of 25% of the club from the Glazers.

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Their next focus is finding a sporting director, and Newcastle's Dan Ashworth, formerly of Brighton, has emerged as the outstanding target. United are yet to approach the Magpies over the 52-year-old, but they're so confident of securing his services that they haven't even bothered sounding out alternative targets.

A large part of the confidence stems from Ashworth's desire to move to Old Trafford, and there's now been a significant update on that front as the Red Devils edge closer to making the appointment.

Ashworth tells Newcastle he's "going"

According to Football Insider, Ashworth has now "agreed terms" with Man Utd and made it clear to the Newcastle hierarchy that he intends to depart. "I'm going," he supposedly said following the approach from Old Trafford.

United must now find a way to prise him away from Eddie Howe's side, which may involve paying significant compensation. It's thought that Ashworth will have to undergo "an extensive period of gardening leave" before he can begin his new role.

United's new era may have to wait for now

That last point there is key, especially in the short-term. While Ratcliffe is actively assembling his new-look hierarchy, it may take a while before it comes together and the new machine can start functioning.

Berrada is serving six months of gardening leave and should be able to get started in July, but if Newcastle make similar demands around Ashworth, he may not be in place in Manchester until the 2024/25 season has already started. That means his first full transfer window, where all eyes will be upon him, may not come before next year.

Premier League points swings (after 24 matches)

Rank

Club

22/23

23/24

Swing

1

West Ham

20

36

+16

2

Liverpool

39

54

+15

3

Aston Villa

31

46

+15

4

Wolves

23

32

+9

5

Bournemouth

21

27

+6

6

Spurs

42

47

+5

7

Chelsea

31

34

+3

8

Man City

52

52

0

9

Crystal Palace

26

24

-2

10

Everton

21

19

-2

11

Nottingham Forest

25

21

-4

12

Arsenal

57

52

-5

13

Brighton

41

35

-6

14

Man Utd

49

41

-8

15

Newcastle

44

36

-8

16

Fulham

38

29

-9

17

Brentford

38

25

-13

With the future of manager Erik ten Hag uncertain after United saw one of the biggest regressions of any team across the first 24 matches of the season, there are still plenty of questions around the club, and the new era under Ratcliffe may just be on hold until the new men can start work and the fate of the incumbent figures is determined.

After Leeds United were relegated from the Premier League to the Championship at the end of last season, they sent a raft of players out on loan to top-flight sides across Europe.

Among them was Jack Harrison, who capitalised on a clause in his contract that allowed him to make a temporary exit in the event of the Whites' demotion. Everton will have the option to buy the wide player at the end of the season.

Leeds United players on loan (selected)

Position

Club

Brenden Aaronson

MID

Union Berllin

Jack Harrison

MID

Everton

Rasmus Kristensen

DEF

Roma

Marc Roca

MID

Real Betis

Robin Koch

DEF

Eintracht Frankfurt

Max Wober

DEF

Borussia Monchengldbach

Diego Llorente

DEF

Roma

Luis Sinisterra

MID

Bournemouth

One loanee who's definitely played his last game for Leeds is Robin Koch, who was allowed to join Eintracht Frankfurt even though he was in the final year of his deal. Frankfurt have since reached a pre-contract agreement with Koch and will sign him on a free transfer this summer.

Elsewhere, Roma plan to exercise their option to purchase Diego Llorente, who's been playing for the Italian side since last January. They will then look to sell the Spanish defender on for a profit.

Luis Sinisterra made a swift return to the top-flight with Bournemouth, having joined Leeds from Feyenoord for an undisclosed fee just last summer. Sinisterra played 22 games in all competitions in 2022/23, scoring seven goals but missing 16 matches with three separate injuries.

The Colombian would appear four more times for the Whites at the start of this season before his move to the Vitality Stadium, and he scored in a 4-3 win over promotion rivals Ipswich.

Sinisterra now heading to Bournemouth permanently

Now, as reported by The Athletic's Phil Hay, Bournemouth will sign Sinisterra from Leeds on a permanent transfer. The loan agreement included an option to buy for around £20m, and it seems that they will exercise it.

An announcement is likely to be made on Friday, with Leeds satisfied that they've avoided a loss. Bournemouth winger Jaidon Anthony is currently on loan at Elland Road, and it remains to be seen whether he ends up making a permanent move in the other direction.

Leeds make good money on "animal" Sinisterra

Dubbed an "animal" by international team-mate Juan Cuadrado, Sinisterra has clearly impressed Andoni Iraola and Bournemouth this season. He may only have started four Premier League games, with most of his appearances (11) coming from the bench, but he's taken his opportunities when they've arrived.

The 24-year-old has notched six goal contributions (three goals, three assists) in 17 games across all competitions so far, doing so at an impressive rate of one every 114 minutes.

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£20m represents a good return for Daniel Farke, who may have just seen his transfer budget for the summer window increase handily. He'll be hoping, of course, that Leeds spend the off-season preparing for a return to the Premier League.

Over the seasons, every football club will have had one or two signings which they may feel haven't performed to the standards that they initially expected.

However, in the case of Manchester United, this has happened on more than one occasion in recent times. So, when a signing made by Erik ten Hag has actually worked out for the better, it comes as quite a shock.

Players such as £86m man Antony – for instance – have cost the Red Devils a small fortune without making a notable impact on the side – the Brazilian scoring just once in all competitions this season.

A signing made in the 2023/24 summer transfer window, however, has gone against the grain and proved his worth to Ten Hag's squad.

How much Rasmus Hojlund cost Man United

That player is, unsurprisingly, Rasmus Hojlund. Since arriving at Old Trafford, he has seen his stock rise considerably.

After joining the club for a fee in the region of £72m, there was a lot of pressure upon the shoulders of the then-20-year-old following his move from Atalanta.

Prior to joining the Red Devils, the striker had only played one season in Europe's top five leagues and that was whilst he was in Bergamo, having plied his trade for Sturm Graz and FC Copenhagen before that.

The Denmark international had a fairly prolific season in Italy and managed to score ten goals in 34 games. Despite this, the striker had something of a slow start to Premier League life and only managed to score his first top-flight goal on Boxing Day against Aston Villa.

Since getting over that first-goal hump, however, the 21-year-old has managed to bag a further six goals for United and has scored in six consecutive top-flight clashes, with two coming in his most recent game against Luton Town.

Thanks to this good run of form, the in-form striker has seen his value scale up and is proving to be a very smart piece of business by Ten Hag – even if he has now been struck down by a 'small injury' that will keep him sidelined for two to three weeks.

As aforementioned, this recent sharp increase in form – prior to the recent injury setback – has had a positive impact on his value as he now finds himself worth more than star-man, Bruno Fernandes.

The current market value of Rasmus Hojlund

As per the CIES Football Observatory, the striker is now worth €100m (£85m) whereas fan favourite, Fernandes, is only worth €80m (£68m).

This may come as a shock to most as, more often than not, Fernandes is among United's best players and is always one of the first names on the team sheet, having started 25 league games this term.

Additionally, as Hojlund is still a relative youngster, there is plenty of room for him to develop, and it feels as if Manchester United have found their striker for many years to come.

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Due to his recent performances, he has been lauded by many, with fellow teammate, Harry Maguire, deeming the youngster as "exceptional."

"We've seen the talent he has, and now it is really clicking for him in front of goal," the former Leicester City defender said. "We always knew that was going to come because he's an exceptional talent

"He's going to be a big player for this club. I'm sure he'll keep scoring goals and there are many more to come."

Wage Burners

Football FanCast's Wage Burners series explores the salaries of the modern-day game.

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Receiving this level of praise from a player as experienced as Maguire is a testament to how well Hojlund is playing and shows that not all of Ten Hag's transfer decisions have been below par during his time at Old Trafford.