All posts by h716a5.icu

West Ham United have struggled in front of goal this season, which has surely been a reason why they have been unable to find consistency in the Premier League. There have been just four teams who have found the back of the net less than the Hammers in 2024/25, with three of those the relegated trio.

Worryingly, the Hammers’ 40 goals in the top flight are far below where they are expected to be. As the stats on Understat show, they have an expected goals tally of 46.61xG, an underachievement of just over six goals.

The Hammers seem to know this is an issue to address in the summer, given they are linked with a new striker from within the Premier League.

West Ham target Premier League striker

Perhaps the most sought-after player in the top flight this season is Liam Delap. The Ipswich Town triker has impressed despite his side’s woes this term, and is now linked with a whole host of Premier League clubs.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Well, according to a recent report from GiveMeSport, one of those clubs interested in Delap is West Ham. He seems to be a player on their radar, as they look to improve their fortunes in front of goal next season. For just £30m, the value of his release clause, it seems a bargain.

However, they will not be the only club in the race. The Hammers will be ‘facing competition’ from London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, as well as the North West pair Manchester United and Everton.

It is not clear who will win the race, but West Ham are certainly interested.

Why Delap would be a good signing

It has been a hugely disappointing season for Ipswich in 2024/25. They were the final side to be relegated from the Premier League, the latest club to fall victim to the unforgivable nature of the English top flight for a newly promoted side.

However, Delap was a real standout. In 34 appearances so far this term, he has managed to find the back of the net 12 times, and with an expected goals of 11.29xG, he is pretty consistent, which the Hammers certainly need in their side.

Delap has proven to be a man who can score in the biggest of games. This season, he has found the back of the net against Aston Villa in two games, Spurs, and grabbed a goal and an assist against Chelsea. He also scored against the Hammers, in a 4-1 win for the East Londoners.

One of Delap’s best traits is the way he can hold the ball up and then fashion chances for himself, often carrying past opposition defenders to create space. That was perfectly summed up by Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones, who described him as a “wrecking ball” earlier in the season.

Delap’s underlying numbers via Sofascore also show just how well-rounded his game is, with Statman Dave describing it as “unique”. For example, the Englishman has completed 39 dribbles and won 56 aerial duels for the Tractor Boys this term.

Shots on target

1.1

31

Key passes

0.8

21

Dribbles completed

1.4

39

Aerial duels won

2

56

Expected goal involvement

0.38xGI

10.67xGI

Should Delap make the move to the London Stadium, he could make Hammers talisman Jarrod Bowen even more unplayable. This season, the England international has ten goals and nine assists in 31 top flight games.

Not only would his directness in behind work well with Delap’s hold-up play ability and the way he fashions chances, but Bowen can also become even more creative with the former Manchester City man in their side.

This season for the Hammers, Bowen has created the most big chances with ten, the only player to reach double figures. He also plays the most key passes per game, with 1.6, as per Sofascore. Given he has only managed nine assists, Delap could certainly help raise those numbers.

This really could become a dream duo for West Ham. Bowen is a creative machine. On top of that, with the threat he poses on the last line, he can hurt opposing sides in partnership with Delap, with his hold-up and ball-carrying ability.

For a fee of around £30m, this seems like a deal West Ham must do, to really bring more goals into their side.

Not Soucek: Potter must axe West Ham dud who Rice once called "outstanding"

The West Ham star has struggled to get into the team this season

1 ByJoe Nuttall Apr 27, 2025

2025 is set to be a year of mass overhaul in terms of Manchester City’s squad.

Numerous sky blue stalwarts are set to be moved on, while the Citizens have already spent big in the January transfer window to recruit younger players, with this forecast to be just the start.

So, with arguably the club’s greatest-ever player amongst those heading out the exit door, could Man City’s “best academy player” be poised to make an impact at first team level?

Kevin De Bruyne's Manchester City farewell

Following Tuesday night’s 2-1 victory over Aston Villa, Kevin De Bruyne now has just two matches left at the Etihad, hoping to depart by hoisting silverware aloft, ahead of Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest at Wembley.

The Belgian revealed last week that his departure was the club’s decision, stating that he was “a bit surprised” not to be offered a new contract, refusing to rule out the possibility of staying in Europe, perhaps even joining a rival Premier League club.

Jamie Jackson of the Guardian describes De Bruyne as Man City’s greatest-ever and most-decorated player, so he will certainly be a difficult man to replace, but do the Sky Blues have a youngster or two ready to fill his rather large void?

The Manchester City youngster who could replace De Bruyne

In recent weeks, James McAtee has seen his role increase in importance, starting Man City’s last two home games, scoring his first-ever Premier League goal for the club during the comeback 5-2 victory over Crystal Palace.

However, back in January, it was reported that the 22-year-old was unhappy with his lack of first team opportunities, pushing for a move to Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, who were very interested, but this move was blocked by Pep Guardiola.

Once again, James Ducker of the Telegraph is reporting that Nottingham Forest are now targeting a move for McAtee who, despite those recent starts, could be forced to move in search of more regular first-team action.

So, could it be a different Manchester City youngster who gets properly integrated into the first team picture?

Given that he’s only 17 years old and yet to make his senior debut, Divine Mukasa may not be a name you’re familiar with just yet, but you surely will be soon, and these statistics emphasise exactly why.

Man City U18s

45

3,479

19

26

Man City U19s

9

495

Zero

4

Man City U21s

4

77

Zero

1

As the table outlines, Mukasa has been starring at under-18 level this season, with only Nicholas Oyekunle (Southampton), Lucá Williams-Barnett (Tottenham) and teammate Reigan Heskey having scored more goals in the U18 Premier League this season.

This has led to journalist Nassali Sandrah labelling Mukasa “the best academy player in Europe”, while Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout is impressed by his ‘passing, vision, ball control, creativity, dribbling and first touch’, all useful attributes!

So, while Mukasa may not be ready just yet to become a regular fixture in the Manchester City first team, he certainly appears to be a star in the making.

Even better than Costa: Pep has already sold "world-class" Man City GK

As Manchester City’s interest in Diogo Costa continues, did Pep Guardiola sell an even better goalkeeper?

ByBen Gray Apr 23, 2025

A long-serving Everton player is now “all but certain” to leave the club at the end of the season, according to a fresh claim regarding his future.

Everton ramp up summer plans with safety certain

It’s fair to say that the Blues’ Premier League season is petering out now, having initially come alive when David Moyes replaced Sean Dyche as manager. Their top-flight status has once again been preserved and the focus will now be on new signings ahead of their move away from Goodison.

In terms of long-term transfer business, Everton are thought to have agreed a deal to sign highly-rated Hearts teenager John Dodds. The 16-year-old is a player with a bright future in the game, so Moyes could have a gem in his ranks to gradually turn into a first-team star.

Meanwhile, the Blues are reportedly confident of completing the signing of West Brom ace Tom Fellows, having unsuccessfully attempted to snap him up midway through the season.

A new striker also has to be high up on Everton’s agenda this summer, with Liam Delap and Evan Ferguson both seen as options to come in, and with several current Toffees stars out of contract, it’s clear Moyes and Dan Friedkin are plotting somewhat of an overhaul come the off season.

£80,000-a-week Everton defender Michael Keane set to leave as free agent

According to a new update from Football Insider, Everton centre-back Michael Keane is “all but certain” to depart when the 2024/25 season reaches its conclusion. The 32-year-old is out of contract at Goodison Park in June, and with “up to 14 first-team players” potentially moving on in the summer window he will be one of the first to go when his deal expires on June 30.

Allowing Keane to leave on a free transfer makes complete sense for Everton, considering he isn’t seen as an important part of the future under Moyes and is currently one of their highest earners.

Jeff Stelling once hailed his ability to get on the end of things in the opposition box as “absolutely brilliant”, but this season the veteran defender has only started nine Premier League games, and his performances from a defensive sense have simply not been good enough when he has played.

Selling Keane would free up wages at the club, with the former Manchester United player on £80,000-a-week currently, and it will allow him to be a regular elsewhere during the autumn of his career.

Everton agree deal to sign "excellent" 16 y/o ace with massive future

An offer for the player in question has been accepted.

ByHenry Jackson Apr 20, 2025

Keane will depart as a popular figure who always gave his all for Everton, though, racking up 227 appearances to date, but it’s time to bring in a younger centre-back instead this summer.

Fulham are still outside contenders for European qualification with Marco Silva leading them to an impressive season overall, but certain clubs may be looking to poach their outstanding players as a result.

Fulham face Liverpool in crucial Premier League clash

It’s been a bad week for the west Londoners, having crashed out of the FA Cup following a 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage and followed that up with defeat to Arsenal.

Fulham now make contact to sign £8m ace who may replace Timothy Castagne

Fulham are among the teams interested in signing a new defender.

ByBrett Worthington Mar 26, 2025

Now, an equally tough test awaits Silva in the form of Premier League title favourites Liverpool, who are looking to cement their status as champions of England. Fulham could make a real statement by thwarting Liverpool and gaining much-needed points in the race for Europe, with Silva about to lead his side into a season-defining next few matches.

After Arne Slot’s side visit the English capital, Fulham take on fellow European contenders Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, with a west London derby then on the horizon against Chelsea.

Liverpool (home)

April 6th

Bournemouth (away)

April 14th

Chelsea (home)

April 20th

Southampton (away)

April 26th

Aston Villa (away)

May 3rd

Fulham have one eye on next season already, making summer transfer plans and targeting a move for Celtic defender Alistair Johnston, among others (David Ornstein), but for now, it is strictly business on the field.

Silva will need all of his crop fit and firing, as the Whites eye their first European campaign since 2011/2012 – when they qualified for the Europa League via England’s Fair Play berth.

Fulham fans have fond memories of their 2009/2010 season in the Europa, when Roy Hodgson guided them to an unprecedented place in the final against eventual winners Atlético Madrid.

It still isn’t beyond the realms of possibility that they could replicate those heroics next season, but they’ll need to keep hold of their key men. Silva is attracting interest from Tottenham as a potential replacement for Ange Postecoglou, and winger Andreas Pereira is a wanted man in Brazil.

Flamengo plotting unique offer for Fulham star Andreas Pereira

The former Man United gem boasts two goals and seven assists from 31 appearances in all competitions this term, but Pereira’s contract expires next year, leading to clubs from his homeland taking a real interest in poaching him.

Palmeiras are rumoured to have already made an offer, while Flamengo are believed to be plotting a unique bid for Pereira, according to journalist Bruno Lemos.

“About Andreas Pereira. Flamengo is moving forward to have Andreas Pereira for the FIFA Super World Cup,” said Lemos on X.

“After a successful conversation with the midfielder’s agent, Giuliano Bertolucci, the red-black board of directors may use an important asset to open negotiations with Fulham: 20% of the rights to striker Rodrigo Muniz, sold to the English club in 2021, and may include the percentage it still holds of the athlete to offset a possible request from the British.

“Recently, Palmeiras offered 20 million euros for the player, but Fla does not intend to reach that amount, counting on Andreas’ desire to return to Ninho do Urubu and the ability of his agent to facilitate the transfer, in addition to the contribution of 15 million dollars for participating in the World Cup and 16 million pounds from the sale of Argentine Alcaraz to Everton, also from England, part of which will be used to qualify the squad and obtain reinforcements, including a player to serve as an alternative to Uruguayan Arrascaeta, who has again presented physical problems.”

The 29-year-old could be tempted by this opportunity to make a return home as he slowly enters the twilight phase of his career, but Fulham’s boss may be keen to avoid this scenario as Silva has described Pereira as a “very important” player.

Manchester City are now in a position to sign a “world-class” goalkeeper as a replacement for Ederson, according to a new report.

Man City and Pep already lining up summer transfers

Despite turning their form around in recent weeks, it has been a season to forget for the Blues, and whether they win the FA Cup or not, this summer is likely going to be a busy time for the club, as Pep Guardiola has his eyes on several new arrivals.

Their own Bruno Fernandes: Man City readying bid to sign £51m "monster"

As Manchester City seek to rebuild their squad this summer, could they sign their own Bruno Fernandes?

ByBen Gray May 7, 2025

A priority for the former Premier League champions is finding a suitable replacement for Kevin de Bruyne, as the Belgian is set to depart the Etihad Stadium – it’s been reported that City have already made a £55 million bid to sign James Maddison from Tottenham Hotspur.

Guardiola is a big fan of the England and Spurs midfielder, and he is one of a few options the Blues are considering. The other player under consideration is Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest, but that may not be straightforward, as Forest want £100 million for their talisman.

Signing a new goalkeeper may also be high on the list of priorities for City, as current number one Ederson is expected to leave at the end of the season and move to Saudi Arabia. It’s been reported that City have already made an opening offer to sign Diogo Costa from Porto, but that was turned down by the Portuguese side.

Man City in position to sign PSG star Donnarumma

The Blues may return with another offer for Costa, but they are also keeping their options open. According to Sportitalia, relayed by Sport Witness, Man City are also interested in signing Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain.

The report states that Donnarumma has emerged on City’s radar given he has 14 months left on his contract in Paris. The goalkeeper’s preference is to stay at PSG, but that may be tricky given their current offer stops at around £5m-a-year, while the shot-stopper wants something over £8.5m-a-year.

The report states that the “track leads directly to Man City” if he goes, as Guardiola is an ‘admirer’ of the goalkeeper, and the Blues would have no problem pleasing both Donnarumma and PSG in terms of agreeing a fee and wages. Any approach for the Italian goalkeeper would of course hinge on what happens to Ederson this summer.

Apps

151

Goals conceded

150

Clean sheets

50

Donnarumma, who has been dubbed “world-class” by commentator Matteo Bonetti, and his demands shouldn’t be a problem for City, given their financial power, which could give them the edge over teams such as Inter, Juventus and Bayern, who are in the race but may not be willing to fork out that much on wages.

The 26-year-old did struggle when he first joined the French champions but has now established himself as one of the best in the game, and he has played a pivotal role in PSG reaching the Champions League semi-finals.

German football legend Lothar Matthaus has issued a stark warning to Xabi Alonso, suggesting that Real Madrid superstars Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior may struggle to adapt to his rigid tactical demands after years of "freedom" under Carlo Ancelotti. The Spanish side's recent struggles have sparked claims the coach could be sacked, with his damaged relationship with the Brazilian a major point of contention.

Alonso under pressure already

The atmosphere at the Bernabeu has shifted from expectant to anxious in the space of a few turbulent weeks. Following the departure of Ancelotti, who delivered three Champions League and two La Liga titles, Alonso arrived with a mandate to modernise the club's tactical identity.

Arriving from Bayer Leverkusen with an unbeaten legacy and a reputation for meticulous, system-based football, Alonso was seen as the natural heir to the throne. However, the transition has been far from seamless. With Los Blancos trailing in the Spanish league title race and facing a mounting injury crisis, questions are already being asked about whether the squad's individualists can function within Alonso's "machine".

Writing in his latest column for , Matthaus offered a forensic breakdown of the cultural clash currently taking place in the Spanish capital.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSuffocating the stars: Why Vini and Jude are struggling

The former Bayern Munich and Inter icon did not hold back in his assessment of the contrasting styles, pinpointing the loss of autonomy as a potential friction point for Madrid's most creative talents.

"He's a different kind of coach than Carlo Ancelotti," he wrote. "The Italian was more like a father figure, giving his players more freedom – especially on the pitch. Alonso, as everyone knew beforehand, values details like discipline, punctuality, and organization on the field. Under Ancelotti, Real Madrid relied more on the individual quality of its players. Alonso continues to give them freedom, but he also gives the stars more guidance on the pitch. Players like Jude Bellingham or Vinicius might not cope as well with that approach.

"For Alonso, the focus isn't on the individual player, but on the team. That worked well in Leverkusen. Florian Wirtz certainly had his freedom there. But Alonso expected all his players to contribute defensively. If a player doesn't like that, he'll have a hard time with the coach.

"You have to question yourself, you have to speak openly, you have to talk to each other. Ultimately, though, the coach decides how the team plays and who plays. And I'm convinced that Alonso is a good fit for Real Madrid, but in his own way."

The friction of transition

Under Ancelotti, Vinicius and Bellingham were the architects of their own destiny, often roaming from their positions to overload specific areas of the pitch based on instinct. It was a strategy of chaos that opposition defences found impossible to predict. Under Alonso, that chaos has been replaced by structure. While effective in the Bundesliga, the system places a heavy cognitive load on players who are used to playing on impulse.

The friction was evident during Sunday's disastrous 2-0 defeat to Celta Vigo as frustration boiled over spectacularly, with the team picking up three red cards, including a dismissal for Brazilian prodigy Endrick from the bench, signalling a loss of emotional control that was rare under the previous regime.

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Getty Images SportA defensive crisis ahead of Man City showdown

To compound the tactical headaches, Alonso is currently navigating an injury crisis of biblical proportions. The loss of Eder Militao to a serious hamstring injury against Celta was the latest blow to a backline that has already been decimated.

With Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold and David Alaba all in the treatment room, and Ferland Mendy struggling for fitness, Alonso is trying to implement his complex high-line system with a defence held together by tape and prayers.

On Wednesday night, Madrid host Manchester City in the Champions League and the stakes are high. For Alonso, it is a trial by fire. Facing Pep Guardiola's side without his best defenders and with his best attackers reportedly struggling to "cope" with his demands, the Basque coach needs a result to silence the doubters. It has already been reported that the result may determine whether or not he stays in charge of the club.

Shohei Ohtani isn't human. His otherworldly superpowers were known heading into Game 4 of the National League Championship Series, but he entered another stratosphere Friday. Even for him.

On the mound, he pitched six scoreless innings and recorded 10 strikeouts along the way. At the dish, he went 3-for-3 with three home runs and a walk. Yes, you read that right. His second solo shot of the night traveled 469 feet over the right-field wall up and out of Dodger Stadium, too.

The two-way superstar started his night by striking out three batters in the first inning, then quickly headed to his second job at the plate and smacked a leadoff home run.

In the second, he needed just 10 pitches to retire the Brewers' batters who went three up, three down. He recorded three strikeouts before his next homer in the fourth, which went so far even his teammates couldn't believe it.

Ohtani's second homer of the night made him the first player in Major League Baseball history to hit two home runs in a postseason game as a pitcher, according to ESPN Insights. He had one more in him, though, hitting his third deep ball of the night in the seventh. This one went to center field and made the Dodgers superstar the first player with three homers and 10 strikeouts in a game counting both the regular season and playoffs, according to MLB's Sarah Langs.

Here's an awesome look at his wildly historic night, with each strikeout and home run in order:

The Dodgers defeated the Brewers 5-1 to complete the sweep and make their second World Series appearance in a row. But, this one will be remembered forever as the Shohei Ohtani game.

FIFA confirmed that the USMNT will be in pot 1 at the World Cup draw, and will avoid a number of top opponents in their group. Pots 2, 3 and 4 could yet be tricky, though, with a handful of teams that they have lost to in the previous year in the fold. The draw will be held at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. on Friday December 5.

New seeding system set to benefit USA

The USMNT are ranked No.14 in the world, and will get a leg up from the new draw system. All of the teams other than Canada and Mexico are ahead of them in the FIFA rankings. Thanks to their seeding, it is unlikely that the U.S. will meet any top sides such as Argentina, Spain, France and England until at least the round of 16 – assuming that most heavyweights win their group. 

This method of seeding players is used in tennis, in a way which has led to several heavyweight final clashes between the current top two players in the world. 

AdvertisementGetty Images SportWorld Cup draw nears as U.S. pathway will soon become clear

While smaller nations will, perhaps rightly, claim that this new seeding system undermines sporting integrity by favouring the world’s most successful nations, a counter-argument would be the fact that all of the top four seeds still need to reach the semi-finals and could no doubt still face a difficult path in order to get there.

With 10 days to go until the draw on December 5, the USMNT face a nervous wait to find out who they will face in the group stage of the competition. The likes of Scotland, Norway, Croatia or Italy (if they get through the play-offs) could potentially be on the cards for Mauricio Pochettino's side – as can Colombia, Croatia or highly rated Morocco.

Match locations and kick-off times will then be announced the following day on December 6, as the tournament begins to come more clearly into view. 

'This will ensure' – FIFA issue statement on seeding pathway decision

A FIFA statement said: "While the final draw will determine which teams play each other in the group stage, the updated match schedule, including the stadium assigned to each match and the respective kick-off time, will be confirmed on Saturday, 6 December.

"The match allocation process that follows the draw aims to ensure the best possible conditions for all teams while, where possible, enabling fans all over the world to watch their teams play live across different time zones.

"To ensure competitive balance, two separate pathways to the semi-finals have been established when developing the match schedule. In order to have a balanced distribution of the teams, the four highest-ranked teams … will have the following constraints: the highest-ranked team [Spain] and the second highest-ranked team [Argentina] will be randomly drawn into opposite pathways, and the same principle will apply to the third [France] and fourth [England] highest-ranked teams.

"This will ensure that, should they win their groups, the two highest-ranked teams will not meet before the final."

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AFP2026 World Cup comes ever nearer for the USMNT

Recent results have looked good for Pochettino's side as they move towards the World Cup. The U.S. are on a five-game undefeated run, and ended their last camp with wins over Paraguay and Uruguay. 

They will have one more international window in March – in which the U.S. will face Portugal and Belgium in Atlanta – before playing a duo of tune-up games for the tournament in the weeks before kick off. They will find out their group opponents next Friday, with the draw scheduled to start in the afternoon and the times released shortly after. 

Dayot Upamecano’s future has become one of Europe’s most closely watched contract sagas as Bayern Munich push for an extension while Real Madrid and now Paris Saint-Germain circle for a free transfer. The French defender is enjoying the best season of his career, yet negotiations remain stalled. With major clubs positioning themselves, Bayern face a defining decision over a key piece of Vincent Kompany’s defence.

Upamecano contract saga intensifies as PSG joins Madrid

French international Upamecano’s superb form this season has only added urgency to Bayern’s race against time to secure the defender’s long-term future. The French centre-back has been one of boss Kompany’s most influential performers, recently showcasing his impact in Bayern’s 6-2 victory over Freiburg, where he also scored. But despite Bayern’s desire to tie him down until 2030 or 2031, as reported by the signature remains missing.

This delay has opened the door for Europe’s heavyweights. Madrid, long in the market for a long-term defensive successor, remain strongly interested. PSG, meanwhile, have now emerged as a serious contender, with reporting the French side have joined Madrid in vying for a potential free-transfer move next summer, a scenario Bayern desperately want to avoid.

Bayern’s position is clear, Upa is seen as central to the club’s defensive rebuild under Kompany, and the hierarchy is pushing to finalise terms as soon as possible. However, with his contract running until 2026 and financial constraints limiting Bayern’s flexibility, the situation remains delicate, and increasingly competitive.

AdvertisementAFPUpamecano downplays money motive

In the aftermath of Bayern’s win over Freiburg, Upamecano openly addressed the growing speculation around his future. The Frenchman stressed that finances were not the decisive factor as talks continue.

Upamecano has insisted that he was not driven solely by economic incentives, insisting that sporting conditions would have significant influence. And on the constant speculation surrounding his next steps, he kept things deliberately vague, saying: “I can say this 100 more times, but we’ll see what happens.”

As per the report, those close to the club believe Upamecano is genuinely torn. He is settled in Munich, buoyed by Kompany’s trust, and thriving in a system that suits his strengths. Yet the prospect of joining Real Madrid or returning home to France with PSG is a powerful one, especially with a free transfer potentially offering greater long-term flexibility.

Elite clubs sense rare opportunity as Bayern fight to keep star

Upamecano’s appeal across European giants stems from more than Bayern’s contract struggles. Madrid view the 27-year-old as a potential partner for Eder Militao or replacement long-term option alongside Antonio Rudiger. PSG, meanwhile, consider him a cornerstone for their next cycle, particularly as they continue building a French core under Luis Enrique.

With modern centre-backs commanding fees north of €80m, the possibility, however slim, of a free transfer next summer has alerted every major sporting director in Europe. Bayern are aware of this leverage and recognise they must act quickly to maintain control of the situation.

Behind the scenes, Bayern sporting director Max Eberl is intensifying efforts to finalise an agreement, but financial realities complicate the process. Bayern have already committed major resources to keep Jamal Musiala, Alphonso Davies and Joshua Kimmich, which has stretched the wage structure and made negotiations with Upamecano more delicate.

The interest from the European elites continues to grow as Real Madrid and PSG have been the most persistent suitors, but Barcelona have also monitored developments as part of their long-term defensive planning.

With each passing week, pressure rises on Bayern to deliver a deal that reflects Upamecano’s value without disrupting their evolving wage model. The risk of losing him on a free would be a massive sporting and financial setback.

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Getty Images SportBayern push for winter breakthrough as rivals wait

Heading into a crucial phase of the season, Bayern hope to accelerate talks before the January window, aiming to remove any uncertainty around Upamecano’s status. An early resolution would give the club clarity as they continue monitoring young defenders in case negotiations collapse.

Madrid and PSG are expected to intensify contact with the player’s representatives if no extension is reached on table quickly. Bayern, however, remain confident that Upamecano’s preference is to stay, provided a mutually acceptable deal is reached.

For now, the defender remains central to Kompany’s plans, and both sides recognise that a long-term extension would bring stability. But unless Bayern can match his expectations without breaking their wage structure, a high-profile transfer battle could define the upcoming summer window.

After six matches in charge, Danny Röhl is already starting to figure out which members of the Rangers squad he can trust, and which he cannot.

So far, the German has won all three Premiership matches in charge, most recently demolishing Dundee 3-0 at Dens, looking to keep that streak going when bottom of the table Livingston visit Ibrox on Saturday.

However, the Gers remain rooted to the foot of the Europa League standings, yet to pick up a single point at the mid-way mark of the league phase, and were dumped out of the League Cup semi-finals by Celtic, underlining that there is still plenty of work for Röhl to do.

Having seemingly decided that one of the Light Blues’ many summer signings is not for him, should the German head coach give a “big talent” a chance to stake a claim?

Joe Rothwell's start to life at Rangers

Sporting director Kevin Thelwell has come under serious scrutiny from supporters, given the club’s expensive but underwhelming summer recruitment, with Joe Rothwell among the least popular additions.

The 30-year-old defensive midfielder arrived from Bournemouth for around £400k to plenty of excitement, with Joe Donnohue describing him as “assured, energetic and accomplished”, while Kai Watson asserted that he would be a “very smart signing” given that he’s an “excellent passer and progresser of the ball, exactly what this Rangers midfield needs”.

However, this has certainly not been the case, with the Englishman putting in numerous sluggish and slow performances during the early weeks of the season when the team were massively struggling under Russell Martin.

During August’s 1-1 draw at St Mirren, speaking on Sky Sports commentary, Neil McCann noted that Rothwell looked completely “cooked”, while Kenny Macintyre of BBC Sportsound agreed, exclaiming that “Joe Rothwell… has looked knackered in every game”.

Well, even at this early stage of his tenure, Röhl has seemingly been unimpressed, with Rothwell starting the German’s first match in charge, the 3-0 drubbing in Bergen, but not doing so again since, an unused substitute for all three Premiership matches, as well as the most recent Europa League game against Roma.

So, with Rothwell not in Röhl’s plans, Mohamed Diomandé alongside Nicolas Raskin is the first-choice midfield pairing, which is strong, but that duo cannot play every minute of every game, so should the new manager give his “big talent” an opportunity?

Rangers youngster who deserves more opportunities

A young player Rangers supporters were excited about not so long ago is Bailey Rice, but he might as well be added to Interpol’s missing persons list this season.

After jumping ship from Motherwell’s academy, he made his senior debut at Almondvale against Livingston in February 2023, thereby becoming the second-youngest player to feature for Rangers post-World War II.

Derek Ferguson

1983

Bailey Rice

2023

Tom Walsh

2012

Paul Nsio

2022

Zak Lovelace

2022

Alfie Conn

1968

Archie Stevens

2022

John Fleck

2008

Leon King

2020

Derek Johnstone

1970

Danny Stoney

2013

Alex O’Hara

1973

As the table documents, only Derek Ferguson, against Queen of the South in 1983, debuted for Rangers at a younger age but, at the age of 16 years and 137 days, Rice is the youngest player to feature for the club in a league match.

After arriving on the scene, the teenager started to see regular minutes under Philippe Clement and then Barry Ferguson during the second half of last season, introduced at half time against Manchester United at Old Trafford, before starting the first leg of the Europa League quarter-final against Athletic Club, albeit his big night was curtailed early due to a nasty head injury sustained during a collision with striker Maroan Sannadi.

At that point, he was earning rave reviews, with former Rangers right-back Alan Hutton, speaking on Premier Sports, stating that the youngster was “more than capable” of establishing himself in the first team, adding that he’s “ready for the next step”.

However, this season, since starting a League Cup tie against third-tier Alloa Athletic in August, hooked at half time, Rice has not been seen, an unused substitute for all four Europa League matches, with 12-man benches allowed by UEFA, but yet to feature in a Premiership matchday squad.

The Rangers Journal believe that Rice’s contractual situation is to blame, given that he will be a free agent next summer, hence why the club don’t want to invest time into him, but this isn’t going to convince him to sign a new contract, thereby leaving the player at a crossroads.

Thus, it appears as though the teenager will depart Ibrox next June, but there is still time to salvage his Rangers career, if Röhl is able to prove there is a pathway for him into the first time.

With senior defensive midfield options continuing to fail to impress, namely Rothwell, Rice certainly deserves an opportunity to showcase his obvious talent, bringing to an end this stand-off that is not benefiting anyone.

Well, Blair Malloy has reported on Friday that Rice is currently injured, so his return will have to wait a little while, but he should be seen donning a light blue jersey again soon.

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