Chelsea ready £100m+ bid to sign Osimhen but deal may not happen in January

With Chelsea still languishing in the Premier League's mid-table, it's no surprise to see the London club stealing the transfer headlines once again. The Blues splashed the cash in the summer to rebuild their squad for Mauricio Pochettino, only to watch on as little progress was made with the Argentine's new side.

Now, there could be further changes at Stamford Bridge in 2024, as Todd Boehly looks to finally solve Chelsea's problems. Among those changes could yet be a star striker to put an end to the club's number nine curse, with reports suggesting that those in London are ready to make a blockbuster offer to complete the deal in the summer.

Chelsea transfer news

Out went Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, Kai Havertz and many others in the summer, and in came Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunuku, plus several more. But what has not arrived ever since are the much-needed results. Pochettino's side have suffered defeats against the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers, Nottingham Forest, Everton and Brentford this season, putting them on course for another campaign outside of the Premier League's top six in what could be seen as a disaster at Stamford Bridge. It is the type of form that Boehly will be desperate to avoid a repeat of and that could see one star player arrive in the summer.

Napoli strikerVictor Osimhen.

According to II Matino via Calcio Napoli, Chelsea are ready to pay the €120m (£104m) release clause for Victor Osimhen in the summer to welcome the Napoli forward. In doing so, the Blues will beat London rivals Arsenal to Osimhen's signature in what could be seen as a major win off the pitch for those at the club, given Arsenal's current position as title challengers. Should the deal take place, Boehly will desperately be hoping to see things finally work out for a summer signing.

"Superman" Osimhen can end Chelsea's striker curse

Ever since the departure of Diego Costa in 2017, Chelsea have arguably struggled to find a striker capable of finding the back of the net on a consistent basis, with the likes of Timo Werner, Alvaro Morata and now Jackson all failing to replicate the former forward's clinical nature in front of goal. Osimhen, however, has proven time and time again that he's more than capable. Winning the 22/23 Serie A Golden Boot award with 26 goals in 33 games, the Nigerian could bring that kind of form to Stamford Bridge. Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig is certainly a fan of the forward too, previously posting on X:

Osimhen's stats this season also highlight just how clinical he can be, given that the Napoli star has seven goals in just 11 starts in the current campaign and has managed 0.64 goals per 90, which is even more than Harry Kane has managed this season. With that said, if Chelsea finally want to find a solution to their attacking problems, then they should go all out to sign Osimhen this summer.

Wolves now accelerate Hugo Ekitike transfer this month with contact made

Wolverhampton Wanderers are open to strengthening in the January window and have now initiated contact with a player who could be tempted by the prospect of a move to the Premier League, according to a report.

Wolverhampton Wanderers look for financially advantageous deals…

Undoubtedly, Wolves have had to navigate choppy waters over the last six months or so, owing to issues with Financial Fair Play, which they will be keen to avoid encountering in the January window under Gary O'Neil.

According to The Telegraph, the Old Gold will eye a net-zero transfer window and loan signings will become a priority at Molineux as O'Neil's men look to be financially prudent in the market. Bringing in a striker and a winger is on the agenda in the West Midlands as they look to avoid the pitfalls of recent times regarding wasteful expenditure.

Sky Sports claims Pedro Neto expecting to leave Wolves next season

Gary O’Neil has learned the intentions of this season’s star player.

ByDavid Comerford Jan 6, 2024

West Ham United striker Danny Ings has become a name of interest to Wolves after falling out of favour at the London Stadium. Fabio Silva and Sasa Kalajdzic have left a void needing to be filled in the final third and the former England international is admired by the Old Gold.

Liverpool attacking midfielder Fabio Carvalho is also on Wolves' radar following his return from a temporary spell in the Bundesliga at RB Leipzig; however, any decision the Reds take to loan him out once again will be dependent on available first-team opportunities for the 21-year-old. Now, an alternative target has come to light for Wolves as they aim to bolster their forward line this month, according to a fresh report.

Wolves accelerate Hugo Ekitike pursuit…

According to reports in France via Sport Witness, Wolves are accelerating in their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain forward Hugo Ekitike, who would be available either permanently or on loan this month. The outlet claim that the Old Gold have now contacted the player and his entourage to discuss a potential move.

Five similar players to Hugo Ekitike (FBRef)

Player

Club

Matheus Cunha

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Cody Gakpo

Liverpool

Joshua Zirkzee

Bologna

Federico Chiesa

Juventus

Mikel Oyarzabal

Real Sociedad

Despite this, his wage is believed to be the main stumbling block to any potential switch and the Reims-born man would need to make concessions to make an exit from the Parc des Princes possible, though he could be tempted by the prospect of plying his trade in the Premier League.

Paris Saint-Germain striker Hugo Ekitike.

Frozen out at his current club, France Under-21 international Ekitike, who has previously been labelled "very special" by former boss Oscar Garcia cited via Chronicle Live, has made just one substitute appearance in Ligue 1 this campaign.

Ekitike has netted four goals and laid on four assists in 33 appearances for the Parisian giants all in; however, Wolves clearly see him as someone who could discover his best form at Molineux (Ekitike statistics – Transfermarkt).

Emery could sign Aston Villa a "special" Watkins partner this January

Aston Villa begin 2024 by occupying the heights of second place in the Premier League table after a wonderful start to the 2023/24 campaign.

Unai Emery won't be resting on his laurels, however, as there is still work to be done to secure a top-four finish, especially with clubs such as Manchester City and Arsenal lurking just below them.

Unai Emery

The Spaniard has built a solid starting XI that, on their day, can defeat anyone in the league. With knockout stage European football secured, however, Emery will be keen to add a few more players to his team during the January transfer window, and they have their eyes on a Serie A striker.

Aston Villa transfer news – Albert Gudmundsson

According to Italian newspaper Tuttosport (via Football Italia), Aston Villa have scouted the Genoa striker Albert Gudmundsson several times this season as they plot a move for the player.

Brentford and Crystal Palace are the other clubs who are showing interest in the centre-forward and the report indicates that the Midlands outfit will continue to scout him ahead of making a potential swoop in the summer.

The Top 10 Aston Villa January signings

Villa have had a great end to 2023, and FFC has taken a look back at Aston Villa’s best bits of January business as the window opens once more…

ByBrogan Clasper Dec 31, 2023

Gudmundsson has recently signed a contract extension until 2027, yet if he continues to score in Serie A, plenty of clubs will be lining up to sign him at the end of the season.

Albert Gudmundsson’s season in numbers

The former AZ Alkmaar frontman has been in sublime form in front of goal for Genoa during the 2023/24 season so far.

The Iceland international has found the back of the net on seven occasions in the Italian top flight this term, including strikes against Juventus and AS Roma, and he is showing no signs of slowing down.

Albert Gudmundsson

The 5 foot 9 gem has been dubbed “special” by writer Rajath Kumar this season and if he moved to Villa, he could strike up a solid partnership with Ollie Watkins.

The Englishman has often operated alongside either Moussa Diaby or Jhon Duran on occasions this season, but he could do with a player like Gudmundsson next to him. Indeed, Diaby has only found the net once in his last ten outings.

Watkins, on the other hand, has scored 14 goals in 27 appearances this season, and he has been revitalised under Emery over the previous 12 months.

Over the previous year, Gudmundsson has stood out in a few performance metrics when compared to his positional peers in Europe's top five leagues and these statistics could allow him to link up well with Watkins.

Indeed, the 26-year-old ranks in the top 4% for shot-creating actions per 90 (4.58), the top 7% for progressive passes per 90 (3.58) and the top 10% for successful take-ons per 90 (1.88) and he could be the perfect foil for the Villa striker.

Emery won't be rushing to make just any signing, especially as it appears he is building a team that can genuinely challenge for glory, but it is clear he needs to bring in at least one or two new players this month.

While a move for Gudmundsson isn’t looking like it will go through in January, he must continue to keep tabs on the player, especially with how well he has played in Italy this season, and he could become a valuable signing in the summer.

Daniel Alves vai terminar uma temporada sem títulos desde 2005

MatériaMais Notícias

O camisa dez e capitão do São Paulo, Daniel Alves vai viver uma situação rara em sua carreira no final desta temporada. É a primeira vez desde 2005 que Dani não conquistou pelo menos uma taça em uma temporada completa, como jogador profissional.

Crespo é mais um! Relembre os argentinos na história do São Paulo

A última vez que isso aconteceu foi em 2004/2005. Naquela ocasião, em seu primeiro ano de Sevilla (ESP), Daniel Alves terminou a temporada sem conquistar nenhum título sequer, nem mesmo pela Seleção.

SIMULE OS PRÓXIMOS JOGOS DO BRASILEIRÃO

RelacionadasHumor EsportivoSem chances de título do Brasileirão, São Paulo é alvo de memes dos rivaisHumor Esportivo19/02/2021São PauloDaniel Alves recebe terceiro amarelo e será desfalque do São PauloSão Paulo19/02/2021Fora de Campo‘Para o São Paulo melhorar, tem que mandar o Daniel Alves embora’, dispara NetoFora de Campo19/02/2021

Depois, o são-paulino empilhou títulos e medalhas em sua coleção, atuando por Barcelona, Juventus e Paris Saint-Germain, além de conquistas na Seleção Brasileira. Com isso, ele se tornou o maior campeão da história do futebol mundial, com 40 títulos.

Vale ressaltar queDani foi contratado pelo São Paulo em agosto de 2019, com as competições já em andamento. Portanto, 2020 é a primeira temporada que o jogador está disputando de forma completa com a camisa do Tricolor.

No entanto, oportunidades não faltaram para que o camisa dez levantasse um troféu nessa temporada. O Tricolor chegou às semifinais da Copa do Brasil, mas parou contra o Grêmio. Já no Brasileirão, chegou a liderar com sete pontos de vantagem, mas acabou perdendo a liderança.

Wolves register interest in free-scoring Jack Hastings after scouting trips

Wolverhampton Wanderers have registered their interest in a free-scoring gem as Gary O'Neil and company plan for the long-term future at Molineux, according to a report.

Wolves look ahead to January…

In his limited time at Molineux, Old Gold boss O'Neil has certainly made a positive impact across his spell so far in the West Midlands, helping his side to take 19 points from 17 fixtures so far, giving them a current position of 13th in the Premier League.

Nevertheless, he will be acutely aware that Wolves will need to strengthen several key positions and offload excess players in January to balance his squad in the January transfer window and ensure his side evades further problems with Financial Fair Play.

According to The Telegraph, Wolves are set to target two new arrivals in the New Year despite being poised to post a financial deficit of £65 million. Viktoria Plzen striker Rafiu Durosinmi has emerged as a name of interest and will cost in the region of £7 million; however, Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt also hold serious admiration toward the Nigerian youngster.

O'Neil could be forced to bench 5/10 Wolves man after West Ham

Wolves endured a heavy defeat against West Ham United over the weekend

ByRoss Kilvington Dec 18, 2023

In terms of departures, both Fabio Silva and Sasa Kalajdzic could leave the club due to being short of first-team minutes this campaign, either on a loan agreement or a permanent deal. Full-back Jonny Otto could also go his own way following his recent exile from the senior squad after an incident involving an Under-21 player.

The transfer rumour mill is well into full swing as clubs search for critical reinforcements to try and improve their chances of achieving their aims for the season and Wolves are no different in this respect, with a cut-price move for Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill also said to be on the table at Molineux.

Wolverhampton Wanderers' next five fixtures – Premier League

Opponent

Venue

Chelsea (H)

Molineux Stadium

Brentford (A)

Gtech Community Stadium

Everton (H)

Molineux Stadium

Brighton & Hove Albion (A)

Amex Stadium

Manchester United (H)

Molineux Stadium

Casting an eye to the future, O'Neil and company now look to have their eye on a talented young gem who would fall under the bracket of a developmental signing in January, according to a report.

Wolves eyeing Jack Hastings

According to Football Insider, Wolves are in the mix to sign Larne youngster Jack Hastings, who is also on the radar of Crystal Palace, Leeds United and Southampton. The report states that all four clubs have made frequent scouting checks on the 17-year-old, who has already notched 20 goals this campaign.

Northern Ireland Under-17 international Hastings has also made one senior appearance for Larne in the Irish Cup. He has also trained with their senior side on a regular basis after impressing at both Under-18 and Under-20 levels.

Wolves manager Gary O'Neil

Despite the need for first-team-ready signings in the West Midlands, building for the coming years will also be important for Wolves as they look to save millions by unearthing the next stars of the future.

Hastings has already demonstrated his qualities as a poacher at youth level and could now be set for a dream move from Northern Ireland to the Premier League to continue his development.

MS Dhoni's on-field outburst 'probably not' right – Jos Buttler

Rajasthan Royals batsman Jos Buttler believes Chennai Super Kings captain MS Dhoni’s decision to step onto the field to protest an umpiring call was “probably not” the right thing to do in the last over of their match on Thursday night. The incident took place with Super Kings needing eight runs off three balls. Ben Stokes bowled a waist-high full toss to Mitchell Santner, and even though umpire Ulhas Gandhe had signalled a no-ball immediately, square-leg umpire Bruce Oxenford later shook his head to overturn the original decision.That led to lengthy discussions mainly between Santner’s partner Ravindra Jadeja and the umpires before Dhoni, who had been dismissed off the previous ball, walked out to join them. Dhoni was later fined 50% of his match fees for a Code of Conduct breach.”I’m not sure if that’s the right thing to do or not,” Buttler said at the post-match press conference of Dhoni’s decision to walk out on the field. “Obviously the tensions are running high in the IPL and every run counts. Yeah, it was a big moment in the game, but whether stepping onto the pitch is quite right? No, probably not.”Obviously, it’s a bit controversial. The umpires came to a decision but I was at the boundary so I wasn’t quite sure what was going on.”Super Kings head coach Stephen Fleming later said that Dhoni took the field only to get clarity since there was confusion about the no-ball decision. He did not say if it was the right thing to do or not.”What wasn’t right was the confusion around the decision. It’s above my paygrade to really get further than that,” Fleming said.”My understanding and discussing it with the captain was we saw a no-ball called, and then there was confusion. Our understanding was that the umpire at the bowler’s end had called the no-ball and then there was confusion around whether it was a no-ball or not. MS was after some clarity and it didn’t seem to be coming. So, he took the opportunity to go out and discuss it with the umpires. That’s how I saw it and that’s how I discussed it with him afterwards.”He only just wanted clarity. The rights and wrongs will be discussed by everybody, including Mahi, I’m sure. But, I think, it’ll be a discussion for the umpires afterwards and I am a watcher as you guys are, for now. But he was certainly fired up about the way the decision was handled and why it was overturned or if it was overturned. So, there was a lack of clarity, obviously, for him and he wanted to get it clarified at a key moment. It’s unusual but he’s usually pretty calculated. It’ll be something he will be questioned about for sure, for a long time.”MS Dhoni is irate at a contentious no-ball call•BCCI

Royals had put on 151 for 7 and had Super Kings in trouble on 24 for 4 in the sixth over before Dhoni and Ambati Rayudu salvaged the chase with a 95-run stand. Both batsmen scored half-centuries and struck two fours and three sixes each to snatch the momentum from Royals.”It is a tough one to take, getting into a winning position and not able to get over the line, the boys will be very disappointed,” Buttler said. “But, I think that’s been the story of our season so far. We have had some games that we should have won and closed out but for a few reasons, we have not been able to do it. We need to get it right, fast.”Royals are now only above winless Royal Challengers Bangalore on the points table with one win from six games.How do they get out of it?”The way out is simple, we have to play better and longer,” Buttler said. “We are just not putting those performances together. We have played well in stages but against quality oppositions and some of the best players in the world, if you can’t do it for the whole 40 overs then it’s tough to win the game.”Fleming, too, admitted the weaknesses in his side, even though they sit on top of the table with six wins from seven games. The two main areas he identified that needed their attention were their fielding and death bowling.”There’s a lot of areas of concern,” Fleming said. “Our top order has been playing on a tough wicket in Chennai so we’ve got to make sure our confidence is high. Being 20-odd for 4, you’re not going to win many games. And [another concern is] just finishing off an innings with our death bowling. It’s hard and most teams are struggling. But if there are two areas we want to get better at, we’re working hard on, is that and we have to work hard on our fielding. We’ve got a number of holes but we know where they are and we’ll try and cover them up as much as we can.”

Rising Chelsea star Noni Madueke reveals Cristiano Ronaldo inspiration as he tries to emulate Kylian Mbappe & Vinicius Jr

Noni Madueke hailed Cristiano Ronaldo as his inspiration and revealed that he tries to emulate Kylian Mbappe & Vinicius Jr.

Article continues below

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  • Madueke gradually finding his feet at Chelsea
  • Forward is a huge admirer of Ronaldo
  • Closely follows the likes of Mbappe & Vinicius
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The 21-year-old, who joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven for £30 million ($38 million) in January 2023, has made significant strides in his development and boasts of having two goals and two assists in his last five games. He is gradually getting into the groove with the guidance of Mauricio Pochettino and admitted that he is a keen observer of the likes of Ronaldo, Mbappe and Vinicius – players who have a similar style to him.

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    WHAT MADUEKE SAID

    In an interview with Madueke stated: "The main [inspiration] of course was [Cristiano] Ronaldo, that's probably when I was a bit younger, but Mbappé, Vinicius Jr. I watch those type of players and try and take bits from their game. Arjen Robben [too]. They are decisive. They win games on their own and they entertain crowds. That's what I like to do as well."

  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Madueke's move to Chelsea marked a significant step up in his career, transitioning from the Eredivisie to the more competitive environment of the Premier League. Despite the increased level of competition, Madueke has adapted well after a torrid start and credited Pochettino for his upsurge in form.

    Madueke said: "For me, I'd say he's very real, very straight to the point. I think he wants to help you genuinely and he has this clear way of how he's going to do that, which I admire about him. He's helped me this season for sure from the start. If you look at where I was at the start to where I'm now in terms of my game. So he's helped me a lot with developing a certain mentality in me that allows me to perform."

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    WHAT NEXT FOR MADUEKE?

    Madueke would like to finish the campaign on a positive note by beating Bournemouth on the final matchday in the Premier League. A brace against the Cherries would take his goal tally to double digits across competitions – a fair return given his struggles earlier in the season.

Suné Luus to lead South Africa against Pakistan in Dane van Niekerk's absence

Senior players Chloe Tryon and Lizelle Lee have also returned to the fold for the series

ESPNcricinfo staff26-Apr-2019

ICC/Getty Images

South Africa women will be without the services of their regular captain Dane van Niekerk for the upcoming limited-overs home series against Pakistan, as she continues to recover from a stress fracture of the right femur.Van Niekerk had suffered the injury during the first ODI against Sri Lanka in February this year and Suné Luus, who had stepped in to lead the side for the remainder of that series, has been named captain for the games against Pakistan as well.The elevation to the captaincy, albeit in a temporary capacity, marked an interesting few months for Luus: she was dropped for the series against Sri Lanka, before being included in place of the injured Chloe Tryon, and then went on to lead the side when van Niekerk picked up her injury. Luus, a legspin-bowling allrounder, took a match-defining 4 for 30 in the third ODI against Sri Lanka, which helped her side sweep the series 3-0.Two other senior players were recalled after regaining full fitness. Vice-captain Tryon has recovered from a groin injury, while Lizelle Lee was picked after meeting the team’s fitness standards. Fitness concerns had resulted in her withdrawal from the series against Sri Lanka.Wicketkeeper-batsman Sinalo Jafta, who last played an ODI in January 2017, was included in both squads, as was the uncapped Nondumiso Shangase. Shangase, a young allrounder, is a product of the Women’s National Academy, and was also part of the South Africa women’s emerging team that hosted England and Australia’s academies in a triangular series last year. Opening batsman Andrei Steyn and medium-pacer Zintle Mali have only been picked for the ODIs, with Tazmin Brits and Moseline Daniels taking their place in the T20I squad.The three-match ODI series will begin on May 6, and both South Africa and Pakistan will look to be higher on the ICC Women’s Championship table by the end of it. South Africa are fifth on the table with six wins from 12 matches, the same number as Pakistan, who are sixth, but have an extra point following a no-result (against West Indies in September last year). The first two ODIs will be played at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom, with the final ODI in Benoni. The five-match T20I series will be played in Pretoria, Pietermaritzburg and Benoni between May 15 and May 23.South Africa women’s ODI team: Suné Luus (capt), Chloe Tryon (vice-capt), Lizelle Lee (wk), Andrie Steyn, Laura Wolvaardt, Shabnim Ismail, Mignon du Preez, Tumi Sekhukhune, Masabata Klaas, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine De Klerk, Zintle Mali, Nondumiso Shangase, Sinalo Jafta (wk)South Africa women’s T20I team: Suné Luus (capt), Chloe Tryon (vice-capt), Lizelle Lee (wk), Tazmin Brits, Laura Wolvaardt, Shabnim Ismail, Mignon du Preez, Tumi Sekhukhune, Masabata Klaas, Marizanne Kapp, Nadine De Klerk, Moseline Daniels, Nondumiso Shangase, Sinalo Jafta (wk)

Crystal Palace make first move over £20m Sunderland winger Jack Clarke

Crystal Palace have been linked with a move for Sunderland star Jack Clarke this month, and there has now been a Selhurst Park development.

Crystal Palace linked with new attacker

The Eagles have struggled for goals under Roy Hodgson so far this season, scoring just 22 times with only Burnley (20) and Sheffield United (15) netting fewer in 20 Premier League games.

As a result, the club, and by extension chairman Steve Parish and sporting director Dougie Freedman, appear to be on the hunt for a new attacking addition during the January transfer window.

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ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

Names with Premier League experience have been floated around in West Ham’ Danny Ings and Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah. The Hammers are currently reluctant to let Ings go due to injuries to Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowe, whereas Arsenal have turned down a loan-to-buy offer from Palace for Nketiah.

Clarke, primarily a winger, is another name who has been linked with a move to London, and it appears as if Palace have made their first move for the Championship star.

Palace make contact for Jack Clarke

According to a new report by Football Insider, Crystal Palace have made contact with Sunderland by registering their interest in a move for Clarke.

However, the Eagles aren’t the only side to have done so, with rivals Brentford and West Ham also doing the same. The report adds that the Black Cats value Clarke up to £20m and the player himself is concerned about joining a Premier League club in the capital following his wretched spell at Tottenham.

Things didn’t work out for Clarke at Spurs previously after moving from Leeds United back in 2019, with the winger making just four senior appearances for the club before being sold to Sunderland in 2022.

The 23-year-old has gone from strength to strength at The Stadium of Light, though, and has already enjoyed a career-best season in front of goal in 2023/24.

Jack Clarke Championship stats in 2023/24

Appearances

26

Goals

12

Assists

2

As a result, he has been praised heavily in the media, including by former Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray, who called Clarke a “super talent” earlier this season following a win over Blackburn Rovers.

“He was amazing tonight. Scored two great goals, earned the penalty, he stuck it away, which shows the confidence level he’s got to stand up and take the penalty, and the composure for his second goal.

“But not just the goal. The more the game went on, the more this team knows to give it to Clarke who can run it 40 yards up the pitch, he can cut inside, pass it to people in the box, he can shoot. He’s a super talent, he’s a great kid and I don’t apologise for shouting at him and telling him he has to work hard because all the best players work harder than anybody else and their talent shines through.”

Man Utd interested in signing "one-man army" who could replace Casemiro

Manchester United are interested in signing a central talisman to replace Casemiro in January, according to a reliable journalist.

Casemiro receives offer to leave

According to The Daily Mail, Casemiro, Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial have all been made available for transfer next month, with the club’s football director John Murtough having travelled to Saudi Arabia to tout potential suitors.

The Red Devils’ defensive midfielder is believed to have recently received an offer from a mystery club in that particular country, so should he indeed seal a departure in the coming weeks, Erik ten Hag will have to go on a hunt to find a suitable replacement.

Everton’s Amadou Onana appears to have been highlighted as a possible candidate, with the 22-year-old having emerged as Sean Dyche’s second best-performing defensive player so far this season (WhoScored – Everton statistics).

The Belgium international is a long-term target of the hierarchy having reportedly held talks to join over the summer, and while a deal failed to come to fruition before the deadline, chiefs are considering taking a second bite of the cherry to bring him to Old Trafford.

Man United keen on Onana

Taking to X, Sebastien Denis revealed that Man United want to sign Onana, but they aren’t alone in their pursuit with Barcelona also in the race to secure his services in January.

Exclusive: Amadou Onana impresses in the Premier League and could leave the Toffees next summer or even this winter. Everton is asking for between 55 and 60 million € [£47-51m]. Barca has already met the midfielder's entourage. Manchester United still very interested in the former Lille player.”

Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.

Onana is a "one-man army" in the centre

Standing at 6 foot 3, Onana brings a completely different dimension to the centre of the park with his height, where he's not only strong at winning his individual battles in the air, but he also loves to get stuck into challenges to try and win back possession for his team in the Premier League.

Onana's Statistics Per Game This Season (WhoScored)

Aerial Wins – 2.8

Tackles – 2.5

Clearances – 1.1

Pass Success Rate – 85.4%

The Dakar native is additionally capable of making a positive impact at the opposite end of the pitch having scored three goals and provided the same number of assists since joining Everton last summer, with his desire to get involved both defensively and offensively making him a well-rounded player (Transfermarkt – Onana statistics).

Ten Hag’s target is even a versatile operator having been deployed in five different positions following his arrival on the professional scene, including three roles in the midfield, as a centre-back and even at centre-forward, so he would be able to provide fantastic cover in other areas of the pitch.

As described by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Onana is a “one-man army” because of all of the things that he can do at once, so should the board be able to get this deal over the line in the coming weeks, it would be a massive coup for Ten Hag.

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