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West Ham United are interested in a deal to bring Scott McTominay to the London Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by talkSPORT, who claim that – following Manchester United’s £70m signing of Real Madrid midfielder Casemiro – the quartet of West Ham, Everton, Leicester City and Newcastle United have all registered their interest in the 25-year-old Scotland international, who is expected to lose his place in Erik ten Hag’s starting XI at the expense of the Brazilian.

However, previous reports have suggested that the Dutchman would not be open to parting with the United academy graduate prior to September’s transfer deadline, with the former Ajax head coach said to view the midfielder as a pivotal player in his squad. It is unclear, though, as to whether or not Casemiro’s arrival will have changed the 52-year-old’s stance.

Big mistake

It is undeniable that McTominay would be a solid addition to David Moyes’ current options in the middle of the park. However, considering the 25-year-old’s underwhelming performances so far this season, in addition to the asking price that United would likely demand for a player who has a current market valuation of £59m, a move for the Scot could well prove to be a big mistake.

Indeed, over his two Premier League appearances in 2022/23, the £60k-per-week midfielder has been in particularly poor form. He earned a hugely disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.3 for his display in United’s 2-1 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion, followed by a 6.8 rating for his efforts in the embarrassing 4-0 defeat to Brentford last weekend.

Following the loss to the Seagulls, legendary Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes singled out the 34-cap international for his performance, stating of the 25-year-old: “Scott McTominay was always trying to run with the ball, ridiculous.

“The quality in the middle of the pitch was really poor. The quality in the middle of the pitch was nowhere near good enough but we’ve seen that for the last few years with these two players. With Fred and McTominay, [Ten Hag] is going to have to go with just one of them but even one of them is probably too many.

“Fred gives the ball away all the time and McTominay is trying to run with the ball constantly and then gives it away. Pass it to your best players! It’s not that difficult. It’s criminal on a day like today.”

As such, with West Ham also having been linked with the likes of Teun Koopmeiners and Hans Vanaken – both of whom would more than likely cost significantly less than McTominay – in recent weeks, it is clear to see that there are much more suitable options for Moyes to pursue this summer.

That leads us to believe that a bid for the Manchester United midfielder would be a big mistake by the east London club.

One of Nottingham Forest’s transfer targets is now in talks with another club, according to Fabrizio Romano…

What’s the word?

The Italian noted on Twitter that Ruslan Malinovskyi had entered into discussions with Marseille over a potential move to the Ligue 1 club.

He tweeted: “Excl: Olympique Marseille are in talks to sign Ruslan Malinovskyi. Ukrainian midfielder wants a new challenge, as OM are negotiating with Atalanta and player side.”

Romano had detailed earlier this month that the Premier League club were interested in the wantaway midfielder, but the 29-year-old now seems poised to move elsewhere.

It’s a huge blow for Cooper

After recently securing the signing of Remo Freuler, Steve Cooper will be disappointed to see the Switzerland international’s Atalanta midfield partner heading elsewhere.

The 30-year-old and Malinovskyi have been regulars for the Nerazzurri in recent years and were mainstays in the side which finished third in the 2020/21 Serie A season. That campaign actually saw the latter rank as “Serie A’s best playmaker” when accounting for assists, big chances created and key passes.

He also impressed last season with his offensive output for his team and even ranked as one of the outstanding attacking midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues.

He ranked in the top 3% for shots total and top 7% for shot-creating actions, instantly marking him out as a constant threat to the opposition’s goal. He can create and score, as outlined with six goals and five assists in the league last season. Adding these qualities to a Forest team who scored 73 times in the Championship last season could have been devastating.

His progressive passes were also exceptional, with an average of 5.79 per game ranking him in the top 5% across Europe. Jesse Lingard would have thrived off his service, as Malinovskyi would have the vision and ability to find the Englishman in dangerous pockets of space on the half-turn.

Similarly, the likes of Taiwo Awoniyi would have feasted on his deliveries. With an xG assisted of 0.32 per game, again ranking him in the top 6%, his creativity would likely be rewarded more often with a fine finisher up front like the Nigerian, who netted 17 Bundesliga league goals last term.

Malinovskyi’s figures mark him out as one of Europe’s most creative attacking midfielders, and the links to Forest would have been flattering for both player and club.

It represents a big blow for Cooper that, for all their signings made over the summer, this is the one they seem set to miss out upon. The Forest manager will surely be left scratching his head after this one, especially given the possible pull of ex-Atalanta team-mate Freuler.

Nottingham Forest have submitted a bid for Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar, according to a French outlet.

The Lowdown: Freuler first?

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano reported on Thursday that the Reds are set to sign Remo Freuler from Atalanta after a deal was agreed between the two clubs, but it appears that he might not be the only fresh face Steve Cooper wants in the middle of the park.

The 24-year-old Aouar has now entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Groupama Stadium, meaning that an exit is likely if the Ligue 1 side want to cash in, and it sounds like a move to the Premier League could well be on the cards.

The Latest: Forest favourites to sign Aouar

French outlet L’Equipe (via Sport Witness) claim that Forest have ‘made a first offer’ for Aouar, having ‘raced into the picture’ to secure his signature.

The source states that whilst the Reds aren’t the ‘most expected destination’, they are now the ‘most concrete possibility’.

It’s reported that the Midlands outfit have been ‘in contact with Aouar’s agents for several days’, though the nature of the opening bid is currently ‘too far’ from Lyon’s valuation.

Despite this, the player is ‘not closed’ to the idea of moving to England, with ‘discussions’ with Forest set to continue ‘in the coming days’.

The Verdict: Creative contribution

The fact that Forest aren’t giving up on signing Aouar just shows how serious they are about getting this deal over the line, and rightly so as he would be a brilliant addition to the starting XI looking at his numbers.

The Frenchman, hailed an ‘impeccable’ player by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, has netted 40 goals and provided 35 assists during his time at Lyon, via Transfermarkt, and has the versatility to play out wide as well as centrally.

This desire to contribute in the attacking areas of the pitch will be like music to the ears for Cooper, and Aouar could create a brilliant new partnership with Freuler if they both get unveiled as Forest players in the weeks ahead.

Manchester United are uncertain about Noussair Mazraoui's fitness for the Ipswich Town clash after he picked up a knock against Everton.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Mazraoui picks up knee injury
• Man Utd sweating on his fitness
• Red Devils take on Ipswich on Wednesday

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Manchester United's injury crisis can see no end at the moment as Ruben Amorim has seen a number of players drop out on fitness due to a number of issues. Mazraoui is the new name to suffer an injury after he had to be subbed off in the 70th minute during the Red Devils' 2-2 draw with Everton after picking up a knock to his right knee.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  ESPN has now reported that United are uncertain about Mazraoui's availability for their upcoming Premier League clash against Ipswich Town on Wednesday. The report has added that the Morocco international is set to undergo tests on Monday as the Red Devils look to figure out the extent of the defender's injury.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  In addition to Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Lisandro Martinez, Toby Collyer, Altay Bayindir, and Jonny Evans, United lost Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo due to long-term injury issues last week. Amid the Red Devils' injury-ridden season, Mazraoui has accrued the fourth-most minutes for the club this season behind Andre Onana, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MAZRAOUI?

  Manchester United are set to take on Ipswich Town on Wednesday, February 26, and Mazraoui's appearance could hinge on the tests and his fitness levels. However, Amorim may choose to rest the defender regardless to avoid any issues.

West Ham United forward Said Benrahma needs to ‘prove’ himself in the Premier League or risk losing out on first-team action, according to journalist Paul Brown.

The Lowdown: Falling out of favour

The Algerian made the £30m move to the London Stadium two years ago from Brentford and had an impressive start to life under David Moyes, though this has since taken a turn.

The summer arrivals of Lucas Paqueta and Maxwel Cornet have pushed the 27-year-old down the pecking order and his game time has suffered as a result, having made just three league starts this season.

The Latest: Brown’s verdict

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Brown insisted that Benrahma must find a solid run of form to force his way back into the starting XI if he wants to be seen as more than a fringe player.

“I think that’s the big thing for him, he’s not really been able to find much consistency at West Ham over long spells.

“So, I think it’s down to him really to prove that he’s first-team regular material, otherwise, he’s going to find himself on the periphery like this a lot more this season.”

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The Verdict: Second chance required

Benrahma has been hailed ‘immense’ by sports journalist Josh Bunting, and despite recently dropping off, he more than has the ability to make an impact moving forward.

The winger has made 29 goal contributions in the final third and currently averages 1.6 shots, 1.2 dribbles and 1.2 key passes per league game (WhoScored).

His work rate is sometimes noticeably lower than his teammates, but if he adds this side to his game, he will provide Moyes with an all-round threat up top.

Leeds United director of football Victor Orta is no longer under consideration for Chelsea’s sporting director role.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Ben Jacobs, with the CBS Sports journalist revealing in a recent post on Twitter that, despite the Spaniard reported to be one of the names on new Chelsea owner Todd Boehly’s shortlist of candidates for the vacant position at Stamford Bridge, the 43-year-old is no longer an active target for the American.

In his tweet, Jacobs said: “Lots of candidates spoken to with various options explored. There may even be a ‘group’ recruitment head as/when Chelsea add other clubs to their portfolio allowing for a longer-term senior appointment. Luis Campos and Victor Orta are not under active consideration.”

Fantastic news for Leeds

Considering just how impressive a job Orta has done over his five-and-a-half-year tenure as Leeds’ director of football, Jacobs’ claim that the Spaniard is no longer being considered by Chelsea is undoubtedly great news for everyone involved with the club.

With the 43-year-old making the move to Elland Road some 13 years since the Whites had last been playing Premier League football, Orta took just three years to right that wrong through his managerial appointments and transfer business.

Indeed, the Spaniard’s first season at the club saw the arrivals of players such as Adam Forshaw, Pontus Jansson, Gjanni Alioski and Mateusz Klich – all of whom helped to elevate the quality of football played in LS11 almost immediately.

However, it was undoubtedly the director of football’s appointment of Marcelo Biela in the summer of 2018 that proved the catalyst for dragging Leeds out of the second tier, with the Argentine coach being key to the club’s 2020 promotion.

Indeed, following the further additions of players such as Patrick Bamford, Helder Costa and Illan Meslier, as well as Jack Harrison and Ben White on loan deals, the Whites would romp to the Championship title in 2019/20 – ending 16 years of hurt.

Since their promotion, Orta has continued to work hard in the transfer market to ensure that Leeds retain their top-flight status, with international players such as Raphinha, Robin Koch, Diego Llorente, Brenden Aaronson, Luis Sinisterra, Tyler Adams and Rasmus Kristensen all making the move to Elland Road over the past two years.

However, it has not only been the senior side that Orta has strengthened, as the 43-year-old has also brought some incredibly exciting young talent to Thorp Arch in recent seasons, with the likes of Joe Gelhadrt, Sonny Perkins, Sam Greenwood, Crysencio Summerville, Lewis Bate, Darko Gyabi and Mateo Joseph all linking up in the Whites academy setup.

As such, with Orta very much having been the man to have taken Leeds back to where they belong, ensuring the club remained a top-flight team and having meticulously planned for the Whites’ future, the news that the architect of Leeds’ recent success will be remaining at the club for the foreseeable is most certainly fantastic news for all involved with the Whites.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are currently enduring a miserable start to the season having found themselves facing a potential relegation scrap after picking up just six points from their opening nine Premier League games, with a return to the second tier a very real possibility at present.

The Old Gold are now in their fifth season in the top flight after enjoying a real rise in recent years, prior to this latest slump, having secured promotion out of the Championship back in the 2017/18 campaign during former boss Nuno Espirito Santo’s first season at the helm.

One figure who was crucial in helping to guide the Molineux outfit back into the top tier in that triumphant season was defender Barry Douglas, with the full-back proving a real fan favourite in what was his one and only campaign at the club.

The Scotsman had joined the Midlands side from Turkish outfit Konyaspor in the summer of 2017, going on to provide a remarkable haul of five goals and 14 assists in his 39 league games – with that latter tally of assists the joint-highest in the division that season.

The one-cap gem had offered a real threat down the left flank in his wing-back berth, although was unable to enjoy the fruits of his labour as he was swiftly axed prior to the start of the following season, eventually joining Leeds United on a £3m deal to see him forced to remain in the second tier.

That decision to allow the Glasgow-born star to depart had been a “surprising” one at the time- as per Wolves Fancast – although the aforementioned Nuno has seemingly been vindicated, with Douglas hardly pulling up any trees since then.

The first permanent signing of Marcelo Bielsa’s tenure in charge at Elland Road, the 5 foot 9 menace went on to make just 44 appearances for the Yorkshire over the next few years, notably again missing out on life in the Premier League as he was loaned out to Blackburn Rovers for the 2020/21 campaign, as his parent club made their return to the promised land.

After recording just two assists in 31 games during his time at Ewood Park, the ageing defender was subsequently released by Leeds upon his return to the club, eventually making a move to Polish side Lech Poznan where he had previously spent time earlier in his career.

Now 33, the £450k-rated veteran remains with the club at present, although has failed to provide a single goal contribution in 19 games in all competitions so far this term, having done little to leave those back at Molineux ruing their decision to let him depart. It truly seems as though they sold the full-back at exactly the right time.

Sunderland will go into tonight’s game full of confidence that they can end the night in a playoff spot, as they host a wounded Blackpool.

Whilst the Black Cats have lost just one of their last five, the visitors have lost all of their last three Championship games. If they were to lose tonight and results went against them, the Seasiders could conversely finish the night in the relegation zone.

Due to the struggling nature of their opposition, plus the fact that they played on Saturday, Tony Mowbray could use this game to rest some key players and start some of the more under-utilised but exciting individuals.

The Stadium of Light would rejoice at the chance to finally see Amad Diallo start for the first time, and show the magic that made Manchester United fork out an initial £19m for his services.

Although he has shown little in his brief cameos, across his loan spell at Rangers and limited game time at Old Trafford, he has offered glimpses of immense quality that suggest he could terrorise his opposition full-back, likely Dominic Thompson.

For the Scottish giants, across all competitions he scored five and assisted once in just 16 games.

He has mainly starred for the United U21s during his short career, with six goals and four assists in just five games suggesting this level is beneath him

Owen Hargreaves is one who expects big things from the 20-year-old but saw qualities in him that reassured him. He said: “He’s got real talent, got a nice left foot… I think he’s a creative player.”

He continued by noting that “hopefully he’s a special one for the future.”

With Thompson part of a Blackpool side that has conceded 16 times in just 11 games, they will be petrified at the prospect of facing the Wearside outfits’ numerous tricky attackers.

The 22-year-old in particular is being dribbled past 0.8 times per game and wins possession just 0.3 times per game. If Diallo is on form, therefore, he should have a field day against the fellow youngster.

Conversely, the Ivorian has averaged 1.0 key passes per game during his few minutes for Sunderland. Given the fragility of their opponents, and the space Diallo will likely find himself in, now could be the perfect time to truly unleash him upon the Championship.

West Bromwich Albion have not enjoyed the finest of starts to the Championship season, as they sit 21st, having won just once from ten games.

Steve Bruce has been crying out for a goal scorer, as his side only have 15 goals in these games (with five coming in one match). Brandon Thomas-Asante shows promise but is still raw, and Daryl Dike remains injured.

That just leaves Karlan Grant to shoulder an incredible burden up front, which he has somewhat struggled with.

However, his career so far at the Hawthorns has to be viewed as something of a success.

Signed for £15m by Slaven Bilic, he only managed one Premier League goal in his debut season.

The season following, however, he was able to truly flex his muscles in front of goal. He scored an astounding 18 league goals in the Championship, proving that he has the capability to fire them back to the top-flight should he be handed the service. He also provided six assists that season.

He unsurprisingly was voted Players’ Player of the Season for that campaign, further solidifying the importance he will hold for the Baggies.

Paul Robinson had predicted that he would thrive that year too, as he claimed: “This season West Brom fans will see the best of Karlan Grant.”

He continued: “The Premier League was a big step up for him and he found it very difficult to start off with. He never gained his confidence and we never saw the brilliant player who was in the Championship.”

With just three league goals this season, he has endured a slow start.

But with his past being so laden with goals, 23 in fact for Albion, he is sure to come good once more sooner or later. When on form, there are few better in the division who could fire a side back up to the Premier League, and we might see that “brilliant player” once more.

The £15m outlay may have been significant at the time, but if one day he does score the goals necessary for a promotion, it will have been more than worth it. Indeed, the prize of a place in the top-flight is worth significantly more than Grant’s transfer fee.

Liverpool have had their worst start to a Premier League season in the Jurgen Klopp era and it is looking like the club are taking no chances with transfer targets already being identified for the winter transfer window.

What’s the latest?

According to 90min, Liverpool are now interested in signing Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhaylo Mudryk in January.

As per the report, the Reds are the latest side to express an interest in the player who is set to become available for £50m when the transfer market reopens in a few months’ time.

Sadio Mane replacement

Although Liverpool did sign Luis Diaz last January there is no doubt that Klopp will want to continue to strengthen his out-of-sorts forward line after Sadio Mane made the move to Bayern Munich this summer.

Although Mane wasn’t always in his best form over his last few seasons at the club, he could always be relied upon to deliver goal contributions when it mattered the most, scoring 120 times and delivering 49 assists over his time with Liverpool, tallying up a goal or assist every 127 minutes.

Last season the Senegalese winger was an important part of the team’s progression to their third Champions League final in five years, with three goals scored in the knock-out stages of the prestigious European competition which led to him breaking the record for the most knock-out goals scored by an African player.

As a result, replacing Mane was never going to be easy and Klopp will be hoping that securing a deal for Mudryk could put them in a great position to push on in the second half of the season to encourage further successes for Liverpool.

The 21-year-old Ukrainian winger was hailed a “serious talent” by Shakhtar chief Darijo Srna who gave a glowing reference to the young talent in an interview with CBS Sport:

“Mudryk is a serious talent. After Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, he’s the best player in Europe in his position.

“If someone wants to buy Mudryk they must spend a lot, a lot, a lot of money and respect our club and our president.”

Despite not being given too many opportunities to display his clear ability in front of goal the rising star has scored four goals and delivered 12 assists, with a goal contribution every 87 minutes played since breaking through into the first team with Donetsk.

This season Mudryk has been proving his worth over the Champions League campaign so far with the youngster dominating games as a standout performer on the European stage, tallying up two goals and two assists already in the group stages. He found the back of the net against Celtic and had three direct goal involvements against RB Leipzig in Donetsk’s opener.

With that being said, there is nothing more that Klopp loves than taking raw talent and turning them into superstars so the signing of Mudryk could be the German coach’s next opportunity to polish up another young up and coming player at Liverpool.