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The American midfielder is killing it in Spain, earning himself plenty of admirers on both sides of the Atlantic

The term 'meteoric rise' is thrown around plenty in soccer, and it could easily be used to describe Johnny Cardoso in 2024. Just a few short months ago, the midfielder completed a relatively under-the-radar move to Real Betis. Now, having dominated La Liga since his introduction, the rumor mill is already linking him to Barcelona.

It's insane how quickly Cardoso has adjusted to life in Spain. He's stepped right into one of the league's better teams and established himself as one of that team's better players. It's no fluke that Barca are taking notice – Cardoso has earned that type of attention.

But his rise has only been meteoric to those who haven't been paying attention. The 22-year-old has been a player on the U.S. men's national team radar for years. This summer, though, it looks like he could take a leap from the radar to the starting XI just in time for the Copa America.

Cardoso's reputation is growing, both at home and abroad, and it looks like his rise is only just getting started.

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  Big move to Betis

  Born in New Jersey to Brazilian parents, Cardoso spent nearly all of his life in his family's homeland. He moved back to South America at three months old, and, prior to January's big move, developed his game in one of the most competitive soccer countries on the planet.

  After stints with Avai and Criciuma, Cardoso joined the academy of Internacional, rising all the way to the first team. He made his professional debut in 2019, and never really left the starting line up after properly breaking through in 2020. He played at least 22 league matches in each of his final three seasons with the club, while also featuring 11 teams in the Copa Libertadores in 2023.

  Throughout that year, the American midfielder was linked with a move to Betis. A proposed summer transfer didn't come to fruition, but the Spanish side came right back in for Cardoso in January. They paid a reported fee of $6.3 million to sign the USMNT midfielder, and what a bargain that is looking like just a few months later.

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• Life in La Liga

  It took no time for Cardoso to prove himself with Betis. He was named La Liga's Under-23 Player of the Month in February, and his momentum hasn't slowed down in the weeks since.

  Playing under ex-Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, Cardoso has established himself as one of the league's top midfielders. In fact, defensively, there may not be a better midfielder in Spain. He's in the 99th percentile for interceptions, 96th percentile for clearances and 95th percentile for aerials won. He's also in the 88th percentile for tackles, but he's not just limited to defending; you can find him in the 71st percentile for passing percentage, too.

  In addition to his midfield work, he's also provided two assists and a goal. That goal came against Athletic Club, a stunning long-range effort in February's 3-1. win.

  In all facets, Cardoso has been a revelation in La Liga, and Europe's top clubs have taken notice.

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  Barcelona links

  It seems that Cardoso could be in La Liga for a long time, but his stay with Real Betis may be short. reported that both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are chasing the USMNT midfielder, and that both clubs have reached out to his representatives in recent weeks. Cardoso reportedly has a release clause of €80m (£68m/$85m), but Betis would be willing to accept a bid of around €30m (£25m/$32m) if it arrived.

  Barca and Atleti aren't the only clubs interested, though. The report adds that Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are also looking at Cardoso, with both Bundesliga teams having also been in contact with Cardoso's entourage. Premier League clubs and teams in Serie A are also keeping an eye on Cardoso, who looks like he'll be a wanted man this summer.

  A potential transfer isn't the only thing on Cardoso's agenda in the coming months, though, as the midfielder will have one eye on the USMNT squad for the Copa America.

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  USMNT career so far

  Cardoso has been in and around the USMNT for years. He made his debut in 2020 and, at just 22, already has 11 caps to his name. However, it's never really felt like he's gotten a consistent run of games. It's been an appearance here and there, as he he has started just twice in his grand total of 315 minutes. So, in some ways, the midfielder is still somewhat unproven at international level.

  The reason Cardoso has never quite gotten a USMNT shot? The USMNT's established MMA midfielder of Yunus Musah, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams is all but locked in when healthy. That trio were fantastic in the lead up to and during the 2022 World Cup, and it makes no sense to break up a good thing.

  USMNT boss Gregg Berhalter could be forced into some changes, though, and Cardoso could certainly be the answer he's looking for.

Manchester United are on the lookout for new reinforcements and could now look to bring in an exciting signing at the expense of Raphael Varane, according to a report.

Raphael Varane's Man Utd future…

Undoubtedly, Varane has had something of a stop-start campaign at Manchester United and injuries alongside spells in and out of the side have taken their toll on the Frenchman.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Dean Jones has indicated that Varane is frustrated with his lack of first-team opportunities at Old Trafford and could look to move on in January if the right type of opportunity arises, saying:

"Varane is still a great player. He's obviously extremely frustrated about his own opportunities in that team right now, so I can understand that. But he needs the right move for himself, too, and it does seem like he's only going to consider a very specific type of club at this moment in his career.

"Whether that comes on in January is also unlikely. But yeah, I actually personally think it will be a mistake to let him go."

Reporter shares what he’s heard on Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd future

Will Sir Jim Ratcliffe look to replace the Dutchman?

By
Henry Jackson

Dec 17, 2023

According to The Daily Mail, former Real Madrid man Varane alongside teammate Casemiro, could be moved on in January to free up finances for Ten Hag to invest elsewhere in his side.

Joining from the La Liga giants for a fee of £42 million in 2021, The Athletic cite in a separate report that he is actually only under contract until the summer and could leave on a free transfer in 2024, which would be a damning reflection of the Red Devils' poor recruitment over recent years.

In light of this, United now look to have identified a potential replacement for Varane that could help to soften the blow that would be left by his prospective departure at Old Trafford.

Man Utd eye David Alaba move

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are at the centre of a three-way battle to sign Real Madrid defender David Alaba next summer, who is also attracting interest from Serie A giants Juventus and Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ittihad. The Austrian international is valued at around €60 million (£51.6 million) by his current employers, who would consider selling him due to inconsistent performances.

The outlet claim that the Red Devils are keen to strengthen in central defence as Varane is mooted to be close to departing the club and Alaba has been identified as someone with the requisite experience and skills to replace the Lille-born man.

Labelled a "complete player" by Carlo Ancelotti, Alaba has made 16 appearances in all competitions for Los Blancos at the time of writing, registering two assists in the process (Alaba statistics – Transfermarkt).

Manchester United seem to have a habit of making high-profile signings at Old Trafford and Alaba could provide an elite-level pedigree should a move to England materialise for the former Bayern Munich star.

Bruno Fernandes is reportedly "ready" for the FA Cup final to be his final game for Manchester United amid links with Saudi Arabia.

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• Fernandes might leave OT
• FA Cup final could be his 'swansong'
• Middle East emerges as possible destination

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to Fernandes is contemplating making the FA Cup title decider against eternal rivals Manchester City his "swansong" after spending four-and-a-half seasons at Old Trafford. Amidst these rumours, Ronaldo's Al-Nassr has emerged as a potential destination for Fernandes, with other Saudi clubs like Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad also said to be interested in securing his services.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Fernandes has hinted at the possibility of a departure from United, insisting he will make a final decision on his future after Portugal's Euro 2024 campaign. This revelation came just a day after reports surfaced indicating the club's willingness to offload a significant portion of their squad during a summer overhaul.

  Despite United's challenging season, Fernandes has been a standout performer, contributing 15 goals and 11 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions. He is under contract until the end of the 2025-26 season, with an option for a further 12 months.

• WHAT FERNANDES SAID

  "I’m not thinking about other things at the moment," he told earlier in May.

  "Obviously, it doesn’t just depend on me, does it? A player always has to want to be here, but at the same time, you have to want him to stay. At the moment, I feel there’s that on both sides. I’m not thinking too much about the future, not least because, obviously, this season hasn’t been at the level I’d hoped for, either individually or collectively, so far.

  "So, if you want me to be very honest, if I have to think about not continuing in the Premier League, it won’t be until after the Euros because nothing will be able to take my focus away from the FA Cup final and the Euros, as there’s nothing more important than that at the moment."

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• CASEMIRO ALSO ON SAUDI LIST

  According to The Telegraph, Casemiro's future at Manchester United is also uncertain. The Brazilian midfielder has faced criticism for his recent performances, particularly after being deployed as a makeshift centre-back during the club's injury crisis, which has encouraged Saudi Arabia to up their ante for him.

  The Pro League authorities are gearing up to make 10 high-profile signings in the next transfer window and have already reached out to Casemiro's entourage for a potential transfer, with the report stating that Fernandes is also on their list. The overseas player quota in the SPL has already been hiked to 10 – a clear indication of their ambitions to lure the brightest talents and establish itself as one of the best leagues in the world.

Tottenham Hotspur's effectiveness in the summer transfer window has been clear despite a shaky spell this season, with Ange Postecoglou's appointment blending marvellously with the player acquisitions.

A stunning start to the campaign put last year's eighth-placed finish firmly in the past, with Heung-min Son's goalscoring exploits even attenuating the effect of Harry Kane's sale in August.

But while Son, appointed captain in the summer, has been the perfect talisman, he's not a natural centre-forward, and signing a striker to add a dimension to the attack would be worthwhile.

Especially considering Postecoglou's ambitious stratagems will require such a player to increase the chances of success across multiple fronts.

Spurs transfer news – Dominic Solanke

According to a recent report from the Sun, Tottenham are monitoring in-form Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke as they prepare to strengthen in the summer.

While a centre-forward would be desired this winter, Postecoglou has stressed that bolstering the backline is his "priority" ahead of the January transfer window.

As such, with Richarlison also clicking into gear of late, it might be wise to earmark Solanke and return for him at the end of the campaign, having sent scouts to watch him in action on multiple occasions and tagging him as an apt successor to player of Kane's profile.

With Arsenal also listed as suitors, Bournemouth are understood to be pragmatic about the situation and have stamped a ballpark price tag of £50m on his signature.

Dominic Solanke's season in number

17 games into the 2023/24 Premier League season, Solanke is behind only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah in the scoring charts, which is certainly not bad company to be around.

On par with Jarrod Bowen and Tottenham's Son with 11 goals, Solanke has been immense this season for Bournemouth and was praised for his "predatory" instincts on Sky Sports after bagging a hat-trick against Nottingham Forest last weekend.

As per Sofascore, the 26-year-old has been a menace in the final third, averaging 3.2 shots and 0.8 key passes per game, with the latter metric underlining a creative slant to his skill set that differentiates him from the traditional target man.

Standing at 6 foot 2, Solanke impressed last season as the Cherries avoided relegation upon their return to the top flight, posting seven goals and assists apiece, but it is this year, under the enterprising management of Andoni Iraola, that he has taken the next step in his development.

Heralded as a "top, multi-faceted forward" by The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell, Solanke is blossoming into a player with all the tools to succeed at an outfit challenging at the forefront of the Premier League, and he would be a credit to Tottenham's budding revolution under Postecoglou's wing.

Dominic Solanke's style of play

Iraola beamed, “He can play in a low block because he is very good at attacking spaces on the counter. If we have more possession like today, he is very good inside the box.”

The Spaniard's declamation in his post-match media conference, having defeated Forest to stretch a gap to the bottom three to ten points, was capped off with a simple, emphatic statement: Solanke is morphing into the "complete No. 9".

The south coast club now have an interesting forward who can both lead the press, contribute defensively and score goals, enough to finish off slick moves with the constancy that is necessary to avoid the snapping jaw of the relegation zone.

As per FBref, the Englishman also ranks among the top 20% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and successful take-ons, as well as the top 7% for clearances per 90.

As the graph below portrays, the one-cap England international has made incremental gains regarding his striking ability over the past several years, with the two seasons spent in the Championship with his club doing much to refine and mould his game, returning a new man.

Last year, Solanke averaged 2.3 shots per game; in his previous Premier League campaign, 2019/20, the former Liverpool starlet took just one shot per match.

Supplemented by the likes of Son, James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, Spurs really could unlock the full scope of Solanke's talents, and while such a transfer might inhibit Richarlison, Postecoglou might need to show a certain edge of ruthlessness to compete against the Premier League's – and Europe's – best.

Why Spurs need Dominic Solanke

Richarlison signed for Tottenham from Everton for £60m in 2022 and was touted for big things in London, though to say that he fell by the wayside would be a colossal understatement.

The Brazilian forward has long been regarded as a menace and a "nuisance for defenders" – as he has been described recently by Postecoglou – but he scored just once in the league as the Lilywhites toiled.

However, with the Australian's inventive style instilled, the 26-year-old has started to demonstrate signs of robustness, indeed plundering four goals from his past three outings.

A dynamic forward, Richarlison operates in a state of flux between the left wing and a central striking role, with skills custom-made for success across either placement.

But for all his attributes, Richarlison just doesn't offer the cutting edge to truly cement a spot as the star striker. For example, Kane posted 30 goals in the Premier League alone last season, while Solanke is currently three goals away from surpassing his career-best seasonal tally of 13.

While the case could be made for the pair to work in unity, a protean partnership capable of wreaking havoc through multifunctionality and contrast of style, Son is among the finest attacking players in world football and has to start, be that up front or out wide.

As such, a move for a player such as Solanke, who would want assurances over his playing time with a transfer to Tottenham – and, further, would not be signed for £50m just to languish on the bench – would perhaps have negative consequences for Richarlison, who would see his role sink further into the shadowed realm of irregularity of action.

But Spurs are pushing for success at the highest level, and, therefore, a talisman is needed in 2024. Solanke may well be the astute option to take the club to new heights.

Chelsea boss Emma Hayes has hit out at the Manchester United fans who booed Marc Skinner despite him leading them to Women's FA Cup glory.

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• Man Utd win Women's FA Cup
• Manager Skinner booed by fans
• Chelsea boss Hayes defends him

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  United won their first FA Cup title at the weekend with a 4-0 thrashing of Tottenham at Wembley but manager Skinner was reportedly booed by some supporters, despite their triumph. Now Blues boss Hayes has come to the aid of the Red Devils manager ahead of their crucial Women's Super League clash on Saturday.

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• WHAT EMMA HAYES SAID

  She said in her pre-match press conference: "They're deserving of winning the FA Cup, I'm really happy for Marc. I think he's demonstrated that he's learned with each year what you need to do to win trophies. I think his fanbase are really tough on him. He's brought a first piece of silverware to that club and he got booed. Managers deserve more than that. They won't want to watch someone winning a title on their patch and demonstrate how is this just the beginning for them."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Skinner has been heavily criticised by some United fans for the club's underwhelming WSL performances this season. Last season, they were within a victory of lifting the title but this term they are 17 points behind league leaders Chelsea in fifth. There is plenty on the line for this end of season clash as a win for the Blues could secure them a fourth-straight WSL title in Hayes' last campaign in charge before taking over as USWNT boss.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  On Friday, United announced that Skinner had signed a new one-year deal with the club, with an option to extend an extra 12 months. The 41-year-old, who took up the role in 2021, told United's website: “It’s an honour to extend my stay at Manchester United. I’ve always felt at home here, with our excellent players, staff, and fans."

Manchester United have been asked to sign one new defender in particular in January by Erik ten Hag, according to a reliable journalist.

Erik ten Hag eyeing new centre-back signing

The Red Devils have had an extremely mixed start to the new campaign having won nine, drawn one and lost seven of their opening 17 games, meaning that they currently find themselves seventh in the Premier League table.

Having let 21 goals in since the start of the term, Ten Hag will know that his defensive record has to improve moving forward, and with the need for tightening up his backline clear, the manager has set his sights on securing a new centre-back during the upcoming transfer window.

The Daily Mail previously reported that Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo was on a shortlist of four targets alongside Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, Bayer Leverkusen’s Edmond Tapsoba and Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini, but considering his recent displays, the former has emerged as the leading contender.

The France international has established himself as Francesco Farioli’s overall best-performing player this season with a match rating of 7.03 (WhoScored – Nice statistics), and the 23-year-old’s impressive form has caught the eye, specifically of the boss, at Old Trafford.

Man United want top target Todibo

Taking to X, Rudy Galetti revealed that Man United are interested in Todibo, with Ten Hag personally requesting that he is signed in January.

“Ten Hag – as already reported – is currently not at risk and is planning, aligned with Man Utd, possible transfer moves to strengthen the squad already in January. In particular, the manager asked for a new CB: Jean-Clair Todibo is at the top of the list.”

Standing at 6 foot 2, Todibo provides a real physical presence with his height at the heart of the backline, which he’s proven so far this season, currently averaging 3.2 clearances and 1.9 tackles per game in Ligue 1 (WhoScored -Todibo statistics).

The Cayenne native is also extremely calm and composed in possession where he’s been averaging a 90.7% pass success rate since the start of the campaign, highlighting his ability to control and dictate the game when he has the ball at his feet.

Sponsored by Adidas, Ten Hag’s target has even posted five contributions, three goals and two assists, at the opposite end of the pitch following his arrival on the professional scene, so his desire to get involved in the final third will be another attractive quality (Transfermarkt – Todibo statistics).

As described by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Todibo is as “solid as a rock”, but with top-flight rivals Tottenham Hotspur having recently opened talks to sign him, the hierarchy know they will have to act quickly if they want to beat their competitors to his signature in January.

Outgoing Chelsea boss Emma Hayes hopes the Blues can regularly play at Stamford Bridge, just as Arsenal Women make the Emirates their home in 2024/25.

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• Hayes leaving Chelsea for U.S. job
• Hoping to end Blues spell on a high
• Reveals what she wants legacy to be

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ahead of Hayes' last match as Chelsea boss, before taking over as USWNT manager this summer, the 47-year-old was asked about what she wants her legacy to be. After all the trophies and records broken, she spoke about hopefully selling out the 40,000-seater Stamford Bridge – where the men's team play – in the future as the ultimate goal.

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• WHAT EMMA HAYES SAID

  She told reporters: "When I see Arsenal announce they've got 11 home games, this should be happening here (Chelsea). I want to see us play at Stamford Bridge every week – but sold out. I want the girls to have a new facility, I want that to be continually upgraded. I want them to continue to have a voice and I know they will."

  Hayes added: "I want them to put the legacy into the walls, but through the eyes of the players, not mine. I want them to be heard around what legacy is to them and what the cultures are that they want to remain. I want them to never, ever stop asking, 'What can we do better?'. As I always say, do it again but do it with class and keep giving to the Chelsea fanbase in the way they have."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  This week, Arsenal announced their women's team will play 11 home games at the Emirates across the Women's Super League and Champions League next season. While women's football is on the rise, progress still needs to be made to achieve Hayes' dream and move on from 4,850-seater Kingsmeadow.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Chelsea will finish off Hayes' hugely successful era, which includes six WSL titles, five FA Cups and two League Cups, on Saturday away to Manchester United. A win for the Blues could secure them a fifth straight WSL triumph.

West Ham United have been enjoying a rather up-and-down campaign so far this season, with impressive wins over Manchester United and Arsenal as well as humbling defeats away to Liverpool and Fulham.

That said, there have been more positives than negatives this year, with David Moyes' men currently sitting in sixth place in the Premier League and into the next round of the Europa League.

All this has been achieved without their former captain and club talisman, Declan Rice, who left in the summer for a record £105m, and while the players bought in to replace him have done well, the latest midfielder linked with the Irons could be the perfect partner for James Ward-Prowse and replicate Rice's time at the club – Morten Frendrup.

West Ham could make January move for "underrated" ace, Moyes is a real fan

The Hammers boss wants new additions.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jan 4, 2024

West Ham United transfer news – Morten Frendrup

According to Italian outlet TuttoJuve, several Premier League teams are currently interested in Genoa's exciting young midfielder Frendrup, including West Ham.

The report also reveals that Crystal Palace are one of the interested parties and that the English teams could offer around €10m – about £9m – this transfer window.

The 22-year-old Danish midfielder has been plying his trade with Genoa since joining in January 2022. While he initially struggled for game time, he has since made himself undroppable, making 37 Serie B appearances last season and 18 in Serie A this year.

He has started the majority of games in either a central midfield or defensive midfield position, which, combined with his performances, has seen him dubbed a "midfield destroyer" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Morten Frendrup could be the perfect midfield partner for James Ward-Prowse

Ward-Prowse has started every one of West Ham's Premier League games this season, either as an attacking midfielder or a central midfielder and, with nine goal involvements to his name, he has been one of the best players in the league.

So, were the Hammers to invest in an up-and-coming midfield talent such as Frendrup, he would likely come in to compliment the former Southampton captain, something that his skillset seems perfectly set up to do.

The 22-year-old's biggest strengths lie in his defensive abilities, mopping up attacks just in front of his defence and allowing his teammates to get forward and attack the opposition, in a sense, precisely what Rice used to do at the London Stadium.

In fact, the "midfield machine", as described by Jacek Kulig, has been making and winning more tackles than the Englishman in league play this season. According to FBref, the young Dane has been making four tackles per 90 and winning 2.06, while the Arsenal man has been making 2.16 per 90 and winning just 1.24.

So he is more defensively active than the former Irons captain, but how do his underlying numbers stack up to the two men Moyes' often starts in the defensive midfield positions, Edson Alvarez and Tomas Soucek?

Well, rather surprisingly, the Tuse-born gem comes out on top in the majority of important metrics including tackles, tackles won, ball recoveries and even progressive passes and carries.

The one area in which the two West Ham men have him beat is in errors leading to goals this season, although that could be down to his younger age and relative inexperience.

Ultimately, buying younger players from outside the Premier League will always be a slight gamble, but this seems like a gamble worth taking, especially as Frendrup could keep his place in the team for a decade or more if things go well.

Gary Lineker has likened Kobbie Mainoo to Jude Bellingham, with the ex-England international happy to make a “big shout” on the Manchester United ace.

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• Breakthrough year for Red Devils starlet
• Netted winning goal in FA Cup final
• Joins Los Blancos ace in Euro 2024 plans

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mainoo, at the age of just 19, has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Old Trafford. He has taken in 32 appearances for the Red Devils, with a match-winning goal recorded in the 2024 FA Cup final. The youngster has also been included in England’s preliminary squad for Euro 2024.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Former Three Lions star Lineker believes Mainoo will have an important role to play for Gareth Southgate in Germany, with there still plenty of potential to be unlocked in his game. The same is true for Real Madrid superstar Bellingham, who has reached the very top of his profession at 20 years of age.

• WHAT LINEKER SAID

  Lineker has told podcast of United wonderkid Mainoo: “The sky is the limit, I think. I'm impressed with his remarkable maturity, his confidence. I think he knows how good he is. He reminds me in that sense of Bellingham. I know that's a big shout, but he's two years younger. I think he's remarkably talented, I think he will feature in the Euros – I don't know where and when. Gareth was in the stands (at the FA Cup final) and everyone in the ground could see how good he was, how confident he was. You can see he's got almost an aura about him, the right sort of confidence.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  United have Mainoo tied to a contract through to 2026, but they are expected to reward the youngster with improved terms that recognise his importance to the collective cause – with it yet to be determined who will guiding the Premier League giants forward in their managerial post next season.

Looking to finish off a successful January transfer window in style, Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly eyeing a move to sign a player who could be the perfect partner for James Maddison.

Tottenham transfer news

The Lilywhites have already signed both Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin this month to hand Ange Postecoglou a major boost at both ends of the pitch. But they might not be done there, with reports linking the North London club with a move for Antonio Nusa. Spurs are reportedly in pole position to sign the young winger this month in a deal that could be worth £25m. Meanwhile, they've also been linked with a move to sign Blackburn Rovers youngster Adam Wharton and Atalanta midfielder Ederson.

Whilst it remains to be seen whether Spurs will complete further deals before the end of the window, it certainly doesn't seem like they're shortlist is lacking potential targets. Another new target on that list is now seemingly Sebastian Szymanski, who has played a starring role in his debut campaign at Fenerbahce so far.

According to Turkish outlet Askam, Spurs 'will do everything' they can to sign Szymanski and will send scouts to watch the attacking midfielder against Samsunspor. A player that Postecoglou is reportedly personally very keen on, the North London club may have to pay out as much as around €35m (£30m) if they want to land the Polish midfielder this month or, indeed, in the summer transfer window.

Although links with Ederson and Wharton suggest that Spurs are looking to sign a more defensive midfielder this month, it seems as though they could yet turn to Szymanski to boost the offensive side of Postecoglou's team in the middle of the park in the remaining days of the transfer window. Enjoying an impressive season in Turkey, Szymanski is certainly one to watch in the next week or so.

"Superb" Szymanski is a star on the rise

Szymanski's stats paint the picture of a player at the top of his game and one who could quickly become the perfect partner to Maddison at Spurs. The Fenerbahce midfielder has already been involved in 26 goals this season, scoring 12 and assisting 14 in all competitions to more than earn the interest of those in North London. It is a rise that Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig will be proud of, that's for sure, having praised the midfielder during his Dynamo Moscow days. Kulig posted on X:

Szymanski's versatility is also an impressive trait. The 24-year-old can play as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder and a right-winger in what could hand Postecoglou a boost across three different positions. With time running out in the transfer window, though, the Lilywhites have it all to do if they are to land the Fenerbahce star this month.