Liverpool Eyeing Summer Move For Exciting 21-Year-Old

Liverpool are interested in signing Rennes and Belgium attacker Jeremy Doku in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh claim.

Have Liverpool been linked with Doku before?

The 21-year-old has been seen as a potential target for the Reds in the past, although a move for him has never materialised over the years, as he forges an impressive career for himself.

Currently plying his trade at Rennes, Doku has become a key player for the Ligue 1 side, scoring six goals and registering two assists in the league last season, as well as two of the latter in the Europa League. The winger has also caught the eye for Belgium since making his debut, netting twice in 14 caps, and possibly being seen as a long-term starter as he matures with age.

With Liverpool looking to enjoy a busy summer in the transfer market, it looks as though their interest in Doku isn't yet dead in the water.

What's the latest on Doku to Liverpool?

According to journalist Mohamed Toubache-Ter on Twitter [via Get French Football News], the Reds' level of intrigue is "powerful", suggesting a move is far from out of the question this summer.

Not a huge amount else is provided on the matter, which suggests a bid hasn't been tabled, but it certainly looks as though Anfield is a potential next destination for the Belgian.

Doku is a massive talent who could have a big future in the game – journalist Robin Bairner has described him as "devastating" in the past – so in many ways, it is exciting to see him being linked with a move to Anfield. That being said, there have to be questions marks over whether Liverpool actually need to bring him in right now, considering they already have Mohamed Salah, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo as strong attacking options.

It is hard to see where Doku would fit in, especially in terms of playing regular football, with his preferred right-sided role filled by Salah, who is one of the most indispensable players at the club and has been a regular over the years, scoring 186 Liverpool goals in 306 appearances.

If the Rennes star was happy to warm the substitutes' bench most weeks, possibly playing a role as an impact substitute looking to break through down the line, then a move that could work out – he could be viewed as a long-term starter – but the Reds' money could be spent on more pressing areas of the pitch, such as midfield.

Ex-Goalkeeper Laughs Off Arsenal’s Rice Interest

Former England goalkeeper David James has questioned why Declan Rice would choose Arsenal over his old side Manchester City this summer.

What did James say about Rice?

The Declan Rice transfer saga has been in full flow for weeks now, with news that Manchester City are ready to enter the race for the midfielder's signature only furthering the discourse.

Arsenal have seen two bids rejected for the 24-year-old already and their attempts to sign Rice have just been made significantly harder as Man City have joined the hunt for the West Ham captain.

The choice will prove to be a difficult one for Rice too, who has a big decision to make ahead of one of the most definitive periods of his career. However, David James sees no difficulty in the decision whatsoever, questioning why the 42-cap England international would choose the Emirates over the Etihad.

"I would rather that he went abroad, not that he's listening, because then he won't be in a team that might want to beat West Ham, and that would be something a lot of West Ham fans wouldn't like," said James.

He continued: "Declan Rice is top drawer and Man City are the best team in Europe, probably going to be the best team in the world in a few months after they win the World Club Championship. If Declan Rice is part of that it's because he deserves to be."

When quizzed on whether he thought Arsenal or Man City would be a better fit, James replied: "Why would he want to play for Arsenal? One team is the European, FA Cup and Premier League champions, the other is neither, or none".

James is likely to haves stoked the social media fire with his words, although they were said behind a broad smirk. Given that James featured a combined 202 times for Manchester City and West Ham, it is unsurprising he feels a move to the Etihad would be more sensible.

Are Man City signing Rice?

Much like the Premier League title race last season, it appears to be Arsenal vs Manchester City in the battle for Rice. Similarly to that title race, it could end with Man City getting their prize in spite of Arsenal leading the race for so long.

While Man City have always kept themselves in the loop in regard to Rice, their interest has accelerated over the past few days, although no official bid has been registered yet.

The midfielder is believed to be open to a move to either club, making his decision based on what Arsenal and City will do in the coming days and weeks to convince him.

Everton Could Sign 20-goal "Danger Man" In Simms Swap Deal

Everton have now held talks with Swansea City over a potential swap deal for striker Joel Piroe, with Ellis Simms going in the opposite direction, according to a report from The Daily Mail.

What's the latest Everton transfer news?

Everton have set their sights on bringing in a new striker this summer, and journalist Sacha Tavolieri has recently reported they have "formally expressed" their interest in Almeria's El Bilal Toure, having made it clear they are willing to pay his €40m (£34m) release clause.

However, the situation involving the Mali international is a "bit messy", with Fulham also named as potential suitors, so the Toffees could look at other options, including Leeds United's Rodrigo, with journalist Paul Brown recently backing the Spaniard for a move to Goodison Park.

The Goodison Park outfit have continued to run the rule over Saletnitana forward Boulaye Dia, who has a release clause of just €25m (£21.5m), which is due to expire on July 25th, so they may have to move swiftly to secure his services.

According to recent reports, Piroe is also on Everton's wish list, with the Swansea forward available for a fee of just £12m due to the fact he has one year remaining on his contract, meaning this summer is the Welsh side's last chance to cash-in before they lose him for free next time around.

The Toffees have now been offered another way of acquiring the striker's services, however, as The Daily Mail report Swansea have discussed a potential swap deal, with Simms going in the opposite direction.

Simms is attracting the interest of a number of Championship clubs, with Stoke City and Coventry City being named as potential suitors, as the latter club need to replace Viktor Gyokeres, who has previously been linked with a move to Goodison Park.

It remains to be seen whether Everton would be willing to facilitate a swap deal, but it could be a good way of bringing in a new attacking option for a reduced fee.

How many goals has Joel Piroe scored?

The Dutchman found the back of the net 20 times for Swansea last season, following up an equally impressive 2021-22 campaign, in which he registered 22 goals and six assists in the second tier.

Those performances indicate the 23-year-old is ready to make the step up to the Premier League, and it is very clear the Toffees are in need of some fresh impetus in attack, having scored just 35 league goals last season, the second-fewest in the top flight.

Hailed as a "danger man" by journalist Josh Bunting, the former PSV man could be exactly the type of signing Everton need to get them firing, but the only question is whether they will be willing to let Simms leave.

The English forward only managed to score one goal in 11 league games last season, although he did show very promising signs at Sunderland earlier in the campaign, netting seven goals in 17 outings.

As such, we feel Everton should try and pursue a deal for Piroe without including Simms in the negotiations, with the former's contract situation putting his club in a very limited negotiating position.

Man Utd v Wolves: predictions, preview & more

The final game of the opening weekend of the 2023/24 Premier League season will see Manchester United host Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford in a Monday night game under the lights.

It’s set to be a busy summer transfer window for Erik Ten Haag, and Old Trafford will be expecting a new-look United side to line up to get the season underway.

Here is Football FanCast's preview ahead of the return to action…

When is the match and is it on TV?

Man Utd take on Wolves on the 14th of August and is slated for an 8pm kick-off in Manchester.

Although television contracts and deals have yet to be confirmed ahead of the new season, especially with the arrival of TNT Sports (replacing BT Sports), it is likely Sky Sports will have the rights to broadcast this fixture as their first Monday Night Football (MNF) billing of the season.

Who is Manchester United’s key player?

Erik ten Hag and Marcus Rashford

There are certainly a number of players to choose from.

Bruno Fernandes enjoyed a superb season in Erik Ten Haag’s debut campaign. 2022 summer signing Lisandro Martinez is also a crucial part of the team and is arguably the most important piece of the back four.

United’s key man, however, is Marcus Rashford. The forward enjoyed his best season for United in 22/23, netting 17 times and providing five assists. He will be crucial heading into the new season.

Who is Wolves’ key player?

Wolves look set to lose a number of key players in this summer transfer window. The club are shackled by Financial Fair Play rules, and thus have to sell before they can buy. They recently lost star player Ruben Neves to the Saudi Pro League, for example.

Jose Sa in goal looks set to be one of, if not their most important player. The Portuguese international made over 100 saves for Wolves last season, keeping 11 clean sheets.

How will Man Utd line up?

Erik ten Hag

It’s early in the summer window, so it’s hard to pick the exact starting XI for Ten Haag’s United, but with the takeover saga dragging on it has proved a distraction to this transfer window’s recruitment. Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana has been linked with a move to Old Trafford along with Chelsea star Mason Mount. Here’s our prediction:

Onana; Dalot, Martinez, Varane, Shaw; Casemiro, Mount; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Martial

How will Wolves line up?

Wolves boss Juluen Lopetegui

It’s more about who Wolves can hold onto in this window rather than who they are going to sign, so don’t expect too many changes from the regular team of last season.

Wolves have been linked with moves for Liverpool youngster Fabio Carvalho and free-kick specialist James Ward-Prowse from Southampton. If they completed these signings, expect them to start straight away on the opening weekend at Old Trafford. :

Sa; Semedo, Kilman, Collins, Dawson, Jonny; Cravalho, Lemina, Ward-Prowse, Neto; Sarabia

What were the last 5 league meetings between the two teams?

The sides have met 18 times in the English Premier League, with United winning 11 of those games. There has been three draws in the fixture, with Wolves winning on four occasions.

It’s a fixture that doesn’t typically produce a lot of goals, but one that United have dominated in recent years:

May 2023: Man Utd 2-0 Wolves December 2022: Wolves 0-1 Man Utd January 2022: Wolves 1-0 Man Utd August 2021: Wolves 0-1 Man Utd May 2021: Wolves 1-2 Man Utd

Every Premier League Opening Day Fixture

Who is going to win?

Man United's Bruno Fernandes

It’s hard to pick against United on the opening weekend of the season under the lights at Old Trafford. So here, we’re not going to. United should stroll to victory in the final game of the opening gameweek of the new season.

FFC predicts: Manchester United win

Arsenal Not Interested In Signing £50m "Monster"

Arsenal are not currently interested in signing Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, but they could look at signing him later in the transfer window, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

Arsenal have been very busy in the summer transfer window, having already completed moves for Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz and Declan Rice, with the latter recently putting pen to paper on a five-year contract after completing a £105m move from West Ham United.

Mikel Arteta has already strengthened his midfield considerably, but the Gunners are still running the rule over a number of other options, including Fluminense's Andre Trindade, having already made contact with the Brazil international's representatives.

Given that Thomas Partey has reportedly agreed a move to the Saudi Pro League, Arteta may be tasked with bringing in a replacement for the Ghanaian, and there has now been an update on the pursuit of Lavia.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, Sheth has claimed the Southampton midfielder is not a current transfer target, but he hints that he could become an option later in the window.

The Sky Sports reporter said: "There's lots of talk about Arsenal. Now, I'm told that, as it stands, that interest is not there. Maybe they've looked at him but, as it stands, the interest is not there.

"Like I've said before, I just wonder if and when they can release some of these players that they don't want in the squad anymore and see how much money they can generate for those players and see how much wages they can get knocked off the bill, then aside of a right-sided player, is Lavia maybe somebody that they look at, particularly if the Thomas Partey situation continues?"

Is Romeo Lavia a CDM?

The 19-year-old is most commonly utilised as a defensive midfielder, as a result of his impressive defensive qualities, making the highest number of tackles, interceptions and blocked shots of any U21 player in the Premier League last season.

Not only that, the Belgian maestro is also a very assured passer of the ball, with 78.2% of the long passes he attempted up until March 22nd last season proving to be accurate, ranking him 15th in the top flight among players to attempt over 50 balls from their own half.

romeo-lavia-premier-league-transfers-man-united

That passing accuracy indicates the starlet could be a fantastic replacement for Partey, should the 30-year-old move on this summer, given that the Arsenal midfielder ranks in the 85th percentile for his pass-completion rate per 90 in the past year.

Considering Rice's recent arrival, the Gunners have no pressing need to bring in another central midfielder, but the Southampton ace could be a very good signing later in the window, despite his reported price tag of £50m.

Lauded as a "monster" by members of the media, Lavia had an excellent season in the Premier League last term, managing to shine in a very poor Southampton side, and he has proven that he is ready to make the step-up to a club like Arsenal.

Leeds Could Land Firpo Replacement In "Quality" Free Agent

After a slow start to the summer window, it looks as if Leeds United are beginning to step up their transfer dealings, with manager Daniel Farke now being tipped to make a move for one of his former assets…

What are the latest Leeds transfer rumours?

With The Athletic's Phil Hay reporting that the Yorkshire giants have reached an agreement for the signing of Ethan Ampadu from Chelsea, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has also reported that Farke is "set to reunite" with ex-Norwich City defender, Sam Byram.

In his attached piece for 90min, Bailey adds that the German tactician is looking to add the 29-year-old to his ranks alongside Ampadu, with the Englishman set to be available on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract at Carrow Road.

This follows reports late last week that suggested the Elland Road outfit had taken the versatile full-back on trial, with the 5 foot 11 machine having begun his career on the books at Leeds, making 143 appearances in all competitions before departing in 2016.

Should Leeds sign Sam Byram?

The links to the one-time West Ham United man have come amid Leeds' dire need to strengthen their defensive ranks, with the current squad looking rather light with regard to full-back options, in particular, following the loan departure of Rasmus Kristensen to AS Roma.

While Farke does have the returning Cody Drameh to help provide cover and competition for Luke Ayling at right-back, on the opposite flank a new addition appears a matter of urgency, with Junior Firpo currently the only senior option in that left-sided berth.

Junior Firpo

As transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported last month, the former Barcelona man – who arrived in Yorkshire on a £13m deal back in 2021 – is set for an exit from Elland Road following a dismal two years at the club, having notably started just 14 Premier League games last season.

Described as often looking "flat-footed or fast asleep" by pundit Paddy Kenny, the 26-year-old's woes last term were laid bare by the fact that he recorded an average match rating of just 6.55, as per Sofascore, ranking him in 22nd place among his teammates.

The signing of former Leeds academy graduate, Byram – who previously made 20 appearances under Farke's watch at Norwich – could then spell bad news for Firpo, with the Thurrock-born ace potentially set to prove a better fit in that left-back berth.

Lauded as a "quality player" by journalist Jack Reeve, the out-of-contract defender appears to be able to offer more in an attacking sense than his Leeds counterpart, with that showcased by the fact that has averaged 6.50 progressive passes and 3.25 progressive carries per 90 across the last 365 days.

Evidently a player who can offer a creative spark from his defensive role, Byram's quality is in stark contrast to that of Firpo, with the former Spain U21 international averaging just 3.55 and 1.32 for those same two metrics, respectively.

While Firpo does come out on top with regard to tackles made per 90 (3.09 v 2.58), as per FBref, the one-time Real Betis man has proven something of a liability in truth, having been dribbled past 1.2 times per game on average last season, while Byram was dribbled past just 0.3 times per match in the Championship.

The latter man, therefore, could represent the all-round package at full-back due to his forward-thinking nature in attack and ability to provide a stern defensive presence, with that having been sorely lacking from Firpo over the past two years.

Man Utd: Ten Hag Could Land Their Own Nunez In Swoop For £85m "Superstar"

Manchester United have been fairly quiet during the transfer market, with Mason Mount and Andre Onana their only signings so far. Erik ten Hag will be eyeing more arrivals over the next couple of weeks, especially with the start of the Premier League season beginning shortly.

The Dutchman will surely be aiming to strengthen his attacking options ahead of next season and with this in mind, he has held talks with Rasmus Hojlund and Randal Kolo Muani, according to The Athletic.

How much will Randal Kolo Muani cost Manchester United?

Despite Hojlund being the priority target, it is evident that Ten Hag needs more than just one new striker should he wish to challenge both domestically and on the European stage next season.

The Frenchman could cost United a fee of around £80m should he make the move to the Premier League this summer and this could mean the Red Devils need to offload a few players in order to free up some funds.

How many goals has Randal Kolo Muani scored?

Although primarily a centre-forward, the 24-year-old can play across the front three, which will give Ten Hag some added options, yet it is clear that should he join United, his goalscoring abilities will ensure he is deployed through the middle.

Across his senior club career, Kolo Muani has scored 49 goals and registered 38 assists from 147 matches, and it appears he is getting better with each passing year.

During the 2021/22 campaign for Nantes, he notched 20 goal contributions – 13 goals and seven assists, yet since joining Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022, he began to deliver on his talent.

Having played 46 matches in all competitions, he managed to score 23 goals and grabbed 17 assists, doubling his goal contributions from the previous year, and it isn’t hard to see why teams such as United are after him.

He is also statistically similar to Liverpool forward Darwin Núñez and although the Uruguayan didn’t quite live up to his £85m transfer fee, he still scored 15 times across all competitions and given time to settle, he could be another excellent purchase by the Anfield side.

Randal Kolo Muani in action for Eintracht Frankfurt against Stuttgart in the DFB Pokal semi-final.

According to FBref, Nunez is the sixth-most comparable player to Kolo Muani and they both pose a significant threat in the final third.

The Frenchman ranks in the top 7% across Europe’s big five leagues for progressive carries (3.09) and the top 13% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 (6.24), suggesting he is among the elite at carrying the ball forward often while making sure he is a regular fixture in the box.

Nunez also scores highly for both of these attacking metrics, ranking in the top 6% across the big five European leagues for progressive carries (3.18) and the top 2% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 (8.12) and the similarities don’t end there.

WhoScored state that both Nunez and Kolo Muani list key passes and finishing as their main strengths, while the duo also like cutting inside as often as possible and Ten Hag could certainly have a formidable forward option at his disposal should he succeed with a move for the nine-cap French international.

German icon Lothar Matthaus even lauded him as a “future superstar”, yet judging by his recent numbers, it appears as though he is already showcasing his talents to the world.

Everton Battling Atalanta To Sign 21-Year-Old Attacker

Everton and Atalanta continue to battle it out over the signing of Almeria forward El Bilal Toure during the summer transfer window, according to a key update from renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Are Everton signing El Bilal Toure?

The Blues have been linked with various players since the end of last season, as they look to avoid yet another disappointing Premier League campaign in 2023/24, following back-to-back relegation battles.

In seems clear that Everton simply must bring in more quality in attack, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin hard to depend upon because of fitness issues these days, and the likes of Neal Maupay doing nowhere enough to justify being a regular starter moving forward.

Toure is the player who appears to have become the Blues' primary transfer target in the final third, with numerous recent reports claiming that a move to Goodison Park is on the cards this summer.

Now, another report has emerged that further suggests that Everton are pushing hard to sign the Almeria ace, but they are not alone in expressing an interest.

UD Almeria striker El Bilal Toure.

What has Fabrizio Romano said about Everton?

Writing on Twitter, Romano provided an update on the latest situation regarding Toure's future, saying that negotiations will continue with Everton this week:

"Understand Everton are still pushing to sign El Bilal Toure while Atalanta are on it too. Both clubs are in the race, fighting to sign Almeria striker. Negotiations will continue next week to get it done."

This is another positive update when it comes to Everton trying to acquire Toure's signature, and it ultimately looks like a straight choice between themselves and Atalanta, who have become a force in Serie A in recent years and will, therefore, provide stiff competition.

The lure of the Premier League is always great for any player, however, and if Sean Dyche can sell the Blues to Toure as a club, promising him a key role leading the line, it could sway his thinking.

While more than one attacking signing is probably needed at Goodison Park this summer, in terms of Dyche having enough squad depth at his disposal, the Almeria man could be a perfect place to start, coming in as a long-term signing who should only improve year upon year, considering he is still only 21 years of age.

A tally of seven goals in 22 appearances for his current club is a good start there, considering he is playing in one of Europe's top leagues, while five in 15 caps for Mali also shows that he is already making his mark on the international stage.

Toure has been compared to Chelsea legend Didier Drogba, in terms of his extremely physical style up front, which should certainly excite Everton supporters and Dyche – if he has anywhere close to the impact the Ivorian did in England, then the Blues could have an absolute gem on their hands.

It looks almost nailed-on that the Malian with leave Almeria before the new season gets underway, and it looks all set to come down to either Everton or Atalanta, with the two clubs looking to outdo one another and show why Toure should choose them.

Tottenham Plot Move For £17m "Gift From Gods"

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly eyeing something of a left-field replacement for in-demand striker, Harry Kane, amid reports that Ange Postecoglou is showing an interest in Gent sensation, Gift Orban.

Who could replace Kane at Tottenham?

With Bayern Munich still reportedly thrashing out a deal with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy to take the England skipper to Germany, the Daily Mail's Simon Jones is reporting that Orban is among the targets being considered by the Lilywhites in their bid to fill that potential striking void.

The 21-year-old was previously linked with a move to north London back in May, with the Evening Standard's Nizaar Kinsella stating that Levy and co had sent scouts to watch the Nigerian marksman in action.

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

If the Premier League outfit are to firm up their interest in the 5 foot 10 ace over the coming weeks, journalist Fabrizio Romano has previously indicated that the youngster would command a fee of more than €20m (£17m).

Who is Gift Orban?

If Postecoglou was able to acquire the promising talent for anywhere close to that fee if would likely prove a true masterstroke, particularly when considering rivals Manchester United are set to splash out £72m on Atalanta prospect, Rasmus Hojlund.

Atalanta strikerRasmus Højlund.

Having previously shown an interest in a move for Kane, the Red Devils have instead now turned to the 20-year-old Dane to be their long-term centre-forward solution, with the 6 foot 3 ace already sparking excitement due to his apparent likeness to a certain, Erling Haaland.

That being said, however, Erik ten Hag's side are evidently taking something of a gamble on a player who has scored just 27 club career goals to date, with the former Sturm Graz ace notably bagging only ten goals in all competitions during his debut season in Italy last time out.

While Orban is yet to enjoy a taste of life in Europe's top five leagues, the Gent ace could perhaps prove to be the more successful Premier League addition if he does make the move to north London, having thus far scored 41 goals in only 48 outings for his current side and for former employers, Stabaek.

That sparkling start to life at senior level has led the emerging superstar to be dubbed "the gift from Gods" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, with the respected insider also describing him as a player who was simply "born to score".

The Spurs target could also be able to offer a greater creative threat than the Old Trafford-bound marksman, having notably created six big chances in just 16 Pro League games in the second half of last season, while Hojlund created just a solitary big chance in 32 Serie A games in 2022/23.

Equally, Orban would perhaps offer more to Postecoglou with regard to his ability to defend from the front, having won back possession 0.9 times per game on average last term, while his Danish counterpart averaged just 0.5 for that same metric.

With the likelihood being that Orban – who is valued at just €10m (£9m) by CIES Football Observatory – will be up for grabs for far less than Hojlund's £72m fee, it may be Spurs who are able to get the better end of the stick in the search for new strikers this summer.

Man United Agree Fee To Sell "Terrific" Player

Manchester United have agreed a £30m fee to sell defender Harry Maguire, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Is Harry Maguire leaving Man United?

The Red Devils and Erik ten Hag have been productive in the transfer market so far this summer, making three big-money signings.

Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund have all put pen to paper at Old Trafford, joining from Chelsea, Inter Milan and Atalanta respectively. There could well be more to come before the September 1 deadline, however, further arrivals could depend on player sales.

Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo are among the club’s next targets, however, reports have stated that they need to sell first. Midfielders Donny van de Beek and Fred could be among those to leave, whereas Maguire has also been heavily linked with an exit.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

West Ham have been showing a real interest in the defender and had a £20m offer turned down towards the end of July, but it looks as if a fee has now been agreed.

According to Football Insider in the last 24 hours, the Red Devils and the Hammers were close to agreeing a fee worth almost £40m for the 30-year-old.

The report claims that talks have ‘majorly moved forward’ and that West Ham are also in talks to sign Scott McTominay, although a move for Maguire is further forward.

Since then, it has been reported by Romano that a £30m agreement in principle has been reached between the two clubs for Maguire.

"West Ham have reached an agreement in principle with Manchester United for Harry Maguire on £30m fee. The verbal agreement is subject to final, key points on deal structure still under discussion but fee now agreed, as per Sky. Personal terms, to be discussed soon."

How good is Harry Maguire?

Maguire may have had his critics in recent years, however, he has also received praise. In total, the centre-back has made 175 appearances for the Red Devils after joining in 2019, however, just 16 of those came in the top flight during Ten Hag’s first season in charge.

Ten Hag did hail the centre-back against Everton back in April, though, saying:

"Maguire was dominating, dictating. This is a different Harry to what I've seen in the first weeks and months. He's taking so much initiative, dominating his opponent, stepping in, bringing passes. So a really great performance."

Meanwhile, John Stones also praised the player last season at the World Cup in Qatar, saying:

"Right from the first game, it was the best response to what he's been going through. All three games he's played he's been terrific. It's about us finding that partnership again, whoever we play alongside, and now it's time for us to keep building.”

As per FBref, the centre-back has actually impressed statistically over the past 12 months. He ranks in the top 2% for dribblers tackled, top 9% for aerial duels won and has lost just 0.09 challenges per 90. On the ball, Maguire has also been a relatively solid performer, ranking in the 82nd percentile for passes attempted and 79th percentile for passes completed.

However, with Ten Hag leaning towards Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez as his first-choice pairing and taking the captaincy away from Maguire this summer, a move away could be best for all parties, and recouping around £40m could be seen as a shrewd piece of business.

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