Manchester United have had a nightmare start to the Premier League season, from injuries and public disagreements all the way to the results on the pitch. Erik ten Hag's side simply haven't got going.

From the opening day, they didn't look ready, edging past a Wolverhampton Wanderers side who had just endured a last-minute managerial change. We got a real glimpse of how bad things were in their next game, however, as they suffered a defeat against Tottenham Hotspur.

That loss should have signalled a re-group and potential turnaround, but a narrow victory at home against Nottingham Forest was followed by defeat at Arsenal.

It begs the question about their summer business being good enough, and turns the attention to January. With that said, Fabrizio Romano has delivered his verdict on one potential target.

What's the latest Manchester United transfer news?

Truth be told, after welcoming the likes of Mason Mount, Andre Onana, and Sofyan Amrabat, United should not need to be focusing on the January transfer window so early. But their recent results have forced a rethink.

Now, with that rethink in mind, the Red Devils have been linked as potential suitors for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha in January.

The midfielder, of course, saw his move to Bayern Munich break down in devastating fashion after Fulham couldn't find a replacement of their own in time. Following that failure, though, a January move could be on the cards.

Romano was keen to play down United's interest, however, reacting to the links in a chat with Caught Offside: "As I previously reported, Bayern Munich came very close to signing Joao Palhinha this summer, only for the deal to fall through late on as Fulham couldn’t find a replacement, and now there’s been further speculation about the Portuguese midfielder’s future.

“I’m aware that Manchester United have been linked as suitors for Palhinha when the transfer window opens again in January, but I’m not a fan of commenting on rumours about something that is still four months away. Nothing is going on now, and also Man United just spent money on another defensive midfielder with the Sofyan Amrabat deal.

“I think Bayern will try again for Palhinha but again, it’s too early to say for sure, January is far.”

Should Manchester United sign Joao Palhinha?

Despite seemingly improving their midfield with the arrival of both Mount and Amrabat, United could still do with Palhinha, who would be a significant upgrade on Ten Hag's current options. The statistics prove that once and for all, too, as per FBref.

Player

Goals

Interceptions Per 90

Clearances Per 90

Tackles Won Per 90

Joao Palhinha

1

1.54

4.62

5.38

Casemiro

1

0.75

3.25

2.75

As you can see from this season, Palhinha would be a better option for United than Casemiro currently is, even despite the Brazilian's incredible and unquestionable pedigree. The former Real Madrid star has struggled to control the Red Devils' midfield in the current campaign, and is beginning to show signs of dropping away from his best form at 31-years-old.

The fact is, January could be the perfect time to replace the defensive midfielder with Palhinha, who could get his big move away from Fulham after all.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Santos está classificado às oitavas de final da Libertadores. No estádio Manuel Ferreira, em Assunção (PAR), o Peixe bateu o Olimpia por 3 a 2, pela quinta rodada da Conmebol Libertadores, nesta quinta-feira (01). O Alvinegro saiu na frente, sofreu a virada, empatou ainda na primeira etapa, mas garantiu o triunfo na etapa final.

Sánchez, de pênalti, Marinho e Kaio Jorge anotaram os tentos santistas. Recalde, duas vezes, marcou para os paraguaios.

O Santos chegou a 13 pontos, na ponta do grupo G. O Por sua vez, o Olimpia, na terceira colocação, estacionou nos cinco pontos.

PÊNALTI NO INÍCIO DO JOGO

O Santos, em tese, ficou em situação confortável logo no início da partida. Precisando do resultado, o Olimpia foi pra cima nos primeiros minutos. No entanto, aos 14 minutos da etapa inicial, o lateral-direito Madson não desistiu em uma bola que cruzou toda a extensão da área, dividiu com o atacante Recalde e sofreu o pênalti.

Carlos Sánchez, que foi o artilheiro do Peixe em 2019, mas não balançava as redes desde o dia 10 de fevereiro, na vitória santista por 2 a 0 contra o Botafogo-SP, pelo Campeonato Paulista, na Vila Belmiro, foi confiante, após a motivação passada por Marinho, e bateu no cando direito do goleiro Azcona, que caiu para a esquerda.

APAGÃO SANTISTA

O gol marcado no início do jogo, que, em tese, serviria para ajudar o Peixe, fez com que a equipe relaxasse demais. Os paraguaios se aproveitaram disso e partiram para cima do Alvinegro. Pressionando na marcação do meio-campo, o Olimpia aproveitava os sequentes erros de passes do Santos e os espaços dados pelo sistema defensivo santista, principalmente pelo lado direito, que alternou os laterais Madson e Pará compondo o setor.

E foi nas costas de Madson, que havia sofrido o pênalti, que a equipe anfitriã abriu o marcado, com Recalde, o mesmo atleta que havia cometido a penalidade em cima do próprio camisa 13 do Peixe. O atacante aproveitou um cruzamento vindo do lado direito de ataque, passou pelas costas do lateraldo Peixe e subiu para empatar o jogo.

Onze minutos depois, o Olimpia virou a partida em novo espaço dado pelo lado direito. Dessa vez pelo chão, Recalde aproveitou o buraco deixado por Pará na zaga, se antecipou e marcou o segundo gols dos paraguaios.

No entanto, antes de sofrer a virada, o Peixe já havia deixado os paraguaios chegarem a sua meta em, pelo menos, duas oportunidades. Uma com um chute na entrada da área pra fora e em outra que João Paulo fez uma boa defesa em um mano a mano com Pitta.

ESTRELA DE MARINHO

Após apagar, o Santos precisava acender, no entanto, não se encontrava. Porém, o Peixe conta com um atacante iluminado, e não só nesta noite. Aos 40 minutos do primeiro tempo, o Alvinegro sofreu falta pelo lado direito, para ser alçada na área. Marinho bateu cruzado, o goleiro Azcona aceitou e o primeiro tempo terminou 2 a 2.

KAIO JORGE DESENCANTA

Assim como Sánchez, Kaio Jorge também desencantou. Após marcar o gol da vitória na virada por 2 a 1 contra o Defensa y Justicia (ARG), no dia 03 de março, pela primeira rodada do grupo G da Libertadores, na Argentina, o garoto de 19 anos nunca mais tinha ido às redes. Contudo, vinha fazendo partidas muito obedientes taticamente, auxiliando na marcação alta, voltando para buscar jogo e se apresentando quando a bola chegava, mas sendo vítima da falta de criatividade do meio-campo santista, que também não vem de hoje.

Contudo, aos 13 minutos do segundo tempo, Marinho fez bom levantamento para a área, encontrou Carlos Sánchez que serviu Kaio, com o gol praticamente vazio, para balançar às redes, com tempo, inclusive, de dominar e tirar do goleiro Azcona, que já estava caído.

JOÃO PAULO III

As grandes atuações jogo a jogo do goleiro do Santos deu a ele o apelido perante a torcida de João Paulo III, em alusão aos seus milagres debaixo da trave. E contra o Olimpia, o arqueiro teve mais uma atuação de destaque.

Se no primeiro tempo já havia feito uma grande intervenção em uma finalização de Pitta, quando o Santos mais precisou dele, foi ali que apareceu. Jogando a sua vida na Libertadores, o Olimpia foi para cima e João Paulo fez pelo menos mais quatro defesas difíceis.

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OLIMPIA 2 X 3 SANTOS
FICHA TÉCNICA

Estádio: Manuel Ferreira, Assunção (PAR)
Data/Horário:01 de outubro 2020, às 19h (horário de Brasília)
Árbitro:Nestor Pitana (ARG)
Assistentes:Martin Soppi (URU) e Carlos Barreiro (URU)
Renda/Público:Portões fechados
Gols:0-1 Sánchez (14’/1T); 1-1 Recalde (22’/1T); 2-1 Recalde (33’/1T); 2-2 (40’/1T); 2-3 Kaio Jorge (13’/2T)
Cartões amarelos: Recalde (Olimpia); Alex Nascimento, Raniel e Jobson (Santos)
Cartão vermelho:

OLIMPIA (PAR):Azcona; Benítez (De La Cruz, 41’/2T), Leguizamón, Alcaraz e Arias; Domingo, Rojas, Alejandro Silva (Montenegro, 18’/2T), Recalde (Otalvaro, 41’/2T) e Camacho (Roque Santa Cruz, 18’/2T); Pitta (Jorge Rojas, 30’/2T).Técnico:Daniel Garneiro.

SANTOS:João Paulo; Madson, Pará, Alex Nascimento e Felipe Jonatan; Jobson (Ivonei, 27’/2T), Diego Pituca e Carlos Sànchez (Alison, 20’/2T); Marinho (Lucas Braga, 33’/2T), Kaio Jorge (Raniel, 33’/2T) e Soteldo Técnico:Cuca.

The Australia head coach also heaped praise on India’s pace attack and brushed aside lingering effects of that opening game loss to India

Shashank Kishore in Mount Maunganui01-Feb-2018It’s not often you hear an Australian coach equate pace and India in the same breath, but that’s a reality the team isn’t understating ahead of the Under-19 World Cup final. For a change, despite the presence of three left-arm spinners and a legspinner, the talk in the camp has been around having to negotiate Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi, two of the fastest bowlers in the competition who have consistently clocked in excess of 140kph.”It’s great to be talking about India and not talk about spin! They’ve got some really good bowlers there that bowl good pace, beautiful actions. I just watched them running into the wicket – it’s so easy for them. It’s great, it’s a challenge for our guys,” Ryan Harris, Australia’s head coach, said. “These guys haven’t faced so many guys who are consistently up around 135-140 mark. It’s a great challenge, it’s fantastic to see some young fast bowlers coming out of India. Usually, we speak about spinners coming out of there. It’s fantastic to see young fast bowlers there.”The Australian team has gone through a number of sessions plotting and planning against India. In both the knockout matches so far, their middle order has stuttered, only to be steered expertly by Shubman Gill. Riyan Parag, India’s designated No. 5 batsman and finisher, hasn’t quite hit top form yet since recovering from a finger injury while the only half-century Harvik Desai has hit came in a low-pressure chase against Zimbabwe. This is the one chink Australia want to expose.”I think their batting is strong at the top, but I don’t think their lower order has been really exposed – I guess our job is to get through those players at the top and get into the lower order,” Harris said. ‘It can go against you but with the way they’re playing, their top order is getting it done, so that’s our job to get through them and expose the lack of cricket the lower order has had.”Don’t get me wrong, they’re playing some really good cricket and are a really good side. I guess our job is for our quicks to get through the top order and put pressure on the middle order. If we do that, we’ll come out successful.In the tournament opener between the same teams, Australia conceded 328 and then saw the top order collapse to swing before spinners strangulated the lower order. None of their batsmen feature anywhere close to the top 10 run-scorers in the tournament, but they have Jack Edwards and Jason Sangha, two batsmen who have shown the adeptness to handle the bowlers tactfully.Harris brushed aside lingering effects of that opening game loss to India, reiterating the group’s hunger to set the record straight, even though he conceded Australia were the underdogs, a tag he is happy to live with. “I think India have to be favourites,” he said, “they’ve gone through pretty convincingly in the tournament. But I don’t worry about that, I won’t talk to the boys about being underdogs.”The best thing is that these boys were disappointed after the first game. They wanted to face India again and have another crack at them. It’s just great that it’s in a World Cup final. Obviously, with the change of draw – it was going to be a semi-final and now it’s the final. They’re really excited, they want another go at redeeming themselves. India are the in-form side, when you’re in the final against the in-form side, that’s what you want to do.”Harris admitted to have had a few sleepless nights during the tournament. Getting the team composition right has been among the preparation checklist he has ticked off every game. There are a number of teething issues, though, none more so than their opening conundrum.Their regular opener Max Bryant is yet to come good, while Nathan McSweeney, who made 156 not out in his only hit as an opener in the tournament, has now been pushed to the middle order. Now, there is a small matter of having to think about playing an out-of-form opener as against an in-form batsman who has had to move down the order. For now, Bryant has the team management’s backing, even though Harris was non-committal about persisting with him.”We need to try and keep him positive, he’s had a disappointing tournament and he knows it. I’ve spoken to him,” Harris said. “We know he’s a good player and we have to give him that confidence to do what he does. He’s one of the players we’ll have a look at.”Harris, however, was confident Australia weren’t far away from playing their best game. “We’ve gotten better with every game,” he said. “We came pretty close to our best game against Afghanistan. We got off to a good start, lost a couple but the way we finished was good. Nobody panicked, no one sort of tried to take it on wanting to finish early.”They batted time, got used to the spinners and wicket and finished it beautifully. It was pretty close, but I’d still like us to bowl and field a fraction better. As a coach, you’re always looking for a perfect game. It rarely happens, but the occasion of a World Cup final wouldn’t be a bad time.”

Nottingham Forest have been dealt with a potential injury blow ahead of the return to club football this weekend, with reports coming out that one of their promising new signings has returned early from the international break.

Nottingham Forest – latest team news

After a positive start to the campaign, Steve Cooper’s side found themselves going into the international break in ninth place after four games played, winning two and losing two.

Over the course of the international fixtures so far, six Forest players have been involved for their respective countries, with some exciting performances standing out to fans.

New signing Ibrahim Sangare, who is yet to make his Forest debut, scored the only goal for his native Ivory Coast, as they beat Lesotho 1-0 in their final game of the AFCON qualifying stages.

Meanwhile, centre-forward Taiwo Awoniyi continued his fine form, as he scored for Nigeria in their 6-0 rout over São Tomé and Príncipe. Defender Ola Aina also featured in the game, playing 73 minutes.

There is, however, some more slightly concerning news for Forest fans after winger Anthony Elanga was withdrawn from the Swedish national camp after picking up an injury in training.

What's the latest news on Anthony Elanga?

The latest reports coming out of his home country reveal that the 21-year-old dynamo has left their team camp immediately to return to Forest, having picked up an issue.

The winger was an unused substitute as Sweden beat Estonia 5-0 on Saturday and the latest update means he will no longer be part of the squad for the upcoming game against Austria on Tuesday.

Currently, the cause or extent of the injury have not been revealed, although in an official statement released by the Sweden national team, it was described as 'minor' but it is clearly bad enough to return to the Midlands ahead of schedule.

How has Elanga performed this season?

The absence of Swede would no doubt be damaging to Cooper and the team, having made a promising start to his Forest career since his summer move from Manchester United.

Elanga is already off the mark in terms of both goals and assists, including a memorable match-winning goal against Chelsea to hand Forest their first away win of the season before the international break.

His efforts earned the praises of his boss, who after the result at Stamford Bridge said:

“We want players like [Elanga] in the squad who are young and hungry, and who we know can grow.

“He is already a really good player, but he will become a very important player for us. It’s just a process. Days like this will help him as well.”

The club will be hopeful that the injury is not a serious concern that could threaten to keep the winger out for extended periods of time, as Elanga – who earns around £25k-per-week at the City Ground – had been quickly adapting to life at Forest ahead of the break.

The side return to action on September 18th where they host Burnley, who are still looking for a first league win of the season, although they got the better of Forest when the two sides met in the Carabao Cup second round in late August.

أكد أسامة نبيه، مدرب منتخب مصر السابق، أن مصطفى شوبير هو الأنسب لحراسة مرمى منتخب مصر أمام بوركينا فاسو، في المباراة القادمة بتصفيات كأس العالم 2026.

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي منتخب مصر مع نظيره بوركينا فاسو، غدًا الخميس، في الجولة الثالثة من مرحلة التصفيات المؤهلة للمونديال.

وقال نبيه في تصريحات عبر إذاعة “أون سبورت إف إم”: “إن شاء الله فوز المنتخب على بوركينا فاسو ومن بعده غينيا بيساو، سيضمن تأهلنا لكأس العالم بنسبة 60%”.

طالع أيضًا | محمد عمارة يختار تشكيل منتخب مصر أمام بوركينا فاسو في تصفيات كأس العالم

وتابع: “أرى أن الأجهز لحراسة مرمى منتخب مصر في الفترة الحالية هو مصطفى شوبير، لكن الجهاز الفني له حرية الاختيار، وفي حالة الاستقرار على مشاركة محمد الشناوي فلن يكون قرارًا خاطئًا”.

وأضاف: “أرى أنه من الأفضل الدفع بالثنائي أحمد سيد زيزو وإمام عاشور، بجانب مروان عطية فى وسط الملعب؛ وذلك لزيادة الفاعلية الهجومية أثناء اللقاء، مع تأدية واجباتهم الدفاعية”.

واختتم: “يوسف أسامة نبيه رحل عن الزمالك بسبب الأزمات الإدارية والمادية؛ لذلك أُجبر على الرحيل، والآن يستعيد مستواه الفني ليتألق مع بيراميدز”.

Everything that could have gone wrong for Manchester United has done so far this season in the Premier League, with injuries to the likes of Luke Shaw, an off-pitch dispute between Jadon Sancho and Erik ten Hag, and disappointing results on the pitch.

In four games, the Red Devils have lost twice, with both defeats coming in North London against Tottenham Hotspur and then Arsenal. Meanwhile, the two wins that they have picked up were far from convincing, as they edged past Wolverhampton Wanderers on the opening day before being forced to come from two goals down to defeat Nottingham Forest.

United's current predicament has forced Ten Hag to turn his attention towards the January transfer window, and one particular star is interested in making what would be a record departure from his current club.

What's the latest Manchester United transfer news?

United ticked plenty of boxes over the summer. They welcomed a modern day goalkeeper in the form of Andre Onana, whilst also adding midfield depth with the arrivals of Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat. And to complete their transfer window, they signed forward Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta. Yet, with four games gone, it has been calamitous for the Red Devils.

With that said, it's clear that more reinforcements are needed, and that could come in the form of Brentford's Rico Henry. According to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, Brentford could accept a £35m-plus offer for their left-back in what could be a club-record sale.

The defender is also said to be interested in a big move, and a transfer to United would be exactly that. The Red Devils were also reportedly interested in Henry during the summer transfer window, but were not able to afford a permanent deal. When January comes around, it will certainly be interesting to see if United test Brentford's resolve, and if Henry pushes for a move away from the Bees.

How has Rico Henry performed this season?

Brentford have got off to a strong start in the Premier League once again this season, remaining unbeaten in four games, drawing against Spurs, Crystal Palace, and Bournemouth, as well as defeating Fulham. And Henry has played a large part in that run, starting in every game.

The left-back has earned plenty of deserved praise during his time with the Bees, including from Thomas Frank, who told the BBC: "On the defensive side, one-on-one actions, I actually haven’t seen a player or winger in the last two years in the Premier League that got the better of him.

"Maybe they got a cross in, but in general in these one-v-one duels he is so strong. He is so quick and he is in a fantastic place. If he can just get a tiny bit more output with assists and goals, that would be the next step for him. But he is another good example of a good character working very hard that will run through a brick wall for the team."

Given Henry's talent, United's interest comes as little surprise, making January an interesting month to keep an eye on when it comes to potential arrivals at Old Trafford.

Chadd Sayers will get the chance to emulate his international role model Vernon Philander in the South African’s backyard after injury ruled Jackson Bird out of the Australian touring party that leaves on Thursday for four Tests in March and April.Bird’s hamstring strain meant a call to Sayers from the selection chairman Trevor Hohns, for a shorter and happier conversation than the previous exchange about why the South Australian had been left out in the first place. Having been granted a ticket to South Africa through one injury, Sayers is realistic about the fact it would most likely take another during the series to see him debut.However he is eager to demonstrate – on South African pitches likely to aid seamers – that his ultra-consistent, stump-to-stump fast-medium with a hint of movement through the air and off the pitch can do the sort of job for Australia that Philander has done for the Proteas over the past seven years, starting with a memorable series against Australia in 2011.”I’ve been watching him ever since he started [in 2011], I guess [we are] similar bowlers,” Sayers said of Philander. “Not the fiery big quicks and just put the ball on the spot and let that do the talking. I’ve been watching his career so far and I’ll keep doing that while I’m over there. I think as we all know the three big quicks are going to get the first crack as always and they’ve been going brilliantly over the last series, so I think I’ll be waiting for an injury, but I’ll be over there now and putting my best foot forward.”Watching the previous Test series against India, they spice up the wickets a little bit, which would be nice, but obviously there are some water issues going on at the moment over there. By all reports they’re going to dish up some green seamers, which would be nice. [South Africa] play their conditions really well, they’ve got a fiery pace attack, complemented by Vernon, and their batting is brilliant as well. So it’s going to be tough over there in their conditions to win a series but I think we’ve got the firepower to do that.”Australia’s captain Steven Smith, whom Sayers dismissed cheaply on a grassy Adelaide Oval pitch in their one Sheffield Shield encounter this season, said the 30-year-old was an awkward proposition because he attacked the stumps consistently. “It’s disappointing for Jackson, but it’s exciting for Chadd at the same time,” Smith said. “It’s like-for-like, they’re both pretty similar. They both stand the seam up nicely and Chadd’s been rewarded for what he’s done in Shield cricket over the last couple of years.”He’s very accurate, he knows what he’s doing, he stands the seam up. If there’s anything in the wicket, he’ll certainly get everything out of it. He’s a difficult one, because he’s so short, not many balls go over the stumps, which makes him a pretty handy proposition when the ball is seaming around. It’s a good selection.”Having previously toured New Zealand in 2016 and then been part of Australian squads for Adelaide Tests in each of the past two years, Sayers has been rewarded for his overall body of bowling work rather than recent results in particular. Having had to claim an enormous amount of wickets at every level for recognition whether claiming 65 wickets at 8.63 in Adelaide club competition in 2010-11 to get a Redbacks debut, or taking 62 at 19 in the Sheffield Shield last summer, the irony of his inclusion this week, after a wicketless match against Victoria, was not lost on Sayers.”It’s just worked out like that, it wasn’t the best timing to go out and take none-for, but I’m feeling good and feeling like if I get a chance, I’ll do well,” Sayers said. “Probably the performance I put in with no wickets I probably second-guessed myself a bit. I’m still bowling as well as I was at the start of the year, it’s just that I didn’t get the rewards this game.”I just think I’ve got to do what I’ve been doing at Shield level. I can’t go away from what’s been working for me, so if I get the chance I’ll just do what I’ve been doing.”

West Ham United are set to enjoy a dramatic end to the transfer window, with a host of players linked to the London Stadium on deadline day.

David Moyes looks out to find both defensive and attacking reinforcements, with the latest news revealing another target.

Who could West Ham sign on deadline day?

When revising the defensive options that the Irons are said to be considering, one name that has emerged is that of Marc Cucurella, whose future is yet to be decided.

The Spaniard has been heavily linked to Manchester United, however as reported by Manchester Evening News, the Red Devils have opted to take on Sergio Reguilon instead of the Chelsea outsider.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Dean Jones revealed that there’s a chance that Moyes will consider a swoop for the left-back, who cost Chelsea £60m only last summer.

"Ian Maatsen at Chelsea is a name that keeps cropping up, and it's not beyond the possibility that they explore Marc Cucurella after United struggled to close that one," he said.

"Chelsea are going to let at least one of those players out on loan from what I'm told, so it would make sense that West Ham are in the loop."

What could Marc Cucurella offer to West Ham?

While his first taste of football at Stamford Bridge has been far from desired, the Spaniard was captured by the Blues for a reason.

During his time at Brighton & Hove Albion, the Spaniard was renowned for his versatility on the left side of defence, showing strengths in going forward and putting in a shift defensively.

Prior to his move to the Seagulls, the 25-year-old was dubbed as a “warrior” by talent scout Jacek Kulig and has been praised for his “really good ball skills” whilst thriving at LaLiga outfit Getafe.

For West Ham, a swoop for the left-back could be the perfect opportunity for Moyes to add to his squad depth, as well as promote competition in the position to better the overall performance of the team.

In Cucurella, the Hammers could sign a talent likened to some of the best in the position in the Premier League, with the Spaniard’s numbers last season comparable to those recorded by Arsenal’s Ben White, per FBref.

Speaking last campaign, Michael Owen praised White’s role in linking up with the attack in Mikel Arteta’s side as “very important”, with the Englishman being a pivotal part of the Gunners’ title charge and a contributing factor to Bukayo Saka's form ahead of him on the flank.

By signing the Chelsea man, Moyes could have his answer to the Emirates gem, as suggested by his numbers in comparison based on their respective 2022/23 campaigns.

As per FBref, the former Barcelona man averaged 1.62 progressive carries and 4.15 final third passes per 90 for Chelsea last term in the Premier League, averages close to those of White who recorded 1.84 progressive carries and 6.66 final third passes per 90.

Despite receiving criticism at times, the Spaniard excelled defensively in comparison to Arsenal’s full-back, as highlighted by his mammoth 3.55 tackles to White’s 1.77 per 90, showcasing his strengths in identifying threat from the opposition.

Taking into consideration that the two players had contrasting seasons in their respective squads in 2022/23, the numbers point to Cucurella’s playing style, communicating just the calibre of player Moyes could hire on deadline day.

It's not highlighted whether the Spaniard would be eyed on a loan move or a permenant deal, however, one thing for certain is that it's expected to be an interesting day for both the player and clubs involved.

Arsenal could be rocked by the departure of a first-team star in the January transfer window, with one of Mikel Arteta's key players now willing to leave the club.

Which Arsenal players could leave in January?

In the summer transfer window, Arsenal managed to trim down their squad significantly, sanctioning the sales of Granit Xhaka, Folarin Balogun and Matt Turner, amongst a number of other players, but there were a few they did not manage to get off their books.

Cedric Soares remains at the Emirates Stadium, despite the Gunners being willing to sell him in the summer, which indicates the 32-year-old could be on the move in January, should he fail to prove himself to Arteta over the next few months.

At one stage, it appeared likely that Thomas Partey was going to follow midfield partner Xhaka out the exit door, amid widespread interest from elsewhere, with a Saudi side making an offer of personal terms, while Juventus were also named as potential suitors.

However, Arteta quashed the rumours linking Partey with a move away, saying. When asked whether the midfielder was still in his plans, the manager said: "Without a question of a doubt. Thomas is a super important player for us and for me. I want him to be part of the team. That’s for sure."

Although the Ghanaian ultimately remained at Arsenal in the summer, there have been recent indications he could push for a move in the January transfer window, with Football Insider reporting he is willing to leave the club on one condition.

If the central midfielder is no longer part of Arteta's first-choice XI, he is ready to seek pastures new this winter, as he fears he is no longer part of the Gunners' best side for the first time since he arrived at the club three years ago.

If the 30-year-old, who has featured at right-back this season, falls out of favour with Arteta, he would consider a move away in the next window, and Juventus could be waiting in the wings, considering they are long-term admirers.

Is Thomas Partey leaving Arsenal?

Football Transfers report that Arteta and Partey have reached a mutual agreement that the club will listen to bids in the January transfer window, which indicates the Ghana international's time in north London could be coming to an end.

The "exceptional" midfielder has been a good servant to Arsenal, being ranked by Sofascore as the club's fourth-best performing player in the Premier League last season, but they should not stand in his way if he makes it clear he wants to leave.

At 30-years-old, the former Atletico Madrid man is about to enter the latter stages of his career, and it could be wise to cash-in on him in January, particularly considering Arteta is already blessed with a number of solid midfield options.

Declan Rice's arrival means Partey has been shifted to an unfamiliar right-back role this season, featuring in that position on three occasions, so it is no wonder he is thinking about leaving, and the Gunners should let him leave if a suitable bid arrives.

Leeds United have endured a stuttered start to life in the Championship, as Daniel Farke seeks to navigate the trials and tribulations he inherited after their relegation last season.

First overseeing a rough summer transfer window, coming out the other side relatively unscathed despite some major exits, the German now has the unenviable task of knitting together his side with enough speed to turn them into the title challengers that fans would hope for.

Although, at this point and given the start to the term they endured, being just three points off sixth place marks a fine return, especially given they have enjoyed a clean sheet in each of their last three league fixtures.

Illan Meslier is performing well once again after a torrid last campaign, in which his high-profile blunders arguably played an outstanding role in dooming them to the drop – as he made three errors leading to a goal in the Premier League.

His youth and inexperience reared its ugly head, but there is a quiet understanding that with each year that should lessen. It is a case of trusting the process with the 23-year-old shot-stopper, however there was another Leeds could have enjoyed in the past who likely would still be thriving today.

Potentially, had they kept Kasper Schmeichel and not allowed his easy exit in 2011, they might not have been relegated at all with such a safe pair of hands in the net.

Why did Kasper Schmeichel leave Leeds United?

As son of the legendary Peter Schmeichel, it always seemed like the Denmark international was destined for a bright career. However, despite his father's legacy largely being centred around Manchester United, the current Anderlecht titan would instead start his career with Manchester City, before a stint at Notts County led him to Elland Road.

However, this rivalry proved a step too far for someone so young, as the Whites seemingly could not handle the ties he had to one of their most detested clubs.

The 36-year-old would reveal all on Joe Hart’s YouTube series Gloved: "I remember about three weeks after joining Leeds thinking, ‘What have I done?!’ It was just the wrong club for me at that time. It was very clear, very early on that it was the wrong club for me.

“It was a club where I was not accepted and with my father’s history, it was evident among the fans that they did not approve of that."

He would not solely blame the supporters for the breakdown in relationship, suggesting that from top to bottom the institution gave the impression he was wholly unwanted:

"I just didn’t feel welcome at all at the club, by the whole club, that’s the manager [Simon Grayson] as well. He didn’t give me any kind of confidence. I had a decent season, I thought. I didn’t set the world alight but I had a solid enough season, but I did not enjoy my time there at all. It was a really bad time."

38

13

2.5

6.94

38

10

2.4

6.72

33

8

2.8

6.75

30

8

3.8

6.90

38

15

2.6

6.90

All stats via Sofascore

Leaving for Leicester City, what he would achieve with the Midlands outfit could not possibly have been imagined after departing Yorkshire for a nominal fee, having played just 40 times.

He would become a mainstay as the Foxes made a top-flight return before Leeds, leading them into the Premier League and steering them from relegation. Then, against all the odds, Schmeichel started in every single game as Claudio Ranieri somehow engineered their title charge and subsequent win.

A true fairytale story, it was described by Gary Lineker, who supported them as a youngster: "I saw them in a cup final – lose – that was the closest we ever got to big glory. Won the League Cup a couple of times but this is just something else. This is actually impossible. There were no odds that I would have taken at the start of the season. No odds. You could have given me 10 million to one and I'd have said 'Nah, it's a waste of a quid'."

Adding to such success, Brendan Rodgers would then help them claim an FA Cup too, cementing Schmeichel's legacy as a "#LCFC Legend" in the eyes of BBC broadcaster John Bennett.

Whilst they likely would not have reached the same unparalleled levels that the King Power outfit did with him in goal, Leeds would certainly have benefitted had they put their prejudices aside and placed some faith in the keeper as a young man.

How much did Leicester City sign Kasper Schmeichel for?

It is a testament to the terrible decision-making of Simon Grayson that Schmeichel was allowed to leave at all, let alone for the tiny £1.25m fee paid.

Whilst the manager remains a hero for how he saved them from League One peril, his dismissal came due to a lack of confidence from the hierarchy that he could see out their promotion ambitions.

Perhaps if he had a safe pair of hands to keep a few more clean sheets, he may well have been the man to earn them that top-flight return, that would only come eight years after his sacking.

How much was Kasper Schmeichel worth at his peak?

Although his technical peak inarguably came with Leicester, his value actually reached its highest point after he had departed the King Power Stadium for OGC Nice.

Despite only joining for £1m, which crazily recouped the bulk of the fee they first paid to bring him to the club, that seemingly marked an incredible steal in the eyes of Football Transfers.

As of October 2022, they valued him at €26.2m (£22.7m). Therefore, after departing Elland Road for just £1.25m, his value actually rose by 1716% until last year – albeit with the veteran gem now worth in the region of £9m.

Why was Kasper Schmeichel worth that much?

There are many reasons why Schmeichel's value rose so sharply across his career, with the elite silverware gained unsurprisingly aiding in that venture.

However, it is worth noting that in his prime the shot-stopper was widely regarded as one of the top flight's finest for his role, with former teammate James Maddison noting: "He’s a top goalkeeper, I think he’s in the top three of the Premier League."

Having gone on to play 284 times in the division, keeping an admirable 82 clean sheets for a side predominantly fighting relegation at the start, he truly is a legend of Leicester, and one of Leeds' greatest transfer missteps.