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The regular Monday column in which Steven Lynch answers your questions
about (almost) any aspect of cricket. This week it’s a World Cup
special

Steven Lynch26-Mar-2007The regular Monday column in which Steven Lynch answers your questions about (almost) any aspect of cricket:

Jeremy Bray carried his bat through Ireland’s 50-over innings against Zimbabwe. How many times has this happened in the World Cup? asked Rae Clarke from Galway
That fine effort from Ireland’s Jeremy Bray at Kingston was the 10th time someone had batted through his country’s allocation of overs in the World Cup. The first instance was on the opening day of World Cup matches, in 1975: after England made 334 for 4 in their 60 overs at Lord’s, Sunil Gavaskar occupied 174 balls for 36 not out as India crawled to 132 for 3 and a 202-run defeat. For a full list, click here. The only man to carry his bat through a completed innings in the World Cup is Ridley Jacobs, for West Indies against Australia at Old Trafford in 1999.What is the highest partnership in the World Cup? asked Satyender Singh from Delhi
By the end of the qualifying matches in the current World Cup the highest partnership remained the 318 of Sourav Ganguly (who made 183) and Rahul Dravid (145) for India against Sri Lanka at Taunton in 1999. For a full and updated list of the best partnerships for each wicket in the World Cup, click here.Who was the first Test captain to bag a pair? asked Reuben Johnson from Stoke
The unfortunate holder of this record is Australia’s Joe Darling, who was out without scoring in both innings of the only Test ever played at Bramall Lane in Sheffield, in 1902. Despite Darling’s problems Australia still won the match by 143 runs. For a full list of the 19 captains who have bagged a pair in Tests, click here.I enjoyed watching Bermuda during this World Cup. Have any of their players made a century? asked Kevin McNamara from the United States
None of the Bermudian players managed a century in this World Cup – their highest score was David Hemp’s 76 not out against India at Port-of-Spain. But they do have one century to their credit in one-day internationals: Irvine Romaine, their World Cup captain, made 101 against Canada at Toronto in August 2006.I seem to recall that David Boon kept wicket for Australia in a couple of one-day games. When was this? asked Andy Haensel from Australia
David Boon only started one match as Australia’s designated wicketkeeper – appropriately enough, it was during the World Cup, in 1991-92, after Ian Healy injured his hamstring in the previous match, against South Africa at Sydney (Boon kept wicket in that game, too, as Healy was unfit). The next match was against India, at Brisbane, and Australia ended up winning by one run after Boon collected Steve Waugh’s throw from the boundary to run out India’s last man, Venkatapathy Raju. Boon might have deputised behind the stumps in the odd other game – the records don’t always mention stand-ins – but that was the only one of his 181 one-day internationals which he started as wicketkeeper.Which player is known as “Baby Boof”? asked Ryan Berriman from Brisbane
This is Mark Cosgrove, the South Australian left-hander who was close to a place in the Australian World Cup squad, and it comes from his resemblance to his SA skipper Darren Lehmann – another comfortably built left-hand batsman – whose usual nickname is “Boof”.

Either Arsenal or Tottenham Hotspur will miss out after identifying Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie as a target in the summer transfer window's final week.

• Hincapie interested in Arsenal transfer
• Spurs have made an offer to Leverkusen
• Developing saga reminiscent of Eze situation

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After Arsenal stepped up interest in Hincapie, revealed that the Ecuador international is taken by the project on offer should he move to the Emirates Stadium from Germany. The 23-year-old centre-back is described as "keen" on the proposed switch and an agreement on personal terms is not expected to be an issue after initial talks began.

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  Tottenham have also shown interest in Hincapie, reportedly putting forward a proposal to Leverkusen comprised of a loan and $60 million (£52m/$70m) obligation to buy. That fee, while delayed until 2026, matches the relase clause in the player's contract. Arsenal, meanwhile, are trying to negotiate a lower figure to secure a permanent deal of their own.

  It follows the Gunners snatching Eberechi Eze from under their rivals' nose, although Hincapie is no way near as close to joining Spurs as the England international was last week.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Arsenal are potentially offering less money than Tottenham, although Leverkusen stand to receive cash sooner. But with Hincapie's apparent preference for a move to the Emirates, his desire could influence or shape how the Bundesliga side respond to offers. It is a different situation to Eze because the rival proposals are not currently the same, whereas Arsenal had matched Tottenham's bid to Crystal Palace.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Romano adds that no Arsenal bid for Hincapie has yet been made, with the Gunners first needing to find new clubs for Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior. The latter is the subject of interest from Porto, who are reported to have made an approach over a loan with obligation to buy. Arsenal are looking for around £25m ($32m) for the Poland international, potentially half of what it might take to sign Hincapie.

Wales boss Craig Bellamy took a playful jibe at Wrexham after including three of their stars in the national team squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers next month. The Red Dragons have spent heavily in the summer transfer window following their third consecutive promotion to the Championship this season. The Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhennery-owned club have added 10 new players to their roster.

• Three Wrexham players named in Wales squad
• Bellamy took a jibe at Wrexham
• Wrexham face Millwall on Saturday

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Wales boss Bellamy named goalkeeper Danny Ward and forwards Nathan Broadhead and Kieffer Moore in the national team squad as he announced a 25-man roster for their upcoming international matches next month. Wales will first face Kazakhstan in a World Cup qualifier on September 4 and then face Canada in an international friendly five days later.

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• WHAT BELLAMY SAID

  Shortly after announcing the squad, the former Liverpool and Manchester City forward took a cheeky jibe at the Red Dragons as he told reporters: "What money can do, huh? It always helps of course, with the more Welsh players can be together. There aren't similarities to how we play with Wales and how Wrexham play. They're two different ways, and there's no right or wrong way with this.

  "But for instance, with Kieffer, the way Wrexham play will definitely suit him, and I feel that when I've watched him with Wrexham, you can see that. With Broady, it'd be nice for him to get a consistent run of playing week in, week out. And to me, with the fee Wrexham paid, it looks like he will get that. That leaves me excited with Broady, because I believe there's a really good footballer there. He has the benchmarks, especially with intensity, to really flourish there."

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  Bellamy added: "Wardy has worked hard to get to where he has as well. He had a tricky spell last year but came through it mentally as well. I'm delighted to see him playing for Wrexham as well as it's his club.

  "It's just the journey of Wrexham and I think we're all captivated by it. It's been amazing for Welsh football, and hopefully, in a number of years, we'll see young players coming through that. Whether it's Swansea, Newport, Cardiff or Wrexham, the better they do, then the better chance we have of being a stronger nation in football, so it's always positive."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR WREXHAM?

  Before heading out for national duty, the Welsh trio will feature for the club in their upcoming Championship fixture against Millwall on Saturday.

Ederson has reportedly agreed a move to Turkish giants Fenerbahce, which will open the door for Gianluigi Donnarumma to complete his transfer to Manchester City from Paris Saint-Germain. Fenerbahce are set to fork out around €14 million (£12m/$16m) to sign Ederson, who is leaving City after eight trophy-laden years.

• Ederson set to join Fenerbahce
• City going after PSG's Donnarumma
• Ederson has agreed personal terms

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , Ederson is on the verge of signing for Fenerbahce after City verbally sanctioned his transfer for a fee in the region of €14m. The report adds that Ederson's agent Jorge Mendes has thrashed out personal terms with Fenerbahce sporting director Devin Ozek.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  According to , as Ederson is preparing to exit Etihad Stadium, the Cityzens are working behind the scenes to secure a transfer for Paris Saint-Germain's out-of-favour goalkeeper Donnarumma. The Ligue 1 giants expect City to complete all the formalities and finalise the Italian's transfer before Monday's deadline. 

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Since moving from Benfica to City in 2017, Ederson has made 372 appearances across all competitions and won multiple trophies, including six Premier League crowns and the Champions League. However, since the start of the summer transfer window, the Selecao star has been linked with a move away from the Premier League side. Donnarumma, on the other hand, went public with his decision to quit PSG after falling down the pecking order under Luis Enrique. 

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER CITY?

  City will now work on the transfer fee for Donnarumma, with it reported that they are reluctant to match PSG's initial asking price of €50 million (£43.2m/$58.3m) for the Italian custodian.

Rodri suffered a season-ending ACL injury during Manchester City's draw with Arsenal but that did not stop him celebrating their late equaliser.

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• Rodri suffered serious injury against Arsenal
• Ruled out for rest of season
• Still managed to celebrate City's late equaliser

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The fall-out from Manchester City's draw with Arsenal continues after a fiery contest that saw Rodri go off injured and subsequently be ruled out for the rest of the season. Despite the seriousness of the injury, Rodri still managed to enjoy the late equaliser by John Stones at the Etihad. According to, the Spain star managed to "celebrate raucously in front of the Arsenal bench" despite being forced off with an injury that has required surgery.

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  The rivalry between the two sides appears to have ramped up several notches after the 2-2 draw at the Etihad. Stones accused Arsenal of "dirty" tactics after the match, while manager Pep Guardiola has claimed City have been provoked into a "war" by the Gunners and has hit out at Mikel Arteta after the Arsenal boss claimed he had inside information on the Cityzens.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Rodri's injury will be a huge blow to Manchester City and their hopes of claiming more silverware this season. The midfielder is unbeaten in his last 52 Premier League appearances, while City's last four defeats in the top flight have all come when Rodri has been absent.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY

  Manchester City's first test without Rodri comes on Saturday against Newcastle at St James' Park, while Arsenal play host to Leicester later in the day.

Despite a flurry of activity late in the transfer window, this has not been an ideal weekend for Aston Villa.

Despite having 69% possession, they lost to 17th-place Wolves 2-0 as Unai Emery’s side only managed to generate 0.45 xG in the match, taking ten shots, and only creating just big chance.

On the other hand, Wolves were far more efficient, having 31% possession, but managing to create four big chances from just eight shots in the match, scoring two goals and walking away with all three points, valuable points at that considering their league position.

After losing Jhon Duran during the week, Aston Villa will be looking to improve their attacking line and bring some reinforcements to help the likes of Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers in this second half of the season.

Aston Villa looking at bolstering their offence

A deal to sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United and their bid to sign Marco Asensio PSG looks as good as done with both players set to undergo medicals on Sunday afternoon.

That being said, Emery and Monchi could well be looking to complete more deals before the window slams shut on Monday evening.

Indeed, according to reports from Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa remain in talks with Chelsea over a move for Joao Felix.

However, the deal seems to be complicated at this current moment, with Chelsea demanding an “important financial package” due to Villa being a direct competitor for a Champions League spot this season.

Discussions between the clubs will continue, as Villa are also interested in Chelsea defender, Axel Disasi, where a similar “important fee” is being requested, so this will likely continue over the coming hours to see if any deal can be struck.

Felix has made 20 appearances this season for Chelsea since joining in the summer, scoring seven goals, providing two assists and totalling 947 minutes played, being a very important player in their UEFA Conference League campaign thus far.

How Joao Felix could improve Marcus Rashford

An agreement is reportedly already in place to take Rashford to Villa Park this month after a loan with an option to buy of around £40m was struck.

The 27-year-old can play all across the frontline, doing his best work from the left wing, making 24 appearances so far this campaign, scoring seven goals and, providing three assists.

Rashford, Felix and Ollie Watkins could thrive playing together, as the two Englishmen both look to make runs in behind the opposition defence at every opportunity. In turn, this could stretch the pitch, allowing Felix to pick the ball up in the pockets of space between the midfield and forward line, which is where he does his best work.

When comparing Felix and Rashford, you can clearly see how both players offer something different to the attacking dynamic, Rashford averaging more progressive passes received, showing his willingness to run in behind and be an outlet. Meanwhile, the Chelsea gem clearly excels dropping deep, receiving the ball to feet and impacting the game in all phases, such as build-up.

Alex Barker (EuroExpert on X) labelled Felix an “immense” talent, speaking on how the Portugal international has struggled with certain tactical fits. The 25-year-old has such clear talent, but the way he is utilised is a very important factor when judging his importance to a team.

At Villa, with other players wanting to stretch play and run in behind, Felix could finally become the player he is supposed to be, being the primary creator, having the license to roam, drop deeper and help progress play, but also arrive around the box to provide game-changing moments and output.

A dream for Watkins: Aston Villa target "monster" £70m Rashford alternative

Aston Villa weighing up a move for a current Premier League sensation.

By
Ross Kilvington

Feb 1, 2025

Real Madrid want William Saliba to lead their summer rebuild after a disappointing season, according to a report.

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• Saliba wanted by Real Madrid in summer transfer
• Frenchman has become one of world's best centre-backs
• Doubts over Antonio Rudiger and David Alaba's futures

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to Marca, Real Madrid have identified Saliba as their 'chosen one' to refresh their previously formidable defence which was breached five times over two legs by Arsenal during their recent quarter-final tie in the Champions League. The report adds that the France international has been on chief scout Juni Calafat's list of targets 'for a long time', though Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen and Manchester City's Manuel Akanji are also reported options.

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  Saliba has emerged as one of the best central defenders in world football since breaking through under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, forming a brilliant partnership with Gabriel Magalhaes at the back. He was named in the 2024 FIFA The Best World XI and signed a new contract with the Gunners last season, but could now be tempted by the prospect of playing with stars like Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham at the Bernabeu.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Saliba has helped Arsenal record the shrewdest defence in the Premier League so far this season, conceding only 29 goals in 35 matches. However, their title hopes came to an end at the weekend when Liverpool secured top spot by thrashing Tottenham Hotspur.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR SALIBA AND ARSENAL?

  After knocking the reigning champions out of the competition in the last round, Saliba and Arsenal will look to take a large step towards the Champions League final when they face Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their semi-final on Tuesday.

We’ve finally made it to transfer deadline-day, and while a number of their rivals have made additions to their squads, Arsenal have not.

Mikel Arteta came into the window knowing that his side desperately needed attacking reinforcements, and even though the injury to Gabriel Jesus made that need even more acute, that attacking signing has still not materialised.

However, while the clock is well and truly ticking, the Gunners have made more than a fair share of deadline-day signings in the past, from Thomas Partey in 2020 to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in 2018, but the most notable of all is undoubtedly Mesut Özil, who secured his move to Arsenal back in the summer of 2013.

While it might take a long time for the North Londoners to complete a better deadline-day signing than the world-class German, recent reports have linked the club with a sensational striker who could be a close second.

Arsenal target international striker

According to a recent report from Football Transfers, Arsenal have maintained their strong interest in Juventus’ striker Dušan Vlahović.

In fact, the report goes a step further, claiming that due to the Gunners’ need for another number nine, fans should be on the lookout for a potential ‘late bid’ for the Serbian international.

How much the former Fiorentina man might cost the North Londoners is not revealed in the story, but other reports from earlier this month claimed that an offer in the region of £54m could be enough to tempt the Old Lady into selling.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Vlahović’s immense ability and Arsenal’s need, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could end up being their best deadline day deal since Ozil.

Why Vlahović could be Arsenal's best deadline day deal since Ozil

So, we probably don’t need to explain to you why Ozil, who won four FA Cups and produced 118 goal involvements during his time in North London, is arguably Arsenal’s greatest deadline-day deal, but you might be a little less sure about why Vlahović could become a close second should he put pen to paper later on today.

Well, there are a few reasons, but they all ultimately stem from one thing: his output.

For example, during his time playing for Fiorentina, the Belgrade-born “monster,” as dubbed by Italian journalist Carlo Garganese, racked up a sensational haul of 49 goals and eight assists in just 108 appearances and, since joining Juventus, he’s scored 54 goals and provided 11 assists in 129 appearances.

That means he maintained an average of a goal involvement every 1.89 games for La Viola and currently has an average of a goal involvement every 1.98 games for the Old Lady, which proves that he can operate at a world-class level of output for two different teams in a top five league.

Therefore, there is no reason to suspect that he wouldn’t remain at least as effective with players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard around him, which in turn means he could be the number nine the club so desperately need to fire them to glory either this season or the next.

That is the primary reason he could go down as the club’s best deadline-day deal since Ozil, as while Aubameyang was incredibly prolific, he was only responsible for one FA Cup, whereas, with the team Arteta currently has at his disposal, a ready-made marksman like Vlahović, could be the final component of a title-winning machine.

Ultimately, it could be a challenging transfer to get done before the clock strikes 11pm, but Arsenal must do what they can to bring the Serbian superstar to N5.

Better signing than Tel: Arsenal chasing D-Day deal for £60m "nightmare"

The incredible forward would be a game-changer for Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Feb 3, 2025

The USWNT boss continues to turn over the player pool, and this squad features intriguing choices

While discussing her latest roster selections, Emma Hayes was asked to reflect on it all. It has been almost exactly a year since she arrived as U.S. women's national team coach. With an Olympic gold in her back pocket and now with the experience of starting a fresh cycle, this was a time to take stock.

"The truth is I'm in love with my job every day," she said, then detailed the best aspects of the role – the challenges, the leadership lessons, the culture. And ahead of upcoming friendlies against China and Jamaica, Hayes' favorite part? The opportunities.

This camp will represent exactly that for many: an opportunity. Hayes named a 24-player squad for these two matches, which will be held on May 31 and June 3. The roster features a key return, two first-time call-ups, a further uncapped player and a whole lot of young faces, all of whom are looking to take their own leap toward the 2027 Women's World Cup.

The USWNT split a pair of friendlies with Brazil in April, winning the first match 2-0 before falling 2-1 in the second. Facing Brazil wasn't going to be easy, and that proved to be the case. The games marked a rematch of the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal match, so there was a lot on the line despite it being labeled a "friendly." Yet given that the 2027 World Cup is still two years away, Hayes made it very clear that once again she would be experimenting with players – because she can.

The USWNT isn't a finished product, and it isn't meant to be at this point in the cycle. For Hayes, the player pool continues to expand, and this camp will give her a chance to learn multiple lessons about those in it.

GOAL takes a look at the five big takeaways from Hayes' squad selection.

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  Girma's return

  For fans of the USWNT, one name stood out immediately in this roster. She's back!

  Naomi Girma is making her USWNT return, having missed all previous matches since the start of the year. Injury issues plagued her initial days at Chelsea, but she returned in time to win trophies and, more importantly for the USWNT, be ready for this camp.

  The USWNT has missed Girma dearly. There are few, if any, center-backs that can go toe-to-toe with her these days, and having her back gives the U.S. arguably the world's best safety net. It also gives the backline a vital boost in leadership from a player who has become one of the faces of this national team.

  "You cannot underestimate the importance of players like Naomi Girma to this team," Hayes said in a news conference Tuesday. "We've been without a lot of experienced players over the last six, seven or eight months, so getting some of that back in this camp with Naomi, we'll add not just quality, but that leadership piece. She's the vice captain of the team. She's someone who is growing into that role.

  "I know she's missed it terribly and, when you make as big of a move as she did, it does take a little bit of time to settle in. It's taken her body some time to adjust, but she's in a great place. She's very, very excited to be back with us."

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  Thompson as Rodman replacement?

  Trinity Rodman isn't here, along with here Triple Espresso mates, Sophia Wilson and Mallory Swanson. That pesky back injury has flared again, and the USWNT will be very cautious with her treatment and return.

  "It's a multi-disciplinary approach to supporting Trin," Hayes said. "That's club, country and the NWSL, so there's good communication and support provided to her. With regard to the issue in her back, she wants to get to a place where it doesn't keep coming back, so I think these are the right steps for her.

  "I've definitely seen a lot of progress this week but, unfortunately, I can't put a time frame on it because we want to ensure, again, that she's not carrying that pain any further. I think we're definitely heading in the right direction. I don't know when she will be back, but I know that Trinity is being given all of the support."

  Rodman's absence creates an opportunity. Hayes tipped a surprising player as a potential answer, though: Gisele Thompson. Typically a right-back, Alyssa Thompson's younger sister has been recognized as a forward by U.S. Soccer, and Hayes says that isn't by accident.

  "No Trinity Rodman available and no Yasmeen Ryan available, and Gisele is an attacking fullback, there's no question," Hayes said. "She's been playing as a right-back for her club, but I'd like to see her as a wide forward. One, because it's natural for her to go forward and, two, because I think there are other players ahead of her in the fullback position, specifically Emily Fox. It feels like a win-win with a lack of wide options in this camp."

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  Shaw, Albert and Fishel U23 bound

  There were some notable absences from this squad. Jaedyn Shaw was left out, as was Korbin Albert. Mia Fishel has recently recovered from her long-term injury and, given the lack of strikers, could be a valuable player for the USWNT. None were on the roster, but all will be active within the program.

  Hayes confirmed that all three will be part of the U.S. U23 roster, which will be released on Wednesday.

  "I think that's the beautiful thing about the U23s, going to Germany and playing high-level opponents," she said. "This is what I felt has been really missing for a lot of players. They make that jump from Under-20 to seniors and they don't have a body of games. Yes, they could come sit on the bench for us, but it's much better to go and play in Germany and get those experiences so that these players are tracking to compete in the place we want them to come 2027."

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  A feel-good callup

  With those familiar players switching to the U23s for this camp, there was room to expand the pool and call in some newer faces. The standout newcomer is, of course, Lo’eau LaBonta, who could make some history if she does feature.

  At 32, Labonta would become the oldest player to earn her first USWNT cap. An 11-year NWSL veteran, Labonta hasn't worn a national team shirt since her time with the U23s while she was at Stanford. This is a feel-good moment for her, one that is the culmination of years of hard work on the club level.

  Hayes was quick to point out, though, that this isn't just about creating a special moment.

  "She's deserving of the call-up," Hayes said. "She's been consistent in everything that she has done and I think, with the volume of young players – or less-experienced players – we're bringing in, I think we have to get that balance right.

  "Obviously, with the U23s program and two fantastic games in Germany, it's an opportunity for us to use that for less developed players who are strong candidates for the 2027 pool. You look at someone like Lo’eau, who is a super player and someone, like I said, is deserving of that. This is the right moment to do it."

Manchester United are now eyeing up a new defender for Ruben Amorim as they look to continue to revamp their side ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with their current Premier League season already well beyond repair.

Manchester United target youth

As part of the club’s plan to return to the top of English football in an economically sustainable way, Manchester United have switched their focus away from older, more established players following a string of failed signings.

Casemiro is the latest player to fail to justify his hefty price tag, following the likes of Raphael Varane, Paul Pogba, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Rasmus Hojlund, with the Brazilian now seemingly out of favour following the arrival of Amorim and consigned to a spot on the substitutes bench every week.

Agents of £75m "leader" seeking big transfer and Man Utd are name-checked

United and INEOS have their eye on signing a player who has an expensive release clause.

By
Brett Worthington

Feb 14, 2025

This change of policy has been evident in recent windows, with the Red Devils signing Leny Yoro (18) and Joshua Zirkzee (21) in the most recent summer window before adding Ayden Heaven (18) and Patrick Dorgu (20) last month.

It certainly prevents immediate success, with Manchester United turning down the chance to sign Champions League top scorer Serhou Guirassy last January for just £15m over fears he was too old at 27, instead opting to wait six months to sign Zirkzee while Guirassy moved to Borussia Dortmund.

However, the hope is that it will lead to longer term success, and with signings needed all over the pitch, they cannot afford massive transfer fees across the board. As a result, they are now reportedly exploring what could prove a bargain move to sign a new defender.

Manchester United tracking EURO 2024 winnner

Now, reports in Spain claim that Manchester United are one of a trio of clubs tracking Athletic Club centre-back Dani Vivian ahead of a potential bargain move for the defender this summer.

Vivian, who was part of Spain’s EURO 2024 winning squad, has impressed in the Basque Country in recent seasons, and now 25, he is entering into his peak years. Dubbed “colossal” by The Athletic’s data writer Thom Harris, the Spaniard has started 18 times in LaLiga this season, scoring three goals in the process.

His performances have caught the eye of clubs in the Premier League and in Spain, with the report claiming that Atlético Madrid, Liverpool and United all “see him as a key piece to strengthen their respective defences for next season”.

Meanwhile, he has a release clause in his contract set at just €40m (£33m), which could prove excellent value for money given his recent performances.

At Old Trafford, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans are set to depart as free agents at the end of the season, while Matthijs De Ligt has done little to inspire confidence since his arrival and Harry Maguire is entering the final 18 months of his own contract with the Red Devils.

With Lisandro Martinez also likely to be sidelined for much of the rest of 2025 with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, a new centre-back is almost certain to be high on Amorim’s wishlist this summer, and Vivian could provide a perfect market opportunity.