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A five-wicket haul to Gareth Berg contained Lancashire and, while Hampshire had to toil in a modest chase, they won the right to defend their title in the Royal London Cup final against Somerset.Berg bowled superbly at the death to claim a career-best 5 for 26 off 6.4 overs as Lancashire were bowled out for 241 with 14 balls remaining. And it was Berg who was there at the finish, sharing a tidy cameo with James Fuller – who hit the winning runs as he drove Liam Livingstone down the ground for four after Berg had levelled the scores – for a four-wicket win and a berth in the decider at Lord’s on May 25.The match lacked the fireworks of England’s thrilling 12-run ODI victory over Pakistan, which yielded 734 runs on the same pitch the previous day, but there was plenty of drama at the Ageas Bowl.James Vince, who had sat on the sidelines a day earlier as part of the England squad when opener Jason Roy returned, and Rilee Rossouw had to steady the innings after a devastating opening spell from Saqib Mahmood had Hampshire reeling at 23 for 3.In the closing stages, James Anderson could not finish his spell when he was struck on the inside of his left knee when Fuller slapped the ball straight back to the bowler. Hit on the full, the England Test star fell in a heap on the ground and took time to get up and when he did, he was still in some discomfort.James Anderson lies on the ground after being struck on the knee with a ball hit by James Fuller•Getty Images

Mahmood claimed 3 for 11 in 17 balls to account for top-order batsmen Tom Alsop, Aneurin Donald and Sam Northeast cheaply.As Alex Hales was posting a half-century in Nottinghamshire’s losing cause against Somerset, the man vying to replace him in England’s World Cup squad set about rebuilding Hampshire’s prospects. Vince played a typically attractive knock for his 79 off 86 deliveries, including seven fours and an effortless six off Livingstone, which was followed immediately by a near-miss.When he and Rossouw appeared to hesitate while dashing off for a single, Vince would have been out had Rob Jones’ throw been on target. The pair chanced Jones’ arm again a short time later and this time it proved Vince’s downfall after he had been slow out of the blocks and Jones fired the ball in to catch him well shy of his ground.Vince was set to join the England one-day squad in Bristol in the evening but was unsure whether he would play in the third ODI against Pakistan on Tuesday.”There’s still three games left so hopefully I can play a part in the rest of the series,” Vince told Sky Sports. “I’m going to travel down tonight and train tomorrow.”With Rossouw and Liam Dawson looking settled, Hampshire needed just 43 runs of the last 10 overs. Dawson should have been out on 26 when he sent a Mahmood delivery sailing towards fine leg, where Matt Parkinson put the catch down. Parkinson made amends a short time later when bowling, however, when he had Dawson caught at backward point by Keaton Jennings for 28. Rossouw went on to reach 85 before he was bowled by Livingstone, leaving it to Berg and Fuller to negotiate the home stretch.Earlier in the day, Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow appeared to be enjoying some down time, taking in the action from the balcony of the hotel overlooking the ground where they had played the previous day.Mason Crane bowled superbly for his three wickets, while Dawson chimed in with one, as did Fidel Edwards, the 37-year-old former West Indies bowler who had originally signed a red-ball only contract but returned early from a break in the Caribbean to bolster the seamer’s ranks before Hampshire’s final group-stage game against Somerset last Sunday.Crane, who became England’s youngest legspinner in 2018 before a long stretch out of the game with back fractures, produced some clever bowling to claim 3 for 42 off his 10 overs, including the important wickets of Jennings, the discarded Test opener who reached 63 off 74 balls, and captain Dane Vilas for just 15.But the day belonged to Berg, the 38-year-old veteran who ensured Lancashire never really got going again once the two-pronged spin attack of Crane and Dawson had removed Jennings and Jake Lehmann, whose valiant attempt to steady things ended on 62 off 65 balls.Hampshire wicketkeeper Alsop took an excellent catch reaching high to his right to dismiss Steven Croft cheaply for Berg’s first wicket.Jones chewed through 62 deliveries for his 38 runs before he looked to take on a Crane slower ball that turned and was caught by Dawson at long-on.From there Berg went on a roll, claiming two wickets in an over when he pinned Josh Bohannon down with a gem of a yorker and enticed a poor shot from Graham Onions three balls later. Berg then foxed James Anderson with a slower ball that was right on target, crashing into the top of middle stump and finished the job when Mahmood swung wildly to be caught by Vince.Lancashire head coach Glen Chapple said Anderson would see the team physio again in the morning.”It is a nasty blow in a painful area,” Chapple said. “We don’t know but we think that it will be a nasty bruise that will settle down in the next few days.”It is a difficult area, as soon as there is any swelling in there it will restrict your movement and limit your strength. I imagine it will be painful for a few days.”

Sunderland have recently parted company with Tony Mowbray and now look set to put a new managerial candidate under the microscope at the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland search for a new manager…

Earlier this week, Sunderland took the decision to part company with Mowbray after a run of just one victory in their last five matches in the Championship, which has left the North East-based outfit ninth in the league standings with 28 points from 19 matches played.

As cited by Sky Sports, Sporting Director Kristjaan Speakman has detailed why the Black Cats chose to take this step, saying:

"After arriving at an uncertain time, he helped guide us to the Championship play-offs and played an important role in developing our team. This was a difficult decision to make, but we remain loyal to our ambition and our strategy, and felt that now was the right moment to take this step."

Of course, speculation will now duly run wild as Sunderland search for a replacement. Reims manager Will Still and Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna have been named as two early candidates for the role, with both believed to fill the Black Cats' vision of a young emerging coach to succeed Mowbray.

However, as per the latest developments, Sunderland are now set to meet with a highly-regarded boss as they explore different options ahead of making a potential appointment.

Sunderland pencil in Kim Hellberg talks…

As per Fotbollskanalen, Sunderland are set to meet with IFK Varnamo boss Kim Hellberg over the managerial vacancy at the Stadium of Light on Thursday. Formerly of Dagsbergs IF as a player, he is set to become a free agent as his contract expires at the end of 2023 in the south of Sweden.

Hellberg, 35, has only ever managed in his native Sweden; however, he is highly regarded in his homeland and led his side to a fifth-placed finish in the Allsvenskan in 2023. His promising work hasn't gone unnoticed, with IFK Norrkoping and Hammarby also believed to be keen on his services.

Fitting the bill as a young coach with a growing reputation, Hellberg prefers his sides to operate within an attacking 4-3-3 formation and he has amassed a points-per-game average of 1.38 over 64 matches in charge at Finnvedsvallen (Hellberg managerial statistics – Transfermarkt).

Conceivably, Hellberg could be making quite the leap by swapping the Swedish top-flight for a club with the historical pedigree of Sunderland; nevertheless, he may relish the challenge of being able to prove his managerial capabilities in the North East.

The Leeds United players would have trudged off the Elland Road pitch dejected after the final whistle was blown yesterday, the Whites now winless in two after a disappointing 1-1 draw with Coventry City.

Daniel Farke's Championship promotion candidates were arguably unfortunate not to come away from the contest with all three points, with Leeds' xG coming in at a far superior 1.65 – as per Sofascore – to the Sky Blues who mustered up a meagre 0.49 on the other hand.

Yet, football matches are not just decided on statistical dominance alone and that was evident when Bobby Thomas' header cancelled out Crysencio Summerville's opening strike to give Mark Robins' away side a share of the points.

Leeds had a number of players fall short of their usual standards in this one, including ex-Swansea City forward Joel Piroe, who had another game to forget to add to his recent collection of creatively blunt performances.

Joel Piroe's performance vs Coventry in numbers

Piroe has now gone three games in a row without a goal or an assist, but it was not through a lack of trying for the Dutchman at Elland Road in this match.

The lofty 6 foot 1 striker had two efforts fail to find the back of the net, with just one managing to find the target to trouble the opposing goalkeeper Bradley Collins who was busy all afternoon.

Leeds just were not at their free-flowing best despite a barrage of late opportunities going begging, with Piroe also shying away from winning his fair share of aerial challenges.

He would win zero of his aerial duels, whilst only successfully winning two of eight ground duels in a match where very little went right for the number seven.

Piroe was not alone in walking off the Elland Road turf frustrated with his efforts come full-time, however, with Djed Spence equally poor on his first start at home in a Leeds shirt as he flopped at left-back.

Djed Spence's performance vs Coventry in numbers

Spence would have hoped making this loan switch back to the Championship again would be the best possible opportunity to re-energise his faltering career, the 23-year-old full-back having played at this level in the past during Nottingham Forest's promotion-winning exploits back in the 2021-22 season.

Failing to really settle at Tottenham after a major move materialised off the back of his Forest spell, the Leeds number 39 was poor against Coventry yesterday, acclimatising still to his new surroundings.

Farke gave Spence a 78-minute run-out in this one, with the 6 foot defender lacking in drive and verve venturing forward – successful in zero of his attempted dribbles in the game, alongside notching up three crosses which all went astray from their intended target.

Moreover, the ex-Forest man would only win three duels in the game to further expose Leeds' lightweight approach to the game with the Sky Blues more dogged and brutal approach.

Coventry defender Thomas – who scored the crucial equaliser – won all but one of his duels to showcase the determination of the visitors to pull off a surprise result.

Spence's performance did see Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth give the defender a 6/10 rating in his post-match thoughts, stating that the full-back looked 'rusty' alongside defensive teammate Pascal Struijk who also received a 6/10.

The 23-year-old loanee will just keep plugging along behind the scenes with the Whites, hopeful of getting back to his previous second-tier best at some stage as the loan progresses.

Of course, playing at left-back is not ideal for the right-footed defender but needs-must with Sam Byram and Junior Firpo out of action and he must improve in the coming games if Leeds are to start to catch up with the top two.

Since taking the Rangers job back in October, Philippe Clement has enjoyed a flawless start, avoiding defeat in his first seven games, which has included six wins in what has been an incredibly impressive run. And whilst the Scottish Premiership title race still has Celtic eight points clear having played an extra game, the Gers are still sticking around.

After settling into life at Ibrox seamlessly, Clement may well have his eye on potential reinforcements for the future, which could include the signing of one particular youngster.

Rangers transfer news

The Gers had a summer transfer window to forget under Michael Beale, who was made to pay the ultimate price for that failure when he was dismissed earlier this season. The likes of Cyriel Dessers and Sam Lammers never really got going under the former boss so their immediate focus could be to improve Clement's current options in January, but looking ahead to the future, those at Ibrox may soon welcome a Scottish Premiership gem.

According to TeamTalk, Rangers are eyeing a move for Motherwell teenager Lennon Miller, who has become an important part of Stuart Kettlewell's side. The 17-year-old has reportedly attracted interest from Rangers and Celtic, as well as Premier League sides Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, Brentford, West Ham United, Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion.

If Rangers want to secure the midfielder's signature, it looks like they may have to act quickly in a deal that could be worthwhile, given Miller's versatility and potential at such a young age. The Motherwell youngster can play both as a defensive and attacking midfielder, as well as on the right of midfield. He's already experienced the atmosphere of Ibrox, too, as he made his Scottish Premiership debut at Rangers last season.

Rangers eye move for "unbelievable" Miller

Miller could be a shrewd target for Rangers, as they look to get back to their best in the transfer market. The 17-year-old's best is likely yet to come, which is a frightening prospect when considering that he's already made 13 starts and attracted the interest of top clubs in both Scotland and England this season.

Motherwell captain Liam Kelly hasn't hesitated to sing the praises of Miller this season, either, even after his red card against Livingston. Kelly said:

"It will probably not be his last, these things are going to happen in his career. He has been unbelievable for us, and that’s not a thing that’s anything to do with his age, that could have happened to any of our players in that moment. He’s got a wise head on his shoulders, so he will be absolutely fine. We all love him, we’ve got so much faith in him as a player, and it’s going to happen in his career, this is just the first time it has.

"He was absolutely gutted, but he knows that’s part and parcel of football. We were hoping to bail him out, but we didn’t, and there were people who made mistakes for the goals after it, and we got punished. Lennon’s mistake wasn’t the only mistake we made in the game, we made loads, myself included.”

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Crystal Palace could be set to lose the services of one of their key behind the scenes figures to a high-profile rival in the Premier League, according to a fresh report.

Crystal Palace 2-3 Everton

Roy Hodgson’s side have made an extremely mixed start to the new campaign having won four, drawn three and lost five of their opening 12 games, meaning that they currently find themselves 13th in the top-flight table heading into the international break.

Sheffield United (1-0)

Brentford (1-1)

Arsenal (1-0)

Wolves (3-2)

Fulham (0-0)

Aston Villa (3-1)

Manchester United (1-0)

Nottingham Forest (0-0)

Newcastle (4-0)

Burnley (2-0)

Tottenham (2-1)

Everton (3-2)

The Eagles will be disappointed to have suffered Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Everton, and so will be hoping to rediscover their positive form upon the return to domestic action in a fortnight, but in the meantime, there’s plenty happening off the field.

Selhurst Park sporting director Dougie Freedman was first appointed at the club back in 2017 and prior to that had a managerial career that saw him take charge of Palace, Bolton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest (Transfermarkt – Freedman profile), but it’s his recruitment work that has caught the eye of an admirer elsewhere.

Manchester United are in the process of being taken over by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is buying a 25% stake at Old Trafford, and with an announcement of his arrival expected to be made imminently, the businessman is assessing who he’d like to join his team.

Manchester United considering swoop for Dougie Freedman

According to The Daily Star, Man United are contemplating an approach for Freedman, who has impressed Ratcliffe.

"Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman is in the frame to be part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £1.4billion revolution at Manchester United. His work there has caught the eye of Ratcliffe and, in particular, Sir David Brailsford, the former Team GB cycling supremo assisting the proposed overhaul of the United’s transfer and scouting department.

"Ratcliffe has already drawn up a short-list of preferred replacements – with former Southampton, Tottenham and Monaco man Paul Mitchell the early favourite. Ex-Liverpool pair Michael Edwards and Julian Ward are also possibilities. However, the influence of Brailsford is significant and he is pushing for Freedman, 49, to be involved."

Dougie Freedman's impact at Crystal Palace

During his six years spent as sporting director at Crystal Palace, Freedman has been a fantastic servant to the club and has stayed loyal to all of his managers and fellow board members, so should he depart for Man United, it would definitely be a huge blow.

The Scottish chief has also been responsible for signing the likes of Marc Guehi, Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise over the years, with all three players having gone on to become integral members of the first-team squad under Hodgson.

Guehi has previously captained the side, whilst Eze has been rewarded for his efforts by earlier this year receiving his first senior international call-up for England, not to mention that both he and Olise recently signed new long-term contracts, so all in all, it’s vital the rest of the hierarchy retain the services of Freedman.

Alex Hales, who is not on trial, was also accused of kicking a man during the head during the incident last September

George Dobell07-Aug-2018The fight outside a Bristol nightclub involving a group of men including Ben Stokes and Alex Hales, which led to Stokes’ arrest, was described as being like “football hooligans”, a court has been told.Stokes, who is standing trial for affray alongside Ryan Ali and Ryan Hale at Bristol Crown Court, was also described as “bullying” a young, gay couple while his England team-mate Hales – who has not been charged with any offence – was accused by a police officer of kicking a man in the head.Max Wilson, who was a student in the Clifton Triangle area of the city when the incident occurred, described a group of “clearly drunk” men acting aggressively towards one another in the early hours of September 25. Wilson, who filmed part of the incident from his bedroom on an upper floor of a building in the area – footage which was later acquired and published by – confirmed that he had described the men’s behaviour as “like football hooligans” in a police statement and is heard to gasp “F***!” in the footage after Stokes punches Hale.”It was just such a fierce punch,” Wilson said. “It just took me by surprise. I felt a bit sorry for the guy who got punched. It looked like he had his hands up.”Wilson’s footage – shown to the jury several times over the first couple of days of the trial – also showed, according to PC Daniel Adams, the officer in the case, Hales kicking Ali in the head as he lay on the pavement.Asked by Stephen Mooney QC, acting on behalf of Hale, whether it would be fair to describe CCTV footage as showing him “kicking a man in the head,” PC Adams replied: “That’s what it looks like, yes. He’s definitely used his feet on three occasions.”Hales was questioned under caution after the incident but not arrested. He is not on trial. Audio from the footage suggests he tried to pull Stokes away from the fray on several occasions – he is repeatedly heard shouting “Stop, Stokes! No! Enough!” – with both Wilson and other witnesses agreeing he was “trying to stop him [Stokes].””Mr Hales is pulling Mr Stokes back by his t-shirt,” PC Adams stated as he commented on footage for the benefit of the jury.Under cross-examination Wilson confirmed he did not think Hales or Stokes had initiated the violence by shoving “another person” but conceded he could not be certain.Much of the second day of the trial was occupied by evidence provided by Andrew Cunningham, a 37-year-old door supervisor at the Mbargo nightclub in the city. Having first accused Stokes of abusing him and mocking two gay men, William O’Connor and Kai Barry, he went on to suggest the England cricketer had been bullying the pair.In particular, he disagreed with Stokes’ defence barrister, Gordon Cole QC, who suggested CCTV footage from outside the Mbargo nightclub showed Stokes engaged in “joking banter” with Barry and O’Connor. And, under cross-examination, it was suggested that Stokes was so enraged by his interaction with Cunningham that he left the area around the nightclub and headed up the road – where the violent incidents occurred – in an angry and frustrated mood.”He was trying to provoke them,” Cunningham said. “They [Stokes and Hales] were laughing at them, not with them.”I didn’t like the fact he [Stokes] flicked a cigarette butt [at O’Connor]. These two guys [Barry and O’Connor] are harmless guys. Not aggressive.”That’s when I stepped in, because they hadn’t done anything wrong. They’re only little guys. I said ‘If you want to start on anyone, start on me.'”He wouldn’t look at me or acknowledge I was there then.”With Cunningham suggesting that Stokes “didn’t seem drunk,” Hale’s representative in the trial, Mr Mooney, said Stokes’ behaviour “can’t be put down to that.” Instead, Mooney alleged, Stokes finally left the area around the nightclub, feeling angry and frustrated.”Was it bullying?” Mooney asked.”Yes,” Cunningham replied.”It wasn’t drunkenness,” Mooney continued. “Just unpleasantness and aggressiveness.”He was aggressive, threatening, unpleasant, bullying. That was his state of mind he was in when he walked up towards The Triangle.”The final witness of the day, Lauren Sweeney, outlined why she called the police on the night of the incident. Looking out of the window of her flat, she alleges she saw Hale – who had just recovered from a blow from Stokes that had briefly rendered him unconscious – break up a road-sign and take a length of metal from it in the direction of the other defendants.”I thought he was going to use the road-sign in an aggressive act,” Sweeney said. “I didn’t think it was self-defence. It was more than just self-defence. It was an aggressive run towards them.”Under cross-examination, PC Adams agreed that both Ali and Hale had bottles at the time of the original fracas and accepted it appeared that Ali had used his “to aim a blow at Mr Barry.”Commenting as CCTV footage was played to the jury, PC Adams said: “Mr Stokes intervenes by throwing a punch. He appears to throw a punch while Hale is in defensive mode. Hale and Ali are backing away. Hales is following Mr Stokes and trying to pull him back. Mr Stokes brushes him off. Ali and Hale are moving backwards. Their arms are up in a defensive gesture. Stokes strikes out at him. The final punch clear for all to see. It floors him [Hale].”Meanwhile the day began and ended with Judge Blair, Recorder of Bristol, reminding the jury to ignore and avoid “biased and inaccurate comments” on social media.The trial continues.

Sheffield Wednesday have been linked with making Danny Rohl their next manager, and a new update has now emerged over his future, courtesy of reliable journalist Joe Crann.

Danny Rohl to replace Xisco Munoz?

The Owls enjoyed such a memorable 2022/23 season, gaining promotion to the Championship from League One, following a dramatic playoff final win over Barnsley. The hope was that Wednesday could become a solid second-tier team again from the off, but there was the surprise decision to part ways with manager Darren Moore at the end of the campaign, with Xisco Munoz replacing him in the Hillsborough hot seat.

Things went disastrously for the Spaniard, however, with no wins picked up at all in the league prior to his sacking last week, and the hunt is now on to find a replacement for him, as relegation looks to avoided at the first attempt.

The individual who has seemingly emerged as the favourite to come in and replace Munoz as Sheffield Wednesday's next boss is Rohl, even though the 34-year-old has never actually been a first-team manager before, instead enjoying coaching roles at Southampton and Bayern Munich, not to mention recently being assistant manager of Germany's national team.

Now, a fresh claim has emerged over his future, as Wednesday look to name their new manager during the current international break.

Joe Crann's update on Sheff Wed's next manager

Taking to X on Tuesday, Crann dropped an important update on the chances of Rohl becoming Sheffield Wednesday's new manager, claiming that he is still far from being announced as the Owls' boss, urging fans to be patient:

"With regards to #SWFC and the new manager, these things can take a bit of time and there are lots of moving parts, also plenty of discussions to be had. I know there’s been talk of it being done, but as of this morning Danny Rohl to S6 isn’t finalised. Patience needed."

There is understandable frustration from Wednesday supporters at the moment, with many no doubt desperate to see Rohl announced as manager as soon as possible, but as Crann alludes to, some patience will be required.

Germany

2021-2023

Bayern Munich

2019-2021

Southampton

2018-2019

RB Leipzig

2016-2018

It certainly looks as though the German is the top candidate to come in as Munoz's successor, and while his lack of experience may come as a concern to some, it would be an ambitious appointment of a young coach who was highly thought of during his time at Bayern and Saints.

Rohl's coaching history is clearly impressive, but as mentioned, if he were to take up the role at Hillsborough, it would be his first senior managerial role, which does bring an element of risk with it. If those high up at the club believe he is the best possibly candidate for the job, though, they need to be trusted, even though the decision to appoint Munoz ultimately proved to be a mistake.

Whoever comes in has a big job on his hands, with work to do with make up the deficit on those outside the Championship relegation, but Rohl is a young man who could bring fresh ideas to the club.

After a difficult start, Leeds United have finally found their feet under Daniel Farke, and now look on course to challenge for a place at the top of the Championship. Much of the credit for their turnaround deserves to go to the recruitment team, with Joel Piroe's arrival particularly strengthening the Yorkshire side in the final third this season.

That same team could be at the centre of things once more come January, too, when they'll look to find the players capable of making a difference for Leeds in the final stages of the campaign. And that could include the addition of one particular goalkeeper who is a man in demand.

What's the latest Leeds United transfer news?

In total, the Whites welcomed nine reinforcements during the summer transfer window, with Leeds' summer spending reaching around the £36m mark. Proving their ability to spend, the winter transfer window may open the door for further reinforcements for the 49ers Enterprises and Farke at Elland Road.

Player

Price

Joel Piroe

€14m

Ethan Ampadu

€8m

Ilia Gruev

€6.5m

Glen Kamara

€6m

Djed Spence

€1m loan fee

Karl Darlow

€400k

Sam Byram

Free

Jaidon Anthony

Loan

Joe Rodon

Loan

One position that Farke could strengthen is the goalkeeper role, with the latest Noel Tornqvist transfer news reporting that Leeds are interested in the shot-stopper. According to Fotbollskanalen, via Leeds Live, officials of the Yorkshire club actually sent scouts to watch the 21-year-old goalkeeper in action for Mjallby AIF prior to the international break. Mjallby AIF sporting director Hasse Larsson confirmed that scouts were there to watch Tornqvist, saying, via Leeds Live:

"That’s right. There were two more clubs, two Dutch clubs, who were also there to watch. There is an interest, absolutely. We’ll see what happens, we haven’t received anything concrete. We have only received requests.

“I think we have a contract for four more years. It is difficult to answer [of retaining him beyond January], but we are happy to keep him for a while longer. Then we’ll see, it depends on what comes. It’s fairly broad. There were four clubs that looked at him and there have been clubs that looked at him before.”

Who is Noel Tornqvist?

A left-footed goalkeeper, Tornqvist played an important role for Mjallby AIF last season, starting 23 of his side's 25 Allsvenskan games. Tornqvist's clean sheets were also impressive, with the 21-year-old keeping an impressive total of 11 throughout the season in all competitions. With that said, he could provide current Leeds number one Illan Meslier with plenty of competition, perhaps even taking the starting role from the Frenchman, should he end up leaving in the future.

Mjallby coach Anders Torstensson has previously been full of praise for his goalkeeper, saying:

“It was a question mark we had before the season. We know that Noel is a good goalkeeper. Then it’s about defending the shirt as the first-choice goalkeeper. He made a mistake against Varberg and also had back problems in that game, but I think he responded in a fantastic way.”

When the January transfer window swings open, the Whites may well be a club to keep an eye on, with their interest in Tornqvist potentially taking centre stage.

Manchester United have set their sights on signing another new forward alongside Brighton and Hove Albion's Evan Ferguson, as a reliable journalist dropped an update on the club's transfer plans this week .

What's the latest transfer news at Man United?

Over the summer, Erik ten Hag was busy in the market, bringing in seven fresh faces in the form of Mason Mount, Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund, Jonny Evans and Altay Bayindir all on a permanent basis, whilst securing loan moves for Sofyan Amrabat and Sergio Reguilon.

There were also plenty of outgoings, with the hierarchy sanctioning the sales of some big names like Fred, Dean Henderson, Eric Bailly and Anthony Elanga, though having this space in the squad means that the boss has room to bolster his ranks further in January.

One of the players that he could turn his attention to is Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia who has caught the eye for Rudi Garcia’s side since joining last summer from Dinamo Batumi, where he’s so far made a total of 45 appearances to date.

The Premier League giants were credited with an interest in the left-winger during the previous transfer window, alongside Manchester City and Newcastle United, and despite a deal failing to come to fruition, the 22-year-old could be on his way to Old Trafford in 2024.

Are Man United signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia?

According to The Daily Mail's Mike Keegan during a live Q&A, Man United could look at Kvaratskhelia as a possible attacking reinforcement alongside Ferguson – who the board are also keeping close tabs on – despite Ten Hag's options currently being more limited out on the right wing. He said:

"He plays on the other side but it wouldn’t surprise me if Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was in the Premier League next season. I know he’s had admirers here, including United, but I can’t imagine he would come cheap and a switch during the season may be unlikely. As for January, a loan move may be the answer to get them through until the end of the campaign."

How many goals has Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored?

Since putting pen to paper at Napoli, Kvaratskhelia has posted an impressive 32 contributions (18 assists and 14 goals) in 45 appearances, form which has seen him dubbed a “legend” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, so should he put pen to paper at Man United in the new year, it would be a huge coup.

The Georgia international, who pockets just £25k-per-week, is also currently averaging 9.47 shot-creating actions per league game which is more than any of his fellow teammates, via FBRef, highlighting the constant threat he poses to an opposition's defence when it comes to the action in the final third.

Sponsored by Nike, the both-footed Serie A winner has also received plenty of individual recognition over the course of his career, receiving his country's Footballer of the Year award on four occasions whilst being named the Champions League’s Best Young Player in 2023, so he would be able to pass his winning mentality onto the current squad who are already in M16.