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Manchester United are simultaneously lining up moves for both Randal Kolo Muani and Rasmus Hojlund, according to a fresh transfer update on Saturday morning.

Which striker are Man United signing?

The Red Devils’ need for a centre-forward has been well documented ever since Cristiano Ronaldo departed the club in unceremonious fashion last November. The club goalscoring charts made for pretty grim reading during Erik ten Hag’s first campaign at the helm, with only Marcus Rashford, primarily a winger, reaching double digits in the Premier League.

Anthony Martial struggled with fitness once again, starting only 11 matches in the top flight and scoring six times, while Wout Weghorst failed to find the score-sheet at all after arriving on loan in January, despite starting ten matches in the league and coming on an additional seven times as a substitute (Whoscored).

Unsurprisingly, the club have been linked with virtually every striker on the planet this summer, from Victor Osimhen to Harry Kane, but it appears they have narrowed the search down to two targets in recent weeks.

Atalanta’s Hojlund is the primary target, with the Old Trafford outfit in pole position for his signature and expected to formalise a bid in the coming days, but talks are also being held for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Kolo Muani, according to a recent report from Football Insider.

The Bundesliga club value their France international at £80m, claims the update, which United see as excessive, meaning they are still leaning towards a deal for Hojlund, but have nonetheless held negotiations for both signings.

Other sources have put Hojlund’s price tag at €90m (£78m), so it appears the Red Devils are prepared to splash massive cash on at least one marquee arrival up front, which is sure to be music to the ears of fans who suffered so much from their centre-forward play last season.

Who is better – Kolo Muani or Hojlund?

It feels unlikely both players will arrive this summer, even though Kolo Muani can play out wide on the wing as well as his natural position up front, so Ten Hag and the scouting team will likely have to pick one or the other.

And even though they are seemingly pressing ahead with Hojlund as the main man, it is the Frenchman who has the better record at first glance.

Indeed, Hojlund has just 27 senior club goals to his name, while Kolo Muani, four years his senior, has racked up 49 goals across spells with US Boulogne, FC Nantes and now Frankfurt.

While Hojlund’s potential looks sky-high – he’s been likened to Erling Haaland for his incredible mixture of pace and size, while members of the media have called him a “phenomenal talent” – he looks like more of a signing for future potential, rather than the here and now.

Given their aforementioned struggles in front of goal last season, United need a player who can waltz straight into their first XI and start hitting the back of the net immediately, and Kolo Muani’s superior experience in a top league and goalscoring prowess implies he should be the target they are prioritising for now.

Chelsea are planning to accept any bids for Raheem Sterling in the summer transfer window, according to a new update regarding the Englishman's future.

Has Raheem Sterling flopped at Chelsea?

The 28-year-old joined the Blues from Manchester City last summer, having no longer necessarily been seen as a key figure at the Etihad.

Sterling was seen as an exciting signing for Chelsea, given his pedigree as an 82-cap England international and four-time Premier League champion. He would seemingly add another attacking dimension to the team, as well as a wealth of experience and end product, but it's fair to say that his first season at Stamford Bridge was an underwhelming one.

In fairness to the winger, he was part of a Blues team that struggled hugely throughout the campaign, eventually finishing 12th in the league, but his performances were too often lacking in both quality and all-round influence.

Sterling only scored six goals in 28 league appearances – a disappointing return, considering his reputation as a relentless provider of end product – and he failed to stand up while others around him also flattered to deceive.

While the former City and Liverpool attacker is contracted with Chelsea until the summer of 2027, it looks as though a quickfire exit from West London is now seemingly likely.

Are Chelsea selling Raheem Sterling?

According to Football Insider, the Blues plan to accept an offer for Sterling this summer if a sizeable bid arrives, suggesting that Mauricio Pochettino sees him as an expendable figure:

"Chelsea are very open to selling Raheem Sterling this summer, sources have told Football Insider. Sterling is attracting interest from clubs in Europe, the UK and Saudi Arabia. Back in January, Football Insider revealed that the Blues were willing to listen to offers for the 28-year-old in the winter window after hijacking Arsenal’s move for Mykhaylo Mudryk.

"Sources have told Football Insider that his future is now even more up in the air and the club are in favour of recouping his wages for new talent."

This would be a surprise decision by Chelsea, considering Sterling only arrived at the club 12 months ago, not to mention the fact that he has been hailed as "world-class" by Frank Lampard in the past, despite his somewhat limited impact both under the Blues legend and his predecessors.

The £325,000-a-week attacker has proven himself over such an extended period, scoring 20 times for England, but ultimately, if Pochettino doesn't see him as a key man, the Blues should try and move him on.

It remains to be seen if that is definitely the case, but if he does end up staying put beyond the end of the window, he must go up a gear next season. Sterling turns 29 later this year, so the clock is ticking in terms of selling him at his highest possible value, which could be a reason for this latest update, with Todd Boehly and the club's hierarchy perhaps keen to create an almost entirely new squad for the new boss to work with.

Fiorentina defender Igor Julio has "already spoken to Marco Silva" about joining Fulham, but his potential transfer has now "seems to have vanished".

Will Fulham sign anyone?

The Whites enjoyed a successful first full campaign back in the Premier League following 2022 promotion from the Championship, having finished mid-table and above the likes of west London rivals Chelsea.

Fulham also briefly pushed for a European qualification spot but fell just short of Brentford, Aston Villa and Liverpool in that regard.

The foundations are certainly there but Silva may face a fight to keep his best players, with both Joao Palhinha and Antonee Robinson attracting interest.

In terms of incomings, Fulham could strengthen in a variety of key areas, with Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse, Japan international Ao Tanaka, Coventry City's Viktor Gyokeres, Fenerbache defender Ferdi Kadioglu and Roma centre-back Roger Ibanez all being targeted.

It is claimed Fulham may also make a move for Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi, as Mauricio Pochettino's side are prepared to sell for just £15 million this summer (The Guardian).

Another player to have been linked with a move to Craven Cottage is Igor, but according to a new report out of Italy, it appears he won't be joining the club despite behind-scenes discussions.

Vocegiallorossa.it, in collaboration with Firenzeviola.it, claims Fulham have been chasing a deal for Igor and he has even "already spoken" to Silva about joining.

However, as the Whites move on to alternative defensive targets who could sign on more "favourable terms", a transfer for Igor now "seems to have vanished".

He was initially the Cottagers' main target, according to this report, but it appears Fulham could swoop for a rival Serie A defender instead.

Who is Igor Julio?

The Brazilian ranked in Firoentina's top three for tackles made, interceptions and clearances completed per 90 in the Italian top flight – standing out as one of La Viola's key defensive assets (WhoScored).

Igor also has just 12 months remaining on his Fiorentina deal, and as he enters the final year of his contract, it is reasonable to believe the defender could be available for a fairly cheap fee.

The 25-year-old was one of Fiorentina's most selected players last season – even sitting sixth in their squad listing for most Serie A minutes played over 2022/23.

Igor, who has been described as a "crazy" asset for Fiorentina, may well have been an astute signing for Fulham based on these stats, but this latest report from Italy indicates he won't be signing any time soon.

Napoli have released a statement clarifying president Aurelio De Laurentiis' comments regarding Victor Osimhen's future at the club.

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De Laurentiis hinted at stall in talksStriker's contract expires in 2025Napoli say negotiations could resumeWHAT HAPPENED?

De Laurentiis suggested in a press conference that talks with Osimhen over a new contract had come to a standstill and that the player's "mood has changed" over his future at the club.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Relations between Osimhen and Napoli seemed to sour this season after the club's TikTok account posted videos appearing to mock the Nigeria international. Tensions rose to the point the striker's agent threatened legal action and any sight of Napoli was removed from his Instagram account.

WHAT THEY SAID

Napoli, however, maintain that talks are expected to continue and that the 24-year-old is merely taking time to consider his future.

"SSC Napoli would like to clarify recent comments made by president Aurelio De Laurentiis regarding Victor Osimhen, given that his words have been distorted by certain media publications," a statement read. "President De Laurentiis did not say anything negative about Victor. He simply stated that after a series of lengthy contract negotiations which ended with the parties shaking hands and agreeing to continue together, Victor had second thoughts. President De Laurentiis hopes this is merely a pause for reflection. Over the coming weeks, when Victor will not be able to play as he recovers from injury, the president, Osimhen and his agent Roberto Calenda will sit down calmly to discuss the future. Describing relations between Osimhen and Napoli as frosty is entirely out of place."

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Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Osimhen, whose current contract runs until 2025, is currently out with a hamstring injury and will miss the team's Serie A match against Hellas Verona on Saturday.

Manchester United's search for a David De Gea replacement has led them to Thibaut Courtois, with the Glazers now launching a bid for the Real Madrid superstar according to reports in Spain, via Football 365.

Are Manchester United signing Thibaut Courtois?

The shot-stopper currently plays for Real Madrid and has spent five seasons with the Spanish side, adding even more silverware to his collection since leaving Chelsea. Having won a Premier League title with the Blues, he has since won La Liga with Madrid and has also bagged himself a Champions League trophy.

In 2022/23, he was unable to help his side to claim the league title though, despite featuring in 31 top flight games and conceding only 29 goals.

His showings over the last year have also led to the keeper re-establishing himself as arguably one of the best in his position in Europe, if not the greatest. The Belgian's save percentage of 78.9% for example puts him in the top five percent in that category and his crosses stopped rate has him in the top nine percent too.

It shows that he not only keeps out opposition attempts at goal but can command his box with confidence under barrages of long balls and crosses, something De Gea often struggles with.

And these showings have now led to interest from Man United. According to reports from Spain via Football 365, Red Devils chiefs have a real interest in Courtois and have launched a huge 80 million Euro (£69m) bid to land the player over the summer.

The club are of course in the market for a new shot-stopper, with De Gea potentially out of the exit door at Old Trafford. Courtois has Premier League experience to boot and they are apparently offering him £17m (about £325k-p/w) a year to sign on the dotted line.

When does Courtois' contract expire?

The player's deal with Real Madrid is set to expire in 2026, so the Spanish side would likely be hoping to hold onto him for longer than this summer. If a bid as big as this one is indeed on the table though, that could perhaps tempt them into a deal.

If United do land Courtois, they would be getting themselves a shot-stopper who has been described as "top class" by football journalist Josh Bunting and has certainly proven that to be true.

The journalist also added that the performance in the Champions League final against Liverpool was "immense" from the Belgian – and if the Red Devils could add him to their squad then, they would have a much more solid option in goal and some extra bragging rights over their rivals to boot.

Leeds United defender Robin Koch could make a shock move to Manchester United in the summer transfer window, according to an update from reliable journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Is Robin Koch leaving Leeds?

The Whites were relegated from the Premier League last month, following a dismal campaign that eventually saw three different managers leave the club. It was a massive blow after three years back in the top flight, but the key now is for the Whites to rebuild under new owners 49ers Enterprises, making a swift return to the division in the process.

There is no question that relegation is going to make it difficult for Leeds to keep hold of a number of their key players, however, with many understandably not wanting to be plying their trade in the Championship in 2023/24, and choosing to remain at a higher level instead.

One of those who could move on is Koch, with the £38,000-a-week utility man's current Whites deal expiring at the end of next season. That means that this summer could begrudgingly be the best time to sell him, with some claims even emerging that he actually has a relegation clause which allows him to leave for free immediately.

Are Man United signing Koch?

Taking to Twitter, Sky reporter Plettenberg claimed that United are eyeing a summer move for the Leeds star, as they look to boost their squad options moving forward:

"News #Koch: He‘s on the shortlist of Man Utd! Loose talks took place. Confirmed."

While Koch is likely to move on – something that many Leeds fans would likely understand, given their current situation out of the Premier League – the idea of him moving to United could go down very badly with some.

There is a bitter rivalry that exists between the two clubs, so the fans seeing a Whites player move to one of their biggest adversaries could sour his legacy, which would be a shame after three good years at the club that have seen Koch make 77 appearances overall.

Ideally, the 26-year-old would stay put and sign a new deal – he is an eight-cap Germany international who has been hailed as a "machine" by teammate Max Wober – but that seems highly unlikely at this point.

The hope is that he opts not to join United, however, where he could not only struggle to be a regular starter, given the quality they have, but also affect his relationship with Leeds supporters at the same time.

The Lodha Committee has clarified that it has not asked for the BCCI’s accounts to be frozen, but only for two specific payments from the board to its state associations to be stopped. Payments required for other routine affairs – such as organising cricket matches – can go on as they earlier did, the Committee said.It issued the clarification on Tuesday morning, following reports in newspapers that quoted a BCCI official saying the board would have to cancel the remainder of the New Zealand series because its bank accounts had been frozen by a directive from the Lodha Committee.New Zealand Cricket, however, had not received any communication from the BCCI regarding the cancellation of the remaining fixtures, and the team was said to be preparing for the third Test in Indore as planned. They are scheduled to travel from Kolkata to Indore on Wednesday.The communication sent via email by the Lodha Committee to two Indian banks on Monday had made no mention of the freezing of the BCCI accounts; instead it had directed the banks to stop two specific payments, as reported by ESPNcricinfo, from the BCCI to its state associations. The payments were related to an increase in infrastructure subsidy to the states, and the distribution of funds received by the BCCI from the broadcasters of the Champions League T20 because of the cancellation of the tournament.The Lodha Committee’s secretary, Gopal Sankaranarayanan, confirmed to ESPNcricinfo on Tuesday that the directive was restricted to just those particular payments and did not threaten the organising of the rest of the series or any other cricket.However, in an email to state associations later on Tuesday, the Lodha committee revealed that some of the funds had been transferred via transactions “hurriedly carried out by RTGS between September 29 and October 1”.

States told not to touch recent BCCI funds

The Lodha Committee has warned state associations not to touch funds received from the BCCI between September 29 and October 1, 2016, or risk being in contempt of court. It is these funds that the Lodha Committee had directed the banks not to disburse to the states, which led to a BCCI official claiming the board’s accounts had been frozen.
In an email to the states, the committee said the BCCI had decided at its annual general meeting and special general meeting to “disburse large funds to each Association without framing the Disbursement Policy which was mandatory.
“It is further learnt that amounts between INR 10-20 crore were disbursed to each Association as infrastructure subsidy and INR 28 crore as compensation shares from the Champions League T20 cancellation,” the email said. “The banks confirm that most of these transactions were hurriedly carried out by RTGS between September 29 and October 1.
“You are aware that a Status Report has been filed before the Supreme Court for certain directions and that will be taken up for hearing on October 6, 2016. In this light of events, as the actions of the BCCI to transfer these funds is contrary to this Committee’s directions and sub judice, you are hereby directed not to in any way transfer or disturb those funds that have been transferred as above to your association. If anything is done contrary to this express direction, it will be brought to the knowledge of the Hon’ble Supreme Court for appropriate orders on contempt.”

Sankaranarayanan said the Committee’s concern with those payments was that they didn’t want huge sums of money – said to be about INR 500 crore according to the committee – being transferred from the BCCI accounts overnight. On August 31, the Lodha Committee had issued a directive to the BCCI not to take decisions on matters regarding the future that were not routine. In the committee’s opinion, the disbursement of such funds was not routine.”It has come to the notice of this Committee that certain decisions have been taken at the ‘Emergent Working Committee’ meeting of the BCCI on 30th September 2016 to disburse large funds to the various member associations,” the Lodha Committee’s email to the banks said. “You are aware that by way of this Committee’s direction dated 31.8.2016, no further decisions were to be taken regarding the future apart from routine matters. The disbursement of these amounts are not routine, and in any case, not emergent.”As the status report is to be taken up for directions by the Hon’ble Court on Thursday, 6.10.2016, you are hereby directed not to take any steps towards financial disbursement of the amounts as resolved/approved after the direction dated 31.8.2016.”On October 6, the Supreme Court of India is likely to hear the BCCI’s response to the Lodha Committee’s status report with regard to the Indian board implementing the committee’s recommendations that were passed by a court order on July 18. In that order, the court had said the BCCI had to implement all the recommendations it had passed according to various timelines and deadlines set by the Lodha Committee.New Zealand have not received communication from the BCCI regarding the future of their ongoing tour•Associated Press

The Lodha committee had recommended a complete overhaul of Indian cricket, from the very top down to the grassroots level and affecting every stakeholder. Its report covered every aspect of the game with special focus on the BCCI’s administrative and governance structures and the issue of transparency. The most important set of recommendations was aimed at transforming the entire power structure in the board.In its status report on September 28, however, the Lodha Committee had asked the Supreme Court to “supersede” the BCCI’s top officials with “immediate effect” because they had not complied with the committee’s timelines and were impeding the implementation of the recommendations. The court reacted by telling the BCCI to “fall in line” and that it had a week to respond.The BCCI had also filed a fresh application in the Supreme Court on September 27 pleading for the court’s July 18 order to be “suspended” until it heard the board’s review and curative petitions against the mandatory implementation of most of the Lodha Committee’s recommendations. The review petition singled out TS Thakur, the chief justice of India who was on the two-judge bench that passed the order, and said he had a “prejudiced” approach towards the board and should recuse himself from hearing the matter. However, the petition has been lying “in defect” because the court raised technical objections to the petition and asked the BCCI to repair them.On October 1, the BCCI said it had “unanimously” adopted “important recommendations” made by the Lodha Committee at its Special General Meeting (SGM) in Mumbai. However, the list the board said it had accepted did not include key recommendations such as the age cap of 70 years for board officials, the tenure cap of nine years with cooling-off periods in between, and the one-state-one-vote policy, among others.The BCCI’s move appeared to be against the Supreme Court order, which said that all of the Lodha report’s recommendations passed by the court – and not a selection – would have to be adopted by the board.The Lodha Committee – comprising former Chief Justice of India RM Lodha and retired Supreme Court judges Ashok Bhan and R Raveendran – was formed in January 2015 to determine appropriate punishments for some of the officials involved in the 2013 IPL corruption scandal, and also to propose changes to streamline the BCCI, reform its functioning, prevent sporting fraud and conflict of interest.

New Zealand Cricket has announced its domestic T20 tournament will run from December 4 to January 7, coinciding with the Christmas holidays

ESPNcricinfo staff02-Sep-2016New Zealand Cricket has announced a revamped schedule for its domestic T20 tournament, in a bid to make it more family-friendly and convenient to attend. The 2016-17 McDonald’s Super Smash – there has been a sponsor change, too – will run from December 4 to January 7, coinciding with the Christmas holidays. Also, the matches will mostly be played in the afternoons, and will be held at popular holiday spots – including Central Otago, Nelson and Mt Maunganui – to allow vacationing families to attend.The final will be played at the home venue of the top-placed team at the end of the round-robin stage – this team gains automatic entry into the final – to avoid poor attendances at the title match. In all, of the 32 games, 15 will be televised.Last year, the tournament was held from November 5 to December 13.NZC chief executive David White said of the changes: “There has always been a ‘happy days’ element to that time of the year and we think it’s perfect for attracting New Zealanders of all demographics – mums, dads, teen and tweens.”The twenty-over format is all about entertainment and having fun, and we have unashamedly built the competition around that.”

Goalkeeper Jack Butland is believed to be open to joining Rangers as pundit Craig Moore shares what he's heard on the transfer saga.

What's the latest Gers transfer news?

It's been a disappointing campaign for the Gers and manager Michael Beale, with arch rivals Celtic on the cusp of clinching a domestic treble and cementing their SPFL dominance yet again.

Many first team players are also set to leave on a free at the end of this Scottish Premiership season as things stand – leading to Ibrox chiefs having to make big decision in the transfer market.

To replace outgoing squad players, it is believed that they have been planning for next campaign behind-the-scenes, with approaches made for the likes of Ecuador international Jose Cifuentes.

Alongside the World Cup star, Rangers hold an interest in Norwich City midfielder Kieran Dowell, with Aberdeen star Leighton Clarkson also on the agenda as he stars for the Dons on loan from Liverpool.

However, one player who has been very heavily linked with a Rangers move is Butland, and reports have even suggested he is on the cusp of joining.

Now, speaking to The Go Radio Football Show (via Ibrox News), pundit and former Gers star Moore has weighed in on the matter whilst sharing what he's heard.

He believes that the 6 foot 4 shot-stopper 'wouldn't mind' playing for Rangers and is someone of 'real interest' to Gers chiefs as they scour the market for a goalkeeper – which is 'definitely needed'.

Moore said:

"I believe that he is someone that is of real interest to the football club, in terms of his ability.

“He is a goalkeeper that would love to be playing more. He has a huge presence and by all accounts wouldn’t mind playing for Rangers.

“Again, that is just what I am hearing. Rangers definitely need a number one goalkeeper.”

Should Rangers sign Butland?

Out of contract in the summer and available on a Bosman, we believe this is a move Rangers surely need to make – especially with Butland's real experience as an ex-Three Lions international and Premier League player.

Despite a lack of game time in the last year, the 30-year-old has been heralded for past performances, with former Stoke City boss Mark Hughes calling him 'excellent' after a performance away to Norwich.

Rangers would also be an excellent move from the player's perspective, as battling Celtic near the top of Scotland's first tier presents an exciting challenge.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to make a move for Birmingham City defender Rico Browne, who has turned down the opportunity to join the north London club in the past, according to a report from Football Insider.

What's the latest Tottenham transfer news?

Tottenham are running the rule over a number of defensive options for the summer, with it recently emerging they are "closely monitoring" the performances of Swansea City's Nathan Wood, who is also being eyed by rivals Arsenal.

Barcelona are keen on selling loanee Clement Lenglet to Spurs in a permanent deal, which could cost as much as €15m (£13.4m), however the report does not confirm whether the club are interested in keeping him at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The Lilywhites are also interested in signing Frankfurt's Evan Ndicka, and the 23-year-old defender will be available on a free transfer at the end of the season, when his current contract is set to expire.

While Tottenham are mulling over moves for centre-backs who would immediately slot into the starting XI, they are also considering options for the future, and Football Insider report they are set to make a new bid for Browne.

It is detailed that Spurs failed in their previous attempt to sign the defender, as he instead opted to sign a new contract with Birmingham, however they have since rekindled their interest.

There may be stiff competition for the 19-year-old, as the report claims Manchester United are also considering a move, and the player himself would jump at the chance to move to Old Trafford.

Should Tottenham sign Rico Browne?

The Manchester-born centre-back is yet to make a first team appearance for Birmingham, which indicates he would be some way off competing for a starting spot at Tottenham, but there are signs he could go on to be a fantastic player.

Hailed as "highly-rated" by members of the media, the starlet has made his name as a ball-playing centre-back, cementing his place in the youth team and becoming captain, highlighting his leadership abilities.

In 31 appearances at youth level, the Birmingham ace has occasionally been utilised in defensive midfield, also displaying his versatility, which is a very useful quality for any player to have.

It remains to be seen whether Browne is able to fulfill his vast potential, but he would be an excellent addition to the Tottenham youth setup, should they be able to win the race for his signature.