The Peoples Person

Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as a shock contender to rescue Manuel Ugarte from his Manchester United misery, but a European rival is leading the race to secure his signature, according to the latest report.

Failing to adapt

Despite the Red Devils spending the entire summer window in 2024 tracking Ugarte, no one at the club was able to spot the obvious issues he would face in adapting to Premier League football. The 24-year-old Uruguay international had lost his place in Paris Saint-Germain’s starting eleven after Luis Enrique decided his limitations on the ball were too severe to justify his strengths without it.

However, Ugarte’s worst performances that season came in the Champions League against Newcastle United, with the Magpies’ midfield duo of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali overwhelming their Ligue 1 counterparts en route to a 4-1 demolition at St James’ Park. Ugarte was simply incapable of matching the speed and strength of the Tyneside club, despite his reputation as a ball-winning enforcer – an immediate red flag for any English side who may have been interested in his services.

In conjunction with his obvious weaknesses in possession, it is baffling that United agreed to pay over £50 million to sign him (£42m up front, £8.7m in add-ons); firstly, a player his club were so desperate to shift; and, secondly, one who would clearly struggle in the Premier League.

United are open to Ugarte’s departure this summer provided a suitable offer arrives. From a PSR perspective, the former Sporting CP star would need to be sold for around £25m to break even – a price his abject performances in a red shirt have done little to justify.

Galatasaray expressed interest in a deal in January, though the Red Devils were reluctant to further weaken a position which is already low on bodies. The Turkish champions are expected to revisit a move this summer.

Juventus are also in the running, though Serie A clubs are notoriously difficult to negotiate with, often preferring convoluted loans to straight transfers.

Interestingly, there is even interest in England for Ugarte’s services, with Aston Villa and Newcastle keeping close tabs on his situation at Old Trafford. However, TEAMtalk reveals Spurs are also understood to be tracking developments.

Spurs enter the race

“Juventus are long-term admirers, while Premier League sides Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Tottenham have all previously tracked his situation and remain informed on developments,” the report states. “Villa are open to adding a new midfielder this summer, with the future of Ross Barkley in doubt, while Newcastle could lose Sandro Tonali, who is open to a move away from St James’ Park.

“Spurs, meanwhile, are expected to rebuild their squad this summer under new manager Roberto de Zerbi following another dismal Premier League season.” However, the Lilywhites’ pursuit would rest entirely upon “whether they avoid relegation” or not, given they sit just one point clear of the bottom three with the worst form in the division.

TEAMtalk concludes that a move to one of United’s rivals is unlikely, with Galatasaray considered the frontrunners.

“A move to Turkey is currently viewed as the most likely outcome. Galatasaray are well-positioned to finally secure a deal for Ugarte in the coming months, and United have no qualms about letting him go.”

Final Thoughts

United’s priority this summer is to overhaul their midfield, given Casemiro‘s departure is imminent after INEOS decided against renewing the 34-year-old Brazilian‘s contract. Two new options are expected to arrive at the Theatre of Dreams, with a host of targets in the Premier League under consideration as INEOS seek to learn from the mistake they made with Ugarte.

In an ideal world, the club would likely want to shift the underperforming Uruguayan alongside his South American teammate, with a third midfielder arriving in his place. However, this will be dependent on receiving a fee in excess of £25m, which feels far-fetched if Galatasaray are leading the race for his signature.

But if one of England’s elite, such as Spurs, were to jump the queue, the prospect of a better price would dramatically increase.

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Manchester United picked up just a point against Bournemouth as a comedy of errors saw them throw away their lead twice on Friday night.

First, referee Stuart Attwell and VAR, and then Harry Maguire’s reckless challenge, allowed the home side to cancel out Bruno Fernandes‘ strike from 12 yards and an own goal from James Hill.

However, it must be underlined that United’s midfielders yet again struggled to dictate the game, allowing Bournemouth to enter the final third several times.

Manchester United interested in Archie Gray

Manchester United are targeting a number of Premier League-proven midfielders heading into the summer transfer window. Now, a surprise name has entered their shortlist.

According to SportsBoom, United are hoping to sign Archie Gray on the cheap if Tottenham Hotspur get relegated.

Gray has been a rare shining light for Spurs, who find themselves 16th in the league table.

As things stand, the Englishman has pledged to stay in North London even if Tottenham get relegated to the Championship.

However, United will reportedly test Spurs’ resolve for their 20-year-old midfield gem, as relegation would “cost them a whopping £250million with an exodus of players also expected.”

European powerhouses estimate Archie Gray’s price tag

It is added that Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have also been linked with Gray and “believe £55million would be enough to score the talent’s services given Spurs’ woes.”

Gray joined Tottenham from Leeds in a deal worth £40 million in 2024 after coming through their ranks. He comes from a family with a deep connection to Leeds, the Red Devils’ fierce rivals.

Considering his ties to Leeds, it would be very difficult for United to convince the young midfielder to move to Manchester. However, as far as his profile and potential are concerned, the Mancunians have set their sights on a terrific footballer.

Gray is an accomplished passer, capable of slowing things down as well as quickly progressing the play into the final third. Out of possession, he is aggressive in his pressing and is good at defending in wide areas.

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Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly emerged as surprise contenders to sign Jadon Sancho this summer, despite the Manchester United outcast appearing destined for a return to Germany.

Theatre of Nightmares

Sancho, 25, has proven to be a disastrous signing for the Red Devils since joining from Borussia Dortmund for £73 million in 2021. Despite arriving with the reputation as one of Europe’s most exciting attackers, the physical demands of Premier League football proved too much for the English winger to handle.

Twelve goals and six assists in 81 appearances in a red shirt tell their own story; but this does not capture just how wholly ineffective Sancho was during these performances, with a lackadaisical approach that extends beyond the pitch.

Successive loans over the past few years – first in a return to Dortmund, then with Chelsea – have also been unsuccessful, despite the change in scenery. His refusal to compromise on his wage packet at Old Trafford prevented any prospect of these deals becoming permanent.

This led Sancho to a season-long loan with Aston Villa, with the Villans striking a deal with United over the summer reminiscent of the one agreed for Marcus Rashford last year. A slow start at Villa Park has now shown signs of life, however, with the London native beginning to force his way into Unai Emery’s starting eleven after winning over the Spaniard.

This has led to speculation that the Birmingham side may look to permanently sign Sancho this summer, once his contract has expired in Manchester. However, Sports Boom reveals Villa are not “thrilled enough to keep him” and that a return to Germany is on the cards.

England or Germany?

The report states a “third spell” at Dortmund or a switch to Bayer Leverkusen are the two “most likely destinations” for the winger.

But in a shock twist, Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur are also named as suitors, despite Sancho’s struggles since arriving in England.

Newcastle are increasingly at risk of losing Anthony Gordon, with the England international on the radar of both Manchester United and Liverpool as a potential bombshell switch looms this summer.

Meanwhile, Tottenham Hotspur lack a natural left-winger to match their potent right-hand side combination of Dejan Kulusevski and Mohammed Kudus.

As such, Sports Boom reveals both Premier League clubs are “interested” in a potential summer swoop for Sancho, given no transfer fee will be required.

Final Thoughts

Manchester United will not care in the slightest where Sancho is playing football next season – just as long as it is not at Old Trafford.

The club retains the option to extend his contract, worth in excess of £300,000 a week, but there is more chance of Amorim being offered a fresh deal than this extension being triggered.

A return to Germany, with more space and less physicality, at one of Bundesliga’s heavyweights would be the most sensible option for Sancho – but he has consistently demonstrated he will prioritise money over football throughout his rapidly declining career, and another Premier League club may offer him this.

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Manchester United are in line to receive a huge windfall this summer as their Premier League rivals plot a bombshell raid to sign Mason Greenwood, according to a new report.

A Sell-On Clause

Greenwood has established himself as one of the best players in France since joining Olympique de Marseille in the summer of 2024, after facing serious legal troubles in England.

The 24-year-old forward’s position at Old Trafford had become untenable, with United forced to sanction his sale to the Ligue 1 side for £26.7 million as a result.

A 50% sell-on clause was included in the deal, entitling the Red Devils to half of the profits Marseille may bank from any future transfer.

Greenwood enjoyed a strong debut year in France, scoring 22 goals and providing six assists – putting him level in Ligue 1 with Paris Saint-Germain superstar Ousmane Dembele. His sophomore campaign is going even better as he has already matched his goals total with three months of the season left.

Mason Greenwood: 2025/26 statistics

CompetitionMatchesGoalsAssists Ligue 119134 Champions League831 Trophee des Champions110 Coupe de France353 Total31228

In December, Marseille boss Roberto De Zerbi – a frontrunner to be United’s head coach next season – claimed Greenwood has the “potential to win the Ballon d’Or”.

This form has put a number of clubs across Europe on red-alert over a potential deal, including Spanish giants FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid. There have even been reports of a blockbuster switch to the Saudi Pro League, with Al-Hilal said to have tabled a €100m bid in January.

A return to England?

Rather than a move to a new country beyond France, Fichajes reveals Greenwood could be about to agree an explosive return to English football as Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have held talks to sign the forward.

The report states both of United’s rivals are prepared to table £78 million bids to prise him from the Orange Vélodrome stadium.

Liverpool view Greenwood as an “ideal candidate” to bolster their misfiring attack, with Mohammed Salah edging closer to a move to Saudi Arabia this summer. Similarly, Tottenham Hotspur are “closely monitoring” the Englishman who they believe “fits perfectly” into their style.

If either club were to strike a £78m deal with Marseille, United would receive around £26m from the deal – a massive boost ahead of a pivotal transfer window at Old Trafford this summer.

Final Thoughts

Greenwood’s ability as a footballer is beyond doubt, with the Carrington graduate’s form in Marseille showcasing his lethality in front of goal, with either foot from any area of the pitch.

However, the controversy which led to his departure from United in the first place will be immediately reignited were he to return to the Premier League this summer – which seriously calls into question whether Liverpool or Tottenham Hotspur would be willing to invite this outrage on themselves.

United are unlikely to be expecting a significant windfall from their former player this summer, nor will they be expecting to be facing him in a red or white shirt next season.

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Manchester United have been handed a big advantage in the race to sign Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, following a major transfer shift by Tottenham Hotspur.

United want Hackney

Having spent the bulk of their summer budget on bolstering the attacking department, United are now expected to shift their attention to midfield reinforcements either before the close of the month or most likely, later in the summer.

Casemiro is expected to leave upon the expiry of his contract, while there is also uncertainty over the future of Manuel Ugarte, who has struggled for consistency since joining the club from Paris Saint-Germain in 2024.

Some of the players United continued to be linked with include Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Carlos Baleba (Brighton and Hove Albion), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), Joao Gomes (Wolves) and of course, Hackney.

Hackney is widely seen as a top Championship midfielder, renowned for his solidity, technical skill, and progression in possession. United are not the only party keeping tabs on the player. A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Newcastle are also keen on adding him to their ranks.

He has played a key part in Middlesbrough’s bid to clinch automatic promotion this season, with the club currently in second place in the Championship table. Hackney has scored three goals and provided twice as many assists in the 27 appearances he’s made.

According to CaughtOffside, Tottenham’s signing of Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid has led them to pause their interest in Hackney, presenting United with a prime opportunity.

Hackney transfer update

CaughtOffside claim that Tottenham’s interest in Hackney has now “cooled significantly.” The North London outfit have halted their pursuit, with attention now shifting to other areas of the pitch.

The report further notes, “Middlesbrough’s stance throughout the window has been unwavering, Hackney is not for sale unless a club meets their minimum £30 million valuation, sources close to the agents industry have informed CaughtOffside.”

“Despite growing Premier League interest, the Championship side have no intention of accepting cut-price offers in January, particularly while they remain in the promotion race.”

“Sources around the club say they do not expect anyone to meet their asking price this month, and would prefer to review offers in the summer, especially if promotion is missed.”

It’s understood that United are still firmly in the race to sign the 23-year-old. His previous relationship with Michael Carrick, who was recently named the Red Devils’ interim boss, has only further fuelled speculation. Carrick coached Hackney at Boro.

Other clubs that are lurking include Everton, Fulham and Brighton.

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Manchester United’s plans to secure the services of Udinese defender Oumar Solet are under threat from Tottenham Hotspur. The Red Devils have struggled due to defensive frailties this season, and have already conceded 29 goals in 19 Premier League games, the second-most after Bournemouth among the top 15 of the league.

While the attack has improved after a summer of reinforcements – only Arsenal and Manchester City have scored more than Amorim’s team this season – it is clear that the backline needs attention.

The English giants were perhaps aware of their situation, which is why they reportedly considered a move for Solet before the start of the current season, but the transfer failed to materialise.

United’s long-term target

Solet has entered the final 18 months of his contract with Udinese and is yet to sign a new deal. This season, the 25 year old has appeared 23 times in all competitions for the Serie A club, all but one of which were starts.

Oumar Solet Stats: 2025/26 Season

CompetitionMatchesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Serie A2011--1,621' Italy Cup3----261' Total2111--1,882'

Source: Transfermarkt.

Solet is a physical defender adept at playing in a back three, which makes him a suitable fit for Amorim’s 3-4-3 system.

The Frenchman’s ball-playing ability also makes him a good addition to the Red Devils’ squad, but it now appears that prising him away will not be a walk in the park.

Tottenham Hotspur eyeing Solet

According to Caught Offside, Tottenham Hotspur want to take Solet to the Premier League this month.

“Tottenham Hotspur are preparing a winter move for Udinese centre-back Oumar Solet. The club wants fresh competition for the Micky van de Ven–Cristian Romero pairing, and speculation around a possible Radu Dragusin exit is pushing Spurs to add depth at the back.”

“Interest in England goes beyond Tottenham. Sources close to the situation have informed Caughtoffside that Chelsea and Crystal Palace have watched him live, while Manchester United and West Ham are tracking him as a long-term target.”

“In Italy, Inter, AC Milan and Roma have delivered positive reports, highlighting his reliability in transition and dominance in the air.”

The report adds that Udinese could ask for a premium fee to let him go in the winter, although they could be open to a loan deal with a purchase option.

The player, meanwhile, could be tempted by the chance to move to the Premier League, with Chelsea reportedly also in the race.

Final Thoughts

United have dropped 12 points from winning positions this campaign, their joint-most points dropped at the halfway stage of season since the inception of the Premier League.

As such, defensive reinforcements could be the need of the hour, even though the midfield is expected to be the main focus of the Red Devils’ transfer business in 2026. INEOS, there, could be tempted to hijack Spurs’ move for Solet, especially with Harry Maguire’s contract set to expire this summer.

It is increasingly appearing as though Conor Gallagher may not remain at Atlético Madrid for the rest of the 2025–26 season.

Having departed Chelsea in the summer of 2024 with ambitions of establishing a reputation in Spanish football, Gallagher enjoyed a respectable debut campaign.

However, the Englishman has not managed to build on that initial promise.

Gallagher’s game‑time struggles

The 25‑year‑old has struggled to secure a regular place in Diego Simeone’s starting line‑up.

Out of his 18 La Liga appearances this season, he has started only four matches, which is far too few for a player determined to force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the FIFA 2026 World Cup.

Moreover, with midfielders such as Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice, Adam Wharton, and Alex Scott featuring almost every week, Gallagher’s prolonged spells on the bench do him no favours in the Three Lions’ selection race.

As a result, the Chelsea academy graduate now needs to move to a club where he can play consistently.

Atlético open the door

According to a report relayed by The Peoples Person, Gallagher recently held talks with Simeone to discuss his situation. Following that meeting, it is claimed that Atlético will now allow him to leave in January.

On Wednesday, Teamtalk reported that United and Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as frontrunners. Consequently, with the battle lines drawn, the focus now shifts to which of the two clubs can prevail.

Wages the decisive factor

Dean Jones has suggested that one key factor will ultimately decide the race: Gallagher’s wages.

Via Teamtalk, he explained:

“Conor Gallagher’s loan move potential could depend on how much Atlético Madrid are willing to continue to pay towards his wages.”

“Sources indicate, though, that the player’s high wages mean a loan switch is not straightforward.”

“Gallagher earns up to £200,000‑a‑week, and whether that figure is subsidised could make a difference to whether he lands back in the Premier League.”

Therefore, from these claims, it is clear that if the Red Devils want to win the race, they must present an irresistible proposal to Atlético regarding how his wages are handled.

United’s midfield plan

Further, according to Jones, INEOS want Gallagher this winter, and then they will secure another top midfielder in the summer as they look to rebuild United’s engine room.

So Gallagher is INEOS’ top winter target, with Rúben Neves lined up as the fallback option should a deal collapse.

Ultimately, if Gallagher truly is the priority, then United have a clear path: resolve the wage issue and seize the opportunity to bring him back to the Premier League.

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Manchester United put in a respectable performance in their 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa, who entered the clash on a nine-game winning streak in all competitions.

United dominated possession and had more shots on target away from home. Still, Villa extended their sublime run, owing to two brilliant goals from Morgan Rogers.

Matheus Cunha stepped up with a goal, but that proved not enough in the absence of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo. Bruno Fernandes was also taken off at the break due to a hamstring injury, forcing Ruben Amorim to hand a senior debut to Shea Lacey at a challenging territory.

The club’s current situation going forward explains their accelerated efforts to sign Antoine Semenyo.

The Ghana attacker is comfortable on either wing as well as up top. He combines his pace, physicality and ball-striking to make a difference in the final third.

Manchester United in talks to sign Antoine Semenyo

According to Fabrizio Romano, United and Manchester City are “pushing” to sign Semenyo from Bournemouth in January.

The Italian journalist claims both Manchester clubs had “direct contacts for Semenyo” over the weekend to understand his situation at Vitality Stadium.

CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsMinutes Played Total (all)178341485' Premier League168341440' EFL Cup100045′

Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming the 25-year-old’s contract with the Cherries includes a release clause for the winter window, set at £60m plus £5m in add-ons. However, his suitors must “wrap up a deal” with Bournemouth by 10 January.

Semenyo turns down Spurs move

Speaking to NBC Sports, highly-reputable journalist David Ornstein suggested that United and City are “emerging as leading contenders” for Semenyo’s signature.

Ornstein added that Tottenham Hotspur were “very keen” to sign the Bournemouth talisman and were prepared to pay him a “significant salary”.

However, the Ghanaian star “politely” rebuffed their approach, as he is focusing on joining United or City.

Liverpool are said to have great admiration for him, but they are yet to make a serious move. However, it will be worth keeping an eye on Alexander Isak’s injury. A lengthy layoff could force the Reds into a panic.

Featured image Lewis Storey via Getty Images

Manchester United, under INEOS, have been keen to bring on board some of the finest young talents. The hope is that, with these prodigies, United are assembling a super team capable of eventually restoring the club to its dominant era.

It is this very transfer policy that has seen the Red Devils linked with some of the brightest prospects across Europe.

Young talents on United’s radar

Cristian Orozco, Jeremy Monga and Said El Mala are among the names repeatedly surfacing in United’s gossip columns. As these links to young talents continue to gather pace, fresh attention has now turned towards FC Köln’s left‑wing sensation, El Mala.

Said El Mala on the rise

El Mala is one of the teenage sensations taking the German football scene by storm. The 19‑year‑old has already registered six goals and three assists in 14 Bundesliga appearances; these are impressive numbers, though his performances have arguably been even more striking.

The young German has tormented Köln’s opponents with his ability to cut inside from wide areas onto his favoured right foot, creating and scoring with equal menace. His quick acceleration, confident one‑on‑one skills, and composed finishing have made him a constant threat.

United’s keen pursuit

United are eager to add him to their ranks, with The Peoples Person relaying reports that the Red Devils are prepared to spend around €30–40 million to secure his services.

While that report noted Tottenham Hotspur as rivals for his signature, United may already have been handed a clue on how to win the race.

El Mala and his brother Malek: inseparable

Apparently, if United are to convince El Mala to join, they may need to complete a double swoop that also brings his brother Malek to M16.

Sky Sports Germany, discussing El Mala’s failed move to Borussia Dortmund, drops a massive hint on how United can win the race. They write:

“El Mala has now explained why he turned down BVB: Dortmund only wanted to sign him in 2024, not his brother Malek, who is one year older. ‘That settled it for me,’ El Mala said.”

Köln ultimately won the race, with scouts recognising the brothers’ bond and moving decisively.

The ball is in United’s court

Looking ahead to 2026, Tottenham Hotspur or United, whichever club wants El Mala most, may have to consider signing Malek too.

It could be a gamble, but with five goals in five games for Köln II, Malek is beginning to look a decent prospect in his own right.

If El Mala continues his resurgence, he and his brother could well make the leap to the Premier League in 2026. Together, they might just be the latest young talents ready to end up illuminating United’s bright future.

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Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly made a big move in an effort to beat Manchester United and other competitors to the signature of Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo.

United remain interested in Semenyo

During the summer transfer window, United explored a move for Semenyo as part of their bid to bolster the attacking department.

Semenyo enjoyed a brilliant 2024/25 campaign with Bournemouth, notching 11 goals and five assists in the Premier League. He has started this season in exquisite form and currently boasts six goals and three assists.

United and Spurs approached Bournemouth over a potential deal for Semenyo but both clubs withdrew from the race to sign him after becoming aware of his prohibitive asking price. United turned their attention to Bryan Mbeumo, who joined from Brentford for £65m.

However, it’s believed that United continue to monitor Semenyo, whose excellent form has attracted a growing list of admirers.

A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United are willing to offer Semenyo a contract. He signed a new contract which contains a release clause of £60m plus £5m in bonuses.

According to Sky Sports, Spurs are stepping up their interest in the Ghana international ahead of January.

Spurs aiming to win Semenyo race

Sky claim, “Tottenham are intensifying their interest in Antoine Semenyo ahead of the January transfer window. Spurs want to sign a left winger and are looking to get ahead of competition for the Bournemouth forward.”

“Spurs appear more ready to pay what is required to land Semenyo this time around, but they face competition from City and Liverpool.”

Sky further note that Arsenal have also kept tabs on Semenyo but they’re unlikely to make a definitive move to snap him up.

Given the depth of options for the wide left attacking role, strengthening this area is not a pressing concern for the league leaders.

From United’s perspective, it is concerning that Spurs are ready to meet Semenyo’s asking price now, while they themselves seem content to wait for the greater financial flexibility of the summer window.

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