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Manchester City may still lose players before the end of the window

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Manchester City are heading into the new Premier League season with an expectation from fans and the media alike that they can only improve.

Last season’s third-place finish did not tell the full story in truth, as a remarkable stretch of defeats during the winter period left the winners of the previous four league titles essentially out of the title race by the new year. A late run of form ensured that they kept up their record of having finished in the top four for 15 years in a row.

The Cityzens have certainly improved over the summer, with the likes of Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki joining in addition to the return of Rodri from his ACL injury. When the Ballon d’Or winner returns to full fitness in September he will essentially be a new signing himself. But City may need to contend with a key departure from the squad before then.

Savinho’s agents jet into Europe to push for Tottenham move

The agents of City and Brazil winger Savinho have reportedly flown in from his home country in order to secure a move to Tottenham Hotspur, according to reports by Mail Sport. They view the move as a good one for Savinho’s career, as the 21-year-old is likely to be a rotation option for City this season and wants to force his way into the Brazil squad for the 2026 World Cup. Talks between the clubs were reportedly opened in recent days.

The report continues that City have demanded £67million for the talented young winger, who signed for less than half that fee from Troyes in a £30.8m deal last summer. The club’s demands reflect the fact that they have no need to sell, but their stance could change if the player himself pushes for a move.

It is believed that Savinho is open to the move, which ‘appeals’ to him due to his World Cup ambitions. With Spurs having sold Son Heung-min this summer, the former Girona star could become the Lilywhites’ starting left-winger under Thomas Frank, with Champions League football also on the horizon.

Should City allow Savinho to depart?

Considering City’s recent reputation for selling off young players who then become superstars elsewhere, this is a complicated situation for Pep Guardiola and club chiefs to resolve.

The difference between Savinho and the likes of Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers is that he is already an established first-team player. However, there were suggestions that he was not quite ready to start at times for Guardiola’s side last season.

He only scored one Premier League goal but reached double figures in assists and struck up an understanding with Erling Haaland, showing that he evidently does have a future at City.

But with the likes of Rodrygo on the market for not too much higher a price than that which City are demanding for Savinho, could the club be tempted to cash in if the right offer arrives? It will be impossible to strike up any kind of buy-back clause with Spurs, so if the young winger departs then the Cityzens must accept that he could become a top player in north London.

For a price north of £60m, many at the club may argue that it could be worth taking that risk.

Manchester City are in talks with Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur over a surprise move for Savinho

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Tottenham Hotspur have opened talks with Manchester City over a deal for winger Savinho, in a shock move that could see the Brazilian leave the Etihad Stadium.

The 21-year-old joined Pep Guardiola’s side last summer and is under contract until the summer of 2029. He made 48 appearances in all competitions - with 29 of those coming in the Premier League as he started 21 games.

He started in seven of the club’s 10 Champions League games and was also involved in the Club World Cup, playing three games in the United States. He can play on the left and right wing and scored three goals while providing 13 assists last season.

However, in a very surprising development he could be on the move to Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur before the September 1 transfer deadline. That is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano - who reported the interest from Spurs late on Sunday night.

Tottenham open talks with Man City for Savinho

Reporting on X, Romano said: “Tottenham open club to club talks to sign Savinho from Man City!

“Negotiations ongoing between Spurs and City, also understand Savinho’s open to the move if the clubs can agree on fee. THFC boss Thomas Frank indicated Savinho as ideal player.”

Spurs have already signed Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United this summer. Both Savinho and Kudus play on the right wing but the Brazilian was used on the left wing by Guardiola on 12 occasions last season.

This summer, Rayan Cherki has joined City. The ex-Lyon man plays on the right wing but is also able to play on the left and in attacking midfield. The Frenchman’s arrival means City now appear open to selling Savinho after just one season in Manchester.

Savinho has ‘something special’

After being involved in three goals in a 4-1 win over West Ham back in January, City boss Pep Guardiola was full of praise for Savinho. The winger forced an own goal from Vladimir Coufal and then provided two assists for Erling Haaland.

“I think he’s clean in his mind,” said Guardiola.

“He doesn’t think too much in his head. When you are many years here, players think they deserve something special for what they have done.

“That is a big mistake. You have to prove it again and again. Savinho has everything to win and prove.

“Having old fashioned football with left foot on the left and right on the right, these kinds of crosses help the kind of striker we have.

“The second goal at Leicester and the second goal today. He has a lot to improve, he is not aggressive enough without the ball, but right now he has something special to help the team.

“His goal was lucky, but the two assists were brilliant. I am so happy for him, and he deserves to play.”

READ NEXT - Man City icon undecided over future amid Real Madrid links as Everton believe 39-time international is keen to join

Manchester United are keen to add a couple more players to their ranks before the transfer deadline

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Manchester United are hoping to add more players to their squad before the transfer deadline but they will need to agree player exits to build the funds to re-enter the market.

The Red Devils have signed Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo this summer and also completed a £7m deal for young defender Diego Leon. Favourable payment structures have been agreed for their three big signings.

It has allowed United to significantly bolster their attack despite a lack of European football and limited transfer funds. They have been linked with a new midfielder and goalkeeper, with Brighton and Hove Albion star Carlos Baleba and Paris Saint-Germain ace Gianluigi Donnarumma two names who could potential make the switch to Old Trafford.

Baleba would cost a huge transfer fee and a deal is unlikely this summer unless major funds can be generated from player exits. Meanwhile, Donnarumma is deemed available by PSG as they have yet to agree a new contract with the player.

Man Utd preparing offer for Serie A star

While those two players have been linked, reports in Spain say the Red Devils “are preparing an offer of around €70m (£60.5m)” for Como star Nico Paz.

That comes from Spanish outlet Fichajes, who note Real Madrid hold an interest in their former player. Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea have been previously linked while Spurs have even seen a bid of £35m rejected.

Como’s valuation of the player is around £60m, so if a Red Devils offer in that region was officially submitted - it could be enough to get a deal moving.

The 19-year-old has earned top praise from Como manager Cesc Fàbregas who said: "He has a bright future; he can play for any top team in Europe.”

United are said to see Paz as an option to add further creativity to their midfield. Real Madrid have a matching rights agreement and retain a 50 per cent sell-on clause too, so the Spanish giants will be watching with interest.

Ruben Amorim feels Man Utd have competition for places again

United finalised their pre-season preparations on Saturday with a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina at Old Trafford. They open their 2025-26 Premier League campaign at home to Arsenal, who have finished second for the last three seasons.

Amorim now believes he has a selection headache ahead of next weekend. He said: “That [a selection headache] is a good thing, it is supposed to be like that, not like last season that we have to struggle to put 11 players on the pitch.

“This is the normal thing so I need to think and they [the players] need to fight during the week, so they can change my mind, I have an idea but they will change my mind during the week.

“It is going to be tough because we try to arrange a full week of training, so we will have two really strong sessions with time to work and then we are going to break a little bit and then two days to really think about the strategy for the game and we will be ready.”

Paz would certainly add further competition to Amorim’s squad but a deal currently feels a long way from being done but there is plenty of time left in the window for it to progress.

Man United are looking to sign a striker next season to help replace Rasmus Hojlund up front.

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Man United’s striker woes continue this summer as they lost out to Arsenal on Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, who chose a move to the Emirates, rather than reuniting with Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.

United have been linked to Ollie Watkins, but the Aston Villa striker is expected to command a fee of around £60m, which could be tough to afford, especially with a current lack of player sales so far this summer.

Because of this, Amorim may have to consider cheaper alternative targets this summer in order to add more goals, but without breaking the bank, and they have been linked to a former Premier League star.

Manchester United should sign Aleksandar Mitrovic

One name that has emerged as a potential striker option for the Red Devils, is former Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who, according to Caught Offside, is a target for Man United, Newcastle and Tottenham Hotspur. He is currently playing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, after joining the Saudi-based side in August 2023. Since then, the 30-year-old has scored 68 goals in 79 games, continuing his form from Fulham, where he spent the previous five years.

Mitrovic has proven Premier League experience, netting 38 goals in the top division, he knows how to score and plays the role of target man striker better than most. The 30-year-old isn’t expected to cost much either, as he has a market value of just £15.6m. It would provide Amorim with an experienced striker, who his attackers can target through the air. He can also hold up the ball for the likes of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to run on to.

Spurs are looking to sign the Serbian too, alongside Newcastle, where Mitrovic previously played, as the Magpies are looking for a replacement for Alexander Isak after the Swedish international told the club he wants to leave this summer.

Why would Aleksandar Mitrovic be a good signing for United?

Amorim’s transfer strategy this summer has been to sign proven Premier League players, and not risky signings that rely on development and potential. Mitrovic would certainly fit that mould. He wouldn’t be the most exciting option to bring in up front, but he would definitely provide goals for Man United, and he is adept at making sure he’s in the right place at the right time, something that Hojlund failed to show this past year.

Furthermore, Mitrovic would be a much cheaper alternative to the likes of Watkins at Villa, but he’s only one year older and has shown that he’s more than capable of scoring 20 goals in a season, much like Watkins. It would be a smart signing for United to make, and Mitrovic would potentially be able to mentor Hojlund, and help the Danish international become the striker that United thought they were getting when they first signed him from Atalanta in 2023.

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Man United have been linked to signing Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand this summer.

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Manchester United have addressed their glaring needs in attack by signing Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, but Ruben Amorim also wants to sure up his side to ensure they concede less goals next season.

One of the ways Amorim intends to do this is by adding a holding midfielder who can help protect the back three, something that is vitally important when playing three at the back, due to the lack of defensive full-backs.

United have been linked with Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand alongside Man City, with reports suggesting that the 26-year-old could re-unite with Amorim at Old Trafford; he is expected to command a fee of £69m, which is his release clause at Sporting.

Man United should sign Palhinha instead of Hjulmand

Hjulmand is a very physical defensive midfielder, he’s good in the air, and likes to win the ball in physical battles, however, his lack of Premier League experience could be an issue, especially considering that £69m is a lot of money for any club to fork out, especially Man United with their current financial situation.

Instead, United should go after Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha, who is reportedly a target of Spurs this summer. According to Florian Plettenberg on X, Tottenham are monitoring the 30-year-old amid reports that Bayern are open to selling him this summer.

Palhinha has Premier League experience with Fulham, as he played for the Cottagers between 2022 and 2024, before moving to the Bundesliga for £44m last summer. It has not worked out for the Portuguese midfielder, as he’s made just 25 appearances in all competitions for Vincent Kompany’s side.

He would be a much cheaper option than Hjulmand, as Palhinha’s current market value is estimated to be around £26m, a deal that would be more financially viable for United; he would also be less of a risk compared to Hjulmand. And given Bayern are open to selling him, a deal could also be easier to do.

Man United could get Palhinha and Martinez for less than Hjulmand

There are several areas of the pitch that United need to improve, but alongside defensive midfield, the goalkeeper position needs addressing too after a poor season from Andre Onana last year at the back.

If United decided to sign Palhinha rather than Hjulmand, they would save roughly £40m in transfer value, something that Amorim could spend on a new stopper. Reports have said that Aston Villa could ask for up to £40m for Emiliano Martinez, a keeper that United have been heavily linked with in recent weeks.

United could sign Martinez and Palhinha rather than just Hjulmand, and they’d be getting two experienced Premier League players, who aren’t risky, but would no doubt help to improve Amorim’s squad at a relatively low cost.

Martinez reportedly wants a move to Man United, and the Red Devils recently approached him about a potential loan deal, but it was rejected by Villa, who want a permanent sale for the 32-year-old.

Manchester United are preparing for the start of the new Premier League season

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Manchester United are gearing up for the start of the new Premier League season. They drew 0-0 with Leeds United in their latest pre-season friendly outing. The Red Devils weren’t able to find a winner against the Whites in Stockholm, Sweden, and were forced to settle for a stalemate.

Ruben Amorim’s side finished 15th in the table in the last campaign. They have the chance to bring in some more signings over the coming weeks. The North West outfit also have the opportunity to let some players head out the exit door as well if needed to free up space and funds.

Manchester United transfer update regarding Morten Hjulmand

According to CaughtOffside, United remain in the ‘race’ to sign midfielder Morten Hjulmand from Sporting Lisbon. He is also said to be on the radar of Serie A giants Juventus, Inter Milan, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal in this window. The report adds that he has a release clause of £69million but could leave for around £43million in this window.

Hjulmand, 26, joined his current club in 2023 and has since become one of their most prized assets. They could now face a battle to keep hold of him amid attention from elsewhere. He has made 96 appearances in all competitions and has chipped in with seven goals, three of which came last term.

The Denmark international, who has 19 caps under his belt so far in his career, started out at FC Copenhagen before joining Admira Wacker as a youngster. He broke into the first-team of the latter before moving over to Italy to sign for Lecce. The Kastrup-born man went on to play 95 matches during his time Stadio Via del mare.

What now for Manchester United?

United could see Hjulmand as someone to boost their midfield ranks. If he joined, he would give them more competition and depth in the middle of the park. Time will tell whether they end up lodging an offer for him amid links to Juventus, Inter, Spurs and Arsenal.

Speaking after their draw with Leeds, Amorim suggested they need more pace in midfield: “We have a lack of pace. Especially in the middle of the park, you can feel it's hard to bring the ball. We created chances. We have a lot to do but it was a first test against a Premier League team with two different teams, a good test.

"Matheus Cunha showed what we need, a player in between the lines who is really aggressive. We watched that during last season for a different team. We expect the same thing. You can see the connection with him and Bruno Fernandes is still not there. But it will be a good connection, because you can put a player like Kobbie Mainoo or Mason Mountthere. We need to increase our quality in the final third."

He added: "The environment is really good, of course sometimes we are going to struggle, but what I felt in the first moment is that if we are going to struggle, we will struggle together. That is the beginning of everything, then we have to put the quality. This club is not just about the effort, it's about the quality -- we have to win games."

Man Utd were defeated four times by Tottenham Hotspur across all competitions last season.

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Tottenham Hotspur have been fined £75,000 after they admitted two breaches of FA Rules during their 3-0 victory against Manchester United last season. Spurs defeated United four times across all competitions, with the first coming in a Premier League clash during September.

Brennan Johnson, Dejan Kuluseveski and Dominic Solanke all scored as Erik ten Hag's side were comfortably beaten in a match where club captain Bruno Fernandes was also sent off. The charge relates to Tottenham's failure to ensure spectators conducted themselves in a 'orderly fashion' after derogatory chants were aired twice in the second half of the match, which included foul language towards United midfielder Mason Mount and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

Tottenham admitted they breached FA Rule E21 with crowd control misconduct, but have seen their initial fine of £150,000 reduced by an independent Appeal Board after an appeal from the club.

Tottenham guilty of two FA Rule breaches

An official statement released by the Football Association on Thursday read: "Tottenham Hotspur FC has been fined £75,000 for two breaches of FA Rule E21 with crowd control misconduct at its Premier League match against Manchester United FC on Sunday 29 September 2024.

"It was alleged that Tottenham Hotspur FC failed to ensure its spectators and or supporters (and anyone purporting to be supporters or followers) conduct themselves in an orderly fashion and don’t use words or otherwise behave in an improper, offensive, abusive, indecent, or insulting way with either an express or implied reference to sexual orientation around both the 49th and 79th minutes.

"Tottenham Hotspur FC admitted both charges, and an independent Regulatory Commission imposed an action plan, £150,000 fine and warning. An independent Appeal Board reduced the fine to £75,000 following an appeal by the club."

The supporting documents surrounding the case confirmed the FA received reports from Kick It Out, as well as the media two incidents of homophobic chanting during the match. The first came in the 49th minute regarding chants towards former Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount after a foul on Rodrigo Bentancur. Then, in the 79th minute, chants from the crowd towards striker Dominic Solanke included references to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

Manchester City and Manchester United are both busy with their summer transfer business

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Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker has reportedly agreed a sensational move to Premier League rivals Everton after being snubbed by Pep Guardiola for the FIFA Club World Cup.

City get their tournament underway against Wydad AC at 5pm on Wednesday with Walker not part of the travelling squad following his return from AC Milan. The former Tottenham Hotspur star spent the second half of the campaign on loan in Italy.

His City career now appears to be over, with a report from The Sun claiming he has agreed a stunning move to the blue half of Merseyside. He has come to terms on a one-year contract with David Moyes’ side as Everton and City are now left to discuss if it will be a permanent or a loan deal.

Fulham were also credited with an interest in the six-time Premier League winner but were unable to meet his wage demands. He joined City in 2017 from Spurs in a deal worth £50m.

Kyle Walker on ‘uncomfortable’ conversation with Pep Guardiola

After being told he was free to leave City in January, Walker lifted the lid on the discussion he had with Guardiola about leaving the Etihad Stadium. He said after signing on loan for AC Milan: “When I spoke with Pep it was not a very comfortable conversation because of the respect that we both have for each other and what we've achieved at Manchester City. Everything that he's won at Manchester City, I've also won.

"I would like to think that he knows what I bring to the dressing room and the atmosphere that I create.”

He added: "I could have stayed in Manchester. I still had a contract there. And I would have [respected] that contract if they wouldn't have let me leave. That's just me as a person. "But I think it comes down to challenges in life. I think sometimes you find yourself in a situation where you think, ‘I need to try something different’. "And I spoke to many ex-players that had not moved abroad in a different league to the Premier League and they kind of said to me, ‘I wish I had experienced it now’".

Man Utd second offer expected for Bryan Mbeumo

In other news, Manchester United are expected to send an improved offer to Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo. That is according to a fresh update from Sky Sports who claim the player is still leaning towards a move to Old Trafford despite interest from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Mbeumo is said to be “intrigued” by a move to Spurs, who can offer him and Champions League football. The North London club have also appointed Thomas Frank as manager, giving Mbeumo the chance to reunite with his old boss.

The Red Devils had a bid of £45m plus £10m in add-ons knocked back by Brentford previously with the Bees holding out for around £60m. They have already forked out £62.5m for Matheus Cunha after meeting his release clause. They have, however, come to an agreement to pay that fee in instalments to Wolves.

READ NEXT - Manchester United hold talks over Viktor Gyokeres transfer alternative who is 'mix of Neymar and Mbappe'

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Manchester United still look to be in pole position to sign this leading target.

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Manchester United appear to be in competition with Europa League final opponents Tottenham Hotspur when it comes to their summer transfer business.

After losing out on a huge trophy opportunity, the Red Devils are determined not to lose out on a leading transfer target too. The two Premier League sides are battling it out for the signature of Bryan Mbeumo, who has attracted significant attention after an impressive season with Brentford.

Former Bees manager Thomas Frank has been appointed as the new head coach of Spurs following Ange Postecoglou’s sacking. His interest in bringing Mbeumo with him puts the North London side in a strong position to snag his signature but United still appear to be navigating a positive route when it comes to signing the Cameroon international.

‘Deal on’ for Bryan Mbeumo move to Man United

According to Florian Plettenberg, Frank and his new side are attempting to persuade Mbeumo to snub other destinations in favour of Tottenham this summer.

“Tottenham Hotspur, under new manager Thomas Frank, will try to convince Bryan Mbeumo to make the move to Spurs,” the reporter wrote on social media. “However, Manchester United have already entered negotiations with Brentford, as Mbeumo has already given his approval. A verbal agreement with MUFC is in place, and they remain optimistic that the transfer will go through. Deal on.”

The Mirror also reported earlier this week that Spurs had tabled a £70 million bid in attempt to hijack United’s attempts to sign Mbeumo. The proposed deal breaks down to a £65 million fee up front, plus £5 million in add-ons.

Frank is eager to be reunited with his former player, while club chairman Daniel Levy is also reportedly keen on bringing Mbeumo in as a ‘statement signing’.

Man United bid rejected for Bryan Mbeumo

Fortunately for United, Mbeumo reportedly favours a move to Old Trafford above all else. Spurs were willing to pay significantly more than the offer previously tabled by United, which was knocked back by Brentford.

United had offered an initial £55 million in attempt to sign the winger, which was swiftly turned away by their Premier League rivals.

The Red Devils are expected to make a revised bid for their leading target as they hope to wrap up a move sooner rather than later. The Mirror report claims that United are the ‘preferred destination’ for the Cameroonian, so now it appears to be down to the clubs agreeing on a transfer fee.

As well as Mbeumo, United are on the market for a proven centre-forward to boost their threat in front of goal. Last season, the Reds found the back of the net just 44 times in the Premier League last term, one of the fewest goal returns in the division.

Ruben Amorim is eager to strengthen his options in attack but the transfer window is proving to be a rather competitive one, as multiple clubs continue to show interest in their key targets.