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Having sold Romelu Lukaku to Inter, and then giving the green-light for Alexis Sanchez to join the Nerazzurri too, Manchester United headed into the current campaign with very limited options up front.

Anthony Martial’s injury earlier on in the season essentially increased the burden on Marcus Rashford ten-fold, and the 21-year-old has understandably struggled to carry the side’s attack, scoring just four times.

Reports in recent weeks have suggested the Red Devils are interested in signing Juventus man Mario Mandzukic, and Maurizio Sarri revealed last week that the Croatian is not training with the first-team group.

Now, Italian publication Calcio Mercato (via Sport Witness) have provided a transfer update, claiming United “should” be Mandzukic’s next destination, and that “everything indicates” Old Trafford will be his next stop.

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After hearing the latest news on their pursuit of the 33-year-old, United fans flooded to Twitter to voice their thoughts on the situation.

Many supporters of the Manchester side insisted it would be a major mistake, whilst one fan in particular suggested if the club signed the veteran forward it would prove Ed Woodward is “bonkers”.

Check out some of the reaction of United fans below:

This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

West Ham are enjoying a brilliant run of form in the Premier League, but if Sebastien Haller is missing for an extended period of time their ambitions this season could take a serious knock.

Since an opening day defeat against Manchester City the Hammers have gone six unbeaten in the league, scored goals, and now sit fifth in the table.

Andriy Yarmolenko has hit a rich vein of form and popped up with three goals in six league games, but Haller is the man who ties the attack together, acting as a focal point to link-up play with the creative midfielders playing just behind him.

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The £45m man has averaged 1.2 key passes per game in the Premier League, which underlines how adept he is at creating openings for his teammates to flourish.

It is little surprise, therefore, that Yarmolenko has burst into life.

Haller has been similarly effective in front of goal, also scoring three times in six games like his teammate and using his head well to score against Watford, an asset of his game which makes him central to the way West Ham play.

He uses his large frame to his advantage often, averaging 7.2 aerial duels won per game, which also allows his hold-up play to be effective, an aspect of his game which isn’t shared by fellow summer recruit Albian Ajeti.

Against Oxford the Switzerland international got his chance to impress but instead displayed that he is not up to the task of leading the West Ham line on his own.

In his defence, he is young and still adjusting to a new league, but it will be a worry for Manuel Pellegrini if he has to rely on the former Basel striker as a back-up for Haller, even if just for a temporary basis.

That is partly because the 25-year-old has averaged 34 passes per game so far, more than any other striker in the Premier League, and therefore he is a big influence in every Hammers game and missing that focal point – as they did against Oxford – will disrupt their flow.

His absence could even cause Pellegrini to adjust his formation or experiment with Michail Antonio or Yarmolenko up front, and they would likely find it very difficult to maintain their current position if that happened.

The misery may just be coming to an end sooner rather than later. Manchester United have endured a torrid time this season, finding themselves in 12th place in the Premier League, and just two points off the drop zone.

Speculation has begun to mount over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s long-term future at the club, whilst they have suffered some truly shocking results on the pitch – not least their 1-0 defeat to a struggling Newcastle just before the international break.

And with a huge clash against a rampant Liverpool coming up, the Red Devils are in desperate need of some good news – and they may just have gotten it.

According to The Daily Mirror, Solskjaer could welcome back Paul Pogba, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw from their respective injuries, whilst the report adds Anthony Martial could also make his long-awaited return.

After hearing the positive update on the injury front, United fans flooded to Twitter to voice their thoughts on the situation.

Many Red Devils supporters appeared to be in dreamland over the news, and suggested they would now go on to beat their arch-rivals when they meet on Sunday.

Check out some of the reaction of United fans below:

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

It is early days but Fabian Delph has impressed for Everton since his summer arrival, and there are signs that suggest he will be an adequate replacement for Idrissa Gueye.

The Senegal international had been a key player for the Toffees in recent years and his form earned him a £30m move to PSG, leaving a big gap in the Everton midfield.

There are not many players at the highest level who are capable of fulfilling the role Gueye did to such a high level, and his consistency makes him quite unique as a result.

He provided so much energy in the middle of the pitch but since coming into the team it appears that Delph will make up for what was lost, and perhaps provide that bit extra that Everton are looking for.

Whilst the England international may not be able to match the 75 interceptions Gueye made in the Premier League last term, he does provide greater quality on the ball and should be able to perform as an effective box-to-box player for Marco Silva.

Although it falls some way below Gueye’s average of 2.2, Delph’s rate of one interception per game suggests he is able to read danger, and his average of 4.5 tackles proves he can prevent such threat and transition into a break for his team, with an ability to run with the ball also.

That ability on the ball is a key factor of Delph’s all-round game, one area of his play which places him above Gueye.

The PSG man had a pass accuracy of 84% last term which matches that of Delph this season, but he averaged ten passes less per game, and that indicates that Everton now possess two ball-playing midfielders in the middle of the pitch, with Andre Gomes or Morgan Schneiderlin acting as Delph’s partner.

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The England international also provides leadership to Everton, which is otherwise sorely lacking. His attempt to galvanise his team against Bournemouth is exactly what they need to get their season going, and considering he was brought in for £10m, his addition can be regarded as a very good piece of business.

There are still concerns over his fitness. He has already missed three league games and his predecessor only missed a total of five last season, with such reliability making him central to Silva’s plans.

Despite that, the 29-year-old hasn’t taken long to show what he is all about, and if he can make improvements in running with the ball and cutting out passes, then the impact of Gueye’s absence will be negligible.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s In The Pipeline series, which takes a look at some of the most promising young talent either linked with clubs or emerging from their academies…

New Liverpool signing Sepp van den Berg has settled into the club well and is showing signs of the promise he offers as a young centre-back.

The 17-year-old arrived on Merseyside this summer after the Reds agreed an initial fee of £1.3m with PEC Zwolle, having come through their academy.

Despite his youth, he featured 15 times in the Eredivisie last season, helping his side keep five clean sheets, but he hasn’t been as fortunate with the Reds yet, conceding 12 goals in four games.

Nevertheless, Liverpool U23s manager Neil Critchley is impressed with what he has seen, describing him as a calming influence on the team, and such a temperament could serve him well if he is to transition into the first-team – where composure under pressure is part of Jurgen Klopp’s style.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Critchley said:

“He has an assurance about his play and gives off an air of calmness at the back. What he has to do now, which is the same for a lot of the young players, is show real resilience and character.”

As well as that, he also possesses good stature standing at 6 foot 2, and if he can add to his physical game and improve on the 62% of duels he won last season then he could work his way into senior contention.

His inclusion in Liverpool’s Champions League squad should be a great learning experience for him. Training alongside the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip will be a big learning curve but he will be able to pick up tips to make him a better defender.

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Whilst he has a lot to improve on, mainly in terms of giving the ball away – with an average 5.4 losses per game in his own half last term – Klopp is already impressed by what he has seen, and told The Liverpool Echo that he is glad the Dutchman joined.

“With Sepp, he’s just an outstanding talent. He’s a wonderful boy and he decided to join us, which is good.

“It’s a not a long-term project where the boy has to think he has to wait five years to play for us, but it’s not for this moment.”

The German’s comments suggest the centre-back is not too far off becoming integrated into the first-team, and if he can build a solid partnership with compatriot Ki-Jana Hoever the pair could have a successful future at the club, with Hoever having already made his debut.

Leeds United managed to secure a vital three points earlier on today at Elland Road, which helped keep the pressure on the likes of Sheffield United and Norwich City. 

The Whites are certainly heading in the right direction at this moment in time but they must ensure consistency from here on in, with dropped points possibly damaging their automatic promotion chances.

One thing that has been a worry for some supporters in recent times is Kemar Roofe’s future, as according to The Chronicle, Newcastle United are continuously monitoring the Englishman.

Indeed, it would make perfect sense for Leeds to pack the forward’s bags and send him on his way to St James’ Park if they come calling in the summer transfer window, as he just hasn’t been able to ensure consistency in front of goal in recent times and he could attract quite a hefty fee, which could be used to strengthen in many areas.

Interestingly, the Whites should look to renew their interest in Algerian international Baghdad Bounedjah, who was reportedly (as per Le Buteur) on Leeds’ radar back in the summer transfer window.

Bounedjah is a forward who plays his football for Al-Sadd and it’s safe to say that he’s been simply sensational in the current campaign, having produced an incredible 31 goals in just 17 games in the Qatar Stars League. And, he has been impressive on the international stage with Algeria as he’s scored eight goals in 20 appearances.

He is a tall and physical forward who is aerially dominant and bullies defenders in the opposition’s box. Bounedjah is as well-rounded as strikers get with the ability to pick the final pass and an incredible eye for goal, so he would bring a different dimension to Leeds United’s play in the final third.

What do you think Leeds United fans?

Rangers legend Ian Durrant has claimed that Rangers have completed a shrewd bit of business by signing Ryan Kent for £7m and that they could make a profit when he moves on according to The Evening Times – via Football Daft Podcast.

What did he say?

Ryan Kent’s signature was secured on the last day of the transfer window for £7.5m and became Rangers second highest transfer behind the £12m paid for Tore Andre Flo. It was a transfer saga that endured the summer with Steven Gerrard making it clear from an early stage that Kent was a target and that he wanted him to return to the ibrox club.

Initially Kent’s move looked to be over as Jurgen Klopp vetoed any more loan moves and it looked as though Rangers had been priced out of a permanent move with some reports suggesting Liverpool were wanting between £8-10m.

Rangers finally got their man though and it has delighted fan’s favourite Durrant and when he was asked if his boyhood club had delivered a good value deal, he replied:

“You’re getting a young kid who’s come from a great background at Liverpool, great upbringing who just wants to play football now. He’s been part of Liverpool’s squad in pre-season but he’s wanting to come up and he’s struck up a great relationship with Steven Gerrard who I think had him in the youths.

“He wants to play for Rangers, he had opportunities to go to Leeds, Brugge. His main aim was to go play for Rangers and Steven Gerrard who has a big pull to bring players in. Rangers and Celtic are now selling clubs and if there’s an opportunity comes up players will be sold for top dollar.”

So is Durrant right?

Originally Liverpool were looking for more than the £7m figure that has been quoted in the press. There is a premium on young English talent and money is no object in both the Premier League and Championship.

Last year was Kent’s break through season and he demonstrated in the two Old Firms fixtures at Ibrox just how good a player he has the potential to be – but for a late card ruining his copy book – his performance in the final Old Firm game at Parkhead was also a stand out. Two goals and an assist in four games against Celtic highlights his ability to handle the big occasion.

Ironically it has been a piece of Celtic transfer business that could benefit Rangers in the long run. The £25m singing of Kieran Tierney by Arsenal has inflated the value of the Scottish league’s top talent and Kent was rated Young Player of the Year by both his peers and the Writers Association.

Even if he has a similar season, Kent would be able to command a fee over what Rangers have paid for him and if he was to improve then his price tag rises. As Durrant claimed, Kent wanted the move to Rangers and perhaps managed to get him cheaper as a result. With Alfredo Morelos rated by Rangers in the same bracket as Moussa Dembele who went for £19.7m, Durrant is correct to think that Rangers have picked up a steal given Kent’s importance in key fixtures and to Rangers.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United’s pursuit of Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata…

What’s the talk?

According to The Mirror, via TEAMtalk, the Magpies are pushing to complete a deal to sign the attacker on loan with an obligation to land him permanently in the summer.

The report claims that the player is keen on a move to St. James’ Park, with the Serie A side wanting a £34m transfer fee and £8m to allow the initial loan.

New Demba Ba

Eddie Howe must ensure that the club are able to get this transfer over the line as the powerhouse could be a sensational signing for the side.

The Magpies could find Demba Ba 2.0 in a swoop for the striker, as he is a proven number nine who can be a talismanic figure for Howe.

Ba, who also played for Chelsea, scored ten headers, two free-kicks, three penalties, 27 goals with his right foot and six with his left foot during his Premier League career.

This shows that he was capable of scoring a variety of goals and was not a one-dimensional attacker for Newcastle, which is something that Zapata could replicate on Tyneside.

Throughout his career to date, the Colombian has scored 35 headers, 52 goals with his right foot and 16 with his left foot. In total, he has scored an impressive 78 strikes and provided 38 assists in 152 games for Atalanta.

This suggests that he could offer a similar level of quality to Ba in terms of his all-around play as a centre-forward at the top level, which is why he could be a fantastic addition to Howe’s squad.

His ex-teammate Papu Gomez once lauded his physical attributes, saying: “Zapata’s shorts look like underwear, he is so big. Sometimes I don’t even want to get close to him in a match because he’s a beast and it hurts. When he is feeling good he’s like a train – you throw the ball forward and ‘ciao!’”

This means that, much like Ba did, he could have the strength and running power to succeed at Premier League level. These comments indicate that he will not be caught out by the physical requirements of the division and that could allow him to thrive in England.

Hopefully, the club will be able to iron out a deal with Atalanta to bring him on an initial loan, as it would mean that they can send him straight back to Italy if they are relegated.

Carrying his wages at Championship level could be a burden, which is why this move could be ideal for the Magpies if they are able to get it over the line.

AND in other news, Howe plotting late NUFC swoop for “outstanding” £61k-p/w beast, fans will be amazed…

Celtic correspondent Kieran Devlin dropped some inside information on January signing Reo Hatate following his starring display in the Glasgow Derby on Wednesday.

The Lowdown: Hatate at the double

Hatate, who cost the Hoops just £1.38m last month, netted twice and provided an assist for Liel Abada as Ange Postecoglou’s side blew Rangers away in the opening 45 minutes.

The 24-year-old also contributed defensively in a three-man midfield, winning four duels and making two tackles during his 73-minute display, ending with a SofaScore match rating of 8.8/10.

Hatate, who can also play on the left, now has four goal contributions in as many games in green and white, and Devlin shared some information from the Hoops dressing room regarding the Japanese star.

The Latest: Devlin’s claim

Devlin shared a story on The Athletic the morning after the Glasgow Derby win and touched on Hatate.

He relayed comments from Postecoglou, who believes ‘he will improve’, with Devlin adding:

“Despite his late arrival, sources close to the first team say his transition has been smooth and his understanding of what Postecoglou wants from his No 8s is “scarily” instinctive.”

The Verdict: Scary indeed

Hatate has taken to Postecoglou’s system with ease and along with another winter addition, Matt O’Riley, have been the club’s best performers, as per WhoScored.

The crazy part is Hatate isn’t thought to be up to speed in terms of completing 90 minutes, which explains why he has been replaced in three of his four Celtic appearances.

When he is at full fitness, we could see even more from the versatile star, which explains Devlin’s ‘scary’ claim.

In other news: BBC Radio 5 Live man: Ange could now banish 3 Celtic players to train with kids after derby win. 

Aston Villa have turned their sights towards signing Robin Olsen after suffering a transfer blow over Darren Randolph…

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days had suggested Steven Gerrard’s side were keen on landing the Republic of Ireland international, with an enquiry having already been made for the West Ham goalkeeper.

But now, according to journalist Alex Crook, Villa have failed in their pursuit of the Hammers man, and have instead lined up a swoop for Sheffield United loanee Olsen.

Writing on Twitter, he said: “#AVFCnow turning their attentions to Robin Olsen after failing to land Darren Randolph.”

Villa making moves

On loan from AS Roma, Olsen has played 11 times in the Championship this season for the Blades, but has fallen out of contention in recent weeks and months after being a virtual ever-present for the opening of the campaign.

With 53 caps for Sweden, the 32-year-old is a highly-experienced campaigner who of course has had previous experience of playing in the top-flight.

Indeed, the 6 foot 5 shot-stopper was impressive over his seven Premier League appearances while on loan at Everton last year, helping to keep two clean sheets, conceding an average of just 1.3 goals and also making three saves per game too.

While the signing of Olsen himself is hardly like to set hearts aflutter in Villa fans – especially when you consider they have just signed Philippe Coutinho in recent days – it should still be a move that has supporters very much impressed though.

Gerrard’s side have been quick and decisive in this transfer window, taking advantage of every opportunity that has arisen and come their way.

Whether it was snapping up Coutinho on loan and Gerrard using his pull and previous links to the Brazilian, or swooping in ahead of the likes of Chelsea to land Digne, Villa have been very fast to act.

Now, Crook’s update that after hitting a roadblock in trying to sign Randolph, they have already lined up an alternative target in Olsen suggests a highly thought-out planning structure that bodes well for their future recruitment.

Meanwhile, this Aston Villa target is now set to join their Premier League rivals…