Sunderland are plugging along in the Championship and new manager Michael Beale has managed to guide the side back into the playoff spots. However, the Black Cats are clinging on by just a point.
The same issue continues to crop up under Beale as it did during Tony Mowbray's tenure concerning the Wearside club's struggles in front of goal. Sunderland are inside the bottom half of the table regarding goals scored in the league this season.
Nevertheless, with the January transfer window open, Beale could dip into the market to add much-needed quality to his attacking department.
Sunderland transfer news – Jay Stansfield
Over the past few days, Sunderland have been linked with a move for Bournemouth centre-forward Kieffer Moore, with The Sun revealing that the Black Cats currently lead a race with several other Championship clubs for the Wales international.
A couple of days before the winter window commenced, it was reported that Sunderland were keen to bring Fulham centre-forward Jay Stansfield to the Stadium of Light to be Beale's first-choice striker for the remainder of the campaign, ending his loan spell with Birmingham City.
However, it had been widely claimed that Ipswich Town were set to come out on top in the pursuit of the 21-year-old's signature. Nevertheless, no move has come to fruition yet with the Tractor Boys, meaning Sunderland still have a chance of capturing the young striker.
Said to be on just £10k-per-week on his current deal, Stansfield could be a very affordable option on loan until the end of the season.
Jay Stansfield's stats this season
Right now, Sunderland need a centre-forward with experience in the Championship and one who can score goals at this level. Stansfield ticks both of these boxes. Amid Birmingham's woes on the pitch, particularly during Wayne Rooney's tenure at St. Andrew's, the former Exeter City loanee has found the net seven times and recorded two assists in 23 appearances in England's second-tier.
The number nine position has been the weakest part of Sunderland's team this season. The ex-Premier League outfit currently have five different frontmen on the books this campaign; Nazariy Rusyn, Mason Burstow, Eliezer Mayenda, Hemir Semedo and Jewison Bennette. Between them, they have scored one goal which came from Rusyn in a 2-0 win over Preston North End on New Year's Day.
Jack Clarke has been the club's talisman this season, having bagged 12 goals in 26 matches and is directly responsible for 33.3% of Sunderland's league goals. Beale needs to add quality up top to ease the goalscoring burden off Clarke.
While Moore has been a prolific goalscorer in the Championship in the past, having found the net 47 times in 155 matches in the second tier, he is now on the wrong side of 30 and boasts worse stats than Stansfield this season.
Goals
7
2
Expected Goals
4.9
1.1
Assists
2
0
Progressive Carries Per 90
2.67
0.91
Shots
54
10
Shots On Target
17
4
Goals Per Shot
0.13
0.2
Key Passes
24
1
Stats via FBref
Stansfield is younger, hungrier and looks like a natural finisher already, with Fulham boss Marco Silva even claiming that the forward "can score easily" which has been backed up by his seven goals already this term.
To keep in line with the club's recruitment strategy in recent years of signing young players, the Black Cats should throw the kitchen sink at Fulham to take Stansfield on loan for the rest of the campaign.
Pep Guardiola heaped praise on Erik ten Hag as he urged Manchester United to take a call on the Dutch manager's future.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Guardiola praised Ten Hag Man Utd beat Man City to win FA Cup finalDutch manager's future remains uncertain WHAT HAPPENED?
Erik ten Hag won his second trophy as United manager as his side beat rivals Manchester City 2-1 in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday. Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo were on target for the Red Devils while Jeremy Doku scored the consolation goal for the newly crowned Premier League champions.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
After losing the final, City boss Pep Guardiola lavished praise on his Red Devils counterpart as he described the Dutchman as an 'extraordinary manager.' He also urged the club to decide on Ten Hag's future, which continues to remain uncertain.
WHAT PEP GUARDIOLA SAID
Speaking to reporters after the game, Guardiola said, "They have to take a decision. He's a lovely person and an extraordinary manager. Winning the FA Cup is important for them like last season it was for us."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?
Despite guiding them to FA Cup glory, the club might consider parting ways with the former Ajax head coach as they have reportedly identified Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna as the 54-year-old's successor.
Sky Sports made one of the most exciting moves in the transfer window as they brought in Peter Drury to replace Martin Tyler as the voice of their Premier League coverage. The commentator has built a reputation as the top wordsmith in the profession over his 30+ year career, after all.
Of course, the majority of that reputation, at least in recent times, has been built away from England.
After 15 years of making his name at ITV, Drury has primarily provided coverage of the world's biggest games for TV networks in America, working at both CBS Sports and NBC Sports.
Football FanCast has taken a look at Peter Drury's top commentary moments from his fantastic career:
10
Cristiano Ronaldo returns to Man United
11th September 2021, Manchester United 4-1 Newcastle United
Cristiano Ronaldo's reappearance in red at Old Trafford was a massive moment in what now seems like a long, long, long time ago. In reality, it was 2021. Didn't things fall apart quickly?
It really felt like an enormous moment for Manchester United when they re-signed the superstar from Juventus. Here was an all-time great returning to the club where he truly took off in an effort to sign off on one of the most incredible club careers the sport has ever seen.
With the Portugal star's time in Turin fizzling out, an extraordinary return to the place he made his name became reality when he made a second United debut against Newcastle United in September 2021.
And in true Ronaldo style, he grabbed all the headlines, not only through his mere appearance, but through a match-defining double that spurred the Red Devils to victory.
Drury attempted to capture the feelings as Ronaldo made that return, doing so in his usual poetic style:
"18 years since that trembling teenager of touch and tease first tip-toed onto this storied stage. Now in his immaculate maturity, CR7 re-United.
"Guess who's there? Close your eyes and he never went away! Cristiano Ronaldo has stolen back the show!
"The Theatre lives its Dream! Its fantasy hero retreads the boards! A phenomenon! Hello again, Stretford End: here I am!"
You can catch his introduction here.
Ronaldo's second spell at United, in statistics:
Appearances
Goals
Assists
55
27
5
9
Vincent Kompany's bolt from the blue
6th May 2019, Manchester City 1-0 Leicester City
In a titanic tussle for the title back in 2019, Manchester City knew only perfection would stop Liverpool claiming a first league title in nearly 30 years.
The Citizens, reigning champions at the time after amassing triple figures in terms of points, eventually went within touching distance of repeating that feat 12 months later, with their 98-point haul pipping the Reds to the post.
Therefore, every point mattered. And in early May, a stubborn Leicester City side were proving difficult to break down, with City requiring a victory to ensure they went into the final day in control of their destiny.
City skipper Vincent Kompany – not exactly famed for his long-range shooting – took efforts into his own hands by unleashing a rasping 25-yard strike that ultimately led to Pep Guardiola’s side sealing a domestic treble.
And in typical fashion, Drury was on hand to narrate the dramatic moment a nervy Etihad Stadium was sent into raptures by the Belgian’s wondergoal:
“Kompany… had a look, had a hit… ohhh! Captain fantastic! A wild celebration for a goal from his wildest dreams!
“A fantasy goal for City’s fantasy footballer! A goal fit for a champion of all time!
“He merely gives thanks. Around him, tens of thousands in blue give thanks for Manchester City’s man of men!”
Kompany's honours:
Trophy
Year
Belgian Pro League
2004, 2006
FA Cup
2011, 2019
Premier League
2012, 2014, 2018, 2019
Community Shield
2013, 2019
League Cup
2014, 2016, 2018, 2019
8
Thierry Henry stuns the Bernabeu
21st February 2006, Real Madrid 0-1 Arsenal
Thierry Henry
We're going all the way back to 2006 for this one as Arsenal attempted to ascend to the top of European football for the first time. They'd come awfully close, too, falling in the final to Barcelona after a heartbreaking defeat in Paris.
Indeed, Arsenal would go on to dispatch fellow European heavyweights Juventus and a talented Villarreal outfit on their way to a first-ever Champions League final.
However, the highlight of their run was surely the Gunners' victory over a star-studded Real Madrid in the first knockout round.
The Gunners would take the tie 1-0 on aggregate, with the crucial goal coming in Madrid courtesy of Thierry Henry.
A tense goalless draw at Highbury followed in what was Real Madrid’s one and only visit to the famous old ground, with Jens Lehmann’s heroics key to maintaining the north Londoners’ slender advantage.
And looking back to that decisive moment in the first leg, it was a stunning display of brilliance from Henry as he showed strength and poise to tie Real's defence in knots. Drury delivered worthy commentary to sum it all up:
“Here's Henry getting clear, it's Thierry Henry… he's scored! He's scored for Arsenal in the Bernabeu! No more, no less than they merit! Arsenal have been the thrusting force of this tie! Thierry Henry, the Gunner Galactico, it is Real Madrid nil, Arsenal one!”
Perfect.
Thierry Henry's Arsenal career in statistics:
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Trophies
377
228
103
7
7
Sergio Agüero's title-winner
13th May 2012, Manchester City 3-2 Queens Park Rangers
The final day of the 2011/12 season saw the Citizens in need of a victory against relegation-threatened QPR to secure their first-ever Premier League title.
Though, the script was ripped into shreds when Jamie Mackie put the visitors 2-1 up in the second half, sinking Roberto Mancini's side to second, behind bitter rivals Manchester United.
Edin Dzeko levelled in the 92nd minute and provided the hosts with a lifeline but still a mountain to climb as the pulsating encounter edged closer to the full-time whistle.
But, of course, Sergio Agüero stepped up in the fifth minute of stoppage, lashing home the title-winner to send the Etihad Stadium into bedlem.
Read more: 10 most famous Manchester City players in history
Martin Tyler's commentary of the moment perhaps stole much of Drury's limelight, but nonetheless, the football poet produced a memorable sequence.
“Drama of the ultimate type! Tears of distress turn to tears of unbridled joy! It just does not get better than this. It will never get better than this in blue.
“The blue moon has risen. Just like a dream in their hearts. Where does football go from here?”
Agüero's 2011/12 season, in numbers:
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Trophies
48
30
12
1
6
Scott McTominay's derby-day goal
8th March 2020, Manchester United 2-0 Manchester City
Manchester United welcomed their noisy neighbours Manchester City, who were the reigning Premier League champions having amassed a remarkable 99 points the season prior.
Though, at the time the Citizens were some way off the summit of the table, as Liverpool raced away 25 points clear in the lead. Even still, City were 15 points ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjær's side, so heading into the derby, they were certainly the favoured outfit.
But in the 30th minute, Ederson allowed Anthony Martial's shot to squirm underneath his hands, putting the hosts ahead before Scott McTominay netted a 40-yard wondergoal in stoppage time to make sure of the three points.
Here's how Drury painted the picture:
"A red-Letter day, Scott McTominay, Ederson stay to hide, it's Solskjær's day to look to paradise and say ‘I've done a double over the neighbours.’"
McTominay's United career so far, in numbers:
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Trophies
218
22
5
1
5
Liverpool utopia
5th March 2023, Liverpool 7-0 Manchester United
The Reds did indeed defeat their bitter rivals 7-0, that did happen, it wasn't a dream. Perhaps even more remarkably, they only led 1-0 at half-time.
United's second-half capitulation saw Liverpool relentlessly punish error after error, netting six times, with Cody Gakpo, Darwin Núñez and Mohamed Salah all scoring a brace.
Roberto Firmino added the seventh with two minutes of normal time remaining before Drury perfectly captured the unprecedented scenes:
“A story at Anfield of restored faith. Of restored verve. Restored appetite. That is Liverpool as you remember them and that is Manchester United as they’d rather forget.”
Five of Liverpool's biggest Premier League wins over Manchester United:
Scoreline
Date
Manchester United 0-3 Liverpool
16th March 2014
Manchester United 1-4 Liverpool
14th March 2009
Liverpool 4-0 Manchester United
19th April 2022
Manchester United 0-5 Liverpool
24th October 2021
Liverpool 7-0 Manchester United
5th March 2023
4
Saka's poise
9th October 2022, Arsenal 3-2 Liverpool
Bukayo Saka's 76th-minute penalty settled the pulsating affair, as the Gunners defeated Liverpool 3-2 and regained their spot at the top of the league table.
As Saka stepped up to take the spot kick, much of the focus was centralised around his miss in the EURO 2020 final shootout against Italy and whether he could bury those demons, here.
Drury built up the occasion fabulously, commending his bravery and the Gunners golden boy proceeded to confidently stroke the ball home before wheeling away in elation.
Here's how Dury narrated the pressure penalty:
"Now this is one brave boy. Bukayo Saka. Because this is one pressure penalty. He has experienced pressure from the spot like few others.
"He has suffered for that pressure, but now the Emirates braces itself for perhaps a pivotal kick of the football.
“These are broad shoulders. This is courage. A sporting moment in time. Bukayo Saka. Such poise! Such noise!”
Saka's 2022/23 season, in numbers:
Appearances
Goals
Assists
48
15
11
3
Wayne Rooney's moment of magic
12th February 2011, Manchester United 2-1 Manchester City
Wayne Rooney produced some incredible moments throughout his glittering career, but one does manage to stand out amongst them all.
He may have announced himself with his long-range rocket against Arsenal as an Everton teenager back in 2002, while his thunderbolt volley against Newcastle nearly three years later still lives long in the memory.
His later career had some fine strikes, too – a superb strike from just inside the West Ham United half showed his undying class, while he repeated the trick of sorts against the Hammers by drilling in a superb 59-yarder during his second Everton spell.
However, that bicycle kick during the Manchester derby in February 2011 is an all-time Premier League moment – even if he quite clearly shinned it.
Read more: Ranking the 10 best goals not to win the Puskas Award
It was an extraordinary hit late on in a clash that secured a massive result in the title race – one that United would go on to win.
With Nani’s opener cancelled out by Edin Dzeko’s deflected effort, it was up to Rooney to settle things, and his goal for the ages ensured United maintained their four-point lead at the top with 12 games to play.
And as special as the strike was, Drury's commentary for the strike was nearly as good, too, as he tried to capture the magnitude:
"Rooney! Oh, wonderful! What a goal! And what a time, in what a place! What a player! Wayne Rooney, out of this world! 2-1 United!"
Wayne Rooney's career statistics:
Team
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Trophies
England
120
53
21
0
Manchester United
559
253
145
17
Everton
117
28
8
0
D.C. United
52
25
14
0
Derby County
35
7
3
0
2
History for South Africa
11th June 2010, South Africa 1-1 Mexico
The 2010 World Cup might primarily be remembered for a very dull brand of football played to the sound of bored bees, but the opener delivered a truly historic moment.
South Africa, after all, were the first African nation to ever host the tournament as they kicked it off against Mexico in June 2010.
They have not featured on the global stage since their home World Cup, but there were certainly moments to savour.
Alongside the weight of being the continent’s first World Cup hosts, they also beat an albeit out-of-sorts France as the former world champions completely crumbled, even finishing below their unfancied opponents in the group.
Bafana Bafana were also unfortunate to exit the tournament by virtue of goal difference.
Nevertheless, they will always have one of the tournament’s most iconic strikes to their name, and despite not holding on for victory on opening night, their opener was undoubtedly one of the goals of the finals.
You can't really overstate how enormous that was for the continent, let alone the country. So when Siphiwe Tshabalala put the hosts ahead with the tournament’s first goal, emotion completely took over the game.
Drury did his best to capture that on commentary, with a call that summed up just how special the moment was. He even later proclaimed the match to be his favourite of his career:
"It's Tshabalala… Goal Bafana Bafana! Goal for South Africa! Goal for all Africa! Jambulila, rejoice! Bafana Bafana have popped the first cork of their day of days!"
2010 World Cup Group A table:
#
Team
P
W
D
L
GF
GA
GD
Points
1
Uruguay
3
2
1
0
4
0
4
7
2
Mexico
3
1
1
1
3
2
1
4
3
South Africa
3
1
1
1
3
5
-2
4
4
France
3
0
1
2
1
4
-3
1
1
The Greek God in Rome
10th April 2018, Roma 3-0 Barcelona
No matter what your opinion is of Drury's commentary, there's no question that his call of Kostas Manolas' goal against Barcelona in 2018 was a turning point in the commentator's career.
His description of one of the Champions League's most incredible moments of recent years catapulted him into the minds of football fans across the world.
Of course, the conditions were perfect. Barcelona had beaten Roma 3-1 in Catalonia and looked certain to progress. The Italians had other ideas, however, and produced a sensational comeback to win 3-0 at home.
Edin Dzeko opened the scoring early on at the Stadio Olimpico, before a Daniele De Rossi penalty just before the hour mark had Roma threatening to complete an improbable comeback, as an away-goals victory was suddenly within their grasp.
And Greek centre-back Manolas struck from a corner with around 10 minutes remaining to send his side through to the semi-finals at Lionel Messi and co.’s expense.
Drury practically stole the limelight for himself, however, such was his description of the events:
"Roma have risen from their ruins! Manolas, the Greek God in Rome! The unthinkable unfolds before our eyes!
"This was not meant to happen, this could not happen – this is happening!"
The commentary went viral and Drury has been in demand ever since.
Aston Villa are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign defender Kosta Nedeljkovic from Serbian side Red Star Belgrade and loan him back to the club for the remainder of the season.
He is only 18 and is clearly a signing for the future but this appears to be what Unai Emery is building at the club, a team which could be a consistent force in the Premier League while challenging for trophies.
It is working wonders so far this season, with summer signings Pau Torres and Moussa Diaby contributing alongside current players Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey to power the Midlands club to the heady heights of third in the table, along with progress in Europe and in the FA Cup.
Unai Emery
Could Emery perhaps make more signings during the current January transfer window? Reportedly, he is keen on a reunion with a player he used to manage during his spell as Arsenal manager.
Aston Villa’s search for another signing
Emery is currently looking to sign Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal this month and the Spaniard knows the Englishman well, having managed the club between 2018 and 2019.
Previous Villa managers have also wanted to sign the talented midfielder too, as Dean Smith reportedly made an offer of £25m in 2021 to bring him to the Midlands, yet this was turned down.
Recent reports state that the north Londoners are now willing to sell Smith Rowe to Villa and could this month finally be the time they secure his services?
Jhon Duran
2023
Alex Moreno
2023
Lucas Digne
2022
Calum Chambers
2022
Philippe Coutinho
2022
talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook spoke to GIVEMESPORT regarding Villa’s interest in the 23-year-old recently, saying:
"I'm keen to see what they [Arsenal] do with Smith Rowe because I think Aston Villa’s interest is still there. We know that Arsenal like Douglas Luiz, but Villa aren’t going to let him go at this moment in time because they’re competing for the top four themselves.”
Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith-Rowe.
A move north could reinvigorate his career, which appears to be stagnating under Mikel Arteta, and he could even emerge as another Jack Grealish figure for the club as they aim to end their 28-year trophy drought.
How Emile Smith Rowe compares to Jack Grealish
When Villa made their offer for Smith Rowe in 2021, it was actually so they could replace the current Manchester City sensation, who left Villa that summer for a staggering transfer fee in the region of £100m.
2014/15
24
3
1
2015/16
21
1
1
2016/17
33
5
5
2017/18
31
3
6
2018/19
35
6
8
2019/20
41
10
8
2020/21
27
7
12
The duo not only sport the same look on the pitch – both preferring the short socks look – but they also regularly drift past opponents with their impressive dribbling style and this is something Emery needs in his current side.
According to WhoScored, the current Arsenal gem excels at finishing and holding onto the ball, while Grealish also counts holding onto the ball as one of his key strengths, yet his development has allowed him to further excel courtesy of through balls and key passes.
bryan-gil-jack-grealish-tottenham-opinion
Give Smith Rowe time and the chance to perform at a consistent level, however, and he could shortly be alongside Grealish.
Both players possess a clear attacking threat in front of goal. Smith Howe has registered 35 goal contributions in 130 senior matches, while the City gem has played more matches – 364 games – and has scored 51 goals along with grabbing 67 assists in what has been an excellent career thus far.
Emery could give the 23-year-old his confidence back and adding a player of his talent to his squad could be a no-brainer this month. There is no doubt about it.
Emile Smith Rowe’s season in numbers
During his senior career, Smith Rowe has already missed a total of 77 matches due to a succession of injuries and this season, he has been disrupted by a knee issue which has seen him miss nine games.
This has meant the player has played only 12 times during 2023/24, registering one assist, and it is clear he isn’t able to force his way into Arteta’s starting XI often enough.
Indeed, of these 12 games, only two have been starts, and he proved he is more effective being unleashed from the first whistle, as his only assist came during his only Premier League start.
Emile Smith Rowe for England U21s.
He has succeeded with 100% of his dribble attempts in the top flight during his brief spell on the pitch this term, along with winning an impressive 75% of his aerial duels. But the truth is, he hasn’t been given enough time to showcase his talents this season.
The £40k-per-week starlet needs a fresh move to live up to his vast promise and a reunion with Emery could be the ideal move.
Journalist Mark Mann-Bryans hailed the youngster as a potential “game-changer” two years ago when it looked as though he could follow Bukayo Saka from the Hale End academy into being a standout for the first team.
Unfortunately, it hasn’t quite worked out that way for the Englishman as injuries have begun to take their toll, and he could slip into the wilderness unless he makes a move away from the Emirates.
Villa are relying far too much on Ollie Watkins for goals, as the striker is currently sitting on 14 goals for the current season – five clear of anyone else – but if he gets injured, then they could be in trouble.
Smith Rowe could operate in a few different positions, yet playing just behind the striker appears to be his favoured role and the one where he can make the most difference. Also capable of playing from the left, it's clear to see why we're making such a comparison to the aforementioned Grealish.
If Emery is looking to finally deliver a major trophy to the Villa supporters after a near three-decade wait, adding some depth to his squad this month could be vital.
He still has a couple of weeks to bring in some more players, and if he does manage to sign the Arsenal outcast this month, it could potentially bring out the best in the midfielder who is in need of regular minutes.
Sitting six points clear of the relegation zone as we approach the halfway mark in the Premier League, Crystal Palace's status in the top flight is on course to remain intact for another season. As the campaign progresses, however, those at Selhurst Park will be hoping to see their side not only stay up but add some excitement to things under Roy Hodgson. And the January transfer window could help do exactly that.
Reports suggest that the Eagles are leading the way ahead of Premier League rivals to land one particular talent, who could help Hodgson's side take a crucial step towards the Premier League's top half.
Crystal Palace transfer news
Speaking on the potential of January arrivals, Hodgson told the official Crystal Palace website:
“In the situation, we find ourselves in, in the wrong end of the table – we’re not in the top half, we are that in that bottom half of the table – I don’t think there’d be many teams who are not looking at the January transfer window and saying it would be good if we could bring in a couple of players who will strengthen us, either as a player to go directly in the team or as a player to help us in the squad.
“We’re in that group, but it is easier said than done. I think when you are assessing it, one does have to always bear in mind what bringing in a senior player in a certain position will do to one or two of the younger ones that you are actually now quite keen to see given a chance and weigh up how much these people are going to play a part and help you.”
That said, according to TeamTalk, Crystal Palace are leading the race to Fenerbahce right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel ahead of both Championship side Leeds United and Premier League relegation rivals Wolverhampton Wanderers. The full-back, who has impressed Selhurst Park chiefs, left Queens Park Rangers in 2021 and has improved more and more ever since to attract the interest of those in the Premier League. Palace chiefs reportedly hope to get him for a cut-price next year, given that his current contract expires in 2025.
"Outstanding" Osayi-Samuel could be ready for England return
After picking up experience on the European stage and in Turkey's top flight at Fenerbahce, Osayi-Samuel could be more than ready to step into a Premier League side. Osayi-Samuel's stats this season, compared to Nathaniel Clyne's, for example, show the upgrade that Palace could be getting.
Player
Tackles Per Game
Interceptions Per Game
Dribbles Per Game
Goal Involvements
Nathaniel Clyne
1
0.1
0.3
0
Bright Osayi-Samuel
2.1
1
1.4
3
Before Fenerbahce, however, the right-back earned plenty of praise at QPR, including from former manager Mark Warburton, who said:
"Bright came off because we've got to look after the young players. I've never been booed at 6-0 before I've got to say. These demands, you can't be playing 21st, 26th, 29th, 1st, 4th or 5th whatever it might be without injury and fatigue. If you lose those boys for four to six-week injuries, you can't afford to do that. Today he was outstanding and deserved the applause."
Fenerbahce defender Bright Osayi-Samuel.
When the January transfer window opens, Palace could make their move and add a much-needed improvement to a side aiming to move away from the threat of relegation even further, making this one to keep an eye on.
There have been very few positives for Erik ten Hag to focus on this season.
The campaign can be summed up by the fact that Manchester United are currently seventh in the Premier League after 21 dreary games.
Therefore, the boss will be desperate to strengthen his squad after a campaign that has been rather arduous to say the least.
Man Utd’s midfielder search
Man United have been on the lookout for a midfielder recently, and according to The Mirror, they’re interested in signing Joao Neves.
The Benfica star has a £103m release clause in his contract at Benfica, with United set to begin talks with the club soon.
Joao-Neves-Benfica
However, due to the huge fee attached, a move is much more likely to occur in the summer than this month.
How Neves could benefit Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo has burst onto the scene this season, excelling in a poor United midfield. Despite playing just ten matches overall in 2023/24, his quality has even led to Athletic reporter Adam Crafton saying he could make the England squad for this year’s European Championship.
Neves has had a similar path to first-team football as Mainoo, as this season he has become a key player for Benfica. The Portuguese star is only 19 years old himself, but he has played every Liga Portugal match this season.
Although the 18-year-old has been a game-changer for the Red Devils, the entire function of the midfield relies on him, therefore, the potential signing of Neves could allow Mainoo to flourish even further.
Neves' supreme passing statistics (seen below) outline him as the very definition of a controller who takes on heaps of responsibility on the ball. The teenager sets the tempo for his side, but his vision allows him to progress the play with ease, which makes him like Luka Modric, as per Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig.
Joao Neves: Liga Nos 2023/24
Stats (per 90)
Neves
Ranking in Portugal among CMs
Passes completed
69.59
Top 4%
Progressive passes
6.38
Top 16%
Passes into final third
6.38
Top 9%
Touches
92.39
Top 2%
Successful take-ons
1.83
Top 8%
Tackles (Att third)
3.04 (0.80)
Top 6% (Top 1%)
Ball recoveries
0.61
Top 1%
Stats via FBref
Mainoo is also similar to this, as shown by his 86 touches and 90% pass completion against Wigan in the FA Cup. A midfield two of Neves and the United number 37 would retain the ball extremely well while also providing progression and bravery, therefore taking the pressure off the Englishman to do all of the above himself.
The Benfica youth star is press-resistant and has the ability to evade opponents due to his small stature, however, he is also a tenacious tackler who loves to get stuck in. The very fact he ranks within the top 1% of midfield players in Portugal for tackles in the final third says it all. He’s an extremely proactive player who leads the press, and his out-of-possession security would enable Mainoo to showcase his attacking creativity, which he has yet to fully show.
It's clear just how the potential signing of Neves could unlock Mainoo’s full potential. This may well be an extremely exciting young duo stepping foot at Old Trafford soon.
Pep Guardiola has said Manchester City are better than FA Cup final opponents Manchester United, but insists his side's dominance is not boring.
Article continues below
Article continues below
Article continues below
Coach says his side superior to ragged Red Devils
But he believes game will be competitive
City will make more history if they win final
WHAT HAPPENED?
Champions City finished the Premier League season with 31 points more than their local rivals while scoring 39 more goals. They are also unbeaten in any competition since December. Guardiola said they are well used to being the better fancied side.
Advertisement
WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID
"We are used to it. We start the season and in September, October they say we'll win the Champions League and be 25 points in front in the Premier League. Every year. We say okay," Guardiola told a press conference. "They say it's boring. When you win and are one or two points in front it's not boring – 20-30 points in front is boring. People think: What will happen if you are 31 points in front of United? It's a different competition, one game. You can lose a game. We know we can lose a game. In long periods we are better than United, that's obvious, facts. The players know it, feel it. We are ready to play the last game of the season. The FA Cup deserves all our focus."
(C)GettyImages
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Guardiola is targetting an 18th trophy with City and will be playing in his ninth major final with the club, but he insisted he still appreciates these occasions.
"I always have the feeling, when people think differently. Playing the FA Cup final is an exception," he said. "I had the feeling at Spurs away, had to win against Newcastle at home, Fulham, Luton. To arrive here is difficult. I don't take it for granted. I never have the feeling it doesn't matter."
ENJOYED THIS STORY?
Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
DID YOU KNOW?
Saturday will be the first time since 1885 that the same teams will meet in the FA Cup final in consecutive years. Ilkay Gundogan scored the fastest goal in final history when he opened the scoring after 12 seconds and also scored the winner in a 2-1 victory against United at Wembley last year.
كشفت تقارير صحفية أن نجم فريق ليفربول، محمد صلاح، ينال اهتمامًا من قِبل اثنين من الأندية الأوروبية، وسط التكهنات المستمرة بشأن مستقبله مع النادي الإنجليزي.
وسينتهي العقد الحالي للنجم المصري مع ليفربول، في يونيو 2025، أي نهاية هذا الموسم.
واعترف محمد صلاح، قبل أسبوع، بعدم وجود أي مفاوضات بينه وبين إدارة ليفربول بشأن توقيعه على عقد جديد، حتى الآن.
وتسببت تصريحات محمد صلاح في إثارة حالة من القلق لدى جمهور ليفربول بشأن إمكانية رحيله مجانًا، بمجرد انتهاء عقده.
وذكرت صحيفة “ديلي ميل” الإنجليزية، نقلًا عن “آل ناسيونال” الإسبانية، أن محمد صلاح تلقى اهتمامًا من اثنين من أكبر منافسي ليفربول في القارة الأوروبية.
وأوضحت أنه يُعتقد بكون باريس سان جيرمان الفرنسي ويوفنتوس الإيطالي مهتمان باللاعب صاحب الـ32 عامًا.
اقرأ أيضًا | مستغلًا كأس العالم 2026.. فان دايك يُلمح إلى موقفه من تجديد عقده مع ليفربول
وأفادت بأن كلا الناديين استفسرا عن محمد صلاح، في محاولة لإغرائه بالبقاء في القارة، حال رحيله عن صفوف ليفربول.
هذا، ويُقال إن باريس سان جيرمان حريص على تعزيز خط الهجوم القوي المكون من عثمان ديمبيلي وماركو أسينسيو وبرادلي باركولا.
في حين يتطلع يوفنتوس الطموح إلى الاستعانة بخبرة محمد صلاح في تسجيل الأهداف والأداء المميز في المباريات الكبرى.
وترى “ديلي ميل” أن مطاردة محمد صلاح أمرًا لا يحتاج إلى تفكير لأي نادِ أوروبي كبير، نظرًا لإمكانية الحصول على خدمات مراوغ ماهر وهداف حاسم في صفقة مجانية.
ومع ذلك، سيتعين عليهم القتال ضد رغبة محمد صلاح في البقاء في ليفربول، حسبما ذكرت تقارير عديدة الأيام الأخيرة، وعلى رأسها “ليفربول إيكو”.
There were fifties from Fakhar Zaman and Harris Sohail to go with Imad Wasim’s 117 not out as Pakistan notched a 100-run win
ECB Reporters Network27-Apr-2019
Imad Wasim smashed a 73-ball hundred•Getty Images
Allrounder Imad Wasim hit a career-best List A score of 117 not out to help ease Pakistan to a comfortable 100-run win over Kent in their opening tour match in blustery Beckenham.In his 101st List A appearance and facing up to single-digit temperatures, the 30-year-old clattered 13 fours and four sixes at a strike-rate of 150 to see the visitors to a commanding 50-over total of 358 for 7. In reply, a makeshift Kent side stumbled to 258 all out to lose with more than five overs remaining with only Alex Blake and Ollie Robinson offering sustained resistance.Kent lost openers Sean Dickson and Zak Crawley within seven overs, both to Faheem Ashraf. Dickson miscued to mid-on while Crawley edged an expansive drive to the keeper.With nine of his side donning beanie hats to stave off the cold, Yasir Shah, Kent’s overseas professional for 2017, sent down a first-over long-hop that Adam Rouse obliging pulled straight to deep midwicket.Playing on his home-town ground, Blake formed a useful fourth-wicket stand in tandem with Robinson that added 132 in 17 overs. Blake muscled a season’s first 50 off 31 balls with three fours and as many sixes and was only 11 shy of a century and had six sixes when he skied a return catch to Hasan Ali.Robinson followed soon after, caught behind off Hasan for 49, then two more woeful half-trackers from Yasir led to the demise of Shane Snater and James Harris with consecutive deliveries as the Kent tail capitulated.Due to their lengthy injury list Kent had been granted ECB permission to field loan players Harris, the Middlesex seamer, and Essex paceman, Snater. Kent also gave a first-team debut to teenage academy graduate, Jordan Cox.Batting first after winning the toss Pakistan’s opening pair of Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq made up for a five-minute rain delay by cantering to a 50 stand in only 6.4 overs.Imam was gifted a life with his score on 21 when keeper Rouse, Kent’s acting captain, downed a diving, leg-side chance off the bowling of Fred Klaassen as the batsman aimed to glance.At the other end, Fakhar posted a chanceless fifty from 39 balls with six fours and a six but, after another rain interruption, Imam went after edging an attempted cut against Snater to Rouse, stood up to the stumps.Left-arm spinner Imran Qayyum made good use of the wind to strike with only his fifth delivery from the Beckenham End. Drifting the ball in from outside off stump, he bowled Babar Azam off his pads to make it 123 for 2.Qayyum removed Fakhar for 76 when, in attempting a reverse sweep, he was well caught overhead at short third man by Snater, then touring captain Sarfaraz Ahmed departed for 10 when he chipped a dipping delivery into the hands of mid-off.Shoaib Malik followed suit in Qayyum’s next over when the 25-year-old spinner pitched one on middle stump to beat the defensive prod and hit the top of off stump.Haris Sohail and Imad restored Pakistan’s superiority thereafter with a sixth-wicket stand worth 139 in 19 overs. Haris reached his fifty from 51 balls with three fours and a six, while Imad passed the milestone at a run-a-ball with five fours and a six as Qayyum finished with 4 for 45 – his best in List A cricket in England.Kent then gifted Haris a further chance on 72 when Robinson downed a skier at deep cover off Snater, but Haris went three runs later after clipping a drive to long-on.Klaassen got a deserved late scalp having Faheem caught in the deep by Cox off a sliced drive, leaving Imad to plough on to a 73-ball century with 11 fours and three sixes that set the hosts a mammoth pursuit at a run-rate of 7.18 an over – a chase that proved well beyond them
Bangladesh bowling coach Courtney Walsh wants fast bowler Mustafizur Rahman to be given enough time to recover from his ankle injury, and not be used too much during the tri-series in Ireland next month. Walsh suggested that given Mustafizur’s habit of picking up small injuries, he should be geared towards his work for the World Cup, which begins two weeks after the Ireland tour.Speaking after the side’s first training session in Dhaka before leaving for Ireland, Walsh was concerned about the injury worries to some of his pace bowlers. Apart from Mustafizur, Rubel Hossain has a side strain while Mohammad Saifuddin is suffering from a tennis elbow. Even Abu Jayed is said to have picked up a niggle.But it is Mustafizur who has had such an impact in the Bangladesh bowling line-up after the 2015 World Cup and is the biggest concern ahead of the next big event in England.”[Mustafizur] has got a big role to play in the World Cup, once he is fit,” Walsh said. “But I don’t think we rely on any one player. Shakib [Al Hasan], Mash [Mashrafe Mortaza] and Rubel have been consistent. Fizz hasn’t been as sharp since his injury, and he keeps picking up slight niggles. A fully fit Mustafizur can win games for you but we have to have him as fit as possible. We have a bit of time on our side. My concern is that I hope we don’t over-rush him, and probably use him too much in Ireland, and he is not fresh for the World Cup.”Out of the five we have three injured – Fizz, Rubel and Saifuddin, who has the tennis elbow. We need to get them back into bowling, within the right frame of mind, and be sharp enough to do a bit of bowling in Ireland and be ready for the World Cup. We have Taskin Ahmed, Khaled Ahmed and Shafiul Islam as well [for back-up]. You can probably say that we have them just in case we need them.”Walsh said that playing the tournament in England, where the pitches are mostly expected to help the batsmen, will require the pace bowlers to not just have skills, but also know when and where to use them. “It will be a big challenge. The World Cup is going to be long tournament,” Walsh said. “There are going to be some good cricket wickets, which are batting-friendly. We have to be intelligent, and try to execute well.”We have to read the conditions and the surfaces we play. Some places the ball might swing more than others. We have to assess when we get there. Most of the wickets will be docile and flat. We have to work on our variations and execution.”Everybody studies one another these days, so they know our strengths and weaknesses. Likewise, we also know theirs. So it is about execution on the day, and try to be smart.”Walsh said that the progress shown by someone like Saifuddin, whose bowling has evidently improved in recent months, had excited him.”He has come along tremendously. He has bowled very well,” Walsh said. “He is a very excitable allrounder. His form in the domestic tournament has been very good. His confidence is quite good. He is keen to do what he is doing. If we can get him fully fit with the tennis elbow being solved, it will be a big plus for us as well.”