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Birmingham City showed no signs of fatigue or complacency in the FA Cup on Saturday as Chris Davies’ Blues secured a 2-1 win over Lincoln City at a frosty St. Andrew’s.

Away from this cup distraction, Birmingham also sit right at the top of the League One table on a mammoth 53 points, with an instant return to the Championship looking likely at this moment in time.

But, nothing is final until that dream is officially confirmed, with this January transfer window giving Davies an apt opportunity to tweak here and there with his side to add in some top-quality additions to make his high-flying team even more formidable.

The Birmingham boss will just pray this window is as successful as his first one at the helm, with the ex-Tottenham Hotspur figure arriving on the scene keen to build his own promotion-winning team.

Birmingham's best summer business

The popular Blues manager signed off on a bumper 17 new purchases in the summer, with many going on to be rip-roaring successes in their fresh environment.

Jay Stansfield is the obvious success story, with the statement buy going on to score 12 goals in League One action from 17 clashes to date after putting pen to paper on a permanent stay.

Away from the flashier signings in the striker department, Birmingham have also struck gold in terms of some left-field purchases in defence and in the middle of the park, particularly in the capture of Christoph Klarer who was once plying his trade in Germany.

Now, the ex-SV Darmstadt 98 man is a tough, no-nonsense battler on English shores, with a ridiculous 6.7 duels won on average per third-tier contest.

This left-field approach paying off could result in the Blues picking up another gem from Germany very soon, with the player in question giving Davies another option centrally.

Birmingham pursuing deal for £2k-p/w star

As per a report last week by Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Birmingham are looking at clinching a deal for 1. FC Heidenheim star Lennard Maloney this January, with three other Bundesliga clubs also interested.

But, with how seamless Klarer has found adapting to the pressures of the English game, Maloney might well fancy his chances of starring in an unknown location in League One too.

The American has notched up 85 appearances for Heidenheim to date, with one of those appearances seeing him star against Chelsea in the UEFA Conference League in November by successfully winning five duels, albeit losing 2-0.

He could well give Birmingham something different in the middle of the park with Paik Seung-Ho and Tomoki Iwata both similar in terms of their composed nature on the ball, whilst Maloney excels at doing more of the dirty work away from spraying the ball about competently.

As can be seen looking at the table above, it’s clear the former Celtic midfielder is far more comfortable in his duties in helping out with attacks with five goals and one assist tallied up.

On the contrary, the Birmingham target stars more when rolling up his sleeves up and getting stuck in with more tackles and duels won on average this season, with his ability to play in the heart of defence also a major plus point for Davies to consider.

Davies will know he needs a substantial squad in order to get this team over the line in their quest for promotion, and with Maloney only earning £2.3k-per-week at Heidenheim currently, this feels like a shrewd acquisition to make to boost his camp.

Winter transfer window 2025: All the latest deals from England and Scotland

Find out who is on the move this winter with our comprehensive list of done deals from the Premier League, EFL and Scottish Premiership.

By
Stephan Georgiou

Feb 3, 2025

Since Ruben Amorim arrived, he has implemented an entirely new system, playing a 3-4-2-1, using three central defenders, and using wing-backs instead of natural full-backs and wingers.

However, with the current composition of Manchester United’s squad, the Portuguese coach has had to get experimental with his selection, starting more defensive full-back options as wingbacks, or even tasking natural wingers to take the extra defensive responsibility such as Amad Diallo.

But with the transfer window now open, many would expect the Red Devils to acquire a better-suited wingback option for their left side, someone who can fulfil the role to its maximum potential.

Man United keen on signing PSG star

According to reports from Pete Hall for the i paper, Manchester United are interested in PSG star, Nuno Mendes, and the Portuguese defender is also keen on being reunited with Amorim at Manchester United. The reports also suggest talks over a new deal at PSG recently broke down, which could make a deal more feasible.

However, it is likely United will have to make sales in order to bring players through the door, with big names such as Marcus Rashford potential players who could leave in the upcoming transfer window.

The 22-year-old full-back has made 16 appearances for PSG so far this season, scoring two goals, providing two assists and totalling 1,257 minutes played, displaying the attacking output Amorim is after from his wide defenders.

Nuno Mendes vs Diogo Dalot comparison

In the absence of Luke Shaw, Amorim has had few left wing-back solutions, the most common of which has been Diogo Dalot starting on his unnatural side. Another option has been Tyrell Malacia, who returned from a long-term injury which had kept him out for 499 days (missing 70 matches).

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

With the common injuries to Shaw and Malacia, picking up Mendes from PSG, who has been described as “one of, if not, the best LB in the world” by data analyst Ben Mattinson, would see Amorim finally able to fully rely on his left wingback for the output required in all phases of play.

When you compare Mendes with Dalot, you can see the extra attacking quality he could add to the side, whilst not losing the defensive qualities that the latter brings. The PSG star averages more shots per 90, more progressive actions by far (both carries and passes), and averages more shot-creating actions per 90.

Not only are the underlying attacking metrics better, but his output of 0.05 goals per 90 and 0.20 assists per 90 is also better, and this is whilst playing in a back four, with slightly less attacking responsibility than he would have in Amorim’s United system.

Adding a direct wing-back who can provide width, and knows the role Amorim wants from him already, would see the overall quality increase within the system, as many can clearly see currently, the new boss is struggling to get a tune out of certain players in new roles.

He's like Haaland: Man Utd could sign "monster" Rashford & Zirkzee upgrade

Manchester United desperately need reinforcements within the final third in January.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

Jan 1, 2025

Newcastle United are reportedly ready to sign a “ridiculous” £25m international defender during the January transfer window, with his current club already lining up his replacement.

Latest Newcastle news

It has been a solid period in the season for the Magpies, who haven’t been perfect by any means, but have picked up some important results in the Premier League. On Saturday, they strode to a 4-0 win away to Ipswich Town, thanks to the in-form Alexander Isak’s hat-trick, and they now sit eighth in the table after the weekend action.

It is important that reinforcements continue to be added to Eddie Howe’s squad, however, with a lack of investment in the summer causing frustration for both the manager and sporting director Paul Mitchell. Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford continues to be linked with a move to Newcastle in 2025, as they look to nail down a successor to Nick Pope.

The Magpies’ centre-back options feel sparse currently, not least after lengthy injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles, and Barcelona defender Eric Garcia is thought to be a target for Newcastle. He has found it hard to be a key man at the Catalan club this season.

Meanwhile, the Magpies are reportedly in the race to sign Southampton’s highly-rated teenage midfielder Tyler Dibling, who looks like a player with a huge amount of potential. His technical ability has shone throughout the season, despite Saints’ vast struggles in the Premier League.

Newcastle ready to move for £25m centre-back

According to MilanLive [via Sport Witness], Newcastle are ready to move for AC Milan centre-back Fikayo Tomori, with a January move not ruled out. Milan are lining up Lazio’s Mario Gila as a direct replacement for the England international next month and want to raise funds before they complete that move.

The Magpies aren’t the only Premier League club showing an interest, however, with both West Ham and Aston Villa also mentioned in the report. It is thought that £25m could be enough to acquire the services of the England international.

Tomori could be a great signing for Newcastle, while a return to English football may also appeal to him, enhancing his hopes of getting himself back in the England fold more regularly.

At 27, the former Chelsea man could be coming right into his peak years, with Ally McCoist heaping praise on him in the past in a game against Newcastle: “That is a ridiculous tackle incredible. Almiron goes with his left-foot as he thinks it’s a tap-in, if he goes with his right-foot then it’s a goal. Tremendous tackle.”

Tomori possesses Premier League experience, making 17 appearances in the competition, and could represent a cheaper alternative to Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi, who continues to be linked with a move to the Magpies in a deal that could cost around £70m.

Newcastle favourites to sign amazing Murphy rival who's "like Cole Palmer"

Eddie Howe is on the hunt for a brand new Newcastle United attacker.

1 ByKelan Sarson Dec 23, 2024

The fact that Milan potentially have a successor lined up can only bode well for Newcastle, suggesting that a January switch isn’t out of the question.

Kyle Coetzer’s storied time as Scotland captain came to an end on Friday, when the 38-year-old announced that he would be stepping down after his team’s World Cup Super League Division Two game against UAE.Coetzer was in charge of Scotland in 110 of his 214 appearances. He made their first ever-century in the ODI World Cup – 156 against Bangladesh in 2015 – and in 2021, he led them past qualifying and into the main round of the T20 World Cup. The ICC recognised the extensive work he had done on and off the field for Scotland, when they named him the men’s Associate Cricketer of the Decade in 2020. Coetzer also received an MBE for services to cricket in the same year.”It’s been an absolute pleasure to lead this group through various stages in our growth and development and captain my country and I will look back on the time with such fondness,” he said. “I’m extremely proud of where we have got to and I’m even more excited with where this team can go to under its next leader.”It’s been fantastic to see how the players are managing themselves on the field recently and to effectively have more than one leader out there has been a really positive and encouraging sign for me. It was this that made me feel it was the right time to share my decision and step down.”A Cricket Scotland press release said Coetzer’s successor will be appointed before the team’s next series in July, against Namibia and Nepal. The coaches, led by Shane Burger, will decide on who takes up the role in consultation with senior players and the board’s interim Head of Performance, Toby Bailey.”I’m so grateful to have been able to impact this group of players and help Scotland through this phase of cricket that I’ve been involved in,” Coetzer added. “I’ve certainly given it my all and I hope the players and fans also feel it’s been a positive experience. Although part of me is sad to be stepping down, I’m happy with where the team currently sits and I’m full of anticipation about what’s to come next for us all.”My biggest driving force over years has been to help the team have everything they need and lead them in every way I can. Moving forward I have no desire to stop playing and will be giving everything I have to my fellow players and the next captain – going out and scoring as many runs as I possibly can for Scotland remains the focus.”

Arsenal are ready to rival Aston Villa boss Unai Emery for a £33 million striker who’s “in the mould” of Man City legend Sergio Aguero, as reports continue to link Mikel Arteta with a new centre-forward.

Arsenal targeting Kai Havertz alternative with Gabriel Jesus out of form

Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday was much-needed for Arteta after their disappointing draw to Fulham last weekend, but it was yet another evening to forget for striker Gabriel Jesus overall.

Related Arsenal believe £352k-per-week striker is Arteta's "ideal" next signing

The Gunners are convinced he could “raise the team’s level”.

Posts 1 ByEmilio Galantini Dec 11, 2024

The former Man City forward did assist Bukayo Saka with a flash ball across the box for Arsenal’s opening goal of the game last night, but Jesus also missed two gaping one-on-one opportunities in the first half, with Monaco keeper Radoslaw Majecki denying him on both occasions.

Arsenal’s next five Premier League games

Date

Everton (home)

December 14

Crystal Palace (away)

December 21

Ipswich Town (home)

December 27

Brentford (away)

January 1

Brighton (away)

January 4

The Brazilian’s poor form continues, and he is still waiting to add to his tally of just one goal in all competitions so far this season, meaning Arteta is quite reliant on makeshift centre-forward Kai Havertz to deliver on a consistent-enough basis.

This has also led to constant rumours that the club’s interim sporting director Jason Ayto, working in tandem with managing director Richard Garlick, could look at new striker options as early as the January transfer window.

There are suggestions that Arsenal are targeting Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic as one of the few options on their shortlist, with the Serbian enjoying an exceptional campaign in Turin and attracting interest as his contract is set to expire in 2026.

As well as Vlahovic, Arsenal continue to monitor Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig after failing with an offer to bring him to north London in the summer window.

Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres is on Arsenal’s radar as well, following another sensational few months in the Primeira Liga for Coventry City’s ex-star striker, but it appears they also have a fairly new, more astute option financially to consider – in the form of Bologna’s Santiago Castro.

Arsenal "ready to rival" Aston Villa for Santiago Castro

According to CaughtOffside, the young Argentine is attracting admiring glances from within the Emirates Stadium, so much so that Arsenal are “ready to rival” Aston Villa for Castro next year.

The £33 million centre-forward is also garnering interest from the likes of Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Everton, with Serie A champions Inter Milan and Juve also keeping tabs on Castro with a view to potentially moving for him.

The 20-year-old has scored five goals and provided six assists in all competitions this term, with Castro’s most impressive performance this term coming in the Coppa Italia, where his three assists and sole strike helped to knock Monza out with a dominant 4-0 win.

It is worth noting that some media outlets have called Castro a striker “in the mould” of Aguero (Arsenal Insider), and if he’s anything like City’s all-time record goalscorer, the Argentine Under-23 international could prove a snip at £33m.

As Manchester City look to use the January transfer window to reinforce a struggling squad, Juventus chief Cristiano Giantoli reportedly met with the Premier League champions to discuss two players.

Man City transfer news

Six games without victory in all competitions, injuries piling up and fresh from conceding a 3-0 lead and drawing 3-3 against Feyenoord in the Champions League, Manchester City’s blip is quickly turning into a crisis. For the first time in his managerial career, Pep Guardiola looks out of solutions, out of energy and perhaps heading towards the ultimate afternoon to forget against runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday.

Whether the blame lies with injuries, the tactical set-up or individual performances, for the first time in what feels like a long time, Manchester City are in desperate need of reinforcements. At the very least, they must find a replacement for the injured Rodri in the January transfer window – something they’ve seemingly discussed.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sport Witness, Juventus director Giuntoli has held talks with Manchester City over potential deals to send Nicolo Fagioli and Douglas Luiz to the Etihad in permanent deals in the January transfer window.

Pep Guardiola now demands Man City to sign £183,000-a-week trio in January

It comes after another shock result at the Etihad Stadium.

ByBen Browning Nov 28, 2024

The Italian giants reportedly value Fagioli at between €20-25m (£17-21m), whilst valuing Luiz at a hefty €50m (£41m) ahead of the winter window. Two midfielders, City could certainly do with signing such a duo, but it remains to be seen whether those at the Etihad will splash the cash in January or wait until the summer.

Luiz, of course, would be a fitting option, given that he’d be seeking Manchester City redemption after failing to break into Guardiola’s side as a young player. Breaking into the spotlight ever since, Luiz worked his way back to the top at Aston Villa only to now face familiar struggles at Juventus. Possibly in need of a fresh start, the Brazilian could go back to where it first began in England.

"Clever" Luiz could make perfect sense

If Manchester City have the opportunity to reunite with a familiar face to solve their midfield problem, then they should take it with both hands. Luiz previously starred in the Premier League – just last season, in fact – and has already worked under Guardiola. And whilst his Juventus spell hasn’t quite gone to plan, a return to a league he excelled in should only result in a return to form.

Guardiola, himself, was full of praise for the former Aston Villa man back in 2021, telling reporters as relayed by The Boot Room: “He’s a guy who plays all of the minutes. He’s an important player for Aston Villa. A guy who’s clever with the ball, so physically strong. He’s a lovely, lovely guy.”

City will have to splash out to secure his signature, but in the current climate, the Premier League champions may be left with no choice as their crown continues to slip.

أكد أحمد سالم المتحدث الرسمي لمجلس إدارة نادي الزمالك أن لاعب الفريق الكروي الأول أحمد سيد “زيزو” لم يوقع لأي نادٍ كما تردد مؤخرًا، مشددًا على أن اللاعب لا يزال متمسكًا بالزمالك، والنادي بدوره حريص على استمراره.

وأوضح سالم أن ما يُثار بشأن رحيل زيزو أو غضب والده أو توقف المفاوضات لا يتعدى كونه “اجتهادات إعلامية” تفتقد للدقة، مؤكدًا أن 90% من الأخبار المتداولة حول مستقبل اللاعب غير صحيحة، وتماثل نفس السيناريوهات التي تكررت مع لاعبين آخرين.

وكانت أنباء قد ترددت بقوة خلال الساعات الماضية بشأن انضمام أحمد سيد زيزو إلى الغريم التقليدي النادي الأهلي في صفقة انتقال حر بنهاية الموسم الجاري، بعد انتهاء فترة تعاقده مع الزمالك.

وقال سالم في تصريحات تلفزيونية بفضائية “إم بي سي مصر 2”: إن زيزو يُعدّ قيمة كبيرة ونجم الشباك في السنوات الماضية، مؤكدًا أن من يحاول التقليل من إمكانياته يخدع الجمهور، وأن اللاعب متمسك بالنادي، والنادي بدوره متمسك به لأقصى درجة.

حسام عاشور: لا يوجد لاعب في مصر يستحق 100 مليون.. وكنت آخر من يوقع على بياض 

وأضاف: “كل ما يتردد بشأن عقد جلسات من عدمها يثير أزمة لا داعي لها، وكل ما يُقال عن توقيعه لنادٍ آخر لم يحدث، وبحسب معلوماتي، زيزو لم يوقع لأي نادٍ على الإطلاق، اللاعب يرغب في الاستمرار داخل الزمالك، وكل ما يُشاع عن رغبته في الرحيل غير صحيح، وهذا الكلام لا يعدو كونه اجتهادات هدفها جذب المشاهدات ليس أكثر”. 

وتابع: “أما ما يُقال عن غضب والد زيزو بسبب بعض التسريبات المتعلقة بالمفاوضات، فهو الآخر جزء كبير منه اجتهادات ومبالغات، والد زيزو رجل محترم للغاية، وله كل الحق في إدارة شؤون ابنه، ونحن نُقدّره ونُكن له كل الاحترام، هو وزيزو على حد سواء”.

وقال سالم: “حين يوقع زيزو على عقود التجديد مع الزمالك، سنُعلن ذلك بكل وضوح في مؤتمر صحفي، وأقول للجميع: من يزعم عبر السوشيال ميديا أن اللاعب وقّع لنادٍ آخر وتسلم شيكات، طالما يملك تلك المعلومات، لماذا لا يظهر هذه الشيكات؟ كل من يتحدث بلسان والد زيزو لا يُمثّله ولا ينقل الحقيقة”.

وواصل: “من الذي قال إن المفاوضات بين الزمالك وزيزو متوقفة؟ هذا غير صحيح على الإطلاق. إن شاء الله، زيزو متمسك بالزمالك، والزمالك متمسك به، والأمور تسير في اتجاهها الصحيح كما خُطط لها، 90% مما يُقال حاليًا لا يمت للواقع بصلة”. 

وتابع قائلًا: “ما يحدث الآن هو نفس السيناريو الذي حدث سابقًا أثناء مفاوضات التجديد مع أحمد فتوح، حيث خرج البعض وأقسم أن اللاعب وقّع للنادي المنافس، وفي النهاية تبيّن أن كل ما قيل لم يكن صحيحًا، ونفس الأشخاص الذين رددوا تلك الأقاويل، هم من يعيدون الآن نفس الرواية مع زيزو”.

وختم سالم تصريحاته قائلًا: “90% من الأخبار المتداولة في الإعلام المصري بشأن زيزو لا أساس لها من الصحة، وهي من خيال أصحابها فقط”.

And so it is finally over, Erik ten Hag is no longer Manchester United manager.

It has been a simply disastrous start to the 2024/25 season for the club. The Red Devils are stumbling in the Premier League and Europa League and are struggling to win a game. They currently find themselves 14th in the Premier League, with just 11 points to their name so far.

The Red Devils, who won the FA Cup last season, will be hoping they can turn this torrid form around soon with Ruud van Nistelrooy now at the helm on an interim basis.

The iconic Dutchman – or whoever ends up being the new permanent appointment – certainly has their work cut out…

United’s underlying stats in the 2024/25 Premier League

Perhaps the most striking stat for United so far this term is the fact they have won just four games in all competitions in the entire season, having played 14 times. Those victories have come against Fulham on the opening day of the season, Premier League strugglers Southampton, League One outfit Barnsley and, most recently, Brentford.

One issue the Red Devils have had this season is scoring goals. They are the second-lowest scorers in the division this season, with just eight goals to their name. As per Understat, the Red Devils have an expected goals tally of 15.65xG, although that still places them 11th in the xG table.

Whilst they have conceded 11 times so far in the Premier League, they are worryingly 15th for expected goals against. United’s current tally stands at 17.52xGA, with four of the five sides who have a worse number in that metric sitting below them in the Premier League.

Unsurprisingly, those woes have resulted in the end for Ten Hag, given how badly the side are performing this season. Rumours have been swirling about who could replace the Dutchman, including one manager who is a legend of the game.

The manager who could replace Ten Hag

The manager in question here is former Barcelona boss Xavi. The legendary midfielder recently left his post at the helm of the La Liga giants, who are now flying high under Hansi Flick. According to a report from Sacha Tavolieri, the Spaniard is a ‘concrete lead to succeed’ the Dutchman and is having talks with club officials.

Indeed, the 44-year-old has a strong record as Barca manager despite the fact he left the club at the end of last season. In 143 matches that he coached his former side, Xavi oversaw 91 wins, and just 23 draws and 29 losses. His side managed to score 280 goals under him in that time.

Interestingly, the Spaniard, who won the World Cup and two European Championships with his nation, was once a target for United as a player. He explained that the club “approached me once through Sir Alex Ferguson’s brother”, although he rejected the offer in favour of Barcelona.

In terms of his style of play, Xavi favours a direct 4-3-3 formation, taking inspiration from the legendary sides he featured in as a player, with intricate, one-touch passing moves and plenty of underlaps from midfield. One of his best wins as Barca boss was a 3-1 victory over Real Madrid in the Supercup in 2023.

Xavi could also be the perfect manager for United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo. The 19-year-old has become a key player for his boyhood club over the past 12 months and is one of England’s most talented young midfielders. He already has 44 senior appearances for the Red Devils under his belt.

Learning from one of the greatest midfielders of all time would be huge for the England international’s development. During his time at Barca, he developed La Masia graduates Pedri and Gavi into two world-renowned midfielders.

With a brilliant track record of developing young midfielders, Mainoo could take his game to the next level under Xavi, learning new intricacies to further develop his game. It could be a match made in heaven.

Xavi could then represent the dream upgrade on Ten Hag, having averaged 2.07 points per game during his time at Camp Nou, while the now ex-United boss finished with a record of just 1.84 points per game from his 128 matches at the helm.

Not only does Xavi give young players a chance, exactly what United stands for, but his style of play could fit the squad well. It might end up being the dream appointment for the Red Devils as they look to save their season, with the club once again chasing a new permanent manager in this turbulent post-Ferguson era.

Ten Hag sacked: Man Utd now considering 37 y/o "great coach" as replacement

INEOS have pulled the trigger and are already lining up a new coach.

By
Brett Worthington

Oct 28, 2024

They might still be without a win to their name in the Premier League, but Ipswich Town are fighting tooth and nail to avoid the drop.

Kieran McKenna’s men have only lost five games so far and have managed to draw the other five, which is made all the more impressive when you consider that they have already played Liverpool, Manchester City, Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa.

However, with the second-worst defence in the league, if the Tractor Boys stay up this season, it’ll be largely down to their attacking stars, including one who’s won comparisons to one of the most exciting and expensive forwards in the league.

Ipswich's top goalscorers

Now, before we get to the attacking talent in question, let’s look at the club’s top goalscorers over the last two seasons, as it was largely thanks to their exploits that the Suffolk side is in the top flight today.

In the club’s first promotion campaign in 22/23, former Barnsley ace Conor Chaplin led the goalscoring charts, as he ended up with a ridiculous tally of 26 goals in 45 League One appearances.

That means the Worthing-born star averaged a goal every 1.73 games in the league, which probably helps to explain how the Tractor Boys went from midtable to automatic promotion within the space of a year.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, it was the 27-year-old who once again topped the goalscoring charts for the club the following season, racking up 13 in 44 Championship games, although he had to share top-spot with Nathan Broadhead.

In fact, while the Welsh international scored just as many goals as the Englishman, he did it in just 38 games, meaning he ended the campaign with an average of a goal every 2.92 games to Chaplin’s 3.38.

It looks like Ipswich will have a new top scorer this season, someone who could become an incredibly valuable asset.

Ipswich's top scorer in 24/25

So, when it comes to the Ipswich attacker who could end up as the team’s top scorer this season, there is really only one answer, at least based on what we have already seen, and it’s Liam Delap.

The “incredible” marksman, as dubbed by Pep Guardiola of all people, has already scored five goals in ten league appearances for Mckenna’s side, and he’s looked every bit a top-flight centre-forward so far.

In fact, he’s even been compared to one of the most exciting up-and-coming strikers in the league, Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund.

The comparison stems from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions across Europe’s top five leagues before creating a ten-man list of the most comparable players, and in this case, it considers the Danish international to be the sixth most similar centre-forward to the Englishman.

You can get a better understanding of where they are coming from by looking at the underlying numbers they flag as being the most similar between the two players, metrics such as but not limited to non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive passes and progressive passes received, goals per shot, goal-creating actions, attempted take-ons, carries, ball recoveries and aerial duels won, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected Goals + Assists

0.24

0.34

Progressive Passes

0.90

1.05

Progressive Passes Received

3.97

3.68

Goals per Shot

0.31

0.25

Goal-Creating Actions

0.13

0.26

Attempted Take-Ons

2.56

2.89

Carries

14.6

15.3

Ball Recoveries

2.31

2.63

Aerial Duels Won

1.15

1.32

Away from the statistical side of things, you can also see their similarities in the way both players use their physical stature to help them get into or exploit goalscoring opportunities before rifling off a shot.

Ultimately, it’s not a bad comparison to have, as not only did the Dane score 16 goals in his first season of English football last year, but he also has a lofty valuation of €70m – £58m – from Fotmob.

So, if he’s worth that much now, there is no reason to think Delap couldn’t be worth as much, if not more, in the years to come, especially if he continues to score at the rate he is now.

Ipswich flop now cannot be trusted to play for McKenna again

The experienced veteran has hit another wall at Ipswich.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 6, 2024

Robin van Persie was left fuming after Fortuna Sittard were briefly allowed to field 12 players against his Heerenveen side.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

• Fortuna briefly had 12 players on pitch
• Eredivisie match returned to 11 vs 11
• Van Persie fuming as game ends 2-2

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  With Van Persie's Heerenveen 2-1 up with two minutes remaining, the visitors brought on Ryan Fosso and Jasper Dahlhaus for Darijo Grujcic and Owen Johnson. However, Dahlhaus stayed on the pitch for nearly a minute before the ex-Manchester United and Arsenal striker notified the officials of their mistake. A minute later, the 11 men of Fortuna equalised to snatch the three points from Van Persie's team. Naturally, he was livid at full-time.

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  WHAT ROBIN VAN PERSIE SAID

  He said, via ESPN: "I find what preceded that goal very special. Fortuna Sittard had 12 men on the field for a minute before that throw-in. Apparently that is allowed and possible. You can't imagine that? That it is simply allowed. Normally I never talk to referees and always let them do their job, but it can't be that they play with 12 men. That's unthinkable. So I asked the fourth official: 'Shouldn't you do something about that?'"

  When asked what he'd like to see done, Van Persie mused: "For example, reverse that goal. You can't play with twelve men against eleven. I really can't understand that. I think this is really scandalous."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The result means eighth-positioned Fortuna stay one point and two places ahead of Heerenveen, but if they had held on for the win, they would have leapfrogged their opponents in the Eredivisie. Moreover, they would have been 10 points clear of the relegation zone. This is another bad day for putting your trust in referees and matchday officials.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Van Persie's Heerenveen will look to bounce back from this setback when they take on FC Twente next Sunday in the league.