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Crystal Palace have joined the race to sign Real Betis forward Abde Ezzalzouli in the January transfer window, and their chances of getting a deal over the line have now been revealed.

Palace have predominantly been linked with new defenders in recent weeks, amid Marc Guehi’s uncertain future, but they are also looking to upgrade their options in attacking areas, having recently failed to craft many decent opportunities against Brighton & Hove Albion.

Indeed, the Eagles recorded an xG of just 0.75 against their rivals, with Jean-Philippe Mateta receiving little service, although that has been a rarity, with the Frenchman currently joint-third in the Premier League’s goalscoring charts.

Premier League top goalscorers

Club

Goals

Erling Haaland

Manchester City

14

Igor Thiago

Brentford

8

Antoine Semenyo

AFC Bournemouth

6

Danny Welbeck

Brighton

6

Jean-Philippe Mateta

Crystal Palace

6

Yeremy Pino was one of Oliver Glasner’s statement signings during the summer, but the Spaniard’s Premier League career is yet to truly take off, having been unable to register a goal or assist in his opening nine matches.

In fairness, it often takes foreign players some time to adapt to life in England, and it is still very early days for Pino, but Glasner has now set out to sign another new forward.

Crystal Palace join race to sign Abde Ezzalzouli

According to a report from Spain, Crystal Palace have now joined the race to sign Real Betis star Ezzalzouli, who is being closely monitored ahead of the January transfer window, but there may be competition from fellow Premier League side Aston Villa.

Real Betis are reluctant to sanction a departure, but may be forced to listen to an ‘irresistible’ offer, with the Spanish side’s board clear that any deal must amount to significantly more than the Moroccan’s €12m (£11m) valuation.

As such, a deal could be there to be done for Palace, with Glasner looking to bring in another winger to form a top-level forward line, alongside Mateta, Pino and Ismaila Sarr.

Once lauded as “extraordinary” by Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez, the 23-year-old has made an impressive start to the season for Betis, amassing eight goals and assists in his opening 13 matches across all competitions.

Not only has the Morocco international impressed Xavi in the past, but scout Ben Mattinson has also compared him to Paris Saint-Germain star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, in light of the winger’s “explosive” dribbling ability.

The Betis forward’s ability to drive at opposition defences has been on display regularly over the past year, placing in the 84th percentile for progressive carries per 90, when compared to his positional peers, having averaged 4.82.

As such, Ezzalzouli could be a brilliant acquisition for Crystal Palace, and they should try and get a deal done in the January transfer window to bolster their chances of winning the UEFA Conference League.

Crystal Palace lining up move for Brendan Rodgers to replace Oliver Glasner Crystal Palace line up Brendan Rodgers as Oliver Glasner succession plan revealed

The Eagles are making contingency plans, with Oliver Glasner’s contract set to expire next summer.

1 ByDominic Lund Oct 29, 2025

Adam Lallana would be “interested” in becoming the next manager of Southampton.

Since winning the 2024 Championship play-off final, it has hardly been the future that Southampton would have anticipated. Russell Martin, who guided them back to the Premier League, was replaced by Ivan Juric mid-season, following a turgid start to the 2024/25 campaign.

Juric was unable to turn around Southampton’s misfortune, as they became the first club to be relegated from the English top flight with as many as seven games remaining.

Will Still, who made a reputation for himself with Reims and Lens, joined in the summer. Despite his promise and an influx of summer signings, though, Still also struggled for form. After just two Championship wins in 13 matches and a three-game losing streak, Southampton parted ways with Still and have since been on the hunt for a new manager.

Now, it would appear that an unlikely candidate would happily take on the role were he offered the job.

Lallana to replace Still?

Following the 2024/25 season, Adam Lallana called time on his 19-year playing career. The midfielder, who came through the ranks at Southampton, played for the Saints for eight years until joining Liverpool in 2014. Six years later, Lallana moved to Brighton before returning to St. Mary’s, for a single season, in 2024.

As per Sky Sports, Lallana, who currently works as a first-team coach with the Saints, would be “interested in becoming a head coach”.

Across his playing career, Lallana played with some incredible managers, including Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton. Lallana has been outspoken about his “love” for De Zerbi, who now manages Ligue 1 side Marseille. No doubt then that he would look to draw from the Italian for inspiration in his own coaching career.

Despite his enthusiasm however, it appears that he is “an unlikely option at this time, given his lack of experience in the role”.

Southampton are aiming for a swift return to the English top flight, though their start to the 2025/26 season suggests that they may fall short of the mark they were aiming for.

Lallana could, no doubt, start his career as a first-team head coach in the coming years. With Southampton, however, it could well be too much, too soon for the former midfielder. He would be inheriting a club that desperately need lifting from the slump they find themselves in and a more-experienced option may better benefit the Saints at this time.

Southampton consider short-term deal for new manager

MatériaMais Notícias

Ainda sem vencer no seu retorno ao Corinthians, o técnico Mano Menezes concedeu entrevista coletiva após o seu primeiro jogo na Neo Química Arena na passagem atual. Na noite deste sábado (7), o Timão ficou no empate em 1 a 1 com o Flamengo, pela 27ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. Gerson abriu o placar para os cariocas, mas Fábio Santos, lateral corintiano, igualou o placar em cobrança de pênalti. 

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Com a pausa do Brasileirão, por conta do período de datas Fifa, Mano terá a sua primeira janela para encaixar melhor o seu trabalho à frente da equipe alvinegra. A volta corintiana aos gramados será no dia 18 de outubro, contra o Fluminense, no Rio de Janeiro.

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Setting their sights on a rising star, Manchester United are now reportedly preparing a formal move to sign an alternative to Carlos Baleba, who has a release clause worth £74m.

Ruben Amorim admits "good to hear" INEOS support

Back to domestic action following the international break, Man United travel to face Liverpool in an attempt to upset the odds and compile their rivals’ recent misery.

Victory would mark the first time that Ruben Amorim has secured back-to-back wins in the Premier League, and three points at Anfield would also see his side reach league win number 11 of the Portuguese’s reign.

While those stats are undeniably damning, the former Sporting CP boss retains the backing of INEOS and admitted in his pre-match press conference that it’s “good to hear” that support.

That support is likely to stretch to the January transfer window, in which the Red Devils could reportedly turn towards a rising star in the middle of the park, instead of the heavily-linked Baleba.

Amorim is personally very keen on the Brighton star and pushed to bring him to Old Trafford in the summer, according to Fabrizio Romano, and those links remain as the Red Devils pursue an “important” midfield signing for 2026.

Man Utd preparing formal move for Froholdt

According to reports in Spain, Man United are now preparing a formal move to sign Victor Froholdt from Porto in the January transfer window, with a mid-season deal for Baleba described as very difficult by the likes of Romano.

The impressive teenager reportedly has a release clause as high as €85m (£74m), but that has not deterred INEOS, who are determined to improve Amorim’s squad.

Dubbed “fantastic” by scout Jacek Kulig, Froholdt is enjoying quite the rise. Having only just joined Porto from Copenhagen in the summer, he’s already attracting even greater interest. Whether he moves on from Portugal so quickly after arriving remains to be seen, however.

Related Forget Mainoo: Amorim has the next Pogba in "generational" Man Utd talent

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Posts 2 ByEthan Lamb Oct 18, 2025

Given United’s weakness in midfield, game time is unlikely to be an issue for the Dane despite his tender age and United should push to secure his signature if the chance comes their way in 2026.

Froholdt’s blend of youth, impressive form and physicality is turning heads at United, and he could be well-suited to the Premier League’s demands.

The teenager’s ability to break up play and quickly transition from defense to attack aligns with the fast-paced football United aim to play under Amorim, and Froholdt’s release clause means that there is even a way to bypass negotiations with Porto.

However, it would require a seismic investment from INEOs, and one that could represent a gamble considering his lack of experience.

Gus Poyet has told a crucial Chelsea star that he might need to join Real Madrid or Barcelona for one key reason, with the former Stamford Bridge star sending a clear message.

Chelsea prepare for Liverpool as Enzo Maresca without up to eight stars

Enzo Maresca is without up to eight first-team players for their visit of Premier League title rivals Liverpool on Saturday.

The Italian won’t be able to count on star forward Cole Palmer, who remains absent with a niggling groin injury, but seven other men could also miss their face-off against Arne Slot’s side.

Alongside Palmer and Chalobah, while Maresca was cryptic in his update, it is likely the other players he’s referring to are Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Dario Essugo, Liam Delap and Andrey Santos.

Maresca has been left absolutely bereft of central defensive options ahead of Liverpool, meaning he’ll most likely choose to play Benoit Badiashile and Jorrel Hato at the heart of Chelsea’s defence ahead of youngster Josh Acheampong.

Chelsea are now paying the price for not signing a centre-back in the last transfer window, despite Maresca’s wishes and spending the second-most money of any Premier League side behind this weekend’s opponents.

However, BlueCo are reportedly working on a potential defender deal for January as their priority (Pete O’Rourke).

Liverpool

£415,000,000

£187,000,000

£228,000,000

Chelsea

£285,000,000

£288,000,000

-£3,000,000

Arsenal

£255,000,000

£9,000,000

£246,000,000

Newcastle

£250,000,000

£152,000,000

£98,000,000

Man Utd

£216,000,000

£68,000,000

£148,000,000

Nottm Forest

£205,000,000

£107,000,000

£98,000,000

Tottenham

£181,000,000

£36,000,000

£145,000,000

Sunderland

£162,000,000

£44,000,000

£118,000,000

Man City

£152,000,000

£53,000,000

£99,000,000

West Ham

£124,000,000

£55,000,000

£69,000,000

via BBC

Marc Guehi’s camp have received contact from Chelsea this week ahead of a potential winter swoop, according to Simon Phillips, but the England international also has Liverpool, Man City, Real Madrid and Barça hot on his trail with the Englishman’s contract expiring next year.

While the addition of a new defender is vital, so is keeping Palmer out of the clutches of Europe’s biggest sides.

Gus Poyet tells Cole Palmer to leave Chelsea for Real Madrid or Barcelona

The England star has been a revelation since joining from Man City in 2023, spearheading the team as their main attacking vocal point, which is widely seen as over-reliance on Palmer at times.

The £130,000-per-week superstar is arguably nailed on to win the coveted Balon d’Or in future if he stays on this trajectory, but according to Poyet, he needs to quit Stamford Bridge for that to happen.

Speaking to GOAL, Poyet urged Palmer to leave Chelsea for Real or Barça, in order to give himself the best chance of claiming the award.

Only two players have won the Ballon d’Or in the last 17 years — Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008 and Rodri in 2024 — so Poyet could have a point.

The City midfielder’s prize shows it is not impossible for Premier League stars to clinch the award in this day and age, so Palmer could still have a real shot if he remains in West London, but he’ll have to play out of his skin.

Rodri was cut and above the best defensive midfield player in Europe when he was awarded the honour, starting nearly all of City’s most crucial games in 23/24, and this came right after his winning goal against Inter Milan in the 2023 Champions League final to gift the Sky Blues a treble.

The bar is set rather high for Palmer, and he’ll arguably need to achieve similar feats at Chelsea to stand any chance.

Virat Kohli and Josh Hazlewood climb IPL 2025’s Orange and Purple Cap tables respectively after the RCB vs RR game

ESPNcricinfo staff25-Apr-20251:28

Rayudu: ‘This is the exact template RCB would love Kohli to play’

The Orange Cap tableGujarat Titans’ (GT) B Sai Sudharsan remains at the top with 417 runs from eight games at an average of 52.12 and a strike rate of 152.18. But Virat Kohli has jumped to No. 2 after his second successive half-century, this time 70 off 42 balls. He is now on 392 runs from nine innings.Nicholas Pooran, the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) No. 3, had started the IPL with a bang, and was the top run-getter from Game No. 7 to Game No. 39. But a dry patch has pushed him down to No. 3, with 377 runs from nine innings.Mumbai Indians’ (MI) Suryakumar Yadav, who has been super consistent in the IPL this season without really making an almighty splash, is fourth with 373 runs. He hasn’t had a single proper failure this season: 29, 48, 27*, 67, 28, 40, 26, 68* and 40*.Not far behind Suryakumar are Jos Buttler of GT and, after his 49 in 19 balls against RCB, Yashasvi Jaiswal, both on 356 runs, though Buttler has played one innings fewer than Jaiswal, who had a woeful start to the season but now has 75, 51, 74 and 49 in his last four innings.2:12

What makes Hazlewood a much-improved T20 bowler?

The Purple Cap tablePrasidh Krishna, the GT quick bowler, is still the Purple Cap holder with 16 wickets from eight games, but RCB’s Josh Hazlewood has tied with him in terms of wickets. On Thursday night, he picked up 4 for 33 to derail RR’s chase. He is second because of a slightly inferior economy rate than Prasidh.Below them is a pack of seven bowlers with 12 wickets each.RCB’s Krunal Pandya is the latest entrant in that with his 2 for 31 against RR. The other six are GT’s R Sai Kishore and Mohammed Siraj, Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) Noor Ahmad, Delhi Capitals’ (DC) Kuldeep Yadav, MI’s Hardik Pandya and LSG’s Shardul Thakur. Of them, Kuldeep has the best economy rate (6.50), followed by Noor (7.66).The following are some of the other IPL 2025 tables that might interest you.Highest batting strike ratesBest bowling economy ratesMost sixesBest bowling figures in a match

MatériaMais Notícias

O lateral-esquerdo Pedrinho, ex-Athletico Paranaense, concluiu sua transferência para o Shakhtar Donetsk, da Ucrânia, de acordo com a jornalista Nadja Mauad, do portal “GE”. Segundo informações, o atleta já está em solo europeu para realizar exames e se integrar ao grupo em Roterdã, na Holanda, onde sua nova equipe fará a pré-temporada para 2023-24.

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O contrato do jogador havia sido rescindido com a equipe paranaense após citação na Operação Penalidade Máxima, do Ministério Público de Goiás, que investiga esquema de apostas no futebol brasileiro. O nome de Pedrinho apareceu junto ao de Bryan Garcia, também ex-Furacão. Este segundo fechou um acordo com o Ministério Público de Goiás (MP-GO) para ser testemunha no caso. Ele também deixou o clube.

Pedrinho havia chegado ao Athletico em 2021, em transferência a custo zero junto ao Vitória. Com a camisa da equipe do Sul do Brasil, o lateral atuou em 69 oportunidades, com nenhum gol marcado, mas dois passes para gol, ambos na disputa do Campeonato Brasileiro de 2022. Seu vínculo com o clube duraria até agosto de 2026 caso não houvesse rescisão.

continua após a publicidade

+ Barcelona faz anúncio oficial de contratação de Vitor Roque, do Athletico-PR

Semelhante ao jogador do Furacão, outros atletas envolvidos na Operação Penalidade Máxima rumaram ao futebol europeu. Um deles foi o zagueiro Eduardo Bauermann, ex-Santos, que se transferiu para o Alanyaspor, da Turquia, em contrato válido por dois anos. Richard, volante com passagens por Fluminense e Cruzeiro, acertou com o mesmo time de Bauermann.

Tudo sobre

Athletico-PRPedrinhoShakhtar Donetsk

Barcelona’s 2-1 win over Real Sociedad was clouded by controversy as referee Alejandro Hernandez admitted he wrongly awarded the corner that led to Jules Kounde’s equaliser, goalkeeper Alex Remiro says. The Sociedad star labelled the error “a shame”, but also admitted his side’s poor defending played a role in their defeat.

Hernandez admits mistake in Barcelona’s comeback win

Barcelona’s comeback 2-1 victory over Sociedad hinged on a controversial moment. The referee admitted after the match that he wrongly awarded the corner that led to Kounde's equaliser. La Real, who had taken the lead in the 31st minute through Alvaro Odriozola, were furious as the Catalans used the momentum to complete the turnaround with Robert Lewandowski’s header in the second half.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportRemiro voices his frustration

Goalkeeper Remiro revealed in the mixed zone that the referee accepted his mistake: "I've also complained… We've spoken with Alejandro, with the referee, and he's accepted his mistake. It's more of a mistake for us to defend the corner poorly."

He added: "It's a shame, and VAR can't be used due to protocol, and I don't think it should be used either, because otherwise it would be outrageous. It's a fine line. Corner, and we were bad in that particular moment defending, and we need to correct it."

La Liga title race and relegation battle impacted

For Sociedad, the decision only deepens their struggles, sitting in 17th and battling for early-season points, this blow feels especially damaging. For Barcelona, however, the win was priceless, putting them back on top of La Liga after Real Madrid suffered a 5-2 loss against Atletico. Beyond the controversy, Flicks side were lifted by Lamine Yamal’s lively cameo, who came on in the 58th minute and assisted Lewandowski’s decisive goal.

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AFPNext fixtures for Barcelona and Real Sociedad

Sociedad will look to bounce back when they face Rayo Vallecano next weekend, needing points to move clear of the relegation zone. Barcelona, meanwhile, turn their attention to the Champions League, where they face Paris Saint-Germain in a high-stakes midweek clash that will test their defensive organisation and attacking fluidity.

Manchester United minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is expected to put Ligue 1 club Nice up for sale at a price of around €200 million (£174m/$237m). An official announcement is expected from INEOS shortly, as Ratcliffe is said to finally be ready to give up his stake with the French team that he originally acquired back in 2019 for approximately £89 million (€100 million).

• Update on Nice expected from INEOS

  Ratcliffe has been tipped to sell Nice throughout 2025 and an official announcement is now expected in the coming days, according to . Interested parties are expected to have to shell out €200m to take over the Ligue 1 side, with previous speculation claiming Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) could make a move for the French club.

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• AFP
  

  Ratcliffe involvement criticised at Nice

  Ratcliffe has come in for criticism during his time with Nice, largely due to a perceived lack of involvement. The billionaire has openly admitted he "doesn't enjoy" watching Nice play because the "level of football is not high enough for me to get excited." His comments brought a swift response from Nice boss Franck Haise, who said back in March that Ratcliffe "hasn’t seen a Nice match this season".

• Man Utd is Ratcliffe's priority

  Ratcliffe's priority is now Manchester United, with problems piling up at Old Trafford. The Red Devils have made their worst start to a season in 33 years, meaning pressure is rising on manager Ruben Amorim. Replacements are reportedly already being linked up to take over from the Portuguese boss, but if Ratcliffe does pull the trigger it will cost United a compensation fee of £12 million ($17m).

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Another managerial change for Ratcliffe?

  Ratcliffe has made a habit of changing coach at Nice, using seven managers in just six years during his time with the club. The Manchester United co-owner is now being tipped to make another change at Manchester United, with Amorim reportedly having just three games to save his job. The first of those takes place on Saturday at Old Trafford against Chelsea.

Forwards signed? Tick. Striker in the door? Tick. What’s next on Manchester United’s summer shopping list?

Well, if reports are to be believed, Ruben Amorim – having already overseen a £214m outlay – is keen to bring an athletic midfielder and a new goalkeeper into the fold, having so far only bolstered his ranks at the top end of the pitch.

There is a touch of the Adrien Rabiot regarding links to Paris Saint-Germain stopper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, although ESPN have reported that United are among the clubs who are expected to make an offer for the towering Italian, with less than a year to run on his existing deal.

With the former AC Milan man emerging as a leading contender to replace Andre Onana, a standout midfield target has also since been revealed, with reports earlier this week outlining that the Red Devils have made contact regarding Brighton and Hove Albion sensation, Carlos Baleba.

The 21-year-old – who is reportedly valued at over £104m by the Seagulls – certainly won’t come cheap, however, with the Old Trafford side wise to be seeking out potential alternatives.

Man Utd eyeing Carlos Baleba alternative

Excluding prior links to former Aston Villa man, Douglas Luiz, it had been rather quiet regarding United’s concrete midfield targets this summer, with full focus seemingly placed in the search for a striker.

Well, that all changed this week as the news broke that United are interested in trying to do a deal for Baleba, having only just wrapped up the £74m signing of RB Leipzig’s Slovenian sensation, Benjamin Sesko.

Unsurprisingly, Brighton are not set to allow the Cameroonian starlet to depart without a fight, with the south coast side more inclined to sanction an exit next summer, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

Transfer Focus

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

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With that in mind, transfer insider Graeme Bailey has revealed that those at Old Trafford are also eyeing up alternatives to the former Lille man, with Sporting CP’s Morten Hjulmand believed to be among them.

As per Bailey, Amorim is said to be keen to reunite with ‘trusted figures’ as he looks to get his 3-4-3 system up and running, with Hjulmand having thrived in Lisbon after being signed from Lecce by the Portuguese coach in the summer of 2023.

Reportedly valued at around £42m, the Dane could well be an astute addition to Amorim’s side, representing the perfect partner for another man with Sporting ties, Bruno Fernandes.

Why Morten Hjulmand could thrive at Man Utd

While Amorim might want to steer clear of Erik ten Hag’s policy of signing his former assets – with the new Bayer Leverkusen boss having repeatedly dipped into the phonebook during his time at the helm – adding in at least one familiar face surely wouldn’t be too much of a gamble.

Of course, the 40-year-old has already seen his ex-Sporting talisman, Viktor Gyokeres, head on over to Arsenal, although Hjulmand would offer the chance to acquire another of his trusted lieutenants in what is a key area of the pitch.

Although things are beginning to take shape in the backline and the frontline, there are problems to be solved regarding the centre of the park, with a suitable partner for that man Fernandes yet to be found.

The hope was that the arrival of Amorim would spark Manuel Ugarte into life, with the pair having also worked together back in Lisbon, although on recent evidence, the Uruguayan shuttler has yet to convince.

Having been an unused substitute in the Europa League final defeat, the 24-year-old has also endured a sticky summer on pre-season duty, having notably been well below par in the 2-2 draw with Everton last week. Indeed, as MEN’s Samuel Luckhurst noted, he was simply ‘dominated’ by the Toffees’ midfield.

There might be concerns regarding the capture of a player who actually replaced Ugarte at Sporting, although as journalist Zach Lowy has pointed out, Hjulmand is an “absolute monster” in regaining possession, albeit while “far less reckless than Ugarte ever was”.

Also described as the “complete midfielder” by all-seeing analyst Ben Mattinson, Hjulmand’s destructive midfield presence would be perfect to allow Fernandes’ attacking talents to shine. That quality was evident last season, as the £42m man averaged 2.9 tackles and interceptions per game in the Primeira Liga, while also averaging 5.7 balls recovered per game.

Hjulmand vs Ugarte – 24/25 league stats

Stat (*per game)

Hjulmand

Ugarte

Games (starts)

28 (26)

29 (22)

Goals

2

1

Assists

2

2

Big chances created

2

3

Key passes*

0.9

0.3

Pass accuracy*

91%

89%

Tackles & interceptions

2.9

3.6

Balls recovered*

5.7

4.2

Total duels won*

62%

53%

Stats via Sofascore

There is silk to match the steel, however, with Hjulmand ranking in the top 1% in the league for pass completion, as well as in the top 13% for progressive passes, as per FBref, at an average of 6.38 per 90. Ugarte, for comparison, averaged just 3.08 for that latter metric in the Premier League in 2024/25.

Having a figure who can be an asset both in and out of possession alongside him would be a real bonus for Fernandes, with the division’s chief creator thus provided the freedom to wreak havoc in the final third.

Of course, there is excitement brewing over the enhancements that have been made at the top end of the pitch, although for all that fresh lick of paint, the Red Devils need to ensure that the engine is also running smoothly.

Related Better signing than Baleba: £25m sensation wants Man Utd move after Sesko

Manchester United appear to be putting focus into other targets alongside Carlos Baleba.

Posts 1 ByEthan Lamb Aug 8, 2025