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Everton are considering the idea of preparing a £16.5m offer for a “fantastic” attacking player with a big future in the game, according to a fresh transfer update.

Everton transfer news

The Blues find themselves in more buoyant spirits after a dreadful start to the new Premier League, with Saturday’s 2-0 win away to Ipswich Town another big step in the right direction, meaning that seven points have been acquired from their last three games.

New signings reportedly continue to be looked at by Everton, with AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueuze linked with a move to Goodison Park. A switch in the January transfer window has been mooted, as Sean Dyche looks to add more attacking quality to his squad.

Fluminense forward Kaua Elias has also been mentioned as a potential addition for the Merseysiders, with Dan Friedkin looking to beat Manchester United and Sir Jim Ratcliffe to his services.

Another young attacking player, Santiago Castro, has also been backed to seal a move to Everton in the near future, with the 20-year-old currently plying his trade at Bologna. He has three goals in seven Serie A starts this season, and he has also been capped by Argentina at Under-16, Under-20 and Under-23 level.

Everton considering offer for "fantastic" ace

According to a new report from Kontra Spor [via Sport Witness], Everton are weighing up tabling a £16.5m offer for Besiktas forward Semih Kilicsoy.

The Blues are looking to convince the Turkish club’s president, Hasan Arat, that sanctioning a move for the 19-year-old is the right decision for all parties.

Given the aforementioned transfer rumours mentioned, it does look as though The Friedkin Group are making a concerted effort to bring in a new young forward, looking at the long-term picture instead of simply panic buying and bringing in quick fixes.

In Kilicsoy, the Blues could be signing a superb talent if they get a deal over the line, with the Turkish teenager already making such an impact in his senior career, scoring 12 goals and registering seven assists in 50 appearances for Besikas. He has also been described as “fantastic” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who has backed him to enjoy an “exciting future” in football.

A transfer fee of £16.5m is so cheap in the modern game, given some of the bloated amounts of money that many clubs spend on players, so Everton should consider Kilicsoy as an absolute steal if the price lands around that figure.

Friedkin Group plotting move to sign £12m attacker for Everton in January

They are looking to bolster their attacking ranks midseason.

ByBen Browning Oct 20, 2024

Blues supporters would have to accept that the teenager would arrive as a work in progress, rather than someone who fans should expect to excel consistently from the off, but he has the talent to become a huge player on Merseyside over time.

Reliable journalist Scott Burns has handed Brendan Rodgers a significant injury boost ahead of Celtic’s return to domestic action this weekend.

Celtic prepare for huge Aberdeen clash

When the new Scottish Premiership season got underway, the vast majority of fans and experts thought that the Hoops would once again be vying with Rangers for title glory this season, as has been the norm throughout most of history. Instead, it is Aberdeen who have set the pace alongside Celtic, winning all seven of their matches and only trailing Rodgers’ men on goal difference, impressing hugely in the process.

On Saturday afternoon, Parkhead hosts a top-of-the-table meeting between the Hoops and the Dons, with Celtic hoping to show their superiority and proving that they are still very much the team to beat in 2024/25. They will also know that Rangers are still only five points behind them, so a slip-up this weekend would give them the chance to close the gap.

It is a highly-anticipated game that will tell us a lot more about where Celtic and Aberdeen are at currently, and with kickoff approaching, the reigning Scottish Premiership champions have been given a big boost.

Celtic handed massive injury boost

According to a fresh update from The Daily Record‘s Burns, Cameron Carter-Vickers is back in training for Celtic, ahead of the weekend clash with Aberdeen. It is rightly described as a “major lift to Brendan Rodgers and his squad to have the key defender back out on the grass”, with the manager now having to “decide how much game exposure to give him”, with a crucial Champions League meeting away to Atalanta looming on Wednesday evening.

Having Carter-Vickers back in contention feels so significant for Celtic, considering what an influential performer he has been at the heart of the defence ever since joining from Tottenham in 2022, having previously spent a season on loan at Parkhead.

The American hasn’t featured since the middle of September because of injury, but Rodgers will be desperate to get him back into the team as soon as possible, with Jackie McNamanra summing up his influence: “Carter-Vickers is strong and has a lot of attributes.

“He’s been a terrific signing. Yeah, he’s up there with some of the best – although he’s not quite the same kind of player as Bobo! I played with some cracking centre-backs over the years – Johan Mjallby, Mark Rieper, and so on. Carter-Vickers has definitely been one who has been an excellent signing. He’s very steady and consistent.”

It would arguably be a surprise if Carter-Vickers started this weekend, with Rodgers needing to handle him with an element of care, but that said, if he looks sharp enough in training, few would complain if they saw his name back in the starting lineup for such an important occasion.

Rodgers can repeat Liam Scales success with Celtic's "great athlete"

Celtic could replicate the rise of Liam Scales in 2025

ByRobbie Walls Oct 18, 2024

Easing the £24,000-a-week USA international back in seems the most sensible approach, however, especially as Celtic continued to win without him, showing that others can be trusted.

Manchester United have endured a very difficult few weeks, with Erik ten Hag’s side suffering some embarrassing results in the process.

The Red Devils have failed to win any of their last four matches in all competitions in a run that has included one defeat and three draws.

Whilst on the face of it, the run may not seem as awful as many have made out, the club have thrown away victories against FC Twente and Porto in the Europa League after leading in both encounters.

The defeat against Tottenham Hotspur was a real blow, with Ten Hag’s side being outclassed by Ange Postecoglou’s men at Old Trafford – sending them to their third league defeat already in 2024/25.

One player in particular was disappointing during the defeat, whilst also producing a just as embarrassing display in the Europa League earlier this week.

Bruno Fernandes’ stats against Porto

After his sending off against Spurs last weekend, midfielder Bruno Fernandes went into the meeting in his home nation with a point to prove and make up for his dismissal at Old Trafford.

Whilst his red card was rescinded after a review by the Premier League’s panel, it would’ve undoubtedly been playing in the back of his mind for the clash in the Europa League.

However, in a game of redemption, Fernandes failed to make a positive impression for Ten Hag’s side – often looking clumsy and wasteful in possession.

The 30-year-old managed 67 touches during the draw, losing six duels and losing possession ten times – as he failed to turn the game in the Red Devils’ favour.

His misery was compounded late on, receiving a second yellow card for a high boot – with Fernandes seeing red for the second time in as many fixtures.

It’s safe to say that his actions in recent games aren’t those of a club captain, with his leadership role potentially coming into question, which could allow one player to take the reins in the near future.

The man who could replace Fernandes as United’s captain

Andre Onana endured a tricky first few months at Old Trafford, bringing his addition into question after the club forked out £47m for his signature last summer.

Pundit Chris Sutton was among those firing criticism the way of the former Inter Milan star last autumn, suggesting that he was a “downgrade” on his predecessor, David De Gea. By the goalkeeper’s own admission, it took him six months to “feel good” in Manchester.

However, he’s rapidly turned his fortunes around, producing numerous moments of magic so far this campaign, which includes a brilliant penalty save away at Southampton and a tremendous double save against Crystal Palace which secured Ten Hag’s side a vital point.

Whilst the defence admittedly hasn’t been up to the standards required so far this season, he has the “leadership” qualities and the “presence” that are required of someone to lead the club out of the current tricky period – as previously hailed by pundit Shaka Hislop.

His subsequent personal displays led to Statman Dave dubbing the shot-stopper as United’s “most important player” so far this season, with his performances saving United on many occasions.

Games played

6

Saves

18

Goals prevented

2.9

Clean sheets

3

Penalties saved

1

Pass accuracy

81%

Errors leading to goals

0

Given Fernandes’ recent lack of leadership with his back-to-back dismissals, his position as captain must surely come into question, with his careless nature in certain situations restricting the club from emerging out of their current rut.

Onana would be an excellent choice to take over the armband, demonstrating all the qualities the Portuguese international lacks in that department, potentially handing him the added confidence boost and helping the backline transform their recent fortunes.

Forget Bruno: 3/10 Man Utd dud may have cost Ten Hag his job after Porto

The pressure is ramping up on Erik ten Hag…

1 ByJoe Nuttall Oct 4, 2024

Ipswich Town were given a humbling reminder of the task that remains in front of them this Premier League season at the weekend, with survival the main aim for the Tractor Boys when the campaign is over and done with.

Kieran McKenna’s men can’t afford to pick up many more defeats like the 4-1 loss they suffered at the hands of West Ham United last match if they are to keep their heads above water, as Jarrod Bowen and Co cruised to a straightforward victory to give the Suffolk outfit an almighty wake-up call.

The despondent Ipswich boss will just be glad he has Liam Delap at his disposal up top, who scored another top-flight goal against the Hammers for his new employers, after leaving Manchester City behind this summer.

Liam Delap's form this season

Delap is already on four goals from seven Premier League appearances for his new employers, with his recent brace against Aston Villa, in particular, standing out, as the electric 21-year-old terrorised Unai Emery’s men at the back just before their famous 1-0 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

There would have been a worry that Delap wouldn’t instantly hit the ground running when first making the switch, specifically when you glance at his previous mixed form in the EFL away from Pep Guardiola’s men on loan.

However, the 21-year-old looks to be every bit the prolific striker he was at youth level in Manchester in the senior game in Suffolk.

Ipswich

8

4

Hull City

32

8

Stoke City

23

3

Preston North End

15

1

Man City

6

1

Man City U21s

36

35

Man City U18s

17

11

He would only need 20 touches of the ball last time at the London Stadium to fire home a strike, and that killer instinct could prove to be crucial for McKenna’s men, as they strive to pick up some huge results that could see them stay up in the Premier League.

That is a massive ask, with Ipswich well aware of how huge the gulf in quality between the Championship and the top flight is, but Delap will want to play a leading role in his side’s survival story if he can.

In an alternate reality, however, McKenna could have called upon a different face altogether to lead the line against Julen Lopetegui’s hosts, who Ipswich were incessantly linked with all transfer window.

One that got away

The transfers that nearly happened but never did. This article is part of Football FanCast's One That Got Away series.

Who Ipswich nearly signed over Delap

Whilst the Ipswich number 19 has taken to his new surroundings in Suffolk like a duck to water, a certain Armando Broja hasn’t graced the pitch whatsoever for the Toffees to date, owing to an injury problem keeping him sidelined.

Although Ipswich’s interest in this player would go on right up until transfer deadline day, according to reports, Broja was a target regularly linked with a switch to Portman Road before this nail-biting occasion, even before Delap made his move official in July.

All the way back in May of this year, it was reported that that the Tractor Boys were keen on the Albanian’s services, but nothing would come of these rumours, despite talk in the window suggesting that a £30m deal was even done at one point.

This would have been a risky transfer to get over the line, not just when taking into account the excessive fee involved, but also when you consider Broja’s previous ineffectiveness in front of goal in the top flight, with just eight strikes in the division managed from 66 games.

Broja was hyped up by Mauricio Pochettino as a talent with “amazing potential” when he nurtured the 23-year-old at Stamford Bridge, but the Tractor Boys will be relieved they didn’t win his signature in the end, as Everton eventually snapped him up.

Ipswich, instead, won ex-Man City starlet Delap for £20m, which is looking to be an excellent bit of business already, based on his ever-growing goal tally for his relegation-threatened side in the league.

McKenna must now drop 5/10 Ipswich star who lost possession 17 times

Kieran McKenna would have been very disappointed with Ipswich Town’s display at West Ham United.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 6, 2024

Pre-season friendlies are always an enjoyable watch as we get familiar faces up against each other, and new players coming through the ranks to impress out of nowhere.

It’s not a time when results should play too much of a part in future predictions, however, with teams simply getting up to speed before doing their best work when it really matters.

That’s not to say that certain players don’t have the chance to embarrass opponents, of course. And that’s exactly what happened to Cristiano Ronaldo up against former Real Madrid teammate Angel Di Maria, as Al-Nassr took on Benfica this week.

Angel Di Maria’s skill leaves Cristiano Ronaldo Bemused

Di Maria is one of the most elegant players of his generation, with the ability to pluck the ball from impossible angles, controlling it expertly. Even at 35, the Argentine winger has still got plenty to offer, too, as he looks to star once more after swapping Paris Saint-Germain for Benfica this summer.

The World Cup winner wasted no time in showing off that elegance against Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr side, either, with his former teammate left bewildered by his clever flick.

As you can see in the footage above, with two quick movements, Di Maria expertly controls the ball, before flicking it over the head of the incoming Ronaldo to remind us all why the Al-Nassr man was never a defender, before CR7 then hauled his former teammate to the ground in a flash of frustration.

The moment summed up a day to forget for Ronaldo, who could do nothing as his side were defeated 4-1 by Benfica, with Di Maria even scoring on his debut for the club.

So far, it’s been a pre-season to forget as a whole for Ronaldo’s side, who were also defeated by Celta Vigo 5-0, to make an aggregate score of 9-1 up against European sides.

It is perhaps ironic that Al Nassr have been smashed by two European sides after Ronaldo recently said: “I won’t return to European football, the door is completely closed.

“I’m 38 years old, also European football has lost lot of quality… only valid one is Premier League, they’re way ahead of all the other leagues.”

How much is Cristiano Ronaldo paid per week?

Setting the trend of making the move to Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo earns a reported £3.6m per week at Al-Nassr, in what is an eye-watering amount.

If the wage was to be calculated per minute, then the star forward earns £357 every 60 seconds, meaning that by the time his side have had the chance to ship five goals against a mid-table La Liga side, Ronaldo would have earned a whopping £32,130.

It remains to be seen whether or not Al-Nassr will be among those competing for the title in the Saudi Pro League. After all, others around them have strengthened a significant amount, particularly current champions Al-Ittihad.

Indeed, last season’s title winners have so far welcomed N’Golo Kante, Karim Benzema, and Jota, as they look to defend their crown.

Fans have been quick to react to Al-Nassr’s pre-season, and particularly Di Maria’s fantastic piece of skill that left Ronaldo frustrated and bewildered up against Benfica.

You can see some of the reactions below:

Another new era at Chelsea is now firmly up and running following the official unveiling of Mauricio Pochettino at the weekend and the arrival of another new player.

With Nicolas Jackson joining Christopher Nkunku in making a move to Stamford Bridge, the Blues could be about to land another talented attacking player in Flamengo teenager Matheus Franca.

Will Chelsea sign Matheus Franca?

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea are looking to sign Franca this summer as part of a £25m deal with Brazilian heavyweights Flamengo.

The 19-year-old is no stranger to being linked with big-name clubs, having previously been touted as a target for La Liga's big two Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Newcastle United, West Ham United and Crystal Palace are also said to have shown an interest in Franca, but Chelsea could get there ahead of their Premier League rivals.

Who is Chelsea target Matheus Franca?

Franca is a versatile attacker who can play across the forward line and in central attacking midfield, which is where most of his appearances have come this season, as per WhoScored.

Chelsea are not exactly short of attacking midfielders, though that is likely to change as Mason Mount is on the verge of joining Manchester United, while Christian Pulisic is unlikely to stay at Stamford Bridge.

Mykhailo Mudryk looked set to capitalise on those exits, having struggled for any sort of rhythm since arriving in an £88.5m deal in January, but Franca's mooted arrival could spell further bad news for the Ukraine international.

Like Franca, Mudryk also operated in a number of positions last season, including central attacking midfield. Chelsea will want to get their money's worth from Mudryk, but Pochettino will not be afraid to bench the 22-year-old in favour of Franca should the Brazilian be better suited to his system.

There are similarities between the two players, as you would expect given they take up similar positions, but it could be argued that Franca is showing even more potential than Mudryk did prior to his Chelsea switch.

Taking Mudryk's figures from his final season with Shakhtar Donetsk, which ultimately paved the way for his move to Stamford Bridge, he scored 0.22 goals per 90 minutes, which compares to 0.64 for Franca at Flamengo in the 2022 season.

Franca also had a better pass-completion percentage across those respective seasons (75.1 v 70.5), as per FBref, and also played more passes that led to a shot attempt (2.56 v 2.50), which highlights his ability to link play high up the pitch.

Interestingly, the Brazil U20 international also ranked higher for tackles (2.05 v 1) and ball recoveries (3.59 v 3), showing he is also able to get stuck in if required.

More than that, though, it is his ability to find space at such a young age that has most caught the eye. "He has a very good understanding of the game, Flamengo U20s coach Fabio Matias told GloboEsporte, via Goal. "He also has the ability to be decisive in front of goal and is a great finisher."

That sounds like the player Chelsea were signing in Mudryk. While that could still be the case, it may well be that Pochettino turns to a different talented attacking midfielder in his first season at Stamford Bridge.

Journalist Andrew Musgrove has urged Newcastle United to keep Jamaal Lascelles at the club ahead of next season.

Is Jamaal Lascelles going to leave Newcastle?

The club captain has been at Newcastle since 2014, when he joined from boyhood club Nottingham Forest alongside Karl Darlow in a double-swoop for the Magpies which cost them £7m.

Since then, Lascelles has made 225 appearances for the team, captaining them in the 2016/17 campaign as they won the Championship title and subsequent return to the Premier League.

Following the arrival of Eddie Howe in 2021, however, the Englishman has found his game time reduced, with the 29-year-old making just 11 appearances for the club last season.

Despite this, it is thought that the central defender remains an important figure on Tyneside and has been a big influence in the Magpies dressing room amid the club's return to the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.

While there will be more matches for Newcastle next season, Football Insider reports that Lascelles will have to leave St James' Park this summer if he wants to get more regular first-team football, with competition for places potentially getting even tougher if reports about the club's interest in Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio come to bear fruit.

Reports from earlier this year stated that a sensational return to Nottingham Forest was potentially on the cards this summer, with Steve Cooper wanting to add more experience to his side. However, that interest hasn't ended up resulting in a bid just yet.

Lascelles' contract runs until the summer of 2024 and it seems unlikely that the Magpies will be offering the defender a new deal, so this summer would be the final chance for the side to cash in on the player who is closing in on 10 years on Tyneside.

But speaking on the Everything is Black & White YouTube channel, Musgrove stated that he disagrees with the result of a fan poll which stated that over 20,000 fans believed the club should sell Lascelles, citing the 29-year-old's experience and influence, as well as the quality he still has as reasons to keep him around.

Musgrove said: "He hasn't kicked off at losing his place – he's taken it in his stride and he's put his focus and attention elsewhere and become a real benefit to Newcastle United off the pitch.

"A lot of you guys will remember him picking up two bookings as a substitute, and that's the kind of thing that really reaffirms just how important he is off the pitch; he's always fighting for the club, even if he isn't kicking a ball for 90 minutes.

"And he's got the right attitude, because let's be honest, a lot of club captains who are suddenly out of the side would've kicked off, they would not have been happy. And I'm sure he's not happy at not playing, but he understands the bigger picture and he really has handled essentially being benched really, really well.

"And when he did come in against Manchester City, against Liverpool, I thought he did very well – and I think he can still play a big part in Newcastle's future going ahead, especially next season."

What should Lascelles do next season?

Lascelles has a big decision to make this summer about his career.

He is 29 years old now and should be in the prime of his career. Does he want to spend it playing regular Premier League football at his boyhood club, or does he want to captain the side he has been with for the past nine seasons into their first Champions League campaign in over two decades?

The big thing that might sway the decision is the fact that he only has a year remaining on his deal, so he could move on in the summer of 2024 and clubs wouldn't have to pay a fee. However, should he only play limited minutes next season, the question will have to be asked about whether teams should take the gamble on him.

It is a massive call for the defender to make, but he has two very appealing options, whatever he decides.

Liverpool are expected to make an offer for highly-rated Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, according to an update from talkSPORT.

Who is signing Romeo Lavia?

The future of the 19-year-old has been a big talking point of late, with an exit from Saints widely expected after their relegation from the Premier League to the Championship.

Lavia has been constantly linked with a move to Liverpool, as the Reds look to do major surgery to their midfield, having already acquired the services of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, now seeking their next addition.

The Merseysiders are far from alone from expressing an interest in signing the young Belgium international however, with fellow Premier League powerhouses such as Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea all thought to be eyeing him up.

It looks as though Liverpool could be in pole position to sign Lavia, though, following a positive update that emerged on Monday morning.

What's the latest on Lavia to Liverpool?

According to talkSPORT, Liverpool are now ready to table an offer for the Southampton starlet, as they look to snap him up during the summer transfer window:

"Liverpool are preparing an opening offer for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia, talkSPORT understands. The Reds have moved ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign Lavia, whom Saints have valued at £50million.

"Chelsea’s co-director of recruitment Joe Shields has recommended Lavia to new manager Mauricio Pochettino. But the Blues are thought to be exploring alternative targets for now."

This is a hugely exciting update for Liverpool, with Lavia such a talented footballer who could develop into one of the best defensive midfielders in the world over time, proving to be the perfect long-term replacement for Fabinho.

He is already a senior Belgium international, winning one cap for his country, as well as making 29 Premier League appearances. Not only has he not looked out of his depth, but he has even stood out as possibly Saints' best player over the past 12 months or so, being lauded as "ridiculous" by Southampton reporter Jacob Tanswell for his courage to take the ball from deep and beat the opposition press.

Alongside Mac Allister and Szoboszlai, Lavia could complete a major rebuild of Liverpool's midfield that last well into the future – bringing in Nice star Khephren Thuram would arguably make it a perfect summer at Anfield – and beating big six rivals to his signature would also feel significant.

Assuming he avoids serious injury, the sky is the limit for the Belgian, and the hope is that he would jump at the opportunity to working under Jurgen Klopp.

Chelsea's pursuit of Mike Maignan may have received a huge helping hand, with the Italian media, via Tribal Football, reporting that the player has refused to discuss fresh terms with AC Milan and could now leave.

How good is Mike Maignan?

The shot-stopper currently plays in Italy and has slowly established himself as Milan's first-choice option inbetween the sticks, despite having only played for the side for two seasons now.

In his first campaign in Serie A, he helped them to a league title with only 21 goals conceded in 32 games, but his minutes tailed off in 2022/23 due to an injury. In that most recent season, he played on 22 occasions and conceded 21 again, as the side dipped to fourth in the standings.

Even though his playing time fell, he still ranks as one of the best in his position across Europe. When you compare Maignan to othe 'keepers across the Men's 'Top Five' big leagues, his 50% save rate for penalty kicks puts him in the 92nd percentile there while his rate of goals against puts him comfortably in the 89th percentile.

What's the latest transfer news on Maignan?

Despite being successful so far in Milan, reports from the Italian media, via Tribal Football, suggest that the player will not be agreeing a new contract at San Siro, or even engage in talks with them.

That could mean he is available on a deal this summer, with Premier League sides Chelsea and Man United ready to pounce to bring in the 27-year-old and the player himself keen to explore something new.

Whilst he wouldn't be cheap – the asking price for the shot-stopper could be a whopping 70 million Euros (or £60m) – it appears as though a deal is doable. That is because interested parties such as the Blues are being told by intermediaries to go in with a formal bid.

Maignan has been praised for his performances in Italy with AC Milan over the last few years, with football journalist Josh Bunting for example calling the player "impressive" in the past.

His aforementioned stats certainly back that up and if he did make the move to Chelsea, then it would surely help solidify their backline given their struggles in the goalkeeper department this season.

Manchester United enjoyed a steady debut season under the tutelage of Erik ten Hag, winning the League Cup and qualifying for the Champions League, yet it may arguably be the rejuvenation of Marcus Rashford which is perhaps the best thing to come from 2022/2023.

By the end of the 2021/2022 campaign, Rashford had scored a paltry five goals and grabbed just two assists in what was a season of uncertainty and a clear lack of any ruthlessness in front of goal.

Fast forward a year later and the 25-year-old had upped these numbers to 30 goals and 13 assists, a remarkable turnaround and it was clearly the Ten Hag effect which allowed Rashford to flourish yet again, having been the golden boy of English football for so long.

With the Dutchman on the lookout for new talent that could make an impression in the United first team over the next few years, could he sign United’s next Rashford with a move for Arsenal teen starlet Ethan Nwaneri this summer?

Could Manchester United sign Ethan Nwaneri?

According to The Athletic, Man United are in the hunt for Nwaneri as they look to bring him to Old Trafford this summer.

He made headlines back in September for becoming the Premier League’s youngest-ever player after appearing against Brentford, albeit only gaining a minute of action, however his undoubted talent could see him emerge properly over the coming years.

Rashford broke into the United first team aged just 18 during a Europa League clash against FC Midtjylland, scoring a double and although Nwaneri is still a couple of years younger, he has impressed in Arsenal’s Hale End academy.

The 16-year-old scored nine goals and registered five assists for the U18 side, while the 5 foot 10 ace has even made appearances for the U21 team, playing nine games in the Premier League 2, clearly showing how highly rated he is at the Gunners.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed him as a “wonderkid” while fellow Arsenal teammate Granit Xhaka has lauded the teen starlet as “special” although also declaring that the club must “protect” the player not long after he made his first team debut.

It may be a few years until he makes a Rashford-like impact on the first team should he actually make the move to United, however, the boy is talented, absolutely no doubt about it and Ten Hag should be doing all he can to lure him to Manchester.