All posts by z3u9t.icu

Former Leeds United defender Danny Mills has implored Raphinha to come good for the team’s final Premier League game of the season. 

The lowdown: Treacherous times for Leeds

As things stand, the Whites are one point outside the relegation zone, having played a game more than Burnley in 18th.

Therefore, the Whites could conceivably be in the bottom three when Jesse Marsch’s side travel to west London to take on Brentford on the final day of the 2021/22 campaign next Sunday, should the Clarets avoid defeat to Aston Villa on Thursday.

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Ahead of the potential showdown, one former Elland Road player has urged a modern-day icon to stand up and be counted…

The latest: Raphinha told to ‘step up’

Speaking to Football Insider, regular talkSPORT pundit Mills called upon Raphinha to live up to his ‘top class’ billing when the stakes are at their highest.

The 44-year-old said of the Brazilian: “I keep hearing that he’s a top-class player. He’s got to start doing it and it’s games like these where you have to step up.

“I was in a Leeds side that went to Arsenal on the penultimate day of the season and we needed to win to stay up, not dissimilar to the position Leeds were in at home to Brighton.

“We went to Arsenal, if they won they were still in the title race. We went there and won because Harry Kewell and Mark Viduka stepped up that day.

“They were top-quality players who maybe hadn’t performed as you’d expect through the season but they turned up that day and were sensational. That’s the sort of performance you need from Raphinha.

“When games are tight you need your star players to shine and I don’t think we’ve really seen it in the past few weeks.”

The verdict: Big-game players needed

There can be no doubt that Marsch will be looking to the likes of Raphinha to earn what could be a crucial three points in the final game of the season.

Despite the struggles across the board at Elland Road this term, the 25-year-old Brazilian has managed eight goals and registered 11 assists in 38 appearances across all competitions.

However, the seven-cap Brazil ace is now without a direct goal contribution in five games at the most pivotal time of the campaign – missing one big chance in a 7.5-rated Sofascore performance against Brighton – and Mills is right to deliver such a call-to-arms of someone with Raphinha’s unquestioned ability who has had some tame performances of late.

Moreover, should the £40.5m-valued winger fail to deliver on Sunday and Leeds suffer the indignity of relegation as a consequence, then a long-mooted move away from Yorkshire could loom closer on the horizon for the Samba star.

In other news: Leeds want this powerful 12-goal striker who is ‘ideal’ for the Championship

Tottenham Hotspur are said to be monitoring Atalanta left-back Joakim Maehle and have identified him as a potential transfer target ahead of the summer, according to The Daily Mail.

The Lowdown: Maehle in demand

The 24-year-old first made the switch to Serie A from Genk in 2020 and has made 59 appearances to date for his current club, scoring three goals and providing four assists during that time, as per Transfermarkt.

The £15.3m-rated maestro is regarded as one of the world’s foremost attacking defenders right now, and with Antonio Conte being unable to nail down a regular left-sided player this season as a result of the injuries to both Matt Doherty and Sergio Reguilon, it’s no surprise that the north London giants are on the hunt for a suitable replacement.

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The Latest: Paratici eyeing another Serie A raid

In a report published by The Daily Mail, it is claimed that Tottenham are ‘looking at’ Maehle, who has been ‘viewed as ideal’ for the manager’s 3-4-3 formation.

Spurs’ director of football Fabio Paratici already has established connections to Serie A, having signed Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur from his former club Juventus in January, and this report has suggested that he will ‘return there’ to try and complete the signing of the 25-cap Denmark international.

The Verdict: An all-round player

The full-back will have no doubt gained plenty of interest from possible suitors thanks to his impressive performances for Denmark throughout Euro 2020 last summer, where they managed to reach the semi-final stage.

Maehle currently averages 2.21 blocks and 4.33 progressive passes per 90 minutes, via FBRef, showing his ability to impact a game at both ends of the pitch, and he was once hailed as a “fantastic” player by ITV pundit Ian Wright.

If Conte wants to assemble a new squad which has the potential to push for a Champions League place next season – and reports of the Italian wanting six new summer signings hints as such – the defender could prove to be a great addition, and one who could easily slot into that required wing-back position if Spurs can entice him to north London.

In other news… one Sky Sports pundit has urged Spurs to keep Antonio Conte at the end of the campaign

Ex-BBC pundit turned Leeds United ambassador Noel Whelan has backed defender Stuart Dallas to make a return from his serious injury sooner rather than later.

The Lowdown: Dallas out for the foreseeable

The 31-year-old’s season came to a premature end after a horrific leg injury in the Whites’ 4-0 defeat against Manchester City back in April, and he has since undergone surgery.

Despite a successful operation though, there are still plenty of fears surrounding the player’s future after a Leeds source revealed to Football Insider just last week that the Northern Irishman could miss the entirety of next season as a result of a femoral fracture.

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The Latest: Whelan backs early return

Whelan admitted that whilst Dallas is set to face plenty of challenges throughout his rehabilitation period, but he is urging the 56-cap international to surprise medics with his recovery and even suspects he is already back in the dressing room.

He told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Any long-term injury is a challenge, more so mentally and emotionally as well. You want to be taking part out there with the lads, fighting with them out on the field, especially with the predicament we’re in.

“It’s something out the blue for Stuart, he’s never really gone through a long-term injury before.

“I’m sure he’ll be in the changing room trying to give his opinions and gee the lads on. That’s fantastic but look, it is demoralising when you get a really long injury. Any injury is hard to take. Whether it’s a hamstring, a tear, a small fracture. Long term, it can take its toll on you mentally.

“But the good thing is that we’re near the end of the season. It gives him that six to eight weeks to kind of get his rehab under his belt. He’s had the operation, it’s now a healing process.

“At the end of the season, it’s nice to be away from the club so you can put your feet up, you can go on holiday. Yes, you’re injured but I think getting away from football at times is not a bad thing when you have a long-term injury, just to clear your mind.”

“Reflect, get your head into a good place and know that you’re gonna be working very hard to get back fitter and stronger like he says. There’s no doubt about it, he will. He’s one of these people that is very honest, he will put the hard work in, the graft.

“Knowing Stuart Dallas he will probably be back sooner rather than later because of that determination that he has in his mind.”

The Verdict: Focusing on the future

The £53k-per-week star having to miss the final three games of the season will come as a huge blow to Jesse Marsch, who will know just how much of an instrumental part Dallas plays in his starting XI.

Prior to picking up his injury, the 5 foot 9 colossus was averaging 2.7 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, and 1.4 dribbles per top-flight game, via WhoScored, showing that he can be effective both defensively and offensively going forward in that wing-back role.

Dallas, who was once dubbed as an “outstanding” player by BBC pundit Alan Shearer, will no doubt be absolutely gutted that he won’t be able to play any further part in trying to help the Whites maintain their Premier League status, but the most important thing for him now is to focus on his recovery so that he can be back fighting fit on that Elland Road pitch again as soon as possible.

In other news… a talkSPORT pundit has claimed that one Leeds ace appears to be ‘losing his head’.

It won’t come as a surprise if West Brom allow Grady Diangana to quit the club this summer, according to Midlands football reporter Josh Holland.

The Lowdown: Limited game time

The 24-year-old put pen to paper on a permanent five-year deal with the Baggies in 2020 following a successful loan spell the season before, but has since failed to reach the expectations set of him and hasn’t really been given a chance under Steve Bruce, having made just 15 Championship appearances for the new boss this season.

Five of those appearances were for just eight minutes or less, and as a result of clearly not being able to impress the Albion manager, Holland believes Diangana could be just one of a handful of senior first-team players to exit the Hawthorns during the upcoming transfer window.

The Latest: Departure on the horizon?

During an interview with Football League World, Holland claimed that the midfielder’s time at West Brom looks like it might be over.

He said: “I think Diangana is a weird one because we all know how good he is, but whether he’s happy at West Brom and whether he wants a move away is another thing.

“I think if Diangana left, not many people would be surprised.”

The Verdict: Great potential with a different team

The Congo-born talent did show plenty of promising signs during his loan spell with the Baggies, making 15 goal contributions in 30 appearances in all competitions, hence why they were keen to retain his services, but unfortunately, it just hasn’t worked out since then.

The maestro was once described as being a “dangerous” player in the final third by Premier League legend Pablo Zabaleta, and still has lots to give to the right team, but it doesn’t seem like that particular club will be the Midlands outfit.

Should the hierarchy be able to sell Diangana and get a good fee for him in the summer, this tasty sum could be put towards some much-needed transfer funds so that Bruce has the chance to rebuild his squad ahead of the start of the new season in a bid to make a serious promotion push next term.

West Bromwich Albion have endured a fairly miserable campaign in the Championship this season in terms of their results and performances at times.

With 45 games played, the Baggies have won just 17, drawn 13 and lost 15, highlighting just how up-and-down they’ve been throughout the season.

Despite securing a 1-0 win over Reading last time out, the Midlands club didn’t come away from Saturday’s game completely unscathed.

What’s the news?

After playing throughout the first 45 minutes, Baggies full-back Conor Townsend was replaced by Zac Ashworth at half-time due to a suspected injury.

Speaking after the match to Birmingham Mail, West Brom manager Steve Bruce had this to say regarding Townsend’s injury: “He twisted his ankle just before half-time and he will have scans and we’ll see how he is.”

It is just the latest injury blow in a regrettable campaign at The Hawthorns which has also seen the likes of Dara O’Shea and Daryl Dike fall victim to long-term absences.

Taking into account how Townsend has started all 43 league games in which he has appeared in this season, it’s clear that he is an important figure for the team, and his absence will be a big blow for them.

Throughout the campaign, the 29-year-old has shown his versatility by playing in three different positions on the pitch when required, delivering two assists while doing so.

To further highlight how vital he is for the Baggies, no other West Brom player can match the number of crosses (181) or tackles (50) that Townsend has to his name.

Worrying for Bruce

Not only has Townsend played more minutes in the league this season than any of his team-mates, his overall performances have also shown what a solid player he is.

As per WhoScored, the defender has earned himself an overall season rating of 6.84/10, making him the fourth-highest rated West Brom player to have started more than 30 league games.

Even though the end of the season is almost upon us, it will still be worrying news for Bruce in terms of what the severity of Townsend’s injury could be, especially with another season in the Championship on the way for the Baggies.

Everyone at the Midlands club will surely be hoping for the best in terms of the defender’s recovery time and will be eager to see him get back out on the pitch as soon as possible.

In other news – Forget Grant: “Energetic” 88-touch West Brom dynamo stole the show against Reading

Chelsea have now launched their first enquiry to sign Como star Nico Paz in 2026, but it is reportedly Real Madrid who hold the key in pursuit of one of the world’s best young talents.

The Blues have built quite the reputation for signing young stars in recent years, with some of those stars beginning to thrive at Stamford Bridge whilst others wonder what’s next. One of those on the more positive side is Estevao Willian. The young Brazilian has hit the ground running in West London and once again came from the bench to contribute on Saturday night.

This time it was Wolverhampton Wanderers who suffered as Estevao found room to hand Joao Pedro the chance to get his name on the scoresheet. From one Brazilian to another, the former Brighton & Hove Albion forward duly obliged.

The 18-year-old’s performance once again resulted in significant praise from the Sky Sports studio, with former Wolves boss Gary O’Neil saying: “The thing holding him back is that he’s got the best winger I’ve ever worked with in Pedro Neto in his position.

“But he’s a top talent. Estevao, I’m sure, will manage to find his way into the team, but I think it’s difficult on that right-hand-side. At his age, you can keep him happy giving him sub appearances. But at some point, he needs to be let off the leash.”

Chelsea launch move to re-sign Antonio Rudiger; he's made Real Madrid decision

He previously starred at Stamford Bridge.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 9, 2025

Whilst Estevao continues to enjoy an impressive rise, Chelsea will no doubt continue their search for the next generation of standout stars. And that, of course, includes Paz. The Como star has been excellent under former Stamford Bridge star Cesc Fabregas this season and the Blues have now made their first move for his signature.

Chelsea launch first Nico Paz enquiry

As reported by Caught Offside, Chelsea have now enquired about signing Paz from Como in 2026, but face competition from Inter Milan, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. Reports have even claimed that Inter are preparing to submit an offer to sign the attacking midfielder worth €58m (£51m).

Unfortunately for the Italian giants and the rest of the interested parties, however, it is Real Madrid who hold the key to Paz’s future. The Spanish giants reportedly have a buy-back clause worth €9m (£8m) in 2026 and €10m (£9m) in 2027. In one move, they could sign a player who could reach the value of €100m for what would be the bargain of the summer.

Chelsea and others must simply hope that Madrid either opt out of signing the 21-year-old in the next two years or the player, himself, rejects the chance to make a return to the Bernabeu. If either of those scenarios take place, then things will certainly become interesting.

Described as “incredible” by Lionel Messi in the highest praise that an Argentinian can receive, Paz has already been involved in eight goals in 12 games this season and doesn’t look likely to slow down anytime soon.

Chelsea join Daniel Munoz race as Crystal Palace star reveals true "dream" move

Manchester United have sifted through a familiar pile of problems so far this season, but there’s been enough about Ruben Amorim’s side to suggest a turnaround may yet be on the horizon.

A daunting trip to Anfield looms large for the Red Devils now that the October international break has been wrapped up, and INEOS will expect to see an upswing in results, having unlocked their purse and spent a pretty penny on new signings this summer.

Liverpool

7

£415m

Chelsea

10

£285m

Arsenal

8

£255m

Newcastle

7

£250m

Man United

5

£216m

Given that last year’s 15th-place Premier League finish and defeat by Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final have limited Amorim and his team to domestic action only this year, it’s impressive that INEOS granted a significant outlay to help get Old Trafford back on track.

Among those arrivals was Benjamin Sesko, who hasn’t quite hit the ground running after joining from German side RB Leipzig.

Man Utd considering Sesko upgrade

This month, Sesko put the brakes on his Man United progress, having scored two goals in succession, heading out for international action with Slovenia.

He didn’t carry his form over to the World Cup qualifiers, but the 22-year-old striker has shown in recent weeks his capacity to succeed at the Theatre of Dreams, with Wayne Rooney citing the star’s aerial “influence” as proving a “handful” for Sunderland two weeks ago.

But with Rasmus Hojlund now out on loan with Napoli and with a mandatory purchase option worth £38m, there’s a sense Amorim and Man United technical director Jason Wilcox might be seeking an alternative at number nine.

Well, according to Spanish sources this week, that player could be Mateo Retegui, who is already attracting intrigue after leaving Atalanta for Al Qadsiah in Saudi Arabia this summer.

The 26-year-old cost his new outfit a reported £56m in July, and so would cost United a heavy outlay if they were to pursue this market potential.

In fact, the Spanish media suggest a fee in the region of €60m (about £52m) would do the trick.

But two strikers are better than one, and with United planning to return to European competition by the start of next term, adding Retegui to the ranks might be a shrewd move.

Would his success come at Sesko’s expense?

Why Mateo Retegui is perfect for Man Utd

Retegui, an Italy international but born and raised in Argentina, left his South American homeland in 2023 and joined Genoa, scoring nine times across the 2023/24 campaign and piquing the interest of Gian Piero Gasperini, Atalanta manager.

Transferring to La Dea following their historic success in the Europa League, Retegui notched 28 goals across the recent campaign, with Italian manager Luciano Spalletti saying, “Inside the box, he is lethal.”

That’s exactly what the Red Devils need going forward, and while Sesko promises much under Amorim’s management, it’s clear he is a work in progress, and that a period of adaptation might spill over into the following season.

Retegui would be the perfect player, at a different stage in his career development, to jockey for a place at the front of the ship and ensure United go from strength to strength next season and beyond.

With five goals and four assists from his past four matches for Gli Azzurri during World Cup qualifying, Retegui is proving he has retained the requisite sharpness to succeed in the Premier League for a superpower such as Man United.

If we’ve learned anything about Man United’s goalscoring conundrum over the past year or so, it’s that strikers need service. Hojlund has come alive since leaving England, and United’s 14th-placed ranking for big chances created last season (66) emphasises the root of their creative struggles then.

But things have changed this term. Tactical imbalances still reign, but Sesko is benefiting from Bruno Fernandes’ creativity; no Premier League player has created more big chances than his 18 this season.

Just imagine the gains that could be made with Retegui thrown into the mix. According to Sofascore, Retegui only missed 18 big chances in Serie A last season, scoring 25 times, which emphasises his clinical quality in the danger area. The Italian averaged more than a chance created per game besides.

For all that is lopsided about Amorim’s system and the application of the players within it, United actually top the xG (expected goals) chart in the top flight so far.

Retegui has proven over the past few years his goalscoring ability and aptitude across the final third. For Atalanta, he was “one of the best acquisitions of the summer transfer window” in 2024, after all.

Kylian Mbappe

34

31

Mohamed Salah

38

29

Robert Lewandowski

34

27

Harry Kane

31

26

Mateo Retegui

36

25

He no longer competes on the European circuit, but the Italian has started life in the Gulf as clinically as he left his career in his homeland, posting three goals from four matches across the Saudi Pro League campaign so far.

Given that, across the past 12 months, he ranks among the top 5% of strikers for goals scored, the top 7% for assists and the top 11% for recoveries completed per 90, as per FBref’s data, there’s a sense that this mobile and aggressive goalscorer could be the perfect counterpoint to the tall and powerful Sesko.

But if Retegui were to hit the ground running, it might actually be to the detriment of Sesko’s own rise in the Premier League.

Man Utd now eyeing record-breaking Lammens upgrade who's "good with his feet"

The Red Devils are already looking to sign a new goalkeeper, despite signing Senne Lammens in the summer.

ByDominic Lund Oct 15, 2025

After announcing the arrival of Simon Adingra to add yet another impressive talent to their ranks, Sunderland have reportedly turned their attention towards an experienced goalkeeper this summer.

Adingra: Sunderland project is "really exciting"

Ask even the most optimistic Sunderland fan whether they expected the Black Cats to spend big this summer and the answer is almost certain to be a resounding no. Those at the Stadium of Light have entered the Premier League ready to lay down a statement, however, and become the first in six promoted sides to avoid the drop at the first time of asking. And the arrival of Adingra should play a large part in that.

The former Brighton & Hove Albion winger told Sunderland’s official website after sealing a move worth an initial £20.5m with add-ons: “It’s a pleasure to be here, and I cannot wait to get started. The Club and the project are really exciting.

“I spoke with everyone and their interest in me made the decision easy – I wanted to be part of Sunderland’s future. Playing in the Premier League has been a dream of mine since I was a kid, so to continue doing that is incredible. It’s a big challenge ahead – we’ll be facing top players and strong opponents – but I’m ready for it.”

After losing his starting place under Fabian Hurzler at Brighton last season, some may be quick to forget just how talented Adingra is, but he’ll be keen to send some timely reminders next season.

Sunderland set to sign another new star, £18m fee agreed and medical booked

The Black Cats have wasted no time.

2 ByTom Cunningham Jul 10, 2025

As impressive as the winger’s arrival is, though, the Black Cats are still not done in the summer transfer window. Reports are now suggesting that they’ve turned their attention towards a fresh shot-stopper.

Sunderland join race to sign £20m Ramsdale

According to GiveMeSport, Sunderland have now joined the race to sign Aaron Ramsdale, who has asked to leave relegated Southampton this summer. The goalkeeper reportedly has a release clause worth just £20m following the Saints’ relegation, handing those in Wearside the opportunity to swoop in should they please.

Signing an upgrade on current No.1 Anthony Patterson has been on Sunderland’s wishlist all summer. Reports even went as far as to suggest that the Black Cats were closing in on an agreement to sign Djordje Petrovic earlier this month. But with that deal yet to get over the line, the door has swung open for Ramsdale to hand Regis Le Bris a fresh alternative.

Starts

30

31

Clean Sheets

3

10

Saves P90

4

3.55

Save Percentage

67.6%

78.9%

It’s a difficult choice for Sunderland. Whilst Petrovic enjoyed an excellent campaign on loan at Strasbourg, who finished as high as eighth in Ligue 1, Ramsdale was often doing his best to help Southampton avoid major humiliation. And the numbers reflect that in many ways.

Rightly praised as “excellent” by Joe Hart at St Mary’s last season, Ramsdale could finally end his trend of frustrating relegations by swapping Southampton for Sunderland this summer.

Liverpool have been focusing their efforts to improve their forward line on three central targets in recent weeks, but Fabrizio Romano has revealed the one they are “working” on a deal for.

Florian Plettenberg revealed this week Alexander Isak, Victor Osimhen and Hugo Ekitike are “three concrete options” for Liverpool this summer after sporting director Richard Hughes completed checks on all of the forwards.

Isak is seemingly the dream target for both Liverpool and probable title rivals Arsenal, although Newcastle United are set to demand £150m for his signature in a bid to ward off suitors this summer.

Ekitike meanwhile has been quite publcily priced at £85m, while Osimhen could leave Napoli for around £64m after an impressive loan spell at Galatasaray.

Darwin Nunez is expected to depart Anfield this summer, with interest from Italian sides and the Saudi Pro League, although talks over a move to Napoli have reportedly slowed in recent days due to Liverpool’s demands.

Arne Slot made no secret of his desire for Nunez to step his game up last season, revealing he was unhappy with his work rate after a miss in the 2-2 draw against Aston Villa: “A miss that I can accept. What is harder to accept, his behaviour after the chance. That miss is got too much in his head where he is the usual Darwin that works his a** off.”

Fabrizio Romano: Liverpool "could" offer swap deal to sign £40m+ England star

The Reds are still seeking reinforcements.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 30, 2025

The Dutchman, together with Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes, are seemingly determined to land a new number nine before the new campaign gets underway, and Romano has revealed the one they are currently going for.

Liverpool "working" on deal for Ekitike

Speaking on his YouTube channel on Monday evening, Romano revealed Liverpool are discussing a deal for Eintracht Frankfurt sensation Ekitike, though it does depend on what happens with Nunez.

Ekitike has scored 26 times in 64 appearances during his two years in Frankfurt, but really stepped up to an elite level in 2024/25, registering 22 goals and 12 assists in all competitions.

The young Frenchman could be lethal in Liverpool’s new look front line, as explained by scout/writer Counter Pressers on X: “Hugo Ekitike with Florian Wirtz behind him would be unstoppable. After years of watching Darwin Nunez, we deserve to watch someone of Ekitike’s technical level.”

Indeed, the 23 year-old seems to have more nuance to his game than Liverpool’s struggling star, averaging more passes at a higher completion rate and more dribbles than the former Benfica man, all while scoring more goals too.

0.48

Non-penalty goals per 90

0.34

0.29

Assists per 90

0.17

22.90

Passes per 90

18.41

75.3%

Pass completion

69.1%

1.9

Succesful take-ons per 90

0.68

The former PSG starlet could transform Liverpool’s status as champions into total domestic dominance if his relationship with Wirtz hits the ground running.

Pep Guardiola is pushing Manchester City to offer one of his current players in exchange for a Real Madrid star, according to a recent report.

Cherki looking to create his own Man City legacy

The Blues have been very busy in the early part of this transfer window, bringing in four new players. They have added Marcus Bettinelli to their squad as another goalkeeper option, along with Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolves, Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan and Rayan Cherki from Lyon.

City have seen Kevin de Bruyne leave the club and join Napoli this summer, and therefore, signing someone with Cherki’s creativity was crucial. However, the French attacking midfielder has stressed he is “not De Bruyne”, and he is keen to “write my own story” at the Etihad.

“I’m not Kevin De Bruyne; he is the legend. I’m here to help the team and to write my own story. I hope to win all the time with the team.

“When you see Rodri, he won the Ballon d’Or here – it’s clear that with Manchester City it’s possible, and I am here for this.

Man City now "close" to completing signing of "crazy" 15 y/o attacking gem

He is a player with a massive future.

ByHenry Jackson Jun 13, 2025

“When I spoke with Pep, he wanted me – he was very, very clear. Pep told me, ‘when you have the ball, you are free’, which is very good for me because it’s my first quality to help the team.

“The system, the club, the city is very good. I want to win, and I think Manchester City wants to win it all.”

Pep wants Rodrygo to join Man City overhaul

Cherki may not be the last of the new attackers arriving at the Etihad in this transfer window, as according to a report from Spain, Pep wants Man City to offer Jack Grealish to Real Madrid in exchange for Rodrygo.

Grealish has been left out of City’s Club World Cup squad, as his time at the club appears to be coming to an end. Guardiola is keen for the Englishman to get another big move and sees him as someone who can help bring Rodrygo’s price down, which currently stands at £84 million.

However, this report does state that Real Madrid are not interested in signing Grealish, and Xabi Alonso has already made it clear to the Brazilian forward that he is a key part of his plans going forward.

Rodrygo

Grealish

Apps

30

20

Starts

22

7

Goals

6

1

xG

4.0

1.1

Goals per 90

0.28

0.12

Assists

6

1

xAG

3.0

1.8

Assists per 90

0.23

0.12

Progressive carries

113

69

Grealish, who earns £300,000 a week at City, is already wanted by teams such as Newcastle United and Aston Villa, with the Magpies said to be the ones leading the race to secure his transfer.

Last season, Grealish played just 20 times in the Premier League, scoring one goal and registering one assist in the process. Meanwhile, Rodrygo, who has been dubbed a “magician” by Statman Dave, scored six goals as well as assisting a further six in 30 La Liga games.