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Damning new statistics suggest that Manchester United have the worst value-for-money squad in the Premier League.

Figures released by TransfermarktUnited bottom of tableComes despite promising new signingsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

According to a new table put together by statisticians Transfermarkt, Manchester United are the worst side in the Premier League when it comes to overspending on players. The table compares squad cost against value, and with United's £1.1 billion squad cost far surpassing its value of £769m, Ruben Amorim's team has been deemed the Premier League's worst value-for-money.

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This is a point people within the world of football have been making for years; whether it's splashing £85m on Antony or investing a whopping £73m in the signing of Jadon Sancho, the club has consistently squandered resources on flashy players who have failed to make an impact. These recent figures are proof of how wasteful the club has been.

DID YOU KNOW?

The gap between the cost of Amorim's squad and its anticipated value is a huge £322.9m, with high-profile flops including Casemiro, Antony, and Sancho. The latter player — who's currently rotting in United's 'bomb squad' — could end up leaving the club for as little as £17m this transfer window.

Getty WHAT NEXT FOR AMORIM?

The Red Devils boss can do nothing about his club's past expenditure, and with the recent arrivals of talented players like Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, things appear to be looking up. It's been a mixed start to the 2025/26 campaign, but Cunha and Mbeumo's brilliance has already been clear to see.

The allrounder smacked 56 off 46 to steer a thrilling chase in a rain-shortened match in the Vijay Hazare semi-final

Sreshth Shah in Bengaluru23-Oct-2019In a match shortened to 40-overs a side, Tamil Nadu beat Gujarat by five wickets in a nervy encounter in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2019-20 semi-final, to set up a title clash against Karnataka.Chasing 178 for victory, Tamil Nadu were 96 for 5 but Shahrukh Khan’s 56* off 46 balls saw them pull through with an over to spare, enthralling the handful of neutral fans who turned up at the Just Cricket Academy Ground on the outskirts of Bengaluru.Both teams had star-studded line-ups. R Ashwin, fresh off India’s Test series win over South Africa, flew in on Tuesday to join the Tamil Nadu squad for the semi-final. He had M Vijay, Washington Sundar, Abhinav Mukund and captain Dinesh Karthik in his side. Gujarat, too, had their share of India cap-holders, with Axar Patel and Piyush Chawla being led by Parthiv Patel. Gujarat needed a win, while Tamil Nadu needed anything but a defeat. A no-result would have put Tamil Nadu into the final, with the tournament rules stating that head to head results would be the tie-breaker if both sides had an equal number of wins coming into a knockout match, and Tamil Nadu had beaten Gujarat when both teams faced each other in the league stages in Group C.Unsurprisingly then, Karthik chose to field first on winning the toss, with one eye on the grey clouds in the distance.The clouds remained all day, but the rain didn’t arrive, as the match began at 10.30am, an hour and a half after the scheduled start.Priyank Panchal and Parthiv, the Gujarat openers, have been their two most dependable top-order batsmen over the last few years. Their solid opening partnerships had led Gujarat to nine wins in ten matches in the tournament thus far. Before the game, the only time both Gujarat openers failed was in the defeat against Tamil Nadu. So when they both fell inside the fifth over to Ashwin and Washington respectively, it seemed that Tamil Nadu had taken an early stranglehold on the match. A brief partnership of 45 between No. 3 Bhargav Merai (20) and No. 4 Dhruv Raval (40) then followed, which helped Gujarat negate the early damage done by the Tamil Nadu spinners, but a middle-order collapse once again handed Tamil Nadu the advantage.M Mohammed was the wrecker-in-chief during the middle overs. After Merai fell to T Natarajan, Mohammed struck off his first delivery to dismiss Raval when he edged a drive to the slip cordon. In the same spell, Manpreet Juneja (12) and Karan Patel (4) fell victim to Mohammed’s nippy deliveries. By the time Karan was out in the 21st over, Gujarat were tottering at 102 for 6.The handful of spectators kept switching their support from one team to the other, almost as if one moment they wanted nothing more than to see a heavyweight clash between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the final, but the next they realised they’d much rather see a proper contest right now than sometime in the future and began screaming for Axar Patel to push Gujarat towards a respectable total.In Chawla’s company, Axar added 23 for the seventh wicket. The eighth-wicket stand with Roosh Kalaria lasted only six balls, but in No. 10 Chintan Gaja, Axar found someone with whom he could bat out the full 40 overs. Together they made 26 runs but Axar perished for 37 trying to clear the long-on boundary. Gujarat’s tenth-wicket partnership still had 3.2 overs to bat, and with Gaja leading the way, they added 18 more to finish on 177 for 9.Tamil Nadu’s chase began poorly, with Vijay chopping Gaja onto his stumps for 3. Axar and Kalaria bowled a tight spell with the new ball, allowing Tamil Nadu to score only 25 runs in the first eight overs. Axar then struck as No. 3 B Aparajith guided an attempted cut into Parthiv’s gloves to rock Tamil Nadu further, but just like the Gujarat innings, a rescue effort from the third-wicket partnership followed. Abhinav had survived the tricky period with the new ball, and he opened up in No. 4 Karthik’s company. The experienced duo motored along in a 45-run third-wicket stand to bring the game into the balance, as Abhinav held up one end and Karthik took on the boundary riders. But the wickets of both set batsmen, on either side of Vijay Shankar’s dismissal, gave Gujarat the look-in they needed. With 15 overs to go on a surface that was two-paced all day, Tamil Nadu, with two new batsmen at the crease, needed 81 to qualify for the final.By now, Tamil Nadu had slipped behind the VJD par and some nervous moments followed as the skies turned dark once again. But there was no inclement weather. Instead, there was a storm from Shahrukh’s bat.With his partner Washington nudging the ball around for singles (twos were difficult because of the ground’s dimensions), Shahrukh took on the other Gujarat bowlers, first slapping Kalaria to point for four before depositing Chawla’s googly over long-on. That brought the crowd – by now, prepared for a Tamil Nadu defeat – back to life, with the batting team needing 27 off 24 balls. Over the next two overs, Shahrukh guided Axar to the third-man boundary and followed it with a flat-batted six off Kalaria over long-off to bring the equation to 11 off the final two overs.In the penultimate over, Washington thumped a four off the first ball, after which Shahrukh drilled a full toss over long-off to seal Tamil Nadu’s win. Such was the fervour during the final stages of the chase that Shahrukh didn’t even acknowledge his half-century till the end of the game.The result means that Tamil Nadu have reached a domestic final for the first time since 2016/2017.

Tottenham Hotspur could be looking to replace Lucas Moura with a big upgrade this summer, if recent reports are to be believed.

According to 90min, the north London outfit had scouts in attendance for Villarreal’s two-legged Champions League semi-final clash with Liverpool. It’s thought that they were taking a closer look at centre-back Pau Torres and winger Arnaut Danjuma.

The Yellow Submarines were defeated 5-2 on aggregate with the former featuring in both fixtures, and the latter only playing the first leg, missing the second through injury.

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After leaving Championship side AFC Bournemouth for Unai Emery’s side in a €25m (£21.4m) deal the summer, the six-time Netherlands international has enjoyed a standout campaign across both domestic and European competitions.

As per Transfermarkt, the 25-year-old has delivered a whopping 16 goals and four assists, which included goals as a centre-forward against Atletico Madrid, Valencia and Granada, where he bagged a hat-trick.

Danjuma has been one of Villarreal’s best-performing and most consistent stars, ranking fifth (LaLiga) and second (UCL) overall for average rating, whilst no player has found the net more times.

Currently valued at £45m, the enigmatic dynamo wouldn’t come cheap but he’d be a massive upgrade on the out-of-sorts Moura, that’s for sure.

The Brazilian winger has been usurped by Dejan Kulusevski in the pecking order under Antonio Conte, hardly a surprise given his poor returns of two goals and five assists in 31 league appearances.

Danjuma outranks the long-serving Spurs star in pretty much every attacking metric, as per FBRef.

In terms of shooting output, the Yellow Submarines sensation is managing 1.26 shots on target per 90, in comparison to Moura’s 0.83, whilst for expected goals and assists (excluding penalty kicks) sees the former Cherries man sit on 0.57 per 90, compared to the 0.35 put up by the Spurs ace.

Danjuma also manages 1.88 carries into the 18-yard box, way clear of Moura’s 0.84, on top of attempting more dribbles and receiving more progressive passes in the final third, also via FBRef.

Lauded as an “exceptional talent” by EFL pundit Clinton Morrison and “unbelievable” by former manager Jonathan Woodgate, it’s evident that Conte could secure a major upgrade on Moura with a swoop to bring Danjuma back to England.

Fabio Paratici and co must look to get this done during the off-season.

AND in other news, Paratici bargain: Spurs plot bid for “extraordinary” £45m titan, imagine him & Romero…

Juventus head coach Igor Tudor is uncertain about Dusan Vlahovic's future at the club and says he will accept everything the club decides.

Juventus won 2-0 against ParmaDusan Vlahovic tapped in a goalCoach still uncertain about player's futureFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Vlahovic scored to help his side open their Serie A campaign with a 2-0 win against Parma. While the striker has been touted to leave Turin this summer, there has not been any progress and his departure still remains a looming question. In a post-match press conference, Tudor complimented Vlahovic's professionalism and "beautiful" goal but said he does not know if he will continue at the club.

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The club are looking to offload Vlahovic for around €38m (£33m/$44m) as his €12m salary weighs heavily on their wage bill and he has refused to sign a new contract. Newcastle are reportedly keeping tabs on the player and might make a move should Alexander Isak ends up joining Liverpool while Juve hope to bring Randal Kolo Muani back from Paris Saint-Germain. Coach Tudor says he is ready to accept anything the club decides and believes the situation is now out of his hands. However, for the time being, the coach is confident about Vlahovic's commitment and will continue to back him. 

WHAT TUDOR SAID

The Croatian coach said: "Vlahovic is focused, he's a Juve player and he's doing what he has to do, he's had a perfect month of preparation. Then we'll see what happens this week. Do I want to focus on him again? I'm happy, he's doing well, he's committed. He scored a beautiful goal. I don't know what will happen, I accept everything, the management has the final say. Should I keep Vlahovic or sign Kolo Muani? I don't give headlines."  

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR VLAHOVIC?

As of now, there have been no formal bids submitted for Vlahovic. The forward's contract expires next year, and he will continue with the club until an offer is received. The Serie A club will face Genoa in their next league match on August 31.

Liverpool are already reportedly working on their move to sign a £100m winger to replace Mohamed Salah, who was left out of the squad entirely for their trip to face Inter Milan.

Thierry Henry: Salah "wrong" for public Liverpool spat

In truth, Liverpool’s dramatic 3-3 draw at Elland Road feels like an eternity ago such is the drama that’s unfolded since. Salah’s bombshell is still leaving shrapnel around Anfield and around the Premier League, with Jamie Carragher delivering a brutal assessment on Monday Night Football and Thierry Henry since adding to that in midweek.

The Frenchman said on CBS’ Champions League show: “Look, nobody is talking about what Mo Salah has achieved in the game. We’re talking about a moment in time that I think he got wrong.

“You do not talk about your personal situation openly when your team is struggling. You do it in a dressing room. I’ve done it. I went to the dressing room and smashed everything in. I went to the office of the boss and complained about stuff.

“When I was at Barcelona, I went away with the team. They put me in the stand. Did you hear me talking about it? No. There is a team. You need to protect your team at all costs, all the time.”

"Similar" to Semenyo: Liverpool in daily talks to sign £88m Salah successor

Liverpool appear to have turned their attention to signing a suitable successor to Mohamed Salah.

ByRobbie Walls 1 day ago

Arne Slot, meanwhile, is still awaiting an apology and has at least seen his side bounce back from the Leeds game with a professional 1-0 victory over Inter Milan at the San Siro.

The Athletic believe that Salah’s outburst was either aimed towards securing an exit away from the club or to put pressure on Slot’s position. If it is the former and there really is no way back then the Reds could reportedly turn their attention towards Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola.

Liverpool begin "work" on Barcola move

According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are already “working” on a move to sign Barcola in an attempt to replace Salah in 2026. The PSG man is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal in France, leaving the door ajar for those at Anfield to make their move.

Sources told Caught Offside: “Liverpool have already begun background work on replacing Salah. A player they really like, and have been following closely for some time, is Bradley Barcola.”

Even though he’s yet to sign a new deal, Barcola’s current contract doesn’t expire until 2028. That means Liverpool will likely have to pay a premium fee to secure his signature, with reports in the summer suggesting that PSG value their winger at as much as £100m.

Dubbed “special” by Como scout Ben Mattinson last year, it’s easy to see why Barcola has emerged as an option to replace Salah. In 1,274 minutes so far this season – the same as around 14 games – the Frenchman has scored five goals and assisted another three from out wide.

Replacing Salah will be one of the toughest jobs that Richard Hughes has had as sporting director, but he may already have an ideal candidate in mind.

He could be captain after Van Dijk: £35m star very keen on joining Liverpool

USMNT star Tim Weah is closing in on a move from Juventus to Marseille, with terms being agreed on a loan deal that includes an obligation to buy.

American ending two-year spell in ItalyReturn to Ligue 1 was always his preferenceDeal agreed ahead of medical in FranceFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The United States international is ready to return to France after two years in Turin. He has previously represented Paris Saint-Germain and Lille in Ligue 1, while also spending time on loan at Scottish giants Celtic in 2019.

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A new challenge is being sought after failing to nail down a starting berth at Juve. They have been open to offers across the summer transfer window, with an opportunity to join Nottingham Forest in the Premier League being passed up at one stage.

DID YOU KNOW?

Weah is said to have made it clear that his preference was always to retrace steps to French football. The 25-year-old is about to get his wish as Marseille have an offer on the table that is considered acceptable by all concerned.

GettyWHAT ROMANO SAID

Transfer guru says: "Tim Weah to Olympique Marseille, here we go! Deal verbally agreed now also with Juventus. Understand package will be €1m loan fee, €14m obligation to buy, add-ons and sell-on clause. Weah only wanted Marseille, just waiting for green light to travel."

CSA is concerned about WPCA’s administrative and financial affairs as well as possible disruption caused by a big construction project at the ground

Liam Brickhill27-Sep-2019Newlands might lose hosting rights for the 2020 New Year’s Test between South Africa and England. Cricket South Africa has raised concerns about the Western Province Cricket Association’s administrative and financial affairs, and the potential disruption caused by a massive construction project currently underway at the ground, with CSA chief executive Thabang Moroe saying, “We are worried as CSA that Newlands may not be able to host the New Year’s Test.”An report on Thursday said that the association is in significant financial strife and in danger of missing out on the hosting of the marquee event as it continued its attempts to raise money for building developments at Newlands, and there are signs of a troubled state of affairs in the organisation’s administration.”We are concerned with the finances of Western Province, so as CSA we want to understand some of the decisions they have taken and what their plans are in terms of moving themselves out of the hole they have put themselves in,” Moroe explained. “They may not be able to [host the New Year’s Test] but I’d like to think that with us sitting around the table and working together as the mother body and the affiliate partner that we ensure that the Test match stays there and we are ready to host it.”The WPCA has not held its annual general meeting this year, and last week CSA announced that it had appointed an administrator to take over the administrative, governance and financial affairs of WPCA “until all these respective functions have been placed on a satisfactory footing”.In February, the WPCA announced a R750 million (approx. US$50 million) upgrade to Newlands that would see the construction of four new office blocks on the site, as well as refurbishments to the Western Province offices and President’s Pavilion at Newlands. South African financial services and investments group Sanlam was to have taken on 51% of the costs, with WPCA covering the other 49%.”This is a journey that started around ten years ago and the main purpose of this journey was the sustainability of cricket,” Cape Cobras chief executive Nabeal Dien had said at the time. “I don’t think we would have gone into this, and neither would Sanlam, unless we saw a viable outcome.”However, last week CSA suspended the WPCA board, appointing former chief executive Andre Odendaal as an administrator, with Odendaal due to present monthly progress reports as CSA takes a hands-on approach to the WPCA’s affairs.”CSA will exercise its rights until such time that it is reasonably of the opinion that the WPCA administrative and financial affairs are being conducted according to best practice and that the association can assure equity partners and stakeholders that projects currently underway will unfold as planned,” said CSA President and board chairman Chris Nenzani.CSA is clearly unhappy with WPCA’s progress, and the fate of the marquee New Year’s Test fixture is set to be decided at a meeting between CSA and the WPCA next week.”This includes getting the City of Cape Town involved and there’s a big construction project going on there,” Moroe said. “There’s the concern of safety as fans are concerned. The construction is going to disrupt a little bit in terms of how the Test match is generally hosted‚ but there’s a figurative and literal hole that needs to be filled.”From a security perspective‚ we need to adhere to all the requirements and all involved have to be safe. We also need to uphold the ICC’s hosting standards and make sure that the English also feel safe in coming to the grounds and that we can cater for all the spectators because we are expecting quite a big number of English supporters.”Newlands has hosted the New Year’s Test 21 times since South Africa’s readmission into international cricket in 1991, with the last one played against Pakistan from January 3, 2019.

Young batsman turns maiden first-class hundred into a daddy as Warwickshire pile up 517

Jon Culley at Edgbaston11-Sep-2019
Essex have not conceded so many runs since Hampshire piled up 525 for 8 in the first innings at Southampton in the opening match of the season, when they lost by an innings and 87 runs. Having gone unbeaten since, chalking up eight victories and eyeing up a second County Championship in three years, this would not be a timely moment to become reacquainted with defeat.Such an eventuality is some way off. Unless Jeetan Patel can coax a greater response from a slow pitch than Simon Harmer achieved in 60 overs of trying, the likeliest result is a draw. Nonetheless, with leaders Somerset building a considerable advantage against Yorkshire at Taunton, this could be a critical moment in the race for the title.For Warwickshire’s part, a draw and a handful of bonus points would do very nicely, almost certainly banishing any lingering anxiety about relegation with Nottinghamshire heading for yet another defeat.At the heart of Warwickshire’s rare prosperity was a magnificent innings from 23-year-old Matthew Lamb, who turned his maiden first-class century into a seven-hour marathon that eventually saw him out for 173, which is, after Dom Sibley’s double-hundred at Canterbury in June, the highest score by a Warwickshire batsman this year.Lamb’s potential has long been waiting to blossom. Warwickshire identified his talent when he was only 11 and he made his Birmingham League debut at 13. His first-class debut for the county came in 2016 but although he made a couple of half-centuries the following year he has not been able yet to nail down a place. Although he made a good impression in T20, his first six first-class innings this year yielded just 29 runs in total and he would not be involved in this match but for four batsmen being injured.There is a fair chance he will be picked for the next one, having batted with a solid technique and considerable maturity in the face of an Essex attack not helped much by a slow pitch but who nonetheless offer one of the bigger tests he will have faced thus far. Jamie Porter and Sam Cook had bowled well without much luck on the opening day and Simon Harmer, as he has demonstrated time after time in taking 200-plus wickets in three seasons with Essex, tests a batsman’s skill in any conditions.Lamb had some moments of fortune, although not before he had recovered from the setback of losing Sam Hain’s company in the seventh over of the day and held his nerve to complete a 211-ball hundred with his 15th boundary. He was caught at slip off a Ravi Bopara no-ball on 104, survived a huge appeal for caught behind off Porter on 106 and was dropped on 110 in an incident that also saw Essex appeal for a run-out, which was upheld and then rescinded.Alastair Cook, moving to his left at first slip, spilled the chance when Porter found the edge. Harmer, standing next to him at second slip, retrieved the ball and threw down the stumps. Lamb was well out of his ground but, after the umpires conferred, was invited to continue his innings, the apparent conclusion being that he had deserted his crease only under the misapprehension that he was out caught, in which circumstances under a recent tweak to the Laws, a batsman can be deemed to be not out.Harmer said later that he had been happy to withdraw the appeal and Lamb confirmed that the Essex fielders had made it clear to him that, as far they were concerned, he should not be out.How he made the most of that let-off, adding a further 10 boundaries and, having helped Hain add 150 in 49 overs for the fourth wicket, enjoying the benefit of another resilient partner in Henry Brookes, with whom he shared a 105-run partnership for the seventh wicket that was the key passage of the day in securing such a strong position for their side.Immediately before they came together, three wickets had fallen for seven runs in the space of 22 balls. Michael Burgess had followed Hain in edging into the slip cordon, Harmer grabbing a superb catch low to his left at second slip, before the debutant Ethan Brookes – Henry’s younger brother – popped a ball from Harmer into the hands of leg slip.Brookes the elder proved to be the perfect partner, although Lamb ultimately repaid him by calling for a risky single to leg and running him out four runs short of what would have been his fourth career half-century. “I owe him an apology for that,” Lamb said after Harmer had gathered and scored a direct hit with his throw. “It was my fault completely.”Patel further turned the screw with a half-century of his own before Harmer, who had only once bowled 50 overs in an innings for Essex and never 60, dismissed Olly Hannon-Dalby and George Garrett to finish with 6 for 143.”It was a pretty frustrating day for us,” Harmer said. “There is not much in the pitch. If we can bat well then you would expect the match to end in a draw but you never know what could happen when we get to day four.”The Essex reply, though, did not get the start they wanted in the 15 overs they had to negotiate before the close, Patel striking an early blow when Cook edged him to second slip.

Arsenal are swiftly moving on to their next targets after striking a long-awaited deal for Viktor Gyokeres, who officially joined the Gunners from Sporting CP on Saturday in a deal worth up to £64 million.

Saka will love him: Arsenal reach agreement in principle to sign £68m star

Arsenal are ready to supply Viktor Gyokeres with an exciting new wideman.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 29, 2025

Gyokeres’ arrival comes as a major boost for Mikel Arteta as he seeks to end the club’s two-decade-long wait for a Premier League title.

Arsenal drew more games than any other side in the top 10 last season, and their struggle for goals was a key reason for this. Arteta’s side managed just 69 in the league by the end of 2024/2025, paling in comparison to their tallies of 88 and 91 in the previous two seasons.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£208m

A prolific frontman of Gyokeres’ ilk will certainly help Arteta’s side return to their clinical best, and Arsenal’s manager is thrilled to welcome a centre-forward who’s just bagged 54 goals in all competitions.

“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Viktor Gyökeres to the club. The consistency he has shown in his performances and availability have been outstanding, and his goal contributions speak for themselves,” said Arteta in an official statement.

“Viktor has so many qualities. He is a quick and powerful presence up front, with incredible goalscoring numbers at club and international levels. He brings a clinical edge with a high conversion rate of chances into goals, with his intelligent movement in the box making him a constant threat.

“We’re excited about what Viktor brings to our squad and are looking forward to start working with him. We welcome Viktor and his family to Arsenal.”

After Gyokeres, it is reliably reported that sporting director Andrea Berta is turning his attention towards Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze.

The England international is at the centre of Arsenal’s rumoured interest in signing a new creative number 10, and he reportedly has a £60 million release clause in his contract that could rise to £68m through bonuses (Sky Sports).

Crystal Palace identify Eberechi Eze replacement as Arsenal advance

According to multiple recent reports, there are suggestions that Eze has loosely agreed personal terms with Arsenal already, with Sports Zone even claiming that the 27-year-old has reached a “full agreement” over a proposed contract at the Emirates.

A north London switch for the player appears to be gaining serious traction, and according to Sky Switzerland reporter Sacha Tavolieri, Palace are moving to try and sign a replacement – providing a further indication that Arsenal could be closing in on Eze shortly.

Tavolieri, via X, claims Palace have identified Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss as a potential heir to Eze, but face competition from RB Leipzig.

Eze was released by Arsenal as a teenage academy prospect, but it appears the playmaker who bagged 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions last season could be facing his final summer at Selhurst Park.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney reportedly want to bring Portsmouth ace Joe Morrell to Wrexham ahead of the 2024-25 League One season.

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Wrexham preparing for life in League OneRed Dragons eye Portsmouth's MorrellWales international set to become free agentWHAT HAPPENED?

According to Portsmouth publication, The News, the 27-year-old is on the Welsh side's radar and is set to become available on a free transfer. His contract with Pompey, who will play in the Championship next season, expires at the end of June and the midfielder is reportedly not interested in activating a clause to extend his deal by another year.

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The Welsh international played 31 times for John Mousinho's League One-winning side this term but his campaign was ended in January due to a knee injury. The report adds talks are still ongoing with Morrell and Portsmouth but Wrexham, Queens Park Rangers and Birmingham City are keeping tabs on him. Recruiting him would be a real coup for Phil Parkinson's team.

DID YOU KNOW?

Morrell joined Portsmouth in August 2021 after leaving Luton Town after a season. The Ipswich-born player – who began his career at Bristol City before having loan spells at Sutton United, Margate, Cheltenham Town, and Lincoln City – has since played 105 times for Pompey, scoring once and bagging 10 assists along the way.

GettyWHAT NEXT?

Wrexham will hope to win the race to sign the Welshman ahead of the new League One season, which gets underway in August. The Red Dragons are preparing for life in the English third-tier for the first time since 2004-05 under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who are showing they mean business in their bid to take the club all the way to the Premier League.