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Real Madrid youngster Endrick has shared the hard work he has been getting up to as he eyes first-team minutes under Carlo Ancelotti.

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• Endrick using winter break to train
• Real Madrid star posted pictures on social media
• Waiting for first real chance since arrival

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Endrick shared a number of training pictures on Instagram, demonstrating to fans (and Carlo Ancelotti) that he is seeking to build his fitness and strength after struggling to command playing time since moving to Europe during the summer. This was his own individual training regime, putting the work in away from Real Madrid's training centre.

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• WHAT ENDRICK SAID

  "Trabajo y trabajo," was the caption alongside the pictures, which translates as "work and work".

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Endrick has been afforded just 160 minutes in a Real Madrid shirt so far this season, usually just put on for the final stages off the bench. The immense competition for places from Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo, combined with his age – just 18, explains that, but it is still frustrating for the youngster after making such a whirlwind impact at former club Palmeiras.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR ENDRICK?

  What Endrick has plenty of is time. He will still be a teenager until 2026, while his Real Madrid contract runs until 2030. As long as he puts the work in, which he appears to be, opportunities will come with patience – Ancelotti has said those chances are just around the corner already.

West Ham United have just hours to complete their summer transfer business. Technical director Tim Steidten has earned his stripes after spending over £120m on some exciting additions, but there is still work to be done.

On one side, West Ham are fighting tooth and nail to get rid of some of the flotsam clogging up the transfer waterways, in turn opening up space to bring in a target who wants the move – but will he get it?

West Ham eyeing last-minute deal

Rumours of interest in AS Roma striker Tammy Abraham have been debunked but West Ham are very much hoping to complete the transfer of Carlos Soler before this evening's deadline.

According to Fabrizio Romano – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – the Irons are pushing to sign the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, who wants to make the move.

In full, the reporter said: "The player wants to go to West Ham, it’s about the director who is pushing, it’s about the manager, who is Spanish, Lopetegui. So this could also be an important factor. So talks are taking place, and I think before the end of the window, West Ham can go strong on this deal to get it done."

Valued at €20m (£17m), Soler could join on an initial loan deal, with an obligation to buy, but much depends on the London Stadium's outgoings – with plenty in the pipeline at the eleventh hour.

What Carlos Soler would bring to West Ham

Soler is a skilled midfielder with playmaking qualities that could make a real difference to Julen Lopetegui's team. He's enjoyed two years in the French capital but is consigned to a bit-part role and, at 27, seeks a stomping ground that will better recognise his talent.

James Ward-Prowse is rumoured to be on the move and the Spaniard would mark a significant upgrade, having been hailed as the "complete midfielder" by former Valencia star Curro Torres.

And while he hasn't been handed a starring role in Paris, starting only 26 Ligue 1 games since joining from Valencia in the summer of 2022, Soler has managed to maintain an impressive rate of potency in front of goal.

His driving force from the middle of the park speaks highly of his skills, and could actually prove to be the perfect midfield supplementary for Jarrod Bowen, who has carried his golden scoring form from 2023/24 into the current campaign, netting twice from West Ham's opening three fixtures.

He's a dynamic player but his goalscoring is arguably his finest property, having even been described as "unplayable" by Brentford boss Thomas Frank after bagging an emphatic hat-trick last season.

The Irons skipper created five key passes against Crystal Palace last weekend to complement his second-half goal, a fine illustration of the playmaking ability that allows him to maintain a multi-dimensional approach.

But, as stated, Bowen's 20-goal haul across all competitions last season serves as the marker of his finest attributes, and while he has Lucas Paqueta to aid him from deep, further creative options from midfield are somewhat limited.

Soler must be signed, for he could make all the difference as Lopetegui seeks to stamp his identity into the West Ham first team, propelling the club back into the limelight.

West Ham hit gold on star worth more than Fullkrug & Summerville combined

He’s been quite the sensation over the past several years…

By
Angus Sinclair

Aug 5, 2024

Fabrizio Romano says one Chelsea forward is expected to leave, even after the summer transfer deadline day cut-off at 11pm on Friday, meaning supporters can expect even more activity in the coming days.

Chelsea spend £271 million on 13 new summer signings in busy window

BlueCo, as ever, splashed the cash on an array of signings at Chelsea, with their busyness in transfer windows becoming largely commonplace, and ever since Clearlake Capital's takeover of the club in 2022.

£62 million Chelsea star now battling for his future under Enzo Maresca

He needs to start impressing his new head coach.

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 31, 2024

Joao Felix, Mike Penders, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Marc Guiu, Renato Veiga, Estevao Willian, Filip Jorgensen, Tosin Adarabioyo, Aaron Anselmino, Caleb Wiley, Omari Kellyman, Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho all put pen to paper on moves to Stamford Bridge, with new head coach Enzo Maresca fiercely backed ahead of his debut campaign in the Chelsea dugout.

In total, including their reported £51 million acquisition of Brazilian starlet Estevao Willian, who'll join Chelsea in 2025, the west Londoners spent around £271 million in a serious shake-up of the squad.

Chelsea also attempted a late bid for Napoli star Victor Osimhen, but despite being in talks with his club and the player's representatives throughout Friday, the Blues couldn't get a deal for him over the line in time.

A host of big names also left Chelsea for pastures new, including a pretty blockbuster exit to Arsenal for Raheem Sterling, which dominated the headlines on deadline day.

Alongside Sterling, other players to seal a last-gasp move away from Chelsea come in the form of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Romelu Lukaku, Armando Broja and Trevoh Chalobah, with the quartet leaving either on loan or permanently.

Chelsea will be especially overjoyed to get Lukaku's previous £325,000-per-week wages off the books as they seriously trim their salary bill, and the Belgian could be granted a new lease of life under Antonio Conte in Serie A.

The pair worked together at Inter and helped to guide the Nerazzurri to an impressive Scudetto triumph in the 2021/22 season.

David Datro Fofana expected to leave Chelsea after deadline day

As per Romano, another forward in Chelsea ace David Datro Fofana could quit the club after Lukaku and Broja – despite the UK transfer window's closure.

Indeed, it is believed Fofana is expected to leave Chelsea after deadline day, with a host of windows still open. Belgian, Turkish, Dutch and Portuguese clubs remain capable of doing business, for the next 48 hours at least, while the Saudis could also offer the 21-year-old an escape route.

The Ivory Coast international spent the second half of last season on loan at Burnley, scoring four league goals and proving he can cut it at the highest level. Fofana could be a great opportunity for clubs abroad, as he doesn't look too likely to feature much for Maresca this term.

Barcelona have been given the green light to select Dani Olmo and Pau Victor after the National Sports Council (CSD) granted a precautionary measure.

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• Barca failed to register stars with La Liga
• Olmo & Victor initially ruled out for rest of season
• CSD has given them permission to play for now

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The pair were initially ruled out for the rest of the season as Barcelona failed to register them by the deadline. Now, though, the CSD has intervened to rule that they can play until the case is properly settled. While both players were left out of the Supercopa de Espana semi-final match against Athletic Club on Wednesday, the pair may be allowed to play if they make the final.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The CSD said that "professional athletes have the right to a sports career in accordance with their potential and with all the guarantees and certainty" in a statement published on Wednesday evening, adding that failure to grant the precautionary measure would cause "sporting and economic damage" for the players and the club, and could have further implications for the national team and La Liga.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  CSD's ruling means that Olmo and Victor will likely be allowed to play in La Liga again as soon as next week and until a final ruling is given following Barcelona's appeal against their failed registration.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  The news comes too soon to see the two Spain internationals feature against Athletic Club in Saudi Arabia, but it seems their return to Hansi Flick's side is just days away.

Christian Pulisic was dangerous as ever Saturday, but the American was just inches away from getting a goal or two in Milan's 1-1 draw with Cagliari.

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• Pulisic creates several chances
• Key to Milan's goal
• Unable to find winner in 1-1 draw

• AFP
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  U.S. international Christian Pulisic was at his creative best, but couldn't find a goal contribution in AC Milan's frustrating 1-1 draw with Cagliari in Serie A.

  Pulisic certainly played his part for Milan, particularly in the club's opening goal. Played in by Theo Hernandez in the 51st minute, Pulisic smashed a shot off the post and back into play. Fortunately for Milan, Alvaro Morata was there to pounce, tapping home the ensuing rebound to give Milan the 1-0 lead at home.

  Milan conceded just moments later, though, as Nadir Zortea snuck a long-range effort past Mike Maignan, who should have done better on the shot. Pulisic had a chance to restore the lead shortly after, but his one-on-one chance was pushed away by goalkeeper Elia Caprile.

  In the end, Pulisic finished with five shots and three chances created, but Milan could muster just one goal as they took just one point from Saturday's match.

  Pulisic wasn't the only American in the XI, though. Yunus Musah was also handed a start, going 63 minutes and completing all but one of his 31 passes before being replaced by Tammy Abraham.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Saturday's draw somewhat halts Milan's momentum following this week's Supercoppa Italiana triumph. Pulisic helped spearhead a Milan comeback against Juventus in the semifinal before then guiding the club to another come-from-behind win over Inter in the finale to claim the trophy. Those two wins came under new manager Sergio Conceicao, who provided an immediate lift in those two matches.

  Instead, Conceicao's first Serie A match produced more of the same. With the draw, Milan sit back in eighth place, facing a fight to book their spot in next season's Champions League.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  By lifting the Supercoppa Italiana earlier this week, Pulisic now has five senior trophies at the club level. He won the DFB-Pokal at Borussia Dortmund and lifted the Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup trophies during his time at Chelsea.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MILAN?

  It's a big week for Milan, who will have little time to recover before facing Como on Tuesday. After that, it'll be another edition of Serie A's USMNT derby as Pulisic, Musah, and Milan visit Weston McKennie, Timothy Weah, and Juventus on Saturday.

Manchester United sent officials to watch a potential future transfer target during this international break, according to a new report.

This break has allowed Erik ten Hag and his backroom team to focus on what needs to improve as the Premier League returns this weekend, but it has also allowed them to scout potential transfer targets.

Man Utd plotting expensive move to replace Andre Onana with £69k-p/w star

United and Erik ten Hag have identified a new position they would like to strengthen.

6

By
Brett Worthington

Sep 12, 2024

Man United transfer news

The transfer window has only been shut for a couple of weeks, and already United are being linked with several players they could move for in January or next summer.

The Red Devils are said to be “very interested” in signing Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper Unai Simon, as they potentially eye a replacement for Andre Onana. The goalkeeper is said to have impressed United with his performances for Bilbao and Spain, and they are now ready to pay a “considerable sum” to sign the Spaniard.

But as well as looking at Simon, Man United are also said to be admirers of AS Monaco defender Vanderson. The Brazilian is being looked at by Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and United, with the Blues leading the way as things stand.

The Ligue 1 side are looking for around €35-40 million, which is roughly £29-35 million, and for United, Vanderson may be seen as an upgrade on Diogo Dalot.

Man United send officials to watch £25m star

According to Croatian outlet Germanijak, relayed by Give Me Sport, Manchester United have Dinamo Zagreb attacking midfielder Martin Baturina “very high” on their wishlist. The report states that the Premier League side sent scouts to watch the 21-year-old during the international break, as Croatia played against Portugal and Poland, with Baturina playing 61 minutes against Portugal but unfortunately missing the Poland clash.

After watching him play for his country, United are now said to be following the player for Zagreb as they prepare to play Hajduk Split in a local derby. Baturina was close to leaving for Fiorentina during the summer, according to this report, but Dinamo decided not to sell him in the end, as he was happy to remain and play Champions League football.

Leeds United were reported to have agreed a £25 million fee with Zagreb to sign Baturina during the summer, but the midfielder refused to join the Championship club. Now, this report states that Zagreb are prepared to offer Baturina a new and improved contract in a bid to keep him at the club and make him one of their top earners. But they may face a battle on their hands as United hold an interest that is said to have been there “a long time”.

The 21-year-old joined Dinamo’s youth ranks in 2017, broke through into the first team in 2021, and has been a key player for the Croatian giants ever since. His performances in Croatia are now catching the eye, with Man United a significant step up to the interest of Leeds in the summer.

The Reds now need only one point to seal top spot in the league phase after overcoming gritty 10-man opponents at Anfield

There's just no stopping Liverpool or Mohamed Salah right now. Neither the Reds nor their talisman played particularly well in Tuesday night's Champions League clash with Lille at Anfield but Arne Slot's side still ensured their progression to the last 16 thanks to a 2-1 victory that featured Salah's 50th European goal for the club.

The Egyptian king had started the game poorly but, as he so often does, he produced a goal out of nothing, showing tremendous alertness to latch onto Curtis Jones' through ball, after Lille had lost possession in midfield, before leaving Lucas Chevalier with no chance with his curling finish from just outside the area.

Lille were reduced to 10 men when Aissa Mandi picked up a blatant second booking but Bruno Genesio's side, who have beaten by Real and Atletico Madrid in this season's Champions League, threatened to nick a point when star striker Jonathan David buried a rebound in the 62nd minute. However, Liverpool managed to maintain their perfect record thanks to substitute Harvey Elliott, who found the back of the net with the aid of a wicked deflection.

Below, GOAL rates all of the Liverpool players on show at Anfield as the Merseysiders moved to within one point of sealing top spot in the league phase…

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  Goalkeeper & Defence

  Alisson Becker (6.5/10):

  Although Lille always looked a threat on the break, the Brazilian didn't actually have much to do – other than pick the ball out of the net after David's equaliser.

  Conor Bradley (5/10):

  As usual, always keen to get forward and created a good chance for Darwin Nunez, but there was more than one sloppy pass, while his positioning was also poor at times. It felt inevitable that the Lille goal would come down his side.

  Jarell Quansah (7/10):

  An encouraging performance. Made several timely clearances and was also excellent in possession.

  Virgil van Dijk (7/10):

  Rightly annoyed by Lille's leveller but once again unruffled for the majority of the game. Indeed, you get the feeling that opponents do their utmost to stay out of his way.

  Kostas Tsimikas (7/10):

  Selected ahead of Andy Robertson and justified his inclusion with a strong showing. It was the Greek's challenge that led to Liverpool's opener.

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  Midfield

  Ryan Gravenberch (6.5/10):

  Taken off at half-time after a solid but unspectacular showing.

  Curtis Jones (7/10):

  Jones looked Liverpool's best chance of opening up the Lille defence in the first half and so it proved, with the England international putting Salah away to score with a terrific through-ball. His withdrawal during the interval may well have been pre-planned but worth noting that he did take a knock just before the break.

  Dominik Szoboszlai (6.5/10):

  During the first half, the Hungarian spent most of his time putting the Lille backline under pressure. However, after Jones' exit, he dropped a bit deeper to make room for Elliott before coming off himself just after the hour mark.

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  Attack

  Mohamed Salah (7/10):

  The Egyptian gave the ball away repeatedly early on but then broke the deadlock with a fine finish. Almost struck again soon after – which only served to further underline the fact that Salah's always got a goal or two in him no matter how well he's playing!

  Darwin Nunez (6.5/10):

  Unsurprisingly, the Uruguayan was buzzing after his double at Brentford on Saturday. However, while his movement and effort were both top-drawer, he failed to take the one decent chance that came his way. There was also the obligatory offside goal – though Nunez was arguably unfortunate in this instance.

  Luis Diaz (7/10):

  Absolutely no surprise that Mandi saw red for taking down Diaz. The Colombian's work-rate was absolutely fantastic – he regained possession 10 times in total – and he was a real livewire until he faded in the final quarter. Such a shame that he didn't exit with an assist to his name, with Salah failing to make the most of his outrageous ball over the top.

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  Subs & Manager

  Harvey Elliott (7.5/10):

  Introduced in place of Jones and was heavily involved before putting Liverpool back in front with his deflected effort. He'll be disappointed with one sloppy moment of defending, though, as it could have proved costly.

  Alexis Mac Allister (7/10):

  Came on for Gravenberch at half-time and played with his usual mix of aggression and quality. One late block on a shot from Hakon Haraldsson was particularly important.

  Wataru Endo (7/10):

  The Japanese took up his usual position in front of the back four after replacing Szoboszlai and was typically solid in possession and tenacious in the tackle.

  Federico Chiesa (7/10):

  Took over on the left flank from Diaz and did well again as a late sub, twice forcing Chevalier into good stops after cutting inside onto his favoured right foot.

  Arne Slot (7.5/10):

  Job done for the Dutchman, who watched his side secure a last-16 spot in the Champions League with one game remaining, while at the same giving plenty of players game time.

Nottingham Forest are believed to be plotting a move for a “fearless” attacking player who has shone at the City Ground in the past, according to a fresh transfer rumour.

Nottingham Forest impressing under Nuno

Optimism wasn’t necessarily too high at Forest heading into the new Premier League season, but supporters will be enjoying what they are seeing currently, certainly in terms of results.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side sit eighth in the table after five matches, not losing in that time and picking up a famous 1-0 win away to Liverpool earlier this month. Last Sunday, they also battled their way to an impressive 2-2 draw at Brighton, proving to be a hard team to get the better of.

That’s not to say that new signings aren’t still being looked at, however, with Galatasaray forward Baris Yilmaz one player who has been linked with a move to the City Ground once the January transfer window arrives. Tottenham are also among the clubs interested, though, so it won’t be easy for the Reds to get their man.

Meanwhile, free agent Oumar Solet has also emerged as a potential immediate addition for Forest, having been without a club since leaving RB Salzburg last Saturday when his contract was terminated. Another player has now also been backed to seal a switch to the Midlands club, as they look to strengthen Nuno’s squad.

Nottingham Forest eyeing "fearless" EFL ace

According to a new report from Football Insider, Nottingham Forest are keen on completing the signing of Burnley winger Luca Koleosho.

The Reds are said to be “stepping up their interest” in the 20-year-old, with fellow Premier League sides Brighton and Wolves also “monitoring” him. All three clubs have watched him in action this season, seeing him as a player who can add depth in attacking areas.

Koleosho is a player who should be known to Forest supporters, considering he starred at the City Ground last season, providing an impressive assist for Zeki Amdouni last season when Burnley drew 1-1 against the Reds, with the forward dominating Gonzalo Montiel who had to be replaced.

The 20-year-old already has two goals to his name in the Championship this season, while former Clarets manager Vincent Kompany had this to say about him last November:

“He’s just a fearless player, it doesn’t really matter who he’s up against. He was up against a top full-back against Arsenal but he’s done it in every single game, because in every game he’s managed to create and make something happen. Against Arsenal it was also a better performance defensively for him because that’s something he can put in the memory bank and draw back on. He’s a player that is eager to show his talents in this league and he’s showing good signs.”

Depth is so vital in the modern game, so Koleosho could be an ideal long-term addition for Forest.

Nottingham Forest closely monitoring £25m star who's "close to Phil Foden"

The Tricky Trees are reportedly eyeing up a deal for the talented winger.

By
Dan Emery

Sep 23, 2024

He could represent both the present and the future, having the potential to grow into a formidable winger who can light up the City Ground for many years to come.

Following his return to boyhood club, Neymar hopes to lure some more big names to Santos to help restore the club to its former glory.

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• Neymar heading back to former team Santos
• Is urging Brazilian side to sign big names
• Pogba and Ramos among names suggested

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Santos have confirmed the signing of the 32-year-old will soon be announced after Al-Hilal agreed to terminate his contract, ending an injury-plauged two-year spell with the Saudi Pro League title hopefuls.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  According to , the attacker is pushing the club to make a few more sensational signings. The ex-Barcelona star has suggested they bring in free agents Paul Pogba and Sergio Ramos as well as Brazil legend Thiago Silva, who joined Fluminense last July after leaving Chelsea. Former Real Madrid star Marcelo and Paulo Henrique Ganso, who was a breakthrough star at Santos alongside Neymar, have also been mentioned as options.

  Former Manchester United midfielder Pogba is preparing to return to the game after having a doping ban reduced, clearing him to step back on the field in March, while Ramos has been without a club since he left Sevilla last season.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Brazilian giants Santos were relegated to Serie B at the end of the 2023 season but went on to claim the league title at the first time of asking, sealing their return to the top flight. With Neymar on his way back, fans will be hoping the glory days will soon return, but the ex-Paris Saint-Germain star seems to feel they need a few more stars in the squad.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR NEYMAR?

  Neymar managed only seven appearances in all competitions for Al-Hilal as injuries kept him out of action for long periods. He will aim to get back to full fitness as soon as possible to make sure he is ready to star for Santos once again.

Aston Villa take on a struggling Manchester United side in the Premier League this afternoon, giving them an ideal chance to head into the international break with yet another three points.

Unai Emery will still be buoyed by the performance of his team in midweek to seal a 1-0 win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League. Given the fairly sharp turnaround in games, could there be several changes to the team?

Leon Bailey may have to rely on making an appearance from the bench against the Red Devils given his poor form this campaign.

Leon Bailey’s season in numbers for Aston Villa

Last season, the winger scored 14 times and grabbed 14 assists for Villa as he became one of the key attacking threats in Emery’s side.

So far this term, Bailey has registered just one assist across all competitions, struggling to replicate the performances from 2023/24 which brought the supporters so much joy.

The Jamaican has created two big chances in the Premier League, along with averaging one key pass and succeeding with 57% of his dribbles, yet he is failing to have much luck in front of goal, averaging only 0.2 shots on target per game.

Against Bayern, summer signing Jaden Philogene took his place on the right wing and performed admirably. This suggests he could retain his place in the starting XI for the clash against the Old Trafford side this afternoon.

Emery must keep faith with Jaden Philogene

The Englishman was brought back to Villa Park in the summer having spent a year at Hull City, where he registered 18 goal contributions for the club.

It looked like a shrewd move to bring him back to Villa Park, and he has played five times this season under Emery, including against Bayern in midweek.

Deployed on the right flank, Philogene delivered an assured display against the German giants. Not only did he succeed with 100% of his dribbles, but the winger also won 8 of his 13 ground duels, while making five tackles and three interceptions during the clash.

He clearly wasn’t fazed by taking on one of the best teams in Europe, and this experience will stand him in good stead for the future.

His former boss at Hull, Liam Rosenior, dubbed the youngster as a “special talent” during his spell in charge of the club, where his performances deservedly earned him a move back to Villa.

Given Bailey’s drop-off in form, it is certainly worth keeping Philogene in the starting XI for the match this afternoon, as the 22-year-old offers something different going forward, while also being able to contribute defensively, as shown against Bayern.

A win would see Emery and his side enter the international break potentially entering the top four depending on other results, which is surely a huge incentive for the club.

£140k-p/w Aston Villa star may now miss Man Utd game alongside five others

The Villans are short on options ahead of this weekend…

By
Tom Cunningham

Oct 4, 2024