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Manchester United are under pressure to make signings this January after displaying underwhelming form this year so far, with the side failing to win their first two Premier League games since the January transfer window opened on New Years Day.

However, Ralf Rangnick could now be preparing a bid for a popular player.

What’s the word?

According to the print edition of Spanish newspaper Sport (via The Faithful MUFC), Manchester United are preparing a huge salary offer to Barcelona defender, Ronald Araujo.

The report claims that the club has already called the 22-year-old, and they are now prepared to agree a huge salary and make an attractive bid to secure his signature this January.

Another report from Sport via Sport Witness revealed that Barcelona is aware of the Red Devil’s contact made with the player, along with other Premier League clubs, and suggests that Araujo wants to stay at his current club, but have not been able to agree on a suitable renewal fee with them.

United are competing with Liverpool, who have also been reported to be interested in signing the centre back, and will need to beat their North-West rivals by making an attractive offer for a move to Old Trafford.

Fans will be buzzing

It’s safe to say that Manchester United fans are unhappy with the club’s trophy drought and underwhelming form in the Premier League at the moment, and signing players to refresh their team is something they would be extremely happy to see.

The current central defenders have also not been performing at their best, with inconsistent availability from Raphael Varane through injury and disappointing performances from Harry Maguire, who was sent off against Watford in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s final game.

That has ultimately played its part in the side conceding 29 goals in their last 20 Premier League games.

According to Squawka, when you compare the £31.5m-rated beast who was hailed “quality” by former Barcelona manager, Ronaldo Koeman, to United centre back and captain, Maguire, the youngster has made more interceptions, more tackles, won more ground duels and even offered more offensively, scoring two goals in La Liga this season so far.

Rangnick will need to act fast if he wants to bolster his defence by adding Araujo into his backline, with Liverpool also in hot pursuit for the young defender.

Should they beat their arch-rivals to the signature, it will only leave supporters at Old Trafford even more pleased with the signing.

In other news: Rangnick must swoop for Jude Bellingham

Luke Edwards ripped into Ryan Fraser despite Newcastle United winning 1-0 away from home against Leeds United in the Premier League this afternoon.

The Lowdown: Poor game

Fraser had a poor game by his standards, as he failed to record a single shot on target, successful dribble or key pass, while the winger was also inaccurate with three of his four crosses (SofaScore).

The former AFC Bournemouth man was also guilty of losing possession of the ball on no fewer than on 12 separate occasions throughout the match, and managed fewer touches than his own goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, highlighting his lack of impact.

Luckily for him, Jonjo Shelvey managed to score with about 15 minutes to play to give the St. James’ Park faithful all three points.

The Latest: Edwards reacts

Taking to Twitter, The Daily Telegraph journalist Edwards ripped into Fraser during the clash, claiming that he, along with Joe Willock and Chris Wood, were ‘anonymous’:

“Ryan Fraser, Joe Willock, Chris Wood all anonymous and that’s three of your four supposed goal threats alongside Saint-Maximin.”

The Verdict: Place under threat

With the likes of Miguel Almiron and Jacob Murphy on the bench for the away team, Fraser’s starting place in the side now has to be under threat.

He is still yet to get on the scoresheet so far this season, and has only produced one assist (Transfermarkt), which is simply not good enough for an attacking player.

Thus, Eddie Howe must seriously consider dropping him ahead of the next few fixtures.

In other news, find out what worrying NUFC transfer insight Liam Kennedy has dropped here!

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino, with Monaco also thought to be keen on a move.

The Lowdown: Minamino struggles at Liverpool

The Japanese playmaker has struggled to make his mark at Anfield since arriving from RB Salzburg in January 2020, often finding himself on the periphery of things.

Minamino hasn’t started a single Premier League game so far this season, appearing for just 87 minutes in the competition, and it is difficult to see the situation changing considering he has not even forced his way in while Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane have been away at AFCON.

Meanwhile, Leeds have been strongly linked with Brenden Aaronson, and it appears Victor Orta could now be eyeing the Reds man as another option in that attacking midfield role.

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The Latest: Leeds linked with move

According to PA journalist Carl Markham on Twitter, Liverpool have rejected ‘initial interest’ from Orta and co regarding a move for Minamino, with Monaco also in the hunt.

The forward’s current Reds deal expires in the summer of 2024.

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The Verdict: Potential shrewd signing

Minamino may have failed to fully make the grade at Liverpool but he is a classy footballer who could be a strong addition by Leeds, having been hailed as ‘outstanding’ by Jurgen Klopp.

The fact that the Reds are reportedly set to sign Luis Diaz from Porto could also push the Japan international further down the pecking order at Anfield, possibly improving Leeds’ chances of getting their man, despite the initial rejection.

Minamino has undoubted pedigree, having scored 42 goals and registered 30 assists in 136 Austrian Bundesliga appearances, and he could bolster the Whites’ attack at a crucial point in the season.

In other news, Leeds are reportedly considering another bid for one player. Find out who it is here.

Tottenham Hotspur are closing in on the signing of Sofyan Amrabat this January transfer window…

What’s the word?

Italian journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano delivered a fresh update on Spurs’ pursuit of the Fiorentina midfielder, who is currently excelling for Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations, very early on Wednesday morning.

He said:

“Sofyan Amrabat to Tottenham, advanced but not a done deal yet. [Antonio] Conte and [Fabio] Paratici both want him – he’s also doing great at AFCON.

“But Spurs are waiting to complete [Tanguy] Ndombele deal [to Paris Saint-Germain] before Amrabat (loan with buy option). Player side, not a problem: he only wants Spurs.”

Closing in

At the moment, this would be the Lilywhites’ first signing this month as a swoop for Adama Traore continues to rumble on without much success.

It appears as if Conte’s attentions have quickly turned to sorting out the engine room because you don’t make the likes of Ndombele, Dele Alli and Giovani Lo Celso all available for an exit if you’re not going to try and reinforce such a key position, especially with less than five days of the window remaining.

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Amrabat isn’t a signing that is going to thrill much of the Spurs fanbase but if the Italian head coach wants him, then he must be backed.

The 25-year-old midfielder has been restricted to only 211 minutes in the Serie A this season but has featured in three full 90-minute games for his country in Group C and the round of 16 at AFCON.

Conte has lacked someone capable of driving the ball forward from midfield and he could well find that in Amrabat. Of the 39 players to have attempted 150 or more dribbles since the start of the 2019/20 campaign,  only one player (Ismael Bennacer, 79.6%) has managed a better dribble success rate than the Viola enforcer (70.3%), per WhoScored.

That is also above every single one of Spurs’ current central options with Oliver Skipp leading the way on 66.7% and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg not too far behind on 62.2%. Ndombele – who is supposed to be the ideal fit for the role – sits down at 55%, which is rather telling.

He is also solid at delivering long balls and is aggressive in the tackle, so whilst his lack of game time is a worry, there are certainly credentials there that make him fit for Conte, who must be absolutely delighted that a deal is very close. to happening.

Somewhat of a perfect signing for the Spurs boss, the north London outfit are in for one busy few days ahead of Monday’s deadline.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold hints at Adama Traore twist for Spurs…

Celtic received a late offer for midfielder Ismaila Soro from Dutch side Fortuna Sittard on deadline day, according to Anthony Joseph.

The Lowdown: Transfer listed

Described as a player with ‘explosive power’, the Ivorian midfielder was transfer-listed by the Hoops during the January transfer window, with no firm bids coming in for the majority of the month.

The 23-year-old has made 18 appearances under Ange Postecoglou this season, but only six of those came as a starter. Soro’s last Premiership start came way back on the opening weekend of the campaign and he remains a Celtic player despite a late bid arriving at CEO Michael Nicholson’s desk.

The Latest: Joseph’s post

Joseph took to Twitter late on deadline day to provide an update on Soro. He revealed that Fortuna Sittard tabled a loan bid for the midfielder, but Nicholson stood firm with the two clubs failing to reach an agreement on an option to buy fee. The journalist outlined:

“A loan deal to Fortuna Sittard for Celtic midfielder Ismaila Soro looks unlikely after negotiations stalled.

“It’s understood the two clubs could not agree on a fee for the option-to-buy clause.”

The Verdict: Correct call

Even though the deadline is now shut in Scotland, there are still a number of countries which can still do business. Therefore, Soro could still seal a Parkhead exit over the coming weeks, so Celtic were right to be stubborn when it comes to any permanent clauses in a loan deal.

The Hoops want to recoup the £2m fee they paid for the midfielder, and hopefully they can do just that over the next few weeks.

In other news: Joseph reveals more late Celtic transfer news on £9k-p/w colossus

West Ham United are plotting a move to bring Tosin Adarabioyo to the London Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Claret & Hugh, with the West Ham insider revealing that David Moyes is likely to make a move for the Fulham centre-back at the end of the current campaign, with an offer somewhere in the region of £22m believed to be enough to get a deal over the line for the 24-year-old.

Regarding the Hammers’ interest in the former Manchester City defender, Claret & Hugh state: “West Ham boss David Moyes is likely to move for Fulham central defender Tosin Adarabioyo as he looks to reinforce the defence this summer. Adarabioyo has been on Moyes’ shortlist for several months and a bid of around £22m is likely to get him into the Hammers.”

Moyes can finally axe Diop with Adarabioyo

Considering West Ham’s rather desperate need of central defensive reinforcements, Angelo Ogbonna being ruled out for the remainder of the season with an ACL injury, Issa Diop having largely failed to impress while filling in for the Italian and Kurt Zouma’s future appearing uncertain following off-field issues, it is easy to see why Moyes is reported to be plotting a move for a new centre-back this summer – especially one as talented as Adarabioyo.

Indeed, over his 26 Championship appearances so far this season, the £13.5m-rated defender has been in imperious form for Marco Silva’s side, helping Fulham keep eight clean sheets, scoring two goals and providing one assist, as well as making an average of 1.5 interceptions, 1.1 tackles, 3.8 clearances and winning five duels – at a success rate of 70% – per game.

These returns have seen the player who Pep Guardiola dubbed an “exceptional” talent average a rather remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.24, not only ranking the 24-year-old as the eighth-best player in the entire division but also as the best defender.

In comparison, over Diop’s nine Premier League outings in the current campaign, the £10.8m-rated centre-back has helped his side keep two clean sheets and provided his teammates with one assist, as well as making an average of 0.7 interceptions, one tackle, 3.6 clearances and winning 2.8 duels – at a success rate of 53% – per fixture.

These returns have seen the 25-year-old who Toby Cudworth labelled a “frightening” player average an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of just 6.68, ranking him as Moyes’ seventh-worst performer in the league.

As such, while it is true that Diop turned in an admirable display in the 2-2 draw with Leicester City on Sunday, it would nevertheless appear an extremely wise move for the 58-year-old Hammers boss to finally cut his losses on the former France U21 international this summer, and subsequently reinvest the transfer fee received – as well as his £67k-per-week wages – for the defender into a move for Adarabioyo.

In other news: West Ham plot ambitious bid for “world-class” £380k-p/w gem, he’s Moyes’ dream upgrade

Adam Forshaw is expected to return to Leeds United’s starting XI for the first time since his return from injury, according to a very reliable source…

What’s the word?

Speaking on this week’s edition of ‘The Phil Hay Show’ on The Athletic, the trusty journalist claimed that the 30-year-old midfielder is expected to start against Manchester United at Elland Road this afternoon.

“Forshaw has to start, for me. I’m pretty sure he will, and particularly after [Marcelo] Bielsa admitted that that was a mistake [not to start him] last weekend,” he claimed.

The long-serving star was withdrawn just 22 minutes into the Whites’ win over West Ham United in the Premier League last month and subsequently missed the clash against Newcastle United before making the bench at Aston Villa.

He came on for five minutes in that match and was substituted on at half-time last weekend, so it appears as if he’s set for his first start since January 16th, over a month ago.

Fantastic news

This will surely leave Leeds supporters absolutely buzzing as one of their much-needed players is set to start in such a crucial encounter, after all, it’s the ‘Battle of the Roses.’

In the absence of Kalvin Phillips, who has missed eight straight games with hamstring troubles, Forshaw has often stepped up to play that sort of deep-lying ball-playing role in front of the backline.

The 30-year-old’s form in a very inconsistent season for the Yorkshire giants has been a real shining light and it’s earned him a fresh contract extension, which only goes to show Bielsa’s faith in him despite his injury problems in the past.

“The extension of Forshaw’s contract is something between the player and the institution. Clearly, his return to the club has been satisfactory,” recently claimed the Argentine head coach.

“Whether he’s played as a defensive midfielder or a box-to-box midfielder, he’s offered solutions. In the absence of Kalvin Phillips, he has helped us resolve things.”

As per WhoScored, Forshaw has averaged two tackles and 2.2 long balls per game, which compared to the England international is pretty similar, with Phillips averaging 2.3 tackles and 3.5 long balls per outing prior to his injury.

The fanbase love the former Boro man as much as Bielsa does and without Phillips, he really is the best alternative in the engine room, so they will surely be pleased, if not hugely excited ahead of kickoff this afternoon.

AND in other news, Bielsa must brutally axe Leeds’ £34k-p/w passenger v Man Utd, he’s been “non-existent”…

Leeds United’s fixture list shows no sign of easing up in the Premier League as they head to Merseyside to face an in-form Liverpool side at Anfield later this evening.

The Whites have registered only one win in their last five outings, including their most recent result – a 4-2 defeat to Manchester United – whilst the Reds have won all their games in that timeframe.

This encounter is always exciting, very intense and usually contains plenty of goals, though the two teams played out a 1-1 draw at Elland Road earlier this season.

It will be interesting to see what sort of lineup Marcelo Bielsa will opt for after being dealt yet another injury blow ahead of kickoff. Here’s the XI we’re predicting…

There could be two changes from the side that tasted defeat in Sunday’s six-goal thriller.

Illan Meslier is set to continue between the sticks with the bulk of the back four in front of him remaining unchanged, barring the inclusion of Junior Firpo, who replaced Robin Koch just half an hour into the clash at Elland Road.

The 25-year-old slots in alongside Pascal Struijk and Diego Llorente in the middle, with Luke Ayling on the right.

The German has been ruled out with a concussion and joins the likes of skipper Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford on the treatment table.

In midfield, we could therefore see Stuart Dallas and Adam Forshaw, with Mateusz Klich playing slightly further forward.

The second and final change may be in the attack as Raphinha is in line for a recall. He was a surprise omission from the starting XI at the weekend but he came off the bench to score.

He’ll join fellow goalscorer Rodrigo, who will lead the line, and left-winger Jack Harrison in the attack, meaning it could be club-record signing Daniel James who makes way.

The £16.2m-rated wide man has struggled to maintain consistency this season.

AND in other news, Leeds get boost ahead of Liverpool clash as key man ruled out…

West Ham United host Wolverhampton Wanderers this afternoon with both sides in the hunt for European football come the end of the season.

The Hammers are in sixth but can be leapfrogged by Wolves who are just two points behind in eighth.

It’s a game of major importance for both sides, with the hosts particularly shaky of late. But who will David Moyes entrust from the off?

Here is how Football FanCast thinks West Ham will line up.

In goal there are no changes as number one stopper Fabianski keeps his place but there is a change at the back.

At right-back in comes 22-year-old Ben Johnson for his first Premier League start since New Year’s Day.

The Englishman played the second half in last weekend’s 1-1 draw against Newcastle United after Ryan Fredericks had picked up a yellow card and had a genuine possibility of being sent off. However, the youngster’s appearance against the Magpies was his first in the league since the trip to Crystal Palace on 1 January.

With first-choice right-back Vladimir Coufal set to be on the sidelines after groin surgery, Johnson, who was labelled as “fabulous” by his manager in October, will be keen to return to the side on a regular basis, having started eight consecutive league games between October and December.

The defensive midfield duo of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek is a given whilst Pablo Fornals and the red-hot Jarrod Bowen start on the flanks, either side of Manuel Lanzini, who replaces Said Benrahma.

This week, Moyes confirmed that Lanzini was back in training this week and is in contention to start, having missed the Newcastle match.

Up front is, of course, Michail Antonio, who is the Hammers’ only senior striker. The Jamaica international will be looking to break his recent duck, having not scored since the trip to Palace almost two months ago.

In other news: £1m per appearance: £42k-per-week West Ham dud has been rinsing Moyes for 110 weeks

Southampton host Newcastle this evening, in a must win game for the visitors who are looking to avoid relegation but still have to face five out of the ‘big six’ after this fixture.

On the other hand, the Saints will be looking to bounce back from Saturday’s 4-0 humiliation away to Aston Villa.

While it isn’t an excuse for the terrible performance, the South-coast club have been without key defender Mohammed Salisu since the end of February, but manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has confirmed that the Ghanaian could return to the team tonight.

“Sali [Salisu], we will have a look if he manages to play tomorrow,” the Austrian manager said yesterday. “We will have a look how he is.”

Not only does the centre-back bring stability to the backline, he is the type of player that instals a certain level of confidence and composure among his teammates.

The 22-year-old ranks in the top 1% among central defenders in Europe’s top five leagues and continental competitions for tackles per 90 (3.02), top 9% for ball recoveries per 90 (11.11), and top 10% for aerials won per 90 (3.84).

Salisu has also demonstrated how press-resistant he is time and time again too, evident by the fact that he ranks in the top 6% for passes completed under pressure per 90 (8.00).

Ranking at number four among Southampton players for highest average match rating with 7.00, he has demonstrated time and time again how important he has become for the team, and to have him return from injury will be a huge boost for Hasenhuttl and something that will undoubtedly excite supporters.

Meanwhile, Nathan Tella is also nearing a return to first-team action after being out for two months with a groin injury.

Hasenhuttl said: ”Tella was back in session, but not available for the game.”

Elsewhere, just Lyanco and Alex McCarthy remain out, with both suffering from hamstring injuries and it is unclear at the moment when they will be back and available for selection.

In other news: Ward-Prowse 2.0: Ralph must seal Saints swoop for “absolutely superb” £3.6m-rated gem