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      Man Utd transfer targets compared as stats show why Ten Hag may have to break the bank again to get the right defender

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      ERIK TEN HAG may have to break the bank to get the right defender this summer.The Manchester United boss is hoping to land TWO new centre-backs.Man Utd are on the hunt for a new defender, with Jarrad Branthwaite a top targetCredit: ReutersReports claim United have had a bid accepted for Leny YoroCredit: GettyAnd he has no less than four star names on his shortlist.The Red Devils look set to be closing in on a deal for Bayern Munich misfit Matthijs de Ligt.And they have also seen two bids rejected for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.Reports claim United have now set their sights on Lille’s Leny Yoro, having a £42million bid accepted despite the teen’s preference to join Real Madrid.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd SunSport exclusively revealed yesterday that Ten Hag is also keeping close tabs on England and Crystal Palace sensation Marc Guehi.However, the stats show that £85m-rated Branthwaite boasts the best record of the lot.He made the most appearances of all four men last season, scoring the most goals and winning the most duels.Branthwaite also made the most tackles, interceptions and clearances.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSAnd he completed the most blocks too, while also winning possession more than anyone else.When squeezed across an average game, Branthwaite reigns supreme there as well.Greenwood back at Man Utd trainingSunSport understands United are interested in Marc GuehiCredit: GettyThe Red Devils hope to strike a deal for Matthijs de LigtCredit: GettyEven with Guehi and De Ligt getting a fairer shot after playing 10 and 13 less games respectively, Branthwaite still has the top ratio in almost all fields.It means if United are solely going after a new centre-back based on stats, the 22-year-old appears to be head and shoulders above the rest, who are much on an equal level with each other.However, Branthwaite did lag behind the rest of the competition in terms of successful passes and passing accuracy.Yet his dominance in aerial duels won makes him a threat at both ends of the pitch.It also means Ten Hag will have to dig deep as Everton rate Branthwaite as one of the best centre-backs in Europe.His age means he is likely to get even better with more minutes.And the Toffees value Branthwaite at £85m after seeing Man City pay £100m for Josko Gvardiol, also 22 years old, last summer.As far as the other stats go, Lille’s 18-year-old sensation Yoro just about has the next-best numbers after also playing around the same matches as Branthwaite.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut when squeezed down to an average across 90 minutes, there’s not much to choose between him, Guehi and De Ligt.And it may end up boiling down to who is available for the best price. More

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      Chelsea set to lose ‘next Musiala’, 15, to Premier League rivals who ‘will break historical wage structure for transfer’

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      CHELSEA are set to lose a talented academy product dubbed “the next Musiala” according to reports.Rio Ngumoha, 15, is set to join Liverpool after they broke their historic wage structure to bring him in.Rio Ngumoha played nine times for Chelsea’s U18sCredit: GettyNgumoha has been compared to two former Chelsea academy products, Musiala and Michael Olise, for his talent at a young age.Chelsea lost Musiala, 21, to Bayern Munich in 2019, and he has gone on to prove himself as one of the world’s finest emerging talents.Olise was also lost by Chelsea to Manchester City’s academy in 2016. He went on to play professionally for Reading and Crystal Palace before completing £49.5million move to Bayern Munich yesterday.According to Fabrizio Romano, Ngumoha is seen as such a special talent that Liverpool are willing to break their academy wage structure which has remained in place for years.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe says a deal will be completed for the 15-year-old soon.Under their previous structure, which will be broken with the transfer of Ngumoha, academy players’ earnings were capped at £50,000-a-year.The cap is part of a larger set of rules that will remain in place.Players are also limited to a ‘car clause’ which means they can not own a vehicle over 1.3 litres.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPlayers at the academy are also required to hand in their phones at 8:30am and are only given them back at the end of the day.Explaining the rules, academy director Alex Inglethorpe told Jamie Carragher for the Telegraph: “It is a safety thing as much as anything.Chelsea’s top summer transfer targetsMeet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaENZO MARESCA is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.”I don’t want boys who have just passed their test with these big chunks of metal, but I was also fed up seeing a car park full of Range Rovers.”If anyone turns up with one of them, they are parking it next door.”We have a pay structure which is fairly old-fashioned. We give them jobs to do. We tell them to hand their phone over at 8.30am and give them back before they go home.”You have been a senior player. You know how it is when a young player comes into the dressing room. You want respect for the pathway.”They have to earn what comes their way first. All the other stuff is fine later. To get there you have to do it on the pitch.”Ngumoha is a talented left winger who made nine appearances for Chelsea’s Under 18s last season, despite only turning 16 later this month.The player has also featured several times for England’s U-16 side.During those appearances, he contributed one goal and one assist.READ MORE SUN STORIESLiverpool have a good track record of bedding academy products into the first-team in recent years.Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones are first-team regulars, with Conor Bradley also playing extensively in the first-team last season. More

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      Erik ten Hag does NOT have a new Man Utd contract and Sir Jim Ratcliffe may have already hired his replacement

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      SO LET’S cut through all the you-know-what and get to the nub of the situation.However this appears to have been painted, Erik ten Hag does not have a new Manchester United contract.Sir Jim Ratcliffe with manager Erik ten HagCredit: GettyThere are no new assurances and nothing has changed.Yesterday’s grand announcement left the Dutchman on the same thin ice he was negotiating before winning May’s FA Cup final against rivals City.Ten Hag has effectively agreed to stay and work with the new controllers of football operations who, not long ago, were hunting someone else for the job.All that has happened is that the extra year in his original contract has been triggered to take it to 2026.READ MORE ON MAN UTDIt is not the ringing endorsement of a new four or five-year deal.The 12-month pay-off will stay the same if what seemed inevitable at the end of the last Premier League season is delayed until the next one if things do not start well.Ten Hag said: “I am very pleased to have reached agreement with the club to continue working together.”In other words: “OK, I’ll stay.”Most read in FootballErik ten Hag is no safer now than before FA Cup winBy Neil CustisAfter Manchester United announced Erik ten Hag was staying on, they tried to explain why it has taken over two weeks since the Dutchman paraded the FA Cup at Wembley to actually tell him he still had the job.A thorough review of the season was needed even though Ten Hag said before the Cup final that this had been done.The club said that they had ‘considered all eventualities’.In other words ‘which manager would be best for us, and not necessarily the bloke we have got?’.And the club were also at pains to make it clear how much they admired Ten Hag’s ‘dedication, dignity and professionalism’.In other words he did not publicly flip his lid at the appalling way he was being treated despite asking Ratcliffe for a public vote of confidence months before the end of the season.Let us remember Ratcliffe did not even namecheck Ten Hag in his ‘congratulations message’ after the FA Cup was won, despite the fact it was all down to him and the way he outthought Pep Guardiola on the day.Read the full column from Neil Custis on Manchester United.Elsewhere he claimed: “We have found complete unity in our vision.”Meaning they all want to win trophies — well that is a relief.Man Utd’s top targets for the transfer windowHe added: “We are strongly committed to making that journey together.”How they manage that is another thing because right now the strings are being pulled from different directions, with Ten Hag in danger of being the puppet.After all, the coaching team he put together has been dismantled and replaced, with Go Ahead Eagles boss Rene Hake and club goalscoring legend Ruud van Nistelrooy coming in.Or the future manager and assistant, if you listen to more cynical watchers of what is going on at the club.Striker coach Benni McCarthy has gone and Ten Hag’s former Ajax right-hand man Mitchell van der Gaag looks to be on his way too.Why has Ten Hag agreed to all this? Leaks from inside Old Trafford say it is because Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s word is law.On leaks, a recent email — apparently warning staff to stop leaking what was going on at the club — was LEAKED.Ratcliffe has put people in place in Sir David Brailsford, new sporting director Dan Ashworth, CEO Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox to do his bidding.Newcastle released Ashworth this week and he said: “Erik has reinforced his record as one of the most consistently successful coaches in Europe.”If that is the case why were talks held with Thomas Tuchel, as the hierarchy admitted to a dismayed Ten Hag?Ashworth added that “the club’s review of last season highlighted areas for improvement”. Cheers, Sherlock.While these words were being penned ahead of yesterday’s 11am release, none of the big names was on show as the devastating news was given to a staff meeting that 250 of 1,100 were out of a job.It is fair to say that morale is not at an all-time high at Old Trafford right now.READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile players who have not been on international duty return to training on Monday.Roll-up, roll-up, the circus is still very much in town. More

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      Brains behind Chelsea’s famous academy for 20 years QUITS in ‘insane blow’ with Blues fans ‘worried’

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      CHELSEA fans are devastated amid news academy director Neil Bath has left the club.Bath, 58, has been manager of the Blues’ academy set-up since 2004.Neil Bath, centre, is leaving Chelsea after 20 years as academy managerCredit: GettyMason Mount and Reece James are among the players brought through by Bath at ChelseaCredit: GettyHe played an integral part in bringing through the club’s young stars – a host of whom broke through into the first team.They included Reece James, Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah, Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.This helped at a critical time for Chelsea as they had a transfer ban imposed on them, increasing the importance of academy talent.Jim Fraser, who joined Chelsea’s academy as a director shortly after Bath, is also set to leave.READ MORE ON ENGLANDAn official announcement is expected in the coming days.And fans are beside themselves after learning of club legend Bath’s departure.One passionate supporter said: “Neil Bath leaving Chelsea is an insane blow.”Look around the whole of Europe for the last decade, at the sheer amount of top level professional footballers that have come through his ranks.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I thought his promotion a year ago was a positive thing, now I am worried.”People can argue about their differing views on ‘the project’ moving forwards, and everyone is entitled to their position. But this is just categorically a loss.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall posts goodbye video to Leicester fans and says ‘it’s time for me to go’ ahead of Chelsea transfer “The consistent evidence of success in Bath’s work is there for all to see. We don’t know the story yet, but damn.”While another added: “Nothing surprises me anymore. These clowns are tearing the club apart.”A third said: “A massive, massive loss. Possibly marks the end of Chelsea being a destination for elite scholar development.”Yet I fully expect the people who have been brainwashed by BlueCo’s empty promises to try and rationalise it as a good thing.”And a fourth responded: “Systematically removing all the components that made us worth £3bn is quite something.”Chelsea’s academy trophies over the last decade include five FA Youth Cups, two Under-18s Premier League titles, an U21 Premier League title and two UEFA Youth Leagues.Speaking about the Blues’ youth success, Bath previously said: “I will always say it is a wider effort from everybody involved.”There is a particular focus around scouting and coaching, and the coaches won’t succeed if the talent is not of the right level.”That is why the likes of Jim Fraser, Darren Grace and their recruitment team deserve credit for bringing in such talented players from a very young age.”That is a huge part of our development programme. On the other hand, you need the right coaches.””Fundamentally, it is about having good staff in all areas who work as a team.”READ MORE SUN STORIESEx-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard credited Bath for his impact when Mount and Abraham scored in the Premier League.Lampard said: “We had a couple of pints with Neil Bath!” More

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      Archie Gray’s Brentford transfer breaks down AFTER medical as Leeds reject offer at last minute

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      BRENTFORD have seen a £40m bid for Archie Gray rejected by Leeds United.Leeds have knocked back the Bees’ big money offer, despite allowing Gray to complete a medical with the Premier League outfit.Leeds United have rejected a £35m bid from Brentford for Archie GrayCredit: RexIt was yesterday revealed that Gray was heading to London to complete a medical with Brentford after Thomas Frank’s side had submitted a £40m bid.And Leeds had even granted the 18-year-old permission to carry out the tests.But less than 24 hours after the news broke and Leeds have now turned down the offer for their academy graduate over payment structure.Gray is highly thought of at Elland Road, not least because of his family ties.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe teenager is the great nephew of club legend Eddie Gray, who made over 450 appearances for the club and was twice the manager after hanging up his boots.And his efforts in the Championship last term earned him the award for Young Player of the Year.The star may not be too disheartened by the late decision as it looks like another Premier League club are lurking in the background to hijack the deal.Tottenham are working on a move to sign Gray and are in early discussions over a deal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSConversations are said to be ongoing with an expectation on all sides that a deal can be struck.It’s claimed by The Athletic that Gray had a change of heart himself and is leaning towards a switch to Spurs over their London rivals.Footballers you didn’t know were related from Premier League icons to Lionel MessiSpurs are amongst a number of Premier League clubs who are circling the rising star and are believed to have been exploring the deal for months.Gray penned a new contract at Leeds in January, tying him down until 2028. More

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      My dad’s a former Chelsea star and Premier League cult hero, I’m making my own way after signing first professional deal

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      HARRY SIDWELL is following in his father’s footsteps as a professional footballer.The 18-year-old is the son of Premier League cult hero Steve Sidwell, 41.Harry Sidwell has penned his first pro deal at WimbledonCredit: AFC Wimbledon via Instagram / @harry.sidwell7He is a midfielder like his dadCredit: AFC Wimbledon via Instagram / @harry.sidwell7Harry was joined by dad Steve and mum KrysyCredit: AFC Wimbledon via Instagram / @harry.sidwell7Harry, who is a midfielder like his dad, has impressed playing for AFC Wimbledon’s Under-18s and he has now be rewarded with his first pro contract.His dad and mum Krysy were at Plough Lane as their eldest son put pen to paper on his new deal.On signing his first contract at the League Two side, Harry said: “To sign my first professional contract is a dream come true. “It’s what I’ve worked for, from an early age as a kid. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”All the sacrifices and all the hard work that have gone into it, has led to this, and now it’s here – I’m really happy.”His dad was also delighted as he posted on Instagram: “Really proud of you.”And there was messages of congratulations to Harry from the likes of Declan Rice, John Terry, Bobby Zamora and Jody Morris.Sidwell Snr came through the ranks at Arsenal before playing for clubs like Reading, Aston Villa, Fulham, Stoke and Brighton.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe also had a brief spell at Chelsea, playing 15 times in the 2007/08 season under Jose Mourinho.Sidwell even wore the No9 shirt at Stamford Bridge after surprisingly being offered it by the Special One. Former Chelsea ace Steve Sidwell reveals clause in Premier League stars’ contract that ‘nobody has ever exercised’ More

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      Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ‘among NINE players put up for sale by Besiktas’ as former Premier League star makes brutal cull

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      FORMER Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has reportedly been put up for sale by Besiktas.Oxlade-Chamberlain, 30, joined the Turkish side in a free transfer last August and has since made 30 appearances.Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been put up for saleCredit: Getty However, the midfielder could already be on his way out.Reports in Turkey claim he is one of several players set to be put up for sale.Former Premier League stars Arthur Masuaku and Daniel Amartey could also be sold as well as Cameroon legend Vincent Aboubakar and ex-AC Milan forward Ante Rebic.Jean Onana, Valentin Rosier, Omar Colley, Javi Montero and Ersin Destanoglu are the remaining players on the list.Read More on FootballFormer Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst was appointed as the new Besiktas manager two weeks ago.He signed a two-year deal upon his arrival at Tupras Stadium and has already made several changes behind the scenes, with a number of players set to make way for new additions.Before joining the Super Lig giants, ex-England star Oxlade-Chamberlain spent six years at Liverpool.He joined the Reds in a £35million transfer from Arsenal but struggled to get regular game time due to various injury issues.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe midfielder could now be tipped for a Premier League return.Brentford were understood to be interested in a deal last summer, with Sheffield United also linked.Premier League Fixtures released for 2024/25 seasonOxlade-Chamberlain could appeal to clubs that are battling to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules such as Leicester, Everton and Newcastle. More

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      West Ham star Ben Johnson ready to swap Premier League clubs in summer transfer despite lucrative contract offer

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      IPSWICH are in talks with West Ham star Ben Johnson.The right-back is out of contract at the London Stadium this summer and talks are progressing well over a free transfer to Portman Road.Ben Johnson is nearing a move to IpswichCredit: AlamyJohnson has been offered a lucrative new deal to stay at the Hammers.But the defender is keen to increase his playing time and is leaning towards leaving.There has also been interest in the 24-year-old from Crystal Palace.Johnson joined West Ham’s academy at the age of seven and has made 109 appearances for his boyhood club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut he struggled for minutes last season under David Moyes, starting just seven games in all competitions.New boss Julen Lopetegui is ready to enter the transfer market to bolster his squad ahead of the new season.He is keen on a reunion with Wolves star Max Kilman, with West Ham seeing an opening bid worth £25million rejected.The club are also supposedly nearing the signing of goalkeeper Wes Foderingham on a free transfer from Sheffield United. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWest Ham have already signed Brazilian wonderkid Luis Guilherme for £25million.Meanwhile, Ipswich are in the market for a centre-back and have been linked with Liverpool’s Nat Phillips and Hull’s Jacob Greaves.Who is Julen Lopetegui?Julen Lopetegui enjoyed a 17-year career as a goalkeeper for the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona.He won the LaLiga title with Real Madrid in 1990 and two Spanish Super Cups with Barcelona, before stepping into management in 2003.He began coaching as an assistant for Spain’s U17s side, before stints with Rayo Vallecano and Real Madrid’s B team.Lopetegui then returned to the Spain set-up to manage their various age group teams, leaving in 2014 for the Porto job.He landed Spain’s top job in 2016 and spent two years at the helm of the national team, but was dismissed before the 2018 World Cup after it was announced he would become Real Madrid boss after the tournament.The Spaniard was sacked after just two months at the Bernabeu following a dismal spell.He joined Sevilla in 2019 and won the Europa League with them the following year.Lopetegui departed Sevilla in 2022 and joined Wolves in the November, guiding them to a 13th place finish.He left in August of last year, shortly before the start of the season, before Gary O’Neil replaced him.Best ten new Premier League kits for next season More