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Manchester United are expected to be busy in January, and now a fresh report has claimed that one of their highest earners could be departing the club alongside academy star Marcus Rashford before the end of the month.

Marcus Rashford set for exit

It appears highly unlikely that Rashford will still be a member of Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United squad come the end of the transfer window, with an Old Trafford exit highly-anticipated for the Premier League star.

The 27-year-old netted the first goal of Ruben Amorim’s reign, but following comments about being open to a departure he has not featured for the club in almost a month, with his last appearance coming against Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League.

As per Sky Sports, the Red Devils are ready to let him leave this January but are “leaning towards” a straight loan move in order to try and raise his price tag ahead of a summer sale. His brother and agent has been in Milan in recent days discussing a potential move to Serie A, while there is also believed to be interest from across the Premier League, though it is stressed that “all options remain open”.

However, his hefty wages make a continued exile unlikely from a financial standpoint given Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s previous reported fury at the Red Devils wage bill, which he feels is well beyond what is should be given the return on investment his side are receiving from those under massive contracts.

As a result, a re-integration or a departure seem likely, and with no signs of the former all signs currently point to a mid-season exit. Now, another player could be set to follow him out of the Old Trafford exit door.

Man Utd ace closer than ever to exit

That comes according to a report from Caught Offside, who report that Manchester United high-earner Casemiro is now “closer than ever” to a departure from Old Trafford this month amid strong interest from Saudi side Al-Nassr.

The Brazilian has fallen down the pecking order in Manchester since his arrival at the club two and a half years ago, a transfer which then Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag hailed as “magnificent”.

Man Utd make new approach for £30k-p/w Brazilian INEOS wanted before Ugarte

He could be Manchester United’s answer in midfield.

ByBen Browning Jan 10, 2025

He has started just three Premier League games under Ruben Amorim, and has been an unused substitute on a further five occasions as the new Manchester United boss searches for a winning formula.

Taking home a massive £350,000 a week at the Theatre of Dreams, Manchester United will be keen to move him off if he is not a regular starter, and to that end his availability has reportedly caught the eye of Al-Nassr, where former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo currently plies his trade.

Appearances

22

Starts

16

Tackles and interceptions per 90

5.05

Pass Accuracy

79.3%

Errors leading to a shot

3

As per the report, Amorim “is poised to allow Casemiro to leave Man United in this window” and Al Nassr are “believed to be pushing to get a deal over the line this winter”, with the Saudi side “prioritising” a move for the decorated Brazilian.

For his part, Casemiro “is ready to seriously consider an offer” should it arrive, in what is likely to be the only opportunity to continue earning anything like what he is currently paid at Old Trafford. For the Red Devils, shifting one or more of their highest earners this winter may be considered a huge success.

After a dismal run of form in the Premier League over the last couple of months, it’s no surprise to see Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola delving into the market to try and strengthen his squad.

The Citizens went on a run of just one win in their last 13 games before winning three in a row over the last week, as they look to salvage anything they can from the 2024/25 campaign.

They currently occupy sixth place in the Premier League, six points off second place Arsenal, with Champions League qualification possibly still on the cards despite the poor recent form.

With 18 league outings remaining between now and the end of the campaign, anything is possible for Guardiola’s men – but it looks as though they may have to concede the league title to Liverpool given the 12-point game and a game in hand.

However, new additions could inject a fresh impetus into the side, whilst also opening the door for numerous players to depart the Etihad for a new challenge.

The latest on Manchester City's transfer activity

Following the 8-0 FA Cup thrashing of League Two Salford City on Saturday night, Guardiola confirmed that full-back Kyle Walker missed the clash after handing in a transfer request a couple of days prior.

The 34-year-old is undoubtedly coming to the back end of his professional career, possibly having one more final pay day in him, with AC Milan one of the sides reportedly exploring a move for the England international.

Since his switch in 2017, he’s been a fantastic servant to City, making over 300 appearances and winning countless trophies – but it looks as though his time at the club is now coming to an end.

As for incomings, journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that a deal was edging closer for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush after personal terms were agreed with the Egyptian forward.

The 25-year-old, who has scored 14 Bundesliga goals in 16 games, has an €80m (£67m) price tag on his head, but Romano confirmed that positive talks were held between the two clubs, with a deal expected to be done next week.

However, Marmoush may not be the last deal completed by the board in January, with rumours murmuring over a potential deal for another star in the coming weeks.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Manchester City's dream Kevin De Bruyne upgrade

Belgium international Kevin De Bruyne will finish his career as one of the best midfielders to ever grace England’s top flight with his stupendous passing range allowing for countless goals during his spell in Manchester.

He joined City in a £55m deal from Wolfsburg back in the summer of 2015, subsequently going on to make over 400 appearances during his near decade as a player at the Etihad.

De Bruyne has registered 165 assists – an average of one every 2.4 games he’s featured in over a 10-year period – a staggering feat, but like Walker, the 33-year-old is entering his final years as a professional with injuries starting to frequently creep in.

As a result, rumours linking Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala over a move to the Etihad have persisted, with the latest coming last week from German outlet BILD.

His current deal with the German giants expires in the summer of 2026, opening the door to a potential switch to the Premier League to join up with Guardiola’s side either this window or in the near future.

When comparing his stats to current star De Bruyne, the 21-year-old has massively outperformed the experienced ace, potentially being the perfect player to replace the fan-favourite in the North West.

Musiala, who’s previously been dubbed “one of the best players in the world” by Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer, has registered more combined goals and assists in 2024/25, offering the likes of Erling Haaland and potentially Marmoush more opportunities to boost their already goal tallies.

Games played

13

13

Goals & assists

11

5

Progressive carries

3.6

2.6

Shot-on-target accuracy

48%

29%

Pass accuracy

82%

77%

Take-ons completed

3.3

0.9

Take-on success

51%

47%

The German has also completed more progressive carries per 90, whilst achieving a higher take-on success rate, having the quick feet and speed to glide past the opposition, something which De Bruyne may struggle to do towards the back end of his career.

It’s a real shame to be talking about the potential end for such a fan-favourite given all of his achievements since moving to the club, but it’s vital the hierarchy work quickly to identify replacements for such players as their career winds down.

Musiala – who initially came through the academy at Chelsea – has showcased in recent years he has all of the tools to be a success at the very top level for years to come, with the 21-year-old having bags of time to develop further and cement himself as an elite attacking midfielder.

It’s unclear how much a deal for the Bayern star would cost in the current window, but it would be worth testing their resolve given his contract scenario – enabling Pep to land the perfect upgrade on the Belgian superstar.

After Marmoush: Man City chase £70m ace who's "very similar to Bellingham"

After Omar Marmoush, Manchester City are looking to further raid Eintracht Frankfurt for a highly-rated midfielder compared to Jude Bellingham.

ByBen Gray Jan 10, 2025

Much like Darren Moore before him, Danny Rohl has found out the hard way that a working relationship with Sheffield Wednesday chairman Dejphon Chansiri can become fractured.

The German boss won’t be overly pleased with the Owls’ lack of transfer activity, alongside cursing his side’s luck that Shea Charles has been recalled by Southampton, which was officially confirmed by Chansiri at a fiery five-hour fans forum.

However, with new developments suggesting that talks between Rohl and Chansiri have taken place, it would indicate that the South Yorkshire outfit could be busy in the final two weeks of the window with incomings.

The 35-year-old could well want some more attacking reinforcements, with Josh Windass standing out as the Owls’ top scorer, whilst other attackers unfortunately fade into the background.

Josh Windass' importance at Sheffield Wednesday

Windass is way out in front as Wednesday’s leading marksman in the Championship this season with ten strikes next to his name.

Michael Smith follows behind on five goals – but with various clubs circling for his signature this January – the Owls will feel they could miss out on being able to surge up the table based on their over-reliance on the enigmatic 31-year-old to come up trumps.

The standout Wednesday attacker is prone to a spell on the sidelines with injury too, with his numbers for the 2023/24 season seeing him fit for just 25 league games away from his impressive output of six goals and two assists.

But, if he can remain injury-free and keep up his current blistering form – which saw him score four times across the course of December before firing home a pearler versus Derby County – Rohl will know that he can be key to his team rising up the league standings.

But, with others arguably not pulling their weight up top, the door could open for the South Yorkshire side to go all out to land a dream partner for Windass.

Sheffield Wednesday could try to sign "incredible" attacker

As has been reported widely this month, Rohl’s side are one of a whole host of EFL clubs sniffing around Aston Villa ace Louie Barry, with a new twist perhaps boosting the Owls’ chances of landing the electric forward.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Indeed, according to a report from Football Insider, Villa’s preference lies in Barry being moved onto a Championship club on loan this month amidst interest from further afield in the form of Celtic, with Wednesday potentially seeing the 21-year-old as an ideal player to bring in to help out Windass.

After all, Barry had put together his own back catalogue of audacious strikes playing for Stockport County in League One before being recalled, with one curled effort notably just one taster of his stunning 15 goals from 23 league appearances.

Barry entering the building as a statement move would no doubt see a hot-and-cold Djeidi Gassama drop out of the first team fold completely, with the number 41’s output not always at its sharpest.

Games played

23

24

Goals scored

15

3

Assists

2

1

Shots*

3.1

1.2

Big chances missed

6

0

Big chances created

5

1

Looking at the table above, the Wednesday target completely wipes the floor with Gassama in terms of their numbers in the EFL, with Barry far more willing to take risks to catch an opposition goalkeeper out.

On the contrary, his counterpart recedes into his shell far too often down the left, with 12 fewer goals next to his name despite making one more appearance.

It is, of course, all dependent on whether the “incredible” winger – as he was once labelled by Declan Rice – can tear defences apart in the same manner he did in League One in the division above.

But, if he is capable of similar heroics, he could completely transform Wednesday’s attacking game.

2025 winter transfer window: Every done deal from the Championship

Every winter transfer from the second tier can be found here.

ByStephan Georgiou Feb 3, 2025

Everton are one of a host of clubs who have been offered the chance to sign a speedy new attacking player in the January transfer window, according to a new update.

Everton seeking striker reinforcements

The Blues continue to be linked with new signings in the coming days, with Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi seen as a possible option. The 27-year-old has had to accept playing second fiddle to the impressive Chris Wood this season, making only two starts in the Premier League, so a move to another club midway through the campaign could appeal to him.

Rangers striker Hamza Igamane is another rumoured target for Everton, with the 22-year-old a young player with a huge amount of potential, scoring nine goals in only 13 Scottish Premiership starts this season. He also has four goals in as many starts in the Europa League, showing that he can cut it in one of Europe’s top competitions.

Sean Longstaff has also been backed to seal a move to the Blues before the end of the window, having fallen down the midfield pecking order at Newcastle United this season, following the excellent form of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton. The Englishman could be a shrewd addition at Goodison Park, providing David Moyes with extra legs in the middle of the park.

Everton offered chance to sign "flamboyant" ace

According to a new report from Calciomercato, Everton have been offered the opportunity to sign AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze, with the Serie A giants looking to generate funds for new signings by selling fringe players.

The Blues are far from the only club in the mix to snap up the 25-year-old, however, with Newcastle, Crystal Palace and Tottenham all mentioned as potential suitors.

Chukwueze is the type of player that Everton could badly do with right now, given the attacking quality he possesses, primarily cutting inside from the right-hand side. The Nigerian has been described as “flamboyant” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and he bagged 68 goal contributions (37 goals and 31 assists) in 207 appearances for Villarreal before his move to Milan.

The fact that Milan are seemingly so willing to sell Chukwueze is merely financial, rather than them not rating him, and Everton should be looking to swoop in and sign a player whose best years are still likely to be ahead of him.

Moyes' next Yakubu: Everton plot late move for "extraordinary" £50k-p/w ace

Moyes could seal his next Yakubu with late move for this “extraordinary” ace

ByConnor Holden Jan 31, 2025

A five-goal and 38-cap Nigeria international, he could light up the right flank similarly to how Iliman Ndiaye has excelled on the left wing at times this season, making the Blues a more potent attacking force straight away.

Leaving their business until the final hours, Fulham reportedly made a last-minute attempt to sign a London rival who only discovered their pursuit of his signature in the final hour of deadline day.

Fulham transfer news

Up until deadline day, the Cottagers endured a fairly quiet window before seemingly springing into life. The biggest headline at the West London club came when reports revealed that they had reached an agreement to re-sign 36-year-old Willian on a free deal after he left Olympiacos as a free agent. The Brazilian, set to make another Premier League return, will be looking to leave one last mark on England’s top flight.

Meanwhile, since the transfer window has slammed shut, Fulham have seemingly set their sights on another bargain deal in the form of a transfer for Bright Osayi-Samuel.

The Fenerbahce full-back is out of contract this summer and the West London club are reportedly working on negotiations to secure his services on a pre-contract agreement. It’s a right-back problem that needs solving amid Kenny Tete’s own contract doubts and it’s one which a rival star could have solved in the dying embers of the window.

According to talkSPORT, Fulham made a last-minute attempt to sign Vladimir Coufal from West Ham United, but failed in their attempts as the right-back only discovered their interest in the final hour of the window given he was taking part in a match in West London on deadline day.

Fulham working on pre-contract deal to sign "outstanding" ace after Willian

They could land a bargain deal…

ByTom Cunningham Feb 5, 2025

Busy in a derby day defeat at the hands of Chelsea, Coufal very nearly had a simple journey following that 2-1 loss on Monday evening only to stay put at West Ham instead. Whether Fulham return for his signature when the summer arrives remains to be seen in what would certainly be a wise addition.

"Brilliant" Coufal could be Osayi-Samuel alternative

Whilst Fulham’s focus should be on signing Osayi-Samuel, Coufal wouldn’t exactly be a bad alternative to turn to should they fail to sign the Fenerbahce man ahead of the summer window. At 32 years old, the West Ham defender is a man full of experience and Premier League knowhow, having adapted to England’s top flight almost as soon as he arrived in 2020.

Dubbed “brilliant” by former West Ham boss David Moyes during his first season at the club, Coufal may be an ageing option but he’s also one that is still capable of making an impact when called on from the bench.

Starts

8

15

Assists

0

2

Tackles Won P90

1.10

1.93

Ball Recoveries P90

2.93

3.50

If it’s not to be Osayi-Samuel, then Coufal could arrive as a back-up option to Timothy Castagne, who would be thrown into the starting role once and for all at Craven Cottage.

Fulham haven’t been afraid of welcoming rival stars in the past – signing Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal last summer – and could yet repeat that trick when they get another chance this summer.

As rumours over Alexander Isak’s future rumble on, Newcastle United are reportedly set to be offered the chance to sign an £85m replacement who shocked St James’ Park last season.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies have found themselves limited in the transfer market across the last two windows, but could now burst into life when the summer arrives. If Isak does depart for big money then those in Tyneside will finally find themselves unlocked from the PSR cage that they’ve found themselves, albeit at the cost of their star striker.

It’s money that Eddie Howe has needed for the last two windows, with his strongest 11 simply unable to compete against a chasing pack full of the squad depth they simply do not have.

Newcastle want "incredible" 25 y/o who can be their right-sided Gordon

His team won at St James’ Park earlier this season.

ByHenry Jackson Feb 17, 2025

Even up against the injury-riddled Manchester City last time out, Newcastle felt the full effect of another side’s spending power, with January arrival Omar Marmoush netting a stunning first-half hat-trick. City spent the money that Newcastle couldn’t last month and reaped the rewards last weekend.

Whether they’ll even be tempted to sell Isak when the summer arrives is another story, but that won’t stop the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool from reportedly chasing the forward when the window opens.

According to Football Insider, Newcastle are set to be offered the chance to sign Darwin Nunez in a swap deal for Isak, which would see the Swede head to Anfield this summer with some cash coming to Tyneside to sweeten the deal.

A player Liverpool splashed out £85m to sign in 2022, Nunez has struggled to ever truly pay that fee back in the form of goals and now finds himself falling down the pecking order under Arne Slot. As the Reds look to solve their striker problem, he could be used as quite the bargaining chip.

Whether Newcastle see it that way remains to be seen, however. Whilst they’d be getting an instant replacement for Isak, there’s still plenty of question marks over Nunez’s reliability in front of goal.

"Wonderful" Nunez must find consistency

On the fringes of the Premier League’s top four, Newcastle can ill-afford to take a gamble and that’s exactly what Nunez would be. At his very best, the Liverpool forward has all the attributes of a top striker.

He’s lightning quick, his movement is sharp and his work out of possession is key. But it’s not often that the Premier League has seen that best form for prolonged periods of time. Meanwhile, out of form, Nunez is wasteful, scrappy and unreliable – everything that Isak is not.

St James’ Park has already seen him at his clinical, quick best last season when he netted a shock brace to hand Liverpool a late victory but he has not kicked on from that performance ever since in frustrating fashion.

When the summer arrives, Newcastle will certainly have plenty to think about and that could yet include a decision regarding the arrival of Nunez.

David Moyes is pushing Everton to sign a “quality” £30m-rated player as a replacement for Jarrad Branthwaite should he leave in the summer, according to a reliable reporter.

Everton news and updates

After snatching a last-minute equaliser against Liverpool in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, Moyes went on to confirm that the Toffees had suffered a blow, as Iliman Ndiaye is facing weeks on the sidelines after going off injured in tears against the Reds.

What people at Everton thought about Charly Alcaraz before winner vs Palace

He is catching the eye of David Moyes and co. on Merseyside

ByBen Browning Feb 15, 2025

“Iliman has got a medial [knee] ligament injury. It’s not looking great at the moment. We’re probably not sure how long it’s going to be. We’ll get a bit more on that, but it’s certainly going to be a few weeks.”

That would have been devastating news for Everton, but in their first game without the attacker, they managed to pick up three points away at Crystal Palace.

Away from injury news, it’s been reported that Moyes could be looking to bring Tom Fellows to Everton in the summer, as he wants to add a talented youngster to his side in the off-season. Fellows is reportedly keen on the move to Everton, though West Brom are reportedly after £20m for their academy product.

Moyes pushing Everton to sign £30m ace

Fellows is not the only player on Moyes’ radar, as according to reporter Alan Nixon (as relayed by Football League World), Everton are interested in signing Maxime Esteve from Burnley as a replacement for Branthwaite should he depart.

Nixon stated that Everton’s interest in the Burnley defender comes as the Toffees prepare for the potential departure of Branthwaite, who could leave for around £60m in the summer.

Moyes has identified Esteve as an adequate replacement, which could come as a source of frustration for Burnley, as he’s been key to them being one of the standout sides in the Championship.

The 22-year-old joined the Clarets on loan in February last year before joining on a permanent basis in the summer. The centre-back, who could cost Everton as much as £30m in the summer, has started all 33 Championship games to date.

The Toffees’ chances of signing the defender could be increased if Burnley fail to seal promotion to the Premier League.

Apps

33

Clean sheets

24

Interceptions per game

0.9

Tackles per game

1.0

Balls recovered per 90

3.6

Clearances per 90

4.2

Passing accuracy per game

62.4 (91%)

Esteve, who has been labelled a “quality” centre-back by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is a left-footer like Branthwaite and is the same age as the Everton defender, making him an ideal like-for-like replacement.

However, as Everton had to with Branthwaite, they may have to be patient with Esteve, as he’s only got 16 appearances to his name in the top flight, and it will be a different environment going from Burnley in the Championship to Everton in England’s biggest league.

A first team Sunderland player on higher wages than the likes of Trai Hume and Dan Neil is in talks to leave the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland suffer automatic promotion blow with defeats to Hull and Leeds

The Black Cats have impressed on the whole during Regis Le Bris’ first season in charge of the club, and at the very least, look set for a place in the Championship playoffs.

Sunderland have been pushing for a top-two finish in the second tier, but back-to-back defeats to Leeds United and Hull City put a significant dent in those hopes.

Speaking before Friday’s clash with Sheffield Wednesday, Le Bris stated his squad are “really positive” and “very engaged” ahead of the run-in.

“The atmosphere after the Hull game was really positive – not that we enjoyed defeat, but we managed the situation properly. The three sessions this week have been intense. The output wasn’t always perfect, but the behaviour and commitment were very positive.

“The squad is very engaged in the process, and we know this league is always tough – we will have highs and lows, but the main thing is the consistency. We can’t be too emotional, positive or negative. If we want to play at the best level, we will face many obstacles.”

Sunderland suffer youngster injury news alongside Le Fee and Ballard blows

This is not what Regis Le Bris will want to hear.

ByHenry Jackson Feb 25, 2025

One player who hasn’t contributed to the Championship season is Jewison Bennette, who has played just nine senior minutes under Le Bris in an EFL Cup defeat to Preston North End back in August.

He has been linked with a move to Ukrainian side FC LNZ Cherkasy, with the transfer window closing on March 11th.

Jewison Bennette set to leave Sunderland with talks over exit underway

Talking in the last 48 hours, relayed by The Northern Echo, Le Bris admitted that Sunderland attacker Bennette is in talks to leave the club. He is currently on £5,000-a-week, more than Hume, Neil and Chris Rigg, but is set to depart in search of more game time.

“Yes [he is in talks to leave], but I don’t know exactly what stage the deal is at. He needs to play.”

Appearances

21

Goals

2

Assists

2

The 20-year-old, who is a Costa Rica international, was praised by academy coach Graeme Murty last year after a Premier League International Cup game where the winger had two goals ruled out for offside.

“He’s great to work with. He’s never complaining. He’s always open to listen. He’s really disappointed that both goals were ruled off, because they could have been the critical moments in the game.

“We came out on the wrong side of them, but he had to keep going and he had to then restart himself, and actually get himself back into the game… Hats off to him because it’s not easy, but he can be really, really happy with his day’s work.”

It looks as if a move away for the winger will be one to watch for Bennette, and it’ll be interesting to see whether it is on loan or permanent, with his Stadium of Light contract expiring in 2026.

Tottenham Hotspur came from two goals down to secure a 2-2 draw with European chasing Bournemouth in North London earlier on this afternoon.

Goals from Marcus Tavernier and Evanilson gave the Cherries a two-goal advantage before Pape Sarr’s effort floated over Kepa Arrizabalaga, who fouled Heung-min Son in the area, resulting in the South Korean stepping up from the spot to level the game.

The point moved Ange Postecoglou’s side onto 34 points in the Premier League, sitting 10 points off Andoni Iraola’s men after the clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

With just ten games to go, the Aussie will be able to experiment with his side, potentially planning who he may look to move on over the summer to avenge this campaign’s woes.

As a result, numerous players who started the clash against the Cherries today could struggle to maintain their role in the squad going forward.

Spurs’ poor performers against Bournemouth

Cristian Romero returned to the side today after his recent injury layoff but demonstrated signs of rustiness after not featuring since the start of December.

The Argentine featured for an hour before being replaced, losing possession 13 times and committing two fouls before his withdrawal from the contest.

Midfielder Yves Bissouma was handed his first Premier League start since the beginning of February this afternoon, but like Romero, he looked off the pace throughout.

The former Brighton man was replaced at the break, after getting dribbled past once and picking up a booking for a challenge on Evanilson, which deliberately prevented the counter-attack.

However, despite the performances of the aforementioned duo, one other first-team regular failed to deliver, with Ange needing to drop him ahead of Thursday’s crunch Europa League clash.

The Spurs player who needs to be dropped after 3/10 display

In recent weeks, numerous Spurs attackers have stepped up their fitness after spells on the sidelines with various injury issues, handing Postecoglou the depth he’s craved in recent times.

Dominic Solanke and Wilson Odebert were both included from the first whistle this afternoon, but neither were able to get themselves on the scoresheet in North London.

However, both managed to feature for the entirety of the contest, but the same can’t be said about winger Brennan Johnson, who once again struggled to impress within the final third.

The Welshman started off the right-hand side of the front three, but failed to score for the third consecutive game after his double against Ipswich Town last month.

The 23-year-old managed just 29 touches during the draw, a tally lower than that of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who managed 47, showcasing the lack of impact he had on proceedings.

Minutes played

45

Touches

29

Possession lost

8x

Dribbles completed

0/2 (0%)

Shots taken

0

Duels won

2/8 (25%)

Crosses completed

0

He also lost possession eight times, failing to complete any of his two attempted dribbles – looking toothless and unable to get the better of opposition full-back Milos Kerkez.

Johnson also failed to register a single effort on goal, winning just 25% of the duels he entered, subsequently resulting in his substitution at the break, replaced by match-leveller Son.

To compound the Welshman’s misery, he was handed a measly 3/10 match rating by Football London journalist Alasdair Gold – the joint-lowest of any Spurs player who’s started the meeting.

As a result of his lack of impact, Ange can’t take any chances, desperately needing to drop him ahead of Thursday’s crunch Europa League clash with AZ Alkmaar.

The Lilywhites enter the second leg a goal down following the meeting in the Netherlands a few days ago, with the Aussie needing to consider other options than Johnson after his dismal showing.

Spurs struck gold on unreal "monster" who's worth millions more than Guehi

The incredible talent is one of Spurs’ most important players.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 8, 2025

Sheffield United picked up the league double in the Steel City Derby on Sunday lunchtime as Chris Wilder’s Blades got the better of Danny Rohl’s Sheffield Wednesday by a single goal.

As is often the case in a contest that has huge bragging rights on the line, the clash itself was cagey and attritional at points, with only five shots on target registered by both sides at Hillsborough.

Thankfully for the promotion-hungry Blades, one of their on-target efforts would trickle in courtesy of Rhian Brewster, with the number seven one standout performer that would help his side go joint top of the Championship with Yorkshire foes Leeds United.

Brewster's game-changing performance vs Wednesday

Indeed, Wilder would elect to start the ex-Liverpool forward for this full-blooded affair ahead of Callum O’Hare, which was a decision that proved to be a masterstroke come full-time.

The injury-prone attacker is enjoying his finest spell in a Blades shirt to date at the moment, with this late tap-in taking his second-tier goal haul for the campaign up to two alongside his three assists.

Not the most memorable strike in terms of quality, but the effort – which was all Tyrese Campbell’s making down the wing – would still send the Blades masses into pandemonium at Hillsborough, knowing their title charge remains on.

But, although Brewster would steal all the headlines at the end with this invaluable contribution, there were other faces in South Yorkshire who stood out even more, including this defender who could now be deemed as undroppable moving forward.

The Sheffield United star who is now undroppable

Whilst certain positions in Wilder’s XI are fixed now, with Michael Cooper an absolute shoo-in in-between the sticks among other names, the right-back position is still very much up for grabs.

With both Harry Clarke and Alfie Gilchrist absent for the Steel City Derby, Wilder would hand Femi Seriki only his fourth start of the Championship season to try and make up for these woes, which was another close call the United boss got spot on.

Minutes played

90

Touches

54

Accurate passes

17/20 (85%)

Key passes

1

Accurate long balls

3/4

Successful dribbles

4/6

Clearances

4

Tackles

4

Total duels won

11/21

The 57-year-old wouldn’t have felt any worry with Seriki at the right-back spot despite the occasion, having seen him win five duels against Bristol City just the league match before, only for him to put in even more of a determined and dogged effort against Rohl’s hosts when glancing at the table above.

Across the course of the 90 minutes, the Manchester-born 21-year-old won a steep 11 duels for his side when they were under the cosh, on top of also relieving danger with some sprints in attack, leading to four successful dribbles also coming his way before the high-stakes game was done and dusted.

Having battled back from his own injury concerns, the up-and-coming Blades prospect will hope he’s gifted an extended run in the main team now as Wilder’s first-choice right-back, with Sheffield Star journalist Danny Hall even gifting Seriki a high 8/10 rating post-match.

United will know the win wasn’t clinched in the prettiest of manners, but another three points being tallied up on the board keeps the title race ticking over for another day, as the red and white half of South Yorkshire aim to take Leeds all the way.

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