When welcoming a player, leagues or clubs usually put together well-produced announcements, accompanied by classy graphics made by some of the best social media teams around.An announcement, at the very least, should tick two vital boxes, however. Get the player’s name right, and make sure that the picture on your graphic is actually the correct player, and not a former Real Madrid right-back.So, when MLS took to Twitter to welcome Inter Miami signing Sergio Busquets with a picture of Alvaro Arbeloa, you can imagine the awkwardness. The post has since been amended, with the admin of the account even poking fun at themselves, admitting their hilarious mistake.

MLS hilariously get Sergio Busquets announcement wrong

As you can see, the original post features the correct amount of Champions League wins, the correct number of La Liga titles, and, in general, the right number of everything. There’s even a player wearing the Spanish kit, kissing the World Cup trophy. The issue is, that player is not Busquets.

Instead, it is Arbeloa, who is, by contrast, long retired and incredibly unlikely to be stepping foot in MLS any time soon.

After amending the mistake, MLS posted a picture of the two players for Spain, showing their similarities, whilst taking a chance to mock themselves, saying: “Why do arbeloa and busquets look so similar in these. Admin needs new glasses…”

And, they might just have a point. Busquets and Arbeloa, at a first glance, looked incredibly similar at the 2010 World Cup.

How many trophies has Sergio Busquets won in his career?

It’s fair to say that Inter Miami are getting themselves a serial winner in Busquets. The Barcelona legend has won it all for Barcelona and Spain, with a total of 34 trophies to his name for club and country.

The standout silverware has to be the World Cup, however, winning the famous trophy with Spain back in 2010, courtesy of an Andreas Iniesta winner against the Netherlands.

The defensive midfielder’s final trophy at Barcelona may carry significant sentiment, too, however, as Xavi’s side lifted the La Liga title after a fairly dominant campaign.

Now at Inter Miami, Busquets, joined by Lionel Messi, has the task of dragging them from the bottom of MLS right to the very top. Miami have welcomed winners, and will be desperate to reap the rewards.

So, whilst MLS has often been a destination for players at the end of their careers – as is the case with Messi and Busquets – the duo have given themselves quite the final challenge.

If they can transform this Inter Miami side into title winners, then it will only prove once more their ability to win no matter what.

Fans tuning into the league next season will certainly be entertained, that’s for sure, as Tiki Taka takes Miami, in what could be a transformative period for David Beckham’s side. The Manchester United legend has certainly made a statement this summer by welcoming two of the best players of their generation.

However, after this social media blunder from MLS and the recent footage of Messi nearly getting in a car crash in his new home city, it’s not exactly been the smoothest of starts to life in the US for the former Barcelona duo.

Southampton are continuing to track Hamza Choudhury, although no official bid has yet been made, as reported by Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett.

How many games has Hamza Choudhury played?

The Leicester City man spent the 2022/23 season out on loan with Watford in the Championship, with gametime hard to come by with the Foxes. As his parent club struggled in the Premier League, the midfielder went on to play in 36 second tier outings for the Hornets though and was a key player for them as they clawed their way into the top half of the division.

His overall stats made for good reading too. He attempted 108 tackles in total, ranking him fifth in that area in the entire league, but also had 67 tackles won – which also ranked him as fifth in those standings. It shows that he isn't afraid to get stuck in and doesn't do it needlessly either, winning most of the tackles he does place.

Leicester have previously utilised him in the top flight too, with the Englishman having made 53 appearances for them in the Premier League over the years. However, only 29 of those have been actual starts and it means that he is still to establish himself as a regular in their first-team picture. When you consider that he was also sent out on a short-term basis last year, it shows that he currently sits down the pecking order at the King Power Stadium, but is a player with high level experience.

Are Southampton signing Hamza Choudhury?

With the Foxes now in the Championship, there could be more opportunities for the 25-year-old to feature, but they may not come with Leicester. That's because, as reported by Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett, Southampton still have a keen interest in the midfielder and their boss Russell Martin is an "admirer" of the tough tackling ace.

It means that he is likely to explore the possibility of a deal but that may not be easy, with the Foxes also now wanting to keep Choudhury at the club. It seems as though they may offer the player a fresh deal and could play him a lot more – so if a bid does go in, he may have a choice to make over his future club.

Choudhury has proven his ability at Championship level, which may be why there is now a scramble to sign and keep him. His stats present him as one of the most solid options in his position at this level and his ability to grind away and break up attacks in the middle of the field is superb.

Journalist Josh Bunting labelled him as "excellent" for his part in a Watford goal during the course of the last campaign, showing that he is a solid option in the second tier. If Southampton do manage to prise him away then, it will be another boost for their squad in their bid for promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

A multi-day intensive “summit” between negotiators for CA and the ACA has been discussed as a possible way of moving forward from the current pay dispute

Daniel Brettig09-Jun-2017

A multi-day intensive “summit” between negotiators for Cricket Australia (CA) and the Australian Cricketers’ Association (ACA) has been discussed as a possible way of moving forward from the current pay dispute, less than four weeks away from the June 30 expiry of the current MoU.Tentative talks between the board and the players have been going on for a little more than a week, in spite of continued public sparring taking the shape of fresh videos and graphics released by CA’s lead negotiator Kevin Roberts and subsequent ripostes by the ACA.While Roberts has met with the ACA’s legal counsel Joe Connellan and a mediation lawyer, John Whelan, who has been consulting for the players’ association, ESPNcricinfo understands that the ACA chief executive Alistair Nicholson and his CA counterpart James Sutherland have also spoken in recent days about ways to find progress.It was Sutherland’s letter to Nicholson on May 12, threatening to leave players unemployed if an agreement to CA’s terms was not reached by the end of June, that escalated tension between the two parties after six months of largely fruitless meetings, claims and ambit proposals.Apart from the major difference between the parties – CA’s desire to breakup the fixed revenue percentage model and the ACA’s equally strong intent to retain it – there have also been disconnects around how talks should be structured. CA has expressed a preference for starting the process by discussing many of the areas in which the two parties share common ground, allowing these details to be ticked off while building a better relationship dynamic with which to tackle the more difficult issues.However, the ACA is understood to prefer dealing directly with the fundamental differences between the parties to begin with, allowing for a shared position on revenue sharing to underpin and underline all subsequent talks. The players’ association is believed to have suggested getting the two parties together earlier in the process without either side bringing their respective pay proposals with them – a request that was not granted by CA.The prospect of a long-haul summit over two days or more, in order to thrash out many of the issues currently dividing the board and the players, has been raised between the two parties as one option to find a workable passage towards an agreement.A similar approach was taken earlier this week in concurrent pay talks between Australia’s rugby league governing body, the National Rugby League (NRL), and the Rugby League Players Association. The opposing sides devoted two days to intensive talks in Sydney, concluding the summit by releasing a joint statement to say talks had been “constructive” though plenty of work remains to be done.The announcement of a pay deal in the Australian Football League is also imminent, with the league and the AFL Players Association set to unveil a deal that will bring in elements of revenue sharing to their next collective bargaining agreement – something NRL players are also seeking. All Australian sports have looked towards cricket’s 20-year model as a way of balancing prosperity with a prolonged period of industrial relations peace.

Football FanCast previews the Premier League opening day fixtures, ahead of the fast-approaching 2023/24 campaign beginning on Friday 11th August.

Burnley v Manchester City

Kick-off: Friday 11th August, 8pm.

Newly promoted Burnley take on treble winners Manchester City at Turf Moor. The Clarets' head coach Vincent Kompany will be across the dugout from his former manager Pep Guardiola.

The City boss made a bold claim in March suggesting Kompany will one day return to the Citizens as manager.

"Maybe he [Kompany] doesn't agree with me, but having seen his teams, I'm more than convinced today he's going to come back. When? When I said my feelings weeks ago, this part I don't know. But it's going to happen," the Spaniard said.

The likely narrative built around this fixture will highlight the managers, billing it as the master versus the apprentice, and Kompany will certainly be eager to make a statement.

It will be a fascinating watch as Burnley look to finish well clear of relegation trouble.

Full preview: Burnley v Manchester City

Arsenal v Nottingham Forest

Kick-off: Saturday 12th August, 12.30pm.

Last season's Premier League runners-up face Nottingham Forest, who sealed their safety with a 1-0 victory over the Gunners in May, subsequently crowning Manchester City as champions.

The same fixture last term produced a convincing 5-0 victory for the north London club, lifting Arsenal to the summit of the table whilst Forest remained at the foot – a stark contrast to the game played at the City Ground seven months later. What's in store this time around?

Full preview: Arsenal v Nottingham Forest

Bournemouth v West Ham United

Kick-off: Saturday 12th August, 3pm.

West Ham United travel to the south coast to face Bournemouth, who finished one point behind the Hammers last term.

The Cherries are gearing up for their second season back in the top flight and will have a fresh face in the dugout following the sacking of manager Gary O'Neil.

Andoni Iraola was appointed as his successor and will be up against the Conference League winners in his first match in charge.

Full preview: Bournemouth v West Ham United

Brighton & Hove Albion v Luton Town

Kick-off: Saturday 12th August, 3pm.

These two sides haven't faced each other since February 2009, which came in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. That meeting finished 1-1 after 120 minutes before Luton defeated the Seagulls on penalties, booking their place in the final at Wembley.

They've both come a long way since then and now meet at the pinnacle of English football. The Hatters, however, haven't been gifted with an easy start to life in the Premier League. Brighton finished sixth last term and scored the fourth-most goals in the division.

The newcomers will need to be on their A-game.

Full preview: Brighton & Hove Albion v Luton Town

Everton v Fulham

Kick-off: Saturday 12th August, 3pm.

The Toffees narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of last season, with Leicester City at one point sending them down to the Championship.

Sean Dyche will be hopeful his side can build upon their survival and ensure they don't find themselves in another relegation battle for a third consecutive season.

Meanwhile, Fulham enjoyed a successful return to the top flight, finishing 10th – 16 points clear of Everton.

It could be Everton's final full year at Goodison Park and they'll be keen to make it a fortress. You'd suspect the Cottagers will be in for a tough battle.

Full preview: Everton v Fulham

Sheffield United v Crystal Palace

Kick-off: Saturday 12th August, 3pm.

Sheffield United return to the Premier League after a two-year absence, hosting Crystal Palace at Bramall Lane on the opening day. The last meeting between these two sides resulted in a 2-0 home defeat for the Blades, who were already relegated by that point.

For Palace, facing a newly promoted side, particularly away from home, can serve as a difficult challenge and could well be without Wilfried Zaha, who continues to be linked with a Selhurst Park exit.

Full preview: Sheffield United v Crystal Palace

Newcastle United v Aston Villa

Kick-off: Saturday 12th August, 5.30pm.

Eddie Howe's side will host the Villans at St James' Park – a ground which has recently become renowned as one of the toughest places to visit.

Both sides enjoyed fruitful campaigns last season. The Magpies secured their return to the Champions League after two decades out of the competition, whilst Aston Villa will feature in Europe for the first time since the 2010/11 season after finishing in the Europa Conference League slot.

The Tyneside club thrashed Villa 4-0 in this same fixture last term, though the visitors were under the stewardship of caretaker boss Aaron Danks​​​​​​ rather than the experienced Unai Emery.

Full preview: Newcastle United v Aston Villa

Brentford v Tottenham Hotspur

Kick-off: Sunday 13th August, 2pm.

Ange Postecoglou's Spurs reign begins in west London, with Tottenham taking on Brentford in the first of two games played on Sunday.

The Bees finished one point behind eighth-placed Spurs last term and won five out of their last six games, which, in fact, included a 3-1 away victory over the north London club. Thomas Frank will be hopeful they can carry that momentum into the new season, whilst Postecoglou will be keen to mark his first game in English football with a win.

Full preview: Brentford v Tottenham Hotspur

Chelsea v Liverpool

Kick-off: Sunday 13th August, 4.30pm.

Another new managerial era begins, as Mauricio Pochettino faces Jürgen Klopp's Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in his first game in charge.

Both clubs endured below-par campaigns in 2022/23 – particularly Chelsea, who finished in the bottom half of the table with 44 points, which was their lowest points tally since the Premier League was formed in 1992.

Full preview: Chelsea v Liverpool

Manchester United v Wolves

Kick-off: Monday 14th August, 8pm.

The final game of the first matchweek takes place at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag's side claimed a 2-0 victory over Wolves in May thanks to goals from Anthony Martial and Alejandro Garnacho. They'll be hoping for a repeat this time around.

Wolves appear to be restricted by Financial Fair Play regulations and may be on a limited budget ahead of Julen Lopetegui's first full season in charge.

Full preview: Manchester United v Wolves

Manchester United are "very interested" in Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund, and talks between the two clubs have been "positive", but a gap in valuation still proves to be the biggest obstacle to this deal, claims Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Is Rasmus Hojlund joining Manchester United this summer?

It has been a great transfer window for Manchester United so far this summer.

It all started a bit slow as the news around the club was dominated by constant takeover talk, but as time progressed, the three-time European champions have some significant improvements to their first team.

The first name through the door at Old Trafford was Chelsea academy star and England international Mason Mount, who should slot right into Erik ten Hag's midfield next season and help to give that area of the team some much-needed depth.

Following him was Andre Onana, who, after the departure of David de Gea, was an essential signing to get over the line, and considering the hype around him and how important he has been for Inter Milan, the £47m fee seems relatively reasonable.

With two areas of the team already sorted, attention swiftly turned to the front line, specifically striker, where Marcus Rashford has had to fill in frequently over the years.

The forward most heavily linked to the Red Devils in recent weeks has been Danish prospect Hojlund, who has attracted the attention of the wider footballing world after just one season for the Bergamo side.

According to transfers expert Fabrizio Romano United will submit an official bid for the Dane this week. However, they hold much of the negotiating power with four years left to run on the 20-year-old's £10,500-a-week contract.

The length of his contract, United's desire to sign him and the general hype around the player could all make any deal prohibitively expensive, as the Daily Mail have reported that the Italian side want £86m for their man and considered United's initial idea of £45m 'derogatory'.

What has Dharmesh Sheth said about Rasmus Hojlund and Manchester United?

Sheth was clear that despite initial talks between the sides being positive, a gap in valuation still exists, and the Red Devils are yet to formalise their interest in the Danish striker.

However, this will likely change very soon given the club's desire to have their transfer business sorted by their opening Premier League game on August 14th.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: "They're very interested in Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta. They see him as one for the future but probably for now as well, given Manchester United's budgetary constraints.

"There's still a big gap in valuation, although there have been positive talks with Atalanta. But there is no agreement on price and no formal bid as yet.

"We expect Manchester United to formalise that interest after those positive talks sooner rather than later, simply because we've only got about three weeks until the season starts.

"I think Manchester United want to get everything sorted before their opening game against Wolves."

How good is Rasmus Hojlund?

It might seem rather outlandish for a club to demand so much money for one of their players after they have played only a single season in a top-five league, but Hojlund, who has been hailed as a "monster", does appear to have all the raw ingredients to make a genuinely great striker in the future.

Last season, for example, he started just 20 games for Atlanta in Serie A but still managed to score nine goals and provide two assists, which, with his 1836 minutes of league action, gives him a goal involvement every 166 minutes or one every 1.85 games, per WhoScored.

His underlying numbers help to show that his impressive performances are not just fortunate either, and if he was given an entire season of starts, he could score even more.

According to FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, the 6 foot 3 "monster" sits in the top 1% for progressive passes received, the top 7% for touches in the oppositions penalty area, the top 16% for non-penalty expected goals, the top 17% for successful take-ons, the top 25% for progressive carries, and the top 28% for non-penalty goals and shot-creating actions, all per 90.

He has certainly made his mark at Atalanta and impressed club captain Rafael Toloi, who said:

"Hojlund is a great talent, physically strong and with great speed. He has everything he needs to be great and is working with the right coach and with the right team."

While the price may be exorbitant, if United can get this deal over the line, it seems well worth taking the short-term pain for what Hojlund could do for the club over the next decade or more.

Brighton and Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi has denied claims that he told Moises Caicedo he could leave this summer amid links to Chelsea.

What's the latest Moises Caicedo transfer news?

It's no secret that the Ecuador midfielder is much-wanted by the Blues right now and they've actually already made an attempt to sign him.

Indeed, as per Sky Sports, Chelsea tabled a bid of £70m for Caicedo but it was rejected out of hand by the Seagulls as they now value their asset at around £100m – which is in the same bracket as Arsenal's record-signing Declan Rice.

No doubt fans of the West London club will be concerned that they might be priced out of a move but there have been some suggestions that De Zerbi gave his midfielder his word that he would be sold this summer.

Indeed, when the player signed a new four-year contract toward the end of last season Fabrizio Romano reported that De Zerbi told Caicedo: "Stay here with us until the end of the season, and we will sell you in the summer."

The journalist added: "This was the plan, this was promised to the player."

However, now refuting these claims, the Brighton manager has insisted that no such promise was made.

Indeed, De Zerbi recently explained to the press the club's current stance, saying: “At the moment Moises is a Brighton player. I spoke with Tony Bloom and he told me if the conditions don’t change, Moises stays with us.

“For me it should be great news because it is difficult to find another player like Moises.”

He then denied talk of there being a verbal agreement to let his midfielder for a certain price, saying: “It is not true. I am coach, not owner, I’m not a sporting director. I’m only a coach. Believe me, it is difficult to be a coach.”

What did De Zerbi say about Colwill and Caicedo?

These claims from the Brighton boss will likely annoy many Chelsea fans who may feel as though this potential summer transfer is slipping through their fingers.

To make things worse, De Zerbi probably then upset even more Blues supporters when he suggested that Caicedo may even play for the Seagulls with their very own Levi Colwill next season.

The Chelsea defender spent last term on loan down on the south coast and is still wanted by Brighton, and they've already had a £30m bid rejected with Mauricio Pochettino keen on keeping him around.

De Zerbi also proposed a possible swap deal as a compromise. In full, he said: “There are two questions. Not only about Caicedo, also about Colwill, and maybe it can be [a swap].

“I would like to play with Caicedo and Colwill together but at the moment I can only speak about Caicedo as Colwill is not one of my players.”

It remains to be seen where the two players end up at the end of the transfer market but at the moment it feels as though any outcome could end up happening.

Perhaps both will stay put at their current clubs, perhaps both will play under De Zerbi for the Seagulls next term, and perhaps both will end up with Pochettino at Chelsea.

توقع هشام يكن، نجم منتخب مصر السابق،، الفائز بمباراة القمة بين الأهلي والزمالك، اليوم الإثنين، ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وستنطلق مباراة الأهلي والزمالك في تمام السابعة مساءً بتوقيت مصر، الثامنة بتوقيت السعودية، على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي، ضمن مؤجلات الجولة العاشرة من عمر المسابقة المحلية.

وقال يكن في تصريحات عبر برنامج “وان تو” عبر إذاعة “أون سبورت إف إم”: “الزمالك تطور خلال اليومين الماضيين، الفريق أدى بشكل جيد أمام الاتحاد السكندري، لكن مواجهة الأهلي تختلف عن أي مواجهة أخرى، وتحتاج نوعية خاصة من اللاعبين”.

طالع أيضًا | قبل القمة 127.. تراجع الأهلي وتقدم كبير لـ الزمالك في تصنيف أندية العالم

وتابع: “مبارة القمة تحتاج أعصاب هادئة، والزمالك ممكن يتفوق لأن الأهلي عنده غيابات مهمة جدًا، وبعد أداء الأبيض الرائع أمام الاتحاد أعتقد أنهم سيقدمون مباراة قوية”.

واختتم: “مباراة القمة والمنافسة فيها هي التي ستفرز لاعبين أقوياء لمنتخب مصر، وبعد أن رأيت أداء الزمالك أمام الاتحاد أتوقع أن يفوز على الأهلي”.

ويحتل الأهلي قبل بداية المباراة المركز التاسع برصيد 21 نقطة من 10 مباريات، بينما يأتي الزمالك صاحب الأرض اليوم في المركز الثاني عشر برصيد 18 نقطة من 12 مباراة.

The appointment strengthens Najam Sethi’s chances of taking over as PCB chairman and adds to his influence in the Pakistan board

Umar Farooq08-Jul-2017Najam Sethi’s chances of taking over as chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board have been strengthened after he was named as one of two direct nominees on the PCB’s Board of Governors (BoG). Sethi and Arif Ejaz, a prominent corporate figure, were nominated by the patron of the PCB, the current Prime Minister of Pakistan Nawaz Sharif.Who is Arif Ejaz?

Ejaz is a renowned corporate executive who has worked as Chief Executive Officer for Adamjee Insurance and KSB Pumps Industries. He had also served as Director of the Lahore Stock Exchange, Hub Power Company Limited, Non-Executive Director Kohinoor Textile Industries and was on the board at Lahore University of Management Sciences, National Refinery Ltd., Pakistan Steel Mills Corp.

The three-year tenure of the current BoG, the body that essentially drives the PCB, ends in August. Under the constitution of the board a fresh election will be carried out for a new chairman by the new BoG, which will sit till August 2020.The development also confirms that the current board chairman Shaharyar Khan, 83, will be stepping down. Khan had tendered his resignation earlier this year. Ejaz will be his replacement on the BoG. Sethi’s reappointment is a signal of continuity and means, effectively, that his term has been extended for another three years: he is already on the BoG, holds a powerful role as head of three-man executive committee (ExCo) and is one of the driving forces behind the Pakistan Super League.The composition of the BoG was reworked in 2014, reducing the members from 14 to 10. The body is made up of four representatives of regional associations (chosen from the top four regional teams from the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy), four representatives of services organisations (from the top four department sides) and the two representatives directly appointed by the patron. An official from an inter-provincial coordination government body acts as an ex officio, non-voting 11th member. The term of each member of the BoG is three years – equivalent to one term of the chairman in a bid to induce continuity in the set-up.The four new regional representatives will be determined by the Election Commissioner in consultation with the present functional BoG on July 31. It is understood that the current four regional representatives – Islamabad, Rawalpindi Karachi and Peshawar – will be replaced by four new regions. The constitution states that the next four will be appointed on the basis of their ranking in the last Quaid-e-Azam trophy.If the rules of rotation are applied then it is believed that Lahore and FATA will rise to BoG membership along with Faisalabad and Multan – who topped the Grade II Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. And according to their standings in the QeA, Water And Power Development Authority and United Bank Limited will retain their seats while Habib Bank Limited and Sui Southern Gas Company Limited will replace Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited and National Bank of Pakistan.According to the constitution, it is the Patron who makes the first move to pick the new chairman. His request to the election commissioner to hold fresh elections prompts a meeting of the BoG, who then select a candidate from among themselves through a majority vote. All of this must be done within four weeks of the chairman’s office becoming vacant.

Manchester United should sell Scott McTominay to West Ham United this summer according to Mark Goldbridge

The Scottish international has been at United his whole career but could depart this summer.

What position does Scott McTominay play?

The 26-year-old is a very versatile player with plenty of experience, having made over 200 career appearances across central defence, central midfield and even centre forward for both club and country.

Last season was a difficult one for the midfielder, as following the arrivals of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen, McTominay made just 10 starts in the Premier League, with his remaining 14 appearances coming off the bench, When factoring in the recent signing of Mason Mount as well as the rumoured interest in the Morocco international Sofyan Amrabat, game time will be even harder to come by for the midfielder.

McTominay has impressed every manager he has worked under, with Jose Mourinho stating back in 2018:

"But at the same time I felt we needed quality on the ball, building from the back, and Scott McTominay has that quality. Everything that left his foot was correct. He’s a special character, a special personality that a team in a negative moment needs, do my other players have that mentality? Not all of them. Everybody is a different person. Scott McTominay is a kid with a special character, very humble, aggressive in a positive way, brave, he’s a special kid."

Reports have stated that Erik ten Hag is willing to let the player depart Old Trafford this summer should a club pay the £40m asking price set, with West Ham United reportedly eying up the player as a potential Declan Rice replacement following his £105m move to Arsenal. Hammers boss David Moyes is reportedly a big fan of the midfielder, however, the Irons aren't willing as of yet to reach the Red Devils asking price

Speaking on The United Stand YouTube channel, Goldbridge stated that he doesn't want United to play hardball over a McTominay transfer as the club wouldn't see that amount of money for McTominay again:

"If West Ham are interested and they want him for £30m, find a middle ground. I don’t mind us saying £40m but we’re going to come down to £32m but don’t say we’re going to reject £35m or £30m because you want £40m.

"As I said before, McTominay hasn’t had a good game in about a year, he’s not an established first team player, he’s worth about £30m and if we don’t take the money for him now you’ll never get that money again so that’s why United need to be negotiating a deal."

Who will replace McTominay at Manchester United?

There are two real options to replace the Scot next season.

One is already at the club in Kobbie Mainoo. The 18-year-old has risen through United's youth setup and really made his mark on the club's current pre-season tour, with an assist against Arsenal in the sides 2-0 win last week the culmination after two solid performances against Lyon and Leeds. Legendary Man United player Bryan Robson was quick to praise the midfielder after his display against the Gunners, saying:

"I was really impressed, against a team like Arsenal. He’s not a kid who comes into the team as a central midfield player who just goes chasing about trying to impress the manager and all that. He just played, used his football intelligence, and he can have a good career. That’s not me trying to put pressure on the kid.”

The strength in depth at the club could allow the youngster to be developed slowly and given the correct opportunities to develop whilst working day in day out with some of the best midfielders in the Premier League.

The club could also find a solution in the transfer market. Fiorentina midfielder Amrabat is reportedly keen on making the switch to Old Trafford with the club interested in the 26-year-old who had an impressive campaign for both club and country last season. The player was vital to Fiorentina as they made it to both a Coppa Italia final and the Conference League final, whilst he was named in the World Cup Team of the Tournament as Morocco became the first African side to make the semi-finals of the World Cup in history.

It is reported that Amrabat will cost around £21.4m and that the club have beaten out competition from clubs around Europe and in Saudi Arabia for the player's signature.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in Barcelona midfielder Nico Gonzalez, as the Old Gold continue their pursuit of midfield reinforcements this summer.

Julen Lopetgui bid farewell to both Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho this transfer window, and will now aim to bolster the middle of the park at Molineux, something he could achieve in signing the Barcelona starlet.

What’s the latest on Nico Gonzalez to Wolves?

As reported by outlets in Spain last week (as relayed by Sport Witness), Wolves are believed to have been offered the chance to sign Gonzalez from the Catalan giants this summer.

A separate report via Sport Witness has also claimed that the Spaniard will more than likely leave his boyhood club after talks with Xavi Hernandez concluded with the belief that an exit is the best solution for the 21-year-old gem.

Valued around the £12m mark by FootballTransfers, Lopetegui could land a bargain this window if a deal can be struck between the club and player, whose agent is, of course, Jorge Mendes.

How good is Nico Gonzalez?

Having once been tipped to become the “heir to Sergio Busquets” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the 6 foot 2 enforcer could be the ideal acquisition for Lopetegui to integrate into his transitioning side.

Just like Busquets, the 21-year-old prospect has displayed a versatile approach to his game in the engine room, identified as a “press resistant” player capable of being able to “dictate tempo” by scout Jacek Kulig in his scouting report of the talent.

Life at the Nou Camp looked to be on the right path in the 2021/22 campaign in which he made a breakthrough, making 27 LaLiga appearances after rising through the ranks from the infamous La Masia set-up.

Last term, the young midfielder was sent on loan to Valencia, where he continued to shine despite Los Che’s poor form in the league.

For Wolves, however, the potential availability of Gonzalez could be fundamental to Lopetegui nurturing his midfield with youth, with the Spaniard posing to be a perfect addition alongside Joao Gomes.

The Brazilian was signed from Flamengo in January, and made an impressive introduction to the Premier League, averaging a mammoth 4.00 tackles per 90 in Wolves’ midfield.

Signing the Spaniard could create the ideal balance in a middle-of-the-park pivot alongside Gomes, taking into consideration his passing ability fused with the 22-year-old’s combative excellence.

Also lauded as a “prodigy” by Mango, Gonzalez averaged an impressive 5.89 passes into the final third per 90 in LaLiga last term, as well as making an average of 1.79 successful take-ons per 90, via FBref, highlighting his strengths as ball-carrying menace.

The La Masia academy graduate could bolster the midfield alongside the Brazilian defensively also, winning 1.73 aerial duels per 90 in comparison to Gomes’ 0.96 per 90 for Wolves, defining the perfect combination of duel-winning and ball-playing expertise.

Wolves will naturally miss the comforts of Moutinho and Neves, however, Lopetegui could rejuvenate the once-loved Portuguese duo by combining 22-year-old Gomes with 21-year-old Gonzalez.

The Barcelona gem covered areas all over the pitch for Valencia last season in the Spanish top-flight, as highlighted by Sofascore, showing his desire to dictate play while remaining as a reliable outlet in midfield, in a role similar to that of Neves at Molineux.

Lopetegui could unearth a partnership worthy of taking the throne from the Portuguese pair, in a move that could be fundamental in the progression of both player and club.