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Manchester United are set to continue with their pursuit of striker Rasmus Hojlund as Fabrizio Romano has dropped another update…

Are Manchester United close to signing Rasmus Hojlund?

The Italian journalist tweeted:

“Rasmus Højlund wants Man United, it’s very clear since day one of negotiations and these final days of the week could be crucial.

“PSG bid hasn’t changed Højlund mind at this stage: priority Man Utd, club set for new round of talks w/Atalanta.

“Up to Man United now.”

This comes after the Red Devils sent a proposal of €60m (£51.4m) to Atalanta, yet the Serie A outfitt are demanding €70m (£60m) to secure his signing.

Paris Saint-Germain also remain keen on signing the young striker, although they have yet to agree personal terms with the player, unlike United.

With the next stage of negotiations looking like they will make or break any potential deal, Erik ten Hag must make a solid pitch to the Danish international.

How many goals has Rasmus Hojlund scored?

While Mason Mount and Andre Onana have arrived at Old Trafford during the transfer window, the Dutchman is desperate to bolster his attacking options ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

United scored just 58 league goals last term, with only Aston Villa in the top half scoring less and this needs to be fixed if they wish to challenge for their first top-flight crown since 2013.

Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes led the way in terms of goals scored, as they bagged 30 and 14 goals respectively across all competitions, yet Ten Hag simply can't afford to rely on just two players for another campaign.

Hojlund could certainly take the pressure off the duo, having netted 16 times for both Atalanta and SK Sturm Graz last term, and he can boast a tally of 33 goals for both club and country since making his senior bow in 2020.

The 20-year-old gem ranked first across the whole Atalanta squad for shots on target per game last term (0.9) whilst also winning two penalties, and it’s clear he thrives in the opposition penalty area by causing chaos for defenders.

The Danish prodigy could form an exciting attacking duo alongside Antony, who shone in spells during his debut season in Manchester.

Eight goals and three assists weren’t the most sparkling of returns given the club had shelled out £81.3m for his services, however, he did rank in the top 5% across Europe’s big five leagues for total shots per 90 (3.44) and top 15% for progressive carries per 90 (4.55), suggesting that he is always aiming to score and progresses the ball close to the opposition goal.

This could suit Hojlund, who would be ready to receive passes from Antony in the box, aiming to stick any chances away especially as the Danish striker ranked in the top 1% compared to positional peers for progressive passes received (10.99) and top 7% for touches in the opposition box (6.53) per 90, suggesting he could be the ideal player to link up with Antony.

Once hailed as a “machine” by Raffael Behounek, a former opponent, Hojlund could certainly improve United’s faltering attack, and he has the potential to turn into one of Ten Hag’s finest-ever signings in the process.

A round-up of the third day’s action at the JLT One-Day Cup

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Oct-2017
ScorecardShaun Marsh set up Western Australia’s strong start with a knock of 88•Getty ImagesShaun Marsh maintained his sublime start to the domestic limited overs competition as Western Australia eased past Victoria by 38 runs at the WACA Ground in Perth.Peter Siddle played his first competitive match since suffering a back injury in last November’s Perth Test against South Africa, and claimed two top order wickets in a promising return. But it was Marsh who had the biggest say in proceedings, gliding to 88 to set a platform for the Warriors’ middle order to take advantage of in raising a total of 283.Cameron Bancroft, the captain Mitchell Marsh and Jon Well all played helpful supporting roles, before WA’s bowling attack contributed evenly to restrict the Bushrangers in their chase.Sab Gotch and the former WA opening batsman Marcus Harris both made useful scores, but the steady loss of wickets through the middle of the innings kept the Warriors ahead of the game, leaving too much for Siddle and the rest of the bowlers to do, much as he tried to close the deficit. The result leaves WA unbeaten after their first two home games of the tournament.
ScorecardFile photo – Tom Cooper struck his ninth List A century•Getty ImagesFive wickets for Joe Mennie and a century to Tom Cooper took South Australia to an 83-run caning of Queensland in the domestic limited-overs match at Allan Border Field.The Redbacks, who had lost their opening fixture against the Cricket Australia XI, struck early with the new ball against the Test batsmen Usman Khawaja and Matt Renshaw to leave the Bulls to 4 for 44, from which point the hosts never looked likely to threaten South Australia’s middling total of 240.Cooper’s innings formed the spine of the Redbacks’ batting, after they too lost early wickets upon being sent in to bat by Khawaja. The visitors were a decidedly wobbly 5 for 99 before Cooper took control of proceedings, aided by a patient Cameron Valente who had made a hundred in the opening match.Mennie contributed a quickfire 14 with the bat before going to work with the ball, claiming consistent wickets through the middle of the Queensland innings to bundle them out with a full 13 overs to spare. The win ensured South Australia had one win and one loss after two games of the tournament.

There has been an update regarding Manchester United's pursuit of Fiorentina midfielder, Sofyan Amrabat…

What's the latest on Amrabat to Man United?

According to Sky Sports Germany reporter, Florian Plettenberg, the Red Devils are still locked in discussions in the hope of signing the 26-year-old, with Erik ten Hag himself said to have held "talks" with his former FC Utrecht asset – who has also caught the eye of Bayern Munich.

Writing on Twitter, the transfer insider revealed: "Sofyan #Amrabat, understand there’s no final agreement with @ManUtd! Talks with Ten Hag have taken place. He’s admiring the player. It’s ongoing.

"But: Amrabat‘s management also monitoring Bayern‘s situation as they know that Tuchel is looking for a holding 6. Amrabat is on the list of Bayern. #MUFC"

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

As the Manchester Evening News reported last month, the Old Trafford outfit are said to be considering whether to make a second midfield signing of the summer, having already recruited their new number seven, Mason Mount, from rivals Chelsea.

How good is Sofyan Amrabat?

With the likes of Fred, Scott McTominay and Donny van de Beek all potentially up for grabs – and with teenage starlet Kobbie Mainoo sidelined with injury – it is clear to see why Ten Hag is looking to strengthen his midfield ranks once again before the September deadline.

Having coached Amrabat previously – with the Netherlands-born, Moroccan international registering ten assists in just 50 games under Ten Hag's watch – the United boss will certainly know what to expect from a player who was also branded a "colossus" by pundit Stuart Pearce amid his sparkling form at last year's World Cup.

As per journalist Carlo Garganese, the 6 foot 1 ace was arguably the "best centre midfielder in the tournament", having helped the Atlas Lions to the last four to become the first African nation to reach that stage of the competition.

As he has proven for both club and country in recent times, the imposing gem – who has been valued at just €10m (£9m) by CIES Football Observatory – could well be a quality addition to Ten Hag's ranks, with the move potentially set be particularly beneficial for those behind in him in the backline, including Lisandro Martinez.

The latter man has been something of a revelation since his arrival from Ajax a year ago, with teammate Luke Shaw branding the Argentine an "absolute monster" due to his tough-tackling, no-nonsense approach.

What is particularly eye-catching about the 5 foot 9 machine is his composure on the ball, however, with the World Cup winner notably ranking in the top 11% among his European peers for successful take-ons per 90, showcasing that knack for driving forward from deep.

The signing of Amrabat, therefore, could allow Martinez to burst into advanced positions in the knowledge that he will have someone behind to cover, with the Fiorentina ace not typically a figure who will seek to join the attack as he ranks in just the bottom 34% for touches made in the attacking penalty area per 90.

Equally, Amrabat would also be a willing receiver of the ball off the centre-backs as the former Club Brugge man evidently loves to try and dictate the tempo of the game, notably ranking in the top 5% for pass completion and the top 8% for progressive passes per 90.

A further benefit for Martinez and co would be the midfielder's desire to muck in and help those behind him, with the £32k-per-week destroyer having averaged two tackles and interceptions per game in Serie A last season, while he even "caught [Kylian Mbappe" with a remarkable recovery tackle against France in Qatar, as per ESPN's Steve Nicol.

Much like the 'monster' Martinez, Amrabat is also a real "raging bull" – as per Moroccan journalist, Amine El Amri – ensuring he could provide another destructive and dominant presence in the spine of Ten Hag's side.

The allrounder and Western Australia captain, slammed an unbeaten 80 to drive his side to a six-wicket win in the final against South Australia in Hobart

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Oct-2017
ScorecardThe victorious Western Australia team with the trophy•Getty ImagesWestern Australia captain Mitchell Marsh led his state to a comfortable victory over South Australia to lift the domestic limited overs trophy at Bellerive Oval in Hobart on Saturday.South Australia made a swift start after winning the toss, but the loss of regular wickets limited their chances of posting the sort of totals that had allowed them to beat Western Australia in the qualifying rounds and Victoria in the elimination final.Western Australia, who had been unbeaten before the SA loss, were then able to reel them in with 38 balls to spare, largely due to the efforts of Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Bancroft, the sometime-Test opening contender, but now a free-scoring gloveman.While Mitchell Marsh was named Man of the Match, at a time when his recovery from shoulder surgery rules him out of bowling and by extension an Ashes berth, it was his brother Shaun Marsh who was named Man of the Tournament for a string of outstanding displays at the top of the batting order.South Asutralia had started fluently through a first-over boundary from Alex Carey, but the early dismissals of the wicketkeeper and dual tournament centurion Jake Weatherald set a pattern. South Australia scored freely but lost regular wickets, which meant the later acceleration typical of their bigger totals was instead a steady stand between Tom Cooper and Cameron Valente followed by a late rush of wickets.Their new-ball bowling had been another feature of their progress, but after Michael Klinger fell early and Shaun Marsh had not fired from the start, Mitchell Marsh and Bancroft missed scarcely a beat in bringing the target under control. Long touted as a future leader by his coach Justin Langer, Mitchell Marsh has aced his very first exam as state captain.

A key feature of Erik ten Hag's Manchester United tenure so far has been the Dutchman's ruthless streak, with the former Ajax boss having notably shown Cristiano Ronaldo the door last season following the striker's bombshell interview with Piers Morgan, while also calling time on David De Gea's 12-year stint at Old Trafford earlier this summer.

The 53-year-old also looks set to allow Harry Maguire to join West Ham United after stripping the Englishman of the captaincy, while Brazilian enigma, Fred, is another who appears to be up for grabs after spending the last five years in Manchester.

It looks as if no one is truly safe from the axe with Ten Hag in charge, with the experienced coach also seemingly set to allow Donny van de Beek to move on before the September deadline, despite the playmaker having thrived under his compatriot during their time together in Amsterdam.

Will Van de Beek leave Man United this summer?

According to recent reports, the 26-year-old has been the subject of interest from Real Sociedad as his nightmare stint in English football looks set to be coming to a close, with the £40m signing having scored just twice and provided only two assists in 60 games in all competitions for the Red Devils.

Read the latest Manchester United transfer news HERE…

Despite previously chipping in with 75 goals and assists in 175 games in all competitions during his time in the Eredivisie, Van de Beek has since been unable to enjoy a consistent run of games since being snapped up by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and co back in 2020, having notably missed the second half of last season after suffering an unfortunate injury blow in January.

In what has been a rather luckless three years for the midfielder, in truth, the one-time Everton loanee has hardly impressed when he has featured in a United shirt, with journalist Samuel Luckhurst suggesting last year that playing the Netherlands international simply "doesn't work".

With Van de Beek likely to be on his way sooner rather than later, it may well provide a chance for Hannibal Mejbri to stake a claim for a more prominent role in the first-team squad, although the Tunisian isn't the only youngster who could be deserving of a promotion, with Isak Hansen-Aaroen also catching the eye of late.

Who is Isak Hansen-Aaroen?

The former Tromso starlet is yet to make a senior, competitive appearance since signing for United back in 2019, although at the age of just 18, the Norwegian maestro still has time on his side to force his way into Ten Hag's thinking over the coming years.

The teenage talent did take his chance to impress during the pre-season encounter with rivals Leeds United last month, with Manchester Evening News journalist Rich Fay writing that the £1.1k-per-week gem was 'direct and dangerous whenever he got on the ball in front of a noisy home crowd'.

That rare outing was followed up by another sparkling cameo against Lyon a week later in Edinburgh, with MEN's Steven Railston also writing glowing about the playmaker's performance, stating: 'His passing was progressive and he looked to initiate attacks whenever in possession.'

Previously part of United's FA Youth Cup-winning side back in 2022, the Norway U19 international has been dubbed a "beautiful footballer" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, with the respected insider also writing that the precocious prospect "has football in his veins".

That has come amid hefty praise from his former Tromso teammate Yttergard Jenssen, who has previously likened Hansen-Aaroen to his compatriot, Martin Odegaard:

"I realised that this was a talented boy already in the first training. He has some skills that are completely raw. He's so playful with the ball. And the way he moves on a football field… There's something artistic about it. He is a bit reminiscent of Martin Odegaard."

While yet to prove himself on the senior stage at the Theatre of Dreams, it would be no surprise if Hansen-Aaroen were to follow in Alejandro Garnacho's footsteps and cement his place in Ten Hag's squad moving forward, with the likely exit of Van de Beek set to leave a space up for grabs in those attacking midfield berths.

The pair added 164 for the fourth wicket as South Australia recovered from 3 for 18 to post 6 for 291 on the opening day in Melbourne

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Nov-2017
ScorecardGetty ImagesA century of some panache by Jake Lehmann and a supporting hand by his captain Travis Head lifted South Australia to a decent first innings against Victoria on day one of the Sheffield Shield match at the MCG.Arriving at the crease after the Bushrangers had struck three times with the new ball, Lehmann counter-attacked so effectively that he raced to 74 by lunch and ultimately made it to 103, all watched by the selection chairman Trevor Hohns, as he deliberated on who should fill the Nos. 6 and 7 slots for Australia in the first Ashes Test at the Gabba.Head’s more measured innings was also an indicator of his candidacy for the role, even if he was disappointed to fall to the hook shot not long after Lehmann had also been dismissed by the short ball. Lehmann’s upper cut off Scott Boland was taken by a diving Aaron Finch at third man.In the final session, Tom Cooper and Alex Carey formed a serviceable partnership, before the wicketkeeper was visibly annoyed to slice a catch to point when a bigger score would also have pressed him into Ashes contention. Boland, Chris Tremain and Peter Siddle all bowled presentably for the Bushrangers, but, thanks to Lehmann, could not capitalise on their early successes.

West Ham United's centre-back transfer plans are taking shape as journalists Toby Cudworth and Graeme Bailey share an Odilon Kossounou update out of east London.

Who will West Ham sign?

Manager David Moyes has watched two summer signings come through the door at Rush Green, namely midfield stars Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse, who have joined West Ham in the last fornight.

Alvarez's £35 million move from Ajax came as their first arrival of the window, while Ward-Prowse finally sealed his transfer to the London Stadium following Southampton's drop to The Championship last term.

Ward-Prowse, speaking after West Ham confirmed his arrival, believes the move is perfect for him and embodies his own playing style.

"I’m buzzing to be here at West Ham United," said Ward-Prowse.

"It’s great to be here and I’m looking forward to getting going. From the outside looking in, this is a club that has been on the rise for a number of years now and coming off the success in the UEFA Europa Conference League last year, you can feel there is real momentum around this Club. It’s great to be a part of it and I can’t wait to play my role in the games to come.

“When I think about my game, it is based on hard work, graft, and giving 100 per cent. West Ham United has always been a club that has epitomised that."

Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…

Next on the agenda for West Ham and Moyes is the possible signing of a new centre-back, and reports have suggested that they're advancing on a deal for ex-Arsenal ace Konstantinos Mavropanos.

However, as we've seen from West Ham seen this window, like with their hijacked deal for winger Carlos Borges, there is no done deal until a player has signed on the dotted line.

Technical director Tim Steidten, according to Bailey and Cudworth for 90min, is working on a list of Harry Maguire alternatives following the Man United defender's collapsed move to the Hammers.

One of those alternatives who are "now in play" is Kossounou of Bayer Leverkusen, as Steidten is personally eyeing the Ivorian defender, Jonathan Tah, Edmond Tapsoba and, of course, Mavropanos as options.

The centre-back made 25 Bundesliga appearances under Xabi Alonso last term.

How good is Odilon Kossounou?

Kossounou ranked among Leverkusen's best for clearances made per 90 in the Bundesliga last season, with his imposing 6 foot 3 frame coming as another big draw.

West Ham need central defensive options and the African defender may very well fit the bill if a deal for Mavropanos ends up falling through.

Kossounou has been praised by former Leverkusen head coach Gerardo Seoane as well, who revered the player for being a "fast" and "very valuable" member of his side.

"Odilon naturally interprets the right-back position differently than Jeremie [Frimpong] due to his own qualities," Seoane said on his versatility in 2022.

"Thanks to him we can play a three, four, or five man back-line, it's hard to get past him, but he's also fast and very valuable on set pieces."

An update has emerged on Leeds United and their plans to add a new centre-forward to their squad before the end of the summer transfer window.

What's the latest Leeds United transfer news?

According to Football Insider, Daniel Farke is now eyeing up a raid on his former club to sign Josh Sargent from Norwich City.

The report claims that the Whites are considering a late move for the USA international to bolster their attacking options before next month's deadline.

Read the latest Leeds transfer news HERE…

Farke signed the young number nine for the Canaries for a reported fee of £8m from Werder Bremen in 2021 and is now looking to reunite with him at Elland Road.

However, Football Insider does not state how much the Yellows would demand for his services or how much Leeds would be willing to pay.

How good is Josh Sargent?

The 23-year-old marksman is a proven Championship performer who could come in as an upgrade on Patrick Bamford for the Whites heading into the remainder of the 2023/24 campaign.

Sargent averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.97 across 37 league starts for Norwich last season and contributed with 13 goals and five 'big chances' created for his side. This included him scoring nine goals in 19 appearances as a striker, whilst the rest of his outings came either out wide or in midfield.

He has also started the current campaign in fine form. The USMNT star has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.15 across two Championship outings and chipped in with one goal, one assist, and two 'big chances' created for David Wagner's team.

Sargent, who was once described as an "electric" forward by ex-Watford boss Slaven Bilic, has proven himself to be capable of scoring goals and creating opportunities on a regular basis at this level.

Bamford, however, is coming off the back of two poor seasons and it remains to be seen if he can get back to his best.

Last term, the former Chelsea man scored four goals and created one 'big chance' for his teammates in 28 Premier League matches, which came after he scored twice in nine top-flight outings during the previous campaign.

Bamford did produce 16 goals in 43 Championship starts during the 2019/20 season but there is no guarantee that he will be able to return to that level, which worked out as a strike every 2.69 starts on average.

Sargent, however, has scored ten goals in 21 starts as a striker since the start of last season, which is an impressive return of a goal every 2.1 outings on average.

This suggests that the £26k-per-week ace, who scored an eye-catching 35 goals in 58 youth-level games for the USA, would be a huge upgrade based on Bamford's recent form and a slight upgrade even if the Englishman is able to get back to the peak of his powers.

Therefore, Farke could improve his team either way by securing a deal to reunite with the superb Norwich attacker, who also has plenty of years left ahead of him to develop further at the age of 23 as he gains more experience.

The highest partnership any MP pair could post was 59, as the Delhi bowlers – led by left-arm spinner Vikas Mishra – kept the pressure on the batting team through the day

ESPNcricinfo staff07-Dec-2017
ScorecardNaman Ojha guides the ball into the off side•AFPDelhi, without Ishant Sharma, left Madhya Pradesh on 223 for 6 in the first day of their quarter-final in Vijayawada. Their efforts were led by left-arm spinner Vikas Mishra, who went to stumps with figures of 25-5-40-3.MP’s innings had only one fifty, from wicketkeeper batsman Ankit Dane (59). He hit two fours and a six in the 97 balls he faced but his opening partner Rajat Patidar and No. 3 Shubham Sharma fell early to Navdeep Saini and Mishra respectively. Dane was the third man to go, with the team’s score on 90.Naman Ojha then smashed seven fours, and was involved in a 59-run fourth-wicket stand with the captain Devendra Bundela (17). Bundela fell in the 60th over, seven balls later, Ojha fell one run short of his fifty and MP were suddenly 157 for 5. Allrounder Harpreet Singh’s unbeaten 47 helped them steady the innings a bit but there still appears a long way to go.

West Indies batsman fractures left forearm after being struck by Neil Wagner short ball

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Dec-2017West Indies batsman Sunil Ambris will miss the ODI series in New Zealand, after sustaining a fracture of the left forearm on the final day of the Hamilton Test. The incident comes at the end of a tough debut series for the 24-year-old No. 6; he was out hit wicket once in each of the two Tests, the first such dismissal coming off his very first ball in Test cricket.Ambris injured his arm while trying to negotiate a short ball from Neil Wagner. The pacer got the final ball of the 22nd over – Ambris’ third ball of the innings – to rear up off a back-of-a-length, and it struck Ambris on the forearm. He batted out two more balls the following over, delivered by Tim Southee, and one more from Wagner in the 24th before going off, visibly in pain. He did not return to bat, and a hospital visit revealed the fracture.The ODI series begins on December 20 in Whangarei, followed by two games in Christchurch. That is followed by three T20Is over the New Year period. West Indies have lost the Test series 2-0, losing in four days in Hamilton by 240 runs. They had lost the first Test, in Wellington, by an innings and 67 runs.