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Manchester United are already setting their sights on potential striker options for the summer transfer window and one of the names near the top of their list is Benjamin Sesko.

What’s the latest?

The Red Devils have been left short up top over the winter following the dramatic exit of Cristiano Ronaldo from the club in the latter stages of 2022.

This has seen United make a move in the January transfer window with the Burnley striker, Wout Weghorst, set to join on a short-term loan deal until the end of the season.

However, it is apparent the Dutchman is not the long-term successor for Ronaldo with United already setting their sights on the upcoming summer window.

And speaking on the latest episode of the Talking Transfers podcast, journalist Graeme Bailey has claimed the RB Salzburg striker, Sesko, is a player they are keen on.

The player is set to make his move up the RB ladder this summer with a deal in place to join RB Leipzig, however, bailey believes the door could be open to the German side looking to make an instant profit on the player:

(47:00) “United love this player, as we said Scott [Saunders],” Bailey said.

“I think Sesko is a player who not only United, a lot of teams like and they are considering offering, Leipzig, basically to double their money without him ever playing for them.

“And it’s a viable option it is, he’s very young. I think of all the ones you mentioned, [Harry] Kane, [Victor] Osimhen, I think Sesko might be the one to watch, Scott.”

Long-term planning

United are targeting a pot in the Champions League places this season, which does make the expected signing of Weghorst a slightly strange one.

The Dutchman does not have a great record in England having struggled in the Premier League last season during his time with Burnley which only resulted in him returning two goals from 20 games (via Transfermarkt).

But with the Glazer family having put the club up for sale, it is understandable why they aren’t looking to make big moves this month so are seemingly searching for stop-gap additions.

However, in their believed summer target, Sesko, United would be potentially adding a player with real potential with journalist Ryan Taylor dubbing him “the next Erling Haaland”.

It is apparent, though, the Red Devils are not the only side showing an interest in the player with Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur previously linked to the striker.

The 19-year-old is clearly a player full of potential, but it is also clear that he is perhaps not quite ready to make that leap up to the Premier League this month.

In 24 league appearances last season, Sesko was only able to return five goals, however, this season, the striker has already equalled that return in eight fewer games.

So it does appear the Slovenian is a player for the long-term future at Old Trafford, but perhaps Sesko will need to be patient if he is to make the move to Manchester in the summer.

Manchester United transfer target Wout Weghorst would ‘love to join’ the club in the January transfer window, journalist Fabrizio Romano has stated.

The Lowdown: Weghorst linked with United move

A surprise rumour has emerged in recent days, with the Dutchman linked with a move to Old Trafford, as one report even claimed that the transfer is ‘close’.

Weghorst scored twice in four substitutes’ appearances for the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup, including a dramatic last-gasp equaliser against Argentina in the quarter-finals.

The 30-year-old has also netted eight times in 16 appearances on loan at Besiktas in the Turkish Super Lig this season – he is still a Burnley player – but his current deal there expires this summer.

The Latest: Player would ‘love to join’

Taking to Twitter, Romano provided an update on the situation, saying Weghorst is fully on board to join United:

“Wout Weghorst position is very clear: he’s love to join Manchester United, he also knows Erik ten Hag would like to sign him so he’s 100% keen on the move.

“Nothing done yet, as Man Utd have to speak to Besiktas/Burnley to proceed with conditions of the deal.”

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The Verdict: Something different in attack

Some may have turned their noses up at the idea of United signing Weghorst, given his 6 foot 6 frame and lack of pace, but he would give Erik ten Hag something different in his attack.

It would be a surprise if he came in as a regular starter – another centre forward is required this month to plug that gap – but he could be an effective squad player who makes life awkward for the opposition, netting 176 senior goals for club and country.

Weghorst’s goalscoring record for Besiktas this season shows that he not yet over the hill, with 70 goals in 144 outings for Wolfsburg further proof of his ruthlessness in the right setting.

Arsenal are unlikely to land the Barcelona winger, Raphinha, this month with the Brazilian believed to be keen to remain at the Camp Nou.

What’s the latest?

The Gunners were dealt a major transfer blow over the weekend after they saw their main target for the January window, Mykhailo Mudryk, put pen to paper on a deal with Chelsea.

This came after the north London club had made multiple offers to Shakhtar Donetsk but the Blues were able to swoop in and secure the services of the Ukrainian.

And in light of the transfer development, it has been reported that the Gunners could turn their attention to Raphinha as a potential alternative.

However, speaking on the NBC Sports YouTube channel, journalist David Ornstein has played down the speculation suggesting the Brazilian is happy where he is:

(3:00) “But off course, they will have recruitment lists and already you’re seeing reports around possibly Raphinha, who they went for last summer, but my understanding is that his priority is to remain at Barcelona despite their financial position.”

Blow for the Gunners

This will not be the first time Arsenal will have failed in their efforts to sign Raphinha if the 26-year-old is unwilling to leave the Camp Nou this month.

Only in the summer did it appear that Arsenal were coming close to landing the winger from Leeds United before Chelsea hijacked the deal again – only for Barcelona to swoop in and claim him.

But Mikel Arteta has already made it clear that if a player does not want to make the move to Arsenal then they will not continue pursuing them:

“It doesn’t need much convincing and if they do, for me it’s not a good starting point. If I have to convince a player to stay or to join us. To Arsenal? It holds me back a little bit,” he has said previously.

And this could have been a potential opportunity for Raphinha to revive his career after what has been an underwhelming start too life in La Liga.

Since making the move to Barcelona, Raphinha has started just seven games in La Liga and provided a return of just two goals and two assists in the league (via Transfermarkt).

Which is a stark contrast to the 2021/22 campaign the Brazilian had with Leeds United where he provided the Whites with 11 league goals and three assists.

Although there could be some understanding towards potentially wanting to win the league with Barcelona this season, it has to be said, Arsenal would be offering an attractive move given their current league position.

Raphinha’s last game in the Premier League saw him help save Leeds United from relegation and a return could possibly see him lift the Premier League trophy with a potential move to Arsenal.

But at least if he does not want to move, he is not leading Arsenal down the garden path with just two weeks remaining in the January window.

Pundits James McFadden and Shaun Maloney feel Celtic shouldn’t have been awarded a penalty following a VAR blunder against Greenock Morton.

The Lowdown: Cup upset avoided

Celtic’s rampant first-half display left them 4-0 up at the break, with the SPFL side flexing their muscles against the Scottish Championship outfit.

Goals from Aaron Mooy, David Turnbull and a double from Kyogo Furuhashi put the tie out of reach.

Mooy completed the scoring in the second half, but the Australian’s opening goal from the spot has caused controversy.

The Latest: Half-time analysis

Speaking during half-time of the tie for the BBC, both McFadden and Maloney were left shocked that a penalty was given, let alone referee Kevin Clancy being referred to the monitor by Craig Napier on VAR duty.

McFadden said (as quoted by Daily Record): “I think initially you are saying it’s goal-bound and it’s a good block. Then you look at it again and Craig Napier took two minutes and 15 seconds to tell that it was a penalty.

“It looks like Efe Ambrose is trying to block the shot with his foot and his hand is not in an unnatural position. It’s poor, and it’s such a big decision. For me, they have got it wrong.”

Meanwhile, Maloney expressed his own dismay: “The momentum of the game shifted with the penalty. I really don’t understand at this point when he has seen it [at the monitor] that he gives it.

“It has hit his teammate and rebounded and hit his arm when it’s behind him. I think it’s a really poor decision.

“The fact that he has been asked to go to VAR is a poor decision. I am normally very supportive, and I’m a big advocate of it [VAR].

“I try to remain as neutral as I can and I played here for a long time, but I just felt really, really sad for the Morton manager and players.”

The Verdict: Incorrect call

Despite Greenock Morton eventually ending up on the end of a thrashing, they will feel aggrieved by the way the game swung away from them.

The incident itself saw a strike from Liel Abada deflect up off Jack Baird’s foot as he attempted to block the shot before it pinged up onto the arm of Efe Ambrose, who had also closed down the Hoops forward.

With his arm out way behind his body, the decision was given, but we feel it’s a ridiculous call to award considering Ambrose made no attempt to use his arm and didn’t even move it closer to the ball, making it totally accidental. It had also deflected off his teammate first from such a close range that the 34-year-old couldn’t react.

It made a mockery of the situation with the Bhoys being set on their way from the decision, with Mooy leaving nothing to chance with the finish as he sent Brian Schwake the wrong way.

Arsenal have entered into talks regarding a deal to bring Weston McKennie to the Premier League in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport (via The Metro), who claim that Edu has now held initial talks with the Juventus central midfielder’s agent, with the Serie A side believed to be willing to listen to offers between €20m (£17.5m) and €25m (£22m) plus add-ons for the 24-year-old.

However, the report goes on to suggest that the Gunners are not alone in their pursuit of the USMNT international, with Aston Villa, AFC Bournemouth, Fulham, Borussia Dortmund and AS Monaco also thought to be keen on the playmaker, however, it would appear to be Mikel Arteta’s outfit who are currently leading the race for McKennie.

Bentancur 2.0

Considering the undoubted ability McKennie quite clearly possesses, coupled with the fact that Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur have previously worked wonders by signing a somewhat out of favour Juve midfielder in the shape of Rodrigo Bentancur, it is not difficult to understand why Arteta would be keen on a move for the American this month.

Indeed, over his 34 Serie A appearances in his debut campaign with the Old Lady back in 2020/21, the £31m-rated talent proved just how effective he can be from midfield, scoring five goals, registering two assists and creating five big chances, in addition to taking an average of 0.9 shots, making 0.8 key passes and completing 0.6 dribbles – at a success rate of 83% – per game.

The £54k-per-week maestro also caught the eye in metrics more typical of his position that season, making an average of one tackle, 0.8 interceptions, 0.7 clearances and winning 2.6 duels – at a success rate of 43% – per match, as well as playing an average of 0.7 long balls, 0.9 chipped passes and completing 18.9 total passes – at a success rate of 85% – per fixture.

These returns saw the 24-year-old who – Norwich City manager David Wagner dubbed a “leader” and Evan Cooper claimed would be an “absolute steal” for his asking price – average an extremely impressive Sofascore statistical rating of 6.86 back in 20/21.

Furthermore, McKennie’s positional versatility would also come as a huge boost to Arteta and his title hopefuls, with the former Schalke manager and current RB Leipzig boss Domenico Tedesco stating of the American back in 2018:

“Weston isn’t just important to us for his goals. Even during those phases when it’s not going so well, he embodies everything that we strive to stand for. He has a good mentality, he’s powerful, down-to-earth and works hard – and he can play as a six, eight or 10. As long as he continues to work hard and keeps his feet on the ground, he’ll only get better. He’s just great!”

As such, it is clear to see just how useful a player McKennie would be in the current Arsenal side, while Edu will undoubtedly be hoping that the 24-year-old could prove to become his own Bentancur-esque discovery – the £21.5m Spurs signing who currently ranks as the joint 25th-best player in the Premier League and has a market valuation of £53m – at The Emirates.

Everton’s move for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is close to being off, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

The Lowdown: Gallagher targeted

Everton made a £45m bid for Gallagher on Monday after receiving the same amount for the sale of Anthony Gordon to Newcastle United, although it was also noted that the player had no interest in moving to Goodison Park.

The 22-year-old is the subject of interest from elsewhere, with Newcastle United and Crystal Palace named as potential suitors, however a more recent update indicates that he could be set to remain in west London…

The Latest: Deal off?

According to Sky Germany’s Plettenberg, the midfielder does not want to join Everton, and so the move is very close to being off, with Chelsea instead preferring to sell Jorginho.

Given that the Italian has now agreed a move to Arsenal, the Toffees have been dealt a real blow in their pursuit of Gallagher, and they will seemingly now have to focus on other targets.

“X News #Jorginho: Been told that he is close to join Arsenal because #Gallagher won’t join Everton. The deal with Gallagher is close to be off. Chelsea wants to sell Jorginho instead of Gallagher.”

The Verdict: Blow for Dyche

Sean Dyche has been dealt a real blow with the news that the Englishman is very unlikely to join, given the vast talent that he possesses, and the numerous different qualities that he would have to offer the Everton midfield.

Hailed as a ‘monster’ and ‘irreplaceable’ by journalist Tom Dutton, the maestro is always looking to make things happen in the final third, as indicated by an average of 2.29 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 over the past year, an amount that places him in the 87th percentile compared to other midfielders.

An average of 1.27 dribbles completed per 90 in the same timeframe ranks the former Palace loanee in the 86th percentile, displaying his desire to drive his team up the pitch into more attacking areas.

While it will be disappointing to miss out on Gallagher, Everton’s priority should be bringing in an attacker, given that they scored the joint-second fewest of any Premier League side this season, and deals could still be done for Kamaldeen Sulemana and Sheraldo Becker.

Leeds United could make a move for Diogo Monteiro before deadline day…

What’s the word?

That’s according to The Athletic’s Phil Hay, who claims that now the Servette centre-back has turned 18, the Whites are free to make a move for him in what would be initially for the U21 side.

His contract is up at the end of the season, meaning the Yorkshire side can sign him on a pre-contract agreement and that could make him Victor Orta’s fourth piece of business this month, having broken a club record to sign Georginio Rutter, on top of signing Max Wober and potentially Weston McKennie too.

Marsch’s next Gvardiol?

Since arriving in the dugout last season, manager Jesse Marsch has signed plenty of familiar names, including the aforementioned Austrian defender, Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen.

The American head coach is renowned for his ability to unearth gems from nothing and turn them into something special, with perhaps Erling Haaland being his most notable example.

Monteiro could well be the next one up, especially as the first-team boss isn’t shy of unleashing young talent, with the likes of Joe Gelhardt, Sonny Perkins and Sam Greenwood all earning minutes in recent times.

Marsch was the man to hand Josko Gvardiol his debut at Leipzig, interestingly at left-back in 2021. Now he’s thought to be among the top central defensive talents across the world, with estimated values of around £100m being bandied about.

The Portugal U19 international has a long way to following in his footsteps but given the blueprint is already there, he has every chance of succeeding at just that, should he make the switch to Elland Road.

Having made his breakthrough at just 17, Monteiro has been lauded as “a beast in the making” and “such a monster” by scout Ron Dor, having particularly impressed against the league’s biggest team – Young Boys.

He put his body on the line and displayed impressive aerial attributes, winning 75% of his headers and putting in six interceptions.

If Monteiro is able to quickly impress around Thorp Arch, then he could be fast-tracked into the first team, where let’s be honest, they could do with every bit of help possible, given only four other teams have conceded more than them in the Premier League this term.

By unearthing the Portuguese sensation, Marsch could well discover his next Gvardiol and maybe one day, he’ll rake in millions of pounds in profit for the west Yorkshire giants.

AND in other news, Orta could form an “incredible” duo in Leeds move for £17.5m talent dubbed the “best”…

Journalist Beren Cross has tipped Leeds United winger Luis Sinisterra to start this Sunday ahead of the likes of Georginio Rutter and Brenden Aaronson.

What’s the word?