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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news…

The Daily Express is reporting that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has stepped up his interest in RB Leipzig’s Timo Werner, but he is unlikely to sign for the club in January.

What’s the story?

In the summer, Romelu Lukaku was sold to Internazionale, leaving Manchester United with just Marcus Rashford as the only senior forward up front.

As such, another striker would not go amiss at Old Trafford. Solskjaer is said to be looking at Germany international Werner, but the winter transfer window may be too soon to bring him in as Leipzig are understandably reluctant to lose their star man midseason.

Upgrade on Rashford

Rashford is a talented footballer, and the Red Devils could certainly do a lot worse than the 21-year-old. But he just isn’t prolific enough in front of goal despite netting against Liverpool on Sunday. He has been a first team regular in the last three seasons, yet he has scored just 49 goals in 181 appearances. He has played a lot of games on the wing but, according to Transfermarkt, he has just 38 goals in the 108 appearances in which they’ve recorded his starting position as centre-forward.

Check out 5 ways to fix Manchester United in the video below…

It is a much different story with 23-year-old Werner, though. He joined Leipzig in 2016 and has since bagged 69 goals in 125 appearances for Die Rotenbullen. That is more than one every two games, and his Bundesliga tallies catch the eye. He has scored 21, 13 and 16 in the last three campaigns, and he already has six in the first eight matches of the this term, too. Rashford, meanwhile, has never scored more than 10 in the Premier League.

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Not only that, but he also has 24 assists in those past three campaigns too compared to the England international’s 13. There’s no question about it: the former VfB Stuttgart man would be an upgrade on Rashford.

He is just 23 years of age as well, meaning that he has a long way ahead of him. Leipzig may not be doing too badly in the Bundesliga, but it will soon be time for him to move to a more competitive league and show exactly what he is made of.

He would cost a fair amount, of course. He is currently valued at £58.5m by Transfermarkt, and he recently signed a contract that takes him through to 2023 with his employers. But his signature would be worth it as United’s forward line continues to cry out for greater potency.

Manchester United fans were celebrating the birthday of legendary centre-back Nemanja Vidic after the Serbian turned 38-years-old.

Vidic formed part of the defence that proved so successful at Old Trafford after the former Serbia international moved to the club on January 2006 for just £7m (via BBC).

The 38-year-old made exactly 300 appearances for the club during a trophy-laden spell at the north-west club. Vidic lifted 10 trophies in just eight years at the club, including three consecutive Premier League titles.

After such success at the club, former defensive partner Rio Ferdinand labelled the 3-cap former Yugoslavia international as his ‘best defensive partner’ (via The Daily Mail).

Following United’s loss to West Bromwich Albion two seasons ago, Vidic gave an insight into the mentality of the 2007/2008 squad as he revealed manager Sir Alex Ferguson didn’t let them celebrate much (Sky Sports via The Metro).

On his 38th birthday, fans took to Twitter to celebrate the occasion.

Here is a selection of tweets from the Old Trafford faithful:

Manchester United fans, what are your best memories of Vidic? Let us know!

West Ham supporters have been reacting to the fans protest in the 3-0 defeat by Burnley in 2018, with many believing it to be a very decisive moment of the past few years.

One Hammer even described it as “the best thing to happen to the club”, with many holding the idea that it prompted a change in strategy from the West Ham board.

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Since then, they got rid of the unpopular David Moyes, replacing him with a Premier League winner in Manuel Pellegrini, who they have backed significantly with a big increase in spending.

Under the Chilean West Ham have invested an estimated £165m and have started the season well with only two defeats in eight league games, so many have positive memories of that day and believe it was a necessary step for the club to progress.

Here are some of the reactions from the London Stadium faithful, who share the same feeling about the protests which occurred.

أعلن جيان بييرو جاسبريني، المدير الفني لنادي أتالانتا تشكيل فريقه لمواجهة ريال مدريد الإسباني في دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويحل أتالانتا الإيطالي ضيفًا على ريال مدريد لخوض مباراة إياب دور الـ16 في دوري الأبطال، وكانت مباراة الذهاب حسمت بفوز الفريق الإسباني (1-0) في بيرجامو.

طالع تشكيل ريال مدريد ضد أتالانتا تشكيل أتالانتا ضد ريال مدريد

حراسة المرمى: ماركو سبورتيلو.

خط الدفاع: تولوي، روميرو، ديمسيتي.

خط الوسط: ماهلي، دي رون، بيسينا، جوسينس.

خط الهجوم: بازاليتش، مالينوفسكي، لويس موريل.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…

In the aftermath of the whole Manchester United penalty fiasco against Wolves on Monday night, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s attempt to clear up the situation arguably raised more questions than it answered. The Norwegian insisted both Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford were designated spot-kick takers and it would be up to the players to sort it out amongst themselves on the pitch.

Understandably, many were left unconvinced the Red Devils boss had the right approach, with Gary Neville declaring: “This is a Manchester United penalty – this isn’t a tombola. This is not under-fives football on the playground.”

The whole debacle seemed to expose a lack of leadership and control at the club, and Solskjaer’s post-match assessment in front of the cameras did little to dispute that.

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But according to The Sun, the Norwegian “tore into” Pogba and Rashford in the dressing room and “blasted” the pair for failing to agree on who was the penalty-taker before the game. The report adds Solskjaer then made it clear to the squad Rashford would now be the man to take on spot-kick duties for the club.

If the claim that the United manager had looked to keep things in-house and away from the prying eyes of the media is true, then Solskjaer must be applauded. The Norwegian was put in an incredibly difficult situation by the duo, but rather than blaming them publicly, as a certain Jose Mourinho may have done, he backed them. Then, when he had the chance to make his feelings clear back in the confines of the dressing room, he reportedly took decisive action.

Watch the video below to see the most insane overhead kick you will see this week…

What could he have gained by simply throwing his players under the bus? Indeed, in Pogba’s situation, it could have been the final straw in helping the Frenchman decide that his career was better off elsewhere.

At a time when United are beginning their rebuild following last season’s disappointment, Solskjaer’s willingness to protect his players in public, but deal with them in private, is a welcome sign of leadership.

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Some Crystal Palace fans have taken to Twitter to praise Joel Ward for his performance in the 0-0 draw against Everton at Selhurst Park on Saturday.

The 29-year-old only made seven Premier League appearances last term after losing his spot to Aaron Wan-Bissaka, but was back in the starting eleven against the Toffees after the young full-back joined Manchester United over the summer.

Ward didn’t take long to shake off the cobwebs, turning in a very good performance to keep Bernard under wraps and help the Eagles to a first clean sheet of the campaign.

The 6 foot 2 ace won four aerial duels and also completed four clearances on a day where Roy Hodgson’s side will probably be annoyed that they couldn’t get the win after missed chances from Jordan Ayew and Max Meyer – a point against a Toffees team who invested heavily over the summer isn’t a bad result, however.

Is Gary Cahill experienced or finished. A Palace fan discusses in the video below…

Let’s see what some Palace fans on Twitter have been saying about Ward’s performance…

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Wolves stamped their foot on the transfer window for the first time over the weekend, confirming the signing of Jesus Vallejo on loan from Real Madrid.

One of the star players in Spain’s European U21 triumph this summer, he could be joined by both Ruben Dias and Patrick Cutrone according to Express & Star.

It looks as though the Midlands outfit are striving to make a real statement in the transfer market and the fact they’ve also been linked with Moise Kean is an indication of that.

Last week, Sky Sports Italia, via Football Italia, claimed that a potential swap deal between Ruben Neves and the Italian was a topic of discussion between the Wolves hierarchy and Juventus director Fabio Paratici.

But what could a move for the attacker mean?

On the chalkboard

Kean has been one of the rising stars in Serie A for a while now and at the age of 19 he’s already amassed 35 appearances in the division, scoring 11 goals.

Playing predominantly as a striker, his potential signing could add a greater amount of depth to an area of the pitch that has already seen Ivan Cavaleiro depart this summer.

Everton and Juventus are also in talks for the player in a deal that could be worth £36m so it looks as though it may be a fiercely contested battle for his signature.

However, if Wolves did beat the Toffees to him, it could have a negative impact on Morgan Gibbs-White.

In pre-season, the youngster who also happens to be 19, has been playing alongside Diogo Jota in attack, almost as a second striker.

Check out the reaction to Wolves’ first European game since the ’80s in the video below…

With Raul Jimenez not yet fit after returning to pre-season late following his exploits at the Gold Cup with Mexico, he’s taken his opportunity fantastically well.

He scored against Newcastle in their opening game of the Asia Trophy, appearing to finally find a position he’s comfortable in at the club.

Nuno Santo rarely played him as a number ten in 2018/19 as the teenager was restricted to just five starts in the Premier League.

Yet, just as it looks as though Gibbs-White is finding some momentum, the addition of a new striker could halt his progress in the new role he’s taken on.

As a result, Kean arriving in the Midlands might well have an adverse effect on the Wolves man.

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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more… 

Alfredo Morelos was entirely missing from a training match against Welsh outfit TNS today, with Steven Gerrard turning to Jermain Defoe and Greg Stewart in each half.

Rangers reported on the club’s official website that the Gers ran out 1-0 winners against the Welsh champions, with Defoe netting the only goal of the game.

The eleven who started the match looks pretty close to a full strength Gers side and it’ll be interesting to see whether that’s the team that the Ibrox boss goes with in next week’s Europa League qualifier against St Joseph’s of Gibraltar.

A reason hasn’t been declared for Morelos’ absence, but the fact he hasn’t taken part in one of the last team tune-ups ahead of competitive action will raise eyebrows and once against ignites the debate about who Rangers’ first choice striker actually is.

Check out the below above to see football played as you’ve never seen it before… in a maze!

On the chalkboard

Morelos was undoubtedly the main man at Ibrox for most of last season, but after a red card at Celtic Park and subsequent suspension, Jermain Defoe came into the team and didn’t give up his place in the side when the Colombian returned until the very last day of league action.

Defoe scored three goals and assisted three times in his six starts after that day at Celtic Park, combining expertly with supporting players like Scott Arfield.

It’s form that makes him a viable choice to start the coming season as first-choice in the position still, with question marks about Morelos’ temperament and discipline rumbling on since that fateful day against the Hoops.

Gerrard played Defoe, Morelos and Stewart in three 30-minute periods against Mansfield at the weekend, but with the 22-year-old dropping out against TNS, the Premier League legend now looks likely to get the nod next week.

Morelos is a quality finisher, but as former Ibrox striker Kris Boyd pointed out last month, the partnership that Defoe built with Arfield was superb, with Boyd also claiming that the Colombian “plays a lot for himself”.

Does Gerrard also consider Defoe to offer the team more with his all-round game?

All eyes will be on the first team sheet of the season when the Gers kick off their 2019/20 campaign.

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Leeds United have been linked with a vast number of signings already this summer.

But in terms of the players they are targeting, they are striking a great balance between aiming for short-term and long-term success.

Leeds are a team that need to perform well next season, but fortunately, they also aren’t neglecting the long-term future of the club.

Andrea Radrizzani has operated largely on a sell before you buy policy, and it has been speculated that that model may be followed again this summer.

But it’s more than just their financial future, Leeds aren’t only targeting players who will get them promoted next season, they are looking at potential stars who could carry the team forward down the line.

The Yorkshire club have been linked with players who have the potential to make a significant impact in their push for the top two this season. The likes of Harry Wilson and Helder Costa have proven themselves to be top players at Championship level with their goal contribution records, but the Whites have also been looking at young prospects such as Cody Drameh and Rafa Mujica.

As long as the Whites’ youth team is being headed up by Carlos Corberan these players have a great chance of progressing to become members of the first team. Last season we saw both Jack Clarke and Jamie Shackleton become critical components in Marcelo Bielsa’s squad as they made plenty of appearances in important games.

If the sell before you buy policy is to continue at Elland Road, then this may be the best way to go about it. Clarke is now being touted as a £20m player, and these youngsters that the Whites are looking at bringing in could also be sold for millions of pounds once they mature.

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If Leeds can purchase and develop youngster at this rate it will allow for the bigger-name signings like Patrick Bamford and Kiko Casilla to come in, all while keeping their net spend as low as possible.

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Just when you thought the Gareth Bale to Manchester United rumours had finally gone away, they just find a way of coming back up.

The Welshman’s name has been on the radar of the Red Devils for almost every transfer window since joining Real Madrid back in 2013, but a move to Old Trafford has never come to fruition.

Now, Spanish publication MARCA claim that Madrid’s pursuit of Paul Pogba this summer has given Los Blancos the idea of potentially sending Bale in the opposition direction to try and sweeten the deal.

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After hearing that Bale could be coming in to replace Pogba, United fans took to Twitter to voice their opinion on the matter and many were rather unimpressed by the whole thing.

Red Devils supporters insisted that despite their previous interest in the former Tottenham star, his recent lack of form, and history of troublesome injuries had turned him into a very unattractive proposition.

Indeed, having seen their struggles with paying huge wages to under-performing stars like Alexis Sanchez, United fans seemed keen to point out that signing Bale would simply give them another problem akin to the Chilean.

Check out some of the reaction of United supporters below: