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If it wasn't for a ten-point deduction, Sean Dyche's Everton would be flying high in the Premier League at this moment in time.

The Toffees would be competing with the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle United higher up the division than looking over their shoulders at the bottom three in the top flight if the points deduction never happened, winning four of their last five matches with four consecutive clean sheets tallied up along the way.

However, as much as Dyche's men are defensively solid, the Blues do arguably lack firepower going forward with striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin only helping himself to three goals this season in the league.

January could come at the best possible time therefore to recruit a new exciting forward player, with rumours indicating that the buoyed-on Blues are interested in former Sheffield United man Iliman Ndiaye who could fill the boots of Richarlison finally.

Everton transfer latest – interest in Ndiaye

TEAMtalk are reporting, via journalist Alan Nixon, that the Merseyside outfit are interested in bringing Ndiaye to Goodison Park this January, Dyche wanting positive reinforcements up top.

The deal could well only be a loan switch however, Ndiaye's current club Marseille wanting the Senegal international to get back to his explosive Sheffield United best after an underwhelming stay in France to date before returning back to Ligue 1 revitalised.

Everton could well be the next destination that ends up re-energising the faltering forward, the 23-year-old attacker previously vital to the Blades as a creative force.

The Blues could do with a vibrant attacker coming in and shaking things up, lacking a second exciting striker option in their ranks ever since former Everton great Richarlison upped and left for Tottenham.

How Ndiaye compares to Richarlison

Ndiaye could come in and play a similar starring role for the club that the Brazilian forward provided for Dyche, a skilful and exuberant attacker who also has the goals to back up the audacious flicks.

Last season under recently sacked Paul Heckingbottom at Bramall Lane, Ndiaye was paramount to the Blades winning automatic promotion from the Championship – scoring 14 goals and assisting a further 11, switching between playing as an out-and-out centre forward, competently playing down the channels or filling in as an attacking midfielder. That's certainly similar to Richarlison.

This blistering form saw former Blades striker Brian Deane wax lyrical about the Senegalese forward to the Sheffield Star, stating that the thrilling attacker is "worth the entrance fee alone."

Richarlison similarly was vital last season to the Toffees in their escape from relegation with electric performances, netting four less than his counterpart with ten goals but proving to be equally critical for his side.

The 26-year-old was also subject to glowing praise, heralded as "world-class" by former Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson when speaking to Football Insider in the direct aftermath of his move to north London.

Ndiaye was also rewarded with a major move, although his time with Marseille has been anything but smooth sailing.

Sheffield United's former number 29 has found the adjustment to French football tricky, only managing one strike so far donning his new Marseille colours.

Ndiaye could seek some comfort relocating to England in January in a bid to recapture his form, the Toffees desperate to land the flashy forward even with his former relegation-threatened employers also reportedly sniffing around to clinch a South Yorkshire homecoming.

The out-of-sorts 23-year-old would also offer Dyche another presence who can potentially play down the flanks, Ndiaye pushing the likes of Jack Harrison and Dwight McNeil potentially to new heights by offering friendly competition.

It has all the makings of being a fascinating transfer saga, Everton leading the race so far for the hot property.

Arsenal have ended their interest in Chelsea's Fran Kirby after holding initial talks and have set their sights on Barcelona's Mariona Caldentey.

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• Gunners releasing Dutch striker
• Exploring market for replacements
• Chelsea and Barca stars contacted

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The north London club announced on Monday that they will not be renewing Vivianne Miedema's contract when it expires this summer, thus ending her seven-year stay. Instead, the Gunners have been sounding out potential replacements for the 27-year-old, including Kirby, but reports say they will not pursue the England international. However, Barca star Caldentey is of interest to Jonas Eidevall.

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  WHAT THE REPORT SAID

  According to , contract talks between the Spanish champions and Caldentey have stalled and she may be available on a free transfer if the matter is not resolved. The 28-year-old will likely pause any negotiations until after the Champions League final against Lyon on 25 May. As for Kirby, state that initial talks were held with her representatives, with the Chelsea forward leaving on a free transfer in June, but the north Londoners decided against taking their interest further.

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The 28-year-old would be a great addition to Arsenal and the Women's Super League if she did decide to make the switch. Caldentey is a World Cup winner with Spain and an experienced player. It may be a significant step for the Gunners as they look to close the gap between Chelsea and Manchester City.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  With the campaign almost over and the WSL title out of reach, Arsenal have already turned their attention to the summer and clearly mean business. Their pursuit of some of the game's top names shows their intent to establish their dominance with the feeling that a new era is dawning as Emma Hayes prepares to depart as Chelsea's head coach.

It appears Arsenal will not rest on their laurels this summer, regardless of whether they pip Manchester City to the Premier League title.

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• Kroenke promises to keep moving forward
• Arsenal spent over £200m last summer
• Gunners hoping to pip Man City to the title on Sunday

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Arsenal head into the final day of the Premier League season praying for a Manchester City slip that would open the door for them to win their first Premier League title for 20 years. But however the final day action pans out, it looks like the club will be ready to back Mikel Arteta in the transfer market his summer, with co-chairman Josh Kroenke sending out a message of intent.

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• WHAT JOSH KROENKE SAID

  Josh Kroenke said: "While we are undoubtedly proud of the progress we have made, I want to be clear that no one at the club will stand still. However things finish today, we’re all working behind the scenes to move us forward – always forward – again. There is so much that we want to achieve, both at home and in Europe, and we are focused on writing some exciting new stories and chapters that build on the history of Arsenal Football Club.

  “There have been so many stories and milestones across the season, shaped by so many of our players. We have all enjoyed seeing our summer signings flourish into being Arsenal players and we’re delighted that a number of players have committed to new contracts to keep this squad together, fighting on all fronts. We want to continue to forge that winning mentality that runs so deeply throughout the club."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Last summer's spending spree that was headlined by the £100 million ($126m) arrival of Declan Rice has largely been justified, with the Gunners taking the title race right to the wire. Arsenal will end a 20-year wait for the trophy if Manchester City drop points at home to West Ham and they beat Everton at the Emirates Stadium. But regardless of how the final day pans out, Kroenke is clear that the club knows they cannot afford to take their foot off the pedal when it comes to the transfer market.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL IN THE TRANSFER MARKET?

  Despite netting 89 goals in the Premier League this season, a new centre-forward is believed to be at the top of Arteta's summer wishlist. With doubts over the futures of Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus, an out-and-out striker is needed at the Emirates, while left-back is also believed to be another position of interest when the window opens.

An Arsenal transfer target has been hailed as “one of the best talents in the world” by Fabrizio Romano, who has also shared the chances of him leaving his club in the New Year.

Arsenal striker rumours

The Gunners find themselves in a solid position in the Premier League as we approach the halfway mark, with Mikel Arteta’s side able to return to the top of the division with a win over West Ham on Thursday evening.

The January transfer window is also just around the corner, so sporting director Edu Gaspar may look to make one or two crucial additions as the club look to win the league title, FA Cup and Champions League. An area where Arsenal appear set on improving is in attack, with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah the current centre-forward options for Arteta.

As can be seen, a number of high-profile and in-form forwards have been linked with moves to north London, including two from the Premier League in Ivan Toney and Dominic Solanke, but transfer expert Romano has now made a claim on another rumoured name not on that list.

Benjamin Sesko transfer update

The Gunners have also been linked with Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig. Recent reports have claimed that the forward is a long-term target for Arsenal, alongside top-flight rivals Chelsea, Man United and Newcastle. Intermediaries had previously made it known that Sesko could be available and open to a move in January, with the clubs named ‘informed of the potential of agreeing a deal’.

Romano, in his Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside, has now made a claim on the forward, hailing Sesko as “one of the best talents in the world”. However, he feels as if a Leipzig exit in January may not materialise.

“I see Benjamin Sesko staying at Leipzig in January and maybe leaving in the summer. All the top European clubs are tracking him, it’s normal, he’s one of the best talents in the world. Nothing happening now as it’s not one for January.”

Sesko made the move to Germany in the summer from Austrian side RB Salzburg, where he scored 29 times in 79 appearances. Things have begun fairly well with his new employers, finding the back of the net on seven occasions in 22 games. (Benjamin Sesko stats – Transfermarkt)

Still just 20 years of age, you’d expect that the only way is up for the forward, who has gained plenty of first-team experience already as well as scoring 10 goals in 25 appearances for Slovenia at international level.

A move could be one to watch in 2024, but with a whole host of names being linked with moves to the Emirates, the Gunners could look at a winter window addition with Sesko a possible signing further down the line, should Leipzig refuse a move away in January.

United States international Christian Pulisic has revealed which three players influenced him – with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo snubbed.

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• Pulisic starring for USA and AC Milan
• Names footballing trio that influenced him
• Snubs all-time greats Messi and Ronaldo

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  AC Milan star Pulisic was asked which players had a big impact on shaping his game, with the 25-year-old revealing some surprising answers. The winger chose Portugal icon Luis Figo, ex-Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney and compatriot Clint Dempsey, while Messi and Ronaldo did not make the cut.

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• WHAT CHRISTIAN PULISIC SAID

  When asked which three players have influenced his style of play, he told the USMNT's official Instagram: "Luis Figo… I would say, this is a weird one, but I love Wayne Rooney, and for the last one I'll go with Clint Dempsey."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Pulisic is currently plying his trade at Milan after leaving Chelsea for £17 million ($21.6m) and he has impressed in his debut season in Italian football. Hehas scored 15 goals, bagged nine assists and barely missed a game for the Rossoneri. If he keeps up his strong form, Pulisic is likely to inspire many other up-and-coming players in years to come.

Manchester United have struggled for consistency at both ends of the field this campaign, but particularly in attack, where they’ve netted just 18 goals in 17 Premier League matches.

In turn, this poor form in attack has put Erik ten Hag’s side seventh in the table with 28 points.

With that in mind, the boss will look to bolster his attacking options in January in an attempt to increase his side's output in the final third.

Man Utd transfers latest – Donyell Malen

Christian Falk took to X (formerly Twitter) earlier this month to announce that a meeting between Manchester United and Borussia Dortmund took place regarding a swap deal between Jadon Sancho and Donyell Malen.

If the English side does not agree to the player exchange, then the Bundesliga side will demand £26m for their Dutch winger.

A move in January is possible, with Malen looking to leave Dortmund and the club not opposed by his potential departure.

How Donyell Malen compares to Marcus Rashford

The Dutch forward has featured 15 times for BVB this season in the Bundesliga, scoring five goals and registering two assists, with his goal tally being one more than Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Anthony Martial and Rasmus Hojlund combined, based on Premier League stats.

Man Utd could move Hojlund aside by signing "terrifying" £70m ace

Erik ten Hag wants to sign a centre forward in January.

By
Tom Lever

Dec 20, 2023

Malen is a versatile forward who can play across the front three with ease, but this season he was featured mainly off the right, which is where he has scored each goal.

The right-wing role is currently a problem position for Ten Hag, which makes the interest understandable. The ex-PSV player would bring goals to the side, with his goal-scoring instincts making him “simply unstoppable” at times, according to Football Talent Scout Jacek Kulig.

The 24-year-old is more of an inverted forward who focuses on scoring goals rather than creating them, using his pace and movement to get into dangerous positions, which is very reminiscent of Marcus Rashford. The table below shows how the two attackers compare based on their stats from the last year across the top European leagues.

As you can see by the low completed passes and key pass statistics, Rashford and Malen are goal scorers who rarely create or get involved in build-up using passing. They are both direct, like to shoot at any given opportunity, and thrive inside the box, which most likely stems from years as centre forwards throughout their youth careers.

United’s number ten on the left and the Netherlands international on the right would provide a balanced attack that has goals on both sides, not just the left, and with Bruno Fernandes drifting over to the left and Luke Shaw at left-back, Malen would often find himself drifting to the back post to get on the end of crosses.

With Antony failing to score all season in 18 appearances, it is no wonder that Ten Hag wants to sign an attacker who can feature off the right. If the deal was to go through, Malen and Rashford could become one of the most prolific duos in the Premier League, and £26m does seem like a bargain for the BVB star.

A versatile young attacker is seen as one of the most "concrete" potential Tottenham signings this month as chairman Daniel Levy and co ready an offer.

Spurs want three new January signings

According to recent reports, Spurs are chasing up to three major new additions in January – a centre-back, midfielder and winger to bolster Ange Postecoglou's options.

Tottenham in discussions to sign "fascinating" player alongside Dragusin

The Romanian isn’t the only player who Spurs are chasing this month.

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Emilio Galantini

Jan 4, 2024

The north Londoners have suffered from a major lack of depth at the heart of Postecoglou's defence in particular, with both Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero being absent for large periods since early November.

Tottenham's first choice centre-back pairing have often been replaced by makeshift duo Emerson Royal and Ben Davies. Spurs' record is pretty dire when they're both selected to marshal the back line, prompting Levy and technical director Johan Lange to make January moves as the window opens.

Indeed, Spurs are attempting to sign Genoa star Radu Dragusin, and it's widely reported that talks are advancing after they agreed personal terms with the defender (Fabrizio Romano).

Elsewhere, Postecoglou is reportedly keen on a new midfield engine and wide man as well, and one player who's been heavily linked is Ajax sensation Stanis Idumbo. The attacking midfielder is a target for Spurs, and rumour has it Idumbo would actually come straight into Postecoglou's first team (Kevin Sauvage).

Tottenham "putting together" proposal for Idumbo

CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs has shared an update on the matter this week. Speaking to Last Word on Spurs, he says Tottenham are "putting together a proposal" to sign Idumbo and he is a very concrete potential signing for Postecoglou – but they face stiff competition from Sevilla.

“I think Muzambo is the most concrete because Spurs are putting together a proposal but there is competition from Sevilla, and the feeling talking to sources is that Sevilla may be a bit more aggressive and that they may be ahead in that race at the moment,” Jacobs said.

“There might be a sale in January, or it might be a pre-agreement because I think he becomes a free agent in June anyway. I think that Muzambo is actually going to turn into a formal proposal, whereas I think Itakura is just being looked at.”

The Belgian is seen as a player of huge promise, with Malmo video scout Elijah Michiels already raving over his versatility, ball control and creativity.

Lionesses defender Esme Morgan is set to leave Manchester City this summer in favour of a move to the NWSL, according to reports.

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• Morgan rose through ranks at City
• City confirm she will leave in summer
• Set to join Washington Spirit

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  City have confirmed via their website that Morgan will leave the club this summer. The 23-year-old made nine appearances in the Women's Super League this season, as Gareth Taylor's side fell short in their search for the title to Chelsea. While the statement released by the club does not outline Morgan's next move, claims that she will be joining NWSL side Washington Spirit, but a move will hinge on international clearance and a work permit.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The report claimed that there was interest from Europe and the US, although she has seemingly settled on a move to the NWSL. Morgan is a lifelong City fan but is now set to embark on a new chapter in her career after making her professional debut back in 2017.

  "It’s time for Morgan to embark on a new chapter in her career," the City statement read. "Everyone at Manchester City would like to wish Esme all the best for the future, and thank her for her efforts while at the Club."

• WHAT MORGAN SAID

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MORGAN?

  The Lionesses defender will now wait patiently for her work permit and international clearance, before joining up with her new squad. Washington are currently third in the NWSL, three points off Orlando Pride in first place.

Some of the planet's biggest superstars will be on show in Germany over the next month – but whose performances will shine above all others?

It's so close we can almost taste it. Euro 2024 is now just days away, with the best players from around the continent descending on Germany for what promises to be a superb summer of football.

While some teams will solely harbour dreams of getting out of the groups, others know that anything other than a trophy parade in mid-July will go down as failure. We're set, then, for four weeks of drama, filled with joy and heartbreak in equal measure.

Here at GOAL, we like to think we know a thing or two about the beautiful game, and so we've asked our team of writers and editors to make their predictions for the tournament. From the Golden Boot winner to the dark horses, we've got you covered on what to expect from the this hotly-anticipated Euros.

Today, we asked our team to predict who will claim the Player of the Tournament prize – here's what they had to say…

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  'Expect Galactico performances from Mbappe'

  Joe Strange: What better way for Kylian Mbappe to celebrate his protracted move to Real Madrid than by absolutely ripping up the Euros? France’s talisman heads into the tournament off the back of one last brilliant season for Paris Saint-Germain – despite plenty of issues on and off the pitch – and will be fuelled by his World Cup heartache, having scored a hat-trick in the 2022 final only to watch Lionel Messi and Argentina lift the trophy. Expect Galactico performances galore in Germany.

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  'Musiala can be Germany's answer to Messi'

  James Westwood: Germany are enjoying a resurgence under Julian Nagelsmann and will take some beating on home soil, especially with Jamal Musiala pulling the strings. The 21-year-old enjoyed another superb individual campaign at Bayern Munich, driving them forward at every opportunity with his excellent dribbling skills and eye for a killer pass. There is a reason Musiala has been described as Germany's answer to Lionel Messi, and they are certainly capable of going all the way if he's firing on all cylinders.

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  'Mbappe arrives in decent physical condition'

  Matt O'Connor-Simpson: Kylian Mbappe will be looking to whet the footballing world’s appetite ahead of his blockbuster move to Real Madrid. And he should be coming into the tournament in decent physical condition, having spent the second half of the season being rotated in and out of the Paris Saint-Germain first team, something he himself noted recently. “I'm going to find the best form possible and my objective is to put the team in the best possible position at the Euros. We want to bring the trophy home.” That’s us convinced.

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  'Set up to be Foden's tournament'

  Stephen Darwin: After his remarkable 2023-24 campaign with Manchester City, that saw him play a huge role in propelling Pep Guardiola's side to Premier League glory, the pressure is now on Phil Foden to take that form into an international tournament. In the past, Gareth Southgate never seemed sure of playing the 24-year-old from the start in a Three Lions shirt, but given the season he's had, he's simply undroppable. Euro 2024 is set-up to be Foden's tournament and, who knows, perhaps he'll inspire England to glory.

It is fair to say that Erik ten Hag's penchant for bringing his former players to Manchester United hasn't gone particularly smoothly during his Old Trafford tenure thus far.

The Dutchman's first summer in charge saw him opt to reunite with both Lisandro Martinez and Antony, the South American duo having been part of the Ajax side that claimed title glory in both 2020/21 and 2021/22.

Despite issues with injury in the latter part of 2023, Martinez has arguably one of the club's "best signings" of recent years – according to Patrice Evra – although the same, sadly, cannot be said for Antony, who has scored just eight goals and contributed only three assists in 66 games following his £86m arrival.

After also utilising his Dutch connections to acquire the likes of Tyrell Malacia and Wout Weghorst, the most recent summer window saw Ten Hag again seek out familiar faces in the form of Andre Onana and Sofyan Amrabat, the pair having played under the 53-year-old at Ajax and Utrecht, respectively.

Those two deals have gone largely the same way as Antony thus far, rather than Martinez, with Amrabat heading off to AFCON without anyone really noticing, after starting just seven Premier League games, while Onana produced a string of errors during the club's Champions League run – namely away to both Bayern Munich and Galatasaray.

To think then that United could yet again back the manager in his desire to sign another of his former assets may have alarm bells ringing, although one current target does at least boast a strong record under Ten Hag's watch.

Man Utd eyeing another Ajax star

As per a report from the Mirror last week, the Red Devils are believed to be interested in signing 21-year-old striker, Brian Brobbey from the Eredivisie outfit, with the club said to be 'keeping tabs' on the promising Dutchman.

The suggestion is that Ten Hag – who handed the forward his debut in Amsterdam – wants to sign a new marksman this month in order to provide competition to both Rasmus Hojlund and Anthony Martial, although the club only have the means to pull off a loan deal.

That could then scupper any approach for Brobbey, who won't be allowed to depart on a temporary move, although if United can raise funds for a permanent approach, they would seemingly be able to snap up a player who turned them down back in the summer of 2022 – after returning to Ajax following a brief spell at RB Leipzig.

Brian Brobbey's record under Ten Hag

The last time that Brobbey opted to leave the Johan Cruyff Arena didn't exactly go to plan, as the 5 foot 11 marksman failed to score and provided only three assists in just 14 appearances during his time in Germany, having joined the Bundesliga side in 2021.

Man Utd in talks to sign their next Van Nistelrooy

Man United could sign another Dutch striker in January.

By
Tom Lever

Jan 17, 2024

While he ultimately failed to get going during that solitary half-season at Leipzig, home comforts have been kind to the Amsterdam native, as his record for the Dutch giants now stands at an impressive 40 goals in just 101 games in all competitions.

Also previously prolific in the youth ranks – notably scoring 37 goals in 41 games for Ajax's U19 side – Brobbey was handed the chance to impress at first-team level by Ten Hag in the 2020/21 season, going on to net six times in just 19 games.

Having also returned to work under the one-time Utrecht coach on loan for the second half of 2021/22, the in-demand talent then plundered a further seven goals in just 13 appearances, taking his overall tally under Ten Hag to 13 goals in just 32 games.

Despite often finding himself behind the more experienced Sebastian Haller, the one-cap Netherlands international boasted an impressive scoring rate under the current United boss, bagging once every 67 minutes – while he has 13 goals in only 25 games this season.

Clearly a talent who fits smoothly into Ten Hag's system, there may be a sense of optimism that the £49k-per-week ace could follow in the footsteps of Martinez, rather than Antony, by flourishing at the Theatre of Dreams, particularly as he possesses the tools to be a menacing Premier League striker.

Brian Brobbey's style of play

Described as a "powerhouse" by U23 scout and journalist, Antonio Mango, Brobbey appears to have the attributes to be able to meet the physical challenge of leading the line in England's top flight, having been dubbed "The Brobbeast" by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

His credentials to be a prolific Premier League number nine can also be seen by his likeness to one-time United man, Romelu Lukaku, with former Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann stating back in 2021:

"In regards to his physique and the way he plays, he is similar to Romelu Lukaku. And we would be happy if he can manage to become a player with the same qualities. But to paint a picture for the fans, you can definitely say that he is similar to Lukaku."

That likeness can also be seen by their current displays, with both men regularly looking to get in behind an opposing backline, with the Roma star ranking in the top 6% among his European peers for progressive passes received at an average of 8.76 per 90, while young Brobbey averages 8.63 in that regard.

Of course, Lukaku isn't too fondly remembered at Old Trafford due to his "woeful" finishing during his two-year spell at the club – as per journalist Samuel Luckhurst – although the towering Belgian is a proven goalscorer, even recording 42 goals in just 96 games for the Red Devils.

While the 30-year-old also underwhelmed following a £97.5m return to Chelsea in 2021 – scoring just eight league goals that season – at his best he certainly ran Premier League defences ragged, netting 121 times in 278 games in the competition.

If United could get their hands on that fit and firing version of Lukaku, in the form of his heir apparent, Brobbey, it could prove to be the perfect striking addition for a club that have scored the fourth fewest goals in the top-flight this season.