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A couple of years ago, Kobbie Mainoo was seen as the latest talent to emerge out of the Manchester United academy, potentially cementing his place in the first-team squad.

The excitement around his performance was understandable, especially after he popped up with key goals, including a late winner against Wolves, before scoring in the FA Cup final back in 2023/24.

However, last year was an injury-hit campaign for the youngster, only making 25 appearances in the Premier League, with just 19 of which coming from a starting position.

Mainoo has also had to face competition from the likes of Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro for the starting role, but has rapidly dropped down Ruben Amorim’s pecking order at Old Trafford.

Things could be about to get a lot worse for the 20-year-old in the months ahead, especially considering the hierarchy are targeting added reinforcements in such an area in the coming weeks.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new midfielder

A new name has entered the mix for United over the last couple of days, with Stuttgart talent Angelo Stiller a player the Red Devils are considering, according to recent reports.

The German, who made 47 appearances across all competitions last season, could be available for around £50m this summer – a potential bargain if they don’t land one other target.

Another player has been firmly in their sights over the last few weeks, with Crystal Palace talent Adam Wharton one option the club are considering, according to one report.

They claim that Amorim’s side have made an approach for the 21-year-old, who helped the Eagles win the FA Cup and Community Shield under Oliver Glasner.

It’s also been confirmed that the player has been valued at around £100m this summer, a potential hefty fee, given he’s only made 36 appearances in England’s top-flight.

Why United’s latest target is a bigger talent than Baleba

It’s no secret that United have been pursuing a move for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba this summer, even holding talks to land the 21-year-old.

At one stage, it appeared as though a move for the Cameroonian was rapidly progressing, with the player himself open to a switch to move to Old Trafford before the September 1st deadline.

However, a deal has somewhat evaporated over the last couple of days, leading to the Red Devils accepting the Seagulls’ stance that the youngster is not for sale this summer.

As a result, the hierarchy have had to look down other avenues, leading to the recent rumours to land German star Stiller after his rapid rise in the Bundesliga in recent months.

Whilst he would be a superb addition, a move for Wharton must now be the priority, potentially being an expensive pickup, but one that would be worth every penny if he carries on his current trajectory.

In his short career, he’s already picked up two more trophies than Baleba, getting a taste for success – something which the Red Devils desperately need in the near future.

When comparing their respective stats from the recent campaign, the Englishman managed to massively outperform the Cameroonian in key areas – showcasing why he’d be a bigger talent for Amorim’s side.

Games played

20

34

Goals & assists

2

4

Progressive passes

7.6

3.9

Key passes made

1.8

0.7

Passes into final third

5.3

3.6

Interceptions made

1.6

1.5

Clearances made

1.9

1.4

Carries into final third

1.6

1.5

Recoveries made

7.1

6.6

Wharton, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by HLTCO, notched more passes into the final third and more key passes completed – having the tools to provide the players ahead of him with chances in front of goal.

He also made more recoveries per 90 and registered more interceptions per 90, outperforming Baleba in such an area – highlighting the defensive quality he possesses.

Given the similarities in the fees touted for the aforementioned duo, either player would be an expensive addition – further showcasing the ambition shown by the board this summer.

The nature of the money involved makes it pivotal that the club make the right decision about whom to sign, with Wharton showcasing that he would be a better addition ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

It would be extremely harsh on Mainoo, with any deal massively disrupting his progress in the side, but unfortunately, the world of football is a cutthroat industry, with the academy graduate needing to try and force himself back into the manager’s plans.

He's perfect for Bruno: Man Utd to make bid for "complete" £42m sensation

Manchester United’s summer of transfer activity looks set to continue once more before deadline day.

ByEthan Lamb Aug 16, 2025

England's schedule for the remainder of 2025 has been confirmed, with the Lionesses to host Brazil, Australia and Ghana before the year is out.

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BuyEngland confirm final matches of 2025Lionesses to face Brazil in next fixtureAustralia, China & Ghana also to visitFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

England had already confirmed a date at Wembley to face China in November and another trio of home friendlies now forms what is being branded as their 'homecoming series', as the Lionesses hit four different venues around the country to celebrate their European Championship triumph this past summer with as many fans as possible.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Brazil will be the first team to take on Sarina Wiegman's side after they clinched their second successive European title by beating Spain on penalties back in July, with the Selecao coming off the back of their own triumph at Copa America. The two will meet at the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City, on Saturday October 25. England's second fixture of that international break will take place three days later, when they face Australia at Derby County's Pride Park. The Matildas will be led by a familiar face, after former Arsenal boss Joe Montemurro took over the side back in June.

AND WHAT'S MORE

The Lionesses' final international break of the year will also feature two non-European opponents, starting with China at Wembley on Saturday November 29. More than 60,000 tickets have already been sold for that fixture, which was announced at the end of July. Three days later, a clash with Ghana will follow, at St Mary's in Southampton. It will be England's first-ever meeting with the Black Queens, who finished third at this summer's Africa Cup of Nations.

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WHAT WIEGMAN SAID

"It is great that we can return to action after our incredible summer with four exciting fixtures at home," Wiegman said. "Each opponent will challenge us in different ways, which is exactly what we need with World Cup qualification beginning early next year. It’s very nice to begin against Brazil and it is also special for us to be able to play again for our fans in Manchester for the first time since Euro 2022. We know from the Finalissima in 2023 that they will be very tough opponents.

“We love taking the team around the country, so to also play Australia in Derby and Ghana in Southampton as well as the China fixture at Wembley gives us a lovely way to say thank you for the incredible support we have had this year and before."

Eyman Fatima, Anoosha Nasir, Sidra Nawaz and Shawaal Zulfiqar also miss out on contracts this season

ESPNcricinfo staff16-Nov-2024Former captain Nida Dar and Aliya Riaz have been omitted from the PCB’s new batch of central contracts announced on Saturday. Sixteen players were announced in the new contracts, with Fatima Sana, who took over from Dar as captain, moving up to Category A.Dar was in Category A in last year’s contracts, while Riaz had been demoted to Category B, though their omissions are not entirely unexpected. As well as dwindling form, there are believed to have been concerns about their attitude within the team set-up that were discussed with PCB hierarchy.Eyman Fatima, Anoosha Nasir, Sidra Nawaz and Shawaal Zulfiqar also miss out on contracts this season, while Bismah Maroof’s retirement earlier this year means she no longer features. The board said, “these players will remain available for selection, as the PCB shifts its focus towards developing the next generation of cricketers in alignment with the ICC’s Women’s FTP (Future Tours Programme) for 2025-29.”Getty ImagesTwenty players were awarded two-year contracts last year, with a significant pay bump, but with the proviso that performances would be reassessed after a year.Sana’s promotion is a reward for a series of outstanding all-round performances in the run-up to, and at the T20 World Cup in the UAE. Pakistan beat Sri Lanka at the tournament but lost their three other group games to India, Australia and eventual champions New Zealand.Muneeba Ali, the wicketkeeper-batter, has also been promoted to Category A, joining Sidra Amin who retains her position. Gull Feroza and Rameen Shamim return to the central-contracts list for the first time since 2018 and 2022-23 respectively, while Tasmia Rubab is included for the first time.The contracts have been pending approval for some time now, having run out at the end of July. Players, however, will be paid backdated amounts from then. The delay in the contracts is part of a general trend of upheaval and uncertainty in Pakistan women’s cricket where the PCB has struggled to get projects off the ground. Most notable among them is the long-promised women’s PSL, which Ramiz Raja first promised as chairman nearly three years ago but is yet to materialise. Tania Mallick, Head of Women’s Cricket since October 2021, told ESPNcricinfo earlier this year she expected a women’s PSL to happen within the next 12 months. Last month, however, she quit the role, with no signs of that tournament being introduced in the near future.”The 2024-25 central contracts reflect our forward-looking strategy as we prepare for the new ICC Women’s Future Tours Programme,” the PCB’s new Chief Operating Officer Sumair Ahmad Syed said. “By further investing in established players through significantly enhanced retainers and offering clear pathways to the emerging cricketer, we aim to strike a balance between nurturing future stars and sustaining competitiveness at the highest level.”Pakistan contracts list:
Category A: Fatima Sana, Muneeba Ali and Sidra Amin
Category B: Nashra Sundhu, Sadia Iqbal
Category C: Diana Baig, Omaima Sohail
Category D: Ghulam Fatima, Gull Feroza, Najiha Alvi, Rameen Shamim, Sadaf Shamas, Syeda Aroob Shah, Tasmia Rubab, Tuba Hassan, Umm-e-Hani

After opening day humiliation at the hands of newly-promoted Sunderland, West Ham United have reportedly launched their first approach to sign a Barcelona midfielder.

Potter: West Ham have to "improve" after Sunderland defeat

West Ham know all too well that the Premier League is a slippery slope towards shock relegation when teams get off to a disastrous start and must ensure that their defeat at Sunderland is a turning point in Graham Potter’s reign. Picking up where they left off last season, the Hammers were blunt going forward and vulnerable going the other way in what has been the trend of Potter’s tenure.

Having his say on a disappointing afternoon, Potter told reporters: “In the first half, I thought we were good. I thought we did lots well in terms of quieting the crowd down and creating some opportunities. We could have scored, I thought, but nevertheless, we felt OK.

“We started a bit slow in the second half, and from out of nowhere, a goal goes in and it becomes difficult. It was a game where probably the first goal, especially here with the environment, was going to be challenging for us. But we tried to push.

“But in trying to push, we opened ourselves up. The second goal’s a poor one – a mistake leads to a cheap set-piece, and then we didn’t do the basics well enough in the second phase. We haven’t done the basics well enough – it’s as simple as that, and we have to improve that.”

Sheringham 2.0: West Ham in race to sign Premier League "proven goalscorer"

The vastly experienced goalscorer could be a brilliant signing for West Ham and Graham Potter.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 20, 2025

That defeat may have been the wake-up call that those at the London Stadium needed both on the pitch and in the transfer window, however, with reports now indicating that they’ve made their first move for a Barcelona talent.

West Ham launch first Casado enquiry

As reported by Mundo Deportivo and relayed by Sport Witness, West Ham have now launched their first enquiry to sign Marc Casado from Barcelona. The Spanish giants reportedly value their midfielder at just €30m (£26m), which has sparked a race between the Hammers and Wolverhampton Wanderers to secure a bargain deal this month.

Minutes

1,611

2,380

Key Passes

0.50

1.36

Progressive Passes

5.98

5.87

Ball Recoveries

5.03

5.64

When compared to Lucas Paqueta last season, Casado’s quality becomes clear. Whilst he struggled to match the Brazilian when it came to key passes, the 21-year-old progressed play at an excellent standard, whilst also impressing when recovering possession.

Dubbed a “genius” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the Barcelona ace still has plenty of room for improvement and plenty of years ahead of him to realise an ever-increasing potential.

For just £26m, West Ham would be landing an undeniable bargain and a player who would slot straight in as one of Potter’s most effective players this season.

Pep Guardiola has hinted he is surprised Manchester City are "apparently" not one of favourites to win this season's Champions League. City get their 2025-26 European campaign under way on Thursday evening when they play host to Serie A champions Napoli at the Etihad Stadium.

Man City behind Liverpool & Arsenal on list of favourites

Ahead of City’s return to the Champions League, many bookmakers believe Premier League rivals Liverpool and Arsenal have a greater chance of lifting Europe’s premier club competition. La Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona and reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain are also ahead of City in the bookmakers' odds.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportGuardiola indicates City are going under the radar

While opting not to delve too deeply into the discussion of favourites, Guardiola has indicated City are going under the radar as they prepare to launch their bid for a second Champions League crown. Guardiola led City to their first title just three seasons ago when they defeated Inter 1-0 in the 2022-23 showpiece.

What Guardiola said ahead of clash with Napoli

Speaking in a press conference ahead of Napoli’s visit to the Etihad, Guardiola said: "Apparently we are not [one of the favourites]. Enjoy the moment, the journey, we are happy to be here. In the past we have been [among the favourites]. We have won just once. It is a lot for the difficulty [of the competition] and we just focus on tomorrow, the game we have to play."

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City head into Napoli match on the back of derby delight

City head into the Napoli match in great spirits after downing rivals Manchester United 3-0 in the derby on Sunday. The result saw Guardiola’s men bounce back from successive Premier League defeats against Tottenham and Brighton before the international break.

The deal includes the two Tests in Galle and the pair of ODIs which provide preparation for the Champions Trophy

AAP and ESPNcricinfo staff17-Jan-2025The Seven Network has stepped in to secure the rights for Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka, just 12 days before the first Test begins.Australian cricket fans were at risk of being plunged into a television black hole for the two Tests and two ODIs after no network had acquired the rights.But Seven, which broadcasts home Tests, women’s internationals, and the Big Bash League, will take on the entire tour through their free-to-air stations and on the 7plus app. The first Test in Galle, which starts on January 29, runs concurrently with the day-night Women’s Ashes Test at the MCG.Related

Smith's assist in Connolly's selection, ten years on from childhood photo

Extra ODI added to Australia's tour of Sri Lanka

'It doesn't look great': Kuhnemann's Sri Lanka tour in jeopardy after thumb injury

“What this summer has shown us is that Australians absolutely love their cricket, and we cannot wait to deliver even more action as Australia takes on Sri Lanka,” Seven’s head of cricket Joel Starcevic said.Every men’s Test tour has been broadcast back to Australia for the past three decades. The last Test not shown in Australia was during the Pakistan tour in 1994.But this will be the first non-Ashes full overseas men’s Test tour shown on free-to-air TV in Australia since Mark Taylor’s team played in South Africa back in 1997, when Seven also had the rights. In 2023 they broadcast the World Test Championship final between Australia and India at The Oval.Foxtel has had a stranglehold on rights for Australia’s overseas matches since broadcasting tours of India and Pakistan back in 1998. They broadcast Australia’s most recent Test series in Sri Lanka in 2022.However, Foxtel has not regularly broadcast Test series from Sri Lanka not involving Australia, and therefore do not have a long-running agreement with them.Foxtel recently agreed to a sale to British-based sports streaming platform DAZN, but that is still to be finalised over the first six months of 2025.Amazon has won the rights to ICC events in the 2024-2027 cycle, including this year’s WTC final, but the streaming giant’s Australian arm is yet to dip its toe into bilateral series.

Manchester United are looking to conclude some late deals and may now be on the road to making an important signing that will remedy a key area of their squad, according to reports.

Manchester United reject Kobbie Mainoo loan request

Plenty of stories are doing the rounds surrounding Manchester United at the moment, but Kobbie Mainoo’s future has shot to prominence in the last few days amid confusion surrounding his situation.

Despite murmurs that he has submitted a request to go on loan, Ruben Amorim has made it clear that he wants the England international to fight for his place rather than leaving to find regular minutes elsewhere.

He told reporters at his most recent press conference: “I want Kobbie to stay. He needs to fight for his place, and we need Kobbie. So that is not going to change.

“The rest I don’t know how it’s going to finish. I understand that the players that are not playing in this moment are disappointed, but everyone has the same opportunity to play. You have to fight during the week.”

After the Red Devils’ shock defeat to Grimsby Town, pressure is on Amorim’s shoulders from Old Trafford chiefs, heightening the need for signings before next Monday’s deadline.

Man Utd now seriously considering late move for "wonderful" £32m midfielder

INEOS may not be done just yet…

2 ByDominic Lund Aug 28, 2025

Atletico Madrid star Conor Gallagher is in the frame to join Manchester United as a potential reinforcement in the engine room, albeit it remains to be seen whether that can be completed in time.

Randal Kolo Muani has also been approached by the Red Devils, though again, it may be difficult to bring in someone of such repute at short notice.

With speculation escalating, Manchester United are now in the final stages of concluding a deal to address an important area of the field.

Manchester United in final stages of Senne Lammens deal

According to Sacha Tavolieri on X, Manchester United are now in the ‘final stages’ of a deal to sign Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens in a transfer that will amount to £21.6 million.

The 23-year-old is set to sign by the weekend on a five-year contract after talks began to accelerate on Friday, and his current employers are now confident they can complete a sale that will see the Red Devils inherit a valuable option between the sticks.

Earning a save percentage of 73.3% this term, per FBRef, he has conceded four goals in Antwerp’s first four matches of the season, but could now be set to unseat Andre Onana at Old Trafford.

Now, it remains to be seen if the final details mentioned will be wrapped up before the close of play. However, Manchester United appear to be making good time.

After being hooked by Liverpool again during the weekend's Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace, it has been suggested that Florian Wirtz might soon have to worry about his starting place under Arne Slot. The Germany international, who arrived for what was a British record transfer fee at the time, is still yet to score or assist in the Premier League or Champions League.

Subbed when Liverpool needed a goal

Wirtz was the main man at former club Bayer Leverkusen prior to his £116 million ($156m) move to Anfield early in the summer transfer window. But it hasn't been smooth sailing since rocking up at Liverpool, yet to complete a full game in any competition.

Saturday's trip to Selhurst Park was the earliest that Wirtz has been brought off, and it came when Liverpool were 1-0 down and chasing a goal. Slot replaced him with Federico Chiesa and it was the Italian who went on to grab the equaliser – not that it mattered in the end.

Wirtz had previously been starting centrally in the No. 10 role, but he had to make do with coming off the bench in the Merseyside derby and began on the left against Crystal Palace.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportSlot's 'concern' over performance

In a column for The Times, former Chelsea, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland striker Tony Cascarino suggested it is "damning" that Wirtz's minutes and impact is reducing, rather than increasing.

"The fact that Wirtz has been replaced in all of his Liverpool starts thus far is damning and suggests that Slot may have some concerns over his performances," he said.

"It's not as if Wirtz is carrying a knock or lacking match sharpness; he played with Liverpool during pre-season and completed two full matches with Germany during the previous international break."

Struggling to cope with Premier League physicality

There is always going to be a bedding in period for any player who moves internationally, getting used to a new country and environment. But when such a huge transfer fee has been involved, fans are less willing to be patient as they wait to see results.

"There is no doubt about the ability of a player like Wirtz," Cascarino reasoned.

"We all witnessed how he pulled the strings for Bayer Leverkusen when they went unbeaten to win their first Bundesliga title in 2023-24. That player hasn't showed up in England however, and on Saturday [against Palace] Wirtz was constantly getting caught on the ball and was unable to connect the intricate passes that have previously made him such a threat. At Leverkusen, you would see Wirtz pick up the ball in midfield and glide past players before being decisive in the final third, but that has deserted him at Liverpool.

"The Premier League is more physically demanding than the Bundesliga, and Wirtz is struggling to adapt to its intensity. He has been too easy for opponents to shrug off the ball, and has struggled to cope with the lack of time and space opponents have given him. There have been brief flashes against Palace in the Community Shield and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, but these have been too few and far between."

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Should Wirtz have joined Bayern Munich instead?

Bayern Munich legend Karl-Heinz Rummenigge recently suggested that he thinks Wirtz would have been better off staying in Germany this summer, moving to the Allianz Arena instead.

"I have to honestly say, I still feel sorry for Florian Wirtz because I think the player would be better off at Bayern Munich than at Liverpool," Bayern's former CEO said.

Giants will also want to turn their poor record against MI around as the WPL moves to Mumbai

Shashank Kishore09-Mar-20255:45

How can Mumbai stop the Deandra Dottin threat?

Who’s playingMumbai Indians (MI) vs Gujarat Giants (GG)
Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai, 7.30pm ISTWhat to expect: Top spot up for grabsRCB’s loss to UP Warriorz on Saturday night may have smoothened the passage into the playoffs for both MI and GG, but there’s still an extra edge to this contest as the top spot is still not booked.Giants have to win to entertain thoughts of finishing at No. 1. Mumbai have a game in hand and can get there even if they lose on Monday, but it would then mean a three-way tie should they beat RCB. They would want to avoid this logjam, having been in a similar position last year and then going down to RCB in the Eliminator.Related

The rise and roar of Kashvee Gautam

Mooney confident Gujarat Giants can challenge for WPL playoffs

GG are on a bull run, having won more games (three) over the past week than they did all of last season. But there’s one thing they haven’t done yet: beat MI, who have a 5-0 record against them in the tournament’s short history. If that wasn’t pressure enough, they now face the challenge of playing Harmanpreet Kaur’s MI in Mumbai, at the Brabourne Stadium, where they are yet to lose a single game.They have been the most explosive side in the middle-overs, courtesy Ash Gardner and new (old) signing Deandra Dottin. But MI have the best economy (6.6 runs an over) and average (17.9) in this phase. This battle will form the crux of the contest.The return to form of Harleen Deol, instrumental in GG’s stunning chase of 178 the other night against Delhi Capitals, bodes well. Kashvee Gautam’s all-round prowess and Beth Mooney’s unshackling at the top make them look more dangerous.MI look equally strong but have changed their batting combinations because of Yastika Bhatia’s prolonged lean run. In their previous game, Amelia Kerr was promoted to open with Hayley Mathews. It remains to be seen if this will be their plan at the back end too. If it is, it could mean a bigger batting responsibility for S Sajana and Amanjot Kaur in the middle order.Yastika Bhatia has been in poor batting form•WPLForm guideMumbai Indians WLWWW
Gujarat Giants WWWLLTeam NewsD Hemalatha’s poor run at the top of the order may force a change for GG. Simran Shaikh, who plays for Mumbai in domestic cricket, could get a look-in to inject some lower-order firepower.Gujarat Giants (probable): 1 Beth Mooney (wk), 2 Phoebe Lichfield, 3 Harleen Deol, 4 Ash Gardner (capt), 5 Deandra Dottin, 6 Simran Shaikh, 7 Kashvee Gautam, 8 Bharti Fulmali, 9 Tanuja Kanwar, 10 Meghna Singh, 11 Priya MishraMumbai have no reason to tinker with their XI.Mumbai Indians (probable): 1 Hayley Matthews, 2 Amelia Kerr, 3 Nat Sciver-Brunt, 4 Harmanpreet Kaur (capt), 5 Amanjot Kaur, 6 Yastika Bhatia (wk), 7 G Kamalini, 8 S Sajana, 9 Sanskriti Gupta, 9 10 Shabnim Ismail, 11 Parunika SisodiaKashvee Gautam has been a revelation this season•BCCIPlayers to watch: Hayley Matthews and Kashvee GautamHayley Matthews started poorly – not having crossed 20 in her first three games – but is slowly beginning to show the sparks of positivity she brings to her batting, especially up front in the powerplay, where she has made two half-centuries in her last three innings. Matthews’ return to form prevents more headaches at the top of the order for the Mumbai team management, especially with Bhatia struggling.Seam-bowling allrounders offer the kind of balance Harmanpreet Kaur has been yearning for as India captain. With Pooja Vastrakar suffering from a stress fracture, Kashvee Gautam’s performances with bat and ball for GG might have put her in national contention in a World Cup year. She’s easily one of the breakout stars of WPL 2025, and is leading the wickets’ chart for GG at this stage. Can she help them make their maiden final?Stats that matter Nat Sciver-Brunt, the season’s second-highest run-getter, loves playing at Brabourne Stadium, having scored 196 runs and got out only once in four outings at this venue in the WPL. GG have the most wickets (13) among all teams in the powerplay this season. Gardner’s 17 sixes are the most by a batter this season. There is no MI batter in the top five. MI’s economy of 8.6 is the highest in the powerplay this season. They have also picked up the joint-highest wickets (9) in this phase.

Crystal Palace are in the market for late signings and are now in surprise talks over a deal to bring a rival star to Selhurst Park, according to reports.

Crystal Palace set to welcome Christantus Uche

The Eagles have been involved in some high-stakes negotiations today and they could be set to welcome a number of arrivals before the close of play.

Eberechi Eze is gone and Crystal Palace may now have found his replacement in the form of Christantus Uche, who will arrive from Getafe after Wolverhampton Wanderers saw their move break down for the Nigeria international.

Bobby Manzi confirmed the latest on his situation this morning via X, stating: “Christantus Uche closing in on a move to Crystal Palace. Versatile forward capable of playing as a striker, left-sided attacker and advanced midfielder. Boosts forward ranks with Odsonne Edouard set to leave. Uche has started all three games for Getafe this season, picking up a goal and an assist.”

Putting that aside, Crystal Palace are set to complete a shock loan move for Brighton & Hove Albion defender Igor Julio in the form of a straight loan, in a surprise development given both sides are fierce rivals.

That may be a pivotal step in Marc Guehi’s situation, which is subject to change at any moment, but it appears that Oliver Glasner wants backline cover regardless of circumstance.

Time is running out and supporters are waiting on baited breath for announcements, which could help to shape the campaign Crystal Palace can have moving forward after their FA Community Shield victory.

Managers are always hungry for more options to fit their tactical mode of operation, and Glasner appears to have made a late play to bring a winger to Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace in talks over loan move for Manor Solomon

According to Mailsport, Crystal Palace are in discussions over a loan swoop for Tottenham Hotspur winger Manor Solomon that could include a buy option.

Speaking about the deal, reporter Matt Barlow stated: “Crystal Palace are among those interested in Manor Solomon. They had an approach flatly rejected over the weekend.

Crystal Palace make late approach to sign 19-cap defender alongside Canvot

The Eagles are ready to try and land his signature.

BySean Markus Clifford Aug 30, 2025

“Maybe Daniel Levy was not keen to deal with Palace after the embarrassment he suffered when the Eberechi Eze deal was hijacked by rivals Arsenal. And Thomas Frank does not want to lose firepower unless it can be replaced. But Palace have returned today and there are discussions about a possible loan with an option.”

Labelled “brilliant” by Adam Pope, the former Fulham man was a smash-hit on loan at Leeds United last term, registering ten goals and 13 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions as they claimed promotion.

Nevertheless, there may be a late opening for him to leave North London, and a move across the city could be on the cards if all parties can come to an agreement before this evening’s cut-off point.