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Manchester United could be a team to watch in the summer if Ansu Fati is to leave Barcelona as they have an excellent relationship with his agent.

What’s the latest?

There is the feeling Fati could potentially move away from the Spanish giants in the summer with Bayern Munich linked by certain reports as a possible landing spot.

However, Fabrizio Romano has indicated the Bundesliga side are not working on a deal to bring the youngster to Germany at the moment.

But he did suggest that the Red Devils could be a side to watch as a result of their relationship with Fati’s agent.

Speaking on his latest YouTube video, Romano issued an update on the 20-year-old’s future but claimed there is yet to be any contact from the Premier League side over the forward:

“We have to say also, what happens with Manchester United, because Man United have an excellent relationship with his agent. And so this could be a point, but at the moment from Man United, [there is] still no direct contact with Ansu Fati.

“Ansu Fati is one to watch with English clubs always being interested in him; for example, Ansu Fati was in Manchester United’s list two years ago. He’s a player that they have always appreciated.”

Old Trafford-bound?

There have been a number of clubs who have been linked with the 20-year-old by certain reports coming from Spain who suggest his future could well be away from Camp Nou.

Mundo Deportivo has claimed Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are two sides who make up four of the potential English suitors ahead of the summer.

However, it does seem as if United could potentially hold an upper hand if they are to pursue Fati over the coming months given the strong relationship they have with his agent.

Fati is a player who has been tipped for big things with his fellow teammate, Eric Garcia, having some positive words to say about the talented 20-year-old: “Ansu is one of these players that are born with that talent and that magic,” he said.

But it has not been an easy campaign for the Spaniard who has made 20 appearances in La Liga thus far where he’s returned three goals and three assists.

The struggles lie in his lack of opportunities from the starting XI with just seven of those 20 league appearances coming from Xavi’s starting side.

Despite making 20 appearances in La Liga, he has racked up just 772 minutes of action meaning an average of under 39 minutes per game.

But it has to be said, with Marcus Rashford in such stunning form on the left-wing, would his situation be any different if he was to make the move to Old Trafford in the summer?

Presenter Joe Wainman believes that Rayo Vallecano manager Andoni Iraola is still the top target for the vacant managerial role at Leeds United, despite the Spaniard initially rejecting the move.

Could Iraola join Leeds?

Iraola has done a superb job at Rayo, initially guiding them to La Liga promotion, and his side are now competing for a European spot on a relatively small budget, whilst playing eye-catching football at the same time.

Leeds were heavily interested in the Spaniard, but he reportedly turned down an offer to move to Elland Road, but the club could still return for the 40-year-old.

Speaking on the Just Joe Football Show, Wainman claimed that he believes Iraola is still the top target, and Leeds should do all they can to bring him in now.

However, Alfred Schreuder has since come out as a serious contender for the job.

“I think at this point, just give Rayo Vallecano whatever they want for Iraola and get Iraola done,” he stated.

“I still believe that Iraola is the number one pick.”

Would he want to join now?

Given that Leeds are in a precarious position in the Premier League table, just one point and one place ahead of the relegation zone, it looks unlikely that Iraola would want to leave his current role, particularly as he could finish the season in a European spot.

However, if Leeds survive relegation, they could possibly attract him in the summer window, and he could be an excellent fit.

Formerly a defender in his playing days, Iraola played under Marcelo Bielsa at Athletic Bilbao, and has employed an attacking style at Rayo which could prove very popular at Leeds.

The youngest manager in La Liga, Iraola has earned plaudits for the high-intensity style Rayo have played under him, and his smart signings have helped propel the side up the table.

Even if they cannot attract him now, it is worth returning in the summer to secure what could be their ideal long-term Bielsa replacement.

Liverpool are once again being linked to esteemed Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe, amid uncertainty surrounding the world-class forward’s long-term future in the French capital…

What’s the latest on Liverpool’s pursuit of Kylian Mbappe?

According to Football Insider, Reds owners FSG have ‘active interest’ in the forward and are ‘continuing to monitor’ his situation at PSG, following revelations from Mbappe himself last year that he discussed a prospective move with the powers that be at Anfield before committing his future to his outfit.

Mbappe said: “We talked a little bit, but not too much. I talked to Liverpool because it’s the favourite club of my mum, my mum loves Liverpool. I don’t know why, you will have to ask her.

“It’s a good club and we met them five years ago. When I was in Monaco I met them. It’s a big club. Of course, it was between Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain in the end.”

While a deal would likely be extortionate, such is his estimated valuation of £158m, Mbappe is one of the world’s leading strikers, and Jurgen Klopp must throw the kitchen sink at a deal.

Indeed, he could be one of the Premier League’s most devastating outlets in history if he were indeed to switch allegiances.

What would Mbappe’s signing mean for Liverpool?

Mbappe is a talent of the very first-rate, matched by few on the world scene, if any.

He burst onto the global stage with AS Monaco before his 18th birthday and played a major part in monumentally beating PSG to the Ligue 1 throne in 2016/17, before switching to the established powerhouse in France that summer.

Praised as an “alien” by Poland international Piotr Zielinski, the 24-year-old World Cup winner has plundered an incredible 198 goals and 94 assists from 245 appearances for PSG, also clinching 36 strikes from 66 showings for France.

If Liverpool were successful in their ambitious pursuit, the void left by Sadio Mane’s departure could finally be filled, with the dynamic forward departing for Bayern Munich in a £35m move last summer after an illustrious career with the Reds.

Having scored 120 goals and provided 48 assists from 269 outings for Liverpool, the Senegalese gem was integral in one of the club’s most prosperous spells in many years, notably winning the Champions League and Premier League among other major honours.

And with Mbappe ranking among the top 1% of forwards in Europe’s top five leagues for rate of goals and the top 2% for rate of assists, as per FBref, he certainly appears to be a player that would not only emulate Mane’s success but take the outfit to a level scarcely seen in the Premier League, also listed as a comparable player to the Munich monster by the statistical site.

Athletes of his ilk come around only once in a blue moon, and given the hundred-hued vibrancy of his skill set, he could indeed be a “work of art” – as dubbed by Fox Sport’s Rodolfo Landeros – under Klopp’s tutelage, forging a prosperous and shining future for one of football’s most prestigious outfits.

Is a deal attainable? On the surface, it might appear not.

But given Liverpool’s stature, the long-term interest in the sensation and Mbappe’s contractual uncertainty with PSG, a move could materialise if the cogs fall sweetly into place.

And if they do, Liverpool’s trepidation over the forthcoming years of football would dissipate like a cloud of smoke, and prosperity would rain down on Merseyside in abundance once again.

Aston Villa are looking to end a run of three defeats in succession in the Premier League as they travel away from home to face Everton on Saturday.

Unai Emery’s side travel to Goodison Park after losing to Leicester City, Manchester City, and Arsenal in their last three matches in the top-flight and are up against a rejuvenated Toffees.

Sean Dyche has won two of his first three matches in charge of the club and taken them out of the bottom three – keeping clean sheets in both of his wins.

Villa, meanwhile, are off the back of conceding at least three goals in each of their last three games and let in four in their most recent clash with Arsenal.

Emery’s team went 1-0 and 2-1 up against the Gunners but were unable to finish off the match by taking a two-goal lead and that allowed Mikel Arteta’s men to rally and end up picking up all three points in stoppage time.

Should Unai Emery start Jhon Duran against Everton?

The Spanish head coach could blow Everton away and stop them from getting back into the match by going all-out in attack with Ollie Watkins and Jhon Duran up front.

Villa could claim all three points by simply outscoring the opposition, if they are unable to – on recent evidence – defend well enough, and unleashing their January signing could play a big role in that.

The £18m dynamo is yet to start a match in the Premier League since his move from Chicago Fire but his form in the MLS last year suggests that the marksman has the potential to be an excellent player for the club.

Duran scored eight goals and provided three assists in 14 starts in the division in 2022 – averaging a Sofascore rating of 6.91 – and this shows that the gem has the quality to make a big impact at the top end of the pitch.

The 19-year-old powerhouse showcased his ability in the final third by creating two ‘big chances’ for his teammates and taking 2.2 shots per game, which highlights how much of a threat he is at both creating openings for others and himself.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig once described the gem as an “aggressive” forward who can be a “counter-attacking weapon” and the teenager could form an exciting partnership with Watkins, who has scored five goals in his last eight appearances in the Premier League.

Emi Buendia started alongside the England international last time out but the Argentine’s tally of seven league goals in 58 outings does not suggest that he has the goalscoring capability to blow Everton away, whereas Duran’s record in the MLS does.

Manchester United may be set to undergo a major goalkeeping change in the coming months, with David De Gea’s contract expiring at the end of the current campaign.

There has been no word yet of any extension for the Spaniard, who has been at United since 2011, although he does seem confident a new deal will be secured.

What is the latest news on Man Utd’s interest in Illan Meslier?

Whatever happens, it’s clear Erik ten Hag is on the lookout for another goalkeeper, and the Old Trafford side were linked with Leeds United player Illan Meslier back in December ahead of a potential move this year.

Journalist Pete O Rourke spoke to Football FanCast recently regarding the Frenchman and believes he could offer something different to that of De Gea, saying:

“Yeah, he’s got different qualities maybe from David De Gea, better with the ball at his feet, maybe better at starting attacks from playing out from the back as well.

“Still a young goalkeeper as well, relatively, when you look at his age, so he offers huge potential for development.

“But even at his age, he’s got a couple of good seasons now under his belt in the Premier League as well so that could only help him.”

Could Meslier replace David de Gea at Old Trafford?

The 22-year-old titan could certainly be a viable replacement for the United keeper, having played in the top flight for the previous 18 months and he’s still to hit his peak years.

He does have three years left on his current deal however and is said to be worth around £50m according to The Athletic’s ever-reliable journalist Phil Hay, meaning he certainly won’t come cheap for Ten Hag as he aims to continue his rebuild of the club.

It may just be worth it, however.

Last season, Meslier made the most saves (143) in the Premier League to help maintain the Whites’ status in the top flight, and with a better defence ahead of him at Old Trafford, he shouldn’t need to be called into action as often.

The youngster has received a Sofascore rating of 6.87/10 across 23 league matches this term, saving three shots per match at a success rate of 64%, while also completing 0.8 successful runouts per match, thus proving to be a reliable source of consistency across most goalkeeping facets.

He has averaged 37.2 touches per game, slightly more than De Gea (35.2), backing up O’Rourke’s claim that the Leeds star is perhaps better on the ball and capable of building attacks from the back.

Ten Hag is going to need a new goalkeeper sooner rather than later, regardless if the 32-year-old signs a new deal at United, and Meslier could be ideal for the club, especially with his limitless potential and the fact he fits the profile wanted by the Dutchman.

Leeds United fell to a 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon, with Chelsea claiming only their third victory in 16 matches as Javi Gracia’s side were unable to build upon the victory they claimed against bottom club Southampton last time out.

The Whites were good value against Chelsea, and produced a stoic display in west London, largely dampening the home side’s fire after weathering the early storm, with Graham Potter’s outfit charging like a ferocious bull in the early stages.

The Yorkshire outfit’s new boss will be pleased with how his side grew into the game, before being unravelled by £75m defender Wesley Fofana, who rose highest to find Ben Chilwell’s delivery and condemn Leeds to a 13th league defeat of the campaign.

Just one place and one point above the bottom three, Leeds will lament the missed opportunity to exacerbate their opponents’ woes and claim an invaluable victory to calm the boiling waters of their own perils.

And while it was a tricky afternoon for all involved, American midfielder Brenden Aaronson will be particularly disgruntled after an ineffective display at the heart of the pitch.

Was Aaronson out of sorts vs Chelsea?

The midfield trio of Aaronson alongside compatriots, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams was supposed to industriously counter the efforts of the home side, but Gracia’s strategy fell short and the hosts were, by-and-large, able to exert their authority in the centre of the park.

Aaronson was praised for how he “worked hard” by journalist Joe Donnohue, but ultimately, he came up short against the Blues, with another sports journalist stating that the USA ace needed more “guile”.

Leeds writer Beren Cross was candid in his assessment of the 22-year-old’s afternoon, remarking that the 28-cap star simply “didn’t lay a glove” on the opposition, having been withdrawn on the 68-minute mark following an ineffectual display.

As per Sofascore, Aaronson’s 6.3 rating bettered no other man on the field for either outfit, and he will hope for far more fruitful endeavours as the season approaches the business end.

The “stand-out” gem – as previously hailed by Noel Whelan – only completed 15 passes, while also making fewer touches than Illan Meslier between the sticks (42) and failing with both his attempted crosses, being dribbled past once and losing possession ten times.

Also winning just two of his seven total duels, Aaronson was not the robust and assiduous force Gracia would have hoped him to be against the west Londoners, and had the collective central efforts been a bit more robust, the result might have swayed in the Whites’ favour.

With the danger of the relegation zone troublingly a mere point away, Leeds will need to claim a few more victories to breathe easy.

And while the result held positives – United were compact and combative – the security of perching a few places ahead in the Premier League table remains outside the clutches of Gracia and co.

Arsenal fans have slammed the news that the FA are investigating their celebrations after Reiss Nelson’s late winner against Bournemouth.

The Lowdown: Investigation

Nelson’s last-minute winner in the 3-2 victory over Bournemouth sparked wild celebrations from the home side as they came back from 2-0 down to get all three points.

They kept themselves five points clear at the top of the table, with Manchester City beating Newcastle United 2-0 in the earlier kick-off.

However, it has been reported that the FA are investigating those celebrations as Arsenal players and staff ran onto the pitch, with referee Chris Kavanagh noting it to the governing body.

The Latest: Arsenal fans fuming

Taking to Twitter after the update was shared, Arsenal fans voiced their fume over the decision to investigate their celebrations:

“This is getting embarrassing now, the FA and it’s officials clearly can’t cope with us doing well and us overcoming everything they throw our way.” – @SimplyScalvini

“This has got to be a wind up.” – @Hugojha23

“The agenda is real TBH.” – @taophyc_AFC

“This is madness.” – @kendrickmclare1

“They are corrupt. They’re issuing out fines because we hurt their feelings. It’s disgusting.” – @marco4549

“Incredible this. After 3 penalties not given. A goal awarded that should have been ruled out and loads of time wasting, the ref reports this.” – @TheCockneyTurk

The Verdict: Enjoy the moment!

The Gunners needed to enjoy the moment of Nelson’s shot hitting the back of the net, which was the difference between three points and just one.

The goal could be a vital moment in the title race, and one that they look back on if they win the Premier League.

We have to be careful not to take the emotional side of out of the game, and so the FA and Kavanagh need to apply a little bit of common sense here.

After squandering a two-goal advantage to slump to a chastening 5-2 defeat at Anfield against Real Madrid three weeks ago, Liverpool’s prestigious European history and Champions League exploits under the tutelage of Jurgen Klopp left the devoting fanbase with a sliver of hope; a flame, refusing to quench at the heart of the storm.The fire in the Reds’ bellies was extinguished this time, however, with Liverpool’s struggling season compounded by the tame and tepid performance at the Santiago Bernabeu.So often under Klopp’s reign at the club has the city of Madrid been the crux of the European struggles – Liverpool did win the 2018/19 Champions League, the first major honour under the German manager – but have since fallen by the hand of Atletico Madrid in the ensuing campaign, now knocked out by Los Blancos for three successive seasons.Karim Benzema scored the solitary goal of the affair in Spain, capitalising on some questionable Reds defending as the game approached the closing stage, ending the already infinitesimal chance of a historic upset.For the majority of the second leg, it was a competitive affair that might’ve even been labelled enthralling had the aggregate score been level, both sides threatening, but with Carlo Ancelotti’s holding champions always looking the sharper, the deadlier, the higher in quality, bolstered by their lead, Liverpool came up short.

Was Alexander-Arnold at fault vs Real Madrid?

Rising through the youth ranks, perhaps Liverpool’s greatest homegrown talent since Steven Gerrard, Trent Alexander-Arnold has been a staple to all the success that Klopp has bestowed upon the vibrant red of Merseyside, and it is no coincidence that the silverware-laden chapter has been concurrent to the 24-year-old’s emergence.

Indeed, the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup have all been gleaned over past seasons, with the ball-playing master’s unparalleled vision and aptitude with his pinging deliveries cementing his stature as one of the leading creative forces in world football.

Having forged 262 appearances for Liverpool, his only club, the £180k-per-week dynamo has scored 15 goals and supplied 65 assists, ranking among the top 2% of full-backs in Europe for progressive passes and the top 3% for shot-creating actions, as per FBref.

But against Real, Alexander-Arnold’s defensive frailties were illuminated, with journalist Scott Saunders stating he was “taunted all night” against the likes of Vinicius Jr., who has comprehensively bested the 18-cap Englishman across recent years.

As per Sofascore, the former Kirkby graduate’s lowly match rating of 6.1 was the lowest from any player across either side, illustrating just how ineffective he was, nullified across every facet of his trade.

In the thick of the action with 79 touches, Alexander-Arnold did make one key pass and completed five of his ten crosses but did lose possession an almighty 22 times.

Having failed to come out on top in any of his seven duels either, he was simply not robust or combative enough to effectively contribute against the Champions League’s most illustrious outfit in Real Madrid.

More alarming, perhaps, is the fact that the ace was dribbled past on six occasions, bullied and belittled in his duties; for context, no other full-back on the pitch was dribbled past more than twice, with Alexander-Arnold branded a “training dummy” by Casey Evans, so inept was the defender against the imperious home faithful.

The fact that Andy Robertson was not dribbled past a single time on the alternating flank, winning both his ground duels, is evidence that the attacking left flank was the preferred avenue for Ancelotti’s side, a recipe served with success.

Diogo Jota was himself culpable for a poor performance, earning a 6.4 rating and being called “sloppy” by Neil Jones, and with Liverpool needing goals and failing to find the back of the net even once, a large portion of the blame certainly must lie with the offensive outlets.

But with Alexander-Arnold ostensibly the more dynamic and creative full-back in European football, on a night requiring a hero, Klopp’s phenom failed to deliver, and Liverpool’s last, albeit slim, chance of silverware slipped away as solemnly as the former intensity that has dissipated like dust in the wind.

Newcastle United are reportedly among the clubs showing interest in Paris Saint-Germain midfielder, Renato Sanches, with the Portuguese playmaker potentially set to be up for grabs this summer.

What's the latest on Sanches to Newcastle?

According to 90min, the Magpies are among a raft of Premier League clubs – including the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur – who are all said to 'appreciate' the 25-year-old's quality, with those top-flight sides all keen to be 'kept informed' regarding the player's future at the Parc des Princes.

That 'significent interest' from English clubs comes amid the suggestion that the former Lille man – who only made the switch to Paris during the summer – could be moved on at the end of the season, with the Ligue 1 giants already looking to cash in.

There had been claims made last year that the former Bayern Munich flop was of interest to the Tynesiders, prior to his eventual €15m (£12.5m) move to PSG in August.

Who could Sanches replace at Newcastle?

The midfield ranks do appear to be an area that the northeast side need to strengthen this summer, with the departure of Jonjo Shelvey to Nottingham Forest in January having left manager Eddie Howe rather thin on the ground in that department.

If the former Bournemouth boss is to turn to Sanches as a possible solution, the one-time Swansea City man could represent a possible upgrade on academy graduate Sean Longstaff in the centre of the park, despite the Englishman having been a regular fixture this season – starting 22 top-flight games thus far.

While the PSG man has endured a difficult campaign to date – after starting just three league games under Christophe Galtier – the £154k-per-week machine remains a truly top-drawer asset with elite-level experience under his belt, having previously played his part in Portugal's European Championship triumph in 2016 – being named the Young Player of the Tournament in that competition.

For all his woes this term, the Lisbon native is still a gifted individual with the ball at his feet as he ranks in the top 3% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for progressive passes and in the top 10% for progressive carries, as well as in the top 7% for pass completion.

Longstaff, by contrast, is far less effective in an attacking sense, as he ranks in just the bottom 28%, the bottom 17% and the bottom 37% for the same three metrics, respectively, having been unable to truly provide that ball-playing, creative presence in Howe's side.

Equally, despite standing at just 5 foot 9, Sanches is a combative and "powerful" operator in the centre of the park – according to pundit Kevin Campbell – having previously been hailed as a "great ball carrier" and someone who "players bounce off" due to his physical prowess (as per Campbell).

Such dynamism could provide Newcastle with that extra sprinkling of quality next season as they aim to kick on once again, with Longstaff no doubt set to be fearing for his place if a deal can be agreed.

Chelsea slipped to a 2-2 draw against Everton on Saturday evening to end their run of successive victories under Graham Potter.

The Blues played well against Sean Dyche's side but were undone by two moments of poor defending, with Ellis Simms' late equaliser generating some more pressure on Potter.

However, it wasn't all doom and gloom for Chelsea as they scored twice and looked dangerous throughout against an organised Everton side, with Ben Chilwell impressing once again at left wing-back.

How did Ben Chilwell play against Everton?

As per Sofascore, the former Leicester City man would earn a superb 7.9/10 rating for his performance, which ranked him as the best Chelsea player to feature in the game.

During the 90 minutes, the 26-year-old defender was a constant threat down the left-hand side, which Everton were "really struggling to contain" – as per the Express' Joe Krishnan. Indeed, the full-back contributed five successful crosses, four key passes and two successful dribbles.

On average in the Premier League this season, Chilwell has managed just 0.9 crosses, 0.8 key passes and 0.3 dribbles per game, emphasising just how good he was against Everton on Saturday.

Funnily enough, it was actually one of his inaccurate crosses that led to a goal, with his ball in from the left being cut out before falling to Joao Felix who found the back of the net from the edge of the area.

He would also impress from a defensive perspective, winning 70% of his duels, contributing two interceptions and one clearance in the 90 minutes, which again is an improvement on his average of 0.8 interceptions and 0.9 clearances per game in the top flight so far this campaign.

This level of performance is nothing new with the defender having impressed a great deal under former boss, Thomas Tuchel, who was full of praise for the England international last season after a strong run of form as a left wing-back, the position he's now being deployed in by Potter.

Tuchel said: "[He is] very important, very important position in the system we play.

"Very important part of the position is to arrive in the box and to create a goal threat from that position. Not to just be the ball-possession guy on the side and to be responsible for ball control. This is what we want and what we demand.

"I'm happy that Chilly is growing into his full potential and pushing the limits constantly because it fits, in my opinion, pretty perfectly in his player profile."

The 26-year-old defender has earned above a 7/10 rating from WhoScored in each of the last four games so it seems clear that he is also becoming an important member of Potter's squad.

Once again, the key for the talented left-back is staying injury-free, as Chelsea look like a far better outfit with him and Reece James at their creative best in the wing-back roles.