Over the last decade, Manchester United have gone from Premier League winners to a side struggling to gain a top-four place in England's top flight, with poor decisions off the pitch continuously catching up on the Red Devils. Those decisions could finally be coming to an end, however, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe's pending investment edges ever closer.

With his arrival, United may well find themselves making several changes from the very top to the bottom of the club and that could include some ruthless dismissals. Among those could be a staff member who has been at the club since 2013.

Ratcliffe to sack Man Utd man

The best way to avoid the continuation of the decisions that put them in their current position may well be through starting afresh with new personnel in charge at the club. United must bring an end to what has been a nightmare chapter in an otherwise successful Premier League history. Ratcliffe will hope that his arrival signals the start of things turning around and reports suggest that he won't be shy when it comes to making ruthless choices.

Related Man Utd could look to sign "extraordinary" star who loves David Beckham

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According to Football Insider reporter Wayne Veysey, Ratcliffe is set to sack Manchester United sporting director John Murtough after a decade at the club. Murtough initially started at the club in 2013 as the academy director, before landing the role of United's first-ever football director in 2021. His responsibility as football director has involved the appointment of managers and new signings.

This means that Murtough played a part in the hiring of Erik ten Hag and the arrival of the likes of Antony, Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount. It remains to be seen just who Ratcliffe will bring in to replace Murtough.

Murtough to get Man Utd axe

When it comes to recent arrivals, United have struggled to get it right under Ten Hag. The Red Devils splashed out to reach Antony's price tag, only for the winger to struggle. Antony's stats have reflected poorly on the likes of Murtough, with the former Ajax man scoring just eight goals in 53 appearances throughout his United career so far. Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho's stats have been similarly disappointing, given that he's only managed just 12 goals in 82 appearances.

United's recruitment issue is something that Ratcliffe is clearly keen to address, with Murtough reportedly facing the axe. It remains to be seen just who comes in, however, with the importance of a top sporting director growing every week. We've seen the likes of Dan Ashworth make impressive impacts on Newcastle United, who are now competing in the Champions League and a place in the Premier League's top four.

If the Red Devils are to avoid being left behind, then handing Ten Hag players capable of slotting straight into his system will be crucial, perhaps starting with improving an attack which has managed just 13 Premier League goals this season.

Celtic finally return to action after the last international break of 2024 as they host Motherwell at Parkhead in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.

The Hoops have had two weeks to enjoy their 6-0 thumping of Aberdeen in Glasgow prior to the break and Brendan Rodgers will be hoping for a similar performance and result this weekend.

A win would send the Scottish giants 11 points clear of second place, albeit having played two more matches, and could be a confidence-booster ahead of the Champions League tie with Lazio in midweek.

Despite the comprehensive victory last time out, Rodgers could look to make some alterations to the starting XI and here is our predicted Celtic team to face Motherwell…

1 Joe Hart

Between the sticks, Joe Hart could start as he goes in search of his seventh clean sheet of the Premiership campaign, after recording his sixth against Aberdeen.

The former England international has saved 74% of the shots against his goal across 12 top-flight appearances for the Hoops so far this season.

2 Alistair Johnston

At right-back, the Canadian talent could line up in defence after his solid display for the Scottish giants before the break. He played the full 90 minutes and won 100% (2/2) of his duels.

Alistair Johnston will be looking for his first goal contribution of the league campaign on Saturday as the forward-thinking gem is yet to register a goal or an assist, despite creating two 'big chances' in ten appearances.

3 Cameron Carter-Vickers

At the heart of the defence, Cameron Carter-Vickers after a dominant performance last time out against the Dons. The USA international completed 96% of his attempted passes and won 100% (2/2) of his ground duels during the match.

He has started seven league matches for Celtic and could line up next to a different central defensive partner on Saturday afternoon…

4 Gustaf Lagerbielke

The first change that could be made to the XI could be to bring Gustaf Lagerbielke in to start alongside the former Tottenham Hotspur prospect.

His last appearance, interestingly, came against Motherwell at the end of September but he recently played for the B Team and Rodgers could finally unleash him after that fitness exercise.

Sofascore rating

6.9

Duels won

Six

Pass success rate

85%

Tackles made

Two

Clearances

One

Lagerbielke, whose passing was once described as "impressive" by journalist Ryan McGinlay, has won an eye-catching 87% of his ground duels across five Premiership appearances and could come in to start ahead of Liam Scales, who could be rested ahead of the Champions League clash with Lazio.

5 Greg Taylor

At left-back, Rodgers may stick with Greg Taylor as the Scotland international has started every single league match for the club so far during the 2023/24 campaign.

The 26-year-old defender has created three 'big chances' for his teammates and been rewarded with one assist for his marauding efforts from the back.

6 Callum McGregor

The skipper – Callum McGregor – could keep his slot in the middle of the park barring any late fitness issues. He has started all 13 of the club's league matches so far this season.

Celtic's experienced leader completed 94% of his attempted passes and won 100% of his duels across the 90 minutes last time out for the Hoops.

7 David Turnbull

Another change to the XI could be for David Turnbull to return to the team ahead of Norwegian midfielder Odin Thiago Holm, who failed to create any chances and lost 75% of his duels in 55 minutes against Aberdeen.

The Scotland international came off the bench to replace him and got his name on the scoresheet. He is now on six goals and four 'big chances' created in ten Premiership outings, which illustrates the impact the talented whiz can have at the top end of the pitch.

Turnbull has the quality to be a difference-maker with his ability to score and assist goals from a number eight position and should be brought in ahead of Holm after an underwhelming display from the summer signing.

8 Matt O'Riley

The third and final central midfield spot could go to Matt O'Riley after yet another sublime display from the Denmark U21 international against Aberdeen.

He produced two assists and created five chances for his teammates to take his tally to six goals and five assists in the Premiership so far this season.

9 Hyun-jun Yang

On the right of the front three, Hyun-jun Yang could keep his place after an impressive showing last time out. He scored his first goal for Celtic with a well-positioned header from Luis Palma's cross to make it 1-0 within nine minutes.

The South Korean starlet went on to complete six of his seven attempted dribbles and could use his dancing feet to excite supporters once again on Saturday.

10 Hyeon-gyu Oh

Through the middle, Rodgers could ditch Kyogo Furuhashi and reward Hyeon-gyu Oh for his exceptional goalscoring cameo against Aberdeen.

The South Korea international came off the bench to net twice in stoppage time, which took his tally to three goals and two 'big chances' missed in ten appearances and one start in the top-flight this season.

Kyogo, meanwhile, has scored six goals and missed six 'big chances' in 12 league starts for the Hoops so far this term. He scored one goal and missed one 'big chance' in 52 minutes of action before a worrying clash of heads forced him to be withdrawn during the second half of play.

Starting Oh in his place could provide the second choice centre-forward with a huge chance to impress whilst also providing the Japan international with the opportunity to rest on the bench ahead of the clash with Lazio next week.

The Sri Lanka spinner is required to undergo testing on his action within 14 days, but can bowl in international cricket until the results of the tests are out

ESPNcricinfo staff11-Nov-2018

Akila Dananjaya bowls in the nets•AFP

Sri Lanka offspinner Akila Dananjaya has been reported for a suspect bowling action following the first Test against England in Galle.He is required to undergo testing on his action within 14 days, but can bowl in international cricket until the results of the tests are out, the ICC said.The second Test against England begins on November 14 in Pallekele, so Dananjaya will be eligible to bowl in that match if selected to play. He took only two wickets in the first Test in Galle.Dananjaya, 25, has played four Tests, 30 ODIs and 16 T20Is for Sri Lanka since his international debut in September 2012.

Liverpool will inevitably target new additions in 2024, having impressed thus far during the 2023/24 season after an industrial midfield rebuild in the summer, though still not quite at full throttle.

Jurgen Klopp's side's midfield issues were exposed against Luton Town last weekend, with a lack of specialist defensive options inhibiting a possible title charge, while Andy Robertson's injury several weeks ago has underscored the need for left-sided reinforcements on the backline.

The frontline is in better shape, but could still welcome some exciting young talent to enrich the ranks and maintain Liverpool's attacking fluency across multiple fronts, and a rising star appears to have been earmarked.

Liverpool transfer news – Assane Diao

According to reports in Spain, via Sport Witness, Real Betis winger Assane Diao is on Liverpool's radar after an impressive start to the season in LaLiga, though the Reds will face stiff competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea and Newcastle United.

The report mentions that the listed suitors have all made separate approaches over the past weeks, with Diao having 'dazzled' the Betis supporters with his electric displays.

Aged just 18, the Spain U21 international is reported to have a €30m (£26m) release clause embedded into his contract, with manager Manuel Pellegrini actively seeking to tie up fresh terms that will elevate that amount to €40m (£35m).

Assane Diao's style of play

Joining the Real Betis academy from Cadiz in 2021, Diao was originally slated for a central midfield role but maintained a level of attacking prowess that simply couldn't go unnoticed, prompting a move toward the left channel.

Having now scored four goals across his first ten professional appearances with his Spanish side, Diao is proving that decision right, possessing a natural eye for goal that has alerted the prestigious English clubs. Indeed, in total this term he has already found the net six times.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 23% for successful take-ons, the top 18% for tackles, the top 11% for interceptions, the top 1% for blocks and the top 6% for aerial wins per 90.

So what does this mean? Diao's natural predatory instinct is highlighted, striking at an age-belying rate so far, and while his goalscoring steals the headlines, he is progressive and tenacious in his application across the park.

Such skills could be a welcome addition to Liverpool's attacking options, with Luis Diaz certainly of a similar mould in his barrelling, breakneck motions toward the byline, having scored four goals from nine starts this term to emphasise his effectiveness.

With his shooting skills, Diao could benefit immensely from a dynamic centre-forward such as Darwin Nunez beside him in the frontline, with the Uruguayan striker hailed as an “agent of chaos” by journalist Theo Squires for the kaleidoscope of offensive tools he brings to the table.

Having posted seven goals and four assists already this season, Nunez ranks among the top 11% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 18% for shot-creating actions and the top 6% for progressive carries per 90, emphasising his surging skills.

The £140k-per-week star is a dream for a rising talent of Diao's ilk to play alongside, and would only serve to enhance his skills on Merseyside.

Diao has been described as "sharp" and "intelligent" by journalist Josh Bunting and certainly looks to be a prospect worth investing in; given the riches Klopp possesses in an attacking regard already, he would find the perfect platform to continue his development at Anfield.

كشف محسن عبد المسيح عضو مجلس إدارة نادي الإسماعيلي، موقف النادي من استكمال بطولة كأس مصر للموسم الحالي 2023-2024.

اتحاد الكرة كان قد أعلن عن إقامة مباريات دور الـ 16 من منافسات كأس مصر، في الفترة من 8 أغسطس حتى 21 من الشهر ذاته.

واجتمع اتحاد الكرة المصري مع الأندية أمس الثلاثاء، من أجل منافشة موقف الأندية من المشاركة في بطولة كأس مصر.

طالع | مصدر باتحاد الكرة يوضح موقف الأندية من استكمال بطولة كأس مصر

وقال عبد المسيح خلال تصريحات لبرنامج “الهدف” المذاع على قناة أون تايم سبورت 2 :”اتحاد الكرة قرر أن بطولة كأس مصر ستلعب، الأهلي ومودرن لم يحضرا الاجتماع ومعهما سموحة، وفاركو اعتذر عن الحضور”.

وأضاف: “الزمالك والمصري قالا نفس الأسباب أن لديهما لاعبين مجهدين، لم يقولا إنهما لا يريدان لعب الكأس، اتحاد الكرة له الحق الأصيل في تحديد مصير بطولة الكأس”.

وواصل: “بطولة كأس مصر توجد بها أمور تسويقية، ولا يستطيع الاتحاد أن يقوم بالغاء البطولة، وجهة نظري الشخصي أن تلعب بطولة كأس مصر بدون الدوليين”.

طالع | خاص | موقف الأهلي من المشاركة في كأس مصر

وأكمل: “نحن كنادي الإسماعيلي لا يوجد في أيدينا أن نرفض، الموضوع كأس استثنائي، من أيام كورونا ونحن في مواسم استثنائية”.

ومن جانب آخر، أوضح عضو مجلس إدارة الإسماعيلي موقف الدراويش من رحيل اللاعب عمر الساعي: “نحن كمجلس إدارة لا يوجد لدينا أي مشكلة في الاستثمار في لاعب، لكن يجب أن يدرس ذلك بشكل جيد، كل هذه الأمور تكون على طاولة المجلس وتطرح ونرى الأصلح للإسماعيلي ونفعله”.

وأردف: “لا يوجد عرض مقدم من الأهلي والزمالك وبيراميدز لضم عمر الساعي، نحن نفضل أن يكون عرضا من خارج مصر”.

وأستمر: “إياد العسقلاني المحترف في نادي روستوف نا دونو الروسي، يوجد شرط في عقده يمنعه من اللعب في مصر غير الإسماعيلي قبل موسمين”.

PSG and Barcelona denied interviews with Movistar due to a racist remark from Diego Simeone's former assistant on live TV.

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German "Mono" Burgos made an insensitive comment about YamalHas since been fired by Movistar, issued an apologyServed as Simeone's assistant in Madrid from 2011-2020WHAT HAPPENED?

The two clubs denied interview requests from Spanish televison station Movistar+ after their Champions League quarter-final matchup at Parc des Princes on Wednesday. Burgos, a long-time Spanish football personality and analyst, made a remark about Yamal after the winger turned in a star showing in Paris.

AdvertisementWHAT BURGOS SAID

Burgos made a comment deemed racist and classist on live TV: "If football doesn't work out for [Yamal], he can end up [working] at a traffic light."

WHAT MOVISTAR SAID

The network later explained Barca's absence from the show: "I understand many of you want to hear from Barca players and coaches, but UEFA, PSG and Barca have informed us they will not speak to us because they are angry with a comment made in the studio before the game," Movistar reporter Ricardo Sierra explained. "Therefore, there won't be any reaction, so I apologise from here, as we should go back in the studio."

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Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

On Thursday, Movistar announced that Burgos had been fired with immediate effect, and released a statement articulating that they: "condemn any type of discrimination and will not allow these types of comments from any of the employees or collaborators linked to the platform."

Pakistan celebrate Glenn Phillips’ wicket•AFP

For all of ten glorious overs – and it was glorious, no matter who one supported – it seemed like Kane Williamson would single-handedly snap Pakistan’s T20I winning streak. With Colin Munro and Colin de Grandhomme dismissed early in a chase of 167, and the Powerplay almost over, this looked like a stroll for Pakistan. It ended up being every bit the stroll it appeared at that point, with Pakistan winning by 47 runs, but Williamson gave them an almighty scare in the middle. He smashed – caressed, really – 60 runs off 38 balls in a manner so classical you’d feel blessed to see it in a Test match. It wrested the advantage back in New Zealand’s favour, but once he holed out to long-on off Shadab Khan, the tourists went back to being the side they had looked before their captain had sprinkled his class over the contest. They lost their last eight wickets for 23 runs, and Pakistan had yet another well-deserved clean sweep to their name.This was not to be the close contest the first two games had been, even though New Zealand made an excellent start. Seth Rance found the sort of prodigious swing no bowler had managed all season, and Fakhar Zaman was particularly discomfited. Pakistan manged just 33 runs in the first six, with Zaman dismissed following an ugly hoick to the offside, ensuring the left-hander’s poor run in Asia continued.It was Babar Azam, inevitably, who got his side back on course. Needing 48 runs to overtake Virat Kohli to become the fastest to 1000 T20I runs, he began to take control of the overs immediately following the Powerplay, picking up the run rate alongside the in-form Mohammad Hafeez. Just as this pair had done for much of the T20I series against Australia, the pair was responsible for the bulk of the runs scored in the Pakistan innings, the partnership adding 96 off 64 deliveries. For the first time in six games, Pakistan knocked themselves out of the magnetic field that seems to hold them within the 145-160 range, a late flourish ensuring they set the tourists 167 to chase.Hafeez was the man they had to thank for that flourish, with the 38-year old seamlessly taking over once Babar was dismissed for 79. That is usually the point at which Pakistan innings have stuttered of late, but four boundaries in the following seven balls that New Zealand bowled to Hafeez and Shoaib Malik went for four. The momentum thus remained unequivocally with Pakistan, who carried it right throughout the innings.They held onto it at the change of innings, and struck New Zealand a hammer blow with the wicket of Colin Munro in the second over. Faheem Ashraf, who had borne the brunt of his belligerence in the previous match, knocked back his middle stump as Munro cleared his front leg, and the flying start he had provided to New Zealand in the first two games would have to be made up for elsewhere.With Glenn Phillips still struggling, and Colin de Grandhomme carelessly run out Williamson took up the responsibility. Never a big hitter, he was relentlessly inventive in the way he found his boundaries, from lapping the fast bowler over fine leg to delicate touches that beat third man. Even when he danced – and it really did look that graceful – down the wicket to loft the ball out of the ground, they looked more like drives than slogs. The only thing about him that looked like a modern T20 player was his strike rate.But with no support coming from the other end, it would require a one-man effort if New Zealand were to deny Pakistan a clean sweep. Once he was dismissed, Pakistan immediately reverted to being the side that beats the opposition into the ground, and they did that with devastating efficiency. Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim and debutant Waqas Maqsood each took two wickets in an over as they scorched their way through the middle and lower order, and within 25 balls of Williamson’s departure, the innings was over.That is what Pakistan have reduced oppositions to at the moment. Passages of ascendancy. The prospect of a team extending that passage to the point it becomes a match-winning one continues to remain elusive, as the home side cap another hugely successful year in the format; they have lost just two T20Is in 2018.What seems most predictable at the moment is arguably cricket’s most unpredictable side winning in the sport’s most unpredictable format. Who would have predicted that?

Casemiro has revealed how Manchester United's performances this season are giving him sleepless nights.

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• Casemiro experiencing sleepless nights
• Shares advice for Man Utd players
• Team eleven points behind fourth-placed Spurs

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The experienced Brazilian midfielder has advised his colleagues to not get distracted by the title race or securing a Champions League spot at the moment and instead adopt a 'day-to-day' mentality. United have failed to secure a win in their last three Premier League games despite having been ahead in all all three matches.

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• WHAT CASEMIRO SAID

  Speaking to , the former Real Madrid star said, "It's difficult. This is the point that bothers me most about not fighting for titles. Being 20 points behind first place. Sometimes, I can't even sleep to try to think about doing something different. It's reality. There's no point in thinking about title or Champions League places, we need to think about today's games.

  "We need to think about the day to day, we had the opportunity to score nine points in the last few games and we scored two. We were upset. We have to think game by game and focus on the next match, against Bournemouth.

  "The game [vs. Liverpool] was very fast-paced and well played. A classic. We were playing against one of the leaders of the competition and who is going through a good moment. We responded well. Both teams had opportunities. The game was good. At home we are strong, but we played against a great team. We have to think about the next match."

• Getty
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Red Devils staged a brilliant comeback in the second half against the Reds on Sunday after Luis Diaz handed the visitors the lead at Old Trafford. Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Maioo's brilliant strikes had put the hosts in front, however, Aaron Wan-Bissaka's foul on Harvey Elliott towards the end of the game allowed Mohamed Salah to score from the penalty spot and salvage a point for Jurgen Klopp's side.

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• Getty Images
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  Erik ten Hag's side, who are currently 11 points behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, will next take on Bournemouth in an important Premier League fixture on Saturday.

MatériaMais Notícias

O futuro do argentino Martín Benítez está cada vez mais distante do Vasco. Nesta quarta-feira, o Independiente, clube do atleta, recusou renovar o empréstimo do argentino com o Cruz-Maltino, ideia inicial do novo presidente Jorge Salgado. A direção dos Rojos só aceita negociar em definitivo 60% do passe do jogador, algo inviável para o clube carioca neste momento financeiro conturbado. A informação foi inicialmente divulgada pelo site ‘Esporte News Mundo’

+Confira e simule a classificação do Campeonato Brasileiro

RelacionadasVascoDois desfalcam, quatro podem voltar. Que Vasco Ricardo Sá Pinto deve escalar contra o Athletico-PR?Vasco22/12/2020VascoSem renovação, Ribamar não treina e deixa o Vasco; confira nota do clubeVasco22/12/2020VascoSete juniores participam de coletivo do Vasco no CT do AlmiranteVasco22/12/2020

O vínculo do atleta com o Vasco termina no próximo dia 31 e o clube tem o direito de adquirir60% dos direitos econômicos por US$ 4 milhões (R$ 20,5 milhões). O atual mandatário Alexandre Campello chegou a negociar e acatar o pagamento, porém, travou a transação em virtude do turbulento período eleitoral do clube.

Com a definição do novo presidente no último dia 17, Jorge Salgado concedeu uma entrevista coletiva na segunda e afirmou que deseja manter Benítez, porém não de maneira definitiva, mas sim tentando prorrogar o seu empréstimo inicialmente até o fimaté o fim do Campeonato Brasileiro, em fevereiro. A opção foi descartada pelo Independiente, que decretou o fim da negociação e o jogador deve retornar à Argentina já na próxima semana.

Dessa forma, existem sondagens de alguns clubes brasileiros pelo meia argentino como:Palmeiras, Santos, Grêmio e Atlético-MG.O argentino, de 26 anos, chegou ao Vasco em fevereiro, disputou 26 partidas e marcou dois gols. Ao lado do compatriota Germán Cano, o jogador foi um dos destaques do Gigante da Colina no ano e era um desejo da torcida a sua permanência.

Cabe salientar que resta apenas uma partida para o Vasco disputar em 2020. No domingo, a equipe entra em campo diante doAthletico-PR, às 18h15 (de Brasília), na Arena da Baixada. Contudo, o argentino sentiu dores na panturrilha esquerda, desfalcou o time contra o Santos, e não deve estar à disposição do técnico português Ricardo Sá Pinto.

Leeds United have enjoyed an impressive start to life back in the Championship this season under German head coach Daniel Farke, who replaced Sam Allardyce over the summer.

The Whites were relegated from the Premier League, after three years at the top table of English football, earlier this year and are now looking to bounce straight back up.

They are currently sitting in third place in the division and have only lost three of their opening 14 matches as the new manager has been able to get the feel-good factor back at Elland Road.

The summer transfer window was crucial for the Yorkshire-based outfit as they were able to bring in a host of fresh recruits to revitalise the squad.

Joel Piroe, Jaidon Anthony, Karl Darlow, Ethan Ampadu, Glen Kamara Ilia Gruev, Sam Byram, Joe Rodon, and Djed Spence were all brought in, either on loan or permanently.

However, if reports are to be believed, Leeds are already looking at ways to improve their group of players when the January transfer window opens for business.

Leeds transfer news – Jhon Arias

TEAMtalk have reported that the Whites are one of a number of clubs showing an interest in Fluminense forward Jhon Arias with just under two months to go before the next window.

The outlet has claimed that Premier League sides Crystal Palace, Wolves, Leicester, Burnley, and West Ham have all sent scouts to watch the talented gem, alongside Leeds.

Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers and fellow Championship outfit Leicester City are also named among the teams eyeing a possible January move for the 26-year-old whiz.

This shows that Farke and Leeds look set to face significant competition for his signature as they may have to convince him to turn down top-flight clubs who could offer him Premier League football, as well as the Foxes – who are top of the second tier and 14 points clear of the Whites.

It is stated that his current contract with the Brazilian side is due to expire in 2026 but he could be available for a transfer at the start of next year. Although, there is no mention of how much it would cost to secure his services.

Leeds transfer news – Wilfried Gnonto

Amid the club's interest in Arias, there has been a fresh report on Wilfried Gnonto and clubs eyeing him up ahead of the January transfer window.

TEAMtalk have claimed that Serie A sides Lazio and Roma are two of the latest teams to consider a move to sign the talented teenager at the start of next year.

It states that Everton have also retained an interest in the Italy international, who is now valued at £25m, after they failed to snap him up over the summer.

Gnonto wants to play Premier League football and the outlet reports that he agreed a deal to join the Toffees before Leeds pulled the plug and opted against allowing him to move on.

The 19-year-old ace also went on strike in an attempt to force a transfer to Goodison Park but the Whites dug their heels in and were able to keep hold of the young gem.

However, the January window could provide the club with an opportunity to finally cash in on him after an underwhelming start to the season, and Arias could come in as a dream replacement for the ex-Inter prospect.

Gnonto's season in numbers

The drop down to the Championship provided Gnonto with a chance to hit his stride at Elland Road and showcase his quality on a consistent basis at a lower level, in comparison to the Premier League.

However, the versatile forward has not been able to do that as he has only contributed with one goal and one assist in eight league outings for the club this term – starting six of those games.

He has missed two 'big chances' in front of goal and has not created a single 'big chance' for his teammates in his time on the pitch so far this season.

This less-than-impressive form comes off the back of his return of two goals and four assists in 24 top-flight matches for the Whites throughout the 2022/23 campaign.

The Italian dynamo has not been able to provide goals and assists on a regular basis at Premier League or Championship level so far and Farke could improve his side in the present by cashing in on Gnonto and signing Arias.

The statistics that show why Arias could replace Gnonto

He is seven years older than the Leeds gem and is, therefore, more experienced and refined as a player, which means that there could be a greater short-term impact on the pitch, although the potential and room to improve may not be as big given the age gap.

Arias has the quality to provide goals and assists with regularity if he can translate his form in Brazil over to the Championship during the second half of this season.

Since the start of the 2022 campaign, the 26-year-old whiz has scored an impressive 12 goals and assisted 13 in 57 Serie A matches for Fluminense.

Statistic	Arias in the 2023 Serie A (via Sofascore)
Sofascore rating	7.08
Appearances	24
Goals	Five
Assists	Three

During the 2022 season, Arias contributed with seven goals, ten assists, and 15 'big chances' created in 31 league matches, alongside 2.2 key passes per match.

Only Georgino Rutter (2.5) and Crysencio Summerville (2.6) have created more chances per game in the Championship for Leeds this season than the Colombia international managed last year.

The Fluminense ace has showcased his creativity on a regular basis in Brazil and has proven himself to be a fantastic attacking option at that level.

He is also a versatile player, like Gnonto, who can operate in any position across the frontline. However, the left flank is where the talented hotshot has played the majority of his football to date.

This suggests that, from a positional perspective, Arias would be a dream replacement for the Italian teenager as he can be deployed in a variety of roles in attack to cover where needed.

His aforementioned statistics in comparison to Gnonto's form this season also indicate that the Leeds target could be an upgrade for Farke's team if the 5 foot 6 magician can hit the ground running in England, which is why this could be a fantastic piece of business by the club.