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Manchester United could well have identified a potential, long-term centre-forward solution ahead of the summer transfer window, amid reports that manager Erik ten Hag is eyeing a move for Red Bull Salzburg sensation, Benjamin Sesko.

What’s the latest on Benjamin Sesko to Man Utd?

According to Football Insider, the Red Devils are currently ‘keeping tabs’ on the 19-year-old striker with one eye on a potential swoop in the coming months, despite the teenager having previously agreed to join sister club RB Leipzig on a £21m deal next season.

As ESPN previously outlined, however, the German outfit could be inclined to instantly part ways with the Slovenian marksman if they do receive a big offer this summer, hence opening the door for United to pounce.

There had been reports last year that suggested the Old Trafford outfit were keen on striking a deal for the 6 foot 5 powerhouse, while The Athletic also previously revealed that the Premier League giants had opted against securing the player’s signature for just £2.5m back in 2019, as the fee was deemed ‘excessive’.

Could Man Utd repeat their Erling Haaland error?

Talk of signing an exciting, teenage forward from Salzburg will no doubt send shivers down the spine of some at the Theatre of Dreams, with the club having previously missed out on acquiring Erling Haaland from the Austrian side in the recent past.

The Norwegian giant had burst onto the scene after scoring eight goals in his first six Champions League group stage appearances for the Bundesliga side back in 2019, with United having been linked with a move in the following January window.

Despite the prolific gem’s links to his former Molde boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – who had recommended the youngster to those back in Manchester years earlier – Haaland ultimately opted to join Borussia Dortmund at the start of 2020, before sealing a £51m move to rivals Manchester City last summer.

United have since had to watch the 22-year-old net 27 goals already this season in the league alone – with three of those coming in the 6-3 derby defeat at the Etihad – with it undoubtedly set to sting that they could not get a deal wrapped up when they potentially had the chance.

The aim now, however, will be to avenge that blunder by snapping up Sesko ahead of next season, with the towering asset already showing signs that he could potentially emulate the current City star, having provided 29 goal involvements in only 67 games for Salzburg.

The 17-cap hotshot had also previously bagged 22 goals in just 44 games while on loan at lower league side FC Liefering, having been lauded as something of a “machine man” in front of goal by talent scout, Jacek Kulig.

Also described as a “complete forward” by Kulig, the one-time Domzale youth star has unsurprisingly earned comparisons to the aforementioned Haaland due to his physical stature and finishing prowess, with the player himself commenting on that likeness:

“My team-mates at the club tell me that Haaland and I are very similar, especially in terms of speed. Most of them even tell me that I’m better than him!”

With Ten Hag and co craving a solution to their number nine woes – with Anthony Martial frequently ruled out through injury – then turning to Sesko could prove a dream scenario for the former Ajax boss, such is the forward’s undoubted potential.

Having let Haaland slip through their fingers, the Old Trafford hierarchy can’t make the same mistake again.

Manchester United have enjoyed a sparkling run of form since December, losing just once in 14 matches and Erik ten Hag looks like he could be bringing back the feel-good factor to Old Trafford.

How long is Christian Eriksen out for?

Despite this good run of form, the recent injury to Christian Eriksen is a blow that could dampen Ten Hag’s otherwise confident mood, with the Dane performing well since joining the club last summer.

The 30-year-old playmaker is set for a three-month stint on the sidelines after suffering a serious ankle injury from Andy Carroll’s reckless lunge on him during the Red Devils’ 3-1 victory over Reading in the FA Cup at the end of January.

Can Kobbie Mainoo replace Eriksen at Man United?

The Red Devils proceeded to sign Marcel Sabitzer on loan from Bayern Munich to cover Eriksen’s absence, however, the Dutchman may well ease the blow by unleashing a young talent from the academy who has the potential to eventually secure a regular first-team slot – Kobbie Mainoo.

The 17-year-old starlet has recently signed a new long-term contract with United, suggesting there is a clear pathway to the first team for the talented youngster, although that may come sooner rather than later.

He joined the club aged nine and has made steady progress through the age levels before getting his big chance under Ten Hag this season.

The young box-to-box midfielder has been named on the bench at various times during the campaign, however, it wasn’t until the League Cup tie against Charlton at the start of the year that he made his debut, before a cameo appearance off the bench against Reading in the FA Cup two weeks ago.

Analyst Statman Dave was “impressed” by his performance in the FA Cup, while journalist Samuel Luckhurst dubbed the youngster as “dominant” last year and he was part of the team that won the FA Youth Cup for the first time since 2011 with a 3-1 victory in the final over Nottingham Forest.

Alejandro Garnacho stole the show by scoring twice, although Mainoo played an integral part in the middle of the United midfield, keeping everything together and dictating the play and this led journalist Rhys Jones to declare the pair as the “future” of Man United.

Six goals and four assists from a midfield berth during his time at U18 and U21 level is certainly encouraging and Eriksen’s injury woes could be a blessing in disguise for the Dutchman, who may have no choice but to turn to youth, especially with the fixture congestion that the Old Trafford side face over the coming months.

From Sir Matt Busby to Sir Alex Ferguson, the staple of Man United has been via the youth system and the future certainly looks bright under Ten Hag, which will give Mainoo a major confidence boost.

Leeds United have now reached an agreement with Juventus to sign Weston McKennie, according to Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: McKennie speculation

The Whites have been heavily linked with a move for the midfielder in recent days, making first contact over a potential move on Tuesday. Speculation has gathered pace relatively quickly since then, with personal terms being agreed with the USA international early on.

It seemed at first that a permanent transfer was being negotiated, but it looks as if the two clubs have come to an agreement which will see the 24-year-old move to Elland Road on an initial loan deal.

The Latest: Breakthrough

David Ornstein and Leeds correspondent Hay shared an update for The Athletic on Saturday, shortly after the club’s FA Cup win over Accrington Stanley.

They claimed that a ‘verbal agreement’ has been reached which will see McKennie join Leeds on loan, with the Whites having the option to make the move permanent in the summer.

Fabrizio Romano believes that there will be a €1.2m (£1m) loan fee, with a purchase option of €33m (£29m) plus add-ons.

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The Verdict: Good news

A new midfielder appeared to be needed this month after Andrea Radrizzani and the 49ers already bolstered Jesse Marsch’s options at the back and up top by signing Max Wober and Georginio Rutter.

Mateusz Klich left Yorkshire for the MLS earlier this month, so McKennie looks set to come in and rival the likes of Tyler Adams and Marc Roca.

Hailed as a ‘monster in the air’ by football writer Wes Rucker, the 24-year-old can play as a holding, central or right midfielder and has made 18 starts for Juventus this season, so this can be viewed as a coup by Leeds chiefs, especially given their current position in the Premier League.

He has mainly been used as a central midfielder in recent months, so Marsch may even look at a line-up which includes all three of McKennie, Adams and Roca, although that could mean leaving out a more attacking player, with Leeds well-stocked when it comes to options in the final third.

West Bromwich Albion have been dealt a blow with the news that Matt Phillips is set to be out injured for around six weeks, according to journalist Joe Chapman.

The Lowdown: Phillips’ importance to West Brom

The 31-year-old has continued to be an important figure for the Baggies this season, appearing 25 times in the Championship and starting 14 matches.

Phillips has chipped in with two goals and two assists in the league, with Chapman saluting the Scotland international’s ‘outstanding’ crossing ability just last week.

Carlos Corberan’s side were beaten 2-1 at Burnley on Friday night, and while the result was disappointing, it wasn’t the only negative to emerge from the match for Albion.

The Latest: Phillips hit by injury blow

Taking to Twitter last night in sharing a corresponding article for Birmingham Live, Chapman confirmed that Phillips is expected to be absent for at least six weeks, with the injury blow possibly sparking the West Brom hierarchy into action in the transfer market.

The article mentioned that the 31-year-old has been struck by a quad injury, having limped out of the midweek FA Cup win over Chesterfield despite only coming on as a substitute.

The reporter tweeted:

“Bad news re Phillips, who is expected to be out for at least six weeks. You have to imagine that’ll impact on Albion’s transfer thinking.”

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The Verdict: Big blow to Baggies’ promotion hopes

This is an undoubted blow for West Brom, considering Phillips’ vast experience of 229 appearances for the club.

He may not be a nailed-on starter every singly week – indeed, he has only completed the full 90 minutes four times this season – but his experience could still be crucial to the Baggies’ promotion push, having helped QPR into the top flight nine years ago.

Not having Phillips available until March could leave Corberan with a headache in terms of squad depth, and the hope is that the Scotland winger will be available for the business end of the campaign.

As Chapman referenced, it could force West Brom into making a new signing during the January transfer window in order to make up for the loss of Phillips.

Tottenham Hotspur are one of three teams in the mix for Borussia Dortmund prodigy Youssoufa Moukoko, according to reliable CBS reporter Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Reinforcements wanted

Spurs are expected to pursue attacking reinforcements in January, as per Alasdair Gold, after Dejan Kulusevski became the latest addition to Antonio Conte’s growing list of injury problems.

The boss is already without Richarlison after his issue picked up during the World Cup, and the Lilywhites will now need to dip into the market to provide the manager with more depth up front.

The lack of a quality attacking game-changer to bring off the bench was clear in the 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa, but it looks like Fabio Paratici does have his eye on a very promising talent.

The Latest: Three clubs eyeing Moukoko

Jacobs told Give Me Sport that Spurs are “ones to watch” in the race to sign the 18 year-old German, as his contract ticks down to a June 2023 expiration.

“Manchester United are one of those. They’ve tracked him for quite some time. They haven’t entered into any kind of advanced talks yet.

“Liverpool and Spurs are ones to watch and don’t rule out a move to La Liga and Barcelona either.”

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The Verdict: Perfect signing?

Trying to find a striker who is good enough to be deputy to Harry Kane but also happy to play largely second-fiddle has been a problem now for the better part of a decade, but Moukoko could finally be the solution.

Still yet to turn 19 and having spent the last couple of seasons behind Erling Haaland and then Anthony Modeste in Dortmund’s pecking order, the teenager would surely relish the chance to learn from Kane while not being expected to lead the line immediately.

Scoring six times in just eight Bundesliga starts this season, he certainly knows where the back of the net is, and would be hitting his prime just as Kane begins to fade from his.

Haaland is certainly a big fan, once telling the German press that Moukoko is ‘amazing’ and ‘the biggest talent in the world’.

2022 has been a testing year for Chelsea: penalty shootout defeat in both the FA Cup and Carabao Cup at the hands of Liverpool; the departure of long-time endeared owner Roman Abramovich; the dismissal of Champions League-winning manager Thomas Tuchel.

And now the west London giants languish in eighth place in the Premier League 14 matches into the 2022/23 campaign, with manager Graham Potter, signed from Brighton & Hove Albion in the early stages of the season, tinkering away at a fix for the issues the side are beset with.

Having scored just 17 goals in the league – the lowest tally of any side in the top half – Chelsea have unsurprisingly been linked with a host of striking talent to slot into the fray.

Regardless of the issues, Chelsea are tenacious and determined, and still jam-packed with an abundance of supreme talent; it is a matter of time until the cogs fall into place and the Blue machine is whirring once again.

On the chalkboard

One player of high quality who can make a defining impact is Kai Havertz, with the forward returning from a disappointing World Cup campaign with Germany, who exited in the group phase for the second successive tournament.

Despite Die Mannschaft’s subpar Displays, Havertz impressed in his solitary start against Costa Rica, scoring two goals and serving as the offensive focal point, recording a stunning match rating of 8.89.

Signed from Bayer Leverkusen for £75.8m in 2020, Havertz has split opinion since his arrival on English soil, having bursts of brilliance but often falling wide of the mark and failing to display the same prolific return that alerted Europe’s elite outfits to his name while plying his trade in his homeland.

His return of 27 goals and 14 assists from 112 appearances is not the most impressive return for a forward of his calibre and price, yet his breezy style of play and seamless transitional movement does plenty for Chelsea’s offensive surges.

Not to mention his winning goal in the 2020/21 Champions League final against Manchester City. Sadly, his stock has fallen since then with the German not even starting their last league match, a defeat to Newcastle.

The “outstanding” maestro, as lauded by prominent journalist Raphael Honigstein, can provide the key to the bolted door that is prohibiting the Blues from clinching the free-flowing attacking aura that will propel their standing in the Premier League.

Over his final two campaigns with Leverkusen, the 23-year-old scored 38 goals across his final two seasons.

And as per FBref, the gem ranks within the top 10% for pass completion, 5% for touches in the attacking penalty area and 16% for progressive passes – indicating a diverse and dynamic approach to his play, all that is missing is the consistent direct goal threat.

The pieces of the puzzle are there, scattered on the floor, and a footballing mind of high intellect, such as Potter’s could finally complete the jigsaw and unleash Havertz on the Premier League, where his unique approach play could rekindle and save the Blues’ campaign.

Transfer journalist Dean Jones has suggested that Sean Dyche could succeed Frank Lampard as the next Everton manager.

The Lowdown: Linked before…

Dyche admitted to talkSPORT earlier this month that he was ‘heavily linked’ with the manager’s job at Goodison Park, but nobody at the club spoke to him.

Lampard was under pressure back in April when the Merseysiders were fighting to stay in the Premier League, and there was ‘talk’ of Dyche replacing him after he left Burnley.

The former Derby County and Chelsea boss is under serious pressure again to keep his job at the Toffees, following a run of just one win in their last eight matches in total across all competitions, including getting knocked out of the Carabao Cup 4-1 by Bournemouth (Sky Sports).

They currently sit just one place and one point above the dreaded relegation zone, and the threat of going down to the Championship is very much alive again.

The Latest: Dyche may ‘fancy his chances’

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has claimed that Dyche would ‘probably fancy his chances’ of taking over at the Blues, should Lampard end up leaving:

“I think Sean Dyche would probably fancy his chances to have a job like that.

“He’s going to be waiting and putting his name around for any job.

“At that level, you do wonder if he might be able to settle things down a bit and give them a clear identity.”

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The Verdict: Get him in

The break for the FIFA World Cup presents an ideal time for Everton to bring in a new manager with fresh ideas, and Dyche would be the perfect candidate.

Hailed as a ‘miracle worker’ by Burnley journalist Andy Jones, he kept the Clarets in the Premier League for five straight campaigns, including a remarkable seventh-place finish in the 2017/18 season, and also won promotion with them twice while they were in the Championship (Transfermarkt).

If anyone can keep the Toffees in the top flight, it is Dyche, and being out of work at the moment, he should be attainable.

Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing a move for Leeds United youngster, Cody Drameh, although are expected to face competition for the defender’s signature.

What’s the word?

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Magpies are keeping tabs on the 20-year-old ahead of a potential swoop when the market re-opens in January, albeit with the Premier League outfit set to face rival interest from clubs across Europe.

Writing on Twitter about that interest, the transfer guru revealed: “Cody Drameh, attracting interest as many clubs are keen on signing him in January from Leeds. Borussia Dortmund, Lille and Bayer Leverkusen alongside Newcastle are following the English right back as talent for the future.”

This follows a report from the Daily Mail which also claimed that the northeast side are ‘tracking’ the young Englishman at present, having also been linked with a move for West Ham United starlet Harrison Ashby in recent times.

‘Future’ of St James’ Park

As Romano alluded, Drameh may well be a talent ‘for the future’ who can go on to be nurtured and developed under Eddie Howe in the coming years, with the St James’ Park outfit seemingly chasing a young understudy for undisputed first-choice, Kieran Trippier, at right-back.

With Emil Krafth currently sidelined with an ACL injury and with Javier Manquillo seemingly surplus to requirements – the Spaniard making just two appearances this season – the arrival of the Leeds prospect could well be needed in the New Year, with the exciting talent potentially able to be the long-term heir to 32-year-old, Trippier at the club.

While the England U21 international has been restricted to just two senior appearances at Elland Road this season – as a result of the presence of Rasmus Kristensen and Luke Ayling – the London-born machine notably impressed on loan at Cardiff City last term, providing three assists in 23 games for the Championship outfit.

That form saw the 5 foot 9 star – who has been valued at around £3.5m, as per CIES Football Observatory – swoop two end-of-season awards for the Bluebirds despite only joining the club in January, having been lauded for his “excellent” displays by former boss, Steve Morison.

Something of a “Duracell bunny” down the right flank – in the words of Morison – the energetic and relentless gem seemingly showcased what he could do during that promising temporary stint in Wales, having seen chances limited back in Yorkshire since joining from Fulham in 2020.

The mere fact that the Cottagers academy graduate has caught the eye of notable clubs on the continent is a sign of just what a talent he truly is, with Howe and co needing to act quickly to try and secure Drameh’s signature.

He may not provide a instant impact in the short term, although in the long-term Newcastle could well reap the rewards of such an astute investment.

Aston Villa face a tough test this afternoon as they travel to take on Newcastle United in the Premier League.

With Unai Emery confirmed as manager, a role he will officially assume on 1 November, he will wait until next week to oversee his first match, leaving Aaron Danks in charge for one final game.

The 39-year-old will be hoping to build upon last weekend’s emphatic 4-0 win over Brentford, but Villa face a Magpies side who are unbeaten in their last seven.

With injuries and tactical decisions to contend with for this clash, there could be a few changes in personnel to hopefully ensure that another result can be eked out.

Emiliano Martinez will remain in goal as always, with the Argentine having kept just his third clean sheet of the season against the Bees. He will sit behind a slightly-changed back four to cope with the tactical tweaks expected by Danks.

Travelling to St James’ Park is tough for any side, and with Villa not in the best of form, Jan Bednarek could come in to partner Tyrone Mings at the heart of defence.

This will lend itself to a deeper defensive line, with these two centre-backs happy to sit back and clear away danger for the likes of Emiliano Buendia and Danny Ings to battle for loose balls further upfield.

It’s a change which could see Ezri Konsa drop to the bench. The 25-year-old has been a fine defender for the Midlands outfit, recently being dubbed “outstanding” by Steven Gerrard.

This change would be down to a tactical reshuffle or a rare breather for the former Brentford man, who has started Villa’s last ten league games.

Ashley Young could continue to deputise at left-back despite Lucas Digne’s return to fitness, while Matty Cash will occupy the right flank.

The centre of midfield will likely be unchanged, as Leander Dendoncker continues to be favoured over John McGinn to start alongside Douglas Luiz, whilst Buendia will likely thrive once more in the number ten role. Both of these changes were integral in their recent victory over Brentford, with the recalled duo winning seven tackles and 13 duels combined last Sunday.

Only one change is expected to the attacking three behind the main striker, with Philippe Coutinho to return following his stint on the bench.

It might be the impetus to inspure sensational performances out of the £125k-per-week Brazilian once again, with last week’s goalscoring heroes Leon Bailey and Ings occupying the other attacking places.

Predicted Aston Villa XI (4-2-3-1): Martinez – Cash, Bednarek, Mings, Young – Dendoncker, Luiz – Coutinho, Buendia, Bailey – Ings.

Sheffield Wednesday are back on the road again this weekend as they travel to the Abbey Stadium to take on Cambridge United in League One.

Darren Moore’s side bounced back from their 2-1 defeat against league leaders Plymouth Argyle with a comprehensive victory over Cheltenham Town last weekend to keep pace with the automatic promotion spots in the third tier.

While victory won’t be enough to see the Owls ahead of Ipswich or Plymouth into the top two, three points are a must if Wednesday have aspirations of going up automatically this season.

Moore changed the formation for the win against Cheltenham, opting for a four-at-the-back, but an away trip could see him revert back to the 3-4-1-2 that he has favoured for the majority of the season so far.

Here is how Football FanCast expects Sheffield Wednesday to line up against Cambridge on Saturday, with two changes from last weekend.

Another clean sheet against Cheltenham will no doubt see David Stockdale keep his place in between the posts.

In defence, Mark McGuinness makes his return from injury to start alongside Ben Heneghan and Michael Ihiekwe in a back three, which sees attacking midfielder Alex Mighten drop out to make the Owls more defensively solid.

The Nottingham Forest loanee, who was described as an “elite” talent by Gary Brazil, has struggled for regular form at Hillsborough so far, with no goal contributions in any of his six appearances in Yorkshire.

Wednesday’s return to a back three sees Liam Palmer and Marvin Johnson feature as wing-backs, with Barry Bannan and Will Vaulks keeping their places in the middle of the park.

Josh Windass will be looking to continue his fine start to the season as an attacking midfielder, with four goals and four assists to his name so far.

He supports Michael Smith and Malik Wilks in attack, with the latter replacing Lee Gregory up front after the 34-year-old failed to find the net once again last weekend.