Elliot Anderson is said to favour a move to Manchester City (NurPhoto/Shutterstock)
Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson would prefer a move to Manchester City ahead of Manchester United, according to reports.
Anderson is one of the most in-demand players ahead of the summer transfer window having established himself as one the best midfielders in the Premier League with his impressive performances for Forest this season.
The 23-year-old is also on course to secure a place in England’s World Cup squad this summer following his solid midfield displays under Thomas Tuchel.
Anderson, who joined Forest in a £35 million deal from Newcastle United in 2024, has attracted interest from City, United and Chelsea.
However, The Mirror reports that City believe they have won the race to sign Anderson this summer and are confident they can agree a £65m fee with Forest.
The report adds that City are well aware of United’s interest but Anderson has Anderson ‘has let it be known’ that his preferred choice is a move to Pep Guardiola’s side.
Elliot Anderson has established himself as one of the Premier League’s best midfielders at Nottingham Forest (NurPhoto via Getty)
City are also keen to complete a deal for Anderson before the start of the World Cup in order to avoid a bidding war with rival Premier League clubs.
Speaking earlier this week, Rio Ferdinand insisted that United should make the signing of Anderson their priority for the summer window.
‘Guimaraes and Tonali wouldn’t be my first-choice midfield signings this summer,’ Ferdinand said on his Rio Presents YouTube channel.
‘It’s Elliot Anderson. His age, he’s 23 years old… Guimaraes is 28 and Tonali is 25, soon to be 26, so that counts for a lot for me. I want young, hungry players in my squad.
‘He complements Mainoo. I think Mainoo is going to be one of the main players in the team now, they’re going to build around him and I think Elliot Anderson absolutely complements him.’
‘Anderson has that ability, that energy to get around the park, he’s aggressive. We need those legs. And he wins the ball. He’s more combative than the other two.
‘Elliot Anderson is the only player to win over 150 duels, win possession more than 150 times, and win at least 50 fouls in the Premier League, the whole Premier League I must add, this season. They’re my reasons why, guys.’
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes is hoping for a major summer overhaul at Old Trafford (Picture: Getty)
Paul Scholes has encouraged Manchester United to completely overhaul their first-team squad in the summer, naming eight players he would strongly consider offloading if he was in charge of the club.
United have risen to third place in the Premier League table following a remarkable resurgence under interim head coach Michael Carrick in the wake of Ruben Amorim’s dismissal.
Without the distraction of any cup competition during their run-in, the Red Devils appear well-positioned to secure Champions League qualification for the first time since their group-stage exit in 2023.
Given United sit seven points better off than sixth-placed Chelsea with seven matches remaining, it would require an almighty collapse for Carrick’s men to miss out on Europe’s premier club competition.
Old Trafford bosses spent in the region of £200million to strengthen their misfiring attack last summer, as Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo all signed on the dotted line for big money.
Senne Lammens was also brought in from Royal Antwerp for a fee of around £18million and has provided an assured presence between the sticks which was so badly lacking when Andre Onana was number one.
But attentions are beginning to turn to the transfer market once again, with United’s hierarchy ready to release yet more funds while identifying central midfield as a key area of focus.
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The Red Devils have moved up to third since Carrick replaced Amorim (Picture: Getty)
United return to action at home to bitter rivals Leeds next Monday (Picture: Getty)
Casemiro confirmed in January that this season would be his last at the Theatre of Dreams and several players will be expected to follow the Brazilian out the exit door when the transfer window opens for business.
On the latest The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast, Scholes discussed potential ins and outs while playing a game of ‘Keep or Sell?’ with former United team-mate Nicky Butt.
The legendary ex-United and England midfielder pulled no punches with his answers, going into some detail about which squad members he thinks should be safe – and those who should be on the chopping block.
If it were up to Scholes, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui, Patrick Dorgu, Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee would all be in the frame to leave along with Casemiro.
Keep or Sell? United’s goalkeeper and centre-backs
Senne Lammens
Scholes: ‘Keep.’
MatthijsDe Ligt
Scholes: ‘I think it’d be between him and Harry Maguire who you’d keep, I think you’d keep just one of them. If he [De Ligt] was fit, I’d probably just go for him.’
Harry Maguire
Scholes: ‘Look, I think he’s been really good and he’s brought himself back from the dead really. I think he’s been sensational with what he’s done, I’m so so pleased for him, but I’m thinking about a Manchester United team you want to win the league and the Champions League and that’s where United should be aiming. I’m not sure you’d do that with Maguire, unless you’ve got someone like a Rio [Ferdinand] next to him then possibly, yeah.
‘It’s Manchester United, you’ve got to be talking about winning the Premier League. If it’s one of four, you’d probably take him but I’d have De Ligt in that as one of four. I think they’re both quite similar but De Ligt is a little bit younger so that’s on his side, he’s a little bit quicker, so I’d probably just go for De Ligt.’
Maguire is enjoying his time under Carrick (Picture: Getty)
LisandroMartinez
Scholes: ‘Do you know what? After, publicly we got a bit of s*** [for their recent comments about Martinez], in all seriousness, when he was playing I thought he was really good. I do, I genuinely think he was really good. When I’m talking about one of four, you think about Maguire and De Ligt with a Martinez… I don’t think he suits them. I think they need somebody more dominant, more quick, more strong, someone who just takes the ball of centre-forwards, “Get out my way!”, Jaap Stam, Rio Ferdinand.
‘The one thing I like about him is he’s got a great left foot, he plays really good, but are you winning the Premier League, the Champions League with him as your centre-half? Again, I think every centre-half they’ve got, they need a better one next to them.
‘I’d probably just keep him.’
LenyYoro
Scholes: ‘I think he’s struggled, me. I think there’s something in there, I think he needs a bit of time, but if you had to make a choice now, I’d probably sell him.’
Keep or Sell? United’s full-backs
DiogoDalot
Scholes: ‘Just keep. He’s a squad player for me.’
NoussairMazraoui
Scholes: ‘Sell. I don’t know where he fits in. He’s been like a right-sided centre-half and they don’t play with three centre-halves anymore. if there’s three centre-halves then you’d probably have him as one of five or six but I think it’s probably time to let him go now.’
Scholes would sell Mazraoui this summer (Picture: Getty)
Patrick Dorgu
Scholes: ‘They brought him in as a wing-back and he’s not really played much there. I’d probably sell. I’m not sure what position he is. Again, if you keep him then he’s just a squad player.’
Luke Shaw
Scholes: ‘When he was playing consistently, I don’t think there was a better left-back in the world, not just Europe. But if you’re asking me now, and he’s done alright appearance-wise this year, but I’d sell him. He doesn’t play enough games.’
Scholes is expecting Ugarte to make way in the summer (Picture: Getty)
Keep or Sell? United’s midfielders
MasonMount
Scholes: ‘I’d probably sell him and I like him, he’s a great footballer. But he’s never going to play in front of Bruno Fernandes. I’m not sure what other position he could play and he doesn’t play enough games.’
Bruno Fernandes
Scholes: ‘Talk about player of the year, in a team that, in the first half of the season were terrible, he could be that player. Keep him.’
Casemiro has confirmed he will leave Old Trafford this summer (Picture: Getty)
Casemiro
Scholes: ‘Yeah, I think it’s right [he’s going]. I think he’s turned his fortunes around, he’s been very good, but United need strengthening in that position massively.’
ManuelUgarte
Scholes: ‘I think he’ll go.’
KobbieMainoo
Scholes: ‘Keep.’
Scholes won 11 league titles with Manchester United (Picture: Getty)
Keep or Sell? United’s attackers
Matheus Cunha
Scholes: ‘Keep.’
JoshuaZirkzee
Scholes: ‘Sell.’
Scholes thinks United should cut their losses on Zirkzee (Picture: Getty)
AmadDiallo
Scholes: ‘Keep.’
Bryan Mbeumo
Scholes: ‘Keep.’
BenjaminSesko
Scholes: ‘Keep. I like him, me, I think he’s alright.’
United have a week remaining before they return to action at home to bitter rivals Leeds in the Premier League.
The Red Devils haven’t played since dropping points in a 2-2 draw at Bournemouth on March 2020 and will spend the coming days putting in the hard yards at an intensive training camp in Dublin.
Carrick has named a 25-man party for the trip to the Republic of Ireland, with Martinez and Dorgu both included following injury layoffs.
Dalot and Tom Heaton miss out due to illness, while De Ligt is still yet to return following a back injury he sustained in November.
After facing Leeds, Champions League -chasing United lock horns with Chelsea, Brentford, Liverpool, Sunderland and Nottingham Forest, before travelling to Brighton on the final day of the season.
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Former Premier League midfielder Gareth Barry (Picture: Getty)
Gareth Barry has advised Manchester United to wrap up possibly their most important transfer of the summer before the World Cup starts.
United are yet to decide who will be Ruben Amorim’s long-term replacement but Michael Carrick has emerged as the frontrunner, impressing in his role as caretaker boss since January.
Both United’s performances and form were underwhelming under Amorim but Carrick has taken the Red Devils up to third in the Premier League, just six points behind title contenders Manchester City.
Manchester United were hailed for their transfer business last summer and will hope for another productive window this time around with several key areas requiring reinforcements.
United’s priority is to sign a new central midfielder to replace Casemiro, who announced in January that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season.
Amorim in fact wanted to sign a midfielder last summer but United prioritised attacking additions, signing Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, all of whom have impressed this season.
Elliot Anderson, Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba have been heavily linked with moves to Old Trafford over the past six months and Premier League legend Barry has heaped praise on the Nottingham Forest star.
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Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe (Picture: Getty)
Anderson is believed to be United’s first-choice option for the midfield position and Barry says it would benefit both him and the club if a deal was struck before the World Cup starts in June.
‘Manchester United are certainly going to be looking for a Casemiro replacement,’ Barry, who has made the second-most appearances in Premier League history, told BoyleSports.
‘Elliot Anderson is probably a slightly different player and a very different age, his skillset is a lot different. But I do like Anderson.
Nottingham Forest and England star Elliot Anderson (Picture: Getty)
‘If you’re a Man Utd scout, you’ll mention him. He’s one of the best off-the-ball players. He presses to limit the attacking player’s space. He’s one of the best around, and he’s capable of going the other way as well.
‘That’s why Thomas Tuchel’s got him in his starting eleven over a lot of big-name players with England, and he’s a possible starter for the World Cup team.
‘So I’m sure he’s being discussed in the Old Trafford boardroom, as well as maybe other teams.
Michael Carrick is the frontrunner for the Man Utd job (Picture: Getty)
‘I think, from that sort of experience for a player and a club, if the deal is going to happen, try to get it done as soon as possible.
‘I think it just helps everyone. It helps both clubs and helps the player, especially going into a big tournament.
‘He doesn’t want to be thinking about his club future while trying to win the World Cup for England. It’s not going to help anyone. Also, the price tag could be a bit steeper if he has a good tournament.
‘If something like that is going to happen and the player’s got his head around the fact that it’s time for a move, it’s certainly better to be done before the tournament than after.’
Anderson’s form for Nottingham Forest has put him in contention to start for England at this summer’s World Cup.
Before that the 23-year-old, who is valued at around £80m, will hope to help Forest avoid relegation from the Premier League, with Vitor Pereira’s side 16th – three points above the drop zone – with seven games left.
Forest’s first Premier League game back following the international break is against Aston Villa on Sunday, while Anderson’s potential future club Manchester United return to action a day later against Leeds United.
Nick Woltemade only joined Newcastle United last summer (Picture: Getty)
Dietmar Hamann has described Nick Woltemade’s struggles at Newcastle United as ‘remarkable’ and says it has presented Eddie Howe with a ‘really tricky situation’.
Newcastle completed a £69m move for Germany international Woltemade after begrudgingly selling Alexander Isak to Liverpool for over £120m.
Woltemade had a decent record for his former club Wolfsburg – scoring 18 goals in 36 games – but it was suggested in Germany that Newcastle had overpaid for the striker.
The 24-year-old enjoyed a bright start to his St James’ Park career, however, scoring six goals before the start of November and impressing with his all-round play.
But Woltemade’s contributions began to fall away over the winter period and the German has now scored just once in his last 22 appearances in all competitions.
The towering forward has even been used slightly deeper by an increasingly desperate Howe but Newcastle legend Alan Shearer has dismissed the notion he can play in midfield.
Hamann insists his compatriot’s drop-off is ‘very strange’ and has raised the possibility that Woltemade will now be sold after just one season.
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Woltemade enjoyed a bright start to his Newcastle career (Picture: Getty)
‘I couldn’t believe the developments in the last few weeks and months regarding Nick Woltemade,’ Hamann told BoyleSports.
‘There was a story in one of the German papers that he hasn’t settled in the North-east, which I personally think is a paradise for a footballer, because if you’ve got a bit of success, they treat you as a hero.
‘He had a great start and was adored by the faithful, adored by the fans. It’s obviously a very strange situation because if you had told me this after six or eight weeks, where he scored a few goals, I would have said he’s going places and he’ll be one who might be there for a few years, who is loved and adored by the people.
Eddie Howe is faced with a ‘really tricky situation’ (Picture: Getty)
‘To have the turnaround now in a short space of time is really remarkable. What you hear and what you see probably makes me think that there might be a summer exit, which is obviously not a good situation for the club because they paid an awful lot of money.
‘Do you force him to stay here? Is that a good solution? And who’s going to pay the money for him now?
‘So, yeah, I think it’s a really tricky situation for both of them, for both parties, but especially for the club.’
If Newcastle do end up selling Woltemade, Hamann believes former Manchester United and Chelsea transfer target Victor Osimhen would be the ‘perfect’ replacement.
Victor Osimhen has long been linked with a Premier League move (Picture: Getty)
Osimhen has scored an impressive 56 goals in 70 games since joining Galatasaray in 2024 and helped Napoli win the Serie A title before his move to Turkey.
‘I think Victor Osimhen is one of the top five centre forwards in Europe,’ ex-Newcastle, Liverpool, Manchester City and Bayern Munich midfielder Hamann added.
‘I couldn’t believe that he ended up in Turkey. Obviously, Napoli paid an awful lot of money for him, but I’m very surprised that none of the English teams signed him, because they all struggled for centre forwards in the summer.
‘They tried for players like Benjamin Sesko, and other players who have come in are only just starting to adapt now because they obviously needed some time.
‘I think he’s an outstanding player and I think he’s probably the reason why Galatasaray is doing well in the league.
‘I love watching him and I think, if he were to play in the Premier League, there are teams he would make much better.
‘Obviously, Liverpool have got two players there now, so he won’t end up there, but he’s an outstanding player. He’s got pace, he’s got power, he can finish, a wonderful player.
‘If Newcastle do sell Nick Woltemade, he could be the perfect fit.’
Chelsea are reportedly looking at a Manchester United target for potentially replacing Enzo Fernandez. The Argentine midfielder has been linked with an exit and has also raised speculation about his future.
The Blues signed Fernandez for €115 million from Benfica in January 2023. He has made 161 appearances, scoring 28 goals and providing 29 assists. He is also the club’s vice-captain and has helped them win two trophies.
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However, after their 8-2 aggregate defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, he raised speculation about his future. When asked if he would stay at Stamford Bridge, he said:
“I don’t know, I don’t know. There are eight games left and the FA Cup. There’s the World Cup and then we’ll see.”
As per the Daily Mail, this has prompted the Blues to look at Manchester United target Adam Wharton as a potential replacement. He is rated at around £70 million and is expected to leave Crystal Palace in the summer.
Wharton joined the Eagles from Blackburn Rovers in January 2024 and has recorded 84 appearances, providing 12 assists. His contract will expire in 2029, and he’s garnered interest from Chelsea, Manchester United, and multiple other Premier League clubs.
Pundit opens up about Chelsea star’s links to Manchester United
In the last few months, Cole Palmer has been linked with a potential move to Manchester United. The Englishman was also a fan of the Red Devils growing up, despite having come through Manchester City’s academy.
Pundit Scott Sinclair shared his thoughts on these links, claiming that the Chelsea star could cost around £200 million in the summer. He heaped praise on the Englishman, stating that he “can change a game in an instant”. He added:
“If Chelsea don’t make the Champions League spot, then that’s up to him to decide. But Chelsea is a massive club and I don’t think any player would want to leave. He’s a top player, probably one of the best in the Premier League. I’m sure that sort of price tag, maybe £200M, will come along. He’s contracted and signed a long deal, so only time will tell.”
Palmer has recorded 53 goals and 32 assists in 122 games for the Blues. He has a massive contract at Stamford Bridge, which will expire in 2033. Hence, Manchester United will have to shell out a big fee if they are to sign him this summer.
Manchester United are reportedly set to face tough competition from Arsenal in the transfer race to sign Germany and Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka.
Goretzka, who turned 31 earlier in February, has been one of his team’s mainstays since arriving on a free transfer in the summer of 2018. He has helped the German giants lift six Bundesliga titles and one UEFA Champions League trophy, producing 98 goal involvements in 301 total games.
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Now, according to Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Sport Witness), both Manchester United and Arsenal have already made moves to snap up Goretzka as a free agent. Inter Milan, AC Milan, and Juventus are also interested in signing the Bochum academy product in the summer.
Goretzka, who is likely to make Germany’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, is hoping to secure a well-paid move this summer. His wish to earn at least £6 million-a-year at his next club has distanced the famed Serie A clubs.
As a result, Manchester United and Arsenal are deemed to be leading the ongoing race for the right-footed box-to-box midfielder. While the Red Devils could use him as an apt replacement for Casemiro, the latter could utilise him as an experienced squad option in the upcoming campaign.
So far this term, Goretzka has started 20 of his 37 appearances in all competitions for Bayern Munich. The former Schalke star has scored twice and laid out as many assists for Vincent Kompany’s side in the 2025-26 season.
Ex-Manchester United man tells Arsenal to launch move for former Real Madrid star
Ex-Manchester United and Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves has urged Arsenal to sign Como attacking midfielder Nico Paz in the near future. He asserted on TNT Sports (h/t Metro):
“There’s a young lad at Como, Nico Paz. There’s an option for him to go back to Real Madrid. This kid, you’ll see him at the World Cup. Mikel Arteta will already know that this boy will be a star and if you don’t ask, you don’t get. A player like that could suit Arsenal.”
Como head coach Cesc Fabregas, a former Gunners captain, is also a big admirer of Paz. He said about him last week:
“He sees the goal, he is not afraid. Nico enjoys playing, he can play different roles and he is very complete player. I see a very, very big potential in him.”
Since leaving Real Madrid for over £5 million in 2024, Paz has registered 17 goals and 15 assists in 68 total appearances for Como.
‘The majority’ of Manchester United’s squad would like to see Michael Carrick as permanent manager (Picture: Getty)
Manchester United’s senior players have been won over by Michael Carrick and ‘the majority’ of the squad would reportedly be keen for the interim head coach to be offered a long-term contract.
The Red Devils found themselves in a state of disarray when Carrick took over the reins on a temporary basis last month, with Ruben Amorim picking up just three wins from his final 11 matches at the helm.
Darren Fletcher struggled to steady the ship while in charge as caretaker manager, overseeing a 2-2 draw away to lowly Burnley before suffering defeat to Brighton in the third round of the FA Cup.
But since picking up the pieces from Fletcher, Carrick has led the side to seven wins from a possible ten in the English top flight and, in the process, brought a sense of optimism back to the fanbase which has been so badly lacking in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.
A host of high-profile managers were linked with the United job in the wake of Amorim’s dismissal, including the likes of Thomas Tuchel, Roberto De Zerbi, Carlo Ancelotti, Gareth Southgate, Mauricio Pochettino and Oliver Glasner.
But Tuchel, who at one stage was viewed as the outstanding candidate, went on to effectively rule himself out of the running by extending his deal with England until Euro 2028.
Carrick has won seven of his first ten matches since replacing Amorim in the hot seat (Picture: Getty)
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Fernandes has reportedly been impressed by Carrick’s tactical approach (Picture: Getty)
According to The Sun, though, Carrick’s impressive start has been such that senior members of the dressing room now want the ex-United, Tottenham and England midfielder to be appointed on a full-time basis.
It’s claimed the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw have all been blown away by Carrick’s tactical approach and his ‘knowledge of the world game’.
Carrick’s current contract at the Theatre of Dreams runs through to the end of the 2025/26 campaign and the club are yet to provide any assurances over his future beyond the summer.
United’s decision could ultimately come down to whether or not Carrick succeeds in steering the club to Champions League qualification, with the side currently positioned strongly in third.
‘Michael has come in and done great because he has been a breath of fresh air,’ an Old Trafford source is reported to have told The Sun.
‘Some of the players expected that, because playing for Amorim was like playing chess.
‘You had to follow his rules to the tee, whereas Michael has told them to express themselves.
Carrick has guided United to third in the table (Picture: Getty)
‘What they are really impressed with is his knowledge of the game.’
The source added: ‘He knows about players in other leagues and clearly spends an awful lot of time thinking about football and following it.
‘The players know it’s not their decision, but the majority would be happy if he got the job permanently.’
Carrick has impressed in the Old Trafford hotseat (Picture: Getty)
Former United players and club legends have been split when it comes to the manager’s position, with both Gary Neville and Roy Keane voicing their doubts above Carrick’s long-term credentials.
However, Juan Mata, who shared a dressing room with Carrick for five seasons, believes his former team-mate has proven he is ‘capable’ in his audition for the permanent job.
On suggestions that Carrick should be given a full-time deal, the ex-United and Spain midfielder told talkSPORT: ‘Well, Michael is very capable.
‘He’s a very intelligent guy. First of all, as a person, I love him.
Carrick is setting a great ‘example’ for United’s squad, says Mata (Picture: Getty)
‘He was a fantastic team-mate, always there for you, he never wanted to take the spotlight but he let his football talk.
‘He was very important for the team always, looking for these passes, especially for players like me in between the lines.’
According to Mata, Carrick is simply replicating what he did so brillianty during his playing days in quietly setting an ‘example’ for those around him to follow.
‘In the dressing room, he was an example for all of us: his character and his professionalism,’ the Spaniard added.
‘And again, I said it, he’s a very intelligent guy that loves the game and I’m very happy that he’s getting the results that the club need.
‘He knows how to get to the players, of course, and I’m enjoying watching the games at the moment.’
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Cole Palmer is said to be ‘disillusioned’ at Chelsea (Reuters)
Cole Palmer is open to joining Manchester United after becoming ‘disillusioned’ at Chelsea, according to reports.
The 23-year-old is currently in his third season at Stamford Bridge following his £42.5 million move from Manchester City in 2023.
Palmer hit the ground running at Chelsea with 38 goals in his first two seasons but the midfielder has struggled for form this season due to injury.
According to The Sun, Palmer is said to be ‘frustrated’ by the tactical changes this season and is unhappy with the departure of Nicolas Jackson, who joined Bayern Munich on loan last summer.
The report adds that Palmer would be open to joining Manchester United, his boyhood club, this summer but they are prioritising moves for at least one new central midfielder and a left-back.
Cole Palmer is said to be missing playing alongside Nicolas Jackson at Chelsea (Getty)
Chelsea, meanwhile, consider Palmer as one of their ‘untouchable’ players and remain in a strong negotiating position as the England international still has seven years left to run on his contract.
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Rosenior’s side are now out of the Champions League and currently sit sixth in the Premier League following back-to-back defeats to Newcastle United and Everton.
Last week, Enzo Fernandez raised doubts over his own future at Chelsea following the 3-0 defeat at home to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
Asked if he could guarantee that he will be a Chelsea player next season, Fernandez told ESPN Argentina: ‘I don’t know, I don’t know.
‘There are eight games left and the FA Cup. There’s the World Cup and then we’ll see.’
Thomas Tuchel’s England side drew 1-1 with Uruguay (Picture: Getty)
Thomas Tuchel singled out Manchester United misfit Manuel Ugarte for praise following England’s 1-1 draw against Uruguay.
The Three Lions boss watched a makeshift side labour at Wembley with several fringe players failing to accept an opportunity to play their way into the manager’s World Cup plans.
the squad to be rejigged as more familiar faces return for Tuesday’s friendly against Japan.
Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice were among the established 11-strong contingent watching from the stands ahead of joining a group that will be cut down after this match.
Tuchel trialled a variety of different players, with James Garner and James Trafford making their debuts on night that started brightly, only to swiftly fizzle out.
Harry Maguire, winning his first cap in 18 months, was commanding and confident, while Dominic Solanke saw a shot blocked before seeing another easily gathered.
But the sting got taken out of proceedings after Joaquin Piquerez suffered an early injury in a tangle with Noni Madueke, leading England fans to amuse themselves by aiming paper planes at the pitch.
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Manuel Ugarte impressed Thomas Tuchel against England (Picture: Getty)
England comfortably dealt with Uruguay but offered little by way of threat but Tuchel declared himself satisfied by what he saw given the quality of the opposition.
The former Chelsea boss appeared particularly taken by Uruguay’s central midfield pairing of Fede Valverde and United’s Ugarte who has struggled to assert himself at Old Trafford following a £42m move from PSG 18 months ago.
‘I learned a lot, because it was a tough opponent and you just see it in the details,’ he said. ‘You learn a lot in the details, also the behaviour, and you see the level.
‘If you play against (Manuel) Ugarte, if you play against (Federico) Valverde in midfield, you see the level.
‘You play against the winners and these defensive players, it’s a high level and then you instantly see, so we needed this kind of test.’
Phil Fodenm meanwhile, limped off in the second half after being caught by a reckless Ronald Araujo tackle and Madueke was seen leaving the stadium in a knee brace having been hurt in the first half.
Tuchel was angered by both challenges and felt referee Sven Jablonski had a ‘bad day at the office’, including awarding Uruguay’s late penalty having been sent to the monitor to check a White challenge on Federico Vinas.
Noni Madueke appeared to suffer a knee injury (Source: AFP)
‘I think it’s a very soft penalty,’ the England boss said. ‘Of course there is contact, but it’s so obvious what the striker is trying to do.
‘Maybe Ben is also a bit greedy in this moment, but to overturn a decision when the referee clearly, clearly made the signal with both hands that he saw it and it was not enough for him.
‘Then to overturn it I was surprised VAR is in place because I thought it’s not working, because the tackle on Phil Foden was not even checked, tackle against Noni not even checked.
‘And then suddenly, this one was checked. OK, like I said, I don’t think it’s enough, but OK, it is what it is.
‘I heard that our goal was a tough block before our goal. I haven’t seen it, so, yeah, overall, that’s what it is.’
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Cristian Romero is on Manchester United’s summer shortlist (Getty)
Manchester United are considering a move for Tottenham captain Cristian Romero, according to reports in Spain.
The Argentina international appears on course to leave Spurs this summer after taking aim at the club’s hierarchy earlier this season.
Atletico Madrid made an attempt to sign Romero last year but refused to pay Spurs’ €55 million (£47m) asking price.
According to Marca, Atletico have retained their interest ahead of the summer transfer window and are considering a new move.
The report claims that Real Madrid are also considering a deal for Romero as they are looking to sign a new central defender, but Manchester United’s interest in the 27-year-old also represents a ‘major problem’ for Atletico.
Romero is said to have a special clause in his contract with Spurs which would allow him to join Atletico, Real Madrid or Barcelona this summer if a €60m (£51.9m) bid is submitted.
Diego Simeone says he is a ‘big fan’ of Cristian Romero (Shutterstock)
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Speaking before Atletico knocked Spurs out of the Champions League this month, Diego Simeone made it clear that he was a huge admirer of the Tottenham captain.
‘I speak from a point of view as an Argentina fan. I admire his personality, his character, his defensive work and his football ability on the ball,’ Simeone said.
‘As a fan of Argentina, I have seen him play more games for the national team than I have for Spurs, but I’m a big fan of him, for sure.’
When asked about his future after Spurs’ Champions League exit, Romero said: ‘The truth is that I’m focused on the situation we’re in.
‘I have a lot of respect and affection for the club and I want to finish the season in the best way possible. We’ll see later but the most important thing now is to recover energy.’
