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Manchester United have been told they will need to pay up to £25m to sign Marcel Sabitzer on a permanent basis from Bayern Munich.

What’s the latest Man United news on Sabitzer?

Erik ten Hag brought Sabitzer in on loan until the end of the season back in January after an injury blow to Christian Eriksen. Since then, the 29-year-old has gone on to feature heavily in all competitions, impressing in Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final first leg with Sevilla.

The Austrian netted twice in the first half before the Red Devils went on to concede twice late on to leave the tie in the balance ahead of the return leg in Spain. Sabitzer was singled out for praise from Red Devils legend Peter Schmeichel as a result, with the former goalkeeper saying:

“The best player is the guy who scored two goals, Marcel Sabitzer was really good. His teammates have let him down. He showed the way, and they didn’t catch on to it.”

There has been speculation of a permanent transfer for the midfielder, with previous reports suggesting that there were set to be “decisive talks”.

The Sun shared a transfer update regarding Sabitzer in the last 48 hours. They claimed that the player wants to turn his loan into a permanent move, with Ten Hag also keen on a full-time transfer.

However, they add that Bayern are demanding an initial £20m plus a further £5m in add-ons to sanction a permanent exit, saying that the chances of a transfer rely on the German giants lowering their asking price.

Is Sabitzer worth £25m?

Sabitzer, described by Diogo Dalot as a “machine”, is under contract in Germany until 2025, so Bayern may feel no pressure to lower their asking price this summer.

The player’s Transfermarkt valuation currently stands at €20m (£17.8m) a figure which has dropped from a career-high €42m (£37.5m) back in 2021 before moving to Munich. You could argue that a switch to Bayern hasn’t worked by looking at those figures, and with the player turning 29 last month, a £25m asking price may potentially be viewed as high.

The Red Devils are after a new midfielder this summer, though, so they will have to decide whether or not they see Sabitzer as part of their long-term plans.

United already have two experienced midfielders in Casemiro and Eriksen, so the club could be better off targeting a marquee midfielder younger than Sabitzer, possibly someone like Frenkie de Jong or Jude Bellingham, players who have been linked with big-money moves.

Leeds United are reportedly plotting a summer move for Ferencvaros striker Ryan Mmaee, Football Insider reports.

What’s the latest news on Leeds and Mmaee?

Mmaee is primarily a centre-forward who can play as a second striker or as a left-winger and is a Morocco international. The 25-year-old is currently valued at a career-high €2.8m (£2.5m) by Transfermarkt and has been with the Hungarian side since 2021, where he has scored 31 goals in 68 games – 12 of which have come during the current campaign.

He is under contract until 2025 and has featured in the Europa League this season, and his displays appear to have caught the eye of those at Elland Road.

Football Insider shared a story in the last 48 hours on Leeds’ interest in Mmaee. They revealed that the Whites, and by extension future owners the 49ers Enterprises, are keeping tabs on the forward and are plotting a move for his signature, should they remain in the Premier League.

Leeds have regularly scouted Mmaee and the report says that their chances of a summer swoop have been boosted after a big win over relegation rivals Nottingham Forest in the week, as a deal is thought to hinge on whether they can retain their Premier League status.

Why are Leeds on the hunt for a new striker?

Leeds haven’t exactly lacked goals this season, scoring 38 times in 29 games, the second most of any side in the bottom half. Rodrigo has been the club’s main source of goals, netting eight more than any other player, with wide forwards Jack Harrison, Luis Sinisterra, Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto all chipping in.

However, Javi Gracia’s two other striker options alongside Rodrigo, Patrick Bamford and Gerginuo Rutter, have struggled in front of goal. Bamford has suffered a number of injury problems in recent years and reportedly has many proposals to leave the club this summer. Meanwhile, club record signing Rutter is still adapting to life in England and is yet to get off the mark in front of goal after joining back in January.

Therefore, should Bamford depart over the coming months, a new forward to challenge Rodrigo and Rutter could be of use at Elland Road, with Mmaee seemingly an option.

Real Madrid’s Mariano Diaz has also been name-checked as a potential target, and under likely new owners in the 49ers Enterprises, Leeds could be in for another busy summer as they are also set to trigger a £30m option to make Weston McKennie’s loan into a permanent deal after agreeing on personal terms, providing they remain in the top flight.

Manchester United are believed to be expanding their list of centre-forward targets, amid reports that Erik ten Hag's side are interested in Eintracht Frankfurt star, Randal Kolo Muani.

What's the latest on Kolo Muani to Man United?

While previous reports had suggested that United were weighing up a move for England captain Harry Kane or Napoli's Victor Osimhen, respected journalist Samuel Luckhurst has now revealed that the Red Devils are also "keeping tabs" on the France international – as well as Danish starlet, Rasmus Hojlund.

In his attached piece for Manchester Evening News, Luckhurst revealed that the striking duo could emerge as potential alternatives this summer if the Old Trafford outfit are 'priced out' of a move for Tottenham Hotspur talisman, Kane.

As the piece notes, a deal for Kolo Muani, in particular, may also appear rather expensive with the 24-year-old still having just over four years left to run on his existing deal in Germany, with recent reports suggesting that the former Nantes man could command a fee of around €100m (£88m).

Should Man United sign Kolo Muani?

There are undoubted benefits in signing the "clinical" marksman this summer – as hailed by former Eintracht and Bayern Munich boss Felix Magath – with the 6 foot 2 sensation having enjoyed a real breakout campaign in Frankfurt this season, having scored 11 goals and contributed 12 assists in just 24 Bundesliga appearances.

The seven-cap dynamo – who featured in both the semi-final and final of the World Cup in Qatar – boasts an overall tally of 30 goal involvements in just 35 games this season across all fronts in what is his debut campaign under Oliver Glasner.

Having also contributed 39 goals and assists in 87 games during his spell in Ligue 1, the Bondy native has certainly proven himself a real threat in the final third, while also offering the benefit of being able to feature on the flanks if required.

Despite that glowing report, however, Ten Hag may have concerns about splashing the cash on another costly figure from the German top-flight, with United having yet to see the benefit of their £73m investment in Jadon Sancho back in 2021.

Like Kolo Muani, the Englishman had previously sparkled during his four-year stay at Borussia Dortmund, proving himself undoubtedly one of the standout figures in the division after laying on 114 goal involvements in just 137 games for the club.

Hailed as a "perfect player" by German legend Lothar Matthaus, Sancho was expected to be able to replicate that stellar form in the Premier League, although has since gone on to flatter to deceive in a red jersey, contributing just ten goals and four assists in 63 games at the Theatre of Dreams.

Branded "so poor" by talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino earlier in the campaign, the one-time Manchester City man has been unable to enjoy a consistent run of good form over the last 18 months or so, notably enduring a spell away from the first-team between October and January this season.

While there have been flashes of quality since his return to the fold – including a pivotal equaliser against Leeds United – the £350k-per-week man is still not a guaranteed starter in Ten Hag's side, with the move having yet to pan out for either the club nor the player.

There would be notable fears that snapping up Kolo Muani could see a repeat scenario occur, with making the move from Germany to England clearly not an easy transition to make, particularly when burdened by a hefty transfer fee.

Reliable journalist Alasdair Gold has shared an update on Tottenham Hotspur’s chances of re-appointing fan favourite boss Mauricio Pochettino.

The Lowdown: Pochettino return on the cards?

Perhaps the most heavily linked with replacing Antonio Conte is Pochettino, who Spurs players have reportedly called for in a bid to bring him back to north London.

The Argentine was sacked by chairman Daniel Levy in 2019 after five years in charge, even despite the fact Pochettino lead them to a Champions League final that same year.

Now, looking their fourth Premier League manager since then, the Lilywhites could reportedly turn back to Pochettino amid their search.

Other candidates linked with the role, according to Sky Sports, are Roberto De Zerbi, Luis Enrique, Thomas Tuchel, Marco Silva and Thomas Frank.

The likes of Oliver Glasner from abroad have also been mentioned with Gold now sharing an update on links to Pochettino.

The Latest: Gold shares Pochettino update…

The football.london correspondent, speaking in a Q&A, claims the Tottenham board is actually split over whether to bring Pochettino back.

He explained:

“From what I understand there is a split in opinion among the board over any potential return for Mauricio Pochettino. I suppose his return would be admitting a mistake for some.

“There’s also the Argentine himself to take into account and whether he believes it’s the right time to return. It’s a very different Tottenham he’d be returning to with a very different structure inside it.

On the other hand, he’s been out of work for a little while and it could be a good opportunity for him to grab control of the club and shape it how he wants this time, if handed the opportunity. Perhaps that’s what some inside may fear.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Even if Pochettino’s comeback would be like admitting to a mistake, there is the argument his dismissal could well be deemed as that.

Since the 51-year-old, Spurs have seen both Jose Mourinho – a serial winner at almost all of his clubs – and Nuno Espirito Santo fall by the wayside in their attempts to gain success in north London.

Conte has also won a trophy at nearly every single club he’s been at, and like Mourinho, Tottenham stand out as the only unsuccessful job on his CV.

Since the League Cup final in 2008, the closest any manager has come to bringing silverware back to Spurs is Pochettino.

Given his status as a free agent, the move really does seem like a no-brainer.

Newcastle United return to Premier League action away to relegation strugglers Nottingham Forest this evening, with Eddie Howe's men going into that mouthwatering meeting having got back to winning ways against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend.

After a run of five league games without tasting victory, the Magpies got their top-four bid back on track with a hard-fought, 2-1 win over the Old Gold on Sunday afternoon, with goals from Alexander Isak and Miguel Almiron proving the difference on the day.

The Tynesiders will no doubt be favourites to make it successive league wins when they take on Steve Cooper's side later today, albeit with Howe having a handful of selection headaches to contend with for the trip to the City Ground.

The club's lack of midfield depth is set to be tested with Brazilian gem Joelinton serving the second match of his two-game suspension, with there having been claims that Sean Longstaff could be among the doubts – having not been pictured in training on Wednesday.

Therefore, it could well be time for Howe to put his faith in academy graduate, Elliot Anderson, with the 20-year-old starlet likely hoping to nail down a regular role in the side after making a string of cameo appearances this season.

Will Anderson start against Forest?

The Whitley Bay-born gem has been restricted to just four starts in all competitions this season, with his solitary start in the league at home to Liverpool ultimately ending in disappointment as he was withdrawn after just 24 minutes, following Nick Pope's clumsy red card.

Undoubtedly a "huge talent" – as praised by Bristol Rovers boss Joey Barton – the exciting playmaker is no doubt deserving of another opportunity to truly prove his worth in the top flight, with Newcastle likely to benefit from having his creative flair in midfield.

The Scotland U21 international – who is the subject of interest from the England camp amid talk of a change in allegiance – showcased his quality during his loan spell under Barton last season, scoring eight goals and providing five assists in just 21 League Two games for the club in their successful promotion charge.

While Anderson is yet to get off the mark with regard to goal involvements this season, tonight's encounter could be an opportune time to put that right, with the youngster hoping to get the better of former midfield colleague, Jonjo Shelvey.

The latter man – who ended his seven-year stay at St James' Park in January – will likely not relish coming up against such a sparkling prospect, with young Anderson even earning comparisons to the late, great Diego Maradona from the aforementioned Barton for his ball-playing prowess.

The "effortless" gem – as hailed by former Magpies manager Steve Bruce – proved during his time at the Memorial Stadium last term that he can provide the cutting edge in the final third, with Shelvey and co set to be wary of allowing the 5 foot 10 ace the freedom to perform.

It may be a bold call to unleash Anderson this evening, although the highly-rated wonderkid will likely be chomping at the bit to make his mark at senior level.

Arsenal were knocked out of the Europa League on penalties by Sporting CP on Thursday, ending their chances of potentially winning a double this season.

It could perhaps be a blessing in disguise for Mikel Arteta’s men, with fewer games now until the end of the season, it should alleviate some of the burden placed on the players having to play twice a week.

The loss against Sporting may have been more significant than first thought, however, with defenders Takehiro Tomiyasu and William Saliba coming off in the first half with injuries.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, the Spaniard was asked how the two players were, saying: “I don’t know. Tomiyasu looks pretty serious from his reaction straight and what he said to me, but obviously, it’s very early. Willy? I don’t know, he had some discomfort and could not continue so we had to take him out.”

Not the best of news and while Arteta has Ben White who could come straight in for Tomiyasu, there might be a conundrum over who should partner Gabriel at the heart of the defence, but he should certainly unleash Jakub Kiwior in place of Saliba.

Will William Saliba miss the Crystal Palace match?

Arsenal will assess the Frenchman over the next 24 hours to see if he will be available to play against Crystal Palace, however, it might be better in the long run if Arteta gives him extra time to recover, especially if the injury isn’t as bad as first feared.

In that instance, Kiwior should be the man to come in at the heart of defence. The £20m January signing from Spezia struggled in his only appearance for the club against Sporting last week – having been hooked late on by Arteta – however he looks like a player that could command a starting spot in the coming years.

During the first half of the campaign, the Polish defender was in superb form for the Serie A side making 1.4 interceptions, 1.3 tackles, and four clearances per game, while winning over half of his total duels and ranking as the club’s seventh-best player in the Italian top-flight.

The 23-year-old even played a solid role for his country at the recent World Cup, ranking as Poland’s tenth-best player as they bowed out to France at the last 16 stage, and it’s clear he has the ability to perform at the highest stage.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig has described Kiwior as “a very positive surprise” following his performances this season and if there is any uncertainty regarding Saliba’s involvement tomorrow, the manager must unleash the 6 foot 2 titan at centre-back.

Everton are leading the race to sign AS Roma striker Tammy Abraham this summer, according to reports.

The Lowdown: January contact made

Sean Dyche failed to bring a single player to Goodison Park during the short amount of time he had available to him at the start of the New Year but it sounds like he’s already identifying his targets for the upcoming window.

Abraham’s contract at the Stadio Olimpico isn’t set to expire until 2026, but having recently dropped off in form under Jose Mourinho, he could be on the move at the end of the season.

The Yellow and Reds forward is no stranger to Premier League football, having worked his way up through the ranks from being an academy graduate to a senior first-team squad member at Chelsea.

iNews report that the Toffees had an approach for the 25-year-old turned down in January, but having made contact, it’s believed that the Italian giants would be willing to listen to offers.

The Latest: Everton in pole position

According to Forzaroma.info (via Sport Witness), Everton are in the ‘front row’ to sign Abraham with several clubs, including the Merseysiders, ‘ready to present important offers’.

Roma have already ‘fixed’ their asking price and are set to demand a fee of €75m (£66m) in order to sanction his sale.

Dyche’s side are ‘in the picture’ to land England’s former international, who could ‘part ways’ with the Serie A outfit should his form not improve between now and the conclusion of the term.

The Verdict: No-brainer

Abraham has been dubbed a ‘goal machine’ by former professional Stephen Elliot and should the opportunity to sign him arise this summer, Everton have a no-brainer of a decision to make.

Mourinho’s striker has posted a remarkable 202 goal contributions (159 goals and 43 assists) in 355 career appearances, highlighting how prolific he can be in the final third.

The Camberwell-born talent would also be the ideal target man up top standing at 6 foot 2 where he’s currently averaging 2.2 aerial wins per league game.

Chelsea’s former star offers excellent flexibility with his ability to operate out wide on both the left and right wings alongside his natural centre-forward position, making him a valuable player to have in the building.

Finally, Abraham has bagged three senior trophies during his career so far, including winning the Champions League with the Blues, so he would be able to bring a much-needed winning mentality to Goodison Park.

TalkSport pundit Darren Bent has mooted Thomas Frank as a suitable replacement for Antonio Conte at Tottenham Hotspur if the Italian leaves in the near future.

Will Antonio Conte leave Spurs?

After defeat in the Champions League this week, Spurs are set to end yet another season without lifting a major trophy.

Seeing as Conte was brought in as a proven winner to try to help the club end what is now a 15-year wait for silverware, it’s safe to say things have not gone to plan.

Consequently, there is already talk that Tottenham could begin the hunt for a new manager very soon, with the likes of Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel being referenced recently by The Guardian.

While speaking about this on TalkSport, Bent suggested that Brentford boss Frank could possibly be a risk worth taking for the Lilywhites.

He said: “I like Thomas Frank. Maybe a slight risk because it’s a step up from Brentford, but he’s got all the credentials.

“And when I say credentials, look what he’s doing with this Brentford side in the Premier League.”

Why would Spurs hire Frank over Pochettino?

Seeing as Frank has been a Premier League manager for less than two seasons, his relative experience at the top level would understandably make him a bit of a risk.

Still, he’s done brilliantly with Brentford to get them promoted and then lead them to a 13th-placed finish as well as having them push for European football this season as they are currently ninth in the league

What’s more, they are currently on a run of 12 league matches without defeat – the longest in the division, despite taking on Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool and even Tottenham during their past 10 outings

With that in mind, it’s clear to see how he could have the quality to go and impress at a club like Spurs, who could offer more financial backing than the Bees. What’s more, he would also likely cost less in wages than Pochettino or Tuchel due to his lack of big-club experience.

It will no doubt be interesting to see if Frank is considered when Conte does depart.

Having barely enjoyed the FA Cup trophy at the end of the 17/18 campaign, established and esteemed Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois shocked the Stamford Bridge faithful by forcing a move through to Spanish giants Real Madrid, leaving an alarming chasm between the sticks.

Irrevocably severing his tether to Chelsea and the endearment of the fanbase, signing for Los Blancos for £35m after seven years on the Blues’ books, the Belgian ace’s acrimonious departure warranted a first-rate replacement, and the club’s hierarchy swiftly scoured the market for the optimum acquisition.

Before the commencement of the 18/19 Premier League campaign, the west London outfit would announce the world-record goalkeeper signing of Kepa Arrizabalaga, who joined from La Liga outfit Athletic Bilbao for £72m.

It all could have been so different; Sky in Italy reported that Liverpool had been pursuing a deal for Roma goalkeeper Alisson, but had been priced out of a move, paving the way for the affluent Chelsea to swoop in and secure the Brazilian titan for a reported £62m.

Liverpool would return, to the surprise of observers, and complete the £67m signing of Alisson, spelling an end to Chelsea’s interest, breaking the world-record fee for a shot-stopper before the Blues would indeed break it for the Spanish Kepa just one month later.

Did Chelsea blunder on Alisson?

It’s fair to say that the respective colossus’ have had contrasting fortunes since their arrivals in England, with Alisson cementing his stature as one of Europe’s finest of his position, while Kepa has endured a tumultuous journey; not without its success, but not without its considerable hardships.

The polarity in fortunes for the gems is perhaps best encapsulated by CIES Football Observatory’s respective current values: Alisson still boasts a value of £71m that holds with the fee Liverpool paid, but the 11-cap Spaniard now yields a price to his name of just £13m, which is startling in its entirety.

Had the Blues completed the signing of Alisson, who cost less than Kepa, they could have instated an unwavering and iron-clad figure to dominate from the defensive third, providing steely resistance and instilling leadership across the pitch.

Having made 216 appearances, keeping an impressive 98 clean sheets, the 30-year-old South American has been instrumental in the craft of Liverpool’s current outfit, and despite the current seasonal woes, has basked in the glory of clinching the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and Club World Cup during his stay, now nearly five years on Merseyside.

The 61-cap star has also won the 18/19 Copa America with Brazil during this period, and his elite, winning mentality, would have paid dividends for the Stamford Bridge-based side.

Lauded as a “monster” by journalist Matt Kim, Alisson has proved time and time again that he is a world-class star, evidenced by his stellar performances despite Liverpool’s loss of potency and fluidity this season.

And had Alisson, dubbed “the best in the world” by Reds team-mate Andy Robertson, donned Chelsea blue in 2018, the footballing script that has dictated the past several years could very well have been rewritten.

Instead of the underperforming and devalued Kepa, the Blues could have had one of the ‘best’ shot-stoppers on the globe, which is why they fumbled badly with the Brazilian in 2018.

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.