Tottenham: Thomas Frank outlines key principles as ambitions align with Daniel Levy after Europa League win
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Dorgu confident best is yet to come from him
Patrick Dorgu agrees with Ruben Amorim's assertion that Manchester United will be better as a result of their difficult bedding-in process last year - and says it applies to him personally. Amorim is hoping the struggles of last season will be beneficial in the forthcoming campaign, as it gave him a chance to get used to the Premier League and the understanding of what it takes to be successful. That assessment also applies to Dorgu. The Denmark wing-back arrived at Old Trafford in £25m deal in February, after which he made 20 appearances and established himself as first choice on the left. While he impressed at times, Dorgu feels there is plenty more to come. "Yes, 100% I feel I have more to bring to the team and more to give," he said. "Hopefully we'll see the best of me and the team in the first game." Dorgu's mid-season arrival was crucial given the injuries that had blighted Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia and had forced Amorim to use right-footed Diogo Dalot frequently on the left. Now Malacia is exiled, Shaw is focusing on a role as one of the three central defenders in Amorim's system and youngster Harry Amass will go out on loan, the main challenge for Dorgu's spot is likely to come from 18-year-old new boy Diego Leon, who caught the eye in Saturday's 0-0 draw with Leeds in Stockholm. Dorgu welcomes the competition. "For sure," he said. "Diego is a top, top player. It's good for everyone when you have two or three players providing competition in their positions. It's just going to help the team even more."
Yahoo
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Manchester United hold talks for relegated midfielder with £9m release clause
Manchester United have held talks with Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi over a potential move to Old Trafford this summer. Ndidi has a release clause of £9m in his contract with the Foxes, following the club's relegation from the Premier League last season. Several sides have enquired into a potential deal, including Manchester United, who are targeting an athletic profile in central midfield. Personal terms have been discussed with the Nigeria international, though any deal could hinge on outgoings. The focus of Ruben Amorim is adding a centre-forward to his squad, before pursuing potential midfield additions. United are not alone in their pursuit of Ndidi, with journalist Ben Jacobs reporting that Everton and two other unnamed Premier League teams have also made approaches. There's also interest from Europe with Bayer Leverkusen, Juventus, Real Betis and Saudi Pro League sides weighing up offers. The 28-year-old has been with Leicester since 2017 and has made 303 appearances for the club in all competitions. Last season, he provided five assists in 28 league games and ranked among the top 10% of midfielders in Europe for tackles, clearances and aerial duels won per game. Read – See more – Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media: | | | |
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Report: Could Liverpool's New Forward Target Be More Valuable Than Isak?
Tactical Analysis: How Ekitike Could Fit into Slot's Liverpool Liverpool's summer recruitment strategy continues to evolve under their new manager, and one emerging name is drawing increasing interest—Ekitike. With Isak effectively priced out of the market, the attention has shifted towards a younger, more mouldable alternative. While Isak has proven his value in the Premier League, Ekitike represents potential and long-term gain, something Liverpool's recruitment team have historically valued. Profile of a Modern Forward At 23, Ekitike is not yet the finished article, but that may be part of his appeal. Standing at 6ft 3in and blessed with both pace and agility, he profiles as a rare combination of physical presence and technical skill. His ability to play with his back to goal, run in behind, and link up in tight spaces makes him an ideal candidate for a forward line that thrives on rotation and fluidity. In Germany, he showcased not just goalscoring potential, but a creative dimension that Liverpool's current forwards don't always offer. Eight assists in his most recent season highlight his vision and touch. Crucially, he isn't just a finisher—he's a facilitator. That dual-threat profile aligns with the tactical demands Arne Slot is likely to place on his No.9. Slot's Tactical Vision and Ekitike's Role Under Slot, Liverpool are expected to employ a high-octane, press-oriented system that also prioritises intelligent movement in the final third. The Dutch manager's forward line often features interchanging roles, where no player is bound to a single zone. Ekitike's comfort drifting wide, dropping deep, or running off the shoulder suits this approach. Slot will demand more than just movement, though. In transition, Liverpool aim to exploit space quickly. Ekitike's pace and directness make him an asset in counter-attacking phases, while his first touch and passing range offer value when breaking down compact blocks. In possession, his ability to combine with midfield runners or flick the ball into dangerous areas adds an extra dimension to the attack. Areas for Improvement For all his strengths, Ekitike remains a work-in-progress. His finishing, while improved, lacks consistency. He has a tendency to rush shots or choose low-percentage options. Data suggests he has slightly underperformed his expected goals, hinting at missed opportunities. Aerially, too, he is not yet dominant. Given his frame, one might expect more authority in the air. At times, his timing is slightly off, and he does not attack crosses with the aggression seen in elite target men. Physically, he has matured since his Ligue 1 days but will need further development to withstand the rigours of English football. Against more robust central defenders, he may initially struggle in physical duels. However, this is not uncommon for players adjusting to the Premier League. Long-Term Value Ekitike has already experienced the pressure of a major club environment and has responded with maturity during his stint in Germany. His self-awareness, willingness to review his performances, and clear hunger to improve suggest a mentality suited to development under elite coaching. From Liverpool's perspective, the value lies in what Ekitike could become. At a projected fee of around £80 million, the club would not only secure a unique attacking profile but also invest in a player whose ceiling might eventually eclipse current Premier League options. His signing would also prevent a rival from acquiring him—a subtle strategic victory. Ekitike may not arrive as an instant star, but Liverpool aren't buying the present—they're investing in a high-upside future.
