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أعلن البرتغالي جورجي جيسوس، المدير الفني لنادي الهلال، عن تشكيل فريقه الرسمي لمواجهة العين الإماراتي، في المباراة المرتقبة بين الفريقين التي تقام اليوم الثلاثاء.

ويستضيف الهلال نظيره العين، على ملعبه “المملكة أرينا”، في مباراة العودة لدور نصف النهائي من بطولة دوري أبطال آسيا للموسم الحالي 2024.

طالع | موعد والقنوات الناقلة لمباراة الهلال والعين اليوم في دوري أبطال آسيا.. والمعلقين

الهلال كان قد خسر مواجهة الذهاب للدور قبل النهائي من دوري أبطال آسيا، التي أقيمت الأربعاء الماضي، في الإمارات، بنتيجة 4-2.

ويأمل فريق الهلال في تحقيق الفوز ولا بديل عن ذلك من أجل العبور إلي نهائي بطولة دوري أبطال آسيا للمرة الثالثة على التوالي.

والفائز من مباراة الهلال السعودي والعين الإماراتي يلاقي الفائز من لقاء أولسان هيونداي الكوري الجنوبي ويوكوهاما الياباني في المباراة النهائية لـ دوري أبطال آسيا. تشكيل الهلال أمام العين في إياب دور نصف نهائي دوري أبطال آسيا

حراسة المرمي: ياسين بونو.

خط الدفاع: سعود عبد الحميد، حسان تمبكتي، علي البليهي وياسر الشهراني.

خط الوسط: روبن نيفيز، سيرجي سافيتش وميشايل ديلجادو.

خط الهجوم: سالم الدوسري، مالكوم دي أوليفيرا وصالح الشهري.

Daniel Farke's Leeds United kick off their Championship campaign with a clash against Cardiff City at Elland Road in less than two weeks.

Who have Leeds signed so far this summer?

Versatile ace Ethan Ampadu is the only official addition to the German head coach's squad to date after he joined on a permanent deal from Premier League outfit Chelsea.

However, Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara is reportedly closing in on a £5m move to west Yorkshire and Newcastle United goalkeeper Karl Darlow could also arrive as a third signing ahead of the opening match against the Welsh team.

That may not be the end of their business, though, as they have recently been linked with interest in Coventry star Gustavo Hamer, who is a player with the potential to be Farke's next version of current Aston Villa magician Emiliano Buendia.

How many goals did Gustavo Hamer score last season?

The 26-year-old wizard scored 11 goals in 44 Championship appearances for the team that lost in the play-off final to Luton Town at Wembley.

Hamer, who was once lauded as "unbelievable" by former teammate Marko Marosi, proved himself to be capable of making a huge impact at the top end of the pitch from a midfield position with both his ability to score and create goals at that level.

The 5 foot 7 maestro racked up ten assists to go along with his strikes and created 16 'big chances' for his teammates in total, which shows that the talented gem was able to offer a significant goal threat whilst also being able to open up the opposition's defence on a regular basis.

Hamer averaged a superb Sofascore rating of 7.35, which is 0.35 higher than any Leeds player produced in the top-flight last season, and would arrive at Elland Road as a proven Championship performer with time on his side to get even better.

He could, therefore, become Farke's next Buendia as the Argentine wizard, who stands at 5 foot 8, was a prominent figure in both of the manager's promotions to the Premier League during his time at Norwich City.

The 26-year-old sensation scored eight goals and assisted 12 in 35 matches throughout the 2018/19 campaign before he enjoyed a phenomenal 2020/21 season, which saw him plunder a staggering 15 goals and 16 assists from a wide midfield position.

Buendia was also a hard-working attacker who liked to win possession back for his team, with 3.5 tackles and interceptions per match during the second title win.

In the most recent term under Farke's management, the Argentina international created 18 'big chances' for his teammates and earned himself the Championship Player of the Season award for being the most impressive star within the division.

Hamer, who made 3.4 tackles and interceptions per game last season, is a player with similar qualities to Buendia, albeit in a more central position in midfield, as they are both combative – despite being small in stature – workhorses who also provide immense quality in possession as scorers and creators.

Farke and Leeds must now push to win the race for the Dutch phenomenon's signature as he could slot straight into the team as a proven Championship star over the coming weeks and months.

Surrey’s Kumar Sangakkara and Scott Borthwick added a partnership of 256 on the final day to ensure a draw against Lancashire

Tim Wigmore at Kia Oval17-Apr-2017
ScorecardIf Surrey are to make the title tilt that many consider within their grasp, they will seldom be able to bully teams as they did Warwickshire at The Oval last week. To thrive in a Division One that appears more competitive than ever, Surrey will need resilience, stubbornness, and the savvy to escape from precarious positions with minimal harm. Kumar Sangakkara and Scott Borthwick displayed plenty of such qualities in adding 256 to ensure a draw against Lancashire.Both played magnificently. In recent times Sangakkara’s innings for Surrey have taken on the air of a father playing with children in the park without wanting to be too mean-spirited: he has thrashed the bowling around a little and then generously chipped the ball to the on side, as in his tame dismissal for 46 on the third day.His brilliance for Surrey has been more fleeting than a club would hope from their overseas star; a year had passed since his last Championship century, during which there have been seven half-centuries, each containing wondrous shots yet none leaving an indelible mark on a match. But here, dreamy batsmanship fused with tenacity, as if Sangakkara was piqued by the notion that this game would be defined by another retired Test great, Shivnarine Chanderpaul.After Surrey’s inertia against Lancashire’s spin twins in their first innings, Sangakkara resolved not to let the opposition attack establish such a hold again. Each of his 16 boundaries were hit so sweetly that the fielders themselves seemed inclined to applaud. Three particularly stood out: caressing Kyle Jarvis down the ground, generating ferocious power from nothing more than a nonchalant push; shimmying down the pitch and contemptuously lifting Simon Kerrigan into the second tier; and then slog-sweeping Kerrigan to reach his century, a shot in keeping with the determination to dominate that infused his innings.Borthwick, meanwhile, moved to The Oval hoping to construct innings such as this. He batted rather more austerely than Sangakkara, underpinned by a firm forward stride to inoculate his stumps from harm. If there was less for aesthetes to savour from Borthwick, he was no less effective, sweeping efficiently against spin, greeting any width on the off side by thrashing the ball through the covers, and scything anything short through his favoured leg side, as when he received an egregious long-hop on 99 to reach his century.”It’s something I’ve dreamt of for the last five or six months,” he said. On a day when Durham lost their opening game in Division Two, this, following Mark Stoneman’s debut century for Surrey last week, was another reminder of the talent that Durham has produced and now has lost.It is a little over three years since Borthwick’s solitary Test cap, as a legspinner, and a little under a year since he was primed to be picked against Pakistan as a specialist Test batsman, only for his batting returns to fall away just as the scrutiny increased. On this evidence, the first cap of the new stage of his career might not be far away, though the scramble for England places has seldom been fiercer.Borthwick believes that batting alongside Sangakkara, just as he used to for Durham, will aid his prospects. “Batting with him it’s almost like you’re learning by watching him and the way he’s talking to you. He’s a bit of a batting coach as well, he gives you tips, especially against spin,” Borthwick said. “At Durham you don’t get to play against spin much so it’s good that I did what I did today, and can learn from Sanga – he’s the master.”Yet, as well as Borthwick batted, he knows that honing his legspin, restricted to nine overs so far in 2017, will increase his chances of another England cap.”I don’t want to be a frontline anything – I want to score runs and take wickets and be an allrounder,” he said. “If we get wickets that can turn I might be able to get more wickets. Looking at that wicket there we’ve just batted on, it’ll spin. So hopefully if we do produce wickets like that than myself, Gareth [Batty] and Zafar [Ansari] can come into the game because I think it will definitely spin. Hopefully we can help each other. There’ll be times when it’ll be my day and times when it’ll be their day.”Lancashire’s flag was removed prematurely from the ground in the afternoon, as if preparing the side for an early getaway, and it seemed a recognition that this was not their day. Yet that detracted little from an admirable display in south London, with the return of James Anderson for their next fixture providing a further source of comfort.

Leeds United are yet to engage in any transfer activity this summer, likely stuttered due to the length of the 49ers' takeover. However, they could now be set to bring in the first of what promises to be a comprehensive transfer window…

What's the latest on Sam Field to Leeds United?

That's according to Football Insider, who suggest that the Whites are plotting a move for Queens Park Rangers midfielder Sam Field.

With the Yorkshire outfit set to battle with newly-promoted Burnley for his signature, with the hope being that their stature alone can prove more of an allure than Vincent Kompany's project at Turf Moor.

With just one year left on his £7k-per-week deal, the 25-year-old would represent a fine option for either of these clubs. To tempt him to Elland Road would reaffirm the status of these English giants, and hand them a huge boost in their pursuit of a Premier League return.

Does Sam Field improve Leeds United?

Field featured heavily last term for the Rs, having moved from his boyhood West Bromwich Albion in 2021. Despite their looming relegation threat, the tough-tackling ace managed to maintain a 6.98 average rating in the Championship, chipping in with two goals and three assists, via Sofascore.

However, it is defensively where he truly shines, with his figures suggesting that should Tyler Adams choose to depart Yorkshire, this star would represent a fine alternative to step into his role.

Last year the USA international blended one key pass per game with 3.7 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game (via Sofascore), with his exploits earning praise from journalist Tim Thornton: "There are similarities in the way he plays with Phillips in the way that he breaks play up and screens the defence. But he’s also very different in a lot of ways. So, he’s done brilliantly.”

However, when compared to Field's campaign, it is clear that the two are more similar than one would initially think. After all, he also recorded 2.5 tackles per game, alongside a further 2.4 clearances and 1.8 interceptions, as per Sofascore. Given both were embroiled in their respective relegation battles, they proved themselves more than capable of starring in a dogfight.

When compared to Leeds' squad for that season, this relentless midfield general would have posted the joint-best rating of those who played more than five games, and the joint-fourth-best tackler too.

Such imperious form was always foreseen by those who viewed him in his infancy, with one of his former coaches, Gary Megson, noting: "If he can just grow into himself in terms of confidence and get that little bit of belief in himself it wouldn't surprise me if he goes on to have a real top-class career.

"He's big, he can run and he's got a great left foot. He's one of the best two-footed players I've seen and he's got a great amount going for him."

Perhaps a move to Elland Road could help realise that potential, stepping up to fill the hole that could be left by Jesse Marsch's star signing.

Arsenal are pushing to sign Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, as Mikel Arteta bids to bolster his defensive depth this summer.

The Gunners enjoyed a joyous campaign last season, which they will aim to continue next term with sufficient reinforcements.

Depth in defensive areas was a title-costing problem last campaign, however, is a topic that can be made positive this transfer window.

What’s the latest on Jurrien Timber to Arsenal?

As reported by Fabrizio Romano via his Youtube channel, Arsenal will "bid again" for Timber with their opening offer of £30m rejected.

The Gunners have an ‘agreement with the player’, who is ‘excited’ by the project at the Emirates, as stated by Romano (04:59).

The Athletic’s David Ornstein first reported the news, claiming that Ajax want a fee in the region of £50m for the defender, a price that Arsenal are optimistic to strike a compromise to lower.

What could Jurrien Timber offer to Arsenal?

Following the injury to William Saliba in March, Arteta opted to deploy Rob Holding in his place, in a switch that left the side pining for the Frenchman’s return.

The Englishman was called a “Championship defender” by former Premier League ace Gabriel Agbonlahor, via talkSPORT, and exposed Arsenal’s weaknesses in not having the depth to allow for the absence of Saliba.

Disappointing performances when called upon could signal the end of the 27-year-old’s time in north London this summer, particularly with news emerging regarding Arteta’s ploy to sign Timber.

The Dutchman would be a significant upgrade on Holding and could be the individual to cut the underperforming centre-back loose from the squad, giving Arsenal the chance to bolster their squad with undeniable quality.

Praised as “special” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Timber would be a leap in the right direction for the Gunners to expel the deadwood from their side, adding assured quality in numbers to allow for the challenges that come in a Premier League season.

The 22-year-old excels in a variety of areas in comparison to Holding, particularly in terms of his ability to get the ball forward from the back with similar attributes to Arsenal’s favoured centre-back William Saliba.

As per FBref, Timber averages an assured pass completion rate of 91.6%, with Holding averaging behind with 87.6% over the past year.

Taking into consideration his progressive play, Timber could equip Arsenal with another Saliba-style star in place of Holding, with the Englishman averaging 4.35 progressive passes to the Dutchman’s monstrous 8.62 per 90.

Defensively, the 22-year-old comes out on top over the Gunners centre-back, making 1.40 tackles to his 1.07 per 90, as well as 1.25 interceptions to the 27-year-old’s 0.69 per 90, showing the upgrade Arteta could introduce.

With just one year remaining on his contract, Holding’s time at Arsenal could be coming to a close, however, the Gunners are showing indications of progression in their efforts to sign Timber, who has shone as one of the bright stars in Europe this term.

A wrap of day two of the eighth round of Ranji Trophy Group B matches

ESPNcricinfo staff30-Nov-2016

Odisha bowled Maharashtra out twice on the second day to win by an innings and 118 runs, and win with a bonus point, in Wayanad.Odisha batted for 2.4 overs and folded for 319, having begun the day on 311 for 9. Maharashtra’s Anupam Sanklecha (5-75) took the last wicket to complete yet another five-wicket haul – his fourth in three games.In reply, Maharashtra struggled against Odisha’s medium-pacers – Suryakant Pradhan (4-34) in particular – as they were bowled out within 26 overs for 94. Basant Mohanty and Deepak Behera took three wickets each. After being asked to follow on, they fell to 45 for 7, before an eighth-wicket partnership of 55 between Vishant More and Sanklecha delayed their embarrassment; they eventually folded for 107. Biplab Samantray took a career-best 4 for 34, while Pradhan added a further 3 for 36 to his match haul.With their twin collapses on a tricky wicket, Maharashtra lasted only 376 balls across both innings – a record low for the past ten seasons among matches in which they were bowled out twice.Table-toppers Karnataka conceded the first-innings lead for the second match in a row, thanks to Saurashtra batsman Prerak Mankad’s maiden first-class century in Patiala.Karnataka removed Sheldon Jackson early in the day, reducing Saurasthra to 34 for 3 in response to Karntaka’s 200 all out on the first day. But the overnight batsman, opener Snell Patel, put on 72 with Jaydev Shah(39) to stabilise the innings. He then put on 57 with Mankad, to bring Saurasthra to within five runs of taking the lead, before falling to Abrar Kazi (2-66) for 87.Mankad struck at a strike-rate of nearly 80, and finished the day unbeaten on 100 off 126; in contrast, his partner, Kamlesh Makvana batted 119 balls for his unbeaten 30. The pair’s 101-run partnership took Saurasthra to 297 for 6 at the end of the day. Karnataka captain Vinay Kumar took 4 for 43.Jharkhand bounced back from an early collapse on the day to skittle out Assam for 126 in Vizianagaram. Medium-pacer Rahul Shukla, playing his first first-class game since February, took 4 for 48 for Jharkhand.Jharkhand were 251 for 4 when the day began. Having survived the opening hour, overnight batsman Ishank Jaggi fell seven short of a century, when he was dismissed with the score on 276. Medium-pacer Krishna Das (4-65) removed Ishan Kishan shortly after, and triggered a collapse that had Jharkhand fall from 291 for 5 to 316 all out.In reply, Assam suffered two collapses – 4 for 18, and 5 for 26 – on either side of a 29-run stand for the sixth wicket to be bowled out for 126. Pallavkumar Das (30) and Arun Karthik (27) were the only batsmen to get past 25.Left-arm spinner Manan Sharma scored an unbeaten 82, his career best, to help Delhi overcome a first-session collapse and move into the lead against Vidarbha in Chennai.Delhi, who had bowled Vidarbha out for 183 on the first day, lost four wickets within 19 overs of the second day to be reduced to 74 for 5. Medium-pacer Rajneesh Gurbani (4-62) did the bulk of the damage, before Lalit Yadav (3-79) removed Nitish Rana (27) and Delhi were reduced to 102 for 6. But Manan and Milind Kumar (37) put on 63 for the seventh wicket to bring Delhi close, before an unbroken partnership of 72 for the eighth wicket between Manan and Vikas Tokas (28*) took them past 183 and to 250 for 8 at stumps.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to approach Brentford to discuss a potential transfer fee for goalkeeper David Raya, according to Sky Sports.

What’s the latest Spurs transfer news involving Raya?

Spurs and new manager Ange Postecoglou look set for a relatively busy summer transfer window, with up to five new additions on the cards.

Reports have claimed that Postecoglou, chairman Daniel Levy, chief scout Leonardo Gabbanini and coach Ryan Mason have already held a transfer meeting. A new goalkeeper to come in and replace Hugo Lloris is on the agenda over the coming months, with Raya heavily linked with a move to north London.

Personal terms between the Spaniard and Spurs are allegedly already agreed, with a fee now needing to be agreed between the two clubs.

According to Sky Sports, Tottenham are expected to approach the Bees over a fee for Raya. The report states that Thomas Frank has previously said the goalkeeper is worth £40m, however, Spurs are reluctant to pay that amount.

How did Raya perform against Tottenham?

Raya is 27 years of age and has just 12 months remaining on his Brentford deal, with a new contract unlikely to be agreed, so now appears to be the best time for Spurs to make their move.

The shot-stopper appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €25m Transfermarkt valuation and recently shone against Spurs. Raya outperformed every Tottenham player aside from Harry Kane in the 3-1 win for the Bees last month, as per SofaScore, recording six saves. BBC pundit Garth Crooks praised his performance, describing one of his saves as “world-class”.

“The first save from the head of Richarlison was world-class, but the recovery to save the second attempt from the same player was quite remarkable.

“Brentford were better than Spurs in every department and Raya was central to their 3-1 victory.”

Frank has also called Raya “very aggressive” in his goalkeeping, and if a fee can be lowered below a £40m asking price, a move could prove to be a shrewd one by Spurs and Postecoglou ahead of the new season.

Liverpool are believed to be in talks with Borussia Mönchengladbach ace Manu Kone, who could be the perfect alternative to Real Madrid-bound Jude Bellingham.

What's the latest on Manu Kone to Liverpool?

That's according to BILD's Christian Falk, who recently took to Twitter to state that the Reds have "started transfer talks" with the 22-year-old midfielder as they seek to bolster their sapped midfield.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano corroborated Falk's news by claiming that, following the negotiations this week, the fee is expected to be around €35/40m (£34/30m), and that the Frenchman's outfit are willing to 'let him leave for that fee'.

This is likely due to the player entering the penultimate year of his contract with the Foals, and with the aforementioned facts, it is possible he has no desire to renew terms and, as such, will be shipped out for an adequate fee.

Should Liverpool sign Manu Kone?

Falk's Twitter musings stated that Kone could well be the "alternative" to the prodigious engine that is Borussia Dortmund's Bellingham.

While the transfer of Alexis Mac Allister, who is edging towards a move to Anfield, will be the No. 1 priority as the first order of business, the moves being made indicate that a meticulously drawn out plan is now being enacted – most pleasing for Liverpool supporters after a dismal previous transfer window – when considering central midfielders – that left Jurgen Klopp with just the loan signing of Arthur Melo to bolster the centre.

Arthur was stricken by injury all year and actually failed to grace the Premier League pitch, with the myopic stagnancy on the transfer front contributing to the club falling by the wayside and missing out on Champions League football for the first time in seven seasons.

Kone, while young, has been hailed as a "one-man army" by talent scout Jacek Kulig and indeed exudes swagger and strength in a way that belies his youthful years, having made 60 appearances for his German Bundesliga club and cemented his central placement since signing from Toulouse in 2020.

As per Sofascore, Kone completed 87% of his passes this term and averaged 2.5 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 0.7 key passes, impressing despite his side's languishing tenth place finish.

While he is typically an anchoring midfielder, Klopp is perhaps enticed by his driving presence, ranking among the top 4% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for successful take-ons and the top 21% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref, which illustrates his prowess at bypassing hapless defenders and surging into promising positions.

This is something Bellingham is first-rate at doing, ranking himself among the top 8% and 1% for the same metrics, and while the precocious Englishman is more refined in this sense, Kone could be clinched at a portion of the €100m (£87m) plus add-ons price that the Yellow Wall demand of their most coveted asset.

While he is thriving as a 'one-man army' at the nucleus of his Gladbach outfit, Liverpool are taking the requisite steps to return to the forefront after wandering astray this year, and he could be moulded into one of Europe's superlative midfielders under Klopp's wing on Merseyside.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly still considering a number of candidates for their managerial vacancy, with Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou believed to be in the running for the role.

What's the latest on Postecoglou to Spurs?

According to Sky Sports, the Lilywhites are said to still be 'interested' in the 57-year-old as the search to find a long-term successor to Antonio Conte continues, despite claims that the club are closing in on Feyenoord's, Arne Slot.

As per the piece, the latter man is not necessarily the leading option to take on the top job at N17 – despite contrasting reports suggesting otherwise – with the likes of Postecoglou, Thomas Frank, Marco Silva and Roberto De Zerbi all still being considered.

In the case of the Hoops' head coach, the Greek-Aussie was named among the contenders for the role back in March amid the mounting pressure on Conte, with the former Yokohama F Marinos man having impressed due to his fine impact in Glasgow to date.

Should Spurs appoint Postecoglou?

While much of the focus is on the aforementioned Slot at present, Postecoglou could well represent a fine alternative to the Dutchman as far as Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is concerned, having worked wonders during his time at Parkhead.

Although Slot has earned plaudits for his "ultra-attacking" style – as per journalist Marcel van der Kraan – the Celtic ace has also implemented "beautiful, attacking football" at the Old Firm outfit, in the words of BT Sports pundit, Owen Hargreaves, while combining that with a rampant run of domestic form.

Having wrapped up the Scottish Premiership title and the League Cup during his debut campaign in charge at Paradise last term, the former Australia head coach has repeated that feat this time around after fending off rivals Rangers, with the chance of treble glory still in the offing with the Scottish Cup final on the horizon.

A "brilliant" coach who Tottenham should seemingly "go after" this summer – according to ex-Spurs man Jamie O'Hara – the one-time Melbourne Victory man has also earned rave reviews for his "exceptional" recruitment record, as per former Bhoys skipper, Scott Brown, with that also likely to be of interest to Levy and co.

Equally, while Slot has been described as "very similar to Pep Guardiola" by Van der Kraan, the Celtic man has previously been praised by the Manchester City boss himself, with the Spaniard hailing the "incredible football" that Postecoglou's Yokohama side played after the two team came head to head during pre-season in 2019, having since been able to replicate that approach in British football in his current home.

Whether Levy will be able to tempt him into making a move at the end of the season is another matter, although the title-winning coach – who has been described as "infectious" by Tim Cahill – would certainly be a perfect alternative to fellow target, Slot.

With the summer transfer window fast approaching, speculation is now mounting as to just who will be arriving at Manchester United ahead of next season, with manager Erik ten Hag no doubt hoping to kick on from what has been an encouraging, albeit far from perfect debut campaign at the helm.

While Saturday's win over Wolverhampton Wanderers has got the club's top-four bid back on track – with the Carabao Cup winners also having the chance of gaining further silverware in the FA Cup final next month – the current campaign has not been without its notable lows, including suffering hefty defeats away to the likes of Brentford, Manchester City and Liverpool.

Those shambolic drubbings have showcased that there is still plenty of work for United to do to improve defensively, despite the fact that long-serving goalkeeper David De Gea currently ranks first in the Premier League for clean sheets (16).

In order to address that problem, speculation is rife that club captain Harry Maguire will be among those to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season, with the Englishman's potential departure opening the door for a possible new recruit in the backline.

According to a recent report from journalist Santi Aouna, the Red Devils may have already found a replacement for the 30-year-old in the form of RB Leipzig's Mohamed Simakan, with the transfer insider stating that the club – as well as rivals Arsenal – have "enquired" about the signing of the promising Frenchman.

Would Simakan be a good signing for Man United?

The obvious benefit of signing the 23-year-old would be his ability to feature in both a centre-back role and at right-back if required, with such flexibility having seen the "complete" defender likened to a "young Lilian Thuram" by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

That comparison to his legendary compatriot – who was memorably part of Les Blues' World Cup-winning side in 1998 and is second to only Hugo Lloris for caps for his country – is an indication of just what a huge talent Simakan has, having shone in Germany in recent times.

The £26m-rated powerhouse has racked up 76 appearances across all fronts for the Bundesliga side since his arrival from Strasbourg in 2021, notably scoring three goals and providing eight assists in 35 games in all competitions so far this season.

Not just a greater attacking threat than Maguire – who has no goals and assists this season – the Marseille-born ace also appears to offer a greater ability at playing out from the back as he ranks in the top 6% among his European peers for progressive passes, as well as in the top 2% for progressive carries.

Maguire, by contrast, ranks in just the top 42% and the top 16% for those same two metrics, respectively, with the United man having been restricted to just seven top-flight starts after falling down the pecking order under Ten Hag.

It is also Simakan who appears to offer a greater ball-winning presence having averaged 1.67 tackles per 90 across the last 365 days, as per FBref, while the former Leicester City man has averaged just 1.03 in that regard.

As such, turning to the Leipzig sensation could well represent the Maguire upgrade that Ten Hag will be craving, helping to apply greater pressure on his fellow Frenchman, Raphael Varane over the coming years.