Ruben Amorim is expected to make a left back’s signing his top priority at Manchester United in 2025. Though Tyrell Malacia has been fit for a few weeks, the Portuguese has opted in favour of Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui in the position, whereas the less said about Luke Shaw’s fitness for the last year or two, the better.

According to Spanish outlet MARCA, the Red Devils are pondering over a transfer for Fulham left-back Antonee Robinson. The 27-year-old has earned a name for himself under Marco Silva this season and after some brilliant performances for the Cottagers, he has been linked with the Premier League’s bigger sides, including Chelsea and Liverpool.

If the interested parties materialise their interest in Robinson, Fulham would understandably find it hard to hold onto him for much longer though he will not be available on the cheap either. The American international’s contract at Craven Cottage runs until June 2028 and he would command a decent amount, possibly more so than his valuation of £23 million on Transfermarkt.

United will hold upper hand
Manchester United are likely to hold the upper hand when it comes to beating Chelsea and Liverpool for Antonee Robinson’s potential purchase from Fulham next year.

Chelsea have Marc Cucurella who has been playing very well this season apart from the odd error or two. The Spaniard has been solid defensively and that seems like a characteristic that Enzo Maresca will value more than the offensive game given that the Blues like to defend deep and compactly.

On the other hand, Liverpool have Andy Robertson and though he is past 30, the Scotsman has a few more years under his belt. It seems unforeseen for Arne Slot to do away with him in the near future, so Robinson’s playing time at Anfield would be restricted. Plus, a left-back is unlikely to be a priority for the Reds.

Man United, meanwhile, will be willing to pay a reasonable fee to bring Robinson in and can guarantee him a starting role. As a wing back, his attacking gameplay would be an asset for the Red Devils and Amorim would also get his hands on a player that has a few years’ experience in the Premier League.

A transfer for Robinson in January is unlikely, however, with Fulham pursuing a top-half finish in the Premier League. If he does continue performing for the second half of the campaign though, he will have plenty of suitors in the summer.

The police have raided at least two offices of Napoli after corruption investigations into the transfer of Victor Osimhen from Lille were launched in both Italy and France.

This followed startling revelations by the former Lille President Olivier Letang that the French club only received Seven Million Euros from the reported 70 Million Euros Napoli splashed on the striker four years ago.

The deal included the transfer of four young players from Napoli for 20 Million Euros as well as agency fees and commissions.

“Since there were four players who came for 20 million euros, the net income from the sale of Osimhen was not 68 million euros,” Letang said.

“In other words, its value was zero. Including factors such as brokerage fees and commissions, the club’s coffers received 7 million euros in the Osimhen transfer.”

Letang made these revelations to the leading French sports newspaper L’Equipe. This will not be the first time that questions have been asked about this transfer with the French Government also wading in.

Chelsea are having a great season, putting themselves firmly in the Premier League title picture and also flying in the Europa Conference League.

The Blues boast one of the youngest squads in the Premier League, with an average age of just under 24.

In addition, Chelsea have some great academy gems coming through, which fans have been able to see plenty of in the Europa Conference League.

One such player is Josh Acheampong, an 18-year-old defender who Chelsea fans have backed for a bright future at Stamford Bridge.

Acheampong was frozen out at Chelsea for a few months due to stalling contract talks, but he has since penned a new deal with the Blues.

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca gave his verdict on Acheampong ahead of the Blues’ European meeting with Shamrock Rovers at Stamford Bridge.

Enzo Maresca backs Josh Acheampong to become ‘great player’ for Chelsea

Maresca told reporters at his pre-match press conference that Acheampong “really impressed” him in When asked how pleased he was that the youngster has penned a new contract at Stamford Bridge, Maresca said: “Very, very happy.

“Josh has been quite clear, he was with us in pre-season. I didn’t know him personally, but after two or three days that he was there with us, he really impressed me.

“Since the pre-season I was trying to understand a little bit the situation with him in terms of contract and these kind of things.

“Now finally the club found an agreement with him and we are all happy because we are all convinced and sure that Josh can be a great player for this club.

What Maresca has said about Acheampong’s immediate future

Premier League youngsters often build experience by going out on loan, but Maresca isn’t planning this with Acheampong.

“My personal opinion is that he has to stay close to us,” said the Chelsea boss. “So as much as we can keep him here, it’s much better.”

Acheampong made his full Chelsea debut in the Europa Conference League victory over Astana in Kazakhstan.

He was also named among the substitutes for the Blues’ victory over Brentford on Sunday, so it’s clear that he’s in the first-team picture already.