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Manchester United have some talented youngsters thriving in their academy who could be ready to challenge for a first team spot sooner rather than later.

The likes of Manni Norkett, Marc Jurado, Joe Hugill and Alvaro Fernandez have either shone out on loan this term or impressed in the youth age groups and Erik ten Hag will be delighted that he has a range of talent to cherry-pick over the next few years.

One youngster who has been superb during a temporary move is Amad Diallo.

The winger has been impressive for Sunderland this term, helping them reach the playoffs, and he has scored 13 times for the club, showing much of the promise which convinced United to splash out £19m for him in 2021.

Does he have a long-term future at Old Trafford, however?

Ten Hag may have plans for him next year, although there is another starlet coming through at Carrington which could disrupt Diallo’s development in Mateo Mejia.

Who is Mateo Mejia?

The former Real Zaragoza winger joined United from the Spanish second-tier side in 2019 at the tender age of 16, and he has since progressed through the age groups with swift progress.

Although not as big a goal threat compared to Diallo, his positional dexterity – having played across the front three this season – will allow Ten Hag to have multiple uses for the 20-year-old should he graduate to the first team over the next 12 months.

Four assists from 15 appearances in the Premier League 2 prove he is always creating opportunities for his teammates and this selfless nature will stand him in good stead during his career.

Broadcaster Bolarinwa Olajide even described the 20-year-old as a “wonderkid” before he arrived in Manchester, and he is certainly living up to this praise, with even greater things to come, surely.

Mejia is among a group of youngsters who are ready to make that jump to the next level and gain some first team experience.

Ten Hag signed Antony in order to operate on the right wing, and he isn’t likely to be going anywhere anytime soon, however, if the Red Devils find themselves in a fixture predicament in playing twice a week for the majority of the campaign as they have done this term, then the Dutchman will require a far bigger squad.

Instead of splashing out millions on another winger who will fight with the Brazilian over a first team berth, it makes more sense to ease the Colombian in gently and seeing what he is made off, and he could surprise a lot of people with his ability.

A batting promotion worked wonders for Moeen Ali as he scored his second Test century, and the fourth-highest score by an England No. 7, to build an imposing total of 498 for 9 before Alastair Cook declared before tea

The Report by Andrew McGlashan28-May-2016
Scorecard and ball-by-ball detailsTwo men of the day: Chris Woakes and Moeen Ali share a high five•Getty ImagesPowered by Moeen Ali’s career-best 155 and three wickets on recall for Chris Woakes, England put themselves in position to push for another innings victory as Sri Lanka produced an insipid display on the second day at Chester-le-Street. The visiting batting subsided to 90 for 8 in reply to England’s 498 for 9, the follow-on surely set to be enforced in the morning, although they at least avoided being sent back in during the evening session, which looked a possibility at one stage.Moeen’s second Test century – his first also came against Sri Lanka, at Headingley in 2014 – allowed England to plunder 188 runs off 42 overs, of which Moeen provided 127, before Alastair Cook declared 40 minutes before tea. One down at the break was a passable start given what happened in Leeds, but things quickly unravelled in the final session, Woakes backing up the early incisions of James Anderson and Stuart Broad by quickly locating a challenging length with some late nip allied to eye-catching pace in the high 80s mph. Broad then returned in the final moments of the day to strike two more blows against the lower order.Regardless of the defences that can be given to Sri Lanka about the challenges of the conditions and the rebuilding phase the side is going through it was woeful performance from them. The tone was set early when, in stark contrast to their excellent catching on the opening day, they spilled two crucial chances in the first session: Moeen was dropped on 36 and Woakes on 8 inside the first four overs of the day, and from then on Sri Lanka were listless in the field.The second of those two chances, a regulation outside edge, was spilled by Dinesh Chandimal who was struggling with a thumb injury and at morning drinks was replaced by Kusal Mendis behind the stumps. It begged the question, given that Graham Ford had admitted the injury concern the night before, why the change hadn’t been made at the start of the day.Given a total of 298 at Headingley overwhelmed the Sri Lankans, 498 must have looked a fearful number looming from the scoreboard even as the sun shone brightly during the evening session. Mendis was again the best of an out-classed batting order, although Lahiru Thirimanne showed some pluck to see out the day, but their desperate state was summed up by Angelo Mathews’ review when he was given caught behind (having declined to review last week when he would have been saved from his lbw dismissal).Anderson picked up where he left off at Headingley when he found Dimuth Karunaratne’s leg stump in the third over when the left hander moved too far across to try and protect his outside edge. Anderson’s first spell, split either side of tea as Cook’s declaration allowed his new-ball pair a breather, also included Chandimal whose forgettable day continued when he edged to first slip with hard hands. Broad claimed Kaushal Silva when Jonny Bairstow took a sharp low catch which was referred to the TV umpire, Rod Tucker, although the on-field officials had given the soft signal as out.Woakes, who had played confidently for his 39 after the early life, was given the ball ahead of Steven Finn and in his second over found Mathews’ outside edge. A bowler who has recently taken 9 for 36 probably does not need much of a confidence boost, but when your Test average was upward of 60 removing the opposition’s best player is a perfect way to start.He then added Mendis, exaggerated lift finding the splice of the bat, and Milinda Siriwardana who edged a delivery that kept down – a pair of dismissals which further highlighted why Cook was happy to bat first. Still, it was not a 67 for 6 surface. Thirimanne and Rangana Herath resisted until the penultimate over of the day when Herath sparred to gully. Shaminda Eranga was then taken on the rebound by Joe Root at second slip after James Vince had done well to palm up a fast nick above his head.England resumed on 310 for 6, talking positively of 450 but probably willing to accept 400. By the time Cook declared, the last four wickets had added 271 runs with Moeen finishing with the fourth-highest score by an England No. 7. He received good support from the lower order, adding 92 for the seventh wicket with Woakes and 98 for the last two wickets combined, reaching three figures from 109 balls with a lofted drive down the ground. His next fifty took just another 43 deliveries, as he cut loose with Finn and Anderson for company, with the 150 being raised by a crunching six over deep midwicket off Suranga Lakmal.Although he made a half-century two Tests ago, against South Africa at Centurion, it has been a largely lean time with the bat for Moeen since last year’s Ashes series where his brisk lower-order contributions were vital at Cardiff and Edgbaston. He has not made any secret that he would prefer to bat higher in the order and in the absence of Ben Stokes he has, temporarily at least, moved up a spot. While not a chanceless innings, he appeared more focused than when he is lumped down with the bowlers.The only high point of the day for Sri Lanka was Herath’s 300th Test which finally came his way in his 28th over when Finn top-edged a slog sweep – Herath was not going to leave the catching to any of his team-mates. He became the third Sri Lankan bowler after Muttiah Muralitharan (light years ahead on 800 wickets) and Chaminda Vass (355) to cross the milestone. He was warmly applauded by the crowd and he raised the ball in acknowledgement, although a touch of reality soon dawned when No. 11 Anderson reverse swept him for four. The fact he had batted, and with more defiance than some, by the end of the day further summed up Sri Lanka’s plight.

Manchester United's primary focus this summer is likely to be on acquiring a new centre-forward asset, with the Red Devils having been forced to rely on an underwhelming duo of Wout Weghorst and Anthony Martial in recent months.

The latter man seemingly appears set for a departure at the end of the season having routinely been dogged by injury so far this term, while January arrival, Weghorst, may not have done enough to warrant a permanent deal, with the on-loan Burnley man having scored just twice in all competitions to date.

The obvious candidate to ease those striking woes is Tottenham Hotspur talisman, Harry Kane, with Sky Sports only recently revealing that United would "absolutely explore a deal" for the England captain if possible, albeit with the north Londoners still seemingly adamant that the 29-year-old is not for sale.

That fact will no doubt ensure that the Red Devils are also contemplating alternative targets to potentially lead the attack next season, with Football Insider recently naming Inter Milan marksman, Lautaro Martinez as one such candidate for the role, with the Serie A side said to be willing to cash in on the Argentine this summer.

The report suggests that the 25-year-old is seen as the "perfect forward" by manager Erik ten Hag, with the Old Trafford outfit also not set to be forced to pay over the odds for the 48-cap menace, with Inter said to value him at around £70m.

How would Lautaro Martinez fit in at Man United?

It is evident to most that United are in need of a more reliable number nine to help lead the attack, with the aim no doubt to help ease the goalscoring burden on Marcus Rashford, with the 25-year-old having bagged 29 goals in all competitions so far this season.

While the Englishman has scored just two goals in his last seven Premier League outings, prior to that the £200k-per-week machine had been rather "unstoppable" following the World Cup break, as per his manager, after scoring ten goals in as many league games amid his return from Qatar.

That clinical form – as well as the woes of Martial and Weghorst – have seen the academy graduate moved into a central role on occasion this season, although it would appear that the in-form ace is at his brilliant best when operating from the left flank, having revealed his preference for that position earlier in the campaign.

The signing of Martinez, then, would allow Rashford to remain in that wide berth, with the World Cup-winning striker able to provide a ruthless and prolific presence in a centre-forward role.

The former Racing Club sensation would undoubtedly be able to ease the reliance on the current United talisman having been a reliable goalscoring presence in Italy in recent years, notably bagging 95 goals in 228 games in all competitions to date.

That includes a haul of 21 goals in 47 games across all fronts this term, with the "shot monster" – as hailed by presenter Joe Thomlinson – having been particularly lethal in the Italian top-flight with 17 league goals so far.

Having largely been deployed as part of a strike partnership during his time at San Siro – memorably scoring 41 league goals combined with Romelu Lukaku en route to the title in 2020/21 – Martinez could perhaps be able to dovetail nicely with Rashford as part of a fluid forward line.

That relatively youthful combination could go on to thrive together at the Theatre of Dreams for years to come, with it easy to see why the Inter man is looking like a possible option for Ten Hag and co.

Incoming Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino could decide to keep hold of striker Romelu Lukaku this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Is Lukaku impressing this season?

The 29-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements by Thomas Tuchel last summer, so he made the move to Inter Milan on a season-long loan. He was exceptional there in 2020/21, which initially earned him a return to Chelsea, but he hasn't done as well this time around, scoring just five goals in 20 Serie A appearances. He has netted three times in the Champions League, however, helping the Nerazzurri reach the semi-finals.

Once this season is done and dusted, Lukaku will return to Chelsea, where imminent new boss Pochettino will have a decision to make over his future. The Blues are badly in need of a top-quality centre forward ahead of next season and remains to be seen if the Argentine views the attacker as someone he wants to keep hold of.

Could Lukaku stay at Chelsea?

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Sheth failed to rule out of the prospect of Lukaku staying put at Stamford Bridge beyond this summer:

"You never know, a new manager might bring out the best in Romelu Lukaku. Everyone is immediately assuming that Lukaku probably won't play for the club again, but Mauricio Pochettino will probably want to assess everything that he's got before making any decisions about who's going to be staying in that squad and who's going to be leaving, simply because he will want to bring in some of his own players.

"And if he's going to bring in more players and spend even more money, there's going to definitely have to be more departures at that club as well."

This is an interesting update, and while some Chelsea supporters may not be enamoured with the idea of Lukaku staying put, it is only right that Pochettino gets a chance to assess him. He does turn 30 this year and his last spell at Stamford Bridge was poor – he only scored eight Premier League goals last season – but there is a chance that he could flourish under a different manager.

In truth, it would still be the best outcome to sell Lukaku permanently this summer and sign a younger elite option such as Napoli's Victor Osimhen, but he is still a proven goalscorer who could yet earn another opportunity to prove his worth in west London.

Newcastle United's potential summer transfer targets will be enthusiastic over the prospect of joining the club due to their upward trajectory, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest news involving Newcastle United?

The Toon are in a great position currently and sit third in the Premier League table with just seven games left before the close of play, six points clear of Tottenham Hotspur in fifth in the race for Champions League qualification.

Unsurprisingly, the idea of the Magpies in Europe's elite competition has seen them linked with some high-profile summer signings. 90min report that Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is among those they have a keen interest in, though it may cost upwards of £70 million for the Seagulls to sanction his departure in the off-season.

The Sun have claimed that Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney is also a target that Eddie Howe is willing to pursue ahead of next term and it is said that the Scot looks 'increasingly likely' to complete a move to the North East in the forthcoming transfer window.

Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount is also believed to be on their radar; however, Football Insider have revealed that the Tyneside club expect their Premier League rivals Liverpool to beat them to his signature.

Despite the transfer rumour mill going into overdrive at present, it is reflective of how incredible Newcastle United's transformation has been over the last year or so.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones thinks that the Toon Army's rise to prominence will have piqued the interest of some of their high-profile transfer targets ahead of the summer.

Asked whether prospective targets would sit up and take notice of their excellent form, Jones told FFC: "Definitely some players will; it's a really exciting place to be at the moment, St James' Park. It's obviously one of the best footballing environments you could ever be when things are going well.

"As a city, it's always buzzing; when the football team is doing well, it's pretty much the best place in the world. Players will be seeing that from afar at the moment."

What type of transfer strategy should Newcastle United adopt this summer?

Even with their well-documented financial power, most people in footballing circles would agree that Newcastle are probably ahead of schedule in their ascent to being a regular challenger for continental qualification and silverware.

The Magpies look likely to clinch a top-four spot this season and have been able to compete with the chasing pack without falling away like some expected, which begs the question, how do they go about their transfer business in order to reach even greater heights?

Since Eddie Howe arrived at the club, some of their best finds haven't necessarily been multi-million-pound acquisitions to the point of extremity, with examples such as Dan Burn, Kieran Trippier and Sven Botman coming in and proving to be good value for money on the face of it.

Others such as Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimares, have cost a good chunk extra; however, they have both played significant roles in the club's campaign thus far.

Competing in a European competition next campaign will likely require further squad depth, though it remains to be seen the direction they will take in the market in the off-season.

Everton will surely be in the market this summer for reinforcements after another disappointing Premier League season and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

What's the latest on Everton's interest in Luis Lopes?

According to The Daily Mail, Everton sent scouts to Scotland last week to take a closer look at Aberdeen striker Luis "Duk" Lopes.

As per the report, the former Benfica centre-forward has caught the attention of the Everton hierarchy following his impressive goal-scoring form in the Scottish Premiership this season amid their search for a capable striker.

Would Luis Lopes be a good signing for Everton?

There is no doubt that Everton are in desperate need of improvements in their attacking threat after failing to replace the goal contributions of Richarlison and the pace unleashed by Anthony Gordon, which has ultimately been the catalyst in their downfall this season.

No other team in the Premier League has scored fewer goals (24) over the campaign so far, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin continuing to struggle with injuries and summer signing Neal Maupay failing to offer consistent goal contributions since his arrival.

As a result, the signing of Lopes could be the perfect opportunity for Sean Dyche to finally strengthen his strike force with a reliable performer in front of goal.

Over 32 league appearances, the 23-year-old has scored 16 goals, registered two assists and created four big chances as a marker of his all-round presence.

Furthermore, he's averaging 1.6 shots on goal, 1.5 successful dribbles and has won 5.5 duels per game, proving he has been in fantastic form for his club and contributed massively to the club's six-game unbeaten run.

The Benfica academy graduate has been lavished with praise since his arrival in Scotland last summer, with his former coach Joao Tralhao hailing Lopes' best assets:

"He is powerful, aggressive, strong and he works hard to press. He also has an amazing instinct to score goals and you could see that with every year he progressed.

"He has a real instinct for goal, which is his top quality. He just scores goals, with his right foot, left foot, chest, head or every part of his body. He has scored a few acrobatic goals for Aberdeen and trust me, that is not usual. That is just Duk."

With that being said, if Lopes can deliver a similar output at Goodison Park, he would be a great asset for the Toffees next season as Dyche goes in search of finally replacing the aforementioned Gordon and Richarlison.

Derby County midfielder Krystian Bielik has admitted that he is “not closing any doors” when it comes to his future at Pride Park.

What's the latest on Bielik's future?

The Poland international swapped League One for the Championship in July when he joined Birmingham City on a season-long loan, and he has become an integral member of their squad since arriving, having made 42 appearances across all competitions for the Blues.

The Rams star will be out of contract at Pride Park in summer 2024, so has just over one full year of his deal remaining, meaning that both parties will have to make a decision regarding his future upon his return.

Manager Paul Warne publicly addressed the 25-year-old’s situation during his most recent pre-match press conference and admitted that he holds “respect” for him wanting to go out and get game time – but suggested that the £20k-per-week ace’s mindset could change should they get promoted to the second tier.

Speaking to BBC reporter Richard Wilford, Bielik has delivered his own personal update on his stance on his future at Derby. He said: "I have [my] last year at Derby, and we have to sit down with my agent and with the club directors and we'll see what happens. I'm not closing any doors, I'm looking forward to it, to be honest. First time I was on loan here, I was an 18-year old kid, now I'm a grown man with more experience and this is a big club. We'll see what happens this summer."

Should Derby keep or sell Bielik?

Bielik will have no doubt attracted interest from the way he’s been playing at Birmingham – he has already been lauded an “elite” talent by football scout Jacek Kulig – but we think Derby need to do everything they can to keep him, because he’s an excellent player to have in the side, and even more so if they achieve promotion.

Indeed, the Blues loanee currently ranks in the 97th percentile for blocks and the 95th percentile for aerials won compared to players in the same position over the past year, suggesting he utilises his physical presence well, not to mention that he’s won 30 of the tackles he's made on 58 players so far this season, via FBref.

Bielik would also bring wonderful versatility to the squad having operated at centre-back, central midfield and attacking midfield alongside his natural position just in front of the backline, so is a useful option to have in the building should any unexpected injuries occur with the relentless amount of fixtures in mind.

Aston Villa winger Anwar El Ghazi faces an uncertain future at the club…

What’s the word?

According to journalist Ashley Preece – in a Q and A for Birmingham Mail – the Midlands outfit are yet to receive an approach for the 27-year-old this summer, with it looking as if Villa could be forced to sanction another loan departure for the Netherlands international.

Asked if there ‘any takers’ for the former Lille man, the trusted insider responded: “Not just yet. Haven’t heard or been told of any interest. Villa might have to shake hands on a loan. His contract expires next summer (June 2023).”

The 6 foot 2 menace – who signed for the Villans on an initial loan deal back in 2018 – appears to be surplus to requirements under manager Steven Gerrard, having been shipped out on loan to fellow Premier League side Everton in the second half of last season.

El Ghazi has netted 26 goals and provided 16 assists in 119 games in all competitions for his parent club thus far.

Supporters frustrated

That news will no doubt come as a source of frustration for supporters, with most seemingly keen to see the £8.1m-rated man moved in the current window, both for the sake of the team but also for the player himself.

It would appear to make little sense to keep hold of a player who looks unlikely to feature under Gerrard next term, with it having been telling that the 42-year-old was willing to let the versatile forward depart in January.

El Ghazi could well have used that as motivation to prove the Englishman wrong during his temporary spell at Goodison Park, although was ultimately reduced to a bit-part role with the Toffees, making just two top-flight appearances for the club – both of which came from the bench.

That dismal stint on Merseyside has done little to enhance the £38k-per-week man’s status back at his parent club, with it difficult to see the one-time Ajax man managing to force his way back into contention, particularly with the wealth of attacking talent at the manager’s disposal.

In truth, it would be best for all parties if a move could be secured – even if it were to be another temporary exit – with frustration no doubt growing among supporters that Gerrard has not been able to trim what he described as a “bloated” squad.

Having to deal with possible outgoings could well hold up any potential incomings, with the sooner the ‘deadwood’ is moved on, the better.

AND in other news, Lange eyeing Villa move for £30m “goalscoring machine”, he’d be their own Darwin Nunez…

Tottenham Hotspur, and by extension sporting director Fabio Paratici, are now targeting a move for Inter Milan star Nicolo Barella as reports emerge from Italy.

The Lowdown: Spurs mean business…

Judging by their impressive summer window so far, Spurs mean business ahead of Antonio Conte’s first full Premier League season in charge of the club.

They finished last season in a coveted Champions League berth, potentially gifting the north Londoners some strong financial leeway to tackle this summer’s transfer window. ENIC granted a £150m equity increase which has subsequently been put to good use with an array of first-team signings as Conte is well and truly backed in the market.

Reports suggest that the club aren’t done there either, with news coming to light on Spurs and their links with Barella.

The Latest: Paratici eyeing Barella swoop…

According to reports, it is believed that Spurs and Paratici now have their eyes on the 39-cap Italy international.

As relayed and translated by The Boot Room, Il Messaggero reported that Tottenham are ‘also interested in Barella’, with this transfer window taking yet another turn.

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The Verdict: Ambitious…

Given that the 25-year-old is valued at around €90m (£77m), this may be a tricky move for Tottenham to pull off.

There is little denying his quality, though, with Serie A journalist Carlo Garganese calling him ‘world class’ and Conte himself branding Barella ‘perfect’ during their mutual time at the San Siro.

Barella’s marquee price tag appears to be the only obstacle to a move, and Paratici may need to do his fair share of negotiating to find a realistic agreement if Spurs enter official talks for the player.

A big claim has emerged on Sunderland and their plans for the remainder of the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

Black Cats boss Alex Neil has confirmed that the club are still working behind the scenes to improve the squad ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

The Scottish coach has revealed that he wants to strengthen his team to deal with a tough season in the second tier and said that things have been happening out of the spotlight.

He told the Shields Gazette: “We still have signings to make in a variety of positions so we know we have work to do.“We’ve worked well and quietly in the background to get players in which has been good but we understand that we have got more to do because it is going to be a long, hard, difficult season in the Championship.“It’s a tough level to operate at, particularly when we haven’t been there for a significant amount of time. I think it will open some eyes when we get there.” Supporters will be excited

These comments from Neil will surely excite supporters as they suggest that the club are set for a busy end to the window.

The season starts in just under two weeks and the Black Cats have until the end of August to get deals done to bolster their squad. This means that Kristjaan Speakman has around six weeks to bring multiple new signings to the Stadium of Light.

Fans can, therefore, look forward to an exciting few weeks as Sunderland make moves, and hopefully sign, players who can improve the team and help them to avoid relegation straight back down to League One.

Daniel Ballard has come in from Arsenal and if that sets the bar for the standard of player the club are eyeing then fans will be buzzing. The central defender is a promising young player who proved himself in the Championship last season.

He averaged a superb SofaScore rating of 6.95 on loan at Milwall, winning 64% of his duels and making 3.5 tackles and interceptions per match. The prodigy consistently delivered quality displays and has the potential to grow and improve over time, at the age of 22.

Hopefully, Sunderland can add a few more players who are also proven in the second tier and have the quality to make a big impact next season. For now, supporters will be hoping that is the case and will be excited by the prospect of more incoming business in the weeks to come.

AND in other news, Big blow: Sunderland dealt pre-season injury setback that’ll leave Alex Neil gutted…