All posts by n8rngtd.top

Chelsea are not in talks with Paris Saint-Germain for striker Kylian Mbappe, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The 24-year-old is in the final year of his PSG contract.

What is the latest Mbappe transfer news?

The Frenchman looks set to leave PSG this summer.

Last summer the French international signed a new deal that was reported to be a three-year deal. However, the deal wasn't a full three-year contract, but rather two guaranteed years with the option of a third that could only be activated by the player before July 31st 2023.

Mbappe released a letter in June detailing that he would not be taking up the option to extend his contract, with many inside the club believing that the forward had already set plans in motion for a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid on a free transfer in the summer of 2024.

In response, PSG have told the forward that he will be sold, so the Parisians don't lose the player for free after spending £166m on the player in 2018. A number of clubs have reportedly registered interest in the Frenchman, with three Premier League sides submitting an enquiry, which were Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham Hotspur.

Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal have submitted a world-record bid of £259m which has been accepted by the French side, with the deal said to be a one-year contract for Mbappe, which would allow him to leave for Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 on a free transfer. The deal also reportedly would net the French forward €700m (£600m) for one year, making him the highest paid sports star on the planet.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that despite rumours of a bid, Chelsea are not pursuing a deal for Mbappe due to three main factors: "Chelsea guys, we had rumours of a bid from Chelsea for Kylian Mbappe, but I’m told there is absolutely nothing at this point. This is about many reasons; Not having Champions League football, the financial fair play and also about the players will. At the moment sources from Chelsea believe there is nothing concrete with Mbappe. At the moment, Chelsea remain very quiet on this file, with the focus on Moises Caicedo

What positions should Chelsea sign instead?

The Blues have bigger problems that need to be addressed instead of buying Mbappe this summer.

Chelsea's midfield currently suffers from a real lack of experienced depth. According to reports, talks for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo have stalled after the London club had a second bid rejected for the Ecuadorian worth £70m. Beyond Enzo Fernandez, the most experienced player is currently Conor Gallagher, who is heavily linked with a potential move away from the club this summer, with the likes of West Ham United and Tottenham interested. Carney Chukwuemeka would be the next option, however, he has only played 30 games of senior football. The club desperately need to bring in some midfielders ahead of the next campaign if they want to return to their normal standards.

Central defence is another problem area for the Blues. Currently, Wesley Fofana will be out for the foreseeable future after suffering a major ACL injury, whilst fellow French defender Benoit Badiashille is also recovering from a long-term injury and will miss the start of the season. That leaves Chelsea with just Thiago Silva, Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill available, however, Chalobah could be departing this summer with Champions League finalists interested in adding the Englishman to their squad. Should that move go through, then Chelsea would have just two senior centre-backs for the start of the season, with one being 38 years old and unable to play week in and week out like in previous years.

Ultimately, whilst Mbappe would be an incredible signing, Chelsea simply have to address other areas in the squad first, making the outlay required for the Frenchman unattainable.

Leeds United forward Wilfried Gnonto has turned down the opportunity to join Premier League side Everton this summer, according to fresh reports.

When did Wilfried Gnonto join Leeds?

The Italy international only arrived at Elland Road from FC Zurich last summer, but having impressed during his 28 senior appearances in his debut season in the top-flight, he’s attracted significant interest from the Toffees, especially following relegation to the Championship.

Football Insider previously reported that the Merseyside outfit were leading the race to sign the 19-year-old, who is expected to leave despite still having four years remaining on his contract, but they haven’t got very far in their attempts to lure him to Goodison Park.

Read The Latest Leeds Transfer News HERE…

Sky Sports have claimed that the Whites have rejected several approaches for their winger which has left Sean Dyche’s side since turning their attention towards alternatives in the form of Leicester City’s former loan star Tete and Southampton’s Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Daniel Farke has now been given a further indication that he’ll be able to hang on to his prized attacker.

Is Wilfried Gnonto leaving Leeds?

According to TEAMtalk, Gnonto has "made it clear" to his representative that a switch to Everton is "not appealing to him" ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. Serie A clubs also hold an interest so there's a chance that a move to his homeland "could still be on the cards", but as it stands, it's stated that he would "prefer to stay" in Yorkshire.

The Whites "retain an element of confidence" that they will therefore keep the talented teenager to help with the club's immediate push for promotion.

Whilst Gnonto departing for the Serie A still remains a possibility, Leeds and Farke have received a huge boost by learning that their “diamond”, as lauded by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, has turned down the chance to join Everton, and it’s important that they continue to do whatever they can to retain his services beyond the summer.

The LS11 outfit's £20k-per-week earner last season racked up six goal contributions (four assists and two goals) in 24 Premier League outings whilst recording a total of 50 shot-creating actions over the course of the campaign, which was the fourth-highest tally throughout the squad, via FBRef, highlighting his desire to produce moments of quality for himself and his teammates.

The Verbania native also provides the boss with excellent versatility with his ability to operate in seven various positions, including everywhere across the frontline and even three roles in the midfield, making him a great option to have available with the possible injuries that could occur from the relentless amount of fixtures in the second tier.

Having already sanctioned the permanent exits of Rodrigo and Tyler Roberts, alongside Robin Koch, Maximilian Wober, Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Marc Roca who have all completed loan moves elsewhere, Farke will be determined not to lose any more of his first team stars in the final weeks of the window, especially Gnonto.

Manchester United are reportedly keeping tabs on Santos forward, Marcos Leonardo, with manager Erik ten Hag seemingly keen to strengthen his attacking options even further amid the signing of Danish marksman, Rasmus Hojlund.

How much would Marcos Leonardo cost?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato.it, the Red Devils are believed to be 'very vigilant' regarding the youngster's situation at present, the club set to have to do battle with Jose Mourinho's AS Roma side for the 20-year-old's signature.

As per the report, those at the Stadio Olimpico have been in constant contact with the Brazilian outfit in the hope of winning the race, albeit with this coming after prior reports that indicated a potential move to Serie A had stalled.

Read the latest Manchester United transfer news HERE…

If either side is able to get a deal over the line, the belief is that the Brazil U20 international would command a fee of just €15m (£13m), despite still having over three years left on his current contract.

What type of player is Marcos Leonardo?

It is perhaps clear to see why clubs across Europe are fighting it out to sign the in-demand sensation, with the 5 foot 9 striker having caught the eye after racking up 149 senior appearances to date despite his relative youth, chipping in with an impressive haul of 47 goals and 11 assists in that time.

With 14 goals in just 30 appearances so far in the current campaign in his homeland, Leonardo is certainly doing enough to warrant those admiring glances, with talent scout Jacek Kulig having described him as a player who is simply "born to score".

That is also the verdict of South American football expert, Tim Vickery, with the respected insider having likened the emerging superstar to a player that has 184 Premier League goals to his name – Sergio Aguero: "There is a kind of Aguero-type striker there, he is not particularly tall but comes alive in the penalty box and I think there is talent there as well.”

Perhaps more notably for those of a United persuasion, the Itapetinga-born hotshot has also previously been compared to former Old Trafford flop, Radamel Falcao in the past by Kulig, having been hailed as a 'complete forward'.

Of course, that comparison may spark some concern among those at the Theatre of Dreams, with Falcao having endured an underwhelming year-long loan stint at the club during the 2014/15 campaign, after scoring just four goals in only 29 outings under Louis van Gaal's watch.

The Colombian veteran – who also scored just one goal in 12 games in the following season at Chelsea – was not able to make his mark in English football, albeit while having made the move to Manchester after suffering a serious knee injury the season prior which perhaps inhibited his influence.

While young Leonardo may also find it hard to catch fire in the Premier League, that likeness to Falcao is still perhaps something of a positive, with the 37-year-old a notable figure to be compared to such has been his stellar goal record throughout his career to date.

A truly formidable figure in his pomp, the Rayo Vallecano man notably hit 72 goals in just 87 games for Porto, 70 goals in just 91 outings for Atletico Madrid and 83 goals in 140 games for Monaco, having been a typically reliable presence through the middle wherever he has been.

Much like Leonardo, the 5 foot 10 machine also began his career in South American football, enjoying a similar record to the youngster's current return at Santos, after bagging 45 goals in 113 appearances for Argentine giants, River Plate.

If Leonardo can get anywhere close to emulating Falcao's career it would be some going, albeit with the hope being that the gifted whiz can actually go one better and prove a success in a United shirt, if a deal can be agreed.

Aston Villa are "monitoring" Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto, who is now "likely to be leaving" this summer, amid interest from the Premier League, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

What's the latest Aston Villa transfer news?

Villa have already brought in Moussa Diaby for a club-record £51.9m fee this summer, but they still remain in the market for new wide options, with Nottingham Forest now prepared to consider bids well in excess of £40m for Wales international Brennan Johnson.

Barcelona's Ferran Torres is reportedly still on Unai Emery's Radar, with the Spaniard's long-term future in Catalonia currently unclear, however little progress has been made in talks with the Spanish champions.

Juventus' Samuel Iling-Junior also remains a target for the Villans, with recent reports detailing they are now ready to make a "concrete" bid for the 19-year-old Englishman, who is also being targeted by Brighton, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton.

Iling-Junior is not the only Juventus player of interest to Emery, with NSWE now ready to submit a bid for Federico Chiesa, who has fallen down the pecking order significantly at the Allianz Stadium under Massimiliano Allegri.

Read The Latest Aston Villa Transfer News HERE

In an interview with GiveMeSport, Galetti has now indicated that Villa also have their eye on a new winger from much closer to home, with Gnonto being considered.

The journalist said: “In the offensive positions, Aston Villa are monitoring Gnonto, as he’s likely to be leaving Leeds, and Brennan Johnson at Nottingham Forest.

"In midfield nothing should change, while in defence some clubs are following with interest the left-back Lucas Digne.”

Is Wilfried Gnonto leaving Leeds?

It is likely the Italy international will have a number of offers from the Premier League on the table this summer, with Everton now believed to be making progress in their transfer pursuit, having previously found negotiations with Leeds very tough.

The Toffees have made an offer of €20m (£17m) for the 19-year-old, a little under Leeds' asking price of €22m (£19m), and they could soon hold personal talks over a move to Goodison Park, meaning Villa may have to move quickly if they wish to hijack the deal.

If the Villans do manage to win the race for the youngster, they could be getting their hands on a fantastic prospect, in light of the praise he received from pundit Tam McManus last season:

“The boy who got the assist, he came on and he just looks like a little pocket rocket,” McManus told Football Insider‘s Ben Wild.

“Wow, what a performance from him. He looks like he has a real low centre of gravity and he looks absolutely tremendous.

“In terms of the goal as a whole, that’s the best you will see all season. This kid is an Italy international already and he can’t get a look in at Leeds? What has gone on there?

The starlet, who is the second biggest player in his agency Vigo Global Sport, has already received 12 caps for Italy, highlighting he is thought of in very high-regard by the European champions, and he had a decent debut season in England, registering four goals and four assists in all competitions.

That said, £19m is a significant fee for a player who is still relatively unproven, so Villa could be better off targeting a player with more experience at the top level, namely Chiesa, who has made a combined 25 appearances in the Europa League and Champions League.

Aston Villa could find the perfect opportunity to reinstate their interest in one of their reported summer targets, as Unai Emery weighs up his squad options with the end of the transfer window in sight.

The Spaniard has already recruited Moussa Diaby, Youri Tielemans, Pau Torres and soon-to-be unveiled Nicolo Zaniolo, however following long-term injuries to Emiliano Buendia and Tyrone Mings, he could resort to delving back into the market.

There has also been speculation regarding the potential departure of a few names at Villa Park, with one name who started the opening fixture tipped to bid farewell to the club.

Who could Aston Villa sign this summer?

Transfer insider Fabrizio Romano gave an update on the future of Lucas Digne, who started at left-back against Newcastle United last week, with the journalist hinting that the 30-year-old is heading towards the exit with interest gathering for his services.

Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…

One name that could replace the defender is earlier summer target Kieran Tierney, who made the headlines during Arsenal’s opening game of the season as he was not named in the squad to play Nottingham Forest.

The Scotsman has had to accept a more sporadic role at the Emirates following the emergence of Oleksandr Zinchenko, and could now depart the club after four years.

As claimed by The Scottish Herald, the 26-year-old dynamo was absent from the fixture with ‘growing transfer speculation’ surrounding him.

Valued at a reported £30m by the Gunners, Villa were named as one of the clubs interested in his talent, with the Times reporting back in June that the Villans were jostling with Newcastle to sign the defender.

What is Kieran Tierney’s playing style?

Deployed at left-back, the former Celtic ace is a strong defender as expected, as well as being a player that enjoys getting involved offensively on the flank.

A player confident in possession and a reliable attacking outlet, Tierney is progressive in his approach to play, as highlighted by his average of 5.17 progressive passes per 90 over the past year, ranking him within the top 18% of full-backs in Europe, via FBref.

For Villa, the Scotsman could be the perfect acquisition to succeed Digne, who after a year and a half could move on to pastures new away from the Premier League.

Having been lauded as “outstanding” by journalist Chris Wheatley, Tierney could excel the performances of the Frenchman as suggested by their respective averages in the 2022/23 campaign in the league.

As per FBref, the Arsenal man came out on top in areas relating to both defensive and offensive duties, averaging 2.26 tackles and 2.83 progressive carries per 90 to Digne’s 1.74 progressive carries and 1.80 tackles for Villa.

Also hailed as “the best overlapping centre-back in the world” by Scotland national team manager Steve Clarke for his international contribution, Tierney’s versatility in defence and attacking prowess makes him a highly-regarded player.

For Villa, the talent of the 26-year-old – who was originally signed by Emery in north London – could be captured at the perfect time for both club and player, as he looks for a new venture and the Midlands side seek a new left-back.

Wolverhampton Wanderers could be 'under pressure' to sell one of their most experienced assets as their frustrating transfer window rolls on at Molineux, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Wolverhampton Wanderers?

The Old Gold have already sold off several key first-team players this summer due to Financial Fair Play restrictions imposed at Molineux, including the likes of Ruben Neves, Conor Coady, Nathan Collins and Raul Jimenez, as per Transfermarkt.

According to Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph, Portugal international Daniel Podence may be another casualty this window and is being courted by Scottish Premiership champions Celtic in a deal that could cost £12 million.

Gabon international Mario Lemina is garnering attention from Premier League giants Liverpool alongside Saudi Arabian clubs and it is believed that a departure for the 29-year-old cannot be ruled out before the close of play in the market, as per Foot Mercato.

TEAMtalk understand that Wolves are exploring a move for Nice goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel in the event that experienced stopper Jose Sa leaves the club this summer.

Sa may be sold on to 'balance the books' at Molineux and Schmeichel is being eyed up as a 'ready-made replacement' to come in and provide stability as O'Neil's last line of defence.

Nice Matin via Sport Witness report that Chelsea are also keen on making a surprise move for the Denmark international to provide competition for Robert Sanchez at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer insider Jones believes that Wolves could be 'under pressure' to sell £25k-a-week earner Sa due to their financial situation.

Jones stated: "The Schmeichel transfer only makes sense, obviously, if Jose Sa leaves. While I'd not imagine that's something they ideally want to entertain, we know they are under pressure to sell.

"There have been a couple of formal enquiries about taking him, so it's not impossible it could come through."

What now for Wolverhampton Wanderers?

Wolves have been linked to several players this summer as the Old Gold look to add to their squad pool before the window closes. Republic of Ireland international Matt Doherty and backup goalkeeper Tom King have been the only new arrivals at Molineux so far, both joining on free transfers.

Journalist Rudy Galetti recently told GIVEMESPORT that Wolves are keen on doing a double deal for Stuttgart defender Konstantinos Mavropanos and West Ham United striker Michail Antonio.

TEAMtalk back up the notion that Wolves are looking to bring Antonio to Molineux and claim that West Ham would be open to selling the Jamaica international if they can identify a suitable replacement to take his place at the London Stadium.

The same outlet also claim that Wolves are keen to try and prize Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill away from Turf Moor; however, Crystal Palace, Everton, Leeds United, Leicester City and Middlesbrough are all in the race to snap up the 27-year-old.

Brownhill has just one year left on his deal at Burnley and Vincent Kompany is conscious of the prospect of losing the Warrington-born ace on a free transfer.

The narrative of Liverpool’s transfer window has been one of an observing nature, as Jurgen Klopp eyes reinforcements to strengthen his squad for what’s to come in the season ahead.

Having made three signings so far this window, with Alexis Mac Allister arriving in June and Dominik Szoboszlai following a few weeks later, the only recent capture has been that of Wataru Endo.

While others have been making sufficient signings and progress through the market period, the Reds seemed to have been stalling, though recent reports have identified a potential new target for Klopp to eye.

Who could Liverpool sign this summer?

A host of players have been linked to Anfield throughout the course of the window, none more of a sucker punch than the rejection of Moises Caicedo after a bid worth £111m was accepted by Brighton.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

However, another wave of worry has hit Merseyside, with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad eyeing star man Mohamed Salah, as relayed by The Athletic.

It’s not expected that anything will come of the links to the Egyptian, but reports in Italy have identified a player that could be targeted by Liverpool amid rumours of Salah’s future.

As reported by CalcioMercato, it’s believed that the Reds are keen to ‘return to the market’ in the bid to sign players to bolster their attack, with one name listed being Karim Adeyemi.

The Borussia Dortmund whiz is said to be a fan of Klopp and could be an exciting acquisition for the German to target, with his market value sitting around the €37m (£31m) mark, as per Football Transfers.

What is Karim Adeyemi’s style of play?

Identified earlier this year as the quickest player in Bundesliga history, the 21-year-old clocked a top speed of 36.7km/h, telling a lot of the type of threat he can bring to a side from the flank.

Deployable across the front line, the speedster is most comfortable on the left flank, where he can exploit his pace and cause havoc with his direct approach to play.

Hailed as “special” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the young German could be a huge upgrade in attack at Anfield as a player with the versatility to usurp the position of Diogo Jota.

Having scored 42 goals since arriving at Liverpool from Wolves, the Portuguese gem has been a reliable source in attack as a backup to those above him in the pecking order. However, there is a sense that the 26-year-old could exert higher levels at times.

A talent as bright as Adeyemi, who has also been dubbed a “wonderkid” by Mango, could bring competition to the former Molineux ace, who has undergone spells of droughts in front of goal.

The German contributed to 12 goals last season in the Bundesliga in 24 appearances, scoring six and assisting six in his debut campaign at the club.

Prior to joining the Yellows, the youngster had a phenomenal 2021/22 campaign, in which he netted 23 goals and produced nine assists for former club RB Salzburg, highlighting just how much of a menace he can be.

For Klopp, Adeyemi could prove to be a brighter spark in his setup to Jota, with his numbers last season suggesting that he could offer more to the manager’s setup to the Portuguese.

As per FBref, the direct forward averaged 2.21 successful take-ons and 1.82 key passes per 90 for Dortmund in the Bundesliga, numbers exceeding the averages of Jota in the Premier League, who totalled 1.11 successful take-ons and 1.35 key passes per 90.

Adding depth and competition to the squad could be the missing ingredient to getting the Reds performing to the levels they were over the past few years, with change welcomed to keep the progress rolling on Merseyside.

Liverpool are expected to make further moves in the market in the bid to bolster their midfield following the exits of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho.

Jurgen Klopp began the season with a midfield partnership of new signings Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister, who are both traditionally utilised further upfield rather than as the force to protect the backline.

A third summer capture in the form of Wataru Endo solidified the spine of the side, though it has now been rumoured that another target in the same position has been identified.

Who could Liverpool sign this summer?

To the knowledge of all, the Reds’ favourable option was Moises Caicedo, for whom they had a £111m bid accepted by Brighton earlier in the window.

The 21-year-old instead chose to join Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea, leaving a sour taste in the mouths of those at Anfield and a need to identify a new figure to ease the blow of the Ecuadorian’s rejection.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

As reported by sources in Spain, as relayed by Caught Offside, Liverpool are keeping tabs on Aston Villa midfielder Boubacar Kamara, who had an impressive first season in the Premier League after making the move from Marseille last summer.

It’s unclear whether Villa would allow the Frenchman to depart, but there is little doubt as to the impact he could add to Klopp’s side.

How good is Boubacar Kamara?

Lauded as “tenacious” and a “midfield controller” by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his exploits in the middle of the park, Villa's £100k-per-week man could be the perfect acquisition for Liverpool to target.

The central midfielder has strengths in both defensive and offensive actions, with his playing style rounded to the requirements of being a competent figure in the engine room.

At only 23 years old, the Villa whiz already has 156 top-flight appearances under his belt, featuring in both Ligue 1 and the Premier League throughout his career so far.

The experience that the midfielder has, paired with his quality makes him a strong option for the Reds to consider, in a player that could be the ideal alternative to missed target Caicedo.

Despite the 21-year-old excelling in the Premier League and earning a £115m price tag, the gap between the performance levels of Kamara and the Chelsea man are far less one-sided than one would presume.

Previously heralded as a “machine” by Kulig, Caicedo was a monster in midfield for Brighton last season, as highlighted by his average of 2.87 tackles and 1.23 blocks per 90, via FBref.

For Kamara, his debut campaign in England was as impressive as the former Liverpool target, with him exceeding the averages of the Ecuadorian in both departments, recording 2.94 tackles and 1.92 blocks per 90 for Villa last term.

Maintaining a passing accuracy rate of 84.8%, as well as making an average of 3.09 final third passes per 90, the Frenchman could be a revelation at Anfield, in a move that could provide Klopp with his answer to Caicedo.

Liverpool need to utilise the remainder of the transfer window, with significant changes needed to be made if they are to challenge in both the Premier League and Europa League this season.

The International break couldn’t have come at a better time for Heart of Midlothian, with a strong start to the season slowly being outdone by recent results.

Steven Naismith saw his team secure four points from six after two Premiership games while claiming a memorable aggregate victory over Rosenborg in the Europa Conference League third qualifying round, and it looked as though bright times were just around the corner for the Jambos.

Since then, however, the Gorgie outfit have scored just once in four games, suffering four consecutive defeats in the process and crashing out of Europe following a heavy defeat to Greek side PAOK.

Having made seven new signings during the summer transfer window, luring players such as Alex Lowry, Frankie Kent, and Calem Nieuwenhof to Tynecastle, it was certainly a productive window for the club.

The players will soon need to start showing their worth before too long, however, with Naismith have perhaps left to regret not making another signing which would have transformed their attacking options.

Did Hearts nearly sign Jamie McGrath this summer?

During the embryonic stages of the transfer window, Hearts were slow in doing business, being linked with numerous names but not acting upon their initial interest.

One such name was that of Jamie McGrath, the Irish attacking midfielder. According to The Daily Record, Naismith was looking at bringing the player back north of the border from English side Wigan Athletic and considering he had just a year left on his current contract at the time, it looked as though a knockdown offer could have been launched to secure his signature.

The player had made the move to Wigan in January 2022 from Premiership side St Mirren for a fee in the region of £150k, yet made just four appearances in all competitions.

Why did Hearts not sign Jamie McGrath?

Despite being linked with the Irish international for a few weeks, he terminated his contract with Wigan due to issues with the previous ownership, meaning he was available on a free transfer.

This should have given Naismith even further incentive to make a swoop for the midfielder, knowing that he wouldn’t cost the club a penny in transfer fees, yet they acted too slowly, and it was another Scottish side who beat them to his signature.

Aberdeen began to show interest, eventually snapping him up just a week before the end of the transfer window, and it looks like they have secured themselves a wonderful bargain, and a player Hearts will soon regret having missed out on in the coming months.

How good is Jamie McGrath?

Having shone in Ireland with numerous clubs, the 5 foot 9 dynamo signed for the Paisley outfit in 2020 and emerged as one of their finest players over the next two years.

Across just 79 games, he scored 20 times and grabbed seven assists and this type of form clearly impressed Wigan, as the aforementioned £150k fee proved to be too much for the Scottish side to turn down.

Journalist Josh Bunting lavished the midfielder upon moving to England, saying: “Jamie McGrath is a sensational signing for Wigan Athletic, think that’s one of the best signings of the window , really liked him whilst he was at Dundalk, good on the ball, aggressive and direct and has a very good shot, he’ll score from belters at the DW I’m sure of that.”

Stats via Transfermarkt

An unproductive six-month stint followed, and he joined Dundee United last summer for a season-long loan, with it proving to be an instrumental signing as the player carried on where he left off following his previous spell in Scotland.

Over 37 matches, he scored nine goals and registered three assists, although it couldn’t prevent the Arabs from suffering from relegation and Bunting heaped more praise on the attacking midfielder upon his arrival.

He said: “There’s going to be pressure on Dundee United to perform this season,I really like their squad and I think Jamie McGrath is a quality addition back into the league. He’s been backed heavily Jack Ross can’t say he wasn’t. McGrath is excellent at getting on the ball and carrying it.”

The eight-cap gem eventually finished the season ranked as United’s best performer according to overall Sofascore rating (7.08), while topping the pile for big chances created (five), key passes per game (1.6) and ranking second for successful dribbles per game (0.9), showcasing his vast attacking talents north of the border.

It was a stunning individual season, and it is further evidence that Hearts have missed out on a player who could have easily added ten or more goal contributions to their squad if he was deployed in the correct position.

What is Jamie McGrath doing now?

Although joining the Dons just two weeks ago, he has already played four matches for the club, two in the league and two on the continent.

Across his two league appearances, he has managed to create one big chance, while averaging one key pass per game and recovering six balls per game, suggesting he is beginning to make an impact despite being relatively new to the team.

If given a regular run in the starting XI, he could certainly register some impressive attacking statistics reminiscent to what he achieved last term for United and defences will struggle to handle him, no doubt about it.

What is Jamie McGrath’s market value?

According to Football Transfers, he is currently valued at €1.2m (£1m) and considering Aberdeen paid nothing to sign him in the first place, this could turn out to be a very profitable signing, especially as his value should continue to rise following every good performance.

Hearts have struggled for goals and an attacking spark of late while slipping to four straight defeats, could McGrath have been the answer to their attacking woes?

Judging by his previous form in Scotland, the Irishman could have offered something unique to Naismith and the Jambos as they seek to reclaim third spot in the table that the Dons snatched from them during the dying embers of the 2022/23 campaign.

In truth, it already looks like a transfer howler from Naismith and co.

Manchester United supporters have had to endure some big money flops over the previous few years, especially since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013.

The likes of Fred, Paul Pogba, Ángel Di María, and Harry Maguire all failed to live up to the lofty expectations placed on them following their arrival at Old Trafford.

Although rare, Fergie did have the odd transfer howler or two. Juan Sebastian Veron cost a staggering £28.1m in 2001, a British record at the time, yet he lasted just two years in Manchester before joining Chelsea.

Another player who cost a pretty penny, yet eventually failed to repay the club back for their heavy investment was Owen Hargreaves.

How much did Manchester United sign Owen Hargreaves for?

Ferguson signed the midfielder for a fee of £17m in the summer of 2007 as he looked to further assert United’s dominance, having claimed their first title in four years during the 2006/07 campaign.

Hargreaves discussed his move to United, saying: “A lot of teams came in for me, pretty much everyone.

“I was only ever leaving Bayern Munich for Man United and I remember Sir Alex said to me, ‘One of the reasons I signed you, is to help us win the Champions League, I think you can help us do that.

“And I said, ‘That’s why I’m here boss.’”

What happened to Owen Hargreaves?

The former Bayern Munich gem actually enjoyed a solid first season at the Red Devils, making 34 appearances across all competitions, scoring twice and grabbing two assists as he played an integral part in the club claiming a Premier League and Champions League double during 2007/08.

He even scored during the penalty shootout in the final in Moscow, slotting his effort past Petr Cech, and it looked as though he was only going to get better.

That summer, Hargreaves underwent treatment on a knee problem, yet this turned out to be more serious than first envisioned, and it required surgery, which practically ruled him out for the entire 2008/09 season, making just two appearances as United won their third straight title and finished runners-up on the Champions League to Barcelona.

The midfielder never really recovered from that setback, going on to play just twice more for the club before departing at the end of the 2010/11 season following the expiration of his contract.

Overall, he played only 39 times for the Old Trafford side and this works out at roughly £435k per game.

Ferguson even described the former England international as “one of the most disappointing signings of my career” and although seems a tad unfair given how important he was during his debut season, his overall impact the club definitely didn’t live up to the £17m fee they spent on him four years prior.

Hargreaves went on to join Manchester City in 2011, yet following just four matches for them, he retired and ended a career which saw him win league titles in England and Germany, while claiming two Champions League titles too.

Ferguson didn't make too many mistakes, but Hargreaves will surely go down as one.