Ben is an experienced sports journalist and Senior Editor at Football FanCast with expertise in breaking news and transfer reporting across English and European football. Since joining the publication in 2018 as a freelance writer, he has progressed through the editorial ranks while covering virtually every team in the English football pyramid.  

Throughout his career, Ben has written for publications including the Liverpool Echo and Lincolnshire Echo. He graduated from the University of Lincoln with a Master's degree in Sports Journalism in 2017, having previously studied History and Psychology at Newcastle University.
 

Today, Ben leads Football FanCast's editorial operations, shaping the publication's news coverage, editorial strategy and reporting standards. His role combines hands-on journalism with editorial leadership, supported by an extensive network of contacts across the football industry.

Manchester United are preparing to back Mauricio Pochettino in the January transfer window after officially confirming the Argentine as their new manager.

The former Tottenham and Chelsea boss will begin work at Old Trafford on 18 November, with United expected to strengthen their squad as they look to recover from a difficult start to the season.

Pochettino set to be backed with January signings

Pochettino has agreed to replace Michael Carrick following his dismissal on Thursday, with United securing an agreement with the US Soccer Federation to release the 54-year-old from his international commitments.

Attention is now turning to the January transfer window, with United expected to prioritise defensive reinforcements and a new striker.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Pochettino will be heavily involved in recruitment discussions, insisting the club are certain to bring in new players in January.

"But then in the first meetings they will have with the club, they will discuss, and that's something they already mentioned in the first contacts between Pochettino and United. They already said very soon we will have specific meetings regarding the January transfer window. Pochettino is a manager who loves to be involved in the transfer strategy. He's not the kind of manager who says, 'Okay, give me the players, I will take care of them.'

"Pochettino is very good also at taking care of what he has. We have to be honest; he's a coach that, especially at Tottenham, showed that he can do very good things with players that are not constantly changing. But at the same time, Pochettino likes to be involved. Pochettino likes to have his say, and in this case, I expect Pochettino to be involved at Man United because they need to change.

"Already in January, they need to do something. Could be two, could be three, could be one. I don't know. We will see. But United will sign players in January. I can guarantee that because that's part of the strategy at the club, regardless of who's going to be the coach."

While United's defensive and attacking problems have attracted considerable attention, the club are also reportedly exploring opportunities to strengthen their midfield.

Man Utd open talks to sign €80m Martin Baturina

According to Mark Brus in The Daily Briefing, Manchester United have already opened discussions with Como over a potential move for Croatian midfielder Martin Baturina.

The 23-year-old has emerged as an exciting talent in Serie A, with both United and Chelsea expressing an interest in securing his signature.

Baturina is reportedly valued at around €80m (£67m), although negotiations remain at an early stage and there is currently a significant difference between the clubs' respective valuations.

A source told The Daily Briefing: "Baturina is well-liked by the recruitment staff of Chelsea and Man United. They've been pushing for this deal for a while and early discussions have taken place with Como.

"There's definitely the sense that they'd sell for the right price, but we're a long way from an agreement as there's at least a €20m gap in valuation between the parties at the moment."

Having previously impressed at Dinamo Zagreb, Baturina has continued his development in Italy under former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fàbregas.

Cesc Fàbregas hails Baturina's incredible talent

Baturina has earned considerable praise from Fàbregas, who believes the midfielder possesses the quality to establish himself at one of Europe's biggest clubs.

"He's improving more and more, and he has incredible talent. I told him that if, in a few years, he isn't playing for a big club and scoring on Champions League nights, then something will have gone wrong."

One of Baturina's most appealing qualities is his versatility, having featured in several attacking and midfield positions throughout his career.

Baturina's ability to operate centrally or from the flanks could make him an attractive option for Pochettino, who has previously favoured technically gifted attacking players capable of interchanging positions.

However, with Chelsea also pursuing the midfielder and Como holding out for a significant fee, United may have work to do if they intend to make Baturina one of their first additions under the Argentine.