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Manchester United chiefs are now reportedly racing to sign a German Bundesliga champion who has started the season in fine form.

Man Utd transfer news

Despite several summer upgrades, Manchester United have once again got off to an inconsistent start in the Premier League, with just two wins in their last six games leaving Erik ten Hag’s side in a frustrating run of form. What hardly helps that statistic is the fact that the two wins that have arrived during that time have come against newly promoted Southampton and League One Barnsley in the Carabao Cup.

Man Utd squandered chance to sign unreal Fernandes upgrade now worth £108m

The sensational talent would have been a game-changer for United.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 27, 2024

Even as their Europa League campaign got underway against Ten Hag’s former side, FC Twente, the Red Devils failed to secure all three points, conceding their lead courtesy of Sam Lammers’ equaliser to draw 1-1 at Old Trafford.

It’s the type of run that has seemingly left INEOS with no choice but to turn back towards the transfer market and yet another reported upgrade.

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Manchester United chiefs are now battling to sign Jeremie Frimpong ahead of rivals Manchester City in a fierce battle for the Bayer Leverkusen defender’s signature.

A versatile player who can play at right-back, left-back and right-midfield, Frimpong proved invaluable for Xabi Alonso’s side last season as they won the Bundesliga in dominant, invincible fashion in a season which featured just one defeat – a 3-0 loss in the Europa League final against Atalanta.

Now, after picking up where he left off, Manchester United reportedly want to bring Frimpong to Old Trafford in 2025.

"Great" Frimpong could ease Shaw woes

If you were to pick out one area that Manchester United should have strengthened in the summer, it’s their left-back spot. As things stand, Diogo Dalot has been left with no choice but to swap flanks and provide the Red Devils with an option down that side amid the injury struggles of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

It is a problem that Dalot can’t solve forever and one that is unlikely to go away due to Shaw’s extensive injury history. And that’s why Frimpong’s arrival would carry such importance, given that he can play both at right and left-back.

Assists

7

3

Key Passes

45

37

Tackles Won

17

51

Ball Recoveries

94

195

More of an attacking outlet than Dalot, Frimpong has endured an excellent start to the new season to pick up where he left off, with one goal and four assists in seven games in all competitions.

Described as a “great ball-carrier” by analyst Ben Mattinson at the start of September, the £64,000-a-week Frimpong remains one to watch and a player who could provide Manchester United with the ultimate solution down either side of their back four.

Newcastle United have enjoyed an excellent start to the 2024/25 Premier League season, with Eddie Howe engineering three wins and a draw from the opening four matches.

This has proven to be the perfect way to expel the malaise that has seeped into Tyneside following a disappointing summer transfer window. Newcastle might not have secured top target Marc Guehi or brought in a high-profile new forward, but oh do the Magpies boast some talent.

Alexander Isak is one of the finest strikers in Europe; Anthony Gordon is a fast-rising winger who was crowned United’s Player of the Season for 2023/24. Bruno Guimaraes doesn’t really need an introduction, he’s that good.

These are the salient superstars in England’s North East. But Newcastle’s first team is comprised of myriad cogs, all hard-working and thriving within the system.

Joelinton is one such player, having been a revelation since being repackaged into a bullish midfield role after initially struggling as a striker. How he struggled.

What was said about Joelinton when he signed

Joelinton quite quickly fell by the wayside at Newcastle. The one-time striker was signed from Hoffenheim in a club-record £40m deal in 2019, having impressed, aged 22, in Germany, notching 11 goals and nine assists during his final term.

It went downhill like a boulder… going down a hill. Joelinton concluded his first season on English shores with just two goals and two assists across 38 Premier League matches.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said: “If they were looking for a similar player to Rondon, Joelinton is him.” It was clear that the Venezuelan centre-forward, who had enjoyed a productive loan spell with the Toon the year before, needed replacing, but Klopp’s words would have been more apt if framed through the negative tint of the hulking striker’s career, like when he played for Everton.

Indeed, Joelinton was even remarked to have “similar traits” to Rondon by journalist Andrew Musgrove, standing at 6 foot 3 and winning 6.1 duels per match in the Bundesliga the year prior, evidence of his innate physicality.

Rondon’s comparative success with Newcastle was probably viewed dolefully by Magpies fans who watched Joelinton struggle through contests each week, with the Brazilian even being viewed as the worst Premier League transfer in modern history at the time. Reporter Declan Carr echoed this, calling him “the worst signing ever” in 2021.

He was simply not a natural finisher, lacking composure and temperament in vital moments. His former Hoffenheim boss Julian Nagelsmann had described him as an “animal” before moving across Europe to England, but such raw and ferocious character was not enough to dispel the notion that he wasn’t cut out for the number nine role.

Howe deserves all the plaudits for transforming the club, bringing in some exciting quality but also resurrecting some existing strugglers. Fabian Schar has grown into his skin under the 46-year-old’s tutelage and Jacob Murphy offers a good squad option, for example.

But Joelinton is the cream of that long-serving crop, and it’s all thanks to his positional rebirth.

Joelinton under Eddie Howe

Let’s not get it wrong here, Howe was not the architect of Joelinton’s reformed role in the middle of the park. His predecessor, Steve Bruce, was.

24/25

Central midfield

4 (4)

1

0

23/24

Central midfield

20 (15)

2

1

22/23

Attacking midfield

32 (30)

6

2

21/22

Attacking midfield

35 (30)

4

1

20/21

Centre-forward

31 (23)

4

2

19/20

Centre-forward

38 (32)

2

2

Bruce, at the least, got the ball rolling, attempting to shift the 28-year-old across various wide attacking and midfield roles before his dismissal, and Howe then found the blueprint for the machine’s success.

The result has been masterful. As per FBref, the £150k-per-week talent ranked among the top 17% of Premier League midfielders in 2022/23 for goals scored, the top 6% for successful take-ons, the top 10% for interceptions and the top 3% for aerial duels won per 90.

That was the year that Newcastle defied expectations and beat the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur to a spot in the Champions League, finishing fourth in the English top flight.

Last season, Joelinton was faced with fresh adversity: an injury-affected year precluded him from reaching the same heights and contributed toward Howe’s side’s struggles, but perhaps this only personified his unique importance.

Indeed, during the 2022/23 campaign, he averaged 2.2 tackles, 1.5 interceptions, 1.7 dribbles and won seven duels per game, as per Sofascore, truly underscoring the robust and relentless nature that worked oh-so-well with Guimaraes and Co in the centre of the pitch.

Hailed as a “machine” by teammate Kieran Trippier, this mass of muscle has stretched beyond his perceived ability and found true success in midfield for Newcastle, rewriting his own script and continuing to make a marked impact on his side’s efforts.

After all, he’s started each of Newcastle’s matches so far this season and has yet to suffer defeat, indeed perching in third place in the Premier League.

Therefore, Newcastle can now say that they have hit the jackpot on the Brazil international, who might have had as rough a start as any in England, but now stands proudly as one of the most important players of a still-evolving golden era.

It’s funny to think that he was once viewed as a striker in the mould of Rondon. Things have certainly changed – for the better.

Forget Wilson: Newcastle can unearth Isak 2.0 in sensational teen

Eddie Howe has a young talent present in the academy who could replace Wilson…

1 ByRoss Kilvington Sep 17, 2024

A Liverpool star’s performance on international duty this weekend has brought plenty of attention from his national media as one writer in particular was shocked by a moment of “pure filth”.

Liverpool players away on international action

For many supporters, the international break is a pain in the neck that they could do without, due to it getting in the way of the domestic action and bringing the fear of injuries, especially when the new season has only recently got underway.

For Liverpool, it feels particularly frustrating, considering the impressive form they have shown under Arne Slot in the opening weeks of the Premier League campaign, winning their first three matches and not yet conceding a goal.

A host of Reds players are currently representing their countries all over the world, whether it be Trent Alexander-Arnold playing for England in the UEFA Nations League or Alexis Mac Allister, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez battling in South American World Cup qualifiers, with fans praying they stay fit.

The Three Lions picked up a 2-0 win away to Caoimhin Kelleher’s Republic of Ireland side on Saturday evening, with Alexander-Arnold starting at right-back and playing all 90 minutes against his Liverpool teammate at the Aviva Stadium.

Media laud "pure filth" from Liverpool hero

Taking to X during England’s win over Ireland, journalist and scout Maxi Angelo lauded an outstanding pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold, as his incredible vision caught the eye yet again and played a key role in Declan Rice opening the scoring.

This is par for the course for Alexander-Arnold, who is surely one of the most gifted technical players in the world at the moment, and his performance on Saturday drew praise from far and wide, as former The Times football chief Henry Winter said: “Had to be Declan Rice scoring (and not celebrating). All started by another brilliant pass from Alexander-Arnold, his third in 11 minutes (after earlier balls to Kane, then Grealish) He changes games with passes like that to Gordon. Fabulous pass.”

The defence-splitting pass to Anthony Gordon was a stunning piece of artistry from the Liverpool vice-captain, and it is a timely reminder that Gareth Southgate somehow didn’t see him as a key starter for England, despite his ability. Alexander-Arnold has been hailed as “world class” by Dani Alves, which is high praise from one of the greatest right-backs in the history of the game, who added that he is a “fantastic footballer”.

Minutes played

90

Tackles

2

Key passes

2

Ground duels won

3/4

Pass completion rate

87%

Accurate long balls

10/15

Big chances created

2

Touches

108

Alexander-Arnold will surely now be considered England’s first-choice right-back moving forward, considering both Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier are ageing while Reece James is injury-prone, and he showed exactly why he should be one of the first names on his country’s team sheet.

Glasgow Rangers could see a few members of the first team squad depart between now and the Friday evening transfer deadline.

Ben Davies was the first to depart, joining Birmingham City on a season-long loan deal, but there will be others.

Todd Cantwell is reportedly in talks with Blackburn Rovers over a move to the Championship side before Friday, while Scott Wright is set to undergo a medical at Birmingham City as the Light Blues have accepted a bid for the winger.

These outgoings are all fine and well as it will allow Philippe Clement to raise some funds for new signings, but he will have to act swiftly in order to replace those that are leaving.

Plenty of targets have been linked in recent months and weeks, but despite Clement’s desire to bring some high quality players to Ibrox, it hasn’t quite worked out as planned.

Indeed, a move for former loanee Abdallah Sima was one of the sagas during the earlier weeks of the transfer window, but no permanent move ever materialised for the Senegal international.

Rangers missed out on Abdallah Sima

Despite the Gers showing interest in bringing Sima back to Ibrox this summer, this time on a permanent basis, it became clear that he wouldn’t be making a move back to Scotland.

Indeed, he ended up making a move to French side Stade Brest on yet another temporary move away from Brighton. The Ligue 1 side will be taking part in the Champions League this season, perhaps a key incentive in Sima’s decision.

Metric

Premiership

Europa League

Goals

11

3

Assists

2

0

Big chances created

2

0

Successful dribbles per game

1.2

1.8

Shots per game

2.9

2.5

The 22-year-old was one of the few bright sparks for the club last season, as he scored 16 goals in all competitions for the club, grabbing two assists in the process.

He was certainly one of the most successful loan signings the Gers have made in recent history, and it is a pity he won't be back in Scotland this year.

In the Premiership, Sima succeeded with 1.2 dribbles while averaging 2.9 shots per game, statistics which clearly showcased his ability at beating his man and displaying a keen eye for goal.

So far, Clement has yet to sign a winger who can offer what Sima did last term. Rabbi Matondo has shown flashes of brilliance, but lacks the consistency to be truly great, while Oscar Cortes has struggled with injury issues of late.

This could see the Belgian dive into the transfer market and bring in a winger before the deadline.

Rangers' dream Sima alternative

As reported earlier this week, the Light Blues are showing interest in winger Ibrahim Adel following his heroics for Egypt during the recent Olympic Games in Paris as the country reached the semifinals.

Premier League new boys Leicester City and Ipswich Town are also showing interest in the Pyramids FC gem, who could cost around £5m if he is to be lured away from North Africa.

No approach has been made as yet – and there is talk that Adel could be on his way to Spain – but hopefully this could change in the next day or two as things may get heated due to the transfer window closing on Friday evening at 11.30pm.

He certainly has plenty of ability and would be an ideal signing to replace the goals of Sima on the left wing. The question is, will a concrete move be made for the African starlet?

Ibrahim Adel’s season in numbers

The winger made 23 appearances during the 2023/24 season for his club, scoring seven times and providing two assists, with all of these goal contributions coming in the league.

Across 17 games in the Egyptian Premier League, Adel also created two big chances, averaged 1.3 key passes per game and succeeded with 1.2 dribbles per game, clearly demonstrating his attacking talents despite starting 12 league games.

These qualities would make him a solid fit in the current Gers starting XI, especially with the need for Clement to add more goals from out wide.

It was his exploits in France over the summer, however, which have certainly allowed Adel to capture the public eye.

In six matches, the winger scored three goals, created a big chance, averaged 1.7 key passes and registered an impressive 3 successful dribbles per game – a success rate of 67% – as he came so close to winning a medal, losing to Morocco in the playoff for the bronze medal.

His direct approach could also see him work wonders for Cyriel Dessers, who clearly needs someone out wide to supply him just as Sima did last term.

Why Ibrahim Adel could be a great signing for Cyriel Dessers

Dessers has certainly generated somewhat of a marmite impression on the Ibrox faithful, as half of the supporters love his work rate and attitude, while the other half think he isn’t good enough.

Five goals in six matches to open up the current campaign is just one way to silence his doubters and he could be key if this form continues.

The Nigerian international linked up well with Matondo during the 6-0 win over Ross County last weekend and if this sort of chemistry continues in the coming weeks, it could see the Light Blues carry on their momentum of late.

There is no doubt that another winger is required if Clement aims for success on all fronts this term, although it will depend on how many players leave.

Adel may cost £5m but judging by his displays for club and country over the previous 12 months, it could be a wise investment indeed.

It appears as though several players are going to be sold within the next day or two, signifying the need to bring more signings to the club.

The next 48 hours could be frantic, especially if the Belgian manages to conduct the business that he wishes to do in that time frame.

Dream for Diomande: Rangers chasing late move for £1.2m sensation

Philippe Clement has just a few days left to make some signings…

ByRoss Kilvington Aug 28, 2024

Everton could be set to enforce a lucrative move for the club, by signing some competition for a reportedly outgoing star…

What's the latest on Dan Ndoye to Everton?

With Demarai Gray having been linked with a switch to free-spending Saudi Arabia, many within the club would likely implore him to depart in order to help them out of their financial hole.

Whilst it is difficult to simply exile a player in such a situation, perhaps the acquisition of another in his role could offer the subliminal message to convince the Jamaica international to leave.

The latest on this pursuit comes from Fabrizio Romano, to took to his personal Instagram account (2 July) to offer an update on the future of FC Basel forward Dan Ndoye.

He wrote: "Talks are taking place for Dan Ndoye as things will move in the next days as now U21 Euros are over for him. West Ham, Everton, Sporting, Porto and AS Monaco are tracking Swiss forward young talent; he was part of the team of the season in Conference League."

Football Transfers value the former OGC Nice gem at just €10.1m (£9m).

Who is Dan Ndoye?

Although the youngster might mark a relative unknown, his versatility at such a young age makes him a fine asset to have within a squad that is lacking depth in attack.

Last term saw the Switzerland U21 international make a whopping 54 appearances across all competitions, including a starring role in his club's run to the UEFA Conference League semi-finals.

On the way he would manage a total of seven goals and five assists, already outperforming that of his potential predecessor and proving himself far more reliable than the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Whilst the Toffees' wide man showed his selflessness during a tough campaign, often deputising up front in an unfamiliar role, his tally of four goals in the league still marked a disappointing one; especially when considering that two of those came from the penalty spot.

The 27-year-old is hardly irreplaceable, and for all his remarkable footwork and electric pace, the consistency with which he provides it is far too scarce to make him a dependable asset.

Although Ndoye might be much younger, at least Sean Dyche could invest in his potential, and seek to mould him into a fine asset that could be a stalwart to rival Dwight McNeil on the flanks.

Journalist Josh Bunting sought to outline one particular moment of quality from the youngster, describing a goal he scored back in 2022: "Dan Ndoye with the opener, he won the ball back before turning quickly and then firing a strike beyond Jonathan Tuffey. That’s just the difference in quality but Crusaders have played very well, been compact."

This apparent ability to create from nothing will be important next season, given the Merseyside outfit were the second-lowest scorers in the whole Premier League last year.

In an effort to both improve in that role and achieve a sizable boost to their coffers, trading out Gray for the "lively" Ndoye – as dubbed by one scout – would mark a no-brainer.

Leeds United are still without a manager after suffering relegation from Premier League almost a month ago, but progress is starting to be made at Elland Road.

The 49ers have confirmed their full takeover of the club, buying Andrea Radrizzani out of his majority stake and taking full control in the last few days, which has been further boosted by the arrival of interim football advisor Nick Hammond.

Hammond was the sporting director at Reading, director of football operations at Celtic and most recently worked on a consultancy for Newcastle United, so has plenty of experience to provide Leeds with a much-needed expert to support in the summer transfer window during a difficult chapter for the West Yorkshire outfit.

Indeed, the main priorities for Leeds at present are the acquirement of a quality manager who can quickly reinstate their Premier League status and figuring out which players in the current squad will make an exit and who will stay to compete in the Championship next season.

However, with many Leeds players already speculated with a move away from the club this summer, identifying key targets who can replace and revive the team next season will be absolutely essential for a successful season.

One player who has been linked with a move to Elland Road this summer is Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Harry Winks, who has just spent a year on loan in the Serie A with Sampdoria.

Would Harry Winks be a good fit for Leeds?

It is no secret that Leeds will struggle to keep a number of their talents ahead of their Championship campaign and finding the best way to approach that will be essential for Hammond during his time at the club.

In midfield, the Whites have already lost Weston McKennie as he returns to Juventus after his loan spell, whilst Tyler Adams has been attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs following relegation to the second tier, so there is definitely an opportunity to bolster the centre of the pitch this summer.

As a result, the signing of Winks – who had a £22m buyout clause as part of his temporary deal – would be a major coup for Leeds if they could convince him to make a move and would definitely soften the blow of losing some of the key players in midfield.

Over 20 Serie A appearances this season, the 27-year-old Englishman – hailed "amazing" by Mauricio Pochettino in the past – has tallied up an 85% pass completion rate and successfully completed 78% of his dribbles, as well as averaging 1.2 interceptions, 1.4 tackles, one clearance and 3.2 duels won per game, displaying strong ball-winning capabilities and ability to look after the ball in possession.

One of Leeds' biggest issues in the top flight last season was their defensive consistency with no other team in the Premier League conceding more goals over the 38-game campaign (78), so bringing in players who can improve the defensive presence and being more efficient in possession would be advantageous.

With that being said, if Hammond could secure the services of Winks it could massively improve the performances in midfield next season and help Leeds to secure promotion back to the Premier League.

Everton are likely to dip into the market this summer to add some much-needed quality into their forward line and now a new update has emerged on a potential transfer target.

What's the latest on Everton's interest in Viktor Gyokeres?

According to A Bola, Everton are one of the clubs interested in signing Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres.

As per the report, the Toffees will need to compete with Leeds United, Fulham, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers to secure his signature this summer and it is claimed that his Championship club will command a transfer fee of €20m (£17m).

Would Gyokeres be a good signing for Everton?

There is no doubt that Gyokeres would be a warmly welcomed addition at Goodison Park this summer after the struggles the club have faced over their Premier League season in front of goal.

Only Wolverhampton Wanderers scored fewer goals (31) than Everton (34) over the 38-game campaign which led to a hard-fought relegation scrap at the bottom of the table, that saw the Merseysiders only saved inside the final 45 minutes of the season.

As a result, the signing of a prolific and confident goalscorer will be essential this summer if the club is to have any chance of comfortably competing and Gyokeres could be the perfect profile of forward to take on the task.

Everton have had huge success with strikers who use their height to beat opponents to the ball in dangerous positions with 6 foot 2 Dominic Calvert-Lewin and 6 foot 3 Romelu Lukaku two of the most consistent strikers the Toffees have had in the last decade, and now Gyokeres could follow in their footsteps to guide the team out of trouble.

Over 46 Championship appearances, the 6 foot 1 monster – hailed "unplayable" by former Coventry teammate Maxime Biamou – scored 21 goals, registered ten assists and created nine big chances, as well as averaging three shots on goal and 1.3 shots on target per game, proving that he is a huge presence in the centre-forward role.

Not only that, the 25-year-old Swedish striker has displayed a number of similarities to the aforementioned Lukaku this season, with the Belgian just two inches taller but using a similarly bullish approach to the game.

Indeed, they are comparable when it comes to shot-on-target rate (39.1% v 40.8%), goals per shots on target (0.14 v 0.16), pass completion rate (67.3% v 68.6%), shot-creating actions per 90 (4.27 v 3.96) and goal-creating actions per 90 (0.47 v 0.60), as per FBref.

With that being said, the signing of Gyokeres would be a big coup for Everton and if he could emulate his Championship form in the top flight in would put the Toffees in a great position to improve and compete comfortably next season.

With new boss Ange Postecoglou now at the helm to end the club's managerial search, the main focus for Tottenham Hotspur will likely have shifted towards acquiring quality additions in the summer window.

According to 90min, one area that the 57-year-old is keen to strengthen is the centre-back ranks, with the Lilywhites having drawn up a list of targets amid doubts surrounding the futures of the likes of Eric Dier, Davinson Sanchez and Clement Lenglet.

Among those who are reportedly being considered by the north London outfit is Manchester United skipper, Harry Maguire, with the Red Devils said to have offered the 30-year-old to potential suitors in order to get him off the books ahead of next season.

A move for the former Leicester City man – who is set to be worth in the region of £40m – may come as something of a surprise amid his recent woes at Old Trafford, with the 6 foot 4 asset having slipped down the pecking order under Erik ten Hag after starting just eight Premier League games in the most recent campaign.

Having also previously been labelled as a "walking disaster" by journalist Samuel Luckhurst amid his dismal form in the previous campaign, the £190k-per-week brute appears to be in need of a fresh start in order to spark a career revival.

Signing for Postecoglou could then be a dream arrangement for Maguire, with the Greek-Aussie having already proven himself capable of rejuvenating the career of a struggling Three Lions star – Joe Hart.

How is Joe Hart getting on at Celtic?

Much like his compatriot, Hart was in something of a rut prior to linking up with Postecoglou at Celtic back in the summer of 2021, having endured a nomadic spell after being cast aside by Pep Guardiola at Manchester City in 2016.

Formerly the number one option for his country and a two-time Premier League winner at the Etihad, the 75-cap goalkeeper ultimately ended up at the likes of Torino, West Ham United and Burnley following his time in Manchester, before being snapped up by Spurs on a free transfer in 2020.

Having ultimately featured just ten times for the north London outfit during the 2020/21 campaign, the Shrewsbury native was informed by new boss Nuno Espirito Santo that he would be surplus to requirements for the following season, having been brutally notified by the Portuguese that he would "not kick a ball" that year.

At arguably the nadir of his career at that stage, Hart has since gone on to flourish in Glasgow in recent seasons, proving a "really great signing" for the Hoops having "transformed himself" under Postecoglou's watch, according to pundit Alex McLeish.

Also lauded as an "unsung hero" for the Old Firm outfit, the veteran stopper has now racked up 104 appearances in all competitions for his current side, playing a vital role in winning five domestic honours over the last two seasons.

The 36-year-old clearly has Postecoglou to thank for his recent resurgence having described the experienced tactician as an "awesome force" and an "unbelievable coach", with that boding well for the impact that the new Tottenham boss could make on changing Maguire's fortunes if a deal was to be made.

For all the latter man's woes, the central defender has still shown glimpses of his quality of late after being hailed as "dominant" by Ten Hag earlier this year, having also been described as a "big player" for his country by international colleague, Kieran Trippier.

That praise would suggest that there is a talented asset in there somewhere, with Postecoglou potentially able to replicate his Hart masterclass by getting Maguire back to his best in a Spurs jersey.

Liverpool signing Nice enforcer Khephren Thuram and Bayern Munich star Ryan Gravenberch this summer would be an 'unbelievable' upgrade on their outgoing midfielders, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Khephren Thuram and Ryan Gravenberch?

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano on Twitter, Liverpool have had conversations with the agent of Nice midfielder Thuram ahead of a potential summer move to Anfield.

In 2022/23, the £14k-a-week ace was in sparkling form for Ligue 1 outfit Nice, and Thuram registered two goals and eight assists in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

As per Michael Reschke's interview with Die Bayern-Woche via The Liverpool Echo, Liverpool also 'really want' to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Gravenberch in the forthcoming off-season. In an interview with Sport1, the former Schalke Director of Football said: "Liverpool are interested in him. They really want to have him. That speaks for the quality of the player."

Earlier this year, The Daily Mail confirmed that the £152,381 earner had been 'sounded out' by the Reds over the possibility of moving to Merseyside and contact is believed to have been initiated between Liverpool and Gravenberch's representatives.

Of course, Liverpool's willingness to strengthen in midfield hasn't stopped there. Brighton & Hove Albion playmaker Alexis Mac Allister is also a target for the club and has a release clause in his contract worth £45-55 million and Liverpool are 'hopeful' that they can conclude a deal to bring in the Argentina international by the end of this week, as per Sky Sports.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones thinks Thuram and Gravenberch joining Mac Allister at Liverpool would be an 'unbelievable' upgrade on Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlian, who have all now left the Premier League giants due to their contracts expiring.

Jones said: “Imagine we get to a situation where Liverpool strike a good deal for Mac Allister at such value they can follow it up with two more like Khephren Thuram and Ryan Gravenberch – it would be an unbelievable squad upgrade on the back of losing Oxlade-Chamberlain, Keita and Milner. This is such a key area of their rebuild.”

Who else have Liverpool targeted ahead of the summer transfer window opening?

With Lavia having a price tag of around £40 million and Gravenberch at £44 million, it remains to be seen as to whether Liverpool would spend so much money on so many midfielders.

Liverpool look to be in the market for many players this summer and have been linked with several high-profile additions as Jurgen Klopp aims to refresh his squad.

As per FootballTransfers, Feyenoord captain Orkun Kocku and Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone remain high up on Klopp's transfer wishlist at Anfield.

One report in Spain via Caught Offside also claim that Borussia Monchengladbach forward Marcus Thuram could be an option to strengthen Liverpool's forward line on a free transfer.

Southampton youngster Romeo Lavia has also cropped up on Liverpool's radar amid interest from multiple Premier League suitors, as per Football Insider, indicating that the Reds may be set for a busy next few months as they prepare for next term.

Celtic will round off their season with the Scottish Cup final against Inverness on Saturday and can complete the domestic treble with a victory.

The Hoops have enjoyed an excellent campaign under Ange Postecoglou, as they have already wrapped up the Scottish Premiership and League Cup trophies, and they may now have one eye on 23/24.

Whilst the head coach could improve his squad by dipping into the transfer market to add fresh faces to the group, the Australian boss could delve into the academy to add competition for places.

One young gem who could be ready to make the step up to playing regular football for Celtic is youngster Adam Montgomery following his impressive loan spell with St Johnstone.

He is a 20-year-old defender who can play as a left-back or as a left-midfielder and the dynamo could be the long-term heir to Greg Taylor's position in the side.

How did Adam Montgomery perform this season?

Montgomery had already played 20 first-team games for the Hoops prior to going out on loan this season and racked up one goal and four assists in 33 appearances in all competitions for the Saints.

He showcased his defensive ability alongside his attacking prowess as the battler made 2.2 tackles and interceptions per game and won 53% of his physical duels.

Taylor, meanwhile, made featured in 31 Premiership games for Celtic and won 51% of his contests and made 2.2 tackles and interceptions per outing. The Scotland international also assisted four goals from left-back, which shows that both players are attack-minded defenders who can also put their foot in to win possession back for their sides.

Montgomery's performances in the Scottish top-flight suggest that the youngster, who is five years younger than Taylor, could be the long-term heir to the current Hoops star's position in the team, based on their similar attacking and defensive outputs.

The talented youngster was rewarded for his efforts by being named on the shortlist for the Scottish Football Writers' Young Player of the Year, which was ultimately won by Motherwell's Max Johnston.

St Johnstone boss Steven MacLean hailed the gem as "outstanding" and his former manager Callum Davidson claimed that the ace has a "big future" ahead of him, which shows that the defender impressed both of his coaches during his loan spell.

The 20-year-old still has plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and grow and being the back-up to Taylor for another season could provide the seasoned Hoops defender with competition and allow Montgomery to learn from him before eventually taking over the starting berth in the future.