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Liverpool have been heavily linked with a move for Marco Asensio, and now a new update has emerged on the club’s progress in getting a deal done for the player this summer.

What’s the latest?

According to Spanish news outlet COPE, Liverpool have tabled an offer to sign Real Madrid winger Asensio.

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As per the report, the player has a desire to get more game-time and it was thought that he may achieve that now that Kylian Mbappe will not be making the move to the Bernabeu this summer, however, with just 12 months left on Asensio’s contract, there is no intention from Real Madrid to secure his future.

AC Milan have also reportedly made an offer for the player alongside the Merseyside club.

He’s Coutinho 2.0

Jurgen Klopp will likely jump at the opportunity to strengthen his forward line after losing Sadio Mane, Taki Minamino and Divock Origi this summer, whilst doubt remains on Mo Salah’s future at the club and signing Asensio could be the perfect opportunity to add an experienced and proven winner in his team.

Since joining Los Blancos in 2015, the Spanish winger has won three Champions League trophies and three La Liga titles, scoring 49 goals and delivering 24 assists over 235 appearances.

Despite struggling for game-time in the side with just 19 starts and 59 minutes on average per game this season in the Spanish top-flight, Asensio has proved that he has the capabilities to perform at the highest level when called upon.

The £35m gem who was hailed “special” by journalist Kiyan Sobhani, scored ten goals and created one big chance. He made one key pass and took 2.2 shots on average per game, whilst he proved successful in the majority of his dribble attempts (68%) and ranked tenth in La Liga for shots on target over 31 appearances last season.

In terms of his compatibility with Liverpool, Klopp could have Philippe Coutinho 2.0 on his hands if FSG were to sign Asensio this summer, as the former Liverpool star is the eighth-most comparable player to the midfielder over the last year, according to FBref.

Although Coutinho offered a better pass completion rate (82.8%) and delivered three more assists, the Real Madrid midfielder scored more goals (10), had a far better shot on target percentage (48.4%) and a better pressure success rate (23.9%), proving that Asensio can offer similar attributes but is more prolific in attacking opportunities.

With that being said, if Julian Ward can get a deal done for Asensio this summer it could be a major coup for Liverpool in their pursuit of trophies by adding a proven winner and clinical attacker to the team.

AND in other news: Klopp can land his own Tchouameni as Liverpool now plot £5m offer for “absolute star”

Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell thinks Liverpool are definitely making the ‘right move’ by offering Naby Keita a new contract.

The Lowdown: Contract talks opened

The 27-year-old first made the switch to the Premier League when he joined the Reds from RB Leipzig five years ago, but as a result of only having 12 months remaining on his current contract at Anfield, his future is now uncertain.

However, there has since been a positive update in the sense that LFC have opened talks with the midfielder over a new deal, with transfer insider Fabrizio Romano further confirming that the club have made it one of their priorities to tie the maestro down this summer.

The Latest: Campbell backs Liverpool decision

Asked by Football Insider whether he thinks Liverpool have made the right decision in offering new terms to Keita, Campbell said: “I like Keita.

“I think he is a very good player. Whenever he is in the team, he has performed.

“You can tell a good player when there is not drop-off. That is how you know that you’ve got a squad of top player. There was times that Keita was on the bench and Klopp brought him on to up the level.

“He has a silky way of dribbling and playing decisive passes. I think the right move is to tie him down to a new deal, 100 per cent. Klopp has to keep that squad intact.

“They were one point off of the title last season. It is going to be another close one this season.”

The Verdict: Magician in midfield

Keita has slightly fallen down Jurgen Klopp’s pecking order in recent times, with the German having the likes of Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago all available for selection, but he’s someone who is definitely more than worth keeping in and around the squad.

Even though the Guinean only made 14 top-flight starts last season, he still managed to make a hugely positive impact when given the chance, averaging an 86% pass success rate and two tackles per 90 minutes, via WhoScored, highlighting his ability to tighten up and control a midfield.

With Takumi Minamino on the verge of sealing a Reds exit and Henderson not getting any younger, Keita should get plenty of chances to impact the starting XI going forward, where he will undoubtedly continue to enjoy plenty more success with Liverpool in years to come.

Liverpool have been heavily linked with Raphinha for a while, and a new update has now emerged on Leeds United’s latest stance on the prospective sale of the player this summer.

What’s the latest?

According to Spanish news outlet Sport, the Whites would now be willing to accept a transfer fee of €50m (£42.8m) for the Brazilian winger, and that could be revised down even further.

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As per the report, Raphinha has made clear his desire to leave his current club, with Barcelona being his first choice option for this summer, although both Liverpool and Arsenal have also approached with interest.

Klopp’s next Jota

Liverpool don’t always sign their star players from within the Premier League, but when they have done during Jurgen Klopp’s tenure they have struck gold, with Sadio Mane, Virgil Van Dijk and Diogo Jota all having a massive impact at Anfield after leaving their former English top-flight clubs.

Jota in particular has had a fantastic impact competing for a place in Liverpool’s formidable front three since joining from Wolves in 2020 for a similar fee (£41m) as Raphinha’s reported asking price.

The Portuguese maestro has scored 34 goals and delivered nine assists in 85 appearances for Liverpool, with a goal contribution every 124 minutes for the Reds, proving that he has been a worthwhile signing.

Darwin’s a Red! Get your special edition Darwin Nunez tee here.

Raphinha could now follow in the footsteps of Jota by joining the Merseyside giants to compete for a place in their team and potentially becoming a key component in the club’s pursuit for more trophies.

Following Sadio Mane’s imminent departure, Divock Origi’s contract expiry and the expected sale of Takumi Minamino this summer, there will definitely be an opportunity for the Brazilian to apply his talents and strengths in the team despite the signing of another striker in Darwin Nunez.

The Leeds winger, who was dubbed a “proper talent” by Joe Cole, has scored 17 goals and contributed 12 assists since joining the Whites in 2020. He has been a consistent threat for the West Yorkshire club, duly cementing his status as a fan favourite with his heroics against Brentford a month ago to keep Jesse Marsch’s side in the top flight.

FSG should not give up on their pursuit of the Brazilian, as Raphinha could be a great asset to replace the depth lost in the forward line at Anfield this summer, especially now that Leeds are seemingly resigned to selling him for much less than originally intended.

AND in other news: Major Liverpool transfer twist emerges; Jurgen Klopp will be frustrated

Liverpool are on the lookout for a replacement for Sadio Mane who has unexpectedly decided to leave Anfield ahead of the last 12 months of his contract with the club, and now a new potential transfer target has been identified.

What’s the latest?

According to Daily Mail, Liverpool have joined Premier League rivals Manchester City in the race for Bukayo Saka.

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As per the report, Saka was thought to be unlikely to make a move this summer and contract negotiations were opened to extend the young player’s deal with Arsenal beyond the two years he has left, however, their failure to qualify for the Champions League has thrown a spanner in the works.

The player could well join their ranks after Darwin Nunez who is currently the subject of intense speculation regarding a move to Anfield.

Mane 2.0

Although the midfield was an area the Reds were set to strengthen this summer, the potential departure of Sadio Mane has caused a headache for FSG who will need to now focus on finding a replacement to emulate the Senegalese winger’s attacking output that has been crucial in Liverpool’s success over the last six years.

With that being said, Jurgen Klopp has been a long-term admirer of Saka with the German coach hailing the youngster a “young and exciting player” as well as upsetting Arsenal supporters with his warm approach to Saka on the pitch at full-time after Arsenal’s Carabao Cup draw at Anfield

The £102m-rated star who was hailed a “game-changer” by Cesc Fabregas, has been impressive this season for the Gunners and has been a stand out performer in the team.

According to SofaScore, in 38 Premier League appearances Saka has scored 11 goals, delivered seven assists and created eight big chances while making 1.8 key passes.

He’s also made 1.1 tackles and taken 2.6 shots on average per game, proving that he is an absolute nuisance in attacking play, something Klopp would value in his forward line.

Another attribute Klopp will be keen on is the 20-year-old’s diversity in his positioning with the player deployed predominantly on the right this season but has also been seen on the left side too.

Thus, if the Liverpool manager could unlock his potential on the left side he could have Mane 2.0 on his hands.

AND in other news: Offer made: Liverpool now “want to sign” 34-goal “diamond”, Klopp absolutely loves him

Celtic’s heavy amount of business during the previous summer transfer window ended up paying dividends for the Bhoys as Ange Postecoglou guided the club to the SPFL title.

Heading into the upcoming summer window, it seems as though a clue has emerged regarding the possibility of one particular transfer deal taking place at Parkhead that would surely have lots of fans jumping for joy.

What’s the talk?

Speaking to Football Insider, Noel Whelan had this to say about the current situation surrounding the possibility of Celtic securing a permanent deal for the centre-back.

“I think happiness to a player is very important, feeling wanted and belonging in a place. I think he’s definitely got that from Celtic as a football club and the fans.

“I think Celtic and Carter-Vickers will be trying to do everything to make it happen, for him to stay there.”

Great news for Celtic fans

The Hoops signed the defender on a season-long loan deal from Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur back in August.

With 45 appearances under his belt across all competitions, more than any other team he’s played for throughout his career, the American chipped in with four goals and one assist.

However, it was his defensive work that made him a crucial figure for Postecoglou in their title-winning campaign.

In 33 league appearances, the 24-year-old made more interceptions (43) than any other Celtic player and ended the campaign with a higher average of clearances per game (4.2) than anyone in Postecoglou’s ranks.

His overall performances earned the Tottenham loanee an impressive season rating of 7.36/10 from WhoScored, making him the fourth-highest rated player currently in the 56-year-old’s squad.

Earlier this month, Carter-Vickers shared his wishes that he wants to bring an end to his time as a Spurs player once and for all this summer, which could be why Whelan has said the player will be doing everything he can to join Celtic permanently.

This could then give the Parkhead club a great chance to secure the defender on a permanent basis.

Now that Whelan has suggested that both Celtic and the player will be doing all they can to make this deal come to fruition, this will undeniably be great for the Hoops fans to hear.

Should the league champions secure the defender’s signature in the coming weeks, this would surely give the team a great chance of regaining the title and potentially being successful in Europe given his clear defensive talent.

In other news: Deal close: Big transfer update emerges that’ll have many Celtic supporters buzzing

A huge Newcastle United transfer claim has emerged on the club’s pursuit of Renan Lodi heading into the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

Reporter Jacque Talbot has revealed that the Brazilian defender is the club’s number one target in that area of the pitch.

The Magpies will be pursuing a deal to sign the Atletico Madrid man in the coming months and will then look to snap up Matt Targett if they fail to bring their first choice in.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I’m told that with Targett, it’s going to be more of a secondary option. So, they’ve put the feelers out for Lodi, who’s their main priority signing for that left-back side. And if that falls through, then they’re going to go back to Targett.”

Eddie Howe will be buzzing

The Toon head coach will be buzzing with this news as it shows that PIF and Dan Ashworth are not willing to settle for the safe option.

Targett spent the second half of the 2021/22 campaign on loan from Aston Villa and he was a solid performer at left-back. He ended the season with an excellent SofaScore rating of 6.92 for his parent club and the Magpies combined in the Premier League, making an impressive 3.8 tackles and interceptions per game as he showcased his strong defending.

However, he is not a high-level left-back when it comes to crossing the halfway line and attacking the opposition’s goal.

As per FBRef, he ranks in the 62nd percentile or lower in shot-creating actions, non-penalty goals, non-penalty Expected Goals + Expected Assists, assists, and dribbles completed per 90 in the last 365 days among left-back’s in Europe’s top five leagues.

Lodi, meanwhile, ranks in the 74th percentile or higher in all of those categories and in the 92nd percentile or higher for both assists and non-penalty goals per 90.

The 24-year-old managed three goals and four assists in 17 starts in La Liga and the Champions League for Atletico as he proved that he can make a big impact in the final third. He has the quality to score and assist goals from full-back and this means that he can offer Newcastle another attacking threat in the Premier League next season.

However, he is a riskier signing than Targett as he has not played in England before and it is not a guarantee that he will adapt to English football.

That is the risk Newcastle have to take if they want to elevate their attack with a talented left-back option to provide a threat from the defence and that is why Howe will be buzzing with the club’s pursuit of Lodi.

AND in other news, Howe can axe £25m NUFC flop by signing “frightening” £94m predator who’s “the future”…

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring James Ward-Prowse to north London in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Hampshire Live, who claimed that the Southampton midfielder’s future is the subject of much speculation ahead of the opening of the summer market, with both Tottenham and Manchester United mentioned as interested parties.

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Further reports have backed up the claim that Antonio Conte is interested in a move for the midfielder this summer, with Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side expected to demand a figure in the region of £60m in order to part with the England international in the coming months.

Jorginho 2.0

Considering Ward-Prowse’s remarkable form for Southampton this season, in addition to reports suggesting that Conte is hoping to sign a midfielder in the mould of Jorginho this summer, it is not difficult to see why the 52-year-old would be keen on a deal for the 27-year-old playmaker.

Indeed, over his 36 Premier League appearances in 2021/22, the £42.5m-rated talent highly impressed for Saints, scoring 10 goals, registering five assists and creating eight big chances for his team-mates, as well as taking 1.5 shots, making two key passes and enjoying 69.7 touches per game.

The £100k-per-week midfielder also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, completing 43.8 passes, 1.1 interceptions, 1.1 tackles and 1.8 long balls and winning 2.6 duels per match.

These returns saw the 10-cap England international average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.27, not only ranking him as Hasenhuttl’s best performer in the league but also as the eighth-best midfielder and the 19th-best player overall in the top flight.

As a result of Ward-Prowse’s incredible performance standards this season, Oriol Romeu heaped considerable praise on his St Mary’s team-mate, with the Spaniard stating: “He is an unbelievable player, the way he works. He always finds a good option, he never gives the ball away, he works the hardest and he runs the longest. Ward-Prowse is probably going to be one of the most important players for this club.”

For comparison, over Jorginho’s 29 Premier League appearances this season, the £40.5m-rated midfielder scored six goals, registered two assists and created six big chances, in addition to taking 0.6 shots, making 0.9 key passes and enjoying 75.8 touches per game.

The Italy international also completed 58 passes, 1.2 interceptions, 2.2 tackles and 2.1 long balls and won 4.5 duels per game, with these metrics seeing the £110k-per-week playmaker average a SofaScore match rating of 7.08.

As such, it is clear to see that Ward-Prowse is very much a player in the same mould as the Chelsea star, leading us to believe that Fabio Paratici must do all he can to land the player who Jamie O’Hara dubbed “perfect” for Spurs this summer, as there would be very few players beyond the 27-year-old who would satisfy Conte’s criteria in the middle of the park.

AND in other news: Bid incoming: Conte can land Spurs’ own Steph Curry in £60m offer for “special” target

Leeds United winger Jack Harrison is attracting increasing interest ahead of the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Mail, who claim that both Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur and Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United are lining up moves for the 25-year-old in the off-season.

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Previous reports had revealed that Spurs sporting director Fabio Paratici went as far as to submit an enquiry regarding a deal for the left-winger back in the January transfer window, with Conte believed to be a big fan of the former England U21 international due to his ability to play both at left wing-back and in a front three.

Forget Raphinha

While it is true that Harrison did not enjoy the finest campaign of his career this time out – something that can quite easily be said about the vast majority of the Leeds first team – the argument that cashing in on him this summer would be a disaster for Andrea Radrizzani is nevertheless an easy one to make.

Indeed, despite averaging a disappointing SofaScore match rating of 6.67 over his 35 Premier League appearances this term, the £20m signing still managed to find the back of the net eight times, provided one assist and created three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.2 shots, making 1.2 key passes and completing 1.5 dribbles per game.

Furthermore, the £60k-per-week winger who Frank Lampard dubbed “one of the best” (Sky Sports News, 17:25, February 12, 2022) highly impressed in a defensive capacity, with FBref ranking the 25-year-old in the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s big five leagues for clearances per 90, in addition to the top 13% for blocks, the top 18% for both interceptions and tackles and the top 22% for pressures over the last 365 days.

As such, while Leeds will certainly be hit by the likely departure of Raphinha this summer – with the Brazilian reported to have already agreed personal terms ahead of a switch to Barcelona – it is clear from his statistics that the further loss of Harrison would also come as a gutting blow to Jesse Marsch and his side, leading us to believe that Radrizzani simply must refuse any approach made by Tottenham or Newcastle for the former Manchester City starlet ahead of 2022/23.

AND in other news: Orta can land “frightening” Raphinha heir as Leeds now eye “unreal” £72k-p/w signing

Manchester United are reportedly leading the race to sign Benfica’s Uruguayan star striker, Darwin Nunez.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report relayed by Sports Witness, who claim that Benfica are already counting on the money from the sale of Nunez, ready to spend in the summer.

It is said that the club are hoping to make over €100m (£84.5m) from his departure with Manchester United named as a “shark” in what is a list of three clubs who are “best positioned” to land the Uruguayan’s signature.

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The two clubs said to be rivalling United for the 22-year-old are Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid, with both sides reportedly looking to employ a new centre-forward this summer.

As per the report, in Manchester United’s case, with Edinson Cavani said to be leaving the club and Marcus Rashford reportedly looking for a new destination, it is said that manager Erik ten Hag “appreciates” Nunez’s qualities.

Cavani Heir

With Cavani said to be leaving Manchester United at the end of the season, and Ten Hag working on reigniting the Red Devils via a summer rebuild, Nunez, who has been dubbed an “exciting prospect” by journalist Sam Dean, could not arrive at Manchester United at a better time.

What’s more, the switch of a 35-year-old Uruguayan forward for a 22-year-old one makes for a poetic transition that is symbolic of United’s more modern approach under Ten Hag.

Interestingly, with the signing of Nunez, United are almost rolling back the years and unleashing what is a similar player to a prime Cavani.

With a shared style to the 35-year-old that promotes an emphasis on positioning in the box, Nunez quite simply makes for a natural and high-quality heir to the throne, with his 26 goals and four assists in 28 Liga Portugal appearances too good to ignore.

Cavani’s experience will most certainly be a miss and it is a shame that he cannot stay a further year to help Nunez slot in at Old Trafford, if the club are to act on their supposed status as the leaders to sign him.

But whilst his absence will be felt in some ways, his presence, approach and style can live on in the Red side of Manchester under 22-year-old star, Nunez, someone dubbed an “absolute beast” by journalist Hari Sethi.

In other news: “Ten Hag wants..“: Sky Journo drops exciting 8-word United update, supporters buzzing 

Manchester United appears to be in pole position to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as Erik ten Hag looks to revitalise his attacking options ahead of his first campaign in charge of the side.

What’s the word?

According to reports via Sport Witness, Man United are leading the race to sign the Napoli frontman in a hope that it will bolster their attacking arsenal next season.

One journalist stated that if Napoli were to receive an offer of €100m (£85m) then it would be considered.

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United could face competition from fellow Premier League side Newcastle for the striker’s signature and a battle will surely take place during the summer transfer window.

Ten Hag surely buzzing

It’s no secret that Man United have had a terrible campaign, with the club slipping further and further from the Premier League title as the years go on, the new manager has a massive job on his hands.

Thus, the idea of signing Osimhen will surely leave the Dutchman buzzing with excitement.

From a team that used to have world-class forwards in abundance, the decline of the Red Devils’ frontline has been painful. Out of all the forward options, only Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more than ten goals (24) during this season and this is a problem that ten Hag needs to solve quickly, otherwise it could be a tough start for the new man.

Osimhen could be the ideal solution, with the striker bagging 18 goals in just 31 appearances in Serie A and the Europa League.

Compared to positional peers in the big five leagues, Osimhen features in the 95th percentile for total shots per 90 minutes (3.85) and the 90th percentile for touches in the opposition box (7.08).

This proves that he is a constant attacking threat and is more often than not, present in the opposition area to cause chaos.

Having been described as a “thoroughbred bomber” by Napoli head coach Luciano Spalletti, it’s clear to see the 23-year-old has a bright future.

If Manchester United are serious about making progress next season, signing the Nigeria international will go a long way to aid the cause.

AND in other news, Deal close: Man Utd nearing the signing of £63m-rated “genius”, he’s better than Pogba