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Liverpool turned a corner at the weekend, professionally defeating West Ham United at the London Stadium to arrest the shocking slump that has sent Arne Slot’s project into a spin.

However, it’s important for those of a Red persuasion not to get too excited. West Ham are hardly in good form, teetering on the edge of the Premier League relegation zone.

But there were some positives to be taken after that industrious win. Particularly, Liverpool looked sharp in attack, with Alexander Isak netting his first league goal for the Reds and Cody Gakpo notching a goal and an assist. Florian Wirtz sparkled in his creative role.

There has been talk of FSG and sporting director Richard Hughes dipping into the transfer market for a new forward in January, but if anything, the win over the Hammers and Liverpool’s abject form highlight a different area that needs attention.

Liverpool's winter transfer plans

It’s clear that Liverpool need a centre-back. Top sources have also linked the Premier League champions to prolific Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, who has a £65m release clause valid from January.

However, the centre of the park appears to have been overlooked. Certainly, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch have not formed a convincing partnership this season, and a tough-tackling and dynamic option could be worthwhile for a Liverpool side looking to bounce back.

As per Caught Offside, Liverpool are expected to table a €60m (£53m at current exchange rates) bid for Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, with the French midfielder no longer considered untouchable at the Santiago Bernabeu.

It’s understood that Los Blancos have held informal discussions about the 23-year-old’s future after an injury-affected few years, but Camavinga is one of the best in the business, and Liverpool could hit the jackpot by signing him for a comparatively affordable fee.

Why Liverpool want Eduardo Camavinga

Camavinga has been at Real Madrid for most of his professional career, having left France and Rennes and joined the Spanish giants in a €40m (£34m) package back in 2021.

He’s won the full gamut, and, on an individual level, been hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig as “a real war machine in midfield”. One of the sternest criticisms Slot’s side have faced pertains to their lack of physicality and bite in midfield this season, outduelled in most of their defeats – and there have been a whole host of losses.

Camavinga would fix that, settling into the six berth. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 12% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 12% for successful take-ons, and the top 1% for tackles won per 90, emphasising his ball-playing quality and the gritty defensive acumen that would stabilise Slot’s sinking system.

Looking at those metrics – and more – in a different format, see how Camavinga could add more defensive solidity to the engine room when assessing his data against that of Mac Allister, whose form has plummeted this season.

Camavinga vs Mac Allister (past 12 months)

Stats (per 90)

Camavinga

Mac Allister

Goals

0.11

0.18

Assists

0.11

0.20

Touches

76.18

63.79

Pass completion (%)

90.8

83.3

Shot-creating actions

2.44

3.80

Progressive passes

4.76

5.76

Progressive carries

1.93

1.46

Successful take-ons

1.13

0.67

Recoveries

5.72

4.65

Tackles won

2.72

1.46

Interceptions

1.25

0.91

Aerials won

1.30

0.56

Data via FBref

But those metrics are taking across a year-long stretch, and the Argentine was among the creme-de-la-creme last year as Slot’s Reds romped their way to the title.

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Semenyo might be a stellar addition to a Liverpool side who opted against a direct Luis Diaz replacement this summer, but Gakpo has held down the fort measurably well, and Rio Ngumoha, 17, was entrusted with a regular first-team role after an impressive emergence season.

Real Madrid are in a state of upheaval right now, and signing a player of Camavinga’s ilk for a decent figure won’t come around too often. Wataru Endo is scarcely used by Slot and Gravenberch and Mac Allister need proper competition.

Should Liverpool instil some French flair into their midfield in the form of Camainga, they would be sure to level up, adding the joie de vivre that has been lacking this term, and a tough-tackling presence that would ease the defence’s burden and free up the forwards to reach new heights.

Related Gakpo upgrade: Liverpool open surprise talks to sign "magic" £70m PL star

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Posts 1 ByAngus Sinclair

On the hunt to end their search for a striker at long last, Newcastle United are now reportedly battling to sign an impressive target who outscored Alexander Isak last season.

Newcastle's striker search goes on

It’s been a disappointing summer for Newcastle, but it’s especially been a woeful last seven days. Having missed out on Hugo Ekitike, it seemed as though the saving grace in that saga would be that Liverpool settled for the Frenchman rather than Isak on top. But the Swede has since dropped a bombshell on the Magpies.

Reports swiftly emerged earlier this week that the forward’s thigh injury was simply a smokescreen for his desire to leave St James’ Park this summer to spark what could be an almighty battle between the player and club as the transfer window progresses.

Having his say on the matter, Eddie Howe told reporters: “Of course there are things going on behind the scenes. He will be aware, he’s in the news every day and I’m sure that’s not easy for anyone in that situation. Conversations that happen between Alex and the club or Alex and myself will stay private for obvious reasons.

“We do share a really good relationship with him. He’s been magnificent for us since he’s joined. He’s very popular in the dressing room. We’d love him to continue his journey at Newcastle.”

Isak’s desire to leave Newcastle isn’t even the latest of a long line of disappointing news this summer, however, with their pursuit to sign Yoane Wissa taking a major twist.

Now, with the Isak sage continuing and Wissa off the table for now, Newcastle have reportedly set their sights on a familiar face.

Newcastle battling for Mitrovic return

According to Caught Offside, Newcastle United are now battling to sign Aleksandar Mitrovic from Al-Hilal this summer, with those at the club warming to the idea of bringing him back. The experienced goalscorer, who still loves the Magpies despite his time at the club not ending in the way he would have dreamed, could put his St James’ Park failure behind him once and for all with a return this summer.

Mitrovic at Newcastle

Record (via Transfermarkt)

Appearances

72

Goals

17

Assists

10

Seven years on from leaving Newcastle, Mitrovic is far more well-rounded and even outscored Isak’s 27-goal haul last season with 28 of his own in all competitions and loves St James’ Park, once calling it his favourite away ground while at Fulham.

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Posts ByRoss Kilvington

It was during his time at Fulham that the Serbian earned the most praise, with manager Marco Silva going as far as to describe him as “phenomenal” in 2022. Now, at 30 years old, Mitrovic could return with a bang to St James’ Park to hand Howe an unexpected solution to his growing striker problems.

Leeds United’s sole focus rests on winning promotion up to the Premier League come the end of the gruelling 2024/25 Championship campaign, knowing full well the crushing low of missing out on a return to the top-flight.

Last season, Daniel Farke’s Whites slipped up in the second-tier playoff final to Southampton by a single goal, despite boasting some absurd talents for the level in the form of Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter among other standout performers.

Now, automatic promotion is the desired goal, with Leeds managing to lick their wounds at a lightning quick speed courtesy of a new breed of star emerging, as Tottenham Hotspur loanee Manor Solomon continues to stick out as a fresh, blistering attacker.

Manor Solomon's heroics at Leeds this season

Solomon had previously proven his class back at parent employers Spurs, with the 25-year-old winger picking up a promising two assists from six first-team appearances after bagging five goals from 25 games playing for Fulham.

Unfortunately for Solomon, injury difficulties sustained in North London has resulted in him being chucked out on loan to Elland Road, but he has managed to cause second tier defences all sorts of bother from minute one of his arrival.

In total, the slick number 14 has picked up a sizeable seven goals and seven assists from 31 league encounters, with only Daniel James and Joel Piroe bettering that amount in Farke’s entire camp.

If promotion was to be sealed, it wouldn’t be implausible to suggest that Leeds go in for Solomon on a permanent deal, with talk floating about already that the Whites could land his services for around the £20m mark.

Everton are also allegedly keen to snap up the skilful 5 foot 7 attacker, with Leeds presumably keeping their options wide open as to whether they could be able to strike up this deal, or whether they’d look in alternative places to replace Solomon’s firepower.

One other option might see the West Yorkshire outfit bump up a talented youth product to the senior side.

Leeds could replace Solomon with homegrown star

Like a permanent swoop for Solomon wouldn’t be out of the realms of possibility here, neither would the potential of Leeds deciding to uncover their next homegrown gem as his immediate replacement.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

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Lucas Thomas might well be the lucky 20-year-old starlet to benefit if the ex-Shakhtar Donetsk man does just return to Spurs at the end of the campaign, with the academy prodigy capable of playing all across the forward positions if called into action.

Thomas will now return to his boyhood employers at the end of the season having been exposed to the tough demands of men’s football, but the exciting attacker hasn’t receded into his shell out on loan at York City and FC Halifax Town, with the Crewe-born forward picking up a promising four strikes and two assists from 20 total appearances.

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Coupled with his electric six strikes this campaign in Premier League 2 action with the Leeds U21s, he could soon be ready to bang down Farke’s door for some senior opportunities, especially with his versatility in the forward areas seeing him line up as a striker, on top of also coming into the side down the flanks.

It’s those qualities, coupled with praise from York boss Adam Hinshelwood, that generate excitement the most. “He has got a lovely left foot and definitely knows where the back of the net is,” Hinshelwood stated. Versatility? Check. Lovely left foot? Check. Can score goals? Check. This could be a mini Raphinha in waiting for Leeds.

Thomas’ career numbers by position

Position played

Games

Goals

Assists

CF

40

23

7

RW

11

4

1

LW

9

6

1

RM

3

1

0

SS

1

1

0

AM

1

1

1

LM

1

0

0

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Looking at the table above, it would not be a huge surprise if Farke chooses to unleash Thomas into his lineups as a second-in-command presence to Piroe.

After all, the German never looked back when first gifting Archie Gray senior chances, with Leeds perhaps saving some invaluable cash down the line by trusting Thomas to be another top star off the Thorp Arch conveyor belt.

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Posts ByKelan Sarson

Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital bought Chelsea, they have invested heavily in the striker department, looking to find a consistent 15+ goal forward.

The Blues have signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, David Datro Fofana, Nicolas Jackson, Deivid Washington, Christopher Nkunku, João Félix, and Marc Guiu, all players who can play as a centre forward, and all players signed since the new ownership came in.

The best of the bunch turned out to be Jackson, who has netted 24 goals in 57 games since joining the club, also providing nine assists in that time. The former Villarreal ace has formed a lovely partnership with Cole Palmer, who is another investment exceeding all expectations of when he was signed in 2023.

Cole Palmer's incredible numbers at Chelsea

Palmer joined the club from Manchester City in 2023, for a fee of around £40m plus £2.5m add-ons. Since joining the Blues, the Englishman has made 59 appearances, scoring 32 goals and providing 20 assists in 4,708 minutes, being named Chelsea POTY for the 2023/24 season.

Despite playing a mixture of right-wing and attacking midfield last season, Enzo Maresca has looked to fully unleash Palmer centrally, allowing him to float in the pockets, drop deeper to receive the ball, and be involved in all phases.

So far this term, the 22-year-old has made 14 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing five assists in his 1,095 minutes played.

But, there is one signing Chelsea could make to get that little bit more out of their superstar, by forming a dynamic that allows him to further utilise his skillset.

The Chelsea target Cole Palmer will love

According to reports from CaughtOffside, Chelsea are keen on bringing Newcastle striker, Alexander Isak to Stamford Bridge. However, they will face competition from Arsenal, as the sides will look to get the deal done for a fee in the region of £80m, a lower fee than the Magpies’ current £115m asking price.

Kieran Trippier – Isak’s Newcastle teammate – has described Isak as “unbelievable”, and the Swedish striker has certainly been that on Tyneside.

He has made 79 appearances for the Magpies since joining the club, scoring 40 times, supplying seven assists and totalling 5,661 minutes played. So, why would the Toon sensation benefit Palmer and how does he compare to Jackson?

Isak vs Jackson comparison

Stats (per 90 mins)

Isak

Jackson

Goals

0.58

0.66

Assists

0.19

0.28

xG

0.54

0.62

Progressive Carries

2.00

1.98

Progressive Passes

1.58

1.42

Shots Total

3.90

2.64

Key Passes

1.16

1.23

Shot-Creating Actions

2.53

2.74

Touches (Att Pen)

5.89

4.72

Aerial Duels Won

1.05

0.57

Stats taken from FBref

It’s evident that Isak and Jackson have similar playing styles. They look to be involved in the buildup, help their teams progress play via their passing and carrying qualities, have the ability to be an outlet by running the channels, and are capable of getting shots off.

Jackson ranks ahead of Isak in creative metrics, making more key passes and averaging more shot-creating actions per 90, showing his ability to supply for his teammates, as well as himself. This is also proven by the assists per 90 numbers, where the Senegal international is averaging more than Newcastle’s no.14 in this department.

The impressive Swede does possess more natural box threat though, standing at 6 foot 4, averaging more penalty area touches per 90 (5.89), and more aerial duels won (1.05), both key traits Chelsea are looking to add to the squad.

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Thus, by adding more aerial presence in the box, it would allow creators such as Palmer to thrive.

Indeed, Isak’s arrival would give the former Man City ace the potential to fully utilise his excellent passing quality, finding clever crosses into the box, and having the ability to mix it up in their play, making Chelsea more unpredictable in their attacking movements.

Palmer has been an excellent goal scorer but this signing could be one that takes him to the next level in the way of assists too.

Related Chelsea must sell £100k-p/w flop who Boehly thought was "hugely exciting"

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Posts ByEthan Lamb

Calmest man in the arena. Trent Alexander-Arnold stepped up when England needed him most, expertly dispatching his decisive penalty, his team's fifth, in the quarter-finals shootout against Switzerland to advance to the semi-finals of Euro 2024, where the Netherlands now await.

The Liverpool vice-captain has been on the periphery this summer after being shoehorned into the centre of the park in the Three Lions' opener and failing to hold a motley crew together against Serbia.

It was always going to be an uphill battle, but Liverpool fans will be safe in their knowledge that their homegrown talent is one of the very best in the business.

Courted by Real Madrid and entering the final year of his contract, there's an uneasy focus on the 25-year-old's future, with his technical quality and presence in the Anfield side simply irreplaceable.

However, for all his strengths, he's not the most valuable member of Arne Slot's first team, with one of Jurgen Klopp's later signings actually overtaking him in that regard.

Why Liverpool signed Cody Gakpo

The man in question is none other than Cody Gakpo, who is starting to show signs of growing into the player that Liverpool envisaged when they paid PSV Eindhoven the big bucks to bring him to the Premier League in January 2023.

Liverpool paid £35m for Netherlands international Gakpo's services, with the dynamic forward having lit up the Dutch Eredivisie and turned global heads onto his journey after an impressive campaign in Qatar, at the 2022 World Cup.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 18% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 7% for progressive passes, the top 11% for successful take-ons and the top 8% for tackles per 90.

Liverpool might not feel that they have quite got bang for their buck just yet but Gakpo is a unique attacking outlet and he could positively explode under Slot's leadership in just over one month.

Cody Gakpo's market value in 2024

Hailed for his "special skill set" by Klopp's former assistant manager Pep Lijnders, Gakpo has not seen his market price skyrocket since alighting in Liverpool, but he's made steady progress that has been reflected through his impressive overall tally of 23 goals and nine assists across only 46 starting appearances.

The 25-year-old, who is thriving at the Euros and has notched three goals and an assist over five matches for Oranje – set to meet England at the penultimate hurdle on Wednesday – has so much more to give, but this is a wonderful illustration of just how talented a player the Reds have at their disposal.

Make no mistake, some of the listed market prices below are a tad modest, but there's no question that numbers have been crunched to accurately establish the most important and marketable members of the Anfield crop. Alexander-Arnold, despite his glittering quality, doesn't even make the grade, with the site recording his current market value at £33m, likely due to his contract situation.

Football Transfers' Most Valuable LFC Players

Rank

Player

Market Value

1.

Dominik Szoboszlai

£46m

2.

Alexis Mac Allister

£45m

3.

Darwin Nunez

£43m

4.

Cody Gakpo

£40m

5.

Luis Diaz

£36m

Sourced via Football Transfers

Gakpo's place in the rankings bears testament to his high-class ability. While he hasn't always been performing at the apex of his game at Liverpool under Klopp, the Dutchman is a sharp goalscorer with a dynamic and far-reaching skill set.

Supporters might be yearning for new signings on Merseyside, but if Alexander-Arnold is kept on the books and Gakpo is provided the license to thrive under his countryman's tutelage, Liverpool might just find they have the tools to sculpt the illustrious success they so dearly crave.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair

Liverpool have reportedly identified a "top target" to bring to the club in the summer transfer window, with the player compared to current superstar Kylian Mbappe.

Liverpool transfer news

Jurgen Klopp's reign is slowly nearing its conclusion, which is still hard to fathom for many Reds supporters, and their next manager will no doubt eye up new signings, with Benfica's Roger Schmidt recently name-checked as an option for the job.

While Liverpool's next boss may not be confirmed yet, the Merseysiders continue to be linked with additions at the end of the season. RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko is another individual who has been backed to move to Anfield, with the Slovenian likened to Erling Haaland in the past.

The Reds could do with defensive reinforcements in the summer and Barcelona centre-back Andreas Christensen is also a player who is believed to be on their radar, as he looks for a potential return to the Premier League.

Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz has also been linked with Liverpool, with the young German seemingly a player with a massive future, as he edges closer to inspiring his side to Bundesliga title glory this season.

Luis Guilherme a "top target" for Liverpool

According to a fresh update from Football Insider, Liverpool have made Palmeiras teenager Luis Guilherme a "top target" this summer after missing out on him in January, with the attacker labelled as the "next Kylian Mbappe".

"Liverpool have made the “next Kylian Mbappe” – Palmeiras teenage sensation Luis Guilherme – a top target ahead of the summer window, sources have told Football Insider. The Reds considered a formal January move for the 18-year-old but eventually decided against firming up their interest.

"A well-placed source has told Football Insider that Liverpool are now plotting a summer swoop for Guilherme. Sources say the Merseysiders consider him a “top target” ahead of the off-season."

Admittedly, not a huge amount may be known about Guilherme as a player, given his age and the fact he isn't playing in Europe currently, but being compared to someone as iconic as Mbappe is a good place to start.

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While the Brazilian may still be just 18 years of age, only celebrating his milestone birthday earlier this month, he has already picked up 32 appearances for Palmeiras. No goal contributions have come his way in that time, which is a little disappointing, but it is clear that he is already a trusted squad player.

Guilherme is also a Brazil international at youth team level, winning five and four caps for his country's Under-20s and Under-17s respectively, scoring twice for the latter. He is capable of playing in attacking midfield or out wide.

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Posts ByHenry Jackson

There is something about signing a young Brazilian starlet that always feels exciting, given the manner in which the likes of Pele, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Neymar have burst onto the scene in the past, and if Liverpool feel Guilherme can explode in the future, they could do all they can to snap him up this summer.

Manchester United have endured a rather disappointing season up until the international break, winning just five of their 11 fixtures so far.

Erik ten Hag will certainly be feeling the heat, especially with the positivity surrounding the club dwindling following an initial solid debut campaign under the Dutchman where they finished third in the Premier League and won the EFL Cup – a first trophy success in six years.

Everything looked rosy, yet the Red Devils failed to land some top transfer targets – like Harry Kane – while the players he did sign haven’t exactly set Old Trafford alight as yet and things will need to come together swiftly otherwise Ten Hag may be out of a job.

The transfer window is fast approaching and the 53-year-old could potentially strengthen his ranks then, as United have been linked with 18-year-old, Arthur Vermeeren.

Who could Man Utd sign in January?

The Red Devils have shown interest in the young Belgian midfielder who is enjoying a meteoric rise to the top of the game.

Ten Hag faces some competition however, as Arsenal, Liverpool and Barcelona among others have also been keeping a close watch on the talented gem according to TEAMtalk.

The teenager is reportedly valued at just £15m by current club Royal Antwerp and this could prove to be a stunning bargain for whoever secures his signature.

Ten Hag will surely be looking to revamp his midfield options in the coming months, especially with the likes of Christian Eriksen and Casemiro the wrong side of 30 and Vermeeren could be an ideal heir to the Brazilian.

How good is Arthur Vermeeren?

The former Real Madrid midfielder is the only outfield player to feature in all 11 games for United this season, yet the 31-year-old won't be able to keep these performances up forever.

He currently ranks first in the squad for tackles per game (2.6) while also ranking 6th for accurate passes per game (44.5) and he is still clearly one of their finest midfielders.

Vermeeren has made a stunning impact in his homeland. The youngster has already made 49 senior appearances for Antwerp since the start of last season as he helped them secure a remarkable league title triumph.

He currently ranks fourth across the squad for accurate passes per game (51.8) while also ranking fifth for tackles (1.8), first for successful dribbles (1.3) and third for big chances created (two), indicating that he has been effective across a wide range of metrics in the heart of the Antwerp midfield and has the tools to step into Casemiro's shoes.

His teammate and compatriot, Toby Alderweireld, heaped praise on the sensation recently, saying: “He arrived in the team by force of circumstance, but since then he has learned very quickly.

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“He reads the game very well, his potential is enormous. Have I seen this before? Rarely, I think.”

There is no doubt he will be on the move in the near future, especially judging by his immense impact in such a short space of time at the Belgian side.

Who will be the lucky club that sign him? United will certainly fancy their chances and Ten Hag could find a perfect heir for Casemiro in the process.

Aston Villa remain interested in completing the signing of Sporting CP midfielder Pedro Goncalves in the summer transfer window.

What is Pedro Goncalves worth?

The 25-year-old is an undisputed key man for Sporting currently, proving to be one of their brightest creative sparks in an attacking midfield role. He registered an incredible 26 goal contributions (15 goals and 11 assists) in 33 Primeira Liga appearances last season, highlighting what an influential presence he is.

Goncalves also shone brightly in the Europa League, netting three times in six appearances, including a Goal of the Season contender away to Arsenal, in which he lobbed Gunners goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale from close to the halfway line at the Emirates.

The Portuguese star is valued at €32m (£27.4m) by Transfermarkt, but with his current Sporting deal not expiring until 2026, it would be a big surprise if his club weren't demanding much more than that this summer.

Villa have been linked with a move for Goncalves a number of times in the past, as they look to add to an already-strong transfer window – Youri Tielemans and Pau Torres have already joined from Leicester City and Villarreal respectively – and now a fresh update has emerged regarding their pursuit of him.

Are Aston Villa signing Pedro Goncalves?

According to Correio de Manha [via Sport Witness], the Villans are "really interested" but are only willing to pay €40m (£34.3m) for Goncalves' signature this summer, while Sporting want far more than that, with €80m (£68.6m) the rumoured amount of his release clause.

The report does state that it is looking increasingly likely that the attacking midfielder will stay put, with Inter Milan also not wanting to bid higher than Villa. Meanwhile, A Bola claims that Sporting are keeping Goncalves "in a safe", suggesting that they are demanding such huge money in order to put off potential suitors and retain his services.

This clearly isn't going to be an easy signing for the Villans to get over the line, with Sporting unwilling to sell for anything other than a huge amount of money. If things did change and the Midlands side were able to sign Goncalves, though, he could be a maginificent signing, further strengthening them in the middle of the park after the exciting arrival for Tielemans.

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This is someone who has scored 58 goals and registered 34 assists in 129 appearances for Sporting, showing what a relentless provider of end product he can be from midfield. His aforementioned goal against Arsenal was lauded as "incredible" by former Gunners striker Kevin Campbell, and such extraordinary vision highlights what a talent he is.

Goncalves is a two-cap Portugal international, and that number will surely only rise in the coming years, and Villa should continue to press for a move, as they look to break Sporting down and convince them into selling arguably their most prized asset currently. It could be a signing that take Unai Emery's side up another major gear, as they look to keep heading in a positive direction.

Journalist Santi Aouna says that Mohamed Salah is ‘open to leaving Liverpool’ in the summer.

The Lowdown: Conflicting reports

It was reported earlier this month that Salah remains ‘fully committed’ to Liverpool, and the Merseyside club the same to him.

This comes after links emerged over a potential move for Salah to French giants PSG this summer, amid doubts over the futures of attacking trio Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.

Football Insider have also previously claimed that FSG could be willing to cash in on Salah, who could attract a vast transfer fee for them, and talks have already taken place within the club over a potential big-name sale.

The Latest: Salah ‘open to leaving’

Taking to Twitter, Aouna has now reported that Salah is actually ‘open to leaving’ the Reds, and if he were to exit Anfield, he would favour a move to Spain:

“The Egyptian striker is open to leaving Liverpool this summer.

“In case of departure, Salah favours Spain.”

Expanding in his corresponding article for Foot Mercato, the journalist notes that Salah only extended his contract with Jurgen Klopp’s team last year until June 2025, and he can see himself joining another ‘major’ club in Europe, with Spain thought to be his preferred destination at this particular moment in time.

The Verdict: Keep him at all costs

Salah may not be having his best campaign so far in terms of numbers by his usual standards, with just 11 goals in the Premier League, but his record in terms of goals and assists outside of this season for Liverpool is simply outstanding (Transfermarkt).

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The ‘Egyptian King’ as he is nicknamed by Reds fans in their beloved chant of him has played a key part in wining the club both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League in recent seasons, and create a number memorable moments along the way.

Of course, the Merseysiders are in danger of missing out on the Champions League this campaign given their league position, which would make it harder to keep Salah beyond this summer, but they simply cannot afford to lose a player so key to them at this moment in time.

Nonetheless, it will no doubt be interesting to see how this story develops over the next few months or so, given the conflicting reports of Salah’s commitment, or lack of, to the club, and the fact that he will only have two years left remaining on his contract.

Celtic ‘have been monitoring’ FC Luzern midfielder Ardon Jashari ahead of a potential move to the Scottish Premiership, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Lowdown: Three-horse race

The Switzerland international’s contract in the Super League isn’t set to expire until 2026, but after putting in a consecutive run of impressive performances, has been generating interest from several potential suitors.

The Hoops, Leeds United and RB Leipzig are reportedly in a three-horse race to secure the 20-year-old’s services this month, with Mario Frick’s side valuing their maestro at £5m.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke confirmed that Celtic do indeed have Jashari on their radar and praised the prospect for his level of talent considering he’s still at such a young age.

“He looks a good young player, he’s only 20 years old and already a Swiss international as well.

“He’s done really well at FC Luzern, so with being a young player with big potential, Celtic have been monitoring him.”

The Verdict: Alongside Cho?

Celtic are closing in on the signing of Cho Gue-Sung having held talks with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors’ technical director Ji-Sung Park, and Jashari could be the next to follow in his footsteps to make the move to Glasgow.

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The Cham native has provided four assists this season and currently averages 1.21 shots per league game despite naturally being a defensive midfielder, highlighting his ability to make an impact in the final third with his long-range shooting (FBRef).

Jashari would also bring plenty of leadership qualities being the Luzern captain, making him a hugely exciting prospective signing for Ange Postecoglou.