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There are plenty of things up in the air with Liverpool Football Club ahead of the 2024/25 season. Manager Jurgen Klopp is set to leave the club, and they are yet to find a replacement, although Sporting manager Ruben Amorim is the man linked with the role.

Of course, this throws into question the number of new signings whom Amorim or any other candidates would both want and need to tailor the squad to their style of play.

The future of key player Mohamed Salah is not 100% certain yet, either. Whilst fans will surely hope their talisman stays another year at Anfield, there are strong rumours that the Egyptian could follow suit with Klopp and depart the club at the end of the season.

If the Premier League legend does leave Liverpool next summer, it of course means the Reds will need a replacement, and it would likely have to be a marquee player to fill the very big void left by Salah in his potential departure.

Liverpool eyeing dream Salah replacement

According to reports in Spain, via Football Transfers, the man linked with a move to Anfield in the event of Salah’s departure is one of the world’s deadliest wingers, Vinicius Junior.

The Real Madrid man is said to be of major interest to Liverpool when Kylian Mbappe inevitably joins Los Blancos this summer, thus becoming their key man ahead of Vini.

The fee quoted to Liverpool is huge and would be both a club record and a Premier League record. Darwin Nunez’s £85m move to Liverpool from Benfica in 2022 is the current Liverpool record, with Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo the Premier League’s record transfer, when he cost the Blues £115m last summer from Brighton.

Liverpool would need to pay a huge £171m fee to Real Madrid should they wish to acquire the services of Vini ahead of next season, but they might recoup a lot of that from the sale of Salah.

According to reports, Saudi club Al Ittihad made a bid of at least £80m for the Egypt captain last summer and could make a similar offer this time around.

How Vinicius and Salah compare

There is no doubt Vini is one of the best players in the world, a sentiment which Sadio Mane agrees with. The former Liverpool man even believes Vini is one day capable of winning a Ballon d'Or.

The Brazilian has scored 18 goals and registered eight assists for Real Madrid this season in all competitions. Salah, however, has outdone him in terms of goal involvements. The 31-year-old has netted 23 goals and has 13 assists to his name, a remarkable return.

The pair are not very similar players stylistically. Vini is a superb ball carrier, using his pace to get in behind opposition defences and driving at defenders in one-on-one scenarios. In contrast, Salah is less of an explosive dribbler, thriving more in combination play and operating mainly in the final third.

The numbers suggest this estimation is correct. According to Fbref, Vini is one of the world’s best dribblers. Per 90 minutes, he averages 6.31 progressive carries which places him in the top 3% of positionally similar players in Europe, 4.41 carries into the penalty area, which puts him in the top 1% and 3.44 carries into the final third, which ranks him in the top 12%.

In comparison per 90 minutes, Salah completes 3.85 progressive carries, placing him in the 59th percentile, 2.26 carries into the final third, which puts him in the 51st percentile, and 2.65 carries into the penalty box, which ranks him in the best 8%, according to Fbref. The difference between each player with the ball at their feet is clear to see.

Where Salah excels over Vini is with his progressive passing. As per Fbref, the Eygpt international sits inside the best 4% of wingers for passes into the penalty area, with 2.6 per 90 minutes, and in the 81st percentile for progressive passes, with 5.47 per 90 minutes.

In comparison, Vini makes 1.09 passes into the penalty area per 90 minutes, ranking him in the 25th percentile, and 2.67 progressive passes per 90 minutes, placing the Brazilian in the 80th percentile. The comparison is stark.

There is no doubt that, whilst different, both players are elite wingers. Should Liverpool move for Vini in the event of Salah’s departure, it would be interesting to see how he fits in, given he is a better dribbler than Salah, but less creative in the final third.

Should the Reds sign the Madrid superstar, they will certainly be bringing in one of the best players in the world. It would be exciting to see such a talented player in the Premier League, and fascinating to how he would fill the boots of Salah.

Wolves have made their first move to sign a new player ahead of a number of Premier League rivals, according to a new report.

Wolves planning for summer transfer window

Those at Molineux and Gary O‘Neil may well be looking ahead to the 2024/25 season, with the club’s push for European football this season now faltering.

Tuesday evening’s 1-1 draw with relegation-threatened Burnley has seen Wolves drop points in three of their last four fixtures, with a potential battle now on for a top-half finish.

O’Neil once again vented his frustrations at the club’s business in the January transfer window following the point at Turf Moor.

There have been transfer targets mentioned ahead of the summer, especially in attack. Wolves are expected to sign teenage forward Stephano Carrillo from Mexican side Santos Laguna and they are also readying an offer to sign Eddie Nketiah from Arsenal ahead of Brentford and Crystal Palace.

The Old Gold are also in pole position to sign Southampton striker Che Adams, but there could also be additions at the back going off a new update.

Wolves make contact to sign new goalkeeper

According to reports in Spain in the last 48 hours, relayed by Sport Witness, Wolves have made contact to sign UD Las Palmas goalkeeper Alvaro Valles.

The 26-year-old has been linked with rivals Aston Villa, as well as Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, but it is Wolves who have made first contacts over a potential deal.

Valles, who was previously on the books with Real Betis, has been with Las Palmas since 2018 and has been a regular in recent years.

In fact, the shot-stopper helped Las Palmas win promotion to La Liga with 19 clean sheets in 34 appearances, and he has also impressed in the Spanish top flight.

For example, his Transfermarkt valuation stood at just €1m less than 12 months ago, but that figure has now rocketed to a career-high €15m. Valles also recently spoke about the possibility of being called up by Spain ahead of Euro 2024 following his eye-catching displays.

“I’m not aware of anything. I’m focused on the collective success of the team. We all want to finish as high as possible in the standings, to make history. Individual awards, if they come, are welcome. But the main thing for me is the collective. Praise can be debilitating, that’s why I always keep my feet on the ground.”

A move to Molineux this summer looks like it could be one to watch, with Valles potentially the long-term successor to Jose Sa.

Manchester United have reportedly held initial talks with Youssouf Fofana as they seek a midfield signing this summer.

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• United make Fofana approach
• One of a number of targets
• Still interest in former loanee Sofyan Amrabat

• Getty Images
  

  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Per Sky Sports' Dharmesh Sheth, United have held exploratory talks with Monaco star Fofana as they seek a midfield acquisition. The club are working through a shortlist of names which includes PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte, but the French club's asking price is curently deemed too high. The other names under consideration are Richard Rios, Sander Berge, Martin Zubimendi and Sofyan Amrabat, of Palmeiras, Burnley, Real Sociedad and Fiorentina, respectively.

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• Getty Images
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  United appear to be seeking a potential replacement for Scott McTominay, who has been linked with Fulham and Tottenham this summer. The Scotland international is seemingly deemed expendable by Erik ten Hag, although the club are clearly keen to ensure they are not left light in the position.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Fofana is a full France international and has a contract with Monaco until 2025. He has made 175 appearances in total for the Ligue 1 club, having joined from Strasbourg in 2019.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  United face Manchester City in the Community Shield this weekend and will then kick off their Premier League campaign against Fulham the following Friday.

With the Scottish Premiership title race on a knife edge, Celtic have turned their attention towards summer reinforcements during the international break, with a second attempt to sign a long-term target.

Celtic transfer news

For some time, it looked as though Celtic were on course to comfortably win the Scottish Premiership once again, but the arrival of Philippe Clement has swung the tide in Rangers' favour ever since. Now, Celtic sit just one point clear at the top, having played one game more than Rangers, who have fate in their own hands after an incredible comeback.

Celtic "powerhouse" out on loan could be Rodgers' new Ndidi

The Hoops loanee has caught the eye with his impressive performances this season.

By
Dan Emery

Mar 20, 2024

Hoping to avoid such a tightly-contested race next season, the rumour mill has already started regarding potential additions at Celtic Park. Reports have already linked the Bhoys with a replacement for the retiring Joe Hart in the form of RKC Waalwijk goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen and the number one spot may well be the focus this summer.

Away from incomings, meanwhile, reports have suggested that Brendan Rodgers is on "borrowed time" and the Celtic boss and could yet find himself out of a job come next season following a disappointing return to Celtic Park.

That said, with or without Rodgers, the Scottish giants are seemingly eyeing a move to finally land a long-term target. According to TeamTalk, Celtic are eyeing a second attempt to sign Hugo Bueno from Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer after they saw their loan offer for the left-back turned down in January. A move this time around is "possible" after Wolves opted to maintain their squad depth during the winter window.

Bueno was reportedly open to the challenge of playing in Scotland and given that he is still keen to gain consistent first-team minutes, a move to Celtic Park could go through in the coming months. With Spanish and French clubs to contend against though, Celtic will need to act swiftly if they are to finally sign Bueno.

"Incredible" Beuno needs Celtic move

Currently stuck behind Rayan Ait Nouri in the pecking order at Wolves, Bueno needs Celtic as much as they need him to strengthen the left-back spot alongside Greg Taylor.

That said, given that he's been at Wolves since he was 16-years-old, a permanent deal may be a difficult one to negotiate, perhaps making a loan deal the most viable option this summer.

If on loan in Scotland, those in the Midlands will be watching on hoping to see the left-back make strides towards his best, including Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs, who told the club's official website: "Since joining us as a 16-year-old number 10, the work that Hugo and the coaches have put into changing his position, and the acceptance he had of doing that, shows what a good pro he is. To be able to get his head around a new position and develop at the rate he has was incredible.

“Hugo’s one of the huge success stories of the club. Bringing him in from a grassroots team in Spain when he was just 16, and he’s now 21, playing in the Premier League and being a regular Premier League player, it’s testament to everyone involved.”

Tottenham Hotspur could look to sign Benoit Badiashile amid interest from his club, AS Monaco, in backup centre-back Davinson Sanchez…

What’s the word?

That’s according to ever-reliable football.london reporter Alasdair Gold, who delivered the intriguing claim during a recent Q&A with supporters.

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Speaking about Spurs’ left-sided defensive targets, he said: “I understand Monaco have shown an interest in Davinson Sanchez and I do wonder whether Spurs might look at Benoit Badiashile, their France U21 international left-sided centre-back if any discussions take place.”

The 21-year-old, who stands at a whopping 6 foot 4, has attracted interest from Premier League rivals Chelsea in recent weeks.

Bye-bye Sanchez?

Antonio Conte and his recruitment staff are certainly in the market for a new left-footed central defender, but the likes of Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and Josko Gvardiol of RB Leipzig are proving to be expensive or out of reach thus far.

That means their attention is likely to soon turn elsewhere, so Gold’s suggestion that they could move for Badiashile is certainly plausible and perhaps something they should be looking at instead.

Valued at £27m by Transfermarkt, the Monaco colossus may well cost half the price of either of the aforementioned names, whilst he is surely a better option to some of the other alternatives named, largely Barcelona flop Clement Lenglet.

The France U21 gem has been lauded as a “great talent” by ASM vice president Oleg Petrov, whilst scout Jacek Kulig has suggested that Badiashile is the “definition of a complete centre-back, adding that the 21-year-old is “known for his ball-playing ability and composure.”

Indeed, this certainly appears to be the case as he ranks amongst the top 7% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues for progressive passes per 90 (4.56), meaning he is consistently playing the ball forward into the opposition’s half rather than sideways or backwards.

The Frenchman also ranks inside the top 8% for interceptions (2.96 per 90) and the top 12% for aerial duels won (3.86 per 90), via FBRef, who also make him most comparable to Dortmund veteran Mats Hummels.

Given the fact that Sanchez, who cost a whopping £42m, has often been slammed as a “liability” around north London, it would be wise to try and swap him for an elite talent with bags of potential in Badiashile.

Sporting director Fabio Paratici must now consider the Monaco sensation heading into next season.

AND in other news, talkSPORT man delivers Youri Tielemans to Spurs verdict…

According to reports, an exciting Tottenham Hotspur transfer rumour has come to light involving Everton forward Richarlison.

The Lowdown: Spurs eye Richarlison move…

As per reliable sources, Spurs and their manager Antonio Conte hold an interest in signing the Brazil international, with journalist Bruno Andrade of UOL Esporte even claiming that advanced talks have been held.

While the likes of David Ornstein (The Athletic) have said things aren’t moving quite so quickly, some of his sources ‘close’ to the Toffees believe that a Tottenham move for the 25-year-old is inevitable (Twitter).

Conte is eyeing a alternative centre-forward option to Harry Kane, with one reporter now sharing an exciting rumoured Premier League development involving Richarlison.

The Latest: Tottenham rumour emerges…

According to a Turkish journalist who writes for Italian news outlet Calcio In Pillole, the South American is ‘closer to joining Tottenham than he is Arsenal’.

Spurs’ north London rivals are apparently in the chase as well, but it is now believed that the Lilywhites have leaped ahead of them in the pursuit to sign the 25-year-old.

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The Verdict: Promising…

Richarlison would be a brilliant signing for Conte, especially if Everton sell for less than their desired transfer fee, which is reported by Ornstein to be a possibility,

The Brazil international finished 2021/22 as Everton’s top scorer and provider of assists, marking himself out as a potent threat in the final third. He also ranked as Frank Lampard’s best overall performer by average match rating, whilst taking more shots at goal per 90 minutes than any other Everton player (WhoScored).

If Spurs can get a deal over the line for the 25-year-old, it’s safe to say that Conte would be more than pleased.

In other news: ‘Confirmation…’ – Alasdair Gold makes Spurs transfer claim with ‘early’ developments expected…find out more here

Wolves have been given fresh hope of signing Valencia winger Goncalo Guedes, with the La Liga club in need of generating money this summer.

The Lowdown: Guedes linked with Wolves move

The 25-year-old enjoyed an impressive 2021/22 season for Valencia, scoring 11 goals and registering six assists in La Liga and standing out as his side’s best player – none of his teammates registered a higher average match rating, managed more goals or provided more assists.

Wolves have been linked with a move for Guedes in the recent past, as Bruno Lage looks to make attacking reinforcements, but a move is yet to be sealed.

That could be about to change, however, following a new update from Spain.

The Latest: Wanderers given fresh hope

According to Plaza Deportiva [via Sport Witness], Wolves ‘have already sounded’ Guedes out as a summer target, with Valencia needing to generate €30million (£25.5m) in the coming months.

They need funds ‘as soon as possible’, potentially playing into Technical Director Scott Sellars’ hands.

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The Verdict: Snap him up Scott

Wolves were lacking attacking thrust throughout last season, scoring 38 goals in as many matches in the Premier League, and Guedes could be someone who improves that area of weakness.

The Portuguese gem has 66 goal involvements in 178 appearances for Valencia (36 goals and 30 assists), highlighting the end product he possesses, and he could provide great competition for the likes of Pedro Neto and Daniel Podence.

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With Adama Traore possibly moving on permanently this summer, the funds would likely be available for Wolves to snap up Guedes, with his peak years still likely to be ahead of him.

In other news, a key Wolves transfer update has emerged. Read more here.

Aston Villa could well be nearing a notable summer setback, following an update on the future of assistant coach Michael Beale.

What’s the word?

As per the Telegraph’s John Percy, the Englishman is close to leaving his post at Villa Park, with Championship side Queens Park Rangers said to be keen on appointing the 41-year-old as their new manager.

Having previously reported that Beale was a potential candidate for the Loftus Road outfit, the respected journalist has now taken to Twitter to reveal that an agreement is now imminent: “QPR are close to appointing Michael Beale as manager. Beale is very keen to become a No 1 and AVFC have known there was always a chance of this happening since appointing Steven Gerrard.”

The west Londoners have been searching for a new permanent appointment following the departure of former Brentford boss Mark Warburton at the end of the 2021/22 campaign, after three seasons at the helm.

Gerrard fuming

After the highs of Villa’s early summer transfer business, this latest news will no doubt bring manager Steven Gerrard crashing back down to earth, with the Liverpool legend set to lose his trusty right-hand man in the coming days or weeks.

Formerly a part of the youth set-up with the Merseysiders, Beale was plucked by Gerrard following the latter man’s appointment as Rangers boss in the summer of 2018, with the duo going on to help guide the Old Firm outfit to a first league title in ten years in 2021.

The highly-rated coach then linked up with the former England captain again in the Midlands following Dean Smith’s sacking in November, with the expectation seemingly having been that he would remain a key part of the coaching set-up moving forward.

As it is, the Villans’ number two is now set for pastures new, leaving behind a notable void that will have to be swiftly filled before the Premier League resumes in early August.

For those on the outside looking in, it may not be too great a setback to lose an assistant coach, although Gerrard is acutely aware of the impact that his colleague has on the training pitch, previously stating of his compatriot that: “It would take me 15 to 20 years to become as good as Michael Beale as an on-pitch coach, delivering sessions on a daily basis, so I let Mick be Mick because he’s the expert.

“What I’ll never do is try to do someone else’s job when they are better than me at doing it. A lot of people won’t have a clue what Michael Beale does on the training pitch, but what he does is really quite special.”

Dubbed a “genius” by former Gers striker Jermain Defoe, Beale has also been credited as the “brains” behind the operation in Gerrard’s coaching staff, according to Northern Ireland international Kyle Lafferty.

That glowing praise highlights just what a loss the Bromley-born gem will be to his current employers, with the Villa boss, in particular, set to be impacted the most by a man who has been integral to the early success of his managerial career.

Gerrard may be getting the backing at boardroom level in terms of transfers, yet he will be enraged by potentially losing such a dressing room and training ground asset.

IN other news, Gerrard can land AVFC’s next Southgate with move for “outstanding” £120k-p/w warrior

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Luka Ivanusec to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Croatian media outlet Germanijak, who claim that Victor Orta has now restarted his pursuit of the GNK Dinamo Zagreb attacking midfielder ahead of Leeds’ 2022/23 campaign.

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The report goes on to state that the Whites were believed to have agreed a €15m (£12.5m) deal for in the January window, only for the 23-year-old and his representatives to back out as a result of the Whites’ precarious position in the Premier League table at the time.

Imagine him & Aaronson

With Victor Orta having recently sealed the £25m signing of Red Bull Salzburg starlet Brenden Aaronson, the prospect of the Spaniard adding yet another extremely impressive addition to Jesse Marsch’s attacking options in the shape of Ivanusec is sure to be one that will excite the Elland Road faithful.

Indeed, despite his season being hampered by a groin injury, the £11.25m-rated talent still managed to catch the eye over his 27 1.HNL appearances, scoring three goals, registering five assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.9 shots, making 1.4 key passes and completing 1.7 dribbles per game.

These returns saw the £6k-per-week attacker – who can also comfortably operate in central midfield and on either flank – average a SofaScore match rating of 7.09, with the 23-year-old playing a key role in Dinamo’s title-winning campaign.

The player who Sacha Pisani dubbed “exquisite” also impressed in European competition, scoring one goal and providing two assists over seven appearances in Champions League qualification, as well as bagging one goal and one assist over six Europa League outings.

As such, it is clear to see that the signing of Ivanusec – especially for a fee of around £12.5m – would be a fantastic piece of business for Orta to get over the line this summer, with the Croatia international undoubtedly possessing the potential to form a deadly partnership with Aaronson in Marsch’s new-look Leeds midfield.

AND in other news: Orta can unearth next Raphinha as Leeds now eye “spectacular” £12.5m-rated “marvel”

Everton will travel to London to take on Arsenal in their final game of the season after securing safety in the Premier League for next season following a victory over Crystal Palace earlier this week.

Frank Lampard will be relieved and feel that a weight has been lifted going into the game at the Emirates this afternoon, and it will be the first game that the Toffees boss will manage that doesn’t have detrimental repercussions if the side fails to take all three points.

With that being said, Lampard could make some drastic changes in his team to give players who have been rarely seen the golden opportunity to put their mark on the final Premier League game, and Anwar El Ghazi should be unleashed in the starting line-up against Mikel Arteta’s side.

The Aston Villa loanee made a six-month move to Merseyside in January when Rafa Benitez was still the Everton manager, but since his signing the management team has changed with Lampard appointed on Deadline Day, leaving El Ghazi as the forgotten man in the squad.

The £38k-per-week ace who was hailed “unstoppable” by former Aston Villa defender Alan Hutton, has only been given 11 minutes of football at Goodison Park over the last five months but has proven back at his parent club that he has the quality to positively affect the game against Arsenal today.

Last season El Ghazi scored 11 goals in 31 appearances, matching Richarlison’s goal tally for Everton this season, but it’s not just his goal-scoring capabilities that make him a danger against opponents.

According to SofaScore, in his 28 Premier League appearances for Aston Villa last season, the 27-year-old was successful in the majority of his dribbles (53%), taking 2.3 shots on goal on average per game, creating one big chance and making 0.9 key passes per game, proving that if given the chance he can terrify Arsenal.

Considering his lack of game time it would seem highly unlikely that Everton will extend his stay at Goodison Park beyond his loan deal this season, however, if Lampard does give El Ghazi the nod against Arsenal it could be the perfect opportunity for the player to prove he has what it takes to play first-team football back at Aston Villa next season.

AND in other news: Frank axes 28 y/o “walking red card” & starts “remarkable” ace: Everton predicted XI