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Liverpool are on the brink of signing Darwin Nunez, with the Benfica striker reportedly now missing Uruguay international duty to complete the move.

The Lowdown: Liverpool’s next hero?

The Reds are seemingly closing in on the signing of the 22-year-old, with various reports in recent days claiming they have won the race to sign him.

Nunez has emerged as one of Europe’s most deadly young attackers, scoring 32 goals for Benfica last season, in all competitions.

It now looks as though the Uruguayan is getting closer to becoming a Liverpool player all the time, following a fresh update from a journalist in his homeland on Friday.

The Latest: Nunez jets off

Diego Jokas, a local Uruguayan reporter and radio host, took to Twitter to reveal that Nunez would miss Uruguay’s clash with Panama in order to fly to Liverpool and finalise the deal:

“Darwin Nunez would not be in Uruguay tomorrow and the intention is that he will travel in the next few hours to be able to sign with LFC for 80 million Euros plus 20 in bonuses.”

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The Verdict: What a signing

Nunez has the potential to be a stunning signing by Liverpool, given his burgeoning reputation and the fact that he has so many years ahead of him.

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The young striker outlined his prowess last season by scoring both home and away against the Reds in the Champions League, producing a particularly impressive showing at Anfield, leading Virgil van Dijk to name him in his toughest opponents alongside Lionel Messi.

The hope is that Nunez is the next great Liverpool attacker, following in the footsteps of other South American greats such as Luis Suarez and Luis Diaz, and his goal record in Portugal certainly suggests he has the capabilities.

The size of the fee could be huge but it may end up looking like a bargain if he fulfils his potential, as was the case with van Dijk when he cost £75million back in January 2018.

In other news, one Liverpool player has been linked with a shock move. Find out who it is here.

Liverpool have reportedly been in a stalemate with their contract negotiations with Mohamed Salah, and now a new update has emerged that could spell disaster for the club next summer.

What’s the latest?

Mirror Football has revealed a stunning new twist in Salah’s future by reporting he has been promised a move to Barcelona when he is out of contract next June.

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As per the report, a verbal offer has been made by the La Liga giants to secure the signing of the Liverpool winger when next season draws to a close and Salah will have completed his contract at the Merseyside club.

It has been further reported that this verbal offer has been the reason that the Egyptian is stalling the signing of a new contract with the six-time Champions League winners, performing a ‘drastic U-turn’ after telling friends that he was ready to pen a new deal with the club.

Klopp will be furious

If it wasn’t enough that Sadio Mane has reportedly made it clear he wants to leave Liverpool this summer, Jurgen Klopp will surely be furious to then lose another one of his best players in 12 months too, something that FSG will no doubt be livid about as well if he departs on a free.

The £90m-rated star has been a goal-scoring monster in Liverpool’s pursuit for success netting 156 goals and delivering 63 assists to his teammates over the last five years. Thus, finding a replacement with the same level of attacking output would be a huge challenge for the club going forward.

Moreover, losing one of the most expensive assets in the squad on a free transfer would be inconceivable in terms of what they could potentially profit on the player if they were to sell him this summer with reports of at least £80m wanted by FSG to let him go before his contract expires.

Liverpool are in negotiations with the player to extend his contract but are reportedly unwilling to pay the forward the £400k-per-week salary he demands, which would put him hundreds of thousands pounds ahead of his team-mates, blowing the entire strict wage structure FSG has prided themselves on for years.

With that being said, the powers at Anfield have a huge decision to make this summer.

Do they take the risk and hope they can reach an agreement with Salah? Or do they keep him for one more season and take the hit of losing the opportunity to profit on the player. Either way, his exit is unlikely to be welcomed by many at Anfield.

AND in other news: “Will go for…”: Fabrizio Romano drops LFC transfer update that’ll excite supporters

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

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Leeds Live, who claimed that the Whites and recently-relegated Burnley, are considering a move for the Derby County midfielder in the off-season, before relaying comments made by the 21-year-old concerning a potential move to the Premier League this summer.

Regarding his future, the Republic of Ireland international said: “Whenever I step out there I always mix it with anyone. If that offer comes in, it’s something you have always dreamt of, playing in the Premier League and at the highest level.

“At the moment I’m still a Derby player. Everyone knows it’s been a tough year with things behind the scenes at Derby. I’ve played a lot of games so I was happy with that aspect but what the future holds I don’t know. I’ll see what happens.”

The next Mason Mount

While it is true that Derby have been in something of a downward spiral in recent years – something which ultimately saw the Rams suffer relegation to the third tier of English football this year – Knight has undoubtedly been one of the few bright sparks at Pride Park.

Indeed, despite his tender age, the 21-year-old has already made 119 first-team appearances for the Midlands club, scoring 11 goals and registering four assists across all competitions.

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The £4.5m-rated talent has even captained his side on occasion, with Wayne Rooney suggesting that the academy graduate’s attitude both on the pitch and in training was the reason for him handing Irishman the armband.

The 36-year-old said of Knight: “He’s a manager’s dream. He gives everything. He’s great for the younger and older lads to take note of, but I still want more from him. But in terms of what we’re trying to build, he deserves the armband – whether he’s 19 or 30.”

As such, considering his leadership qualities, his undoubted ability and his impressive positional versatility – being comfortable operating in defensive, central or attacking midfield, and on either flank – it would appear as if Knight could well be on course to follow in the footsteps of one of Derby’s former loan starlets in Mason Mount.

Indeed, the England international made his name over 38 Championship appearances with the Rams in 2018/19, with the £103m-rated Chelsea midfielder scoring eight goals, providing four assists and creating seven big chances for his team-mates, along with taking 2.6 shots and making 1.9 key passes per game.

As such, should Victor Orta be successful in his pursuit of Knight this summer, and the 21-year-old continues his impressive career progression at Elland Road, the Spaniard could well have unearthed the next Mount for Leeds. That is sure to be an incredibly exciting prospect for Whites supporters and Jesse Marsch.

AND in other news: Orta can land “the next Declan Rice” as Leeds eye talent who’s “getting rave reviews”

It has been over a week since Rangers ended their season by winning the Scottish Cup with a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Ryan Jack and Scott Wright.

The Gers failed to win the Premiership as they finished runners-up to their arch-rivals and they lost the Europa League final on penalties in Seville, with a win at Hampden on the final day a good way to finish the campaign.

With no Rangers football to enjoy, supporters may have tuned in to the play-offs in England during the previous weekend.

Nottingham Forest secured their promotion to the Premier League with a 1-0 win over Huddersfield at Wembley and any Gers fans watching will have recognised their captain – Joe Worrall.

He spent the 2018/19 campaign on loan in Glasgow as he made 32 appearances and scored one goal for Steven Gerrard. At the end of his time at Ibrox, it was reported that the now-Aston Villa boss opted against pursuing a permanent deal as he wanted to go after alternative targets in the window.

This was a huge disaster from the head coach as he has developed into a superb centre-back who is now set to play in the top-flight for Forest next term.

Midlands reporter Matt Davies once compared him to “Wolverine” after a speedy recovery from injury and his steeliness at the back played a significant role in Forest’s promotion. He made himself a rock at the heart of the defence

In the Championship, he averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.07 as he helped his team to keep 16 clean sheets. He won 63% of his duels and made 3.7 tackles and interceptions per game as he delivered brilliant performances on a regular basis.

Worrall was exceptional on the big stage in the play-off final. As per SofaScore, he made six tackles, one interception, two clearances and won seven of his 12 duels as he stood strong to keep the likes of Danel Sinani, Lewis O’Brien and Jordan Rhodes at bay.

Earlier this year, the 6 foot 4 colossus was linked with a £15m move to West Ham and he was touted with a switch to Brentford for the same price in 2021. Premier League clubs have taken an interest in the defender and his valuation – pre-promotion – seemed to be clear.

Forest may demand more for his services now that they find themselves in the top division but he is, at worst, a £15m player on current form and that is why Rangers had a howler with him.

The Gers opted against attempting to bring him back to Ibrox and they will now have to watch him either seal a big-money move to West Ham, or play regular football in the Premier League with Forest.

AND in other news, GvB can find Kemar Roofe 2.0 in Rangers swoop for “clinical” gem who “rarely misses”…

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is subject to interest from Bayern Munich, according to a report from The Telegraph. 

The lowdown: Difficult season

Rashford endured a tough 2021/22 campaign and finished the season with just seven direct goal contributions in 32 appearances across all competitions.

As a result, the 24-year-old has been left out of Gareth Southgate’s most recent England squad and will miss the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches for the Three Lions.

With Erik ten Hag officially starting at United this week, one of the Dutchman’s first orders of business could be to address the future of Rashford at Old Trafford…

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The latest: Bayern interested in Rashford

As per The Telegraph, Bayern are believed to be keeping a close eye on the situation surrounding the 46-cap England international.

It’s suggested that the Bundesliga champions are monitoring the Red Devils academy graduate, but have seemingly made Liverpool ace Sadio Mane their attacking priority this summer.

The report claimed that the versatile forward, who was once dubbed ‘different class’ by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following a 4-1 victory over Bournemouth in 2018, ‘wants to stay’ in Manchester and will ‘undergo intense warm weather training’ with the squad.

The verdict: Persevere with him, Erik

Learning that Rashford is willing to stay and fight for a place in Ten Hag’s plans should come as music to the ears of United supporters.

Despite the obvious issues faced during the 2021/22 season, the local lad has already amassed 150 direct goal contributions in 303 first-team outings for the club before his 25th birthday, proof of an innate ability to perform at the very highest level.

Moreover, Manchester United across the board were sub-par over the season, and the £63m-valued star wasn’t alone in underperforming, so he should be given the opportunity for a clean slate in what could be a new dawn at the club under Ten Hag.

In other news: Man Utd and Ten Hag launch ‘important offer’ to sign ‘the future’ of football along with De Jong

Leeds United have made contact for another signing after Brenden Aaronson this summer, as Victor Orta is not waiting around.

The Lowdown: Aaronson move edges closer

The Whites enjoyed an incredible final day of the season, retaining their Premier League status after a memorable 2-1 victory away to Brentford.

Attention has quickly turned to summer transfer business, however, with Jesse Marsch now looking to bring in his former colleague at RB Salzburg, Brenden Aaronson.

It has been reported that a move is now on the verge of being agreed for the American, with their Premier League survival the big key to the move being completed.

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The Latest: Leeds also want Minamino

According to La Lazio Siamo Noi [via Sport Witness], Leeds also want to add versatile forward Takumi Minamino to their squad this summer, with the Japanese starlet potentially allowed to leave Liverpool.

It is claimed that he has found ‘little space’ for playing time under Jurgen Klopp this season, only managing one league start all season long, and a ‘convincing offer’ from the Whites could prise him away.

Orta and co. have made ‘initial contact’, but face competition from Serie A side Lazio.

The Verdict: No messing around

After a disappointing January window which left the squad disastrously short of depth, Minamino and Aaronson could be perfect summer signings for Leeds, so it’s good to see Orta and Marsch are not wasting any time.

Potentially arriving as more of a first-team player than he is at Liverpool – where he has mostly been used in the cups – Minamino has been hailed as ‘outstanding’ by Klopp this season.

Despite his lack of minutes, the 27-year-old has managed to chip in with ten goals in all competitions, playing a big part in the Reds clinching both Carabao Cup and FA Cup glory, having scored seven times in the domestic cups combined.

The fact that Minamino can operate as No.10, out wide or as a striker – preferably more of a false nine – means he would provide great versatility for Marsch, too, not to mention the pedigree of being part of a special Liverpool squad.

In other news, one Leeds summer deal is believed to be close. Read more here.

Everton star Richarlison is looking to line up a move to a European ‘giant’ this summer, according to Goal Brazil journalist Thiago Fernandes. 

The lowdown

Everton are battling to remain in the Premier League, and Richarlison is at the heart of those efforts.

The Blues are just two points above the bottom three with two games – against Crystal Palace and Arsenal – remaining.

Richarlison has bagged five goals in the last eight games, with his strikes against Leicester City and Chelsea earning the Toffees four potentially crucial points.

But it seems the £45million-rated man, who has just over two years left on his contract, may look to leave even if they’re successful in their survival bid.

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The latest

Fernandes took to Twitter to report that Richarlison is assessing potential exit routes.

The player’s camp would like to arrange a transfer to one of the continental elite, he says.

“Richarlison considers leaving Everton at the end of the season and seeks a giant in Europe,” he wrote.

“Striker should not stay at the English club in 2022/2023. His staff wants to put him in a team considered “top” on the continent.”

The verdict

Football Insider reported in April that ‘crunch talks’ had been held behind the scenes over Richarlison’s future, and it seems that he may have mind his made up.

Everton will be safe if they can beat Crystal Palace on Thursday, but it’s possible that this season has raised serious doubts in the player’s mind.

He may have been hopeful of a European push after a 10th-place finish last season, but instead the Blues have gone rather alarmingly backwards.

The 25-year-old, who has 34 caps for world-number-one Brazil, might now have come to the conclusion that Everton can’t match his ambition.

In other news, Adam Jones slams this Everton midfielder.

Manchester United have been urged to go after the signature of Yves Bissouma instead of paying an over-the-odds price for Declan Rice as a Paul Pogba replacement.

What’s the word?

That is according to Darren Bent on talkSPORT, via Manchester Evening News, with Bent claiming that the Brighton midfielder is a “gettable” signing for United this summer.

Bent was asked: “If Manchester United could secure one realistic signing this summer, who would it be and why?” The former Spurs striker answered with this:

“They need a holding midfield player. They should have got one of them a little while ago.”

And when asked about the possible move for Rice, Bent added: “I don’t think they [United] will stump up the money. West Ham look like they are happy to hold onto him. Someone I’d like to see them sign, I think he is a really good player, Yves Bissouma. I think he’s a top player at Brighton, I think he’s gettable as well.

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“I think he would improve Manchester United because he’s not your average box-to-box midfielder, he can get about. I think he’s a top drawer midfielder and I would probably go out and get him.”

A Rice alternative

Quite simply, Bent has a point. Bissouma, who has been described as “exceptional” by Gary Lineker, would most certainly make for a rice nice alternative for the departing Pogba whose contract is up at the end of the season.

United have been tipped to move for Rice this summer and whilst both would make for astute replacements, Bissouma would prove to be the better value option at around £50m.

In terms of stats, despite being two years younger than the Mali international, the West Ham midfielder is the more well-rounded option who functions as a more metronomic midfielder – which is exactly what Manchester United need.

Though, they also need a defensively sound midfielder who is happy to sit and win-back possession, which is where Bissouma edges the 23-year-old England international due to his lack of intent to attack.

Both options are similar, with Bissouma’s match average of 2.48 interceptions almost matching up to Rice’s average of 2.72, but surpassing his total of 2.18 tackles per 90 with a match average of 3.29 tackles.

The margins are fine throughout almost all metrics apart from passing and possession stats, in which Rice runs away with it.

Both options have achieved better metrics than Pogba for almost everything apart from shot-creating actions this season, to which the France international betters them in.

But for the difference in price, Bent may have presented a perfect alternative for the West Ham star and an excellent replacement for Pogba.

In other news: Man Utd plot bid to sign £27m-rated “superstar”, he could be their own Neymar 

Liverpool transfer target Konrad Laimer is attracting serious interest from FC Bayern Munich according to football journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What’s the story?

According to Romano on Twitter, FC Bayern are “preparing an opening bid” for the RB Leipzig midfielder and their manager is pushing to complete the signing.

This is not good news for Liverpool who were linked to Laimer last month along with fellow Premier League club Manchester United. If the Reds are to secure his services then they will need to move fast.

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He could be the perfect addition to their midfield and a signing for the future for manager Jurgen Klopp.

Finally a replacement for Wijnaldum

Ever since Dutch midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum left Anfield and moved to French side Paris Saint-Germain for free last summer, The Reds have been without a replacement.

Captain Jordan Henderson and veteran James Milner have filled the gap left by the 31-year old. However, they aren’t really at the same level and given their age it was always clear that the club were going to need to sign a more long term replacement.

In Laimer they could have that. The Austrian is only 24-years-old and has his best years ahead of him. He’s featured 25 times in the Bundesliga this season and been directly involved in eight goals during that time, playing a key role in Leipzig’s push to finish in a Champions League place.

He’s rated at £23.4m, and with his contract due to expire next summer, the club could try and get him for even less. The fee will make the move more attractive to Liverpool who tend not to spend as big as their rivals.

If you compare Laimer to Wijnaldum this season you can see just how talented of a player he is. His shot-creating actions per 90 minutes are impressive and he beats the Dutchman with 2.23 compared to 1.32.

He has also been described as an “elite presser” which will please Jurgen Klopp with it being a clear part of the philosophy of the Liverpool team.

They face tough competition from Bayern who are notorious for poaching top talent from other Bundesliga clubs, last year they secured the services of star defender Dayot Upamacano from Leipzig who had also been tracked by several clubs.

However, given Liverpool’s recent successes, they would make it a difficult decision for the player.

IN other news: Liverpool plot bid to sign “unplayable” £31.5m-rated gem, he could be another Diaz…

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a further setback ahead of their Premier League meeting with Liverpool tonight.

What’s the latest?

Speaking in his pre-match press conference (via Evening Standard), Jurgen Klopp revealed that he has a fully fit squad at his disposal for the meeting with Spurs, with the 54-year-old hinting that Roberto Firmino will be available for selection should he feel that the centre-forward is required.

When asked whether the Brazil international will be fit to feature against Spurs, the German said: “I don’t know, but he is back in training, so now we have to make a decision about that. But let’s see. Yesterday he was in training, was great.”

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When asked whether the remainder of his squad will be available for selection, Klopp added: “Yes. I don’t have my smartphone here, because I get messages pretty late, but when I checked it last time, yes.”

Conte will be gutted

Considering just how important tonight’s fixture is for Tottenham’s hopes of securing a top-four finish this season, the news that Firmino looks as if he will be available and that the rest of the Liverpool squad are fit, coupled with Spurs’ earlier loss of Sergio Reguilon to injury, is sure to have left Antonio Conte gutted.

Indeed, the Reds have been in exceptional form across all competitions this season, having already lifted the Carabao Cup, secured a place in the final of both the Champions League and the FA Cup.

In addition, they are just one point behind Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table, with Klopp being in with a fantastic chance of securing an unprecedented quadruple.

As such, when taking into account just how talented the current crop of Liverpool players quite clearly is, the news that the Reds have no injury concerns ahead of the Tottenham game is sure to come as a huge blow to Spurs’ chances of picking up a positive result at Anfield, with Conte in desperate need of the three points if he is to give his side the best possible shot at securing Champions League football next season.

AND in other news: Conte starts “really special” talent & drops “awful” £82k-p/w flop: Spurs predicted XI