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Manchester City stormed to victory in the FA Cup at home to a hopeless Exeter City side, as Pep Guardiola’s men ran out as conclusive 10-1 winners.

Antoine Semenyo had an easy debut up top for City, partnering Erling Haaland in attack, with the former AFC Bournemouth forward starting his new career at the Etihad with a blistering goal and an assist.

£64m was dropped on landing the Premier League’s man of the moment, but the lavish spending doesn’t look like stopping there, as Guardiola and Co plan more statement moves, before the frenzied window slams shut.

Man City in talks to hijack £100m move

It’s no great secret at this point that City can splash the cash when required, with the £152m spent on new recruits in the summer, rather modest, by their standards.

Amazingly, they could trump that amount in January, with a move for Marc Guehi looking to still be in the works, as Arsenal and Liverpool continue to chase after the Crystal Palace centre-back’s services, alongside the Citizens.

Alongside Guehi potentially joining, TEAMtalk has now reported that City could pull off an incredible hijack of Elliot Anderson, who is seen as Manchester United’s prime midfield target, as the Red Devils go about re-energising their options in the middle of the park.

They could be beaten to this signature by their fiercest rivals, though, with the report further elaborating that the ten-time Premier League title winners have already held talks about landing the £100m star, at the expense of their foes down the road.

City’s recruitment team, including Hugo Viana, are said to have kept a close eye on Anderson while Guardiola has also been noted as a big admirer of the English midfielder.

City might well end up winning this tussle, even if it costs them an eye-watering £100m, as a new Rodri potentially enters the Etihad ranks.

How Anderson could be Rodri 2.0

Rodri instantly fitted into Guardiola’s set-up when making a £62.6m move a reality from Atletico Madrid in 2019.

This might well have been viewed as a high amount to fork out for a holding midfielder at the time, but he has displayed season after season in Manchester why he is considered a “world-class” star, as he was once labelled by Sky Sports’ Paul Merson.

So impressive has the Spaniard been that he’s won a whole host of team honours and individual honours, most famously picking up the Ballon d’Or in 2024.

As his own manager has labelled him, the Spaniard is a “complete holding midfielder”, with 27 goals and 32 assists coming his way across 277 games under Guardiola’s wing, being constantly backed up by a hunger to fight and battle from the middle of the park.

Indeed, while he did collect a stunning eight goals and nine assists during the 2023/24 season in the Premier League, he also averaged a tenacious 6.9 ball recoveries per match, alongside winning 5.9 duels per game, with Rodri equal parts gritty and skilful, to be seen as a remarkable one-of-a-kind figure.

Anderson will hope to follow in his footsteps in being taken to that next level under Guardiola, with another midfield maestro in Arsenal’s Declan Rice already stating that the Nottingham Forest ace “can play at a higher level” when starring for England.

Unfortunately, it will cost City a substantial amount to land the Tricky Trees’ much-talked-about talent, but with Anderson already being talked up as a “world-class” star for a team loitering near the foot of the Premier League by Statman Dave, it’s frightening to contemplate how much more the 23-year-old could have in his locker, surrounded by better quality teammates.

Anderson’s PL numbers for Forest

Stat (* = per 90 mins)

24/25

25/26

Games played

37

21

Goals scored

2

1

Assists

6

2

Touches*

54.2

92.4

Accurate passes*

28.7 (82%)

58.6 (86%)

Big chances created

7

1

Ball recoveries*

5.6

8.4

Total duels won*

6.5

7.8

Stats by Sofascore

Across two Premier League seasons for Forest, Anderson has stuck out as a forceful, yet skilful presence, much like Rodri when he’s fit, with his lively ball recovery numbers and duels won per 90 minutes immediately sticking out.

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He also can change games with his output, with the standout number eight collecting an assist last time out as Forest won a pivotal clash at the bottom of the division versus West Ham United, with Anderson surely itching for a big move now to test himself higher up the league.

Anderson will be aiming to be as decorated as Rodri has become, if a daring £100m move does get over the line, as United’s immense disappointment could be their rivals’ unbelievable joy.

Related New Walker: Man City readying bid to sign "immense" Premier League star

Manchester City are looking to make another signing after welcoming Antoine Semenyo to the team.

Posts 1 ByAngus Sinclair

Chelsea are currently undergoing a hectic last 13 days of the summer transfer window, as BlueCo attempt to agree a host of incomings and outgoings.

The west Londoners have balanced out their near-£280 million spend on new signings over the last few months with a major influx of cash.

Chelsea’s triumph at the Club World Cup yielded prize money of around £87.5 million, adding to their estimated £80m revenue from qualifying for the Champions League and £220 million raised through player sales.

Cash isn’t the issue when it comes to adding more new signings to Enzo Maresca’s squad before the deadline on September 1, but their pact with UEFA is.

Chelsea must produce a positive transfer balance by the end of the window, or they won’t be able to register new signings for their Champions League squad. This is part of the settlement Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital reached after Chelsea were found guilty of breaching FFP rules last month.

Simply put, the Blues must sell before they can buy right now. Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Renato Veiga, Axel Disasi, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell, Raheem Sterling, Alfie Gilchrist and potentially Tyrique George are all up for grabs from Chelsea, either on loan or permanently.

All the aforementioned players could join Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli, Mathis Amougou, Djordje Petrovic, João Félix, Ishe Samuels-Smith, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Armando Broja and Lesley Ugochukwu out the door.

Their success when it comes to trimming the squad will have a knock-on effect when it comes to Chelsea’s moves for Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho and RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons.

Chelsea have been in talks to sign both Simons and Garnacho over the last fortnight, and the attackers have already agreed personal terms on switches to Stamford Bridge.

However, as Chelsea attempt to get the likes of Jackson and Nkunku out to make space, it appears both men are in limbo right now and waiting to seal their desired moves to London.

Chelsea pledge to make official bid for Xavi Simons soon

Sky Germany have an intriguing update on this, and they reassure supporters that Chelsea’s move for Simons remains very much alive despite the delay.

The 22-year-old, who is Leipzig’s highest-ever paid player on a contract worth £192,000-per-week, has indeed already agreed personal terms to join Maresca’s side – and it is believed that Chelsea have promised to make an official offer to Simons’ club soon.

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Sky give a timeframe as to when this transfer could start moving, and they estimate that the dominos will start falling into place after Leipzig’s Bundesliga opener against Bayern Munich on Friday.

The former PSG sensation is expected to play for Leipzig against Vincent Kompany’s German champions, and this could well act as a farewell game for Simons before his potentially imminent move to the Premier League.

It is set to be a very entertaining end to the summer for Chelsea, coming amid Maresca’s serious desire to sign a new centre-back as well, which he’s made public to the media in light of Levi Colwill’s ACL injury.

Liverpool will lift the Premier League title this season – maybe even this month.

Arne Slot will lift the trophy in his first season as first-team boss, and Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk will get their hands on it for a second time before gearing up to defend their title after signing much-anticipated contract extensions.

Though Trent Alexander-Arnold looks to be just one month away from finishing his playing career on Merseyside, FSG will be delighted with their success in tying down the outfit’s two biggest legends ahead of Slot’s second term.

Liverpool will be looking to defend their Premier League title while challenging for the other pieces of silverware, which proved too much to secure this year.

New signings will flow through, for sure, but the importance of extending the skipper’s stay cannot be understated and deserves a closer look.

Van Dijk's new Liverpool contract

Van Dijk’s new deal will see him stay as the leader of Slot’s squad for the next two seasons, earning a rather decent salary too, some £400k per week.

The 33-year-old always wanted to remain at the club but for whatever reason talks dragged on interminably. It also bears noting that he was approached by a number of hopefuls – including the lucre of the Saudi Pro League’s heavyweights – but made it clear that Liverpool is his home and that FSG had promised him investment and a project apt for silverware over the next few years.

He’ll go down as one of the definitive defenders – if not the – of his era, inspirational and effective at Liverpool’s back.

With Alexander-Arnold expected to move to Madrid and Robertson in danger of being replaced this summer, Van Dijk could consolidate his Liverpool career with a staggering number of appearances, eclipsed only by Salah and Jordan Henderson since the Klopp era began.

Most Liverpool Appearances – Current Squad

#

Player

Appearances

1.

Mohamed Salah

395

2.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

349

3.

Andy Robertson

339

4.

Virgil van Dijk

314

5.

Alisson Becker

292

Data via Transfermarkt

He’s a true legend and will go down as one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s long history. Van Dijk certainly isn’t done yet, but FSG would be prudent to replace him this summer, signing a new star who can be willed into shape over the next few years alongside the Dutchman.

Before finally taking his place.

Liverpool chasing Van Dijk heir

Van Dijk might be staying put, but he’s not getting any younger and Liverpool will need to prepare for his eventual departure. Signing Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen this summer would be a pretty good way to go about that.

The young Spain international has been riding the crest of a wave since transferring from Juventus to England’s south coast last summer, and according to Chelsea insider Simon Phillips, has been placed right at the top of Liverpool’s wish list.

Chelsea have made contact with the 20-year-old’s reps but it’s FSG who lead the race at the moment, having held discussions with the player’s camp for several weeks.

A wide range of suitors are keen, though, for Huijsen has been incredible under Andoni Iraola this year and has a £50m release clause that all parties expect to be activated this summer.

Why Liverpool are desperate for Dean Huijsen

Huijsen is young and his data pool shallow, but from the evidence of the past few years, for Roma (on loan) and now Bournemouth, it’s already clear that he’s got the potential to become a superstar.

Dutch-born, Huijsen was reared in Spain before making the move from Malaga’s youth scene to join Juventus’ academy aged 16.

He looked promising, alright, but the Old Lady could do with an extra penny and cashed him in to Bournemouth last summer, claiming £15m for their young prospect.

Huijsen has flourished on English soil, and no mistake. Already labelled a “world-class” player in the making by one analyst, he’s featured prominently for the Cherries this term and indeed attracted the attention of every high-profile club worth their salt as the market beckons.

As per FBref, the rangy star actually ranks among the top 15% of defenders in the Premier League this year for goal involvements, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 3% for interceptions and clearances and the top 20% for aerial battles won per 90.

He’d contrast nicely with Van Dijk over the next couple of years before finally taking the Netherlands captain’s place in the seasons to come.

Premier League 24/25 – Van Dijk vs Huijsen

Stats (* per game)

Van Dijk

Huijsen

Matches (starts)

32 (32)

26 (21)

Goals

2

2

Assists

1

1

Clean sheets

13

6

Touches*

89.4

60.5

Pass completion

92%

84%

Ball recoveries*

3.2

3.4

Tackles + interceptions*

2.7

3.0

Clearances*

5.2

5.8

Duels (won)*

4.7 (67%)

3.9 (56%)

Stats via Sofascore

It’s also worth noting that Huijsen is a two-footed centre-back who has plied his trade on the left side of the pitch this season, further material for the argument that he should be a priority for the Reds this summer.

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Huijsen might not be as commanding in the duel but he shares many technical and defensive qualities with the Anfield captain, thus in good hands to maximise his potential if moving to Liverpool instead of, say, Chelsea.

There is also, of course, the elephant in the corner that is Ibrahima Konate’s Liverpool contract.

Konate has been a formidable partner alongside Van Dijk this season, but he’s a meagre year away from free agency and negotiations for an extension have become protracted.

Liverpool won’t want to lose the Frenchman on a free, and thus could cash in this summer, something that might strike Huijsen as compelling, for he would be in with a great chance of slotting right in as Van Dijk’s star partner in the rearguard.

Analyst Ben Mattinson has remarked that Huijsen is “the most in-demand centre-back in the world,” but Liverpool’s current position at the front of the race makes a telling comment on the state of things at Anfield.

It’s a big summer up ahead, and if Huijsen is brought in to shore up an already impressive backline, Liverpool might just be able to reach even higher next year.

Related Slot's own Saka: Liverpool step up move for "special" £85m key target

Liverpool are set to reward Arne Slot and his squad with a host of exciting signings this summer.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair

Manchester United are preparing an offer to sign an “incredible” £67 million ace to replace goalkeeper Andre Onana, according to a recent report. Ruben Amorim’s arrival means no player is guaranteed a future at United, but it would certainly be a surprise to see the Cameroon star replaced given his performances this season.

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Posts ByBrett Worthington Man Utd transfer news

January could be a good time for United to move one or two players on, which will help them bring in new faces while balancing the books. It is clear that work is being done behind the scenes, as the Premier League side continues to be linked with players as the January transfer window gets ever closer.

The Red Devils have been linked with two high-profile players in the last 24 hours, the first being midfielder Frenkie de Jong. De Jong has been linked with a move to Old Trafford for a while now, so some fans may take this news with a pinch of salt. However, it is reported that the relationship between Barça and De Jong has turned into bitterness, and the midfielder is not keen on extending his stay, which has opened the door for United to make a move.

As well as de Jong, United are also chasing a deal for Victor Osimhen but face strong competition from Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain. Napoli are looking to sell the striker in January despite him being on loan at Galatasaray, and given United’s lack of goals at the top end of the pitch, they have made signing the Nigerian international a January priority.

Man Utd preparing offer to replace Andre Onana

According to a report from Spain, Manchester United are preparing a move to sign goalkeeper Mike Maignan from AC Milan. The French international has been on the books of the Italian side since 2021, and in that time, he has established himself as one of the best-performing goalkeepers in Europe and on the international stage.

Maignan, who has been dubbed “incredible” by Didier Deschamps, has been Milan’s number one between the sticks in his time at San Siro. Last season, he played 29 games in Serie A, conceding 34 goals and keeping 11 clean sheets; he also kept four clean sheets in the Champions League and Europa League.

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This report from Spain states that the future of Andre Onana at United is up in the air, and rumours about him possibly leaving Old Trafford in the summer have led the club to look at possible replacements. This is despite Onana currently ranking top five in the Premier League for both clean sheets and post-shot expected goals (how likely a shot is to go in) prevented.

Mike Maignan’s 24/25 stats compared to Andre Onana

Maignan

Onana

Apps

14

15

Goals against per 90

1.14

1.20

Saves

34

38

Save percentage

68.0

70.2

Clean sheets

6

6

Passes attempted

606

637

Passes completed

527

501

Milan are keen to keep hold of Maignan, who is under contract until 2026, but if they were to receive a significant offer, they could be tempted to sell. United are said to be already preparing a strategy to convince both the player and the club to agree to a transfer. It would cost the Red Devils around £67 million to sign the 29-year-old.

Whilst Tottenham Hotspur have focused on future stars so far this summer, they have reportedly registered their interest in signing a player who would instantly steal the headlines in the Premier League.

Tottenham transfer news

The Lilywhites have endured a subdued summer window, but one that could pay dividends in years to come after welcoming both Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray. Now, according to Fabrizio Romano, those in north London are set to sign young South Korean winger Min-hyuk Yang, with the 18-year-old set to undergo a medical before re-joining Gangwon on loan until January.

Having failed to qualify for the Champions League last season, however, it wouldn't be absurd to suggest that Spurs need more than just future stars this summer, and Daniel Levy seems to be well aware of that.

Related Deal close: Tottenham expected to sign "fantastic" £150k-p/w star for Ange

This would be the Lilywhites’ biggest move of the summer…

Posts 2 ByTom Cunningham

According to Football Insider, Tottenham Hotspur have now made contact by registering their interest in signing Viktor Gyokeres this summer, alongside Liverpool. Both Spurs and Liverpool have entered the race, aiming to beat Arsenal to the forward, with the Gunners having a long-term interest.

Having only officially splashed out on two incomings so far in the current window, Spurs could be looking to focus their funds on triggering the Sporting CP forwards' reported £86m release clause for Ange Postecoglou.

In what could be one of the deals of the summer, Spurs would finally have their replacement for Harry Kane a year on from his exit to join Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich. Without an out-and-out goalscorer, the responsibility has fallen the way of Heung-min Son, who has done an admirable job but is, ultimately, at his best when he has a star striker to combine with.

"Elite" Gyokeres can replace Kane

Highlighted by Spurs' lack of movement on the striker front in the last year, replacing Kane is far from an easy task. The England captain is one of the best goalscorers that the Premier League has ever seen, but as Gyokeres proved last season, he should be the man that the Lilywhites finally turn to this summer. Whilst, at £86m, the deal would hardly come cheap, it is one that could take Spurs back into the Champions League.

League stats 23/24 (via FBref)

Viktor Gyokeres

Harry Kane

Goals

29

36

Assists

10

8

Expected Goals

22.5

30.6

Key Passes

54

31

With 29 goals from an expected 22.5, Gyokeres couldn't have been much more clinical last season. Simply put, give the striker a chance in front of goal, and the next image is more than likely to be him wheeling away in celebration. Crucially for Son too, the Spurs captain could get the chance to form a Kane-like partnership with the Swede if Spurs make their move.

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Described as "elite" by Ben Mattinson when it comes to his accuracy when finishing, Gyokeres may steal the spotlight wherever he ends up this summer, be that Spurs, Arsenal, Liverpool, or elsewhere around Europe.

Tottenham Hotspur supporters will generally be satisfied with their team's progress this season, fifth-placed in the Premier League with ten matches left to play.

The ongoing international break allows clubs to pause and recalibrate, and this will likely have been welcomed by Ange Postecoglou given the chastening 3-0 defeat away to Fulham last time out.

Postecoglou said that qualifying for next season's Champions League group phase is not the be-all and end-all for his squad, instead prioritising growth and collective development.

This is an admirable and prudent approach, but a spot in Europe's elite club competition would certainly be a lift and a mark of progress for supporters and players, also improving the chances of landing the best talent in the summer transfer window.

Spurs' summer transfer targets

According to prominent German outlet BILD – via Sport Witness – Tottenham are set to wage transfer battle with London rivals Chelsea for the transfer of Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah, having already made an approach prior to the winter window.

Both Premier League clubs 'knocked' for the 28-year-old back in December but there was nothing doing, however, Tah is understood to be intrigued by the possibility of a move to England, should a suitor offer Champions League football.

Spurs are well in contention to achieve just that, and given that Chelsea are currently 11th in the league table heading into the business end, 14 points behind Tottenham, Daniel Levy will be confident of winning any race for Tah's signature.

Tah is out of contract in 2025 and, as such, Leverkusen will welcome cheap bids for the player's signature, with Kicker revealing earlier in the campaign that a bid approaching €18m (£15m) might do the trick.

Jonathan Tah's season in numbers

Tah has been an integral member of a Bayer Leverkusen side working absolute wonders under the tutelage of Xabi Alonso this season, undefeated in all competitions, top of the German Bundesliga, into the semi-finals of the DFB Pokal and awaiting West Ham United in the Europa League last-eight.

As per Sofascore, the £46k-per-week titan has started 23 Bundesliga matches this season, keeping nine clean sheets, scoring four goals, completing 97% of his passes, averaging 5.5 ball recoveries and 3.3 clearances per game and succeeding with 70% of his aerial battles.

Jonathan Tah in action for Bayer Leverkusen

Considered to be a monstrous physical presence and a confident player with the ball at his feet, the 6 foot 4 star has been described as a "physically strong and very quick" centre-half by former Germany Men's manager Joachim Löw, with this supreme athleticism speaking of shades of Micky van de Ven, who also made the move from Germany to the Premier League last season.

Tah typically plays in a back-three for Die Werkself but is a proven player in a more traditional defence, highlighting the versatility that could be tailor-made for a place in Postecoglou's interchangeable, multi-functioning Lilywhites system.

He'd be perfect for Tottenham, augmenting a defensive group consisting of star defensive axis Van de Ven and Cristian Romero but also nurturing £27m January acquisition Radu Dragusin, aged 21.

With a return to continental competition on the cards next term and a desire to wade deep into the domestic cup competitions, depth is paramount and Tah would be the perfect fit.

Why Jonathan Tah would be perfect for Spurs

Tah has the highest passing accuracy from open play of any athlete in the German top-flight this term at 97%, placing him above even Van de Ven in the Premier League, with the Dutchman completing 95% of his balls for Postecoglou's side.

As per FBref, Tah ranks among the top 10% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, the top 13% for passes attempted per 90 and the top 1% for pass completion, with his elite technical control and natural knack for goalscoring tools that would be well-wielded within Postecoglou's tactical set-up.

Jonathan Tah: Similar Premier League Players

#

Player

Club

1.

Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool

2.

Pau Torres

Aston Villa

3.

Ibrahima Konate

Liverpool

4.

Nathan Ake

Manchester City

5.

Levi Colwill

Chelsea

Sourced via Football Transfers

Moreover, Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk is considered Tah's most comparable Premier League player, as per Football Transfers, with such a skill set hardly unlikely to succeed down the N17.

Van Dijk has been near indomitable at times this season for Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool, thriving at the heart of a resurgent, title-chasing side and restoring a backline that welcomed no transfer additions last summer despite a dismal 2022/23 campaign, also contending with injuries to Andy Robertson, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joel Matip and shot-stopper Alisson Becker this season.

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As per Sofascore, the 32-year-old colossus has been breathtaking in the league, completing 91% of his passes, scoring two goals and supplying two assists, averaging 5.1 ball recoveries and 4.3 clearances per game and coming out on top in a staggering 84% of his aerial battles.

He also ranks among the top 8% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 4% for shot-creating actions, the top 4% for passes attempted, the top 10% for pass completion, the top 17% for progressive passes and the top 2% for aerial wins per 90.

Quite simply, Van Dijk is one of the best in the business, and while Klopp and Postecoglou implement different styles of play, both are reliant on innate understanding, progression and fluency.

This is evidenced by the turnaround in fortunes at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this season since Van de Ven arrived and settled the equilibrium next to Romero.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair

However, both stars have been sidelined at different intervals this term and this has laid the Lilywhites' fragility bare. This cannot be allowed to resurface and pull the squad back in regression after such promise throughout Postecoglou's maiden campaign.

Once described as a "defensive battleship" by former teammate Christoph Kramer, Tah must be signed, joining the fold and offering his skill set in what would add another layer to the building Spurs machine.

Leeds United could be set to lose another one of their rising stars next year alongside Finley Gorman, according to a new report that has recently emerged.

Man City agree deal for Finley Gorman

The Whites have a history of developing younger players with the aim of bringing them through the academy to integrate them into the first-team later in their career, with the likes of Sam Byram and Jamie Shackleton being prime examples under Daniel Farke. Gorman is another hugely promising product who has been working his way up the ladder through the club's system, but his impressive performances have caught the eye of Man City, who have already started completing the necessary steps towards a switch.

According to The Athletic’s Phil Hay, Premier League giants Man City have agreed a deal to sign the 15-year-old for a seven-figure fee, which is a British transfer record for a player his age, though if the following update is to be believed, he might not be the only one heading for the exit door in the near future.

Leeds – record sales

Fee

Raphinha (Barcelona)

£47m

Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City)

£42m

Rio Ferdinand (Manchester United)

£39m

Tyler Adams (Bournemouth)

£23m

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (Atletico Madrid)

£14m

All stats according to Transfermarkt

In West Yorkshire, Harry Gray is a regular feature of the U18s side and he also represents England internationally at youth level, and whilst Pep Guardiola’s side are set to secure the services of Gorman, it’s believed that they are also looking to make a separate swoop for the teenage attacker who is his teammate.

Leeds facing battle to keep Harry Gray

According to TEAMtalk, Man City are plotting a move for Gray, but as it stands, it’s highly unlikely that he will leave and follow in the footsteps of Gorman with his family wanting him to remain in the Championship.

“Manchester City are plotting a second raid on Leeds United for teenage sensation Harry Gray after agreeing a deal for Whites youngster Finley Gorman, sources have told TEAMtalk. Despite City’s interest, however, Gray’s family are not in a hurry to see the player move on and would likely advise both Harry – and any forthcoming interest in Archie – be batted away for now. As a result, we understand there is a confidence at Leeds that any approach from City will be rejected.”

Gray is a real star in the making

In the U18s Premier League, Gray has already scored three goals in the same number of games so far this season which shows just how prolific he can be in the final third (Transfermarkt – Gray statistics), therefore, Leeds need to do everything they can to retain his services.

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Farke’s up-and-coming prodigy has also already received heaps of praise from club reporter Phil Hay, who previously said: “Harry is another one they’ve been talking about for a long time as [he’s] looking incredibly talented, masses and masses of potential."

Furthermore, Gray is the younger brother of Archie, who has established himself as a first-team regular, recently attracting interest from Liverpool, Everton and Crystal Palace, so it’s vital that the board fend off interest in the siblings and keep them in the building for the foreseeable future.

Newcastle United are still interested in Southampton right-back Tino Livramento after seeing an initial advance rebuffed, and could re-enter formal negotiations in the coming days.

What's the latest on Tino Livramento to Newcastle?

That's according to i news, who claim that the Magpies remain in transfer talks for the 20-year-old Englishman after a £30m transfer offer was rejected by Saints earlier this month, with his team demanding £50m.

It is said that there is still a gulf in respective valuations of the player, with Eddie Howe's club likely needing to raise their offer to £40m to see the south coast side part with their precocious talent following relegation from the Premier League this year.

The report underscores Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth's emphasis on squad improvement this summer by landing two further incomings to consolidate the return to Champions League football, with the Toon finishing fourth in the English top-flight last term.

Is Tino Livramento a good player?

Kieran Trippier has proved a remarkable signing for Howe's Newcastle project since arriving from Atletico Madrid in a £12m deal in January 2022, earning praise as a "revelation" by talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan and recording a remarkable average Sofascore rating of 7.61 in the league last season.

However, the England international will be 33-years-old in two months' time and Howe is working aptly in identifying an heir.

Livramento, who was restricted to just two Premier League appearances across the 2022/23 campaign following his recovery from a long-term injury, is now hoping to return to full fitness and could find his comeback well-suited to the role as Trippier's understudy, making the increments to both fitness and form as he ascends to the upper echelon of full-backs in English football, already praised as "excellent" by England manager Gareth Southgate.

Once hailed for his semblance to Premier League legend Gareth Bale by former teammate Theo Walcott, Livramento looks to hold the qualities requisite for success at the zenith of the game, and why not continue his burgeoning rise at a team enjoying their own rise to the fore in Newcastle?

Walcott said:

"Do you know what, he reminds me a little bit of Gareth Bale when he came through as a full-back. That's a big statement of course to compare him to someone like that but just feel like his presence and the way he drives and the pace and the power and it's no surprise that you know what he's going to do."

By utilising his pace, power and surging nature down the right flank, he could effectively contribute to both offensive and defensive sequences, which would aid winger Jacob Murphy in his efforts to succeed next season.

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Murphy was a figure shrouded in shadow for much of his time on Tyneside after signing from Norwich City in a £12m move 2017 but played 36 times in the Premier League last season as Howe found good use of his industrious nature and "relentless" work rate – as was dubbed by Chris Waugh – and he now looks an indispensable member of a thriving outfit.

The £35k-per-week gem also ranks among the top 12% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries, the top 16% for touches in the attacking box and the top 17% for progressive passes received, as per FBref.

Effectively, this means that he would be well-placed to thrive with someone such as Livramento behind him, constantly pressing the player further up the pitch and allowing him to drift into promising openings in the danger areas, and Newcastle must now swoop.

Leeds United return to Premier League action tonight, as they play host to a Liverpool side searching for their first win since early March.

Jurgen Klopp's men threatened to return to form after they had demolished Manchester United at Anfield, yet since then they have gone five games without a win in all competitions, which also included crashing out of the Champions League alongside a loss to relegation-threatened Bournemouth.

Javi Gracia will be aware of this dip in form and will hope that his outfit can be the latest to pile on the misery for the European-chasing Reds.

However, they too have faced something of an inquest following their collapse against Crystal Palace in their last game. Despite taking the lead, four second-half goals condemned the Whites to a heavy defeat in front of a frustrated Elland Road crowd. Under floodlights against a top side tonight, they will seek to rectify that with wholesale changes.

Few performed well during that miserable encounter, which could give justification for a host of alterations for this fixture. Perhaps the Spaniard might opt to apply further pressure onto the struggling defence of the visitors by employing a tactical switch, in order to overload their back line.

Either way, something drastic has to change from their last performance.

How could Leeds United line up against Liverpool?

4-4-2 – Meslier; Kristensen, Koch, Cooper, Firpo; Sinisterra, McKennie, Roca, Gnonto; Bamford, Rodrigo.

Gracia could make a whopping four changes from the team that collapsed against the Eagles, with a change in formation likely to be key in any success they might enjoy.

Whilst he might have struggled of late, given only one of his last five Sofascore ratings have surpassed a 6.7, Illan Meslier represents the only real option to continue in goal.

He will sit behind a back four altered in order to deal with the tricky threat that Liverpool pose, with Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo awkward customers to quell. As such, Rasmus Kristensen will earn a recall after Luke Ayling's recent disasterclass, and club captain Liam Cooper will replace the similarly disappointing Pascal Struijk. Robin Koch and Junior Firpo will retain their spots, as Max Wober remains unlikely to return.

A flat four across the midfield may well see Jack Harrison as the only casualty, allowing Luis Sinisterra another chance to prove his worth after returning to fitness. Wilfried Gnonto must earn a recall too, with these electric wingers expected to terrorise the likes of Andy Robertson and particularly Trent Alexander-Arnold.

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That leaves Marc Roca to partner Weston McKennie in the engine room.

The final change will be to drop Brenden Aaronson for another natural striker to partner Patrick Bamford. Having started on the bench, there is no better option than to start their top scorer Rodrigo from the off.

The Spaniard has been "unstoppable" this season in the eyes of journalist Firzie Idris and will be key in causing the visitors' back four further problems.

Newcastle United will hope to continue their remarkable season in this evening’s Premier League clash against West Ham United at St James’ Park, with victory cementing the Magpies’ position in the top four of the table.

Having lost just once across the opening 20 league matches of the season, Eddie Howe’s side have stormed into the Champions League positions, boasting 39 points – three more than fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, who have also played an extra match.

With Newcastle having most recently beaten Southampton in the semi-final of the Carabao Cup, setting up a tantalising final against Manchester United in three weeks’ time, the overwhelming optimism emanating from Tyneside could hardly be any greater at present.

With the Tynesiders succumbing to defeat only against Liverpool in the league this term, agonisingly conceding the decisive goal deep into stoppage time at Anfield, there will be a belief that three more points will be accumulated today against the 16th-placed Irons, with the prospect of Champions League football next season further enhanced.

In order to ensure that the stellar work continues, Howe must stick with homegrown talent Sean Longstaff in the centre of the park, with the 25-year-old having scored twice against the Saints in midweek.

Having risen through the youth ranks at Newcastle, Longstaff has made 122 appearances, scoring eight goals and supplying seven assists.

Making 27 outings across all competitions this term, and starting 16 times in the league, Longstaff has indeed cemented his importance to a flourishing Magpies team.

According to Sofascore, the Englishman has completed 80% of his passes and averaged 0.8 shots and 0.8 key passes per game, scoring one goal and registering two assists in the top flight.

The recipient of criticism from some of the St James’ Park faithful last year, the 25-year-old clearly has the faith of his manager, having been ever-present in the Premier League since October.

It was only this week that Chronicle Live writer Charlie Bennett waxed lyrical about Longstaff’s fine form, tweeting: “The bloke is a man reborn. Absolute machine in that first half.”

A progressive midfielder, Longstaff ranks among the top 17% of positional peers in Europe’s five main leagues for touches in the attacking box and the top 20% for progressive passes received over the past year, as per FBref. His transitional, forward-thinking approach will be vital in suffocating the Irons and maintaining a vice-like grip on proceedings for Newcastle.

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As such, his inclusion in the starting line-up could prove to be a crucial cog to thread together the collective departments of the team, with his “superb” skill set – as lauded by Ross Gregory – keeping things ticking over and possibly compounding West Ham to further misery.

Howe might be tempted to give Longstaff a breather given the amount of football that he has played this season (he is their third most-used outfield player) and the busy schedule due to their Carabao Cup run, but the 25-year-old is simply playing too well to be left out today.

With Longstaff continuing to thrive in the midfield engine room, West Ham could well be vanquished at St James’ Park as Newcastle keep their excellent momentum going.