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Liverpool have received a boost in their pursuit for Torino centre-back Perr Schuurs after the 23-year-old addressed recent rumours surrounding his footballing future.

What's the latest on Perr Schuurs to Liverpool?

According to Italian reports, the Dutch defender has stated that he is unsure where he will be plying his trade next year after attracting the attention of the likes of Liverpool earlier this year following a remarkable season in Serie A.

Inter Milan are also mulling over issuing a move for the titan, with their star centre-back Milan Skriniar set for departure in several weeks at the end of his contract, though the Reds squad's Dutch roots could entice Schuurs to move to the Premier League.

Valued at €30m (£26m) – a price i Nerazzurri deem too high – Schuurs would be an affordable option to not only bolster Jurgen Klopp's defensive ranks but also allow ample room for further expenditure up-field, with the midfield highlighted as a primary cause for concern.

Should Liverpool sign Perr Schuurs?

The 6 foot 3 colossus has made 34 appearances for Torino this season and has been integral for his outfit's endeavours this year, perching in tenth place in the Italian top-flight and boasting the joint-fifth best defensive record in the league, alongside Inter.

Still only 23 years old, Schuurs is making waves with his dynamic approach to defending and has found an auspicious home with Torino, completing 88% of his passes, making 3.3 clearances, 1.8 tackles and one interception on average each game, as per Sofascore.

Formerly praised as a "great Dutch talent" by Ajax director of football Marc Overmars, Schuurs ranks among the top 7% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues for rate of assists, the top 26% for successful take-ons and the top 18% for rate of tackles per 90, as per FBref.

While Liverpool's looming midfield exodus will indeed require emphasis on bolstering the Anfield centre, the 22/23 campaign has been littered with defensive frailty and Klopp and co will undoubtedly have one eye on defensive options that could be targetted to reinstate the resilience at the foot of Liverpool's system.

The £22k-per-week ace could be viewed as the perfect heir to 31-year-old central defender Joel Matip's position on Merseyside, with the Cameronian veteran out of contract in one year and falling out of favour this term, starting just 11 times in the Premier League and an unused substitute across 13 of the last 16 matches.

Branded "awful" by CBS reporter Nico Cantor for one of his multiple deteriorating displays this term, Matip could be shipped out this summer should the Reds wish to cash in on the ace while they still can, and replacing him with a burgeoning "mountain" in Schuurs – as journalist Josh Bunting lauded the defender – could mark a turning point in defensive fortunes at the club.

Liverpool could make a move for Leicester City star James Maddison this summer, but there is growing interest in his signature, according to transfer insider Graeme Bailey.

What's the latest Liverpool transfer news?

It has become very clear that a new central midfielder is a priority for Jurgen Klopp this summer, and the manager is now poised to make his first signing, with a deal for Manuel Ugarte now "very close", according to DAZN reporter Orazio Accomando.

Given that several midfielders are out of contract, the Reds will have to bring in multiple new options in the engine room, and they are keen to explore a move for Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni, although the Spanish club do not want to let him go.

Another potential signing is Chelsea's Mason Mount, with Liverpool said to be leading the race for the England international, while they are also working on a deal for Bayern Munich's Ryan Gravenberch, although Manchester United have now entered the race.

In an interview with TEAMtalk, Bailey has now stated that the Merseyside club could still make a move for Maddison, but there will be stiff competition for his signature, with a number of other Premier League clubs also interested.

The transfer insider said: "Newcastle will not have a clear run at him.

“This is not a done deal in terms of where he is going to go, far from it.”

Should Liverpool sign James Maddison?

The 26-year-old would be capable of slotting into Liverpool's midfield three, given that he has featured in the middle on a number of occasions throughout his career, but he has been playing in a more advanced role, and on the wing for Leicester this season.

In 27 Premier League appearances, the "elite baller" has amassed ten goals and nine assists, ranking in the 97th percentile for assists per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

The £110k-per-week midfielder's performances this season in a struggling Leicester side indicate he is coming into his prime, and he would be an excellent signing for the Reds.

That said, Newcastle may have the advantage in the race for his signature, given that they are more likely to have Champions League football on offer.

خاض فريق الكرة الأول بالنادي الأهلي، مرانه اليوم الإثنين، بمقر القلعة الحمراء، ضمن ‏البرنامج التدريبي الذي أعده الجهاز الفني لتجهيز جميع اللاعبين للمرحلة المقبلة، التي تشهد ‏العديد من التحديات القارية والمحلية.‏

وشارك اليوم في مران الأهلي 10 لاعبين من قطاع الناشئين، وذلك لتعويض النقص العددي ‏بسبب انضمام أكثر من لاعب من القوام الأساسي للمنتخبات الوطنية.‏

وعقد مارسيل كولر، المدير الفني للأهلي، محاضرة مع اللاعبين، وجلسة مع خالد بيبو مدير الكرة وذلك ضمن الجلسات ‏التنسيقية المتواصلة بين الجهاز الفني للترتيب للمرحلة المقبلة.

وخاض اللاعبون فقرة بدنية قوية، قبل تنفيذ الجوانب الفنية خلال تدريبات الكرة التي اشتملت ‏على تقسيمة بمشاركة الحراس.‏

وأدى الرباعي، مصطفى شوبير ومصطفى مخلوف وحازم جمال وطارق حسن، تدريباتهم تحت ‏إشراف ميشيل يانكون مدرب الحراس.

طالع | أحمد شوبير عن خطأ نجله مصطفى في مباراة الأهلي وفيوتشر: وجهت له السباب

وواصل الثنائي أحمد عبد القادر ورضا سليم تنفيذ البرنامج الخاص بهما تحت إشراف الجهاز ‏الطبي بالنادي على هامش مران الفريق.‏

كما أكد أحمد جاب الله طبيب الأهلي، أن حالة رضا ‏سليم لاعب الفريق مطمئنة إلى حد كبير، وإنه يواصل برنامجه التأهيلي بشكل منتظم لتجهيزه ‏للعودة للتدريبات الجماعية.‏

وقال جاب الله إن رضا سليم سوف يجري أشعة منتصف الأسبوع المقبل للوقوف على ‏تطورات حالته والتعرف على نسبة شفائه من الإصابة بعد إجرائه جراحة في الترقوة، والتي ‏أبعدته عن المشاركة مع الأهلي خلال الفترة الماضية.‏

وواصل رضا سليم تنفيذ برنامجه التأهيلي اليوم على ملعب التتش، الذي اشتمل على الجري ‏حول الملعب، وتنفيذ بعض الفقرات الأخرى ضمن البرنامج الخاص به، تحت إشراف الجهاز ‏الطبي بالنادي.‏

Tottenham Hotspur have set their eyes on Julian Nagelsmann as an option to become their next permanent manager, however, Chelsea are believed to appreciate him.

Could Nagelsmann replace Conte?

Spurs are now set to pick back up in the Premier League with Cristian Stellini and Ryan Mason in the dugout for the remaining games of the campaign.

A number of names are believed to be on the radar of Daniel Levy as potential options to replace Antonio Conte following his recent departure.

One of those managers said to be a possible candidate is the former Bayern Munich manager Nagelsmann who has also recently been put out of a job.

However, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the 35-year-old – who was hailed a "genius" by journalist Kostas Lianosis – is someone who Chelsea appreciates following the sacking of Graham Potter:

(2:30) "What was important to say is that Julian Nagelsmann is a coach who's appreciated internally at Chelsea. We have many stories about Nagelsmann and Tottenham but, at the moment, I'm not aware of anything advanced for now.

"Let's see if Chelsea will decide to go for Nagelsmann, if Chelsea will decide to go for a different coach, if Chelsea will decide to back and protect Graham Potter [since sacked].

"So the next hours and days are going to be important. But for sure, this is a situation to watch if not for the present – so if Chelsea are going to protect Potter for the present – this is one to watch for the future."

Would Spurs appeal to Nagelsmann?

There are certainly a number of issues which need to be ironed out in north London ahead of the new Premier League campaign on the back of the last few months.

Perhaps the biggest issue for any new potential manager at Spurs is the future of Harry Kane with his contract nearing its final year.

The England captain has become the club's all-time record goalscorer and has been the main reason Spurs are still within a shout of playing Champions League football next season.

However, there are more issues which could concern someone like Nagelsmann given the likes of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte have failed in N17.

Fans are venting their frustrations with the owners as sections have been heard chanting for Levy to remove himself from his role at the club.

Spurs have also been left without a director of football ahead of the summer transfer window with Fabio Paratici dragging his own version of chaos into the club.

So there are certainly a lot of concerns that a candidate for the job, but that being said, Chelsea are also experiencing their own problems and look certain to finish outside the European spots.

There are also reports suggesting the German could be a potential candidate for the possible openings at Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the summer.

And if they are jobs which potentially open up over the coming months, both Premier League sides may find it difficult to land the 35-year-old ahead of the new season.

When Aston Villa sold Jack Grealish to Manchester City in 2021 for the staggering fee of £100m, it was looked upon as a wonderful piece of business for the club.

Of course, in an ideal world, Dean Smith would have wanted to keep him for longer but having emerged as one of the club’s finest ever talents, it was evident he was going to move on at some stage or another and securing a British record transfer for the midfielder was only ever going to be a massive bonus.

They haven’t quite managed to replace him yet, however, there are a few youngsters coming through the youth ranks which could push into the Villa first team and stake a claim over the coming years.

One such player is Rory Wilson, who has been scoring for fun since joining from Glasgow Rangers last summer for just £350k.

Who is Rory Wilson?

The striker completed a move south of the border during the summer having netted 49 goals for the Gers and Scotland youth groups in what was a wonderful season for the 17-year-old.

The teenage prodigy has been described as being “obsessed with becoming the best” by Scotland coach James Grady and his relentless nature in front of goal could take him all the way to the Villa first team in the next couple of years.

Wilson hasn’t let the move to England faze him in the slightest, already making his mark in the U18 and U21 sides this term.

Four goals in the younger age category is impressive enough, but to make the step-up to the Premier League 2 and FA Youth Cup – scoring four and three goals in the respective competitions – takes some talent, and he could find himself on Unai Emery’s mind sooner rather than later.

Grealish also starred for the U21s during his formative years at the club, scoring five goals and grabbing six assists and Wilson has already usurped these totals having been at Villa for less than a year.

The striker also has experience at national level for Scotland, playing for the U17 team on 16 occasions and netting an impressive 15 goals, including a hat0trick against Switzerland just last month.

He doesn’t appear to be resting on his laurels either, having made his U21 debut, aged just 16, in September last year with his future looking extraordinarily bright.

Who knows, in time he could well end up being sold for millions just like Grealish in 2021. Indeed, his current goal-scoring spree dictates that he is arguably the biggest talent since the boyhood hero departed the Midlands. Exciting times.

An update has emerged on Liverpool and their interest in Alberto Moleiro ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window…

What’s the latest on Alberto Moleiro to Liverpool?

According to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, the Reds are one of three teams in the race to sign the Spanish attacking midfielder from Las Palmas at the end of the season.

The report claims that fellow Premier League side Aston Villa and LaLiga giants Barcelona are also interested in snapping up the 19-year-old later this year.

It is stated that the Merseyside outfit, along with Unai Emery’s team, are prepared to pay Las Palmas’ €25m (£22m) asking price, although the gem’s release clause will rise to €60m (£53m) if they are promoted to the Spanish top-flight.

What is Alberto Moleiro’s style of play?

The 19-year-old Spaniard is a versatile attacking midfielder who excels at creating chances for his teammates. With that in mind, he could be Jurgen Klopp’s own version of Arsenal star Martin Odegaard.

Mikel Arteta’s side are top of the Premier League table and the Norway international has been a crucial cog in their well-oiled machine as a creative presence in the middle of the park.

He has averaged an impressive Sofascore rating of 7.40 – the second-best in their squad – across 25 appearances in the division – creating 12 ‘big chances’ and making 2.4 key passes per match.

The former Real Madrid playmaker has racked up 0.25 assists per 90 and Moleiro, who has managed 0.37 assists per 90 in the Spanish second division this term, could develop into a similarly creative threat in midfield.

Las Palmas, like Arsenal, currently lead their league and the teenage wizard has played a significant role in their success to date as the gem has created 11 ‘big chances’, 1.7 key passes per game, and eight assists in 23 starts in LaLiga 2.

Meanwhile, no Liverpool central midfielder has created more than 1.2 key passes per match or more than Harvey Elliott’s seven ‘big chances’ created.

These statistics show that the Spanish magician, whose touch was described as “silky” by scout Jacek Kulig, excels at creating opportunities for his teammates from an attacking midfield, eight, or wide position, much like Odegaard does for the Gunners week-in-week-out in the Premier League.

At the age of 19, Moleiro would not come in as a player who should be expected to make an immediate or significant impact on the team but the gem could be a long-term prospect with the potential to grow into Klopp’s own version of the Norweigan star.

He is yet to test himself outside of the second tier in Spain and it is impossible to tell how the creator would adapt to life in England. Still, his statistics this season indicate that there is a talented player there for Liverpool to develop in the coming years.

Manchester United arguably enjoyed their greatest night of the Erik ten Hag regime thus far on Thursday evening, with the Red Devils coming from behind to see off runaway La Liga leaders Barcelona at Old Trafford.

With the tie finely poised following what was a thrilling 2-2 draw in Catalonia last week, it was the visitors who struck the early blow this time around, with prolific marksman, Robert Lewandowski netting from the penalty spot following a soft foul from Bruno Fernandes on Alejandro Balde.

While United sides of the recent past may well have crumbled after suffering such an early setback, the current crop proved that they are made of sterner stuff as they came flying out the traps after the break, with the often-maligned Fred firing in just minutes after the interval.

Having swiftly seen the benefits of a tactical reshuffle from Ten Hag as Wout Weghorst was replaced by Antony at half-time, those alterations then looked even more astute as the latter man marked his return from injury with a goal, curling in in superb fashion with his typically lethal left foot.

The £86m summer signing ultimately proved the match-winner for the hosts to steer them into the last-16 of the Europa League, with the 22-year-old having ‘enhanced’ the Red Devils’ attack following his introduction off the bench – as per Manchester Evening News journalist, Samuel Luckhurst.

Despite having netted the clincher for the Premier League side on the night, it was Antony’s compatriot Fred who truly stole the show from his central midfield berth, having ‘overwhelmed’ the opposition with his relentless, energetic presence – as per Luckhurst.

How did Fred perform against Barcelona?

The 29-year-old has undoubtedly been a frustrating figure in the side of late due to his inability to maintain a consistent performance across 90 minutes, with that having been typified in the weekend win over Leicester City as the diminutive machine lost possession on 14 occasions, yet also registered an assist for Marcus Rashford’s second strike of the day.

As last night’s encounter showcased, however, when the former Shakhtar Donetsk man is at his best he is undoubtedly a hugely influential figure for Ten Hag, having produced a “herculean” display up against the Camp Nou outfit, in the words of journalist Sacha Pisani.

That standout showing saw the £120k-per-week man win six duels on the night – including recording five tackles – with the 47-touch maestro having been a constant pest in the centre of the park, despite being dribbled past on eight occasions.

The 5 foot 7 playmaker had come out like a “man possessed” after the break, according to journalist Dominic Booth, with that rampant restart swiftly rewarded as he expertly cushioned Fernandes’ fizzing pass, before guiding his effort into the bottom corner – albeit with the ball having perhaps come off the midfielder’s shin.

That slice of luck was perhaps what Fred had deserved for his “box-to-box” performance – as per Statman Dave – as he again proved himself the man for the big occasion, earning justified comparisons to club cult hero Park Ji-sung in the process.

As United prepare for another pivotal, season-defining clash in the League Cup final against Newcastle United on Sunday, the Belo Horizonte native will need to be at his brilliant, destructive best once again.

An update has emerged regarding Newcastle United’s interest in signing Adrien Rabiot in the summer transfer window…

What’s the latest on Adrien Rabiot to Newcastle?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Magpies have ‘tested the ground’ on a potential deal to sign the French midfielder on a free transfer at the end of the campaign, with his deal at Juventus set to expire, as Dan Ashworth eyes up a swoop for the gem.

The report claims that the 27-year-old is demanding €10m (£8.9m) per season, which works out at roughly £171k-per-week, and his current club are only willing to offer €7m (£6.2m) for two more seasons.

It is stated that fellow Premier League side Arsenal are also in the running for his signature and that a move to England is his ‘most likely’ destination.

Would Rabiot be an upgrade on Longstaff at Newcastle?

Ashworth could land Eddie Howe a big upgrade on current Newcastle midfielder Sean Longstaff by finalising a deal to sign Rabiot on a free transfer ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The Magpies academy graduate has enjoyed a resurgence in the first-team picture this season and worked his socks off in the middle of the park, but the Juventus dynamo could provide a step up in quality.

In the Premier League this term, Longstaff has averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.74 across his 22 appearances, making 1.7 tackles and interceptions and 0.8 key passes per game. The Englishman has also won 44% of his duels and completed 80% of his attempted passes in midfield.

Meanwhile, Rabiot has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.08 in his 18 outings for Juventus in Serie A. The 27-year-old has made 2.8 tackles and interceptions and created 1.1 chances per match, whilst winning 54% of his duels and completing 84% of his passes, as per Sofascore.

These statistics suggest that the France international would be an upgrade on the Newcastle gem both in terms of his defensive quality and efficiency, and his creative talent in possession. Rabiot also provides a goal threat from midfield – scoring four times in the Italian top flight this season – whilst Longstaff has only managed four goals in 100 Premier League appearances in his career.

Italian legend Gianluigi Buffon once hailed the French midfielder’s physicality, saying: “He is a fantastic mix, he has the physical strength of Pogba, who is like a wardrobe, has the personality of Vidal and potentially the dynamism of Marchisio. He is incredible, extremely strong.”

This suggests that Rabiot has the physique to cope with the demands of English football, which would allow his qualities both in and out of possession to shine through.

Therefore, Ashworth could improve Newcastle’s options in the middle of the park by beating Arsenal to the Juventus star’s signature in the coming months.

West Bromwich Albion enjoyed a relatively quiet January transfer window, but admittedly they were hardly in need of vast reinforcements.

Carlos Corberan had already inherited a relatively strong squad and managed to knit them together into a unit which will now have eyes on a return to the Premier League. Considering where the Baggies lay prior to Steve Bruce’s dismissal, this marks an outstanding turnaround.

There was no need for his Spanish successor to go wild in the transfer market, as it offers unpredictability alongside the potential to upset his finely-tuned machine, although he did supplement the squad with two new arrivals and nearly added a third on deadline day.

It was reported by the Evening Standard that Albion had agreed a deal with Chelsea starlet Omari Hutchinson to join until the end of the season, with the 19-year-old turning down offers from Europe and other Championship clubs in favour of a move to The Hawthorns.

However, according to The Athletic’s Elias Burke, it appeared that complications arose, which in turn led to Karlan Grant’s failed move to Swansea City. As such, both deals could not be completed in time, and the clubs missed out on their respective targets.

This arguably would have been the perfect move for West Brom to make given their current situation, bringing in a super-talented teenager to supplement the likes of John Swift, push them for a place in the team or even offer an instant upgrade to drive the team even closer to their objective of promotion.

The youngster has impressed this season for Chelsea’s youth setup and already boasts two senior appearances, having only moved from Arsenal last summer.

In 14 Premier League 2 appearances, he has notched five goals and a further seven assists. This is further supplemented by his three goal contributions in four EFL Trophy matches. 

His dynamism paired with a fine technical proficiency would have made him an ideal partner for Daryl Dike to play off of, with the American having only recently returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

He has notched two goals in his last three league games and will likely play a big role in their promotion push. His return adds pace and power, as well as the cutting edge that they had been lacking up front, and he would have surely thrived from the service of Hutchinson.

Graham Potter’s line about the teenager’s performance during a mid-season friendly further outlined exactly what Dike and West Brom will miss out on, with the Chelsea manager saying: “[Hutchinson] was really good, dangerous and asked a question all the time.”

That prying offensive nature could have been the additional spark to add even more goals to a solid West Brom outfit with the Championship’s fourth-best defensive record.

They should still finish in the play-offs without him, but he could have been the vital difference towards going even further and daring to dream of an automatic promotion spot.

Newcastle United could well be looking to strengthen with the signing of Chelsea playmaker, Hakim Ziyech before the end of the window.

What’s the word?

According to The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards, Magpies sporting director Dan Ashworth is believed to be ‘looking at’ a potential move for the Moroccan international, with the Blues said to be willing to let the 29-year-old depart Stamford Bridge this month.

The report suggests that one of Eddie Howe’s priorities at present is to recruit a new winger or midfielder, hence turning to the former Ajax star – who has two-and-a-half years left on his existing deal – as he can operate in either role.

The piece also goes on to add that the Tynesiders are seemingly only set to move for those players who are on their ‘list of targets in the summer’, with the northeast side having been linked with the 50-cap sensation during the previous window.

Almiron 2.0

Howe’s side are currently somewhat reliant on the devastating brilliance of the resurgent Miguel Almiron to make the difference in the final third, with the Paraguayan international the club’s leading scorer this season with nine Premier League goals thus far.

The 28-year-old dynamo has enjoyed an “amazing transformation” this season according to club legend Alan Shearer, having previously only scored nine top-flight goals across the last three seasons combined.

The diminutive ace has thrived in his regular on the right flank so far this term, providing a real direct and dynamic threat with his ability to cut in onto his stronger left foot and wreak havoc on the opposition.

Newcastle could well land another version of the former Atlanta United man in the form of the aforementioned Ziyech, with the £100k-per-week maestro also typically operating in a wide right berth and cutting in onto his favoured left foot.

The playmaking “genius” – as described by journalist Nizaar Kinsella – has enjoyed a rather disappointing stint in the capital to date with just 14 goals and 11 assists in 97 games across all fronts, although the hope would be that Howe can inspire an Almiron-esque resurgence should he make the switch to St James’ Park.

The Netherlands-born ace has clearly shown enough quality in the past to warrant such interest from Ashworth and co, having recorded a truly staggering haul of 130 goal involvements in just 165 games during his previous stint in Amsterdam.

That breathtaking, creative flair was also evident during the recent World Cup in Qatar, with Ziyech – who made the move to England on a £33.3m deal back in 2020 – having been lauded for his “incredible” form by Morocco boss Walid Regragui, after starting every game in his nation’s surge to the semi-final.

What was also most eye-catching about his display in that tournament was the former FC Twente man’s willing work ethic as he recorded 1.4 interceptions and 1.4 tackles per game, while he also ranks in the top 13% in Europe among those in his position for the latter metric.

Such a trait can also be attributed to Almiron, as the 5 foot 9 speedster ranks in the top 12% in that regard, with Shearer having previously stated that the player’s “work rate” is “one thing that has never been in doubt since he joined Newcastle in 2019”.

To be able to bring in a player who can provide healthy competition for the in-form asset with the signing of Ziyech could well prove an astute move for Ashworth and for Howe, with strengthening in attack set to help bolster what is an already rampant outfit.