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Liverpool still have several fixtures to play to close the current Premier League campaign but there is little question that fans are eagerly awaiting the summer transfer market and a new era under Arne Slot.

Slot is closing a trophy-laden spell with Feyenoord to take the reins at Anfield and succeed the esteemed Jurgen Klopp, who has lifted Liverpool to illustrious heights and has cemented legendary status on Merseyside.

But after months and matches and thrillfests throughout the course of the season, Liverpool have found themselves a day late and a dollar short at the final stretch, suffering a dismal drop in form that has pulled the squad away from the Premier League title race after falling in the FA Cup and Europa League.

Michael Edwards – joined by pal Richard Hughes – has woven his elite business savvy into FSG's model and has moved incisively to bring Slot to the club. Player signings will soon follow.

Slot could deal huge blow to Amorim

According to Portuguese outlet Record, Liverpool have been handed a big boost in their bid to sign Sporting centre-back Ousmane Diomande, with the Liga Portugal table-toppers already starting to assess the market for replacements.

Diomande, aged 20, has a £70m release clause in his contract and Liverpool have been named as one of the suitors, even sending scouts to observe the Ivorian in action.

Led by former Reds managerial target Ruben Amorim, Sporting could be dealt an ironic blow by Liverpool in bolstering their ranks with one of its most prodigious talents in Diomande, scoring an instant success for Slot as he sculpts his squad.

Why Liverpool should sign Ousmane Diomande

Diomande is only young but he has already established himself as one of the most exciting rising defenders in Europe, attracting a swarm of interest from top clubs such as Arsenal and Chelsea.

Last season, Diomande started 11 times in the Portuguese top flight and played 120 minutes as Amorim's outfit defeated Arsenal on penalties in the Europa League, but he has really come into his own this term and risen to a position of prominence in Sporting's soon-to-be league champions, five points clear of second-place Benfica with three fixtures remaining.

As per Sofascore, the defensive titan has started 23 matches in Liga Portugal this season, scoring two goals, completing 91% of his passes, averaging 1.5 tackles and clearances and 5.3 ball recoveries per game while succeeding with 75% of his dribbles, winning 65% of his contested duels, and making just one error leading to shot.

When comparing these statistics to his efforts last year, it's clear that Diomande has already developed his skills, been more robust in his athletic ability and sharper in defensive moments.

This is a lot to unpack but, effectively, such metrics showcase a high-quality technical ability that allows Diomande to maintain a crisp passing game while carrying the ball forward himself to stretch lines from deep and pull opponents toward him, creating space.

This is something that Ibrahima Konate does very well, with the France international ranking among the top 9% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive passes, the top 12% for progressive carries and the top 19% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

Diomande doesn't quite boast the same snap and forward drive as Liverpool's tough-tackling defender but he is arguably nurturing an even more complete skill set, having scarcely emerged from his teenage years too.

Indeed, Diomande ranks among the top 5% of positional peers across divisions similar to the Liga Portugal for goals, the top 20% for shot-creating actions, the top 3% for pass completion, the top 4% for passes attempted, the top 8% for progressive passes and the top 18% for successful take-ons per 90.

Hailed as "incredibly complete" by Jacek Kulig, Diomande could prove to be a laboratory-grown heir to Virgil van Dijk's position in the Liverpool rearguard, with the 32-year-old Dutchman approaching the latter phase of his Merseyside career.

Handed the captaincy last summer, Van Dijk has long been regarded as "the best defender" – according to those such as Manchester City's Erling Haaland – and while Liverpool have been out of sorts lately, he has been a steely pillar of strength and leadership.

Indeed, the £220k-per-week sensation has started 33 fixtures in the English top flight for his resurgent side this season, completing 91% of his passes, averaging 4.8 ball recoveries per game and winning an incredible 77% of his duels.

He also ranks among the top 12% of centre-backs for assists, the top 3% for shot-creating actions and the top 10% for pass completion and progressive passes per 90, with similarities that Diomande could latch onto and absorb as he sharpens his own game to a fine point.

But he's nearly 33 years old and out of contract at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, and while Liverpool will prioritise renewing terms for the stalwart, Diomande is of the perfect profile that would add a layer of protection as the Reds return to the Champions League next year.

Liverpool pushing for "great" new striker who's more clinical than Nunez

This would leave Nunez’s place in question.

By
Tom Cunningham

May 2, 2024

With Joel Matip currently recuperating from an anterior cruciate ligament rupture and likely to leave Anfield when his contract expires this summer, landing a rising star of Diomande's calibre would only serve to cement Liverpool's chances of restoring their backline to its finest, steeliest strength.

Jarell Quansah is a talented young defender but Konate and Van Dijk will need to vary the workload and moves must be made to secure Diomande's services.

An update has emerged on Rangers goalkeeper Jack McConnell and his future at Ibrox beyond the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

The Athletic’s Jordan Campbell has claimed that the shot-stopper is keen to seal a switch away from Ibrox ahead of the 2022/23 campaign.

He Tweeted: “Rangers goalkeeper Jack McConnell is on the lookout for a new club. He was the 18’s first pick last season and was in goal as they won the Scottish Cup. Only 18 and has good distribution. Is understood to be interested in a move outside of Scotland to further his career.”

This comes a month after the news that Robby McCrorie wants to move on in search of first-team football after Allan McGregor signed a new contract with the club.

Academy forward Rory Wilson is also on the brink of signing for Aston Villa. Campbell recently Tweeted: “Rory Wilson will officially complete his move from Rangers to Aston Villa tomorrow. The 16-year-old has already undergone his medical in Glasgow and will travel to Birmingham today. Will start with the U23s initially. Deal worth guaranteed £350k but could rise to seven figures.”

Gio van Bronckhorst will be frustrated

The Gers head coach will be left feeling frustrated by McConnell’s decision as the exits now appear to be piling up, with Wilson and McCrorie both potentially on their way out.

Van Bronckhorst will be particularly gutted with the goalkeeping situation. McGregor, 40, and Jon McLaughlin, 35, are the club’s first-choice goalkeepers and the club now look set to lose their succession plan.

The pair are both heading towards the end of their respective careers and neither McCrorie nor McConnell are willing to wait for them to move out of the way.

This means that Rangers will need to dip into the market, when the time comes, to replace them instead of having a ready-made replacement already in the building.

McConnell is seemingly highly-rated at Ibrox, given Campbell’s comments and the fact that he has been called up by Scotland at U16 and U17 level.

He is a promising, up-and-coming, goalkeeper and that is why van Bronckhorst will be frustrated by his prospective exit. The 18-year-old could be the long-term successor to McGregor but the Gers may now have to watch him go elsewhere and potentially excel, whether that is south of the border or in Europe.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Colak: Rangers given green light to sign £8m “wonderkid”, he’s Ozil 2.0…

Jude Bellingham is interested in a move to Liverpool at the end of next season, according to reliable journalist Neil Jones.

The Lowdown: Bellingham links ongoing

The 18-year-old is arguably one of the most exciting young players in the world currently, making waves at Borussia Dortmund and already winning 15 caps for England.

Bellingham has been endlessly linked with a move to Liverpool in recent months, with the transfer seemingly a match made in heaven for all parties – the player himself even idolises Reds legend Steven Gerrard.

It looks unlikely that he will join the Reds in 2022, however, with Dortmund unwilling to lose him and Erling Haaland in the same transfer window.

The Latest: Jones drops key update

Writing for Goal on Monday, Jones claimed that Bellingham ‘would be more than interested in a move to Merseyside’ next summer.

It is stated that he will ‘almost certainly leave’ at that point, although Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid are also mentioned as possible suitors.

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The Verdict: Move feels likely

Some transfers just feel more logical and likely than others and this is the case when it comes to Bellingham, with the Englishman and Liverpool such a perfect fit.

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The Reds will be crying out for a new central midfielder in 12 months’ time, especially with Jordan Henderson turning 33 at that point, and the Dortmund man has all the attributes required to be sensational for a Jurgen Klopp team.

Tall, powerful, elegant on the ball and versatile, Bellingham has been described as a ‘scary’ talent by Jack Grealish, and is someone who could potentially be one of the greatest midfielders on the planet eventually – he was crowned the best wonder-kid in football back in March.

Liverpool must do all they can to acquire his signature in 2023, in what could be a truly significant signing.

West Ham are one of the teams who have asked about Burnley winger Dwight McNeil, according to 90Min. 

The lowdown

McNeil and Burnley suffered relegation to the Championship on the final day of the 2021/22 season after a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle.

The Athletic’s Andy Jones reported in the days following their demotion that internal discussions would be held about McNeil’s future.

He featured in every single Premier League game for the Clarets last term, starting 35 out of 38.

The 22-year-old has two years left on his contract at Turf Moor and is valued at £16.2million by Transfermarkt.

The latest

90min journalist Graeme Bailey names six sides who have expressed an interest in signing McNeil.

West Ham, Newcastle, Tottenham, Everton, Brentford and Fulham are all considering a move for the Englishman.

The verdict

The 21/22 season was not only a difficult one for Burnley as a collective, but also for McNeil individually.

He failed to score a goal and only registered one assist, having notched seven goal involvements (2G 5A) the season before.

He was even booed by the club’s supporters during a heavy defeat against Chelsea in March.

Moyes, then, would potentially have to rebuild his confidence, but he’ll be able to look beyond his recent woes.

This is a player with a great deal of potential, as evidenced by his ten caps for England at Under-21 level.

If he’s available for a reduced fee following their relegation, then he might still be worth a punt.

In other news, David Moyes is personally looking at this bid.

Nottingham Forest will be looking to strengthen their team this summer as they take on their first season back in the Premier League for 23 years, and now a new potential transfer target has emerged.

What’s the latest?

According to Nottinghamshire Live, Steve Cooper and his recruitment team are interested in signing Neco Williams this summer.

As per the report, Brennan Johnson’s Wales teammate is someone the club is looking at signing as an alternative to their former loan player Djed Spence.

It comes as The Express journalist Ryan Taylor claims Tottenham Hotspur “will offer £20m” to Middlesbrough for Spence.

Williams can replace Spence

Cooper will surely be disappointed that it is now looking unlikely that he will be able to complete a deal for the Middlesbrough right-back to remain at The City Ground upon promotion to the Premier League, however, the manager is clearly not waiting around to find the right replacement.

Spence who was hailed “swashbuckling” by Ian Wright had teased Forest supporters following their win in the play-off finals saying he would “hopefully” make a permanent move, however, Spurs are now looking close to hijacking that opportunity.

However, not all is lost as there is a great opportunity to permanently sign a right-back that can be the perfect replacement for Spence, as Neco Williams has been phenomenal during his short spell in the Championship with fellow Premier League promoted side Fulham.

The £15m dynamo who was hailed “majestic” by Wales Online journalist Paul Abbandonato, joined the West London outfit on loan from Liverpool for six months in January, and made 14 impressive performances for the side.

Williams scored two goals, delivered two assists and created two big chances showing that like Spence, he can be a swashbuckling presence on the right. He also made 2.6 tackles, 1.3 interceptions and 1.6 clearances on average per game, as well as winning the majority of his duels combined (53%) and was successful in completing the majority of his dribbles too (51%).

The attacking-minded Welsh youngster has proved he has a lot to offer in both defensive and offensive play which could be really valuable to Cooper next season as he takes on the challenge to maintain Forest’s top-flight status further from their initial return.

With that being said, if Forest can reach a deal to sign Williams this summer it would be a coup in their efforts to build their Premier League competing squad and move away from relying on loan deals by permanently signing players who can become part of the new chapter for the club.

AND in other news: Forest now “leading the race” to sign “remarkable” 6ft2 monster, he’s a Davis upgrade

Manchester City have acted on their reported interest of Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

What’s the word?

That is according to Football Insider, who claim that the Citizens have submitted a bid for the England international.

It is said that Phillips is Pep Guardiola’s top target for the remainder of the summer window with an offer already on the table for the 26-year-old.

As per the same report, Guardiola is said to be a “huge” admirer of Phillips, and has reportedly made his admiration clear at City, with the Spaniard looking to include him in what looked to be a revamped team next season.

It is said that a sum of £60m could be enough to prise the Leeds United asset away from Elland Road.

Pep will be buzzing

Having already wrapped up a sensational deal for Erling Haaland, Guardiola is further adding to the narrative that his side will change tactics next season by tabling a bid for Phillips.

With the 21-year-old Norwegian up top, City will no doubt look to become more direct, which will cause a domino effect throughout certain positions in the attacking phase of the game.

The three positions that will be impacted most are at left-back, right-back and defensive-midfield, with the Spanish tactician no doubt looking for both full-backs to push up when in possession.

Whilst Joao Cancelo at right-back will most likely keep his inverted role in the side, a left-sided full-back will be expected to make overlapping runs in order to keep width and aid in chance creation out wide.

As such, the defensive midfielder could be left isolated if both central midfielders push up into the final third, like they do currently.

Rodri, especially this season, has not been as prominent out of possession, with an average of just 2.20 tackles and 1.57 interceptions achieved per game.

For comparison, Phillips, who has been dubbed “superb” by presenter and pundit Jules Breach, registered an average of 3.67 tackles and 1.92 interceptions per game. He is an option who is willing to stay back and dictate play from deep and represents a perfect option for Manchester City.

We could either see Rodri as a central midfielder next season and Phillips as a lone holding midfielder, or both the Spaniard and Englishman in a double-pivot in what would be a system change, if the deal can be agreed.

Either way, the fact he’s more prominent in defensive positions than his ever-reliable Rodri, will no doubt leave Guardiola purring with excitement. This would be another landmark deal for City.

In other news: Pep can seal dream Sterling heir as Man City eye “extraordinary” £86m “pure talent” 

West Ham United could also now sell winger Said Benrahma as manager David Moyes and club owners GSB make big decisions on a number of first teamers.

The Lowdown: West Ham exodus?

The Hammers, having just missed out on a Europa League qualification place to Man United on the 2021/2022 Premier League final day, have been tipped to strengthen for next year.

West Ham reportedly have the likes of Jesse Lingard in their sight to bolster their attacking areas among other targets, but as per reports, just as many players could be heading out the other way.

The likes of Nikola Vlasic and Tomas Soucek have been linked with east London departures, and as per The Guardian, it appears GSB could now sell another player.

The Latest: Moyes makes Benrahma decision…

According to their information, West Ham ‘will consider offers’ for Algeria international Benrahma as manager Moyes looks to ‘increase his budget’.

The report adds that the 26-year-old’s inconsistent form has personally ‘frustrated’ the Irons boss who could now look to cash-in.

The Verdict: Right decision?

While Benrahma has arguably failed to turn it on more consistently, when at his very best, we believe he really is a terrific asset to have.

According to WhoScored, the former Brentford star ranks in among West Ham’s top five best-performing players by average match rating – all while attempting more shots at goal than any Hammers player bar star men Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio.

As well as this, only Antonio, Bowen and Declan Rice completed more successful take-ons per 90 than Benrahma over 21/22 – leaving little wonder he has been called ‘unplayable’ at times by former midfielder Joe Cole.

Former Aston Villa star Lee Hendrie has also raved over the ‘exciting’ player and we believe offloading him could be a hasty decision – even if Benrahma needs to add consistency to his game.

In other news: ‘I believe’…ExWHUemployee has some ‘great news’ for West Ham supporters, find out more here.

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

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by the Daily Mail, who claimed that, with the 29-year-old’s contract at Burnley coming to an end later this month, Victor Orta is keen on the idea of bringing him to LS11 on a free transfer.

However, the report added that Everton, Aston Villa and Leicester City are also keeping a very close eye on the England international’s situation ahead of a potential swoop of their own this summer.

Imagine him & Kristensen

Considering just how impressive Tarkowski has been for Burnley since joining them in February 2016, and with Leeds conceding 79 goals in the Premier League this season – the second-worst record in the top flight, with only bottom club Norwich City shipping more – it is not difficult to understand why Orta would be interested in a deal for the 29-year-old this summer.

Indeed, over his four full Premier League campaigns prior to 2021/22, the £19.8m-rated defender averaged extraordinary seasonal SofaScore match ratings of 7.13 in 2017/18, 7.04 in 2018/19, 7.14 in 2019/20 and 7.09 in 2020/21 – a remarkable feat considering that the Clarets finished seventh, 15th, 10th and 17th in these respective seasons.

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Furthermore, despite Burnley’s relegation from the top flight in 2021/22, the £70k-per-week talent still impressed over his 35 Premier League appearances. He helped his side to keep seven clean sheets, scoring one goal and providing two assists, along with making 1.4 interceptions, 1.8 tackles, 5.2 clearances and winning 6.9 duels (at a success rate of 68%) per game.

These returns saw the player who Andy Jones dubbed “unbelievable” average a SofaScore match rating of 7.15, ranking him not only as the Clarets’ best performer in the league but also as the seventh-best defender in the entire top flight.

As such, it is clear to see that Tarkowski would greatly improve Jesse Marsch’s options at the back, particularly following the Whites’ all-but-confirmed signing of Red Bull Salzburg right-back Rasmus Kristensen.

Indeed, with the 29-year-old having typically operated on the right of Burnley’s centre-back pairing, the prospect of the twice-capped England international lining up alongside the Kristensen in the Whites’ backline will certainly be an incredibly exciting one for both Marsch and the Elland Road faithful. Therefore, we believe that Orta must do all he can to try and seal Tarkowski’s signing this summer.

AND in other news: Orta could unearth the new £103m-rated talent as Leeds now plot bid for “dream” target

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

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by Football Insider, who claimed that a recruitment source has revealed that Victor Orta is looking to add a new centre-back to Jesse Marsch’s first-team squad this summer, with the Whites’ sporting director believed to identified the 21-year-old Burnley defender as a target.

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The report added that Newcastle United are also keeping an eye on the situation of the Republic of Ireland international, while further reports suggest that Collins is likely to have a relegation release clause written into his contract at Turf Moor, which will theoretically make a deal easier for Orta to get over the line.

Ian Harte 2.0

Considering the sheer amount of potential that Collins – who joined Burnley in a £12m deal only last year – quite clearly possesses, it is not difficult to understand why Orta would be interested in a move for the 21-year-old this summer.

Indeed, over his 19 Premier League appearances in 2021/22, the £7.2m-rated talent was imperious in the heart of the Clarets’ backline, helping his side to keep five clean sheets, in addition to making 1.3 interceptions, 1.9 tackles and 4.3 clearances and winning 5.8 duels (at a success rate of 63%) per game.

The £10k-per-week defender also impressed going forwards, scoring two goals and creating three big chances for his team-mates, as well as taking 0.8 shots and making 0.3 key passes per match.

These returns saw the player who James Tarkowski dubbed “exceptional” average a very impressive SofaScore match rating of 7.08, ranking him as Burnley’s second-best player in the top flight.

Furthermore, according to FBRef data, Collins also ranks in the top 12% of centre-backs in Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, as well as the top 8% for npxG, the top 12% for shots, the top 6% for xA, the top 3% for npxG+xA, the top 8% for shot-creating actions and the top 1% for touches in the opposition penalty area over the last 365 days.

As such, should Orta indeed manage to get a deal over the line for the Irish defender with a clear eye for goal this summer, the Spaniard could well have unearthed Leeds’ next Ian Harte, the Irish left-back who scored 37 goals and registered 15 assists over his 280 appearances for the Whites. That is sure to be an incredibly exciting prospect for the Elland Road faithful.

AND in other news: Orta can unearth his next £60m talent as Leeds now plot bid for “unbelievable” target

A major Rangers development has emerged as Ibrox defender Borna Barisic has made a key decision heading into the summer transfer window…

What’s the talk?

According to Football Scotland, the left-back has decided that he wants to remain at Rangers and continue to fight for his place in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s team next season.

The report claims that the Gers are not pushing to sell him in the coming months but would be willing to consider a sale if the right offer came in for his services.

It is stated that the club rejected two offers for Barisic during the January transfer window, including one worth around £2m from Premier League side Watford as they attempted to snap him up.

Van Bronckhorst will be buzzing

The Ibrox head coach will be buzzing with this news as Barisic has been a big member of the squad throughout the campaign for the Dutchman.

Van Bronckhorst placed his faith in the Croatian throughout the impressive Europa League run. The defender played 14 times in the competition and started 12 matches – including the final – as the Gers lost on penalties to Frankfurt in Seville.

He made 3.1 tackles and interceptions per game and won 63% of his duels at left-back as he seemingly earned the manager’s trust. Instead of moving Calvin Bassey out to full-back, the head coach selected the 29-year-old on a regular basis in Europe and this highlights how much he values the gem.

Meanwhile, he played 23 matches in the Premiership as he found minutes harder to come by in competition with Bassey at times. When he did play, though, he caught the eye with some impressive displays as he averaged an exceptional SofaScore rating of 7.29.

In the Scottish top-flight, Barisic created an eye-catching 1.9 chances per game as he provided an attacking threat from left-back. He also won 67% of his duels as he stood up to the physical tests thrown his way throughout the campaign.

Therefore, van Bronckhorst will be delighted to learn that the player is committed to Rangers and wants to stay and fight for his place in the XI. The defender played a key role domestically and in Europe and, unless a big offer that allows the club to bring a replacement comes in, keeping hold of him will be a boost to the head coach this summer.

AND in other news, Rangers can land dream Kent heir in deal for £1.5m “asset” who can “affect the game”…