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Liverpool had a rather busy season that ended with the Reds winning the FA Cup and Carabao Cup as well as making it to the Champions League final and running close to securing the Premier League title.

One figure who wasn’t really a key part in Jurgen Klopp’s squad this term was Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Despite making 29 appearances across all competitions, the midfielder only started 17 of them, with just nine of those starts coming in the Premier League.

In fact, his final league appearance of the season came all the way back in February during the Reds’ 3-1 win over Norwich City at Anfield.

This suggests that the 28-year-old, who is currently picking up a weekly wage of £125k-per-week at the club, is not particularly high up the pecking order.

Combine that with the fact that he will be entering the final year of his contract at the end of the month, this could now be an ideal time to move him on.

One player Liverpool have been linked with recently that could replace Oxlade-Chamberlain is Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

Having played in 49 Premier League games throughout his two seasons in the top-flight with the Whites, the 26-year-old certainly has enough experience in him to be a ready-made first-team option for Klopp.

Labelled by Barry Douglas as a player that has “unbelievable attributes,” Phillips could offer Liverpool a lot on the pitch in terms of his work without the ball.

For example, according to FB Ref, Phillips ranks in the elite 98th percentile for his pressures, which would make him a good fit for the Reds and Klopp’s high-tempo style of play.

He also has a rating in the high 90s for his tackles and blocks, making him a very useful defensive option in midfield.

In comparison to Oxlade-Chamberlain, his ratings for defensive attributes aren’t close to the Leeds star.

Even Fabinho’s ratings don’t match up to the England international when it comes to his defensive output.

Moving forward, while it may need Liverpool to stump up a whopping £60m to sign him, adding a very capable player like Phillips to their squad would be a smart move for the Reds, especially if they’re able to get Oxlade-Chamberlain out of the club.

In other news: Imagine him & Nunez: Liverpool can form a scary duo by signing “exceptional” £50m gem

Journalist Jacque Talbot has revealed that Newcastle United are now ‘pursuing’ a move for RB Salzburg midfielder Luka Sucic.

The Lowdown: One to watch

At just 19 years of age, and described as a ‘gem’ in the list of the 50 most exciting wonder-kids in world football back in February (FourFourTwo), Sucic is certainly one to watch.

Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch has previously claimed that he has ‘big potential’, and the six-foot-one powerhouse showed that on numerous occasions last season, scoring 11 goals and making a further five assists from midfield for Salzburg over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Newcastle pursuit

Taking to Twitter, Talbot has revealed that the St. James’ Park outfit are now ‘pursuing’ a move for Sucic this summer:

“Told Newcastle are pursuing RB Salzburg’s teenage midfielder Luka Sucic. Interest in the 19-year-old dates back to last year when the club met with intermediaries of then Freiburg defender Nico Schlotterbeck – same reps – regarding a possible move.”

Expanding in his piece for Football Transfers, the journalist also added that both clubs are ‘in talks’ over a potential switch, and that Sucic is set to cost around €20m (£17m).

The Verdict: Get it done

In the next step of this exciting rebuild of the Tyneside club, PIF look set to secure the permanent signing of loanee Matt Targett, with Pete Graves of Sky Sports revealing a medical is expected on Wednesday.

However, the new owners will surely be looking to invest in gems for the future not just stars for the here and now, in order to build a sustainable project, and Sucic would certainly fit that bill.

They have recently let fellow midfielder Isaac Hayden go out on an initial loan to Norwich City, with an obligation to buy if specific performance-related criteria are met. The 27-year-old looks to be on his way out for good, and so replacing him with the 19-year-old Sucic would help kickstart the long-term project of the new owners.

Sucic can play pretty much anywhere in midfield, per one chance created and 1.6 tackles per game in the Champions League this season, showing excellence on both sides of the ball at the elite level even at such a young age.

This is one to get excited about.

In other news, find out what big NUFC transfer claim Luke Edwards has now made here!

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has been left wowed by some Everton transfer news involving Conor Gallagher.

The Lowdown: Gallagher interest

As per The Daily Star, the Goodison Park outfit are just one of a number of clubs who are interested in signing Gallagher this summer.

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He has now returned to Chelsea from his impressive loan spell at Crystal Palace, where he scored eight goals and made a further five assists in total over all competitions (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: O’Rourke wowed

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, O’Rourke was left wowed by the prospect of Gallagher joining the Toffees, claiming that it would be a ‘huge signing’ for them, while also drawing comparisons with Mason Mount:

“You can see similarities though slightly different players. You’d say Mason Mount’s more of an attacking midfielder, but I think Conor Gallagher’s had an outstanding season for Crystal Palace. If Everton were to get him, he would be a huge signing for them.”

The Verdict: Get it done

Even though he only spent one season at Selhurst Park, Gallagher instantly became a favourite with the supporters.

His performances earned him a call-up to the England squad by Gareth Southgate, and he has since recorded three senior caps for the Three Lions.

The comparisons with Mount are warranted, as he too made a name for himself out on loan, before developing into a star at Chelsea and becoming a full England international as well.

Nonetheless, there is bound to be plenty of interest in Gallagher once the transfer window heats up, and so Frank Lampard’s team need to make sure that they are the first in line for his signature.

In other news, find out what significant financial update involving the Blues has now emerged here!

Newcastle United have made an enquiry for Bayer Leverkusen star Moussa Diaby with the Magpies keen to invest heavily this summer.

What’s the story?

That’s according to the Telegraph, who claim that Newcastle boss Eddie Howe wants to add a wide forward to his squad this summer with the northeast club making enquiries over a deal for the 22-year-old winger.

Diaby is now a senior French international and helped Leverkusen qualify for the Champions League this season with the German outfit finishing third in the Bundesliga.

The Frenchman still has three years left on his current deal at the BayArena and is therefore expected to cost in excess of £40m if a deal is to be struck this window.

Newcastle must sign Diaby

With Allan Saint-Maximin a firm fan-favourite whilst being one of Newcastle’s best players, having Diaby on the opposite flank alongside his fellow countryman would be a mouthwatering concept for the Toon Army.

Having spent three seasons in Leverkusen after joining from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019, this campaign has been Diaby’s best to date.

Described as “clever” by teammate Kerem Demirbay,  the 22-year-old finished the season with 17 goals and 14 assists in 42 appearances across all competitions, an improvement on last term’s ten goals and 15 assists in 43 appearances.

There is plenty of interest surrounding the Frenchman, who now has five caps for his country, with the wide man one of Europe’s hottest prospects on the flank.

Newcastle are expected to be busy this summer with the upcoming transfer window the first summer window under the ownership of PIF who have already demonstrated how deep their pockets really are.

The captures of Bruno Guimares and Kieran Trippier in January laid down a marker for what is to be expected from the Magpies over the coming seasons as they look to build a monstrous proposition.

Had it not been for a woeful start to the season under Steve Bruce, Howe’s side could’ve genuinely been in with a shout of securing a place in Europe with Newcastle finishing 11th, despite not winning their first league game of the campaign until December.

With Diaby alone, the Toon Army would massively upgrade their attack with the 22-year-old surely set for plenty of speculation this summer with numerous suitors keen.

AND in other news, Howe can ruthlessly axe £63k-p/w deadwood as PIF plot “insane” £40m Newcastle signing…

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a deal to bring Raheem Sterling to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Telegraph, who claim that Antonio Conte is extremely keen on a move for the Manchester City winger in the coming months, with the 27-year-old said to be considering his options as he enters the final year of his current contract at The Etihad.

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Previous reports had suggested that, should the England international fail to put pen to paper on an extension with the Premier League champions, Pep Guardiola’s side would be willing to part with the forward for a figure in the region of £50m this summer.

Salah 2.0

Should Sterling be made available to sign in the summer transfer window, it is not difficult to understand why Conte would be interested in a deal to bring the winger to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ahead of the club’s 2022/23 campaign.

Indeed, over his 30 Premier League appearances this season – only 23 of which came as starts – the £60m-rated forward proved a constant threat in the City attack, scoring 13 goals, registering six assists and creating five big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.9 shots, making 1.4 key passes and completing 1.8 dribbles per game.

The £200k-per-week winger also impressed over his 12 Champions League outings – five of which were starts – bagging three goals, providing two assists and creating one big chance, in addition to taking an average of 1.3 shots, making 0.9 key passes and completing 1.4 dribbles per fixture.

Furthermore, according to FBref data, the 27-year-old also ranks in the top 7% of forwards in Europe’s big five leagues for shot-creating actions per 90, as well as the top 12% for npxG, the top 18% for xA, the top 1% for pass completion, the top 2% for progressive carries, the top 3% for dribbles completed, the top 15% for tackles and the top 21% for interceptions over the last 365 days.

These metrics have seen the former Liverpool star come in for a great deal of praise, with Tony Cascarino stating his belief back in April that the 74-time capped international was in better form than Mohamed Salah, as well as saying of the City sensation:

“Raheem Sterling has just been frightening. The year he has had since the Euros – he was brilliant then… left or right, he is ripping people apart. Raheem is playing the best football of his career. Better than he was at Liverpool and better than at any time at City.

“Mohamed Salah was fantastic at the start of the season. At the AFCON he didn’t play so well and he’s had a few tricky times in international football and he’s not played as well in the last month or two.

“If I’m taking from the start of the season, and even going back to the Euros, I can’t think of a player that has played better than Raheem Sterling.”

And, with FBref showing that Salah and Sterling’s respective outputs over the past year have been incredibly similar, should Conte manage to convince Daniel Levy of a move for the 27-year-old this summer, the Italian coach could well have landed his very own Egyptian in north London – something which will undoubtedly be an extremely exciting prospect for everyone involved with Spurs.

AND in other news: “Tottenham will..”: Fabrizio Romano reveals big development, supporters surely buzzing

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has shared some ‘good’ news for supporters ahead of their blockbuster final day clash with Aston Villa.

The Lowdown: Super Sunday…

It’s been 10 years to the month since Sergio Aguero scored that iconic 93:20 title-winning goal, clinching City their first Premier League crown in unrivalled fashion.

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Today, quite fittingly, the Sky Blues could win it on the final day yet again, a decade on from one of the finest moments in the club’s history.

City face off against Steven Gerrard’s side in the hope of beating rivals Liverpool to domestic glory, with just one point separating Guardiola and Reds boss Jurgen Klopp. A win would guarantee retaining the title, but anything else and the Eastlands side will be relying on a big favour from Wolves.

The English champions have had to cope without key defensive figureheads during their final run of games, with the likes of Ruben Dias, John Stones and Kyle Walker all having been sidelined through injury.

However, in a refreshing potential boost, Guardiola has now shared a significant update on the latter duo as City gear up for their most important clash of 2021/22..

The Latest: Pep shares ‘good’ news…

Indeed, in some ‘good’ news, City’s head coach confirmed that both Walker and Stones made ‘partial training’ having ‘recovered’ from their injuries, praising the club’s ‘incredible’ medical staff.

Guardiola also hinted that the duo could now be involved against Villa at the Etihad Stadium in what could be a huge uplift.

He stated (via Simon Bajkowski): “We have incredible doctors and physios and they recovered. They made partial training and we will see tomorrow but it is good for us to have them back”

The Verdict: Massive…The England internationals returning could be massive given their importance, particularly Walker.City’s right-back has been a sore miss, particularly with the absence of his pacey recovery runs, and the 31-year-old’s return could help to nullify Villa’s real threat on the break posed by the likes of Emi Buendia, Ollie Watkins and Danny Ings.Stones also comes as a solid and reliable alternative to Fernandinho and/or Nathan Ake in the centre of defence besides Aymeric Laporte, backed by his phenomenal campaign next to Dias last year and his brilliant performances when called upon this season.Given all that is riding on this final day battle for the Sky Blues, Guardiola’s latest update comes as a much-needed bit of good news.In other news: Man City officials travel to club as Pep and Txiki agree on perfect signing, find out more here

Journalist Pete O’Rourke has delivered a double transfer claim involving Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer window. 

The lowdown: United interested in Laimer and Nkunku

United have been heavily linked with a move for RB Leipzig midfielder Konrard Laimer, according to a recent report from The Mirror, as the Old Trafford squad prepares to undergo a summer overhaul.

Elsewhere, according to German publication Bild, the Red Devils have also made contact with the Bundesliga outfit regarding highly-rated forward Christopher Nkunku, who is also wanted for a return to Paris Saint-Germain.

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After incoming manager Erik ten Hag sacrificed a post-season tour to the Caribbean with Ajax in order to start work in Manchester, one reputable journalist has suggested that the proosed double raid on Leipzig could be a sensible one.

The latest: O’Rourke talks up double swoop

Speaking to GiveMeSport, O’Rourke has claimed that a move for 24-year-old pair Nkunku and Laimer could be on the cards for United, particularly given the links between their current club RB Leipzig and Old Trafford consultant Ralf Rangnick.

The journalist outlined the rationale behind the potential double swoop: “I think they would be two good signings. Obviously, they’ve got the links with Rangnick there because of RB Leipzig; he knows all about these players as well. So, they’re players that he knows and trusts.”

The verdict: Smart moves

Despite the continued on-field woes since the arrival of Rangnick as interim manager, the experienced operator is expected to play a part in the new era at Old Trafford in his forthcoming consultancy role.

Although Ten Hag hasn’t stepped foot inside the United dugout as of yet, it appears that the Dutchman’s fingerprints are already across those linked with a move to the club this summer.

The 52-year-old is widely expected to oversee a major sea change on player departures and incomings with the help of newly-appointed Austria coach Rangnick, particularly focusing on clearing out deadwood and signing youngster alternatives.

With 34 goals and 20 assists in 51 appearances across all competitions this term, Nkunku would be a sensational capture for the Dutchman’s new-look squad.

Meanwhile, Laimer – who holds a strong stylistic likeness to Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Jude Bellingham (as per FBRef) – would serve as an adequate replacement for the exit-bound Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic.

Valued at a combined £81.8m by Transfermarkt, the double swoop would be an expensive one for United, but one which could certainly kick-start a much-needed revival at Old Trafford.

In other news: Man Utd now eyeing move for ‘world class’ Premier League star. Read more here

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their interest in USA defender Cameron Carter-Vickers heading into the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

According to American outlet SBI, a source close to the player has revealed that PIF are eyeing up a deal to sign the centre-back from Tottenham, who is currently on loan at Celtic in Scotland, at the end of the campaign.

The report claims that the Magpies have joined the list of teams keen on acquiring his services, whilst Celtic have an option to sign him permanently for a package worth $12.3m (£10m) in total.

Get it done

PIF must ensure that they can get a deal over the line for the defender as Jan Vertonghen once dubbed him an “absolute beast” and that is exactly what he would be for Eddie Howe.

The Belgium international, who played with him at Spurs, previously heaped praise on the American, saying: “He’s still young but he’s an absolute beast. He’s a real defender. He’s strong one-on-one, in the air, he’s not afraid and he can play from the back.”

Carter-Vickers’ statistics in Scotland this season suggest that he would be an imperious figure for the Toon as he has dominated the Premiership for Ange Postecoglou. Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has described him as “immense” and his form backs that up as he has averaged a phenomenal SofaScore rating of 7.34 in the league.

He has been outstanding defensively for the Hoops as he has won a whopping 68% of all of his duels throughout the campaign. This includes an impressive 72% of his aerial battles as he has proven that it is a tough ask to out strength him on the pitch.

Celtic have kept 16 clean sheets in his 31 appearances as he has averaged 4.2 clearances and 2.1 tackles and interceptions per game. These statistics suggest that the gem has the potential to make the step up to the Premier League with the Magpies next season, as he has been sensational in Scotland.

At the age of 24, he also has plenty of development left to do. He can work with Howe to hone his skills over time and this means that can be an investment by PIF as well as a player who can come in and immediately become a ‘beast’ at the back with his dominant defensive work.

AND in other news, Howe plotting NUFC swoop for £9m-rated “goal machine”, he’s a huge upgrade on Wood…

Leeds United are interested in Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill, 90Min report. 

The lowdown

Burnley paid £9million to sign Brownhill from Bristol City midway through the 2019/20 season.

He’s now approaching the final two years of the £40,000 per week deal he signed on arrival.

Brownhill has established himself as a mainstay in the Clarets’ line-up this season, starting 28 of their 34 Premier League matches.

Burnley and Leeds are battling with Everton for Premier League survival, with only goal difference (in favour of the former) separating them at this stage.

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The latest

90Min’s Toby Cudworth writes that Burnley may struggle to hold onto Brownhill even if they secure survival, as the midfielder could apparently be on the market for a fee in the region of £15million.

Victor Orta and co. are ‘keen’ but do face plenty of competition, above all from long-term admirers and current favourites West Ham.

Aston Villa, Everton and Wolves are also in the running, along with newly-promoted Bournemouth.

The verdict

Brownhill recently scored a goal that could actually hurt Leeds’ survival prospects. He completed his side’s dramatic late turnaround away to Watford last weekend with an 86th-minute winner. Burnley reporter Andy Jones hailed him as a ‘sensational man’ in the aftermath of the strike.

It was his fifth goal involvement of the season, which ranks him joint-fourth in the squad behind Maxwel Cornet, Jay Rodriguez (both nine) and Matej Vydra (six).

What’s more, Brownhill has wowed supporters with moments of skill, ‘breaking the ankles’ of Tottenham Hotspur’s Rodrigo Bentancur with ‘NBA-style’ footwork (in the words of Jones).

He also ranks in their top three for tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes, highlighting his all-round strengths.

In other news, a Leeds source shares a worrying Dallas update. 

Dean Jones has dropped an update on the future of former Leeds United transfer target Rodrigo de Paul.

What’s the talk?

In a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT, the journalist and transfer insider stated his belief that, despite recent reports suggesting that the central midfielder is looking to secure a move away from Atletico Madrid, the 27-year-old would more than likely be out of Leeds United’s price range this summer.

However, Jones did go on to state that Victor Orta, the man who saw a €35m (£29.5m) bid rejected for the Argentina international back in the summer of 2020, would still love to bring De Paul to Elland Road.

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When asked whether the Whites could once again launch an offensive for the Atleti midfielder this summer, Jones said: “Victor Orta loves him, but I just think he’s beyond their reach at the moment.

“I mean, financially, I’m not sure that they can go there at the moment. He’ll be linked with some massive clubs and be on big wages. So, while I’m sure they would love him, I would imagine he’s beyond their reach at this point.”

Orta must move

While it is true that the player who Atletico spent €35m (£29.5m) on and handed a five-year contract on a reported £107k-per-week last July will not likely come cheap this summer, considering just how talented a player De Paul quite clearly is, if the midfielder is available this summer, Orta simply must make a move for the 27-year-old.

Despite not enjoying the best campaign of his career at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium this season – having started just 21 LaLiga fixtures under Diego Simeone – the £59m-rated dynamo nevertheless proved during his final year at Udinese that, when given the opportunity, he can be a key player for his club.

Indeed, over his 36 Serie A appearances last term, the Argentine was in breathtaking form for the Bianconeri, scoring nine goals, registering nine assists and creating a quite astonishing 20 big chances – the joint-most in the league – for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 2.3 shots, making 2.3 key passes and completing 3.4 dribbles per game.

The 39-time capped international also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 40.7 passes, 0.5 interceptions, 1.1 tackles, 4.5 long balls and winning 8.1 duels – at a success rate of 60% – per fixture.

These returns saw the player who Charlie Wilson dubbed “absolutely sensational” and Roy Nemer labelled both a “monster” and “unplayable” average an incredible SofaScore match rating of 7.53, not only ranking him as Udinese’s best performer in the Italian top flight but also as the second-best player in the league as a whole.

As such, should there even be the slightest chance of Leeds signing De Paul this summer, Orta simply must make a move for the 27-year-old, as he would undoubtedly help to transform the Whites’ midfield under Jesse Marsch next season.

AND in other news: Phil Hay reveals yet another “massive blow” for Leeds, Jesse Marsch will be devastated