Liverpool transfer news

Subterms

    Latest story

    263 Shares15 Views

    ‘Will he want another season like this?’ – Virgil van Dijk tipped to follow Klopp and QUIT Liverpool by Holland legend

    by

    DUTCH legend Ronald De Boer reckons this summer might be the right time for Virgil van Dijk to leave Liverpool.It will be the end of an era at Anfield when this season concludes as legendary boss Jurgen Klopp will step down.Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk may leave with Jurgen Klopp this summerCredit: RexRonald de Boer believes Van Dijk may be considering his optionsCredit: GettyKlopp will leave Liverpool in June after nine successful yearsCredit: PAIconic forward Mohamed Salah could well be on his way to Saudi Arabia too, while Netherlands star Van Dijk has previously hinted he may leave also after six trophy-laden years with the club.Former Champions League winner De Boer, 53, told talkSPORT: “He’s looking of course [whether] it’s now time to go.“Maybe not winning a prize and you think, hmm, do I want another year like that? I don’t know.“Maybe he can make a great transfer for the end of his career enjoying his football life, maybe in the States, maybe somewhere else, I don’t know, that’s up to him.Read More on Football“If he’s really, really happy at Liverpool and thinks he’s still got it in him and thinks he can bring that energy every day in training and also on the pitch, maybe he will stay.“I can’t look in his mind of course and know what he is thinking.“But there is a possibility, of course. There is a time for coming and going so maybe it’s time to go.”Van Dijk, who turns 33 in July, was scathing of his team-mates after Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat at city rivals Everton left their Premier League title hopes hanging by a thread.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERFeyenoord chief Arne Slot is the favourite to take over from Klopp and talks with Liverpool have already begun.De Boer loves the football approach of compatriot Slot – but picked out the toils of another Dutch boss when asked if the Feyenoord chief would be successful at Anfield.Jurgen Klopp apologises to Liverpool fans after Merseyside derby defeatThe ex-Rangers forward replied: “You never know, we thought [Erik] Ten Hag did remarkably well at Ajax, we thought he was the perfect replacement to take over the Man Utd job and he’s struggling.“But what I know from Arne Slot, he did incredible things. What stands out the most is his philosophy about football.“You see what he has done with Feyenoord in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid, against Lazio, all good teams. Every time he surprised me as a manager.“Also when he talks about football it’s logical sense. When he talks to the press he’s honest but very clear with what he wants to explain. Everyone is really fond of him.”Slot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan King
    LIVERPOOL managerial target Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.
    But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.
    Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.
    But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.
    Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.
    “The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.
    Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss. More

    More stories

    • 163 Shares12 Views

      in Soccer

      Darwin Nunez spotted making gesture behind referee’s back after Liverpool’s defeat at Everton

      by

      DARWIN NUNEZ was spotted making a “petulant” gesture to the officials after Liverpool’s crushing defeat at Everton.Jurgen Klopp’s side were beaten 2-0 in the Merseyside derby at Goodison on Wednesday.Darwin Nunez was slammed by fans after the Merseyside derbyCredit: GettyHe was spotted ‘petulantly’ clapping the officials at full timeCredit: XJurgen Klopp shushed the forward after his sarcastic gestureCredit: GettyJamie Carragher criticised the forward after the crushing defeatCredit: PAThat result was a hammer blow to the Reds’ title hopes as they failed to go level with Arsenal.Liverpool are three points behind the Gunners, with both having played 34 games.However, reigning champs Man City are just a point behind the Anfield club, with two games in hand.Everton flew out of the traps and deservedly took the lead through Jarrad Branthwaite in the 27th minute.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDominic Calvert-Lewin headed home in the 58th minute to double the advantage as Liverpool failed to lay a glove on their neighbours.Nunez had their best opportunity, but the Uruguayan fired straight at Jordan Pickford having been played through on goal before half time to level.Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher called that “unforgivable” as he questioned his development since his £85m from Benfica in 2022.We revealed previously how stars were only just getting used to new rules regarding dissent this season with refs no longer allowing themselves to be berated by players.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAnd footy fans also took aim at the 24-year-old after they spotted his reaction at the full-time whistle.In a video circulating on social media, Nunez was spotted sarcastically applauding towards referee Andy Madley and his assistants, who appeared not to notice his gesture.Jamie Carragher delivers brutal Liverpool admission after shocking display to lose Merseyside derby to EvertonHis boss Klopp and team-mate Mo Salah soon saw him and attempted to calm him down.And it did not take long for supporters to vent their fury on social media.One wrote: “Nunez was that invisible even the lino got confused when he heard clapping.”Another commented: “Salah and Klopp were telling him to put a lid on it. His petulance can be so damn annoying.”A third wrote: “He’s giving it large like he wasn’t so s*** that his own manager shushed him.”A fourth said: “Does Darwin even know we lost the league? Maybe he does not know.. I am serious.”While another added: “If this is him trying to get the fans back on his side it won’t work it’ll actually make it worse just get ur head down and p*** off back to the dressing room.”Nunez has scored 11 goals this term in 32 Premier League appearances.Slot snubbed Spurs, hates defending and has a PASS named after himBy Dan King
      LIVERPOOL managerial target Arne Slot was a good enough player to have a type of pass named after him.
      But it is as a manager that the Feyenoord head coach is really making his mark.
      Like another bald Dutchman, Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, Slot earned his stripes bossing smaller sides before being given a chance at one of the Netherlands’ big three.
      But the question Liverpool are pondering is whether Slot would make a better fist of running one of the biggest clubs in the world than Ten Hag so far has at Old Trafford.
      Slot, 45, was certainly easier on the eye as a player than centre back Ten Hag.
      “The Arne Slot Ball” was something he perfected as a silky No 10 – a back-to-goal, first-time, 180-degree spin and flick behind the defensive line for a winger to run on to deep in the opposition half.
      Click here to read all about the incoming Liverpool boss.

      But Carragher does not believe that is good enough as he told Sky Sports: “The chance that Nunez misses before half-time, that is unforgivable at this level.“That is not acceptable at this level, certainly when Liverpool are going for the title.“I think there is a question to ask. You want him to do well because there is so much that you like because he gives everything, he runs and causes trouble and gets the odd goal and gets an assist.“But after two years, when Liverpool this season are going to the title and those big games, you need your man to score away at Old Trafford, away at Goodison, in the European game at Atalanta.“There is no time to waste, this is not October or November. This is the business end.”Liverpool have four games remaining in the top-flight.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat run-in starts with a lunchtime trip to West Ham on Saturday.It is followed by clashes with Tottenham, Aston Villa and Wolves. More

    • 188 Shares28 Views

      in Soccer

      Jamie Carragher delivers brutal Liverpool admission after shocking display to lose Merseyside derby to Everton

      by

      JAMIE CARRAGHER claims Liverpool’s title dream has been punch sunk by an “unacceptable” loss at Everton.The Anfield legend reckons the Reds must take the “end” of their glory bid “on the chin” following a dire derby display at Goodison Park. Mo Salah was slated by Jamie Carragher for his display at EvertonCredit: GettyJamie Carragher didn’t hold back on what defeat means for LiverpoolCredit: PAAnd he blasted boss Jurgen Klopp’s tactics, as well as claiming Liverpool ran out of ideas with more than 30 minutes left at 2-0 down.Defeat via Jarrad Branthwaite’s opener and a Dominic Calvert-Lewin header left Liverpool three points off Premier League leaders Arsenal.It also means the Reds are just a point clear of third-placed Manchester City, who have two games in hand.Carragher told Sky Sports: “This is the end of the title run for Liverpool. It almost feels like the end.READ MORE TOP STORIES”Tonight is Everton’s night, you have to take it on the chin.”The ex-England defender added: “They played into Everton’s hands. The way Liverpool started was really naive, poor, giving silly fouls away.”They got into the game but the chance (Darwin) Nunez misses before half time is unforgivable at this level. That’s not acceptable at this level.”Yet the pundit believes the Reds should have turned the game around after the break – before Calvert-Lewin killed them off on 58 minutes.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERCarra said: “I thought Liverpool were in control at the start of the second half. And if they got one, they would go on and get two.”Then Mo Salah gave the ball away. He has looked a shadow of himself for a lot of this season but especially since he’s come back from injury.Most dramatic Premier League’s final days”He is Liverpool’s legend, superstar, one of the all time greats. But he has been so far off it.”And as soon as it went 2-0 Liverpool ran out of ideas.”Reds’ skipper Virgil van Dijk was almost as brutal with his verdict.The Dutch centre-back, 32, said: “[We’re] Disappointed in so many ways.”I think everyone has to look in the mirror and look at their own performance and ask if they really gave everything? Do they really want to win the league?”Obviously we’re fighting and we still have games after tonight.READ MORE SUN STORIES”But if we play like we did overall today, not winning challenges and giving the ref the opportunity to give a free-kick like he did many, many times, then we have no chance to win the title.”It’s a tough one and obviously we had to play much better against a side who are fighting relegation.”Virgil van Dijk admitted Liverpool’s display was direCredit: Alamy More

    • 250 Shares26 Views

      in Soccer

      Liverpool should say thanks and goodbye to Mo Salah WHATEVER happens in title race…Reds icon isn’t the player he was

      by

      LIVERPOOL need five big games from Mo Salah, then it should be: thank you and goodbye.If Salah can rediscover his best form and help deliver the Premier League title, it would be a fitting farewell for an all-time Anfield great.Mo Salah needs to rediscover his form if Liverpool are to avoid more title race agonyCredit: RexBut that looks unlikely, and whatever happens, player and club should go their separate ways this summer.For the first time in his seven-year spell with the Reds, Salah is showing real signs of ageing and a drop-off in form.The hamstring injury that the 31-year-old picked up at the African Cup of Nations in January has hit him and Liverpool hard. Salah has already missed more Premier League games this season than in any previous campaign.Before he went to AFCON, he had managed 14 goals and eight assists in 20 league appearances. Since the injury, he has three goals and one assist in seven games.READ MORE LIVERPOOL NEWSThere are shades of when Liverpool blew a lead in the title race of 2018/19. Salah went nearly two months without a goal between February and April of 2019, and had 10 goal contributions in the last 18 games, compared to 20 in the first 20.Even in 2021/22, when Salah spearheaded Liverpool’s bid for a Quadruple and was named Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year, he was less effective in the second half of the campaign.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careersBut this season feels different. When Salah was dropped for last weekend’s game at Fulham, it felt like Jurgen Klopp was finally acknowledging what a growing number of Liverpool fans had been feeling for a while.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe Egyptian King is still the Reds’ top goalscorer and may yet deliver 20 or more league goals for the fifth time in seven seasons. His expected goals figure (17.27) is only slightly higher than his actual tally (17) and his actual assists (nine) are better than the xA of 8.84.But despite his headline numbers remaining high, his overall performances have not always matched.Salah has seemed to lose or give away the ball more than ever before and stats confirm he does it more than key players from the Reds’ title rivals.Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka have both managed 14 goals and eight assists in the in the Premier League – fewer than Salah’s 17 and 9.But Foden has completed 46.2 per cent of his attempted dribbles and been tackled 44 per cent of the time. Saka’s figures are 39 per cent success and 49.8 per cent tackled. Salah’s equivalent numbers are 34.33 and 64.3. The Egyptian has been dispossessed overall 50 times, compared to Foden’s 38 and Saka’s 45, despite playing fewer minutes than either of the younger men.In pass success, too, Salah lags behind Foden and Saka – 76.36 per cent to 88.85 per cent and 82.76 per cent, respectively.Those statistics reflect in part the different way that Klopp asks his team to play, compared to the more patient philosophies of Pep Guardiola and Mikel Arteta.Salah and Liverpool also missed Trent Alexander-Arnold down the right during the roving full-back’s own injury problems.But too often this season Salah has either failed to pass or played the wrong ball. This has not only prevented the Reds from capitalising on attacking opportunities, but also affected their ability to control games and left them vulnerable to the counter.It does feel ridiculous to be questioning Liverpool’s most prolific player of the Premier League era and the fifth highest goalscorer in club history.But even legends have a shelf life and a price – just ask Robbie Fowler and Michael Owen.Stars aligningThe stars are aligning for Salah to leave this summer, and not just because of Klopp’s own departure.The Egyptian has only one year left on his £350,000 per week contract. He will want the same or more even to consider extending it.And if he doesn’t, it will be Liverpool’s last chance to receive a fee for him.The Reds laughed out of town a half-hearted £150m approach from Saudi club Al Ittihad last year.Any Saudi offer this summer is unlikely to be as high. But capturing Salah, hailed as the greatest Muslim player of all time, would be such a coup for the Saudi Pro League, they would still be prepared to pay more than other suitors, such as Paris Saint-Germain.Clearly, going into next season without the man who had been the top scorer for the previous seven, would be daunting for Liverpool and whoever their new boss is.But given their relative strength in attack, would the Reds be better selling him and investing the fee, plus his wages, in new players in other areas of the pitch? Don’t forget how well the Reds spent the £142m they received for Philippe Coutinho, bringing in Alisson Becker and Virgil Van Dijk and going on to become English, European and world champions.Replacing Salah’s goals and assists is another matter, of course.But Liverpool have turned potential into world-class performances before. In 2017, everyone was stunned when they paid an initial £34.3m for a Premier League flop.His name? Mohamed Salah.READ MORE SUN STORIESMichael Edwards, the man who masterminded the signing of Salah, the sale of Coutinho, and the recruitment of Alisson and Van Dijk, is back at Anfield.Do he and Liverpool back themselves to make the break with Salah as they take the club into a new era?Liverpool revinvested the massive Philippe Coutinho fee in Virgil Van Dijk and AlissonCredit: Getty – ContributorOur beautiful game is brokenBy Dave Kidd

      When Manchester United got lucky in their FA Cup semi-final, Antony’s first instinct was to goad heartbroken opponents Coventry. To rub their noses in the dirt.
      Antony seems to be a vile individual but this isn’t really about Antony. Because Antony is merely a symptom of the hideous sickness within England’s top flight.
      There is so much wrong.
      After our elite clubs persuaded the FA to completely scrap Cup replays — which gave us Ronnie Radford and Ricky Villa and Ryan Giggs — without due recompense or reasoning with the rest of English football.
      The previous day, after his Manchester City side had defeated Chelsea in the other FA Cup semi-final, Pep Guardiola whinged about the fixture scheduling of TV companies who effectively pay much of his £20m salary.
      Up at Wolves, Guardiola’s friend and rival Mikel Arteta was playing the same sad song about fixture congestion, despite his Arsenal side having played two fewer games this season than Coventry — who don’t have £50m squad players to rotate with.
      Chelsea, oh Chelsea. The one-time plaything of a Russian oligarch now owned by financially incontinent venture capitalists who have piddled £1billion on a squad of players who fight like weasels in a sack about who should bask in the personal glory of scoring the penalty that puts them 5-0 up against Everton.
      Read Dave Kidd’s full column as he takes aim at Nottingham Forest, Fulham’s ticket prices, the 39th game, VAR and much more… More

    • 238 Shares42 Views

      in Soccer

      How Liverpool would play under Ruben Amorim next season and three key changes the Sporting Lisbon manager will make

      by

      SPORTING Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim is one of the most highly-rated young coaches in football today.  The former Portuguese international midfielder has, to this point, shown patience and self-belief in terms of building his career and making choices in terms of when to move clubs to give himself a greater platform. Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim is favourite to replace Jurgen KloppCredit: GettyRuben Amorim’s Sporting Lisbon are dominant in PortugalNo wonder he is now the outright favourite to replace Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool when the German leaves the club at the end of the season.Now that Xabi Alonso has revealed he will be staying at Bayer Leverkusen for at least one more season, it seems Amorim is Klopp’s heir apparent.Liverpool are known to use a data-generated model to rate and evaluate coaches from around the world.And Amorim is one of the top names on that model, along with Alonso, Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton and the current Bologna coach Thiago Motta.read more on footballAmorim has always shown real personality in terms of believing in himself and believing in his model of play. He has shown a clear history of being willing to back himself in terms of stepping up levels as he moves clubs but his style of play has remained largely consistent.Which means we have a good idea of what Amorim’s style of play and game model would mean for Liverpool next season if he lands the big job.Three at the back and building the attackOne of the biggest things changes Amorim would make at Liverpool will be that he favours a three-at-the-back system with three central defenders. Most read in FootballRuben Amorim is likely to stick to his tried and tested formula if he moves to AnfieldCredit: GettyRuben Amorim favours a 3-4-3 system at Sporting LisbonHow Amorim could play with Liverpool’s existing squadHe is likely to do the same at Liverpool and introduce the 3-4-3 that we have seen Amorin use almost exclusively at Sporting Lisbon.This does not mean in any way, however, that the Portuguese coach is defensive minded and the three central defenders for Liverpool would be expected to be brave and comfortable on the ball when looking to play out from the back.There are actually similarities in the way that Amorim likes his team to build with the way that we see Brighton build their attack under Roberto De Zerbi. The central defenders, and goalkeeper, at Sporting Lisbon almost pause at times in possession to force the opposition to come and press the ball.Three reasons why Phil Foden is world-classTwo wide centre backs for Sporting split and sit deep while the central of the three will step forward, almost like a midfielder to give more options to play through the press.The positive news in this regard for Liverpool fans is that they already have the makings of an interesting back three in the current squad. Virgil van Dijk is now 32 but his game intelligence and dominance would translate extremely well to playing as the central defender in a back three system. Equally, Ibrahima Konate has all of the traits needed to be an absolutely dominant player on the right of the back three system. They also have the youngster Jarrel Quansah who has broken through this season and who is showing promise. With that said, however, we would expect this to be an area where Amorim would want the squad to be strengthened in order to provide more depth and balance .The Reds have already been linked with taking the likes of Goncalo Inacio and Ousmane Diomande from Sporting Lisbon. Both would represent sensible targets for Liverpool if they do appoint Amorim given that they already understand the system of play that Amorim favours.Centre half Ousmane Diomande often sees more possession than any other playerThe goalkeeper passes to Coates who then immediately pings it wider to Inacio. The ball then comes out to the left-sided wingback and Sporting are outIf Liverpool fans want to understand the coaching ability of Amorim then they have to look now further than the performances of the Uruguayan international central defender Sebastian Coates at centre back this season. Coates is, of course, a former Liverpool player and his emergence as a dominant and comfortable ball-playing defender will surprise fans of Liverpool who remember his disappointed spell at Anfield.Changing from a three man midfield to a twoIf Ruben Amorim does become the new Liverpool coach after this season then we will also see a change to the midfield unit at the club. Under Jurgen Klopp we have seen Liverpool consistently use a three-man midfield with one sitting No6 and then two midfielders who have more licence to push forward and play as No8’s in the opposition half of the pitch. Under Amorim we see Sporting Lisbon use a double pivot in the midfield with two players who are expected to be able to play either as the No6 or as the No8 from that position.For the most part this season we have seen Amorim favour the use of the Japanese international Hidemasa Morita and the Danish star Morten Hjulmand in these positions. Both players are comfortable when asked to play as the deepest of the two midfielders and both have the ability to sit and dictate the tempo or look to defend and break down opposition attacks. Both are also, however, capable of pushing forward and contributing to the play in the final third.Hjulmand plays as the deeper midfielder and hits a longer pass to access space. Trincao and Pedro Goncalves stay narrow with Morita pushing into space between them.The change to the midfield should Amorim take charge at Liverpool could well be bigger than the changes to the defensive line. Liverpool have been so used to having a No6 sitting in front of the midfield and the change to having two players who essentially take turns doing this would be an adjustment. The other question, of course, is which players Amorim would use in these roles from the current Liverpool squad.Both Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai are capable of performing these roles from the current squad although the former is more comfortable in deeper areas than the latter. It would likely mean a reduced role though for the Japanese international midfielder Wataru Endo. It would also be interesting to see whether Amorim wanted to use Trent Alexander-Arnold in a central role.The England star’s passing range and ability on the ball would be interesting in the model of play that Amorim favours.This time Morita sits deeper in front of the defensive line and Hjulmand pushes up and splits the two attacking midfieldersLiverpool have options within their squad in terms of finding players to suit the midfield structure that is favoured by Amorim. Those players would, however, have to adjust to new roles within the squad.But according to Portuguese news outlet Jornal Noticias, Amorim is keen to bring some of his key players with him to Merseyside.The top targets are Goncalo Inacio and Ousmane Diomande, who could help bolster the Reds’ heavily injury-ridden defence.It is also said that Amorim wants to bring Sporting midfielder Morten Hjulmand – who has been linked with a move to Tottenham – to Liverpool.Inacio and Diomande have formed a sensational centre-back partnership, having lost just two games in the league this season.Amorim is reportedly keen to have them both involved at Anfield alongside captain Van Dijk.Narrow wide attackersWhen Klopp led Liverpool to win the Premier League in 2020, one of the main features was the way that his wide attackers came inside and attacked centrally. The attack of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah in the wide areas and Roberto Firmino centrally worked perfectly.The Brazilian international Firmino wanted to come deep to link with the midfield and the other two wanted to make diagonal movements from wide to attack in the channels or central areas.The front three of Sporting under Amorim works slightly differently.The central striker – the highly-rated Viktor Gyokeres for the most part – stays central and pushes the opposition central defenders deep.And the two attacking midfielders play more centrally or in the channels, almost acting like No10’s as opposed to playing as traditional wingers. As Sporting attack into the final third the movement of these two attacking midfielders is key as they drift deep or into space to create areas in which they can receive the ball.Trincao comes deep to get on the ball and then play the ball wide to combine with the right wingback. He then makes a quick forward run.At the moment Liverpool are playing with their wide attackers in more traditional wide positions as they build the attack. Mohamed Salah, on the right, and Luis Diaz, on the left, play as traditional wingers in the areas that they receive the ball – although they do still make movement from outside to in when in possession. This would change under Amorim and while we know that Salah would be comfortable receiving and playing in these pockets would the same be true of Luis Diaz? The new role for the wide attacking midfielders would require some adjustment for the Colombian international.Liverpool do also have the likes of Diogo Jota and Cody Gakpo in their squad, however, and these players would be comfortable playing as the narrow attacking midfielders and receiving in pockets of space in more central areas. Liverpool also have a striker in Darwin Nunez who would play the No9 role perfectly under a coach like Amorim.Marcus Edwards is the right-sided attacking midfielder but he comes back towards the ball in the channel to receive a pass that moves the ball quickly into attacking positions.The change to a more narrow role for the wide or attacking midfielders under Amorim would be an adjustment.Given the fact that Salah’s contract is expiring relatively soon could we see Liverpool decide to cash in on the Egyptian forward? ConclusionYou cannot help but be impressed when you watch a side coached by Ruben Amorim play. READ MORE SUN STORIESAmorim may decide to bring with him some stars from Sporting LisbonThere is a clear plan in everything that he wants his team to do and his players are well coached and put into roles that they are comfortable in. If the Portuguese coach is the man chosen to replace Klopp at Liverpool then the Premier League could well be gaining another great young coach. More

    • 213 Shares46 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘joined by Liverpool in transfer race to sign little-known wonderkid with huge £342m release clause’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED will face competition for the services of Mikayil Faye, it’s been claimed.The Red Devils are said to be hot on the heels of the Barcelona B wonderkid, who has been a revelation in his first season with the Catalans.Barcelona’s Mikayil Faye is reportedly on the radar of Manchester UnitedCredit: GETTYThey’ll reportedly face competition for his services from bitter rivals LiverpoolCredit: RexBut the Premier League big boys could face a battle for his signature with bitter rivals Liverpool.That’s according to Mundo Deportivo, who claim the Merseysiders are also trying to “acquire” the 19-year-old this summer.Bayern Munich, Lille, Monaco and Nice are also said to be interested in luring the centre-back away from Barca’s youth team.The immense interest in Faye recently prompted his agents to hold showdown talks with Barca’s sporting director, former Chelsea midfielder Deco.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDeco is said to have informed them that Faye is part of their future plans and that they hope to have him train and play in the first team during pre-season.It’s also claimed they plan to give him his first team bow next season.Should United and Liverpool be desperate to sign Faye, they’ll have to shatter their respective record transfer fees and pay his £342million release clause.Faye joined Barca B from Croatian outfit NB Kustosija last summer for a meagre £1.3million.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe’s made a total of 27 appearances for Rafael Marquez’s side, scoring four goals in the process.Faye was included in Barca’s s squad for their 1-0 win over Cadiz last Saturday after receiving high praise from first-team manager Xavi.Xavi announces he’s stepping down as Barcelona coach at the end of the seasonThe club legend said of the teenager: “Faye will be on the list. He’s ready. We are watching and following.”There are very prepared footballers. La Masia always bears fruit. Faye, Casado.”But the competition is fierce. I see him prepared, yes.” More

    • 213 Shares32 Views

      in Soccer

      Jurgen Klopp’s last ever Liverpool signing ‘offered shock transfer away’ just seven months after signing 5-year deal

      by

      JURGEN KLOPP’S last ever signing could be heading for the Anfield exit doors at the same time as the German boss.Despite only joining Liverpool just seven months ago, Ryan Gravenberch has been linked with a move away from the club.Ryan Gravenberch could leave Liverpool this summerCredit: ReutersGravenberch arrived on Merseyside in September last year after completing a £34m switch from Bayern Munich.And despite penning a five-year deal at Liverpool it is reported that he may call time on his spell in the Premier League.According to Turkish outlet Fotomac, Galatasaray are keen to strike up a deal with the Reds to lure Gravenberch to the Super Lig.It’s said that the 21-year-old is top of the list of midfield targets for Galatsaray manager Okan Buruk, who is looking for a player to start alongside former Arsenal star Lucas Torreira in the middle of the park.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEx-Tottenham man Tanguy Ndombele has failed to live up to expectations in the role and bigwigs at Galatasaray are reportedly focusing on finding midfield reinforcements as a result.The Turkish giants were rumoured to have submitted an offer for Gravenberch in the summer but were trumped by Liverpool’s bid for the Dutch international in the end.Gravenberch, who came through the ranks at Ajax, has failed to nail down a starting place at Liverpool since his arrival.The star has only made 10 Premier League starts this season and is yet to register a single goal contribution in the competition either.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt’s claimed that Galatasaray would be looking to a complete a deal quickly with the club hoping to wrap the transfer up before the Euros this summer.Gravenberch is expected to represent the Netherlands in the tournament having been called up to the squad for the last qualifiers by boss Frank De Boer.Eight of the greatest players to never win the Ballon d’Or despite their incredible careers More

    • 213 Shares41 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal ‘make £39m bid for top Bundesliga centre-back as Gunners move ahead of Liverpool in transfer race’

      by

      ARSENAL have reportedly tabled a bid for defender Willian Pacho, it’s been claimed.Pacho, 22, has been a shining light for Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt this season.Willian Pacho has caught the eye of several teams this seasonCredit: REXAnd the Ecuadorian’s impressive form is said to have caught the attention of Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.It was claimed earlier this week that the North Londoners have “inquired about” potentially signing him in the summer.And now Bolavip are claiming the Premier League big boys have tabled a £38million bid for the centre-back.The offer is said to be short of Frankfurt’s valuation of the player, whom they want a minimum of £43m for.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLArsenal will likely face competition for the services of the Ecuador international.Prem rivals Liverpool are also said to be interested in bolstering their squad with the youngster – despite Jurgen Klopp’s imminent departure.The Merseysiders, however, have yet to table an offer for his services.Arsenal are said planning on splashing the cash this summer following their disappointing Champions League exit.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSunSport revealed that, following their quarter-final heartache against Bayern Munich the brass have sanctioned the strengthening of the team.We revealed how Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres are all on the radar.Mikel Arteta reacts to Arsenal being dumped out of Champions League by Bayern MunichSpeaking after the 3-2 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich, Arteta said: “At the moment it is a gutted dressing room.”We are very disappointed. We have to go through it.”We tried against a team with a lot of experience. Through the tie, the margins have been very small.”Arsenal will be back in action on Saturday night, travelling to Molineux to take on Wolves. More

    • 250 Shares75 Views

      in Soccer

      Rafa Benitez ‘in talks over new job thousands of miles away with club who denied ex-Liverpool boss, 64, major trophy’

      by

      RAFA BENITEZ is the top candidate to take over as manager at Sao Paulo.Former Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle and Everton boss Benitez, 64, has been out of a job for a month after being sacked by Celta Vigo.Rafa Benitez is the top candidate to become manager at Sao PauloCredit: GettyBenitez has history with Sao Paulo as they cost him the Club World Cup while at LiverpoolCredit: APAccording to Arquibancada Tricolor, however, the Spanish tactician is the “strongest name” linked with the top job at Sao Paulo.Talks started on Sunday and appear advanced as both parties are confident there will be a “positive outcome”.Negotiations have been brokered by super agent Giuliano Bertolucci, who represents some of the best Brazilian players like Bruno Guimaraes, Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos.If Benitez signs with the Brazilian giants then he will be linking up with the same team that denied him the Club World Cup in 2005.Read More on FootballLiverpool took on Sao Paulo in the final in Yokohama just seven months after the Miracle of Istanbul.The Reds became European champions after beating AC Milan in a dramatic penalty shootout following an unforgettable 3-3 draw in the Champions League final.The Merseysiders were then looking to become world champions when they took on the then Copa Libertadores winners.However, Paulo Autuori’s men prevailed in Japan with a 1-0 victory thanks to Mineiro’s winner.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBenitez, though, did win the UEFA Super Cup with Liverpool the same year.Steven Gerrard and co defeated then UEFA Cup winners CSKA Moscow 3-1 at Stade Louis II in Monaco.11 forgotten stars who define Liverpool vs Man Utd rivalryDaniel Carvalho opened the scoring for Valery Gazzaev’s men but Djibril Cisse equalised for Liverpool to force extra-time.The Reds sealed the trophy as Cisse completed his brace before Luis Garcia scored the third. More