da betcris： Everton are “working” on a potential deal for an “outstanding” defender in the summer transfer window, according to an update from journalist Graeme Bailey.

Moyes eyeing new signings for Everton

da dobrowin： The Toffees continue to be linked with possible new signings this summer, with Greece and Benfica striker Vangelis Pavlidis emerging as an exciting option to make David Moyes’ side more of an attacking force.

The 26-year-old has enjoyed an excellent season, scoring a combined 21 goals in the Champions League and Primeira Liga, registering seven assists across those competitions.

Meanwhile, Everton have also been linked with a shock move for Liverpool winger Ben Doak at the end of the season, which would send shockwaves across Merseyside.

The Scot is on loan at Championship side Middlesbrough and there is no guarantee that he has a long-term future at Anfield, which could lead to Everton pouncing for one of their rivals’ most exciting young players.

Whether the Reds would allow him to join their arch-rivals is up for debate, though.

Everton want to sign "outstanding" left-back

Speaking to Everton News, Bailey said that Everton want to sign Sunderland left-back Dennis Cirkin at the end of the season, with other Black Cats players also mentioned:

“They are one of the teams who are looking at Dennis Cirkin, the left-back at Sunderland. We know Crystal Palace and Tottenham like him.

“Obviously, Everton are looking at Sunderland with Anthony Patterson, Chris Rigg and Dan Neil. The Championship is a division which David Moyes knows very well.

“Cirkin is someone on their list, and they are doing work on the full-back position, I know that.”

Cirkin may be a Championship player, but he could be a great addition for Everton, having been such a consistent performer for Sunderland over an extended period.

Prior to this weekend’s action, the 23-year-old has scored three goals and bagged two assists in the league this season, highlighting the quality he can provide from left-back, which is five times the amount of goal contributions Vitalii Mykolenko had managed in the Premier League (zero goals and one assist).

Cirkin vs. Mykolenko in the league this season

Stat

Cirkin

Mykolenko

Appearances

34

29

Starts

29

29

Minutes played

2632

2544

Goals

3

0

Assists

2

1

Clearances per game

2.6

4

Tackles per game

2.5

1.8

Aerial duel wins per game

1.2

1.5

Cirkin is a player with plenty of admirers, including former striker Sam Parkin, who has described him as an “outstanding” footballer, saying:

“I think he has been one of the most outstanding players in the division this season. When you watch him live, he is a very good athlete. I think he gets up and down; it is eye-catching, the way he moves with the ball, but his decision-making on the ball and his ability on the ball have been top-class this season.”

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At 23, Cirkin still has lots to offer, and the lure of the Premier League could be great if Sunderland fail to earn promotion, so Everton should be looking at him as an excellent option.

da pinup bet： Manchester United are looking to enjoy a statement summer window under Ruben Amorim and could now elbow Manchester City aside for a potential bargain signing, per reports.

Man Utd begin summer window preparation

da stake casino： The Red Devils will be looking forward to the end of a frustrating Premier League season where they haven’t been able to reverse the current of an inconsistent run of results.

Erik ten Hag tried and failed before Amorim arrived at Old Trafford. However, the Portuguese boss has presided over a chaotic campaign that is destined to end in a bottom-half finish.

Nevertheless, winning the Europa League could provide a backdoor route to Champions League qualification as Manchester United and INEOS look to establish themselves among the elite.

Athletic Club await in the semi-final, which could pave the way for a showdown against either Tottenham Hotspur or Bodo Glimt should circumstances align in ideal fashion.

On the transfer front, Manchester United are eyeing an ambitious move for Napoli midfielder Stanislav Lobotka and could land his services for a fee of £34 million.

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Casemiro may well depart Old Trafford, and there is plenty of speculation over new faces to firm up Amorim’s bid for success— the Red Devils’ interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha and Atalanta’s Ederson offer an inkling of where they may aim to target.

The engine room and their forward line are obvious areas to shore up, but finances will likely dictate the level of business that could occur to add strength to a side in need of a rebrand.

That said, Manchester United have now been offered the chance to sign a proven midfielder who could be available for nothing this summer.

Man Utd offered chance to sign Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa

According to reports in Italy via Sport Witness, Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign Napoli midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa alongside rivals Manchester City via his entourage.

Intriguingly, his contract with the Serie A giants is set to expire this summer, though both parties have the option to extend it by two more years, so he could be available for free over the coming months.

Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa’s record at Napoli

Appearances

148

Goals

11

Assists

17

Trophies

1 Serie A in 2022/23

Labelled “fantastic” alongside midfield partner Scott McTominay by Philip Billing, the Cameroon international has also attracted recent interest from Chelsea, while Monaco and Marseille have also made contact to gauge his availability.

Anguissa’s family want to move to England, and his agent has previously been in London and Manchester to discuss a change of scenery ahead of the summer window.

Deemed to be a similar player to Luka Modric, via Football Transfers, the 29-year-old is now potentially in line for a Premier League return after enjoying a spell at Fulham between 2018 and 2022.

After registering six goals and four assists in ten appearances across all competitions this term, it now remains to be seen whether he will end up at Old Trafford.

da betway： Tottenham Hotspur could reportedly have their eyes on an even better talent than midfielder Archie Gray, with Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman sharing what he’s heard about the “sensational” youngster.

Archie Gray attracts praise after excellent first Spurs season

da betsul： Last summer, Spurs sealed a £30 million deal for Gray, with defender Joe Rodon heading the other way in a separate deal but helping to reduce the overall cost.

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It has since proved to be an excellent piece of business from chairman Daniel Levy, with Gray taking on a lot more responsibility than was initially anticipated. The 19-year-old handled it extraordinarily well, though, with Ange Postecoglou even utilising him at centre-back during the height of Tottenham’s injury crisis.

Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures

Date

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

The teenager has proved ever-reliable, also featuring at right-back and in midfield, and all signs point towards Gray going on to have an exceptional career at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

“I think he’s been an absolute credit the young lad,” said pundit Paul Merson earlier this season.

“I don’t know him [personally], I don’t know him at all. But from a distance, he turns up every week, he plays in the wrong position, plays in a stinking team, at the moment – with a lorry load of injuries, and he plays every week.”

His form has been so good, that reports now claim Spurs are keeping a watchful eye on his younger brother at Leeds, Harry Gray.

Tottenham are said to be monitoring Gray ahead of a potential summer swoop, and could look to replicate the deal which saw his older sibling make the move to north London.

Don Goodman shares what he's heard about Harry Gray at Leeds

Amid these links to the England Under-17 striker, who is apparently making waves behind-the-scenes, Sky pundit Goodman has shared exactly why Spurs supporters can start having a degree of excitement.

Goodman has heard that Gray is a “very special” talent, and could even surpass his older brother at Spurs in terms of potential.

“Personally, I don’t think Spurs are going to be on their own when it comes to high-end clubs scouting Harry Gray,” said Goodman to Football League World.

“The reports coming out of Elland Road are sensational, in that this could be a very special talent, maybe even more so than his brother Archie, which would be an incredible feat.

“At the moment though, it’s about playing football week in, week out and learning your trade. I think if Spurs did sign him, you would imagine it would be possible that they would loan him back to Leeds or a team where he would play regular first team football.

“At that age, you need a slow, considered introduction to football, where you’re not overworked, but you get plenty of opportunities at first-team level. That, for me, would be the best thing for him.”

Still yet to make a senior appearance for the first team, it seems like it could only be a matter of time.

da doce： Newcastle United find themselves well in the hunt for a strong finish to the Premier League season and could look to pounce for a high-profile star on the market, according to a report.

Newcastle United's pursuit of summer signings

da luck： The Magpies have Champions League football firmly in their sights under Eddie Howe and will look to finalise their place in next year’s league phase before turning their attention to the summer transfer window.

Turning the spotlight on one of their direct competitors, Newcastle hope to sign James McAtee from Manchester City in the next few months and will take encouragement from the fact he has one year left on his deal at the Etihad Stadium.

Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Dortmund are also in the hunt for his signature, which may pose a challenge in convincing the England Under-21 international that Tyneside is the place to be ahead of next season.

On the same token, talks have taken place over Newcastle making a move for Douglas Luiz with Juventus sporting director Cristian Giuntoli. The possibility of a swap deal involving Sandro Tonali has also been discussed.

Looking to the future, Heart of Midlothian forward James Wilson is a Magpies target, even if he would likely be viewed as one for the future by chiefs at St James’ Park.

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PSR regulations will need to be met by Newcastle alongside every one of their direct rivals in the Premier League. In turn, that may lead to certain positions being prioritised for strengthening, while others could be left on the backburner.

Regardless, plenty of movement is underway in the North East and recent developments suggest that a marquee arrival could be set for a move to Tyneside.

Newcastle United ready to strike for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo

According to The Telegraph, Newcastle United are plotting a move for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who has wowed the Magpies’ recruitment team during extensive scouting missions over the last few years.

Howe would jump at the chance to bring in the Cameroon international if his current employers were willing to sell, though the Bees’ demand of over £60 million may provide food for thought once the summer window opens.

Bryan Mbeumo vs Anthony Gordon – Premier League attacking output in 2024/25

Bryan Mbeumo

Goals

18

Assists

6

Chances created

65

Shots on target

36

Completed dribbles

44

Anthony Gordon

Goals

6

Assists

5

Chances created

50

Shots on target

19

Completed dribbles

35

Labelled “fantastic” by Thomas Frank, Mbeumo has enjoyed a fantastic campaign in front of goal, registering 18 goals and seven assists in 38 appearances across all competitions.

His versatility is said to be a major reason behind Howe’s desire to land the winger. However, Newcastle are likely to wait and see what continental competition they end up in before stepping up their interest.

Attacking reinforcements appear to be on the agenda at St James’ Park and Mbeumo would be the ideal candidate to ensure the Magpies build from a position of strength.

da cassino online： Already thinking about summer targets, Crystal Palace have now reportedly set their sights on signing a young defender who’s earned comparisons with Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk for his abilities in the air.

Glasner urges Crystal Palace to embrace final

da leao： Whilst transfer rumours continue to come thick and fast off the pitch, Crystal Palace and Oliver Glasner have been preparing for one of the biggest games in their history this week. Wembley and the FA Cup final awaits the Eagles, as they go in pursuit of their first-ever FA Cup victory.

In front of them stand a Manchester City side looking to restore some pride to what has been their worst campaign under Pep Guardiola. Still battling for Champions League qualification with two Premier League games to go, the Citizens find themselves in unfamiliar territory and in with every chance of falling victim to a shock upset at Wembley.

The nerves will only be natural for all involved in South London, but Glasner has urged his players to embrace the occasion, telling reporters this week: “What is clear is that we should feel no burden. Pressure comes when you are trying to avoid relegation, when you are playing for your future, the future of the football club and the club’s employees.

“But playing in a Cup Final means that you can achieve something incredible. This is what we are all playing for, this is the childhood dream! When these players were kids, I’m sure they all watched the Cup Finals and dreamed of one day being involved in one. Now, everyone has the chance to fulfil that childhood dream.”

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It is also worth noting that FA Cup final victory would also see Crystal Palace qualify for the Europa League in a moment that would have an impact both on and off the pitch.

Crystal Palace targeting De Winter

One deal that Europa League qualification would help with is for a Serie A star. According to Football Transfers, Crystal Palace are now targeting a move to sign Koni de Winter from Genoa this summer. The central defender has only been at the Italian club for a year, but they’re already hoping to make profit by selling the former Juventus man for around €30m (£25m) in the coming months.

Dubbed a “gifted footballer” by U23 scout Antonio Mango during his Juventus days, De Winter has only pushed on at Genoa to earn comparisons with Virgil van Dijk by Football Transfers.

Those comparisons are certainly understandable, too. According to data relayed by their report, De Winter is well above average when it comes to his aerial performance in the Serie A, so it’s perhaps no surprise he’s scored three times with his head in his 22 league starts this term.

It’s the type of impact in both boxes that Crystal Palace should go all out to sign this summer, as Glasner looks to reinforce his backline.

da dobrowin： As Ruben Amorim has been at pains to stress, this is no vintage Manchester United side, with even Europa League glory unable to plaster over the damage of yet another miserable Premier League campaign.

da premier bet： A key crux of the issue has been the lack of attacking quality at Old Trafford, with Amorim left to rely on a misfiring forward line that could hardly lace the boots of the figures of years gone by.

In 1968, for instance, Sir Matt Busby’s side were blessed with Denis Law, George Best and Bobby Charlton. In 1999, Alex Ferguson had the likes of Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole, Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to call upon, alongside Ryan Giggs and David Beckham.

Fergie’s next great side – the 2008 Champions League winners – also boasted devastating brilliance in the form of Carlos Tevez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney. How the mighty have fallen.

At centre-forward, for instance, United’s sole senior option is that of Rasmus Hojlund, with the 22-year-old Dane having scored just nine times in all competitions in 2024/25 to date.

Perhaps, the presence of the former Atalanta man will still be enough to steer the Red Devils to their latest European triumph, but something needs to give this summer.

The Latest on Man Utd's striker search

Alongside the addition of a new number ten, in the form of Wolverhampton Wanderers man, Matheus Cunha, the signing of a new striker appears high on the agenda for Amorim and INEOS, despite bringing in Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee in successive summers.

One name widely tipped to follow Cunha to the Theatre of Dreams is Ipswich Town starlet, Liam Delap, with the England U21 international available for just £30m following the Tractor Boys’ recent relegation.

The Manchester City man has scored 12 Premier League goals this season, although there could be a sense that he is simply just another Hojlund, a player of potential rather than proven quality.

Transfer Focus

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It is with that in mind that United are said to have set their sights on a more experienced, left-field option in the form of Bayer Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick, with both Arsenal and Chelsea also battling for his signature.

That’s according to Caught Offside, who have reported that the Bundesliga outfit would be willing to listen to offers in the region of €30m-€40m (£26m-£34m), ensuring that the Premier League trio could see a bid accepted if they step up their interest.

With all three sides set to be keeping close tabs on the 29-year-old’s situation – with just two years left on his current deal at the BayArena – the race is on to see just who will win the race for his signature.

How Schick compares to Rasmus Hojlund

The relief was palpable as Hojlund prodded home against Bournemouth in the dying embers late last month, with the £64m signing notching what was just his fourth league goal of the season.

While the struggling striker had ended last term as United’s top scorer across all fronts, it’s worth remembering that it took until Boxing Day for him to break his top-flight duck, with seven of his ten total league goals coming in a subsequent six-game run.

With only nine Serie A goals to his name in the previous campaign, the 6 foot 4 speedster has hardly showcased that he can be a reliable goalscoring presence during his senior career thus far. There is a player in there somewhere, but can Amorim afford to wait?

Those woes have heightened the need for a ready-made upgrade this summer and Schick certainly fits the bill. While Hojlund has toiled, the Czech international has been in lethal form for Xabi Alonso’s side, having scored 19 league goals this season – 15 more than his United counterpart.

Even during an injury-impacted campaign last term, Schick still managed to score on 13 occasions across all fronts, with his total tally for the German outfit standing at 79 goals in 166 games. Hojlund, meanwhile, has just 25 goals in 90 games at Old Trafford.

Hojlund vs Schick – 24/25 League stats

Stat (*per game)

Hojlund

Schick

Games

29

29

Goals

4

19

Goal frequency

440min

83min

Big chances missed

4

7

Goal conversion

16%

29%

Shots on target*

0.3

1.1

Assists

0

0

Big chances created

3

1

Key passes*

0.5

0.4

Total duels won*

29%

40%

Stats via Sofascore

Described as an “incredible” talent in past by members of the media, the former RB Leipzig man has been head and shoulders above Hojlund in 2024/25, as indicated in the table above, thus representing just what a huge upgrade he would be. Indeed, the contrast in their goal frequency record says it all.

Yes, the signing of a player approaching 30 – in the mould of a Robin van Persie deal – may go against the INEOS model of targeting up-and-coming stars, although for a potential fee of just £34m, Shick could be too hard to ignore.

Of course, as United have seen with the case of Jadon Sancho, who now plies his trade away from Old Trafford, signing players from the Bundesliga is not without its risks, although for that relatively modest asking price, the Leverkusen monster looks like a gamble worth taking.

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da betobet： Birmingham City are preparing for a return to the second-tier of English football and have now cast their eye to the continent for a potential bargain signing.

Birmingham City's summer activity ahead of Championship return underway

da brwin： Quick off the mark after securing the League One title in remarkable fashion, Birmingham have already wrapped up the permanent signing of Phil Neumann.

Speaking ahead of featuring at St Andrews, German defender Neumann believes that the Blues can earn promotion to the Premier League following his move from Hannover on a free transfer.

He stated: “I always wanted to play in England. Birmingham is such a big club with a big history, and they fought hard for me and gave me a good feeling. I can’t wait to play my first game here, meet the fans and also meet my team-mates. It’s a nice stadium, a really nice pitch and I’m really happy to be here.

“I think the club is not where it belongs and hopefully I can help the club get back to the Premier League.”

Kwame Poku, Mark Travers and Harry Darling are all reported Birmingham targets, which lends credence to Neumann’s opinion that Birmingham have the power to become a Premier League force before too long.

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Nevertheless, the Championship is a major step up in quality for Chris Davies, who still has to make decisions on the future of Grant Hanley and Lee Myung-jae ahead of next campaign.

While he takes his time over potential departures, Birmingham are continuing to be active on the transfer front and are now advancing in their pursuit of a top-flight midfielder.

Birmingham in advanced talks for Kanya Fujimoto after offer

According to journalist Sebastiao Sousa-Pinto on X, Birmingham have submitted an offer for Gil Vicente attacking midfielder Kanya Fujimoto and talks are believed to be at an advanced stage.

It isn’t yet certain that he will end up at St Andrews, but steps are moving in the right direction to close a deal that would see him arrive on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at the Primeira Liga outfit.

What can Birmingham City expect if Kanya Fujimoto arrives? (top-flight statistics)

Chances created

35

Successful dribbles

19

Touches in opposition box

74

Duels won

61

Shots

40

Shots on target

14

Earning a reputation as a forward-thinking asset, Fujimoto, 25, has registered five goals and six assists across 33 matches in all competitions this season.

Ultimately, Birmingham will need to balance spending considerable fees with finding value for money on the market in order to fulfill their aspirations of being a competitive force in the second-tier.

Fujimoto, who shares the same CAA Base agency as Ben Davies, is operating at a distinguished level and would be seen as a coup by many Championship onlookers, though it now remains to be seen whether the Blues can push a statement deal over the line.

da betway： Celtic ended their season on Saturday and the attention will now turn to the summer transfer window and what they need to improve the squad to go again next term.

da esoccer bet： The Hoops already know that they might have to bolster their options out wide after Portuguese winger Jota suffered an injury that is set to keep him out for a large chunk of the 2025/26 campaign.

He was forced off with a knee injury during the first half of the 5-0 win over Dundee United and is now set for between six and nine months on the sidelines with a cruciate ligament injury.

This means that the attacker, who rejoined the Hoops from Rennes on a permanent deal in January, could miss most or all of the first half of next season.

Jota had produced four goals and two assists in seven starts in the Scottish Premiership prior to his injury blow, which illustrates the kind of quality that Brendan Rodgers has lost because of this news.

Celtic may, therefore, be in the market for a new winger in the summer transfer window, which officially opens for business next month, and one forward who is of interest to the club is Sondre Orjasaeter.

Why Sondre Orjasaeter could be a good signing for Celtic

Writing for Sky Sports on Saturday, journalist Anthony Joseph claimed that the club could go back in with a move for the Sarpsborg star this summer.

The reporter added that the Premiership champions had multiple bids turned down for the Norway youth international, before they eventually signed Jota from Rennes.

67HailHail reported during that window that the Hoops had an offer of £4.4m turned down for the 21-year-old starlet because the Norwegian side were holding out for a fee of £7m.

£7m is a significant amount of cash to splash on a young talent who has not proven himself outside of his own country, but his form for Sarpsborg does suggest that the potential is there for him to be an exciting signing for Celtic.

Sondre Orjasaeter (Eliteserien)

2024

2025

Appearances

28

7

Goals

5

1

Big chances missed

5

2

Big chances created

12

7

Key passes per game

1.9

2.0

Assists

5

2

Dribbles completed per game

2.4

2.7

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Orjasaeter has provided quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals, mainly the latter, in the Eliteserien since the start of last year, which is why he could be an excellent signing to fill the void left by Jota’s injury.

However, the £7m price tag could be a sticking point, particularly with Jota due to return at some point next season, and that is why they could look to an alternative option to forget about Orjasaeter.

Celtic could return for Belgian star

In the aforementioned article for Sky Sports, Anthony Joseph also reported that Royal Antwerp attacker Michel-Ange Balikwisha has been a long-term transfer target for Celtic.

The journalist added that the 24-year-old wizard has been highly recommended to the club by their scouts, who have been impressed by his performances in Belgium.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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Joseph claimed that the Scottish giants could go in with a swoop for the Pro League star in the upcoming summer transfer window, and he could come cheaper than Orjasaeter would.

The Scottish Sun reported in April that the impressive winger is currently valued at £5m by Royal Antwerp, which means that he could be £2m cheaper than the Norwegian whizkid.

With this in mind, Rodgers could forget all about Orjasaeter and save the club £2m in transfer fees by pushing for the board to sign Balikwisha as an emergency replacement for Jota this summer.

Why Celtic should sign Michel-Ange Balikwisha

As per UEFA, Belgium is currently ranked the eighth best European league based on the coefficient rankings, three places above Norway in 11th. This suggests that the standard in Belgium, at least among the top clubs, is better than the standard in Norway.

You could, therefore, put more weight behind Balikwisha’s performances in the Pro League than Orjasaeter’s in the Eliteserien when judging how effective they could be at making an impact at Celtic, particularly in the Champions League, next season.

Whilst the Norwegian starlet has caught the eye with six goals and seven assists in his last 35 Eliteserien games for Sarpsborg, the Belgian ace has delivered similar levels of quality whilst playing in a more challenging league.

One scout, Emir, on X, described the £5m-rated star as a winger who “wins games on his own” and a “no-brainer” signing for top teams because he is ready to take the step to the next level.

Balikwisha’s performances in the Pro League suggest that he is a player who can be a difference-maker in the final third to win matches for his side, with goals and assists.

Michel-Ange Balikwisha (Pro League)

23/24

24/25

Starts

27

11

xG

6.46

2.26

Goals

7

4

Big chances created

6

7

Key passes per game

1.5

1.6

Assists

5

3

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Belgian gem has produced 11 goals and ‘big chances’ created in 11 starts in the Pro League this season since returning from injury, which speaks to the kind of quality he can provide at the top end of the pitch.

Balikwisha, who is a right-footed left-winger, has also outperformed his xG in each of the last two seasons in the Belgian top-flight, which shows that he can be an effective and efficient finisher in front of goal.

The Celtic target also produced one goal and one assist in two Champions League qualifiers to help his side qualify for the group stage in the 2023/24 campaign, before scoring one goal in five matches in the group stage.

This shows that, unlike Orjasaeter, he also has experience on the top stage of European football, which could be useful ahead of Celtic’s qualifiers for the competition later this year.

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Therefore, Rodgers must urge Celtic to forget about Orjasaeter by signing Balikwisha, who could provide more quality and experience whilst costing £2m less this summer.

da 888casino： Liverpool lifted the Premier League trophy on Sunday afternoon, celebrating Arne Slot’s triumph in front of so many legends, so many fans.

da betcris： It was a day charged with emotion, an outpouring of joy and, for those such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, ruefulness, for he parted ways with his boyhood club ahead of joining Real Madrid on a free transfer next month.

It’s a big blow going forward: Alexander-Arnold is Anfield’s vice-captain and the club’s beating creative heart besides. However, don’t expect the newly-crowned champions to rest on their laurels.

Slot’s surpassing season has put Liverpool back on their perch, and FSG don’t want to stop there. Indeed, swift and incisive moves are being made to do it all again next season, making a through line into the fresh campaign.

Liverpool plan to make a series of exciting changes, but it’s hard to imagine any deal would top the move for Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz.

The latest on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool

Liverpool made their first official bid for Wirtz on Monday morning, offering Leverkusen a package in excess of €100m (£85m), including add-ons.

This suggests previous claims that the Germany international would cost FSG something in the ballpark of €150m (£126m) were wayward, and indeed music to the ears of those of a Liverpool persuasion.

There are a number of ways the Reds can line up with Wirtz in the squad, and that’s without even entertaining the possible acquisition of a new centre-forward.

We haven’t reached the finish line with this transfer ‘saga’, but we’re getting close. It would take a drastic and deflating turn of events for 22-year-old Wirtz to begin the 2025/26 campaign in a shirt other than Liverpool’s.

The rapidity with which FSG are taking care of business testifies to the enviable manner in which Liverpool get things done. There’s a reason Anfield has stood near the top of the European pile for a decade, after all.

Remarkably, the bid for Wirtz hasn’t detracted from other ventures. Jeremie Frimpong has reportedly completed his medical, should be announced this week. And moreover, Liverpool are closing in on yet another signing.

Liverpool agree terms with top target

Liverpool are making headway in their bid to sign Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez. At the weekend, Fabrizio Romano revealed the Reds have the lead over Manchester City in the race, and indeed are in active discussions to bring the 21-year-old over to Anfield.

Now, the reputable journalist has confirmed to GIVEMESPORT that Liverpool have agreed personal terms with the sought-after left-back, with just “some small details to be clarified.”

It’s understood the Cherries want £45m for their prized prospect, though FSG would certainly hope to whittle this down and structure the outlay into smaller chunks.

Why Liverpool want Milos Kerkez

Andy Robertson’s performance against Palace on Sunday could be used as a gauge to examine the pressing need for a new left-back.

It was wonderful to see the 31-year-old receive his second Premier League title, but he’s past his best, Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher hailing him an “absolute legend” but noting he’s “hanging on in every game.”

Given Kostas Tsimikas has struggled to displace the veteran, forever his deputy, it’s understandable FSG should be pulling out all the stops in their bid to sign Kerkez, who has fallen in love with the prospect of Anfield after his immense breakout campaign.

The Hungarian, Dominik Szoboszlai’s international teammate, started all 38 of Bournemouth’s Premier League fixtures last season, scoring two goals, providing five assists and notably winning 60% of his ground duels, as per Sofascore.

The left-back will dynamise the left flank, raise the level through enhanced energy levels and attacking output. Moreover, his defensive game is at a superior level. With Wirtz arriving on the scene too, this bodes well for Slot’s second season.

Left-back Alex Grimaldo has been an incredible asset for the Werkself in recent years, bringing energy and enthusiasm to the role and covering large stretches of ground to provide a platform for those such as Wirtz, who is technically a ten but his influence is such that he defies positional definition, often drifting over to the left.

The Leverkusen star might be one of the elite playmakers of his generation, but he can’t do it all alone, especially if his left-back fails to drive play into his zone.

Luckily, Liverpool’s potential new defensive signing has the full package and could complement Wirtz’s silky, stylish attacking arsenal, having been described by pundit Izzy Christensen as a “machine” of a player.

Kerkez has a long way to go before he can call himself a playmaking asset on the level of Alexander-Arnold and Robertson, but with Trent gone and the Scottish star no longer at his best, it’s crucial Kerkez steps in to supply the likes of Wirtz with the support he will need to flourish.

Most Assists by a Defender in Premier League History

Rank

Player

Assists

1

Trent Alexander-Arnold

64

2

Andy Robertson

60

3

Leighton Baines

53

4

Graeme Le Saux

44

5

Kieran Trippier

38

Data via Premier League

However, given his youth and impressive start to life in the Premier League, there’s every chance Kerkez can now go from strength to strength and make a significant impression for Slot’s Liverpool.

Across the past two seasons, Wirtz has posted 69 goal contributions across all competitions for Leverkusen, making a telling comment on the calibre of player the Reds are set to welcome.

With Kerkez in behind him, striking a devastating partnership, this could elevate the Anfield project to a level scarcely imaginable.

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da cassino online： Florian Wirtz is in the process of signing for Liverpool this summer in what will likely prove a British-record deal, with Bayer Leverkusen demanding £120m to part with their prized possession.

da marjack bet： It’s droning on a bit, the transfer saga, but then engineering a record deal for a world-class superstar was never going to be a walk in the park, and it bears testament to sporting director Richard Hughes and his team that Liverpool have batted off rival interest from Manchester City and Bayern Munich to take the lead in what is now a one-horse race.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold now officially a Real Madrid player, it was always going to be important that Liverpool replace him not just positionally but creatively as well, and Wirtz is “unbelievably intelligent” in his passing, says Leverkusen’s former executive CEO assistant, Devin Ozek.

When (if) the Wirtz deal is wrapped up, Liverpool will want to turn their focus to the front of the ship, with a new centre-forward needed after difficult campaigns for Slot’s natural number nines.

However, the sale of one of Anfield’s biggest stars has led Liverpool to rekindle their interest in Anthony Gordon.

Why Liverpool are interested in Anthony Gordon

Gordon signed for Newcastle United in a £45m deal back in January 2023, and despite a slow start across the latter phase of that campaign, Gordon notched 28 goal contributions during the 2023/24 season and was crowned the club’s Player of the Season.

Newcastle would want £80m to let the England international leave St. James’ Park this summer, but that hasn’t stopped Liverpool from registering their interest in Gordon, who dreams of returning to Merseyside and joining his boyhood club.

Now, why is this? Well, interest is growing in Liverpool’s Luis Diaz, with FSG already rejecting an offer from Barcelona and stating the Colombian is not for sale, report The Athletic.

However, the Premier League side’s stance is likely far more equivocal, with the right offer sure to open the door for the 28-year-old’s sale. Al-Nassr are also intrigued, and maybe their riches would be more fitting for a summer departure.

Should Diaz depart, it would be because a suitor, likely from the Saudi Pro League, has agreed to meet FSG’s €85m (£72m) valuation.

If that happens, Liverpool will move for a new wideman, but it might not actually be Gordon who gets reeled in.

Liverpool lead race for Gordon alternative

The problem with Gordon is he’s worth £80m, and given there’s a similar player who could be signed for half that sum and placed to challenge Cody Gakpo for the number one spot, it seems silly to go down the more expensive route.

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That player is Lyon’s Malick Fofana, who, according to TEAMtalk, has been heavily scouted by Liverpool in recent months as Slot weighs up a move.

Fofana’s £40m release clause makes him an attractive option. Arsenal and Aston Villa are also interested, alongside Liverpool, with the trio all said to be leading the race.

The player’s agent, Bobo Fofana, however, has previously claimed that Anfield would be his “choice of heart.”

What Malick Fofana would bring to Liverpool

Fofana may only be 20 and with 62 Lyon appearances to his name, but he’s already made quite the name for himself in France, joining from Belgian team Gent for a fee rising to €22m (£19m) in January 2024, when he was only 18.

Across 41 matches in all competitions this season, the wideman scored 11 goals and provided six assists for his teammates, and with his principal position being on the left flank, he’d be ideal to replace Diaz.

That is, unless Gordon signs for the club. Liverpool’s interest in the English star is long-standing, but it might be that moving for the Scouser wouldn’t be in the club’s best interests, not when Fofana’s progress suggests he could do the same job.

Given that he’s four years Gordon’s junior, he might even eclipse him in the years to come.

League Stats 24/25 – Anthony Gordon vs Malick Fofana

Stats (* per game)

Gordon

Fofana

Matches (starts)

34 (28)

29 (16)

Goals

6

5

Assists

5

4

Shots (on target)*

1.7 (0.6)

1.1 (0.4)

Pass completion

81%

84%

Key passes*

1.5

0.9

Big chances created

6

6

Dribbles*

1.1

0.8

Tackles + interceptions*

1.1

1.1

Ground duels (won)*

4.4

2.8 (54%)

Data via Sofascore

As you can see, both wingers enjoyed similar seasons in their respective leagues, but is Gordon performing at a level which proves he should cost double that of his French counterpart?

As per FBref, Fofana ranked among the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues this season for non-penalty goals scored, the top 2% for progressive carries and the top 16% for touches in the attacking box per 90.

His athleticism and pace have actually led the data-driven site to record Gordon as one of Fofana’s most comparable players, further evidence that he should be signed instead.

So then, the template for something remarkable might just be there. A natural goalscorer, Fofana has also been praised for his “explosive” running by analyst Ben Mattinson. Moreover, the defensive quality you can see ranks well against Gordon is something that would serve him well in the Premier League.

Given the richness of Liverpool’s attacking options, bringing in Fofana as a long-term project might not be the worst idea in the world, with his crisp passing aligning with the way Diaz plays and his fleet-footedness a further string to his bow.

With Wirtz, Mohamed Salah and the rest of them helping unlock Fofana’s high potential, this could be a shrewd move the Reds look back at fondly indeed in the years to come.

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