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Liverpool are said to have agreed personal terms over a move for a 23-year-old international, according to a recent report.

The Merseyside club are just a few days away from their 2024/25 Premier League campaign getting underway as they travel to Portman Road to face newly promoted Ipswich Town. It is a highly anticipated match as Liverpool get their post-Jurgen Klopp era underway, with manager Arne Slot now in the dugout, while the Tractor Boys kick off their top-flight return.

All eyes will be on Liverpool on Saturday as Slot begins his time in charge of the club, and he will do so with the club still yet to make a new signing so far in this transfer window.

£25m international is waiting to join Liverpool if Hughes agrees a deal

The Reds have work to do this summer…

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By
Brett Worthington

Aug 13, 2024

Liverpool’s transfer business so far

It was always going to be a very big summer for Liverpool, as in some sense it is a new start for the club, as they are no longer under the management of Klopp. The Premier League side brought in Slot as his replacement, and the club also made changes higher up, as Richard Hughes arrived earlier this year as the club’s new sporting director.

The latter has started to come under some scrutiny, as Liverpool are still yet to make a signing in this transfer window, which means, as things stand, the club will be going into the new season, potentially weaker than how they ended the 2023/24 campaign.

That is because Liverpool have seen defender Joel Matip leave the club following his contract expiring, while Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara has now retired from football and moved into coaching. But most recently, Liverpool decided to let midfielder Fabio Carvalho leave the club and join Brentford in a deal believed to be worth £27.5 million.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank was delighted with the addition of the midfielder. He said: “Fábio is a player with a lot of qualities. He can play in all of the front three or four positions in a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1. His best position is probably as a no.10 or coming in from the left.

"Offensively, he has great abilities on the ball: he can go past players, slide a pass, create chances and get on the end of chances. He's a type of player that we don't have many of in the squad, so he will add that something extra for us. His ability and mentality to work hard in the pressure is also very, very good. That's along with him ticking all the boxes from a cultural perspective and being the right character. So we're very pleased to see him come in and push the team forward."

However, Liverpool’s wait to add a player to their squad could potentially come to an end, given the latest update.

Liverpool agree personal terms with Giorgi Mamardashvili

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have now agreed personal terms with Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. The 23-year-old could be sent out on loan for a year or two should he sign, which is something that isn’t putting the shot-stopper off, as he remains keen on moving to Anfield.

Romano states that AFC Bournemouth are keen on signing Mamardashvili should he join Liverpool, with the intention of the Georgia international replacing Alisson. He goes on to add that agents from Liverpool are in Valencia for club talks, as there is still no agreement on a transfer.

Mamardashvili has been with Valencia since January 2022 on a permanent basis, but he first arrived at the Spanish side in July 2021 on loan. The 23-year-old has been labelled as having a “commanding presence” in the past, as he stands at 6 foot 6.

Ruben Amorim has introduced a strict dressing room code at Manchester United as part of his new disciplinary measures.

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• Amorim calling the shots at Man Utd
• Determined to instill strict disciplinary codes
• Particular about the minute details

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  After taking over mid-season from Erik ten Hag, Amorim has wasted no time in implementing a firm code of conduct as he seeks to restore order and unity within the team. His approach, which includes strict dressing room rules, is part of a broader strategy aimed at bringing back the glory days and reviving the Red Devils' fortunes.

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  According to fostering a sense of unity and purpose is high on his agenda. However, the Portuguese coach is clear that he is not at Old Trafford to simply be a friend to his players. During a recent match against Everton, Amorim was visibly angered when a substitute failed to be ready promptly, a moment that highlighted his insistence on professionalism. Moreover, in a bid to improve focus, Amorim has banned food in the dressing room on matchdays. These measures, while demanding, underline Amorim’s commitment to establishing discipline at Old Trafford.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  During the November international break, Marcus Rashford and Casemiro opted for a trip to the United States after not being called up for national team duties. While Amorim refrained from publicly criticising their choice, he conveyed a clear message about limiting unnecessary breaks during the season. This stance underscores his focus on maintaining a strict code of conduct and ensuring players are fully committed to the club's objectives.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  Amorim's next challenge is a high-stakes derby against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium. Like United, City have experienced its share of struggles and it remains to be seen if Pep Guardiola's side can avenge their FA Cup defeat last season when they reignite their historic rivalry over the weekend.

Glasgow Rangers have little more than a week to complete any business that they want to do before the summer transfer window officially slams shut.

Head of recruitment Nils Koppen has been a busy man over the last few months, with plenty of players moving in and out of Ibrox since the end of last season.

Jon McLaughlin, John Lundstram, Kemar Roofe, Ryan Jack, and Borna Barisic all left as free agents, whilst Connor Goldson has been sold on a permanent basis to Aris.

Meanwhile, Liam Kelly, Clinton Nsiala, Vaclav Cerny, Connor Barron, Hamza Igamane, Jefte, Mohammed Diomande, Oscar Cortes, and Robin Propper have all been signed to add to the squad.

Philippe Clement recently revealed that the Scottish giants must sell players before they are able to bring more in, and claimed that a number of current Gers outcasts know that they have been free to leave for a while.

This means that the Light Blues will need to find new homes for some of the players on the fringes of the squad in order to free up space for further additions, and one player who must be moved on is Ianis Hagi.

The latest on Ianis Hagi's situation at Rangers

The Romania international has been 'bombed' to the B team this summer and has not been part of Clement's first-team plans since his return to Glasgow from a season-long loan spell with Alaves.

According to Football Scotland, the two-footed attacker has never requested to move on from Ibrox and still has a desire to perform for the club this term.

The report claims that Hagi has never asked to seal a transfer to another club and that his omission from the squad has been Rangers and Clement's doing, rather than because of the player's actions.

All parties must now find a solution before the window slams shut next week as it has been made clear that he is not part of the team's plans, which means that a transfer appears to be the best option.

Hagi spent last season on loan with Alaves in LaLiga and struggled to find his best form, with a return of zero goals and two assists in 22 appearances.

He missed 69 matches through injury between January 2022 and January 2023 with a knee injury and made the move to Spain on a temporary basis to get back to playing regular football.

That could explain why the 25-year-old whiz did not contribute with goals and assists on a consistent basis in the Spanish top-flight, as the Gers loanee is still recovering from that long-term issue.

Unfortunately, Clement has seemingly decided that the attacking midfielder, who has produced 16 goals and 21 assists in 99 matches for Rangers, is not a part of his plans moving forward.

The Belgian boss could forget all about the Romanian ace, should he depart before the end of the window, by swooping to sign one of the club's reported transfer targets as his replacement.

Rangers' interest in Premier League starlet

Earlier this month, Football Scotland claimed that the Gers are one of the teams interested in signing Chelsea attacking midfielder Leo Castledine.

The report stated that the Light Blues have already made contact with the Premier League giants to discuss a potential swoop for the 19-year-old starlet.

It was revealed that the Scottish side would be keen to take the teenage maestro on a season-long loan with an option to make it permanent next summer, although there is no mention of how much they would be prepared to pay as part of that arrangement.

However, Chelsea would prefer to send him out on a straight loan deal as they view him as one of their most promising talents, and Scottish Premiership outfit Aberdeen are one team that would be willing to take him on loan.

The outlet added that there is also interest in Castledine from sides in the English Championship in the player, who was nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Season award last term.

This means that Rangers do face plenty of competition, in Scotland and England, to sign the talented young player before the window slams shut next week.

Why Rangers should sign Leo Castledine

Clement and Koppen must push to win the race for his signature, whether that is on loan or on loan with an option to buy, because he could be a brilliant replacement for Hagi.

The 19-year-old is an attacking midfielder and could come in if the Romania international can find a new club before the deadline, given his current status in limbo at Ibrox.

Castledine has only made one senior appearance for Chelsea in his career and this means that it would be a gamble of a signing for the Gers, but one that could pay off big time if he can fulfill his potential.

He is a number ten who can contribute with goals and assists on a regular basis for his side, on the basis of his form for the Blues at academy level.

U23 scout Antonio Mango hailed his "terrific" knack for finding space between the lines to make things happen in the final third, which is backed up by his statistics in the U18 and U21 teams for Chelsea.

As you can see in the table above, Castledine has been a regular provider of goals and assists for the Premier League side's academy in recent years.

In the 2023/24 campaign, the £3k-per-week magician plundered a stunning ten goals and nine assists in 18 Premier League 2 matches, more than one goal contribution every game on average.

These statistics show that the Rangers target has the potential to be a fantastic attacking talent for Clement if he can even come close to translating those returns to first-team level with the Gers in the Premiership and the Europa League.

Imagine him & Diomande: Rangers identify "baller" as new target for Clement

The Light Blues are reportedly interested in a swoop for the Premier League starlet.

By
Dan Emery

Aug 18, 2024

He is an exciting young talent who could come in and allow the manager and the supporters to forget all about Hagi, who could move on in the next ten days, this summer.

Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho has won the FIFA Puskas Award for his incredible overhead kick against Everton last season.

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• Garnacho wins FIFA Puskas Award
• Vows to achieve more with Man Utd
• Scored an acrobatic goal against Everton last year

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Garnacho's acrobatic effort against Everton in November 2023 was one of the 11 nominees for the prestigious award. The Argentine stunned Goodison Park when he rose to meet Diogo Dalot's cross and fire the ball beyond Jordan Pickford, with United legend and pundit Gary Neville calling it "the best overhead kick I've ever seen".

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  After winning the Puskas Award, the 20-year-old vowed to strive for more success in the Red Devils shirt. The youngster, along with Marcus Rashford was dropped by Ruben Amorim from his matchday squad for the Manchester derby last Sunday.

• WHAT ALEJANDRO GARNACHO SAID

  After receiving the prize, the Argentina international said: "I'm very proud to win this award, it's a proud moment for me and my family. Thank you to everyone who voted for me, especially the United fans. It was a great finish and I worked on this in training many times, but also it was a great move from the team, so it's impossible to be here without my team-mates.

  "It was a special goal and I'll always remember it, but there's many more incredible moments to come with this team. We have a lot to look forward to together."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ALEJANDRO GARNACHO?

  Garnacho will hope to impress Amorim in the next couple of training sessions and win back his position in the matchday squad as the Red Devils take on Tottenham Hotspur in a Carabao Cup quarter-final clash on Thursday.

Eddie Howe and Newcastle United have had a relatively quiet summer so far, given the investment the club have had in previous seasons. The Magpies have brought five players into the club, although one of those was John Ruddy on a free transfer and the other was Lewis Hall, who made his 2023/24 loan deal from Chelsea a permanent move.

Indeed, with just a few days left of the transfer window, the Magpies seem likely to pursue new signings, with their chase for Marc Guehi ongoing. However, if they fail to sign the Crystal Palace man, they could turn to another option.

Newcastle target Bundesliga defender

The player in question here is Bayer Leverkusen defender Edmond Tapsoba. According to a report from The Athletic, ‘dialogue was initiated’ between the Magpies and the 25-year-old’s representatives over a potential transfer.

His name, along with Chelsea’s French defender Axel Disasi ‘have been floated as potential alternatives’ to Guehi, who could now stay at Selhurst Park beyond this summer. Tapsoba is valued at £29.8m by Football Transfers.

Why Tapsoba would be a good signing

Last season, the Burkina Faso international was crucial to Xabi Alonso’s Leverkusen, as they won’t on an unbeaten domestic run, winning the DFB Pokal and the Bundesliga title. He played 46 games in all competitions, although he did miss a short period of time due to national team commitments for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Should the Magpies get a deal for the Burkinabe centre-back over the line this summer, he could prove to be the dream partner for Dutchman Sven Botman. Frustratingly, the former Lille defender has been sidelined with an aggravation of an anterior cruciate ligament injury that he picked up in March, and will not be back until October.

However, the 24-year-old has been a key player for Howe throughout his time at the club, despite his injury issues. He featured 36 times in the Premier League during his debut season in 2022/23 and played 17 top-flight games last term, missing two spells thanks to his injury problems.

Together, Taposoba and Botman could certainly become a top-class centre-back duo. They are both an ideal age profile, at just 25 and will be around for many years to come. Not only that, the Leverkusen centre-back is right-footed, with Newcastle’s number four preferring his left foot, the ideal balance for two centre-backs.

Indeed, their FBref stats also suggest the two defenders would definitely make a complimentary pairing. It is important to note that, for this comparison, Taposoba’s stats from 2023/24 have been used, whilst stats from Botman’s 2022/23 season have been under consideration.

The pair averaged a high amount of ball recoveries per 90 minutes, with the Burkinabe defender completing 7.54 and Newcastle’s Dutch defender slightly less, with 5.24. Indeed, the Leverkusen man also ranked highly for combined tackles and interceptions, with 2.5 compared to Botman’s 2.07.

On the ball, Tapsoba is simply mesmerising. The 25-year-old averages 7.07 progressive passes and 2.11 progressive passes per game. In contrast, Newcastle’s number four averaged 2.51 progressive passes and just 0.23 progressive carries, although carrying out from the back is not something Howe instructs his centre-backs to do.

Tapsoba is a “complete and dominant” centre-back, as football talent scout Jacek Kulig described him, and that is certainly reflected in the stats.

Should Newcastle get this deal over the line – instead of targeting Guehi – he could be the dream partner for Botman in the present and future.

Newcastle line up late move for £40m Wilson upgrade

Eddie Howe faces a busy few days ahead

By
Ross Kilvington

Aug 27, 2024

Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was named The Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper after an excellent season for club and country.

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• Martinez wins goalkeeper award
• Won Copa America with Argentina
• Second time he's been given the prize

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The shot-stopper was a safe pair of hands as Aston Villa qualified for the Champions League for the first time by finishing in the Premier League's top four last season. He then went on to help carry Argentina to Copa America success in the summer, only conceding one goal in the whole tournament outside of a penalty shootout.

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  Martinez is one of three Premier League goalkeepers to have been nominated for the prize, including last year's winner Ederson and David Raya. Champions League and La Liga winner Andriy Lunin of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain's Gianluigi Donnarumma, AC Milan's Mike Maignan and Unai Simon from Athletic Club were also nominated.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  This is the second time that the 32-year-old has won the award, having done so two years ago, while he already won the Yashin Trophy for the second time in a row at the Ballon d'Or ceremony in October.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MARTINEZ?

  Martinez will be in action against the goalkeeper he has replaced as the best around when Villa host Ederson's Manchester City in the Premier League on Saturday.

A Liverpool star’s performance on international duty this weekend has brought plenty of attention from his national media as one writer in particular was shocked by a moment of “pure filth”.

Liverpool players away on international action

For many supporters, the international break is a pain in the neck that they could do without, due to it getting in the way of the domestic action and bringing the fear of injuries, especially when the new season has only recently got underway.

For Liverpool, it feels particularly frustrating, considering the impressive form they have shown under Arne Slot in the opening weeks of the Premier League campaign, winning their first three matches and not yet conceding a goal.

A host of Reds players are currently representing their countries all over the world, whether it be Trent Alexander-Arnold playing for England in the UEFA Nations League or Alexis Mac Allister, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez battling in South American World Cup qualifiers, with fans praying they stay fit.

The Three Lions picked up a 2-0 win away to Caoimhin Kelleher’s Republic of Ireland side on Saturday evening, with Alexander-Arnold starting at right-back and playing all 90 minutes against his Liverpool teammate at the Aviva Stadium.

Media laud "pure filth" from Liverpool hero

Taking to X during England’s win over Ireland, journalist and scout Maxi Angelo lauded an outstanding pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold, as his incredible vision caught the eye yet again and played a key role in Declan Rice opening the scoring.

This is par for the course for Alexander-Arnold, who is surely one of the most gifted technical players in the world at the moment, and his performance on Saturday drew praise from far and wide, as former The Times football chief Henry Winter said: “Had to be Declan Rice scoring (and not celebrating). All started by another brilliant pass from Alexander-Arnold, his third in 11 minutes (after earlier balls to Kane, then Grealish) He changes games with passes like that to Gordon. Fabulous pass.”

The defence-splitting pass to Anthony Gordon was a stunning piece of artistry from the Liverpool vice-captain, and it is a timely reminder that Gareth Southgate somehow didn’t see him as a key starter for England, despite his ability. Alexander-Arnold has been hailed as “world class” by Dani Alves, which is high praise from one of the greatest right-backs in the history of the game, who added that he is a “fantastic footballer”.

Alexander-Arnold will surely now be considered England’s first-choice right-back moving forward, considering both Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier are ageing while Reece James is injury-prone, and he showed exactly why he should be one of the first names on his country’s team sheet.

Mason Greenwood ended 2024 in style at Marseille and will now rival Canada international Jonathan David for the Ligue 1 Player of the Month award.

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• Forward moved to France in summer of 2024
• Has reached double figures for goals scored
• Canadian striker has also been in fine form

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  The former Manchester United winger opened the 2024-25 campaign with a flurry of goals, before then enduring a four-match barren run. After rediscovering his spark, Greenwood has taken his tally for the season to 11 and counting.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Two of those efforts were registered in the final month of the last calendar year, as he helped Marseille to collect seven points from three fixtures. Greenwood was on target in wins over Monaco and Saint-Etienne, with the first of those efforts being a nerveless last-minute penalty.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Greenwood’s exploits are being recognised, as he sits on the three-man shortlist for the latest Player of the Month award. He is joined in the hunt for that prestigious prize by Lille’s Canadian forward David – who has 17 goals this season – and Lyon’s highly-rated midfielder Rayan Cherki.

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• WHAT NEXT?

  Greenwood is no stranger to individual awards, having been named Getafe’s Player of the Year during a productive loan spell in 2023-24, and will be back in action after the French winter break on Sunday when Marseille play host to Le Havre.

Arsenal have been slammed over plans to wear a special jersey in support of Gabriel Jesus ahead of the north London derby against Tottenham.

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• Jesus nursing an ACL injury
• Arsenal wore special shirts during warm up
• Teammates eager to show solidarity with striker

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to the the Gunners discussed wearing unique shirts featuring the Brazilian forward’s name, his No.9, and a 'get well soon' message ahead of the game, in solidarity with their sidelined team-mate after he suffered a devastating anterior cruciate ligament injury during their FA Cup defeat to Manchester United on Sunday. The severity of the injury means he will miss the remainder of the season, leaving his colleagues eager to show support in this difficult time. Mikel Arteta's men did ultimately don the special kits while warming up for the derby, including a message which read: "Stay strong Gabby".

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  WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  While the gesture to honour Jesus is undoubtedly heartfelt, it has drawn criticism from rival fans.

  @UnitedMax_ wrote: "Cringe club back again 🤣."

  While @Common_SensePod wrote: "F*cks sake, he's not dead."

  A Rangers fan, @GarryCarmody wrote: "The game couldn't be more gone if it tried."

  Nonetheless, there were a couple of fans who welcomed the gesture.

  @user84848384 wrote: "People are actually mad at showing support to a player who’s just suffered his like third major knee injury in a few years, you lot are so weird."

  @xAlexTHFC seconded him and said: "That’s incredibly touching. What a beautiful club. Wow. Unbelievable. Hope you get through this terrible situation. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The loss of Jesus has left Arsenal in a vulnerable position as they approach a crucial stage of the Premier League season, as his absence creates a significant void in the team’s attacking line-up, which is already stretched thin. With Eddie Nketiah sold to Crystal Palace last summer and Reiss Nelson out on loan at Fulham, Arsenal’s options up front are limited. Kai Havertz, while capable, is not a natural striker, adding to the team’s challenges as they pursue the league title.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

  Arsenal’s return to Premier League action against Tottenham in the north London derby is a crucial test for Mikel Arteta’s side. With the added trouble of Jesus’ injury, the match is set to be a defining moment in the Gunners' season as they aim to chase down Liverpool, who are six points ahead of them in the title race.

Liverpool have reportedly sent officials to watch a “progressive” young defensive midfielder in action, as they look to snap him up in the January or summer 2025 transfer window.

Liverpool's midfield search goes on

The Reds made it clear that they wanted to complete the signing of Real Sociedad ace Martin Zubimendi during the summer transfer window, with the Spaniard considered the primary target to master the No.6 role in front of the defence. He ended up deciding to remain at his current club, however, acting as a blow to Arne Slot.

No other midfielder arrived, and while Slot still has a plethora of options at his disposal in his squad, Liverpool continue to be linked with new signings in the middle of the park.

Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton is another player who has been mentioned as a target is the last month or so, having burst onto the scene at Selhurst Park midway through last season after arriving from Blackburn Rovers, even being named in England’s squad for Euro 2024, but he would be extremely expensive.

Representatives of free agent Adrien Rabiot are also believed to have approached Liverpool about a move for the 29-year-old, but the Reds didn’t show an interest in him, despite his pedigree as a top-level midfielder.

Liverpool send scouts to watch "progressive" midfielder

According to a fresh report from TEAMtalk, Liverpool are among the clubs to have sent scouts to watch Angel Gomes in action, with Michael Edwards ensuring there were representatives from Anfield watching Lille’s 1-0 defeat at Saint-Étienne this past week as they eye a January move.

The 24-year-old’s profile has grown in recent weeks because of his call-up to Lee Carsley’s England squad, with the former Manchester United ace now plying his trade in Ligue 1.

Gomes could be such an intriguing signing for Liverpool, not least because of the controversial nature of his United past, and he showed on England duty what he is capable of. Against the Finland earlier this month, he completed 94% of his passes and played three out of four accurate long balls, while Ian Wright heaped praised on him after the game.

“Seeing Angel Gomes in that midfield, constantly on the move whether he’s high up, middle, or at the back for us in the six. He was doing progressive things, everything he was doing was very progressive. And again, all the time, constantly available in any area, wanting the ball.”

At 24, Gomes is at the perfect age to come in and be a success straight away, possessing enough experience in his career and also being young enough to improve further under Slot in the No.6 role.

A return to the Premier League may also appeal to him, in terms of keeping his profile high and enhancing his hopes of featuring prominently in an England shirt, so it is a move that would make plenty of sense for all parties.