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As Ruben Amorim edges closer and closer to becoming Jurgen Klopp's successor at Liverpool this summer, reports suggest that he's outlined the players that he wants to bring to Anfield.

Liverpool transfer news

Liverpool were undoubtedly dealt a blow when Xabi Alonso revealed that he would be staying put at Bayer Leverkusen for at least another season, but they've pivoted well ever since to turn their attention towards Amorim. The Sporting CP manager has impressed in Portugal to become one of the best young coaches in European football at just 39-years-old. Now, reports suggest that Liverpool have struck a verbal agreement with their potential Klopp replacement.

The transfer rumours have already started circling since those reports of a verbal agreement too, with FC Porto's Alan Varela linked with a move to Anfield once again. The Argentine midfielder was even reportedly watched by Liverpool scouts in his recent league game against Vitoria. But he's not Amorim's first choice, it seems.

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By
Joe Nuttall

Apr 11, 2024

According to Jornal Noticias via TeamTalk, Amorim is keen on bringing Morten Hjulmand to Liverpool this summer, telling Michael Edwards to kickstart his era with a bang by welcoming a familiar face. The Dane has enjoyed quite the season at Sporting, raising his price tag to as much as a reported €50m (£43m) ahead of the summer transfer window.

The news of Amorim's interest is a particular blow for Manchester United, who are also eyeing a move to sign Hjulmand in the coming months. If Amorim arrives at Anfield, however, it's unlikely that Erik ten Hag will be able to put together a stronger pitch than the man who the midfielder has already enjoyed great success with.

"Monster" Hjulmand would replace Endo in the long-term

Despite an unexpectedly strong debut season, Wataru Endo doesn't have the benefit of several years left in his prime at 31-years-old, handing Liverpool a problem that 24-year-old Hjulmand would solve this summer.

The defensive midfielder would unlock Alexis Mac Allister on a permanent basis, rather than forcing those at Anfield to watch on as his compatriot is restricted to a more defensive role. It's a role off the ball that Hjulmand plays to great effect too, according to Zach Lowy.

With that said, if Liverpool are to hand Amorim the perfect start at Anfield, then welcoming Hjulmand would certainly be a good way of going about it. As their next potential manager looks to make his mark, the defensive midfielder could take a significant step into Premier League football in the coming months.

Neal Maupay hit back at Everton fans on social media

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• Maupay hist back at Everton fans
• Got abused after Spurs defeat
• The Toffees suffered second consecutive defeat

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The French forward did not play a part in Everton's Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday as they got battered by Ange Postecoglou's side who scored four past them to register a thumping win.

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  Despite not coming off the bench in the humiliating defeat, Maupay had to face the wrath of a bunch of Everton fans who were waiting for the team at Euston train station. As soon as the players arrived, the crowd started hurling abuses and specifically targeted the Frenchman as he was labelled a 'f*cking rat'.

• WHAT NEAL MAUPAY SAID

  The 28-year-old, who is known to be outspoken on social media, took to X to share the video of the incident as he called out the behaviour of the supporters. He wrote, "Imagine another job where it’s normalised to get abuse like this. Hanging around at a train station to scream at men who are trying their best."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR EVERTON

  After facing back-to-back defeats in the Premier League against Brighton and Spurs, Sean Dyche's side will now take on Doncaster in an EFL Cup second-round clash on Tuesday night.

Newcastle United could be ready to turn their long-standing interest into a bid this summer, with one star now certain to leave his current club.

Bruno Guimaraes' future up in the air

The future of Newcastle's star midfielder Bruno Guimaraes remains unclear heading into the summer transfer window, a fact which will cause concern among the Newcastle fanbase. Eddie Howe is desperate to keep the Brazilian, but has made no promises should offers come in.

“My intention would be to keep Bruno for as long as we possibly can because I can,” Howe said. “But I can never make guarantees because that would be absolutely foolish of me.

"I’ve been in football long enough to know you never know what is going to happen tomorrow. But he’s an integral part of the team and playing really well at the moment. A lot will depend on our ambitions and where the club is going in the foreseeable future. We need to show we’re moving forward.”

Guimaraes has a release clause believed to be set at £100m, and is attracting interest from across the Premier League, with recent reports claiming that a fee of around £80m will be enough to see him leave Tyneside with PSG, Manchester City and Arsenal all interested.

Report: Newcastle eyeing bargain move for “outstanding” striker this summer

He has also been linked with a move by Liverpool.

By
Henry Jackson

Apr 22, 2024

It is believed that Newcastle need to bring in up to £50m to comply with the Premier League's financial fair play rules, but the sale of Bruno for a £55m profit would allow them to spend more this summer. And they appear to have already identified a replacement.

"Priceless" player set to be sold

That comes in the form of Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, who is set to be sold by the Blues this summer. Gallagher wants to stay at Chelsea, and Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino also wants him to stay, having utilised him a lot this season.

"I think he is a player with a great commitment to the team," said the Chelsea manager after their win at Selhurst Park in February.

"He is always trying to compensate in every situation, in offensive and defensive situations. It's priceless to have a player like him."

However, he is out of contract next season and is yet to agree fresh terms on his current £50,000 a week deal, while his homegrown status makes him a more valuable asset for Chelsea to offload as they look to comply with their own financial fair play issues.

Because of this, Football Insider claim that he will "definitely" be sold this summer and have added Newcastle to the list of suitors chasing his signature alongside Tottenham. The Magpies have previously seen efforts to lure him out of Stamford Bridge fail but are now "weighing up" a move once more in a bid to bolster their midfield ranks.

It remains to be seen whether they firm up their interest into a formal bid, but given their longstanding interest in the midfielder, it is not an unlikely outcome.

Manchester United are happy to sell a hugely experienced player in order to sign a "magnificent" star in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh update.

Man Utd manager & transfer news

The Red Devils will want this season to come to an end now, with their performances and results dipping well below what was expected throughout the campaign. It has heaped pressure on manager Erik ten Hag, with a number of potential replacements for the Dutchman emerging.

One such individual is Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel, who has guided his side into the Champions League semi-finals, and has experience of English football after being in charge at Chelsea.

In terms of possible incoming signings, United reportedly have concrete interest in Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot, who will be out of contract at the Turin giants at the end of the season. That means he would be available on a free transfer, making it less of a risky addition.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is another player who has been linked with a summer move to Old Trafford, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe potentially seeing him as an upgrade on Andre Onana between the sticks. The Red Devils are also believed to be in pole position to snap up Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, who is wanted by a host of Premier League clubs ahead of next season.

Man United could replace player with "magnificent" ace

According to a new report from The Daily Star, Manchester United will look to replace Harry Maguire with Jarrad Branthwaite this summer, as they look to get a deal over the line for the Everton man.

The report states that the Red Devils "intend" to use their current centre-back as "bait", allowing him to move to Goodison Park while the Blues star heads in the opposite direction.

This could be a perfect piece of business by United this summer, with Maguire not representing the future at Old Trafford, considering he is now 31 years of age. There are also constant doubts over whether he is good enough to be a key man, with his lack of pace preventing Ten Hag from deploying as high a line as he may like to.

Branthwaite could be a fantastic addition for United, standing out as one of the brightest young defenders around at the moment, starting 33 Premier League games this season and averaging 2.8 aerial duel wins per game in the competition – only James Tarkowski has more in the Toffees defence. He has also been lauded by Newcastle and England legend Alan Shearer, who has said of him: "Magnificent at the back. Nothing got past him against West Ham."

Man Utd can now end Casemiro experiment with return of "fantastic" player

Positive news for Ten Hag.

By
Tom Cunningham

May 5, 2024

It is time for Ratcliffe to find fresh young blood who can be the fulcrum of his boyhood team for many years to come and Branthwaite is ideal in that respect, coming in as a long-term signing, but also a player who can be a key man from the off.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola says he's become lazier as he's grown older and explained why he has to watch more of Liverpool under Arne Slot.

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• Guardiola says he's become lazier
• Watching more of Liverpool since Slot took over
• Preparing to face Brentford next with City

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Guardiola has enjoyed many battles with Liverpool during his time at City but faces a different challenge this season with Arne Slot having replaced Jurgen Klopp at the helm. The Dutchman has enjoyed a perfect start to life at Anfield, winning his first three games of the new campaign to join City at the top of the early table on nine points.

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  Slot's arrival has also forced Guardiola to work a bit harder and watch more Liverpool games. The City coach has admitted to becoming "lazier" as he gets older but is now being forced to do his homework and keep a more careful eye on Liverpool's matches in a bid to understand Slot's tactics and plans for his team.

• WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

  He told reporters: "When I play a new club in the Champions League that I don't know, I see much more than playing against Arsenal, for example. Of course I want to watch Arsenal a lot, but Mikel has been there four or five years. And before with Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool. Now I have to watch more Liverpool because of Arne: I don't know exactly what they do. But with Jurgen, we knew each other better. When I was younger, I watched much, much more than now. Now I'm lazier. I think I watch well enough to understand what the opponents want to do. I try to choose the right footage to show my players, to convince them of what to do to try and beat them."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN CITY

  City and Liverpool are not scheduled to meet in the Premier League until December which means Guardiola has plenty of time to take stock of Slot's Reds. Both teams will be in action this weekend, however, with City hosting Brentford and Liverpool taking on Nottingham Forest at Anfield.

Aston Villa are trundling toward the conclusion of a stunning campaign under Unai Emery, bogged down by injuries and the toil of a return to European competition and a fight for Champions League football.

That prized pursuit, despite the recent blip, remains on course thanks to top four-chasing rivals Tottenham Hotspur's dramatic decline, losing four on the bounce to stay seven points behind the Villans.

The Premier League high-fliers will journey to Greece to face Olympiakos in the second leg of their Europa Conference League semi-final tie on Thursday trailing 4-2 in the aggregate.

Regardless of that outcome, Villa have been in stunning showing this season, but must now build to ensure that a position among England and Europe's elite is secured and cemented. Transfer activity must be on the mark.

Aston Villa looking at La Liga star

According to Football Transfers, Aston Villa are targetting Villarreal star Alex Baena this summer following the attacker's fine form in Spain.

The 22-year-old previously played under Emery with the Yellow Submarine and Football Transfers' report compares his style of play to that of Jack Grealish – who made quite the impression as Villa captain before transferring to Manchester City for £100m in 2021.

The caveat is that he'd cost around €60m (£52m), but Villa have recently sent scouts to observe Baena in action and an official approach may well materialise in the coming months.

Why Aston Villa are interested in Alex Baena

Emery can be credited with sculpting the maiden stage of Baena's career, unleashing him from the early stage of his career and providing him with a Europa League title, won against Manchester United, with the Spaniard having chalked up ten goals and eight assists from 37 appearances under his countryman.

Making his international debut and netting his first goal for Spain last September, Baena is on the fast rise to stardom and given that clubs such as Liverpool have been in pursuit recently, Villa Park might be wise to welcome the dynamic attacking midfielder ASAP – having been hailed as a "beautiful technician" by journalist Josh Bunting.

This season, he has only scored five times from 46 appearances in all competitions, but this is not where Baena's strengths are at their sharpest, most notable.

His constant supply of assists make for a brilliant tool and it's no wonder Emery has a vested interest in a reunion, with the principal left winger racking up 16 assists.

As per FBref, Baena ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 14% for shot-creating actions and the top 16% for progressive passes per 90, showcasing his creative ability that could mirror that of Grealish, who has been hailed as a "magnificent all-round player" by journalist Henry Winter.

A peculiarly-framed winger at 6 foot 4, Baena too boasts all-round versatility and while he isn't the quickest of players, his agile feet and deceptive twisting gait allow him to saunter through the half-spaces and wreak havoc with playmaking prowess – sound like anyone?

Aston Villa "close" to securing deal for £137k-per-week ace this summer

Aston Villa are reportedly closing in on a summer signing.

By
Josh Barker

May 5, 2024

Grealish, of course, dazzled in claret and blue prior to departing for the Etihad – chalking up 73 goals and assists in 213 games for the club – with it undoubtedly big shoes to fill if Baena is looking to emulate the Englishman in the Midlands.

The seeds have been sown at Villa Park and Emery's outfit are hardly short of ambition, but this statement signing must now be made to ensure that a place among Europe's elite can be contested for once again next year, and again, and again.

Arne Slot lavished praise on Caoimhin Kelleher despite the goalkeeper revealing his desire to leave Liverpool for more minutes elsewhere.

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• Liverpool signed Mamardashvili for next season
• Kelleher frustrated with the club's decision
• Wants a fresh challenge to revive his career

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The signing of Giorgi Mamardashvili was sanctioned by Slot, signalling the club’s intention to secure a long-term replacement for Alisson in the coming years. Although Mamardashvili will remain at Valencia for one more season on loan, his future arrival at Anfield has cast doubt on Kelleher's role at the club.

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  Speaking openly about his situation, Kelleher did not shy away from expressing his disappointment, admitting that he may now seek to leave Liverpool in search of more consistent opportunities elsewhere. The Irish goalkeeper has spent much of his Liverpool career as a backup to Alisson and is now prepared to seek a fresh challenge where he will be the No.1 choice.

• WHAT SLOT SAID

  Despite Kelleher's public desire to leave, Slot has been full of admiration for the goalkeeper’s professionalism.

  "I would be worried if a player said they didn't want to play first-team football and wanted to stay on the bench for life," the Dutch coach said before facing Nottingham Forest.

  "It's normal but it's also normal that a club like this that competes for trophies has more than 11 who can play. So it is about helping the team when they have to and Caoimhin has shown many times that he is ready when we need him. It's a good thing he wants to play. It's clear Alisson is No.1 but it's a normal situation to be in and he has handled it really well."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Forest reportedly made a bid to sign the Irish goalkeeper, but Liverpool rejected the offer, much to Kelleher’s frustration.

  "It’s been reported that Liverpool have rejected a few bids as well. My ambition is clear that I think I’m good enough and I want to go out and prove it," he said.

  "Sometimes from the outside looking in, it looks like that’s 100% my decision but at times it’s not always in my hands."

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke was backed by the board in the summer transfer window last year as they allowed to make a host of new signings.

Some of his additions, including the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, Glen Kamara, and Joe Rodon, have turned out to be fantastic additions to the squad.

Ampadu, who was named in the Championship Team of the Season, has been one of the standout signings since his permanent move from Chelsea last summer.

However, the German boss did not hit the mark with every piece of business made during that window. Djed Spence arrived on loan before being sent back to Tottenham Hotspur in January, whilst Jaidon Anthony has failed to make an impact on the pitch this season.

Why Leeds signed Jaidon Anthony

The Whites snapped the winger up on a season-long loan deal from Premier League side Bournemouth last summer, after he had played a season in the top-flight with the Cherries.

Anthony arrived at Elland Road off the back of a return of three goals and one assist in 30 Premier League games for his parent club during the 2022/23 campaign.

As you can see in the table above, the English whiz had previously caught the eye in the Championship during Bournemouth's promotion-winning season the previous year.

He had showcased his quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals with 26 goals scored and 'big chances' created combined in 45 league outings.

Leeds have been rinsed by Jaidon Anthony

Unfortunately, Leeds have not seen the best of the 24-year-old star this season as he has flopped at Elland Road, enduring a rough season on the pitch so far.

Per Capology, the Whites are paying his £25k-per-week wages during his loan spell and that money is being sent down the drain, due to his lack of impact on the field.

Staggeringly, Anthony has played even fewer minutes (503) in the Championship than veteran defender Liam Cooper (707), despite the Scottish defender having made just 15 appearances so far.

18 players have played more minutes than the Cherries loanee in the league for Farke, which illustrates how sparingly he has been utilised this term.

Anthony has started just two league games for Leeds and been brought on as a substitute in a further 29 matches. In that time, he has slightly underperformed in front of goal with one strike from 1.7 xG.

The right-footed flop has also failed to register a single assist and has not created a single 'big chance' for his teammates in his 31 Championship outings.

Ultimately, the Bournemouth whiz has not done enough on the pitch to justify the £25k-per-week that Leeds are supposedly paying to have him on loan.

The Leeds academy sensation who could eventually replace Gnonto

Daniel Farke may already have his heir to the Italian whiz in the club’s youth set-up.

By
Dan Emery

May 13, 2024

He has not contributed too much in the way of attacking quality in the Championship and has been rarely used by Farke, playing even less than a centre-back – Cooper – who has been a back-up to a natural defensive midfielder – Ampadu.

Therefore, the Yorkshire-based side have been rinsed by the £25k-per-week loan flop so far this season, and it may take some surprise heroics in the remainder of the play-offs this month for his time at the club to be remembered as a success.

Erik ten Hag says he will ease Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount back into the fold at Manchester United after both returned to training.

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• United play Crystal Palace this weekend
• Hojlund and Mount back in training
• Striker had hamstring issue, midfielder a muscle injury

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ten Hag insists he will tread carefully when it comes to the fitness of both Hojlund and Mount, despite their return to training. The striker has yet to play in a competitive fixture this season, having sustained a hamstring injury in pre-season. Mount played against Fulham and Brighton, but has missed the last two games with a muscle issue.

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  United have endured a patchy start; they beat Fulham 1-0 to open their league campaign, but then lost to both Brighton and Liverpool. They returned to winning ways by beating Southampton at the weekend and Ten Hag says he will not rush the pair back.

• WHAT TEN HAG SAID

  Ten Hag told reporters: "It's very good news they are back on the pitch. They are back in team training.

  “We have to decide whether they are fit enough to start but it is very pleasing they are fit and back in the squad. We have so many games in this block to cover so very happy.

  “We have to make the final call. They did a couple of training (sessions). We have to see how they recover and then tomorrow we will make a final call.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  United play Palace this weekend. If Hojlund and Mount are left out, they could return against FC Twente in the Europa League next week.

A fan has been permanently banned by Atletico Madrid for throwing projectiles at Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.

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• Fiery Madrid derby ended in 1-1 draw
• Game suspended after Courtois hit by projectiles
• One fan identified and banned for life

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Courtois could be seen celebrating in front of the Atletico Madrid ultras when Eder Militao gave Real the lead in the derby on Sunday night. Soon after, the Belgian goalkeeper was pelted with projectiles from behind his goal, causing the match to be suspended. Since then, Atletico have identified and banned a fan who was involved in the violence.

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  WHAT ATLETICO MADRID SAID

  In a statement, Atletico Madrid said: "The club has made the decision to permanently expel the person identified yesterday by the police, in collaboration with our security department, involved in the throwing of objects during the derby. Our security department continues to work with the police to identify the rest of those involved in the throwing of objects, who will be permanently expelled as soon as they are identified."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Players are used to abuse being hurled at them in stadiums, especially away from home. But there is never an acceptable time or place to throw things at those on the pitch, even if they have turned around to taunt those supporting the other team.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Atletico Madrid have confirmed they will continue to work with police to identify any other supporters who were involved in the chaos. To add insult to injury, Courtois has now picked up an injury that could see him sidelined for Real Madrid's Champions League match against Lille this week.