All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Let's begin by admitting something: there was an element of anxiety around Arne Slot's introduction to life as Liverpool boss. Stepping into Jurgen Klopp's shoes was always going to be a daunting task and history suggests that some would struggle to build upon the strong foundations.

But Slot isn't any head coach and was picked by FSG's Michael Edwards to succeed the legendary German given the ticked boxes around his tactical nous and interpersonal skills, two facets that have been salient across the opening three months of his Liverpool reign.

Liverpool are discernibly more composed on the ball, more eager to retain possession, sapping opponents' energy and confidence through purposeful passing play and suffocating transitions.

The September international break trundles on but Reds supporters will be itching to see their high-flying team back in action, having won all three of their opening Premier League matches, yet to concede a goal and most recently putting Manchester United to the sword at Old Trafford.

All this without really making any significant moves in the transfer market. Slot's first-team squad is brimming with talent, and the primary objective is to tie three key figures down to new deals.

Why Liverpool need to keep hold of Virgil van Dijk

As you've probably heard, Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mo Salah are all out of contract at the end of the season, with their unresolved contractual situations striking more than a measure of trepidation into the hearts of supporters.

Liverpool might not have welcomed hordes of world-renowned superstars to the squad but plenty has gone on at Anfield. A host of squad players have been sold or loaned out to unclutter and streamline a talented team eyeing silverware, and now Edwards and Richard Hughes are going to work on the aforementioned issues.

Salah looks the most likely to pen new terms at this stage, with negotiations forthcoming and the Reds reportedly doing everything within their power to extend the Egyptian's £350k-per-week contract.

All is quiet on the Van Dijk front. The Netherlands and Liverpool captain has been one of the most influential players in Europe since signing for Liverpool from Southampton in a £75m move in January 2018, and though he's now 33, is still performing at an obscene level.

His aerial dominance, ball-playing skills and leadership quality are elements known by all, but the fact that the Dutchman still ranks among the top 7% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for carries (57.79) per 90, as per FBref, suggests that his athleticism and robustness remain at an impressive standard.

Van Dijk has conquered all of Europe in Liverpool red, but is he going to stop? It's an anxious wait but the hope is that he extends and continues to add security and authority from the back, stretching his influence across every area of the park.

Tying him down to a contract extension, alongside Alexander-Arnold and Salah, is imperative, and fans will hope to see some positivity on that front after a low-key summer.

That said, Liverpool did sign Federico Chiesa, and that might turn out to be a masterful addition.

Why Liverpool signed Federico Chiesa

Before the summer market opened for business, most of a Liverpool persuasion would have expected to see the backline strengthened with a new centre-back and, perhaps, FSG enforce the signing of an upgrade on Wataru Endo, who was signed as a stopgap from Stuttgart last summer for £16m.

Landing Chiesa, an out-of-favour and injury-prone winger from Juventus, was probably not envisaged, but let's steer away from surface-level stuff and look at why the Reds opted to make this move.

Chiesa, injuries aside, is one of Europe's most talented wide forwards, with technical sharpness, multi-angled creativity and positional flexibility that led journalist Zach Lowy to hail him as "absolutely world-class" after his performances at Euro 2020 with Italy, crucial in his nation's golden triumph.

But he's suffered ACL blows that have knocked his growth since. Despite this, the 26-year-old enjoyed something of a resurgence with Juventus last season, starting 26 Serie A matches and scoring nine goals.

Moreover, he ranks among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions and the top 3% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref, underscoring the kind of shuttling playmaker Liverpool have got their mitts on.

Did we mention the transfer fee? My, my, if Chiesa can keep the chatter around his name fixed to on-pitch stuff, there's no question that Edwards has done it again and that Liverpool might just have hit the jackpot.

Liverpool have already hit the jackpot on Federico Chiesa

On August 29, 2024, Liverpool announced the signing of Chiesa from Italian giants Juventus. The figure was reported to stand at just £10m, stretching to £12.5m upon the meeting of feasible clauses.

This is quite a shrewd sum, even if the Italy international had stepped into the final year of his contract in Turin. Earning £150k per week, he's among the higher-paid earners at the Merseyside outfit, but this is warranted, for he could prove to be an invaluable presence in Slot's squad if he (you guessed it) keeps the lengthy layoffs away.

And anyway, as per Transfermarkt, Chiesa is already considered to be worth £30m, over half of what Liverpool paid. Moreover, the site records that he was worth £59m in December 2021, before a ruinous period on the sidelines – perhaps he could resurrect something along those lines at Liverpool.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

£30m, for example, means that he is already worth more than Van Dijk (recorded to have a market value of £26m), who might be approaching the end of his deal at Liverpool but is still one of the best players in the world – should a new deal fail to materialise, there will be no shortage of high-profile suitors in line.

Fans have little more time to wait until Chiesa gracing the Anfield pitch, in line to make his debut in the Premier League against Nottingham Forest this coming weekend, and if he hits the ground running and sustains an impressive purple patch, he might just restore his erstwhile position among Europe's most valuable forwards.

Liverpool dud who left in 2016 would now cost more than Nunez in 2024 money

This expensive dud really struggled when he was on the books at Liverpool.

ByKelan Sarson Sep 9, 2024

With the summer transfer window now closed, Liverpool have instantly turned their attention towards 2025 and signing an eventual successor for Virgil van Dijk, according to reports.

Liverpool transfer news

After three games, three clean sheets and seven goals, it's fair to say that the Arne Slot era is well underway at Anfield. The Dutchman even dealt his first blow to bitter rivals Manchester United in a routine 3-0 victory. If there were any concerns that the former Feyenoord manager would take too long to settle into life in Merseyside, those have so far been put to rest.

Such a start follows a fairly quiet summer window, in which only Federico Chiesa immediatly arrived, whilst Giorgi Mamardashvili will officially turn out in Liverpool colours next season after a loan spell back at Valencia in the current campaign.

Any money may well have been put to one side for when Slot has fully assessed his new side, however, making for a busy 2025 which looks likely to feature the addition of a central defender, with reports earlier in the week revealing Liverpool's interest in hijacking an in-demand young talent from under the noses of Real Madrid and Barcelona – Palmeiras' 18 year-old centre-back Vitor Reis.

Their interest in young defenders doesn't stop there however. According to Football Insider, Liverpool hold concrete interest in Jarrard Branthwaite and are eyeing up a 2025 move to sign the Everton centre-back in a controversial transfer. Reportedly valued at as much as £70m in the summer transfer window, the Reds are unlikely to see that valuation drop next year but may still spend big amid uncertainty over Van Dijk's future.

As things stand, the club captain is set to depart as a free agent next summer in what would be a major blow for Slot and his side. Van Dijk, himself, has reiterated his happiness at Anfield, but it remains to be seen whether those at Anfield hand him that opportunity.

Forget Doak: Slot could already have Liverpool's next Diaz in 17 y/o star

He’s doing great things for the Reds’ academy circle…

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 4, 2024

Either way, given that he is now 33 years old, Liverpool must consider a long-term replacement and have been linked to both Branthwaite and Reis in recent days as a result.

How "monster" Branthwaite compares to Van Dijk

A Premier League great, not many defenders stand much of a chance when compared to Van Dijk, who will always have his place among the very best that English football has ever seen. But Branthwaite, at 22 years old, has shown more than enough potential to enter Liverpool's radar.

Progressive Passes

74

200

Tackles Won

32

23

Ball Recoveries

181

170

Aerial Duels Won

94

140

Off the ball, the England international looks ready for a Champions League club and even a controversial move across Merseyside. However, it must be said that his work on the ball still needs the improvement that would naturally come under the guidance of Slot's football, given that Van Dijk managed over double the number of progressive passes last time out.

Described as a "monster" by Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig last season, Branthwaite remains one to watch in the current campaign and when the transfer window swings open in January.

It's been a surprisingly quiet summer on the transfer front for Arsenal this year.

The last two summer windows saw Mikel Arteta welcome in a swathe of new faces like Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko and more.

Yet, over the last few months, the only new face added to the first team has been Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori, while the move for Mikel Merino continues to drag on and on.

That said, Edu Gaspar and Co have been much busier with outgoings than in years gone by, with Emile Smith Rowe moving to Fulham for big money and Eddie Nketiah edging ever closer to Nottingham Forest.

However, if the Gunners number 14 is to leave, a replacement must be signed, and interestingly, the club were linked with the perfect candidate earlier this summer.

Nketiah's exit and his potential replacement

It's been a confusing couple of weeks regarding Nketiah's future at Arsenal, as earlier this month, it looked as if he would be joining Marseille, only for the French side to walk away when Arsenal stuck to their valuation of between £30m and £35m.

Then Forest entered the fray, and while they too have had an offer rejected by the Gunners – around £25m – The Athletic's David Ornstein reported earlier this week that they were still negotiating with the North Londoners.

The latest update came from the BBC yesterday evening when it was revealed that the final fee for the Englishman could reach up to £30m, which would vindicate Edu and Co's staunch rejection of all previous offers.

However, if the 25-year-old does leave in the coming days, the club need to sign Arteta another backup striker, to replace him, and while links to potential forwards have gone cold for the moment, the Gunners were linked with someone who'd be the perfect replacement earlier this year: Santiago Gimenez.

The Feyenoord marksman has been touted for a move to the Emirates multiple times over the last nine months, with the links reemerging last week.

Interestingly, while it's unclear how much the Dutch club want for their star attacker, Forest are also working on an offer for the Mexican international worth around €30m – £26m – after seeing their original bid of €25m – £21m – rejected.

If Arsenal are clever, they could offload Nketiah to the Tricky Trees in the coming days and then use the money from that deal to get ahead of them in the queue for Gimenez, as he'd be a brilliant bench option for Arteta, and maybe even someone who could challenge Kai Havertz at points.

How Gimenez compares to Nketiah and Havertz

So, if the Feyenoord ace is going to be the Gunners' replacement for Nketiah and potentially even challenge Havertz in the future, how does his record from last season stack up with the Arsenal strikers?

Well, unsurprisingly, the "unstoppable" Mexican marksman, as talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed him, was far more effective than the Englishman, racking up an impressive 26 goals and eight assists in 41 appearances, equating to a goal involvement on average every 1.20 games.

In contrast, the North Londoners' number 14 scored six goals and provided three assists in 37 appearances, meaning he averaged a goal involvement once every 4.11 games, and while he didn't play as many minutes, his performances on the pitch weren't good enough to justify more.

Appearances

41

37

51

18

Goals

26

6

14

8

Games

8

3

7

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.82

0.24

0.41

0.83

It's interesting when we get to the former Bayer Leverkusen ace; if you were to take his entire season, his goal involvement-to-game ratio would be worse than that of the Buenos Aires-born poacher. However, when you look at just the games in which he played as a striker, it's much more even.

For example, in those 18 games, he scored eight goals and provided seven assists, equating to an average of one goal involvement every 1.20 matches, or the same as the man who could be gunning for his place in the team later this season.

Ultimately, it looks like Nketiah is on his way out of the Emirates this summer and heading to Nottingham Forest, and if Arsenal want to be clever and bring in the best candidate to take his place as the go-to option off the bench, then they must go back in for Gimenez.

Arsenal could send Martinelli packing with "sizzling" £34m sensation

The “unstoppable” attacker would be a brilliant addition to the Gunners’ attack, although perhaps not for the Brazilian.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 19, 2024

Manchester United are 'still discussing internally' who may be the best fit to spearhead their attack heading into 2023/24 as they assess several striking targets, says renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What strikers have Manchester United been linked with this window?

Earlier in the year, Manchester United were heavily linked with a move for Tottenham Hotspur talisman Harry Kane as Erik Ten Hag looks to beef up his forward line with an elite addition, as per The Independent.

Nevertheless, the Red Devils opted out of pursuing the England international in the end due to Spurs' tough stance in negotiations, leaving them in a position where their priorities have now shifted to tracking alternative options.

Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund is also a target for Manchester United and talks are continuing over a swoop for the 20-year-old; however, his current employers have slapped an £86 million price tag on his shoulders in their attempts to ward off interest, according to The Daily Mail.

Eintracht Frankfurt star Randal Kolo Muani and Napoli sensation Victor Osimhen have also been mooted as prospective signings at Old Trafford this summer.

Jornal de Notícias via Sport Witness claim that Porto hitman Mehdi Taremi is someone who is admired by Manchester United boss Ten Hag as their search for a new forward continues to gain momentum.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Romano has revealed that Manchester United are still running the rule over who may be the best fit to lead the line at the club this season.

Romano said: “They are still discussing internally who is the best striker for this project and what kind of opportunity they will find.

“They wanted Harry Kane; this is very clear. Erik ten Hag wanted Harry Kane, but, at the moment, Tottenham have no intentions of negotiating with Man Utd. This is why they are looking at other options.”

What other movements have Manchester United made in the transfer market?

Romano has also confirmed that Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount is set for a medical at Manchester United ahead of his move to Old Trafford, stating on Twitter: "Mason Mount will undergo medical tests on Monday and then he’s finally gonna sign five year deal as new Manchester United player. Contract until June 2028 — it will also include an option to extend until June 2029. £55m plus £5m to Chelsea. Statement this week."

In the goalkeeping department, Feyenoord stopper Justin Bijlow and Eintracht Frankfurt's Kevin Trapp have been identified as two targets to strengthen Ten Hag's last line of defence, as a deal to bring in Inter Milan goalkeeper Andre Onana could prove to be difficult financially, according to The Mirror.

Calciomercato claim that Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic's agent has held talks over a prospective transfer to Manchester United, though the Serbia international is garnering attention from several clubs around Europe.

Either way, Manchester United look set for a busy summer window as Ten Hag aims to construct a side capable of challenging for the Premier League title this season.

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United youngster Amad Diallo on loan this summer, according to a fresh update.

How good is Man United youngster Diallo?

The £28,000-a-week attacker is an exciting prospect at Old Trafford, with a potentially strong career ahead of him, wherever he eventually ends up.

Diallo spent last season on loan at Sunderland and his performances caught the eye, with 14 goals and three assists coming his way in the Championship, and it could be that another temporary move comes his way in 2023/24, in order for him to continue his development.

The 20-year-old could be a future regular at Old Trafford, depending on how much he kicks on in the coming years, and any Championship club would surely be happy to have him.

With Leeds preparing for life back in the second tier, following their relegation from the Premier League last month, it looks as though Diallo has emerged as a summer target for new owners the 49ers Enterprises.

Are Leeds keen on signing Diallo this summer?

According to The Mirror, the Whites are "on the trail" of Diallo ahead of a potential loan move this summer, seeing him as an ideal replacement for the likes of Jack Harrison and Wilfried Gnonto, both of whom could move on before the start of next season.

It is stated that United manager Erik ten Hag "plans to take him on the club’s summer tour to the USA", but it could be that he doesn't yet see him as a key part of his plans, therefore paving the way for a short-term exit.

Diallo could be such an exciting signing for Leeds, with his displays for Sunderland last term showing exactly what he is capable of, being hailed as "incredible" by Black Cats hero Luke O'Nien. He has the unpredictability, trickery and end product to immediately make the Whites a potent force in the Championship, and he would help fill the possible void left by Harrison and Gnonto.

Granted, it seems highly unlikely that the Ivorian will be at Elland Road for more than a season, but Leeds needs a quickfire return to the Premier League and the United starlet could be the man who helps inspire them back into the top flight.

Diallo already has three caps and one goal to his name for the Ivory Coast, despite his tender years, while six goals and four assists in just five appearances for United's Under-21s further highlight what a talent he is.

Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani has seemingly been handed a huge Manchester United boost in his attempts to seal a full Old Trafford takeover.

What’s the latest Man United takeover news?

Jassim has made five bids for Manchester United, with the most recent coming earlier this month. His offer has always been for 100% of the club which would see all the club’s debt cleared, while also creating a separate fund for the community.

However, Jassim isn’t the only one keen on a takeover, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS group also in the race which began late last year. It was previously reported that Ratcliffe was closing in on a Manchester United takeover, however, recent speculation has claimed that it is Jassim who has now slipped ahead.

A takeover approval process could actually take eight to 12 weeks, meaning that the Glazers may remain in control at the start of next season, but an update has emerged which could be good news for Jassim.

The Manchester Evening News relayed an update from The Mirror on Tuesday regarding the Glazers’ stance on a full sale, with it being labelled as a huge boost for Jassim.

“Sheikh Jassim has received a 'huge boost' in his prospective takeover of United with the Glazer family finally on the same page, according to The Mirror.

“There has been long-standing debate over a full sale, with brothers Joel and Avram both thought to be keen on retaining a minority share – something Sir Jim Ratcliffe has proposed in his bid. However, the family are now said to be united regarding a full sale, something that Sheikh Jassim has vowed to go through with, should he be granted exclusivity.”

Is Kylian Mbappe signing for Man United?

This update appears to be key for Jassim in his attempts to take full control at Old Trafford, and should he do just that, it looks as if he is planning to make a Man United move for Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe.

The Qatar group believe that the France international “belongs at Man United” and are eyeing a sensational swoop this summer.

Mbappe may end up leaving PSG ahead of the 2023/24 season if he doesn’t sign new terms with the club, and should Jassim get the green light in Manchester ahead of Ratcliffe, he could make a £170m move – making this one to watch over the coming months.

20 years. That is how long Newcastle United had gone without the glitz and glamour of Champions League football, prior to their return in 2023/24.

They haven’t come all too often in recent times, but St James’ Park is a stadium made for Champions League nights – Football FanCast thought it was worth ranking Newcastle United’s greatest clashes in European football…

5 Newcastle United 1-0 Juventus – 2002-03 Champions League

If you were to ask a Newcastle fan about Andy Griffin, one moment would come to mind. That would, of course, be Griffin’s famous goal against Juventus 20 years ago.

Star-studded players such as Alessandro Del Piero, Gianluigi Buffon and Edgar Davids made the trip to Tyneside, but Griffin was the unlikely hero in a historic win for the Magpies

The full-back, who was never famed for his goalscoring exploits, saw his effort deflect in off Italian legend Buffon to hand Newcastle their first win of their Champions League campaign.

4 Feynoord 2-3 Newcastle United – 2002/03 Champions League

Another Champions League classic from the 2002/03 season saw Craig Bellamy’s last-minute winner make Newcastle the first-ever side to qualify from their group after losing their first three games.

Needing a win to book their place in the second group stage – as was the format back in the day – the Magpies raced off into a 2-0 lead through goals from Bellamy and Hugo Viana, only to let that slip midway through the second half.

Bellamy, however, would come to the rescue, with Kieron Dyer’s shot falling at the feet of the Welshman, who slotted home the winner and sent the Newcastle away end into pandemonium.

3 Inter 2-2 Newcastle United – 2002/03 Champions League

The 2002-03 Champions League season was well and truly a rollercoaster ride for the Magpies, with Newcastle’s famous trip to the San Siro providing yet another classic for the Toon Army – albeit they will have felt hard done by after the final whistle.

Needing a win to realistically stay in the tournament, the Magpies took a staggering 12,000 fans to Milan. Toon legend Alan Shearer repaid the faith of the fans by scoring two goals either side of half-time, though his brace was cancelled out by goals from Christian Vieri and Ivan Cordoba.

Despite the Inter side including the likes of Fabio Cannavaro and Javier Zanetti, Newcastle were largely the better team throughout and could have deemed themselves unlucky not to have left Italian soil without the three points.

2 Ujpest 2-3 Newcastle United – 1968/69 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup

Newcastle’s only European trophy to date was secured following the Magpies’ clash with Hungarian outfit Ujpest came way back in the 1960s – days when finals used to be played across two legs.

The Fairs Cup was a predecessor to the UEFA Cup and Europa League, and the Toon’s triumph remains their most recent taste of major silverware.

A Newcastle side including the likes of Bob Moncur and Wyn Davies soared into a 3-0 lead after the first game, going on to comfortably lift the trophy after a 3-2 second-leg victory in Budapest.

1 Newcastle United 3-2 Barcelona – 1997/98 Champions League

Newcastle’s famous win over Spanish giants FC Barcelona has to be the best of the bunch when it comes to European nights at St James’ Park.

Back in 1997, Kenny Dalglish’s side played host to a legendary Barcelona side that contained the likes of Rivaldo, Luis Figo and Luis Enrique.

The Magpies, however, came out on top thanks to a sublime hat-trick from Faustino Asprilla. The Colombian’s 49-minute hat-trick sailed the Toon Army into a shock 3-0 lead, with Barcelona eventually fighting back with two goals of their own through Enrique and Figo.

West Ham United are leading the way for the signature of relegated Southampton star James Ward-Prowse this summer, according to Football Insider.

Is James Ward-Prowse leaving Southampton?

As revealed by Football Insider, James Ward-Prowse was given permission to leave Southampton in the case of relegation.

So, now that the Saints are set for a spell in the Championship, the midfielder is reportedly free to leave.

The club captain couldn’t do enough to rescue his side from relegation, despite scoring nine goals and assisting a further four from midfield in the league.

Ward-Prowse’s form was certainly Premier League quality, as is his ability.

And, with that, he has attracted the interest of West Ham, who, alongside London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, lead the way for the Englishman’s signature this summer, according to Football Insider.

After spending his entire career up to date with Southampton, Ward-Prowse’s time at St Mary’s looks set to finally come to an end.

How much will James Ward-Prowse cost?

Despite suffering relegation from the Premier League, Southampton will look to demand £40m for the transfer of Ward-Prowse this summer, according to Jack Rosser of The Sun.

It remains to be seen whether West Ham can match that price, but the prospect of Europe once again next season would certainly provide a financial boost ahead of the summer.

The Hammers may have no choice but to invest in midfield reinforcements this summer, too, given the uncertainty surrounding Declan Rice’s future at the club.

The England international has been linked with moves to Bayern Munich and Arsenal, as per Florian Plettenberg.

The potential arrival of Ward-Prowse could help to fill the void left by Rice, if he did decide to leave West Ham in the summer transfer window.

The "phenomenal" Southampton captain – as once described by former teammate Charlie Austin – would also fill the homegrown spot that Rice would leave.

Speaking on potential signings this summer, Moyes suggested his desire to sign homegrown players, saying via the Evening Standard:

“I would say yes, I think I would like to add more a little bit more of British players or homegrown players if we possibly could.

“I wouldn’t set out to take one of them if I saw something better or I thought there was a better alternative.”

With that in mind and a whole summer of twists to come, West Ham’s reported pursuit of Ward-Prowse could yet see plenty more twists and turns.

Manchester City are edging closer to a deal for Mateo Kovacic, with reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano reporting that personal terms between the club and the player have been agreed.

Who are Manchester City signing this summer?

The midfielder has once more been a frequent first-team player for Chelsea this season but he isn't starting as many games for the Blues as he once was. When the player first arrived at Stamford Bridge, he was handed 32 league outings with 21 of those coming as starts. In the 2022/23 campaign however, Kovacic was afforded only 27 league games and 17 starts, as Chelsea finished in the bottom half of the Premier League.

It didn't stop the Croatian from producing the goods though, with the central player managing one goal and two assists along the way. He also ranked highly for his passing ability, with his rate of 70.24 passes per 90 putting him within the top eight percent of players in his position amongst the 'Top Five' big leagues in Europe. He also registered 7.93 progressive passes per 90 – putting him in the top nine percent for that figure too.

Despite not featuring as much, Kovacic remains an intelligent player then that likes to sling the ball around the field and to use his ability in finding teammates to help his side get further up the field. It's led to interest in his services from Manchester City ahead of the transfer window and it appears that a deal is getting closer to completion.

That's because reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that personal terms have been agreed over a move – and that the player himself wants to leave the Blues to move the Etihad Stadium. Whilst a deal is therefore nearly done, the fee over a deal has not yet been agreed. Romano though has stated that the figure is likely to be something that is discussed and agreed once City have played in their Champions League final. With CIES Football Observatory valuing the midfielder at 30 million Euros (£25m), that fee might not be too high of an amount if that is anything to go off.

Speaking on the deal, Romano said: "Mateo Kovacić has now agreed personal terms with Manchester City after advanced talks already revealed last week. Kovacić wants the move, next step has to be between clubs as Chelsea and City will discuss fee after the UCL final. Chelsea, open to sell Kovacic."

Would Kovacic be a good signing for Man City?

The midfielder has already won Croatian League titles and a La Liga with Real Madrid but has yet to add a Premier League crown to his silverware cupboard. With the Blues sliding down the table, a move to Man City may allow him to be in with a chance of finally securing that prize.

If they do manage to add him, then Pep Guardiola's side would be getting themselves a player well capable of fitting into their midfield. Whilst the 29-year-old is an adept passer as previously stated, he is also good at driving the ball forward himself – as shown by his carries into the final third rate of 2.13 per 90 – and is well capable of popping up with a shot or goal. With a rate of 1 goal per shot on target – amongst the top three percent in his area – he is an accurate shooter when he does have a pop at goal and isn't afraid to drive forward. He ticks plenty of boxes for City then.

Liverpool enter the 22/23 summer transfer market knowing that mistakes cannot be made after a dismal campaign that has left Jurgen Klopp's outfit away from the Champions League for the first time in seven seasons.

What's the latest on Ryan Gravenberch to Liverpool?

According to the Daily Mail, the Reds have shifted their emphasis on Bayern Munich starlet after accepting defeat in their lengthy battle to sign Jude Bellingham, who is expected to join Real Madrid this month.

This follows previous murmurings from Italian reports that claim the 21-year-old is indeed of interest to the Reds, who are attracted by signing him for €50m (£43m) amid rival intrigue from Premier League high-fliers Newcastle United.

Despite the midfielder playing a peripheral role since joining the Bavarian giants' ranks, Liverpool will find an obstacle to overcome in prising him away from the Allianz Arena, with Fabrizio Romano confirming he is very much in Bayern boss Thomas Tuchel's plans.

How good is Ryan Gravenberch?

Gravenberch made the bold move to Bayern for £20m one year ago after dazzling with Ajax in the Dutch Eredivisie, having played a vital role in gleaning the league title after forging 30 appearances, scoring two goals and supplying five assists, and praised as "dominant" and a "better version of [Paul] Pogba" by his former coach Brian Tevreden.

He might have expected to slot right into prominence at the prestigious Bundesliga outfit but has found his campaign has been anything but auspicious on an individual level, starting

And with Bayern actively pursuing a move for West Ham United's highly-coveted pivot Declan Rice, Gravenberch might be inclined to make the switch to Anfield, with James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain all leaving the Reds this summer and freeing up ample room in the centre.

He could be the perfect replacement for the outgoing Keita, who also plied his trade in Germany before completing a £53m transfer to Merseyside in 2018.

A stylish and enterprising box-to-box midfielder, the Guinean has been riddled with detrimental injury issues and subsequently left Liverpool tarnished by the sheer volume of matches spent confined to the medical department,

The 50-cap international made just 13 appearances across the 22/23 campaign, and Liverpool would indeed find an excellent replacement in Gravenberch, with the Dutchman ranking among the top 7% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 24% for progressive passes, the top 18% for successful take-ons and the top 24% for rate of tackles per 90, as per FBref, which illustrates his midfield dynamism.

Hailed as "better than Jude Bellingham" by ex-Tottenham star Rafael van der Vaart, Gravenberch certainly appears to be a tailor-made alternative for the esteemed Englishman, who is viewed as a first-rate operator with devastating attacking intent and diligence in his defensive duties.

With the midfield exodus set to ensue at Anfield, Klopp must complete a swoop for Gravenberch, who is young, but one of football's most prodigious stars and could not only be an apt replacement for Keita, but expunge the demons lingering around the club's failure to sign Bellingham.