All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Back to reality and back to Championship football. Leeds United has been here before and knows how to escape, but it is a completely different set-up to previous years.

The club was led by the popular and tactically generational Marcelo Bielsa in the scintillating title victory in the 2019/20 season.

Now, the club is attempting to heal from a highly dysfunctional season that oversaw three different managers, a clueless hierarchy, and a deserved relegation.

But, the confirmation of a new ownership will yield fresh ideas and a different vision. The 49ers have made an intelligent first step, appointing two-time Championship winner Daniel Farke to reverse Leeds’ tumultuous fortunes.

As the rebuild begins to source reliable performers to form a promotion push, Grady Diangana would be an astute start to the process.

What’s the latest on Grady Diangana to Leeds United?

According to The Express and Star, Leeds is said to be 'keeping tabs' on Diangana alongside fellow recently-relegated sides Leicester City and Southampton.

Carlos Corberan’s side is in need of balancing the books and the Whites have sensed an opportunity to bounce, and secure of one West Brom’s most valuable assets.

Last month, Nick Hammond was named as the club’s interim football advisor, and it’s assumed he will move away from Victor Orta’s investment in unproven and experimental signings, toward more well-known assets.

The exits of Robin Koch and Brenden Aaronson have already been confirmed to create space for a player that could massively improve the side for next season.

Who can Grady Diangana emulate at Leeds United?

The winger began his career in the West Ham youth system in 2010 and went on to make 21 appearances for the senior side. He then joined West Brom on loan in 2018 and recorded 15 goal involvements in the Championship.

The attacker was then sold on a permanent deal to the Midlands outfit to spark huge disappointment within the Hammers players and supporters. Then-captain Mark Noble poignantly remarked that he was “gutted, angry and sad” that the youngster had been allowed to so easily depart to underline how he was a force brimming with potential.

This season, Diangana has endured a less productive year, but he has still contributed a respectable seven goals and assists in 21 starts. Nevertheless, the £20k-per-week man has still averaged the second-most dribbles per game (1.1) and the third-highest key passes per game (1.3) in the Baggies squad.

Since Raphinha departed Elland Road for Barcelona last summer, Leeds has been craving a tricky and reliable wide presence. The Brazilian registered 29 goal involvements in 65 Premier League outings, as he established himself as one of the club’s most influential and important performers.

He has continued this magisterial form in Catalonia as the £212k-per-week star ranks within the best 15% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for shot-creating actions per 90, xAG (expected assisted goals) per 90, and total shots per 90, showcasing his devastating attacking threat.

As a fellow left-footer who also typically operates on the flanks, Diangana could then prove to be the man to emulate the former Whites star's heroics at Elland Road, having been lauded as a player capable of producing moments of "magic", in the words of journalist Graeme Brown.

Raphinha’s void is seemingly yet to be sufficiently filled – as Leeds' recent drop into the second tier can attest to – so the signing of the “magnificent” Diangana, as described by Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie, could be the man to do so.

Newcastle United have had a long-standing interest in Moussa Diaby and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of the player during the summer transfer window.

What's the latest on Newcastle's interest in Moussa Diaby?

According to Football Transfers, Newcastle have rekindled their interest in signing the Bayer Leverkusen winger this summer.

As per the report, Eddie Howe is keen to make another attempt to reach an agreement to sign Diaby ahead of next season and is hoping that with just two years left on his contract that a lower fee for the player could be negotiated.

How much does Moussa Diaby cost?

The future has never been brighter at St James' Park and in Howe's first full season in charge he led his team to achieve the dreams many Newcastle supporters thought weren't ever possible to come true just 18 months ago.

The Magpies have qualified for the Champions League for the first time in over two decades after securing a top-four finish in the Premier League last season and now Howe is tasked with a new challenge of competing on the elite European stage.

As a result, the signing of players experienced in the competition would be massively advantageous to the club in their pursuit to make their mark on Europe next season and Diaby could be another player to add that much-needed experience in the team.

The Frenchman – dubbed "incredibly dangerous" by Freiburg's Nils Petersen – has tallied up 37 appearances across major European competitions with nine of those in the Champions League, delivering 14 goals and eight assists in the prestigious tournament and Europa League combined.

Now he could offer his impressive attacking services to Newcastle as they set out next season to deliver the desired trophy and success that the club are desperate to deliver to their supporters and could ultimately be the perfect upgrade for Miguel Almiron next season on the right flank.

When comparing the Leverkusen talent's output to Almiron's last season, Diaby comfortably outperformed his positional competitor in a number of key attacking attributes including goal contributions (17 v 13), shots on target rate (43% v 29%), shot-creating actions per 90 (3.67 v 3.14) and goal-creating actions per 90 (0.53 v 0.47), as per FBref.

Not only that, the 24-year-old is an incredibly versatile prospect for the Magpies boss who is clearly keen to strengthen the wider flanks of his attacking threat, as Diaby boasts almost as much experience on the right side as he does in the left-winger role too, as well as tallying up multiple appearances in a second striker role and as a left-sided midfielder.

Whilst there is no doubt that Diaby would be an incredible asset to Howe, the stumbling block has always been his expensive transfer fee as Newcastle's hierarchy are extremely conscious of the FFP constraints they face at present.

In January the Bundesliga club reportedly quoted interested parties an eye-watering €100m (£88.5m) to sign their star winger, however, Leverkusen now are expecting a fee of around £65m if they are to part ways this summer.

With that being said, if Newcastle can agree a suitable deal for Diaby it would be a no-brainer to snap up his services ahead of next season, as his attacking presence and experience in Europe would be highly valuable in the next chapter of the club's journey for success.

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is believed to have earmarked Bayer Leverkusen centre-half Edmond Tapsoba as the club’s prime target this summer.

What’s the latest on Edmond Tapsoba to Tottenham?

That’s according to renowned transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, who has claimed on his Here We Go Podcast that Spurs have prioritised the signing of the 24-year-old after sending scouts to observe him in action.

With a purported transfer value of £45m, Tapsoba would not come cheap but could be an astute investment considering the significance of the current transfer window – Levy simply has to hit the mark and close the distance to those at the forefront of the Premier League.

Romano said: “I keep saying that Tapsoba is a priority target because they [Spurs] love Tapsoba. Tottenham scouts have been there many times this year to follow Tapsoba. So, he is a player they really love and they feel is perfect for Premier League football.”

“He is a leader. So, there are many factors in a deal and Tottenham think he is a fantastic option."

Should Tottenham sign Edmond Tapsoba?

Search under every nook and every cranny, and it will be difficult to find a Spurs supporter contented with the current state of affairs in the defensive third at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

After conceding 63 goals in the 22/23 Premier League season and suffering a disastrous close to the campaign that saw the fiery dismissal of Antonio Conte and an eighth-placed finish – meaning no European football next term – major surgery is needed.

So the time is now for a defensive force to waltz into London and galvanise the Lilywhites into action, and with the "dangerous" – as said by former Die Werkself sporting director Rudi Voller – Tapsoba's signature the coveted goal for manager Ange Postecoglou, he could look to emulate the deal for Heung-min Son eight years ago.

There might be a sense of incredulity at this claim. Son is a forward, Tottenham's malaise is woven into the defensive struggles – where is the applicability?

Well, arriving from Leverkusen for a reported £22m in 2015, the South Korean star arrived in the early phase of Tottenham's notable offensive fluidity, with Harry Kane's emergence, the acquisitions of Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen and indeed Son all coming in a two-year period (2013 – 2015).

Spearheaded by Mauricio Pochettino's positive brand of football, Tottenham's trophy cabinet remains absent of silverware as the elusive hunt for a major honour continues to evade the Premier League side, but the goals rained like shellfire, with the cub's 58-goal return in the season prior to Son's arrival bettered ever since – with the divisional top scorers awarded in 16/17.

Which is why, with the Lilywhites at a crossroads, returning to the same club to sign a defender who could catalyse the backline just like Son instrumentally contributed to the newfound offensive vigour, could be an auspicious road to traverse.

Said to be "solid as a rock" by Jacek Kulig, Tapsoba would have such an effect due to his dynamism and imposing stature, with the 6 foot 4 "sensation" – as he has been hailed by Raphael Honigstein – winning 64% of his ground duels in the German top-flight last term and averaging three clearances per game, as per Sofascore.

And his ball-playing prowess is a cut above the throngs of defenders in Europe, evidenced by FBref, with the £37k-per-week titan ranking among the top 15% of positional peers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 10% for passes attempted, the top 5% for progressive passes, the top 8% for progressive carries and the top 6% for successful take-ons per 90.

The 34-cap international would be a "monster" under Postecoglou, as dubbed by talent scout Antonio Mango, with the Australian manager's inclination to play free-flowing, possession-based football aligning with Tapsoba's aptitude on the ball.

Rebuilding the strength of the defence with 'monstrous' figures capable of dazzling with their passing is a surefire way to return to the top, and Tapsoba must be signed this summer to kickstart the new chapter down the N17.

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.