Liverpool's midfield rebuild during the summer transfer window was extensive to say the least. Out went Jordan Henderson, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, James Milner and Fabinho, and in came Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch. Swapping the old for the new has since paid dividends, however, with the Reds sitting just one point adrift of Premier League leaders Manchester City, who they play next in their return from the international break.

The summer transfer window failed to see the arrival of one specific type of player though, and Liverpool have once again been left exposed at times as a result. The January transfer window should give them the opportunity to solve a glaring issue and that could see the arrival of a long-term target.

Liverpool transfer news

After such a summer overhaul, it was difficult to know what to expect from Jurgen Klopp's new-look side. Some may have expected them to take a while to get going, given that the Reds had an entirely new midfield to work with. But that's been anything but the case. Instead, Liverpool have been flying. The likes of Szoboszlai and Gravenberch have settled straight in. Now, if they can solve their defensive midfield problem, Klopp's side could become serious title challengers once more.

As good as Mac Allister is, he is not a defensive midfielder, which has been exposed for all to see at times. Alas, reports do suggest that those at Anfield are attempting to find a solution in that area. According to Goal in Brazil, Liverpool have made contact with Fluminense over a potential deal for Andre Trindade.

It's no secret that the midfielder has attracted a lot of admirers, with Fulham also reportedly enquiring about the Fluminense man. If either of the Premier League sides want to sign Andre, it will reportedly cost them at least €35m (£31m) in January. Andre's value is at a higher point than ever before, with the player at the absolute peak of his power currently.

"Perfect" Andre could be the final piece to Liverpool's rebuild

When looking at the current Liverpool side, only the defensive midfield role stands out as something they can strengthen. If they find a natural defensive midfielder, not only will they complete their rebuild in the middle of the park, but they'll also finally get the best out of Mac Allister in his preferred role. Andre's stats stand out compared to the Argentine's in a full season.

Player

Progressive Passes Per 90

Tackles Won Per 90

Blocks Per 90

Andre Trindade

6.43

1.40

0.97

Alexis Mac Allister

5.42

1.21

0.81

As a result of his performances, Andre has earned deserved praise, including from Maurício Alencar, who said via Liverpool Echo: "Andre plays more as a six; he is obviously very strong and agile, really good on the ball, plays two-touch football, great first touch. He is always appearing in those pockets of space between the defence and midfield, and the midfield and attack sometimes. He is a very versatile player.

“I think he is a cut above the rest of the Fluminense squad, and when I watch Brazilian matches, he is always a standout player, so I am surprised he has yet to move to Europe.”

He then went onto say: "He is the perfect player that Liverpool need, playing from the back and being able to intercept. He is very quick to react to the loss of the ball and reading the game.”

Manchester United have set their sights on bringing a defensive gem to Old Trafford and are attempting to fend off competition from Liverpool among others for his signature, according to reports.

Man Utd's transfer activity…

In the near future, the Red Devils could be set for some big changes behind the scenes that could alter the landscape of their approach to life both on and off the field, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe close to purchasing a minority 25% stake in the Premier League giants.

According to a report from The Sun, Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo and Sporting Club's Goncalo Inacio are being lined up by Ratcliffe's new regime, who have also green-lit the sale of France international Raphael Varane amid his recent struggle for form. Erik ten Hag could be set to offload the former Real Madrid man to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich; however, his £340,000 per week wage may prove to be a stumbling block if he is to depart Old Trafford for Germany.

As per A Bola via Sport Witness, Man United have also acted to make exploratory contact with Benfica to find out the potential conditions for a deal involving midfielder Joao Neves. Nevertheless, Benfica won't let the 19-year-old leave in January, meaning the only way he will be able to speak to other clubs is if an interested suitor triggers his €120m release clause. The Portuguese giants are keen to keep hold of Neves as they believe he can play a huge role in their push for the Primeira Liga title.

Now, it appears that Ten Hag has his focus on bringing in a defender at Old Trafford to bolster his squad for the long term, according to a report.

Man Utd look to beat Liverpool to Sam Curtis

90min report that Manchester United have entered the race to sign St Patrick's Athletic full-back Sam Curtis in January, who is just 17 years old and also happens to be attracting interest from Liverpool.

Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Hull City, Middlesbrough, Leeds United and Celtic are also tuned into his situation and could look to strike a deal for the Republic of Ireland Under-21 wonderkid, as dubbed in the report, who registered three goals and three assists in 39 appearances this term (Curtis statistics – Transfermarkt).

Named in the PFAI Team of the Year, Curtis could also help to scratch an itch for the Red Devils in the long run, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka being courted by West Ham United and appears to have an uncertain future at Old Trafford, with his contract set to expire at his current employers in the summer of 2024.

There is an option to extend his deal by a year that United could elect to activate; however, it remains to be seen how his situation in the North West will be resolved. Although Curtis probably wouldn't be signed straight away as a first-team player, he is making rapid progress and is reportedly in line to receive a call-up for the Republic of Ireland senior team in the near future.

The Red Devils could do with strengthening the right-hand side of defence and may not want to lose out on a chance to snap up a prodigious talent, especially when Liverpool are lurking as an alternative potential destination for Curtis to continue his development.

MatériaMais Notícias

A súmula do árbitro Bruno Arleu de Araújo após o empate por 0 a 0 entre São Paulo e Grêmio relata xingamentos do atacante Tréllez e cobranças do técnico Fernando Diniz, ambos expulsos depois de reclamarem com o árbitro. A partida decretou a eliminação do Tricolor paulista da Copa do Brasil.

Depois de encerrada o confronto, vários jogadores e a comissão técnica do São Paulo cercaram a equipe de arbitragem. A principal reclamação foi por conta do pouco tempo de acréscimo dado na segunda etapa.O juiz deu sete minutos extras e, para os são-paulinos, deveria ter aumentado o tempo por causa de paralisações justamente no tempo adicional.

RelacionadasSão PauloDiniz acredita em título do Brasileirão: ‘Vamos fazer de tudo’São Paulo31/12/2020São PauloVolpi critica arbitragem e reclama do Grêmio: ‘Eles não jogam’São Paulo30/12/2020São PauloDiniz critica tempo de acréscimo: ‘Invés de sete minutos, ele deu três’São Paulo30/12/2020

– Por ter ao final da partida, adentrado ao campo de jogo e proferido as seguintes palavras com o dedo em riste: ‘o que você fez é uma vergonha pro futebol, tinha que ser doze minutos de acréscimos’, sendo afastado pelo policiamento – escreveu o árbitro Bruno Arleu de Araújo sobre as reclamações de Fernando Diniz.

O juiz relata também xingamentos do atacante colombiano Tréllez, que teria o ofendido com as palavras ‘frouxo’ e ‘pipoqueiro’.

– Por ter ao final da partida proferido as seguintes palavras em minha direção:
‘você é um frouxo, pipoqueiro’, sendo afastado pelo policiamento – relatou.

O Tricolor agora volta suas atenções para o Campeonato Brasileiro. Na liderança do torneio, com 56 pontos, a equipe joga na próxima quarta-feira, dia 6 de janeiro, contra o Red Bull Bragantino, às 21h30, em Bragança Paulista.

Neymar has escaped a $3 million fine following a court ruling after being accused of environmental damage for building a lake at his mansion.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Neymar investigated for building lake
• Judge issues ruling in Brazil this week
• Star avoids fine for damaging environment

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The controversy arose when an initial complaint regarding an environmental crime was reported to Mangaratiba City Hall. This complaint stemmed from a video Neymar posted on his Instagram account, which allegedly showcased the artificial lake being built on his property situated in Mangaratiba, a town on the southern coast of Rio.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Multiple agencies, including the local attorney general's office, the state civil police, and environmental protection bodies, investigated Neymar's case. However, a ruling from Judge Adriana Ramos de Mello quashed the fine and charges as a report from the state environmental authority INEA mentioned that the construction project did not require special environmental permits.

• WHAT THE JUDGE SAID

  Judge Adriana Ramos de Mello stated: "As the applied fines were in the millions of dollars, continuing to demand (payment)… will inflict substantial, disproportionate and even illegal prejudice”.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  The town council in Mangaratiba had issued four fines totalling 16 million reais ($3.3m/£2.6m) for environmental violations related to the construction of the artificial lake at Neymar's mansion. These violations included unauthorised construction work, diversion of river water, and removal of land and vegetation. However, the judge sided with the findings of the INEA, which concluded that no environmental license was necessary for the activities undertaken by Neymar. Consequently, the alleged infractions were deemed nonexistent.

أكد تييري هنري، المدير الفني لمنتخب فرنسا الأولمبي، أنه يشعر بحالة من الرضا التام بعد تأهلهم المثير إلى نهائي منافسات كرة القدم رجال، في أولمبياد باريس 2024، على حساب منتخب مصر الأولمبي.

وتلاقى المنتخبان في مباراة مثيرة، مساء يوم الإثنين، في إطار منافسات نصف نهائي اللعبة في أولمبياد باريس.

كانت مصر متقدمة في النتيجة بهدف دون رد، قبل أن تنجح فرنسا في العودة وتفوز في النهاية بثلاثية.

وقال تييري هنري في تصريحات نشرتها صحيفة “ليكيب” الفرنسية: “سنرى ما إذا كانت الميدالية الفضية أم الذهبية، سنسعى للفوز بالميدالية الذهبية، سيكون الأمر صعبًا ضد إسبانيا”.

اقرأ أيضًا.. صحف العالم تشيد بـ مصر بعد خسارتها الدرامية أمام فرنسا في أولمبياد باريس

وأضاف: “لعبت مصر بهجمات مرتدة، لكن كان بوسعنا أن نلعب بشكل أفضل، وقد تعرضنا للعقاب أمامهم، لكنها أمسية غير عادية، أجد صعوبة في تصديق ذلك”.

وواصل: “سيتعين علينا أن نفعل شيئًا ضد إسبانيا، فهي دائمًا ما تنجح في الوصول إلى النهائي، أنا أستمتع بالفعل بهذه الأمسية، إنها متعة، لا ينبغي أن ننجرف وراء ذلك، لكن كل شيء رائع”.

واستكمل: “أنا سعيد حقًا من أجل ماتيتا، سأخبرك لماذا، لأنه في البداية كانت هناك بعض الأسئلة عنه، وبعض الشكوك حوله في المباراتين الأوليين، في النهاية لم نكن مجانين، لقد سجل هدفين!”.

‘We feel they have the potential to be important members of Sri Lanka cricket in the future,’ Ashantha de Mel said of the batsmen, who are part of an extended 17-member squad

Madushka Balasuriya 30-Nov-2018According to the new chief selector Ashantha de Mel, Sri Lanka are hoping to give some of their out-of-favour batsmen a chance by announcing an extended 17-member touring squad for the upcoming two-Test series in New Zealand.”One of the reasons for extending the touring squad to 17 players was so that we could include the likes of [Sadeera] Samarawickrama and [Lahiru] Thirimanne,” de Mel told ESPNcricinfo. “We feel they have the potential to be important members of Sri Lanka cricket in the future.”Samarawickrama, 23, has long been identified as a player of tremendous potential, so despite an unspectacular Test career to date, his selection is a means of rewarding promise. Thirimanne’s meanwhile is a case of hitherto wasted potential; following a prolonged rough patch in 2017, he was dropped from the Test side, but de Mel believes he is someone who, even at 29, can offer something extra to the Sri Lanka team.”We feel he is someone who has the talent, but has been somewhat overlooked in the recent past,” de Mel said of Thirimanne. “Yes he hasn’t managed to put a string of good performances together yet, but it’s important that players like him get longer stints in the side.”Thirimanne’s latest recall is down to recent runs for Sri Lanka A, though his average of 23.06 in 29 Tests will give his detractors plenty of ammunition. De Mel, though, insists that Thirimanne deserves another shot, especially in seaming conditions – like those in New Zealand and Australia – that may bring the best out of the batsman. Indeed, in the three Tests he has played in those countries, he averages 41.90.”We found that he has done better on the faster, bouncier tracks that are likely to be produced in countries like New Zealand and Australia. When we prepare spin-friendly wickets at home, sometimes it’s hard for our batsmen to score runs consistently.”While it remains to be seen if Thirimanne gets a game on tour – de Mel has said he is unlikely to play the first Test – someone who is certain of a place is newly-appointed vice-captain Dimuth Karunaratne.Karunaratne’s promotion is down to his relative security in the side, as well as his analytical nature, explained de Mel.”Karunaratne is a thinking cricketer, and we wanted someone like that in that role, someone who will also help improve those around him,” he said. “His performances, in difficult batting conditions, against England were very impressive, and we hope to see him continue this form in New Zealand.”

Fulham have submitted an offer to bring an in-demand striker to Craven Cottage, according to a fresh report that has recently emerged.

Fulham's current attacking options

The Premier League outfit have Raul Jimenez, Carlos Vinicius and Rodrigo Muniz as their options at centre-forward as it stands, but it’s fair to say that they haven’t been performing at the level required since the start of the new top-flight season. Marco Silva’s side have scored just nine goals during their opening ten games which is the joint third-lowest in the division level with newly-promoted Luton Town, so it’s clear for everyone to see that the boss could do with entering the market to find a reinforcement who would be an upgrade on what he currently has in the building.

Feyenoord’s Santiago Gimenez could well be the perfect candidate to sign on the dotted line having firmly established himself as Arne Slot’s best-performing offensive player so far this campaign (WhoScored – Feyenoord statistics), and he’s already received plenty of attention from four clubs in England.

The 22-year-old has been attracting significant interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, West Ham and Newcastle United, and whilst that quartet have started the new term a lot stronger, that hasn’t stopped chiefs from wanting to enter the race, compete and try and beat their fellow competitors to their target’s signature.

Fulham table bid for Santiago Gimenez

According to W Deportes (via Sport Witness), Fulham have made a bid for Gimenez. Feyenoord’s centre-forward has “received an offer” from Silva’s side worth approximately €50m (£43m), but it’s unknown whether this includes bonuses. The Cottagers have “emerged as a candidate” to sign their target despite the huge interest from elsewhere, but with the club “not entirely big” in Europe, the chances of him accepting the proposal currently appear to be very slim.

Santiago Gimenez's record

In the Eredivisie this season, Gimenez has been in red-hot form having clocked up 16 involvements, 13 goals and three assists, in just ten outings (Transfermarkt – Gimenez statistics), with his insanely prolific form in the final third having seen him dubbed a “Mexican Machine” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Slot’s left-footed talisman also knows what it takes to compete and be successful at a high level having secured six trophies at a senior level for both his club and country since the start of his career, so he would be able to pass on a much-needed winning mentality to the current squad who are already in the building.

Feyenoord – Dutch Champion

2022/23

Mexico – Gold Cup Winner

2023

Cruz Azul – Mexican Campeon De Campeones

2020/21 and 2021/22

Cruz Azul – Mexican Clausura Champion

2020/21

Cruz Azul – Mexican Cup Winner Apertura

2018/19

Sponsored by Adidas, the striker has even recorded 38 shots over the course of the campaign which is more than any other of his fellow teammates (FBRef – Feyenoord statistics), highlighting his constant desire to hit the back of the net which he’s proving with every game that passes, so this is definitely a no-brainer of a deal to complete.

Liverpool have recently been linked with a move for an exciting midfield prospect from verdant Brazil, but it's not Andre, with certain reports suggesting that the Fluminense star may not be headed for Anfield in January after all.

Instead, Jurgen Klopp's side might be homing in on another exciting prospect in Corinthian's Gabriel Moscardo, who has been causing quite the stir with his impressive showings in the Brasileiro Serie A.

Liverpool transfer news – Gabriel Moscardo

According to the Evening Standard, Liverpool are set to battle Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea for Moscardo's signature, with Barcelona also attentive to the situation.

Valued at £26m, the 18-year-old is considered one of the brightest starlets in South America and is expected to search for pastures new when the Brazilian league season concludes in December, opening the door to a January acquisition for European outfits.

A compelling youngster, Liverpool would love to beat the Blues to his signing, strengthening their centre but also getting one over on Todd Boehly and co having been left hot under the collar when Romeo Lavia opted for Stamford Bridge this summer.

How Liverpool lost Romeo Lavia

Chelsea completed the signing of Lavia from Southampton in a deal totalling £58m in August after a high-profile transfer battle with the Reds, compounding Klopp's misery after Moises Caicedo completed a British-record £115m move to west London just days before after rejecting Liverpool's advances.

Lavia had been destined for a move to Merseyside after multiple attempted offers and months of groundwork from Liverpool, but after attempting to steal Caicedo from under Chelsea's nose and coming up fruitless, the young Belgian was dissuaded.

In the end, Liverpool decided to make a surprise £16m swoop for Stuttgart midfielder Wataru Endo, aged 30, providing a swift solution without launching a panic buy for an expensive alternative.

A few eyebrows were raised, and while Endo is very much a squad option, he is a valuable member as the Anfield side compete across multiple fronts.

Now, Moscardo could indeed be the perfect precocious signing to forge a career at Liverpool, improving his skills and blooming into a first-class phenom in years to come, getting one over on Chelsea.

They do say that revenge is a dish best-served cold…

Gabriel Moscardo's season in numbers

Very much in the embryonic stage of his career, Moscardo has broken into Corinthian's first team in 2023 and has now chalked up 23 senior appearances, earning the attention of some of Europe's biggest outfits.

Described as an "animal" by journalist Adria Jimenez Munoz, Moscardo has played 16 times in the league this season, as per Sofascore, completing 83% of his passes, making 2.1 tackles and 3.1 ball recoveries per game, succeeding with 61% of his dribbles and winning 54% of his duels.

As per FBref, Moscardo ranks among the top 7% of midfielders across divisions similar to the Brasileiro Serie A for successful take-ons, the top 1% for blocks, the top 8% for tackles, the top 14% for interceptions, the top 13% for clearances and the top 15% for aerial wins per 90.

He's a rock, not yet refined but powerful and prodigious in his craft, and Klopp could nurture him toward his zenith at Liverpool, honing his defensive skills and absorbing the ball-playing wisdom from senior peers such as Alexis Mac Allister and Thiago Alcantara.

If Liverpool need any more convincing, Moscardo has been likened to compatriot Fabinho by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who dubbed him a "modern holding midfielder", and given the incredible success that the 30-year-old found over multiple years on Merseyside, Klopp might be wise to swoop for the dream heir.

Fabinho signed for Liverpool from Monaco for £44m in 2018 and made 219 appearances – winning all the silverware under Klopp's wing to date – before declining last season and being sold to Al Ittihad for a reported £40m in the summer.

Once considered "the best" in his position by pundit Gary Neville, Fabinho was a slick and assured passer and a tenacious mountain in the middle for Liverpool at their best, soaking up pressure and recycling play superlatively, allowing his frontal peers to wreak havoc up ahead.

Moscardo might be young, but if he is indeed of the same ilk then it might be a prudent move to bring him to Anfield, finding a centrepiece to glue the Liverpool squad together for years to come.

Aston Villa are closely monitoring a vastly decorated player ahead of January, though a fresh report has revealed that there are other clubs who are also looking to bring him to the Premier League.

Aston Villa transfer news

Football Insider have reported that NSWE, Monchi and Unai Emery are open to offers for Leander Dendoncker at the start of next year, and are looking to replace him with an upgrade in the centre of the park. Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi has emerged as a potential replacement with his deal being set to expire at the end of the season (Leicester contracts), but should the manager fail to secure his services, he’s set his sights on an alternative option overseas.

Juventus’ central midfielder Adrien Rabiot first put pen to paper at the Allianz Stadium from Paris Saint-Germain back in 2019, and he’s since gone on to make a total of 227 appearances for Massimiliano Allegri’s side to date (Transfermarkt – Rabiot statistics).

The France international has emerged as his team’s overall best-performing player so far this season with a match rating of 7.43 (WhoScored – Juventus statistics), and the 28-year-old’s form has caught the eye of Villa chiefs, who are aware that his terms also run out upon the conclusion of the current campaign (Juventus contracts).

Aston Villa keeping tabs on Adrien Rabiot

According to 90min, Aston Villa are casting an eye over Adrien Rabiot, but they are set to face stiff competition from three other admirers.

"Juventus are confident that they will agree a new long-term contract with midfielder Adrien Rabiot, sources have confirmed to 90min. Man Utd still retain an interest in the player, thanks in part to Erik ten Hag being a noted fan of Rabiot's skillset.

"Along with Man Utd, Premier League clubs Newcastle United and Aston Villa and Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich are also keeping tabs on Rabiot's situation at Juventus."

Adrien Rabiot's style of play

A box to box central midfielder, Rabiot is capable of having a positive impact at both ends of the pitch, with the defensive aspect being what he’s shown so far this season having won 15 out of his 27 tackles, which is the highest success rate throughout his squad (FBRef – Juventus statistics).

Standing at 6 foot 2, the left-footed ace also loves to get involved with the action in the final third having posted 74 contributions (43 goals and 31 assists) since the start of his career, with his all-round game having seen him dubbed a “monster” by reliable journalist Robin Bairner.

Adrien Rabiot – Strengths	Adrien Rabiot – Weaknesses
Aerial duels	Player has no significant weaknesses
Tackling
Concentration	(Data via WhoScored)

Allegri’s £150k-per-week earner (Juventus salaries), certainly knows exactly what it takes to compete and be successful at the highest level having secured 23 pieces of silverware for both club and country since bursting onto the professional scene, so he would be able to upgrade the winning mentality of the current squad at Aston Villa, who are certainly a young group on the up.

Los Blancos might be about to take over football's biggest rivalry for the foreseeable future

After Real Madrid's penalty shootout win over Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday night, Jude Bellingham offered an honest assessment of the situation. "Moments like this are magic and it just comes down to mentality. When you get those details right and you get those little moments, like the penalties, when the lads keep their cool, it is magic. This was beautiful," the English midfielder said, before running to the Madrid support in jubilation.

This wasn't a signature Madrid performance. Los Blancos barely had the ball, and for long stretches were hanging on by a thread. There was genuine relief on the face of Carlo Ancelotti when the referee blew the final whistle to send the contest to penalties. But once there, the Madrid win felt inevitable. Luka Modric's improbable miss notwithstanding, there was a predetermined nature to the whole thing. Madrid, as a rule, do not lose these games.

It's a fact that Barcelona are all-too wary of. The two sides have met in El Clasico twice this season, the capital club winning both games. And on Sunday, the third has a real ominous quality for those in Catalunya. This is the last iteration of this Madrid they will face, with a number of marquee signings poised to make an already very good team even better. The Blaugrana, for all of their quality and pedigree, could be facing the start of a miserable run in Europe's biggest derby.

Getty ImagesWhere Barca are

The Blaugrana situation is precarious. Xavi's side won La Liga by some distance last year, and although they were unable to upgrade significantly over the summer, were expected to at least compete for the top prize again. The reality, of course, has been much different. Barca haven't really found a groove this season, a glut of injuries, poor performances and defensive fragility making Xavi's side a flawed thing. They are too easy to beat and lack the signature bite in the final third that carried them to a series of narrow wins last season.

It all came to a head in January, when Xavi announced he would leave at the end of the season. Since then, things have admittedly picked up. Still, a Champions League quarter-final loss ended any realistic chance of silverware this campaign. And with the Copa del Rey, Supercopa de Espana and La Liga all gone, a trophyless season seems upon them.

There aren't any immediate signs of a turnaround, either. The Blaugrana are, once again, in deep financial trouble. La Liga president Javier Tebas has cracked down on their spending limit once again. They will likely be forced to sell players this summer if they want to reinvest.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesWhere Madrid are

Los Blancos, meanwhile, are ahead of schedule. There wasn't supposed to be a rebuild in Madrid, but their struggles at the end of last season painted a picture of a side in between eras. Midfield stalwarts Toni Kroos and Modric seemed to be on their way out. Karim Benzema's departure left them with a hole up front. Serious injuries to Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois only compounded their worries.

The reality has been different. Ancelotti's tactical nous, combined with the influence of Ballon d'Or frontrunner Jude Bellingham, has seen Madrid take off in La Liga. They are eight points clear atop the table, and showing very few signs of slowing down anytime soon. Champions League glory, with just Bayern Munich standing in their way, seems very much attainable. This could have been a year of transition. Instead, it could be remembered for a historic double in the Spanish capital.

(C)Getty ImagesNew signings to come?

And it will likely only get better. Kylian Mbappe's six-year flirtation with the Spanish giants has now turned into something more concrete. The France captain, of course, informed PSG last summer that he wouldn't be signing a new deal to stay at the club. It led to something of a mad scramble in the footballing world. Mbappe eventually opted to stay for at least one more season, but the message was clear: he wants to play for Madrid.

Florentino Perez has made the transfer happen in some form. Mbappe will play for the Spanish giants next year. How, exactly, the deal works remains to be seen. Mbappe will likely leave on favourable terms for his Parisian hosts. However the final figures look, the move is all-but completed.

Palmeiras teenager Endrick will join him, the 17-year-old set to arrive at the Santiago Bernabeu upon completion of a €60 million (£52m/$64m) move – making him the most expensive player to ever come out of Brazil's top flight. Where he fits into this Madrid side is unclear, but with two goals in four Brazil appearances and a string of star showings for his club side, he seems ready to perform at the highest level.

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(C)Getty ImagesFurther moves?

There might be others, too. Madrid tend to be linked with a flurry of names every year. It's what big clubs do. This year's trendy rumour is the potential arrival of Alphonso Davies. The left-back is floundering at Bayern Munich and, with just one year remaining on his contract, seems set to leave the club for a fee this summer or next year on a free transfer. Sporting director Max Eberl has admitted that the speedy defender could well leave.

"We think that we have made a very fair and correct offer. At some point in life you have to say yes or no, that's the way it is… Some stone has to fall… It is completely legitimate that you have to make a decision at some point, regardless of whether it is Alphonso Davies or another player," he said in late March.

Other rumours have floated about. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James have both been connected with a transfer. Although it would make little sense now, Los Blancos will soon need a replacement for Dani Carvajal. An upgrade at right-back is possible.