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Liverpool are reportedly “confident” of signing Marc Guehi on a free transfer next summer, and FSG also want to snap up an £87m-rated star.

Liverpool preparing for trip to Burnley

The international break seems to have lasted a lifetime, but the Reds aren’t too far away from their return to Premier League action this weekend.

Arne Slot’s champions make the trip to Burnley on Sunday afternoon, looking to continue their 100% winning start to the season, and while the Clarets are a newly-promoted team with far less quality than Liverpool, Turf Moor can be a tricky place to visit.

Slot has some key decisions to make with his personnel, not least with Alexander Isak, as he weighs up whether to start the Reds’ new record signing or use him from the substitutes’ bench.

Meanwhile, both Jeremie Frimpong and Conor Bradley could be in the mix to start at right-back, but Dominik Szoboszlai’s superb form in that role may mean that he keeps his place, having flourished in a role that is relatively alien to him.

Liverpool linked with double transfer swoop

According to a new update from Caught Offside, Liverpool and FSG are “confident” of completing the signing of Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi next summer, with the 25-year-old out of contract at the end of this season. This is despite rumours of Real Madrid showing an interest in the centre-back.

He showcased his quality once again on Tuesday evening, scoring in England’s 5-0 win away to Serbia and producing an immaculate all-round performance.

Elsewhere, Guehi’s former Palace teammate Michael Olise is also a rumoured target for Liverpool, with the £87m-rated Bayern Munich winger being looked at as a potential long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah.

If Liverpool were able to sign both Guehi and Olise at the end of the current campaign, it would feel like another huge step in the right direction.

Appearances

34

Starts

28

Minutes played

2348

Goals

12

Assists

15

Key passes per game

2.7

Shots per game

2.5

Dribbles per game

2.1

It is common knowledge that Guehi had all but sealed a move to Anfield on deadline day, only for Palace to pull the plug, but it is vital that their interest in him remains strong, with England manager Thomas Tuchel lauding him earlier this week.

“He looks absolutely fine and impressive on the field. He has had a good couple of weeks behind him on the performance side. He has continued like that in camp and he handles it [the transfer situation] with respect and with a brilliant attitude.”

As for the £87m-rated Olise, he feels like a perfect Salah replacement once the Egyptian’s world-class quality has waned, possessing his ability to cut inside from the right flank and wreak havoc.

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The Reds have positioned themselves nicely to land his signature.

BySean Markus Clifford Sep 11, 2025

If Liverpool could sign both, and Palace youngster Adam Wharton, it would be another great summer transfer window, making this one to watch.

There will be either a new winner or the same one crowned in front of a full house at South Africa’s premier cricket venue, the Wanderers

Firdose Moonda07-Feb-2025It’s ending how it began, with a match between defending champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC) and highly-rated but underachieving Mumbai Indians Cape Town (MICT). And this time it’s in the final.There will be either a new winner or the same one crowned in front of a full house at South Africa’s premier cricket venue: the Wanderers, where no rain is forecast. What more could anyone want? A close game, perhaps. If there is one criticism of this edition of the SA20 it’s that result margins have been too big with only six tight matches out of 30 in the group stage – defined as games won by 10 or fewer runs of with six or fewer balls to spare – and one of the three qualifiers. No one quite knows why and SEC captain Aiden Markram put it down to either “coincidence,” or “guys are getting really big scores and then to chase it down is tough or starting badly with the bat,” and hoped for a “close, entertaining,” last match.Whether he really means that is doubtful after SEC had to play two games in two days to come through the Eliminator and Qualifier 2, and will now play a third in four days. Are they exhausted? “There are pros and cons,” Markram said. “We’re starting to do some good things and we’ve got answers to some questions. But the other side of it is rest and being completely fresh physically and mentally for the final.”Related

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The break Markram spoke of was the privilege of MICT, who had three days off. Rashid Khan confirmed he used the downtime to “just sit in my room and watch Netflix a lot.” His series of choice? “Prison Break. It gives you an idea of how to get out of difficulties.” How so? “Sometimes you forget as a captain so I have the idea to write things on my arm where you can write what’s going to happen in the next over.”It’s been done, of course. There are incidents of captains having so many team changes that they’ve written them on their palms and Scotland’s Mark Watt famously remembered his tactics with a cheat sheet that he pulled out of his pocket at the 2022 T20 World Cup and though Rashid may joke about it, he is unlikely to need it.MICT have been, by a distance, the most clinical of the six teams in this edition of the SA20. They won seven of their 10 league games – no team has won more in the group stage – qualified directly for the final on their first attempt and have completely turned themselves around from the team that finished last in the previous two editions. With a squad laden with players from the Highveld (Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks, Kagiso Rabada, Connor Esterhuizen and Delano Potgieter have all played at the Lions while Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis and Thomas Kaber all play down the road at the Titans), some would go as far as to say they are favourites, but they’d do that at their peril.Rashid Khan’s MI Cape Town have been the most clinical of the six teams this edition•SA20After three losses from their opening three games, SEC are one of the last two standing. They’ve dug deep and scrapped, had their reserves tested and relied heavily on their two biggest national names: South Africa’s T20 captain Markram and premier allrounder Marco Jansen but they’re on track for a three-peat. If they do that, they will draw comparisons with South Africa’s national rugby team, the Springboks, who have won the World Cup three times and are seen as the ultimate symbol of national success. Not bad company to keep, but first they’ll need to overcome some challenges. We outline the main match-ups here.The batters: Test openers vs T20 stars The first clear point of difference between the finalists is how their opening pairs have performed. MICT, who have mostly used Rickelton and van der Dussen, had the leading top two of the group phase, with 523 runs and an average of 58.11. SEC had the least successful opening partnership, who averaged just 12.40.Both Rickelton and van der Dussen’s entire domestic careers have been played at the Wanderers, which is an obvious advantage. “To have those players around where they give you the best information and the ideas about the wicket and the conditions, is so great,” Rashid said.While SEC’s Tony de Zorzi grew up on the Highveld, both he and David Bedingham play at the coast (Cape Town, ironically) and neither are what you would call obvious T20 picks. Bedingham acknowledged to ESPNcricinfo that he is still trying to find the sweet spot in his short-format game while de Zorzi showed glimpses of it in his 49-ball 78 in Qualifier 2 against Paarl Royals. Both are in fairly good touch, which bodes well for Markram, especially as he has taken a personal interest in de Zorzi’s development.Tony de Zorzi played a match-winning knock in the Qualifier 2•SA20″He’s a hell of a player but most importantly, I think he’s a really strong character mentally. He sets high standards and he’s mentally very strong as well,” he said. “Over the last few years he’s been playing some really good cricket and been scoring massive runs. I’m really chuffed for him last night that he did well and could sort of now just settle down and get into the competition just before the final. He’ll feel a bit more comfortable at the crease now.”This idea that the competition only starts at the end is something de Zorzi said Markram had mentioned before the knockouts, as a way to remind the team that everything they’ve done to get here is just preparation. The real test is now.The bowlers: Battle of the seamers (keep an eye on Ottneil Baartman and Corbin Bosch) Although the Wanderers has turned this season, it is known as the pace paradise in South African cricket and SEC, in particular, will hope it plays to reputation. Their seamers were the most successful of the group stage with 41 wickets and Marco Jansen – his height advantage means he often gets extra bounce and the regularity with which he takes wickets in the powerplay has made him the most difficult bowler to face across the tournament.Corbin Bosch has stood out for MICT•SA20But pressure has not always been his friend and, by his own admission, he gets nervous in big moments and this one could be bigger than he thinks. SEC are sweating on the fitness of Ottneil Baartman, who left the field in his fourth over in Qualifier 2, and was assessed on Friday. His participation is in doubt, which could open the door for 21-year old Andile Simelane to play but would cost SEC experience.On MICT’s side, they have Rabada and Trent Boult but their leading seamer is Corbin Bosch, with 10 wickets. There’s extra motivation for him to show what he can do in the final: South Africa have yet to name a replacement for Anrich Nortje in their Champions Trophy squad and with Gerald Coetzee injured, Bosch is the front-runner. He offers pace, with speeds above 145kph, and a good showing in a crunch match will make him impossible to ignore.The coaches: Adi Birrell and Robbie P The people behind the scenes have no direct impact on what will happen on the field but the work they’ve done has helped put the teams in this position and has to be acknowledged.For SEC, Adi Birrell has masterminded two titles and has them on the brink of a third and his players are never short of praise for the kind of change-room environment he has created. “He’s seen so many things but just remains really calm, almost like a grandfather figure for us,” Markram said, quickly realising his terminology may not be seen as complimentary by his 64-year old coach. “He’s going to hate me but he knows anyone can chat to him, he manages each individual in the team with a lot of care which the players really appreciate and his values are really strong. He’s one of the best for sure.”MICT’s Robin Peterson has endured a tough two seasons but after first tasting success at the MLC with MI New York, where Rashid was also his captain, he has transferred to the SA20. “He is someone who always gives you that positive energy and that’s what you need as a captain,” Rashid said. “With him, I have that very good understanding and I’ve learned so many things from him. He keeps the environment very positive which is something which really helped in MLC and here as well.”

With one eye on the 2027 Test tour of India, selectors have shown some of their cards on how the future Australia Test team could look

Andrew McGlashan09-Jan-2025Nathan McSweeney’s second call in three weeks from chair of selectors George Bailey was much better than the first one.After being ruthlessly cut from the Test side against India following the Brisbane match, paving for the way for Sam Konstas’ momentum-shifting debut, McSweeney is back in the fold for the Sri Lanka series having been selected in a squad that has a youthful flavour.”Obviously [it was] nice news after a bit of a chaotic couple of months,” McSweeney told reporters at Brisbane airport. “It was a bit of nicer call than the last one. I will take heaps of learning from my experiences in my first three Tests and hopefully learn from that if I get the opportunity to play over there I play really well.”It would need a reshuffle of the batting order for McSweeney to return to the side in Sri Lanka, which is not out of the question with Travis Head an option to open although there will also been a keenness to get subcontinent cricket into Konstas, but even if he doesn’t play it is notable that he has been recalled swiftly.Related

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“I think it shows the character that we’ve seen and the sort of person he is, the way he responded and spoke so well about it publicly pretty soon after it happened and jumped straight back into performing for the Heat,” Bailey said.McSweeney has previously traveled to the MRF Academy in India to further his education against spin and expects to have to use a different set of skills than works for him in Australia should he get an opportunity.”It’s a great challenge no doubt, but one I have planned for and will be ready for no doubt,” he said. “Playing spin in Australia has to be very different to playing spin over in Sri Lanka. I’ve worked out a method in Australia that has worked for me in my Shield career but will definitely have to work out a new one to be a good player over there.”In the official release, Bailey had talked of the tour as a chance for players to “grow their games in the subcontinent” with a view on the years ahead, although later insisted that qualification for the World Test Championship final, with the 3-1 series margin over India, had not changed the selectors’ thinking over who went on this trip.Nathan McSweeney had a tough initiation to Test cricket•Cricket Australia via Getty Images”I know there’s been a lot of speculation around that [WTC qualification], but we view every Test tour and Test match as being really important,” Bailey said. “So for us, it was more around structuring up two or three different ways of what we thought the first XI may look like.”But there is certainly evidence of the next generation being unfurled with McSweeney (25) joined by Konstas (19) and the uncapped Cooper Connolly (21). Todd Murphy, who has six Tests under his belt, is also just 24. Call-ups for Glenn Maxwell (36) and Peter Handscomb (33) would not have brought a sense of forward planning, although Handscomb was very close and remains on standby.While it is not rubberstamped that Konstas retains his spot as an opener, it would be a way to help fast-track his education at Test level in what are likely to be spin-friendly conditions with an eye on the 2027 Test tour of India.”What we have seen is he’s a quick learner, absorbs a lot of information,” Bailey said. “So [we are] expecting him to get a lot out of it. From his spin play in Australia and the opportunities he has played in different parts of the world, we think he’s got a game that’s well suited and a technique that can stand up. That’s one of the exciting things about this tour. We’ll learn a bit more about his game in different conditions to what he’s just faced in Australia.”Connolly, meanwhile, has been selected after just four first-class matches which have brought three half-centuries, including 90 on debut in last year’s Sheffield Shield final, and he has yet to take a wicket in the format with his left-arm spin. However, the selectors have been encouraged by his big-temperament which has already earned him four white-ball appearances.”Technically, we like it. Temperament, we like. Character, we like. Clearly, skill set, there’s a lot to like there as well,” Bailey said. “On the first-class front, there’s not a great deal of games behind him, but he is one that’s been around that one-day group. We have in the past used that as a stepping stone at different times to see a player a bit more, find out a bit more about the way they play. He was obviously the beneficiary of that. He’s someone that we’ve had our eye on for a period of time.”

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has made it clear that he wants the club to bring in new signings in the attacking positions before the end of the window.

The Hoops head coach, who was speaking after the 2-0 win over Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership, says that there is nothing imminent on that front as it stands, though.

Adam Idah has started both league games this season and failed to score from 0.82 xG and only created 0.06 xA for his teammates in the games against St Mirren and the Dons.

Why Celtic need to drop Adam Idah

The Ireland international has had a huge opportunity to impress as the starting number nine due to the lack of business done by Celtic in the forward areas.

Idah only scored 13 goals from 13.57 xG in the Premiership in the 2024/25 campaign, which shows that he was not particularly ruthless in front of goal in his first full year at the club.

His failure to provide a goal, from 0.82 xG, or an assist in the opening two games does not suggest that he has vastly improved as a finisher over the summer, which is why Rodgers should be dropping him down to the bench to play as an impact substitute.

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Instead of dipping into the market to sign a new striker to replace Idah, though, the Hoops could sign reported £6m-rated target Clement Bischoff instead, to free Daizen Maeda up to play through the middle.

Why Celtic should sign Clement Bischoff

The 19-year-old starlet is a right-footed left winger who could provide a direct and creative threat down the left flank, which is something that the Hoops do not have aside from Maeda due to Jota’s ACL injury.

Bischoff was described as an “explosive” and “flamboyant” talent by U23 scout Antonio Mango, and it is easy to see why when you look at his incredible start to the 2025/26 campaign.

Appearances

7

Shots on target

4

Goals

1

Key passes

24

Big chances created

5

Assists

2

Successful dribbles

11

As you can see in the table above, the Danish youngster, who has been playing as a left-sided forward, has already created five ‘big chances’, and 24 chances overall, in seven appearances for Brondby.

This suggests that the teenage starlet, who created 51 chances in 39 games last season as a wing-back, is an incredibly creative winger who can consistently create high-quality opportunities for his teammates.

His presence on the left flank would then free Maeda up to take Idah’s place as the number nine, which could be an effective switch given his form last season. The Japan international scored a staggering 14 goals in 11 starts as a striker for Celtic last term, compared to 16 in 36 outings on the wing.

This suggests that the Japanese marksman has the potential to be a lethal number nine option, given his unbelievable haul of goals in that position last season, which is why Idah should be dropped from the team to facilitate this switch.

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Bischoff coming in would provide Rodgers with a quality left wing option to free up Maeda to show off his goalscoring prowess in the centre-forward position, in turn leaving Idah to play the role of super sub for the time being.

This is why the Brondby youngster could be an ideal signing to improve the attack, both because of his own creative quality and what it could mean for the number nine role.

MatériaMais Notícias

Buscando potencializar o seu já robusto programa de sócio-torcedor, o Internacional informou nesta semana que fará um desconto de 50% no valor das mensalidades para duas faixas etárias específicas:entre 12 e 17 anos ou acima de 80.

+ Assine o Star+ por apenas R$32,90 por mês e acompanhe o Inter na Libertadores quando e onde quiser!

O desconto praticado pelo Colorado levará em conta exclusivamente a faixa etária, sendo elegíveis para esse tipo de benefício integrantes de qualquer modalidade no atual programa que compreenda estas idades. São os casos do Carteira Vermelha, Campeão do Mundo, Nada Vai Nos Separar e Academia do Povo.

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Além da possibilidade de ver sua mensalidade habitual sofrer um considerável decréscimo, o desconto em questão também tem validade para novas adesões, algo que pode trazer uma base ainda mais sólida para os mais de 100 mil sócios-torcedores ativos contabilizados pelo clube gaúcho.

Vale ressaltar queo desconto não é cumulativo com outras isenções eventualmente praticadas às modalidades e categorias sociais envolvidas. Além disso, quando o associado ou a associada completar 18 anos, a mensalidade subsequente já será cobrada no valor integral.

Dentro de campo, o momento do Inter é de preparação visando à segunda rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. Após a suada vitória na Libertadores frente ao Metropolitanos, o time comandado por Mano Menezes terá pela frente o Flamengo, no domingo (23), às 11h (de Brasília), no Beira-Rio.

The last time Sunderland triumphantly won promotion up to the Premier League back in 2007, the Black Cats managed to stay in the tricky division for a mammoth nine straight seasons, before falling down to the lower reaches of the EFL.

Regis Le Bris would love for the same level of stability to greet his side in 2025, with Sunderland’s standout summer business – which has included a club-record £30m being forked out to win Habib Diarra – making those on Wearside believe they can instantly secure survival and thrive back in the promised land.

The ambitious Wearaide outfit were dealt a heavy dose of realism last time out in pre-season, however, as Hearts convincingly put the top-flight newcomers to the sword in a 3-0 loss.

Still, not much can often be read from freak pre-season results, but more signings will likely be in the pipeline for Le Bris and Co. before August’s big showdown with West Ham United officially kicks off the Premier League campaign.

Sunderland express interest in new goal machine

The Frenchman will have some concerns about how his team will initially take to the daunting step-up, worrying that the Hammers will expose the porous Sunderland defence at will, much like the heavy Hearts defeat.

This could well spur the Black Cats into snapping up one or two new defensive recruits, with Bologna centre-back Jhon Lucumi still on the shopping list, amid reports the Colombian might be available for around the £22m mark.

Away from chasing after defenders, however, Sunderland are also actively in the market for some fresh striker personnel, with a surprise target now appearing on the shortlist.

Indeed, as per reports from Spain, Jamie Vardy is preparing for one final dance in the top-flight after waving goodbye to Leicester City, with Everton, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Sunderland and even Manchester United all interested in the potent veteran’s short-term services.

In fact, it reports that the Mackems have already come forward with an attractive offer to sign the veteran attacker.

How Vardy can become Sunderland's next Defoe

With a weighty 145 Premier League goals next to his name, Vardy could be a smart pick-up by Sunderland as they navigate the choppy waters of the top-flight.

He could even go on to be the Wearside club’s second coming of Jermain Defoe, with the former forward once playing the role of seasoned old-timer to perfection during Sunderland’s Premier League heyday.

Long before Le Bris helped put Sunderland back on the footballing map, Defoe was leading the line for the Black Cats with some venom in the big time.

The well-travelled attacker would go on to amass a high 34 of his 156 Premier League goal collection at the Stadium of Light, with one of his ex-Sunderland bosses in Gustavo Poyet even hailing that his side were ‘a different team’ altogether when Defoe was strutting his stuff for fun.

Defoe’s PL career numbers vs Vardy’s

Stat

Defoe

Vardy

Games played

480

342

Goals scored

156

145

Assists

32

50

Hat-tricks

4

3

PL title wins

0

1

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Amazingly, Vardy will attempt to eclipse Defoe’s bumper 156 goals in the Premier League if he lines back up in the top division next campaign, with the 26-time England international only 11 strikes off his counterpart’s 156 goals, despite making 138 fewer appearances.

Moreover, much like Defoe managed to achieve at the Stadium of Light, Vardy was a constant livewire presence for the Foxes that ensured safety was reached time after time during his 13-year association with the club, with a jaw-dropping Premier League title success also coming his way when regularly bamboozling defences.

He was so well thought of at the King Power Stadium that he was even lauded as “world-class” by former boss Brendan Rodgers, on top of international acclaim also coming his way during his purple patch in Leicester blue when ex-Germany manager Joachim Low heralded him as “spectacular” in 2016.

It’s not all just nostalgia, however, as Vardy did try his utmost last season to help the Foxes avoid the drop, but his healthy nine strikes in Premier League action just weren’t enough.

Le Bris will hope he can chip in with a similar amount or even more donning Sunderland red and white, as a new, seasoned attacker now potentially attempts to live up to Defoe’s legendary status.

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Celtic are said to have made an approach for a £2.5m-rated midfielder, as they look to beat a Premier League club to his signature, among others.

Rodgers pushing for "statement" Celtic signing

Brendan Rodgers doesn’t appear to be messing around this summer, during a transfer window in which he knows the importance of nailing his business.

In fact, the Celtic manager is even thought to be personally pushing to sign Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, according to former scout Mick Brown, with the Republic of Ireland striker linked with either a loan or permanent move to Parkhead this summer.

“Celtic can offer attractive opportunities to players like Ferguson. They’re going to be playing in the Champions League and competing for trophies, which would be valuable experience for a player of his age.

“He could go to Celtic as the main man up front, away from the pressure that comes with the Premier League, and prove what he can do. I think Brendan Rodgers will be pushing to get that done, he wants to be ambitious in the market. He expects to be backed and this would be a statement of intent, even if it’s on a loan deal.”

On the flip side, Celtic will be at risk of losing certain key players, with Nicolas Kuhn falling into that category and reportedly wanted by RB Leipzig, having been in their academy earlier in his career.

Celtic make approach for £2.5m midfielder

According to Africa Foot [via Sport Witness], Celtic have made an approach for Yverdon Sport midfielder Moussa Baradji, in what looks to be a competitive battle for his signature.

Fiorentina, Parma, Torino, Basel and Galatasaray are all mentioned in the report, but it is Sunderland who are in transfer talks ahead of their return to the Premier League next season, looking to get ahead of others in the race. He is expected to cost £2.5m.

Baradji will be something of an unknown to plenty of Celtic supporters, with all due respect to him, considering he is yet to play for a team in Europe’s top five leagues.

That’s not to say that he wouldn’t be a good signing for the Hoops, however, and the level of interest in him suggests that he could be an effective addition to Rodgers’ squad, with analyst Maxime Schar calling him a player who is “at ease under pressure”.

At 24, Baradji is at a perfect age, possessing enough experience to hit the ground running immediately, but also still having a healthy chunk of his career ahead of him.

While at his best as a box-to-box midfielder, the Frenchman is also adept of playing in a deeper role, too, and even as a right winger, if needed.

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It looks as though Sunderland are pushing particularly hard to sign Baradji this summer, but Celtic can offer him Champions League football, which will hopefully prove to be a huge lure for him.

Arsenal and sporting director Andrea Berta have been working to back Mikel Arteta behind-the-scenes, with the north Londoners intent on strengthening their squad ahead of a vital Premier League campaign.

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Berta has many plates spinning as he looks to secure the best possible deals for his new club.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

The Italian is still simultaneously working on deals for both RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, as has been the case for weeks (BBC), with Arsenal’s final striker decision shaping up to be one of the most intriguing stories of this transfer window.

“Arsenal still deciding between Benjamin Sesko and Gyökeres,” said reliable transfer journalist Ben Jacobs, via X, recently.

“Andrea Berta simultaneously advancing both deals. Gyökeres would be open to Manchester United. There has been no formal rejection, but a deal to date has also never been at an advanced stage, despite suggestions.

“United have not made any formal approach to Sporting. Swedish striker one of several striker options discussed for #MUFC. Gyökeres believes he’ll still be allowed to leave Sporting for €70m. Arsenal have always been one to watch, but it will depend on Berta now because he is also in ongoing talks for Sesko at the same time.”

The Gyokeres situation in particular is getting pretty toxic to say the least.

Sporting president Frederico Varandas publicly denied claims that the 27-year-old would be allowed to leave for £60 million, even if Gyokeres remains privately convinced that’ll happen, with the club chief also stating that he won’t be blackmailed by the striker or his agent.

“I want to make one thing clear: Sporting has common sense and keeps its word,” said Varandas.

“Gyokeres scored 63 goals and 10 assists. Fantastic performance. Certainly one of the best players to have ever stepped onto Portuguese turf. And Sporting will not demand the clause.

“Now blackmail and insults, Sporting will not accept. One thing is certain: Sporting will not accept 60 million plus 10 [£60m].”

Viktor Gyokeres "dreams" of joining Arsenal

As tensions surrounding Gyokeres’ future reach boiling point, Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport has at least moved to provide some good news for Arsenal.

Serie A heavyweights Juventus have been expressing an interest in the Sweden international recently, but the Old Lady have been told something crystal clear – Gyokeres “dreams” of a move to Arsenal, and they’re his top priority.

While Corriere reiterates that the north Londoners have seen a low-ball offer rejected already, the newspaper has provided clarity on Gyokeres’ current price tag, with Sporting demanding close to around £70 million to agree a deal.

Juve were actually willing to surpass Arsenal’s opening offer, but after receiving Gyokeres’ “refusal”, they’re now moving on to other targets like free agent Jonathan David.

Berta knows the price at which Sporting will begin to loosen their hold on the star striker, with the 53-year-old now set to carry on pondering his imperative decision before advancing further in talks – Sesko or Gyokeres.

“I know Gyokeres very well personally, I was a bit of a mentor for him when he played for Brommapojkarna,” former Arsenal midfielder Anders Limpar told FotbollDirekt.

“He’s a fantastically hardworking forward who scores a lot of goals. If we at Arsenal [were to] buy Gyokeres, then he will definitely call me. But then to see Gyokeres at Arsenal, that would be crazy.

“His work rate, he runs like a madman. When it doesn’t work out for Viktor, he works his way into the game with uncomfortable runs.”

Fulham are now ready to make a move for an “incredible” manager, should Marco Silva decide to leave this summer, according to a report.

Silva's future at Craven Cottage still in doubt

Having been at Craven Cottage since 2021, Silva is now among the longest-serving Premier League managers, behind only Pep Guardiola, Thomas Frank and Mikel Arteta, but there have been suggestions his time in west London could now be coming to an end.

It remains to be seen whether Tottenham Hotspur persist with Ange Postecoglou after their Europa League triumph, but should they part ways with the Australian, the Cottagers boss could be among the main candidates to be brought in as a replacement.

In the same report, it is revealed the 47-year-old coach could also be tempted by a move to Saudi Arabia this summer, with several clubs ready to offer him mega money to leave the Premier League despite his insistence this weekend that he will stay put.

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As such, Fulham have now started to identify potential replacements for the Portuguese manager just in case, and a report from The Sun states they are now ready to make a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Vitor Pereira.

Indeed, should Silva decide to move on, the Cottagers will look to raid their Premier League rivals for Pereira, who enjoyed an impressive debut campaign in England, leading the Old Gold to safety after replacing Gary O’Neil in the dugout.

The Portuguese coach is the number one choice to replace his compatriot, having been identified as an ideal fit, and there is a feeling the west Londoners could offer him a more lucrative financial package and a better long-term plan than he currently has at Molineux.

Pereira could be "incredible" Silva heir

The Wolves boss had a tough job on his hands after replacing O’Neil, but Wolves ultimately managed to avoid relegation with ease, at one point winning six matches on the spin from March until the end of April.

In light of the job the 56-year-old has done at Molineux, he has also received high praise from Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer, who said: “He really has done an incredible job, the whole atmosphere on the pitch and off the pitch,”

“He’s given everyone belief and confidence, made them more solid at the back. All over the park, they’re better, so he’s done a great job.”

The feel-good factor off the pitch is perhaps best showcased by the fact the former FC Porto boss has even been known to go to the pub for a pint with Wolves fans after matches.

Having also been nominated for the Premier League Manager of the Season award, there are plenty of signs that Pereira could be a great replacement for Silva, but Fulham will ultimately be hoping their manager stays, having stabilised them as a top-flight club.

A significant update has now emerged over the future of an “amazing” Liverpool player, courtesy of Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

Liverpool fringe players struggle at Brighton

The Reds were beaten 3-2 away to Brighton on Monday evening, meaning the new Premier League champions have now gone three matches without a victory since officially winning the title last month.

It was a chance for fringe players to chance, as Arne Slot shuffled his starting lineup, but in truth, few did their future chances much good, including Harvey Elliott, who seemed to hint at a possible summer exit after the game, saying:

“It’s been hard with how much I’ve played. I’ve tried as hard as I could and whatever happens, happens. It’s about what’s best for my career. It’s about reflecting and seeing what I can do. I’m here at the moment and I’m focusing on the final game.”

A big summer transfer window is expected at Liverpool, with Jeremie Frimpong on the verge of signing from Bayer Leverkusen, and Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez also strongly linked with a move, but there will also likely be lots of outgoings. Now, a new rumour has emerged regarding the future of another Reds player alongside Elliott.

"Amazing" Liverpool defender linked with exit

Taking to X on Tuesday morning, the reliable Plettenberg claimed that there is “interest” in Liverpool centre-back Jarell Quansah from a host of clubs, and there is a chance of a potential summer exit.

Selling Quansah this summer would be a risk by Liverpool, considering he is a young player with a high ceiling, with Alexis Mac Allister showing his appreciation for him last year, saying:

“He was amazing. The job he did with Virg [Virgil van Dijk] is so important for the team because it gives us that calmness that we need to play football. “Even on the ball he was amazing. Very happy and very glad for him.”

Jarell Quansah’s 2024/25 Premier League stats

Total

Appearances

13

Starts

4

Minutes played

489

Clearances per game

2.1

Tackles per game

0.9

Pass completion rate

91.5%

Goals

0

Assists

0

That said, Liverpool have to be ruthless this summer, and if Slot believes an upgrade on the Englishman can come in and bolster his squad, accepting an offer may be the right decision.

Quansah leaving would be a transfer twist, however, considering a recent report in 2025 claimed that the Reds have no plans to sell the £50m-rated defender, continuing to see him as an important part of the club’s future.

If the 22-year-old, who started vs Brighton, is happy to stay as a possible squad player, keeping him on still makes the most sense, with the England international still having plenty of time to mature into a future regular, but sporting director Richard Hughes has a big decision to make this summer.