Fulham: Club Hoping To Steal "Quality" Star

Leicester City are hoping to prise Fulham captain Tom Cairney away from the club this summer, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Who could leave Fulham?

It's set to be a crucial summer transfer window at Craven Cottage with manager Marco Silva now hoping to build upon a successful first campaign back in the Premier League.

Fulham, quite comfortably, secured survival and another campaign in the big time – while also just missing out on qualification for European football.

Some of the Whites' star players, as a result, are said to be attracting interest from major clubs domestically. Perhaps most notably, midfielder Joao Palhinha is wanted at Man United, Liverpool and West Ham, but Fulham are set to fend off their advances by demanding upwards of £90 million (The Daily Mail).

The Portugal international may continue to be a talking point long into this summer, but according to other reports, he isn't the only Fulham star who could leave Craven Cottage.

Fulham manager Marco Silva.

Newcastle United and Marseille are currently pursuing a deal for left-back Antonee Robinson, with Fulham ready to let him leave given the defender is refusing to pen fresh terms (The Evening Standard).

Meanwhile, according to Football Insider and O'Rourke, another star who could depart west London is club captain Cairney.

Indeed, it is believed that the recently relegated Leicester are eyeing up a move for the Scotland international and wish to steal him away.

Cairney has just 12 months remaining on his current deal, with the Foxes hoping to lure him up north. He is a personal favourite of new Leicester manager Enzo Maresca, who wants him at the King Power Stadium.

The attacking midfielder struggled for consistent starts throughout 22/23, despite wearing the armband, but Silva has been full of praise for him regardless.

What's been said about Tom Cairney?

Speaking to the media last season, Silva expressed his admiration for Cairney, who he labelled a "top quality" player.

"Tom is always a player that can give us the calmness to start the game," said the Fulham boss (via The Independent).

"Even some moments under pressure he can give us what we need.

“Of course he knows I am pushing him to arrive in certain areas, to be between the lines. In some moments, first and second phase, we need players like him to start well, but when the game goes forward and we are in our defensive half, we need him to arrive in certain areas as well.

“Two great finishes, two great goals from him. Top quality player. We know his quality on the ball, everything that he can do."

Man United Transfer News; Terms Agreed With Rasmus Hojlund

Manchester United have agreed on personal terms with Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, according to reports.

Are Man United signing Rasmus Hojlund?

The Red Devils and Erik ten Hag have already splashed the cash this summer by bringing in midfielder Mason Mount from Chelsea in a deal worth £60m.

The England international has signed a deal through to 2028 and will wear the famous number 7 shirt at Old Trafford, with Mount potentially the first of many through the door at Old Trafford over the coming weeks.

A new goalkeeper is required after it was confirmed by David de Gea that his 12-year association with the club has come to an end after his contract expired at the end of June.

Inter Milan’s Andre Onana is seemingly the top target in goal, and it looks as if a move is gathering pace, with Fabrizio Romano revealing that a deal will be sealed by the end of next week.

Personal terms have been agreed with the Cameroon international, and by the look of things, an Old Trafford deal has also been struck with Hojlund.

The forward has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester this summer and the club were thought to be readying a £50m bid for the Denmark international.

According to Football Insider in the last 48 hours, there has been a ‘huge new development’ in United’s attempts to sign Hojlund.

The report states that Man United and Hojlund have agreed personal terms and are making progress over a move. The addition of a prolific number nine is the club’s top priority before the window shuts, and it looks as if Hojlund could be the man to arrive.

Rasmus Hojlund

Is Rasmus Hojlund good?

Hojlund is just 20 years of age, but he appears to be making good progress and is seemingly a potential star in the making. He signed for Atalanta just last year and saw his Transfermarkt valuation rocket to a career-high €45m after contributing to 14 goals in 34 games last season.

His former boss Christian Ilzer described him as a player with "incredible maturity" and believed he is "similar to [Erling] Haaland", while Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini also praised Hojlund.

“Hojlund has this spirit, energy, intensity, but also technical quality that is just remarkable.

"He still has so much margin for improvement, too. He is so quick, he’s under 11 seconds over 100m and that’s not even trying very hard. Considering his height, he has a low centre of gravity and can move his legs very fast. I am convinced he’ll have a great career, he just gets stronger every day.”

Meanwhile, football talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed Hojlund as an "absolute monster in the making", so the left-footed striker could be a shrewd addition for Ten Hag.

That’s because Anthony Martial is reportedly up for sale, and should he depart, United would be left with no senior centre-forward options, with Marcus Rashford primarily a winger. Therefore, signing someone like Hojlund would allow Rashford to turn out in his favoured role, and the Red Devils are getting close to a deal.

Tottenham Reignite Interest In "Incredible" £25k-p/w Star

Tottenham Hotspur have now regnited their interest in signing Eintracht Frankfurt forward Randal Kolo-Muani, who is being targeted by a number of top clubs from across Europe, according to a report from RMC Sport.

What's the latest Tottenham transfer news?

The Harry Kane transfer saga has developed in recent days, with Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain now in the race to sign the 29-year-old, so Tottenham have started to identify some potential replacements.

Dusan Vlahovic is viewed by Spurs as the "ideal" option to come in for Kane, according to journalist Rudy Galetti, and they have already taken the first steps towards orchestrating a deal for the Serbian, but they will face competition for his signature from PSG.

Another option for the Lilywhites is Flamengo striker Pedro, who is now ready to test himself in the Premier League, but they are yet to make an official proposal, or contact the Brazilian club to discuss the intricacies of a potential deal.

Last December, when Antonio Conte was still at the helm, Tottenham were named as potential suitors for Kolo Muani, and they have now reignited their interest in the forward, according to a report from RMC Sport.

The 24-year-old is likely to have plenty of offers to choose from this summer, with Manchester United, Bayern Munich and PSG all being named as potential suitors.

The report makes it clear that Bayern are aiming to finalise a deal to sign Kane, with the Bundesliga champions only viewing the Frankfurt forward as a back-up option.

Spurs are also in the mix, and they could position themselves to sign the Frenchman as a replacement for Kane, should the England captain decide to leave this summer.

How good is Randal Kolo Muani?

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the France international's game is that he is equally capable of scoring goals as he is setting up his teammates, weighing in with 15 goals and 14 assists in 32 Bundesliga games during the 2022-23 campaign.

Over the past year, the playmaker ranks in the 97th percentile for assists per 90, when compared to his positional peers, which indicates he could be a solid replacement for Kane, who has been hailed for his creative talents by analyst Adrian Clarke.

Lauded as "incredible" by members of the media, the Bondy-born forward is also a very impressive dribbler of the ball, ranking in the 95th percentile for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

randal-kolo-muani-transfer-gossip-tottenham-hotspur-frankfurt-postecoglou-heung-min-son

Last season, the £25k-per-week striker impressed enough to be named in WhoScored's best XI of the season, having averaged a match rating of 7.29, which placed him seventh in the entire Bundesliga for his overall performances.

At 24-years-old, Kolo Muani has time on his side, and he could be an excellent long-term replacement for Kane, who turns 30 at the end of this month.

That said, Tottenham's main aim should be to keep hold of their talismanic striker, as it is almost impossible they will be able to find a replacement who's also capable of scoring 30 Premier League goals.

West Ham: "Beast" player will be "out-of-reach" for Moyes

West Ham United target Joao Palhinha could prove to be 'out-of-reach' due to Fulham's extremely high asking price for the Portugal international, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Is Joao Palhinha going to West Ham United?

According to Football Insider, Fulham have warned West Ham against making another offer for £50k-a-week Palhinha after the Hammers seen an opening bid of £45 million rejected for his services.

The report states that Palhinha is a 'top target' for West Ham following the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal for a record fee for a British player. Last term, Palhinha was an excellent performer at Craven Cottage and made more tackles than anyone else in the Premier League with 148, racking up 48 more than second-placed Moises Caidedo of Brighton & Hove Albion.

In terms of appearances, the 28-year-old featured 40 times in all competitions for Fulham, registering four goals in total, as shown on Transfermarkt.

Last month, The Daily Mail claimed that Fulham set Palhinha's asking price at a whopping £90 million, which they had benchmarked against the fee West Ham eventually received for Rice; however, keen suitors are more likely to value the Portugal international at the £50 million mark.

Any big-money deal for Palhinha would represent a significant profit for Fulham this window, given that the west Londoners brought the box-to-box midfielder for £20 million last year from Sporting Lisbon, as per Sky Sports.

Other targets in the engine room have been mooted for West Ham over the last few weeks, including Ajax's Edson Alvarez, Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse and Manchester United star Scott McTominay.

Nevertheless, transfer insider Jones thinks that Palhinha may prove 'out-of-reach' for West Ham due to Fulham's asking price for his signature.

Jones told FFC: "So I understand he would be more into kind of that Palhinha type figure for West Ham. Now look, the other thing you've got to consider, Edson Alvarez, I think everyone can agree on is going to be a really good signing. Palhinha, I think he's going to prove out-of-reach. I mean, at the moment, for the other players that West Ham are targeting, Palhinha is going to be more expensive than all of them."

Who else could West Ham United sign this window?

West Ham United boss David Moyes is keen to get to work spending the money that the Irons have managed to accumulate for former club captain Rice and the Scot has identified several targets that could potentially pitch up at the London Stadium this window.

Manchester City youngster Carlos Borges is in 'advanced talks' to join West Ham for a fee in the region of £14 million and will provide some variation on the left flank, as per The Evening Standard.

Chelsea's Conor Gallagher

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is another name of interest to West Ham; however, the Blues value the England international at a price exceeding £40 million and it is believed that he would need to drive any potential departure personally, according to Sky Sports.

FC Midtjylland talent Emiliano Martinez is attracting attention from both West Ham and Wolverhampton Wanderers and his agent, Luis Ferrer, is gauging side's that would be keen to offer his client an opportunity to move elsewhere, as per Football Insider.

Chelsea Preparing Bid For £26m "Real Beast", He’d Be Better Option Than Jackson

Chelsea are in the process of overhauling a squad that desperately underperformed in the Premier League last season, with new boss Mauricio Pochettino potentially eyeing another striker.

Who have Chelsea signed so far?

The Blues have added Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson to their squad already this summer – players boasting 28 goals combined in the Bundesliga and La Liga last season – while teenage wingers Angelo Gabriel and Diego Moreira have joined from Santos and Benfica respectively.

Those arrivals have helped to offset the departures of Kalidou Koulibaly, Mateo Kovacic, Edouard Mendy, Kai Havertz, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, N'Golo Kante, Mason Mount, Cesar Azpilicueta, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Christian Pulisic, among others.

Chelsea are said to have made signing Moises Caicedo their top priority before the transfer window closes on 1st September, but Brighton & Hove Albion are continuing to play hardball.

However, Pochettino may have better success when it comes to bringing in another attacking player, as L'Equipe reports that Chelsea are preparing a bid for Montpellier ace Elye Wahi, who is reportedly valued in the region of €30m (£26m).

How old is Montpellier striker Elye Wahi?

Despite only turning 20 earlier this year, Wahi is already an established Ligue 1 player as he has featured 84 times for Montpellier, including 33 appearances last season as La Paillade finished 12th.

Wahi was directly involved in 24 goals across those 33 games (19 of his own and five assists), which puts him on a par with Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar. Indeed, only six others in the French top flight could better that tally – Kylian Mbappe (34) and Lionel Messi (32) among them.

Given his age, his already-proven ability and a reasonable price tag, Wahi looks to be a steal on the face of it. Indeed, the youngster may even be a better option than Jackson to potentially partner – or indeed, fill in for – Nkunku should he arrive.

The France U21 international scored seven league goals more than Jackson last season, doing so at a rate of 0.68 per 90 minutes, compared to 0.67 per 90 for the Senegalese, as per FBref.

Mauricio Pochettino new Chelsea manager

Wahi was also slightly more accurate in terms of shooting accuracy, finding the target from 58.1% of his efforts, compared to 56.1 for Jackson, while there is also little between the pair when it comes to carries (19.2 v 19.5 respectively).

Jackson does pose more of an aerial threat, winning 30.2% of his duels in the air compared to 20.4% for Wahi, but the Frenchman's game is based more around pace and power.

That is not to say Jackson is not a superb player himself, but according to The Analyst, Wahi is already ranked in the top 11% of all forwards across Europe's top five leagues for goals scored last season and does not turn 21 until next January.

Described by Diario AS reporter Andres Onrubia Ramos as a "real beast", Wahi will no doubt be hungry to hit the ground running should Chelsea win the race for his signature.

On the basis of what he has already shown in France, do not bet against him challenging for a regular starting spot as Pochettino's Stamford Bridge revolution continues.

Aston Villa Make Approach To Sign £25m "Monster" For Emery

Aston Villa have made contact to enquire about a summer deal to bring Fiorentina star Sofyan Amrabat to the Premier League, according to fresh reports.

Who is Sofyan Amrabat?

Amrabat is primarily a defensive midfielder who has plied his trade at the Artemio Franchi Stadium since arriving from Hellas Verona back in 2020, and despite being sent straight back out on loan to his former club after joining, he’s gone on to become a regular feature of Vincenzo Italiano’s outfit, making 107 senior appearances to date.

However, the 26-year-old’s contract with the Serie A side is set to expire in less than a year so the ongoing transfer window will be their final opportunity to cash in and demand a decent fee for their prized asset, and should he depart, he won’t be short of potential suitors in the top-flight.

In England, Manchester United are the club to have been the most heavily linked with a swoop for the Morocco international, whilst Liverpool have also been sounded out as a potential suitor, though if the following update is to be believed, Unai Emery is one of the latest new managers to be chasing his signature.

Are Aston Villa signing Sofyan Amrabat?

According to Viola News (via Sport Witness), Aston Villa have "tested the ground" and initiated for Amrabat. It's unknown whether the contact was made with the player's personal camp, his current club or both, but it does seem as if there has been approach from the Midlands.

The Midlands outfit hold an "interest" in the talisman and it's stated that the "Premier League solution remains alive", with United and Tottenham Hotspur name-checked as admirers in the report. Fiorentina are demanding €30m (£25m) in order to sanction his sale, but as of yet, none of the trio have submitted an official opening offer.

Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.

How good is Sofyan Amrabat?

Aston Villa will know that Amrabat is much stronger in the natural defensive midfield aspect of his game having registered just one assist across all competitions last season, but having been dubbed a “monster” in the centre of the park by reporter Carlo Garganese, he has all the qualities to excel under the guidance of Emery.

The World Cup participant averaged 1.3 tackles per league game during the previous campaign so loves to get stuck in and win back possession for his team, something which he is calm and composed in doing having recorded an 89.8% pass success rate which was higher than any of the regular features managed in the Midlands.

The Huizen native would also provide the Spaniard with wonderful versatility having operated in an outstanding eight various positions since the start of his career, including everywhere across the midfield and even in defence at centre-back, left-back and right-back, so he would be a fantastic option for the boss to have in the building.

Furthermore, Amrabat shares the same agent, CAA Stellar, as both Ezri Konsa and Bertrand Traore, so NSWE and Monchi could be handed a small advantage should they decide to seriously pursue a deal considering the existing connection that his representative already has to the club.

Tottenham: Spurs "Burst Into Bidding" For "Devastating" Star

Tottenham Hotspur have "burst into the bidding" to sign Barcelona midfielder Franck Kessie and they could hijack Serie A giants Juventus, according to reports.

Who will Spurs sign?

Alongside the possible addition of a central defender or two, which is rumoured to be a major priority for Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, the north Londoners could also sign a new midfielder.

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, who has been a regular at Tottenham since he joined from Southampton in 2020, is realistically heading towards the exit door as Atletico Madrid push to sign him.

The La Liga side recently had a bid rejected for Hojbjerg, according to The Times (via SB Nation), but it is believed there is still confidence a deal can be struck for the Dane.

If he departs N17, Spurs will apparently scour the market for a replacement, leading to links with the likes of Chelsea's Conor Gallagher and, of course, Kessie.

The Ivorian, who only joined Barca last summer as a free agent last summer from AC Milan, has struggled for consistent starting places and there is a strong belief Xavi could let him go.

Tottenham are one of the sides to have been linked with a move for the 26-year-old who was once a San Siro star, and journalist Jordi Battle has an update on the matter.

The reporter, writing for Mundo Deportivo, claims Spurs have "burst into the bidding" for Kessie despite Italian giants Juve also making a push.

Massimiliano Allegri's side have made a proposal to the African to join them on loan with an option to buy, but Tottenham could hijack them as they storm into the race.

This comes as Barca apparently work to release Kessie this summer.

What's been said about Franck Kessie?

The former Milan star has been praised by sections of the media, including former Spurs keeper Paul Robinson, who once called Kessie an "amazing player" when commentong on his previous links to Tottenham.

"Kessie would fit the bill," said Robinson to Football Insider.

"He is strong, quick and effective at both ends of the pitch. He ticks a lot of boxes.

“There is no doubting that he is an amazing player. The question is, would he come in and command a starting spot? Hojbjerg and Bentancur have done extremely well. [Yves] Bissouma has struggled to get a look in at times.

“Would Kessie upset that midfield? Maybe but I don’t think it’s a certainty. It’s really important that Spurs sign better than what they already have."

Former Italy striker Antonio Cassano, meanwhile, showered with Kessie praise during his arguable peak years so far at Milan – even comparing the player to Man City legend and former Spurs coach Yaya Toure.

“I want Kessie in my team, he scores, he assists, he has personality," said Cassano.

"He has quality, he doesn’t lose the ball, he is intelligent. I’m watching him carefully, against Roma he was devastating.

“He reminds me of the Yaya Touré of the best times. He is a different player, but in terms of impact. He is holding Milan’s midfield alone.”

Nottingham Forest Willing To Pay £17m For "Excellent" Star

Nottingham Forest are now willing to trigger Stuttgart striker Serhou Guirassy's release clause, which is believed to be in the region of €15m – €20m (£13m – £17m), according to a recent report from Kicker.

Who are Nottingham Forest signing this summer?

Forest are still searching for a new striker ahead of their opening Premier League game against Arsenal this Saturday, and they recently made a bid for Rosario Central's Alejo Veliz, however they have missed out on his signature.

Tottenham Hotspur have now completed a deal for the 19-year-old, so Steve Cooper will have to turn his attention towards other targets, and the Reds have now enquired about Paris Saint-Germain forward Hugo Ekitike, who has also attracted the interest of West Ham United.

According to a report from German news outlet Kicker (via Sport Witness), the Tricky Trees are now interested in signing Guirassy, and they are willing to trigger his release clause, which stands at around €15m – €20m (£13m – £17m).

Given that the 27-year-old has a release clause in his contract, there is not much Stuttgart can do to keep hold of him, and he is keen on a move to the City Ground, which indicates a deal could be on the cards in the very near future.

Forest are set to push for the forward in the coming days, and it turns out he is not the only Stuttgart player they hold an interest in, as they are also keen on left-back Borna Sosa.

The German club are demanding a similar price for the 25-year-old, who could be available for a fee of around €15m (£13m), and the Reds are now poised to make contact with Stuttgart sporting director Fabian Wohlgemuth in the near future.

Who is Serhou Guirassy?

The Stuttgart forward was born in Arles, France, but he is a Guinea international, making seven appearances for the West African nation, and scoring two goals, most recently finding the back of the net against Brazil in a friendly back in June.

That is not the only time the former Rennes man has proven he is capable of performing against one of the world's best sides, having been lauded as "excellent" by journalist Josh Bunting for his display against Bayern Munich last season, bullying Matthijs de Ligt.

In each of his past four league seasons, the 6 foot 2 forward has amassed a minimum of nine league goals, performing very well in his first season in the Bundesliga last term, registering 11 goals in 22 league games, while also finding the back of the net in the relegation play-off.

Having averaged 0.49 non-penalty goals per 90 over the past year, it is clear the France-born striker is a very good finisher, but there may be some concern over the fact that he does not offer much else, failing to register a single assist in that timeframe.

That said, if Forest are to preserve their Premier League status next season, it would be very useful to have an out-and-out goalscorer, and Guirassy certainly fits the bill in that regard, so he could be a solid addition to the squad.

West Ham: Irons Open Talks To Sign "Real Beast" For Moyes

A report has shared some very promising West Ham United transfer news involving Montpellier striker Elye Wahi, coming as the club hunt for Gianluca Scamacca's replacement.

Who will West Ham sign?

David Moyes will be thrilled to finally have a major signing through the door, coming after weeks of waiting.

Midfielder Edson Alvarez, after completing a switch from Eredivisie giants Ajax this window, will bolster Moyes' midfield options after they were forced to sell former star Declan Rice to Arsenal for £105 million.

The 25-year-old will wear the number 19 shirt and Moyes has already expressed his delight at signing Alvarez.

“We’re really pleased to add Edson to our squad,” he said to the club's official website.

“The midfield area was one we were especially keen to strengthen this summer – and Edson will complement the other options we have in that department. He’s an experienced international player, who has enjoyed great success for both club and country during his career to date.

“We’re excited about welcoming to West Ham and seeing him play his part in English and European competition for the club.”

However, despite that bit of astute business, it is believed the Irons could add more midfield signings to their ranks as they also close in on a move for Southampton star James Ward-Prowse.

Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…

The departure of Scamacca, leaving West Ham with a gaping striker hole to fill, has been at the centre of headlines recently and the east Londoners are now attempting to sign a replacement.

Bournemouth forward Dominic Solanke and Arsenal's Folarin Balogun are being targeted as potential successors for Scamacca, as well as Montpellier's Wahi.

The Frenchman has caught West Ham's watchful eye with some fine Ligue 1 displays last term, and the club have now stepped up their interest.

According to a report by TEAMtalk, Moyes' side have opened talks to sign Wahi, who is a man in demand, with technical director Tim Steidten being a huge fan.

Steidten believes the 20-year-old is one of Europe's best young strikers and a potentially perfect replacement for Scamacca, not to mention Michail Antonio, who is apparently "hoping to leave the Hammers for Saudi Arabia".

West Ham boss David Moyes.

If the Jamaica international departs as well, it would leave West Ham even shorter of attacking options, which is where Wahi could come in.

As a result, West Ham have joined the queue of interested sides.

How good is Elye Wahi?

The young striker bagged 19 goals and five assists in 33 French top flight appearances over 2022/2023, making him a very enticing option for Moyes and co.

Wahi, who is also a target for Chelsea across London, has been lavished with praise by sections of the media for his Montpellier performances.

Journalist Andrés Onrubia Ramos called him a "real beast" while backing the player to "explode" soon.

"Elye Wahi (2003). If he manages to polish the definition, we are facing a striker who is going to exceed ten goals per season," said Ramos on X.

"A real beast in space that, in addition, associatively also leaves interesting things. It should definitely explode."

Liverpool Planning To Sign Centre-Back Alongside New Midfielder

Liverpool are still working hard on making new signings in the summer transfer window, with a new update suggesting that midfield is not the only area they want to strengthen.

Will Liverpool sign a centre-back?

The Reds started their 2023/24 season with a 1-1 draw away to Chelsea on Sunday afternoon, as their Premier League campaign got off to a solid, if slightlky flawed, opening.

There were positives and negatives to take from the performance overall, with some of Liverpool's attacking play devastating at times, not least for Luis Diaz's goal, but the defending leaving a lot to be desired.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

It once again highlighted the need for midfield reinforcements to come in before deadline day arrives later this month, but that isn't the only area that needs strengthening.

Andy Robertson is still finding it hard to adjust to his tweaked role, with the Scot having to play more centrally at times in order to accommodate Trent Alexander-Arnold going into midfield, and an altnernative to him is required moving forward.

Goncalo Inacio has arguably emerged as the front-runner to come in and provide competition for places, with the Sporting CP star someone who is capable of playing at both centre-back and left-back. A new update has now emerged regarding Liverpool's pursuit of a new defender – one that should be met with positivity by supporters.

goncalo-inacio-liverpool-transfer-news-premier-league

What's the latest on Liverpool's defender pursuit?

According to Football Insider, the Reds are still actively working to bring in a new defender between now and the end of the month, but the actual name remains a mystery:

"Liverpool have not abandoned plans to sign a defender before the transfer window shuts despite prioritising the capture of a midfield anchorman, sources have told Football Insider.

"The Merseysiders are assessing potential defender signing options and, should an opportunity arise, they are expected to make a late move to bring in reinforcements.

"This comes while Jurgen Klopp and the club’s recruitment team are working overtime to sign the specialist defensive midfielder that Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea showed once again the club so badly need. Nevertheless, it is believed the Reds are keen to press on with a move for a new centre-back."

This is exactly what Liverpool fans will want to hear, with so many expecting a fair amount of business to be completed before the end of August. Their £110m bid for Moises Caicedo is proof that FSG have allowed plenty of money to be spent this summer, and those funds now need to go towards signing at least one defensive midfielder and a left-sided centre-back.

On the face of it, Inacio looks like the perfect option in the latter role, with the 21-year-old already one of Sporting's most important and exciting players, despite his tender years. He played 33 times in the Primeira Liga last season, completing 90% of his passes.

He has also only has a reported €45m (£38.8m) release clause, so he would come in as a relatively cheap option in the current climate, and there would still be plenty of money left over to spend on the midfield.

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