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Liverpool are preparing a move to try and bring PSG’s Renato Sanches back to the Premier League this summer, according to Football Insider reporter Pete O’Rourke.

Will Liverpool Sign Renato Sanches?

The French outfit are planning to offload several players according to O’Rourke and the midfielder is one of the names that could be shown the door.

It’s positive news for Jurgen Klopp, who is eager to add more depth and more starting options to his Liverpool midfield. He’s previously admitted that one of his former signings Fabinho has struggled to get going this season and is “not flying” while other options in the centre have either faltered in their form or been sidelined with injury.

The Reds’ boss has also admitted that this summer will be a big one for the Anfield outfit, with the German insisting that his team “have to be in the market” for some more additions.

One of those names that could be brought in is Sanches, with Klopp reportedly a ‘big fan’ of the midfielder. The manager allegedly tried to convince FSG to snap him up during the last summer transfer window, only for Sanches to head to PSG instead.

Now though, according to Football Insider, the player could be available again during the close season – and the Reds could capitalise on that when the window opens. With a potential move for Jude Bellingham seemingly out of the equation, it leaves the Anfield side needing to find another suitable option and Sanches appears to be that man.

Would Renato Sanches be a good Liverpool signing?

Sanches has clearly been on-the-radar for Liverpool before, so he is a player that Reds fans will already have some awareness of after he was dubbed a “powerhouse” during the last saga. That familiarity and the fact he isn’t an unknown quantity will already make him a more appealing option than others if he does seal a move back to the Premier League.

In terms of his capabilities, the 25-year-old has proven that his time with Swansea in England previously was merely a blip. He managed just a 6.47 rating (via WhoScored) during his solo season with the Swans but has since gone from strength-to-strength as a player in France. With Lille, he upped that to 6.85 and although his current score with PSG this year ranks at 6.47 too, he has added goals and attacking verve to his game.

He has two league goals in limited minutes this campaign and had five in total during his stint with Lille, whereas with Swansea he had none. It shows that he is now getting forward more, as a combative midfield option, and has added more creativity and drive to his game. That could be just what Liverpool need, with no midfielder in the Reds’ team managing more than one goal in the Premier League during this campaign.

يرى جاري نيفيل أسطورة مانشستر يونايتد، أن نادي ليفربول مدين بالفضل لـ محمد صلاح، بسبب صدارته لترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز هذا الموسم.

محمد صلاح صنع هدفًا وسجل 2، في الرباعية التي أمطر بها ليفربول شباك نيوكاسل، ضمن الجولة 20 من الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز على ملعب أنفيلد.

وقال جاري نيفيل في تصريحاته بشبكة “سكاي” البريطانية: “في الشوط الأول ضد نيوكاسل، تساءلت عما إذا كان الأمر سيكون مشابهًا عندما سددوا 30 تسديدة ضد مانشستر يونايتد ولم يتمكنوا من الفوز”.

طالع أيضًا.. كلوب عن أداء محمد صلاح أمام نيوكاسل: فعلها مئات المرات.. وجعلني أعتاد على إهدار الفرص

وأضاف: “في الشوط الثاني كان ليفربول رائعًا في القمة، ولديهم لاعب نجم واحد يربط كل ذلك معًا، وهو محمد صلاح، الذي سيكون ليفربول مدين له بما فعله حتى الآن قبل رحيله للمشاركة مع منتخب بلاده في أمم إفريقيا”.

وأكمل: “لدى ليفربول ثلاثة لاعبين من الطراز العالمي، أليسون وفان دايك وصلاح، عاد فيرجيل إلى أفضل مستوياته خلال الشهرين الماضيين، وكان سجل ليفربول الدفاعي جيدًا جدًا، وأليسون هو الحارس الأفضل في العالم، ومحمد صلاح آلة تسجيل أهداف رغم أنه جناح، ويقدم أداء رائعًا عامًا بعد عام”.

وشدد: “إذا حافظ ليفربول على لياقة الثلاثي، سيكونون في وضع هائل ويمكنهم العودة إلى منصات التتويج سريعًا، لكن يجب أن نضع في الحسبان ابتعاد محمد صلاح للمشاركة مع منتخب بلاده، سيضر بهم بالتأكيد”.

واختتم: “تتساءل كيف سيكون الأمر بدون محمد صلاح، لكنهم مدينون له بالتواجد في صدارة الترتيب، ولا يزال الدوري به العديد من المباريات، لكن عليهم أن يستمروا في المقدمة حتى يعود صلاح”.

Newcastle United midfielder Joelinton left club legend Alan Shearer stunned on Wednesday night by his display in their impressive 5-1 victory.

Will Newcastle secure Champions League football?

After a difficult spell earlier in the year when the Magpies were looking ahead to their Carabao Cup final trip to Wembley, their form did noticeably dip.

However, now that final is over and done with, Eddie Howe's men have been able to return to their best form which saw them mixing it with the top four in the first place.

And it is apparent they are keen to capitalise on the struggles of other clubs like Tottenham Hotspur as they have now opened up a three-point gap on the Londoners with a game still in hand.

Not only did Newcastle secure three important points on Wednesday in the capital, but they sent a real message out to their top four rivals by scoring five goals away from home.

One of the players who got in on the act at the London Stadium was the Brazilian, Joelinton, who netted in both halves as the Toon ran riot in the capital.

And it was apparent the £85k-per-week midfielder had impressed Shearer who took to the Brazilian's post-match Instagram post to hail his display against West Ham United:

How good was Joelinton against West Ham?

The midfielder had a difficult start to life on Tyneside having joined as a forward who then found goals incredibly hard to come by in a black and white shirt.

However, the arrival of Howe at St. James' Park has transformed Joelinton's career at Newcastle with the 26-year-old now proving many of his doubters wrong.

“I don’t think I’ve seen a transformation in any player ever that’s better than Joelinton!” Said Ally McCoist on talkSPORT following the 5-1 victory on Wednesday night.

And it has to be said, the Brazilian's turnaround has been sensational having already equalled his best return in a Premier League season but doing so in a deeper position (via Transfermarkt).

On top of adding two goals to his tally, the Brazilian's 55-touch display saw him help out defensively with one tackle, one interception and one clearance (via SofaScore).

The Brazilian made his return to the starting XI having only featured from the bench in the victory on the weekend against Manchester United, but he certainly made a statement on his return to the fold against the Hammers.

Having now racked up 24 appearances in the Premier League this season, Howe will be hoping the Brazilian can avoid any injury issues in the run-in as Newcastle sit firmly in the driving seat for a spot in the top four.

Liverpool have ‘sent scouts’ to watch Benfica defender Antonio Silva ahead of a potential move to the Premier League, according to journalist Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: £87m release clause

The Reds have been heavily linked with a move for RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol but Jurgen Klopp has reportedly made the 19-year-old one of his top transfer targets this summer.

The Portuguese has a €100m (£87m) release clause included in his current contract which the Anfield outfit wouldn’t be willing to pay, but they remain hopeful that a deal can be struck thanks to their strong relationship with the club having purchased Darwin Nunez.

Journalist Jacque Talbot has claimed that this situation could be ‘one to watch’ as the season draws to a close, and it appears that the hierarchy are already taking the necessary next steps…

The Latest: Liverpool scout Silva

According to Jacobs (via CaughtOffside), Liverpool and four other potential suitors are completing background checks on Silva ahead of the upcoming window. He said:

“Silva is contracted until 2027 with a €100m release clause. Real Madrid, Liverpool, Dortmund, Napoli and Manchester United are among the clubs who have recently sent scouts to see Silva play.

“But there’s nothing to get too excited about just yet. It’s normal to watch top young players at this stage of the season and it will take time before it’s clear if any club moves.

“It will be interesting to see how Benfica handle summer suitors if they do arrive. They really don’t want to lose Silva yet, and although Rui Costa said the same about Enzo Fernandez, the fact they got €121m from that deal leaves them with no need to sell.”

The Verdict: Potential advantage?

Silva shares the same agent as Fabinho, Diogo Jota and Nunez which could give Liverpool the potential edge over their competitors when trying to get a deal over the line.

The 6 foot 1 ace currently averages 3.2 clearances and two tackles per league game, via WhoScored, whilst ranking in the 99th percentile for pass completion, highlighting his calmness and composure when playing out from the back.

The Adidas-sponsored centre-back has only made 33 senior career appearances given his young age but already has two international caps to his name having been chosen to represent Portugal at the World Cup in 2022.

Finally, Silva has been hailed a ‘superstar’ by Reds legend Jamie Carragher and he would be a hugely exciting signing for the future of the club in years to come.

Leeds United have struggled this season, with Jesse Marsch having struggled to make his philosophy bear fruit in time for them to avoid another battle for survival.

As such, his former team sit marooned hopelessly around the relegation zone with new manager Javi Gracia having been left to pick up the pieces.

The Spaniard has inherited a squad devoid of confidence and sorely lacking any cutting edge in the final third, with the Whites having scored just once in their last four matches in all competitions.

This downturn in goalscoring form has coincided with a recent drop-off in Wilfried Gnonto’s performances.

Having joined in the summer, the young Italian quickly captured the imagination for his dynamism and quick feet which often left full-backs floundering. Despite scoring just once in his last seven league games, his acquisition cannot be viewed as anything other than a roaring success thus far.

Survival could depend on his potential resurgence, however.

How much is Wilfried Gnonto worth?

The 19-year-old was signed for just £4m on deadline day, despite FC Zurich having reportedly demanded £17m earlier in the window. This alone outlines just how much of a coup this deal was, but given how his value has only risen serves to further exacerbate this.

FootballTransfers note that the apex of his expected Transfer Value sits at €20.4m (£18m), suggesting that in just six months that value has risen by an astronomical 350%.

This is in no small part to his 1.2 key passes and 1.1 successful dribbles per game, via Sofascore, which outlines him as a constant creative threat for the opposition.

It even led former Hibernian striker Tam McManus to praise him, with his display in their win over AFC Bournemouth impressing in particular.

The Scotsman claimed:

“He came on and he just looks like a little pocket rocket. He looks like he has a real low centre of gravity and he looks absolutely tremendous.”

He continued by praising the club’s youth recruitment as a whole:

“Leeds have so many talented young players now, they’re great to watch. This Gnonto just seems like the latest one and I can’t wait to see what he does next.”

Whilst Marsch’s tenure will likely not be remembered with overwhelming fondness, his work in signing Gnonto will remain one of the shining lights of his one-year reign at Elland Road.

Leeds United have approached Feyenoord manager Arne Slot ahead of a potential Elland Road move, according to The Independent.

The Lowdown: Slot speculation

The Whites haven’t had much luck in their search for Jesse Marsch’s long-term successor, reportedly failing in moves for Raul, Carlos Corberan and Andoni Iraola.

There has been speculation over a swoop for Slot, with Graeme Bailey suggesting he is on the club’s radar. Sky Sports’ Tim Thornton stated on Wednesday that the Dutch manager, who shares the same agency as Manchester City forward and Leeds boyhood fan Erling Haaland, actually wasn’t on the list, but a new update has now emerged.

The Latest: Leeds proposal

Miguel Delaney, chief writer for The Independent, shared a story on Thursday morning regarding Leeds and Slot.

He stated that a proposal has been made to the manager by the Whites, with Slot now seemingly the preferred candidate to take over. Delaney added that ‘Leeds feel his intense and aggressive approach fits what the club want in this post-Marcelo Bielsa era, and are intent on taking their interest to the next stage’.

The Verdict: Wise target?

Slot boasts an impressive managerial record, winning 83 games from a possible 143. He likes to play a 4-3-3 system and appears to be going from strength to strength in the dugout, with his Feyenoord side currently top of the Eredivisie.

The 44-year-old also has experience of managing in the Europa League and has won two games against Erik ten Hag, a manager Leeds come up against once more on Sunday.

The Whites, and by extension owner Andrea Radrizzani and Paraag Marathe, the president of investors 49ers Enterprises, who have the key say when it comes to managerial decisions, appear to think his style of play would work in Yorkshire following Marsch’s dismissal, and after a number of setbacks, they could be on to a winner, should a move materialise.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have identified Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson as a major summer transfer target, according to a recent report.

The Lowdown: Wolves eyeing a new goalkeeper

Wolves were linked with a move for Atalanta goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini in the January transfer window, with it being detailed that Jose Sa is not considered ‘immovable’ in Julen Lopetegui’s starting XI.

The Old Gold instead signed Dan Bentley to provide competition for their Portuguese shot-stopper, but he is 29 and very unlikely to be a long-term replacement for Sa, so bringing in a new ‘keeper is still believed to be on the agenda at Molineux.

The Latest: Patterson targeted by Wolves

According to The Sun, Wolves have picked out Patterson a major transfer target this summer, with Lopetegui reportedly seeing him as the ideal choice to come in and compete for a place in the team before eventually taking over from Sa.

It is claimed that Sunderland may look to cash in on their academy graduate if they do not win promotion from the Championship this season, and the Black Cats could command a fee in the region of £10m.

The Verdict: Get it done?

Hailed as ‘outstanding’ by journalist Josh Bunting, the 22-year-old has been very solid for Sunderland in their first season back in the second tier, keeping eight clean sheets, while he has also proven himself against Premier League opposition.

In the Black Cats’ recent 1-1 draw at Fulham in the FA Cup, the youngster was ranked by Sofascore as by far the best player on the pitch, achieving a 8.8 match rating after making a sensational eight saves from inside the penalty box.

The Athletic journalist Steve Madeley claimed at the start of January that Sa has been ‘back to something like his best’ since the World Cup, and he impressed in the 3-0 win against Liverpool at the weekend, making two important saves.

As such, it is unclear whether Wolves will actually need a new goalkeeper in the summer, given that their current first choice is still only 30. However, if Sa’s performances decline in the second half of the season, Patterson would be a fantastic long-term heir.

One area that Manchester United may well still be looking to strengthen this month is at right-back, with speculation still mounting regarding the future of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

While the 25-year-old has forced his way back into Erik ten Hag’s thinking in recent weeks due to Diogo Dalot’s injury woes – having started the last four Premier League games – there had been prior reports that the Englishman would be allowed to leave in the current transfer window amid mounting interest from a number of top-flight clubs.

With it still yet to be seen if the £50m signing will be trusted in the long-term, it would seemingly be no surprise if the United manager does look to secure a more suitable fit in the coming weeks or during the summer, in order to provide competition to the aforementioned Dalot.

According to a recent report from The Sun, one player who could well be an option for the Old Trafford outfit on the right-hand side of defence is Ajax starlet Devyne Rensch, with the 19-year-old having previously played under Ten Hag for the Amsterdam club.

The teenager has enjoyed a promising campaign for the Eredivisie giants so far, notably scoring twice and laying on one assist in his 14 league appearances – all of which have come from the start – while also averaging 1.8 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game to illustrate his defensive prowess.

Interestingly as far as the Red Devils are concerned, the 5 foot 10 Netherlands international – who has been described as “incredible” by journalist Sizwe Jacques Mbebe – shares a number of statistical and stylistic similarities with his compatriot and current United defender Tyrell Malacia, as per FBref.

Although the latter typically lines up on the left flank, the two assets seem well-suited to Ten Hag’s progressive approach as they are both comfortable in possession, with Malacia enjoying an average pass completion rate of 86.8%, while Rensch is only slightly higher in that regard at 87%.

The duo are also particularly combative, as the Ajax starlet averages 2.23 tackles per game. The former Feyenoord man averages 2.7 per game for that same metric, having already showcased his dogged defensive prowess during his short time at the Theatre of Dreams so far.

Malacia was most notably impressive in United’s recent triumph over Manchester City, having been described as “immense” by journalist Nathan Quao for his display after recording three tackles and two interceptions in his 89 minutes on the pitch.

While the 23-year-old’s time in England hasn’t all been plain sailing up to now – having been hooked at half-time in the reverse fixture at the Etihad Stadium – such a performance has illustrated just what an astute signing his £14.7m capture has been for Ten Hag and co.

As such, to be able to bring in a younger version of Malacia in the form of Rensch could well be yet another piece of impressive business for a manager who appears to be getting little wrong both on the pitch and in the transfer market at present.

Arsenal have made contact to sign Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan Ndicka, according to journalist Christian Falk.

The Lowdown: Deal expiration looming

The Premier League giants are cruising at the top of the table following a blistering opening to the campaign, though that hasn’t stopped the Gunners from wanting to strengthen further.

Ndicka’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season, meaning that he could be available on a cut-price deal this window, something which Edu appears keen to capitalise on.

The Latest: Arsenal in Ndicka talks

In his column for CaughtOffside, Falk revealed that Arsenal, Tottenham and AC Milan are all in negotiations with Ndicka’s representative in the race for his signature. He wrote:

“Evan Ndicka has an offer from Frankfurt – a three-year extension specifically.

“I think there’s a good chance that he’ll sign this contract but there are many clubs interested at the moment, one of them is Arsenal. It’s not so concrete that Frankfurt are really afraid of losing him.

“They also know what his qualities are at the moment, so perhaps it’s too much of a big step for him at this point. They hope that they will sign him up on another contract.

“Arsenal, Tottenham and AC Milan – I think they’re all talking to the agent but it’s not massively concrete at the moment as Frankfurt are confident about their chances of extending his contract.”

The Verdict: Potential bargain

Ndicka is one of the hottest centre-back’s in the Bundesliga and should Arsenal be able to secure his services on the cheap, it would be an absolute bargain.

The 6 foot 3 colossus currently averages a remarkable 5.3 clearances and 2.5 aerial wins per league 90 minutes, highlighting the rock he can be at the heart of a backline (WhoScored).

Dubbed a ‘towering’ defender by Jacque Talbot, Ndicka would make an excellent signing for Mikel Arteta at the Emirates Stadium.

Manchester United have held talks with renowned agent Jorge Mendes over the signing of Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Felix on the move?

The 23-year-old has had a frustrating time at Atletico of late, with Diego Simeone’s defensive style arguably struggling to get the best out of him.

Felix has only been handed five starts in La Liga so far this season, scoring three times in the division, and he also netted once in four appearances for Portugal at the World Cup.

United are among the clubs to have been linked with a move for the attacker as Erik ten Hag eyes up new signings in the upcoming transfer window.

The Latest: Man United have ‘conversations’ over Felix

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano stated that United has discussed a possible move for Felix with Mendes, although no great progress has been made in that regard due to the financial commitment which would be involved.

The Italian said:

“In this case, it’s about the price because Man United have had many conversations with his agent, but at the moment there is no negotiation, no concrete negotiation because of the price.”

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The Verdict: Is he what they need?

Felix is clearly a player of outstanding natural ability, having been described as a ‘special talent’ by Atletico team-mate Alvaro Morata, but he may not be the ideal fit for United.

The Portuguese gem is more of an attacking midfielder or number 10 than an out-and-out striker, with the Red Devils requiring more of the latter after Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit left them with just one natural centre-forward in the senior squad.

Signing Felix could mean that someone like Bruno Fernandes is possibly affected in the line-up, whereas the current United playmaker could thrive off having a top-class natural striker coming to Old Trafford instead in January or next summer.