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Bruno Fernandes is the heartbeat of Manchester United, the catalyst for almost everything positive in the final third.

However, last season proved that he simply can’t do it all on his own, with attacking reinforcements viewed as a priority this summer.

Therefore, it’s no surprise to see that the Red Devils have been linked with Joshua Zirkzee recently, who can not only score but also create, as shown by his 11 goals and four assists in Serie A.

The Dutchman’s arrival would strengthen the squad massively and even increase its value, but there’s a current United star who’s become worth even more than the aforementioned duo.

Diogo Dalot’s revival under Erik ten Hag

Since the appointment of Erik ten Hag, Diogo Dalot has developed into an incredibly important player in the squad.

Prior to the arrival of the Dutchman, the Portuguese full-back wasn’t exactly a staple in the United first eleven, making just 32 Premier League starts following his £19m arrival in 2018.

However, during the 2022/23 season, Dalot featured rather heavily, making 24 league starts while operating at both right back and left back.

Over these starts, the defender showcased defensive security and an attacking threat, picking up nine clean sheets and registering two goal contributions.

But his development last season has truly cemented himself as one of the first names on the team sheet for the 2024/25 campaign.

Diogo Dalot’s transfer value in 2024

Although the 25-year-old didn’t start on the opening weekend against Wolverhampton Wanderers, he quickly worked his way into Ten Hag’s best side.

Amongst the chaos of the defensive injury crisis, there was one reliable player in the backline, and that was Dalot, which made him truly priceless.

Across the campaign, the versatile defender started 35 Premier League games, and towards the end of the season, he played out of position to help ease United’s left-back woes.

There’s no better reflection as to how important he was than the fact that he picked up the Players’ Player of the Season award, with his contribution being recognised, but what is Dalot worth after such an impressive 12 months?

1. Alejandro Garnacho

£84m

1= Rasmus Hojlund

£84m

2. Marcus Rashford

£68m

3. Diogo Dalot

£51m

4. Kobbie Mainoo

£51m

As you can see, Dalot is now estimated to be worth around £51m by CIES’ Football Observatory, with his performances seeing his value skyrocket.

The former Porto ace is now one of the most valuable players at the Red Devils, with only Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, and Rasmus Hojlund estimated to be worth more.

This means that he’s even worth more than the Portuguese Magnifico, Fernandes, £43m, who ended the campaign as United’s highest scorer and assister in the English top flight.

Furthermore, Dalot is also valued even more than Zirkzee, who reportedly has a £34m release clause in his current contract at Bologna.

Considering United have had plenty of misses in the transfer market over the years, signing Dalot for just £19m will go down as one of the club’s best deals over the past decade.

If he continues to perform for Man United and for his country, Portugal, at the European Championships, then it’s fair to predict that his value is only going to go in one direction.

Therefore, it’s clear that Man United truly hit the jackpot on their “phenomenal” superstar, as dubbed by football creator Liam Canning, and he will without doubt be one of the key players in the new era of the Red Devils.

What Man Utd's dream XI could look like after £230m spending spree

Marcus Rashford doesn’t make the best eleven.

1 ByTom Lever Jun 7, 2024

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Até mesmo o mais fanático torcedor do Corinthians sabia que dificilmente o time sairia da Neo Química Arena com uma vitória sobre o Flamengo. No entanto, o que chateou demais a Fiel foi o modo como a derrota por 3 a 1 foi conduzida no último domingo. A equipe de Sylvinho foi atropelada enquanto o adversário quis jogar e escapou de uma goleada quando houve essa “trégua”.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasVídeoVÍDEO: Sylvinho evita projetar estreia de reforços no Corinthians: ‘Vamos respeitar as etapas’Vídeo01/08/2021CorinthiansSylvinho vê primeiro tempo ‘muito ruim’ do Corinthians como motivo da derrota: ‘Nos custou a partida’Corinthians01/08/2021CorinthiansVitinho celebra primeiro gol como profissional, mas lamenta derrota do Corinthians: ‘É trabalhar’Corinthians01/08/2021

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> Jemerson e Otero dão adeus! Veja quem já deixou o Corinthians em 2021

Se houvesse uma só palavra para definir o que foi a atuação corintiana, “constrangedora” seria a mais adequada. Apesar da diferença brutal entre as equipes, não se pode aceitar a imensa superioridade do Fla durante o primeiro tempo. Além de ficar acuado no campo de defesa, o Timão insistia em erros bobos de saída de bola e parecia que levaria gols em cada ataque recebido.

Por excesso de preciosismo do Flamengo, ajuda da trave e inspiração de Cássio, o Corinthians levou apenas três tentos na primeira etapa, mas poderia ter sido mais, muito mais. A exposição de Cantillo no meio-campo, a incapacidade de conseguir levar uma bola para frente, sem que fosse explorando o ótimo Gustavo Mosquito, e a demora da comissão técnica para notar os buracos, foram essenciais para que a situação piorasse a cada minuto.

Sorte alvinegra que o adversário resolveu diminuir o ritmo na segunda etapa, caso contrário seria um episódio vexaminoso na história da Neo Química Arena. Isso porque as alterações no intervalo, sacando Roni e Gabriel, aqueles que mais marcavam no meio-campo, e deixando Cantillo, que fazia uma partida muito ruim, deixaram a equipe mais frágil na marcação no meio-campo, já que Vitinho e Araos, que entraram, são atletas com características mais ofensivas.

Mas, com o descanso flamenguista, isso acabou sendo ofuscado. Mesmo com essa trégua, o ataque não foi lá grandes coisas. Apesar de ter marcado um gol e acertado uma bola no travessão no fim do jogo, o Timão pouco incomodou o adversário e ficava bem claro que não havia mais de onde tirar qualidade. Espera-se que, com Giuliano e Renato Augusto, isso possa trazer mudanças.

O fato de ter se livrado de uma goleada somente pela queda calculada de ritmo do Flamengo é o que mais constrange nessa derrota. Ambos os clubes são gigantescos e por suas histórias não podem fazer um duelo tão desproporcional. Em diversos aspectos, o Corinthians parecia um time “dente de leite” contra um profissional, o que é lamentável pelo tamanho que tem.

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With the transfer window edging ever closer, Newcastle United have reportedly made their first proposal to sign a future star for Eddie Howe to get the Magpies' summer started with a bang.

Newcastle transfer news

PIF certainly aren't messing around ahead of the summer window, having paid such a price for their insufficient squad depth in the current campaign, and look destined to get some of their business done early. According to reports, that business will start with Lloyd Kelly, who is set to leave Bournemouth as a free agent at the end of the season.

Newcastle join the race to sign "one of the best defenders in the world"

What a signing he could be for the Magpies.

ByHenry Jackson May 7, 2024

The left-back, who can also play as a central defender, has reportedly reached an agreement with Newcastle and will complete his switch to St James' Park in the coming months. Following ACL injuries to both Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles, Kelly's arrival couldn't be better timed to finally ease Newcastle's defensive woes come the start of the next campaign.

The trend of bargain buys will only continue from there too, with Newcastle looking to reinforce their squad and stay clear of any Financial Fair Play punishment at the same time by potentially landing a future star.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle have made their first offer to sign Amario Cozier-Duberry on a free deal upon the expiry of his Arsenal deal this summer. The deal is not yet sealed and Arsenal are still in talks over fresh terms themselves, but the proposal is certainly a positive sign of what could be on the horizon.

Still just 18 years old, Cozier-Duberry's potential move to Newcastle could quickly turn into a bargain deal if he reaches his potential in years to come.

"Exciting" Cozier-Duberry can replace Almiron

Whilst Cozier-Duberry's first aim should be to gain some first-team minutes in some way, shape or form if he completes a move to Newcastle, the end goal should be for the winger to replace Miguel Almiron. The teenager can provide the spark down the right-hand side that Almiron has otherwise lacked compared to the last campaign, perhaps indicating that now is the time for a change.

Those at Arsenal, still looking to keep hold of Cozier-Duberry, haven't been shy in their praise, with Jack Wilshere telling The Athletic: "Amario is very exciting and Mikel likes him. He reminds me of Bukayo Saka, plays in the same position as him, needs to get better with his decision-making like Bukayo did, but he's definitely exciting. In some moments he's unplayable.

"You give him the ball and he can make things happen. You can set up a team and have a game plan, but when you've got individuals like that you've got a chance."

Now, it is Newcastle who could be left benefitting from a future star who could be ready to replace Almiron as soon as possible at St James' Park.

Manchester United have had some world-class centre forwards in the history of the club, but it’s been somewhat of a problem position in recent years.

Short-term fixes have been brought in, such as Odion Ighalo, Edinson Cavani, and even Zlatan Ibrahimovic, but only the latter put his stamp on the side.

In the summer, Rasmus Hojlund was purchased for £72m from Atalanta, with the transfer being viewed as a long-term solution.

However, United are once again on the hunt for a number nine, one that can provide support for Dane while also serving as a rotation option.

Man Utd want a new striker

According to a report from German outlet SportBILD, via the Manchester Evening News, United are interested in signing Serhou Guirassy.

Prior to this season, the striker was relatively unknown to those outside of Germany, but he’s certainly been making waves this campaign.

The Stuttgart ace has an extremely good value-for-money £17m release clause in his contract this summer, with plenty of clubs keeping an eye on him due to that, including West Ham United.

However, it seems that Sir Jim Ratcliffe views the striker as the perfect replacement for Anthony Martial, who looks set to walk on a free this summer.

Man Utd lining up "genius" manager to replace Erik ten Hag

The Manager defeated Ten Hag twice in 2023.

By
Tom Lever

Apr 17, 2024

Guirassy stats compared to Hojlund and Rashford

Prior to the season, Man United fans were licking their lips at the prospect of Hojlund and Marcus Rashford combining in the final third.

However, the duo haven’t been quite as prolific as anticipated, scoring seven Premier League goals each this season, one behind Bruno Fernandes in pole position.

Across all competitions, their combined tally does reach 21 goals, with the number ten contributing to eight of those, which is a huge decrease compared to last season’s incredible 30.

However, United target Guirassy has been far more clinical in the final third than Ten Hag's duo, and as you can see by the table below, he’s been a level above the duo on almost every front.

Guirassy's 23/24 Bundesliga Stats
Stats (per 90)	Guirassy	League Percentile
Goals	1.28	Top 1%
Goals/shot	0.30	Top 1%
Key passes	2.04	Top 3%
Passes completed	25.46	Top 3%
Shot-creating actions	3.57	Top 14%
Touches (mid 3rd)	23.37	Top 3%
Via FBref

The Guinea international has been one of the most in-form strikers on the planet in 2023/24, and his goal-per-game record of 1.28 is simply unbelievable, which equates to 25 Bundesliga goals in 23 matches.

It’s clear that Guirassy is the definition of a clinical “finisher,” as dubbed by reporter Josh Bunting, but he also provided much more than just that, due to his ability to link up play and act as a creative outlet.

The fact that the 28-year-old ranks in the top 3% for touches in the mid-third proves that he likes to drop deep and get involved in build-up, but he’s also clearly a major threat in the box, where he’s a threat with both feet and with his head.

Not only is he comfortable receiving the ball with his back to goal, but he can also be a danger in behind the backline, which would make the United attack far less predictable.

Unlike what Rashford and Hojlund have shown this season, he’s also the type of player to grab a game by the scruff of the neck and lead his side to victory, as shown by the fact that he’s scored in all of Stuttgart’s last six games.

Overall, based on his performances this season and the data, it would be expected that Guirassy – who has enjoyed an "outrageous hot streak", as per The Athletic's Seb Stafford-Bloor – would cost a hefty fee, but for just £17m, United should do everything they can to secure the forward.

With the club's current number nine, Martial, scoring just 12 league goals since the start of 2020/21, a clinical new replacement is certainly needed.

Newcastle United could sanction the exit of a "unique" St James' Park hero in the summer transfer window, according to a key update regarding his future.

Newcastle transfer news

The Magpies secured an excellent 4-0 win at home to Tottenham on Saturday, jumping to sixth place in the Premier League at the time, ahead of what is hopefully a positive end to the season. Regardless of what happens in the remaining weeks of the campaign, a number of new signings are needed in the summer, with more depth required.

Newcastle have been linked with a move for Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, and the 21-year-old appears to be seen as a replacement for Martin Dubravka. Meanwhile, Aaron Ramsdale is an option to join from Arsenal, providing stiff competition for Nick Pope between the sticks.

Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone has also emerged as a potential target for Eddie Howe, with the Magpies seen as unexpected candidates to snap him up in the coming months. The 22-year-old has enjoyed a solid season in the Bundesliga, starting 15 matches and averaging 1.8 tackles per game.

Newcastle are also believed to be interested in signing Billy Gilmour, too, with the Scotland international currently at Brighton, proving to be a strong performer in the middle of the park.

This could also be a summer that sees plenty of big names heading out of the St James' Park exit door, however, and there has been a development regarding one such player.

Newcastle planning to accept Almiron offer

According to a new report from Football Insider, Newcastle could be happy to sell Miguel Almiron this summer, having failed to complete a move to Saudi Arabia during the January transfer window.

The report says that the Paraguayan "could leave" the Magpies at the end of the season, and "clubs are expected to look at the forward as a potential target". Newcastle are actually "set to accept an appropriate offer", it is added.

This summer does feel like the natural time to bring an end to Almiron's time at Newcastle, with the wide attacker now 30 years of age and arguably not quite the force he was. That is outlined by a tally of just three goals in 29 Premier League outings this season, compared to 11 in the competition last time around.

The £60,000-a-week attacker has still been a good servant overall, though, netting 30 times in total and being hailed by Howe earlier this season, with the Magpies boss saying:

"He’s (Almiron) a unique footballer. I don’t think there’s anyone better at doing what he does – all energy, all action. I’d like to see his physical stats today because I’m sure they’d be through the roof. The quality he showed with his finish was very reminiscent of some of the goals he scored last year. It’s a great return to form for Miggy – he’s such an important player for us."

Newcastle now the unexpected candidates in race to sign "fantastic" star

A sign of intent from the Magpies…

ByTom Cunningham Apr 12, 2024

Almiron is contracted to Newcastle until 2026, so this upcoming window is arguably the last good chance to receive a healthy fee for him, rather than losing him on the cheap further down the line.

Crystal Palace have reportedly lined up a strange succession plan should they lose key pair Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze this summer.

Palace to be picked apart?

It is no secret that Crystal Palace are currently home to some of the Premier League's most exciting talents, but they will be wary that may not be the case beyond this summer.

Winger Michael Olise and attacker Eberechi Eze both reminded everyone of their qualities over the weekend, starring in the 5-2 thrashing of West Ham United and helping lift Palace further clear of relegation fears.

Olise and Eze this season

Stat

Eberechi Eze

Michael Olise

Appearances

23

14

Goals

8

7

Assists

3

4

Starts together

6

6

Wins when starting together

4

4

Minutes played together

475

475

But both players are in demand this summer, with plenty of big clubs sniffing around the pair. Eze is attracting interest from both Manchester City and Tottenham, after City attempted to move for the Englishman last summer to no avail with Palace batting away their £60m offer.

They could do the same again this summer for the Englishman, who is under contract at Selhurst Park until 2027 after penning a new deal last summer.

Related Crystal Palace eyeing £10k-a-week defender as potential Guehi replacement

They could have found a low cost addition for the summer, but face competition.

Posts ByBen Browning Apr 2, 2024

There is far less certainty around Olise though; after turning down Chelsea last summer after the blues activated his £35m release clause, he also signed a new deal in south London, but it is believed to contain a £65m release clause active this summer.

As a result, all of Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City are thought to be keeping a close eye on the silky Frenchman, who for his part is keen to only leave Palace for a Champions League club and could yet stay.

Should he leave though, Palace appear to have found a bizarre way to reinvest the funds.

Palace eyeing young midfielder

Though Palace replacing one young talent with another is no surprise, their decision on the person to target is. That comes as The Sun report that should they lose Olise and Eze, they will target Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika, who is traditionally a defensive midfielder.

They describe the 23-year-old as "one of the best young players in Europe", while it is added that he will cost interested parties around £20m to sign him this summer, with Brugge open to a sale. In fact, Dougie Freedman personally went to watch him turn out for Brugge last week, the report adds.

They will face competition for his signature, with previous reports having linked him with a move to Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest and Everton as well as Turkish outfit Galatasaray.

On the face of it, it would seem an odd move for Oliver Glasner's side. Predominantly a defensive midfielder, Onyedika averages a yellow card every 240 minutes across his league career and has scored just 11 goals in that time.

Palace, meanwhile, are already well stocked in that area. Cheick Doucoure will return to action next season, while Adam Wharton has been fantastic since arriving from Blackburn Rovers. They also signed Naouirou Ahamada in January 2023 in a bid to strengthen that area, and it is clear that creating and scoring is a much bigger problem for the Eagles if their stars leave.

Though available at a cut-price fee, would they not be better off investing their Olise income at the top end of the pitch?

As Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's men gear up for life in League One, here's everything you need to know about their pre-season.

Wrexham celebrated back-to-back promotions at the end of the 2023-24 season and will be eager to push on once more in their bid to scale the heights of the Premier League.

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's Welcome to Wrexham venture has breathed life into the Welsh team, with a growing fanbase in the United States and across the world.

Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about Wrexham's pre-season plans ahead of the 2024-25 season, plus ticket information, where to watch games live and more.

GettyWrexham 2024 pre-season fixtures & results

Date Game Kick-off time Venue

Jul 13Hanley Town 1-5 Wrexham8am ET (1pm BST)Low-cost Roofing Stoke Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent, EnglandJul 20Wrexham 1-1 Bournemouth7pm ET (00:00am BST, Jul 21)Harder Stadium, Santa Barbara, CAJul 24Chelsea 2-2 Wrexham10pm ET (3am BST, Jul 25)Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, CAJul 27Vancouver Whitecaps 1-4 Wrexham7:30pm ET (00:30am BST, Jul 28)BC Place, VancouverAug 3Wrexham 1-0 Fleetwood Town10am ET (3pm BST)SToK Cae Ras, Wrexham, Wales

First up, the Red Dragons defeated Hanley Town 5-1 on July 13.

Wrexham's pre-season tour of the United States and Canada was dubbed the 'Wrex Coast Tour'. It saw them lock horns with Premier League and MLS teams over the summer, with fans on the West Coast getting the chance to see their favourite players in the flesh.

The tour kicked off with a 1-1 draw in Santa Barbara, California against Bournemouth on July 20 (local time) at the home of the UCSB sports teams, the 17,000-capacity Harder Stadium.

After that, Wrexham collided with Premier League giants Chelsea at Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara on July 24 and the game, which was not without incident, finished 2-2.

Then, on July 27, the Welsh team headed north to Canada, where a meeting with Major League Soccer side Vancouver Whitecaps took place, with the Red Dragons winning 4-1.

Wrexham ended their pre-season schedule with a narrow 1-0 victory over Fleetwood Town on August 3.

AdvertisementWrexham 2024 pre-season tour ticketsBuy Wrexham tickets at Ticketmaster USCheck availability

Tickets for Wrexham's pre-season 'Wrex Coast Tour' are available to buy now.

Tickets for Wrexham vs Bournemouth @ Harder StadiumTickets for Chelsea vs Wrexham @ Levi's StadiumTickets for Vancouver Whitecaps vs Wrexham @ BC Place

Read our comprehensive guide to buying Wrexham tickets here.

How to watch Wrexham pre-season games on TV & livestream online

Although complete TV details of Wrexham's pre-season games are not available, fans in the US can watch the games against Bournemouth and Chelsea on ESPN+, ESPN, ESPN Deportes, Fubo (sign up for a free 7-day trial), DirecTV Stream and Sling Orange.

The friendly game against Chelsea may be available to watch on Chelsea's official website or the 5th Stand App, which usually broadcasts the Blues' friendly matches.

Read more about how to watch Wrexham games live.

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When does the 2024-25 season start for Wrexham?

The 2024-25 EFL League One season is scheduled to start on August 10, 2024. That means Wrexham will have approximately two weeks between their final pre-season game and their first competitive match of the season.

Games will come thick and fast for the Welsh side once the season begins, with the Carabao Cup usually kicking off in August too.

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool tenure has been punctuated with silverware and he might secure the coveted prize that is the Premier League title for the second time this season, right at the end of an illustrious near-nine-year reign.

There has been much to sing about throughout this balmy period of the club's modern history, with stunning transfer additions marrying into Klopp's high-octane, heavy-metal brand of football.

Moreover, the academy has flowered into prominence and Liverpool now welcome exciting teenage talents into the first-team with constancy, such players making a big impact on the club's pursuit of success this term.

It hasn't always been this way, with the Reds somewhat devoid of top-class homegrown talents in the years preceding – and the first years of – Klopp's conquest on Merseyside.

That is, of course, barring a certain anomaly known as Trent Alexander-Arnold, who opened his account with a free-kick against Hoffenheim in 2017, billed by pundit Peter Crouch as a ball-playing sensation just as good as erstwhile icons Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso.

Liverpool has since gone from strength to strength and boast an institution as efficient and accomplished as any at the height of the continental scene, and while Alexander-Arnold remains the cream of the crop, it's exciting that so many promising talents are stretching their way into the senior set-up.

It's a good thing too, because, as terrifying and unfathomable as it may be, some alarming news has surfaced recently suggesting that the club's vice-captain is on the radar of one of the biggest clubs in the business.

Why Trent Alexander-Arnold could leave Liverpool

Alexander-Arnold, a bit like his footballing forebear Gerrard, embodies Liverpool, typifies the rich era under Klopp's leadership. The 25-year-old plying his trade elsewhere is hard to grasp, much like futile attempts to recall an elusive dream – in this case: a nightmare.

But with Alexander-Arnold out of contract in 2025, La Liga giants Real Madrid are lurking around and would only be too happy to snap the dynamo up, with long-time stalwart Dani Carvajal now aged 32.

This is concerning news and even the most sanguine of Liverpool supporters would recognise the unparalleled pulling power of Real Madrid, who would love to lure the England international to Santiago Bernabeu to play alongside friend and Three Lions teammate Jude Bellingham, at one of the most prestigious outfits in European history.

This being said, it's important not to lose a sense of proportion at this stage, with Liverpool's recent appointments of Michael Edwards (FSG's CEO of Football) and Richard Hughes (new sporting director) now pumping stability and a direction that was not there – or at least was not focused – until this month.

Should Alexander-Arnold search for pastures new, however, it's crucial that Liverpool find a new poster boy to galvanise the squad and supporters both at the start of this new chapter.

Well, there are plenty of teenagers filtering through right now, but in Trent Kone-Doherty, who has yet to make his senior debut, Liverpool could find the youngster fit to lead the club for years to come.

Trent Kone-Doherty's season in numbers

Liverpool signed Kone-Doherty from his Irish homeland club Derry City in 2022 and after impressing during the 2022/23 campaign, he signed his first professional contract in October, winning over the Liverpool youth bosses.

Last season, the 17-year-old youth bagged ten goals from 20 appearances, notably scoring against Manchester United and Manchester City in successive matches in the U18 Premier League.

Left wing

9

9

1

Right wing

7

3

1

This term, the electric-paced player has taken his game to the next level and has plundered eight goals and two assists from nine matches in the U18 top-flight, also scoring three goals from four games in the FA Youth Cup, notably clinching a brace in a stunning 7-1 victory over Arsenal.

He might not have made his senior debut for the Merseyside outfit but he's yet to see his 18th birthday and offers a prolificness that speaks of his brilliance and potential for growth.

Why Trent Kone-Doherty could be Liverpool's biggest talent

The teenage talent pronounced himself as "fearless" and he will certainly need to maintain this bold confidence – mixed with humility and diligence, of course – if he is to succeed under the Anfield lights.

While a myriad of Kirkby academy stars are breaking into Liverpool's senior squad at the moment, Kone-Doherty needs only continue the trajectory he is on to leapfrog his peers into the Liverpool first-team, with Edwards' shrewd eye for talent certain to notice his skills.

Speaking of winger's ability, U18s coach Marc Bridge-Wilkinson said this: "He's a very good player and showed he can finish, he can go on the outside, and whether or not he's up against people who are bigger or a lot stronger, he still has the ability and football brain to go past people."

His two-footed laterality suggests that he can be shaped into a top-class talent with a range of different strengths, not pigeonholed into one category but, rather, capable of flourishing in numerous areas.

This natural sense of dynamism will serve Kone-Doherty well as he strives to emerge as the latest Liverpool starlet at some point, and while it's unlikely that he will grace the field in 2023/24. However, if he knuckles down during the off-season he could be in line for a big year ahead.

Liverpool might just find the prolific talent to ensure the club keeps firing after Klopp steps down from his position at the end of the campaign, with Kone-Doherty emulating his namesake and confirming Liverpool's academy's stature.

Newcastle United have been credited with an interest in one of the Premier League's top performers this summer, but may have to balance the books to bring him in.

Magpies set for decisive summer

After an excellent campaign last time out, Eddie Howe's transfer business seemed sensible over the summer. However, it hasn't panned out that way and a major injury crisis has led to a difficult season.

As it stands, the Magpies will be missing out on European football (they are currently 10th in the Premier League) and they are guaranteed to end the season trophyless after being knocked out of the FA Cup at the quarter final stage.

Newcastle aiming for young striker with high-potential as Isak backup

The Magpies have set their transfer strategy in place.

ByBen Browning Mar 20, 2024

That disappointment is compounded by pressure to stay within financial fair play guidelines, which have already seen Everton and Nottingham Forest punished for their trangressions this season.

That fear has led to reports that the club are willing to cash in on one of their superstars this summer in order to continue strengthening, with Bruno Guimaraes currently seeming the most likely prospect amid a £100m release clause and widespread interest from Europe's elite clubs. Speaking earlier in the season, Newcastle CEO Darren Eales did little to quell that concern.

"Any decision we make will always be against the backdrop of the medium to long-term benefit for the club. It's difficult to say specifically on certain players, but I can say that, if we're going to get to where we want to get to, at times it is necessary to trade your players", he explained in January.

"Whether that is because of the contract length of the player in question, the offer is too good to refuse, you need to reload in certain areas, but all of this could make sense to trade that player. It is counter-intuitive and part of the inherent system of PSR that there is an incentive to trade your players if you want to re-invest, by the nature of the boundaries."

Though the departure would come as a massive blow, especially if Joelinton were also to go when and if his contract expires, it may end up being exactly what the Tyneside outfit need if they are going to close the gap emerging between them and the current Premier League top five.

Newcastle eyeing up Nottingham Forest star

Now, one report has placed PIF and Newcastle among the clubs keeping tabs on Nottingham Forest centre-back Murillo, who has been a revelation since his arrival at the City Ground.

Murillo vs Newcastle defenders 2023/24

Stat

Murillo

Sven Botman

Fabian Schar

Jamal Lascelles

Appearances

23

17

28

15

Tackles per 90

1.53

1.31

1.11

1.19

Interceptions per 90

1.13

0.59

0.92

0.34

Fouls per 90

1.08

0.59

1

1.44

Pass accuracy

76.1%

90.6%

83.6%

86.6%

Though only signed in the summer, the 21-year-old Brazilian centre-back has caught the eye for his maurading runs and his defensive ability, and it has already been reported that Forest envisage him becoming their new record sale, such is their faith in his ability.

As per reliable reporter Sami Mokbel, Eddie Howe's side are watching the situation unfold at the City ground carefully, with the possibility that Forest again will need to sell to balance their books this summer. They are not alone, however, with Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool all also keeping a watchful eye on the situation should the young star in the making become available. Meanwhile, European giants Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain are also thought to be keen.

Speaking earlier in the season, pundit Courtney Sweetman-Kirk claimed that the Brazilian wouldn't look out of place at Manchester City, before admitting he didn't think he would be at the Midlands side for very long.

"He’s wonderful. Forest fans won’t thank me for this but he looks like a Manchester City defender. If Forest do go down I can’t see him staying, he just looks quality”, she remarked.

The threat of relegation continues to loom large for Nuno Espirito Santo's side, but even should they avoid the drop, they may be set to lose one of their stars, and Newcastle United could stand to profit.

There was plenty of change at Celtic last summer as Brendan Rodgers returned for a second spell at the club, whilst a number of players moved in and out of Parkhead.

Central defender Carl Starfelt, who had been a rock at the heart of Ange Postecoglou's defence, was sold to LaLiga side Celta Vigo after the 2022/23 campaign.

The Hoops responded by signing Gustaf Lagerbielke and Maik Nawrocki on permanent deals, whilst Nat Phillips joined on a short-term loan from Liverpool.

That string of deals has turned out to be a nightmare for Rodgers as Starfelt's value has soared this season and the replacements brought in have failed to nail down a place in the side, as the three defenders have started 11 league matches between them.

Carl Starfelt's value last summer

At the time of his switch to Celta Vigo, FootballTransfers placed the central defender's Expected Transfer Value (xTV) at €2.8m (£2.4m) after his performances for the Bhoys last season.

Starfelt, who John Hartson described as "pivotal" to the club's success, featured in 28 of the club's 38 Scottish Premiership matches under Postecoglou last term.

The Sweden international made 2.1 tackles and interceptions per game and won 67% of his duels throughout the season to help his team collect 11 clean sheets and the top-flight title.

That came after the 28-year-old star had started 34 league matches under the Australian boss and helped the side to keep 18 clean sheets during the previous season.

These statistics show that Starfelt was a key performer at the back for Celtic as he was a regular starter across two seasons at Parkhead, and secured two league titles in the process.

Carl Starfelt's current market value

At the time of writing (16/02/2024), FootballTransfers has his xTV at €4.9m (£4.2m) and this means that his value has soared by 75% since the start of the season.

It has rocketed up from the initial €2.8m he was valued at upon signing for Celta Vigo last summer, which shows that the experienced defender made the right decision.

The 28-year-old former Hoops star wanted to test himself in the Spanish top-flight and his soaring market value suggests that he has passed that test.

Appearances

17

Sofascore rating

6.99

Ground duel success rate

67%

Aerial duel success rate

63%

Tackles and interceptions per match

2.6

Stats via Sofascore

Starfelt has started 17 matches in LaLiga so far this season for his new club, which means that the talented battler has started six more games than the three players signed in his position have for Celtic combined in the Premiership.

He has been a regular starter and dominant performer, as shown by the statistics in the table above, at the back for the Spanish side, whilst Rodgers' two permanent additions, now that Phillips has returned to Liverpool, have not adequately replaced him.

Celtic are level on points with Rangers in the Premiership table as it stands and have conceded four more goals than their closest rivals, which may leave them regretting allowing Starfelt to leave last summer.

Rodgers appears to have had a mare by both failing to convince the impressive defender to remain at Parkhead and then failing to bring in quality replacements for him as neither Nawrocki nor Lagerbielke have been regular starters.