Patterson completed a very successful return to the Sheffield Shield side with twin half-centuries
AAP04-Nov-2024Former Test batsman Kurtis Patterson underlined his successful return to the Sheffield Shield, helping New South Wales bat out a draw against Queensland.After NSW were asked to start their second innings with a 167-run deficit on Monday morning, Patterson’s 66 helped the Blues to 256 for 4 when both sides agreed to end play.Ollie Davies also thrived for NSW, caught in the deep hooking in the final session for 88 after being measured early and taking the game on more late.The result left both teams without wins from the opening three rounds, with two draws each.But this fixture was an undoubted personal victory for Patterson.NSW’s captain as recently as two seasons ago, the left-hander was only picked for three Shield matches last summer and again started 2024-25 out of the side. But with a raft of players unavailable through Australia and Australia A commitments, selectors were forced to bring him back in, at No.3.And the two-time Test representative delivered, after admitting he once feared his first-class career was over. The 31-year-old played a lone hand with 91 for the Blues in the first innings, before again shining bright on Monday.Patterson played one of the shots of the day with a flourishing square-drive off Mitchell Swepson, as one of six boundaries in his innings.And he barely looked troubled until rain briefly interrupted play in the second session, and Swepson ripped one back between bat and pad to bowl him on his first ball back.But by then, the game had been saved for NSW, with Patterson and Davies’ 117-run third-wicket stand counteracting Queensland’s rain-interrupted first-innings total of 406 for 5.Davies’ runs also marked his best outing so far this summer, before he enters Australia A’s camp later this week to face India A in Melbourne.
Nottingham Forest are now “ready” to make an offer of around £26m for a “machine”, but there could be fierce competition for his signature, journalist Gianluigi Longari has revealed.
Forest keen on midfielder amid Gibbs-White uncertainty
Morgan Gibbs-White was poised to join Tottenham Hotspur, with Forest’s Premier League rivals triggering the £60m release clause in the attacking midfielder’s contract, but the move is now very much up in the air.
The Tricky Trees have reported Spurs to the Premier League, as they feel an illegal approach was made for Gibbs-White, and the 25-year-old returned to training on Monday, indicating that a move has now stalled.
The England international is set to remain at the City Ground until a resolution can be found, and there will, of course, be hope that the maestro decides to stay put, given that he has performed remarkably well ever since Forest returned to the Premier League.
Season
PL appearances
Goals
Assists
2022-23
35
5
8
2023-24
37
5
10
2024-25
34
7
10
However, Forest appear to be eager to bring in a new central midfielder regardless of whether Gibbs-White leaves this summer, and they are now “ready” to make a new offer of around €30m (£26m) for Palmeiras star Richard Rios.
That is according to Longari on X, who states the Tricky Trees are set to “push” for Rios’ signature, but there could be fierce competition, with Benfica also ready to enter the race, while AS Roma are closely monitoring the situation.
Nottingham Forest register interest in race to sign "special" £25m winger
The Reds are looking to replace Anthony Elanga.
ByBrett Worthington Jul 15, 2025
Not only that, but Wolverhampton Wanderers are also very keen on the midfielder, having recently submitted a £21m offer of their own, but the Tricky Trees now look ready to hijack the move with a larger bid.
"Machine" Rios ready to test himself in England
Despite predominantly featuring in a defensive midfield role, the Colombian has been a regular source of goals and assists for Palmeiras in all competitions during the 2025 campaign, collecting eight goal contributions in 35 appearances.
Richard Rios at the Club World Cup for Palmeiras against Porto.
Football scout Ben Mattinson has also praised the Palmeiras maestro for his ability to drive the ball further up the pitch, describing him as a “ball-carrying machine”, while also providing an overview of his key strengths.
The central midfielder would not be a like-for-like replacement for Gibbs-White, given that the 25-year-old usually features in a deep-lying role, but having impressed in Brazil for quite some time, he could now be ready to test himself in England.
As such, Rios could be a good acquisition for Forest, and Europa League football being on offer at the City Ground should give them the edge over Wolves in the race for his signature.
أعلنت رابطة البريميرليج عن الفائز بجائزة أفضل لاعب في الجولة الخامسة لبطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز للموسم الحالي 2025/2026.
ويتصدر ليفربول جدول ترتيب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز بالعلامة الكاملة 15 نقطة، بعد مرور 5 جولات، إذ حقق فوزًا مثيرًا أمام نظيره إيفرتون في ديربي الميرسيسايد بثنائية مقابل هدف على ملعب “آنفيلد”.
وكان مانشستر سيتي قريبًا من تحقيق فوز مهم أمام آرسنال في ديربي الجولة الخامسة من بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز، لكن الجانرز تمكنوا عن طريق مارتينيللي من تسجيل هدف التعادل القاتل في الدقيقة 92، لتنتهي المباراة بالتعادل الإيجابي بهدف لكل منهما.
وشهدت الجولة أيضًا فوز مانشستر يونايتد على نظيره تشيلسي، في ديربي آخر من ديربيات الجولة الخامسة الممتعة بنتيجة 2/1، على ملعب “أولد ترافورد”.
اقرأ أيضًا | كيف علق حساب الدوري الإنجليزي على مركز محمد صلاح في ترتيب الكرة الذهبية 2025؟
واختارت رابطة البريميرليج الهولندي ريان جرافنبيرخ، لاعب خط وسط الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي ليفربول، أفضل لاعب في الجولة الخامسة بعد الأداء المميز الذي قدمه أمام إيفرتون.
وقاد جرافنبيرخ ليفربول للفوز على إيفرتون بعدما سجل الهدف الأول من صناعة النجم الدولي المصري محمد صلاح، ثم صنع الهدف الثاني للمهاجم الفرنسي هوجو إيكتيكي.
وحصل اللاعب البالغ من العمر 23 عامًا على 31% من الأصوات في استطلاع رأي الجماهير وأتى برونو فرنانديز في المركز الثاني بنسبة 20% ثم أنطون ستاش 16%، وجيريمي دوكو ونوردي موكيلي، كلاهما 11%، وأليكس إيوبي 6%، ومارتن دوبرافكا 4%، وتيريك ميتشل 1%.
Tottenham are very active in the transfer market right now ahead of Thomas Frank’s first full season in charge, and the Dane got a first look at his new side in action with their friendly against Reading on Saturday afternoon.
Tottenham hold talks with £166k-a-week star as Yves Bissouma told to leave
The Mali international is facing his final summer in north London.
By
Emilio Galantini
Jul 18, 2025
As Frank takes charge of his first-ever game in the Lilywhites dugout, chairman Daniel Levy and co are working to back the 51-year-old behind-closed-doors, having already done so with the signings of Mathys Tel, Kota Takai and Mohammed Kudus.
By all accounts, Morgan Gibbs-White should’ve been announced as their fourth deal of the summer window long ago.
Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025
Average match rating
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
The Nottingham Forest playmaker was set to have a medical last Friday and Levy was prepared to pay his £60 million release clause, but his club have since put a grinding halt to the transfer with a threat of legal action against Spurs and the player’s agents (Sky Sports).
Tottenham are still optimistic they can finalise a deal for Gibbs-White, but amid Forest’s complaint to the Premier League over an unlawful approach for the 25-year-old, Frank is being forced to wait.
Meanwhile, Spurs have maintained their interest in Brentford striker Yoane Wissa.
Yoane Wissa celebrates for Brentford
A move could be made more complicated by Bryan Mbeumo’s now imminent move to Man United, as the Bees will be reluctant to let both of their star players from last season leave in the same window.
Reports also suggest that Brentford have opened new contract talks with Wissa in a last-ditch bid to keep the Congolese, but they’re unlikely to get anywhere, given he’s intent on finding a new club (BBC).
Taking this into account, Keith Andrews’ side are taking to the market in search of possible replacements for the 28-year-old if they’re forced to sell.
Brentford open talks with Daizen Maeda to replace Yoane Wissa
According to TEAMtalk, Brentford have opened talks with the representatives of Celtic striker Daizen Maeda, who they view as a “prime contender” to step into Wissa’s shoes.
Going back to Wissa, who scored 20 goals in all competitions last season, including 19 in the Premier League, has set his sights on a move to Tottenham.
TT reiterates that Wissa has expressed a desire to reunite with Frank at Spurs, backing up numerous other reports that they’re his preference if he can secure a move away from the Gtech Community Stadium.
Multiple sources, including talkSPORT, have also shared information that the ex-Lorient gem is pretty keen on a move to the English capital.
However, he won’t be cheap, with Brentford set to demand around £50 million, even if the “exceptional” player looks as if he’s pushing to leave right now.
O meia-atacante Rayann comemorou a invencibilidade do Paraná após dois jogos com duas vitórias, uma delas diante do rival Athletico, por 2 a 1.
Um dos destaques do clássico, Rayann deu a assistência para o primeiro gol e sofreu a falta que originou a virada do Paraná.
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– Fiquei feliz com o meu desempenho e o da equipe. Sempre é importante vencer os clássicos e começar o campeonato com duas vitórias é fruto de um trabalho forte da equipe. Seguimos por mais – afirmou.
Em terceiro lugar, pois ainda vai completar a rodada, o Paraná enfrenta o Hope International, neste sábado, às 15h30, em Campo Largo. Rayann citou quais condições o Paraná precisa ter para manter a série invicta e seguir colado nos líderes.
– É ter concentração, respeitar o adversário e seguir unidoem busca da vitória. Queremos continuar bem no campeonato e buscar o mais rápido possível a classificação paraasegundafase.
A couple of years ago, Kobbie Mainoo was seen as the latest talent to emerge out of the Manchester United academy, potentially cementing his place in the first-team squad.
The excitement around his performance was understandable, especially after he popped up with key goals, including a late winner against Wolves, before scoring in the FA Cup final back in 2023/24.
However, last year was an injury-hit campaign for the youngster, only making 25 appearances in the Premier League, with just 19 of which coming from a starting position.
Mainoo has also had to face competition from the likes of Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro for the starting role, but has rapidly dropped down Ruben Amorim’s pecking order at Old Trafford.
Things could be about to get a lot worse for the 20-year-old in the months ahead, especially considering the hierarchy are targeting added reinforcements in such an area in the coming weeks.
The latest on United’s hunt for a new midfielder
A new name has entered the mix for United over the last couple of days, with Stuttgart talent Angelo Stiller a player the Red Devils are considering, according to recent reports.
The German, who made 47 appearances across all competitions last season, could be available for around £50m this summer – a potential bargain if they don’t land one other target.
Angelo Stiller for Stuttgart
Another player has been firmly in their sights over the last few weeks, with Crystal Palace talent Adam Wharton one option the club are considering, according to one report.
They claim that Amorim’s side have made an approach for the 21-year-old, who helped the Eagles win the FA Cup and Community Shield under Oliver Glasner.
It’s also been confirmed that the player has been valued at around £100m this summer, a potential hefty fee, given he’s only made 36 appearances in England’s top-flight.
Why United’s latest target is a bigger talent than Baleba
It’s no secret that United have been pursuing a move for Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba this summer, even holding talks to land the 21-year-old.
At one stage, it appeared as though a move for the Cameroonian was rapidly progressing, with the player himself open to a switch to move to Old Trafford before the September 1st deadline.
However, a deal has somewhat evaporated over the last couple of days, leading to the Red Devils accepting the Seagulls’ stance that the youngster is not for sale this summer.
As a result, the hierarchy have had to look down other avenues, leading to the recent rumours to land German star Stiller after his rapid rise in the Bundesliga in recent months.
Whilst he would be a superb addition, a move for Wharton must now be the priority, potentially being an expensive pickup, but one that would be worth every penny if he carries on his current trajectory.
In his short career, he’s already picked up two more trophies than Baleba, getting a taste for success – something which the Red Devils desperately need in the near future.
When comparing their respective stats from the recent campaign, the Englishman managed to massively outperform the Cameroonian in key areas – showcasing why he’d be a bigger talent for Amorim’s side.
Games played
20
34
Goals & assists
2
4
Progressive passes
7.6
3.9
Key passes made
1.8
0.7
Passes into final third
5.3
3.6
Interceptions made
1.6
1.5
Clearances made
1.9
1.4
Carries into final third
1.6
1.5
Recoveries made
7.1
6.6
Wharton, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by HLTCO, notched more passes into the final third and more key passes completed – having the tools to provide the players ahead of him with chances in front of goal.
He also made more recoveries per 90 and registered more interceptions per 90, outperforming Baleba in such an area – highlighting the defensive quality he possesses.
Given the similarities in the fees touted for the aforementioned duo, either player would be an expensive addition – further showcasing the ambition shown by the board this summer.
The nature of the money involved makes it pivotal that the club make the right decision about whom to sign, with Wharton showcasing that he would be a better addition ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Crystal Palace's AdamWhartonin action with Ipswich Town's Julio Enciso
It would be extremely harsh on Mainoo, with any deal massively disrupting his progress in the side, but unfortunately, the world of football is a cutthroat industry, with the academy graduate needing to try and force himself back into the manager’s plans.
He's perfect for Bruno: Man Utd to make bid for "complete" £42m sensation
Manchester United’s summer of transfer activity looks set to continue once more before deadline day.
Tottenham Hotspur’s business in the transfer market over the last couple of years has been seriously impressive, helping the club end the 17-year wait for any form of silverware.
Attention has been turned to investing in younger talents, buying them at bargain prices and allowing them to develop and improve to reach their full potential in North London.
The likes of Pape Sarr and Lucas Bergvall are just two examples, with the pair featuring in a combined tally of 100 outings between them despite their tender ages.
Both have shown the rewards their current recruitment focus could yield if done correctly, with Thomas Frank needing to continue such a trend ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
However, they’ve also spent big in the past, as seen by Mohammed Kudus’ £55m transfer from West Ham United this window, with other big-money additions also being lined up.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for Morgan Gibbs-White
Two weeks ago, Spurs triggered the £60m release clause in Morgan Gibbs-White’s contract at Nottingham Forest, with a deal expected to progress after such a move.
However, that switch swiftly ground to a halt after Reds owner Evangelos Marinakis raised an issue with the transfer, claiming that the Lilywhites made an illegal approach for his signature.
Morgan Gibbs-White 2024-25 stats (timeless)
No one even knew that the England international had an option in his current deal, entering talks with the player and his agent without the approval of his current employers.
It had subsequently been reported that the 25-year-old remained keen on a move to North London this summer, although the latest developments appear to suggest otherwise.
Having travelled with the Forest squad on their pre-season tour of Portugal, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man has since quashed any speculation after penning a new deal with the Tricky Trees.
The playmaker has committed his future to City Ground until 2028, with journalist Fabrizio Romano outlining that a move to Spurs is now “off”.
The Spurs player who’s already worth more than Gibbs-White
With Gibbs-White undoubtedly one of the hierarchy’s main targets this summer, other options will likely be drawn up as a result of his decision to stay put in Nottingham.
Morgan Gibbs-White for Nottingham Forest.
However, trust should be placed in the recruitment team to make the right call, something which they’ve done as seen by their recent success rate in the market.
As previously mentioned, with the likes of Bergvall and Sarr, the club have got it right in previous times, just like they have with winger Brennan Johnson, who’s excelled at the club in recent months.
The Welsh international arrived in a £47.5m deal from Forest back in the summer of 2023, with such a price tag appearing a huge chunk given he’d only had one prior year of top-flight experience.
However, a couple of years on from his transfer, it appears to be a shrewd piece of business, racking up a total of 23 goals within his 85 appearances for the club.
18 of which came in the most recent campaign, subsequently proving all of his doubters wrong after he was forced to deactivate his social media accounts following abuse from supporters for his lack of impact.
The 24-year-old is also responsible for one of the biggest moments in the club’s recent history, scoring the winner in the Europa League final – topping off a dream campaign for the youngster.
As a result of his rise in the last few months, Johnson, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by international teammate Aaron Ramsey, is now valued at a staggering €75m (£66m) by CIES Football Observatory.
His subsequent value is higher than that of Gibbs-White, who’s deemed to be worth £60m due to his release clause, showcasing the phenomenal rise he’s endured during his time at the Lilywhites.
Rank
Player
Fee
Signed from
Year
Dominic Solanke
£65m
Bournemouth
2024
Tanguy Ndombele
£62.8m
Lyon
2019
Richarlison
£60m
Everton
2022
Mohammed Kudus
£55m
West Ham
2025
Brennan Johnson
£47.5m
Nottingham Forest
2023
Micky van de Ven
£43m
Wolfsburg
2023
Cristian Romero
£42.5m
Atalanta
2021
Davinson Sanchez
£42m
Ajax
2017
If he can continue his incredible form into the 2025/26 campaign, he will be a key player in Frank’s quest to lead the side up the Premier League table.
The prospect of Johnson linking up with Gibbs-White once again after their time at the City Ground was certainly an exciting one, although the former teammates will remain foes against next season.
Bigger talent than Gibbs-White: Spurs open first talks to sign £70m CM
Tottenham Hotspur appear to be making a move for another young Premier League talent this summer.
England 395 for 9 dec and 236 (Knight 90, Mlaba 6-67) beat South Africa 281 (Wolvaardt 65, Kapp 57, Luus 56, Bell 4-49) and 64 (Bell 4-27, Ecclestone 2-7) by 286 runsEngland have won their first Test in 10 years and as many matches by beating South Africa by 286 runs in Bloemfontein. They dismissed South Africa for 64 in their second innings, their lowest Test total after setting them a target of 351.Lauren Bell, who registered a career-best 4 for 49 in the first innings, rewrote her own record and picked up 4 for 27 to finish with a player-of-the-match haul of 8 for 76. Lauren Filer and Sophie Ecclestone were also among the wickets as England bowled South Africa out in 19.4 overs to win inside three days.South Africa’s dismal batting overshadowed the good work they’d done with the ball, particularly the performance of left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba. She became the first South African to take 10 wickets in a women’s Test and is now South Africa’s second-leading wicket-taker in the format. South Africa may have time to reflect on that once the dust has settled on their massive defeat. Theirs was the third-largest by runs in women’s Tests.England’s win was set up by a captain’s knock from Heather Knight, who scored her sixth Test half-century. She fell 10 short of a third hundred as she anchored an England innings in which most of the middle-order got starts but only she converted. Her most profitable partnership was a third-wicket stand of 67 with Nat Sciver-Brunt which was three runs more than South Africa’s second-innings total. They had only one partnership worth 20 and six in single figures, while only ten batters made it to the middle after Ayanda Hlubi was ruled out of the match with a torn hip flexor.By the time she would have been needed, all the damage was done. South Africa lost their openers in the 5.2 overs they faced before tea, both lbw. Laura Wolvaardt was caught on the back foot by a delivery that seamed in from Bell and, after being on the receiving end of a poor first-innings dismissal, she could not complain about this one.Anneke Bosch had slightly more reason to be unhappy. She was given out to Filer, to one that kept low and could have been missing leg. But the biggest talking point took place after the break when Bell appealed for a catch off Annerie Dercksen at short leg. It was not immediately given out and the umpires referred, despite the explicit absence of DRS for this contest, before Dercksen was sent on her way.Bell continued to find movement and bowled Sune Luus through the gate. Nadine de Klerk was run out for a pair, and when Chloe Tryon was lbw to an Ecclestone arm-ball, also for a duck, England were into the tail. South Africa’s starts with Sinalo Jafta at No.8 and she too went without scoring, pinned on the pads by Bell’s inswinger, to leave the innings in tatters at 44 for 7. Three overs later, Marizanne Kapp, their last remaining batter, was wonderfully scooped up by Beaumont at silly point without addition, and the end came quickly.Earlier, South Africa would have been fairly pleased with their work with ball in hand. De Klerk and Tumi Sekhukhune started well and were disciplined upfront. They gave away only 12 runs in the first six overs, with Sekhukhune removing Beaumont for 12, lbw to an inswinger. On this occasion, the absence of DRS proved no problem as she looked out, and was given.Nonkululeko Mlaba claimed the first ten-for by a South African in women’s Tests•Gallo Images/Getty Images
Sekhukhune was replaced by Dercksen, but then South Africa went for double spin with Mlaba at one end and Tryon at the other. Given the turn on offer and amount Mlaba gets, she was expected to be a threat and should have had a wicket in her fourth over when Sciver-Brunt edged as she lunged forward to block but Jafta could not hold on to the chance. Sciver-Brunt, on 19 at the time, went on to hit Mlaba for three fours in the over and the floodgates opened.Mlaba got Sciver-Brunt when she chopped on after a delivery kept low, but that only brought Danni Wyatt-Hodge to the crease, with her penchant for finding runs behind square on the off side. She rattled along to a run-a-ball 23, before slicing Sekhukhune to the fielder at deep third. Amy Jones then partnered Knight, who had reached her fifty off 99 balls, to lunch, to end a successful session. Despite England’s slow start to the morning session, they scored a total of 136 runs in the 27 overs bowled before lunch, at a rate of just over five runs to the over.Mlaba switched ends post lunch and had success from the Willows End. Amy Jones got a leading edge to Wolvaardt in the covers, minutes before it was announced that the South African skipper had earned a demerit point for expressing “excessive disappointment” when she was given out lbw in the first innings.She had reason to keep being pleased in the field though. Mlaba picked up a third when Charlie Dean flicked her to short mid-wicket, and though Knight moved into the 80s with a strong sweep off Sune Luus, that shot would prove her undoing. One over after Sophie Ecclestone had fallen in the same fashion to Mlaba, Knight was beaten by a ball that turned into her and struck her on the pad. Of course, she could not review.Ryana MacDonald-Gay was bowled through the bat-pad gap to become Mlaba’s 10th wicket. England’s innings ended with half an hour to go before the tea break. They only needed 69 minutes after that interval to end the match.
England's schedule for the remainder of 2025 has been confirmed, with the Lionesses to host Brazil, Australia and Ghana before the year is out.
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BuyEngland confirm final matches of 2025Lionesses to face Brazil in next fixtureAustralia, China & Ghana also to visitFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
England had already confirmed a date at Wembley to face China in November and another trio of home friendlies now forms what is being branded as their 'homecoming series', as the Lionesses hit four different venues around the country to celebrate their European Championship triumph this past summer with as many fans as possible.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Brazil will be the first team to take on Sarina Wiegman's side after they clinched their second successive European title by beating Spain on penalties back in July, with the Selecao coming off the back of their own triumph at Copa America. The two will meet at the Etihad Stadium, home of Manchester City, on Saturday October 25. England's second fixture of that international break will take place three days later, when they face Australia at Derby County's Pride Park. The Matildas will be led by a familiar face, after former Arsenal boss Joe Montemurro took over the side back in June.
AND WHAT'S MORE
The Lionesses' final international break of the year will also feature two non-European opponents, starting with China at Wembley on Saturday November 29. More than 60,000 tickets have already been sold for that fixture, which was announced at the end of July. Three days later, a clash with Ghana will follow, at St Mary's in Southampton. It will be England's first-ever meeting with the Black Queens, who finished third at this summer's Africa Cup of Nations.
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WHAT WIEGMAN SAID
"It is great that we can return to action after our incredible summer with four exciting fixtures at home," Wiegman said. "Each opponent will challenge us in different ways, which is exactly what we need with World Cup qualification beginning early next year. It’s very nice to begin against Brazil and it is also special for us to be able to play again for our fans in Manchester for the first time since Euro 2022. We know from the Finalissima in 2023 that they will be very tough opponents.
“We love taking the team around the country, so to also play Australia in Derby and Ghana in Southampton as well as the China fixture at Wembley gives us a lovely way to say thank you for the incredible support we have had this year and before."
A “great” Liverpool player has now reportedly held talks with a foreign club’s sporting director over a summer move there, with a four-year deal being offered to him.
Liverpool handed potential fresh Isak boost
The Reds have had a summer transfer window to remember, with the likes of Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez hopefully taking them to new heights under Arne Slot.
After smashing their transfer record on Wirtz, Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has now emerged as Liverpool’s next dream target, although the Magpies are refusing to budge currently after rejecting an opening offer for the Swede.
A new update from The Athletic‘s David Ornstein does claim that Isak is “adamant he will not play for Newcastle again”, however, adding that even if he stays put at St James’ Park, he has “no wish to reintegrate” with his teammates.
This acts as a boost to Liverpool, who clearly still want to sign the 25-year-old, but the coming weeks have the potential to be unpredictable, as the Premier League champions consider a second offer, hoping that the Magpies’ stance softens at the same time.
While plenty of focus is on Isak, and a possible new centre-back signing, a new claim has dropped regarding the future of a current Reds player.
"Great" Liverpool player in talks with foreign club
According to a new report from Caught Offside, Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott’s move to RB Leipzig this summer could be edging closer, with the Reds wanting £47m with a buyback option or £56m without during discussions.
The Bundesliga club have now offered the 22-year-old a four-year contract, and it is claimed that “manager Ole Werner and sporting director Marcel Schafer have already held direct talks with the player, outlining their vision for him to become a central figure in the team’s attack-minded system.”
Harvey Elliott celebrates for Liverpool
Elliott is a popular figure at Liverpool, helped by the fact that he grew up supporting the Reds, but now feels like the right time for him to enjoy a new challenge, and the report says he is open to an Anfield exit.
The Englishman isn’t a regular starter under Slot, and that won’t change unless there are serious injury problems, and he has reached a point in his career where he needs to be playing week in, week out.
Elliott could be a great signing for Leipzig, and an ideal potential replacement for Xavi Simons, as the report alludes to, with former Liverpool man Joe Cole hailing him earlier this summer.
“I love the kid, he plays football the right way. I am excited for his future. He has done a great job for Liverpool, but if he decides to move on, there are levels to move on again. That passion, he can show every week.”
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Whether Leipzig agree to a buyback option remains to be seen, but even if they don’t, this is the right time for Liverpool to sanction Elliott’s exit, allowing him to kick on elsewhere, not to mention ensuring the Reds receive good money for him.