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Liverpool have reportedly submitted a bid for Leeds United winger Raphinha and the Brazilian could be Jurgen Klopp’s next Mohamed Salah should he make the move to Anfield this summer.

What’s the word?

According to reports from Spain (via Paisley Gates), the Reds, along with Chelsea and Barcelona, have made an official offer for the former Stade Rennais man, who has caught the eye since joining Leeds United in 2020.

While Liverpool are said to have made a bid for the winger, believed to be willing to pay his £60m asking price. However, he is said to favour a move to the Nou Camp, although Barcelona are yet to meet Leeds’ asking price.

Klopp has already added Darwin Nunez and Fabio Carvalho to his attacking ranks at Anfield this summer but he may feel another winger is required following Sadio Mane’s move to Bayern Munich, and Raphinha could be the perfect deputy for Salah on the right-wing.

Liverpool’s next Salah

Salah may have dispelled any exit rumours by committing his future to Liverpool earlier this week, signing a deal that will keep him at Anfield until 2025, but the reality is that he is 30 years old and will eventually need to be replaced.

While Liverpool have a number of talented young wingers on their books, including the likes of Luis Diaz and Harvey Elliott, Raphinha is Premier League proven, 25 years old and plays in a very similar way to Salah, as he likes to cut in on his left foot from the right.

Last season saw the Leeds talisman contribute 11 goals and three assists in 35 top-flight appearances, finishing as the top scorer in Jesse Marsch’s side as the Yorkshire side scraped Premier League survival on the final day.

His performances for Leeds have seen him establish himself as a regular in the Brazil side, which led international teammate Emerson Royal to dub him a “phenomenon” last season, and he could arguably reach an even higher level should he move to Anfield.

Therefore, FSG should do all they can to sign Raphinha this summer, as he could be the ideal man to take over from Salah when he eventually leaves Liverpool.

And, in other news… Big mare: Liverpool could unearth Balotelli 2.0 as FSG plot bid for “unacceptable” dud

Everton supporters could well be set for a disappointing summer if the latest reports are to be believed…

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Paul Brown has claimed that the Toffees may only make one signing for what would be considered a “big fee”, despite having recouped roughly £60m following the recent sale of talisman, Richarlison, to Tottenham Hotspur.

He stated: “It does look like even with the Richarlison money, there is probably only one signing they will make for a relatively big fee, with the rest of them likely to be loans or free transfers, which is why they went for Tarkowski.”

As Brown alluded to, the Merseysiders’ only major business thus far has been the free transfer arrival of former Burnley defender James Tarkowski, with the 29-year-old joining on a four-year deal following the expiry of his contract at Turf Moor.

Supporters fuming

That suggestion will no doubt spark outrage among the Goodison faithful, with supporters likely having been hoping for a summer of extensive recruitment in order to help try and improve upon last season’s dismal showing.

Having seen the controversial appointment of former Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez perhaps unsurprisingly backfire, the club’s owner Farhad Moshiri turned to Frank Lampard to help steer the struggling outfit away from safety, with the Englishman eventually doing so in the penultimate game of the season.

While there was undoubtedly a sense of unity fostered between manager and supporters by that narrow escape, the club’s fanbase will not want a repeat performance next time around, hence the inevitable fury if no significant market moves are made.

Last summer saw the aforementioned Benitez spend just £1.8m on new recruits – amid Financial Fair Play restrictions – with that lack of investment undoubtedly playing its part in the club’s flirtation with relegation.

The January window did see the arrivals of Nathan Patterson, Vitalyi Mykolenko and Dele Alli on permanent deals, although the latter man, in particular, has failed to make his mark thus far, earning just a solitary league start for the club in the second half of last season.

With that move already looking like something of an error – amid reports the former Spurs man could be moved on this summer – it has set Lampard back even further, with the 44-year-old seemingly in need of substantial backing to truly spark a dramatic turnaround.

As it is, if Brown’s claim does prove to be true and only limited investment is made, it could well turn out to be yet another long campaign for all those of an Everton persuasion.

AND, in other news: Everton want to sign “dangerous” £57.8m ace this summer, supporters will be buzzing.

Leeds United are set to sign teenage free agent striker Sonny Perkins, according to a report from the Daily Mail. 

The lowdown: Slow-moving deal

The Whites have been linked with a move for the 18-year-old for some time now, with reputable transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano initially reporting that the parties had ‘opened talks’ at the start of June.

However, the England youth international – who has come through the youth system at West Ham – remains a free agent after the expiry of his deal at the London Stadium after rejecting a professional contract offer.

A fresh report has now emerged claiming that Leeds are finally about to make Perkins the latest addition at Elland Road…

The latest: Leeds ‘on the brink’ of Perkins swoop

As per the Daily Mail, Leeds are believed to be ‘on the brink’ of signing the England under-18 starlet.

It’s claimed that the Yorkshire club ‘are signing’ Perkins – who was hailed by Carlton Cole for his ‘outstanding’ form for the Hammers’ under-23 side, for whom he scored 10 times in 22 outings – despite interest from the Whites’ Premier League rivals Aston Villa and Tottenham.

The report also stated that 16-year-old Leeds youngster Archie Gray will have his ‘ankle assessed’ following a tackle from Aston Villa midfielder John McGinn in the 1-0 pre-season defeat over the weekend.

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The verdict: Bright future

Already boasting the youthful attacking talents of Joe Gelhardt, Sam Greenwood and Gray himself, should Perkins indeed join as expected, the Whites are certainly developing a strong nucleus of exciting forwards for the immediate and long-term future.

While the ex-West Ham starlet has only made three senior appearances to date, Jesse Marsch has already shown a willingness to create a clear pathway through to first-team football at Elland Road for prodigious youngsters, a factor which may have helped Victor Orta in luring the Londoner to Yorkshire ahead of other clubs.

Capable of playing as a recognised centre-forward, on either wing and in deeper midfield roles, Perkins brings additional versatility and an ability to act as an immediate understudy to Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo to the Leeds ranks, and his imminent signing could prove to be a masterstroke from Orta and co over time.

West Ham United are interested in a deal to bring David Raum to the London Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a recent report by The Times, who claim that, despite the reported interest of both Bayern Munich and Manchester City, Rob Newman has now entered into negotiations with TSG Hoffenheim regarding a move for the 24-year-old left-back.

The report goes on to state that, with David Moyes hoping to sign a long-term successor to Aaron Cresswell ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, the Hammers’ head of recruitment has identified the Germany international as his number one target in the position – with the Bundesliga side believed to be demanding a figure in the region of £33m in order to part with the defender this summer.

“Outstanding”

Considering just how impressive Raum was in Germany last season, the argument that the left-back would be an unbelievable signing for Newman to get over the line this summer is a rather easy one to make.

Indeed, over his 32 Bundesliga appearances in 2021/22, the £26m-rated talent was in breathtaking form for Die Kraichgauer, scoring three goals, providing 13 assists and creating 19 big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 2.7 key passes, taking 0.8 shots and completing one dribble per game.

The £6.4k-per-week full-back also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, helping his side keep four clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.6 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 1.1 clearances and winning 4.5 duels – at a success rate of 51% – per fixture.

These returns saw the player who Alexander Rosen dubbed “outstanding” and Jacek Kulig claimed top clubs “should be all over” this summer average a simply sensational SofaScore match rating of 7.29, not only ranking him as Andre Breitenreiter’s best performer in the league but also as the 12th-best player in German top flight as a whole.

As such, it is not difficult to see why Kulig believes that Europe’s elite clubs should be making a move for the nine-cap international ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, nor it is hard to see why Raum would make an excellent addition to Moyes’ defensive options next season, as the former Greuther Furth star is undoubtedly one of the most exciting left-backs currently playing the game.

AND in other news: “I have been told..”: ExWHUemployee drops big WHU transfer update supporters will love

Wolverhampton Wanderers have been given a huge boost in their pursuit of Sporting CP central midfielder Matheus Nunes, as The Atheltic’s James Pearce provides a major update.

What’s the latest?

In a recent tweet, James Pearce shut down Liverpool’s interest in the Portuguese star branding the rumours of him moving to Anfield this summer as “nonsense”.

This will be a huge relief to the Old Gold who have made an offer worth €40m (£34m) for the star midfielder according to the outlet Record.

They appear to be the only club who have shown a concrete interest so far, and securing his signature would break the club’s transfer record.

Supporters will be buzzing

The latest update will leave supporters buzzing as interest from a club like Liverpool would have likely spelt disaster and put an end to their hopes of signing the player.

It’s no surprise that rumours linking him to some of Europe’s big clubs have been circling given his impressive performance in Liga Portugal last season.

During his 33 appearances for Sporting he had a pass accuracy percentage of 86% and created six big chances according to SofaScore.

The 23-year-old would fit in well at Molineux due to their strong contingent of Portuguese players, and he would massively improve their options in midfield.

Being represented by super agent Jorge Mendes, who has dealt with Wolves multiple times in the past, could also give them an advantage.

However, with the Old Gold not offering European football next season, he may be willing to stick around at Sporting in the hope that an offer from a bigger club will arrive.

Bruno Lage will be hoping to convince him that moving to the Premier League will provide him with greater exposure and that he can play a key part in helping Wolves qualify for Europe again.

The Wanderers had a successful spell in the Europa League in 2020 where they reached the quarter-final but were eventually knocked out by Spanish side Sevilla.

It’s clear that Wolves are refusing to give up, and given the lack of competition at the moment, they could be successful in their bid to sign him.

AND in other news: Bruno Lage can finally axe Nuno’s £23m Wolves disaster, he’s not good enough…

Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg has revealed that an Arsenal exit for Bernd Leno is now ‘looking good’.

The Lowdown: Sell to buy?

Mikel Arteta admitted in a press conference last week that his squad is ‘large’, and hinted that the North London club has to start moving players on ‘very soon’ before thinking about bringing in any more signings (Metro).

The likes of Alex Runarsson, Pablo Mari, Hector Bellerin, Lucas Torreira, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Reiss Nelson make up a sizeable 32-man squad having each had loan spells away from the Emirates Stadium last season, and with a 25-man squad limit in the Premier League, the feeling is that these players need to be moved on, alongside one or two others, in order to free up space for more arrivals.

The Latest: Leno exit?

Taking to Twitter, Plettenberg has revealed that an exit for Leno is now ‘looking good’, with ‘positive movements’ in talks between the club and Fulham for his signature:

“News #Leno: Been told that its looking good now. Positive movements in the negotiations between Fulham and Arsenal. But it’s not a done deal yet. But an agreement is expected. Verbal agreement since weeks and as reported excl.”

The Verdict: Right call

Having signed goalkeeper Matt Turner to provide cover for Aaron Ramsdale, Leno’s game time would likely be very limited this season, and so it is now time to move him on.

The Germany international remains one of AFC’s highest earners on £100,000-per-week, and it would be sensible for them to get his wages off of their books on top of a sizeable transfer fee.

Nonetheless, his departure could pave way for another new signing, with Marquinhos, Fabio Vieira, Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko having already joined Turner at the Emirates.

There were jubilant celebrations around this time last year, when Manchester Untied welcomed the surprising return of Cristiano Ronaldo to the club. That move was apparently motivated by the real threat of him joining Manchester City, which couldn’t possibly be allowed to happen.But just one year on and given the Red Devils won’t be competing in the Champions League, despite the arrival of a new manager who is keen to launch an ambitious new project, the Portuguese superstar seems desperate to leave Old Trafford. His heart is set on playing in the elite continental competition, rather than appearing in the Europa League, which the 37-year-old seems to consider beneath his stature.Lukewarm reception to Ronaldo enquiries

This is hardly the kind of problem Erik ten Hag was hoping to encounter, upon accepting the challenge of sparking a new era at Manchester United under his management. Indeed, the Dutch coach had frequently underlined his admiration of Ronaldo, acknowledging what the iconic player means to the club and its massive fanbase. But all the effusive praise appears to have fallen on deaf ears, because the player wants to take his CR7 brand elsewhere.

Throughout what has turned out to be an agonising summer for Manchester United, certainly with regards to Ronaldo, his name has been linked with countless clubs. Mendes has been in contact with practically everyone from Chelsea to Bayern Munich, touting the services of his client. The latest club associated with rumoured interest is Atletico Madrid in Spain, although their club president Enrique Cerezo was quick to pour water on any such talk.

“I don’t know who made up the Cristiano story, but it’s practically impossible for him to come,†insisted Cerezo in comments highlighted by Spanish outlet Marca this week. Insofar as the Atletico Madrid supremo is concerned, this effectively closes the door on Cristiano, largely because any such move is considered to be beyond their economic means, while manager Diego Simeone has also said he doesn’t need any attacking reinforcements.

Ronaldo at an impasse with United

When he finally turned up at Carrington, talks were immediately held between Ronaldo, his agent Jorge Mendes, and the United hierarchy. The position outlined by Mendes was that Ronaldo would sign a contract extension at Old Trafford, albeit under the provision his client could move to another club on loan during the 2022-23 season, granting him the opportunity to play for a club competing in the Champions League.

Inevitably, the response any such suggestion received was a swift refusal from the club, who reiterated their firm stance that Ronaldo was neither for sale nor loan. There would be no compromise and no willingness to be pressured into any hasty decisions, unless perhaps Mendes could conjure up a permanent move in which United would receive a transfer fee.

Unfortunately, this will also be something of an unwanted and frustrating distraction for his manager Ten Hag, who will probably feel he cannot genuinely count on the player ahead of the new season. According to the Mirror, the showdown talks with Manchester United will have an inevitable outcome, which is none other than Ronaldo maintaining his own stance, while the club keeps to theirs, achieving little more than a state of limbo for now.

Red Devils must find a quick solution

Regardless of what Ronaldo has achieved throughout his illustrious career, no matter how popular he may still remain with the majority of Manchester United fans, the club cannot afford to let the current situation fester. Likewise, such a worrisome display of ego and disloyalty cannot be permitted, no matter how huge the profile of the Portuguese superstar.

Although odds and predictions at the top betting sites around are hardly glowing, there is a growing sense of optimism about this new-look Manchester United, under Ten Hag’s leadership. This makes it worth checking for further insights via SBO, whose experts focus on what really matters for punters, including information covering different betting markets. The future of Ronaldo could affect many markets, such as United’s title odds or which club he’ll be playing for next.

But while this might be an unpopular opinion amongst certain sections of the United support, the club would probably be better washing their hands of Ronaldo, even if it means letting him depart for free. At least they would remove his massive salary from the accounts, which could be better spent on players who actually do want to wear the shirt, grateful for the opportunity.

Alex Crook has dropped an update on the remaining summer transfer business of Leeds United.

What’s the latest?

In a recent interview with GIVEMESPORT, the talkSPORT journalist revealed that, despite Victor Orta’s signing of Luis Sinisterra earlier this summer, the Spanish director of football remains on the lookout for another wide attacking addition to Jesse Marsch’s first-team squad prior to the closure of the summer transfer window.

Crook suggested that Marsch and Orta could once again look to target the Bundesliga for this new signing, due to the 48-year-old manager’s knowledge of the division, before the journalist went on to state his belief that the Whites could even go on to seal a further two additions over the remaining weeks of the market.

Regarding the Premier League side’s remaining transfer business, Crook said: “They’ve always been on the lookout for another winger, I don’t necessarily have an extensive list of names. My guess would be that it would probably be somebody from the Bundesliga, that Jesse Marsch knows from that division, so I think there’s still a possibility of a couple of arrivals.”

Ending the window with a bang

Considering just how impressive Orta’s business in the summer transfer window has been thus far, Crook’s claim that the Spaniard may not be finished in terms of incomings just yet is certainly an exciting one for all involved with the Whites.

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Indeed, the director of football has already brought in the likes of Marc Roca, Tyler Adams and Darko Gyabi in central midfield to help ease the loss of Kalvin Phillips, while the signings of both Brenden Aaronson and Sinisterra will undoubtedly help to counteract the creativity and goals lost from Raphinha’s £55m sale to Barcelona.

Furthermore, the addition of full-back Rasmus Kristensen also strengthens Marsch’s options on the right of his back four, with the defender enjoying a very ‘steady’ Premier League debut in the absence of Luke Ayling in the Whites’ 2-1 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon.

However, with Junior Firpo – the club’s only recognised out-and-out left-back – remaining sidelined due to injury, as well as Patrick Bamford and 20-year-old Joe Gelhardt being the club’s only viable options at centre-forward, it is evident that Orta does still have work to do in order to make Marsch’s squad as deep as possible prior to September’s transfer deadline.

As such, should Leeds go on to land two more additions over the remaining weeks of the summer market, the Spaniard would certainly be ending the Whites’ window with a bang – especially if these two signings are at left-back and up top.

Following Glasgow Rangers’ terrific 3-0 victory against Union Saint-Gilloise on Tuesday which overturned the 2-0 defeat in the first leg and ensured passage into the Champions League play-off tie, Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side welcome St Johnstone to Ibrox on Saturday.

The Premiership clash offers the Ibrox side a chance to make it three wins from three on league duty and continue building the momentum ahead of the crucial tie against PSV next Tuesday.

There are no fresh injury concerns for Rangers heading into the tie, with only Ianis Hagi and Filip Helander currently on the treatment table with long-term problems.

Van Bronckhorst will be expecting to see a repeat of Tuesday’s performance against a side who will surely apply a low block and try to ensure it’s a frustrating 90 minutes for the home crowd.

Predicted starting XI

In goal, Jon McLaughlin will continue his no.1 duties, having taken over from club legend Allan McGregor, who is a more than able deputy if needed.

The back four will remain unchanged from Tuesday, with James Tavernier and Borna Barisic taking up their usual spots, with James Sands and Connor Goldson aiming for their third clean sheet in a row at the heart of the defence.

There will be one change in midfield, with Glen Kamara replacing Scott Arfield and he will feature in a midfield three containing Tuesday’s star Tom Lawrence and John Lundstram.

The front three will see the biggest change, with club talisman Alfredo Morelos, who scored on his return against Kilmarnock last week as the Dutchman dubbed him “very important”, will replace £1.8m Antonio Colak in the starting XI. The “terrific” finisher is key to the Gers success and he will be supported by Ryan Kent from the left and Malik Tillman from the right.

The young American scored the goal that ultimately won the tie against USG on Tuesday evening and he has settled into life well in Glasgow.

Predicted Rangers XI (4-3-3): McLaughlin; Barisic, Goldson, Sands, Tavernier; Lawrence, Kamara, Lundstram; Kent, Morelos, Tillman.

Leeds United transfer target Kai Wagner ‘seems to prefer’ a move to Elland Road over both Benfica and Dinamo Zagreb, according to journalist Manuel Veth.

The Lowdown: Leeds talks

The Whites have been linked with bringing in a new left-back before the deadline following Junior Firpo’s injury in pre-season.

Jesse Marsch has used centre-back Pascal Struijk at left-back for the opening two matches of the Premier League campaign but is reportedly driving a move for Wagner.

Talks are thought to be going well for the Philadelphia Union player, who has been labelled ‘very creative’ by Ben Jacobs, and Leeds chiefs have been handed a further boost in their pursuit of the German.

The Latest: Veth’s claim

Veth took to Twitter on Sunday evening to reply to Jacobs’ update on the full-back.

He claimed that Wagner’s camp ‘seems to prefer Leeds United’ over both Benfica and Dinamo Zagreb.

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The Verdict: Get it done

Both Benfica and Dinamo Zagreb are in the Champions League play-offs, so Wagner’s preference for a move to Elland Road is huge for Victor Orta and co.

Veth has stated that Marsch is a ‘big fan’ of the 25-year-old, who can also play as a left midfielder, and a move appears to make sense due to the left-back situation in Yorkshire.

A transfer may not be too expensive either, as Wagner is out of contract with the MLS club at the end of 2022, so hopefully the full-back will arrive in England before the transfer deadline, alongside a new striker.