Manchester City, Chelsea and Bayern Munich retain a strong interest in Brentford’s Igor Thiago, despite the striker recently signing a new contract.
Elite trio circle Bees forward
The Brazilian marksman has caught the eye of Europe’s elite. At 24, his stock continues to rise in west London.
However, securing his signature will be difficult. Thiago recently committed his future to the Bees with fresh terms.
Reports suggest the heavyweights remain undeterred by the new deal.
Source: Teamtalk
Pochettino linked with stunning return
Tottenham have reportedly left the door ajar for a sensational managerial homecoming. The north London club are open to Mauricio Pochettino returning in the summer.
The Argentine previously guided Spurs to a historic Champions League final. Now 53, he is currently at the helm of the United States national team.
Source: Telegraph (subscription required)
Defensive blows for Liverpool and Real
Dayot Upamecano has dashed hopes of a summer move. The France defender has penned a new deal with Bayern Munich.
This decision ends the pursuit from both Liverpool and Real Madrid. The 27-year-old was seen as a key target to bolster their respective backlines.
Source: Sports Illustrated
Old Trafford exits and standoffs
Manchester United are looking to offload Andre Onana permanently. The Cameroon international lost his place at Old Trafford and is currently on loan at Trabzonspor.
The 29-year-old goalkeeper is expected to be sold this summer.
Source: Sun
Meanwhile, negotiations with Barcelona regarding Marcus Rashford have hit a stumbling block. The Catalan giants want to lower the previously agreed £26m transfer option.
United are holding firm on the valuation for the 28-year-old loanee. The England striker is currently spending the season in La Liga.
Source: Express
European transfer bites
Real Madrid have declared Endrick off-limits to Premier League suitors. Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham were monitoring the 19-year-old’s situation.
Currently on loan at Lyon, the Brazilian sensation will return to the Bernabeu first-team squad next season.
Source: Teamtalk
Inter Milan are plotting a move to bring back Aleksandar Stankovic. The Serie A champions possess a buy-back clause for the midfielder.
They sold the 20-year-old to Club Brugge but can re-sign him for 23m euros (£20m). This move would bypass interest from Manchester United and Arsenal.
Source: Fabrizio Romano
The future of Anfield’s defence
Arne Slot has confirmed that Liverpool have opened negotiations to extend Ibrahima Konate’s contract, with the club desperate to avoid losing the defender on a free transfer this summer.
The Premier League champions risk losing their £36m asset for nothing if fresh terms are not agreed before the end of the season.
Anfield chiefs have already moved to future-proof their backline, having secured Giovanni Leoni for £26m and finalized a £55m deal for Jeremy Jacquet ahead of the next campaign.
However, the retention of their current defensive stalwarts remains a priority for the Merseyside club.
Captain’s demand
Virgil van Dijk recently described his defensive partner as "world class" following a stellar display in the narrow 1-0 victory at Sunderland.
The Dutch skipper was unequivocal about the situation, stating: "Obviously, I want him to stay."
Slot has now revealed the Reds are actively working to retain the 26-year-old France international.
"We are in talks with him so that tells you what we want. It’s clear we would like him to stay but negotiations are ongoing so let’s see where that ends."
The manager insisted that the intent from the boardroom is undeniable.
"We wouldn’t be in negotiations if we didn’t want him to stay," he added.
Partnership proves vital
The situation mirrors the high-stakes contract sagas surrounding Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, and Trent Alexander-Arnold last year.
Having secured the futures of other key figures, Slot has now placed the onus on the former RB Leipzig powerhouse to commit his future to the club.
Konate has made 33 appearances this campaign, demonstrating his commitment by returning early from compassionate leave following the death of his father to face Newcastle last month.
With injuries plaguing the squad, the Liverpool boss highlighted the crucial availability of his primary centre-back pairing.
"It’s just as good from him as from Virgil," Slot said regarding their fitness records.
Despite noting a brief dip in form earlier in the season, Slot praised the Frenchman’s recent resurgence alongside his captain.
"But he is having a very good partnership with Virgil since I’ve been here and, just like Virgil, he has always been fit," Slot concluded.
"These two are vital for us, not only because of the quality they have but because of the lack of options we have behind."
Mohamed Salah prepares to face Brighton at Anfield amidst a peculiar run of form that has seen his creative numbers spike while his goalscoring output has plummeted to just one strike in 12 games.
From exile to ever-present
Just ten weeks ago, the Egyptian King’s illustrious career on Merseyside appeared to be reaching a fractured conclusion.
Following a reported outburst and subsequent exile from the squad, a permanent parting of ways seemed inevitable.
Yet, the narrative has shifted dramatically since his return from the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 32-year-old has started Liverpool’s last six matches, completing five of them, as he looks to re-establish his dominance under Arne Slot.
Creative spark replaces clinical edge
While his work rate is undeniable, the former Roma winger is enduring a barren spell in front of goal.
His solitary strike in recent months came via a Champions League free-kick against Qarabag.
Remarkably, he has not scored against English opposition since finding the net against Aston Villa on 1 November.
However, his influence has morphed into that of a creator, providing three assists in his last four Premier League outings.
That contribution has seen him draw level with club legend Steven Gerrard on 92 assists for the Reds.
A statistical anomaly
The underlying data presents a confusing picture for a player renowned for his finishing.
Since his cameo against the Seagulls in December, the forward is actually shooting far more frequently.
He is currently averaging 3.7 shots per 90 minutes, a significant rise from 2.6 earlier in the campaign.
Furthermore, his involvement in the danger zone has increased, with nearly 20 per cent of his touches now occurring in the opposition box.
Despite an Expected Goals (xG) of 2.22 in the Premier League during this period, he has failed to convert.
Manager remains defiant
The Dutch tactician in the Anfield dugout has been quick to downplay concerns regarding his star man’s output.
Arne Slot pointed to historical precedence when discussing the forward’s dry spell.
“Even last season, Mo had a period where he scored seven in four games, I think, and then five or six games where he didn’t score.”
The Reds boss insisted that judgment should be reserved until May.
“So let’s see where he is at the end of the season when it comes to goals and assists.”
Manchester City have surged 11 points clear at the top of the Women’s Super League after ruthlessly dispatching Leicester City 6-0 on a chastening evening for the visitors.
While the meeting between the league leaders and the bottom club went exactly according to the form book, the hosts were briefly rattled early on.
Alisha Lehmann struck the post for the Foxes, a wake-up call that immediately sparked a devastating response from the title chasers.
Lauren Hemp was the architect of the destruction, utilising her direct running to create six chances and provide two assists in a dominant display.
Miedema doubles up in first-half blitz
Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, nodding home Hemp’s delivery at the near post to settle any nerves.
Vivianne Miedema then took centre stage, drilling a low effort past the goalkeeper from the edge of the box after Ashleigh Neville failed to clear.
The Dutch international grabbed her second moments later, converting another pinpoint cross from Hemp to put the game beyond doubt at 3-0.
Gareth Taylor’s side showed no mercy, with Yui Hasegawa compounding Leicester’s misery before the interval by slotting home a simple finish.
Stunning strike seals rout
Any hope of a quiet second half for the struggling visitors evaporated just three minutes after the restart.
Kerolin Nicoli Israel Ferraz claimed the goal of the night, unleashing a magnificent strike into the top corner from distance to extend the lead.
Even the substitutes joined the act, as Aoba Fujino punished a defensive lapse from Chantelle Swaby to round the keeper and smash home the sixth.
It could have been an even heavier defeat on Friday the 13th, with Shaw, Hemp and Leila Ouahabi all missing close-range efforts.
Noemie Mouchon missed a golden opportunity for a consolation goal for the visitors, firing over with the goal gaping after pouncing on a rare mistake.
The result leaves the Manchester club counting down the days to a potential title, while Leicester remain rooted to the foot of the table.
Manchester United have identified RB Leipzig sensation Yan Diomande as a primary summer target and reportedly possess the financial firepower to trigger his £87m valuation.
The Red Devils are positioning themselves to secure one of European football’s most coveted prospects following his stunning breakthrough campaign in Germany.
According to BILD journalist Christian Falk, the Premier League giants are undeterred by the significant asking price placed on the Ivory Coast international.
Old Trafford hierarchy ready to spend big
United have monitored the attacker closely throughout the season as they look to further bolster a forward line that underwent major surgery last year.
The club invested over £200m last summer to recruit Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and Benjamin Sesko, a strategy that has propelled them to fourth in the table.
However, with established names like Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho expected to depart permanently, the 13-time Premier League champions are in the market for fresh reinforcements.
Diomande has emerged as the preferred option to fill the void on the flanks as the team transitions back to a traditional back-four system.
A battle for the ‘next Haaland’
The RB Leipzig forward has drawn lofty comparisons to Manchester City star Erling Haaland due to his physical dominance and explosive output.
Such performances have alerted elite clubs across the continent, with Liverpool and Manchester City also tracking his development.
Leipzig have responded to the surging interest by placing a €100m (£87m) price tag on their prized asset to ensure maximum value.
Despite the high figure, Falk suggests that English clubs remain the most likely destination for the ‘generational talent’.
It is true: Yan Diomande is going to cost a lot of money to sign this summer. The €100m [£87.1m] asking price was established by RB Leipzig chief Oliver Mintzlaff.
We saw him playing against Bayern Munich in the DFB Pokal. He’s good, he’s really good. However, he’s still got some developmental work to do, and so €100m will be too much for Bayern this summer.
That said, it’s a price that Premier League clubs can of course afford to pay. I heard that Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool are all interested and can afford him.
Balancing the books
While the allure of Diomande is strong, United must balance their pursuit of a forward with urgent requirements in the engine room.
Brazilian veteran Casemiro has confirmed he will leave upon the expiry of his contract, creating a significant vacancy in defensive midfield.
Manuel Ugarte is also expected to move on, forcing the recruitment team to look at replacements alongside their attacking targets.
Elliot Anderson is understood to be a top target for the midfield role, though the hierarchy is aware that fixing the center of the pitch must take precedence before sanctioning the mega-money move for Diomande.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has confirmed the club will face no financial penalties if they decline the £26m option to sign Marcus Rashford permanently from Manchester United.
The England international is currently midway through a highly successful season-long loan spell in Catalonia.
He has made a significant impact since arriving from Old Trafford, netting 10 goals and providing 13 assists across all competitions.
The La Liga leaders hold a specific purchase option for the 28-year-old, but questions had arisen regarding potential hidden fees for non-compliance.
Deco dismisses contract concerns
However, Deco has moved swiftly to quash rumours suggesting the Spanish giants would incur costs if the permanent move falls through.
Speaking to Spanish outlet SPORT, the former Chelsea midfielder clarified the specific nature of the agreement.
“No, it’s a loan, and we have an option.”
Despite the lack of financial obligation, the Catalan club appear determined to retain the versatile forward’s services long-term.
“Yes, definitely. I think it wasn’t easy to come here. He has played at a very high level, with enormous demands at a club like Manchester United.”
Sacrifice secures dream move
The former Aston Villa loanee reportedly accepted a significant reduction on his estimated £325,000-a-week wages to force the transfer through.
This commitment has resonated with the hierarchy at the Nou Camp as they chase the domestic title, currently sitting just one point clear of rivals Real Madrid.
“The fact that he took a pay cut to make it happen is a clear demonstration that he really wanted to come, and we’re very happy about that.”
With Robert Lewandowski’s future increasingly uncertain, the Manchester United academy graduate offers a vital alternative in attack.
“We have Ferran [Torres] and Rashford; we’ll see what we can do to make decisions.”
Liverpool have held initial discussions with the representatives of Wolves starlet Mateus Mane regarding a potential summer transfer to Anfield.
The meeting reportedly took place at the club’s AXA Training Centre this week as the Reds begin their preparations for the upcoming window.
According to reports from DaveOCKop, the Merseysiders are keen to explore a deal for the highly-rated 18-year-old.
This follows a record-breaking spending spree last summer, where the club shattered the British transfer record twice to land Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak.
Despite those high-profile arrivals, the team has struggled for consistency on the pitch and currently faces the risk of missing out on Champions League qualification.
Wolves wonderkid fits the profile
While concrete plans for the summer remain fluid due to league uncertainty, moves are evidently taking place behind the scenes.
Mane has emerged as a breakout star for the Molineux outfit this season under Rob Edwards.
The teenager has been one of the few bright sparks in a dismal campaign for Wolves, who appear destined for the Championship after accruing just nine points from 26 games.
Described as a "special" talent, the youngster is capable of operating as a central midfielder, a number ten, or out on the wing.
His versatility and maturity have attracted attention from several top European clubs.
Relegation battle sparks transfer scramble
Wolves recently attempted to fend off suitors by tying the midfielder down to a new long-term contract.
However, with the Black Country club facing imminent relegation, top-flight predators are beginning to circle.
The visit of Mane’s agents to Kirkby suggests Liverpool’s interest has moved beyond mere observation.
Discussions were held to gauge the feasibility of a transfer, though no formal offer has been tabled at this stage.
The player’s representatives are also expected to hold talks with other interested parties to determine the best career path for their client.
Planning for the next generation
Liverpool are prioritising youth as they look to refresh an ageing squad.
With key figures such as Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, and Andy Robertson all over 30, the hierarchy is conscious of the need for succession planning.
The club has already secured the signature of young defender Jeremy Jacquet for the summer, signaling a clear shift in strategy.
Bringing in prospects like Mane, who can make an impact now while possessing a high ceiling for development, is seen as crucial for the club’s long-term future.
Bournemouth defender Alex Jimenez has admitted dreaming of a return to Real Madrid, piling further pressure on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s difficult start to life in Spain.
The England international has endured a turbulent initiation at the Bernabeu since his high-profile summer arrival.
Now, a fresh threat to his position has emerged from England’s top flight.
Jimenez, a product of Real’s famed ‘La Fabrica’ academy, recently made his loan move to the Cherries permanent following impressive displays in the Premier League.
However, the 20-year-old has refused to rule out a future switch back to the Spanish capital.
Homegrown talent sends clear message
Despite signing a permanent deal on the south coast, the young full-back remains emotionally attached to his boyhood club.
His recent comments suggest he views his time in England as a potential stepping stone back to La Liga.
“I’m fully focused on Bournemouth now. But in future, of course, I’d love to return to Real Madrid,” Jimenez told Mundo Deportivo.
The defender spent over a decade in Madrid’s youth system before initially departing for AC Milan.
“It’s my home, I learned everything at Real Madrid. It’d be a dream to return there.”
Fitness woes and fierce competition
These remarks serve as an unwelcome distraction for Alexander-Arnold.
The former Liverpool vice-captain sealed his switch last June, with Los Blancos paying £8.4m to release him early for their Club World Cup campaign.
Since then, however, consistency has proved elusive.
Fitness setbacks have severely restricted his ability to establish rhythm in a new league.
Consequently, the Englishman has largely operated as a second-choice option.
He initially sat behind club captain Dani Carvajal in the pecking order.
More recently, he has found himself displaced by Federico Valverde, who has transitioned effectively from midfield to right-back.
A stark drop in production
The statistics paint a worrying picture for the renowned creative outlet.
Alexander-Arnold has featured just 12 times in all competitions so far this season.
Crucially, he has managed only one assist.
This represents a significant decline from his time at Anfield, where he averaged 13 assists per campaign.
With the demanding Bernabeu crowd expecting instant impact, time to settle is a luxury rarely afforded.
Furthermore, Carvajal is approaching the end of his contract this summer.
Should Real Madrid enter the market for a long-term replacement, a flourishing, homegrown talent like Jimenez could prove an enticing option.