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Sunderland will travel down to Tom Cleverley’s Watford today hoping to pick up their sixth victory of the Championship season already.

It won’t be completely straightforward, however, as Regis Le Bris’ side did display worrying chinks in their armour in their last away contest in the league, with Wayne Rooney’s Plymouth Argyle surprisingly getting the better of their high flying opponents in a 3-2 loss.

The Frenchman will have been pleased to see his side get back to winning ways against Middlesbrough last time out, however, as 17-year-old Chris Rigg stole the show with the winning strike.

Rigg's performance vs Boro

The teenage sensation continues to shine under the guidance of the former Lorient boss, with the Sunderland number 11 particularly impressive against Michael Carrick’s Boro in an attacking midfield role.

Rigg would cleverly tap home a scramble in the box to give his side the advantage they needed in the tight contest, with Eliezer Mayenda up top failing to fire a single effort on the Boro goal, away from the bright midfielder winning the even clash.

Moreover, the Sunderland academy product would rarely misplace a pass when the ball was at his feet, with a calmness present in his game even as the clock ticked nervously ticked down, as just two of his 19 passes in the lunchtime kick-off went astray.

Winning his fair share of duels too, with seven won in total, Rigg really helped his side pick up a slender win to get back on track in the tricky division, after a minor bump in the road in Devon.

Rigg would even be described post-match as a “symbol” of Sunderland’s young and hungry mindset by his manager, with the teenager nailed on for a starting spot against Watford today, even with his French boss bringing him off towards the end of the 1-0 win.

Whilst the promising midfielder will be assured of his starting spot, Daniel Ballard will be wary about his chances of breaking back into the Sunderland first-team mix, as his replacement for the Boro win in Chris Mepham excelled on his Black Cats debut.

Mepham's performance vs Boro

Ballard was judged only to be fit enough to make up a space on the Sunderland substitutes bench against Carrick’s away side, with Mepham then making the most of his moment in the Black Cats’ starting lineup.

The Welshman will be viewed as a very shrewd acquisition on loan, with the AFC Bournemouth loanee well versed in what it takes to compete in the second tier, having accumulated 90 Championship appearances on his career CV to date.

Mepham’s performance in numbers
Stat	Mepham
Minutes played	90
Goals scored	0
Assists	0
Touches	44
Accurate passes	30/36 (83%)
Key passes	1
Clearances	4
Blocked shots	2
Total duels won	3/4
Stats by Sofascore

Mepham slotted into the Sunderland set-up effortlessly, with the visitors kept at an arm’s length throughout courtesy of the new number 26 shining, and also Luke O’Nien battling away valiantly for the full 90 minutes.

The Cherries loanee would block two shots that came his way in the tight clash, alongside managing to win three duels, and so it would feel harsh now to reinstate Ballard back into the main XI over the impressive 26-year-old.

Ballard will get chances again across the full campaign, but Mepham will be hard to shake, with Roker Report writer Andy Tomlinson waxing lyrical about the centre-back post-match.

Tomlinson would dish out a high 8/10 rating to the new Sunderland face on his debut, stating that the imposing 6 foot 4 defender read the game ‘superbly’ to play his part in the Wearside outfit picking up a hard-fought three points.

The Wales international will have to think about his future in the summer when it comes to his permanent employers on the South Coast, but will revel in getting more game-time at the Stadium of Light for the remainder of this season, having showcased early scenes that he could be a regular fixture in the starting lineup, much like young Rigg.

Sunderland star who left for £3.5m is now outscoring both Mundle & Mayenda

This former Sunderland striker has transformed into a goal machine.

By
Kelan Sarson

Sep 24, 2024

Derby County would have bitterly disappointed with their 3-2 loss against Norwich City at the weekend, with the performance of the Rams up-and-down on the day, alongside a controversial refereeing display stealing the headlines post-match.

Before this narrow loss, the Rams were unbeaten in ten on home soil, but a fortuitous opening goal for the Canaries – which could have been ruled out on another day owing to the ball looking to be out of play in the build-up – would swing the tie in favour of the visitors from Norfolk.

Away from the man in the middle, Paul Warne will have been disappointed with a number of his key performers when the full-time whistle was sounded, as Derby succumbed to their first defeat at Pride Park this campaign.

Derby's main underperformers vs Norwich

Derby’s glowing home form had been down to the exploits of Kayden Jackson putting chances away, but it was also massively helped by Jacob Widell Zetterstrom being rock solid in-between the sticks for his side.

The new Rams goalkeeper wasn’t his confident best against the Canaries, with Borja Sainz picking up a hat-trick at the expense of the Swedish shot-stopper, who made just three saves all afternoon.

Whilst Sainz was a controversial goalscoring hero on the day, the aforementioned Jackson fluffed his lines multiple times, which included a glaring miss in the first minute after being found in lots of space by a rampaging Nathaniel Mendez-Laing.

Likewise, Jerry Yates was ineffective up top as the sole striker, with zero shots managed on Angus Gunn’s goal, as the ex-Blackpool striker continues to fire worrying blanks for his new employers.

However, Warne could be tempted to ruffle a few feathers by dropping Mendez-Laing for his side’s clash away at Sunderland tonight, after the Rams captain blew hot and cold against Norwich.

That was reflected in Derbyshire Live journalist Leigh Curtis’ post-match thoughts, with Curtis handing out a low 6/10 rating to the experienced winger after the dust had settled, stating that he only had a ‘couple’ of bright moments in the entertaining early kick-off.

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He was quiet in patches, with the ex-Cardiff City attacker managing zero shots on target, whilst Corey Blackett-Taylor starred when coming on with his Rams goalscoring duck broken late on.

Why Blackett-Taylor could now start for Derby

The former Charlton Athletic attacker could now start over his 32-year-old teammate tonight, who might well do with the rest, as more and more second tier games come thick and fast.

The 27-year-old hasn’t really been given enough gametime in a Derby shirt to date to really explode into life at Pride Park, with only 14 outings coming his way since a move earlier in the year.

Yet, his consolation strike against the Canaries could be the springboard for Blackett-Taylor to gain more minutes, as another option Warne can rely on down the left away from overworking Mendez-Laing.

Blackett Taylor’s EFL record away from Derby

Team

Games

Goals

Assists

Charlton

97

20

13

Tranmere Rovers

62

8

8

Walsall

10

0

0

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Making a name for himself at the Addicks, after leaving the youth structure at Aston Villa behind, Derby could also sense that change down the wings might take Sunderland off-guard, with Blackett-Taylor’s trickery on the ball late on against Norwich proving to be effective.

Labelled as being a “difficult to defend against” attacker by his former Charlton boss in Johnnie Jackson, big calls by Warne such as dropping Mendez-Laing for the reserve attacker could work, especially if Derby end up shocking the Stadium of Light home masses tonight with the exciting winger fresh for the challenge ahead.

The 32-year-old could still make his presence known even if he is demoted to the substitutes bench, as Warne wrestles with what lineup to pick after a demoralising first home loss of the early campaign.

Related Left for £10.5m: Derby struck gold selling "demon" who's now unemployed

Derby County will have no regrets now over this sale.

Posts 1 ByKelan Sarson Sep 26, 2024

Since Declan Rice left West Ham in 2023, the Hammers have made signings such as Edson Alvarez and Guido Rodriguez in attempts to replace the England international and the qualities he brought to the side.

Arsenal acquired Rice for £105m, a record transfer fee received by West Ham, and a record transfer fee paid by the Gunners.

Rice made 51 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal last season, scoring seven goals, providing ten assists, and contributing to 21 clean sheets in his 4,274 minutes played.

Some Irons supporters may well think he's fallen off since his days as the leader of the pack at the London Stadium but the footballing world would say otherwise. So good was Rice in a Gunners shirt that he's been named among the nominees for the 2024 Ballon d'Or.

Alvarez may have replaced Rice well since but there was another possible alternative who's now already left the club. That man is Flynn Downes.

Flynn Downes at Southampton

Downes spent a wonderful loan spell with Southampton in the Championship last season, making 37 appearances for the Saints, scoring two goals, providing three assists, and contributing to 14 clean sheets in his 2,907 minutes played.

Southampton acted on his excellent loan, making the move permanent this summer, for a fee of around £18m.

Downes has started the season well, despite Southampton's poor start, starting all three games for the Saints and playing 270 minutes across those matches.

Despite exiting the Hammers, he appears to be improving all the time, living up the words of a certain David Moyes below.

Downes vs Rice & Soler comparison

West Ham recently signed Carlos Soler on loan from PSG, another midfielder who can bring certain technical qualities to Julen Lopetegui's midfield group.

Soler made 28 appearances for PSG in all competitions last season, where he supplied four assists and scored twice. It's not quite the numbers Rice totted up admittedly.

However, when you compare Downes with the two of them, you can clearly see the difference in play style between Rice and Soler, and how the new Saints man could have been the happy medium. In fact, in plenty of metrics he trumps the club's exciting summer addition.

Passes Attempted

76.7

58.8

64.3

Pass Completion %

93%

87.1%

85.7%

Key Passes

0.88

0.98

1.64

Progressive Carries

1.70

2.59

1.23

Progressive Passes

4.31

6.62

6.07

Passes into Final Third

4.24

6.60

4.75

Tackles

2.12

2.22

1.23

Blocks

1.10

1.20

0.82

Interceptions

1.61

1.63

0.56

Downes averages the highest passes attempted and pass completion per 90, showing his quality and composure on the ball, something that Lopetegui highlights in his midfield, and a reason Soler has been signed, to add more technical quality in possession.

The 25-year-old Englishman also ranks far closer to the club's former skipper in defensive actions, averaging 2.12 tackles per 90, compared to Rice's 2.22, averages 1.10 blocks, compared to the Arsenal midfielder's 1.20, and averages 1.61 interceptions, compared to Rice's 1.63.

Soler excels more with his creative passing, averaging the most key passes per 90 of the three. The Spaniard also ranks highly for progressive passes per 90, with 6.07. That comes ever so close to Rice's tally of 6.62 per 90.

Whilst Downes only averages 4.31 progressive passes per 90, he does average more progressive carries than Soler, with 1.70 per 90, indicating that he's more fluid when driving forward with the ball.

Considering West Ham sold Rice for such a substantial fee, Downes could have been their answer to replacing him all along, with a good blend of defensive and on-the-ball qualities, which could have benefited the team in both the short and long term.

West Ham sold a "deadly" star in 2023, now he's outscoring Fullkrug

West Ham sold deadly star too soon, as he is now outscoring Fullkrug

1 ByConnor Holden Sep 4, 2024

A £40 million striker has now been described as “most likely” to join one of West Ham United or Crystal Palace in 2025, despite links to other elite Premier League sides, as Tim Steidten considers replacements for Danny Ings and Michail Antonio.

Ings rescues West Ham with 95th minute equaliser against Fulham

Manager Julen Lopetegui was minutes away from tasting his third defeat in four league games, and the Spaniard cut a frustrated figure on the touchline after Raul Jimenez’s opening goal for Fulham just past the 20-minute mark.

West Ham may be set for new talks to sign "fantastic" £7m-rated free agent

He’s readily available if the Hammers make their move.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Sep 12, 2024

West Ham were often outplayed on a tough afternoon at Craven Cottage, and Marco Silva was adamant the home side also should’ve been awarded a penalty, following Max Kilman’s collision with Adama Traore.

The Irons did force Fulham to defend admirably in the second half, though, and they eventually found a last-gasp breakthrough. Silva’s men failed to deal with a 95th minute Jarrod Bowen cut-back, which fell to substitute Ings, who squeezed a clinical, low finish past goalkeeper Bernd Leno at the near post to salvage a dramatic draw.

“The belief and the effort was good, but it was a tough match today, and we could have done certain things better,” said Lopetegui after West Ham’s 1-1 draw with Fulham.

“I know playing Fulham at their home ground is always hard, and they were good today. But at the same time, we can do better, and we will work on a lot of things ahead of the next game.

“The second goal in a match is so important so often, because it can kill or close a game. I think we had spells in the first half, but they were better despite not having too many clear-cut chances. But it’s true that in the second half we were better, and the changes we made balanced things.

“We pushed forward and the players kept fighting and believing, and thankfully we got the goal we wanted when it mattered.”

Ings was heavily linked with a West Ham exit all summer, but it was the Englishman who ultimately spared their blushes in west London on Saturday. The 32-year-old is out of contract next summer though, as is Michail Antonio, with an update coming to light on the pair and a potential new striker next year.

Omar Marmoush "most likely" to join West Ham or Crystal Palace

It is believed Ings and Antonio remain firm contenders to leave West Ham in the next 12 months, with TEAMtalk suggesting that technical director Steidten and his recruitment team could look towards Eintracht Frankfurt star Omar Marmoush.

The Egypt striker, who could cost around £40 million to sign in 2025, dreams of making a move to the Premier League after scoring 17 goals in all competitions for the Bundesliga side last term.

Stats (per 90 mins)

Antonio

Fullkrug

Ings

Goals

0.31

0.40

0.11

Assists

0.09

0.25

0.00

Progressive Carries

2.37

0.76

1.38

Progressive Passes

1.29

2.28

1.85

Total Shots

1.56

2.34

2.18

Shots on Target

0.71

0.93

0.69

xG

0.29

0.48

0.28

Shot-Creating Actions

1.83

2.52

4.00

Aerials Won

1.88

3.49

0.62

Stats taken from FBref

Marmoush is “most likely” to join West Ham or Crystal Palace, as per TT, with the Hammers considering replacements for both Ings and Antonio. Eintracht boss Dino Toppmöller, speaking to the press earlier this year, described the 25-year-old as a striker who possesses a “tireless” work rate.

The African attacker has also been linked with Arsenal and Liverpool, but it is Lopetegui and Oliver Glasner in the driving seat for his signature right now.

MatériaMais Notícias

No primeiro treino com bola da Seleção Brasileira com todo o elenco em campo visando o clássico contra a Argentina, pela 11ª rodada das Eliminatórias para a Copa do Mundo de 2022, o técnico Tite promoveu algumas mudanças.

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Fabinho ficará com a vaga do volante Casemiro, suspenso pelo segundo cartão amarelo recebido contra a Colômbia, na vitória por 1 a 0 sobre a Colômbia, na última quinta-feira (11), na Neo Química Arena, que garantiu a Seleção Brasileira no Mundial.

Além disso, o treinador da Seleção fez mais dois testes, com a entrada de Eder Militão no lugar de Thiago Silva, na zaga, e Matheus Gunha ficando com a vaga de Gabriel Jesus, no ataque.

Com isso, a provável escalação do Brasil para o confronto diante do ‘hermanos’ na próxima terça-feira (16), em San Juan, tem: Alisson; Danilo, Eder Militão, Marquinhos e Alex Sandro; Fabinho, Fred, Raphinha, Neymar e Lucas Paquetá; Matheus Cunha.

Nesta segunda-feira (15), a Seleção encerrará a sua preparação para o clássico contra o argentinos, treinando novamente no Centro de Treinamentos do Palmeiras, onde fez as suas atividades após o triunfo diante dos colombianos.

No próximo trabalho, que acontecerá na parte da manhã, sem a presença da imprensa, Tite pode fazer novos testes visando o jogo contra a Argentina.

MatériaMais Notícias

Titular absoluto do Coritiba, o atacante Igor Paixão tornou-se peça fundamental da equipe comandada pelo técnico Gustavo Morínigo na campanha do Brasileirão da Série B onde o Verdão lidera com 61 pontos, dois a mais do que o Botafogo.

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>Aplicativo de resultados do LANCE! está disponível na versão iOS

Formado nas categorias de base do Coxa, Igor vive um excelente momento em sua carreira onde, depois de passar por duas temporadas em um processo de “maturação” no Londrina, emendou uma temporada de 2021 contribuindo efetivamente para os gols da equipe. São nove gols e 7 assistências em 43 jogos disputados, sendo o segundo jogador com mais participações diretas para gol na temporada, ficando atrás apenas de Léo Gamalho.

Na Série B, Igor lidera as estatísticas da equipe em assistências (cinco) e é o terceiro artilheiro do Coritiba na competição com seis tentos assinalados.

– Fico feliz pela grande campanha do clube na série B e pelo meu desempenho pessoal na temporada, isso é fruto de muito trabalho e dedicação. Espero fechar com chave de ouro esse grande momento, conseguindo o acesso e posteriormente a conquista do título para a nação Coxa Branca que vem nos apoiando todos os dias. – comentou.

Com poucas rodadas para o encerramento do campeonato, o Coritiba não está somente cada vez mais perto do título, mas, principalmente, tem o retorno para a elite nacional bem encaminhado. Nesse contexto, o atacante destacou os objetivos do Coritiba, exaltando a força do grupo nesta reta final.

– Temos cinco jogos para confirmar o acesso e ir em busca do título. O grupo está unido e focado nesses objetivos, tenho certeza de que com humildade e pés no chão vamos alcançá-los – finalizou.

A próxima chance do plantel ratificar as palavras de Igor Paixão será no próximo sábado (6), às 16h15 (de Brasília), no confronto em Recife diante do Náutico.

أكد الهولندي آرني سلوت المدير الفني لفريق كرة القدم الأول بنادي ليفربول الإنجليزي، غياب أحد اللاعبين عن مواجهة إيبسويتش تاون، ضمن الجولة 23 من البريمرليج.

ليفربول يستضيف إيبسويتش تاون غدًا السبت، ضمن منافسات الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز على ملعب أنفيلد.

وقال سلوت في تصريحات بالمؤتمر الصحفي: “إصابة كورتيس جونز ليست جيدة على الإطلاق، ولن يكون متاحًا أمام إيبسويتش تاون”.

طالع أيضًا | بعد أرنولد.. ريال مدريد يستهدف ضم لاعب جديد من ليفربول

وأضاف: “لا أعتقد أنه سيغيب لعدة أشهر، ولكن دعونا نرى ما إذا كام بإمكانه اللعب ضد بورنموث أو آيندهوفن، في انتظار الفحوصات الطبية التي سيخضع لها”.

وعن مواجهة الغد، قال: “قبل مواجهة إيبسويتش تاون في الدور الأول عملت مع 13 لاعبًا أو 14 فقط، ولكي أكون منصفًا، لم نكن بنفس القوة التي نحن عليها الآن. كنا جيدين أمامهم ولكن تحسنا في الشوط الثاني”.

واختتم: “في النصف الثاني من الموسم يكون دائمًا الأمر أكثر صعوبة، لأن الفرق تعمل على تعزيز صفوفها، وهذا ما يحدث مع إيبسويتش للهروب من منطقة الخطر، وبالفعل لقد تحسنوا في لاجولات الماضية، لقد جعلوا الأمر صعبًا علينا في المباراة الأولى، بغض النظر عن ما حدث معهم ضد مانشستر سيتي”.

The points docked after the Test at the MCG ended up being the difference for Australia

Daniel Brettig09-Mar-20218:06

Ravi Shastri on India qualifying for WTC from bio-bubble: ‘I cannot say enough how proud I am of my team’

Though Australia were comfortably clear in the World Test Championship standings at the time, Australia’s coach Justin Langer has admitted to a feeling of dread when his side dropped four points due to a penalty for slow over rates during the Boxing Day Test against India – ultimately all that separated the team from a place in the final later this year.While Tim Paine’s side won only two of the four series it contested over the period of the WTC, while also having away series against Bangladesh and South Africa cancelled due to complications around Covid-19, they would have claimed enough points over matches played to squeak past New Zealand into second place behind India if not for being docked the four points at the conclusion of the MCG loss.Langer claimed that the team had no idea they were behind the required over rate by enough of a margin to incur a penalty until after the Test concluded, despite regular updates always being provided by match officials. In 2008, Australia’s then captain Ricky Ponting resorted to bowling part-timers at a critical moment of a Test match in Nagpur when there were concerns the team’s over rate had sagged to a level at which he may well have been suspended under the disciplinary system in use by the ICC at the time.Related

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“Our manager Gavin Dovey had gone home … for Christmas with his family in England, and it wasn’t until after the game that we realised our over rate was down,” Langer told SEN Radio. “That’s really slack on our behalf, but I remember we were in the team room afterwards and I spoke to Painey and Dene Hills, our analyst, about it. I was a bit grumpy about it and I thought ‘imagine if this cost us the World Test Championship’.”And I mentioned it to the players afterwards that two overs down could cost us the World Test Championship. And so, we have to get better at that and make sure it doesn’t happen in Sydney and Brisbane. It didn’t, but we also couldn’t bowl out India twice and we didn’t make enough runs. It was relevant at the time, and it certainly became incredibly significant over the weekend.”At the start of his reign as coach in 2018, Langer had coined the phrase “From Lille to Lord’s”, in reference to a tenure that had begun with a commemorative trip to the battlefields of the Western Front and took in a couple of chances to play finals at the home of cricket: the 2019 World Cup final and this year’s WTC final, albeit before it was moved to Southampton’s Ageas Bowl.The MCG proved costly for Australia, and not just because of the defeat against India•Getty Images”It’s disappointing for a couple of reasons – one we didn’t get to play in South Africa to have another crack at it after the India series and is it’s disappointing for me because this Test Championship goes over a couple of years, we were in the box seat for a lot of it,” Langer said.”We’ve played some great cricket. Losing to India at home that was really disappointing, but…we got docked two [four] points for a slow over rate, and that cost us. That’s how close it was and how often do you get docked points in Test cricket these days? Rarely. We have that in our control, that’s an attitudinal thing, at the time we probably thought ‘oh it’s not that big a deal’, but that cost us the WTC after what had been two really good years when we were ranked No. 1 again. The things we can control we have to control, and we can’t for a second relax in Test cricket.”After Australia’s white-ball squad returned home from a 3-2 T20I series defeat in New Zealand that he sat out, Langer expressed approval for Glenn Maxwell’s recently stated desire to put himself back into Test match contention given the multiple Test series looming for the national team in Asia over the next two years.”I’m absolutely supportive of that,” Langer said. “We know how destructive he can be. We’re always looking for greater consistency from Maxy and all of our players, but he’s so destructive and so talented and a gun fielder.”I’d love that energy in the field. For example, I think we dropped 16 catches in this Test series, things that are in our control like the over rate, and they’re areas we want to keep getting better at because otherwise the old ‘catches win matches’ costs you. Glenn Maxwell’s fielding, he bowls handy offspinners, absolutely we would encourage him to get amongst it. I’d like to see all our star players playing. It would be good for Glenn Maxwell, but it would be great for domestic cricket.”You imagine young bowlers bowling against a hungry Glenn Maxwell who wants to push to play Test cricket in the future. He’ll be hungry, I’d love to see [Aaron] Finch play as well. I’d love to see all those guys play because never underestimate the benefit for young players, within your team and the opposition, playing against the best players. But that’s going to be a decision for Victoria and I’ll watch that really closely.”It remains to be seen whether Maxwell will be included in the Victorian squad for their coming bracket of Sheffield Shield matches ahead of his next stint in the IPL.

Football FanCast brings you the latest Liverpool transfer round-up.

While the Reds' last Premier League campaign didn't exactly go to plan, they did manage to secure a return to the Champions League and hand outgoing boss Jurgen Klopp a terrific send-off.

So with Arne Slot now in the Anfield hot seat, all eyes are on the transfer activity on Merseyside as the Dutchman starts to mould his Liverpool side.

Here we've listed the latest transfer rumours involving the Reds as they seek instant success under the former Feyenoord boss in 2024/25.

Latest Liverpool transfer rumours Transfers in

Andriy Lunin: With rumours swirling over the future of goalkeeper Alisson (see below), it appears that Liverpool are preparing for the worst by searching for his potential successor. That man could be Real Madrid's Andriy Lunin, who shone when asked to step up for the La Liga and European champions last season.

It is thought that while there are no direct negotiations taking place at present, Liverpool are monitoring the Ukrainian's situation amid the possibility of a goalkeeping shake-up in the coming weeks.

Joao Gomes: Liverpool have been named as admirers of Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes, though any move for the Portuguese ace may only happen further down the line, with midfield not a current priority for Arne Slot this summer.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Ben Jacobs said: "Midfield is not as high on their list of priorities as a centre-back and wide player. But, I don’t think we can entirely rule it out and Liverpool really like Joao Gomes as well, so that could be one to watch in the coming months. But for now, midfield is not the priority."

Gleison Bremer: Arne Slot's side are reportedly in a four-way battle for Juventus defender Gleison Bremer. The centre-back is not on sale in Turin, but Italian media have suggested that a bid in the region of £60m could force Juve to do business.

Joao Neves: Portuguese reports have claimed that Liverpool could steal Benfica's Joao Neves from under the noses of rivals Manchester United. He could cost a cool £85m, although if Benfica have their way and increase his release clause with a new contract, they could well be looking at a nine-figure sum.

Anthony Gordon: Despite rumours of Liverpool's interest in Gordon cooling in recent weeks, it appears the Reds have not given up on bringing the former Everton star to Anfield this summer.

Their previous move reportedly broke down over their reluctance to allow Jarell Quansah to move to Tyneside, though more recent reports earlier this week have claimed that a fresh bid is in the offing, suggesting this could yet turn into a transfer saga.

Lutsharel Geertruida: Arne Slot could make his first foray into poaching his former players by sealing a deal for Lutsharel Geertruida this summer. Reports in the past week claimed that the Dutchman has been contacted by the club ahead of a potential move, with his agents engaging in talks with Liverpool.

Leny Yoro: Liverpool remain in the hunt for the in-demand Leny Yoro, though may now have to act fast after Manchester United reportedly had a bid accepted for the teenager.

Reports had previously stated that the Reds were prepared to offer €60m (£51m), though they may now have to compete with United and the player's preferred destination – Real Madrid – in order to complete a deal.

Jeremie Frimpong: United are also set to battle Liverpool for Jeremie Frimpong, a compatriot of both bosses of the Premier League heavyweights. Last week, German media reported that Slot had personally spoken to Frimpong over a potential switch this summer, though the level of interest in the Bayer Leverkusen ace could complicate things – not to mention a relatively cheap €40m (£34m) release fee.

Adrien Rabiot: Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot looks set for a new club, having failed to sign an extension in northern Italy. Liverpool are among those interested in his services, with the Reds thought to have already made moves to bring the Frenchman to Anfield – though so have Newcastle United.

Transfers out

Alisson: The Reds' No 1 is a key target for Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr, with Cristiano Ronaldo's side aiming to test Liverpool's resolve as they look to seal a deal very soon. This comes despite their interest in Manchester City's Ederson, with Alisson believed to be their preferred target.

Nat Phillips: Liverpool are holding firm on their £8m asking price for Nat Phillips, recently rejecting a bid from Turkey worth £4m. Trabzonspor wanted to bring the centre-back to the Super Lig, but with plenty of interest in the 27-year-old elsewhere, the Reds feel they can double their money.

Latest Liverpool transfers 2024/25

Arne Slot is yet to make his first signing as Liverpool boss, though the club have already started saying goodbye to players whose contracts expired this summer. In terms of first-team players, they include defender Joel Matip and Spaniard Thiago Alcantara, with the latter recently announcing his retirement.

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Calvin Ramsay (Wigan)

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Joel Matip (Released)

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Thiago (Retired)

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Former West Ham United forward Frank McAvennie has been left excited about a transfer rumour he's heard involving the Hammers.

West Ham looking at signing new striker

The Irons and technical director Tim Steidten have already made three summer signings ahead of Julen Lopetegui’s first season in charge at the London Stadium, with Max Kilman becoming the latest addition from Wolves. Kilman’s joined winger Luis Guilherme, who arrived from Palmeiras and experienced goalkeeper Wes Foderingham who joined on a free transfer after his contract expired at Sheffield United.

It is shaping up to be a busy summer in the market, just as Steidten predicted during Lopetegui’s first press conference as Hammers boss:

“I can’t tell you specifics, but it will be a busy summer for us for sure. The owner and the board have done a really good job over recent years, so we’re in good shape financially. We’re trying to build up the squad. We’re not limiting ourselves to one position – we’re looking at all areas.”

Next on the agenda for Steidten and Lopetegui appears to be a new striker, with Danny Ings and Michail Antonio the only two o8t and out centre-forward options at the club currently.

Latest West Ham transfer news: £35m ace and La Liga superstar on radar

It’s a new era at the London Stadium – here’s what Julen Lopetegui could be up to in the transfer market…

ByMark Marston Jul 11, 2024

Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran appears to be a firm target, with personal terms already agreed with the Colombian. Meanwhile, a bid worth more than £12m has reportedly been submitted for Chelsea forward David Datro Fofana.

Another attacking link has been former Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho, with both West Ham and Wolves eyeing up a free transfer for the Nigerian.

McAvennie reacts to West Ham links for Iheanacho

Talking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie gave his reaction to the idea of the Irons signing Iheanacho. The pundit seemed excited at the prospect, calling it a “no-brainer” and Iheanacho a “great player”.

“I like Iheanacho. I think he’s a great player. Oh my god, on a free transfer, I’d take him. It’s a no-brainer for me, though I’m not sure who this new manager will want.”

The 27-year-old has scored 42 goals in 196 games in the Premier League for both Leicester and Manchester City and is currently valued at €12m by Transfermarkt.

Former Leicester City manager Brendan Rodgers is also a fan of the striker, previously saying: “Since he has come into the team he has just been fantastic. I am delighted for him because he is such a conscientious guy, such an honest guy, and as you can see now, a very talented player.

"I know when I came here that there were probably times when there were grumbles if he was playing but he has very quickly won over people. That is just through hard work, resilience and talent. What you are seeing is a young player at the top of his game."

A move could be one to keep an eye on, and with a big transfer fee not required, it may make sense to bolster Lopetegui attacking options with the acquisition of Iheanacho.