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Liverpool see attacking reinforcements as a priority in the summer transfer window, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Lowdown: Big summer at Liverpool

The Reds had a disappointing season but managed to salvage it by finishing third in the Premier League and qualifying for the Champions League in 2021/22.

The injury hit campaign suggests new signings will be needed in order for Jurgen Klopp’s men to challenge Manchester City again however, on top of latest addition Ibrahima Konate.

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The Latest: Romano provides key update

Speaking on Twitch on Monday [via Football Transfers on Twitter], Romano claimed that “signing attackers are the priority for Liverpool” this summer, seven words which are sure to be music to the ears of the Anfield faithful.

He added that the Reds are “thinking of signing wingers first because they will lose both Salah and Mane for AFCON” during the middle of next season.

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The Verdict: Encouraging news

This is an encouraging update from Romano, even though on the face of it Liverpool are currently well-stocked in attacking areas.

Assuming the Africa Cup of Nations goes ahead, losing Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane would leave a gaping void in wide areas, with someone like youngster Harvey Elliott possibly having to fill in.

It is, therefore, vital that at least one winger is brought in to alleviate that issue, with someone like Donyell Malen looking an exciting option from PSV Eindhoven, having scored 19 goals in the Eredivisie last season.

In other news, some Liverpool fans have been reacting to a key club update. Read more here.

AC Milan could sell their star player Rafael Leao in the summer if they receive offers in excess of €100m.

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• Milan ready to sell Leao
• Would demand transfer fee in excess of €100m
• Linked with a move to PSG and Newcastle

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Leao, who has attracted interest from several top European sides including Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United, could be sold in the summer if AC Milan receives offers over €100m, according to . The Portuguese winger reportedly has a release clause of €175m in his existing contract which means that the Serie A giants won't entertain any double-digit offers.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  After Kylian Mbappe communicated his decision to leave PSG as a free agent at the end of the ongoing campaign, the Ligue 1 champions are considering raiding the Italian league. Other than the Milan attacker, they have also shown interest in Inter's Lautaro Martinez and Napoli talisman Victor Osimhen.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Leao did not have the best of starts in the ongoing 2023/24 season having scored only seven goals in 29 appearances for the club across all competitions. Nonetheless, he has age on his side and could prove to be a perfect candidate to fill Mbappe's boots at PSG.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR RAFAEL LEAO?

  The 24-year-old will be next seen in action for the Rossoneri on Sunday as they take on Monza in the Serie A. They currently find themselves third in the league, 11 points behind rivals and league leaders Inter.

Former West Brom midfielder Carlton Palmer has warned Valerien Ismael that there is a huge issue with how the club is being run right now.

Ismael is close to succeeding Sam Allardyce as West Brom manager, with BBC Sport reporting that the Midlands outfit have met a compensation clause in the Barnsley boss’ contract.

This comes after reports of both David Wagner, who is now the manager of Young Boys, and Lincoln City’s Michael Appleton turning down the job.

For Palmer, that is a red flag and something Ismael should be wary of as he closes in on the position.

“The worry is for me, why so many people are turning down the job,” the ex-West Brom player told TT in an exclusive interview. “It’s a massive club, big opportunity for somebody to take on.

“Alarm bells started ringing with me when Sam Allardyce turned the job down straight away because Sam’s not going to be offered too many more jobs. Why wouldn’t he have taken that job on if there was the opportunity to bring them back?

“All these other managers turning the job down, seeing the director of sport Luke Dowling resign, there has to be an issue with how the club is run and how they want to run things going forward.”

Certainly, West Brom’s search for a new manager has turned into a bit of a mess, while Dowling’s recent resignation has only added to the chaos.

Fortunately, there is still some time before the new season kicks off. So while things obviously have not been plain sailing for the club, it has not been too much of a nightmare scenario.

Following Colombia's triumph against Brazil, Liverpool teammates Luis Diaz and Alisson exchanged an impassioned hug that left fans in awe.

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• Diaz scores twice against Brazil
• Colombia beat Brazil 2-1
• Diaz and Alisson embrace post match

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Late in the second half, Diaz scored twice in four minutes to help his country win 2-1 against Brazil in a World Cup qualifying match. Given the circumstances surrounding his father's abduction, Diaz's moving performance had even more emotional resonance. It was only during the international break that Luis Manuel Diaz and his son were reunited following his 12-day detention by the rebel organisation ELN in Colombia last week. Following the final whistle, Diaz was spotted embracing Alisson, his teammate at Liverpool and the Brazil goalie for the evening.

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• WHAT DIAZ SAID

  Diaz singled out Alisson's support towards him during the ordeal: "He’s a great human being. I really respect him. He was very happy for me because he knew what we all went through. He gave me all the support I could’ve asked for."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Colombia won their first match against Brazil in eight years thanks to two goals from Diaz, which also moved them up to third in the South American qualification standings. Brazil is now in fifth place in the competition after losing twice in a row.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR DIAZ AND ALISSON?

  The Brazil keeper will next be in action when his country takes on their rivals Argentina, while Diaz will participate in Colombia's clash against Paraguay.

Nuno Espirito Santo cannot be ruled out of the running for Tottenham Hotspur’s managerial vacancy, according to Alasdair Gold…

What’s the word?

The reliable football.london reporter delivered a fresh update in a recent Q&A with supporters, in which he was asked about the former Wolves boss.

He wrote: “I keep getting told, and again today, from those in Italy that know Paratici, that he likes Nuno Espirito Santo and not to rule out that he could become one of the candidates.

“I don’t think a move for him would go down particularly well among the fans.

“He would be more popular than some and he knows the Premier League, but his brand of football would not be the “free-flowing, attacking and entertaining” kind Levy promised the fans in his end of season message about the incoming new head coach.”

Not the right fit

A move for Nuno would’ve made sense over a year ago but perhaps not now.

The 47-year-old left Molineux by mutual consent at the end of the season, seemingly taking the Midlands outfit as far as he could – that being promotion to the Premier League and qualification to the Europa League in his very first season.

As The Telegraph’s John Percy outlined recently, there were concerns at Wolves over Nuno’s style of football and their performances during his final season in charge. His replacement Bruno Lage has been brought in to provide a more attack-minded focus.

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Wolves were the lowest scorers above 16th place in the top flight last season (36 goals), just one ahead of relegated West Brom, with his successor coming in on the back of a 103-goal campaign at Benfica.

That only bolsters the view from Gold, who suggests that he isn’t the right fit for the club, particularly from a tactical standpoint.

This would go against one of Levy’s key criteria and ultimately this is bad news for fans, especially as the journalist believes he would not go down particularly well with the Lilywhites faithful. Indeed, that appears to be the case.

As relayed by This is Futbol, plenty of Spurs fans are against the move. One claimed that he was “sick of this club now” and another wrote “Paratici out” despite the Italian not even officially starting until July 1st.

A further supporter claimed it was “really really bad”, with an additional fan believing their managerial search had gone from “bad to worse.” This may be a small sample size but it does highlight the general feeling in north London right now.

After being dealt blow after blow, missing out on everyone ranging from Julian Nagelsmann to Antonio Conte, this fresh update from Gold comes as bad news for supporters as the wait for their next manager rumbles on.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops exciting claim on Spurs’ manager search, fans should be buzzing…

Jude Bellingham has essentially ruled out heading to the Premier League in the near future, as he expects to spend at least 10 years at Real Madrid.

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• Bellingham off to flying start
• Has 10 goals from as many matches
• Could be in Spain for 15 years

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The midfielder is off to a staggering start since his transfer to Madrid from Borussia Dortmund, scoring 10 goals in as many games in all competitions. He has transferred that form to the national team, too, having won a penalty before registering an assist as England beat Italy 2-1 to qualify for Euro 2024.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Bellingham has earned praise from team-mates, rivals and former players on his way to establishing himself as one of the world's best players. The 20-year-old picked Madrid over the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool and it seems his Premier League suitors will have to wait a long time before they will have a chance of convincing him to leave the Spanish capital.

• WHAT THEY SAID

  "I am loving football at the minute. My management at club and country are giving me freedom to play it how I see it," he told . "Since the last few months I have been really working on my timing getting into the box and as I am arriving I am arriving with a big hunger.

  "With the big transfer the fact is I have to deliver, whether it is a goal or assist or a match-winning performance. This is the club I want to be at for the next 10 to 15 years of my life. I am loving it there. Carlo [Ancelotti] basically said this position is where he sees me."

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  The England star will likely be in action again on Saturday when Madrid face Sevilla in La Liga.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag insists that Bayern Munich full-back Alphonso Davies is "not a great defender" ahead of the two sides' clash.

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• Davies to face United with Bayern
• Ten Hag believes he is not proficient defensively
• Pellistri picked on the right flank

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  United face Bayern in their opening Champions League fixture on Wednesday, and Ten Hag has claimed that Davies is vulnerable to the pace provided by Facundo Pellistri, the 21-year-old winger who has been picked to start against the Bavarian giants.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Davies has developed into a key player for Bayern and has already provided three assists in four games this season. Pellistri, by comparison, has made just 13 senior appearances for the Red Devils.

• WHAT THEY SAID

  Ten Hag told : "Davies is very offensive, a lot of speed, Pelli can match that. He can match that defending but also offensive. He has the capabilities to also go into attack. Davies is not a great defender, so I think it's a good game for him."

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  WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

  One has to think that Davies will have something to prove if he hears about Ten Hag's comments when the two sides square off this evening.

With Mbappe set to stay at Paris Saint-Germain for at least one more year, Real Madrid may have to look elsewhere

It wasn't supposed to be like this for Real Madrid; they were going to wait patiently for Kylian Mbappe to be exiled this summer, readying themselves for a last-minute bid, coaxing the France captain to the Santiago Bernabeu at a cut price. Mbappe, they assumed, would diligently wait for his long-anticipated Madrid move.

Instead, the striker has tentatively agreed to stay in Paris for at least one more year. The specifics of his deal are clouded, but it seems that the winger will make some kind of concession in order to stick around — and ensure that PSG will get an agreeable fee for him when he inevitably leaves next summer. This is a very kind thing for a player who has spent six years holding his club hostage.

Meanwhile, Madrid are left with a conundrum. Although they scored twice against Athletic Club to open their season, chances came at a premium. They were, as perhaps expected, worryingly lacking a central striking presence. It always figured that Mbappe would fill that void for the 2023-24 season. But now, Madrid are left with 33-year-old Joselu as their sole striking option — which hardly inspires confidence for a side hoping to compete for the league title.

So, Madrid might have to make a foray into the transfer market. And who to get? It's a suddenly dwindling talent pool, with some of the big names already making moves. Still, there are some options out there. GOAL takes a look at who Madrid might be able to sign with Mbappe out of the question…

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  Randal Kolo Muani (Frankfurt)

  This would be an interesting acquisition on multiple levels. First of all, Randal Kolo Muani would give Madrid some much-needed versatility in attack. He is not exactly one to drop deep like a certain Karim Benzema, but he's a reliable enough link-up player and passer to serve as a focal point. Furthermore, his experience playing alongside Mbappe for France's national team has ensured he can work effectively with pacey forwards who like to get in behind — something Vinicius Jr could benefit from. Add his 15 goals in the Bundesliga last year, and you have a well-rounded forward.

  The added bonus here is Kolo Muani has been one of PSG's main targets for some time now. The Parisians were expected to sign him this summer, but elected to bring in Gonaclo Ramos instead. There could still be room for him at Parc des Princes — Mbappe might insist on it — but he doesn't seem like a surefire addition anymore. The transfer market can be a petty thing, especially for Madrid. They might just take some satisfaction in stealing PSG's top target.

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  Romelu Lukaku (Inter)

  Romelu Lukaku could've sorted his next club by now. Inter seemed ready to negotiate with Chelsea for the striker, but he entered personal negotiations with Juventus when he was on the verge of sealing a move to his former club — something that didn't sit well with any of the parties involved. That move has failed to materialise as of yet, with Chelsea's €50 million (£43m/$55m) asking price proving too high for the Bianconeri.

  It leaves room for Madrid to swoop in. Los Blancos were briefly linked with the Belgian earlier in the summer, including him on their shortlist to replace Benzema. And with other suitors dwindling — rumours of a Tottenham switch have been quashed — there's certainly an opportunity here.

  He might be something of an awkward fit, though. Lukaku isn't the playmaking forward that Madrid covet and typically functions more effectively in a two-striker system. Asking him to play with his back to goal would be an immense waste of his talent. Still, some Carlo Ancelotti magic could be worked here.

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  Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus)

  Dusan Vlahovic has never quite worked out at Juventus. The Serbian sealed a €70m (£61m/$75m) move from Fiorentina back in January 2022, and has only scored 17 goals in 42 games since then. But there's clearly a player in there.

  It seems strange, in that sense, to suggest that a 23-year-old needs a change of scenery to start banging them in. In this case, though, it might just be true. Vlahovic is an ideal central striker at his best, and feasts inside the box. With Vinicius and Rodyrgo either side of him creating chance after chance, he could thrive.

  Price might be an issue, though. Juventus repeatedly rebuffed Chelsea in player-plus-cash talks over Lukaku, and will look to recoup a hefty chunk of their investment — if they do indeed elect to let him go at all. Their economic situation may necessitate his exit.

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  Victor Osimhen (Napoli)

  Victor Osimhen was arguably the best striker in Europe last year, leading the line for a Napoli side that battered its way to Serie A and captured a historic Scudetto. The Nigerian striker scored 26 goals in the league and added a further five in the Champions League. Add the fact that he is still only 23 — and poised to improve — and this would be incredibly difficult to make happen.

  But it would also be a dream addition. Osimhen became a more well-rounded attacking presence last season, serving as a valuable playmaker, and combining effectively with Napoli's pacy wide players. Kvara Kvaratskhelia may have grabbed the headlines, but Osimhen's five assists are nothing to be sniffed at. It all amounts to a player Madrid would love to have. Whether they can afford him, though, is an entirely different question. Consider it unlikely – especially as he is finally about to sign a new contract.

The Nigeria international is widely considered as one of the game's best young strikers, but just how many goals has he scored so far?

Napoli star Victor Osimhen has been making headlines for all of the right reasons, and his sensational performances for the Serie A side have garnered attention all across the continent.

Indeed, his outstanding goal-scoring statistics have not gone unnoticed to the eyes of Europe's wealthiest clubs, with the likes Manchester United, Bayern, and Chelsea all expressing an interest in acquiring his services in the near future.

The Nigeria international has established himself as one of Europe's deadliest marksmen this season and has similar attributes to his childhood hero, Didier Drogba.

Osimhen's game possesses the same certain brutality and devastation, with physical robustness to match his pace and presence.

The power and poise of Drogba can be seen in Osimhen's style of play and he possesses a natural ability to find the back of the net, which is backed up by his prolific record.

But just how many goals has he scored for the club so far? Let's take a look.

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  Goals for Napoli

  After a stellar 2019-20 campaign with Lille, Osimhen was being chased by numerous big clubs and moved to Serie A side Napoli for a club-record fee of €70m.

  A shoulder injury, suspensions, and coronavirus-related problems hindered Osimhen's rhythm in his debut season in Naples.

  Despite that, he still managed to end the season on a high note and scored 10 goals in the 2020-21 season, before topping that tally the following campaign.

  Needless to say, he has become a popular figure among Napoli supporters due to his efficiency in front of goal.

  Osimhen has taken his game to a whole new level this term, and his very presence on the pitch strikes fear into the heart of defenders, working in tandem to devastating effect with his partner in crime, Kvicha Kvaratskhelia to fire Napoli to glory.

  Season	Apps	Goals
  2023-24	2	3
  2022-23	39	31
  2021-22	32	18
  2020-21	30	10
  Total	103	62

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  Goals for Lille

  Charleroi made a significant profit on their measly €3.5m outlay as LOSC Lille came calling, bringing him to France in a deal said to be worth up to €15m.

  The Nigerian youngster was signed as a direct replacement for out-bound Rafael Leao, who was on the verge of completing a €35m move to AC Milan at the time.During his only season in Ligue 1, Osimhen hit top form, scoring 13 goals and setting up four assists in 27 league appearances. Only Wissam Ben Yedder, Kylian Mbappe, and Moussa Dembele had a better goal tally that season.

  Season	Apps	Goals
  2019-20	38	18

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  Goals for Charleroi & Wolfsburg

  OSIMHEN AT CHARLEROI

  Osimhen joined Belgian club Charleroi in 2018. While his start in the European game was a bit rocky, he bounced back and slowly started showing his full potential sooner rather than later.

  He was named Charleroi’s Player of the Season for the 2018-19 campaign after hescored 20 goals in 36 games in all competitions for the Zebras and he ended the season as the club's top scorer. His form also led him into Nigeria’s 23-man squad for 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

  Osimhen's excellent performances drew interest from clubs all across Europe, with Milan, Schalke, Arsenal, and many more vying for his signature.Indeed, the Belgian side converted his loan move into a permanent one for just €3.5m in the summer of 2019, only to make a quick buck by sanctioning a sale in the same transfer window.

  Season	Apps	Goals
  2018-19	36	20

  OSIMHEN AT WOLFSBURG

  Osimhen started his career at the Ultimate Strikers Academy in Lagos, before starring for the Super Eagles at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup.He gradually progressed through the ranks and signed a pre-contract with Wolfsburg, with the view to join the German top-flight outfit in January 2017.

  He made his official debut for the club on May 13, 2017, coming on as a substitute in the 59th minute of a 1–1 draw against Borussia Mönchengladbach.

  However, his time at the German club was riddled with injuries and he ultimately had to look for loan options to get more playing time.

  Season	Apps	Goals
  2017-18	2	0
  2016-17	14	0
  Total	16	0

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  Goals for Nigeria

  Osimhen's swift rise to the summit has more often than not been the result of his glowing performances for the Super Eagles across various age levels.

  Indeed, his extremely promising performances at the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup caught the eyes of many European scouts, as he won the highest goal scorer award with 10 goals, playing a pivotal role in ensuring that the Nigeria U-17 squad 2015 were eventually crowned tournament champions. He earned a move to Wolfsburg off the back of that tournament.

  Osimhen made his made his senior debut for Nigeria in a 3–0 friendly win over Togo in 2017, but had to wait until March 2021 to open his international account in an AFCON qualification match against Lesotho. While his international career is still in its early stages, the former Nigeria U-17 goal machine is among the 10 highest Super Eagles goal scorers, and boasts a superb goals-to-game ratio.

  He also netted four goals in one game against lowly Sao Tome & Principe.

  Year	Apps	Goals
  2023	3	2
  2022	4	5
  2021	8	5
  2020	1	1
  2019	7	4
  2018	1	0
  2017	1	0
  Total	25	17

Paul Robinson has dropped a very worrying transfer claim involving Newcastle United and Joe Willock.

The Lowdown: Bruce wants Willock

As cited by the Evening Standard, Steve Bruce has admitted that he would ‘love’ to sign Willock on a permanent deal from Arsenal once the summer transfer window opens.

This comes off of the back of a very successful loan spell in the North East, where the central midfield player scored no fewer than eight goals in 14 games in total in the Premier League (Transfermarkt).

The Latest: Robinson on Willock

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson, who is now a pundit after a stellar career playing for the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds United, has claimed that the Tyneside club will struggle to bring Willock back to St. James’ Park, and thinks that other teams in the top flight will be looking to sign him:

“Willock been absolutely brilliant in a team who, let’s not forget, have been struggling.

“There has been a lot of pressure on the Newcastle team because a lot of fans want Steve Bruce to be sacked. It’s not easy for a player when that’s going on during a relegation battle. Willock has handled that pressure though.

“Even if Arsenal are to let him go this summer I think they would struggle to sign him.

“His performance over the past few weeks have been fantastic and they have put him in the shop window. I think Premier League clubs will be queuing up to sign him.”

The Verdict: Newcastle may struggle

If other sides in the division come in to try and sign Willock, the Magpies may struggle to compete financially.

It has already been reported that they may have as little as £8-10m to spend on transfers once the market opens, which would not be enough to sign the 21-year-old, unless they can raise enough money from player sales.

Nonetheless, the Toon must try and break the bank if possible in order to bring Willock in permanently, given the impact that he had in his loan spell, which effectively saved them from relegation.

In other news, find out what ‘fascinating’ takeover insight a sports lawyer has dropped on arbitration here!