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Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has been hit with some frustrating injury blows in the early weeks of the season, as Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka have both been ruled out for several weeks.

The German boss has had to go with Ilia Gruev in the number six position in the last two Premier League games because of those injuries, and the Whites failed to score in a 6-0 loss to Arsenal and a 0-0 draw with Newcastle United.

Whilst a point from those two matches, for a newly-promoted side, is far from the end of the world, Leeds may still want more from their midfield defensively and offensively.

Gruev has won two duels a game in the top-flight, whilst he has not scored a goal since the play-offs in 2024, per Sofascore, and that may be why the club are reportedly looking to bring in another midfielder.

Leeds eyeing late move for midfield star

The Championship champions have until 7 pm on Monday to finalise their squad for the first half of the campaign, with a new midfield monster on the agenda.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to journalist Jose Palacio, via El Larguero, Leeds United are one of the teams in the race to seal a deal for Getafe star Christantus Uche.

The reporter claims that the Whites are knocking on the door to sign the Nigeria international from the Spanish side in a last-gasp swoop for his services.

He adds, though, that Crystal Palace are also ready to join the bidding for the 22-year-old star, whom he claims has turned down a move to Wolves, who were pushing to finalise a £17m deal.

It is now down to Leeds to convince Uche to make the move to Elland Road before the deadline, as he could arrive as a big upgrade on Ilia Gruev.

Why Leeds should sign Christantus Uche

The Getafe whiz is an incredibly interesting transfer target for the club because of the versatility that he would provide, as Jose Bordalas has utilised him as a centre-forward and as a central midfielder in LaLiga.

U23 scout Antonio Mango once claimed that he could be developed into a “midfield monster”, in the same way that Joelinton was for Newcastle, and Farke could do that to make him an upgrade on Gruev.

The Nigerian brute has the physical attributes and experience in a major league in Spain to suggest that he could offer way more physicality to the team in front of the defence than the Bulgaria international.

Uche’s outings as a striker also mean that he has the potential to provide more of a goal threat from midfield than Gruev, as the clip above shows that he can score goals at the top level.

Appearances

33

23

Goals

4

0

Assists

6

2

Ground duels won per game

4.1

2.3

Aerial duels won per game

2.8

0.8

As you can see in the table above, Getafe’s versatile titan offered more in front of goal and more to his team in duels than Gruev did for Leeds at a lower level in the 2024/25 campaign, which means that he could impact games at both ends of the pitch more frequently.

Uche has also started the current season by scoring one goal, providing one assist, and winning eight duels per match in his three outings in LaLiga, whilst the Bulgaria international has only won two duels per game for the Whites, per Sofascore.

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These statistics suggest that Leeds would be signing an upgrade on Gruev, as well as a versatile star who can be utilised in other roles, as a midfield monster who can protect the back four to greater effect with his impressive physicality.

Manchester City are in a position of rude financial health, albeit Pep Guardiola has now received a record-breaking offer for one of his prize assets at the Etihad Stadium.

Erling Haaland urges Man City teammates to embrace change

The Premier League is a competition marked by eras and Manchester City are definitely going through a period of transition on that front after losing the likes of Ederson, Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan during the summer window.

New faces such as Omar Marmoush, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rayan Cherki have entered the fold, and Erling Haaland has urged his new teammates to create their own version of history as the Citizens look to challenge Liverpool and Arsenal among others for the title.

“A lot of important people left so new people have to come in and make a difference and people that have been here for years like me have to take more responsibility.

“I have to guide the team, I have to help the new ones to come in as quick as possible, because it’s not easy to come into a new country and perform straight away. We need to help each other. We need to understand that the past is the past and we’re not the same team anymore. We have to use it in a positive way.”

While academy starlets like Stephen Mfuni may force their way into the Manchester City first-team hoping to follow the example of Rico Lewis, who recently signed a contract extension, responsibility lies on the shoulders of big-money arrivals to adapt after a summer of change.

However, recent developments suggest that alterations to Guardiola’s side may not be done there as his side respond to a surprise offer for one of their key stars.

Man City receive record-breaking Phil Foden offer

According to reports in Spain, Manchester City have received an offer worth over £112 million from Al-Nassr for Phil Foden, who may also be presented with an ‘astronomical’ contract proposal as the Saudi Pro League side look to make a statement.

Fortunately for supporters, Guardiola views the England international as an ‘untouchable’ and key part of his project, making a transfer to the Middle East for the Stockport native something that won’t be entertained by Etihad chiefs.

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Despite the Citizens’ willingness to retain Foden, he does only have two years left on his current contract, something that will need to be clarified before other clubs begin to test the waters.

Even after a disappointing 2024/25 campaign where he still managed to claim 13 goals and seven assists in 49 appearances, Guardiola’s stance on him is emblematic of what he believes Manchester City should represent, signifying that the homegrown hero won’t be going anywhere for the time being.

Sheffield United certainly suffered from a rude awakening on the opening day of the new Championship season.

Bristol City travelled to Bramall Lane with last campaign’s playoff agony at the hands of the Blades still evidently on their mind, as the Robins exposed constant weaknesses from the hosts to run out as unexpected 4-1 victors.

It hasn’t got any better for Ruben Selles with another two defeats smacking his forlorn team in the face, as the ex-Hull City boss now also attempts to welcome in more new signings before September comes around to turn around this dire start to his reign.

The Blades will be hoping that their next James McAtee-level signing is waiting in the wings, as the Manchester City outcast instantly settled into his South Yorkshire surroundings once upon a time to secure promotion.

McAtee's heroics at United

McAtee looks to be on the move this summer away from the Etihad for good, as the 22-year-old finally appears out from the periphery at the Citizens to try and become another side’s leading man.

When he was chucked into the first-team fold at Bramall Lane back in 2022, the silky, 5-foot-10 attacking midfielder was an instant hit, leading to McAtee extending his loan deal with the club to the following season when Premier League action was on the menu.

In total, the England U21s regular would pick up a stunning 14 goals and eight assists from 75 clashes in South Yorkshire, with a hefty 12 of those coming in the second tier as United jumped back up to the big time via automatic promotion.

Selles will still be dreaming of similar promotion heroics this season, even with the defeats piling up early on, with one signing potentially sticking out as a McAtee repeat if it gets over the line.

The "incredible" £10m star who could be a McAtee repeat

As much as McAtee did enhance the attack during his time at Bramall Lane, the priority in the here and now for Selles and Co. might well be to strengthen defensively.

Indeed, in recent weeks, the Championship promotion candidates have been dealt a harsh blow in losing first-team star Anel Ahmedhodzic to Dutch giants Feyenoord, after the Bosnian lined up for 42 contests last season as a key individual.

Therefore, picking up some fresh blood at the back could be integral to their promotion hopes, over needing to add some spellbinding forward players.

That’s where Callum Doyle could come in handy, with SportsBoom previously speculating this month that the Etihad-based youngster is on the United shopping list this summer, alongside a whole host of other EFL suitors.

Norwich City are also being floated about as a party keen on bringing back their former loanee to Carrow Road off the back of him hammering home a sweet strike such as this one he put away with confidence last season, despite predominantly lining up as a centre-back presence.

It could cost any potential suitor around the £10m mark to land the up-and-coming 21-year-old, but this might well prove to be a price worth paying on United’s end if Doyle’s added presence gifts Selles and Co. the boost they desire in the promotion reckoning.

Doyle’s league numbers for Norwich (24/25)
Stat – per 90 mins*	Doyle
Games played	40
Goals scored	1
Assists	7
Touches*	93.9
Accurate passes*	65.7 (86%)
Big chances created	7
Ball recoveries*	3.9
Clearances*	3.8
Total duels won*	3.8
Clean sheets	5
Stats by Sofascore

Doyle certainly showed off a lot of the same class McAtee brought to proceedings in South Yorkshire when plying his trade in Norfolk last campaign, with a standout seven assists picked up when playing his assured game out from the back.

On top of that, he also won an admirable 3.8 duels per contest for the Canaries, with his potential addition to a depleted backline making the loss of Ahmedhodzic sting less.

Hailed as “incredible” by his Norwich teammate Kenny McLean for his unerring ability with the ball at his feet, it does feel as if Doyle is ready for a switch where he shines even further up the EFL’s elite league, much like McAtee was handed in 2022.

History could repeat itself even more if Doyle is the calm and assured warrior who pushes Selles’ men up to those coveted promotion spaces despite such a bleak introduction to Championship life this season, as his senior game is taken to yet another level.

Sheffield United could land the next Rak-Sakyi with move for "special" ace

Sheffield United could gift Ruben Selles his own Jesurun Rak-Sakyi with this summer move.

By
Kelan Sarson

Aug 6, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Juan foi o responsável pelo quarto gol do São Paulo na vitória por 4 a 2 contra o Vasco no estádio do Morumbi. Inclusive, este foi o primeiro gol da Cria de Cotia na casa tricolor.

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Após o confronto, Juan contou como foram as conversas com Dorival Júnior antes de entrar em campo. O atacante começou o duelo no banco de reservas, entrou no segundo tempo e quase nos minutos finais da partida balançou as redes. Durante sua resposta, ainda disparou: ‘Quem tem saído do banco, tem decidido’.

ATUAÇÕES: “Crias de Cotia”, Beraldo e Juan garantem vitória do São Paulo diante do Vasco pelo Brasileirão

O jogador afirmou que o Vasco era uma equipe complicada de enfrentar, mas ressaltou que ‘manter a cabeça no lugar’ foi o essencial para a equipe conseguir sair com a vitória.

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– Vasco é um adversário difícil, está em reconstrução e sabemos o valor da equipe deles. Quando tomamos o empate, foi importante o time manter a cabeça no lugar, acho que foi o principal ponto da partida. Quando tomamos gol, foi importante para a gente buscar a virada. Quando eu entrei, o Dorival pediu para tentar decidir. Nos últimos jogos, quem tem saído do banco, tem decidido a partida – disse.

Na base, Juan atuava majoritariamente como um centroavante. No profissional, com Rogério Ceni, passou a atuar mais como um ponta. Agora com Dorival, está voltando a jogar mais centralizado. Juan respondeu sobre a posição que o deixa mais confortável.

– Dorival sempre pede para a gente entrar e dar o nosso melhor porque a gente está descansado. Nesse momento da minha carreira, sempre fui acostumado a fazer diversas funções, eu sou um jogador que gosta de jogar centralizador, Dorival sabe. Mas depende da partida, do momento em que ele me coloca, centralizado, jogando aberto, a gente precisa jogar em prol da partida. Às vezes, a individualidade se destaca – relatou.

Agora, o próximo desafio do São Paulo é pela Copa Sul-Americana. O Tricolor volta a campo na terça-feira (23), às 21h30 de Brasília. O duelo será contra o Puerto Cabello e acontecerá na Venezuela. Juan destacou a importância dessa partida.

– Agora é hora de virar a chave, temos um jogo que garante nossa classificação, é um cronograma mais pesado, a gente saí feliz, mas já passou. Agora é jogar para vencer – concluiu.

New Zealand were 112 for 1 in 21 overs when rain arrived

Madushka Balasuriya19-Nov-2024

Rain allowed only 21 overs in the third ODI•AFP/Getty Images

No Result Persistent rain in Pallekele meant the final ODI between Sri Lanka and New Zealand was washed out, with Sri Lanka, who had won the first two games, taking the series 2-0. This is Sri Lanka’s fifth ODI series win this year.It was an anti-climactic end to a game that had begun with much promise, courtesy a fresh pitch that was expected to suit the batters as opposed to the more sluggish surfaces served up in the first two games.New Zealand, having won the toss, decided to take first lease of it and proceeded to get off to their best start of the series. The first ten overs saw them ticking along at a touch under six an over, despite not taking many risks. That was primarily down to the fact that nearly 40% of those runs had come off the wayward Dilshan Madushanka, whose two overs went for 23 runs.Related

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That was the last of Madushanka with the ball, but some sloppy efforts in the outfield meant it was a day to forget for the left-arm seamer who had just 12 months prior been one of the most sought-after seamers in world cricket following a stellar World Cup in India. That, though, seemed to be a lifetime ago as he struggled to maintain consistent lines and lengths. The first five boundaries of the New Zealand innings came of his bowling.At the other end though, Sri Lanka kept things relatively tight – first through seamer Mohamed Shiraz and then their bevy of spinners. The solitary wicket of the innings had in fact come courtesy Shiraz, playing just his second ODI and his first of the series, though it had also owed much to skipper Charith Asalanka who leapt high to his left at mid-off to hold on to a mistimed drive from Tim Robinson. Shiraz’s five overs went for 23 runs as both Robinson and Will Young were troubled by his late swing – 20 dot balls out of 30 legal deliveries spoke of his control.New Zealand, though, managed a scoring rate nearing six even after the powerplay, comfortably knocking the ball around despite Sri Lanka cutting off the boundary opportunities. Young and Henry Nicholls were largely untroubled, with the pair unbeaten on 56 and 46 respectively, and their partnership at a threatening 88 off 106, before rain brought play to a permanent end after just 21 overs.The abandonment of the game is a missed opportunity for both sides as they sought to test their bench strength. For the visitors, there was a debut for seamer Zakary Foulkes, who had impressed in the T20I leg, while fellow seamer Adam Milne also got his first game on the tour. They had come in for Nathan Smith and Jacob Duffy.Sri Lanka, meanwhile, made no less than five changes, with Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage and Asitha Fernando all making way. In came batters Nishan Madushka and Nuwanidu Fernando, seamers Madushanka and Shiraz, while there was also a debut for seam-bowling allrounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe – he bowled just two overs and gave away 14 runs.

Bad light forced the third day’s play of the Dhaka Test to be called off at 4pm local time, an hour before the scheduled end of the day. Bangladesh fought back in the game and now lead by 81 runs, with South Africa still short of three wickets. The hosts ended the day on 283 for 7, thanks mainly to half-centuries from Mehidy Hasan Miraz and the debutant Jaker Ali.Play was stopped at 3.17pm after 17 minutes of play under floodlights at the Shere Bangla National Stadium. There was earlier a 78-minute stoppage due to rain from 1.42pm onwards. This is unseasonal rain in Bangladesh due to a depression in the Bay of Bengal, which is forecast to turn into a cyclone on Wednesday.Mehidy was Bangladesh’s saviour on the day with his fourth half-century this year, once again saving the team’s blushes from a difficult position. They were 112 for 6, from where Mehidy and Jaker added 138 runs for the seventh wicket. It is Bangladesh’s third century stand from the seventh wicket in their last five Tests.Mehidy struck nine fours and a six in his 171-ball stay on the third day, batting confidently enough to pass some of that confidence to Jaker, who had got only 2 in the first innings. But the day had started horribly for Bangladesh, who lost three wickets in the first 30 minutes of play, with a Test to save.Kagiso Rabada had removed both of Bangladesh’s overnight batters Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mushfiqur Rahim by the fourth over of the day. Mahmudul edged a wide one, giving first slip an easy catch after making 40. Rabada then blew away Mushfiqur’s middle stump later in the over with a delivery that was similar to his dismissal of the same batter in the first innings; while Mushfiqur lost two stumps on the first day, this time it was the middle pole which came off.When Litton Das was caught behind off Keshav Maharaj shortly afterwards, Bangladesh slipped to 112 for 6, and were in danger of an innings defeat on the third day. Mehidy and Jaker then stepped in, battling through a tough first session, and helping Bangladesh go past South Africa’s 202-run first-innings lead.Jaker, who played second fiddle to Mehidy, struck the ball nicely through the covers. He pinched two fours through fine leg too, one of them getting him to a half-century. Jaker hammered Rabada with a confident pull shot too. He also took three fours off Rabada, twice through the off side and once through a pull.Mehidy, meanwhile, was mainly effective against Maharaj, hitting him for four boundaries through the covers – sometimes even lofted ones, but mostly along the ground. He generally handled spin well, as Bangladesh got within one run of South Africa’s lead at lunch.An hour into the second session, rain stopped play for 78 minutes. Before the rain break, Jaker reached had his maiden Test fifty. He fell lbw to Maharaj after getting beaten trying to turn the ball on the leg side. The umpire gave it out despite a casual appeal from the visitors, but replays showed it was the correct decision. Jaker struck seven fours in his 111-ball stay.

A £12,000-a-week Celtic player is eager to seal a move away from Parkhead this summer and looks set to get his wish with a transfer agreement now reached.

Celtic’s 2025 summer signings so far

The Hoops have been busy during the summer transfer window as Brendan Rodgers’ side look to maintain their Scottish Premiership dominance during the 2025/26 season.

Four new signings have been made so far, including permanent deals for Benjamin Nygren and Callum Osmand from Nordsjaelland and Fulham respectively.

Meanwhile, there have also been returns to Celtic Park for left-back Kieran Tierney and goalkeeper Ross Doohan, with Rodgers hailing the Scottish duo recently upon his return to Lennoxtown.

“For Kieran, I’m absolutely delighted. We’re getting a top player back. Sometimes top players like that might come later on in their career, but we’re getting Kieran at 27 years of age. I was with him during the summer so I know first-hand how excited he is to be here.

“And it’s great for Ross to be back. He was here during my first spell and he left to go and gain experience. He’s an international goalkeeper now. He answered the call and got his cap, which is absolutely brilliant. I know where his heart is and I know that in bringing him back to here, he’ll make a real good contribution in that goalkeeper department for us.”

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However, with four players already through the door, there will also be some Lennoxtown departures. Greg Taylor and Scott Bain have both left after their contracts expired, joining PAOK and Falkirk, and by the looks of things, Celtic are about to cash in on 24/25 star Nicolas Kuhn.

Kuhn desperate to leave Celtic as £17m+ agreement reached

As per Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg, Kuhn is on course to leave Celtic for Serie A side Como, with a medical booked for next week.

An agreement worth €20m (£17.2m) was struck on Thursday, and Kuhn will sign a four-year deal with Cesc Fabregas’ side. Bundesliga side RB Leipzig were also keen on Kuhn, however, the £12,000-a-week Celtic star was ‘desperate’ to leave Scotland for Como.

Described as a pathetic fee by a Celtic media outlet, Kuhn was only signed by the Hoops for £3.5m back in 2024, so they are in line to make a significant profit.

In the German’s first full season at Celtic Park, Kuhn scored 21 goals and registered 15 assists, so it isn’t a shock that he would attract interest, and now we could see Nygren look to fill the void left by Kuhn.

Leicestershire seamer tested positive for trace amount of banned substance via contaminated supplement

ESPNcricinfo staff01-Jul-2024

Chris Wright has not featured for Leicestershire this season•Getty Images

Chris Wright, the veteran Leicestershire seamer, has confirmed that he has been serving a nine-month suspension for an anti-doping violation after testing positive for a trace amount of a banned substance.Wright has not featured for Leicestershire all season, despite signing a new contract with the club last year after pulling out of a move to Sussex. It had been reported that his absence was due to a failed drugs test and the 38-year-old has now released a statement through the Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) admitting that he “returned the adverse result” in October.While it was accepted by the Cricket Regulator and the National Anti-Doping Agency that he had not intentionally taken the substance, Ostarine, which is not performance-enhancing and came from a contaminated food supplement, Wright was unable to avoid a ban. The PCA said it would be lobbying the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to review its stance on trace amounts of banned substances ingested via contamination.Wright has now returned to training and will be available to play for his county from July 19, due to the backdated nature of his suspension.Related

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“I was shocked to find out that I had tested positive for trace amounts of a banned substance on a single occasion back in October 2023,” Wright said. “I had been using a fruit supplement at the time, purchased from a well-known manufacturer, which had no sports performance-enhancing capability. I disclosed this fully on my doping control form before I provided a sample, as required, that returned the adverse result.”I was extremely fortunate that with the help of scientific experts, I was able to identify that the supplement was contaminated with Ostarine, a synthetic substance that ought not be in any food product in the UK, and the Cricket Regulator accepted this. There has been no explanation from the supplement manufacturer as to how that came to be and, as the independent panel’s decision in my case shows, I did not intend to take such substance, nor could I have even known the supplement was contaminated with it.”The panel found that I bore no significant fault and I am pleased this matter has been resolved so that I can resume playing soon, after what has been an extremely difficult and trying time for me and my family. I am back in training and looking forward to my full return.”I would like to thank the PCA for their support during the period of my suspension as this matter was resolved. Their help, support and guidance has been invaluable. I would also like to thank Leicestershire CCC, in particular Claude Henderson and Alfonso Thomas, for their support during this difficult period. They have been extremely patient and supportive during the whole process and have been keen to get me back playing as soon as possible. Lastly, I want to thank my family. Their love and positivity has helped me immensely during what has also been a really challenging time for them. I will always be grateful.”Ian Thomas, PCA managing director of member services, said the players’ union was concerned at the lack of a threshold for cases “when it is clear there is no intent or scientific evidence to show athletes have genuinely taken banned substances” and would work with the World Players’ Association to argue for a change in WADA’s rules.”We are pleased Chris is now back in training and able to continue his career from July 19,” Thomas said. “Sadly, Chris has been victim of a contamination case. It acts as a reminder to all our members of the danger of supplement usage. This could have prematurely ended Chris’ professional playing career.”The stress on Chris and his family’s lives has been extreme since he was suspended in October 2023 and the PCA has worked closely with him and his legal team, in particular Craig Harris, to achieve the best possible outcome and ultimately, save his career.”The PCA is extremely concerned at the lack of thresholds of banned substances, such as Ostarine in this case, providing a positive test, when it is clear there is no intent or scientific evidence to show athletes have genuinely taken banned substances. We are extremely concerned that these substances remain a risk when contaminating supplement or food produce.”The PCA is working with the World Players’ Association in lobbying WADA for a full review on this.”WADA play a vital role in ensuring a clean sport with zero tolerance to performance-enhancing drug usage. However, it is not fair or reasonable to place innocent athletes on suspensions and lengthy bans, when a trace amount of a substance confirms athletes are victims of contamination.”

In what would be one of the most surprising moves of the summer transfer window, one Manchester United player is now reportedly demanding his agent to seek out a transfer to Real Madrid.

Garnacho hits out at Amorim's decision

Ever since the arrival of Ruben Amorim, Alejandro Garnacho has often found himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. As soon as Amorim arrived, the Argentine found himself dropped for the Manchester derby alongside Marcus Rashford and although he didn’t face the same exit fate as the latter, he has struggled to impress his new manager.

It seemed over recent months that the young winger had worked his way into Amorim’s plans only to be snubbed for a starting place in the Europa League final for Mason Mount. It was a final that Manchester United went on to lose, of course, leaving Garnacho in a righteous mood.

The 20-year-old didn’t keep quiet about his frustrations over his manager’s decisions, however. Instead, he told reporters: “Up until the final, I played every round helping the team, and today I play 20 minutes, I don’t know. The final will influence [my decision], but the whole season, the situation of the club. I’m going to try to enjoy the summer and see what happens afterwards.”

In a battle of words, Amorim issued a response to Garnacho’s frustrations, saying: “How many times have we had this conversation, and it was the opposite? Some players come in, like Mason Mount, against Bilbao and changed the game.

“So now it is easy to say. Who missed the big opportunity in the first half against Bilbao? Yeah [Garnacho]. Of course, now it is easy for us to talk about a lot of views.”

Whether that is the straw that breaks the camel’s back for the winger’s Manchester United career remains to be seen, with a meeting now reportedly scheduled with INEOS.

Garnacho now demanding Real Madrid move

Despite struggling to break into Amorim’s strongest Manchester United side, the 20-year-old has set his ambitions high. According to reports in Spain, Garnacho is now demanding that his agent secures him a move to Real Madrid this summer. Whilst an exit does seem likely at this stage, a move to the Bernabeu is as ambitious as it gets for the winger, who may not get his wish.

That said, to his credit, Garnacho was showing plenty of signs that he’s destined for the very top when playing under Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman – perhaps unlike Amorim, based on the mounting evidence – was also a big fan of the Argentine and shared high praise for him.

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Speaking to reporters when asked about Garnacho, Ten Hag said: “You have seen in the start of the season, we played him, then his contribution was not good enough.

“But he had also then some good actions. You see always that he always is attracting the game even when he is not playing that well. And he has to learn, ‘when I do my job in defending, I will always have my moment.’ And he will always be decisive, because he has great qualities.”

Liverpool are considering a move for a “sensational” attacking midfielder this summer, and he is now keen to hold talks about a move to Anfield, according to a report.

Reds eyeing Wirtz alternatives as race heats up

Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz could well be on the move this summer, and it is looking like the transfer saga could be one of the most talked-about of the summer, with a number of Europe’s top clubs lining up for the German.

Bayern Munich and Manchester City have also expressed an interest in Wirtz, although there have been suggestions that Pep Guardiola’s side have now cooled their interest, amid concerns a deal could be too expensive.

The Reds are pushing hard to sign the 22-year-old, but there are also some alternative options in mind, with River Plate’s Franco Mastantuono and RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons among the potential options, and Arne Slot is believed to be driving the deal for his compatriot.

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A report from TEAMtalk has now provided a new update on Liverpool’s interest in Simons, stating they are considering a move for the attacking midfielder as a potential alternative to Wirtz, and there is a feeling he could be open to heading to Anfield.

The Leipzig star is keen to hold talks over joining the Reds, and he could be a more affordable option than the Leverkusen man, as the asking price is expected to be around £60m.

Leipzig are open to selling the Dutchman this summer, should they receive a suitable fee, which will come as welcome news to Slot, who is known to be an admirer of the 22-year-old’s technical quality and maturity.

Van Dijk lauds "very talented" Simons

Slot is not the only key Liverpool figure who is a big fan of the “sensational” Netherlands international, with Virgil van Dijk also taking the time to praise him last year, saying: “He is a very talented player who has so much to give,”

“He can still be so much better than he is already but he has a good mentality, so I am not worried that won’t happen. I am confident in him.”

The Amsterdam-born attacker’s quality is underlined by his output in Germany during the 2024-25 campaign, regularly chipping in with goals and assists despite a disappointing season for Leipzig, who finished seventh in the Bundesliga.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Bundesliga

25

10

7

DFB-Pokal

3

1

1

Wirtz outperformed his Bundesliga rival numbers-wise, collecting six more assists, but it was recently suggested that a deal for the Germany international could amount to €300m (£253m) all-in, potentially making him unattainable for the Reds.

At just £60m, Simons has proven he could be a fantastic alternative to Wirtz, so it is promising news that he is keen on talks about a move to Anfield.