Wolverhampton Wanderers have emerged as the favourites to secure the signature of Sporting CP’s defensive midfielder, Joao Palhinha.
What’s the word?
That is according to a report from Portuguese outlet A Bola (via Birmingham Live), who claims that Lage’s side are the “main favourite” amidst competition for the Portuguese midfielder’s signature in Tottenham Hotspur.
As per the report, it is said that Palhinha has most likely played his final game for Sporting CP, adding that “everything indicates” he will be on the move at the end of the season.
Conte’s Spurs have reportedly tracked the midfielder’s performances for several months, with Spanish La Liga sides Sevilla and Atletico Madrid also reportedly keen.
It is said that the 26-year-old will not move for less than €20m (£16.9m), though, as the report states, it is already a step back in comparison to Sporting CP’s previous price tag of €30m (£25.4m)
Big Boost for Lage
The latest report will come as a boost to Lage, who faces the task of a rebuild in the Black Country this summer.
Spurs’ interest will have worried the Wolves faithful, as they arguably need the 12-cap Portugal international more than Conte’s side, with Ruben Neves’ future in severe doubt, with Lage speaking upfront about the situation and stating that he does not know where the future lies for the 25-year-old.
Palhinha, who was dubbed “special” by his manager Ruben Amorim, does his best work defensively, as he is a holding midfielder by trade, but like Neves, has the ability to play as a central midfielder in a 3-4-3 system.
Palhinha’s average of 3.04 tackles per game, with an elite average of 32.42 pressures per 90 serve as evidence for the aforementioned statement and surpasses Neves’ average of 2.42 tackles and 18.75 pressures per 90.
Should Wolves lose Neves, Palhinha would step into the role seamlessly, judging by his metrics over the last year as per FBref.
In other news: Wolves set to lose £19.8m-rated talent after Neves, Lage surely fuming
Celtic are back in action for the final time this season on Saturday as they take on Motherwell in their first game since being crowned Premiership champions in midweek.
Their 1-1 draw against Dundee United at Tannadice was enough to seal the league title and officially reclaim domestic superiority from their Glasgow arch-rivals.
Giorgos Giakoumakis put the Hoops ahead less than 10 minutes into the second half on Wednesday, only for the home side to find an equaliser later on. Despite this slight hiccup, a point was all that was needed to confirm Celtic’s status as league champions.
Looking ahead to tomorrow’s clash, it seems as though the Hoops may have been handed a potential boost which could improve their chances of securing another victory in front of their home fans before the campaign draws to a close.
What’s the news?
Speaking in his latest press conference on Friday ahead of the clash, Motherwell manager Graham Alexander was discussing the current situation regarding his squad.
He said: “We’ve had a few calls in between Wednesday and today, with a couple more players dropping out with illness, which has been going around for a couple of weeks now.
“Unfortunately, it has been contagious and people have been breaking down with it, so we’ll have to wait until tomorrow morning to see who is OK and sort of pick a team from that, really.”
Taking this into account, it turns out that the Motherwell squad are not in the best shape, with some players potentially out of tomorrow’s game through illness, which is not an ideal situation for the travelling side.
In the three league games that Celtic have played against the Well this season, Ange Postecoglou’s side have won every time, scoring seven goals and keeping a clean sheet in all three.
Not knowing who may or may not be available to play would be a big concern for Alexander and his side, who presumably will be looking to rain on Celtic’s parade by picking up a draw or a win.
On the flip side, this could well play into the hands of Postecoglou the Hoops, who may now have a smoother game ahead of them to end their impressive season, which would surely delight the Parkhead faithful on what will be a day of celebration.
In other news: Big Lennoxtown claim emerges, it’s great news for Celtic supporters
Arsenal’s bid to secure a top-four berth took a real dent on Thursday evening, as Mikel Arteta’s side succumbed to a brutal 3-0 North London Derby defeat following an error-strewn display at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Heading into the mammoth midweek encounter, the Gunners knew that a win would secure a much-coveted return to Champions League football for the first time since 2017, although a frantic first half saw Harry Kane net twice – including once from the spot – before partner-in-crime Heung-min Son added a third just after the interval to rub further salt in the wounds and fire the hosts back into contention for fourth spot.
That dismal outing for the away side was in part caused by a headline-grabbing display – for all the wrong reasons – from centre-back Rob Holding, with the Englishman seeing red inside 33 mins following two rash and needless bookable offences, while fellow defender Cedric Soares was also culpable for his clumsy foul that led to the home side’s early spot-kick.
However, one man who was also far from at his best on the night was in-form striker Eddie Nketiah, the 22-year-old failing to build on his recent brace against Leeds United after putting in a frankly anonymous display in attack.
While inhibited by his teammate’s early dismissal, which largely left the youngster chasing shadows in the forward line, the £9m-rated man did little to impress regardless, notably producing an almost laughable dive in the opening exchanges in an attempt to win a penalty, while he also failed to track the run of compatriot Kane at the back post as Antonio Conte’s men grabbed a second.
The statistics also make for grim reading for the out-of-contract man, as he made just 19 touches in his 73-minute outing – fewer than his own ‘keeper, Aaron Ramsdale (42) – while he also made just eight passes in the match, losing possession on seven occasions.
Having also won just two of his nine total duels and failed to complete any of his three attempted dribbles, the academy graduate unsurprisingly received just a 6.3 match rating, as per SofaScore – the joint-third worst in the visitors’ starting outfield players.
He also received just a 5/10 match rating from the Independent’s Jack Rathborn in his post-match player ratings, writing of the £17k-per-week star’s display that: “Appeared to dive in the first minute, carved out an opening before the break and forced Lloris into a smart stop. Kept working hard despite being isolated.”
As pointed out above, the former England U21 international continued to try and put himself about even with Spurs having a man advantage, although that being said there was a stark difference in quality between the opposing centre-forwards with that man Kane looking razor-sharp, as ever, for the Lilywhites, while the younger man floundered.
In truth, it must be remembered that despite his recent strong form, Nketiah has still actually only made six Premier League starts this season, with it yet to be shown that he is a figure to be relied upon on a consistent basis.
As for Arteta’s men in general, they have now handed back hope to their rivals with their lead now cut to just a point with two games left to play, ensuring there is still plenty of work to be done over the remaining week or so.
In other news, Arsenal eye bid for £76.5m-rated “fighter” who “always creates”, he’s better than Saka
Crystal Palace have been handed a boost over the future of their 35-year-old Spanish goalkeeper, Vicente Guaita.
What’s the word?
That is according to Capital Football, via Football.London, who relayed claims from the Spaniard that he is happy in London and wants to stay at the club where he has a contract until 2023, with an option to extend for another year.
As per Capital Football, the Spaniard said: “I want to stay at Crystal Palace. I have a contract here, plus one [more year].
“Me and my family are very happy here, but I don’t know what will happen in two, three in four years.
“My family and friends live in Valencia and football changes quickly but now I am happy to be at Crystal Palace.”
A big boost
35-years-old Guaita’s commitment to the cause bodes well for Vieira, who has used him in 85% of Crystal Palace’s games this season in the Premier League.
The Spaniard has asserted himself as Palace’s first-choice keeper and has made the position his own ever since his transfer from Getafe, having featured 125 times for the Eagles, establishing himself as a fan-favourite along the way.
The £57k-per week “unsung hero”, as per Duncan Alexander, is an integral part of the Palace backline having registered ten clean sheets this season with a save percentage of 70.8%. This metric sees him rank eighth in the Premier League, just ahead of David de Gea and just behind the likes of Edouard Mendy and Aaron Ramsdale who are ranked sixth and fifth respectively.
Guaita has been an integral part in Palace’s watertight defensive displays this season that have seen them rank as the seventh best defence in the league with just 42 goals conceded.
Reassuring the Eagles faithful that he had no intention of cutting ties with the London-based outfit, he has given them clarity and trust. He is an invaluable asset to a Palace side who are looking to build on the progress made under Vieira this season.
In other news: CPFC could find their new Ian Wright by signing “goal machine”, imagine him and Zaha
Liverpool midfielder James Milner could sign a new one-year deal at the club and Jurgen Klopp wants it to happen, according to reliable journalist Neil Jones.
The Lowdown: Milner a great servant
The 36-year-old has been a wonderful servant for the Reds since arriving in the summer of 2015, putting his experience and versatility to good use.
Milner has made 285 appearances for Liverpool in total and he is a much-loved figure who is renowned as an enormous influence in the dressing room, with Klopp comparing him to Luka Modric after Saturday’s 1-0 win away to Newcastle United in terms of still performing to a high level at the age of 36.
The English midfielder’s current deal expires at the end of this season, but a new update suggests that he could extend his stay at Anfield.
[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-liverpool-transfer-news-30/” title=”Latest Liverpool transfer news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=“none”]
The Latest: One more year?
Taking to Twitter as he shared a corresponding article for Goal, Jones claimed that a new one-year contract would appeal to both Milner and Klopp, suggesting that it will get signed. He outlined:
“Klopp wants Milner to stay and has made that clear. Milner wants to stay even though he knows he’s, at best, fifth choice. One more year?”
The Verdict: No-brainer for Liverpool
While Milner is no longer a regular starter for Liverpool, his mere presence at the club is most welcome given his aforementioned influence, and he showed with a stellar performance against Newcastle on Saturday that he remains a very handy squad player.
Retaining his services for another year makes perfect sense, with his fitness levels far superior to most players his age and his leadership still a massive part of the dressing room.
It feels like a no-brainer for all parties unless Milner wants to be a regular starter elsewhere, but given Liverpool’s current greatness, why would he want to go anywhere else?
In other news, a pundit has dropped a worrying Liverpool claim. Read more here.
Manchester United have been offered the chance to sign striker Dusan Vlahovic from Juventus for a much lower price than expected.
Particularly last season, much was said about Man United. The club endured what was, in terms of points return and league finish, their worst-ever Premier League campaign. Many of the club’s attacking options, such as Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, struggled for form.
This, no doubt, contributed to their business ahead of the 2025/26 season. In what marked their first summer transfer window with Ruben Amorim as manager, the Red Devils signed Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko in what was a complete renovation of their attack.
The trio have since secured their places in the first team at Old Trafford, helping Man United record three successive Premier League wins for the first time under Amorim’s guidance before the draw at Nottingham Forest.
It would appear, however, that the Red Devils may look to further reinforce their attacking line in the upcoming January window.
Man United show interest in Vlahovic
As per TEAMtalk, Man United could pursue a move for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic this winter. Such a transfer, however, would only be explored if there is first a departure. Zirkzee could leave, having lost his place in the first team due to both new signings and poor form.
Vlahovic, who reportedly earns £375,000 per week in Turin, will become a free agent in July if he does not depart Juve at an earlier date, having been unable to negotiate a contract extension with the club. Were Vlahovic to remain, he would seemingly have to take a pay cut.
Having been called a “superstar” for his ability, Vlahovic would be available for just £17.5 million according to TEAMtalk, in no doubt due to his contract situation. Were Zirkzee to depart permanently, it would presumably provide Man United with the adequate funds to pursue Vlahovic. Even if the Dutchman left only on loan, it would free up a position within their first-team for the 25-year-old.
Given his lack of minutes so far this season, it can be presumed that Zirkzee has fallen down the pecking order. In Vlahovic, Man United would be signing competition for summer signing Sesko which, in turn, could benefit the Slovenian international.
Reportedly, Man United are “informed” of Vlahovic’s situation, but “that does not mean they will necessarily pull the trigger on the move” and whether a transfer materialises remains to be seen.
"Deadly" Man United academy star is another Bruno Fernandes
A winger is arguably the most eye-catching position on the football pitch. Whether it be pinpoint crossing ability, a bag of skills or electric pace, we have seen some iconic wide men over time get plenty of plaudits.
Currently, Barcelona star Lamine Yamal and 2025 Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele are seen as the best wingers in world football, but who is the GOAT?
The Best 15 Wingers in World Football Ranked (2025)
Who is the best wide man in world football right now?
ByCharlie Smith Nov 28, 2025
Here is a list of 20 of the most iconic wingers football has ever seen, factoring in longevity and consistency at the highest level, while also looking at their personal accolades and honours they have won.
20 Robert Pires
Beginning the countdown is Robert Pires, who was actually voted sixth in the list of Arsenal’s best-ever players, showing the impact he made in England.
A Euros and World Cup winner with France, Pires played on the left and bundles of skill and claimed two Premier League titles and three FA Cups at Highbury.
He’d often go under the radar due to playing alongside Thierry Henry, but Pires was world-class in his prime.
19 Tom Finney
One of the greatest two-footed wingers during the 1940s and 1950s was Englishman Tom Finney, who spent 20 years with Preston North End.
Although his career wasn’t glittered with honours, Finney has gone down as one of the finest versatile attackers of the early era, scoring 240 goals for Preston and England.
18 Jose Macia Pepe
Jose Macia Pepe won the World Cup with Brazil in 1958 and 1962 with Pele and starred alongside for Santos during his club career.
An iconic left-winger over 15 years, Pepe scored 405 goals in 705 games for Santos, a remarkable number for someone who played out wide.
17 David Beckham
One of the best crossers of the ball in history, David Beckham played on the right-hand side for some of the biggest sides in world football during his career.
Man Utd, Real Madrid and AC Milan all had the pleasure of having Beckham take set pieces, delivering the ball with precision on a regular basis.
The first major football celebrity, Beckham’s ability on the pitch is sometimes forgotten, but on his day, the English icon was unstoppable.
16 Gareth Bale
A five-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid, Gareth Bale always delivered in the big moments for Los Blancos, scoring some of the club’s most iconic goals in finals.
His overhead kick against Liverpool in the Champions League and solo run against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey are two standout moments from a glittering career, with Bale also starring in the Premier League with Tottenham and on the international stage with Wales.
15 Mohamed Salah
Now a certified Liverpool legend, Mohamed Salah’s return to England after a failed spell with Chelsea has turned him into one of the greatest the Premier League has ever seen.
Pace, excellent dribbling and clinical in front of goal, Salah was key in Liverpool’s Champions League and Premier League triumphs. The Egyptian King has got better with age and broke plenty of records at Anfield.
14 Rivaldo
An extremely versatile forward, Rivaldo’s greatest displays during his 25-year career came out wide. Best known for his time at Barcelona, the Brazilian starred on the left, where he won the Ballon d’Or in 1999.
Netting 130 goals in 235 appearances at the Nou Camp, Rivaldo also won the World Cup in 2002. He had pace, power and could also take a free-kick which came in handy at various points during his career.
13 Eden Hazard
Retiring at the age of 32, Eden Hazard was hampered by injuries in the latter years of his career following his big-money move to Real Madrid from Chelsea.
However, in his prime years, Hazard was untouchable at Stamford Bridge and couldn’t be stopped by Premier League full-backs.
One of Belgium’s best ever players in history, Hazard was known for his dribbling ability, and his iconic goal against Arsenal summed up what he was like as a player.
12 Arjen Robben
A serial winner with PSV Eindhoven, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Bayern Munich, full-backs often knew what Arjen Robben was going to do but still couldn’t stop him.
Cutting in off the right and onto his unbelievable left-foot, the Dutch icon’s career lasted 20 years, and for his country, he made almost 100 appearances.
The scorer of the winner in the 2013 Champions League final with Bayern Munich, Robben’s technical ability was unmatched.
11 Ryan Giggs
Another winger who wasn’t the quickest but is still one of the best is Man Utd legend Ryan Giggs.
Giggs was influential in numerous Red Devils sides under Sir Alex Ferguson and had a wand of a left-foot at Old Trafford.
The Welshman has the record for most appearances in the Premier League (632) and the most Premier League assists (162), and his tally of 13 league titles highlights his longevity at the top level.
Glasgow Rangers are not messing around in the summer transfer window. They have already made several moves in an attempt to bolster Russell Martin’s first-team squad.
Lyall Cameron, Max Aarons, Joe Rothwell, and Emmanuel Fernandez had all already arrived through the door at Ibrox before the signing of Thelo Aasgaard was made official.
The Norway international has joined Rangers from south of the border in a permanent deal that is reported to be worth around £3.5m.
Aasgaard, as a player who has predominantly been deployed as an attacking midfielder or off the left flank in his career, could be viewed as their replacement for Ianis Hagi, who left the club on a free transfer this summer.
There are still attacking reinforcements to come for the Light Blues, though, as they have yet to replace Vaclav Cerny, who recently returned to Wolfsburg.
The Czechia international spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Ibrox, gracing the right flank each week, and they will need to replace the quality he provided in the final third.
Why Rangers must replace Vaclav Cerny
You only have to take a brief glance at the kind of numbers Cerny put up during his time at Rangers to know that the club were dealt a big blow when his loan deal expired.
The left-footed star produced 18 goals and nine assists in 52 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants, which shows that he provided quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals from the right wing.
12 of those goals and four of those assists for the Light Blues came in the Scottish Premiership, as he showcased his ability to make a big impact on a regular basis in the top-flight.
Cerny was also unlucky to only end the season with four assists to his name in the division, as his teammates let him down too many times with their wasteful finishes.
Goals
12
Top 6%
xG
9.03
Top 6%
xG on target
11.03
Top 6%
Assists
4
Top 25%
xA
8.41
Top 1%
Chances created
81
Top 1%
As you can see in the table above, the left-footed star racked up an eye-catching 8.41 xA tally, the most of any winger in the league, but was only rewarded with four assists.
Overall, these statistics show that it will take a lot to find a quality replacement for Cerny, because he delivered goals and created chances at an exceptional rate for the Gers last season.
However, Rangers are now reportedly eyeing up a potential deal for a winger who could come in as a perfect replacement for the Czechia international.
Rangers pursuing new winger deal
According to reports in Brazil, as relayed by the Daily Record, Rangers are pursuing a deal to sign Maccabi Tel Aviv forward Weslley Patati this summer.
It is claimed that the Light Blues are one of a number of teams interested in the winger, though, as AZ Alkmaar, Al Wahda, Al Ain, and Girona are also keen on signing him, which shows that there is plenty of competition for his signature.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Unnamed teams from the Premier League and the Championship in England are also keeping tabs on his situation, adding even more potential suitors to the list.
Maccabi Tel Aviv have already rejected £3.5m offers from several clubs, including AZ, and are said to be looking for a fee within the region of £9m for the 21-year-old attacker.
It now remains to be seen whether or not the Scottish giants are prepared to pay the £9m that may be required to bring the Brazilian dynamo to Ibrox before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September.
Why Rangers should sign Weslley Patati
The Light Blues should push to bring the left-footed star to Glasgow in the coming weeks, whether it is for that fee or potentially a reduced one if they can lower it in negotiations, because he could be a perfect replacement for Cerny.
As a left-footed forward who predominantly plays on the right, although he can also play off the left wing, Patati could be a dream signing to take the Czechia international’s place in the starting XI.
Like Cerny, Patati is a winger who likes to cut in on his left foot from the right flank to deliver goals and assists on a regular basis, using his ability on the ball to constantly make things happen in the final third.
Analyst Kai Watson claimed that the forward is “so good with the ball at his feet that he’s difficult to stop”, which is backed up by his impressive statistics for Maccabi Tel Aviv in the 2024/25 campaign.
Appearances
30
33
Goals
12
12
Big chances missed
6
6
Big chances created
17
6
Key passes per game
1.4
2.5
Assists
6
4
Dribbles completed per game
1.7
1.4
As you can see in the table above, Patati caught the eye with his contributions as both a scorer and a creator of goals from the right wing, just as Cerny did.
He scored as many goals as Cerny did at league level, with the same level of efficiency in ‘big chances’, whilst also creating a whopping 11 more ‘big chances’ for his teammates.
This suggests that the potential is there for the Brazilian starlet to come in as a potential upgrade, whilst offering a similar stylistic option to the Gers, on the wing, because of his goalscoring pedigree and his consistency as a creative threat.
Of course, he has yet to prove himself in the Premiership, and it remains to be seen if he can adapt to Scottish football, but the 21-year-old ace appears to have all the tools available to be a real success at Ibrox as a replacement for Cerny.
A better signing than Djiga: Rangers exploring move for "lethal" £5m star
Rangers find out how much it will take to sign one of their main targets
ByRoss Kilvington Jul 6, 2025
Therefore, the Gers should push hard to win the race for his signature, amid fierce competition, because the goals and assists he has the potential to deliver from the right wing could make supporters forget all about the Wolfsburg loanee.
How sad that Liverpool’s smart business sense in the transfer market will likely prevent Arne Slot’s side from becoming engaged in the frenzied crowd come August, when panic stations are manned ahead of the impending closure date.
Ah well. There are worse problems for a side to have. Liverpool, having won the Premier League with relative ease last season, have already completed a series of signings to plug gaps ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, where a title must be defended and where expectations will be heightened across tournamental fronts, where the Reds perhaps fell flat.
Still, that shiny league title softened the blow of losing the Carabao Cup final, did it not? However, we can’t deny that Liverpool suffered a dip around spring, a rough patch which limited the scope of Slot’s extraordinary success.
More quality was needed, and that’s why Richard Hughes has overseen such an imperious start to the summer market, with the sporting director now turning his head toward central defence.
Why Liverpool want a centre-back
Earlier in June, Liverpool agreed to sell Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen for £30m plus add-ons. A buyback clause has been written into the contract.
Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah
The move will not be finalised until the defender completes his duties with England at the U21 European Championship, but he won’t be a Liverpool player next season.
With a question mark also hanging over Ibrahima Konate, Liverpool have set their sights on Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, who is anticipated to leave Selhurst Park this summer. Anfield has emerged as the leading suitor in the race.
We all know of Real Madrid’s expertise in warping Spanish media, but the fact remains that Konate has been left ‘disappointed’ after rejecting Liverpool’s latest contract offer, and is indeed heading into the final year of his £70k-per-week contract.
However, if Liverpool fail to get a deal for Guehi over the line, a fresh face will still be needed to strengthen the rearguard.
Liverpool register interest in Guehi alternative
According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool have entered the race for Spanish centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, who plays for Valencia in La Liga.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Though the Reds will slow the pace after their breakneck start to the window, Hughes will remain attentive to opportunities and is keeping a close eye on the 21-year-old as Arsenal begin to accelerate their own interest.
Indeed, The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed that the Gunners are locked in talks for the rising star, with a €20m (£17m) being agreed.
Valencia'sCristhianMosquerain action with Atletico Madrid's Samuel Lino
If Liverpool want to complete a hijack, they will need to move fast.
Why Liverpool want Cristhian Mosquera
Guehi would bring a certain completeness to Liverpool, and he’s proven in the Premier League besides, but he’d cost quite a fee at £50m.
If a breakthrough is found vis-à-vis Konate, would it make sense to launch such a bid, especially when Guehi already harbours certain reservations about playing time?
He’s an excellent player, but Mosquera is showing significant potential and could be a worthwhile project for Slot and his coaching team over the next few years, especially as he’s already shown a certain precocity in chalking up 90 senior appearances for Valencia, having turned 21 today.
Cristhian Mosquera for Valencia.
Across the 2024/25 campaign, the Spaniard, born and reared in Alicante to Colombian parents, Mosquera actually started 37 of Valencia’s league fixtures, with his one absence coming when his side faced Barcelona at Camp Nou. They lost 7-1.
Coincidence? Likely not. The hulking defender’s natural ease in high-pressure situations would have been perfect for that match, and when looking at how his metrics compare to Guehi’s over the players’ respective league seasons, you begin to see exactly why he’s so coveted.
Matches (starts)
37 (37)
34 (34)
Goals
1
3
Assists
0
2
Clean sheets
8
11
Touches*
65.7
64.9
Pass completion
91%
84%
Key passes*
0.0
0.5
Ball recoveries*
5.1
4.3
Dribbles (success)*
0.1 (56%)
0.4 (86%)
Tackles + interceptions*
2.4
2.6
Clearances*
3.3
4.6
Ground duels (won)*
2.3 (70%)
2.9 (63%)
Aerial duels (won)*
1.1 (45%)
2.0 (54%)
Just a reminder that Mosquera is only 21. You really can see why Arsenal are so interested in bringing him over to the Emirates. However, Mosquera’s blend of steely tackling and crisp passing play, those fundamental defensive virtues, could be developed into something world-class at Anfield.
Slot promotes a ball-playing game, and he expects his centre-halves to contribute, picking out those in space upfield to spark a devastating transition.
Cristhian Mosquera for Valencia.
And if that weren’t enough, Mosquera also ranked among the top 18% of central defenders in La Liga last term for progressive carries and the top 7% for ball recoveries per 90, as per FBref, emphasising a mobility to rival Guehi’s and indeed an athleticism which allows him to roam about, hoovering up danger and recycling it into something positive.
This is an interesting element for any defender to equip to their toolkit, but when you are so naturally talented in winning the ball back, as Mosquera is, a “truly magnificent centre-back” is created, as has been noted by talent scout Jacek Kulig.
Moreover, Mosquera’s success in the air might not be great, but it will improve. Guehi, too, finds his stronger challenges come on the ground, and so it’s curious indeed that the La Liga star is already performing to a higher standard in that regard, in fact superior to all his positional peers across Spain’s top flight as well.
No doubt, Palace have the more refined man. However, given Liverpool already boast two of the finest defenders on the globe in Konate and skipper Virgil van Dijk, does it not make sense to sign the developing star, who could learn from the superstars already under Slot’s wing ahead of a more prominent role in the coming years?
Gordon upgrade: Liverpool open first talks to sign "generational" £85m star
Liverpool might need to replace the sought-after Luis Diaz in the summer transfer market.
Sunderland might be without Jobe Bellingham for their nerve-wracking Premier League adventure, but at least Regis Le Bris still has Chris Rigg to call upon for now.
Amazingly, Rigg is only 18 years of age, despite featuring a colossal 47 times last season for Le Bris’ promotion-winners.
The teenage sensation has rightly garnered lots of attention from higher up suitors; therefore, with Manchester United once reportedly keen on adding the breakout Black Cats star to their star-studded camp.
Sunderland'sChrisRiggin action with Middlesbrough's Aidan Morris
However, with Bellingham gone, Sunderland must do everything in their power now to keep Rigg at the Stadium of Light for the foreseeable future.
Sunderland interested in move for Rigg 2.0
Le Bris could well land his next iteration of Rigg this summer with a new target – one who’s three years older than Rigg – now on the radar.
Indeed, as per a new report from SportsBoom, Sunderland has made some initial enquiries about landing emerging West Bromwich Albion midfielder Isaac Price.
Burnley and Portsmouth are also named as being in the conversation about snapping up the young Northern Irishman, but Sunderland’s glittering track record with up-and-coming talents might well sway Price’s decision-making to swap the West Midlands for Wearside.
Whilst Price has shown flashes of his excellence from his short stay at the Hawthorns to date, he could really find that his game is elevated by moving to the Stadium of Light.
How Price could be Le Bris' next Rigg
Whilst Rigg had been in and around the senior mix for some time before Le Bris’ arrival, he hadn’t yet captivated the Sunderland masses regularly until the ex-Lorient boss stormed through the door. It’s fair to say he now certainly has.
24/25
47
4
1
23/24
30
4
0
22/23
17
0
2
21/22
9
2
2
The teenager had excited fans at the Stadium of Light with his promising displays in youth circles for some time now but his first real breakout season in the senior side came just this campaign.
Amazingly, that would coincide with promotion being reached, with Rigg now desperate to prove himself in the Premier League, alongside his new potential teammate in Price who will be equally eager to cut his teeth at an elite level.
Much like the 18-year-old starlet, Price has been thrust into the spotlight from a very early age, with his debut for the Northern Ireland senior team coming when he was just 19 years of age.
This has proven to be a wise call ever since, considering the promising Baggies number 21 is up to six strikes already for his national side, despite only receiving 16 caps.
He has also shown why West Brom splashed out a rumoured £2.5m to win his services just this January, with Price managing to pick up one goal and one assist for his new employers from 15 appearances, even as their promotion hopes started to crumble.
CM
60
2
2
DM
24
2
3
AM
20
0
2
RM
20
0
0
RW
2
0
0
LM
2
0
0
CF
1
0
0
RB
1
1
0
CB
1
0
0
He could kick on even more with Le Bris by his side, therefore, having seen what the ex-Lorient boss has managed with Rigg, with Price’s flexibility to play in a whole host of positions also drawing similarities to the Red Devils-linked youngster. Last season, the 18-year-old wildly lined up as a centre-forward on five occasions.
Dubbed as “outstanding” by former teammate Asmir Begovic when Price was a wide-eyed teen himself at Everton, this could be finally the time the Pontefract-born ace proves himself in the Premier League.
Everton midfielder Isaac Price.
Sunderland’s approach of gifting up-and-coming youngsters plenty of minutes has worked wonders in the past, with that perhaps continuing if Price joins Le Bris’ growing camp very shortly.
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