Daniel Levy Had No Interest In Hiring 51 y/o For Spurs Job

Tottenham Hotspur's former boss Mauricio Pochettino is looking set to become Chelsea's new manager and it seems Daniel Levy showed no interest in a potential reunion.

Why won't Levy rehire Pochettino?

Things went from bad to worse for the north London club on the weekend with their faint Champions League hopes coming off the rails on Tyneside.

Cristian Stellini has since departed the club following the result against Newcastle United after the Lilywhites were left embarrassed by Eddie Howe's men.

But no permanent replacement for Antonio Conte is yet to be found with the likes of Julian Nagelsmann still being linked with the vacancy in north London.

One manager who was loosely linked with replacing Conte was Pochettino with the Argentine said to be open to a potential return to his old stomping ground.

However, any possibility of a reunion in N17 is now seemingly off the cards with the Argentine closing in on becoming the next Chelsea manager.

But it seems as if Tottenham's 61-year-old chairman was not interested in the potential reunion with his former manager with Levy not contacting Pochettino about the job.

Indeed, speaking on his YouTube channel, Alasdair Gold has suggested the Argentine was never in Levy's thinking to take on the job in north London after sacking Conte:

(32:00) "And look, I think Daniel Levy deserves 90% of the blame for this, you know, to have never even contacted Pochettino about potentially returning it shows a stubbornness. Especially because he was available.

"Just to not wanting to admit mistakes, it's not a good look in any way, shape or form. And from what I understand, Pochettino would have been open to discussing it. He would have had that conversation, whether he would have accepted it is another thing. You know, it's like I've said a million times before, it's a very different club to the one he left in 2019.

"Yeah, I understand he would have been open to have that conversation. But the conversation was never even initiated."

Has Levy missed an open goal by not hiring Pochettino?

From listening to the Spurs fans over the last few games, it is apparent a lot of them would like to have seen a return for Pochettino following Conte's departure.

However, it seems their chairman did not get the message with the 61-year-old missing a huge opportunity to appease a big section of the Spurs faithful.

Tensions between the fans and the board are seemingly at an all-time high as Spurs look set to miss out on the Champions League amid their managerial merry-go-round.

Tottenham Hotspur chairmanDanielLevy

Fans have been heard vocalising their frustrations with chants heard for Levy to move on away from the club amid their struggles this season.

Despite this, it seems tensions could be set to increase with Pochettino looking likely to take charge of one of their biggest rivals across London.

Chelsea find themselves in a similar position to Tottenham in the sense that they need a fresh start with a new manager who can galvanise their current crop of players.

Pochettino has shown in the past that he can do this in north London and if he is able to transform Chelsea's fortunes, then it will not reflect kindly on the Spurs board who have overlooked the Argentine.

Phangiso hopes to be the main man at last

Aaron Phangiso’s opportunity for a regular run in the South African ODI side may finally come during their triangular series in the Caribbean

Firdose Moonda25-May-2016

Aaron Phangiso bowls at a net session•AFP

Aaron Phangiso’s opportunity for a regular run in the South Africa ODI side may finally come during their triangular series in the Caribbean but he will face competition from uncapped Tabraiz Shamsi, who is on an audition of sorts for a long-term place. The pair make up two of the trio of spinners in the squad with veteran legspinner Imran Tahir certain to be one of the leaders of the attack.”The fact that Russell [Domingo] and the selectors chose to go with three spinners means there’s a chance of two spinners always playing,” Phangiso said at the team’s departure in Johannesburg. “Hopefully if conditions allow in West Indies, I can maybe get a bit of a run.”South Africa are expecting slow, turning pitches, and have picked their squad accordingly, but they are also using the series to explore options for the future.”The wickets are not quick, they don’t offer much lateral movement and the spinners, particularly in Guyana, play a big role,” Domingo said. “We want to have a look at Shamsi. This is an opportunity to play him, particularly with Imran getting to the twilight stages of his career, it will be good to have another wrist-spinner.”Shamsi sprung to prominence at last year’s Caribbean Premier League, where he was the joint fifth-highest wicket-taker. He went on to have a successful home season, finishing as the leading spinner in the first-class competition and the Titans’ fourth-most successful bowler in T20s, and earned an IPL contract at Royal Challengers Bangalore. In a dream conclusion, he was added to South Africa’s ODI squad. With his range of variations he is considered the natural successor to Tahir, even though Phangiso has been waiting in the wings.In short, that is the story of Phangiso’s career: a test of patience. He spent several seasons as a workhorse at the North West provincial team and then the Lions before catching the eye at the Champions League T20 in 2012. Four years later, he has still not been able to nail down a permanent place in the national side but appears sporadically in limited-overs’ matches, when Tahir does not play. He also had a difficult 2015-16 summer, headlined by alcohol abuse, imitating drug use on live television, and having his bowling action declared illegal. He has since been disciplined by CSA, remodelled his action and made a successful return, and is hoping for a fresh start.”It was a bit tough. It was four months of newspapers – Phangi this, Phangi that – but I’ve got a strong family, very Christian people. That helped a lot,” Phangiso said. “There’s a lot of lessons you learn from those type of things, and a lot of the time the public get a story that’s not 100% accurate. But the fact that the story is out there and people think some other stuff about you, obviously you are going to learn something.”After Phangiso’s life lessons, he also got something of an education in how to secure a spot in the national team: be more aggressive. Phangiso was part of a group of South African cricketers who travelled to a spin camp in India earlier this month and the biggest takeaway for him was the difference in approach to slower bowling.”What I got out of it was to shift my mentality from defensive to more attacking,” Phangiso said. “I’ve been a defensive spinner all my career. I’ve always kept it tight, tight, tight – and then get the wickets with pressure. But now maybe I’ll look to attack a bit, put fielders in attacking positions.”West Indies should be an ideal place to do that, if he is given the opportunity. South Africa have given themselves plenty of choice with ten bowling options in the touring party. Five of them – Kyle Abbott, Morne Morkel, Kagiso Rabada, Chris Morris and Wayne Parnell – are quicks with Tahir, Phangiso, Shamsi, JP Duminy and Farhaan Behardien the slower bowlers.With all that competition, all Phangiso can hope is that he gets enough of an opportunity to show what he us capable of. “For me to get a chance on other tours was hard because Imran performed very well. We almost went with the mentality of one spinner and backing the seamers. But this tour will maybe be different,” he said. “I’m hoping to put in some good performances and to get some consistency.”

Baptiste, West to serve as evaluators at USA regional combines

Eldine Baptiste and West Indies U-19 coach Graeme West are set to join Mike Young as the lead talent evaluators at US scouting combines, which are scheduled to begin this weekend in Los Angeles

Peter Della Penna07-Apr-2016West Indies national selector Eldine Baptiste and West Indies U-19 coach Graeme West are set to join Mike Young as the lead talent evaluators at US scouting combines, which is being held in eight cities around the USA over the next two months, beginning this weekend in Los Angeles. Baptiste and West’s appointment was announced on Wednesday by the ICC Americas office, which is coordinating each scouting combine.”I am thoroughly looking forward to working with Mike Young as well as the ICC Americas and local cricket community on this project” Baptiste said. “It is a great opportunity for the players across the USA and extremely exciting for the development of the game.”Baptiste has prior experience working in an Associate cricket setup. Baptiste coached Kenya from September 2009 to April 2011, but stepped down shortly after Kenya’s win-less performance at the 2011 World Cup in India.The candidates at each city-based combine will also be put through a series of skills, fitness and agility tests conducted by BAM (Basic Athletic Measurement) Testing. BAM conducts skills and agility tests at the annual NBA Draft Rookie Combine. Headquartered in Seattle, BAM was founded in 2008 by former Dallas Mavericks head strength and conditioning coach Brett Brungardt.”I’m intrigued to see how these cricketers stack up against some of the best athletes I’ve seen in basketball and other major US sports,” Brungardt said ahead of the first regional combine in Los Angeles.Young and ICC Americas high performance consultant Tom Evans are the two main holdovers from the trial held last September in Indianapolis, which also featured players from Argentina, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Canada and Suriname. Venkatapathy Raju and Courtney Walsh were utilized as the lead talent evaluators at that combine along with Young.This weekend’s trial in Los Angeles is the first of eight city-based trials conducted by the ICC to establish a national-team talent pool at men’s, women’s and U-17 levels. At the end of the eight trials, concluding in New York, the ICC is expected to name a group of 20-30 players in each category for a second round of auditions to be held later in the summer.More than 100 applications were received for the men’s trial in Los Angeles, with 55 players making the final list of invitees. They include eight current or former USA senior team players and six former USA U-19 players. The first trial for women’s and U-17 players will take place in San Francisco from April 14.

Aston Villa interested in Alberto Molerio

An update has emerged on Aston Villa and their plans to bolster the squad in the upcoming summer transfer window…

What’s the latest on Aston Villa’s interest in Alberto Moleiro?

According to Mundo Deportivo, the Villans are prepared to pay €25m (£22m) to sign Las Palmas attacking midfielder Alberto Moleiro at the end of the season.

The report claims that Premier League teams Liverpool and Villa are both willing to match the Spanish side’s price tag, which is €25m (£22m) as a fixed fee.

It is stated that LaLiga giants Barcelona were only prepared to offer that much as part of a package with €15m worth of add-ons that were not guaranteed, which could open the door for the English teams to swoop in.

However, Mundo Deportivo also claims that the gem would be open to remaining at Las Palmas for another season if they are promoted to LaLiga, with the club currently sitting three points clear of third in LaLiga 2.

How would Alberto Moleiro fit in at Aston Villa?

The Spanish wizard has played between 19 and 21 matches as a left winger, right winger, and an attacking midfielder respectively in his career and this means that the youngster could line up in any of the three roles behind Ollie Watkins.

Moleiro could strike an instant connection with the Villa centre-forward as the 19-year-old is a creative talent who likes to constantly provide his fellow attackers with opportunities to score.

In LaLiga 2 this season, the teenager – whose “silky touch” was once lauded by scout Jacek Kulig – has produced 1.7 key passes per game and created 11 ‘big chances’ in total, which shows that the maestro is consistently opening up opposition defences for his side.

Meanwhile, Douglas Luiz (1.3) is the only Villa player with more than one key pass per match in the Premier League this term – providing just four ‘big chances’ – and this suggests that Unai Emery does not currently have one outstanding creator who he can rely upon to carve teams open.

Moleiro, if he can make the step up to the Premier League, has the potential to come in and be the creative presence in midfield that they have been lacking this season.

Watkins could greatly benefit from this as his form under Emery has shown that he has the scope to be an excellent goalscorer for the club if provided with the right services.

Since the World Cup, the Englishman has plundered six goals and one assist in ten Premier League appearances. Now, imagine the figures the marksman could rack up over the course of a season with a playmaker regularly creating big chances for him to score from at the top end of the pitch.

Emery could form an exciting pairing in the final third by signing Moleiro with that precisely the reason Johan Lange and the Spanish head coach must work to get this deal over the line in the coming months.

Josh Sargent backed to make Premier League return by ex-Norwich boss Dean Smith with forward told what he must do to become 'certainty' in USMNT roster

Former Norwich City boss Dean Smith has backed USMNT striker Josh Sargent to make a return to the Premier League.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

USMNT's Sargent backed for EPL returnScored five goals in FebruaryFormer boss Smith full of praiseWHAT HAPPENED?

Speaking on the studio desk on the CBS Sports GOLAZO show on Tuesday, the now-Charlotte FC boss shared that he thinks incredibly highly of the USMNT striker. Although Smith's time in charge of Norwich City was brief, he's backing the USMNT striker to return to the Premier League – with or without the Canaries.

AdvertisementUSA Today Sports WHAT DEAN SMITH SAID

The English manager revealed his praise for Sargent, who has 10 goals and one assist in 14 matches this season for the Canaries. "He can go and play again in the EPL, that's for sure. He hasn't got a ceiling at the moment."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

With Sargent's brilliant form in 2024, many are now touting him for a potential starting role with the USMNT in the coming months. Folarin Balogun has struggled in France with Monaco with only five goals and three assists, and now, his starting role with Gregg Berhalter could be up in the air.

The Concacaf Nations League is less than one month away, and the Copa America is on the horizon. If Sargent can keep scoring, who is stopping him from leapfrogging Balogun in the XI?

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR SARGENT AND NORWICH CITY?

Norwich City clash against Sunderland on Saturday, with the Canaries sitting one spot outside a promotion playoff position in seventh in the English Championship. A win could see them draw level with Hull City on points at 55.

Bell begins to banish memories of fallow summer

Ian Bell had a disastrous 2017, resigning from the Warwickshire captaincy and overlooked by England for the Ashes, but he began a new season in seductive fashion

George Dobell14-Apr-2018
ScorecardIt is centuries, not 70s, that grab the attention of selectors.But on a day when only one other man could reach 30, Ian Bell provided a reminder of his considerable qualities with an innings of charm and substance to help his side to the brink of a third batting point in testing conditions. For a side that managed only 19 such points in the 2017 season – the fewest in either division – it represents a decent effort.It is, you would have thought, too late for Bell to make a return to England’s Test side. He is 36 now and, while it is probably true that he has never been satisfactorily replaced, selectors tend to look to younger men for solutions. Whoever the new head selector turns out to be – it is understood Mick Newell is in the final two and a decision will be announced in the next few days – it will probably require a barrage of three-figure scores from Bell if he is to convince them to look beyond the likes of Joe Clarke and Liam Livingstone.But context is important. And, in conditions where the ball moved in the air and off the pitch, Bell demonstrated the technique and temperament to flourish against an attack containing India’s Ishant Sharma. Tim Ambrose, who was badly missed in the slips when he had five, was the only other man to pass 25.It is easy to be seduced by Bell in such form. The cover drives he unfurled off Stuart Whittingham, a fast bowler with a hint of Dale Steyn about him, and the on drives he pushed off Ollie Robinson were the sort to have spectators purring with pleasure. And while it is true he did not hit any of his 14 boundaries off Sharma (he took six off Robinson and five off Whittingham), Bell played him off relatively comfortably. As David Wiese put it: “He looked as if he was batting on a completely different wicket.”The selectors would have loved Bell to have given them an excuse to pick him for the Ashes tour. But a campaign that produced just 596 runs (at an average of 25.91), without a century, gave them little opportunity. He did look more fluent than at any time last year, however, and will have noted the struggles of James Vince to cement a position. It might also be noted that he started the first-class season with a century – albeit against Durham MCCU – which is more than he managed last year.Ian Bell steers through the covers•Getty ImagesPerhaps more pertinently, he also gave Warwickshire a strong platform in a game that, weather permitting, could yet prove intriguing. Despite all the talk of a new era at Edgbaston, it was notable that it was two men in their mid-30s who provide the bulk of the runs. Ambrose, out of form at the end of the season, also produced an innings of character against his old club, but was honest enough to admit afterwards that Bell’s innings was “a class above” anything else on show.But for Ambrose and Bell, Warwickshire would surely have struggled to register even a single bonus point. With Sharma bowling beautifully – hitting a nagging line and length and nipping the ball around – and Wiese jumping wide of the crease, angling the ball in and gaining sharp movement away, batting was desperately tough for the first half of the day. Will Rhodes shaped up nicely but edge to slip, Dominic Sibley was caught behind trying to withdraw the bat and Jonathan Trott was beaten by a beauty that drew the stroke and left him sharply. With Adam Hose playing across one, Sam Hain leaving another and Bell finally undone by one that drew the stroke but nipped away to take the edge, Warwickshire were 147 for six and in some trouble.But Sussex will kick themselves for their errors. Not only did the dropped chance – it was Harry Finch, at slip, who put down Ambrose off Wiese – prove crucial, but they donated 16 runs from no-balls and 12 from wides. In a low-scoring contest, that could prove defining. Both Chris Jordan, who helped bowl Warwickshire out for 87 here four years ago in similar conditions, and Jofra Archer, who are currently non-playing members of their IPL sides, were sorely missed.As it was, Ambrose led the way as Warwickshire added an unbroken 62 for the tenth-wicket with the obdurate Chris Wright. Now aged 35 and one of many Warwickshire men to find himself out of contract at the end of the season, this is a big year for Ambrose. But he has shown, again and again, that he relishes such situations and whoever Warwickshire bring in as his successor – they are sure to be in the market for another keeper – may face a year or two on the sidelines yet.

David Coote Makes 2 Big Mistakes In 1-0 Arsenal Win

It appears referee David Coote may have made another huge mistake on top of harshly sending Takehiro Tomiyasu off in the most recent Arsenal game.

What's the latest on David Coote and Arsenal?

On Monday night, the Gunners travelled to Selhurst Park as they took on Crystal Palace in their first away match of the new Premier League season.

It was a closely contested fixture and this is reflected by the scoreline as a single penalty – won by Eddie Nketiah and scored by Martin Odegaard – was enough to see the Gunners win 1-0.

It could have perhaps been a more comfortable win for Mikel Arteta and co, however, had the refereeing been a little more favourable from an Arsenal point of view.

After all, left-back on the day Tomiyasu picked up two yellow cards in the second half which both seemed to be for pretty minimum offences as his dismissal looked to be quite unjust.

He was first booked for time-wasting. Although, statistician Scott Willis pointed out that before conceding, Crystal Palace had throw-ins that took 27, 25, 22, and 22 seconds. And yet it was the Japan international who was punished for being partially involved when Arsenal's throw-in took 24 seconds to be taken – according to Sky via afcstuff), Tomiyasu held onto the ball for just eight of those seconds before being booked.

As for his second yellow, it appeared as though next to no contact was made with Jordan Ayew and yet referee Coote deemed it sufficient enough to warrant the consequential red card.

This is questionable enough. But to make things worse, footage shared on the game on Twitter shows that the Palace winger – who was also already on a yellow card – made an even worse foul on Bukayo Saka and yet he wasn't sent off for a second bookable offence.

What was said about Jordan Ayew and Takehiro Tomiyasu?

This sort of inconsistency was noted by a number of journalists and football writers online. For instance, Charles Watts wrote: "That's so harsh [on Tomiyasu] for a second yellow. There is no shirt tug. Especially as Ayew just got away with a similar foul having already been booked."

He later added: "The more you watch the clips of Ayew's foul which didn't get a yellow and Tomiyasu's which did, the crazier the decision to send Tomi off becomes. The inconsistency is incredible."

Writer for football.london Aaron Catterson-Reid added: "My issue with that is Ayew had a yellow then held Saka’s shirt for the foul. But no second yellow was given. Consistency just doesn’t exist."

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

After the game was finished, manager Arteta was understandably annoyed but managed to bite his tongue, telling the press: "I prefer not to make comments because for me it’s so obvious."

All in all, it's not hard to see why many have been left baffled by the level of officiating in this game and after Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana avoided punishment for his wild challenge against Wolves on the opening weekend, it hasn't exactly been the best start to the seasons from the PGMOL.

As for Arsenal, they managed to cling on for the three points away at Palace, and so they've made a perfect start to the season – even in the face of this adversity – with two wins from two.

Burnley: Renato Veiga talks held

Burnley are reportedly in talks to sign Sporting CP midfielder Renato Veiga, and an update has shared how much a deal could cost the Clarets.

What’s the latest Burnley transfer news?

Vincent Kompany and those at Turf Moor have been extremely busy so far this summer with a number of new players brought in for the club’s Premier League which began with a 3-0 defeat to Manchester City last week.

In total, 11 new players have made the move to Burnley, with the club so far spending around £77m. Zeki Amdouni, James Trafford, Jordan Beyer, Dara O'Shea, Michael Obafemi, Luca Koleosho, Sander Berge, Wilson Odobert, Nathan Redmond, Lawrence Vigouroux and Jacob Bruun Larsen have all arrived, and it looks as if there could be further additions before the September 1 deadline.

The club are without a game this weekend with their scheduled top-flight fixture away against Luton Town postponed in advance, which could result in the club putting their focus firmly on the transfer market, looking to secure moves to add strength in depth to Kompany's squad. It appears as if Veiga is a player who the Clarets have their eye on, with an update emerging.

Journalist Dominik Schneider took to X in the last 48 hours to share what he’s heard on Veiga. He stated that the midfielder is being eyed by Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach, however, the player’s representatives are in concrete talks with Burnley and Swiss outfit FC Basel, with a €6m fee wanted, although there is scope for a loan move with an option to buy.

“Renato Veiga is on the list of Borussia Monchengladbach. First their priority transfer is backup for Tomas Cvancara. Veiga's representatives are in concrete talks with Burnley FC + FC Basel. Sporting wants €6m transfer fee. Loan with option is also possible.”

Vincent Kompany

Who is Renato Veiga?

Veiga is 20 years of age and is primarily a holding midfielder, although he can play as a centre-back or a left-back, so would offer plenty of versatility to Kompany’s squad.

The Portuguese youngster, already sponsored by Adidas, has represented and captained his country at U20 level and has been on the books of Sporting CP for a number of years.

Standing at 6ft 2, the left-footed gem is yet to make a senior appearance for Sporting CP, however, he did go out on loan to German club FC Augsburg last season, where he went on to turn out on 13 occasions in the Bundesliga.

Veiga has featured on nearly 50 occasions for Sporting CP’s B and U23 teams, and with his contract expiring in 2025, now could be the ideal time for Burnley to make their move.

Valued at €1m by Transfermarkt, Burnley and Kompany may see Veiga as an exciting youngster who could only get better in time with the right coaching. He appears to be a player in demand in the final few weeks of the window as well, so a move could be one to keep an eye on prior to the end of the month, wit the Clarets seemingly involved in talks.

Jonathan Walters hits back at Roy Keane! Ex-Ireland star says he 'feels sorry' for Man Utd legend following astonishing rant where he mercilessly criticised ex-Ipswich winger

Jonathan Walters has hit back at Roy Keane over comments the Manchester United legend made about the Irish ex-winger.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Walters hits back at KeaneUnited legend criticised Walters in 2019 clipEx-Stoke man breaks silenceWHAT HAPPENED?

In 2019 Keane criticised Walters during a live recording of the , alleging that the former Ipswich, Stoke and Republic of Ireland attacker used personal issues as an excuse to play poorly for him and at one point asked not to play for his country. Walters has now hit back on Twitter and says he "feels sorry" for his former manager.

AdvertisementWHAT WALTER SAID ABOUT THE CLIP

On January 5, Walters Tweeted: "To give context to the Off The Ball clip, this was on the back of an emotional interview I did on The Late Late show with Ryan Tubridy when I spoke of some personal issues. I discussed my brother who had recently passed and other family issues which I won’t go into right now but were just as poignant.

"I am an individual who stands up for what I believe is right, but there are others who struggle when people don't capitulate to them. The issue for those who make things up is ensuring there's no evidence to the contrary, and in this case, there is.

"Make no mistake, when Roy crossed the line at Ipswich, I put him firmly back in his place and I was fully justified with my response. Many years later when he regurgitated his thoughts whilst we were on International duty with Ireland, history repeated itself."

WHAT WALTERS SAID ABOUT KEANE'S TROPHY DIG

In the podcast clip, Keane jokes about the lack of silverware that Walters won during his 18-year playing career.

In response, Walters tweeted: "When it comes to measuring a successful life based on awards and medals. I don’t require material possessions to demonstrate what I’ve achieved in life. I feel sorry for those who judge their worth and believe that they are superior to everyone else based on these things. I’ve been able to live a dream and have a career at the very pinnacle of football, doing what 99.99% of the population will never get the chance to do. I have got a beautiful wife and amazing children who are my greatest achievement bar none."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Keane managed Walters both at Ipswich and the Republic of Ireland when he was assistant coach to Martin O'Neil. In the same Off The Ball clip, Keane was critical of other Irish players including Harry Arter and Stephen Ward, but he was especially harsh to Walters.

Getty

Lavia development: Fabrizio Romano reveals Liverpool plan

Liverpool are going to 'bid again' for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia and are now the 'big favourites' to sign the Belgium international this summer, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Which clubs are interested in Romeo Lavia?

According to Sky Sports chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol, Liverpool have had a £40 million bid rejected for Southampton midfielder Lavia and it is said that the South Coast side value the 19-year-old at £50 million.

The Daily Mail have claimed that Liverpool and Southampton held further talks on Thursday and the Reds are now set to launch a bid in the region of £45 million to try and entice Lavia to Anfield.

Jurgen Klopp is keen to see the Belgian talent arrive on Merseyside as he looks to replace former club captain Jordan Henderson, who has moved to Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq to team up with Steven Gerrard.

Chelsea are keen on providing a twist in the tale and are plotting a 'full-scale hijack' of Liverpool's endeavours to sign Lavia due to running into trouble in their pursuit of Brighton & Hove Albion enforcer Moises Caicedo, as per Football Insider.

Manchester City also hold a buyback clause for Lavia worth around £40 million that will activate in the summer of 2024 and receive 20% of any fee Southampton gain if the Brussels-born ace leaves St Mary's Stadium.

Last term, Lavia enjoyed a productive campaign despite Southampton suffering relegation to the Sky Bet Championship and featured 34 times in all competitions, registering one goal and a solitary assist, as per Transfermarkt.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer guru Romano has detailed that Liverpool are still in pole position to bring Lavia to Anfield this summer.

Romano stated: "At the moment, the feeling is that Liverpool are the big favourites. They are going to bid again.

"They feel that the player is prepared to say 'yes', so I think they are confident. But now it's time to close the deal."

Who else could Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp sign this summer?

According to Toro.it via Sport Witness, Liverpool and Crystal Palace remain 'vigilant' in the race to sign Torino defender Perr Schuurs this window.

Reds boss Klopp is an admirer of the former Ajax defender and would like him to play alongside Virgil Van Dijk in central defence; however, negotiations over a fee have stalled due to Torino's €40 million (£34.2 million) asking price.

Perr Schuurs Crystal Palace target

One player that doesn't look likely to pitch up at Anfield this summer is Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, who has rejected an offer from Liverpool and instead agreed personal terms with Manchester United ahead of a proposed move to Old Trafford, as per Corriere della Sera via METRO.

Lecce defender Patrick Dorgu's agent Kingsley Ogbodo has revealed that Liverpool could offer his client a route to the Premier League in a recent interview with Sport Italia cited by The Daily Express, stating: “I've received this information and I know they have been watching him, they know who he is and are following him. Barcelona and [Manchester] City too, but as I've said in previous interviews, there's no way he's going away right now. "No, they haven't made any offers. But Liverpool are very likely to make one. I don't know if that will happen, but they are interested and they like the player.

In the next few weeks, we will better understand whether Klopp has any more ideas up his sleeve as the window nears its last full month of transfer activity.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus