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Reliable journalist Graeme Bailey has dropped a Liverpool transfer twist regarding the future of Sadio Mane.  

The Lowdown: Mane wants Bayern move

The Senegalese star is one of the current squad’s longest-serving players since making the switch to Anfield from fellow Premier League side Southampton six years ago, becoming a fan favourite in the iconic front three alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino.

However, as a result of only having just over 12 months remaining on his current contract on Merseyside, the 30-year-old’s future has been very much up in the air in recent weeks.

The forward reportedly wants to push for a move to Bayern Munich while the press in Germany believe a deal to join the Bundesliga champions is only a matter of time.

The Latest: Liverpool would be happy to keep him

In Bailey’s new column for 90min, it’s claimed that Liverpool have told both Mane and Bayern that they will ‘keep hold’ of the striker this transfer window ‘unless their valuation is met’.

The source states that the Bundesliga giants have already had two official bids ‘rejected’ for their target, the second being ‘worth up to £30m’, but the Reds want no less than £40m with extra add-ons.

The article reads that sources from both clubs are still ‘confident’ that the deal will happen, but that Jurgen Klopp’s men are ‘prepared’ to welcome the 89-cap international ‘back into their squad’ next season, regardless of Darwin Nunez’s arrival.

The Verdict: Time to let him go

If Mane were to end up staying at Liverpool, Klopp would have Nunez, Salah, Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota, Firmino and youngster Fabio Carvalho all available for selection alongside him as attacking options.

The £200k-per-week gem was unquestionably a standout performer last season, having scored 23 goals and provided five assists across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt, but as prolific as he is, the boss won’t want to have someone in his starting XI when he knows that’s not truly where he desires to be.

It’s hard to imagine Mane having a change of heart in the coming weeks so it’s probably the best option for the club to let him go and give the new players a chance to shine – after all, they are the ones who will become the future of Liverpool in years to come.

In other news… Fabrizio Romano has shared Takumi Minamino’s Liverpool exit ‘talks’.

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Alberth Elis to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by French publication L’Equipe (via Sport Witness), who claim that Victor Orta has now started negotiations with FC Girondins Bordeaux regarding a deal for the 26-year-old forward.

The report goes on to state that, while the winger is technically owned by Portuguese side Boavista FC, Bordeaux possess a €7.5m (£6.5m) option to buy clause for the Honduras international – something the recently relegated Ligue 1 side are expected to activate this summer.

However, it is believed that, with Ligue 2 football ahead of the French club next season, David Guion’s side are set to sanction the sales of a number of their brightest talents in the coming months, something that the Whites are evidently looking to take advantage of.

The next Raphinha

With Orta boasting an impressive record of scouting and identifying targets in the French leagues – with both Illan Meslier and Raphinha having been huge successes in LS11 – it is not difficult to understand why the sporting director is now keen on a deal to sign Elis.

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Indeed, over his 20 Ligue 1 appearances in 2021/22, the £5.85m-rated forward was in fantastic form for Bordeaux, scoring nine goals, registering one assist and creating one big chance for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.6 shots, making 0.8 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

Furthermore, according to FBref data, the 26-year-old ranks in the top 12% of forwards in Europe’s big five leagues for non-penalty goals per 90, in addition to the top 15% for progressive carries, the top 21% for dribbles and the top 30% for touches in the opposition penalty area over the last 365 days.

The 53-time capped Honduran also impresses in defensive metrics, with FBref ranking the winger in the top 1% for interceptions per 90, as well as the top 6% for tackles, the top 15% for pressures and the top 18% for blocks over the past 12 months.

As such, it is clear to see that Elis is a player with an extremely similar profile to Raphinha, and, with the Brazil international being linked with a £60m move away from Elland Road this summer, should Orta manage to get a deal over the line for the player Johan Micoud dubbed “interesting” in the coming months, the 26-year-old could well prove to be the Spaniard’s next French transfer masterclass.

AND in other news: “Closing in on..”: Journo drops £17m Leeds transfer update, Marsch will be buzzing

Leeds United have once again been name-checked with an interest in Wolves forward Adama Traore according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

The Lowdown: Barcelona loan

Traore, hailed as ‘unplayable’ by Jurgen Klopp, headed out on loan to Barcelona during the January window after scoring just once in 23 Wolves appearances in the first half of the season.

However, the 26-year-old continued to struggle despite a change of scenery, failing to score in 17 games at the Nou Camp.

As a result, the Spanish giants won’t be exercising their option to make a move permanent but it looks as if a move to Elland Road could be on the cards.

The Latest: Bailey’s claim

Bailey took to Twitter on Wednesday morning to provide an update on Traore. The journalist shared a link to a story for 90min, saying that Leeds, Newcastle and Tottenham all remain ‘interested’ in the right-winger’s services.

It is thought that Wolves are focusing on parting ways with Traore ‘for good’, with Victor Orta and Co already making contact over a potential transfer, while Newcastle have also enquired.

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The Verdict: Unlikely?

This isn’t the first time Leeds have been linked with a move for Traore and may not be the last, with rumours dating back to 2020 during the club’s first season back in the Premier League.

Traore has scored just 26 senior goals in over 300 games, not exactly an eye-catching return. Leeds are already well-stocked when it comes to wide options with Raphinha still a Whites player.

Jesse Marsch has also shown signs of looking to implement a narrower formation by signing attacking midfielder Brenden Aaronson, so a move for Traore could be unlikely.

In other news: After Kristensen: Radz & 49ers now ready to write Leeds cheque for ‘really exciting’ midfielder. 

Newcastle United are reportedly now ‘preparing an offer’ to sign Lucas Paqueta this summer.

The Lowdown: Shades of Bruno

A deal to bring Paqueta to St. James’ Park would certainly draw comparisons to when Bruno Guimaraes arrived in the North East in the January transfer window.

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Paqueta is also a silky Brazilian midfielder who plays for Bruno’s old club Lyon in Ligue 1, and he is even thought to be a ‘good friend‘ of the now Toon fan favourite.

The Latest: Paqueta offer

Taking to Twitter, transfer insider Rudy Galetti has revealed that the Tyneside outfit are now ‘preparing an offer’ for Paqueta, and talks over personal terms are ‘at a good stage’:

“#Newcastle are preparing an offer to #OL for Lucas #Paquetá. The English club would like to buy at least one top player and the Brazilian is among the favourites.  

“Personal terms under discussion, at a good stage: rapidly evolving situation.”

The Verdict: No-brainer

Given the instant impact that Bruno has had on Eddie Howe’s side, scoring five goals and making one assist in the Premier League and ranking as their third-best performer in the division (WhoScored), it is surely a no-brainer to link him up with his old teammate in Paqueta.

The 24-year-old has managed an impressive 11 goals and seven assists from midfield in all competitions this season (Transfermarkt), and the prospect of him playing in a midfield with fellow Brazilians Bruno and Joelinton is a truly mouth-watering concept for the Toon Army.

Nonetheless, signing Paqueta should encourage other top players to follow him to the Magpies, which would really help kickstart the long-term project.

In other news, find out who NUFC have now ‘watched’ ahead of a potential move here!

An update has emerged on Leeds United’s pursuit of Huddersfield’s Lewis O’Brien heading into the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

According to The Sun, Whites chief Victor Orta is plotting a fresh £10m bid to sign the midfielder ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, after missing out on a deal for him last year.

The report claimed that his current club would attempt to offer him a new contract if they won the play-off final but they went on to lose 1-0 to Nottingham Forest at Wembley.

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Big Mateusz Klich upgrade

Leeds can land a big upgrade on the Poland international by bringing O’Brien to Elland Road in the upcoming window.

In the Premier League, Klich averaged an unimpressive SofaScore rating of 6.67 in 33 appearances as he lost 60% of his duels. He failed to turn in good performances on a regular basis and struggled with the physicality of the games, which is why he is currently a weakling in the side.

O’Brien, meanwhile, won 56% of his individual battles in the Championship – winning 7.5 duels per game – and has earned a reputation for being a battler in the middle of the park.

Former Huddersfield goalkeeper Matt Glennon previously lauded the midfielder’s engine, saying: “He closes down until the 95th, 96th minute, still running to the corners, stopping defenders, he’s got unlimited energy.

“Lewis O’Brien wants to put the hard yards in and wants to be at the very top of where he can get to. He’s one of those lads who works ridiculously hard which, for me, is your minimum in any league, but he’s got that quality, the drop of a shoulder, that strength to keep people off him, a low centre of gravity to glide past people, arm aloft when they try to knock him off the ball.”

The gem also impressed in possession as he chipped in three goals and three assists as he created 1.0 chances per game. This is along with his 3.0 tackles and interceptions per match and an excellent average SofaScore rating of 7.00.

He has shown, albeit in the second tier, that he can excel as a box-to-box midfielder and he has plenty of room left to grow at the age of 23. Marsch can work with him over time to help him fulfill his potential but, in the short-term, his statistics suggest that he can be an immediate upgrade on Klich.

O’Brien can offer a level of physicality that the Poland international has been unable to provide, whilst also possessing the quality on the ball to function as part of the team on the ball.

AND in other news, Orta eyeing Leeds swoop for “exceptional” £20k-p/w “example”, Marsch needs him badly…

Aston Villa are reportedly in the running to sign Burnley defender James Tarkowski this summer, according to reports.

What’s the word?

As per the Daily Mail, the Midlands side have been named as one of a handful of clubs who are interested in the 29-year-old, with the player set to be available on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract in June.

The Clarets had held firm on their asset in January to thwart any potential interest from Premier League rivals, although now appear set to lose the centre-back for nothing, with the Turf Moor outfit’s drop into the second tier likely to only heighten the £19.8m-rated man’s desire to depart.

Alongside interest from Steven Gerrard’s men, however, newly-promoted Fulham and Everton are also in the running for his signature, as per the report.

Instant upgrade

Not only would his arrival prove something of a coup owing to its bargain nature – particularly as he had been valued at roughly £50m just under two years ago – securing the services of the two-cap England international would also prove an instant fix to try and solve the club’s defensive woes.

Villa’s final day defeat at the Etihad saw the visitors ship three goals in the space of just five minutes to squander a 2-0 lead and hand their hosts the title, with those efforts also ensuring that Gerrard’s charges ended the campaign with 54 goals conceded – the tenth worst record in the division.

That is in fact a marginally worse record than that of Burnley, even though the Lancashire side suffered relegation, with it having largely been problems at the other end of the pitch that had culminated in relegation for Mike Jackson’s men.

Amid that difficult campaign, the £70k-per-week Tarkowski still boasted some impressive statistics, averaging 5.2 clearances per game, as well as 1.4 interceptions and 1.8 tackles, while also winning an impressive 68% of his total duels.

Compared to centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues, he also ranks in the top 1% for blocks and aerial duels won, as well as in the top 3% for clearances made, while also proving himself more than just a defensive asset as he ranked in the top 1% for touches in the attacking penalty area and in the top 17% for progressive passes received.

A real solid presence at the back – having been labelled a “rock” by journalist Alex James – the former Brentford man is a defender first and foremost, with his arrival at Villa Park likely to allow the creative, attacking talent ahead of him to shine with less concern about having a leaky defence.

Current skipper Tyrone Mings has been the notable source of blame this season, with pundit Danny Mills suggesting that there is “a mistake in his game somewhere”, with the 29-year-old notably ranking in just the top 44% for aerial duels won among players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues, as well as in just the top 82% for tackles made.

Those statistics make pretty grim reading, with it clear that an upgrade is needed for Gerrard next season, with Tarkowski seemingly the man to do the job.

AND in other news: “Villa would…”: Gregg Evans drops huge transfer claim, supporters will be buzzing

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou made no bones in making some significant changes to the squad at Parkhead after he was appointed manager back in June.

The previous summer transfer window saw some big names wave goodbye to the club such as Odsonne Edouard, Ryan Christie, Kristoffer Ajer, Olivier Ntcham and Scott Brown among others.

As well as this, the Hoops saw numerous other players sign to the Parkhead side on loan or permanent deals.

One figure that was signed during that period was defender Carl Starfelt, who joined from Rubin Kazan on a four-year deal for a reported fee of £4m.

Throughout his debut campaign with the Bhoys, the £17k-per-week centre-back racked up 49 appearances across all competitions, showing just how much of an important figure he was for Postecoglou.

Not only did he play more minutes in the league than any other outfield player in the squad, but he also showed what a capable and solid defender he is.

With the second-highest number of interceptions (42) and tackles won (30) to his name, Starfelt also had the joint-second highest average of clearances (3.5) and joint-highest average for aerial duels won per game (4.2).

Looking at how Celtic ended the season with the best defensive record with only 22 goals conceded in 38 games, it’s safe to say that their defensive recruit has been a big reason the Hoops have that record under their belt.

This also backs up why the Sweden international was labelled as being a “crucial” player for his manager by journalist Sacha Pisani on Twitter.

Back in April 2020, Transfermarkt rated the 26-year-old’s market value at £473k, whereas it currently stands at £3.6m, highlighting a significant increase of 661%.

This shows the sort of trajectory he’s been on over the past couple of years and based on what he’s done for his new club since his arrival, there’s no reason that progress can’t continue for the foreseeable future.

Taking all of this into account, it’s hard to deny that Starfelt has been a fantastic signing for not only Celtic but for Postecoglou as well at the start of his tenure in charge of the Bhoys.

In other news: “Postecoglou is planning..”: Insider drops exciting Celtic claim, it’s great news

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has dropped a worrying injury claim regarding winger Jack Harrison ahead of Sunday’s crucial clash with Brighton.

The Lowdown: Marsch’s comments

Harrison was withdrawn in the first half of the 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday evening. Jesse Marsch admitted after the match he was hoping the injury wasn’t too serious, describing the issue as a ‘contusion’ that ‘limited him from moving’.

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The 25-year-old, described as a ‘big influence’ by Marcelo Bielsa, has missed just three Premier League games all season and none under Marsch but was due to have a scan on Thursday morning.

However, it looks as if he could join a number of senior stars on the sidelines due to injury and suspension for the final home game of the campaign.

The Latest: Hay’s claim

Hay shared a story for The Athletic following another night to forget for Leeds against Thomas Tuchel’s side. When it came to injuries, he stated that Harrison is ‘probably beyond Marsch’s reach for the meeting with Brighton’.

Raphinha was also taken off with a slight hamstring concern in the second half, but that was thought to be simply as a precaution.

The Verdict: What next?

Leeds are running out of time, games and players in their attempts to avoid the drop, so should Harrison miss out on Sunday, Marsch will be left with limited resources in attack on what would be another big blow.

Providing Raphinha makes it, he could be the only senior wide man available at Elland Road. Youngsters Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood, who are suited to more central roles, could be Marsch’s only options.

An even narrower formation could be deployed as a result, and who knows, Patrick Bamford may make a timely return to the squad in a rare injury boost, should he return to team training today as expected.

In other news: Phil Hay says £15k-p/w Leeds man will now leave Elland Road over the coming weeks. 

Antonio Conte could see his transfer budget bolstered by a number of key departures at Tottenham Hotspur this summer…

What’s the word?

According to The Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick, the Italian head coach has hinted that, in order to commit to the club for another season, he needs assurances they can build a squad capable of challenging at the top of the Premier League.

New signings will be crucial but the Lilywhites are by no means a financial heavyweight, at least not in the same bracket as Manchester City or Newcastle United.

As such, as many as ten players could be free to leave the club should a suitable offer come in for them. Of these names, both summer arrival Emerson Royal and one-time club-record signing Davinson Sanchez feature.

Both should be offloaded by the club this summer.

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Get rid!

Emerson’s struggles since his £26m move from Barcelona are perhaps most evident by the fact that Conte tried to sign a new right wing-back during the January transfer window, less than six months after the Brazilian’s arrival. Jose Mourinho flop Matt Doherty had even begun to usurp him in the pecking order prior to his injury.

Over the course of the campaign, many supporters have been left frustrated by Emerson’s displays, with some describing him as a “liability”, whilst former Lilywhites centre-back Jonathan Woodgate once dubbed the 23-year-old “horrendous”.

Indeed, the Irishman has managed a better WhoScored rating and is averaging a better passing accuracy, more shots, more key passes and fewer fouls than the Brazilian this term.

It certainly seems like £26m wasted thus far.

Meanwhile, Sanchez has barely had a look-in under the Italian head coach, despite a change to a three-at-the-back system. The left-footed Ben Davies, a full-back by trade, is often preferred.

The Colombian centre-back has made only three substitute appearances across Tottenham’s last 12 league outings, with Eric Dier and impressive Atalanta loanee Cristian Romero also getting the nod.

Throughout his time at the club, he has often been lambasted for his calamitous ways, just like Emerson.

Former Premier League defender Kenny Cunningham once described him as a “real liability”, whilst ex-Colombia boss Jorge Luis Pinto also claimed that Sanchez “does not have the talent” to succeed.

Valued at £27m by Transfermarkt, he could be a player that garners some sort of worthwhile fee, perhaps in comparison to a Doherty or a Harry Winks.

As such, it’s time for the Lilywhites hierarchy to axe the struggling pair this summer. Conte would surely be buzzing if that happens, as it would bolster his transfer budget in his bid to keep Spurs competitive at the top end of the Premier League table.

AND in other news, Conte could land his own Jorginho in Spurs swoop for “extraordinary” £45m-rated titan…

Having been linked with a move to Leeds United earlier this year, Victor Orta appears to have been given a boost in his potential pursuit of the central midfielder this summer by AFC Wimbledon manager Mark Bowen.

Following the Dons’ relegation to League Two, Bowen admitted that it will be difficult for his side to keep hold of some of their more talented prospects, stating in a recent interview with the South London Press:

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“I am under no illusions that the club have got to do things that they need to do to financially survive – I am aware of that. If it comes to a situation where certain individuals have to leave, then what is most important is that it’s right for the club in terms of the money that we get and if we can replace them to the right level.

“It’s not an exact science, but I am certainly very much aware of where AFC Wimbledon are in terms of being able to keep players who are maybe getting offers from bigger clubs in higher leagues – it’s a difficult situation to try and fight against.”

And, while the 20-year-old is not specifically mentioned by the 58-year-old coach, it is clear from Rudoni’s displays this season that he is very much a player who could be on the move this summer.

Indeed, over his 41 League One appearances this term, the £910-per-week youngster was one of the Dons’ standout performers, scoring 12 goals, registering five assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of two shots, making 0.9 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

The midfielder also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 0.9 interceptions, 1.7 tackles, 1.1 clearances and winning five duels per fixture.

These returns saw the Wimbledon academy graduate who Mark Robinson dubbed a “complete” talent and Dan Marsh labelled a “cracking player” average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 6.96, ranking him as Bowen’s fourth-best player in the third-tier of English football – a rather extraordinary feat considering his tender age and his club’s relegation from the division.

As such, it is clear to see that, should Leeds indeed reignite their interest in Rudoni this summer, they could “pick up a real gem” in the shape of the 20-year-old – who undoubtedly looks to have an exciting future in the professional game.

And, with Orta having landed the likes of Lewis Bate from Chelsea, Joe Gelhardt from Wigan Athletic and Sam Greenwood from Arsenal in recent seasons, all of whom have gone on to feature in the Whites’ first team in the current campaign, considering the sheer amount of potential it is clear Rudoni possesses, the Wimbledon youngster could quite easily become the Spaniard’s next diamond in the rough.

AND in other news: Orta must now axe £13.5m-rated Leeds dud on “silly money”, he’s a “problem” for Marsch