Tottenham Hotspur are now in talks to sign a “world-class” £43m star, who is ready to fly into London to complete a move.

Spurs looking to sign forward before 7pm deadline

As we enter the final hours of the summer transfer window, Tottenham remain keen on signing a new forward, having failed to bring in a like-for-like replacement for Son Heung-min, with Manchester City’s Savinho remaining at the Etihad Stadium.

Taking to X, Fabrizio Romano revealed that Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani, who can play at both centre-forward and on the wing, has now emerged as an option for Thomas Frank’s side.

However, Spurs are also ramping up their interest in a different forward of a similar mould, with a report from The Boot Room revealing they have now entered talks over a deal for wantaway Atalanta star Ademola Lookman.

The Italian club are looking to receive £43m for Lookman, and they could be willing to accept an initial loan deal, which would include an obligation to buy, with transfer expert Graeme Bailey adding: “Lookman has emerged as an option for Tottenham, not dissimilar to their Xavi Simons deal. They were in the right place at the right time.

“I am told Lookman is keen, Tottenham are keen, and this has a chance ahead of Monday’s 7pm deadline.”

Promisingly, with the Atalanta forward keen on a move to N17, he is now ready to fly to London to complete the deal.

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Posts ByDominic Lund Sep 1, 2025 "World-class" Lookman would be exciting signing for Spurs

Much like Kolo-Muani, the Nigeria international is able to play at both striker and on the wing, making him a versatile option for Frank, and the 27-year-old has maintained a fantastic record in front of goal during his time with Atalanta.

Season

Serie A appearances

Goal contributions

2022-23

31

21

2023-24

31

19

2024-25

31

20

Not only has the London-born forward impressed in the Serie A, but he memorably caught the eye in the 2024 Europa League final, scoring a hat-trick to secure a 3-0 victory for his side over a Bayer Leverkusen side that won the Bundesliga undefeated.

Courtesy of the hat-trick against the at-the-time German champions, the Atalanta star scooped up a prestigious award and received very high praise from the BBC’s John Bennett.

Lookman would clearly be a top-quality addition to Tottenham’s squad, and a £43m fee seems reasonable, given the level of his performances in the Serie A and Europa League.

He last played international cricket a year ago, before being named as injury replacement for Lockie Ferguson in the Champions Trophy

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Feb-2025Kyle Jamieson last played international cricket a year ago. Since then, there were ten months out with a stress fracture of the back – for the second time in his career. Having been named in New Zealand’s squad for the Champions Trophy as an injury replacement for Lockie Ferguson, Jamieson feels he is in the best place ever “from a cricket point”.Jamieson last played an ODI in September 2023, against Bangladesh just before the World Cup. Looking back at his time off, Jamieson said his comeback worked out “roughly around the time-frames we looked at”.”I had a good crew around me, and the start of it was trying to put that all together around, what that’s going to look like, and how we’re going to get from where I was at the bottom of the cliff and how we’re going to get back up to the top of it,” he said after reaching Rawalpindi ahead of New Zealand’s match against Bangladesh.Related

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Jamieson has had his share of injures in a short international career so far. In June 2022, he experienced “sharp pain” in his lower back and walked off midway through his 17th over in a Test at Trent Bridge. Just ahead of the home Tests against England in early 2023, a suspected recurrence of the back injury ruled him out and he underwent surgery. It was only in August that year that Jamieson was back on the field, when he played five T20Is and three ODIs across the tours of the UAE and England. He then toured Bangladesh, where he played in two of the three ODIs.New Zealand even named Jamieson as cover for an injured Matt Henry for the World Cup in 2023, before drafting him into the squad proper. Although Jamieson didn’t get to play the tournament, he featured in both Tests on the subsequent tour of Bangladesh. However, a stiff hamstring ruled him out of the ODI series at home against the same opposition, and he also sat out of the T20Is on “medical advice”. It was after that, halfway through the home series against South Africa, that Jamieson found himself out again.”It’s been a long one. Obviously, a lot of hard work [has gone into the comeback],” he said. “I had to go back to square one, and rebuild a few things. [I had to] try and solidify the foundations so I can get back to this arena and take on the different forms of cricket again. It’s certainly been a long road, but it’s quite funny once you’re back in the mix and forget about how long it’s taken.”

“From the cricket point of view, it was great to be back in the park and just see where your game’s at. I was always reasonably confident that part was going to be okay, but it’s just nice to obviously put it back into that arena.”Kyle Jamieson on his return to action after a ten-month layoff

In the lead-up to the Champions Trophy, Jamieson worked his way back by representing Canterbury in the Super Smash and Ford Trophy, New Zealand’s domestic T20 and 50-over competitions respectively. He bagged 14 wickets at an average of 18.71 to be Canterbury Magicians’ highest wicket-taker in the Super Smash, where he played in all 12 matches.”I really enjoyed being a part of a full campaign. You don’t often get a chance to be a part of long stretches of time with your domestic team,” he said. “From the cricket point of view, it was great to be back in the park and just see where your game’s at. I was always reasonably confident that part was going to be okay, but it’s just nice to obviously put it back into that arena. I guess those are some of the pressures and challenges that come with that sort of high-pressure cricket.”New Zealand face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on Monday, after beating Pakistan comfortably in the tournament opener. They then face India on March 2 in Dubai in what is the final group fixture of the tournament.

Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer window has already seen two players walk through the door this summer in the form of Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha from West Ham and Bayern Munich respectively.

However, new boss Thomas Frank will evidently want further reinforcements to bolster his squad after the UEFA Super Cup final showing against PSG last night.

The Lilywhites stormed into a two-goal lead against the Champions League winners, but were unable to sustain their excellent early showing – highlighting the need for added quality and depth.

His side ultimately lost the game against the Parisians on penalties, with the board needing to back the 51-year-old to build on his side’s impressive first-half showing in Italy.

One area of the pitch is in desperate need of reinforcements before the September 1st deadline, with work currently being done behind the scenes to land one of their key targets.

Spurs working on deal to sign Eberechi Eze alternative

Over recent days, Spurs have been working on a deal to land Como star Nico Paz after his impressive breakout season in Italy for the Serie A outfit.

It’s been reported that the Lilywhites hierarchy are huge admirers of the 20-year-old, who registered 14 goal contributions last season, but any deal could cost them upwards of £60m this summer.

However, he’s not the only player the side are hunting for in such an area, with Barcelona star Dani Olmo another option for Frank’s side, according to one Spanish outlet.

They claim that Frank’s side are currently leading the race for the Spaniard’s signature at present, that’s despite interest from Saudi Arabia for the 27-year-old’s signature.

They also state the LaLiga giants are prepared to offload the attacking midfielder before the end of the window, but are current demanding a fee in the region of €60m (£52m).

Why Spurs’ latest target would be better than Eze

In their attempt to bolster the squad, Spurs have once again been in talks with Crystal Palace over a deal to land England international Eberechi Eze in the next couple of weeks.

He’s previously been on their radar during the current window, especially considering the £60m release clause that’s currently within his contract at Selhurst Park.

Frank’s side aren’t the only club currently in the race for his signature, with North London rivals Arsenal also battling the land the 27-year-old’s signature.

Given his record of 16 combined goals and assists in England’s top-flight last season, there’s no denying that he would be many of the supporters’ first choice for the number ten role.

However, given the interest in Eze from elsewhere, it’s no surprise to see other options being considered, with Olmo undoubtedly one of the best alternatives for the Lilywhites.

When comparing his stats to those of the Palace star from the recent campaign, the Spaniard managed to outperform him in key areas – potentially making him a better addition before the transfer deadline.

Olmo, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Transfermarkt’s Stefan Bienkowski, posted a better goal and assist per 90 rate, while also scoring more of his efforts placed on goal – subsequently providing a more consistent threat in the final third.

Games played

25

34

Goals & assists

13

16

Goals & assists per 90

0.97

0.56

Progressive carries

2.5

2.4

Progressive passes

6.1

3.3

Goals per shot on target

0.5

0.2

Pass accuracy

81%

74%

Passes into final third

3.6

1.7

Take-on success

51%

48%

Carries into final third

2.6

1.6

He also achieved higher tallies of progressive passes per 90 and passes made into the final third, offering a more creative presence in the number ten role within Frank’s side.

The former RB Leipzig star’s dominance over Eze is further highlighted by his better take-on success rate, able to single-handedly progress the ball into dangerous areas, before having the tools to finish off his runs – as seen by his aforementioned stats.

It would be another hefty investment from the board, but it’s clear that Spurs would be landing themselves the top-level talent they crave in such a department.

Eze would be an excellent Premier League-proven option for the side, but ultimately, if the club are to become consistent title contenders, they will need elite signings – with Olmo evidently providing just that this summer.

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Arsenal are now exchanging documents over a deal to sign a new “beast” on deadline day, with the target sharing the same agent as Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim.

Arsenal suffer first Premier League loss against Liverpool

The Gunners fell to defeat for the first time in the 2025/26 Premier League season on Sunday afternoon, going down 1-0 against title rivals Liverpool.

Dominik Szoboszlai’s late free-kick was the difference at Anfield, with Mikel Arteta’s side struggling to create from open play. That led to criticism from Jamie Carragher and Roy Keane, and Arteta also rued his side’s lack of killer instinct in the final third.

Eberechi Eze

Crystal Palace

£67.5m

Viktor Gyokeres

Sporting CP

£63.5m

Martin Zubimendi

Real Sociedad

£55m

Noni Madueke

Chelsea

£48m

Christian Norgaard

Brentford

£15m

Cristhian Mosquera

Valencia

£13m

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Chelsea

£5m

“You have to put the ball in the back of the net when you have it. We were much better than last year when we drew the game. Much, much better.

“No difference. And today, when we had three, four, five situations inside the box, 1v1, when [Eberechi Eze] is completely through, just to finish the action. We have to put those balls in the back of the net if you want to win the game.

“I am very disappointed with the result but very proud of my players. I think both teams took the game to a level where there were no margins between the two and little happens. A lot of action in many areas, not much in the boxes. And it was going to be decided in one of two actions: an individual error or a magic moment, and it was decided a magic moment.”

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Strong at set pieces, Arsenal lined up with four defenders who could play centrally against the Reds, whereas three powerful midfielders were also named in Arteta’s XI.

Now, another towering defender is set to be unveiled as an Arsenal player with hours before the window shuts.

Romano shares update on Arsenal’s move for Hincapie

The final signing of the summer for the Gunners could well be Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.

On course to join on an initial season-long loan with a move then set to become permanent next summer for a fee of around £45m, Hincapie’s deal is yet to be announced.

However, taking to X on deadline day, Romano said the two clubs are “exchanging documents” with the Ecuador international in London.

Called a “beast” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Hincapie, represented by AS1, who also look after Amorim, is on course to leave Leverkusen after 166 appearances. He won the Bundesliga and German Cup under Xabi Alonso in 2023/24 and his arrival could be perfect timing, especially following William Saliba’s injury at Anfield.

Super Over An extraordinary night of drama delivered a thriller, with UP Warriorz sending a crowd in excess of 28,000 into stunned silence after RCB failed to knock off the nine runs they needed in the Super Over.In a game that seemed to be headed RCB’s way until the last two overs in regulation time, Sophie Ecclestone’s incredible final-over hitting against Renuka Singh, which went for 17, forced the game into a Super Over. But the showstopper for the night was a sensational final over Ecclestone delivered to deny Smriti Mandhana and Richa Ghosh as Warriorz sprung their campaign back to life with a second straight win.Related

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The high-octane end

Forty-two needed off 18, with two wickets in hand. Ecclestone had pottered to 3 off eight balls, and had no option but to go for broke, especially with Chinelle Henry, seemingly the last hope for Warriorz, gone.Ecclestone got stuck into Georgia Wareham by muscling two sixes in a 13-run over. But when Saima Thakor was run out a ball after swinging one out of the ground in the 19th over, it was all on Ecclestone to knock off much of the 18 runs they needed off the last six.She hit 17 in an extraordinary sequence of 6, 6, 4, 1, taking Renuka to the cleaners as she repeatedly missed her lengths. But Ecclestone’s single off the fifth ball that left Warriorz needing one off the last ball, brought rookie Kranti Goud on strike.When Goud missed and the batters ran, Richa Ghosh did an MS Dhoni, choosing to sprint to the stumps and knock the bails off rather than risk an underarm throw. And just like that, the WPL had its first Super Over.Sophie Ecclestone’s sixes took the game into a Super Over•BCCI

Ecclestone’s dream night continues

When Kim Garth bowled Henry, who had muscled an incredible eight sixes in her 23-ball 62 against Delhi Capitals, with a slower delivery with Warriorz needing 47 off 22, she wouldn’t have envisaged having to bowl the Super Over.Yet, when she did, and conceded just 8 while dismissing Henry again, she wouldn’t have imagined finishing on the wrong side of the result. But, five minutes later, she watched in agony as Mandhana and Ghosh failed to find their hitting range on the face of some nerveless bowling from Ecclestone.It was a performance straight out of fantasy for the world’s No. 1 T20I and ODI bowler, who had also quite extraordinarily just conceded six runs off the final over in RCB’s innings. Three of those deliveries were pinpoint yorkers that denied Ellyse Perry a final charge towards what would have been an extraordinary century.

Perry, Wyatt-Hodge set RCB up

Perry offset Mandhana’s early loss – against offspin for the 11th time in the WPL – by welcoming Ecclestone with back-to-back fours, her step-out to bisect cover and mid-off being the standout. Perry’s intent-laden approach brought her a first six when she launched Thakor down the ground. At 42 for 1 at the end of the powerplay, RCB had a base.All through her innings, Perry was bubbling with flair. She became the first player to hit the 200-run mark in each of the first three WPLs. She also overtook Meg Lanning to become the highest run-getter in the tournament’s short history, during the course of a 94-run second-wicket stand with Danni Wyatt-Hodge.The five-over period between seven and 11 brought RCB just 33, but the pair was able to flick the switch. Goud, who hustled Wyatt-Hodge with an excellent bumper early on, was picked away for three back-to-back fours in the 13th.In doing so, Wyatt-Hodge exhibited her range of shots – a cut when offered width, a swat back past the bowler when it was dug in short, and a pummel over extra cover when the bowler went full. Wyatt-Hodge brought up her maiden WPL half-century off 36 balls against the side that had traded her out. But her dismissal brought Warriorz two more wickets – of Ghosh and Kanika Ahuja.Ellyse Perry brought out her glorious drives from the start•BCCI

But Perry didn’t pass up an opportunity to go all out in the death overs. She took a liking for Deepti Sharma’s predictable lengths and bowling into the surface by picking her for a sequence of 4, 6, 4, 2 in the penultimate over – hitting the ball to different areas, from deep cover to long-on to deep midwicket.Perry’s use of angles to try and get inside the line and sweep the bowlers off their lengths was particularly noteworthy. She finished unbeaten on 90 off 56, with RCB hitting 105 off the last nine overs.

Navgire sparks life into chase

With Chamari Athapaththu again on the bench, Warriorz needed some firepower up top, and when Kiran Navgire smashed a 27-ball 51 four nights ago against Capitals, it seemed like they had found an answer.Navgire tantalised yet again, her uncomplicated stand-and-deliver mantra bringing her 24 off just 12 balls, as she swung at anything remotely in her zone before she was bowled attempting to hoick Renuka. Vrinda Dinesh’s run of low scores stretched into a fourth game as she picked out mid-off for 14 as Warriorz lost two early.

Warriorz rise after slide

An injury to Shreyanka Patil opened up a spot for Sneh Rana as a replacement, and she inflicted more agony for Warriorz when she struck twice in two overs. This put Warriorz in freefall mode, even though Shweta Sehrawat sparked life into the innings with a sprightly 31. But at 125 for 7 in 15, only a freak Henry innings would have silenced the crowd. But when she chopped on to Garth in the 17th, Warriorz needed a miracle, and Ecclestone scripted one.

They are also set to tour India for two Tests in 2025

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Feb-2025A three-match home Test series against Australia and a two-Test tour to India will be the highlight of West Indies men’s Test fixtures for 2025. They will begin the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle with the Test series against Australia, for the Frank Worrell Trophy, from June 25 to July 16. This will also be West Indies’ first Test assignment under Daren Sammy, who will take over from red-ball coach Andre Coley.The Kensington Oval in Barbados will host the first Test and the Grenada National Stadium will host the second. The series will end at Sabina Park in Jamaica and will be followed by five T20Is. West Indies will close out their home summer with three T20Is and three ODIs against Pakistan from July 31 to August 12. Broward County in Florida will host the T20I series and the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Trinidad the ODI ones.They will then travel to India, Bangladesh, and New Zealand from September 21 to December 23. They are set to play three ODIs and three T20Is in Bangladesh. The New Zealand tour will be an all-format assignment comprising three Tests, three ODIs and five T20Is.Related

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Before all that, West Indies, having missed the qualification for the 2023 ODI World Cup, will prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup with three ODIs in Ireland, followed by three in England. During their visits, they will also play three T20Is each against both teams.The CWI release also stated that the West Indies women will begin their 2025 campaign with the World Cup qualifiers in Pakistan from April 4-19, where six teams will compete for two spots in the marquee event in India, scheduled from August to September.West Indies women will then travel to England for three T20Is and as many ODIs from May 21 to June 8. They will then return home to face South Africa women in three ODIs and three T20Is, with the 3Ws Oval in Barbados hosting all six games.Malahide will host all three ODIs in Ireland from May 21 to May 25 before West Indies will play against England in Headingly (May 29), Cariff (June 1) and June 3 (The Oval). West Indies will also play three T20Is in England before returning to Ireland for three more T20Is in Belfast. Their UK tour will end with the third T20I against Ireland on June 15. They will have a ten-day gap before their Test-series opener against Australia in Barbados.

عقد آرني سلوت مدرب ليفربول مؤتمراً صحفياً للحديث عن آخر استعدادات فريقه لمواجهة مانشستر يونايتد في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز يوم الأحد على ملعب أنفيلد.

ويدخل ليفربول مباراة الأحد ضد مانشستر يونايتد وهو في المركز الثاني بـ15 نقطة، بينما يحتل مانشستر يونايتد المركز العاشر بـ10 نقاط.

ويثير مستوى محمد صلاح العديد من التساؤلات مع ليفربول، حيث خاض النجم المصري 10 مباريات مع الريدز، سجل 3 أهداف وصنع 3 أهداف فقط.

اقرأ أيضاً.. محمد صلاح يطارد رقمين قياسيين في مباراة ليفربول ومانشستر يونايتد

وتحدث سلوت عن محمد صلاح في تصريحات نشرتها “ليفربول إيكو” البريطانية قبل مواجهة مانشستر يونايتد: “ليس مهماً من نواجه يوم الأحد”.

وأضاف: “إذا خسرت ثلاث مباريات متتالية وأنت ترتدي قميص ليفربول، فإنه عليك الرد، يبذل كل اللاعبون قصارى جهدهم في كل مباراة من اللحظة الأولى حتى اللحظة الأخيرة”.

وواصل: “نحن في آخر ثلاث مباريات اضطررنا للعودة من تأخرنا بهدف، فعلنا ذلك مرتين لكننا خسرنا، يجب أن يكون هناك رد فعل دائماً ليس فقط من محمد صلاح بل من جميع اللاعبين”.

An “incredible” star turned down a late move to Aston Villa after they expressed a willingness to fork out £43m, it has been revealed.

Villa in need of fresh injection of quality

Emery has undoubtedly done a fantastic job at Villa, turning around the club’s fortunes by leading them to the Champions League and the Europa League, but the manager clearly needs a fresh injection of quality in his squad.

It has been a slow start to the season for the Villans, losing two and drawing one of their opening three Premier League games, during which time they failed to score a single goal, which meant it was a busy deadline day for Emery.

Perhaps in light of his side’s attacking issues in the first three matches, the Spaniard opted to bring in two new attackers, with winger Jadon Sancho arriving on loan from Manchester United, alongside Liverpool attacking midfielder Harvey Elliott.

However, one position in which Aston Villa were unable to strengthen was between the sticks, and in the end they didn’t need to, with Emiliano Martinez remaining at the club.

It has since been widely reported that Martinez was actively seeking a deadline day move to Manchester United, phoning international teammate Lisandro Martinez to advocate for him, but the Red Devils ended up signing Senne Lammens instead.

With the Argentinian seeking a departure, Villa were looking to bring in a replacement, and a report from Record (via Sport Witness) has revealed they agreed to shell out €50m (£43m) for FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa.

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Costa was being targeted as a replacement for Martinez, but Emery’s side were unable to get a deal over the line, with the Portuguese shot-stopper rejecting a move to Villa Park in the final days of the window.

"Incredible" Costa could have been ideal Martinez replacement

Ultimately, Emery didn’t need to bring in an immediate replacement for Martinez, with a move to United failing to transpire, but it remains to be seen whether the Argentina international has a long-term future at the club.

The 33-year-old was clearly agitating for a move on deadline day, and in some ways it is disappointing that a deal didn’t go through, given that there is little point keeping a wantaway player on the books.

Not only that, but missing out on the Porto goalkeeper is a blow for Emery, given that the 25-year-old has put in some top-quality performances during his time with his boyhood club.

Having also amassed 36 caps for national side Portugal, and been described as “incredible” by compatriot Diogo Dalot, Costa could’ve been an ideal long-term replacement for Martinez, but Aston Villa will now have to wait until January at the earliest to pursue a deal.

When Trent Alexander-Arnold left Liverpool behind prior to the Club World Cup, fans at Anfield were left furious.

In all honesty, it was no secret that Trent was going to head to Real Madrid, but the way in which he departed has rubbed some the wrong way.

The Liverpool-born full-back had been part of the Reds setup for nearly his entire life and it came to a point where he refused a new deal at the club.

The fact they weren’t initially getting a fee for one of their prized assets was remarkable, really, but he did eventually fetch £10m when Madrid decided they wanted him in the squad for the Club World Cup.

Liverpool have since replaced him but have they truly replaced his best qualities?

How Liverpool can replace Trent

With Trent gone, Richard Hughes and Co moved swiftly to secure the services of Jeremie Frimpong who like Florian Wirtz, traded Bayer Leverkusen and Germany for the Premier League.

Frimpong is incredibly attack-minded, just like Alexander-Arnold, but he’s more about pace and aggression, soaring down the right wing, rather than inverting and spraying passes.

Both are progressive but in their own different ways. So, how can Slot rediscover that progression from central areas?

Well, Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton wouldn’t go a miss.

Transfer Focus

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

Reports in recent weeks have linked Liverpool with a move for the England international and he’s still being touted with a switch.

talkSPORT report this week that Manchester United are considering a bid for the midfielder amid doubts surrounding their pursuit of Brighton’s Carlos Baleba.

The report further notes that Liverpool are long-term admirers of the former Blackburn Rovers star.

While it’s unlikely Wharton moves this summer, particularly amid a £100m asking price, this is certainly one to watch for Richard Hughes and Co heading into 2026.

How Wharton could replace Trent’s best qualities

While Liverpool won’t lose any attacking intent having swapped Alexander Arnold for Frimpong, they will lose a big dose of creativity.

We’re all familiar with how Frimpong loves to get down the flank but what that means is that he’s not going to be someone who plays passes through the lines.

According to data supplied by FBRef, in the 2024/25 Bundesliga, Frimpong made just 2.14 progressive passes and 1.17 key passes per 90 minutes, metrics that ranked him in the very worst 11% of full-backs in the division for the former and the top 34% for the latter.

Liverpool’s former number 66, however, was very strong in this department. In the 2024/25 Premier League, the scouser made 8.83 progressive passes per 90 minutes, ranking him in the best 1% of positionally similar players. He also supplied 1.98 key passes every 90 minutes, ranking him in the top 5%. It’s safe to say he’s an elite creator.

So, where do Liverpool rediscover those attributes with a player in the centre?

Wharton would certainly help. Described as a “generational talent” in the words of former Sky Sports employee Matthew Stanger, he is one of the calmest and composed players in possession in England.

Last season, he made 1.78 key passes per 90 in the league, more than Frimpong and also registered 7.31 progressive passes across the same time frame. That ranked him among the division’s finest 7% of midfielders for that metric.

Not just creative from central zones like Alexander-Arnold was, he could be a defensive upgrade too.

A look at the numbers indicates that while the former Red got through his fair share of tackles, overall, Wharton is a lot more complete from a defensive point of view, winning more aerial duels and making a higher volume of interceptions.

So, while the Palace superstar may not play in the same position as Alexander-Arnold, he could be everything that was hoped of Trent if he had eventually become a midfielder.

New Coutinho: Liverpool considering late move to sign £86m Isak alternative

Liverpool set sights on Real Madrid Galáctico with an £86m price tag.

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Bayern Munich are moving to secure Dayot Upamecano’s future as the French defender's contract nears its end, with Serge Gnabry’s deal also under consideration after a strong start to the season. Sporting director Max Eberl confirmed open discussions, while interest from Liverpool and Real Madrid looms, making the coming months crucial for Bayern’s squad planning and title ambitions.

• Upamecano contract talks underway

  Bayern sporting director Eberl has confirmed that the club are keen to extend Upamecano’s contract. 

  “We’re having open discussions, especially with Dayot Upamecano. It’s no big secret that we have a strong desire to extend his contract,” Eberl said in an interview with . With the French centre-back’s deal set to expire next summer, Bayern are acting early to ensure continuity in defence amid growing interest from Liverpool and Real Madrid. The club view Upamecano as a cornerstone of their backline, and talks are expected to continue quietly behind closed doors as the right time approaches.

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• Getty/GOAL
  

  Upamecano on Liverpool’s radar

  Liverpool have identified Upamecano, 26, as a prime summer target to bolster their defence, particularly with Ibrahima Konate entering the final year of his contract. reports Bayern see Upamecano as an alternative to Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, while the Frenchman’s pre-contract availability from January 1 gives Liverpool a strategic advantage. Real Madrid are also reportedly monitoring the centre-back, making Bayern’s timely negotiations critical to retaining their defensive star.

  However, Bayern see their current players as key assets. "And as for the other players, a few contracts are expiring. Players who have been at FC Bayern for a long time. These are players who have a completely different perception, of themselves, but also of the team, of FC Bayern. And it's clear that we're always thinking about this. When we think the time is right, we'll start the talks quietly behind closed doors," said Eberl

• Gnabry’s resurgence and future at Bayern

  Eberl also addressed Gnabry, who has returned to form under Vincent Kompany this season and is also nearing the end of his deal, saying: “Serge feels great. He's healthy. He's not thinking about it; he's playing, and he's doing an outstanding job at the moment." 

  Despite past injury struggles and dips in form, Gnabry has contributed three goals and three assists in six appearances, thriving in a number 10 role behind Harry Kane. Bayern are monitoring the winger’s consistency, but discussions over a new contract may be delayed until the winter break, ensuring they evaluate performance before committing to long-term terms. 

  "Serge had a very good time when he came to FC Bayern. Then there were one or two years that were what they were. I can't definitively assess why. But I can assess what I see now, what Vincent Kompany is doing with him, what Serge is bringing to the pitch," said the sporting director.

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  Bayern is off to a strong start, but upcoming fixtures loom

  The Bavarians have enjoyed another dream start to the season, winning all competitive fixtures and demonstrating sharp attacking form. The 4-1 victory over Hoffenheim, featuring a Kane hat-trick, highlighted the squad’s quality. Eberl also praised the influence of Vincent Kompany in shaping the team’s confidence and cohesion, underscoring the importance of stability in key positions as Bayern chase domestic and European honours.

  Bayern will host Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga and face Pafos in the Champions League, the Cypriot side making their debut at home in Europe. Upamecano and Gnabry’s contract situations will remain central to Bayern’s planning, particularly as the club balances squad continuity with potential transfer interest. Securing both players would reinforce Bayern’s title credentials domestically and in Europe.