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A fresh transfer rumour has claimed that Rangers have their eye on a new attacking maestro with a “big future” in the game.

Rangers manager, injury & contract news

The Gers are in the middle of a hiatus from Scottish Premiership action, with the international break arguably not coming at a bad time for manager Philippe Clement, allowing him to reset during a period in which he is under a huge amount of pressure.

Rangers may have beaten St Johnstone 2-0 at Ibrox in their most recent assignment, but the 4-1 defeat at home to Lyon in the Europa League was a low point in the season, leaving many supporters wondering if a change in manager is needed moving forward. For now, the Belgian appears to be safe, though.

Away from the managerial situation, injuries aren’t helping matters this season, with the Scottish giants having to make do without a number of key figures at different points in the campaign. Rabbi Matondo falls into that bracket, but he has hinted that a return is on the cards after the internationals are done and dusted.

In terms of the contract situation at Ibrox currently, John Souttar is expected to extend his stay at the club in the near future, with Dujon Sterling already agreeing a new deal recently.

Rangers admire attacking star with "bright future"

According to a fresh claim from The Boot Room, Rangers “admire” Midtjylland winger Dario Osorio, joining a host of clubs in showing an interest in the 20-year-old.

The Chile international is also wanted by many Premier League teams, including Newcastle United, not to mention the Gers’ Scottish Premiership rivals Celtic.

Osorio is a big up-and-coming talent for Chile, so Rangers being in the mix to snap him up is hugely exciting, at a time when they could with some big-name addition to close the gap on Celtic.

The young winger is a player with a massive amount of potential, with Ricardo Gareca hailing his potential as a footballer, saying: “Osorio is a quiet boy but he can have a bright future. We have a lot of expectations for him because I don’t think he has a ceiling. It will depend a lot on him, how far he wants to go.”

Meanwhile, Chile legend Alexis Sanchez has claimed that Osorio has “a lot of personality”, which is high praise from an iconic figure in his homeland, and he could be worth as much as £10m, with Tottenham linked with him in the past.

After Sterling: Rangers should hand a pay rise to £22k-p/w star

The Light Blues attacking midfielder has enjoyed an impressive start to the season.

2 ByDan Emery Oct 9, 2024

It won’t be easy for Rangers to get their man, given that some Champions League-playing clubs are interested in him, but it could feel like a major coup if they managed to entice him to Ibrox down the line, promising him a role as a key player and allowing him to reach his vast potential as a footballer, making this possibly one to watch.

Crystal Palace sit 18th in the Premier League, drawing three and losing three of their opening six games. They are one of five teams yet to get their first win, and it won’t get any easier, as they face Liverpool next at Selhurst Park.

Palace have managed to average 51.4% possession in their games so far – the ninth-best in the league, but have only managed to score five goals, despite taking 13.8 shots per 90. Again, that is the ninth-best record in the division, only 0.4 fewer than Arsenal.

The Eagles have looked rather toothless in attack this season without Michael Olise, who left to join Bayern Munich in the summer, which has seen Jean-Philippe Mateta’s chances decrease to start this campaign.

Mateta's record at Crystal Palace

Palace signed Mateta back in January 2022 for a fee of around £9m from Mainz, joining on a permanent deal having already spent a year there on loan since 2021.

In his first full season at the club, Mateta made 28 appearances, scoring seven goals and providing one assist in 1,573 minutes played.

Mateta has now played 114 games in total for the Eagles, scoring 33 times and providing seven assists, with a total of 5,892 minutes played for the club. The 2023/24 campaign was his best year, netting an incredible 16 Premier League goals in 35 appearances.

Despite Palace’s poor start to the season, the Frenchman has still started brightly, scoring four goals in eight games played, and also providing one assist. But things could have been very different, as Palace nearly signed a Premier League flop instead.

When Palace wanted to sign Adam Armstrong

Back in August 2021, Crystal Palace were reportedly in advanced talks to sign Blackburn striker, Adam Armstrong.

Instead, Armstrong ended up joining Southampton that summer, for a fee of around £15m, with Danny Ings leaving the Saints to join Aston Villa that same window. Mateta then arrived at Selhurst Park on an initial loan deal.

Armstrong has made 124 appearances for Southampton, scoring 29 goals, providing 16 assists, and totalling 8,071 minutes played. However, only four of his 29 goals have come in the Premier League, earning him a “PL flop” label from many fans.

Goals

0.61

0.00

Assists

0.15

0.00

xG

0.35

0.33

Progressive Carries

0.42

2.08

Progressive Passes

1.46

2.08

Shots Total

1.36

2.50

Shots on Target

0.45

0.31

Touches (Att Pen)

3.13

5.00

Aerials Won

1.67

0.00

When you compare the two players’ starts to this season, you can see what both players bring to the table, with Armstrong offering more in terms of progression – via both carrying and passing – whilst Mateta has far more box threat, winning aerial duels, and delivering important output with goals and assists.

Despite taking fewer shots, the Eagles star also has more shots on target per 90, showing his precision is much higher, which is also backed up by his goal tally compared to Armstrong’s.

Palace fans will be happy the deal for the now Saints gem didn’t happen, ending up with Mateta instead who has been going from strength to strength for them in the past year, and has started this season as he means to go on.

One that got away

The transfers that nearly happened but never did. This article is part of Football FanCast's One That Got Away series.

You know things are going pretty bad when for the first time in his entire career, Bruno Fernandes gets sent for an early bath.

It just about summed up the opening month and a bit of the new season for Manchester United, who surprise surprise, are getting no better under Erik ten Hag.

INEOS kept the faith with the Dutchman over the summer but they are yet to be vindicated by that decision with the Red Devils sat in 12th place with a goal difference of minus three. It’s grim reading for what is a historic institution. We dread to think what Sir Alex Ferguson makes of it all.

What supporters would give to see the glory days of Fergie brought back to Old Trafford. Sadly, they are some way off rediscovering that level of performance.

It’s a chaotic mess and Ten Hag doesn’t seem to be able to find a remedy to drag them from what feels like rock bottom. They will have to navigate the next few weeks without their captain too.

Bruno Fernandes' season in numbers

The Portuguese has been a wonderful servant to this great football club. During his time in Manchester to date, Fernandes has scored an impressive 79 goals and supplied 70 assists. He has been a marvel in the red shirt.

Sadly, this season his performance levels have dropped. The 30-year-old is yet to find the net and has only registered three assists in all competitions, only one of which has come in the Premier League.

To make matters worse, he was given a red card in the dismal 3-0 defeat to Spurs on Sunday, slipping and catching James Maddison with his studs. It was a harsh sending off but it ultimately summed up his lack of influence so far this term.

In the 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace last weekend he gave the ball away a staggering 34 times and failed to hit a single shot on target. It didn’t get much better in their Europa League clash with FC Twente either where the Portugal international created just one goal-scoring chance, lost possession 19 times and completed just 75% of his passes.

Touches

113

Passes completed

60/83

Pass accuracy

72%

Number of times possession lost

34

Ground duels won

7/9

Tackles won

4/4

Key passes

2

Sunday’s awful display, meanwhile, saw a pass completion rate of just 74% while he didn’t win a single duel either.

It might not be the worst idea for him to sit out the next few games, then. He will be suspended for three matches which gives the likes of Mason Mount and Christian Eriksen a chance to prove themselves.

They could also look at bringing in some more young players like Toby Collyer and Dan Gore. However, they are not of a similar ilk. Isak Hansen-Aaroen is, however, but he’s already left the club.

What happened to Isak Hansen-Aaroen

It’s unlikely that the decision-makers at United will be losing too much sleep over seeing the Norwegian walk away last January.

Hansen-Aaroen wanted game time, he wanted first-team football and the Red Devils could not deliver that. So, he was off on his merry way to Werder Bremen in Germany, signing for a fee of around just £200k.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast's Where Are They Now series.

Why is this a loss? Well, Hansen-Aaroen would be a pretty handy replacement for Fernandes in the here and now. He wouldn’t do any worse than the current crop, that’s for sure.

After all, his playmaking abilities have already been compared to a fellow countryman and one of the finest in the Premier League.

A former teammate of his at Tromso, Yttergård Jenssen, is one name who has rushed to praise the youngster. “He has some skills that are completely raw. He’s so playful with the ball. And the way he moves on a football field… There’s something artistic about it. He is a bit reminiscent of Martin Ødegaard.”

Fine praise indeed for a player who is still only 20. The young Norwegian has featured just three times for Bremen since moving but his numbers at youth level speak for themselves.

He left Carrington having registered ten official assists at youth level alongside eight goals. They’re not jaw-dropping numbers by any means but the fact he’s left and immediately playing senior team football in a major European league suggests he’d have something to offer this current United side.

Sadly, they will never quite know whether he’d have made the grade or not at Old Trafford.

Man Utd must drop 4/10 star who Neville thought was "awful"

Manchester United resemble a sinking ship under Erik ten Hag’s stewardship.

ByMatt Dawson Sep 30, 2024

Chelsea, hoping to finally make their return to the Premier League’s top four this season, are already reportedly competing with Bayern Munich to sign a defensive addition next summer.

Chelsea transfer news

The Blues are beginning to look settled under Enzo Maresca, avoiding defeat in their last four Premier League games, and may see their hefty spending pay dividends under Todd Boehly this season. But that’s unlikely to stop the flurry of arrivals in 2025, with the Blues’ transfer strategy fairly unlikely to change in the face of success.

With that said, those at Stamford Bridge have already been linked with the likes of Milos Kerkez ahead of 2025. The Bournemouth left-back is reportedly seen as someone who could provide backup for Marc Cucurella and replace the out-of-favour Ben Chilwell. And he’s not the only defensive addition attracting the Blues’ attention it seems.

According to Bild as relayed by reports, Chelsea are now in the running to sign Jonathan Tah ahead of Bayern Munich, but have plenty of work to do given that the German reportedly still prefers a move to the Bavarian club over Stamford Bridge.

Reportedly earning £48,000-a-week, Tah won’t come cheap on his side but the fact that he’ll be a free agent next summer means that Chelsea will be able to save themselves money by not splashing out on a transfer fee.

More touches than Jackson & Palmer: 8/10 Chelsea star is undroppable

Chelsea’s 8/10 man is becoming undroppable after another stellar performance

ByConnor Holden Sep 22, 2024

Amid several big-money moves, Tah represents a bargain deal that Chelsea could land to get next summer off to the perfect start. The Bayer Leverkusen man would certainly stand in good stead when it comes to completing Maresca’s backline.

"Important" Tah would hand Chelsea defensive leader

Whilst Chelsea have seemingly turned a corner, there are still some concerns within Maresca’s side for the Blues to address, starting with the addition of a defensive leader. As things stand, whether it’s summer signing Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, Axel Disasi or Benoit Badiashile, Chelsea lack a standout defender who is guaranteed to start every week as the central figure in their backline. Tah could take that role, however.

The 28-year-old has been there and done it at the top level, having just enjoyed an invincible title win in the Bundesliga at Bayer Leverkusen in a campaign that saw Xavi Alonso’s side’s only defeat come in the Europa League final against Atalanta.

The Leverkusen boss is well aware of Tah’s quality too, saying via Bavarian Football Works amid transfer speculation this season: “I’m planning with Jona because he’s so important to us, on the pitch, but also off the pitch. That’s my idea at the moment. But I’m not turning a blind eye to the situation. We’ll see what happens. He’s fully focused, a top professional. I have no reason to complain.”

Of course though, as things stand, Alonso will have no choice but to plan for life without his central defender next summer when he leaves as a free agent in what could be to the benefit of Chelsea.

There is now a "serious possibility" that Chelsea could sign Flamengo's exciting young midfielder Matheus Franca this summer, transfers expert Fabrizio Romano has told GIVEMESPORT.

Chelsea transfer news – what's the latest on Matheus Franca?

It's been another busy summer of frantic transfer business in West London, but more due to outgoings than incomings for once, with the club selling a raft of first-team players to the burgeoning Saudi league, European leagues and even rivals in the Premier League.

The shipping off of so many players has now allowed the club to start looking towards incomings, with the young striker Nicolas Jackson already coming through the doors at Stamford Bridge from La Liga outfit Villarreal.

The club are also making a conscious effort to sign young, exciting players that are full of potential, with one of those targets being Flamengo's much sought-after Franca.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed on his YouTube channel last week that the Blues were preparing to make an opening offer for the youngster in the region of £17m, with additional add-ons driving the fee up further.

Things appear to have progressed yet further over the course of the week, with a deal now looking increasingly likely, according to the Italian.

What has Fabrizio Romano said about Chelsea and Matheus Franca?

Romano was clear in confirming Chelsea's interest in the exciting youngster as well as revealing the club's overall strategy when it comes to South America in the future.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: "Matheus Franca is a serious possibility. They are already invested in Angelo Gabriel. Franca is another super talent.

"So, it seems very clear the idea is to invest in a big way in South American talents and hope to see them in a Chelsea shirt in the future."

How good is Matheus Franca?

It isn't easy to get a full picture of just how good Franca really is as he is still relatively new to senior football, having played just 28 times for Flamengo in Brazil's Serie A.

However, he has managed to impress in his short time as a professional footballer finding the back of the net five times in those 28 appearances and considering he has managed that feat while playing in five different positions, the hype might well be justified.

Football scout Jacek Kulig would likely agrees as he was full of praise for the player when he first flagged him to fans outside of Brazil almost two years ago, saying:

"Great midfielder, great striker, he can play almost everywhere. One of the most exciting teenagers in Brazil at the moment."

Even with his limited experience, some elements of his game jump off the page when you look at his underlying numbers.

According to FBref, who compare players in a similar position in what they define as the world's next best eight competitions, Franca sits in the top 2% for non-penalty goals, the top 3% for non-penalty expected goals and total shots, the top 4% for touches in the opposition's penalty area, and the top 11% for successful take-ons, all per 90.

If Chelsea can secure his signature for just £17m, it could prove to be a brilliant bit of business in a few years time.

Tottenham Hotspur's summer business has not been surprising, largely for the plain and simple fact that their new manager is a quick thinker.

Ange Postecoglou's general rule of thumb at Celtic was that he'd act quickly and decisively in the transfer window, notably bringing in three players to Parkhead before the window for the January 2022 market had even opened.

They haven't acted that swiftly here, but they are making moves in the market, with a new transfer target now named; Marc Cucurella.

How much is Marc Cucurella worth?

Signed by Chelsea from Brighton for a fee of £60m last summer, the Spaniard could already be on the move after a tricky season.

Football Transfers note Spurs as one potential destination for the left-back.

It's claimed they are following his situation closely as they seek a replacement for the potentially outgoing Ivan Perisic.

The north Londoners are reportedly 'ready' to make a deal happen, something that could well materialise considering Mauricio Pochettino's side are 'desperate' to get rid of him.

Any deal could potentially cost around £48m, his expected transfer value, as per the same source.

How good is Marc Cucurella?

During his stint at Brighton, Cucurella emerged as a flying wing-back, one who looked every bit a La Masia graduate.

Barcelona's famous academy has housed some of the very best names in world football, from the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Iniesta.

It's safe to say the 24-year-old isn't quite that good, but he has forged a successful career for himself.

In his one and only season with the Seagulls, the 2021/22 campaign, the full-back posted one goal and two assists. They are hardly outstanding numbers but when it came to marauding defenders that year, there were few better in the division.

Cucurella sat inside the top 14% of full-backs in the Premier League for touches in the attacking third and the top 12% for carries, via FBref. Not just competent going forward, he was in the best 8% for ball recoveries with 7.20 per 90 minutes.

Are those numbers worthy of a £60m price tag? Arguably not. That said, he was an exciting proposition and one at an age where only growth was surely possible.

Unfortunately for Spurs, they would now be getting a player who has shown his flaws. Only another two assists were registered by the Spaniard in a poor Chelsea side. This time out, he was only in the best 30% for touches in the attacking third and the best 20% for carries. If there was one positive, he still recovered the ball on a regular basis, making 6.46 recoveries per 90, marking him in the best 14% positionally.

That doesn't look dreadful but the truth of the matter is that he made a number of notable errors too. He was hooked after just 63 minutes against his former employers in what turned out to be a 4-1 loss.

Described as a "liability" by journalist Josh Bunting during a game with Villa, he notably cost the Blues in Europe. In both games against Real Madrid, he let them down a great deal. At Stamford Bridge, Cucurella came charging out of his position leaving a huge gap in behind down Chelsea's left-hand side. The end product was a goal.

Similarly, at the Bernabeu, he was caught out of position. Rodrygo turned the wing-back all too easily which left Ben Chilwell vulnerable in behind. The result? A red card for the England man who was rather hung out to try by his defensive colleague who attempted to make a last-ditch challenge.

Spending big money on a Premier League talent, therefore, has rather worrying echoes of Richarlison.

The former Everton man made his own £60m switch last summer after impressing in the lower reaches of the table.

However, like Cucurella, he was one of the worst signings of the season. In total, the Brazilian found the net just three times, one of which came in the top flight. Remarkably, the attacker had to wait until the 30th April to finally break his league drought.

That isn't to say that every transfer from a Premier League side works out poorly, but Tottenham must learn their lesson from 12 months ago.

Investing in Cucurella this summer would feel like a costly mistake. This is surely one to swerve for Daniel Levy and Co.

Tottenham Hotspur could be set to add some true defensive steel to their midfield this summer, with one top target having emerged…

What's the latest on Joao Palhinha to Tottenham Hotspur?

The latest comes from The Sun (1/7; page 67), who suggests that the Lilywhites are huge admirers of Fulham's Joao Palhinha, but will expect competition from West Ham United.

Having enjoyed a stellar debut campaign in the Premier League, the Portugal international has unsurprisingly earned widespread interest from some top clubs. However, the Cottagers will reportedly hold out for a mouth-watering £90m fee in an effort to ward those suitors off, likely viewing their midfield general at a similar level to the £105m-rated Declan Rice.

With that kind of figure unlikely to stir Ange Postecoglou into action, the fact he remains keen on the player could see him seek to negotiate, in an effort to build a fine platform for his new signing James Maddison to truly thrive.

How good is Joao Palhinha?

For what was his first year in English football, the 27-year-old took to the physicality demanded of him with ease, showcasing his ability to consistently snatch back possession in that engine room with huge success. Even as early as August did commentator Steve Wilson brand the midfielder "outstanding", as a sign of the imperious presence that would go on to dominate many games.

In fact, the former Sporting CP metronome finished quite comfortably as the division's top tackler, with his 147 tackles dwarfing the competition. Moises Caicedo recorded the next best, with 100, and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was nowhere near with his tally of 56.

Given the Denmark international could be set to depart this summer, Palhinha could represent a fine replacement who boasts that additional bit of defensive steel and athleticism to allow him to screen a back four all on his own.

That being said, Spurs' 27-year-old ace did maintain a 7.11 average Sofascore rating last term in the league, marking a slight improvement on the 7.00 of his potential successor.

However, a gulf in class is not made apparent in their underlying statistics, as whilst the former recorded an 89% pass accuracy, 0.9 key passes, 1.6 tackles and 1.7 clearances per game (via Sofascore), Palhinha would instead maintain an 83% pass accuracy, 0.2 key passes, 4.2 tackles and 1.7 clearances per game of his own, via Sofascore.

Should Postecoglou opt to enact this transfer switch around, he would sacrifice the added offensive impetus that Hojbjerg offers for more solidity, likely aiming to give his true creative threats the best possible environment to exert their will on a game and win matches on their own.

Few within the Premier League could offer what Marco Silva's main man would, thus explaining his astronomical price tag. However, should it be slashed at any point, Spurs must swoop to secure what would be the perfect all-action defensive midfielder to underpin their new manager's high-octane philosophy.

Tottenham Hotspur have identified several defensive targets for this summer, but one homegrown asset could be the standout…

What's the latest on Marc Guehi to Tottenham?

That's according to The Athletic, who detail various targets that Ange Postecoglou could swoop for in his first transfer window since joining.

Despite links in recent months suggesting a move for Manchester City's Aymeric Laporte, they could instead invest in youth and stump up the £50m Crystal Palace are set to demand for Marc Guehi with the defender believed to be a target.

After all, he boasts an impressively high ceiling, with his malleable nature making him the perfect foundation for which the Australian head coach can build his dynasty in north London. He has been a long-term target of the club, seemingly way before the arrival of the former Celtic boss.

Is Marc Guehi better than Aymeric Laporte?

The key differences between these two defensive stalwarts are their age and minutes played, with one having starred for a mid-table outfit, whilst the other has played a supplementary role in an unprecedented achievement in Manchester.

The Spain international made just 24 appearances in all competitions last term, with 12 of those coming in the league. For all his quality during his time at the Etihad, this lack of influence must surely be a factor in Postecoglou's thinking.

Not to mention that he is set to turn 30 next year, whilst Guehi is still just 22 years old.

Already an England international, and having starred for an uninspiring yet solid Palace side, even during a campaign where they were at points threatened with relegation, he still maintained a 6.94 Sofascore average rating. This was matched by Laporte in the league too, although he did play 25 fewer matches for a far greater team.

To further emphasise the impressive form of the Chelsea academy graduate, it is worth emphasising his 85% pass accuracy and 82% dribble success rate he upheld in his most recent season, to match his outstanding 3.6 clearances per game, via Sofascore. For context, no player made more clearances a match in the entire Spurs squad.

A true ball-playing leader, yet with the solidity needed to improve this struggling squad, it is no surprise to see former England U21 teammate Josef Bursik had branded him an "absolute tank", and a "brick wall" to have in front of him as a goalkeeper.

It is also worth outlining that, in Opta's player radars, he is shown to truly excel when it comes to touches of the ball and possession won. Able to wrestle back possession with his immense strength, but combining it with imperious technical quality, makes him something of a physical marvel.

Laporte has been impressive for so long, but his age would make him a short-term signing in an attempt to force instant success. Guehi poses a fine alternative in terms of instant impact but arguably has well over a decade to continue his growth into a huge figure in the Postecoglou revolution.

Tottenham Hotspur do hold an interest in Conor Gallagher this summer but it is not something which is close at this stage in the window.

How old is Conor Gallagher?

Spurs look prepared to press the reset button this summer with a seriously underwhelming 2022/23 campaign now behind them which saw finish in a miserable eighth spot.

Ange Postecoglou has now come through the doors as their new manager as Daniel Levy has finally solved his managerial hunt following Antonio Conte's departure.

However, there are still some glaring areas which are in need of improvement considering the Lilywhites were unable to even secure a spot in the Europa Conference League for the upcoming campaign.

It is believed the north London outfit have identified the Leicester City star James Maddison as a potential option for the summer window with expected competition from Newcastle United.

But another name which is also seemingly on their radar is that of the Chelsea midfielder Gallagher who is also believed to be a target of the Toon.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed someone at Spurs appreciated the Chelsea midfielder but at the moment their attention is on Maddison:

"It's true that also someone at Tottenham appreciates the player. But, at the moment, it's not something concrete and Tottenham's focus is on James Madison."

How many years does Conor Gallagher have left on his contract?

The Chelsea midfielder did not have a campaign he will be wanting to remember in a hurry having only been able to provide a return of three goals and one assist in the Premier League (via Transfermarkt).

And this is a position where Spurs have been in dire need of some creativity and dependability in returning goals and assists.

Tottenham's highest scoring midfielder over the 2022/23 campaign was Rodrigo Bentancur with a total of six goals across all competitions.

But to put that figure into perspective, the Uruguayan has been out of action since February after sustaining a season-ending ACL injury which resulted in him undergoing surgery.

With his 2022/23 returns in mind, perhaps Maddison would prove a safer option for Tottenham considering he was able to provide an impressive 10 goals and nine assists for Leicester City (via Transfermarkt).

And despite having just two years remaining on his deal at Stamford Bridge, reports from Germany (via football.london) suggest Chelsea could still be looking for around £44m for the 23-year-old.

Liverpool are interested in signing Southampton prodigy Romeo Lavia this summer, hoping to capitalise on the south coast club's Premier League relegation.

What's the latest on Romeo Lavia to Liverpool?

According to Football Insider, while Jurgen Klopp's Reds are considering lodging a formal offer for the Belgian teenager, they do not wish to be dragged into a bidding war with rival suitors Chelsea this summer.

The 19-year-old is reportedly available for around £45m-£50m, though if multiple outfits prove desperate to secure his signature, such a valuation could balloon, which would effectively end the Reds' interest.

Sporting director Jorg Schmadtke will be working diligently to add to the recent £35m acquisition of Alexis Mac Allister after the departures of James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Lavia might just be the perfect rising star to be nurtured to prominence in their wake.

How would Lavia perform at Liverpool?

It's a strange old atmosphere at Anfield right now, with Liverpool nursing the wounds inflicted throughout the 22/23 campaign, failing to qualify for the Champions League, but holding an embedded sense of optimism that the dismal midfield and defensive displays will be rectified this summer.

The energetic Mac Allister is undoubtedly a stunning signing to pave the new foundation, but the club are expected to target two further additions in midfield and Lavia could be the shiny new anchor to hold the centre together with an iron-clad grip for years to come, already hailed as "incredible" by Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola.

Despite a terrible collective season with Saints, Lavia's pedigree shone through in coruscating light, having made 35 appearances across all competitions, scored one goal and assist apiece and earned a respectable Sofascore league rating of 6.8 after completing 86% of his passes and making 2.1 tackles per game.

It is unlikely that the one-cap star's positional peer on Merseyside, Fabinho, will be displaced for the forthcoming campaign despite sitting at the epicentre of Liverpool's seasonal strife, having rekindled some of his former vigour towards the business end of the campaign.

The “exquisite” Lavia – as he has been called by Jacob Tanswell – would be nurtured and integrated with care as he works towards a prominent role under Klopp's tutelage, and his ascent could coincide with Stefan Bajcetic's, who could form a devastating central partnership alongside the holding midfielder.

Liverpool's once imperious centre lost its sparkle this year after years of illustrious success, tired legs and sapped vitality playing their role in the decimation of an outfit once striking fear with a searing iron into opposition across Europe, but the prodigious Bajcetic entered the fold after impressing for the academy ranks and earned praise as an "incredible prospect" by journalist Tom Barnes for his energy and exuberance.

A robust enforcer, the 18-year-old Spaniard made 19 appearances for the Reds' senior side – scoring one goal – before injury cruelly ended his breakout year prematurely, but he is the future and with a pivot such as Lavia burgeoning alongside him over the next several terms, a fearsome duo could well be born.