All posts by z3u9t.icu

In an ideal reality, West Bromwich Albion would find themselves competing in the upcoming Championship playoff final after Tony Mowbray’s return had gone down as a rip-roaring success.

Unfortunately, that script hasn’t come to life, with Mowbray actually finding himself out of a job again after a dismal run of just five wins from 17 games led to the Baggies falling short of those coveted playoff spots.

West Brom do have plenty of time on their hands to assess who they would like to bring in as the 61-year-old’s successor now as the ongoing search shows no real signs of coming to a halt.

West Brom's list of manager targets

It’s been nearly a month since Mowbray was abruptly axed from the Hawthorns hot seat, meaning plenty of names have been linked to fill the vacancy.

Indeed, faces such as Stockport County manager Dave Challinor have been tipped to take on the reins, alongside ex-Southampton boss Russell Martin potentially getting back on the horse after his Saints dismissal.

Moreover, former Manchester United coach turned Minnesota United manager Eric Ramsay has also been regularly thrown about as a successor to Mowbray, but there’s one other name that looks to be the likeliest option away from any other rumoured bosses.

Indeed, journalist Graeme Bailey has revealed recently that West Brom still ‘really like’ Tottenham Hotspur background figure Ryan Mason, with his young and fresh approach one factor that ticks a lot of boxes for the Baggies hierarchy.

Ramsay is the same age as Mason – with both the fresh-faced managers only being 33 years of age – but the Spurs coach arguably has more experience of the hustle and bustle of the English game, meaning he might well be viewed as an upgrade on the left-field Minnesota boss.

Why Mason is an upgrade on Ramsay

There is a logic behind West Brom wanting to go down the route of appointing a youthful new manager, having been burnt by the experienced Mowbray returning and ultimately failing.

On top of that, the likes of Liam Manning – who is only six years older than Mason – managed to steer Bristol City to the playoffs just this season, whilst the equally blooming Danny Rohl improved on a near escape from relegation at the helm of Sheffield Wednesday by guiding them to a comfortable mid-table finish.

Whilst both of those figures will likely go on to achieve far more in their careers, Mason does hold an advantage over both of them currently – on top of also bettering Ramsay in this department – with the 33-year-old gaining experience on the job of what it’s like to be an interim boss of a Premier League team with Spurs.

Whilst Ramsay does have an impressive 24 wins under his belt in charge of Minnesota, he has no experience of what it’s like to be thrown into the deep end of Premier League action, having only ever watched from afar when situated at the Red Devils.

On the contrary, Mason has briefly shone when handed the reins of the North Londoners, with six wins collected during some testing and turbulent times after some notable managerial exits.

He could be what West Brom needs, therefore, to recover from the popular figure of Mowbray flopping, with Ange Postecoglou even going out of his way recently to label Mason as “outstanding” for his work at the Premier League side.

Clearly, the Baggies need to think somewhat outside of the box to bring success back to the Hawthorns after the tried and tested route of Mowbray unravelled.

Whilst Ramsay would fit that unorthodox label, he might well flounder attempting to adapt to the Championship. Whereas, the time could be just right for Mason to prove himself after a worthwhile education at Spurs.

Free transfer: West Brom in talks to sign 21 y/o with same agent as Fellows

He’s out of contract at the end of June.

ByCharlie Smith May 15, 2025

No Liverpool fan could’ve envisaged the impact midfielder Philippe Coutinho would have at Anfield after the Brazilian star completed his £8.5m move from Inter Milan back in 2013.

However, he wasted no time in making himself a fan favourite on Merseyside, with his direct dribbling and ball-striking ability catching the eye throughout his five years at the club.

The now-32-year-old made a total of 201 appearances for the Reds, registering 54 goals and 44 assists, averaging a goal contribution every 2.1 matches he appeared in.

Such form would see the talent depart in a staggering £146m deal to join Spanish side Barcelona, a move that would ruin his career, now featuring for Vasco de Gama in Brazil after years of struggles.

However, this summer, Arne Slot has the opportunity to land his own version of the attacking star, looking to take advantage of his situation at his current employers.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new attackers

With the summer transfer window just around the corner, Liverpool have already wasted no time in pursuing targets who would add to the talent already at Anfield.

The likes of Victor Osimhen, Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko have all been touted with a switch to Merseyside over the last couple of months to add depth to the forward line.

They’re not the only ones who’ve been on their radar, with Real Madrid star Rodrygo the latest player they’re in the running for, according to Sports Zone.

They claim that the Brazilian’s representatives have already been in talks with Slot’s side over a potential switch to Anfield after refusing to come off the bench in the El Clásico last weekend.

It also confirms that he could be a viable option to add depth to the side, with previous reports claiming that the 24-year-old could be available for a fee in the region of £85m this summer.

Described as “world-class superstar,” by Luka Modrić, it’s safe to say this would be an exciting signing.

Why Liverpool’s £85m target could be Slot’s own Coutinho

Liverpool’s attack has massively catapulted them to the Premier League title in 2024/25, registering 83 goals in their 36 outings – the highest in the division, at an average of 2.3 goals per game.

Mohamed Salah has been the shining light in forward areas, registering 28 goals and 18 assists in his 36 appearances – the highest combined tally of any player in the league, showcasing the threat he’s posed.

The Egyptian penned a new two-year contract at Anfield last month, extending his stay at the club to over a decade, with such a deal undoubtedly the best deal the Reds could conduct this summer.

However, if the side are to continue their excellent form in the league next campaign, further reinforcements are needed to help take the weight off the 32-year-old’s shoulders.

A deal for Rodrygo would be an excellent one, handing the side the added reinforcements they need and allowing the manager to have another version of Coutinho.

The Real Madrid star, who’s been labelled “incredible” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has managed to register six goals and five assists in LaLiga this campaign – starting in just 22 matches to date.

He could prove to be their next Coutinho, following suit of the midfielder by joining from a European outfit after rapidly falling down the pecking order before his switch.

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The pair, who are both Brazilian, also have the ability to feature in the number 10 role or even in any of the three forward roles – handing Slot needed versatility and quality in the final third.

Rodrygo’s tally of 2.3 successful dribbles and 2.3 chances created per 90 highlights his ability to create added opportunities in attacking areas, just as the dazzling Coutinho did at Anfield.

He’s also registered 2.5 shots per 90, with one of which per game getting on target, with his record potentially seeing him further the club’s already impressive goalscoring record.

£85m would be a huge investment from the board, but it could allow for added success given the talent that he would add to the first team setup.

If he manages to get anywhere near the levels produced by Coutinho at Anfield, it would be a deal worth every penny – aiding Slot in his quest of bringing further glory to the Reds in the years ahead.

A Salah-esque signing: Liverpool agree personal terms with "insane" target

Liverpool are ready to begin their summer shopping spree.

ByAngus Sinclair May 13, 2025

Chelsea are in ongoing negotiations over the signing of an “incredible” forward, and it is believed winger Jadon Sancho could now be used as leverage to make a deal happen for the player.

Chelsea targeting new winger for Enzo Maresca this summer

A new winger is believed to be one of BlueCo’s main transfer priorities this summer.

£200k-a-week Chelsea ace could now join De Zerbi with sale real possibility

It would be a big decision.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 29, 2025

This year, there will be two separate windows for Chelsea to conduct transfer business, with one open from June 1st to June 10th. This will allow them to sign players before their Club World Cup campaign, which is seen as important by many, given the prize money available.

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Chelsea could obtain a £97 million windfall by winning all of their group stage games and the tournament itself, based on various factors, so it is clear to see why Stamford Bridge officials won’t be taking their participation lightly.

It could be very lucrative indeed for Enzo Maresca’s side, prompting reports that the west Londoners will be active when the pre-CWC transfer window opens.

One of the key items on their agenda is bringing in an exciting new wide player (Simon Phillips), with uncertainty surrounding the long-term futures of Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and Sancho.

Mudryk is currently serving an on-field ban after testing positive for banned substances, while there are suggestions Chelsea are open to selling Madueke as Eddie Howe’s Newcastle and Aston Villa consider deals.

Chelsea are obliged to sign Sancho on a permanent deal from Man United, after triggering his £25 million clause, with the Blues now guaranteed to finish above 15th in the table.

Chelsea could still opt out of this by paying a £5 million penalty to United, but it now appears they could hatch a different plan for Sancho, involving top target and Borussia Dortmund sensation Jamie Gittens.

Chelsea could offer Jadon Sancho in "separate" swap deal for Jamie Gittens

Chelsea opened talks to sign Gittens earlier this week, as per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, and now TEAMtalk have shared another update.

The outlet claims Chelsea are in “active talks” to sign Gittens, and preferably want a deal for the Englishman finalised before the CWC commences. While Gittens is valued at around £35 million, they have ways to bring the overall cost down.

Dortmund loanee Carney Chukwuemeka is also valued at £35m, and could head the other way permanently to cancel out the fee needed for Gittens. However, so soon after triggering his £25m clause, TT write that Chelsea could offer Sancho in a separate deal for Gittens as well.

While both transfers would be apart from one another on paper, this is essentially a swap deal, just not in the traditional sense, and it is a further example of just how common player-trading is becoming in the market now – as clubs seek to navigate their way around PSR.

Gittens has been a mainstay for Dortmund this term, despite his very young age, with the 20-year-old scoring 12 goals and assisting five others across 45 appearances in all competitions.

He could well be worth all of this effort, with ex-Dortmund boss Nuri Sahin describing him as an “incredible” one-v-one attacker.

Chelsea are now believed to be “strong” contenders to sign one Barcelona star this summer, with news coming to light that the player and Hansi Flick’s side are currently at an impasse when it comes to a new contract.

Chelsea's main transfer plans this summer

Amid the Blues’ chase for Champions League qualification, BlueCo are making plans to strengthen the squad this summer ahead of Enzo Maresca’s second full season in charge.

Real Madrid offer £34m and "exceptional" player to Chelsea for Fernandez

Los Blancos are big admirers of the Argentine.

5 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 26, 2025

Chelsea are ready to splash the cash on a centre-back, winger and forward, while it is also believed they could bring in another central defender, left-back, new goalkeeper and attacking midfielder – but all of this will largely depend on their Premier League finish and how many players they can sell (Simon Phillips).

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Chelsea supporters will be particularly keen to see fresh attacking options come in, as they’ve lost a degree of potency since the turn of the year. Christopher Nkunku, João Félix and Carney Chukwuemeka will all likely be sold or loaned out as well (Simon Phillips), while Mykhailo Mudryk is currently banned after failing a drugs test.

Ideally, Chelsea need a versatile attacking player who can cover plenty of bases, both through the middle and out wide.

An ambitious target in this regard, but one who’d arguably be perfect, is Barcelona superstar Raphinha.

The former Leeds United forward is enjoying the season of his life at Barça under Hansi Flick, racking up 30 goals and 23 assists across 49 appearances in all competitions, and he can play across multiple areas in the attacking front three.

Raphinha has been linked with a move to Chelsea in recent days, but a new report from CaughtOffiside claims the Brazil international could cost up to £77 million to prise away from the Camp Nou.

Chelsea now "strong" contenders to sign Raphinha

The outlet also claims both Raphinha and Barça are struggling to reach an agreement over a new contract, as the player’s wage demands are currently too high, and fresh terms can only be agreed if he lowers them.

Their precarious financial situation could even hand Chelsea a chance to tempt him back to the Premier League.

Indeed, it is believed Chelsea are now “strong contenders” to sign Raphinha amid this contract debacle, but BlueCo will have to pay him a high salary as well, with his current take-home being around £206,000-per-week.

Arsenal and Liverpool are also named as frontrunners for Raphinha alongside Chelsea, if an exit does end up being on the cards for him, and there is little denying La Liga’s arguable player of the season would be a major upgrade.

“He’s [Raphinha] unbelievable because he’s always 100% very focused and gives us a lot of strength in the defense, but also in the offence,” Flick told TNT Sports Brasil.

“He’s always the player who starts the dynamic to press, but also when we have space, he started in the right moment in these spaces, and it helps us a lot.

“He also always smiles; this is what I like the most, he’s always positive, and it’s important for him to be positive, this is the big thing – then you have confidence to give 100% on the pitch.”

Arsenal have held initial discussions over signing a “special” player for Mikel Arteta, with new sporting director Andrea Berta looking to back him in the transfer market this summer.

Arsenal set to sign new forwards before next season

One of the key items on their transfer agenda is the signing of a forward, both out wide and further up front.

Top target: Arsenal and Berta in talks to seal early deal for £60m striker

The Gunners have a new top target at striker, and negotiations are ongoing to convince him to move to the Emirates Stadium.

1 ByDominic Lund Apr 22, 2025

Arteta has had to cope with fewer options than he’d ideally like throughout 2024/2025, with star winger Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli both previously sidelined for extended periods.

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Strikers Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are also unavailable after suffering long-term injuries, and while the latter could return to action earlier than initially expected, some reports have suggested that Jesus could be out until 2026, as he continues his recovery from an ACL rupture.

Mikel Merino has been utilised as an emergency striker while Jesus and Havertz remain sidelined, with the Spaniard doing pretty well in his unlikely new role. However, Merino is hardly a long-term solution, so Berta is reportedly keen to reinforce Arteta’s attacking areas.

As per GiveMeSport and other media sources, Arsenal want to sign a new left-winger and striker this summer, not to mention a potential alternative to Saka on the right-hand side.

That being said, Arsenal are also keen to bring in a new full-back and midfielders, to cover for the looming departures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho on free transfers, so Berta must tread carefully with their budget.

This is where versatile Wolves star Matheus Cunha could be a very useful signing, given the Brazilian can operate in both wide areas and up front as a centre-forward.

His contract also contains a £62.5 million release clause, with Cunha recently admitting that he’d like to take the next step in his career.

Arsenal hold "exploratory" talks over signing Matheus Cunha

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Cunha, but they’re not the only ones, as Man United and Aston Villa are also believed to be among the clubs who are very keen.

Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, writing a detailed piece on his potential next landing spot, writes that Arsenal have held “exploratory” talks over signing Cunha ahead of the summer, alongside United and Villa, with Saudi clubs also lurking in the background and prepared to trigger his exit clause.

The Brazil international, who signed for just £34 million from Atlético Madrid, is said to be a fan of United, so Arsenal could have some convincing to do as he ponders a switch to Old Trafford.

Cunha has bagged a brilliant 16 goals and four assists in all competitions for Vitor Pereira’s side this term, with Wolves’ manager recently branding him a “special” player.

“He is a special player. He can do things that can make the difference in small details,” Pereira said of Cunha.

“Matheus Cunha is a player, in my opinion, who can reach high standards in this league. I hope not [elsewhere] because we need him.”

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is now driving a move for an “exciting” £67m forward, who has been advised to move to Old Trafford by Cristiano Ronaldo, according to reports.

Man Utd keen to bolster attacking options

The stalemate in the Manchester derby will only have underlined the need for Man United to bolster their attacking options in the summer transfer window, and they are now stepping up their pursuit of a new striker.

One striker who Amorim knows very well is Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, and a £64m bid has reportedly been lodged for the Sweden international, who is also attracting interest from the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha is the latest forward to be linked with a move to Old Trafford, with the Red Devils making contact over a deal for the Brazilian, while they are also keen to bolster their options in wide areas.

Bad news for Mainoo: Man Utd ready move for "out of this world" £52m star

Man Utd are seeking to bolster their midfield ranks this summer

1 ByRobbie Walls Apr 8, 2025

There have been recent reports United could even make an audacious £172m move for Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr, should they qualify for next season’s Champions League via a Europa League triumph.

However, a move for Vinicius does not seem particularly likely, and a report from GiveMeSport has revealed that Sporting CP’s Trincao, who could be more of a realistic target, is now being pursued by Man Utd.

Amorim is driving the move for his former winger, who is also able to play through the middle, which could make him a solid alternative option to Cunha, should the Red Devils miss out on the Wolves star.

The Portuguese forward has a release clause of £67m included in his contract, which means he will not come cheap, but he is deemed more likely to move to Old Trafford than teammate Gyokeres.

Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot have recommended the move to their compatriot, although it remains to be seen whether his head is turned by his international teammates.

"Exciting" Trincao performing well in Portugal

The 25-year-old didn’t set the world alight during his time with Wolverhampton Wanderers, scoring just three goals for the Old Gold, but his impressive performances in Portugal over the past few seasons indicate he deserves a second chance in the Premier League.

This term, the former Wolves man has amassed eight goals and 12 assists in 28 Liga Portugal games, in what is on course to be his most prolific season to date.

The Portugal international also impressed for his country during their recent UEFA Nations League clash against Denmark, bagging a brace as his side prevailed 5-2 after extra-time.

Lauded as a “really exciting player” by former Wolves technical director Scott Sellars, Trincao has proven he could be a top signing for Man United, but Cunha should remain their primary target, given that the Brazil international is proven in the Premier League.

A number of Sheffield Wednesday’s takeover candidates are now reportedly considering a fresh move to get the sale of the club over the line.

Sheffield Wednesday dealt fresh point deduction

Despite the fact that Dejphon Chansiri is no longer at the club and Sheffield Wednesday are in administration, they’re still facing the consequences for the actions of their former owner. The EFL confirmed earlier this week that the Owls have been dealt a further six-point deduction on top of the initial 12 points that they had deducted.

It’s frustrating news for Wednesday, who were already destined for League One. Administrators will now be hoping to hand supporters some better news regarding the club’s takeover process.

So far, bids have arrived and been rejected from the likes of Mike Ashley, who is looking to get back into English football for the first time since leaving Newcastle United.

Administrators initially set a soft deadline of December 5, but it remains to be seen whether they can actually stick to that on Thursday. Instead, the Owls’ pain may be prolonged as candidates prepare to take a new approach to takeover attempts.

Sheffield Wednesday candidates considering joint bid

As reported by City AM, a number of candidates are considering a joint bid to buy Sheffield Wednesday to get the takeover across the line. The Championship club reportedly have six bidders on the table, but could see some of those opt to join forces to match their £30m valuation.

Sheffield-born takeover candidate makes key contact in race to buy Sheffield Wednesday

He could buy his local club.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 26, 2025

As things stand, there is no clear favourite to buy the club and Begbies Traynor’s initial deadline is likely to be pushed back until at least next week.

In the meantime, the Owls could continue looking at the free agent market. Although they are yet to welcome new owners, those at Hillsborough have already signed both Nathan Redmond and former Leeds United man Liam Cooper.

Whether it’s joint-bidders or just the one candidate in the coming weeks, Sheffield Wednesday’s new owners will instantly have their eye on success in League One next season following the club’s inevitable relegation.

Earning instant promotion back to the Championship whilst finally adding financial stability to the club should be top of the wishlist of the new owners.

Simon Jordan reveals Sheffield Wednesday "consortium" as next takeover step shared

The magnitude of Tottenham Hotspur’s victory over Brentford in the Premier League last weekend cannot be understated. Had the Bees taken the spoils against their old boss, Thomas Frank, the atmosphere down N17 may have become poisonous.

But Spurs rallied after a tough run of results, secured three points, restored the faith that this new system, more pragmatic, better organised, will stop spinning its wheels and start showcasing actual progress.

The magnitude of Xavi Simons’ magnificent solo goal, breaking his duck, cannot be understated, but neither can the fact that some Lilywhites are still flattering to deceive after last season’s inconsistency, and that needs to change.

Spurs' most disappointing players in 25/26

Simons has probably been the most salient disappointment at Tottenham this season, but there is hope that the Dutch playmaker has turned a corner after a standout showing last time out.

However, Randal Kolo Muani’s struggles rage on, the French loanee yet to score in a white shirt. There’s a real player in there, but given Spurs’ attacking problems, Frank will expect more.

Analyst Raj Chohan clearly feels Tottenham need to make a change in the engine room, calling Rodrigo Bentancur a “candidate for worst centre-midfielder at a big six club”.

Bentancur is directly inhibiting Spurs’ central build-up play, but he’s not alone in flattering to deceive, with Pedro Porro’s creativity unable to detract from some really poor defensive displays, lacking awareness and physicality in the challenge.

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Porro has been well below the standard this season, but he is not alone in struggling to adapt to Frank’s tactics. Indeed, there’s another defender who simply can’t bring it all together at the moment, and in this, he runs the risk of becoming the London club’s new version of Ryan Sessegnon.

Spurs' new version of Ryan Sessegnon

In 2019, Tottenham signed Sessegnon from Fulham for a whopping £25m fee. He had enjoyed a stunning start to senior life at Craven Cottage, but fell by the wayside after incessant hamstring injuries, five in five years down N17.

One half-season loan spell aside, in 2020/21 with Hoffenheim in Germany, the fact that the 25-year-old only made 57 appearances tells much of his problems, unable to reach the potential that was clear for all to see.

Sessegnon is now enjoying a measure of revival back at Fulham, but his door at Tottenham has been closed, and fans may be worried that lightning is striking twice with Destiny Udogie, who has struggled for form this season after a few injury-hit years in the capital.

Udogie, 23, also has a shoddy track record on the fitness front, with Frank confirming ahead of Tottenham’s Champions League tie against Slavia Prague this week that the Italy international is sidelined until the new year after tweaking his hamstring against Brentford.

For a player who was considered by Clinton Morrison on BBC Sport to be “the best left-back” in the country when he broke onto the scene in 2023/24, this is a real concern. Udogie appears somewhat stagnant, having yet to raise his level to the standard that he can surely reach.

There will be heightened fears that this season could become another write-off after this latest blow. Udogie needs stability and a landscape on which he can take forward strides, and having been ruled out for the remainder of the calendar year, Spurs’ left-sided balance has been knocked out of kilter and so have the defender’s chances of restoring full fluency.

Sofascore outline the player’s struggles, and it’s not pretty reading. Udogie has only won 46% of his duels in the Premier League this season, completing 27% of his dribbles and averaging only 0.6 key passes per match. One coach said that he “needs to wake up” from a defensive perspective this term.

So much has been left to be desired by a rising star who has ebbed and flowed and found himself lower on the chart than he would have envisaged a few years ago.

If injuries continue to weigh him down, we may be looking at Sessegnon 2.0 here.

Their new Son: Spurs have held advanced talks to sign a future £100m player

Tottenham are looking to add fresh quality to their attacking flanks in 2026.

1 ByAngus Sinclair 4 days ago

Real Madrid have now informed Liverpool about their final decision on Ibrahima Konate as 2026 approaches.

Arne Slot reveals "conversation" with Liverpool hierarchy

Arne Slot’s dream Anfield move commenced with a Premier League title in his debut season, but since then he’s endured the ultimate nightmare. The Reds are in historically bad form, losing nine of their last 12 games in all competitions, and serious questions are beginning to be asked about the Dutchman’s tenure.

Gakpo upgrade: Liverpool could see bid accepted to sign £80m "superstar"

Liverpool are planning to enter the market for a new left-sided forward.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 27, 2025

Liverpool have never been a sacking club, but recent reports have dropped names like Ange Postecoglou and Andoni Iraola as the pressure continues to grow on Slot. Whether Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes decide to pull the trigger on either of those names remains to be seen, however.

Slot’s had his say on the matter, revealing conversations with Liverpool’s hierarchy and telling his squad to “fight on” in the face of their disastrous run.

Up next, the Premier League champions travel to West Ham United in desperate need of three points. It is simply a must-win game for Slot, who will only have the backing of the club’s hierarchy for so long.

Ahead of their trip to the London Stadium, fixing their defensive issues should be Liverpool’s priority – starting with solving Konate’s form just days after he’s been informed about Real Madrid’s final transfer decision.

Real Madrid inform Liverpool about final Konate decision

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Real Madrid have now told Liverpool that they have no interest in signing Konate, despite rumours that they were set to pursue the Frenchman at the end of his contract next summer.

The Reds looked destined for a Trent Alexander-Arnold repeat, but Konate has seemingly played himself out of a move to the Bernabeu next summer – leaving the ball firmly in Liverpool’s court.

Whether both parties can now strike an agreement over a new contract is the big question. Konate’s recent form has left him in a weaker negotiating position, but there’s no doubt that he’s an important member of Slot’s backline at his best.

Dubbed “tremendous” by former Manchester City star Micah Richards last season, the Frenchman simply has to get back to his best if Liverpool are to turn their torrid run of form around.

He’s one of just two fully fit central defenders, with Joe Gomez not yet ready to step in, so has no choice but to play himself into form – especially if he’s after a pay rise up from his current £70,000-a-week deal.

"Oh my god", "Sackable" – Carragher rips into Liverpool star in behind-scenes footage

Sunderland are believed to have contacted Real Madrid over the potential signing of one Spanish ace, as they look to seal an audacious piece of business.

It has been a dream start to life back in the Premier League for the Black Cats, with Regis Le Bris defying all expectations and silencing those who predicted them to be relegated straight back to the Championship this season.

New signings have excelled for Sunderland, helping them sit fourth in the table, but Le Bris will know that his side cannot afford to rest on their laurels, potentially even eyeing further new additions in the January transfer window.

They have been linked with plenty of players of late, with Barcelona star Fermin Lopez emerging as a stunning option, in a possible transfer record move to the Stadium of Light. Talks are believed to have opened regarding a mammoth £70m transfer.

It looks as though Lopez isn’t the only big-name target for Sunderland in La Liga, however, with another hugely gifted Spanish player now being mentioned as a target, too.

Sunderland make contact over Gonzalo Garcia signing

According to a report from Spain, Sunderland are in the mix to sign Gonzalo Garcia from Madrid, having made contact with the Spanish giants over a move to the Stadium of Light.

Fellow Premier League sides Aston Villa and Wolves are also mentioned in the update, with all three clubs willing to offer £17.6m for his services.

The fact that Garcia is a rumoured target for Sunderland sums up the incredible strides they have made under Le Bris, with the idea of signing a Real Madrid player unthinkable in the past.

The Black Cats are a genuinely enticing project currently, though, and the 21-year-old may well love the idea of a move there, having only managed one league start this season.

Garcia has scored five goals for Madrid, though, which is no mean feat in a team littered with world-class players, and scout Jacek Kulig has called him “incredible” in the recent past.

He has also represented Spain across three age groups, including the Under-21s, so there is so much for Sunderland to admire about him, not least the fact that most of his career is still ahead of him.

Move over Xhaka: Sunderland "diamond" is Regis Le Bris' future captain

Regis Le Bris has a future Sunderland captain on his hands in this battling star.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 17, 2025

Garcia’s versatility could also appeal to Le Bris, with the Spaniard a centre forward by trade, but also capable of excelling on either the left or right flank.

Talks open: Sunderland willing to make record £70m offer for Barcelona star