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After failing to regain the Premier League title last season after winning it for the first time in 30 years during the 19/20 campaign, Liverpool have got their current season off to a good start, winning four and drawing three of their opening seven league games.

Despite the Reds still being unbeaten in the league and having scored more goals than any other club with 17, it seems as though the Merseyside club are keen on strengthening their squad in the near future.

What’s the news?

It was recently reported by Italian media outlet Tuttosport that Liverpool are interested in signing Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic.

It’s claimed an auction may occur over the striker but the Reds will face plenty of competition for his signature with Juventus and Atletico Madrid also interested.

Since joining the Italian club back in the 2018 summer transfer window from FK Partizan Belgrade, the 21-year-old, who is currently valued at £36m according to Transfermarkt, has made a total of 92 appearances for Fiorentina across all competitions in which he has managed to score 35 goals and provide five assists along the way.

Firmino replacement?

Last season Vlahovic the striker rack up an impressive 21 goals in 37 Serie A appearances so he is quite evidently a deadly proposition.

So far this season, the 21-year-old, who editor in chief at Forza Italian Football, Conor Clancy described as a “complete” number nine, has already managed to score six goals in eight appearances across all competitions for the club.

Taking all of this into account, it’s easy to see why Liverpool are apparently interested in adding the striker to their squad.

In our view, he could be a vast upgrade on Roberto Firmino.

The Brazilian isn’t getting any younger at the age of 30 and he also has a lack of goalscoring consistency with that factor being brought into question at times in the past. He has failed to score more than nine league goals in his two previous Premier League campaigns, so we feel that a potential move for Vlahovic could be a great way of securing a future replacement.

Most importantly, he would add a bit of extra goalscoring power to their squad as they look to secure some more domestic and European titles.

Moving forward, if Liverpool do decide they want to sign a striker at some point in the future, either to replace Firmino or not, Vlahovic should definitely be an option they consider.

In other news: Edwards could seal Liverpool masterstroke by signing “magical” £31.5m-rated ace – opinion

Leeds United journalist Graham Smyth has stated not to ‘rule anything out’ on the future of youngster Alife McCalmont.

The Lowdown: Impressive last season

McCalmont, 21, is currently out on loan at League One side Morecambe, where he has appeared in four of their five games in the third tier so far this season.

After plying his trade in League Two last term with Oldham, impressing with eight goals and five assists, the midfielder now finds himself testing himself against better opponents, but whether he has a future at Leeds is up for debate.

Over the international break, McCalmont has been handed his first Northern Ireland international start in the friendly victory over Estonia after making his debut in a 1-0 victory over Luxembourg in 2019.

The Latest: Work cut out

Replying to Whites presenter Joe Wainman on Twitter, Smyth replied when asked if McCalmont’s time at Elland Road finished.

Smyth said: “You can never rule anything out, but he’ll have to do what Ben White did and show he can handle the step up to League One with real comfort, having done well in League Two.

“Leeds would have listened to permanent offers this summer though so he has his work cut out. Lots of potential I think.”

The £49,400-per-year man’s appearances in Ian Baraclough’s squad, alongside an impressive season in League One, could see him land a permanent move away from Leeds.

The Verdict: Key season for midfielder

Marcelo Bielsa already possesses great quality in centre-midfield, McCalmont’s position, with Matuesz Klich, Kalvin Phillips and Adam Forshaw now available for selection.

At the age of 21, McCalmont will be wanting to establish himself at the highest level possible to continue representing his country and making more senior caps.

The current season at Morecambe could be a defining one for the midfielder as if he impresses enough, a Championship club may swoop in to sign him on a permanent deal. With his contract not expiring until 2024, Leeds stand to make a decent profit if they are able to cash in.

In other news, rumoured Leeds target is in talks to sign a new contract at his current club. Find out more here.

Flocking to Twitter, many Manchester City fans have voiced their outrage at some official news before the Sky Blues’ highly-anticipated top of the table clash against Chelsea this weekend.

After comfortably dispatching Wycombe Wanderers 6-1 in the Carabao Cup midweek, a match where many previously unseen youngsters were handed their debuts by Pep Guardiola, Saturday will come as a very contrasting occasion.

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City’s dropped points away to Spurs and at home to Southampton already this season puts plenty of emphasis on their trip to Stamford Bridge, with the Premier League champions arguably unable to afford another loss so early in their title defence.

As such, the stage is set for their next match to be an all-important blockbuster – leaving little wonder why some supporters take issue in regards to who will officiate the clash.

It has now been announced that referee Michael Oliver will take charge of the Chelsea game in what is a battle of the English and European title-winners – with City aiming to exact revenge after their Champions League final heartbreak.

Oliver, who has branded 12 yellow cards and one red card in just four matches so far this season, also has a habit of reaching into his pocket during City matches in particular.

As per worldfootball.net, the 36-year-old has dished out 41 bookings in 33 Premier League matches overseeing the Citizens – with it looking like Guardiola’s side may have to be extra wary of their discipline in west London.

Resultingly, supporters have raged as this pre-Chelsea announcement is made – find all of their verdicts on the refereeing appointment down below.

Man City fans rage over Oliver appointment…

“Game lost, hope we beat Liverpool”

Credit: @FatherRuben3

“May aswell give chelsea the win rn… Nice pen goal penjingo …. Some city player get ready for the Red card.”

Credit: @ZHR_960

“Congrats on the win chelsea”

Credit: @ashley__04

“The game is over before it started”

Credit: @I_Feedel

“Congratulations Chelsea”

Credit: @xMcfc_oKx

“Nooooooo”

Credit: @FinallyManfred

“No point watching”

Credit: @AaronMCFC3

In other news: ‘Yessss’, ‘Finally’, ‘This is good news’…Man City fans flock to Harry Kane update, find out more here.

Newcastle United journalist Liam Kennedy insists that the club have been trying to sell Dwight Gayle since their promotion to the Premier League.

Gayle has been with the club since 2016 and has made a total of 113 appearances for the Magpies.

He has struggled for goals at times, though, with his most prolific campaign coming in the Championship, when he scored 23 times in 2018/19.

In his three Premier League seasons, he has scored just 11 goals, and Kennedy believes that the club have been trying to offload him for some time.

Indeed, they managed to sign Callum Wilson from Bournemouth last season and he went on to score 12 goals in 26 league games.

And Kennedy thinks that the club will continue to offer Gayle out as they bid to shift him from their squad.

He said: “Newcastle United, really, in many ways have been trying to replace Dwight Gayle for about five years now. Since they got promoted, they’ve wanted an upgrade on Dwight Gayle and they did that, in getting Callum Wilson.”

Newcastle start their Premier League season against West Ham United this weekend and it remains to be seen if Gayle will be included in the squad under Steve Bruce.

According to Sky Sports News reporter and Sunderland fan Tom White (via The Sunderland Echo), the Black Cats are in talks to sign Arsenal’s Ryan Alebiosu on loan.

The Lowdown: Positive start to the new season

The Stadium of Light outfit have started the season positively. Of the six games they have played this term, they have won five and lost one (Sky Sports).

Lee Johnson and co have been busy in the transfer market, bringing in seven new players (Transfermarkt), and it seems they may not be done yet.

The Latest: Sunderland eye Alebiosu

As per White, Sunderland are in talks to bring in Alebiosu from the Gunners.

Speaking to Roker Report (via Sunderland Echo), he revealed the deal is not at an advanced stage, saying:

“We are in for a player from Arsenal called Ryan Alebiosu. Never seen him play, hadn’t heard of him until someone told me about him. We’re in for him but at this stage it’s only in talks. He’s a full-back, don’t even know if he’s right or left.”

The Verdict: Unknown quantity

As White says, Alebiosu is something of an unknown quantity. The 19-year-old is yet to make a single first-team appearance for the London outfit, although he has turned out 46 times for the Premier League’s side’s youth sides. A right-back, he has also played at left-back on occasion according to Transfermarkt.

It is unclear whether Johnson is looking to capture the teenager to become a starter or long-term project, but his experience with a club at the highest level could come in handy as Sunderland look to earn promotion to the Championship. It remains to be seen whether the Black Cats get a deal over the line.

In other news, Sunderland fans were livid with this former player’s interview.

Leicester City have been tipped to make a move for Southampton defender Jannik Vestergaard this summer.

What’s the story?

The Foxes have been in the market for a new central defender all window following Wes Morgan’s retirement, and Wesley Fofana’s horrific injury has now significantly increased the need for reinforcements in that area of the pitch.

According to TalkSPORT reporter Alex Crook (as reported by the Leicester Mercury), Leicester are plotting a move for Vestergaard over the coming weeks, with the Saints reportedly set to demand £20 million for the Denmark international.

Fans will be buzzing

Vestergaard caught the eye with a string of impressive performances last season, achieving a highly respectable 6.89 WhoScored rating from his 30 Premier League appearances.

On average, the 6 ft 5 centre-back made a whopping four clearances per game in 2020/21, the highest amongst his Southampton teammates, as well as recording 0.5 blocks, the third-highest tally amongst his St. Mary’s colleagues.

However, with just one year remaining on his current contract on the south coast, speculation over the Scandinavian’s future has continued to rumble on throughout the summer.

And now Crook has revealed Leicester are the latest potential suitor for Vestergaard’s services, news that will surely have the club’s supporters buzzing due to his previous exploits.

“I would probably say 40%-60% in favour of him leaving at this stage, and one of the interested parties, as I understand it, is Leicester City, they’re in dire need of reinforcements at the back,” he told TalkSPORT.

“They were already light there with Jonny Evans unavailable, Vestergaard is someone they certainly tried to sign before, and he is in the last year of his contract like Danny Ings.”

Crook went on to explain that the Saints are expecting a bid for their prized asset and that Ralph Hassenhuttl’s charges may be in no position to turn it down.

“The impression I get is that Southampton are very much bracing themselves for a bid from Leicester, and if that bid did come in, they would have to seriously consider it given that contract situation,” he added.

“They want to get £20m, I imagine Leicester might go in at £15m and test Southampton’s resolve.”

Vestergaard would be a solid addition to the FA Cup holders’ backline, providing Brendan Rodgers with a natural left-footed option at the heart of his defence and delivering a boost to their chances of finishing inside the top four next season.

And, in other news…Heir to Wes Morgan: Rudkin must complete Leicester swoop for 6 ft 3 “monster” 

Todd Cantwell has no reason to attempt to force through a move away from Norwich City, according to former Premier League striker Dean Windass.

Cantwell played a key role as the Canaries sealed an immediate return to the top flight by clinching the Championship title last season.

Despite the rise of Daniel Farke’s side, Norwich have still seen talisman Emiliano Buendia exit for Aston Villa in a club-record move.

Cantwell has been heavily linked with following the Argentinian to Villa Park following the £100million departure of Jack Grealish to Manchester City.

Villa’s interest comes after 23-year-old Cantwell scored six goals and registered eight assists in 34 appearances last season.

Cantwell also boasts Premier League experience, having missed just one fixture as Norwich suffered relegation in the 2019/20 season.

The winger has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Carrow Road but Windass is certain Cantwell will still be on Norwich’s books when the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “Why would he want to go? He’s going to play for Norwich. They’re back in the Premier League, he knows the players and he knows the manager has strengthened to compete.

“I’d be thinking I’ve had a good season in the Championship but can I do it again in the Premier League? That will be the question on every manager’s lips.

“Why would you upset the applecart? He’s going to play for Norwich every week and they’re in the Premier League.”

West Ham United will look to tie Declan Rice down to a new long-term contract for a third time after Felipe Anderson sealed his return to Lazio, according to Sam Inkersole.

Rice, who shone during England’s run to a first-ever European Championships final this summer, was among West Ham’s standout performers as they registered a club record Premier League points tally last season.

As a result, the Hammers will be involved in the Europa League in the upcoming campaign and are keen to hand Rice a new deal amid interest from the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United.

However, reports suggest the central midfielder has already rejected two contract offers since the end of last term.

Boss David Moyes, who has previously suggested it would take offers in excess of £100million for West Ham to even deliberate doing business, is adamant that the 22-year-old must remain at the London Stadium.

Inkersole, a reporter at football.london, believes getting Anderson off the wage bill by sealing his return to Serie A side Lazio three years after he moved to West Ham for a then-club record fee could boost the Hammers’ chances of keeping Rice.

Speaking to Football FanCast, Inkersole said: “Felipe Anderson was on huge wages at the club.

“Freeing up his wages helps. You also look at the likes of Andriy Yarmolenko, who is a big earner at the club. If they could shift him as well, that could help to get more wages in the pot for Rice.”

Liverpool appear to be progressing in their bid to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez this summer.

What’s the story?

According to Spanish newspaper Marca [via The Mirror], the Reds have been in contact with the 26-year-old’s representatives over a move to Anfield, with the Spain international deemed surplus to requirements at the Wanda Metropolitano.

The report claims that Atletico are set to demand around £43m for Saul, although Liverpool’s fierce rivals Manchester United are thought to be his most likely destination.

With fellow Premier League side Chelsea also credited with an interest in the box-to-box dynamo, Jurgen Klopp may have to move quickly in order to secure his transfer target.

Jurgen Klopp would absolutely love him

After progressing through the ranks at Atleti, Saul has established himself as a top-class central midfielder in recent years, winning one La Liga title, one Copa del Rey and two Europa Leagues with his boyhood club.

The technically gifted maestro has also scored 43 goals and provided a further 19 assists in 337 appearances for Los Rojiblancos, earning numerous plaudits with his impressive performances, including some from Rio Ferdinand.

As per TEAMtalk, the former England defender gushed: “What a player. I’ve been harping on about Saul Niguez for a few years now. I think he’s a major player. He’s composed, calm, great left foot, lovely conductor, he can score goals, tactically he’s very aware.

“You can see (Diego) Simeone, he gets his teams really well set up, and he’s in the middle orchestrating and dictating things.”

However, an imminent exit from the Spanish capital now appears to be inevitable. Saul fell down the Atleti pecking order last season thanks to the rise of Marcos Llorente and missed out on Luis Enrique’s 24-man squad for Euro 2020 as a result.

His potential arrival at Anfield would certainly be welcomed by Klopp. The German is thought to be in the market for a new central midfielder following Gini Wijnaldum’s exit, leading to several big names being linked with a move to the Reds.

However, Saul is surely someone who Klopp would surely love to sign. The Spaniard has a rare mix of technical ability and physical prowess, which should allow him to slot into the Liverpool manager’s pressing style with ease.

The German will be acutely aware of the 26-year-old’s prowess, too, with the midfielder scoring against the Reds in a Champions League victory for Atletico in February 2020.

It remains to be seen whether the Anfield hierarchy follow up their apparent interest with a solid offer, but Saul’s arrival would be a significant coup, and possible one capable of propelling the 19-time English champions back to the Premier League summit.

In other news… Klopp must ruthlessly axe “unprofessional” £10.8m-rated LFC flop, he’s not good enough 

Aston Villa must land Argentina starlet Julian Alvarez amid a recent transfer claim.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent days and weeks have claimed that Fernando Hidalgo, the agent of the 20-year-old, is set to meet with Villa’s representatives over a possible summer move to Dean Smith’s side.

And now, speaking exclusively to This is Futbol, The Express and Star journalist Luke Hatfield said: “It’s an interesting one because Villa have kept their cards pretty close to their chest in terms of linked names. In terms of strikers, you haven’t seen many other names other than Tammy Abraham.

“One man they were linked with was Julian Alvarez from South America, Argentinian, very young. That seems to fit the mould for me a little bit more just because he’s a younger player, probably won’t expect to start week in, week out in the Premier League but won’t be as expensive as Tammy Abraham. There’s talk of around £15-£20 million maybe for him. That seems to add up a little bit more.”

Imagine him and Buendia

The River Plate ace is someone who can play anywhere across the frontline, and after a really impressive campaign in his native Argentina, he was named as part of his country’s Copa America squad for this summer.

He bagged four goals and set up another seven in just 20 appearances last season, including a couple of games where he registered a trio of assists against Godoy Cruz and Central Cordoba respectively.

Marcelo Gallardo, his manager at club level, has previously hailed the 5 foot 7 gem as someone who “every coach would love to have.”

And, given his international compatriot Emi Buendia has just arrived at Villa Park this summer as well, Smith could build a formidable partnership between the two going forward.

His average of 1.7 dribbles per game is actually higher than Buendia (1.6), while he has also shown an ability to provide an end product, averaging 1.6 key passes and 1.3 shots per match – Villa’s new boy managed 3.1 key passes and 2.8 shots per game in 2020/21.

With that level of directness and willingness to make things happen, the two Argentines appear perfect in giving Smith’s side an extra dimension going forward.

Buendia would be able to help Alvarez settle down in England both on and off the pitch, and that could reap rich rewards when they play together as they build up a relationship.

With Buendia and Alvarez in tandem, Villa could have a duo that takes the pressure of talisman Jack Grealish, and give opposition teams something else to think and worry about.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa have been handed an encouraging transfer update…