Liverpool appear ready to join the race for RB Leipzig teenage sensation Yan Diomande.
The Ivory Coast international will be one of Europe’s most sought-after stars this summer after enjoying a productive breakout season in the Bundesliga with numerous interest from major clubs.
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Both Manchester United and Chelsea have been keeping an eye on Diomande and Liverpool scouts were present when he scored in a 2-2 draw at home to Wolfsburg last weekend.
The 19-year-old, a potential replacement for Saudi Arabia’s Mo Salah, is also wanted by Bayern Munich and Leipzig have put a price tag of more than £80 million on his head.
That rating could fall if Leipzig, currently fifth in the table, misses out on Champions League football next season.
A frustrated Trafford handed Toon the escape plan
Newcastle are ready to rescue James Trafford from his misery at Manchester City.
Trafford has spoken publicly about City signing Gianluigi Donnarumma on a five-year deal weeks after he re-signed with Burnley.
The 23-year-old’s hopes of making England’s World Cup squad have been dashed after only starting three Premier League games.
Trafford was wanted by Newcastle before returning to the Etihad Stadium and remains high on the transfer wish list.
The Magpies have signed Aaron Ramsdale from Southampton instead, but there is no guarantee they will take up the option to buy the former Arsenal No.1 permanently.
Spurs star skips vacation for additional training
Xavi Simons passed up the opportunity to take a mid-season break to spend extra hours on the training ground.
After last week’s home defeat to Newcastle, which saw coach Thomas Frank lose his job, Tottenham Hotspur star Simons and his team-mates were somewhat surprisingly given five days off.
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But rather than jetting off to sunnier climes, midfielder Simons spent extra hours at the training ground in full preparation for this weekend’s North London derby at home to Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Unlocking Simons’ talents will be one of the keys to how interim coach Igor Tudor can keep Spurs out of danger of relegation.
The Netherlands international has scored two goals since his £51.8million move from RB Leipzig in the summer.
Ironically, in the games leading up to Frank’s dismissal, Simons was just beginning to find his feet in English football.
City are ready to lure Newcastle star to Etihad
Manchester City are ready to put strong pressure on Newcastle defender Tino Livramento.
City have been monitoring Livramento for several months with a view to a summer win for the England international.
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Right-back has been a problematic position for Pep Guardiola since the departure of Kyle Walker, with midfielder Matheus Nunes deployed there for most of the season.
Newcastle are keen to tie Livramento down to a new contract, but sources have told The Pitch Prospect that the 23-year-old is in no rush to commit his future to the North East.
Livramento has played 76 Premier League games for the Magpies since his £40million move from Southampton in the summer of 2023.