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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is approaching a definitive point in his tenure on Merseyside, and needs to rebuild the midfield after the club fell off their perch this season.

What's the latest on Romeo Lavia to Liverpool?

While many names are being touted, the Reds might find fruit in a bid to secure Southampton star Romeo Lavia's signature, with Football Insider reporting that Liverpool are in a 'four-way race' for the Belgium international.

Indeed, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City are also eyeing a move for the 19-year-old midfielder, though interest from such outfits elsewhere could put Klopp's side in the driving seat to complete a deal.

Signing for Saints from City for £14m last summer, Lavia was subject to a £50m bid that very same window from the Blues, but with his south coast club's relegation this term, that valuation could well have depreciated.

How good is Romeo Lavia?

Liverpool have found a convincing formula in mixing lucrative acquisitions with shrewd purchases under Klopp's wing, and while acquiring Lavia's signature won't be the cheapest of deals, it certainly could end up being a monumental coup.

In one year, Pep Guardiola's Citizens unlock the option to buy their youth prospect back for £40m due to a clause inserted upon his departure, which leaves the forthcoming transfer window as the apt moment to seize the teenage talent.

Despite Southampton's relegation, Lavia has glimmered this term and impressed over his 35 appearances, with The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell hailing him as "exquisite" for his exploits.

A sturdy and reliable buffer is what Liverpool – namely Liverpool's backline – have been missing this year, and while Fabinho has been integral to Klopp's reign on Merseyside, he has not produced the same results and proclaimed to have "fallen, dramatically, off a proverbial cliff" by journalist Chris Stonadge.

He's not alone, though. The entirety of Liverpool's midfield can be held accountable across the lion's share of the season for failing to effectively protect their defence and consequently inhibiting the squad from achieving their goals.

Virgil van Dijk, so often the unwavering heart of Liverpool's imperious shield, has been displaced from his usual swagger and will be among those at the forefront of the internal demands for a return to stability, a balancing of the side's equilibrium, as he seeks to return to his position as "the best" as he was previously lauded as by Michael Owen.

And indeed, the "monster" of a talent that is Lavia – as praised by Benjt Nurick – could play a big part in this, having completed 86% of his passes, averaged 2.1 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game this term, as per Sofascore.

He also ranks among the top 4% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues for rate of blocks per 90, as per FBref, over the past year and could play an invaluable role in preventing opposing strikers from unleashing their shots at Alisson's goal.

This would only alleviate the pressure on Van Dijk and his positional confreres at Anfield, with the Reds' 47 goals shipped in the Premier League this term – far worse off than last year's joint-best record of 26 conceded strikes – diminishing and in turn opening the door of opportunity for greener pastures.

Manchester United have enjoyed a positive campaign in Erik Ten Hag's first year in charge and stand on the brink of being able to secure Champions League qualification for next term.

The Red Devils have already achieved silverware in the form of the Carabao Cup and also have the chance to claim the FA Cup trophy if they can get past Manchester City at Wembley Stadium in early June.

Looking ahead to the summer transfer window, bringing in a few quality additions will be on the mind of Ten Hag as he looks to build a squad capable of taking Manchester United back to the top of the tree in English football.

Tottenham Hotspur talisman Harry Kane has been linked with a blockbuster move to Old Trafford and could provide the x-factor in attack that has been missing at times in 2022/23.

From a defensive standpoint, The Sun claim that Napoli man Kim Min-Jae could be on his way to the Premier League giants, with Manchester United said to be keen to 'table an offer' to try and entice the 26-year-old away from the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

What's the latest transfer news on Kim Min-Jae and why is he so highly regarded?

The Sun report states that Paris Saint-Germain also have a keen interest in the South Korea international and have held talks with his entourage amid the fact that he has a release clause worth £40 million that activates in July. Manchester City are also keeping an eye on his situation, though RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol is their preferred choice.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Dean Jones thinks that Kim would be a statement signing by Manchester United that could help to take them to the next level after hearing he could be on his way to Old Trafford.

Jones told FFC: "I just think having someone on that level would be hugely significant in terms of upgrading the squad if they could actually make it happen."

In 2022/23, Kim has made 44 appearances in all competitions for Napoli, registering two goals and two assists in the process, as per Transfermarkt.

ESPN estimate that Red Devils boss Ten Hag will have between £100-£150 million to spend on rebuilding his squad in the summer, though this may dramatically increase if a deal is completed by the Glazer family to relinquish their majority ownership of the club.

In terms of who Manchester United could upgrade on by bringing Kim to Old Trafford, Harry Maguire springs to mind as an obvious candidate, as he has been linked with a move to either West Ham United or Tottenham Hotspur, as per FootballTransfers.

Comparing the two players via WhoScored, Kim comes out on top in aerial duels won, clearances completed, pass success rate and average match rating, scoring 2.7 in aerial duels, 3.6 clearances, 91% pass completion and earning a match rating of 7.10/10.

On the other hand, Maguire comes in at 1.3 successful aerial duels won, 2.5 clearances per match, 85.8% passing success and being given a match rating of 6.57/10.

€61,731 (£53,637) per week earner Kim has also excelled in the art of passes attempted compared to his positional peers across Europe's top five divisions, having tried an average of 80.23 per 90 minutes across the last 365 days, putting him in the third percentile for this metric, according to FBRef.

As per Tuttomercatoweb via OneFootball, former Manchester United favourite Ji Sung-Park was full of praise for Kim's qualities as a domineering defender, stating in an interview: “Extraordinary, what a talent." He then added: “There is no doubt that he is doing extraordinary things, as a technical leader and personality in Naples.”

Journalist Fabrizio Romano shared quotes from Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti claiming that nobody in the world is a better defender than Kim at present, which read: "Kim Min-Jae is the best centre-back in the world right now. Kim does at least 20 incredible things per game. When he starts the run with the ball at his feet, he can get it into the opposition penalty area in 5 seconds flat!"

Manchester United are set for a huge summer as they find out who will control the purse strings at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future and Kim would be a major signing to kick off a new era for the club.

As a number of former and current players criticise Steven Smith for leaving the Sri Lanka tour early, his stand-in as captain, David Warner, has come to his defence

Andrew Fidel Fernando27-Aug-2016Mahela Jayawardene wondered on Twitter whether previous Australia captains would have left a tour early, as Steven Smith has done. Graeme Smith has echoed those sentiments publicly. Angelo Mathews was typically diplomatic, but as he prepares to play a side led by David Warner now, even he admits to being perplexed.”I think they have their own player management system, but honestly, if it was me, I wouldn’t have [left], because it’s a tough tour,” Mathews said. “You need the captain alongside the playing XI. They decided to rest him – well, I don’t think we as players have any issues with that.”Smith’s own team-mates have – not surprisingly – been more understanding of his departure, despite the ODI series still hanging in the balance. Warner said regular breaks for players were required because of cricket’s hectic modern schedules. Smith had also been leading Australia across all formats, taking over the ODI team after last year’s World Cup, and the Test and T20 sides since.”I can feel for Steve and the amount of cricket he has been playing,” Warner said. “It is going to very, very tough with the scheduling these days to play all three forms and every single game possible. Players are getting rested here and there. Everyone has to adapt, and we’ve got [to remember] that everyone is human.”While Warner attempts to fill the gap in leadership that Smith has left behind, Australia will also need to replace the man who has been ODI cricket’s most prolific run-scorer over the past year. Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh are in line to step into the XI. Warner suggested Smith’s output makes a break from cricket particularly well-deserved.”The stats he has on the board, runs-wise and the world’s best batter and player, I think he deserves a break whether or not it was during the series or before the series.”There were times there when I may have been leaning towards having a break and then you have a bit of misfortune by getting injured and that has sort of been my freshen-up.” [Warner broke a finger while fielding in June, and missed the end of the tri-series in the West Indies.]Warner is set to become Australia’s 23rd ODI captain, and said it had not been in his “wildest dreams” to lead the side. “I feel honoured and thrilled,” he said. “I’m really pumped to get out there, help the guys and lead from the front.”Though he has never led a national side, Warner has had captaincy success in the IPL, leading Sunrisers Hyderabad to this year’s title. Allrounder James Faulkner, who plays for the Gujarat Lions IPL franchise, suggested that experience would assist Warner’s captaincy at the international level.”David’s got lot of experience in all three formats – in IPL and BBL as well,” Faulkner said. “I know one thing – that he is pretty honest, and he’s going to back each and every one of us. Much as the same with Smithy – very good leaders. They let their presence be felt in the middle. I’m sure David will fill the position really well.”

Mark Stoneman and Calum MacLeod shared Durham’s record Twenty20 stand of 141 as they beat Derbyshire by 13 runs at Emirates Riverside to reach the NatWest Blast quarter-finals

ECB Reporters Network29-Jul-2016
ScorecardMark Stoeman is joining Surrey, but he ensured a Durham quarter-final in the Blast•Getty ImagesMark Stoneman and Calum MacLeod shared Durham’s record Twenty20 stand of 141 as they beat Derbyshire by 13 runs at Emirates Riverside.Both teams went into the match knowing that victory could get them into the NatWest T20 Blast quarter-finals if either Warwickshire or Yorkshire lost.Warwickshire duly obliged, so Durham overtook them to go through in fourth place. It was due reward for amassing 193 for two, to which Derbyshire replied with 180 for 9.The visitors were up with the rate while skipper Wes Durston was making 44 off 26 balls, but when he was third out in the eighth over they lost momentum.It looked too tall an order by the time New Zealanders Neil Broom and Jimmy Neesham needed 99 off the last eight overs and left-hander Neesham holed out at long-on for six.Shiv Thakor revived hopes with three sixes off the spinners in making 26 off ten balls, but once he had skied Scott Borthwick to cover it was as good as over.Although Broom showed his class in making 68 off 43 balls, Derbyshire threw wickets away in desperation and slipped to 150 for eight before debutant wicketkeeper Alex Mellor, on loan from Warwickshire, helped to put on 26 before Broom was well caught by MacLeod at long-on in the final over.Stoneman, who is joining Surrey at the end of the season, batted through the Durham innings for 82 off 56 balls, with eight fours and one six, while MacLeod’s 83 came off 50 balls and included three sixes.He also shared the county’s previous T20 record stand of 126, set with John Hastings against Northants two years ago.Stoneman hit four fours through the off side in the first three overs, two of them in the third as Ben Cotton conceded 14.Keaton Jennings, taking Phil Mustard’s place at the top of the order, also began to find the boundary in a stand of 48.Stoneman, on 23, survived a steepler to Neesham, backtracking from mid-off, in an eventful sixth over from Thakor.Jennings followed up by twice driving the medium pacer down the ground, but when he tried for a third wide of mid-off Chesney Hughes flung himself to his right and held a sensational catch.Jennings’ exit halted the boundaries until MacLeod hit the last two balls of the tenth over for four and six.He swept Durston’s off spin behind square then lifted him over long-on to take the score to 89 after ten.Thakor conceded only six runs in the 16th over, but then went for 17 in the 18th, leaving Neesham with the best figures of one for 25 after conceding only seven in the final over, when he also had MacLeod caught at short fine leg.Derbyshire lost Hamish Rutherford for one in the first over, when he pulled straight to mid-wicket as Chris Rushworth picked up 2 for 14 in three overs. His other victim was Chesney Hughes, who chipped the first ball to mid-wicket when Rushworth returned for the sixth over.At 51 for 2 after the powerplay, Derbyshire were two ahead of Durham at the same stage. But Durston departed for 44, made off 26 balls, when he tried to paddle Jennings’ medium pace to fine leg and was bowled.

Arsenal scouts are "looking closely" at Dinamo Zagreb defender Josip Sutalo, but there will be "fierce" competition for his signature this summer, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?

The Gunners are in the market for a new centre-back this summer, having recently made contact to sign Galatasaray defender Sacha Boey, who has admitted that he "dreams" of playing in the Premier League.

The north London club are also said to be plotting a move for Mohamed Simakan, despite the fact the 23-year-old has recently penned a new deal with RB Leipzig which is set to run until 2027.

There may be an increased need to bring in a new centre-back this summer as William Saliba is yet to commit to a new contract, which means he may need to be sold, according to journalist Charles Watts.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, Galetti has now confirmed Arsenal are interested in signing Sutalo, although he does stress that a number of teams are likely to be vying for his signature this summer.

The journalist said: "Arsenal scouts are looking closely at the player who could be available for around £17m. Let's also pay attention to the competition that is rich and fierce.

"Fiorentina, RB Leipzig, Fulham, Wolfsburg, and Manchester United also interested in the player."

Should Arsenal sign a new centre-back?

It is clear that Mikel Arteta will need to upgrade his defensive options this summer, given the dramatic dip in form that has coincided with Saliba's injury, which has ruled him out of the last nine Premier League games.

Jakub Kiwior has recently been praised by members of the media, with journalist Eduardo Hagn describing him as "faultless in possession" after his performance against Newcastle United, but Rob Holding not been as solid.

The Englishman was particularly poor in the 2-2 draw against Liverpool, receiving the lowest Sofascore match rating of any Arsenal starter, and Sutalo could be a solid long-term replacement.

Hailed as "simply amazing" by football scout Jacek Kulig, the Croatian is yet to play outside his home country at club level, but he is making a name for himself on the international scene, ranked by Sofascore as his nation's third-best performer in the Nations League.

Although signing the 6 foot 3 colossus would be a risk, he ranks highly for a number of key defensive metrics over the past year, including blocks and tackles, displaying he has the quality to make the step up to the Premier League.

Leeds United face one of the toughest fixtures in the Premier League later today but will do so in front of a raucous Elland Road atmosphere, where supporters will be hoping to carry their team to victory.

However, the imperious and often unstoppable Newcastle United stand between them and the vital points they need to climb out of the relegation zone, with the Magpies sitting fourth in the league's form table over the last ten outings.

Leeds have not recorded a victory since early April and have also shipped 20 goals in their last six league showings, so newly-appointed Sam Allardyce will already be well aware of the monumental task that has been laid out before him.

Despite that, an admirable showing at the home of Manchester City last time out could give hope to fans that not all is lost, as they enter the first of their final three games of the campaign.

In an effort to plug this glaring defensive frailty and add an extra element of leadership onto the field, surely the well-seasoned 68-year-old will seek out his top players to throw them into such a high-pressure situation.

Although having struggled for form of late, injuries and a lack of fitness elsewhere could allow Pascal Struijk to once again shine as part of a rock-solid back four.

As a wily and well-versed titan despite his youth, capable of perfectly executing the expected game plan as well as frustrating the potent attack of the visitors, the 23-year-old must return to the side today.

Will Pascal Struijk play vs Newcastle?

The Dutch defender has actually not started a match since their 6-1 drubbing against Liverpool last month, and in his recent cameo appearance against the Cityzens, it was his clumsiness that handed them a penalty.

However, with an injury to Liam Cooper and inconsistent right-back Rasmus Kristensen being far from a fine alternative at the heart of defence, perhaps the £50k-per-week stalwart could merit a start to begin proving his doubters wrong alongside Max Wober.

After all, the defender has not endured the worst of seasons despite the club's respective poor form and his recent struggles.

His 6.79 average rating gives way to a mammoth 2.9 tackles and 2.3 clearances per 90, yet he pairs this with a fairly economical 80% pass accuracy too, via Sofascore.

However, what will be especially pertinent to any success Struijk hopes to have in silencing Alexander Isak, who has proved himself a major threat of late with his eight goal contributions in his last ten league games, is his defensive mastery of both the air and the ground.

When compared to other centre-backs across Europe, the former Ajax starlet actually ranks in the top 5% for tackles, and the top 4% for aerials won per 90, via FBref. Therefore, whether the Sweden international decides to use his 6 foot 4 physique or his quick feet to gain success, neither should phase Leeds' own towering warrior.

Journalist Daniel Fraiz Martinez clearly sees the benefits of including a player he once lauded for an "absolutely monster defensive display", and Allardyce will also be hoping to be able to herald another one after their game is done this afternoon.

Bangladesh’s new High Performance coach, Simon Helmot, has said that he wants to enrich the talent pool for the senior side, with tournaments like next year’s Champions Trophy and the 2019 World Cup in mind

Mohammad Isam13-Jun-2016Bangladesh’s new High Performance coach Simon Helmot has said that he wants to enrich the talent pool for the senior side, with tournaments like next year’s Champions Trophy and the 2019 World Cup in mind. Helmot, who recently served as Sunrisers Hyderabad’s assistant coach, will head a training programme that begins at the end of this month and ends in October, ahead of the 2016-17 season.”We are about developing Bangladesh cricket so we can be a force in all formats around the world,” Helmot said. “There are many competitions coming up, like the Champions Trophy. In a few years’ time, there is the World Cup, and there are lots of series to be played. But if we can develop the youth and even some of the experienced players to have better depth and a greater talent pool to pick in the national side, then we are going to be in a good place for not only now but for years to come.”The focus this time, according to BCB’s national game development manager Nazmul Abedin, will be on providing what the senior team requires and to reduce the gap between players in the HP squad those in the senior side. Helmot will start with a focus on the technical side of the game, and then move on to how to apply that in match situations. BCB are also looking to hire specialist foreign coaches for the programme, as well as organising at least one tour in September to give the players a taste of conditions away from home.Helmot, who has previously worked with Shakib Al Hasan at Melbourne Renegades and Mustafizur Rahman at Sunrisers Hyderabad, said that age would not be a factor when picking talent.”The HP programme should make sure there is development, and give players ownership and responsibility and discipline,” Helmot said. “Age doesn’t matter; people’s gifts and their ability can rise at different times. Most importantly, we have to set up a programme which is going to be open to those people we believe have the potential to play for their country.”

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Manchester United are still "internally" discussing Adrien Rabiot as a summer target.

What are the latest MUFC transfer rumours?

The Red Devils moved one step closer to securing Champions League football this weekend as they picked up a 2-0 win in the Premier League against Wolves.

Of course, if they can finish in the top four, that will likely make the club much more attractive for potential signings, as well as freeing up more funds to splash on targets.

And it seems as though, United already have their eye on one player in Rabiot – in fact, they've had their eye on the Juventus man for some time.

Indeed, in a new update shared on his YouTube channel, Romano has now revealed the latest on the club's transfer interest.

He explained (4:37): “This season he's doing incredible things at Juventus as one of the best midfielders in Serie A – Adrien Rabiot, for sure.

"And so, Erik ten Hag saw something in Adrien Rabiot before everyone. So he wanted Rabiot at Manchester United last summer, they had an agreement on the contract details, on the personal terms, with the player's side.

"But what we can say is that Adrien Rabiot remains a player of interest of Manchester United. At the moment, it is not something agreed, it is just a name they appreciate and they've discussed internally.

"Also Adrien Rabiot is asking for some time before making his final decision on the future. He has a contract proposal from Juventus because they want to extend this contract.

"But the dream of Adrien Rabiot, as always said here, is to play in the Premier League. So he wants Premier League move as a priority."

Will Rabiot join Man United?

As Romano alludes to, the Red Devils were heavily linked with Rabiot last summer and Sky Sports even reported a deal had been agreed before it eventually collapsed.

Well, now 12 months later, his £150k-p/w contract is set to expire in June and so the Red Devils could pick him up without having to pay a transfer fee.

Seeing as he's had a pretty impressive season – looking like a man "reborn" for France as they made the World Cup final, while also starring for Juventus with the highest average WhoScored rating (7.15) in Serie A this season across the team – it looks as though this could end up being a great deal for Man United.

What's more, if the Premier League really is his "dream" this could be a relatively easy transfer to complete.

Durham challenged Hampshire to set them a target on the final day of their Specsavers County Championship match at Chester-le-Street by declaring 51 behind on 421 for 9

ECB Reporters Network05-Jul-2016
ScorecardKeaton Jennings’ unstoppable season goes on•Stu Forster/Getty ImagesDurham challenged Hampshire to set them a target on the final day of their Specsavers County Championship match at Chester-le-Street by declaring 51 behind on 421 for 9.With six overs to bat, Will Smith and Jimmy Adams stretched the lead to 60. But however desperate Hampshire might be for a win, it would be an enormous gamble to set a target on the flat pitch.Keaton Jennings followed his unbeaten 221 in the second innings of Durham’s last match, against Yorkshire, by making 129, his fifth century of the season.With Jack Burnham scoring 74 and Ben Stokes a run-a-ball half-century, Durham reached 288 for three before subsiding to 349 for 9.But with ten overs to score 51 for maximum batting points, Barry McCarthy and Graham Onions got there with ten balls to spare.The Irishman hit two sixes in reaching his maiden 50 off 47 balls, while Onions contributed 23 to the unbroken stand of 72.Watched by national selector James Whitaker, Stokes clobbered three back-foot fours in four balls off Tino Best, who finished with none for 104 in 19 overs.There were also some cracking drives among Stokes’ eight fours but he fell for 51 when he was bowled off his pads, looking to force acting captain Smith’s occasional off-spin through mid-wicket off the back foot.With the overnight pair putting on 158, it was well into the afternoon before Durham lost a wicket when Burnham chipped to mid-on.At that point Ryan McLaren had all three wickets, but shortly after the second new ball was taken he pulled up and was escorted off by the physio.His first ball in the day’s second over struck Burnham on the helmet, but the youngster shrugged it off, as he did the rest of the short stuff which came his way.He was not in total control of a hook for four off McLaren, but showed great composure in completing his first 50 since his maiden century at the Oval in the third game.Jennings, resuming on 36, scored one run from 35 balls under the heavy morning cloud before a ten-minute stoppage for rain.Under brighter skies runs flowed more freely and after Burnham’s exit Stokes got the better of an entertaining joust with Best, who almost snared him at deep backward square on 13.Best was driven wide of mid-off by Jennings for the two runs which took the opener to his hundred off 201 balls.He fell in the third over of the new ball, pushing forward and edging Gareth Berg to Adams at second slip.Gareth Andrew replaced the injured McLaren and chipped in with three wickets as Durham crumbled without their cornerstone until McCarthy took a hand.

West Ham have no interest in a swap deal involving influential midfielder Declan Rice despite the recent rumours of a player-plus-cash offer from Arsenal, according to a new update.

Is Rice leaving West Ham this summer?

The 24-year-old's future is a big talking point currently, with a new challenge looking likely to come his way at the end of the season. There is an increasing feeling that he has come as far as he can at the London Stadium, with a move to a Champions League-playing club potentially on the cards, or certainly one of the biggest teams in the country.

Rice has slowly become one of the most important players at West Ham over the years, developing into a dominant midfielder player with strong all-round attributes. Not only that, but he is also one of the first names on the team sheet for England manager Gareth Southgate, starting all five matches for the Three Lions at the 2022 World Cup.

There is still no confirmation that the Englishman will definitely leave West Ham, but with every fresh report that emerges, the more likely it feels. That being said, a new claim may at least give Hammers supporters an element of hope that he won't be allowed to go easily.

Cash only for Rice?

According to Football Insider, West Ham are "not interested in taking any player in part exchange" with Rice, with a summer swap deal off the table. It is stated that Arsenal "lead the chase" for the midfielder and there have been rumours that "Arsenal could include a first-team or emerging star", but he will only depart in a routine cash transfer.

In truth, it feels like a given that Rice will leave at the end of the campaign, especially as his current deal expires in 2024, meaning West Ham would lose him for free next year, rather than earn a huge sum of money this time around.

In an ideal world, he would remain in east London for the rest of his career – he has been hailed as "outstanding" by Joe Cole – but he has lofty ambitions and will want to test himself in the Champions League and win trophies in the coming years. It is hard to begrudge him a move, given his ceiling as a player and the loyalty to he has shown West Ham until this point, and it is now vital that the club use the funds they receive for him wisely.