TEAMtalk

Nottingham Forest have responded to Tottenham interest in one of their best players, while Savio has officially completed his big-money move from Manchester City.

The final week of the window promises to be a frantic one at Spurs. The primary goal over the next few days is a complete overhaul in attack, and the first piece of the puzzle is now in place.

On Tuesday, Tottenham officially confirmed the capture of Savio from Man City via a statement on their website.

Reacting to his switch, Savio said: “It’s taken a while but I’m very happy to be here.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity at a brilliant club with one of the best managers in the world.

“As soon as I spoke to the Head Coach I knew I had to come. He told me he wants to help me reach the highest level, and I believe we can do that together, as a team.”

The 22-year-old – who now wishes to be known as Savio and not Savinho – has cost £75m plus £10m in add-ons. The rough breakdown of those add-ons is £5m are easily achievable, and the remaining £5m are harder to trigger.

Savio will wear the No 17 shirt with his new club and is expected to line up on the right side of Roberto De Zerbi’s attack.

Omar Marmoush will be next to arrive, with Fabrizio Romano claiming the deal structure is a loan containing a conditional obligation to buy worth £50m.

Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo is also wanted and personal terms are in place with the Dutchman. However, there’s a growing sense from sources close to Anfield that the Reds might not give the green light to Gakpo’s sale, even if successful in signing Bradley Barcola.

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In any case, there could also be an arrival in defence, with the BBC bringing news of Spurs exploring a move for Nottingham Forest’s Neco Williams.

Tottenham explore move for Neco Williams

The 25-year-old could be viewed as the natural successor to Djed Spence in the Spurs squad, with Williams’ versatility ensuring he’s equally comfortable at right-back or left-back, or even on either side as a wing-back.

However, Spurs face an almighty struggle to seal this deal, with the BBC claiming Forest have already decided they won’t sell.

Their senior football correspondent, Sami Mokbel, explained: ‘Nottingham Forest are determined to keep full-back Neco Williams this summer amid late interest from Tottenham.

‘Spurs’ interest in the 25-year-old is at an exploratory stage, but sources close to Forest insist the City Ground club will not consider selling the Wales international this summer.

‘Williams proved a crucial player last season and is expected to play a key role for new manager Oliver Glasner this time around. Forest remain in talks with the former Liverpool defender over a new contract and it is their intention to extend his current deal – which expires in summer 2029 – to reflect his importance to the squad.’

One potential ray of hope from a Spurs perspective is Forest are interested in signing Lucas Bergvall. Tottenham could use that interest as leverage to try and swing a deal for Williams.

Nevertheless, a move for Williams still looks a tall order for Spurs at this stage.

Liverpool are standing firm on Cody Gakpo and say they have no intention of allowing the Netherlands international to leave this summer, despite Manchester City now joining the race for the forward, TEAMtalk can reveal.

Gakpo remains a major target for Tottenham Hotspur, with Spurs continuing to push for his signature. We understand the Dutchman has already agreed personal terms with Roberto De Zerbi’s side, who have made it clear he would be a central figure in their plans.

As previously revealed by our sources, Gakpo has made it clear that he wants to leave Liverpool this summer amid fears he does not figure too highly in new manager Andoni Iraola’s plans.

However, the situation has now become more complicated after it emerged on Monday evening that Manchester City are adding Gakpo to their list of attacking options.

City are set to lose Savinho and Omar Marmoush to Tottenham, while they have already agreed a deal to sign Palmeiras winger Allan Elias as cover following Savinho’s departure.

But we understand that Manchester City also see Gakpo as a possible replacement for Marmoush and are now exploring his situation and in what would prove a quite remarkable deal.

One key issue for City could be the role they can offer Gakpo.

The Dutchman is understood to be attracted to Tottenham because Spurs have given him assurances that he would be central to De Zerbi’s plans, with the intention of using him predominantly as a No.9.

However, Liverpool sources point to the weekend as further evidence of just how highly Iraola rates Gakpo, with the Spaniard impressed by his attitude and having now made it clear he wants to keep the Dutchman around irrespective of who else the Reds sign before the window slams shut…

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Liverpool plan to keep Gakpo despite imminent big-money double deal

The Dutchman scored in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Newcastle United on Sunday and played the full 90 minutes, underlining his importance to the new Liverpool head coach and the role he continues to have in Iraola’s plans.

Whether Gakpo would be prepared to leave Liverpool for City without similar guarantees over regular first-team football remains to be seen.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are stressing to Gakpo and his people that they are in no hurry to sell.

Sources insist their stance has not changed and the club remain determined to keep Gakpo at Anfield despite the growing interest.

TEAMtalk understands Liverpool are also still working to bring in two more wingers, with talks continuing over Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola and Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh.

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Liverpool’s recruitment drive is significant because it underlines their intention to strengthen rather than prepare for Gakpo’s departure.

However, that is also central to the Dutchman’s thinking: he does not believe he will be first choice over the longer term if the club add two more wingers for significant fees, particularly with Hugo Ekitike also expected to return from injury before the end of the year.

That could leave Liverpool facing a decision over the final few days of the window.

And with Ekitike unlikely to be a serious contender for regular minutes until the turn of the year, we understand that the Reds may insist on keeping Gakpo until at least the January window, even if the player continues to push for a move.

For now, Tottenham remain keen, Manchester City have entered the race, and Gakpo’s preference is known, but Liverpool continue to insist that the forward is not for sale.

Manchester City could hijack Tottenham Hotspur’s talks for Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo, with Fabrizio Romano having confirmed their surprise interest.

Wingers are proving to be the biggest topic of the final weeks of the transfer window, as Liverpool are locked in talks for Bradley Barcola and Yankuba Minteh, while Tottenham have agreed to sign Savinho from Man City for £85m. Spurs look set to make it a double swoop by also capturing Omar Marmoush from City for £50m.

Roberto De Zerbi wants Spurs to complete their attacking revamp by landing Gakpo from Liverpool.

The Reds are not pushing Gakpo out of the exit door but would consider major bids worth around £70m for the left winger.

Dutch outlet Soccer News were the first to reveal that City are providing Spurs with shock competition for Gakpo.

Their journalist, Mounir Boualin, reported that City had approached the player’s camp to gauge his interest in a possible switch to the Etihad.

Boualin added that City are ‘considering’ contacting Liverpool next, should they get the green light from Gakpo.

Boualin states that Spurs have had a £60m approach for the Dutchman rejected.

Romano has now weighed in on Spurs’ battle with City for Gakpo. ‘Manchester City made contact with Cody Gakpo’s camp today, as @MounirBoualin reported,’ he wrote on X.

‘Talks have started while Tottenham remain in active discussions for Cody and with personal terms in place. Race on.’

Romano added in a subsequent post: ‘Liverpool will only sell Cody Gakpo if they can get two wingers in next 8 days; priority remains Bradley Barcola.

‘Tottenham verbally agreed terms with Gakpo since July, Man City now also in active talks with his agents.

‘Player to decide but also based on #LFC wingers plans.’

Man City fighting Tottenham for Cody Gakpo

Signing Gakpo would help City to replace Savinho. New City boss Enzo Maresca will also be without Jeremy Doku for two to three weeks due to the Belgian’s calf injury.

According to Boualin and Soccer News, Spurs have offered Gakpo a ‘key role’, whereas City view him as a potential squad player.

If Gakpo is prioritising regular starts with his next move, then Spurs could have the advantage over City.

Plus, the Cityzens can no longer rely on legendary tactician Pep Guardiola to help them sign top players.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are aiming to strike a deal for PSG’s Barcola ‘this week’.

Plus, Andoni Iraola’s side have had bids for Minteh worth £50m and £60m rejected by Brighton and are now weighing up an offer closer to £70m.

FC Koln are intensifying their efforts to finalise a season-long loan deal for Tottenham Hotspur’s highly rated young winger Mikey Moore, with sources close to the negotiations confirming that both parties are now targeting completion within the next 48 hours.

TEAMtalk previously revealed that Koln were calm, and that they knew the deal would go through later in the window.

The Bundesliga side want the transfer wrapped up as quickly as possible so the 19-year-old England youth international can link up with the squad ahead of the new campaign.

Moore’s agreement to the move has been in place for several weeks, while Tottenham have given verbal approval for a pure loan arrangement that includes no option or obligation to buy.

Moore remains under contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium until 2030, and the north London club have repeatedly made clear they have no intention of sanctioning a permanent departure this summer.

The protracted nature of the deal stemmed largely from head coach Roberto De Zerbi’s reluctance to release the youngster until Spurs strengthened their attacking options.

Moore had impressed the Italian during pre-season, most notably with a clinical brace in the friendly victory over Hoffenheim, and he started on the right wing in the Premier League opener at Brentford.

Although De Zerbi publicly criticised elements of his pressing performance after the 3-0 defeat, the teenager still created Spurs’ clearest chances.

Recent progress on major incoming transfers – including advanced discussions over high-profile arrivals from Manchester City (Savinho & Omar Marmoush) – has finally unlocked the situation, with sources indicating Tottenham issued formal clearance over the weekend.

Koln have remained patient throughout and are now driving the process forward with urgency.

Club sources stress they are unconcerned by the earlier delays as it was made clear during talks that Spurs wanted new additions in place first.

Mikey Moore to continue developing away from Tottenham

The versatile forward, who earned widespread praise during a successful loan spell at Rangers last season – where he claimed the Scottish Premiership Young Player of the Year award – is expected to feature primarily as a wide attacker or occasional number ten.

For Tottenham, the temporary move fits neatly into their long-term development strategy. Moore is not yet considered ready for consistent Premier League minutes, and a full campaign of regular football in the Bundesliga is regarded as the perfect next step.

Spurs will closely track his progress throughout the loan, assessing how he adapts to the physical intensity and tactical demands of German football before determining his pathway back into the first-team picture at Hotspur Way.

In simple terms, if Moore performs in Germany, he has a future at Spurs next season; if not, he may be moving again.

Both clubs are understood to be working around the clock on the remaining formalities, including medical arrangements and administrative paperwork.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly ready to submit a new and improved offer to sign Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo with just over a week of the summer transfer window remaining, although talk of a Plan B alternative has been ruled out by TEAMtalk sources.

As Spurs prepare to announce the imminent signings of Manchester City pair Omar Marmoush and Savinho, rumours remain rife that will not be the end of the club’s already historic summer spending spree.

After watching his side look completely blunt in attack and make mistakes at the back during the 3-0 loss at Brentford on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season, Roberto De Zerbi is still pushing ahead with the complete overhaul of his first-team squad.

Marmoush and Savinho should provide a much-needed spark in the frontline, which could look completely different by the time Saturday’s home clash with Newcastle comes around.

Indeed, that frontline may even have Gakpo in it, if Tottenham are able to convince Liverpool into selling, which, as our sources have revealed, will only happen if the Reds sign at least one new winger.

A reported bid of around £60million is already said to have been rebuffed by the Anfield outfit for the Netherlands international, who started and scored in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw at Newcastle on Sunday.

However, reporter Nicolò Schira wrote on X: “Excl – Tottenham are set to submit a new official bid to Liverpool to try to close Cody Gakpo’s signing.

“Agreement in principle between the Dutch winger and THFC for a contract until 2031. Spurs’ Plan B is Mykhaylo Mudryk (Chelsea). ”

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Gakpo to Tottenham still a possibility, but Mudryk…

Our sources have indicated that Tottenham remain hopeful they can land Gakpo before the window shuts, assuming the Reds are able to bring in at least one of their top attacking targets in Bradley Barcola or Yankuba Minteh.

Indeed, Fabrizio Romano also recently doubled down on Spurs maintaining their hope of signing the Dutch forward, telling his YouTube channel on Aug 22: “Don’t forget Cody Gakpo, because Savinho is going to Tottenham today in London for medical tests and contract signing.

“Omar Marmoush is expected to go to Tottenham as a centre striker, and he’s a target that is going to probably happen in the next few days, as I told you.

“But I told you always, right winger, left winger, centre striker. This was what I told you about Tottenham.

“And for the left winger, the name remains Cody Gakpo.

“Tottenham are working on it. Tottenham are working on the player side. Player terms are not an issue.

“And then Tottenham remain absolutely on it, on the club side with Liverpool.

“So Gakpo, Liverpool could be over in the next few days if the total fee can be agreed. Watch out for that one until the end.”

As for Schira’s claims that Chelsea star Mudryk is a target for Tottenham if they fail to sign Gakpo, we’ve been told that the north London club have not been mentioned when it comes to the winger’s next move.

Leeds United’s chances of signing Mudryk have been talked up by Romano, who is looking to get his career back on track after becoming a forgotten figure at Stamford Bridge, having been handed a four-year ban running to 2028 for breaching the Premier League’s anti-doping rules.

However, a move to Spurs is not currently in the thinking of sporting director Johan Lange.

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s representatives are working hard to find him a new club, and TEAMtalk can reveal that Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are among those approached about a potential move.

Mateta has been looking to leave Crystal Palace for much of the last 12 months and came close to departing in January, when proposed moves to AC Milan and Juventus broke down because of an issue with his knee.

Since then, the 29-year-old has also challenged the validity of the final 10 months of his Palace contract, arguing that the additional year should not have been activated. The original agreement, signed after his 2021 move from Mainz, contained a 12-month option which Palace subsequently took up.

Mateta took that case to a Premier League tribunal and then to FIFA, but his contract remains in place, and he continues to play for Palace. He started their opening-day defeat at Everton, missing two big chances to get on the scoresheet.

Despite that, sources insist that Mateta remains determined to leave before the September 1 transfer deadline and his representatives are now actively working through several possibilities.

However, Palace are adamant that his demands will fall on deaf ears and they have insisted they do not want to sell the seven-cap France star, even though he could leave for free next summer if he remains at Selhurst Park…

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Man Utd could move for Mateta if one of two players leave

The situation is reminiscent of Marc Guehi last season, when Palace resisted attempts to sell their captain and ultimately held on to him until January.

Sources understand a similar scenario could develop with Mateta if no club meets Palace’s demands before the deadline.

We can confirm, though, that United have been approached as they continue to assess their forward options.

Michael Carrick’s side could still sell Marcus Rashford, while Joshua Zirkzee is also a likely candidate to depart. As a result, Mateta could become an option if further movement is made in their attack.

Tottenham have also been contacted and retain long-term admiration for the 135-goal star.

Spurs are on the brink of completing deals for Savinho and Omar Marmoush from Manchester City, but we understand they still want to add another forward to their attacking group.

Reports over the weekend revealed that Spurs are also eyeing a surprise move for a Chelsea striker to boost their forward line.

Aston Villa are another club to have been made aware of Mateta’s situation as they continue searching for a striker.

Villa began the new Premier League season without a recognised senior striker, with Ollie Watkins pushing towards his expected move to Al-Hilal.

We revealed over the weekend that there is growing confidence that a move to take the England striker to the Middle East will get done.

TEAMtalk can also confirm that Atletico Madrid are very much involved in the Mateta conversations as they look for options, while there is interest from the Saudi Pro League.

The striker is understood to be open to options in Saudi Arabia as he weighs up the next step in his career.

For now, the striker remains a Palace player, but his representatives are pushing hard to find a solution, and the situation will be one to watch in the final eight days of the window.

Omar Marmoush will join Tottenham from Manchester City, with Fabrizio Romano revealing the exact conditions of the deal after Savinho was also scooped.

Spurs have evidently needed some extra attacking firepower this summer. There have been questions raised over injury prone Dominic Solanke and Richarlison, despite the latter being the club’s top scorer last season.

In the first game of this season – a 3-0 loss to Brentford – the Brazilian failed to have a single shot in his 68-minute appearance.

Tottenham have been advancing on the signing of City’s Marmoush of late, and Fabrizio Romano has revealed on Sunday that a verbal agreement is in place with the Manchester outfit for his transfer.

The agreement is for an initial loan deal, with Spurs obliged to pay City £50million if certain conditions are met during the season.

The Egyptian had already said yes to joining Tottenham, and on Monday will travel for his medical with the club.

Omar Marmoush loan comes after Savinho permanent deal

It will be a surprise to some that Marmoush is joining on an initial loan deal, though with Spurs already having spent £230million this summer, and Savinho joining for £85million, a deal which won’t take place immediately will be better for the club staying in line with financial regulations.

Indeed, the agreement for City winger Savinho to join for the aforementioned figure was revealed days ago.

David Ornstein explained the chances of all of that being paid to City.

He said: ‘Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement to sign Manchester City winger Savinho in a deal that could be worth up to £85million.

‘Spurs are set to pay £75m up front, plus £10m in potential bonuses for the Brazilian – £5m of which are highly achievable.’

It’s likely that the conditions for Marmoush’s deal to become permanent are also easily achievable, but for a striker, there’s a probability that a certain amount of goals must be hit before the transfer is triggered, as Tottenham wouldn’t want to pay for a striker who’s not doing his job.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly trying to hijack Aston Villa’s move to sign Nicolas Jackson, after making ‘direct contact’ over a deal to snap up the Chelsea forward before the transfer window shuts on September 1.

The north London outfit, who made a disastrous start to the new Premier League season after a 3-0 defeat at Brentford on Saturday, are on the brink of sealing a double deal for Manchester City attacking duo Savinho and Omar Marmoush.

Tottenham are expected to splash out a combined £140million on Savinho and Marmoush to improve a forward line that lacked a cutting edge last season and carried those struggles into the game against the Bees.

While Savinho is being added to operate on either flank, Marmoush is expected to provide goals as the club’s new No.9, with the distinct possibility that Richarlison leaves before the transfer deadline.

Roberto De Zerbi is known to favour Dominic Solanke, when fully fit, over Richarlison, but that’s the issue for the England forward – he just can’t stay away from the treatment table.

To that end, a report from Football FanCast claims that De Zerbi wants Jackson to add more firepower to his squad.

Indeed, the report states that Tottenham are currently in ‘direct contact’ with Chelsea over a move to sign the Senegal international ahead of Aston Villa.

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Tottenham exploring hijacking Jackson, Villa switch

It’s claimed that the north London outfit are keen to ‘understand the conditions to get a deal done’ before they ‘pull the trigger on another big-money move’.

Indeed, it’s reported that Chelsea are looking to recoup around £65m for Jackson, which could end up taking Tottenham’s summer spend to more than £400m for the summer window.

However, our sources indicate that Villa still remain in pole position for Jackson, who they have lined up to replace Ollie Watkins at Villa Park.

The England striker is said to have told Villa chiefs that he wants a move to the Saudi Pro League, after Al Hilal made a significant move to secure his signature.

Watkins’ exit would leave a large hole for Villa to fill and we understand that Jackson is ready to fill that void, with a deal between Villa and Chelsea further down the line than is currently being reported, according to our sources.

Jackson spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich after falling out of favour under Enzo Maresca, but still managed to notch 11 goals across 34 appearances in all competitions.

However, his future at Stamford Bridge now looks bleak, after the Blues brought in Danny Welbeck over the summer and also have Joao Pedro and Emmanuel Emegha on their books, although Liam Delap is also expected to move on.

Either way, it looks like Tottenham only have a slim chance to snap up Jackson ahead of Villa and will likely have to settle on Marmoush and Solanke as their main strikers for the first half of the new campaign.

Tottenham have ‘informed’ one of their players he’s been put up for sale, and the angry star is now on course to join Galatasaray, according to reports.

Tottenham are on course to spend more than any one club has ever spent in a single transfer window. If successfully landing Savinho, Omar Marmoush and Cody Gakpo, Tottenham’s outlay will soar to around £450m, surpassing the current benchmark set by Liverpool last summer (£440m).

To date, their most expensive arrivals came in midfield by way of Sandro Tonali and Mateus Fernandes.

The pair cost £185m combined, and at that price, they’ll be nailed-on starters for Roberto De Zerbi.

And with Conor Gallagher, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur on the books too, and no European football filling out the fixture list this season, it’s easy to see why Pape Sarr has reportedly been put up for sale.

However, despite the logic behind the Spurs move, the decision to shift Sarr on has not gone down well with the player.

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Pape Sarr angry at Tottenham transfer decision

That’s according to reporter Sacha Tavolieri who stated on X: ‘Tottenham Hotspur have informed Pape Matar Sarr that he is on the transfer market.

‘An invitation to leave the club that did not go down well with the Senegalese midfielder, which is why he deleted all his posts related to the club from social media.

‘Talks with Galatasaray are continuing.’

As mentioned, Turkish champions Galatasaray are in talks, both with Spurs and Sarr, regarding a transfer.

Per ultra-reliable Turkish reporter, Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, Sarr as well as his fellow Senegal international Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace) both now want to join Galatasaray in the coming days.

Sabuncuoğlu wrote on X: ‘Pape Sarr and Ismaila Sarr want to join Galatasaray. There is no agreement with their clubs, and the talks are ongoing.’

Separate reports in Turkey (as cited by Sport Witness) have claimed Galatasaray have already seen a €20m bid for Tottenham’s Sarr turned down.

Spurs, meanwhile, are believed to be holding out for the slightly higher sum of €25m / £21.5m.

Tottenham Hotspur remain intent on signing Liverpool winger Cody Gakpo despite the imminent double £140m capture of Omar Marmoush and Savinho from Manchester City, with Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein both sharing updates on the potential switch.

The Dutchman has been with Liverpool since a January 2023 move from PSV Eindhoven and has largely impressed in their colours, despite a noticeable slump last season.

With the Reds already signing Victor Munoz and doing all they can to try and add Bradley Barcola and Yankuba Minteh to their ranks before the window shuts, Gakpo’s future at Anfield has been called into question amid suggestions the Reds will be open to his sale in a bid to claw back some much-needed funds.

Gakpo, though, looks determined to stay. The winger has performed well in pre-season in a bid to catch Andoni Iraola’s eye, and the manager himself is open to keeping him should alternative moves fail to work out.

However, sources have confirmed that discussions have been held behind the scenes over a potential move to north London, and now Romano has provided a fresh update on Tottenham’s pursuit.

“Let me finish by telling you, don’t forget Cody Gakpo,” Romano told his YouTube channel. “Don’t forget Cody Gakpo, because Savinho is going to Tottenham today in London for medical tests and contract signing.

“Omar Marmoush is expected to go to Tottenham as a centre striker, and he’s a target that is going to probably happen in the next few days, as I told you.

“But I told you always, right winger, left winger, centre striker. This was what I told you about Tottenham.

“And for the left winger, the name remains Cody Gakpo.

“Tottenham are working on it. Tottenham are working on the player side. Player terms are not an issue.

“And then Tottenham remain absolutely on it, on the club side with Liverpool.

“So Gakpo, Liverpool could be over in the next few days if the total fee can be agreed. Watch out for that one until the end.”

Ornstein reveals Liverpool dilemma over Gakpo sale

Ornstein, meanwhile, has suggested the Reds remain torn over Gakpo’s possible sale and believes his sale will only come after being squeezed out by other arrivals.

“Liverpool are prioritising [Barcola], there’s no doubt about it. If they can get him from PSG, then I think we’ll see Gakpo leave,” he told TNT Sports on Saturday. “If they don’t get him in from PSG, I think they’ll happily keep Gakpo.

“[Andoni] Iraola really likes him. It’ll all come down to the fee with PSG, and the gap is too big at the moment.”

The Reds are also working on a deal for Minteh and, via a strong update on Saturday morning, now have real confidence that a deal is there to be done after learning Brighton’s likely asking price and having received a firm green light from the player.

“It definitely stands a chance, but if the numbers are not right for Liverpool, I hear that they have another option they’re weighing up and could pivot to if it doesn’t suit them with Minteh,” he said. “I’m not ruling it out, of course.

“Brighton know he’s a coveted talent, so they want in excess of £70 million with add-ons, and I’m not sure Liverpool will want to go quite that far, but I really like the look of this player, and I think he could go to a level we’ve not seen so far.

“The injury is a concern, but if you’re so convinced by the talent, you could probably take the risk.”

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TNT Sports pundit Karen Carney, though, is not convinced that Minteh has the qualities to succeed Mohamed Salah on the right side of Liverpool’s attack.

“If you’re looking to replace [Mohamed] Salah, he isn’t going to be ready to jump into that mould,” Carney said. “He’s 22, young and extremely quick and explosive, certainly an Iraola type of player, but you question whether he’s fit and ready to go.

“Barcola is a very good player, still raw. I think he can be more clinical, but he’s won two Champions Leagues and is a French international, so I think he fits the bill.”