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Will Reds win race to sign 'wonderkid' Robertson replacement ahead of Real?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F12%2Fjorrel-hato.jpg "Jorrel Hato of Ajax after his side's Europa League match against Eintracht Frankfurt, on March 6, 2025")
Liverpool are said to be locked in a battle for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato with the likes of Real Madrid, Arsenal and Chelsea.
The Reds have enjoyed an impressive season under new boss Arne Slot and look certain to win the Premier League title considering they are currently 12 points ahead of second-placed Arsenal.
However, while Slot has excelled during his time at Anfield, several stars have come under scrutiny for their performances in 2024-25, including veteran Andrew Robertson.
The left-back has been a stalwart in the XI since displacing Alberto Moreno from the starting lineup in the 2017-18 season, but defensive lapses this campaign have brought his long-term future into question.
Gunners and Spurs to lock horns for midfielder with 'release clause' in summer
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F51%2Fmikel-arteta_1.jpg "Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta pictured on December 21, 2024")
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly decided to target Stuttgart midfielder Enzo Millot in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners and Spurs have both endured disappointing seasons for vastly different reasons, with Mikel Arteta's side failing to compete against Liverpool for the title while Ange Postecoglou's team are currently in 14th place in the league.
Both clubs will almost certainly need to strengthen in the next transfer window if they are to achieve their respective goals, but it remains to be seen if Arsenal will have the budget for much activity considering their reported interest in Newcastle United's Alexander Isak.
As for Tottenham, they could find themselves with a new manager in the 2025-26 campaign and chairman Daniel Levy will have to decide whether he can trust Postecoglou with further expenditure.
'Reluctant': Reds ponder whether to renew contract of forward ahead of refresh
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F01%2Farne-slot.jpg "Liverpool manager Arne Slot pictured on January 5, 2025")
Liverpool are reportedly reluctant to extend Diogo Jota's deal at Anfield and are said to be growing increasingly frustrated by the forward.
Jota stated the Reds' 2-1 EFL Cup final defeat against Newcastle United on March 16 and proved ineffective when trying to battle Dan Burn for control of long balls.
The Portuguese international started the season up front for boss Arne Slot, but he has only started 10 Premier League games this season due to either injury or poor form.
While he is not the only underperforming forward, it is concerning that Mohamed Salah has been so heavily relied upon in the final third given he has scored or assisted nearly 64% of the Merseysiders' Premier League goals.
The rich Reds: Liverpool could bank £200m through player sales this summer
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F05%2Fliverpool.jpg "Darwin Nunez of Liverpool on January 31, 2025")
Liverpool may have one hand firmly on the Premier League trophy, but more recent matches have shown that the Reds board cannot rest on their laurels during the summer transfer window.
Arne Slot's men can have no complaints about being knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain, or losing the EFL Cup final 2-1 to an inspired Newcastle United side a few days later.
The Reds' lack of physicality compared to the Magpies was on full display - especially when Alexis Mac Allister was tasked with marking Dan Burn at corners - and the Premier League champions-elect are expected to have an extremely busy window this summer.
Of course, the uncertain contract situations of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk continue to dominate the Liverpool transfer headlines, and all three could still leave for nothing at the end of the season.
Spurs 'in three-team battle' for Hackney deal, and here's why they could win
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F12%2Fhayden-hackney.jpg "Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney on January 21, 2025")
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly among three Premier League teams to have taken an interest in signing Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney this summer.
The Lilywhites' top-flight season is surely a write-off at this point, as they find themselves in a humbling 14th place in the Premier League table with just nine matches left to play.
However, Ange Postecoglou's side are still going strong in the Europa League, where they will face 2021-22 winners Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals next month.
Spurs would earn a direct ticket to the 2025-26 Champions League should they triumph in Europe's second-tier competition, which should still allow Postecoglou and Daniel Levy to attract top young talents.
A new Anfield assist king? Liverpool 'given green light' to sign Salah successor
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F12%2Frayan-cherki.jpg "France and Lyon's Rayan Cherki pictured on March 21, 2025")
Liverpool have reportedly received a significant boost in their efforts to sign Rayan Cherki, whom Lyon have decided to sell in the summer transfer window.
The 21-year-old has long been regarded as one of the jewels in the crown of the Ligue 1 side, who were handed an astonishing provisional relegation to Ligue 2 earlier this year due to financial difficulties.
Les Gones are confident that they will raise enough money to avoid an unthinkable demotion to the second tier, although they may have to sell off some of their prized assets in order to do so.
Cherki is among the Lyon players whom the seven-time French champions could garner a reasonable fee through selling, and given that his contract only runs until 2026, a parting of the ways is increasingly likely this summer.
United or divided? Amorim 'makes final decision' on Rashford future
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F51%2Fmarcus-rashford.jpg "Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford on November 12, 2024")
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has reportedly made a final decision on whether he plans to re-integrate Marcus Rashford into his squad this summer.
The pair's relationship quickly broke down following the Portuguese's arrival at Old Trafford, which led to Rashford being frozen out of the squad after revealing his desire to leave.
However, the 27-year-old has rediscovered a strong vein of form on loan at Aston Villa, and his exploits in the West Midlands earned him a route back into the England squad under Thomas Tuchel.
Rashford was given the nod on the left-hand side for Friday's 2-0 World Cup 2026 Qualifying win over Albania, although Tuchel admitted at full time that he was underwhelmed by his performance.
Which striker should Reds target after budget 'revealed' for Nunez replacement?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F39%2Fjulian-alvarez.jpg "Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez on September 19, 2024")
Liverpool's reported capacity to purchase a new striker in the summer transfer window is in excess of £100m due to their good financial health.
Mohamed Salah has fired the Reds to first place in the Premier League - 12 points ahead of Arsenal - and it would take a remarkable collapse in the final nine games for the Merseysiders to not win the title.
However, there is an argument that the Reds have been too reliant on the Egyptian in the final third, with the winger scoring 27 goals and registering 17 assists in 29 games, contributing to nearly 64% of his team's goals in the top flight.
Striker Darwin Nunez has disappointed this campaign - scoring just five times in the league - and the likes of Newcastle United's Alexander Isak and Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez have been linked with a move to Anfield.
How Man United could raise £143m this summer by selling six players
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F51%2Fmarcus-rashford_1.jpg "Marcus Rashford of Manchester United during his side's Premier League match against Everton at Old Trafford, December 1, 2024")
Manchester United are set to be active during this summer's transfer window, as the recently-appointed Ruben Amorim looks to bring in players capable of thriving in his 3-4-3 system.
Amorim will have money to spend, but the Red Devils are under immense pressure to make some major sales due to their financial issues, so some difficult decisions will need to be made during the summer market.
Man United's hand would be strengthened from both a sporting and a financial point of view if they were able to win this season's Europa League, which would secure Champions League football for next season.
The club's transfer policy has changed, with youngsters now being targeted rather than established stars, and that could help the 20-time English champions eventually return to a team capable of winning the major trophies.
Konate release clause 'truth' as Slot faces defensive crisis in summer window
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F12%2Fibrahima-konate_2.jpg "Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool during his side's clash against Paris Saint-Germain, on March 11, 2025")
Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate reportedly has no release clause in his current contract amidst interest from Real Madrid in his signature.
The Reds are on course to win the Premier League title given they are 12 points ahead of second-placed Arsenal with just nine matchweeks remaining in the top flight.
Boss Arne Slot has been able to take the Merseysiders to their current position thanks to a strong defensive foundation, with Virgil van Dijk and Konate forming a formidable partnership ahead of Alisson Becker.
However, centre-back Konate will have just one year left on his Liverpool contract in the summer transfer window, and no extension appears imminent despite talks having reportedly taken place.
Enough for Isak? How Arsenal could raise £112.8m by selling eight players
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F11%2Foleksandr-zinchenko.jpg "Arsenal's Oleksandr Zinchenko on March 12, 2025")
Another consolation silver medal is waiting for Arsenal at the 2024-25 Premier League finish line, as Mikel Arteta and co bemoan injuries, suspensions and fatal - yet avoidable - transfer mistakes.
Before the first whistle was blown in the 2024-25 season, had we been aware that five-peat-chasing Manchester City would suffer the calamitous collapse that they have, most surely would have tipped the Gunners to take full advantage and win their first title in 21 years.
However, a combination of fitness woes, market failings and Mohamed Salah's Ballon d'Or-worthy season have contributed to Arsenal being a whopping 12 points behind Liverpool in the Premier League table with just nine games left to play.
Arteta may still only give up the title 'over his dead body' while it is mathematically possible to rein in the Reds, but with no recognised central striker - barring the inexperienced Nathan Butler-Oyedeji - it is mission nigh-on impossible.
United 'in talks' with Napoli over the sale of forward as Amorim plots rebuild
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F50%2Fruben-amorim.jpg "Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim on December 1, 2024")
Manchester United have reportedly begun initial talks with Napoli over the possible transfer of Rasmus Hojlund to the Serie A club in the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils beat Leicester City 3-0 on March 16 in their last Premier League game before the international break, with striker Hojlund scoring his side's first goal of the match.
Hojlund's strike was just his first goal for United in 22 outings, and his struggles this season have raised significant questions about the future of the 22-year-old at Old Trafford.
Reports have emerged from La Gazzetta dello Sport claiming that the Red Devils are in negotiations with Italian club Napoli over Hojlund, with United said to have set an asking price of £50m.
'The next Keane' and Carrick's star: Three Championship midfielders Man United could sign
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F37%2Fchris-rigg_1.jpg "Sunderland's Chris Rigg pictured on April 20, 2024")
Manchester United are expected to move for at least one central midfielder during this summer's transfer window.
Christian Eriksen will leave Old Trafford on a free transfer at the end of June, while there is also speculation surrounding the futures of both Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo, so it is possible that a couple of new players in that area of the field could be required.
Man United's transfer policy is no longer centred around bringing in high-profile established players, rather searching for outstanding youngsters, with Ayden Heaven a recent example of how low-cost signings of real quality can be found.
Here, Sports Mole picks out three players operating in the Championship who could potentially make the move to Old Trafford this summer, and the trio are said to be the subject of interest from a host of clubs ahead of the summer market.
Barca 'place £101m price tag' on superstar forward amid Man United transfer talk
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F51%2Frapyal.jpg "Barcelona's Raphinha and Lamine Yamal pictured on December 11, 2024")
Barcelona would reportedly be willing to let Raphinha leave during this summer's transfer window if an offer of €120m (£101m) were to arrive, with Manchester United said to be keen to sign the attacker.
The 28-year-old has been in extraordinary form for the Catalan giants this season, scoring 27 goals and registering 20 assists in 42 appearances in all competitions, including 11 goals and five assists in 10 Champions League outings.
Raphinha is now one of the first names on the team sheet at Camp Nou, but there has recently been speculation surrounding his future, with Barcelona under pressure to make a major sale this summer for financial reasons.
Man United's interest in the Brazilian is believed to date back to his time at Leeds United, with the 20-time English champions said to have considered a move for him when it became clear that he would leave Elland Road.
Following the Felix, Pulisic path? £29.5m Chelsea man becomes Milan's 'priority'
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F12%2Fmadsan.jpg "Chelsea's Noni Madueke and Jadon Sancho pictured on January 25, 2025")
Chelsea winger Noni Madueke has apparently emerged as a potential transfer target for AC Milan, who took Joao Felix off of the Blues' hands in the January transfer window.
The Rossoneri agreed to sign Felix on loan for the remainder of the 2024-25 season, as he joined a host of ex-Chelsea players at San Siro including Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic.
Felix has struggled to adapt to life in Italy, though, only managing one goal and one assist from 10 games and failing to score in any of his first seven Serie A appearances for Sergio Conceicao's side.
Milan are not expected to push for a permanent move for Felix at the end of the season, although the Portugal international could supposedly still be offered an escape route from a fellow Premier League club.
Bissouma out, Brazilian in? Spurs 'circling' for £50m Wolves midfielder
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F12%2Fjoagom.jpg "Wolverhampton Wanderers' Andre and Joao Gomes pictured on February 9, 2025")
Tottenham Hotspur have joined the ever-growing list of clubs interested in signing Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Joao Gomes, according to a report.
The 24-year-old has forged an engine-room relationship with compatriot Andre at Molineux and has quickly adapted to life in England since joining the club midway through the 2022-23 season.
Gomes has registered four goals and two assists from 31 appearances in all tournaments this season, but Vitor Pereira's men are still in trouble as they lie 17th in the Premier League rankings.
Wolves do have a healthy nine-point cushion over Leicester City and Ipswich Town in the relegation zone, but even if they do manage to stay up, some of their top talents could be poached by rival clubs.
Chelsea starlet provides update on future: Does he expect place in Maresca squad?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F12%2Fandrey-santos.jpg "Strasbourg midfielder Andrey Santos in March 2025.")
Andrey Santos has revealed that he is yet to receive any direct contact from Chelsea regarding his plans for 2025-26.
Despite having signed from Vasco Da Gama at the start of 2023, Santos is awaiting his first competitive appearance for the Premier League side.
However, that has not prevented the 20-year-old from enhancing his reputation during two loan spells with Strasbourg, a club under the stewardship of Chelsea's co-owners.
A total of 10 goals and three assists have come from 37 appearances in all competitions, Santos's performances proving key as Strasbourg bid to earn European football for next season.
Nottingham Forest ready to break club record for Premier League attacker?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F01%2Fcunwol.jpg "Wolverhampton Wanderers' Matheus Cunha and Jorgen Strand Larsen celebrate on November 23, 2024")
Nottingham Forest have reportedly retained an interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker Matheus Cunha.
Last year, the East Midlands outfit were being docked four points for breaching the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations and enduring a scramble to comply with the rules prior to the summer deadline.
However, Nuno Espirito Santo has instigated such a change in fortunes at the City Ground that Forest are closing in on a European spot and potential Champions League qualification.
With nine matches remaining, Forest sit seven points clear of sixth-placed Newcastle United in the Premier League table, and earning a place at European football's top table would free up funds for the summer.
Four and forty: Man Utd 'rivalling three clubs' for £40m Wolves star
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F12%2Fcunait.jpg "Wolverhampton Wanderers' Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri pictured on February 10, 2024")
Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly named their asking price for Rayan Ait-Nouri, who is being linked with Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.
Vitor Pereira's side have endured a challenging Premier League campaign as they lie 17th in the top-flight standings, albeit with a healthy nine-point cushion above the relegation zone.
Wolves are not out of the demotion dogfight just yet, though, and the Old Gold will be at risk of losing some of their most prized assets if they do drop back down to the Championship for the 2024-25 season.
One of those top talents is left-back Ait-Nouri, who has made a name for himself as an effervescent attacking force at Molineux with four goals and five assists from 32 appearances this season.
Which three Premier League teams are in 'concrete talks' for Lille's David?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F42%2Fjonathan-david.jpg "Lille's Jonathan David pictured on September 24, 2024")
Arsenal and Manchester United are reportedly among three English clubs to enter talks with the representatives of Lille striker and soon-to-be free agent Jonathan David.
Following a successful five years with the 2020-21 Ligue 1 champions, the Canada international has confirmed that he is set to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season.
In the prime of his career at 25 years old, David is expected to be at the heart of an intense scramble for his services this summer, and it appears that the Premier League and La Liga are his likeliest destinations.
The former Genk striker recently hinted that he would be open to a move to Spain at some point in his career, offering Barcelona hope of a swoop as they seek a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
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