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"Play Conor Bradley": Why Alexander-Arnold should be benched after Leicester win
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F17%2Fdavid-lynch-and-trent-alexander-arnold.jpg "Conor Bradley should be chosen ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold when the title is won")
Trent Alexander-Arnold should be benched as soon as the Premier League title has been won, Reds expert David Lynch has insisted.
Liverpool managed to get the better of Leicester City on Sunday thanks to Alexander-Arnold's late winner, with the right-back coming on as a second-half substitute for Conor Bradley.
While the defender has helped the Merseysiders win numerous points this season and bring the club to the brink of Premier League glory, fans may be seeing the last of him at Anfield given he has been strongly linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher argued on Sunday that Alexander-Arnold should be taken out of the XI as soon as the title has been officially won, a sentiment shared by Lynch when he told Sports Mole: "I agree with with Jamie Carragher in the sense that until the title's won, you pick whatever your best team is.
Al-Hilal 'eyeing' audacious swoop for Barcelona star
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F10%2Fraphinha.jpg "Barcelona's Raphinha celebrates with Lamine Yamal on October 26, 2024")
Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona star Raphinha.
The Brazilian has emerged as a contender for the 2025 Ballon d'Or following his impressive performances for Hansi Flick's side this season.
Raphinha has racked up 30 goals and 23 assists in 40 competitive appearances to establish himself as an integral part of the Barcelona squad.
The 28-year-old is the Champions League second-highest scorer this season with 12 European goals to his name, while his tally of seven assists is one more than anyone else in the competition, demonstrating the high standards that he has been operating at in the 2024-25 campaign.
Ederson 'exploring' Man City exit as Brazilian earmarks 'preferred destination'
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F07%2Federson.jpg "Manchester City's Ederson on December 11, 2024")
Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson is reportedly keen to join the Saudi Pro League this summer.
Ederson was heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia last summer, but he ultimately stayed put after a transfer failed to materialise.
The Brazil international has remained Pep Guardiola's first-choice option this term, although he has struggled with some injury issues during the campaign.
In fact, Ederson has missed the last two matches due to a groin problem, including Tuesday's 2-1 home win over Aston Villa.
Fulham 'yet to decide future' of six out-of-contract players
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F16%2Fmarco-silva.jpg "Fulham manager Marco Silva on April 14, 2025")
Fulham are reportedly prepared to wait until the end of the season to decide the futures of their six out-of-contract players.
The Cottagers are aware that full-back Kenny Tete and Tom Cairney are among those who are set to become free agents at the end of the season.
Willian's deal also expires on June 30 after the Brazilian re-joined the club on a short-term deal in February following his exit from Olympiacos in December.
Adama Traore, Raul Jimenez and Carlos Vinicius are the three other players who could walk away for nothing this summer.
Exclusive: 'Head-scratching' Trent celebrations lead to new Real Madrid theory
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F17%2Ftrent-alexander-arnold.jpg "Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool applauds the fans on April 20, 2025")
Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold may be having second thoughts about joining Real Madrid following his wild celebrations against Leicester City, former England full-back Paul Parker has theorised.
While Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk have both put pen to paper on new two-year deals at Liverpool, Alexander-Arnold is still due to become a free agent at the end of the season and is widely expected to head for the Spanish capital.
However, the 26-year-old celebrated with unbridled passion when he scored the winner in Sunday's 1-0 victory at Leicester City, perhaps fuelling a belief among Liverpool fans that he will ultimately snub Los Blancos and continue on Merseyside.
Liverpool's success at the King Power Stadium took them to within one win of Premier League glory, whereas Real are trailing Barcelona in the La Liga title race, have been humbled by Arsenal in the Champions League and are expected to wave goodbye to Carlo Ancelotti this summer.
Man Utd, Chelsea suffer blow as £63m goalkeeper 'gives green light' to join Man City
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F17%2Fdiogo-costa_1.jpg "Porto's Diogo Costa celebrates with the Portuguese Super Cup on August 3, 2024")
Manchester City have reportedly been handed a major boost in their pursuit of Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa ahead of the summer transfer window.
After spending around £180m on four new players in January, the Citizens will continue their squad rebuild in the summer, with new sporting director Hugo Viana the man tasked with working alongside manager Pep Guardiola to build a team capable of competing on all fronts next season.
Man City are expected to strengthen in multiple areas, with reinforcement in the midfield and defensive departments - particularly at full-back - thought to be a priority.
However, the Citizens have also been tipped to recruit a new goalkeeper this summer amidst uncertainty over the long-term futures of both Ederson and Stefan Ortega, who will soon be entering the final year of their contracts at the club and have endured patchy runs of form when called upon by Guardiola this season.
Leverkusen in 'direct contact' over move for Man City attacker
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F16%2Fjames-mcatee.jpg "Manchester City's James McAtee with Rico Lewis on April 12, 2025")
Bayer Leverkusen have reportedly made contact with Manchester City over a potential summer move for James McAtee.
The England Under-21 international was heavily linked with a switch to the German club in the winter transfer window.
While a move failed to materialise, Leverkusen have kept tabs on the attacker's performances in the second half of the season.
Earlier this month, it was reported that McAtee is 'very open' to the prospect of joining the Bundesliga side ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
Positive thinking: Spurs 'believe in' cut-price Dibling deal
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F39%2Ftyler-dibling.jpg "Southampton's Tyler Dibling pictured on September 21, 2024")
Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly prepared to make a cut-price move for Southampton youngster Tyler Dibling.
The 19-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in the Premier League for the struggling Saints, firstly under the tutelage of Russell Martin.
Dibling has shone during a difficult period for Southampton, scoring two goals across 29 top-flight appearances for the division's whipping boys.
As a result, the winger has attracted interest from bigger clubs, including Manchester United, who are said to be targeting the player should they qualify for the Champions League.
Change of scenery: Vardy to be offered Leicester escape route?
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F14%2Fjamie-vardy.jpg "Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy during his side's Premier League match against West Ham United, on February 27, 2025")
Leicester City legend Jamie Vardy is reportedly wanted by teams in MLS.
The 38-year-old has earned icon status at the King Power Stadium after firing the Foxes to the Premier League title during a sensational 2015-16 term.
However, there have been times of hardship for Vardy and company recently, with the club suffering relegation to the Championship in two of the last three years.
A bottom-three finish this term was confirmed at the King Power on Sunday afternoon, when the Foxes lost 1-0 to league-leading Liverpool in the East Midlands.
'Full-blown bidding war': Man City to rival Real Madrid, Barca for £68.7m midfielder
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F13%2Fbruno-guimares-sandro-tonali-joelinton_1.jpg "Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton celebrate with the EFL Cup on March 16, 2025")
Manchester City are reportedly ready to rival Real Madrid and Barcelona for the signature of Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali this summer.
Tonali joined Newcastle from AC Milan for £55m in July 2023 and initially endured a challenging start to life at St James' Park as he was handed a 10-month ban from football for breaching betting rules.
However, since returning from that lengthy suspension in August last year, Tonali has established himself as a first-team regular under Eddie Howe, forming a successful midfield partnership with Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton.
The 24-year-old has made 40 appearances for Newcastle across all competitions this season, starting 30 of those, and has chipped in with five goals and three assists.
Chelsea 'identify' Sanchez replacement, will rival PL sides for top European stopper
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F47%2Frobert-sanchez.jpg "Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez in November 2024.")
Chelsea have reportedly identified another potential alternative to goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.
Since being signed from Brighton & Hove Albion in the summer of 2023, the Spain international has gone on to make 50 appearances in all competitions.
More than half of those outings have come since Enzo Maresca's arrival, the Italian viewing Sanchez as his first-choice-stopper, yet his future between the sticks remains uncertain.
With Sanchez making a number of mistakes that have directly led to goals, a large section of the club's fanbase have grown frustrated by the persistence in selecting the 27-year-old.
Obi Martin 2.0: Man United 'looking good' for 18-year-old free agent signing
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F07%2Fchido-obi.jpg "Manchester United's Chido Obi on February 7, 2025")
Manchester United are reportedly 'looking good' for the signing of 18-year-old Le Havre attacking starlet Enzo Kana-Biyik during the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils made headlines earlier this season when they poached teenage sensation Chido Obi from Arsenal, and the former Gunner has already been exposed to first-team football under Ruben Amorim.
The Portuguese has had no problems handing minutes to embryonic players, also starting Harry Amass and Tyler Fredricson in the weekend's 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers, where the latter's performance was lauded.
Obi's fellow Arsenal graduate Ayden Heaven was also making waves in the first team before his recent injury, enhancing Man United's reputation as a club where young talents will be given a platform to shine.
How Man City are 'set apart' in £38.7m battle amid Premier League competition
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F13%2Fmario-gila.jpg "Lazio's Mario Gila pictured on March 10, 2025")
Manchester City will reportedly face competition from a fellow Premier League Big Six club in the race to sign Lazio defender Mario Gila this summer.
It was claimed late last month that the reigning Premier League champions were plotting a summer swoop for the 24-year-old and could even throw in one of their talented youngsters to sweeten the deal.
Gila was a product of Real Madrid's academy system for four years between 2018 and 2022, but he never made it big at the Bernabeu, only making two senior appearances before being sold to Lazio for €6m (£5.2m).
However, the Spaniard has found safe haven in Serie A, registering two goals in 78 matches for Lazio in all competitions, scoring both of those strikes in 37 appearances in the 2024-25 campaign.
Amorim has ace up his sleeve as Man United plot move for 'Argentine Foden'
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F17%2Ffranco-mastantuono.jpg "River Plate's Franco Mastantuono on April 13, 2025")
Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for a 17-year-old Argentine starlet Franco Mastantuono, who has been likened to Manchester City's Phil Foden.
The Red Devils' disastrous Premier League season hit another low ebb in Sunday's 1-0 home loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers, and they are already guaranteed to finish the campaign with their lowest-ever Premier League points total.
However, Ruben Amorim's side could still secure a route to the Champions League via the Europa League, as they prepare to lock horns with Athletic Bilbao in a blockbuster semi-final.
Entry into Europe's premier competition would do wonders for Man United both financially and in a sporting sense, making them genuine contenders to land the globe's top up-and-coming talents this summer.
Estevao agent names two clubs Chelsea beat in race for Brazil international
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F41%2Festevao-willian.jpg "Palmeiras winger Estevao Willian in September 2024.")
Chelsea beat two Champions-League-participating clubs to sign Palmeiras winger Estevao Willian, according to the player's agent.
Back in June, the Blues finalised a deal that could eventually be worth in the region of £55m if all add-ons are activated for the starlet.
However, with Estevao not turning 18 years of age until later this week, FIFA regulations prevented the Brazil international from making an immediate switch to Stamford Bridge.
As such, the prospect has continued to impress at Palmeiras, where he will remain until after the Club World Cup that will be held in June and July.
Wolves 'showing interest' in Gambia international, ready to rival Greek, MLS clubs
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F17%2Fabdoulie-manneh.jpg "Mjallby AIF forward Abdoulie Manneh in April 2025.")
Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly emerged as contenders to sign a Gambia international during the summer transfer window.
The Premier League side are currently one of the form teams in Europe having prevailed in their last five fixtures in England's top flight.
As a result, Vitor Pereira and club officials can start to prepare for 2025-26, a consequence of Premier League survival having been secured with victory over Manchester United on Sunday.
Matheus Cunha is one player who could depart Molineux if his £62.5m release clause is activated by one of many suitors, mainly coming from English football.
Man City youngster to receive 'salary increase' as talks take place over new deal
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F02%2Fnicdiv.jpg "Manchester City's Nico O'Reilly and Divin Mubama celebrate on January 11, 2025")
Manchester City are reportedly prepared to hand a significant 'salary increase' to one of their youngsters.
The defending champions are currently embroiled in a scrap to earn Champions League football through their position in the Premier League table.
However, regardless of whether Pep Guardiola's side finish in the top-five of the standings, the Spaniard's squad will have a different look to it next season.
Fees in the region of £180m have already been shelled out on four new players during the winter transfer window, and more additions and outgoings will be facilitated in the summer.
In-demand Cunha 'nearing agreement' with Premier League giants after positive talks
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F24%2F52%2Fmatheus-cunha_1.jpg "Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker Matheus Cunha on December 26, 2024")
Manchester United have allegedly made progress in their efforts to secure a deal for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha.
On Sunday afternoon, the versatile attacker was part of the Wolves side that earned a 1-0 victory over the Red Devils at Old Trafford.
As a result, Wolves have moved level on points with Ruben Amorim's side in the Premier League table, an indication of how far United have fallen in recent years.
Nevertheless, despite their European participation in 2025-26 remaining in considerable doubt, they continue to be linked with many of the players that may also move to many of the other higher-profile teams in England's top flight.
'I want to play in La Liga': Spurs star appears to open door to summer exit
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F25%2F16%2Fmicky-van-de-ven-cristian-romero.jpg "Tottenham Hotspur's Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero on April 10, 2025")
Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero has hinted that he is ready to consider a transfer away from the Premier League club.
On Monday night, the Argentina international was part of the Spurs side that succumbed to a 2-1 reverse at the hands of Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
As a result, Ange Postecoglou's side remain in 16th position in the standings, left to focus on trying to lift the Europa League trophy having recently reached the semi-finals.
Romero has played a limited amount of times in both competitions, totalling just 18 starts in England's top flight and four on the continental scene, yet he has continued to be linked with a transfer away from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
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