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Liverpool midfielder Thiago could be set to leave the club in the summer transfer window, with a return to Barcelona a "concrete possibility", according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

What does Thiago earn per week?

The £200,000-a-week Spaniard moved to Anfield in the summer of 2020, arriving as a hugely eye-catching signing, given the success he had achieved with Barca and Bayern Munich beforehand.

While there have been moments of magic and trophies won along the way over the past three years, Thiago's time on Merseyside has also been frustrating, with injuries too often keeping him sidelined throughout seasons. Last term, for example, he only started 14 of the Reds' 38 Premier League matches, and his absence played a part in Liverpool's major struggles in the middle of the park.

The 32-year-old is now into the final year of his current deal at Anfield, meaning he will be able to exit for free in 2024, unless he is sold this summer, in order to receive a fee. With big doubts surrounding the futures of both Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, and with Naby Keita, James Milner and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain already moving in, it could be a huge summer of change in Liverpool's midfield.

A new update suggests that Thiago leaving this summer now feels very possible, with a reunion with a former club potentially on the cards.

Could Thiago leave Liverpool?

Taking to Twitter, Tavolieri claimed that Thiago could seal a return to Barcelona during the current transfer window, in what could be another midfield exit at Liverpool:

"Sources inside Liverpool feels Thiago Alcantara leaving to Barcelona this summer has a concrete possibility. Nothing has been done yet but I understand it’s the main option for the Spanish who would be more than keen to come back at Barca & playing under Xavi, his mentor. Things will move."

There is no question that Thiago's Liverpool career has been hit-and-miss overall, but that is mostly to do with injuries, rather than his performances, even though he didn't always cover himself in glory last season. When fit, the veteran has invariably looked like one of the best players on the pitch, averaging 2.4 tackles in the Premier League last season, as well as completing 86.4% of his passes.

That being said, there is a temptation to cash in on him this summer, with his lack of availability a constant problem, and something that helps nobody. There is an argument to say that selling him on top of all the other midfield departure is overkill – a ready-made replacement would simply have to be lined up – but if Barca or another club come in with an offer that is too good to refuse, Liverpool will surely consider accepting it.

Thiago has been labelled a "sensational" footballer by Jurgen Klopp, and if the manager was told now that he would be available for every game next season, he could see him as a vital player for the Reds. That feels extremely unlikely, though, which is why the idea of him heading back to Barca does make an element of sense in the coming weeks.

Tottenham Hotspur could tempt Italian giants Inter Milan with a bid to sign midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu this summer, according to reports.

Who are Spurs signing this summer?

The arrival of new manager Ange Postecoglou has also marked the signings of three major players, with Dejan Kulusevski, Guglielmo Vicario and James Maddison joining Spurs in that order.

Kulusevski has put pen to paper on a permanent deal from Juventus, after spending the last 18 months on loan, while both Vicario and Maddison have been signed in this summer transfer window.

Postecoglou, speaking to Tottenham’s official website (via football.london), says the latter duo have a perfect mentality suited to a Spurs team he’s looking to build

“It’s not just about the talent they bring as footballers,” said Postecoglou.

“Both those guys have got it in abundance. I could hear it in their voices when I spoke to them. I had a couple of chats with both of them before we signed them and I knew that they were the right types to bring into the dressing room.”

Manor Solomon, who is joining on a free transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk, is also in London for a medical today as Tottenham close in on a fourth signing.

As the hunt for a new defender continues, with both Micky van de Ven and Edmond Tapsoba heavily linked, there is a surprise claim that Tottenham could move for Calhanoglu from Inter.

That’s according to Inter Live.it, who say Spurs could end up tempting the Champions League finalists with an offer of around £30 million for the Turk.

They add this bid comes “out of nowhere” and to “especially” keep on eye out for Tottenham’s approach.

“Several British companies could, in fact, end up attempting an alleged offensive advance against Calhanoglu at any moment,” wrote the outlet.

“United and Chelsea aside, keep an eye out especially for Tottenham: a club that has set itself the goal of strengthening its midfield and that, out of nowhere, could even end up tempting the Nerazzurri by placing an offer of 35 million euros on the plate.”

What’s been said about Hakan Calhanoglu?

Last season, the 29-year-old averaged Inter’s second-highest performance rating per 90 (7.07), a number only bettered by their star striker Lautaro Martinez (WhoScored).

Over his 33 appearances, Calhanoglu racked up nine goal contributions, three goals and six assists, all while making more key passes per than any other Nerazzurri star (WhoScored).

Journalist Josh Bunting, writing on Twitter last year, also lauded the international attacker’s “absolutely sensational” range of passing.

Arsenal could be set to pull off one of the biggest transfers in Premier League history, if reports are to be believed…

What's the latest on Kylian Mbappe to Arsenal?

This extravagant claim comes courtesy of Football Transfers, who suggest that the Gunners are plotting a remarkable 2024 swoop for Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe.

With the World Cup-winning Frenchman set to see his contract expire at the Parc des Princes next summer, it seems that like most others in world football, Mikel Arteta is a huge admirer of the 24-year-old.

Although Real Madrid are unsurprisingly the standout favourite, given their long-running flirtation with the forward, that has not deterred the north London club from considering sending a package to try and lure the speedster.

This would mark one of the coups of the century, to tempt a £117m-rated player to the Emirates for no transfer fee.

Would Kylian Mbappe join Arsenal?

Whilst this might seem like the most unlikely of moves, the north London outfit have a few key benefits that could aid them in their pursuit.

Firstly, this summer has been one of vast transformation. Already Kai Havertz has been welcomed, and deals for Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber are progressing well. There is every reason to believe that Arteta's men will once again challenge for the Premier League title next season, given the improvements they have already made to a side that led the division for so long last term.

Should they go one step further and actually topple Manchester City, there is no reason to suggest that Mbappe would be against joining the reigning English champions.

Secondly, and arguably more importantly, is the legacy that this infamous club boast. Their relationship with France has been a close-knit one, with legends such as Arsene Wenger, Emmanuel Petit, Patrick Vieira and Robert Pires all hailing from the continent.

However, few stand out like the king himself, Thierry Henry.

Having joined from AS Monaco, this tricky forward would make 376 appearances for the club, maintaining a remarkable 331 goal contributions during that period. Few could muster such consistent quality like the 45-year-old, who is regarded by pundit Jamie Carragher as "the best striker to ever play in the Premier League and it is not even a debate."

The versatile forward impressed both as a central forward and a left winger, with his mesmeric dribbling, blistering pace, wicked finishing with both feet and creative excellence all meriting such praise.

However, in Mbappe many believe that finally the legend has been reincarnated.

In fact, talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor even noted: "He [Mbappe] reminds me a little bit of Thierry Henry and a lot of R9 mixed together."

With a preference to play from the left and cut in onto his deadly right foot, immediately the comparisons are obvious. Not to mention that the finisher also started his career in Monaco, to further emphasise the similarities.

Should he complete a similar arc by joining Arsenal, fulfilling the role that Henry used to, it could prove to be the true catalyst that earns Arteta decades worth of domination akin to Wenger's successful stint.

Mbappe has recorded 310 goal contributions in just 260 games since moving to the French capital, having been instrumental in the relatively comfortable success of one World Cup, and narrow loss in the final of its latest iteration. His hat trick as they fell to Argentina on penalties left many believing he will be the next man to dominate the Ballon d'Or award just as his former teammate Lionel Messi has done.

Given that Carragher spoke so highly of the man that used to terrorise him and his league, it only makes sense that the person to potentially replace him must also be "one of the greatest players in the world", as branded by Pablo Zabaleta.

Glasgow Rangers are closing in on securing yet another summer signing, with striker Cyriel Dessers looking set to move to Ibrox.

What’s the latest on Cyriel Dessers to Rangers?

That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who tweeted: “Understand Rangers are closing in on deal for Cyriel Dessers. Agreement now imminent with Cremonese for Nigerian striker — here we go soon.

“Clubs have agreed on final fee and all documents are being drafted.”

The chase for the Belgian-born striker has been a long one, but it certainly appears as though Michael Beale has finally secured a deal for the player, bolstering his attacking options in the process.

Does Antonio Colak have a future at Rangers?

The Ibrox side saw Alfredo Morelos depart after six seasons which saw him gain cult hero status in Glasgow having netted 124 goals for the club, and Beale knew signing a like-for-like replacement was imperative this summer.

Antonio Colak remains the only natural out-and-out striker at the Gers, however his future may potentially lie away from Scotland, especially after the update regarding Dessers.

German outfit Werder Bremen are interested in signing the Croatian frontman after just one season at Rangers and Beale may consider moving him on, especially considering he started just six times under the 42-year-old throughout the second half of the season.

Dessers may not be in a similar mould to Colak, yet there is no doubt he could add some serious firepower to the side. The 19k-per-week gem scored ten goals last term, which was eight less than Colak, however his all-round game is slightly better, making more key passes per game (0.9 to 0.5) and registering more assists (two to one) than the 29-year-old managed in the league last term.

Having been hailed as a player who is “Just so awkward to play against with his strength” according to journalist Josh Bunting, he can cause plenty of problems in the opposition box and across Europe’s top five leagues, the striker ranks in the top 8% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 (6.52), suggesting he is in the right place at the right time fairly often.

His dribbling ability is also top class, ranking in the top 10% across the big five European leagues for carries into the penalty area per 90 (1.36), meaning he likes to drop deep and link up with the midfielders, showing a different side to his game than just scoring.

Beale will be demanding goals of course, yet having a number nine who is capable of connecting well with the players behind him suggests he will be a much more fluid option than Colak, who may depart the Gers after just 12 months.

Liverpool could finally get their man it seems, with Football Insider reporting that a deal is almost done to bring Khephren Thuram to Anfield, with a transfer now expected to go-ahead.

How many games has Khephren Thuram played this season?

The midfielder has been with his current side Nice for four seasons now and has steadily become more and more important to the Ligue 1 outfit. Initially playing in just 14 games for the side as an 18-year-old – with seven starts – he is now a first-team regular and someone that the French outfit often turn to and can rely on.

In the 2022/23 season for example, despite still being only 22-years-old, he played on 35 occasions in Ligue 1 and even bagged two goals with four assists along the way. It meant that he matched his best-ever goal contribution total during this campaign.

He also ranked very highly, despite his youth, against those in his position from across Europe. Even though the Nice man is coming up against much more experienced names like Nicolo Barella and Gavi in this comparison amongst those in the Men's 'Top Five' big leagues, he still managed to rank in the top six percent for progressive carries (3.25 per 90) and top nine percent in successful take-ons (1.63 per 90). [FBref]

It showcases just how incredible the player already is at taking the ball himself and driving at the opposition with verve and determination, and it looks as if FSG and new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke could be about to bring him to Anfield.

Are Liverpool signing Khephren Thuram?

The Reds have been weighing up a move for some time now and have been hopeful of getting a deal done. Now, according to a report from Football Insider, that transfer looks like it should go ahead, with the Reds now expecting to seal the signature after pushing hard for the Frenchman.

Not only that, but it seems the player himself is eager to bag a move to Anfield – which will make things easier for both parties. No deal is officially confirmed yet, but it does seem as though it is edging closer to completion and Liverpool are confident they will land Thuram ahead of Newcastle United, who are also named in the update after expressing an interest in the midfielder.

Despite being only 22-years-old, he is already viewed very highly in the game. Aaron Ramsey stated that he feels Thuram has a "big future" and added that he can see him going "all the way to the top", whereas football talent scout Jacek Kulig has called Thuram "excellent" in terms of the technique he already possesses and adding that he is a "top" talent.

The Reds must also echo these sentiments to want to wrap up a deal for the midfielder, and it appears that they will finally get that done soon for the current Nice player.

Liverpool are battling a top flight rival to sign Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, with the Reds now ready to stump up the money to sign the World Cup breakout star, according to a report from Firenzeviola.it via Sport Witness.

Is Sofyan Amrabat really that good?

The midfielder has been with Fiorentina for three seasons now, having initially caught the eye with Hellas Verona in the same division. He has gone on to appear in 83 Serie A games for the La Viola since that transfer deal.

In 2022/23, he managed 29 league outings as well as starring in their Europa Conference League campaign, showcasing how good he can be on the big stage. That's because, when compared to others in his position amongst the Men's 'Top Five' big leagues, he ranks very impressively. For example, his progressive passes rate of 7.93 per 90 puts him in the top eight percent in that category and his 88.8% pass completion rate has him in the 95th percentile in that figure too.

It shows that he rarely makes mistakes with the ball despite seeking to make dangerous and incisive passes – the numbers even put him on a par with Liverpool's own pass-master, Thiago Alcantara, who ranks slightly better for progression but slightly worse for accuracy.

Now, according to a report from Firenzeviola.it via Sport Witness, the player has suitors from other leagues. Both Liverpool and Newcastle have an interest in the midfielder it seems and both clubs are "ready to pay" the asking price that Fiorentina want to ensure Amrabat ends up in the Premier League.

They appear to be the only two clubs currently willing to pay the required amount to convince the Serie A side to flog the 26-year-old.

What is Amrabat's transfer value?

With Fiorentina having paid around 19.5 million Euros to bring him to Italy, they'll want to fetch even more than that in the next deal for Amrabat. No potential fee is mentioned here in regards to a transfer deal – so it is actually unclear how much Liverpool are prepared to pay for the midfielder – but Transfermarkt suggests that his value is around the 30 million Euro mark (or £26m). Whilst more than the Serie A side paid, it is still a relatively cheap deal for the player.

When you consider what has been said about him in the game too, it makes that amount as a potential fee seem low. Football journalist Josh Bunting for example called the player "outstanding" during Fiorentina's Europa Conference League game against West Ham, also adding that he "ran the game" for the Italian side, while his displays on the biggest stage of all, the World Cup, drew mass media acclaim.

Tottenham Hotspur are in talks with the agents of Leicester City star James Maddison as they attempt his summer signing, according to journalist Rudy Galetti.

Who will join Spurs this summer?

The domestic transfer window is now officially open for business, meaning Spurs can properly make moves for players based in the UK.

Maddison, who is also being chased by Premier League rivals Newcastle United, is believed to be firmly on their radar with new manager Ange Postecoglou personally green-lighting a bid for the attacking midfielder.

As well as the England international, Spurs are looking to shore up a variety of key positions, with long-serving goalkeeper and number one Hugo Lloris also admitting he could leave.

Brentford’s David Raya and AC Milan’s Mike Maignan have been mentioned for the latter position, while it is believed Postecoglou has given the go-ahead for chairman Daniel Levy to sign a star centre-back.

Going back to Maddison, reports have suggested that the 26-year-old is set to leave Leicester, coming after their relegation from the top flight.

The former Norwich City star could be a hot commodity this summer, especially given just how much he starred under both Brendan Rodgers and Dean Smith at the King Power Stadium last season.

Leicester’s drop to the Championship could potentially result in them having to lower their asking price for Maddison, adding further incentive for Tottenham to test their resolve.

According to journalist Rudy Galettti, sharing news on Twitter, there has been an update on Spurs’ advances as they open talks with his representatives.

They’re apparently set to go head-to-head with Newcastle, and while the Magpies are believed to have a slight advantage, the race is fully open.

Maddison, meanwhile, “wants the move” this summer.

Who is James Maddison?

The Three Lions ace could be worth every penny of the £51 million asking price if Spurs indeed opt to pay it.

According to WhoScored, no Leicester player made more successful key passes per 90 in the final third than Maddison, or had as many shots at goal.

Racking up an impressive 19 goal contributions (10 goals and nine assists) last season, Maddison was hailed as “unreal” for his form by BBC Sport analyst Statman Dave.

Tottenham Hotspur could be set to keep hold of Harry Kane as Manchester United are "prepared to explore other options" in the summer, per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

​​​​​​Tottenham Hotspur transfer news – Harry Kane

Tottenham's all-time leading goalscorer has been linked with moves away from N17 before, but the recent links to United, coupled with his contract running down, felt different.

As dubbed by fellow striker Chris Wood (via Eurosport), the 'monster' has scored a ridiculous 280 goals in his 435 career appearances for Spurs, with 64 assists to boot.

This consistent output from the 6 foot 2 forward has led other clubs to monitor his situation, notably European royalty, Real Madrid.

The Spanish side have been reportedly interested in Kane since the departure of their own legendary striker, Karim Benzema.

The vacant number nine shirt at Los Blancos looked like the perfect opportunity for both Kane to move onto bigger things and for Spurs to avoid selling to a rival.

However, it appears like the Spanish club have pulled out of a potential deal because of the costs involved.

According to the Daily Mail, Spurs are looking for a fee of close to £100m for their number nine in the summer.

What has Fabrizio Romano said about Harry Kane to Manchester United?

Romano gave the update that United fans were dreading, and Spurs fans were hoping for this morning, the news that the Red Devils were prepared to cool their interest in Harry Kane.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said: "Harry Kane is considered the perfect striker by Erik ten Hag. He is a big fan of Harry Kane. He considers Harry Kane as the perfect kind of number nine for the idea of football that he has, but we always said it's not going to be easy to negotiate with Tottenham.

"And today [Wednesday], we can confirm that Manchester United, after internal meetings, are prepared to explore other options for a new striker because they believe that Harry Kane is a really difficult target."

Romano goes on to explain the two major roadblocks that United see with this deal: "They believe that Tottenham have no intention of negotiating with Man United, they don't want to sell the player to Manchester United, and so the feeling at the club is that it's better to maybe look at some other option."

The second issue is price, with Romano adding: "The price, because they feel in any case, even if Tottenham would open the door for the exit of Harry Kane, it's too expensive."

How good has Harry Kane been for Tottenham this year?

England's captain and all-time leading goalscorer has had a frankly ridiculous individual season this year.

It has been massively overshadowed by the inhuman exploits of Erling Haaland at Manchester City and by the generally poor showing by Spurs as a whole, but as an individual, he has been unreal.

According to WhoScored, the Walthamstow-born striker has averaged a seriously impressive rating of 7.51 across his 38 appearances in the league this year.

His underlying statistics are fantastic as well.

According to FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, Kane ranks in the top 4% for progressive passes, the top 10% for shot-creating actions and the top 14% for expected goals, all per 90.

It's easy to understand why the club don't want to lose him this year, even if it means he leaves for free next summer.

An update has emerged on Newcastle United and their plans to bolster their midfield options in the upcoming summer transfer window…

What's the latest on Romeo Lavia to Newcastle?

According to The Telegraph, the Mapgies are eyeing up a possible swoop to sign Southampton central midfielder Romeo Lavia ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

Dan Ashworth and Eddie Howe are said to be exploring potential deals to improve their squad by snapping up gems from the teams that were relegated from the Premier League this season.

The Daily Mail recently reported that the Saints are expected to demand a fee of up to £50m for the Belgian talent despite being knocked down to the Championship.

Would Romeo Lavia be a success at Newcastle?

Howe could finally unlock the best of Bruno Guimaraes' attacking talents in the middle of the park by securing a deal for Lavia as the 19-year-old could enjoy great success as a holding midfielder at St James' Park.

The former Manchester City gem enjoyed a strong first season in professional football in spite of Southampton's relegation and bringing in a player with his defensive attributes in the No 6 role would allow the manager to push the Brazilian ace further up the pitch.

In the 2022/23 campaign, the current Toon star made 36 appearances as a defensive midfielder and only one in a No 8 position, which resulted in four goals and two 'big chances' created in the Premier League.

Whereas, nine of his starts came as an eight in 2021/22 and the maestro produced four goals and three 'big chances' created for his teammates.

These statistics suggest that Guimaraes' attacking output was stunted in 2022/23 because of his need to play in a deeper position in the midfield

Lavia, meanwhile, played 22 times as a defensive midfielder this season for Southampton and the "diamond" – as he was dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig – could provide protection to the back four and allow the Brazil international to have more of an impact in the final third.

The Saints star, who was hailed as "exciting" by journalist Dan George, ranks in the top 29% or higher for tackles, interceptions, and blocks per 90 amongst his positional peers in the men's top five leagues over the last 365 days, which suggests that the teenager excels at cutting out opposition attacks on a regular basis and may yet only improve given his age.

He could play at the base of Howe's midfield and provide the likes of Guimaraes, Joelinton, and Joe Willock a platform from which they can build their attacks from, as they would have an excellent defensive presence behind them to sweep up and stop the opposition from creating chances.

Everton are reportedly ready to assert their dominance in the summer transfer window, as the club have been linked to a prolific forward.

The Toffees confirmed their Premier League survival in dramatic fashion on the final day, after what was a dreary season both on and off the pitch for the club.

Now that the Blues have sealed their fate in the top division, Sean Dyche will look to get to work this summer to make essential improvements in the bid to push on from a tough campaign at Goodison.

Having netted just 35 goals this term, Everton recorded their lowest-scoring tally over the past five seasons, however, the club’s latest transfer link could solve all woes in the final third.

What’s the latest on Yuri Alberto to Everton?

As reported by GOAL earlier this week, Everton are reportedly interested in Corinthians forward Yuri Alberto.

The report states that the Blues are considering a proposal to the Brazilian club for the striker, with them currently “keeping an eye” on the 22-year-old.

As per CIES Football Observatory, the Corinthians talisman is valued at €30m (£26m).

What could Yuri Alberto bring to Everton?

Operating over 2022/23 in the unfamiliar Brazilian league schedule, the striker has scored a total of 13 goals and registered six assists in 38 appearances in the Brasileiro Serie A and Paulista Serie A1 competitions – as per Sofascore.

At just 22, the forward has already had experience in European football, spending a season on loan in Russia representing Zenit St Petersburg, in which he contributed to ten goals in 15 appearances, scoring six and assisting four.

Lauded as being “dangerous” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Brazilian has areas of expertise in most areas of his game acting as a number nine, with Kulig listing him as being a “complete forward”.

Everton have found joy in equipping a Brazilian forward to lead the line previously, with Richarlison having a similar feat in his homeland, scoring 11 goals and assisting seven for Fluminense before signing for Watford in 2017 – as per Transfermarkt.

The young striker could add so much to the Toffees squad, and even force Dyche to reconsider the solidity of Calvert-Lewin’s place at the club.

The Englishman enjoyed a formidable scoring run in the 2020/21 season, bagging 16 league goals, however since then has suffered prolonged injuries, leaving him scoring just seven goals over the past two seasons at Goodison – as per Sofascore.

While injury struggles are out of his hands, competition for starting places remain, and the introduction of Alberto would certainly raise the bar in terms of battling for the number nine spot.

When comparing the two players, the Brazilian showcases a higher threat on the ball than the Everton forward, averaging 2.62 shot-creating actions to Calvert-Lewin’s 1.85 per 90, highlighting his efficiency in attack.

A similar pattern is evident in terms of positioning and threat going forward, with the 22-year-old averaging 6.83 progressive passes received, to the Englishman’s 4.33 per 90 – all statistics as per FBref.

The most important thing for the club is to secure a goalscorer this summer, however, Alberto could offer a dynamic player with “killer instinct” to Dyche’s set-up.

A player that is still developing at just 22 could give Everton more than just goals, with the potential to be a leading name at the club should he continue to showcase his talent in the final third.

It could also mean the end of the road for the stricken Calvert-Lewin who is surely now running out of time to prove his worth in Merseyside.