Liverpool have already made contact with the agents of the Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch over a potential summer swoop.

Will Liverpool sign midfielders in the summer?

In what has been a season which has failed to deliver for the Reds, their midfield has been an area which has come under specific scrutiny over the course of the campaign.

There are a number of ageing players in the middle of the park for the Reds with Thiago Alcantara, Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Fabinho holding a combined average age of just over 32.

Adding to this, there are reports suggesting one of their young prospects, Fabio Carvalho, could be set for a loan move away from Anfield in the summer.

One player who has been linked to the Reds is the Dutchman, Gravenberch, who is currently spending his time watching Bayern play from the bench.

The 20-year-old has only been able to amass a mere 333 minutes of action in the Bundesliga with only 27 of them coming under Thomas Tuchel (via Transfermarkt).

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the Merseyside club have now made contact with the Dutch midfielder's representatives over a potential switch to Anfield:

(3:10) "I wanted to clarify that yes Liverpool approached the agents of Ryan Gravenberch, they had a direct contract, they want to push.

"So Liverpool are still there for Gravenberch They are not giving up they want Gravenberch, they consider Ryan Gravenberch as a perfect signing, young, talented, prepared to play a lot of games."

Could Gravenberch succeed in the Premier League?

There have been reports suggesting the Reds could also look to the likes of Matheus Nunes from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Conor Gallagher from Chelsea over the summer.

And this all comes on the back of the suggestion that Liverpool have been forced to withdraw from the race to potentially sign Jude Bellingham over the summer.

Gravenberch is a player who has been labelled "special" by talkSPORT's Mark Goldbridge in the past and he has shown his ability to drive with the ball during his time in the Eredivisie with a 67.4% take-on success rate last season (via FBref).

However, he would potentially arrive at Anfield in the summer on the back of a season where he has not played regular football for Bayern.

And this does raise its own questions surrounding the player given the only examples of his success coming in the Dutch league which many will take with a pinch of salt.

This season, the Dutchman has averaged 2.96 per 90 minutes which is an impressive return and higher than that of Fabinho for the Reds (via Fbref).

But ultimately, there will be an element of risk in potentially signing the 20-year-old given his lack of exposure to one of Europe's top leagues.

However, it is also apparent there is a lot of promise surrounding this player with reports suggesting Bayern are not keen to part ways with him just yet.

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Barcelona winger Raphinha this summer and the Brazilian's potential arrival at Stamford Bridge could see Todd Boehly finally ditch Hakim Ziyech.

Could Chelsea sign Raphinha this summer?

According to Spanish news outlet Sport, Chelsea have rekindled their interest in the forward having missed out on him to Barcelona only last summer after an impressive two seasons with Leeds United.

Boehly has already spent an eye-watering amount of money on new players at Chelsea and is blessed with a plethora of wide options at Stamford Bridge, but none of those wingers have stepped up to aid the Blues amid their barren run of form in front of goal.

With Chelsea having managed just 30 goals in 31 top-flight fixtures so far this campaign, attacking additions seem likely this summer and in Raphinha, the west London outfit would be signing a player they know can cut it in England.

In two years at Elland Road, the Brazil international would notch 17 goals and 12 assists in the Premier League, which saw him earn a £55m move to La Liga giants Barcelona last summer, despite heavy interest from the Blues.

During his time in Yorkshire, the £212k-per-week wide man would earn a huge amount of praise from former teammate Daniel James.

He said: "He’s a magician. He’s always been a great player – I played against him at United and he was always great – but he’s improved so much.

"He fully deserved his Brazilian call-up and I think since he got it, he’s pushed on even more, he’s even more confident. He can do absolutely anything on the pitch. It’s great playing with him."

Raphinha's debut campaign in Spain has produced six goals and four assists in 27 La Liga appearances with a WhoScored average rating of 7.02, which is more goal contributions and a better average rating than any of the attackers in Chelsea's squad.

Could Raphinha replace Ziyech at Chelsea?

As a left-footed right-winger, the 26-year-old would surely be an heir for wantaway wide man Hakim Ziyech, who has endured a nightmare spell at Stamford Bridge and was denied a loan move away in January after his move to PSG collapsed at the last minute.

The Morocco international has, in the words of Emmanuel Petit, looked "miserable" since the World Cup and has no goals and just one assist in his 14 Premier League appearances this season, with a woeful 6.44 rating from WhoScored for his performances.

The 30-year-old has never lived up to the form he showed at Ajax and will surely be a prime candidate to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

A replacement will be required but Boehly could look to fix that problem by bringing in Raphinha as his direct heir.

Tottenham Hotspur have apparently explored Feyenoord boss Arne Slot 'through back channels', according to a report by journalist Miguel Delaney.

What's the latest on Slot to Spurs?

The 44-year-old is seen as a real candidate to replace Antonio Conte at Spurs, coming after the latter coach left north London by mutual consent last week. His former number two, Cristian Stellini, and assistant boss Ryan Mason are set to manage the Lilywhites until the end of this season – tasked with sealing a place in the Premier League top four.

Champions League football is seen as a pivotal draw by managerial candidates such as Julian Nagelsmann, and it could well be the same for Mauricio Pochettino, who has also been linked. The likes of Zinedine Zidane and Luis Enrique are even being mentioned, too.

Yet, despite the previous quartet's free agent statuses, there are candidates currently in work who are attracting the attention of chairman Daniel Levy.

Slot, who is chasing an Eredivisie title with Feyenoord, is said to be one of them. Reports in the past fortnight have backed Tottenham's interest in the coach. Dutch journalist Valentijn Driessen for instance, recently sharing news on Slot from his homeland, claimed the former AZ Alkmaar boss is 'open' to joining Spurs.

Sharing a further update on the matter, reporter Delaney has written an intriguing line for The Independent.

Indeed, the reliable journalist also backs Spurs' links to Slot, stating that interest in the tactician has 'already been tested through back channels' – presumably meaning the north Londoners have been exploring an under-the-radar move.

Should Tottenham hire Slot?

Slot arguably won't raise as many tails as the likes of Pochettino, Nagelsmann, Enrique or Zidane – yet he comes with plenty of solid credentials.

Having worked his way up to permanent manager of Alkmaar from being their assistant, the coach's potential earned admirers at Feyenoord, where he is now attempting to win them a Dutch league title.

Slot also guided Feyenoord to a UEFA Europa Conference League final last season, where they lost out to eventual winners Roma, yet Netherlands football experts really can't get enough of him.

Marcel van der Kraan, speaking to talkSPORT recently, has called Slot the 'the most exciting head coach' he's seen in the last 10 years – potentially highlighting why Spurs have now taken note.

If Feyenoord end up clinching the Eredivisie, it will only raise the manager's stock and Spurs could well be a realistic destination thereafter.

Leicester City are reportedly lining upa move for Rafa Benitez as their new manager, following Brendan Rodgers' departure.

Who is next at Leicester after Rodgers?

On Sunday, Rodgers' time as Foxes boss came to an end, with both he and the club mutually agreeing that it was the right time to part ways. It came after a dreadful run of form that has seen Leicester drift into the Premier League relegation zone, with Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace the final straw.

The search is now on to find the Northern Irishman's successor at the King Power Stadium, with a host of names likely to be thrown into the hat. One individual who has already emerged as a potential target is Graham Potter, who was relieved of his duties at Chelsea on Sunday, too, and could be a strong contender to come in and guide Leicester to safety.

Now, another update has emerged, with a hugely experienced manager seen as a possible option to come in.

Could Benitez be the next Foxes boss?

According to Marca [via Sport Witness], Leicester are "knocking on the door" of Benitez, seeing him as a front-runner to join the club and pick up the pieces. The Spaniard is currently without a club and could be keen for a new challenge, having not had a job since leaving Everton last year after an unsuccessful stint at Goodison Park.

The report even claims that the Foxes have presented the former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle United boss with an offer, although he is yet to respond to them as he weighs up his options.

Benitez, who plays a 4-2-3-1 system, could prove to be an inspired appointment by Leicester if they end up striking a deal, coming in as a more experienced and proven option than Potter. Granted, the ex-Brighton manager could be the fresher, more attack-minded choice, but he may not be as ready for a Premier League relegation battle.

It could even be argued that Benitez is one of the standout managers in Europe over the past 20 years or so, with his stock falling lately but Champions League glory coming his way with Liverpool back in 2005, as well as a Europa League triumph with Chelsea in 2013.

He has been in charge of some of Europe's biggest clubs and never lost to Rodgers, and his tactical brilliance and winning mentality could help Leicester remain in the Premier League, before rebuilding this summer, next season and beyond.

أكد أحمد رأفت، وكيل أحمد أمين أوفا مهاجم إنبي، أن اللاعب يمتلك عرضًا رسميًا من أوروبا، مُشددًا على أن الأولوية لديه هي خوض تجربة الاحتراف، رغم اهتمام الأندية الكبيرة في مصر به.

وقال رأفت في تصريحات عبر برنامج “اللعيب”، على قناة “إم بي سي مصر”: “تلقينا عرضًا خلال الـ 48 ساعة الماضية، أوفا كان في الجونة مع فريق إنبي ولم يكن يعرف شيئًا عن هذا العرض”.

وتابع: “تلقيت مكالمة من أحد وكلاء اللاعبين، يُخطرني بعرض رسمي لـ أوفا من أحد الأندية في الدوري السويسري”.

طالع أيضًا | سمير صلاح: هناك لاعبون من الأهلي وبيراميدز تحدثوا مع فتوح.. ويوضح حقيقة غضب شيكابالا

وأضاف: “بالنسبة لنا هو عرض مُناسب، والأولوية للاعب هي خوض تجرب الاحتراف في أوروبا”.

واختتم: “هناك ميزة عند أوفا، إن الأهلي والزمالك وبيراميدز، جميعهم يحتاجون إلى مهاجم، وأرقام اللاعب تقول أنه مطلوب، لكن أكثر الأندية المهتمة بضمه الزمالك، ولكن لديهم أزمة إيقاف القيد”.

تجدر الإشارة، إلى أن أحمد أمين أوفا، لعب بقميص إنبي 7 مباريات هذا الموسم، في الدوري المصري، وسجل خلالها ثلاثة أهداف وصنع هدفًا.

حلل أسطورة الكرة النيجيرية، إيمانويل أمونيكي، النسخة المقبلة من بطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا 2023 والتي ستقام في كوت ديفوار خلال الأيام القليلة المقبلة.

وستنطلق البطولة يوم 13 يناير وتستمر حتى 11 فبراير 2024، بمشاركة 24 منتخبًا على رأسهم نيجيريا مع أفضل لاعب في القارة السمراء، فيكتور أوسيمين.

وتلعب نيجيريا ضمن فرق المجموعة الأولى والتي تضم كوت ديفوار البلد المضيف، غينيا الاستوائية وأخيرًا غينيا بيساو.

اقرأ أيضًا | قائمة نيجيريا النهائية لـ كأس أمم إفريقيا 2023.. استدعاء نجوم أوروبا

وتواصل “btolat.com” مع أمونيكي نجم نادي الزمالك الأسبق وكذلك برشلونة وأسطورة نيجيريا لمعرفة رأيه وتوقعاته قبل بداية البطولة.

وقال أمونيكي: “أتوقع بطولة قوية للغاية في كأس أمم إفريقيا 2023، العديد من الفرق الصغيرة تطورت في الآونة الأخيرة، وبالتالي، هذا ما يزيد صعوبة الفوز باللقب”.

وأضاف: “الاحتراف الأوروبي منح العديد من المنتخبات القدرة على مواجهة الكبار، لقد أعدت الأندية الخارجية العديد من اللاعبين بأفضل طريقة ممكنة وهو أمر جيد للقارة الإفريقية”.

وعن مجموعة نيجيريا في البطولة: “قد تخدع البعض، معظم الفرق كانت تتمنى تجنب البلد المضيف كوت ديفوار، ربما التكهنات حول تأهل كوت ديفوار ونيجيريا إلى الدور المقبل ولكن في كرة القدم لا يمكنك أن تتوقع ماذا قد يحدث من غينيا الاستوائية وغينيا بيساو”.

وتابع: “هناك تطور في هذين المنتخبين في السنوات الماضية، لديهم لاعبين في الفرق الأوروبية، بالطبع حظوظ كوت ديفوار ونيجيريا أقوى ولكن عليهم أن يثبتوا مدى قدرتهم على التأهل من خلال الفوز”.

وعن الانتقادات التي تطال المدرب، جوزيه بيسيرو، في الفترة الماضية من الإعلام والصحافة النيجيرية، قال: “لا أحب التحدث عن مدرب زميل لي، لا أحب التحدث عما يقوله الناس عنه”.

وواصل تصريحاته: “لكن كل ما أريد قوله، إنني أتمنى له التوفيق مع منتخب بلدنا نيجيريا في تلك البطولة، مع التأكيد على حق كل شخص في التعبير عن رأيه فيما يحدث بالمنتخب لأن هذا قد يمنح بعض الحلول للمسئولين للسير على الطريق الصحيح”.

وبسؤاله عما إذا كان وجود أفضل لاعب في إفريقيا، فيكتور أوسيمين، ميزة للنسور وهل يستطيع منحهم اللقب، قال: “بالطبع، لاعب رائع ومميز ولكن كرة القدم لعبة جماعية تعتمد على ما يفعله الفريق ككل وليس لاعب واحد”.

وأتم: “يجب أن يكون هناك تناغم وتجانس بين اللاعبين من أجل الوصول إلى منصات التتويج، لذلك أتمنى لهم النجاح والتوفيق والعودة لنا باللقب”.

Manchester United moved to reward long-serving defender Luke Shaw for his fine form this season by handing the Englishman a new long-term deal at Old Trafford, with the 27-year-old set to extend his stay at the club after initially arriving just under nine years ago.

The former Southampton ace was described as a "massively important player" by football director John Murtough after signing on the dotted line earlier this month, while the 29-cap gem was also on the receiving end of notable praise from manager Erik ten Hag, who hailed the Three Lions star as "the best left full-back in the UK" after having had a "great, great season".

While speculation persists regarding the prospect of a new addition on the right side of the defence this summer, it looks as if United are set to be in safe hands at left-back over the coming years, following Shaw's extension.

The latter man himself has also spoken of the increased "competition" that has come with the arrival of Tyrell Malacia from Feyenoord last summer, with the Dutchman having been the first signing of the Ten Hag regime in Manchester.

With the eight-cap Netherlands international still only 23, the expectation will be that he will go on to be the eventual successor to Shaw in that starting berth, albeit with the Rotterdam native's recent woes having perhaps cast doubt over his suitability for the role.

The 5 foot 7 menace was named among those who can be "really tough to watch" in the current squad, as per Deadline's Andreas Wiseman, having only recently scored an own goal in the 2-2 draw at home to Sevilla, after failing to track his man at the back post.

The diminutive defender still has "plenty to prove" as he approaches the end of his debut campaign at the Theatre of Dreams, according to Daily Express journalist Alex Turk, with it not out of the question that the £14.7m addition could be usurped by another exciting young left-back on United's books in the near future – Alvaro Fernandez.

Who is Man United's Alvaro Fernandez?

While the 20-year-old is yet to make a first-team appearance for the Red Devils to date, the promising Spaniard has been tipped for big things ever since signing from La Liga giants Real Madrid back in the summer of 2020, joining alongside fellow full-back Marc Jurado – who arrived from Barcelona.

Hailed as a player who 'looks extremely comfortable in possession' – as per the club's official website – Fernandez has been making waves with his displays in the youth ranks in recent years, earning notable praise from academy head Nick Cox last year, who hailed him as a "standout performer" for the U23 side.

Also described as an "excellent role model" for those around him – as per Cox – the exciting sensation was particularly impressive in the youth set-up last season, with talent scout Jacek Kulig describing him as United's "best player" in the UEFA Youth League "without a doubt".

The former Spain youth international is currently on loan at Championship side Preston North End, although prior to that he had showcased his attacking quality at academy level, providing four goals and laying on nine assists in 47 games for the U21's from his full-back berth.

That ability to make an impact in the final third perhaps stems from the youngster's upbringing as a centre-forward, with the player himself previously revealing that he once scored more than 100 goals in a single season while with local side, Racing de Ferrol.

While young Fernandez is unlikely to be replicating those feats any time soon from his defensive berth, as the current campaign has shown on loan in the second tier, he is certainly more than able to make his mark at senior level.

How is Alvaro Fernandez getting on at Preston?

A player with an "amazing engine and quality", according to Kulig, the emerging superstar has made a fine impression in his temporary home, having already provided six assists in 38 games in all competitions at Deepdale – a far better record than that of Malacia, who is yet to record a single goal involvement for Ten Hag's side.

The differing fortunes between the pair are also showcased by the fact that Fernandez has been a real livewire in his left wing-back role after creating six big chances and averaging 1.3 successful dribbles per game, while Malacia, by contrast, has created zero big chances and averaged just 0.2 successful dribbles in the league.

The one-time Madrid ace has also shown himself to be an asset defensively after averaging 1.5 tackles and one interception per game so far this term, with that record not too dissimilar to that of the Dutchman, who has averaged two tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game.

For Fernandez to be able to both thrive going forward but also be able to still carry out his defensive duties is a testament to his quality, having been rightly lauded as "immaculate" by manager Ryan Lowe, who also described him as a "fantastic talent".

With this season now drawing to a close, the 6 foot 1 starlet has only recently outlined that it is his "dream" to play in the Premier League, with it hopefully not too long before the £2m-rated talent will be handed the opportunity to shine back at his parent club.

On the evidence of his displays in the Championship this season – as well as in the youth set-up previously – it could be Fernandez who emerges as a direct challenger to Shaw both next season and beyond, ahead of Malacia.

Leeds United centre-back Diego Llorente could join Roma on a permanent basis at the end of the season, according to a fresh transfer update.

Is Llorente impressing on loan?

The 29-year-old joined the Serie A giants on loan during the January transfer window, having struggled to be a regular at Elland Road during the first half of the season. He hasn't managed to become a key part of Jose Mourinho's plans, however, starting only three league matches and making only five appearances in the competition overall.

Llorente has still done his bit for the cause, though, starting twice in the Europa League and helping Roma reach the semi-finals, with a tie against Bayer Leverkusen to look forward to in the next few weeks.

His current Whites deal doesn't expire until the summer of 2026, should Roma decide against retaining his services beyond this season, but the Italian outfit do have an option to sign him permanently at the end of the season.

Could Roma sign Llorente permanently?

According to Giallorossi.net [via Sport Witness], Roma are "already in contact" with Leeds over Llorente's future. Although they are hesitant to pay the full €18m (£15.9m) release clause fee, they are "ready to negotiate" a lower amount in order to keep him at the club.

It is claimed that the Spaniard is "happy to stay" at his current temporary club and end his time at Leeds, having racked up 59 appearances in a Whites shirt and proven to be an important figure at times despite injury woes, helping them remain in the top flight last season.

In truth, an Elland Road exit makes the most sense of all parties moving forward, even though Llorente has been hailed as "heroic" by BT Sport commentator Dave Farrar recently, and is clearly someone who could still benefit Leeds. At 29, he isn't getting any younger, meaning more youthful long-terms and less injury-prone options should be looked at instead this summer.

The money received for Llorente can also go towards new signings, while the fact that Roma are offering him European football means he is likely to perfectly content with moving away from Leeds for good.

Should the centre-back depart, he should still be remembered as a solid servant who produced some accomplished performances at the heart of the Whites' defence, averaging 2.5 clearances and 2.3 tackles per game in the Premier League back in 2020/21.

Leeds United goalkeeper Illan Meslier might “want to leave” this summer should the club get relegated from the Premier League, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

What's the latest on Meslier's future?

The Frenchman permanently arrived at Elland Road from FC Lorient back in July 2020 and has firmly established himself as number one in his 123 appearances to date, and despite his contract not expiring for another three years, is facing an uncertain future given the dangerous position that Javi Gracia and his side find themselves in.

Football Insider report that the Whites shot-stopper has emerged as a target for Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur with a £30m price tag having been set, though Fabrizio Romano has since claimed that the Yorkshire outfit aren’t open to negotiations at this particular moment in time.

Speaking to Football FanCast, O’Rourke delivered an update on Meslier’s stance regarding staying at Leeds beyond the summer and revealed where he thinks his future will lie. He said:

“There has been previous interest before from some Premier League clubs. So I'm sure Meslier will be keeping his options open this summer. If Leeds were to go down, I'm sure he would want to leave and Leeds might be forced to cash in on him as well.”

Should Leeds keep or sell Meslier?

Since Leeds gained promotion back to the Premier League in 2019/20 thanks to the services of Meslier, who earns £30k per week, during his loan season between the sticks, he’s become a key member of the squad so the hierarchy should do everything they can to fend off interest and keep hold of him beyond the summer window.

The 6 foot 5 colossus has kept 30 clean sheets during his time at Elland Road with his form this season in particular having seen him receive three man-of-the-match awards, highlighting the individual importance he has on the side.

The Lorient native has also made 84 saves from 143 shots on target against and ranks in the 93rd percentile for defensive actions outside of his area, as per FBRef, showing that he’s not afraid to come out, get himself behind the ball and clear the danger from the opposition.

Finally, Meslier has a fantastic range of passing having completed 135 of 139 short passes and 315 of 320 medium passes this season, giving him a success rate of 98.4% for the latter, so even the thought of losing him will no doubt be a huge blow to Gracia.

Presenter and YouTuber Conor McGilligan has suggested that Wilfried Gnonto has not been playing as he may have fallen out with Leeds United manager Javi Gracia, as opposed to an apparent injury.

What's the latest injury news for Leeds and Wilfried Gnonto?

The talented winger has not been able to secure regular minutes since the Spaniard took charge and hasn't started any of the club's last four league matches.

In part, that has been due to injury, but in that run, Gnonto only missed the trip to Arsenal – and has been in the matchday squad for the three games since, playing just 33 minutes in that time.

Speaking ahead of this weekend's Premier League trip to Fulham, Gracia explained why the 19-year-old hasn't been playing much, telling LeedsLive: "Gnonto is ready. He had a little issue, he had some problem, now he's ready. He's training from the last few weeks and in the beginning when he came back, it's true that I tried to protect him a little bit, but now he's ready and available."

It's certainly interesting to hear the 52-year-old admit he has been deliberately not playing Gnonto to "protect him", though this seems to have left McGilligan suspicious.

Indeed, while talking about it all on the One Leeds Fan Channel, the podcaster claimed that there may be an issue between the player and the manager.

He said: "I am maybe a little bit more dubious as to whether or not Willy Gnonto has this injury that has kept him out.

"Maybe that's me being a little bit curious and a little bit hypothetical a bit about the scenario. Hopefully I'm wrong and it is just down to an injury, but I do feel that maybe a little bit more has gone on there between Willy and Gracia."

Have Gracia and Gnonto fallen out?

Earlier in the season, Gnonto – who earns £20k per week – had established himself as a regular under former boss Jesse Marsch and actually started the American's last seven games before he was sacked.

He also earned plenty of praise in this period, too. For instance, after a loss to Aston Villa, Gary Neville told Sky Sports (via Mail Online): "To see someone so mature, so young is very unusual in that position.

"Sometimes you see potential and talent, but watching him so closely, his understanding of where to be, his choice of pass, when to run with it, his awareness of teammates, really good, honestly."

With that being the case, it does seem odd that Gracia would arrive at Leeds and not rate Gnonto. And after admitting that the player's injury hasn't been that bad, perhaps he might be benching the Italian for non-footballing reasons.

After all, in the midst of a relegation battle, you'd hardly be worried about protecting one of your best players. You'd probably be desperate to get them back on the pitch the moment they were fit again, so we are also curious about this situation and will be keen to see whether he gets the nod this weekend.