Klopp Could Sign Liverpool The Dream VVD Heir In £85m "Rolls Royce"

Liverpool are tinkering away as they prepare for the start of the 22/23 Premier League season in under two weeks, with a shock update arising for a former target.

Who are Liverpool signing this summer?

According to Spanish reports, Jurgen Klopp's Reds are still in with a shout for RB Leipzig central defender Josko Gvardiol, who has been the centrepiece of a transfer saga with Manchester City.

The fresh news from Spain claims that the Croatian, who is valued at no small sum of £85m, could possibly be hijacked over the coming weeks with his prospective move to the Etihad Stadium stagnating.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

Liverpool are joined by Chelsea and Manchester United in having submitted offers for the defender, and while the Citizens remain favourites, this is perhaps a deal to keep an eye on.

How good is Josko Gvardiol?

Those who know Gvardiol best are starting to run out of superlatives to describe the 21-year-old prodigy, who has excelled for club and country of late and looks poised for a career right at the very top of the game.

He would be a credit to any team in world football, having made 87 appearances for his Bundesliga outfit, winning successive DFB Pokals, and being heralded as a "Rolls-Royce" by journalist Zach Lowy.

Partner this with a third place finish in the 2022 World Cup, and Liverpool would only enrich their ranks with the 6 foot 1 defender's signature.

Given his favoured left foot and first-rate ball-playing skills, he is the dream heir to Virgil van Dijk's position in the Reds system, with the 32-year-old seemingly waning of late and Klopp pursuing a left-sided centre-half this summer.

The Dutchman has been integral to Liverpool's success since signing from Southampton in a £75m deal, winning a wealth of major honours including the Premier League and Champions League, but his imperiousness is not eternal and plans are understandably being made.

virgil-van-dijk-liverpool

Despite this, the £220k-per-week phenom still ranks among the top 12% of centre-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 4% for passes attempted, the top 18% for goals and the top 8% for aerials won per 90, as per FBref – the exemplifier of Klopp's ideology.

Gvardiol could slot into the squad as a book slots into a shelf, evidenced by his own ranking among the top 9% for goals, the top 1% for passes attempted, the top 18% for progressive passes and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90, and given his youthful age there is plenty of room for increments to be made as he charts a course to the highest of eminence.

The stumbling block, of course, comes in the form of Pep Guardiola's sensational, treble-winning outfit, who also appear to view Gvardiol as the optimum defensive component to enhance their team, and with the lucrative fee also likely to be a deterrent, it does indeed remain to be seen if Liverpool could actually get this one over the line.

But if they do, Klopp will wield one of the finest talents in European football, a player so great he could mould his backline around the "fearless" titan – as he has been labelled by Rio Ferdinand – for years to come.

Man City Keen On "Phenomenal" £300k-p/w Player

Manchester City are reportedly looking at a move for Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich and could make an offer for the player in the coming days.

What’s the latest Man City transfer news?

The Sky Blues and Pep Guardiola have already added to their treble-winning squad this summer by bringing in Mateo Kovacic from Chelsea in a deal worth a total of £30m.

However, Ilkay Gundogan, who played a key role in City’s success last season with two goals in the FA Cup final, has decided to join Barcelona on a free transfer after his contract expired at the Etihad.

Therefore, it looks as if Kovacic will fill the void left by Gundogan ahead of the 2023/24 season, but more new faces could arrive before the window shuts on September 1.

Fellow Croatia international, Josko Gvardiol, has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano even claiming on Wednesday that the RB Leipzig man had even completed the first part of a City medical.

However, speculation has since cooled on the defender, but it looks as if another Bundesliga star is of interest in Kimmich.

The Faithful MUFC relayed news from Spain regarding Kimmich in the last 48 hours, where City were mentioned. It is believed that City, along with rivals Manchester United and Liverpool, all want to sign the Germany international this summer, with Kimmich keen on leaving the Allianz Arena.

All three English clubs are expected to make offers by sending proposals in the coming days, with the report saying on City:

“Manchester City have shown a clear interest in Kimmich after losing the opportunity to sign Declan Rice, who eventually joined Arsenal. The need to strengthen their midfield has led the 'Citizens' to set their sights on the versatile German player, who excels both defensively and offensively.”

joshua-kimmich-transfer-gossip-arsenal-bayern-munich-edu-arteta-granit-xhaka

Who is Joshua Kimmich?

Kimmich is 28 years of age and has been with Bayern since 2015, with his current contract running until 2025. Capable of playing as a right-back, holding midfielder or central midfielder, the £300,000-a-week man has already worked under Guardiola.

He made 36 appearances under the City boss during his time at Bayern, with Guardiola hailing the player seven years ago. Since then, Kimmich has gone from strength to strength, making close to 350 Bayern appearances and winning a total of 20 honours in Munich. Jose Mourinho previously praised Kimmich for his versatility, describing him as a “phenomenal” player.

"I see him as a top right-back, left-back, centre-back, No.6, No.8, No.10… he has the qualities to be anything!

"I think he looks to me, very intelligent related to football, very intelligent, understands the moments of the games and understands the difference between positions and understands what he has to do here and what he has to do there.

"I think he’s phenomenal, an absolutely phenomenal player."

Therefore, should Kimmich move to the Etihad, he would provide options in a number of areas, something which Guardiola could love, especially as right-back Kyle Walker is being linked with a move to Bayern Munich, and it looks as if a deal is one to watch.

Newcastle: Fabrizio Romano issues "crucial" transfer update

Newcastle United targets Axel Disasi and Harvey Barnes are two 'important' pieces of business that Eddie Howe would like to tie up, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Are Axel Disasi and Harvey Barnes moving to Newcastle United?

According to Football Insider, Newcastle United have reached a verbal agreement with Disasi over personal terms as they continue talks with AS Monaco over a potential deal for the France international.

The report states that £40 million may be a figure that would be enough to seal the prospective transfer; however, negotiations are still believed to be in the early stages.

Last term, the 25-year-old made 49 appearances in all competitions for his current employers and carried an unusually potent goal threat for a defender, registering six goals and four assists, as per Transfermarkt.

In other news, Newcastle United are set to wrap up the signature of Leicester City winger Barnes on a deal worth in the region of £38 million, according to The Guardian.

Interest in Barnes was high, with West Ham United, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur all being keen on the England international this window; however, the Magpies look to have done a number on their divisional rivals to ensure they get his signature over the line. Allan Saint-Maximin is set to be sold to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli to raise funds to complete the Barnes deal.

Barnes featured 40 times for Leicester City in 2022/23 and enjoyed a commendable campaign on a personal level despite the Foxes' relegation, scoring 13 times and laying on three assists across all competitions.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, transfer expert Romano indicated that bringing Disasi and Barnes to the North East would represent two 'important' pieces of business for Newcastle United boss Howe.

Romano stated: "They are waiting to understand how much Monaco really want for Axel Disasi.This is the crucial step of this story because, on the player's side, he is open to making the move to Newcastle or Manchester United.

"He wants to try this Premier League opportunity in a very clear way, so let's see how the conversation will go with Monaco.

"But Disasi and Barnes, of course in a different position, are two important targets for Newcastle."

Who else could join Newcastle United this summer?

Corriere dello Sport via Sport Witness claim that Juventus winger Federico Chiesa would be keen on a move to Newcastle United this summer.

The Magpies have shown 'interest' in the Italy international. However, if Barnes joins the club, it would remain to be seen whether Howe would enter the market to purchase another wide player.

As per The Sun, Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen has emerged as a target for Newcastle United; however, it would cost in the region of £50 million to sign the 27-year-old, who is also on the radar of Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham Hotspur.

Football Insider report that Newcastle United are set to submit a £25 million bid for Southampton right-back Tino Livramento as they try to 'get a deal done' for the former Chelsea starlet.

Chelsea are believed to have a buyback clause worth £38 million that is active this window, potentially creating a problem for the Magpies if the Blues decide to rival their pursuit of the Croydon-born defender.

Tottenham Offered Chance To Land "Incredible" Maddison Partner

The door could well be open for Tottenham Hotspur to strike a deal for Japanese international, Daichi Kamada, following the midfielder's recent exit from Eintracht Frankfurt.

What are the latest Tottenham transfer rumours?

According to 90min, the Lilywhites have reportedly been offered the chance to land the free agent this summer following the collapse of his proposed move to AC Milan, with the north Londoners – as well as Newcastle United – having been 'informed' about the 26-year-old's situation.

As per the piece, the 6 foot sensation – who has been without a club since coming to the end of his contract at Frankfurt last month – had reached an agreement regarding a move to San Siro, albeit with subsequent changes to the hierarchy at the Serie A outfit leading to the club pulling out of a deal.

This follows reports in Germany that revealed Tottenham's interest in the former Sagan Tosu man heading into the January transfer window, following the playmaker's impact at the World Cup in the winter.

Who is Daichi Kamada?

The 29-cap dynamo notably started all four games for his country during their run to the last-16 in Qatar, having also impressed in the Bundesliga last term after scoring nine goals and chipping in with six assists from his 32 league outings.

Prior to that, Kamada had been part of the Frankfurt side that claimed Europa League glory during the 2021/22 campaign, notably scoring five goals in 13 appearances in the competition that season, including in the first-leg, semi-final victory over West Ham United.

As journalist Josh Bunting stated back in August, the exciting gem is not only an "incredible talent" but is also simply a "joy to watch", hence why the likes of Spurs and Newcastle have been paying such close attention to him of late.

James Maddison

If Ange Postecoglou is to seal a deal for Kamada ahead of those rival suitors over the coming weeks, the 57-year-old could seemingly find a perfect partner for recent addition, James Maddison in the centre of the park, with the latter man having joined on a £40m deal from Leicester City.

With the ex-Celtic boss likely to utilise his preferred 4-3-3 formation next season which includes two advanced midfielders – or number eight's – then the Greek-Aussie could be able to slot Kamada in alongside Maddison in that system.

Like the Englishman – who notably averaged 1.7 tackles per game in the Premier League in 2022/23 – the Frankfurt machine can also muck in defensively having averaged 1.6 tackles per game last term.

Also lauded as a player with "intelligent movement in and around the box", according to Bunting, Kamada showcased a real desire to get forward and impact proceedings in the final third as he ranks in the top 10% among midfielders for touches in the attacking penalty area, with Maddison sharing that front-foot approach as he ranks in the top 1% in that regard.

The duo are also alike due to their ability to net themselves or tee up others with quality service, with the former Foxes ace – who registered 19 goal involvements in the top-flight last season – ranking in the top 1% for both non-penalty goals and assists, while Kamada is not too far behind as he ranks in the top 5% and the top 15% for those same two metrics, respectively.

To potentially have two players who possess that same attacking and creative intent is a truly exciting prospect as far as Spurs are concerned, with it no doubt set to be a real bargain if Postecoglou can snap up the in-demand asset on a free.

Farke Could Ditch Leeds "Liability" For £30k-p/w Titan

After a protracted search to find a new permanent head coach, Leeds United have moved to end the recent uncertainty by snapping up former Norwich City and Borussia Monchengladbach boss, Daniel Farke.

The 46-year-old – who has been appointed on a four-year deal – has been tasked with trying to take the Elland Road outfit back into the top flight, having previously enjoyed two promotions from the Championship during his prior stint with the Canaries.

If the German tactician is to repeat that feat in his new surroundings, however, one key area that he will need to improve is the club's dour defensive record, with the Whites having shipped 79 and 78 league goals in each of the last two seasons, respectively.

Such a grim return has not been helped by the woes of first-choice goalkeeper, Illan Meslier, with the 6 foot 6 Frenchman having arguably been "a massive liability" for his side last term, as per journalist David Kent.

As Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher stated during that dismal 2022/23 campaign, the 23-year-old arguably looks like a "kid in goal" due to his slender frame, as he simply offers "no presence" in the sticks.

The former Lorient man notably made three errors leading to goals in the Premier League last season as a sign of his shortcomings, with only Tottenham Hotspur's Hugo Lloris making more mistakes in the division (four).

The £30k-per-week man's costly blunders ultimately saw him axed from the starting lineup for the final four games of the season following Sam Allardyce's interim appointment, with one-time Everton man Joel Robles having been given the nod instead.

As per The Athletic's Phil Hay, the expectation is that Meslier will be moved on this summer if an acceptable offer is received by the club, with Farke seemingly needing to ensure that he does all he can to finally rid Leeds of their problematic stopper.

Who could replace Meslier at Leeds?

With the aforementioned Robles having left the Yorkshire side following the expiry of his contract last month, Farke is currently short on options with regard to who can replace the France U21 international ahead of next season.

That being said, according to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, Leeds are said to be "battling it out" with AFC Bournemouth for the signing of Newcastle United's, Karl Darlow, with a bid for the 32-year-old potentially in the offing.

illan-meslier-leeds-united

The 6 foot 3 Englishman – who has two years left to run on his existing deal at St James' Park – notably enjoyed a strong spell on loan at Hull City in the second half of last season, having arguably been "outstanding" for the Tigers, according to pundit Carlton Palmer.

As Palmer also stated – when discussing Middlesborough's interest in Darlow – the one-time Nottingham Forest man could represent a "shrewd piece of business", particularly as he is valued at just €800k (£700k), according to Football Transfers.

With recent reports suggesting that Meslier could command a fee of around £30m if he is to be sold, Farke could then utilise those funds elsewhere to strengthen his squad, while snapping up the Magpies man for a possible bargain fee.

While Darlow's impact on Tyneside has been sporadic of late – having made just 100 appearances for the club over the last nine years – his form on loan at Hull should represent a strong gauge of his quality, as he kept five clean sheets from just 12 outings – the same as Meslier achieved from 34 appearances last season.

As such, if Farke is looking to move the latter man on, then snapping up the £30k-per-week titan could be just the solution for those at Elland Road.

Chelsea Working Behind-Scenes To Land £100m-Rated Ace

The situation around Chelsea's transfer target Moises Caicedo is "absolutely concrete" at the moment, and the club is working on the deal "behind the scenes", claims transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

Chelsea transfer news – What's the latest on Moises Caicedo?

Stamford Bridge has been a hive of activity this transfer window, and whilst their cross-city rivals Arsenal might be the talk of the town so far for their additions, Chelsea have been one of the busiest club in England thus far.

Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino.

That busyness stems from their player sales, however, with the club confirming the departure of eight senior players thus far, with the likely exit of at least a few more, with American superstar Christian Pulisic and Moroccan international Hakim Ziyech looking destined to leave west London.

The Pensioners have the free-spending Saudi Pro League to thank for a lot of their success in offloading players so far, with N'Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy, and Kalidou Koulibaly all making their way to the Middle East's burgeoning super league.

All that new money that has hit Chelsea's pockets has also given the club more room to manoeuvre in the transfer market, so the Blues have turned their attention towards Brighton & Hove Albion's star man, Moises Caicedo.

The midfield dynamo has become the club's priority target this summer, with Ecuadorian journalist Diego Acros telling the Evening Standard that the Blues' opening offer will be £75m plus £10m in add-ons but that the Seagulls want £100m.

moises-caicedo-manchester-united-transfer-news-premier-league

Fans of the west London club shouldn't worry, however, as the clubs are in constant discussions, and this isn't a traditional deal where one side bids and the other rejects it until they finally agree. Instead, the sides are in dialogue over how to make this work, per Fabrizio Romano.

He explained the situation on his YouTube channel, saying:

"I am told that the situation is absolutely concrete and on between Chelsea and Brighton. I already explained to you many times that Chelsea and Brighton decided to go with different kind of negotiation, not the normal making an official bid and official answer.

"In this case, they are speaking club to club. It's going to take some days let's see how long it will take this negotiation. But, It's ongoing, Chelsea [and] Brighton are speaking discussing, so Chelsea are working on this Caicedo deal behind the scenes."

How good is Moises Caicedo?

There is very little doubt about Caicedo's quality; likewise, there is little doubt that should Chelsea go out and get their man, he would be able to make an instant impact in west London.

Despite it being his first full season in the Premier League, 'El Nino Moi', as he is known back home, managed to average a very impressive rating of 6.92 across his 37 appearances in the league, per WhoScored.

Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo.

His performances drew praise from some of the biggest names in the game as well, with Barcelona superstar Pedri saying:

"The one I've seen who has most surprised me was the one from Ecuador, Moises Caicedo. He's very good, he's top, I like him a lot."

Unsurprisingly, his own boss, Roberto De Zerbi has waxed lyrical about the midfield maestro, saying:

"Caicedo is one of the best players for us."

Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo.

His underlying numbers are brilliant as well, with FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, placing him in the top 6% for pass completion, the top 11% for interceptions, the top 13% for tackles and the top 15% for attempted passes, all per 90.

If Chelsea can add Caicedo's steely determination to the centre of their midfield, they could do more than just challenge for the top four again next year.

Ange Postecoglou Urging Tottenham To Sign £90m "Beast"

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is urging chairman Daniel Levy to make a move for Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha, according to a report.

Is Joao Palhinha leaving Fulham this summer?

Back in June, Palhinha appeared to indicate that a move is off the table this summer, stating that he is "very happy" at Fulham and wants to stay, however, that has not stopped a number of top clubs from making their interest clear.

The Daily Mail report that the Cottagers would be willing to let the Portugal international leave during this window, but only if their £90m asking price is paid in full, amid interest from Barcelona, who have identified him as a target to replace Sergio Busquets.

In recent weeks, the likes of West Ham United and Liverpool have been linked with a move for the 27-year-old, and Postecoglou is now eager for Spurs to make their first move, in light of the growing interest from elsewhere.

According to a report from The Sun (via TEAMtalk), the Tottenham boss is urging Levy to make a concrete move for the Fulham star, however, any deal is likely to set Tottenham back a new club-record fee.

Despite paying just £20m for the midfielder a year ago, Fulham now value him at £90m, and Spurs are mulling over a deal which is well in excess of their club-record of the £60m paid for Richarlison.

Postecoglou hopes to convince Levy to launch a bid, and the Lilywhites could look to finance the deal by selling the likes of Giovani Lo Celso and Tanguy Ndombele.

Is Palhinha signing for Tottenham?

Tottenham are yet to make any firm moves for the Portuguese maestro, so a deal is still some way off, but he could be an excellent addition to Postecoglou's squad, should the interest become more concrete.

The former Sporting CP man made a whopping 147 tackles in the Premier League last season, 47 more than any other player in the top flight, showcasing his phenomenal defensive ability, and he also ranks in the 92nd percentile for aerials won per 90 in the past year.

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes in action with Fulham'sJoaoPalhinha.

Hailed as a "beast" by members of the media, there is every indication the central midfielder is entering his prime with a career-high Transfermarkt valuation, however, there are still question marks about whether he should be targeted by Spurs.

Palhinha turns 28 later this month, so it may not be financially prudent to spend £90m on a player who is approaching the latter stages of his career, especially considering he has only proven himself in the Premier League over the course of one season.

Rangers: Gers "Working" To Seal "Exemplary" Signing

Rangers are attempting to seal the signing of Cremonese striker Cyriel Dessers as manager Michael Beale personally works behind the scenes, according to reports.

Who will join Rangers this summer?

The Gers resume action mid-way through July when they take on Premier League side Newcastle United in a friendly, the first of three next month, with Beale also preparing for games against Hamburg and Hoffenheim.

Scottish Premiership action resumes on 5th August, giving Rangers over a month to strengthen in key areas and keep adding quality to Beale's roster.

The Teddy Bears had to watch on as Old Firm rivals Celtic clinched a domestic treble, and with their previously successful manager Brendan Rodgers returning to Parkhead, Rangers need to be fully prepared.

Beale, despite the lack of a sporting director, has already seen Jack Butland, Dujon Sterling, Kieran Dowell and Sam Lammers come arrive in that order.

Spending just £3 million in the process, with all of it going on Lammers from Atalanta, Rangers have tackled this transfer market with gusto thus far.

However, they're not finished there, as a report from The Herald details the latest on their activities behind-the-scenes at Ibrox.

According to the outlet, and senior Gers reporter Christopher Jack, Beale personally been driving their window so far – identifying targets himself and personally building the relationships necessary to get them over the line.

Following the confirmed arrivals, it is believed Rangers work is "ongoing" to "secure" striker Dessers from Cremonese – and discussions have been held for other players in recent days.

The Glasgow giants are attempting to keep up their market momentum and certainly won't rest on their laurels, with Ecuador international Jose Cifuentes still on their radar.

Nottingham Forest defender Jonathan Panzo is being targeted as well, though a move is not thought to be imminent at this stage.

Who is Cyriel Dessers?

The 28-year-old was one of Cremonese's most potent threats over the 2022/23 Serie B season, averaging more attempts at goal per 90 than any of his teammates (WhoScored).

Dessers scored six goals and added a further two assists overall, with former Heracles technical director Tim Gilissen heaping praise on the forward after he left them back in 2020.

"Cyriel has shown that being a professional footballer means more than just football," said Giliseen.

"He is an exemplary professional and enjoyed participating in many social projects. He has shown what impact this has in the area and was an ambassador for Heracles Almelo."

Celtic: Rodgers Could Find Patrick Roberts 2.0 In £4.1m Target At Parkhead

Celtic's majority shareholder Dermot Desmond has reportedly agreed terms with 50-year-old manager Brendan Rodgers to take on the vacant post at Parkhead this week.

The Northern Irish tactician is set to be officially announced as the successor to Ange Postecoglou, who joined Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur earlier this week, at some point today.

Sky Sports recently claimed that the former Leicester City boss will be backed by the board in the summer transfer window with a view to making the team competitive on the European stage.

Who is Kwadwo Opoku?

It was recently reported that Celtic are one of the clubs interested in signing promising Los Angeles FC winger Kwadwo Opoku, who could be available for a fee of up to €4.8m (£4.1m) this summer.

He is a left-footed attacker who mainly operates down the right flank and that could make the talented youngster Rodgers' next version of former Hoops forward Patrick Roberts.

During the ex-Liverpool manager's first spell in Scotland, the Englishman spent two seasons on loan from Manchester City and racked up 12 goals and 24 assists in 65 outings for the club across all competitions under his management.

Former Celtic winger Patrick Roberts.

The now-Sunderland ace was a creative outlet who started on the right and used his preferred left foot to cut inside in order to make things happen in the final third.

Opoku could follow in his footsteps based on his impressive form in the MLS for LAFC throughout 2022.

The 21-year-old dynamo, whose performances last year were hailed as "magnificent" by journalist Owuraku Ampofo, scored eight goals and provided three assists in 20 starts for his side, with all eight strikes coming on his favoured foot.

However, his assist total did not tell the full story as the Ghanaian maestro created an eye-catching 11 'big chances' for his teammates and this suggests, given that Celtic's Jota registered 11 assists from 13 'big chances' created, that his fellow attackers let him down.

The MLS Cup winner, who has produced two goals and two assists across 11 MLS starts this year, has been compared to Bayer Leverkusen's Moussa Diaby by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who also listed the gem's "flair" as one of his strengths.

Opoku is an exciting young talent who could be an excellent long-term addition to Celtic's squad, whilst also being able to provide quality in the final third as immediately as next season if he can replicate his MLS form from 2022.

Therefore, Rodgers could land his next version of the left-footed wizard that was Roberts at Parkhead by working with Desmond to secure a deal for the £4.1m wide man this summer.

Newcastle Could Land £70m Star To Partner Isak

Newcastle United will likely be in the transfer market this summer to bolster their impressive squad ahead of their return to the Champions League next season, after qualifying for the first time in two decades.

Whilst Eddie Howe will be thrilled with the rapid progress and success the players have displayed over the last campaign, there will be no room for sentiment when it comes to competing at the highest level on the European stage with some of the biggest and most successful clubs in football.

In terms of quality squad depth, the Tynesiders have been riding their luck over the last 12 months with the attacking threat the only area of the pitch that boasts a number of players who have maintained the high standards that Howe has needed to successfully compete.

However, there is definitely room for improvement at every opportunity and Dan Ashworth will be tasked with the responsibility of bringing in new additions who can help Newcastle make the step-up to compete at the highest level consistently on both the European stage and in domestic competition.

One player who has been linked this week with a potential £70m move to the North East is RB Leipzig star Dominik Szoboszlai, a versatile attacker who can adopt a number of roles in the advanced positions on the pitch to offer Howe another modern multi-dimensional threat.

Who is Dominik Szoboszlai?

The 22-year-old has been attracting attention from not only Newcastle but league rivals Liverpool this summer, and it's not hard to see why both Howe and Jurgen Klopp – who share a similar attacking-minded philosophy – are taking an interest in the young talent.

Szoboszlai has taken on a number of positions successfully over his short career so far, most commonly featuring in central midfield, attacking midfield, left midfield, right wing and left wing with 26 appearances or more in each, demonstrating his unique versatility on the pitch.

However, considering the Hungary international is incredibly prolific in providing goal contributions – with 64 goals and 73 assists tallied up over 226 career appearances to date – it is clear that his best attributes are found in front of goal.

As a result, Howe could form an unstoppable partnership between Szoboszlai and Newcastle's popular striker Alexander Isak with the pair combining their incredible skill sets to cause nightmares for opponents in both the Premier League and Champions League next season.

Isak has taken the top flight by storm since arriving last summer and despite a slow start has shown glimpses of his explosive talent that prompted the Magpies to splash £63m on the Swedish striker, with a goal contribution tallied up every 141 minutes so far which has helped Newcastle achieve their European dreams.

alexander-isak-newcastle-united-transfers

On top of that, the 23-year-old plays a unique role using his pace and stamina to offer something completely different to his position competitor Callum Wilson, with the England star adopting a more classic number nine role as a target man whilst Isak gets up and down the pitch to drive the ball into dangerous positions.

The Swede ranks in the top 20% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for progressive carries, progressive passes, tackles and successful take-ons, further demonstrating his unorthodox approach to the striker role which could see him become an ideal partner for Szoboszlai.

The RB Leipzig ace – dubbed a "generational talent" by journalist Marcel Moeller – ranks in the top 20% for his progressive passes like Isak, but ranks much higher in the top 9% for shot-creating actions proving that he could provide some much-needed creativity to really get the best from the Toon striker next season.

With that being said, it would be a big coup if Ashworth could complete the signing of Szoboszlai this summer as he could not only boost goal contributions next season but bring attributes that could improve the play of those around him too.

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