Tottenham: Sky Sports reporter backs Pau Torres claims

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge has now backed some big recent transfer claims involving Tottenham Hotspur and Pau Torres of Villarreal.

The Lowdown: Spurs in the mix for Torres?

Spurs head coach Antonio Conte is allegedly setting his sights on the signing of a central defender and has apparently earmarked the Spaniard as a primary summer target.

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Torres has been a mainstay under Unai Emery over the 2021/22 La Liga season, and Tottenham transfer chief Fabio Paratici has actually tried to bring him to the Premier League before, as confirmed by the player himself.

Reports have indicated that Spurs are now confident that they can strike an agreement for the 25-year-old, who wants now wants to leave Villarreal.

Indeed, the Lilywhites hold a serious interest in Torres, as now backed by Sky Sports reporter Bridge.

The Latest: Bridge backs Torres reports…

Speaking to GiveMeSport, the journalist claimed that there is ‘no doubt’ that Tottenham are eyeing a move for Torres.

Bridge explained: “He is definitely on their radar – there’s no doubt about that. But he would probably be one of the more expensive options in a long list of defenders they’re looking at.”

The Verdict: Time to advance…

While there are many promising candidates to become a member of Conte’s back three, we believe that Torres stands out as one of the more elite targets.

Spain manager Luis Enrique reveres the defender’s partnership with Aymeric Laporte at international level, perhaps best summed up by his description of the Villarreal titan as ‘sensational’.

As ever, the only sticking point for Spurs is the finances involved, but reports have suggested that the club are confident they can sign him for less than his £55m release clause.

Going by the plethora of reports, now backed by a reliable source, this may well be one to keep an eye on.

In other news: Paratici tables crucial bid as Conte personally pushes for Spurs signing! Find out more here.

Conte dream: Spurs eyeing Tielemans

Tottenham Hotspur are keen to sign Youri Tielemans this off-season, according to reports…

What’s the word?

The Sun journalist Tom Barclay revealed to GIVEMESPORT that the north London outfit will attempt to secure the Leicester City dynamo amid interest from their local rivals.

“In midfield, they are interested in Youri Tielemans, whether they can get him or not is another thing. But I think a left-sided centre-back for Spurs, in particular, maybe wing-backs on both sides, potentially, are probably bigger priorities,” he said.

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“So, when you’re talking about probably £50 million-plus for Ward-Prowse, that’s a big fee for Tottenham and the way they do things. So, I’d be kind of surprised if they managed to do that, but that doesn’t mean they’re not interested.”

Arsenal have also been linked with a move to sign the Belgium international and The Sun believe they are the front-runners to secure him due to their placing in Europe for next season.

Midfield maestro

The engine room is perhaps amongst the least of Antonio Conte’s concerns heading into next season, considering a backup for Harry Kane and a left-footed centre-back are high on the agenda, but if the Whites can beat the Gunners to his signature, then they cannot afford to turn their nose up at him.

Tielemans would be something of a perfect signing for the Italian head coach as he not only offers steel in his own third but also creativity in the final third.

Paired alongside the more defensively-minded Rodrigo Bentancur – or even Oliver Skipp – the 25-year-old ace could form an excellent partnership heading into next term.

Once lauded as an “outrageous talent” by scout Jacek Kulig, Tielemans delivered nine goals and six assists last season, scoring the all-important winner against Chelsea to secure the Foxes their first-ever FA Cup, and he has since built on that with seven goals and four assists this campaign, via Transfermarkt.

The Athletic’s Rob Dawson has previously praised the Belgian as being a “creator” and has even earned some lofty comparisons to former Chelsea legend Frank Lampard, who is arguably one of the best box-to-box midfielders the Premier League has ever seen.

Currently, the £49.5m-rated maestro ranks as Brendan Rodgers’ third-best player in the English top-flight, where he has also averaged 2.2 tackles and 1.2 clearances per game, via WhoScored.

The midfielder, who former Anderlecht and Sweden midfielder Par Zetterberg believes is a “phenomenon”, would be a very welcome addition to this Spurs squad this summer.

It may not be a priority position but Conte would surely love a player of this calibre, providing goals and assists, as well as defensive stability to his two-man engine room.

AND in other news, Ben Jacobs drops Raheem Sterling-Spurs transfer claim…

Aston Villa set for Kortney Hause blow

NWSE appears to be heading for a big Aston Villa disaster that surely won’t please manager Steven Gerrard.

What’s the word?

According to the Daily Mail, Aston Villa defender Kortney Hause wants to leave the club in the summer transfer window.

Hause saw a move to Watford fall through in January and appears to be set on a fresh start away from Villa Park.

Steven Gerrard set for defensive crisis

Gerrard has had a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde spell at Villa so far since he arrived at the club in mid-November from Rangers.

He appeared to ignite the spark back into the side following two consecutive wins, however, a bad spell over Christmas and New Year soon brought the team back down and they have faced a fight to sneak into the top half of the table ever since.

With Gerrard’s defence being one of concern, with Ezri Konsa and Tyrone Mings not exactly setting the world on fire, and the news that Hause wants to leave, the manager faces a semi-crisis.

Mings has averaged a fairly respectable 6.91 SofaScore rating but his performances have seriously dwindled since he began the European Championships last summer in England’s starting XI.

Konsa, meanwhile, has impressed at times but his overall metrics are incredibly disappointing, averaging a rating of 6.74, worse than both Mings and Hause.

The latter, who earns £25k-per-week, has only featured three times under the Englishman and hasn’t even been in the matchday squad for the previous eight games.

His performances earlier in the season led to some praise, however, suggesting he should be part of Gerrard’s plans going forward.

Hause was dubbed “assured” following an excellent performance against Manchester United at the start of the campaign, in which he scored the only goal and it’s a pity he hasn’t been able to convince Gerrard of his merits thus far.

Hopefully, a solid pre-season can do the player wonders and the manager will give him more opportunities.

After all, with Konsa and Mings both linked with moves away too, it would surely be nothing short of a disaster if all three players departed.

AND in other news, Source: AVFC’s “difficult” dud could now leave Villa Park, it’s great news for Gerrard

Leeds: Jones drops Rodrigo transfer claim

Dean Jones has dropped an update regarding the future of Leeds United forward Rodrigo.

What’s the talk?

In a recent interview with Football FanCast, the transfer insider and journalist stated his belief that Jesse Marsch could be left with no other choice but to retain the services of the Spain international this summer as, despite the 31-year-old being the highest earner at Elland Road, Victor Orta is unlikely to be able to recoup anywhere near the £26m he paid for the forward back in August 2020.

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Regarding the future of Rodrigo, Jones said: “He’s on silly money, but it was a big signing at the time and Leeds probably paid a bit over the odds for him in a team he didn’t really suit. I don’t think it’s really going to work out for him.

“The problem Leeds have got is they’re stuck because of the money they paid for him. They’re not going to [that receive that kind of money from his sale] unless they can turn around his form.

“So Jesse Marsh is going to work on it, and see if he can find a role for Rodrigo in his team. But first, he needs to know what division they’re going to be in.”

Marsch must axe Rodrigo

While it is true that Leeds are extremely unlikely to receive anywhere near the £26m fee they splashed on Rodrigo almost two years ago, when considering the 31-year-old’s generally below-par returns following his move to the club, in addition to the fact he is reported to be earning £100k-per-week at Elland Road, the argument that Marsch and Orta must move the Spaniard on this summer is a rather easy one to make.

Indeed, over his 27 Premier League appearances this season, the £13.5m-rated second striker has scored six goals, registered one assist and created two big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.6 shots, making 1.3 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

These returns have seen the former Valencia forward who Kevin Phillips dubbed “disappointing” earlier this season average a distinctly uninspiring SofaScore match rating of just 6.85, ranking him as Marsch’s seventh-best performer in the top flight of English football.

As such, while it is true that Rodrigo’s returns have not exactly been disastrous, when taking into account the 27-time capped international cost the club a substantial amount of money, coupled with the attacker being the club’s current highest earner, it is clear to see that the Spaniard is not living up to his price-tag nor his salary.

And, with it being reported that Leeds are keen on the signings of both attacking midfielders Brenden Aaronson and Brennan Johnson this summer, it would appear that room must be made in the Whites’ first-team squad for these potential arrivals – leading us to believe that Orta must move Rodrigo on at the end of the season, even if it is for a financial loss.

AND in other news: “Could get both..”: Insider drops £40m transfer claim, Leeds supporters surely buzzing

Liverpool set to accelerate talks to sign "brilliant" defender who Amorim loves

Liverpool are now ready to accelerate talks to sign a key defensive addition, who could put an end to Ibrahima Konate’s struggles.

Romano shares update on Slot's Liverpool future

It’s been a disastrous season for Liverpool so far. The defending champions have seen their crown go from gold to paper in a matter of 12 Premier League games. Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Anfield against Nottingham Forest turned a blip into a crisis and questions are now being asked of Arne Slot.

The Dutchman, for the first time in his Liverpool career, is under pressure to turn his side’s form around. According to Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel, however, the Reds are not searching for another manager just yet, even if everyone involved at the club is well aware that the current results cannot go on.

The news will come as a relief for Slot, who clearly has plenty of credit left in the bank after winning the Premier League title in his first season at the club.

There is still no denying that the Red must turn a corner sooner rather than later, though. They currently sit 12th and are on course for one of the worst title defences in Premier League history.

Having spent big in the summer, breaking their transfer record twice, those at Anfield could turn towards the January window to make further, much-needed additions.

Names such as Marc Guehi have continued to steal the headlines on that front, but reports are now claiming that Liverpool are ready to accelerate their talks to sign Goncalo Inacio.

Liverpool ready to accelerate Inacio talks

According to reports in Spain, Liverpool are ready to accelerate their move to sign Inacio from Sporting CP in 2026. The impressive central defender has a release clause worth €80m (£70m) in Portugal, but that looks unlikely to be enough to fend off the interest of those at Anfield.

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The Spaniard is also under pressure in Spain.

1 ByTom Cunningham Nov 26, 2025

By signing Inacio, Liverpool would also have the chance to rub salt in the wounds of Ruben Amorim. The Manchester United boss was a big fan of the centre-back at Sporting, telling reporters: “Gonçalo is perfect for the way we play. He can defend aggressively, step up to win the ball, and then start an attack with one pass. His ability to do both phases so well is rare.

“I’ve said it before—Gonçalo has everything to play at the highest level. His technique, his vision, his bravery. He’s brilliant, and he’s still improving every day.”

Minutes

990

976

Progressive Passes

98

45

Successful Aerial Duels

24

42

Ball Recoveries

69

30

It’s also worth noting how impressive Inacio has been compared to Konate this season. If the Frenchman does leave as a free agent next summer, then Inacio would provide Liverpool with the perfect upgrade.

Liverpool launch move to sign "perfect" right-back ahead of Arsenal

Man Utd targeting "incredible" 4-2-3-1 manager who's won three league titles

Manchester United have now identified an “incredible” manager who’s won three league titles as a potential replacement for Ruben Amorim.

Amorim still under pressure despite Chelsea victory

Amorim managed to stave off some pressure by securing a 2-1 victory at home against Chelsea at the weekend, but there are still doubts over the 40-year-old’s future, given that his record as Man United boss leaves a lot to be desired.

Games

48

Wins

18

Draws

12

Losses

18

Points per match

1.38

Despite the victory over the Blues, the United boss also received criticism from Theo Walcott for some of his in-game decisions, with the former Arsenal winger saying: “The centre-halves… my centre-halves at Arsenal never got changed. Or at Arsenal now, centre-halves do not get changed. Do not change your back four.

“Wingers get changed, which is annoying. I always used to get subbed and thought, ‘Okay, I’ve done my job.’ It was generally the pattern. [But] centre-halves? Don’t change that. It’s too dangerous for me.”

On paper, the Red Devils have some very winnable games coming up next, taking on Brentford and Sunderland, but it remains to be seen how much longer Amorim can last in the job, given that he is still under intense scrutiny.

According to a report from Football Insider, the Man United hierarchy are now making preparations for life after Amorim, having identified Fulham’s Marco Silva as a potential replacement for the manager.

There have been suggestions that Silva could leave Fulham, given his concerns surrounding the ambition of the club, which could open the door for a move to Old Trafford, although he is not the only target.

Fellow Premier League managers, Crystal Palace’s Oliver Glasner and AFC Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, make up the three-man shortlist, with INEOS making contingency plans in case results do not improve.

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Manchester United must ensure this high-earning star is taken off the books ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 22, 2025 "Incredible" Silva has earned move to top club

Having been at Craven Cottage since July 2021, the Fulham boss is the third-longest serving manager in the Premier League, and he has done a stellar job in west London, guiding the club to promotion before consolidating them as a top-flight side.

During the 2023-24 season, the 48-year-old also received high praise from Stephen Warnock, who lauded him for the “incredible” work he’s done with the Cottagers.

Fulham is not the only club at which the Portuguese manager has been successful either, having won the Greek League with Olympiacos, and the Portuguese second division with GD Estoril Praia, alongside the Championship.

With three league titles to his name, Silva, who most commonly deploys a 4-2-3-1 formation, has arguably earned the chance to prove himself at a top club, so he would be an interesting option if United part ways with Amorim.

Burnley vs Liverpool: Predictions, team news, injury updates and odds

With a 100% record to maintain, Liverpool travel to newly-promoted Burnley as the undeniable favourites and a certain Alexander Isak lying in wait to make his debut.

Burnley vs Liverpool team news

If Burnley are anything as resolute as they were against Manchester United before the international break, then a shock may still be on the cards. Alas, there is no denying that the prospect of squaring off against the Premier League champions is a different challenge entirely to the Red Devils these days.

Whilst there’s no guarantee that Scott Parker will field the same side as that cruel late defeat against Man United, injury doubts for Jordan Beyer and Connor Roberts, who may join Zeki Amdouni on the treatment table, could yet force his hand.

The Burnley boss told reporters when asked about the challenge that lies ahead in his pre-match press conference: “For us it comes down to control and courage.

“Control in how we play and react in every moment, and courage to step forward and back ourselves against the champions. We’ll need to be disciplined and composed, keep calm in certain moments. And we’ll need to be brave and believe in each other, which is something this squad has in abundance.”

As for the Premier League champions, the mood in their camp couldn’t be much better. New signing Isak is finally a Liverpool player and could be in contention to receive some minutes this weekend – although Arne Slot has urged fans to be patient as he gets up to speed.

The likes of Jeremie Frimpong and Joe Gomez could also complete their returns from injury, whilst the only fresh concern that the Reds have regards Curtis Jones.

The midfielder’s injury may see Dominik Szoboszlai return to his usual role in the middle of the park rather than right-back, where he thrived against Arsenal. And, in turn, Frimpong or Conor Bradley could get themselves an immediate start after the international break.

Burnley (4-2-3-1): Dubravka; Walker; Ekdal; Esteve; Hartman; Cullen; Ugochukwu; Larsen; Mejbri; Antony; Foster

Liverpool (4-2-3-1): Alisson; Bradley; Van Dijk; Konate; Kerkez; Gravenberch; Szoboszlai; Salah; Wirtz; Gakpo; Ekitike

Burnley vs Liverpool recent results

Of course, the last time that these two sides met came in 2024 when Liverpool eased to a 3-1 victory at Anfield. Then, it was goals from the late Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez that saw the Reds wrap up all three points. This weekend, however, the Reds will need to rely on new stars to get the job done.

Liverpool 3-1 Burnley

Premier League

Burnley 0-2 Liverpool

Premier League

Burnley 0-1 Liverpool

Premier League

Liverpool 2-0 Burnley

Premier League

Burnley 0-3 Liverpool

Premier League

Without a defeat against the Clarets in their last five games, Liverpool last failed to beat Burnley in 2021 when their 68-game unbeaten run at Anfield came to an end in shocking fashion.

Away from head-to-head records, Burnley have endured an inconsistent start to their Premier League campaign – losing at Tottenham Hotspur, defeating Sunderland and then suffering defeat against Man United.

Liverpool, by some contrast, have won all three of their games but needed three late goals to do so. That, even if only small hope, should hand Burnley some encouragement.

Burnley vs Liverpool predictions and odds

As Premier League champions and the only side with a 100% record this season, Liverpool are undoubtedly the favourites against Burnley, with the odds reflecting that. The Reds are priced at 3/10 by the bookies, whilst the odds for Burnley to pick up a shock victory sit at 8/1 and a draw is priced at 9/2.

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Although Slot’s side have needed late goals to survive a number of scares this season, their visit to Turf Moor should see the return of their dominance and perhaps even the true arrival of Florian Wirtz.

Prediction: Burnley 1-3 Liverpool

25-goal star rejects deal and set to decide on interest from Celtic soon

Celtic find themselves in the hunt for more forward options this summer and have received a shot in the arm regarding their pursuit of a 25-goal striker, according to a report.

Celtic looking to sign a striker this summer

Kyogo Furuhashi departed Celtic in January and there was plenty of contention surrounding the club’s decision not to replace the Japanese marksman despite a last-gasp bid to land Danny Ings from West Ham United.

In the end, Daizen Maeda moved into a central position and Adam Idah earned more seniority through the middle, leaving inexperienced forward Johnny Kenny to plug the gaps on the odd occasion.

Ending the campaign on a respectable tally of 20 goals, Celtic striker Idah is confident he can handle the scoring burden associated with being the leading number nine at Parkhead.

He stated on international duty: “The pressure is a lot and you are expected to deliver. I think with my experience now, you have to put that behind you. You know what you are good at.

“If you don’t score for a couple of games, it is not helpful to listen to an ex-player. I am not really concerned with what he thinks – I am there to do my bit.”

Celtic table bid to sign a star who'd unlock Yang's "world-class" potential

Celtic are reportedly interested in a move to sign a star who could be a dream for Hyun-jun Yang.

ByDan Emery Jun 3, 2025

Without question, Celtic will sign a striker this summer. They face more fixture congestion than most clubs around Europe due to their regular juggling act between domestic and European football.

Now, they may have received a boost regarding their pursuit of a reported target to help fill the Furuhashi-shaped void under Brendan Rodgers if recent developments are to be taken into account.

Celtic target Youssef El-Kachati rejects Hannover 96 move

According to Kicker, Celtic target Youssef El Kachati has rejected a move to Hannover 96 as his contract at Telstar moves closer to expiring, with a decision on his next club expected very soon.

The Moroccan striker was previously thought to have found a verbal agreement over a move to Germany with their sporting director Marcus Mann, but he is now said to prefer a switch to a side that will feature in European competition next season.

Youssef El Kachati in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

45

Goals

25

Assists

9

Austria Wien have also been mentioned in the race for his signature. Celtic have been watching El Kachati over several months and will have been aware of his exploits that saw Telstar promoted to the Eredivisie for the first time in almost half a century.

It is anticipated that a decision on his future could come sooner rather than later. At this point, top-flight football with the prospect of testing himself on the continent is a better career option than the German second-tier.

Celtic need to bolster their frontline to handle the strain of another jam-packed campaign of action and El Kachati could be a financially advantageous signing that would provide competition centrally and out wide.

Talks held: Chelsea now "really pushing" to sign £67m striker before Arsenal

Chelsea are “really pushing” to sign a powerhouse striker ahead of their Premier League rivals Arsenal, with both sides holding negotiations and laying groundwork over a deal as we fast approach the summer window.

Chelsea gifted striker boost after vital win over Nottingham Forest

Enzo Maresca’s debut season as Chelsea manager, regardless of the debate prior to Sunday’s kick-off, can now surely be deemed a success after their all-important 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday.

Chelsea make "formal" bid to sign £84m Liverpool target in "ambitious move"

They’ve apparently submitted an offer.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 24, 2025

Levi Colwill’s second-half goal was enough to confirm Chelsea’s spot in the Premier League top-five and subsequent Champions League qualification for next season, gifting BlueCo an almighty boost when it comes to their summer recruitment strategy in the process.

Rank

Team

Points

GD

3

Man City

71

+28

4

Chelsea

69

+21

5

Newcastle

66

+21

6

Aston Villa

66

+7

7

Nottingham Forest

65

+12

Maresca himself confirmed that qualifying for the Champions League would have a profound effect on their plans for the looming transfer window, and reliable reports in the build up to Sunday echoed this theme.

While Chelsea are reported to be prioritising the addition of a new striker, centre-back and winger, it is believed they could also go for a versatile attacking player, goalkeeper, full-back and second centre-back, depending on player sales and their European status (Simon Phillips).

Supporters are very eager to see Chelsea bring in a prolific number nine in particular, and the Blues’ fourth-placed finish is now set to boost their hopes of signing a 25-plus goals-per-season striker who can deliver the goods up front.

“I’m not thinking about next summer, to be honest,” said a coy Maresca after Chelsea’s win over Forest, in his post-match press conference.

“Today is a day that we have to be happy because we brought this club where this club has to be in the most important European competition. And we did today and this is the most important day for them. Now from tomorrow we start to prepare for Wednesday final, and then we have days to see for next season.”

Chelsea now "really pushing" to sign RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko

According to journalist Simon Phillips, while Maresca refuses to get drawn in on the club’s transfer activity behind-the-scenes, they’re in fact making a serious move for RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko.

Sesko

Chelsea have Sesko on their list of striker targets, as previously claimed, but they’re now believed to be competing with Arsenal for the 6 foot 5 Slovenia international’s signature after his 21-goal season at Leipzig.

His contract includes a £67 million release clause, and Chelsea are now seriously pressing to sign Sesko after holding talks and laying the groundwork for his signature.

“The new info I have is that Arsenal are now really pushing for Benjamin Sesko as well as Chelsea,” wrote Phillips.

“Both clubs have held talks and laid down some groundwork to sign him. Arsenal also really like Viktor Gyokeres, but there’s a split internally there as to which striker they want to push for.”

Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg believes Arsenal’s talks for Sesko are “concrete” as well, so Chelsea do face stiff competition from Mikel Arteta’s side. Interestingly, both sides made a proposal for the 21-year-old last summer, which he rejected in favour of signing an extension at Leipzig (Fabrizio Romano).

RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskoheads at goal

However, the Premier League duo haven’t appeared to have thrown the towel in when it comes to tempting Sesko with a move to England, and it will be very intriguing to see how this one develops.

Chelsea are badly in need of a centre-forward, with Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku scoring just two top-flight goals between them this calendar year.

He embarrassed Onana: Man City make enquiry to sign "amazing" £19m star

Looking to find their Kevin de Bruyne replacement, Manchester City have now reportedly made their first enquiry to sign an in-demand star who’s available for a bargain price this summer.

Man City's frustrating Saints stalemate

With Southampton rock bottom of the Premier League by some distance and already relegated, Manchester City and a returning Erling Haaland looked likelier than ever to put on the ultimate goals show on Saturday. But that proved to be anything but the case.

What the travelling fans got instead was a frustrating stalemate as Southampton secured a point against the odds to move beyond Derby County’s points record – much to the relief of those around St Mary’s. Man City defender Ruben Dias failed to hide that frustration in his post-match press conference too, choosing to criticise Southampton’s defensive approach.

The stalemate will do the confidence of Pep Guardiola’s side no favours as they enter the FA Cup final against an in-form Crystal Palace side, who will do more than just try to play against the Citizens.

Meanwhile, as Wembley awaits, so does De Bruyne’s fast-approaching farewell. Likely to be an emotional goodbye, the Belgian has just three games remaining of a Manchester City career which has seen him win everything there is to win at the club.

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ByDan Emery May 12, 2025

Just how those at the Etihad replace their star man remains to be seen. Names such as Florian Wirtz have already threatened to steal the headlines, but he could yet choose Bayern Munich over the Premier League. He’s not the only target, however, with one Ligue 1 talent now emerging as a serious option.

Man City make contact to sign Cherki

According to Le Parisien, as relayed by Get French Football News, Manchester City have now made their first enquiry to sign Rayan Cherki from Lyon this summer. The attacking midfielder has impressed many throughout the current campaign and will reportedly be allowed to leave Lyon for just €22.5m (£19m) in the coming months.

Rayan Cherki

The Frenchman may already have some fans of his talent at the Etihad after he embarrassed Andre Onana in Lyon’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie. Even though Lyon eventually crashed out in dramatic fashion against the Red Devils, it was often the Cherki show across both legs.

Onana’s mistake allowed Cherki to follow up with a chipped effort to equalise late on for his side ahead of what turned out to be a frantic and heartbreaking second leg.

Nonetheless, even without a Europa League semi-final, the 21-year-old has found himself at the centre of praise from the likes of football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who described Cherki’s campaign as “amazing” back in April. Now, after impressing, he could be on his way to Manchester City this summer.

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