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Despite having reportedly being close to completing a deal to sign RB Leipzig’s Ibrahima Konate in recent days, Liverpool are also apparently interested in signing Leicester City centre-back Caglar Soyuncu.

According to the Daily Mirror, the Turkish defender is on the club’s five-man transfer shortlist alongside the likes of Ozan Kabak, Ben White, Duje Caleta-Car and, of course, Konate.

It is the Leicester man who should be at the top of the list though.

Since stepping into the shoes of Harry Maguire, who departed for Manchester United in 2019, Soyuncu has been hugely impressive for the Foxes.

He has made 73 appearances for Leicester after arriving from Freiburg, solidifying a fantastic partnership with Jonny Evans as Brendan Rodgers’ men pursue a UEFA Champions League place.

In that time, he has played a key role in the club claiming 19 Premier League clean sheets.

Whilst his 2020/21 campaign has been hit by injury having missed a total of 16 games with an adductor problem, there is still enough evidence to suggest that he could be the dominant centre-back that Liverpool are searching for.

When comparing his 2019/20 season to that of the hugely influential Virgil van Dijk in the same period, Soyuncu actually comes out on top in relation to tackles, interceptions, blocks and clearances per game, according to WhoScored.

They really are remarkable numbers and statistics that suggest that the Turk could be the perfect partner for the Dutchman at Anfield.

Aged at just 24, there is still plenty of room for improvement too. Even current Leicester and ex-Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has suggested that the former SC Freiburg defender will continue to “get better”.

Rated at £36m, it would certainly not be cheap to bring Soyuncu to Merseyside but despite that, he should definitely be right at the top of the club’s centre-back shortlist.

AND in more news, take a look at which former Premier League midfielder Liverpool must not sign…

A claim has been dropped on Eddie Howe by his representative after the Daily Record recently linked him with Newcastle United.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the representative of the former AFC Bournemouth manager quashed rumours that Howe is close to joining Celtic:

“Talks of any deal being close are extremely premature.

“His plan remains to not return to management until the summer at the earliest.”

Howe has also been linked to both Celtic and Crystal Palace, with the former his most likely destination given that John Kennedy is only in interim charge at the Hoops and Roy Hodgson is still in charge at Selhurst Park.

Steve Bruce is still of course in charge at St. James’ Park, but with the North East club currently stuck in a battle to avoid being relegated from the Premier League down to the EFL Championship, the former Aston Villa and Sunderland boss may find his managerial position under threat come the end of the 2020/21 term.

Newcastle should appoint Howe if Bruce leaves

If Bruce were to leave the Tyneside club at the end of the season, then they should look no further than appointing Howe as his replacement if he is still available at that time.

Former top-flight striker now pundit Noel Whelan described him as a ‘fantastic’ manager back in March, and he certainly has the CV to prove it, bringing the little Cherries all the way up to the Premier League and keeping them there for five straight campaigns.

At just 43 years of age as well, Howe is still relatively young as a coach, and can only develop in his next few years in management.

In other news, find out which £25.9m-valued speedster NUFC want to sign here!

Peterborough director of football Barry Fry has told Football FanCast in an exclusive interview that he expects West Ham to pay whatever it costs to sign Jesse Lingard permanently this summer, although manager David Moyes may have to make some sacrifices.

Lingard is currently on loan at the London Stadium from Manchester United and has made an incredible impact, scoring twice in his last outing for the Hammers against Leicester City.

As a result, Manchester United have now reportedly slapped a £30m price tag on their in-form player. For Fry, though, that will not be enough to detract West Ham, who he believes will go all out to sign the 28-year-old attacking midfielder on a long-term basis.

When asked if GSB would be willing to pay £30m to bring Lingard to the London Stadium, Fry told FFC:

“I think they’ll pay whatever they’ve got to pay, you know, but I think David [Moyes] might have to get rid of one or two of the fringe players like he did last summer to be honest.

“They [GSB] will help him as much as they can. The thing about David Moyes is he won’t sign a player just for the sake of signing a player. He will only sign a player if he thinks he can go in that team or squad and improve that squad.

“So he won’t just get an also-ran. He’ll want a top-quality player that will make a difference on and off the field for West Ham.”

It will be interesting to see whether David Gold and David Sullivan do fork out on Lingard in the end. Following the 3-2 win versus Leicester where he excelled again, they surely have to at least make a real effort to sign the England international permanently.

Sadio Mane has well and truly become one of football’s global superstars since his move from Southampton to Liverpool in 2016, with the £34m paid by the Merseyside club now looking like a bargain from their perspective, but an awful deal from the Saints’ point of view.

Southampton originally signed the Senegalese winger from RB Salzburg in 2014 in a £10m deal, before selling him to Liverpool for £34m just two years later. Whilst that £24m profit might have seemed like a good deal at the time, his superb performances for the Reds in the five years since suggest that the Saints may well have been sold short.

During his time on the south coast, Mane contributed an impressive 25 goals and 14 assists in 75 appearances in all competitions, including the Premier League’s fastest ever hat-trick thanks to his treble in just two minutes and 56 seconds against Aston Villa – a record which is unlikely to be beaten.

However, his form has exploded since making the move to Anfield in the summer of 2016, as he has registered 93 goals and 41 assists in 211 appearances for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Success in the Champions League and the Premier League has also played a huge part in Mane’s value going through the roof, with Transfermarkt currently valuing the 29-year-old at £90m, a 265% increase on the £34m Liverpool paid for him.

Southampton are perhaps fortunate that Mane’s form this season has dwindled slightly, as he was valued at a remarkable £135m back in December 2019, before a drop in form and the financial impact of the current viral outbreak saw his value decrease.

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Despite his, and Liverpool’s, poor run of form in the league since the turn of the year, there is no doubt that Mane is still one of the best players in the English top flight, so it is a shame that Southampton couldn’t keep hold of him for longer.

Speaking last season, Klopp suggested that he always knew Mane would prove to be worth the fee Liverpool paid, saying: “Maybe people thought ‘I am not sure he is worth it’, but we were 100% sure about him. Consistency was the key and absolutely now what he is doing and how he performs is consistent.

“The level he performs at is unbelievable. He helps us massively. He is a complete player, offensively and defensively he works hard, he is really quick.”

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Perhaps that lack of consistency in his earlier Premier League career was why Liverpool were able to get him for a relatively low fee but, either way, you could definitely argue that the Saints were robbed in their negotiations for Mane when you consider his incredible rise since leaving the south coast in 2016.

In other news… Gao Jisheng could be set for huge blow as European giants eye “exceptional” gem

Many Everton fans have been left to bemoan an injury update on Blackburn Rovers loanee Jarrad Branthwaite.

As per the official website of the EFL Championship club, manager Tony Mowbray thinks that his season is over following an injury to his ankle that he picked up while in training.

The central defender will likely now return to the Goodison Park faithful in order to start his recovery, in what is a big blow not just to the Rovers but the Merseyside club as well.

Carlo Ancelotti would have liked Branthwaite to develop out on loan this campaign so that he could be part of his plans for the 2021/22 term, but this season-ending injury that the 18-year-old has picked up will stop any further progress that he may have made.

Everton fans on Branthwaite injury update

These Toffees supporters bemoaned the injury update on the Englishman on Twitter, with one Blues fan even going as far as to claim that it was ‘terrible’:

“Are we cursed or what how many more injuries can we get?”

Credit: @gazzaj83

“Here we go again!”

Credit: @5teVanDamme

“Sorry Blackburn but when the curse is strong there’s nothing that can be done sadly”

Credit: @ShoeyEFC1234

“We’re so cursed”

Credit: @Feedtheyak22

“Seems the Everton curse followers them wherever they go”

Credit: @ianspeny

“We really have had some terrible luck with injuries this season”

Credit: @marchy27

In other news, find out what Patrick Boyland update has left EFC fans fuming here!

Celtic’s stance about the European Super League has now been revealed in a report from Sky Sports.

Andy Walker has recently stated that even though Celtic fans wouldn’t want their club to join the Super League – like Manchester United and Liverpool fans don’t – the club’s board members may well be attracted to the idea.

News has since emerged about Celtic’s potential interest in the competition, and it contradicts Walker’s suspicions.

Lawwell against ESL

Sky Sports have released a report detailing the Old Firm clubs’ interest in the Super League, claiming that while the two Old Firm rivals have previously considered moving to England and joining the Premier League, it has never become a concrete idea.

The piece also reveals some information about Celtic’s stance on the Super League, stating that even though Peter Lawwell is a member of the European Club Association board and was part of the ECA emergency call recently, Celtic are one of the clubs who are against the Super League breakaway.

Despite all the money they could earn, it appears as though Desmond, Lawwell and the club are completely against any opportunity to join up with England’s ‘big six’ in this venture.

Good news for Celtic

In the recent Premier League game against involving Leeds and Liverpool, fans protested against the creation of the Super League and accused the Reds’ owners of being greedy. Fans of the two Manchester clubs have also protested against the move in the last 24 hours, and it seems that any club participating in the ESL is now tarnished even in the eyes of their own supporters.

Of course, the conversation surrounding moving Celtic and Rangers into a competition where they can compete more regularly with England’s elite has popped up regularly, but this isn’t the way to do it.

With the Hoops entering an uncertain time with a new manager and new roles off the pitch, the last thing they will need is a massive fan backlash. By refusing to sell their soul, the new manager and Director of Football will be free to focus on what really matters.

In other news, Chris Sutton picks out three players for new Celtic boss to build around

Aston Villa boss Dean Smith is reportedly keen on making a move for Norwich City star Emiliano Buendia this summer.

What’s the story?

Reports over the summer last year suggested that Villa were very much interested in landing the Argentine before the end of the deadline, but a deal failed to materialise.

Now, The Sun (via The Birmingham Mail) claim that Smith is keen on getting his man the second time around, especially with Ross Barkley almost certain to return back to Chelsea after his loan spell ends at the end of the Premier League season.

Dean Smith would love him

Given the kind of reliance Villa have placed upon Jack Grealish as their main source of creation, it’s unsurprising that Johan Lange appears to be eyeing another wide play-maker in the shape of Buendia.

The £20k-a-week star has enjoyed a remarkable campaign thus far for the Canaries this season, firing them straight back to the Premier League at the first time of asking – he’s scored 14 goals and provided a whopping 17 assists in the league alone.

His teammate, Max Aarons, has meanwhile raved about the kind of creative genius that he is, saying: “He’s not really a player who will get on the ball and take you on as a full-back. His game is more about getting into pockets, playing neat passes and creating things.

“When you’ve got someone, who wants to run at you, then it’s easier to lock them down whereas someone like him is quite intricate so it’s hard to get near him. He’s tenacious and very strong. He’s got a lot of attributes.”

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Given his bucket-load of assists and goals this season, Smith would no doubt love to have Buendia in his squad to really ease the pressure on Grealish’s shoulders, whether he’s playing or not.

Meanwhile, Villa are monitoring this star who just starred against them…

Many Everton fans have been criticising the performance of Gylfi Sigurdsson in their 2-1 home loss to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday night.

A bullet header from Dominic Calvert-Lewin was not enough at Goodison Park as Ollie Watkins pounced on a big mistake from Mason Holgate and Anwar El Ghazi curled in a fine effort to give Dean Smith’s team all three points in what was yet another defeat at home for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

Sigurdsson did not have the best of games for the Merseysiders, failing to record a single shot on target, dribble, key pass or accurate cross. He was unable to make any real impact on the match, recording fewer touches (41) than his own goalkeeper Jordan Pickford with 49 (Sofascore).

Everton fans fume at Sigurdsson display

These Toffees supporters on Twitter slammed Sigurdsson’s performance, with one Everton fan even calling the Iceland international a ‘coward’:

“Anyone who thinks Calvert-Lewin or Sigurdsson or Iwobi or most of this team is good enough to play for us or anyone above us they’re sadly mistaken. Dreadful players. #EVEAVL #EFC #Everton”

Credit: @DannySports12

“There’s a couple of empty shirts out there with Iwobi and Sigurdsson written on them. #EVEAVL”

Credit: @LazyHeartParade

“Richarlison had a stinker like he has a lot this season but that doesn’t excuse Sigurdsson who also had a stinker”

Credit: @IsaacMcGeough

“Richarlison, Delph, Gomes, Sigurdsson, Holgate and Coleman all need binning”

Credit: @TerryReece20

“Hope Holgate, Gomes, Coleman, Iwobi, Sigurdsson, Delph, Bernard, and King never play for us again”

Credit: @charliie1878

“Get that coward Sigurdsson off”

Credit: @terrifyinglogic

In other news, this update has angered some Everton fans.

Leicester City have been handed a huge boost in their pursuit of one of this summer’s major transfer targets.

According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Foxes have agreed personal terms with Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare, whilst they are “close” to an agreement with the French club over the signing of the 22-year-old.

With “many clubs” having reportedly enquired with the Ligue 1 giants over a potential swoop for Soumare, the fact that Brendan Rodgers is seemingly edging close to the signing will be a huge boost for Leicester ahead of next season.

In his time with Lille, the midfielder has harnessed the reputation as one of the most promising youngsters in world football.

He has already made 110 appearances for the club in all competitions since a move from Paris Saint-Germain and has played a key role as Les Dogues attempt to beat his former employers to the Ligue 1 title in 2020/21.

Even before his move to Stade Pierre Mauroy, Soumare was certainly showing promising signs.

Former Lille Director General Marc Ingla described the midfielder as “powerful” even before he had made his debut for the club.

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A naturally defensive-minded midfielder, Soumare would find considerable competition in the form of Wilfred Ndidi of the current crop at Leicester.

However, partnering him with the Nigerian could hand the Foxes one of the most dominant midfield pairings in world football.

Ahead of what could be a potential UEFA Champions League campaign in 2021/22, that midfield strength could certainly be a huge plus point for the East-Midlanders.

So having seemingly sealed a deal to sign Soumare, Rodgers’ midfield options, and squad in general, already look very, very strong.

AND in more news, Leicester have been handed worrying injury news over a key player ahead of the end of the season…

Many Wolves fans have been left to buzz as Super Deporte have reported that Goncalo Guedes and Lee Kang-in may be used in a swap deal for Rafa Mir.

As per the news outlet, one of the players could be used in order to lure Mir to Valencia, and Guedes shares the same agent as both Nuno Espirito Santo and Mir in Jorge Mendes.

Patrick Cutrone could also be used in any potential deal given that he is currently on loan at Valencia from the Midlands club, and demonstrates the good relationship already between the two teams.

With five goals and six assists in 32 games in total over all competitions so far in the 2020/21 term (Transfermarkt), Guedes would add an attacking threat, and will already have chemistry with some of the squad given his Portuguese nationality.

Lee meanwhile can play in a wide variety of positions and at just 20 years of age, will surely only get better.

Mir has not played a senior game at Molineux since the 2017/18 season, and so a swap deal to send him somewhere he is already finding success would certainly make a lot of sense.

Wolves fans on transfer update

These WWFC supporters buzzed as the update was shared on Twitter, with one even going as far as to claim that the deal would be ‘amazing’:

“Surely we can’t get both just for the price of Rafa Mir??? that would be some great business.”

Credit: @tobleralone

“This would be an amazing deal”

Credit: @Callum_Howen

“Omg yes Jeff”

Credit: @cal_wolvesfc

“Yes please!”

Credit: @xEz_Acex

“Ayo I like that”

Credit: @capzwwfc

“I’m on my knees please Jeff”

Credit: @Tom_Parker12

In other news, find out what transfer update has left Wanderers fuming here!