Australia’s national selector Trevor Hohns has admitted to being “very concerned” about the lack of Test cricket the team will play ahead of the Ashes next season.With the tour of South Africa last month postponed, there will be a 10-month gap between Tests when they are due to play Afghanistan in a one-off match in late November before facing England.That game against Afghanistan could be the only red-ball cricket those players also involved in the T20 World Cup will have ahead of the Ashes due to the likely need to quarantine on their return from India.For those not in the T20 set-up, Hohns expects there to be a decent amount of Sheffield Shield cricket available in the first part of the next season but he conceded it is not an ideal situation with England having a full Test season ahead of them at home.Related

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“Very concerned about that, no doubt, and hopeful that they’ll be plenty of Shield cricket – and I believe there will be – programmed leading up to the first Test,” he said. “However, that won’t help some of our players as hopefully they’ll be fully engaged in the T20 World Cup.”It’s a difficult one, England are certainly playing plenty of Test cricket and we haven’t got anything on the plate so it’s a concern.”There will be at least two Test batting positions vacant leading into the next home summer following the announcement of a trimmed down central contracts list that only included three specialist Test batters – David Warner, Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne – along with allrounder Cameron Green.An opening partner for Warner will need to be found – Will Pucovski will be the frontrunner if he recovers from shoulder reconstruction – along with a middle-order batter to fill the No. 5 spot which rotated between Travis Head and Matthew Wade against India, both of who lost their contracts.Will Pucovski made a promising start to his Test career but has since undergone shoulder surgery•Getty Images

“There’s no secret that there are positions available whether that’s middle order or the top of the list,” Hohns said. “Yes, it is a concern because there’s no standout but that’s what we are challenging our players to really put their hands up at the start of next season then get into the Australia side and perform well when they do.”There may also be conversations about whether the bowling attack needs freshening up with Hohns indicating that rotation is likely to be forced on the fast bowlers to ensure they aren’t flagging towards the end of the series as happened against India where Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins played throughout alongside Nathan Lyon. While Green’s introduction provided somebody to share the burden he did not take a wicket in the series.James Pattinson was retained on the contracts list despite playing just four Tests in the last five years with Hohns terming him “our premier back-up fast bowler” although Jhye Richardson and the uncontracted Michael Neser will also come into contention.The initial part of the new contract period will be heavily focused on T20 with the World Cup in October and a number of the players on the list are likely to only feature in white-ball cricket. Hohns said that the idea of offering separate white and red-ball deals had been floated but it was still some way off being an option.”It’s an interesting conversation and while we have mentioned that we are not quite ready for that yet, but it may progress to that down the track because it’s becoming more obvious that players are specializing in the different formats. Certainly something to be looked at down the track.”There’s a little bit of focus on T20 cricket but we also try to make sure we remain focused on the fact that Test cricket to us, and hopefully to our players, is the prime form of the game. We see that as the top of tree, but there is a T20 World Cup coming up so we’ve had to cover a core group of players we think will feature in this list.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Uma situação incomum desde a chegada de Guilherme Romão ao CRB deve acontecer no próximo fim de semana com o clube alagoano tendo de atuar sem o lateral-esquerdo diante do Moto Club pela terceira fase da Pré-Copa do Nordeste.

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>Aplicativo de resultados do LANCE! está disponível na versão iOS

Após uma dividida forte no jogo onde o Regatiano empatou pela Série B em 1 a 1 com o líder, Coritiba, Romão deixou o campo reclamando de dores na região do tornozelo.

De maneira preventiva, a ideia do Departamento Médico do CRB é de preservar o jogador que já acumula incríveis 52 partidas na temporada das 60 que o clube disputou. Somente o lateral-direito Reginaldo, até o momento, tem mais jogos do que Guilherme, já que o companheiro fez 53 partidas no calendário futebolistico de 2021.

A tendência é que a extensão do problema físico de Romão seja conhecido nos próximos dias mediante exames mais detalhados. Entretanto, o próprio atleta falou com o Futebol Latinoe disse palavras em tom tranquilizador:

-Acredito que tenha sido só um susto mesmo. Vamos fazer os exames para confirmar, mas estou melhorando bastante no dia a dia. Já me sentindo muito melhor, sem dores. Agora só evolução nestes próximos dias pra estar à disposição para as partidas que virão. Teremos muitas decisões pela frente. Quero estar em todas elas.

O jogo diante da equipe maranhense, válido pela última fase anterior aos grupos da competição regional de 2022, está marcado para o próximo sábado (30), às 15h30 (de Brasília), no Estádio Nhozinho Santos.

Everton are reportedly interested in completing the loan signing of an "incredible" player who has been voted his country's Footballer of the Year four times.

Everton transfer news

The Toffees continue to be linked with new signings as an up-and-down summer transfer window at Goodison Park slowly reaches its conclusion.

Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Carlos Soler is one of the most recent players to have been backed to join Everton before the window slams shut next week, with a possible hijack of West Ham's move for him taking place. The Merseysiders have made contact with him over a switch to Goodison Park, but it remains to be seen what the Spaniard's decision will be.

Kieran Trippier has also emerged as a reported target for Everton in the coming days, with the England international wanting more regular football than he is being given at Newcastle United. Eintracht Frankfurt ace Junior Dina Ebimbe is being looked at as another target.

Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay has been linked with Everton at times, too, with the Scot in a similar situation to Trippier, while Roma's Edoardo Bove could also come in and provide Sean Dyche with more depth in the middle of the park. Now, an intriguing new transfer update has emerged as the Premier League side look to complete a high-profile piece of business.

Everton eyeing "incredible" player on loan

According to a new update from Calciomercato [via Sport Witness], Everton are in the mix to sign Milan Skriniar on loan from Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

The centre-back finds himself out of favour at the Ligue 1 giants, with a number of clubs eyeing him up on a temporary basis. Brighton and Juventus are also mentioned as possible suitors, with the Slovakian's wages a potential stumbling block for the Toffees.

Skriniar could be a signing of real intent by Everton, even if only on loan, considering the 72-cap Slovakia international has been considered one of Europe's leading central defenders for a number of years.

Granted, his time at PSG doesn't appear to be going smoothly with Luis Enrique casting him aside, but he has been voted his country's Footballer of the Year four times, taking home the award in successive years between 2019 and 2022.

Slovakia may not be a hotbed of footballing talent, but that highlights Skriniar's consistency as a footballer and what a star he is in his homeland, while journalist Jerry Mancini once said of him: "Best defender in Serie A. Milan Skriniar has been incredible the past two seasons. Credit to Antonio Conte who helped him take his game to another level."

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It would be a surprise if Everton managed to pip a club like Juve to Skriniar's signing, especially considering the likely finances involved – he currently earns £266,000 per week at PSG – but the idea of him alongside Jarrad Branthwaite is a mouthwatering prospect, with all due respect to the reliable James Tarkowski.

It's set to be a massively important campaign for Tottenham Hotspur in the coming season, as Ange Postecoglou looks to go one better than last year and lead the club into the Champions League places.

However, with the teams around the Lilywhites currently strengthening their squads, Daniel Levy and Co must do the same and invest heavily in the transfer market.

The good news for fans is that, based on recent reports, that appears to be happening as the latest name touted for a potential move to N17 would be game-changing and not just for the Lilywhites but the league as a whole, and he'd help make James Maddison unplayable.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent report from Football Insider, Tottenham, and particularly Postecoglou, are 'in the market' for a new top-level striker, and Victor Osimhen is one of the names they are 'keeping tabs on'.

The report does not mention how much a deal would cost the Lilywhites but does reveal that they would be willing to exchange some players as part of the deal.

However, whether this would convince the Partenopei to budge from the reported €130m – £109m – release clause they are after is another matter entirely.

This transfer may sound particularly far-fetched given the North Londoners' history of frugality, but with the league becoming increasingly competitive around them and their position as the wealthiest club in London, it might be time for them to go all out, especially as Osimhen could make Maddison unplayable.

Why Osimhen would be a great signing for Spurs and Maddison

While there are likely a plethora of reasons why Osimhen would be a transformational signing for Spurs and Maddison in particular, there is one that overrides all others: his output.

The Nigerian superstar has proven himself as one of the best strikers in world football over the last few years, and his ability to get on the end and finish off chances would surely propel the Lilywhites up the table and see the former Foxes ace end next season with a mountain of assists to his name.

For example, even though last season was somewhat of a down year for the former Lille ace – by his lofty standards – he still scored 17 goals and provided four assists in 32 appearances. This means he averaged a goal involvement every 1.52 games and would have been the second most productive player in Postecoglou's squad behind only Son Heung-min, who racked up 27 goals and assists in 36 games.

Osimhen's incredible form
2022/23
Appearances	39
Goals	31
Assists	5
Goal Involvements per Match	0.92
2023/24
Appearances	32
Goals	17
Assists	4
Goal Involvements per Match	0.65
All Stats via Transfermarkt

However, when you look back just one season prior, you get a glimpse of just how deadly the 25-year-old can be when he's on song, as he scored a whopping 31 goals in 39 appearances and provided five assists for good measure, equating to an incredible average of a goal involvement every 1.08 games.

With the ability to play that well, it's hard to disagree with José Mourinho's opinion that the Lagos-born marksman is a "world-class" player.

Now, just imagine a striker as clinical as the Napoli star playing alongside someone like the Spurs number ten, who, according to FBref, sits in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers for shot-creating actions and progressive passes – goals, lots and lots of goals.

Ultimately, while this does feel like an unrealistic transfer, it shouldn't. Spurs have the money, and under a manager as progressive as Postecoglou, Osimhen could be utterly transformational. Therefore, Levy and Co should be doing all they can to bring the Nigerian goal machine to N17 this summer.

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Chelsea are also expected to sign a £17 million player shortly, alongside the deal for Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid.

Chelsea agree £46.3 million deal for Joao Felix

Earlier this week, and after lengthy transfer talks with Atletico, Chelsea made a breakthrough in their negotiations to sign Felix as an alternative to striker Samu Omorodion – with the latter's move to Stamford Bridge collapsing at the eleventh hour due to contractual issues (Sky Sports).

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Before landing on Felix, Chelsea were meant to sign Omorodion for around £35 million with Conor Gallagher heading the other way as part of a transfer domino, but their botched deal for the striker resulted in the Blues midfielder being stuck in limbo.

Now, with Chelsea agreeing a £46.3 million move to re-sign Felix on a permanent deal instead, Atletico have found a new source of income to get Gallagher's signing over the line.

Joao Felix's loan spell at Chelsea – 2022/2023

Appearances

20

Goals

4

Assists

0

Yellow Cards

1

Red Cards

1

The England international is now on his way to La Liga and Felix, who spent the second half of 2022/2023 on loan at Stamford Bridge, is coming the other way to Chelsea. The 24-year-old puts pen to paper on a six-year contract in west London, and reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano claims that Felix's arrival could even be announced today.

The Portugal international's signing casts doubt on Raheem Sterling's future at Chelsea, with manager Enzo Maresca now having an array of wingers at his disposal.

Sterling was left out of Maresca's squad to face Man City last weekend, resulting in plenty of speculation linking the ex-Liverpool winger with a late-window exit. Maresca has reportedly told Sterling to consider leaving before the August 31 cut-off, as Felix is seemingly a ready-made replacement for the Englishman.

Chelsea expected to sign Mike Penders alongside Felix

According to The Athletic, Felix's imminent arrival isn't the only deal which Chelsea could announce shortly. Indeed, the outlet writes that Chelsea are also expected to sign goalkeeper Mike Penders from Genk, with other reports claiming that Todd Boehly and co agreed a £17 million move for the 19-year-old this month.

The teenage shot-stopper is one for the future but already carries a stellar reputation, even drawing comparisons to ex-star Chelsea keeper Thibaut Courtois.

Penders will remain in the Jupiler Pro League this season to further his development, before formally linking up with the Chelsea squad in 2025.

اجتاز أشرف بن شرقي الصفقة الجديدة في صفوف النادي الأهلي، الكشف الطبي الذي خضع له تمهيدًا لإتمام تعاقده مع القلعة الحمراء خلال فترة الانتقالات الشتوية الجارية.

كان أشرف بن شرقي قد وصل إلى القاهرة صباح اليوم، تمهيدًا للانضمام للأهلي بعد فسخ العقد بينه وبين نادي الريان القطري.

ويسعى الأهلي لتدعيم صفوفه خلال فترة الانتقالات الشتوية الجارية، بعد تراجع أداء الفريق ونتائجه ومروره بحالة من التخبط الفني في الفترة الماضية.

طالع | خالد الغندور عن بن شرقي: أصبح “ابن الأهلي”.. والزمالك رصد 25 مليون جنيه للرد

وعلم بطولات، أن أشرف بن شرقي اجتاز الكشف الطبي بنجاح، ووقع اللاعب على عقود انضمامه رسميًا للأهلي.

ومن المقرر أن يتم الإعلان رسميًا عن الصفقة مساء اليوم الأربعاء، وسينضم بن شرقي إلى تدريبات الأهلي استعدادًا للمشاركة في المباريات.

بذكر، أن الأهلي يستعد لمواجهة مودرن سبورت مساء الأحد المقبل في إطار لقاءات الدوري المصري.

Every year, the release of the latest video game in the FIFA (now EA FC) series comes with up-to-date squads, new Ultimate Team challenges and a variety of gaming innovations.

But for all the groundbreaking features each edition brings, there is one thing away from the pitch that is bound to be excited about: the soundtrack.

Many songs have become synonymous with FIFA, so much so that pointing out a tune came from a specific game has been turned into something of an internet meme.

Since background music was introduced for FIFA 98, there have been hundreds of tracks used, with playlists growing all the time. In fact, EA’s website now publishes the soundtrack, such is the cultural significance that has grown over the years.

But which songs have stood the test of time? Which ones are so quintessentially ‘FIFA’ that they deserve to be remembered as such?

We’ve listed 15 of the best songs to feature on the game, ranked by taking into consideration their association with the franchise and, well, how much of a banger the tune is. We’ve even added snaps from the cover stars at the time for that extra bump of nostalgia.

Admittedly, most of these come from the tracklist’s apparent heyday, with its impact today arguably diminished compared to the last decade or so. However, that did not make this an easy task – there are simply too many great songs to choose from.

If you disagree, there’s a playlist at the bottom of the page where you can choose a favourite of your own.

Rank

Song title

Artist

Appeared on

Jerk It Out

Caesars

FIFA 2004

Song 2

Blur

FIFA 98

Dreaming

Smallpools

FIFA 14

Love Me Again

John Newman

FIFA 14

Club Foot

Kasabian

FIFA 13

Cobrastyle

Teddybears

FIFA 06

Town Called Malice

The Jam

FIFA 2004

Machu Picchu

The Strokes

FIFA 12

Black & Gold

Sam Sparro

FIFA 09

Helicopter

Bloc Party

FIFA 06

She’s Got Me Dancing

Tommy Sparks

FIFA 10

I Can Talk

Two Door Cinema Club

FIFA 11

High And Low

Empire of the Sun

FIFA 17

Kids

MGMT

FIFA 09

Complicated (Pablo La Rossa Vocal Mix)

Avril Lavigne

FIFA 2003

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ByJamie Rooke Oct 21, 2023 15 Complicated (Pablo La Rossa Vocal Mix) – Avril Lavigne FIFA 2003

This countdown starts on a relatively mellow note, but even though 20 years have passed, we still see this tune as a FIFA song above anything else. Avril Lavigne’s ‘Complicated’ features on FIFA 2003, which isn’t a game overflowing with songs – there are just 13 in total.

Perhaps that’s why it’s remained in our collective consciousness for so long; imagine playing the same 13 songs on loop for a year!

But it is more than that, of course. Lavigne’s vocal is infectious and you can’t help belting it out yourself. Once you’ve become addicted to the game (which had an iconic cover including Edgar Davids and Manchester United’s Ryan Giggs), you’ll have memorised the whole thing in no time.

14 Kids – MGMT FIFA 09

Perhaps featuring one of the best keyboard intros of its time, MGMT’s ‘Kids’ is a rousing indie anthem in its own right.

It’s one of those songs that is so good, it might be worth hanging around the menus a bit longer to let it finish. Appearing on FIFA 09 – the same year Ultimate Team made its debut – there was a lot to like about this particular edition.

13 High And Low – Empire of the Sun FIFA 17

Released in 2016, Empire of the Sun’s ‘High And Low’ is the newest song on this list. Like any good tune, it builds slowly before exploding into a ferocious pre-chorus and catchy refrain. It has all the ingredients of the ideal gaming tune.

And like many bands, Empire of the Sun have featured multiple times on the soundtrack – it seems some artists just have that ‘FIFA’ sound. ‘Alive’ was used on FIFA 14, and wouldn’t look out of place on anyone else’s lists.

12 I Can Talk – Two Door Cinema Club FIFA 11

Northern Irish rockers Two Door Cinema Club are also serial FIFA playlisters. In truth, any of their three appearances in the franchise to date could have been chosen, but FIFA 11’s ‘I Can Talk’ is arguably some of their best work.

Taken from their debut album, ‘Tourist History’, the tune involves the melodic blend of its pounding bassline, searing lead guitar and dance-worthy beat.

Not a bad tune to have in the background while signing a star striker on Career Mode.

11 She's Got Me Dancing – Tommy Sparks FIFA 10

It’s no wonder ‘She’s Got Me Dancing’ has entered the mainstream. Not only did it make an appearance on FIFA 10, but it was also used on Just Dance 3, as well as an advert for the iPod Touch (remember those?).

Not to mention, it’s also a pop sensation. It’s super catchy, and the kind of thing you’d play on repeat or continue to sing after it’s over. Given it is Tommy Sparks’ standout tune, you have to commend the EA team for finding it (or Apple, we’re not sure who got there first).

10 Helicopter – Bloc Party FIFA 06

Some bands are FIFA bands. Some songs are FIFA songs. This is both.

‘Helicopter’ by Bloc Party – who have featured three times on the FIFA soundtrack – almost immediately evokes memories of playing the game. Its opening riff makes it instantly recognisable, and it is just the kind of upbeat rock anthem to get you in the mood for a gaming session.

This game was the first of several featuring Wayne Rooney and Barcelona’s Ronaldinho on the cover – an added touch that made playing this feel special.

9 Black & Gold – Sam Sparro FIFA 09

This isn’t FIFA 09’s first mention in this list, and there are more hits on that game we simply don’t have space for. Duffy, Foals, The Kooks and, er, Tom Jones are all on the setlist.

However, Sam Sparro’s ‘Black & Gold’ is a melodic delight that could not be ignored. It has such an addictive sound to it that you want the verses to go on and on. When they eventually end, we’re treated to a solid beat that builds into the crescendo of the chorus. Magnifique.

8 Machu Picchu – The Strokes FIFA 12

Now we’re talking. The early 2010s boasts arguably the strongest run of EA soundtracks, and The Strokes’ ‘Machu Picchu’ brought their New York sound to the world of FIFA.

This song is all about the contagious post-chorus riff. If the song wasn’t already catchy enough, the riff’s melody would be enough for you to put the controller down and start air-guitaring.

7 Town Called Malice – The Jam FIFA 2004

Nowadays, songs selected for the game’s soundtrack are typically released in the 12 months preceding the current edition. For FIFA 2004, EA began to push the boat out for their tracklists, with more than double the number of songs compared to FIFA 2003.

And in the pre-YouTube age, you can forgive EA for not being able to locate the best sounds of 2003 to accompany their new game. Indeed, the likes of The Stone Roses and The Jam were on the bill.

And with what may have been youngsters’ first introduction to early-80s rock and roll, The Jam’s ‘Town Called Malice’, sung by Paul Weller, quickly became an earworm for players of the game.

You’re playing the bassline in your head right now, aren’t you?

6 Cobrastyle – Teddybears FIFA 06

We’re not sure quite what ‘di bom di deng di deng digi digi’ means, but it sounds awesome. In truth, there’s a lot to like about Teddybears’ ‘Cobrastyle’, whether it’s the addictive rhythm, catchy lyrics or THAT chorus.

Most of the lyrics come from a track by Jamaican singer Mad Cobra, who features on the track himself, hence the title of the song.

The iconic chorus is unique to the Teddybears’ version, and is a superb addition to the original, as well as to the array of FIFA bangers from over the years. This is definitely one we’d have on repeat.

Glasgow Rangers stuttering start to the season was nearly forgotten about during 90 minutes over the weekend as Philippe Clement’s men strolled to a 6-0 win in the Premiership.

The result was the first time the Ibrox side have scored six goals in a league tie since October 31, 2021.

Three points were the most important thing, but the six-goal show would have inspired plenty of confidence among several first-team players heading into the first Old Firm clash of the season against Celtic this Sunday.

Cyriel Dessers added another two goals to his collection, delivering a solid performance, setting him up nicely for the crunch clash at the end of the week.

Cyriel Dessers’ game in numbers against Ross County

Before the weekend match, Dessers had scored three goals in his first five matches of the season, clearly hitting the ground running in a bid to kickstart his Ibrox career.

He did score 22 times last term, but there was plenty of criticism regarding the chances he failed to take, often requiring three or four opportunities before finding the back of the net.

The 29-year-old appears to have learned his lessons from 2023/24, becoming the Gers' main danger in the opposition box and this could prove crucial as the season goes on.

Having played just 45 minutes against St Johnstone in the League Cup, Dessers was back in the starting XI at Hampden on Saturday, justifying his selection with a sublime display.

Dessers was only on the pitch for 66 minutes, yet he scored twice, made two key passes, created a big chance and attempted three dribbles, succeeding with one.

Last season, the Nigerian may have taken more chances to score his two goals, but these came with his only two shots on target, clearly suggesting his abilities in front of goal have improved this season.

Rabbi Matondo provided plenty of service for the former Feyenoord striker, something which made all the difference for the light Blues.

With just a few days left of the transfer window, is Clement aiming to sign another talented winger who could present Dessers with chance after chance?

Rangers showing interest in Benfica starlet

Reports from Portugal last week (via the Daily Record) linked Rangers with Benfica winger Tiago Gouveia and the Lisbon giants could be open to letting him leave before the transfer window slams shut.

The Light Blues face some stiff competition though, as not only are Anderlecht and Villarreal in the running, but also sides from France and Russia are keen to sign the youngster.

Gouveia – valued at around £7m by Benfica – may only be allowed to depart should his club bring in a replacement, which could prove to be the main stumbling block for any move.

He was asked about his future amid the recent links, saying: "I'm here every day waiting for opportunities. Sometimes it doesn't happen and the frustration is huge."

Does this offer Clement some hope that he is seeking a move abroad? Rangers would be an excellent club for him to further develop his skills.

Not only that, but he could be an upgrade to Ross McCausland.

Tiago Gouveia’s 2023/24 season in numbers

The winger returned from a productive loan spell at Estoril last summer – where he scored five goals and registered five assists – in a bid to crack the first team at Benfica.

He did play 26 senior matches for Benfica, yet started only five of those. Despite this lack of opportunity in the starting XI, Gouveia still managed to score four goals and grab three assists for the club.

Players

Club signed from

Games

Fabio Silva

Wolves

25

Bruno Alves

Cagliari

25

Fabio Cardoso

Vitoria Setebul

18

Nuno Capucho

Porto

28

Daniel Candeias

Benfica

97

Pedro Mendes

Portsmouth

47

Although he averaged just 41 minutes per league game, the 23-year-old still managed to create four big chances, average 0.8 key passes per game and succeed with 1.2 dribbles each match, making sure when he did get a chance in the team, he took it.

McCausland did enjoy his breakthrough campaign as part of the first team squad during 2023/24, but there is no doubt he could have been more effective in front of goal.

He also registered seven goal contributions – three goals and four assists – in the top flight, but the Northern Irishman started ten games more than Gouveia.

The 21-year-old created three big chances, averaged 1.4 key passes per game and succeeded with 0.9 dribble attempts.

Decent statistics for the youngster, but it is clear if Gouveia had started more matches, his statistics would have improved massively, especially considering his impact from the bench.

The Portuguese gem would be a perfect signing for Dessers, no doubt about it and could give Clement yet another excellent option to call upon on the flank.

When compared to his positional peers in similar leagues, the 23-year-old ranked in the top 10% for non-penalty goals, assists, successful take-ons and touches in the opposition penalty area per 90, as the winger clearly showcased his talents last season.

These traits would certainly make him an upgrade, as Gouveia has performed in one of the biggest leagues in Europe, shining during spells for Benfica.

Dessers clearly enjoyed the service of Matondo on the weekend and, given his new-found confidence in front of goal, wingers delivering balls into the box is something the Nigerian will be desperate to capitalise on.

Gouveia averaged 1.84 passes into the penalty area during the league season in 2023/24, ranking him in the top 12% when compared to other wingers, showing how often he likes to move the ball into dangerous areas.

This would clearly benefit Dessers massively, as he tends to lurk inside the box, waiting for chances to come his way.

While £7m could be a price tag beyond Clement’s means, a loan deal for the winger could be the best course of action.

Things will move fairly swiftly between now and Friday, which means the Belgian must be ready to strike if a deal is possible.

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Liverpool are said to have agreed personal terms over a move for a 23-year-old international, according to a recent report.

The Merseyside club are just a few days away from their 2024/25 Premier League campaign getting underway as they travel to Portman Road to face newly promoted Ipswich Town. It is a highly anticipated match as Liverpool get their post-Jurgen Klopp era underway, with manager Arne Slot now in the dugout, while the Tractor Boys kick off their top-flight return.

All eyes will be on Liverpool on Saturday as Slot begins his time in charge of the club, and he will do so with the club still yet to make a new signing so far in this transfer window.

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The Reds have work to do this summer…

1 ByBrett Worthington Aug 13, 2024 Liverpool’s transfer business so far

It was always going to be a very big summer for Liverpool, as in some sense it is a new start for the club, as they are no longer under the management of Klopp. The Premier League side brought in Slot as his replacement, and the club also made changes higher up, as Richard Hughes arrived earlier this year as the club’s new sporting director.

The latter has started to come under some scrutiny, as Liverpool are still yet to make a signing in this transfer window, which means, as things stand, the club will be going into the new season, potentially weaker than how they ended the 2023/24 campaign.

Fabio Carvalho

Brentford

Adrian

Real Betis

Calvin Ramsey

Wigan Athletic (Loan)

Thiago Alcantara

Retired

Joel Matip

Without club

That is because Liverpool have seen defender Joel Matip leave the club following his contract expiring, while Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara has now retired from football and moved into coaching. But most recently, Liverpool decided to let midfielder Fabio Carvalho leave the club and join Brentford in a deal believed to be worth £27.5 million.

Brentford boss Thomas Frank was delighted with the addition of the midfielder. He said: “Fábio is a player with a lot of qualities. He can play in all of the front three or four positions in a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1. His best position is probably as a no.10 or coming in from the left.

"Offensively, he has great abilities on the ball: he can go past players, slide a pass, create chances and get on the end of chances. He's a type of player that we don't have many of in the squad, so he will add that something extra for us. His ability and mentality to work hard in the pressure is also very, very good. That's along with him ticking all the boxes from a cultural perspective and being the right character. So we're very pleased to see him come in and push the team forward."

However, Liverpool’s wait to add a player to their squad could potentially come to an end, given the latest update.

Liverpool agree personal terms with Giorgi Mamardashvili

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have now agreed personal terms with Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. The 23-year-old could be sent out on loan for a year or two should he sign, which is something that isn’t putting the shot-stopper off, as he remains keen on moving to Anfield.

Romano states that AFC Bournemouth are keen on signing Mamardashvili should he join Liverpool, with the intention of the Georgia international replacing Alisson. He goes on to add that agents from Liverpool are in Valencia for club talks, as there is still no agreement on a transfer.

Mamardashvili has been with Valencia since January 2022 on a permanent basis, but he first arrived at the Spanish side in July 2021 on loan. The 23-year-old has been labelled as having a “commanding presence” in the past, as he stands at 6 foot 6.