Presenter: £16m-rated ace ‘doesn’t fit the system’ at Liverpool

Liverpool youngster Fabio Carvalho just doesn't fit the system at Anfield, claims RedMenTV host, Ste Hoare.

The 20-year-old joined the Reds last summer and after initially impressing early on this season, things haven't quite gone to plan.

In fact, he's played just eight Premier League minutes in 2023, and that could be down to Jurgen Klopp's tactics.

What's the latest on Fabio Carvalho's future at Liverpool?

The former Fulham midfielder has been linked with a move away from Anfield, but the club are only prepared to let him go out on loan, recently rejecting a £10m bid from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig.

With the arrival of Alexis Mac Allister, and reports suggesting Liverpool are pursuing several midfielders, there's going to be plenty of competition in the middle of the park for the club, and it seems Carvalho won't fit into plans this season.

A number of Premier League sides, including his former club Fulham are interested in taking the Portuguese youngster on loan, with several offers currently on the table, but it remains to be seen where he'll end up.

What has Ste Hoare said about Fabio Carvalho and Liverpool?

Despite Carvalho's struggles at Liverpool this season, Hoare believes it's not down to talent, but a lack of fit in Klopp's system that has caused the £16m-rated midfielder problems this year.

Speaking to Football FanCast, the RedMenTV host said:

"It's mad because Liverpool tried so hard to sign Carvalho. They beat so many teams, they paid more than they needed to make sure they got him.

"They really liked what they saw and by all accounts, he is a good player, he just doesn't fit the system."

How did Fabio Carvalho perform this season compared to last year?

While making the move from Fulham and Championship football, to one of the Premier League's biggest sides in Liverpool was always going to be tough, Carvalho's spell in Merseyside has seen his game time and output drop drastically.

Across the board, the 20-year-old's statistical numbers have all decreased this year, which is hardly a surprise given his lack of regular minutes.

Last year, the midfielder completed 1.2 dribbles per game for Fulham, seeing that number drop dramatically to 0.2 per game for Klopp's men this season, whilst his WhoScored average rating dropped from 7.11 at Fulham to 6.37 for the Reds, and he went from completing 1.7 key passes per game at Craven Cottage, to a measly 0.1 this campaign.

At 20 years old, there's still plenty of time for Carvalho, who is sponsored by Nike, to turn his Liverpool career around and a spell out on loan may be the catalyst in that, but if he doesn't fit the system now, who's to say he will when he comes back.

Romano Moots Sensational £128m Man United Transfer

Manchester United's potential new Qatari owners could join the race for Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Frenchman could possibly leave PSG, who would reportedly rather cash in this summer, rather than lose Mbappe on a free next year.

How much is Mbappe worth?

The Mbappe transfer saga is likely to steal the headlines this summer, given his position as one of the best players in the world.

According to ESPN, PSG will demand €150m (£128m) for the forward this summer, with Real Madrid once again leading the race for his signature.

Potential new owners at Manchester United would mean likely new investment, meaning the Red Devils could not be ruled out of making what would be a sensational summer move.

As of right now, with the takeover yet to reach completion, United are not among the frontrunners, though.

What did Fabrizio Romano say about Manchester United and Kylian Mbappe?

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “Guys, with the Glazers this is not a topic because Man United are not working on this deal with the current ownership. Let's see what will happen in case they have new owners because we know that the club is for sale, there is this takeover story still on. So let’s follow the story and let’s see what will happen, we can’t predict the future, so we have to wait and see on Manchester United.

"But, the reality is that, of course, Real Madrid have been working on this deal for a long time. We know the childhood dream of Kylian Mbappe is Real Madrid and this has never changed, so let’s follow this story.”

How much does Kylian Mbappe earn?

It's not just the fee that United, and others, would have to contend with if they want to land Mbappe this summer.

The World Cup winner earns a staggering £893,000 per week, according to SalarySport, which would instantly make him United's biggest earner, making more than double the Red Devils' current top earner, David de Gea.

It has to be said, however, that making Mbappe the highest earner at the club would be more than justifiable.

Off the pitch, shirt sales could see a similar spike as they did when Cristiano Ronaldo joined. Meanwhile, on the pitch, he could take Erik ten Hag's side back to the top having shown his ability for both PSG and his national side.

Having seen Erling Haaland join Manchester City last summer, before taking them to the treble, too, those at Old Trafford may be desperate to welcome a star of a similar calibre.

With a lot of the summer transfer window remaining, it will be intriguing to see how this saga unfolds.

Big Leeds United Takeover Update Emerges

The 49ers Enterprises are expected to make a firm proposal for Leeds United in the next two weeks, according to a new update.

What's the latest regarding Leeds takeover?

The Whites have endured a grim season on the pitch, suffering relegation from the Premier League after three years back in the top flight. Their campaign simply never felt like it got going at any point, with Jesse Marsch sacked and eventually replaced by Javi Gracia before Sam Allardyce swiftly came in for the final four games.

He was unable to do enough to prevent Leeds from heading back to the Championship, however, with Sunday's 4-1 defeat at home to Tottenham officially sealing their fate.

Away from the on-pitch action, a major development is also ongoing, with the 49ers constantly linked with gaining a majority share in the club. Andrea Radrizzani currently owns 56% of the Whites, but it could be that he is brought out in the near future, should the potential incoming new owners get their wish.

Now, another key update has emerged over the current situation – one that will likely be encouraging for Leeds fans, at a time when they could do with a boost.

Elland Road

Could 49ers complete takeover in June?

According to The Daily Mail's Ian Ladyman and David Coverdale [via MOT Leeds News], the 49ers are expected to present their proposal in the next fortnight, with Leeds now thought to be valued at £150m, rather than £420m before when they were still in the Premier League.

While there have been concerns that the takeover may not go through, those fears appear to be allayed after this new claim:

"Had Leeds stayed up, a deal was in place for majority shareholder Radrizzani to sell his 56% stake to 49ers Enterprises, who own 44%.

"The club was valued at around £420m. Now, however, the NFL franchise only think the Whites are worth £150m. Club sources expect a firm proposal from the Americans within a fortnight."

This is great news for Leeds, with their relegation to the Championship certainly having the potential to scupper their takeover plans badly. Instead, this is a much-needed boost, as mentioned, and should the 49ers get their wish, the Whites could be in a strong position to head straight back into the Premier League after one year away.

They may provide extra financial muscle, with the 49ers able to generate more funds for transfers, while also potentially redeveloping Elland Road at the same time, modernising Leeds' famous stadium in the process, and ensuring that they don't fall behind other clubs.

Steven Smith heads home to rest ahead of 2016-17 summer

Australia captain Steven Smith will miss the remainder of the tour of Sri Lanka – three ODIs and two T20Is – as he returns home to rest ahead of the tour of South Africa. David Warner will lead the side in the rest of the fixtures in Sri Lanka. Smith revealed the development at the end of the second ODI in Colombo, which Sri Lanka won by 82 runs to level the five-match series at 1-1.”I hate missing cricket, but in the long run it will do me a world of good,” Smith was quoted as saying by Cricket Australia on Twitter. “The schedule is very busy. I still want to take on the role in all three formats and do it to the best of my ability.”Australia have lost four of their five international fixtures on tour so far, but Smith suggested his early departure had been considered since much earlier in the tour. Australia’s last match in Sri Lanka is a T20 international on September 9. Their tour of South Africa begins on September 27 with an ODI against Ireland in Benoni, after which they play five ODIs against South Africa.”We spoke about it at the start of the Test series,” Smith said. “There is the South Africa series next, and a big summer with six Test matches and a few one-dayers against New Zealand in between, before we go to India. So it was talked about – to try and give me a little break at some point. We had a few discussions – myself, Darren Lehmann and Rod Marsh, who also consulted with the other selectors. It took a bit of convincing to get me over the line.”Smith, who is Australia’s captain across all formats, said the role remained manageable despite the team’s busy schedule. He has captained in 42 international matches – including in 11 Tests – over the past year, in addition to playing in the IPL, most recently for Rising Pune Supergiants. He did not rule out taking his break from cricket during the IPL, but was quick to suggest the tournament was a valuable experience.”For me, I’ve got a lot of time for the IPL,” he said. “I think it’s been a great learning curve for me. I think I’ve learned a lot about the way I play, particularly white-ball cricket, from the IPL. Playing a lot of back-to-back games I think you learn a lot about yourself as a player. I’ve certainly got a lot of time for the IPL in that respect. But captaining Australia is a lot of hard work and takes a lot of time. At some point, maybe it could give. For now, I want to continue trying to play everything that I can.”Cricket Australia’s national selector Rod Marsh said in a statement: “Steve has a large amount of cricket coming up in the next 12 months and we wanted to find a time for him to freshen up and these last five matches provide a good opportunity to do so.”Regardless of the results of the first two matches our plan was always for Steve to take a break and refresh ahead of the ODI Series against South Africa next month.”Smith’s replacement Warner has not captained Australia in any format, and now takes charge in a tour in which he has been in indifferent form.”This is a great leadership opportunity for David, he has really embraced his role as vice-captain and we are confident he will do a great job in Steve’s place,” Marsh said.

Chelsea May Look to £97m Ace Next Season

Chelsea forgotten man could return to Stamford Bridge and be a key asset next season under Mauricio Pochettino, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest news involving Romelu Lukaku and Mauricio Pochettino?

As per The Telegraph, Lukaku could be offered a shock chance to revive his career at Stamford Bridge by Pochettino and will be involved in discussions with Chelsea at the end of this term to determine his next steps.

The Belgium international joined Chelsea for £97.5 million back in 2021 from Inter Milan; however, he endured an indifferent spell in front of goal in west London that yielded just 15 goals in 44 appearances, as per Transfermarkt, before completing a loan switch back to Inter Milan at the beginning of this campaign.

Football Italia via Football London report that Inter Milan CEO Guiseppi Marotta has stated that Lukaku will indeed return to Chelsea when his loan agreement at the San Siro comes to an end, stating: "Lukaku is in love with this club and city, so these are important elements to consider, but the player does not belong to us. He is on loan, he will return to Chelsea on June 30 and we will all evaluate the situation together. It is important to note that he is a great professional, he has a great sense of belonging and these are key elements that go alongside the technical and sporting considerations."

Rumoured incoming boss Pochettino could now have a decision to make if he does assume the managerial vacancy at Chelsea. The Argentinian coach is said to be in 'advanced talks' over taking over at the Blues, as per BBC Sport.

Speaking to Football FanCast, journalist Jones reckons that Lukaku could be the man to guarantee a regular flow of goals for Chelsea next campaign under Pochettino, similar to the service Harry Kane provided the former Paris Saint-Germain manager when both were at Tottenham Hotspur.

Jones told FFC: "The only outfield player used more than Kane was Christian Eriksen but the Tottenham No.9 was far and away the most productive goal scorer as he hit the net 169 times in Poch’s time at the club.

"It is no wonder Chelsea dream about reconnecting the duo but from the current squad who could Chelsea realistically turn to as their goal machine?

"Romelu Lukaku is the outstanding candidate and one source described recently how this season there have been players in the team that have felt Lukaku should have been brought back to the club. Indeed, it is believed Chelsea did even consider it briefly at the turn of the year.

"He has had two failed attempts at being Chelsea’s main striker and if that third and final chance is ever to come, the time is now. If not there is only one solution: Bid for Kane!"

Could Romelo Lukaku get an unexpected second chance at Chelsea?

Realistically, suppose Chelsea can't find a suitable permanent destination for Lukaku elsewhere. In that case, it may just be worth giving him a chance to show if he can be the focal point in attack desperately needed at Stamford Bridge.

In 2022/23, the Belgian has made 28 appearances for Inter Milan in all competitions, scoring nine goals and claiming five assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Romelu Lukaku for Inter Milan

FBRef also note that Lukaku has successfully carried out 59 shot-creating actions this term, demonstrating his ability to lead the line effectively and provide regular opportunities due to his hold-up play.

Conversely, Chelsea may have designs on entering the transfer market to secure a new forward. 90min claim that Pochettino could target Tottenham talisman Kane to counter the Blues' lack of a natural striker, in a move that could grab worldwide attention if a deal were to materialise.

Liverpool Could Look To Sign Seven-Time League Champion

Liverpool are interested in making a move for Juventus and France midfielder Adrien Rabiot at the end of the season, according to a new transfer update.

Is Rabiot leaving Juventus this summer?

The 27-year-old is out of contract at Juve this summer and it doesn't look as though he will sign an extension, instead looking for a fresh challenge. A number of a clubs have been linked with making a move for him and the Reds are one of those who appear to be in the mix.

Liverpool are in desperate need of signing a number of midfielders in the summer transfer window, with that area of the pitch are problem all season long, with the likes of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson really struggling to recapture their past form. While Jude Bellingham looks unlikely to move to Anfield, with the Reds allegedly pulling out of the race to sign him, it could be that someone like Rabiot is viewed as a much cheaper alternative.

Now, a new report has emerged regarding the seven-time league champion's future, confirming there is interest from Merseyside.

Soccer Football – Champions League – Juventus v Villarreal – Allianz Stadium, Turin, Italy – March 16, 2022 Juventus’ Adrien Rabiot in action REUTERS/Massimo Pinca

Could Liverpool make a move?

According to French journalist Ignazio Genuardi on Twitter [via Sport Witness], Liverpool are one of the clubs who Rabiot could move to this summer:

"At the end of the contract with Juventus, Rabiot can notably count on the interest of Liverpool. While the Old Lady will find it difficult to align with his demands, the former Parisian is on the shortlist of a Klopp in search of reinforcement in the midfield."

There are both positives and negatives when it comes to Liverpool's pursuit of Rabiot, so it is ultimately a case of Jurgen Klopp weighing up whether the move makes sense or not. On the plus side, he is a born winner, as highlighted by his league title tally, and he has now racked up 282 appearances in Ligue 1 and Serie A combined, showing what an experienced player he is at the top level.

A silky midfielder who can provide both quality on the ball and defensive work off it – Andrea Pirlo called him "complete" in the past – the 36-time capped France international has scored eight goals and chipped in with three assists in the league for Juve this season, as well as averaging 1.8 tackles and 1.7 aerial duel wins per game.

That being said, Rabiot is now 28 and not necessarily a long-term acquisition, so Klopp may opt to target younger players such as Ryan Gravenberch, Mason Mount and Nicolo Barella.

سبورت: حالة واحدة تجبر لابورتا على تحقيق حلم تشافي بضم لاعب وسط لـ برشلونة

كشفت تقارير صحفية إسبانية، أن نادي برشلونة يفكر في دعم الفريق الأول لكرة القدم، بصفقة مفاجئة خلال فترة الانتقالات الشتوية الجارية.

برشلونة تلقى ضربة قوية منذ فترة بعد إصابة لاعب الوسط الإسباني الشاب جافي، بالإضافة لعدم اكتمال لياقة بيدري، مما جعل النادي يفكر في دخول ميركاتو الشتاء.

صحيفة “سبورت” الإسبانية، كشفت ما يفكر فيه برشلونة، وهو أن تشافي شرح الأمر لـ خوان لابورتا، أنه من الجيد ضم لاعب وسط في يناير، لكن الحقيقة هي أنه لا توجد إمكانية لتسجيل أي صفقة بسبب المشاكل الاقتصادية.

طالع أيضًا.. تشافي يقرر استدعاء ثنائي برشلونة المصاب لقائمة كأس السوبر الإسباني

المدرب الإسباني حصل على وعد من لابورتا بأن الأمر لم يغلق نهائيًا، والمفتاح برمته هو استوديوهات برشلونة، والتي باع برشلونة 25 من أسهمها لإحدى الشركات التابعة له والمسؤولة عن إدارة التداول الرقمي لمنصة سوسيوس مقابل 100 مليون يورو.

في حالة تمكن النادي الكتالوني من بيع الاستوديوهات خلال فترة الانتقالات الشتوية أو الاستثمار فيها، سيمكنه من ضم لاعب وسط ليكون تحت تصرف تشافي في النصف الثاني من الموسم.

أحد اللاعبين الأولوية بالنسبة لـ برشلونة، هو أليكس جارسيا، لاعب فريق جيرونا، الذي يلفت أنظار تشافي منذ بداية الموسم، بعد تألقه مع الفريق الكتالوني، وقيادته لهم لمنافسة ريال مدريد على صدارة ترتيب الليجا.

بالإضافة إلى ذلك، أونانا لاعب وسط إيفرتون، بعدما تألق البلجيكي هذا الموسم أيضًا مع التوفيز تحت قيادة المدرب شون دايتش.

تشافي تحدث مع لابورتا لتوضيح الأمر، خاصة وأن المدرب الإسباني يدرك تمامًا بأن الفريق يعاني منذ إصابة جافي، وجودة وسط الملعب تراجعت كثيرًا، والتعاقد مع لاعب وسط سيكون ضرورة، إذا لم يكن في ميركاتو الشتاء، سيكون خلال الصيف المقبل.

Liverpool linked with move for Kim Min-jae

Liverpool are believed to be "very interested" in signing in-form Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae in the summer transfer window, according to a new report.

Has Kim Min-jae had a good season?

The 26-year-old is having a season to treasure for his current club, as they lie on the verge of a historic first Serie A title since way back in 1990. He has been an absolute rock at the heart of Napoli's defence, starting 26 league games and averaging 2.8 aerial duel wins per game in the competition.

On current form, Kim is arguably one of the world's best centre-backs, with compatriot Park Ji-Sung describing him as an "extraordinary" footballer, and he is someone who is at the peak of his powers. While he appears to be happy at Napoli currently, there could be plenty of interest in him come the end of the season and that's where Liverpool come into play.

Soccer Football – Super Lig – Fenerbahce v Galatasaray – Sukru Saracoglu Stadium, Istanbul, Turkey – April 10, 2022 Fenerbahce’s Kim Min-Jae during the warm up before the match REUTERS/Murad Sezer

Could Liverpool snap up centre-back?

According to Foot Mercato [via Sport Witness], Kim's future is currently "being prepared", ahead of what could be an auction for his services this summer. Liverpool are "very interested" in signing the South Korean, with Paris Saint-Germain also name checked as potential suitors.

The Reds are enduring a torrid season currently and their defensive woes were again highlighted during Saturday's 4-1 defeat away to Manchester City in the Premier League, with neither Virgil van Dijk nor Ibrahima Konate covering themselves in glory. It is essential that a new centre-back is signed in the summer – an upgrade on Joel Matip and Joe Gomez, as well as someone who can push for regular starts – and Kim could be a fantastic signing.

The 47-cap South Korea international has been such a key reason for Napoli's relentless brilliance this season, catching the eye with his all-round game, whether it be his defensive resilience or quality on the ball. An average of 3.9 clearances per game in both Serie A and the Champions League is a testament to that, as is an eye-catching 90.7% pass completion rate in the former.

With Van Dijk creaking a little at the moment and not quite looking like the force he once was, it is vital that Liverpool bring in an elite long-term replacement for the Dutchman, who remains an influential player but may never reach the level he was at before his cruciate ligament injury back in the 2020/21 season.

Man United Plot Swoop For £22m-rated Premier League Star

Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing Wolverhampton Wanderers captain Ruben Neves this summer, albeit with Erik ten Hag's side likely to face competition for the midfielder's signature.

What's the latest on Neves to Man United?

According to Football Insider, the Red Devils – as well as rivals Liverpool – are currently said to be leading the race ahead of La Liga giants Barcelona in the battle to sign the 26-year-old, with the Portugal international facing an uncertain future at Molineux with just over a year to run on his existing deal.

The suggestion is that the former Porto man – who arrived in England on a £15m deal back in 2017 – is intent on leaving the Old Gold this summer even if Julen Lopetegui's men are able to stave off relegation in the coming months.

The 36-cap maestro – who is now valued at around £22m according to CIES Football Observatory – had appeared set to leave his current side at the end of last season, with United among those who were said to be tracking his progress at the time.

Would could Neves replace at Man United?

If Neves is brought into the fold at Old Trafford, the Wolves "hero" – as described by Express and Star reporter Matt Maher – could represent a notable upgrade on Scott McTominay, with the latter man having been linked with a move away from the Premier League outfit at the end of the season.

The United academy graduate – who could be the subject of an approach from high-flying Newcastle United – has racked up over 200 appearances for the club since emerging from the youth ranks, although has been restricted to just seven league starts this season following the arrival of Casemiro.

Although Ten Hag and co seemingly fended off interest from other top-flight clubs regarding McTominay amid the signing of the influential Brazilian, it remains to be seen if they will sanction an exit this time around, with the Scotland international's limited role this season a marker of his slide down the pecking order.

Deemed "not good enough" by club legend Roy Keane, the 26-year-old has failed to score or register a single assist in the league this season, having also been unable to offer a truly destructive midfield presence as he has averaged just 1.4 tackles and only 0.6 interceptions per game this term.

McTominay-Man-United-Ten-Hag-Casemiro-Premier-League-opinion

Neves, by contrast, has been far more influential from his deep-lying berth, notably scoring five goals from his 27 league starts so far this season as an illustration of his greater quality in the final third, with that attacking thrust also matched by the playmaker's workman-like approach, as he has averaged 2.4 tackles and 1.5 interceptions.

The £50k-per-week man's forward-thinking style is also showcased by the fact that he has averaged 6.56 progressive passes per game across the last 12 months, while McTominay appears far more restrained and safe on the ball as he averages just 3.34 for the same metric.

Hailed as an "incredible player" by teammate Hugo Bueno, the Wolves talisman would seemingly be a player of ready-made, Premier League quality who could go straight into Ten Hag's side, with such an addition allowing the former Ajax boss to finally move McTominay on.

Arsenal: Eddie Nketiah ‘uncertain’ to play Bournemouth

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has received a blow before they play Bournemouth in the Premier League, as Eddie Nketiah is ‘uncertain’ to play through injury.

The Lowdown: Limped off

Journalist Charles Watts reported that Nketiah ‘limped off’ after the 4-0 win at home to Everton on Wednesday night with an injury.

The striker has been suffering with an issue for ‘a while’, which is why he was partially rested in the 1-0 win over Leicester City last weekend.

The Latest: ‘Uncertain’ to play

Speaking in his pre-game press conference ahead of their match against Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium, Arteta has since confirmed that Nketiah is ‘uncertain’ to feature, and will have to be assessed:

“We are assessing him. It’s a bit uncertain to be honest.”

The Verdict: Blow

It will come as a blow to Arteta that Nketiah may not be available for selection, especially considering that Gabriel Jesus is still out injured.

The Englishman has not been the most prolific, with just incredible’ work-rate.

It means that the Spaniard will have to play an unrecognised striker against the Cherries, with winger Leandro Trossard likely to fill that role having played it in the last two matches.

The 28-year-old is capable in that position, having recorded two assists in those games, and so hopefully the Gunners will not miss Nketiah too much should he be ruled out.

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