Transfers

Liverpool makes Michael Olise ‘priority’ transfer target

Michael Olise is a ‘priority’ transfer target for Liverpool this summer, according to a new report. That’s a potentially significant development as plans are put in place for Mohamed Salah.

Since arriving from Reading, Olise has shone for Crystal Palace, and he is putting up some genuinely world-class numbers in a mid-table side. Per FBref, his non-penalty goals tally of 0.64 per 90 over the last year places him in the 99th percentile of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues. Remarkably, his expected assist tally is also in the very top percentile.

It’s thought that Arne Slot loves wingers, and while Olise is not necessarily in the explosive mold of some of the Feyenoord wide men, the new-look Liverpool recruitment team constructed by Michael Edwards will find it hard to ignore such numbers. After all, there’s something distinctly reminiscent of Salah in how the Frenchman can combine world-class goal output with game-changing creativity.

It’s Leeds Live that reports Liverpool’s interest in Olise. It claims that while the Reds were early front-runners for Leeds United star Crysencio Summerville — a compatriot of Slot, and perhaps a more classic winger — they have now pivoted to the Crystal Palace ace.

Olise is where Liverpool’s ‘transfer priority lies’, having kept a ‘close eye’ on him for a long time. That could in turn affect Summerville’s future, with Palace potentially looking to reinvest funds in pursuing the winger.

In a parallel development, Football Insider reports that Liverpool is on the hunt for a long-term Salah replacement. Such a player is expected to be ‘in the building’ soon.

Salah’s short-term future has become more clear recently. The player’s social media activity has indicated that he intends to be at Liverpool next season, which tallies with reports that the Reds have no intention of losing him.

Liverpool may well even sit down with Salah to discuss a new contract. But any such discussions will take place on the understanding that the Egyptian is turning 32, and will therefore need to be replaced sooner or later.

Transfers

Man Utd Ready To Hijack £90m Rated Arsenal Target

Under Ten Hag, Manchester United signed attacking players like Antony, Hojlund and Zirkzee, but the trio have not been productive in front of goal.

The Red Devils need a world class playmaker to light up Old Trafford and they are serious about signing a quality Georgian international

According to Sport MediaSet, Man Utd are ready to agree a contract with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia that will make him earn nine million euros a year, 45 million euros (£37.4m) in the next five years.

The Italian news source have mentioned that Napoli have been trying to reach an agreement with the versatile winger, but so far, they have only offered six million euros a season. On the other hand, United have offered three million more.

The 23-year-old star’s current deal with the Serie A leaders will expire in 2027 and he is not going to come for cheap.

Earlier this month, Caught Offside revealed that Man Utd manager, Ruben Amorim, wants to lure Kvaratskhelia, who is valued at £90m and also on the wish-lists of Arsenal and Liverpool.

The youngster, who can effectively play on the left flank and even as a center forward, was a key member of the Naples based side that won the Scudetto in the 2022-23 campaign.

In the current season, so far, he has netted 5 goals and registered 2 assists in 12 league starts under the management of former Chelsea boss, Antonio Conte.

Transfers

Van Nistelrooy Set For Leicester Job

Leicester Appoints Ruud Van Nistelrooy As Manager

Former Manchester United assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy looks poised for a new job.

Following the sacking of Steve Cooper, Leicester City are hoping to appoint the Dutchman as his replacement.

The Telegraph explains: “Ruud van Nistelrooy is close to making a swift Premier League return as the manager of Leicester City.

“The Manchester United legend has held extensive talks with the Leicester hierarchy this week and is set to be confirmed as the replacement for Steve Cooper, who was sacked by the strugglers on Sunday afternoon.

“Van Nistelrooy is crucially available with no compensation after recently leaving United, following an interim spell of four matches in charge after the dismissal of Erik ten Hag.

“Leicester have discussed the post with the 48-year-old and, while the club’s hierarchy has been determined to explore a number of options, could appoint the former Netherlands international before the trip to Brentford on Saturday.

“Other possible candidates, including former Chelsea manager Graham Potter, and ex-West Ham manager David Moyes, have both been ruled out by sources close to Leicester.”

Transfers

Meet Four Strikers Man United Shortlist For January Transfer

Victor Osimhen's Goal Rescues Impressive Galatasaray In Europa League

Manchester United have Victor Osimhen, Omar Marmoush, Randal Kolo Muani and Victor Boniface on their shortlist of January targets.

According to the The Mirror, Ruben Amorim wants a striker given the club’s woeful scoring record this season.

Fernandes sets sights on Europa League glory – ‘Probably the biggest target’Fernandes sets sights on Europa League glory – ‘Probably the biggest target’

The paper states: “Manchester United are considering their options for the January transfer window after deciding that signing a striker is a priority.

“United have scored just 13 goals in 12 Premier League games so far this season – the joint fourth-worst tally in the division. They finished last season with 57 goals and a goal difference of -1 and strikers Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have struggled for consistency.

“Victor Osimhen, who is on loan from Napoli to Galatasaray, is one of the names on the list, having netted eight goals in 10 games this season. After being priced out of a permanent move over the summer, he has a £63 million release clause for 2025.

“Omar Marmoush has caught their attention by scoring 11 goals in as many games for Eintracht Frankfurt. The Egypt international could cost around £50m after hitting a purple patch.

“Other options include Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani and Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface. Kolo Muani has struggled to get into the PSG team this season and would reportedly be available on loan, just a year after joining the French giants for £77m.”