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West Ham United are now preparing an offer for Bayern Munich's Leon Goretzka, with Thomas Tuchel willing to let the midfielder leave the Allianz Arena for around €50m (£43m) this summer, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

What's the latest West Ham transfer news?

West Ham are searching for an heir to Declan Rice, and they have been heavily linked with a move for Fulham's Joao Palhinha, however The Athletic now report that a £45m offer for the Portugal international was knocked back by the Cottagers.

As such, the Hammers are not expected to go back in for the 28-year-old, and they will instead pursue other targets, having expressed their interest in signing Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez, with the Dutch side holding out for around £35m – £40m.

Other targets include James Ward-Prowse, Harvey Barnes and Alex Scott, however they are yet to make offers for any of those midfielders, and the Irons have now stepped up their interest in another new player.

According to Plettenberg, Goretzka is now emerging as a target for a number of clubs in England, saying: "Leon Goretzka is definitely a candidate whose situation is being watched very closely by the English, because they didn’t miss the fact that Goretzka was allowed to leave Bayern.

"Bayern is currently considering a fee of €40m to €50m. Tuchel would definitely let him go because Tuchel wants to create space in the squad. Tuchel would like to sign a player who, in his perception, has the profile of Declan Rice," (via Sport Witness).

The story, which originally comes from Sky Sports Germany, goes as far to say that West Ham are now preparing an offer for the German, but they may have to fend off interest from Manchester United, who are also vying for his signature.

Is Leon Goretzka signing for West Ham?

At the moment, it does not seem likely that the 28-year-old will be moving to the London Stadium, as Plettenberg has now stated the Bayern Munich midfielder has no intention of leaving the German champions this summer.

The Germany international remains a "dream target" for the Hammers, however, which indicates they could still be willing to make a move for him at some stage in the transfer window, if the player changes his stance.

Former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann has previously lauded the maestro, saying: "Leon is one of the best box-to-box players in Europe. He has incredible goal threat and knows when to bomb forward."

With Rice recently completing a move to Arsenal, it could be essential to replace the England international with someone also capable of playing in a box-to-box role, and Goretzka could be an excellent signing.

There are indications the Bayern star could be an improvement on Rice in some areas, given that he has averaged considerably more non-penalty goals and assists per 90 than the 24-year-old over the past year.

For now, the central midfielder is unwilling to leave, but if he does become available at some point this summer, West Ham should undoubtedly pursue a move.

A new possible transfer target has emerged for German head coach Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool during the summer transfer window…

What's the latest Liverpool transfer news?

According to Foot Mercato, the Reds are one of the teams named as a potential suitor for Zenit attacker Malcom ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The report claims that the Premier League side 'appreciates his profile' and that the Brazilian forward is expected to move on from the Russian club over the coming months.

French giants Paris Saint-Germain were interested in signing the 26-year-old dynamo during the January transfer window and the player is said to be hoping that they come back in for his services this time around.

Liverpool have made two additions to their squad so far this summer as Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister have arrived to bolster their options in midfield, with this latest rumour suggesting that the attack could also be strengthened.

What happened to Malcom at Barcelona?

The Zenit winger joined Barcelona for an initial fee of €41m (£35m) in 2018 and only made six LaLiga starts, in which he plundered one goal to go along with two assists, as the exciting attacker failed to nail down a regular starting berth.

His disappointing debut campaign with the Spanish giants led to him joining his current club in the summer of 2019, where the two-cap Brazil international has been able to thrive on the pitch.

Malcom's incredible form for Zenit last season suggests that the potential is there for him, as a left-footed right winger, to be a dream alternative to Mohamed Salah for Klopp at Anfield.

There is no doubt that the Egypt international is the manager's star attacker as the former Chelsea man registered 19 goals and 12 assists in 37 Premier League starts, with no other Liverpool player able to match his tally in either statistic.

The 31-year-old superstar also topped the charts for league goals (23) and assists (13) for the Reds during the 2021/22 campaign, which highlights his importance to the side as their main attacking threat.

Malcom, whose season was described as "sensational" by journalist Graeme Bailey, showcased his quality with a staggering 23 goals and seven assists in 27 Premier Liga appearances last term.

The 26-year-old averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.95, which would have placed him top of the Liverpool squad, and created 2.3 chances per match for his teammates – a tally on Trent Alexander-Arnold (2.8) bettered for Klopp's men, which indicates that the former Bordeaux gem could be a terrific rotational player for the English giants.

Therefore, the £108k-per-week phenomenon has been a prolific scorer and creator for the Russian outfit, whilst also being able to deliver consistently exceptional performances from the right wing.

Given his struggles with Barcelona, it is hard to judge whether or not Malcom is capable of replicating his exceptional displays in a major European league. Although, the goalscoring whiz is five years older than he was at the time of the move to Spain, which could mean that the maturity is there for him to handle another big transfer this time around.

His outstanding contributions for Zenit in recent seasons suggest that the potential is there for him to be a delightful alternative option to Salah, for Klopp to use in cup competitions or as a rotation option in the Premier League, as a left-footed right winger who can score and create chances on a regular basis.

This is why Liverpool must take a calculated gamble on the former Barcelona prospect this summer with the hope that his performances translate to success in England.

Following a relatively slow start to the window, things look to be hotting up for Manchester United at present, with the Red Devils having already wrapped up a deal for England international, Mason Mount.

As per The Athletic, the Old Trafford outfit have now lodged a bid for Inter Milan goalkeeper, Andre Onana amid the continued uncertainty over David De Gea's future at the club, with Erik ten Hag and co also said to have made a handful of offers for Atalanta's 20-year-old striker, Rasmus Hojlund, amid the search for a new number nine.

The latter man may not be the only exciting young talent who could be on his way to the Theatre of Dreams this summer, however, with The Guardian's Ed Aarons having reported this week that United are among the clubs to have "enquired" about the prospect of signing Red Bull Salzburg teenager, Oscar Gloukh.

The 19-year-old playmaker only joined the Austrian outfit on a €7m (£6m) deal back in January after starting his career at Maccabi Tel Aviv, although the Israeli international appears to have caught the eye of teams across Europe – with Barcelona also showing an interest in his progress.

Heralded as "one of the greatest talents in Europe" by pundit Luis Vicente Matteo, the midfield maestro appears to be "another jewel in Salzburg's collection of talents", according to talent scout Jacek Kulig, with the Bundesliga side having repeatedly churned out potential superstars in recent years.

The Red Devils were notably interested in signing striker Benjamin Sesko from the club prior to the Slovenian marksman agreeing a move to sister club RB Leipzig, although it is the inability to prise Erling Haaland from the Red Bull Arena that will particularly sting for the Premier League giants.

With competition evidently fierce for young Gloukh, United must not make the same mistake again…

Did Man United nearly sign Erling Haaland?

It remains a real source of frustration for United supporters that the Norwegian machine never made his way to Old Trafford, with former boss Ole Gunnar Solskajer having reportedly recommended the young hitman to United after coaching his compatriot at Molde.

It was Haaland's stint at Salzburg which particularly captivated the attention of the Red Devils, however, as the Leeds-born menace scored 29 goals in just 27 games for the club across all fronts, sparking speculation that a move to England could be on the cards heading into the 2020 January transfer window.

As it proved, Ed Woodward and co were unable to clinch what would have been a notable coup as the explosive forward ultimately sealed a move to Borussia Dortmund, prior to wreaking havoc for neighbours Manchester City – for whom the 22-year-old scored 52 goals in just 53 games during a devastating debut campaign at the Etihad last time out.

For United to have come so close to wrapping up a deal over three years ago – with Solskjaer even meeting his representatives in the winter of 2019 – only to then fluff their lines remains a real blunder, with the aim likely not to make the same mistake again if they are serious about signing Gloukh.

Although the latter man is yet to emulate Haaland's impact at Salzburg, the teen machine has still contributed four goals and assists in just 17 games over the last six months, after previously chipping in with 17 goal involvements in 33 games during his stint in Tel Aviv.

Having also previously netted against England in last year's U19 European Championship final, the 5 foot 7 dynamo also sparkled against the Three Lions at U21 level on Wednesday evening, notably registering six key passes in that eventual 3-0 defeat as a marker of his exciting promise.

That performance may have alerted even more clubs to his impressive potential, hence why Ten Hag and co need to steal a march and get to the front of the queue, ensuring that United don't endure a repeat of their Haaland heartbreak.

Newcastle United could look to the summer transfer window to add even more quality to their squad ahead of their Champions League campaign next season and now a reliable source has revealed a new target.

What's the latest on Newcastle's interest in Goncalo Ramos?

According to one journalist, Newcastle are interested in signing Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos.

The reporter, who is associated with Football Transfers, tweeted: "Exc: Understand Newcastle are very much interested in Gonçalo Ramos of Benfica – though it's unclear whether a move will be made this transfer window or not."

Who would Ramos replace in the Newcastle team?

There is no doubt that places in the first team have become highly competitive at St James' Park, especially in the forward line where Eddie Howe boasts a number of prolific goal-scoring talents.

Alexander Isak, Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson all netted over ten goals for the Magpies last season, with the latter coming out on top with 18 goals scored in all competitions.

The England international has been in a goal-scoring groove over the last 12 months which saw him deservedly earn a spot in Gareth Southgate's World Cup 2022 squad in Qatar – where he delivered an assist for Jack Grealish's goal in a group game of the tournament during his cameo against Iran.

Having said that, the talented striker isn't getting any younger with the 31-year-old due to turn 32 next season and has been lucky this season to not struggle with injuries as much as he has in the past.

As a result, bringing in a worthy successor for Wilson wouldn't be the worst idea for Howe this summer and Ramos could be the next generation of talent to work alongside Alexander Isak to lead Newcastle to trophies and success in the future.

Over 47 appearances in all competitions last season, the 22-year-old – who was dubbed "remarkable" by Gary Lineker – scored 27 goals and registered 12 assists for his Portuguese side, with a goal contribution every 89 minutes. That is an incredibly impressive output that could be massively valuable to Howe next season.

In fact, Ramos – who has a reported price tag of £70m – was the second-highest scoring player in the Portuguese Primeira Liga last season with 19 strikes and a 47% shot accuracy, proving that he is incredibly prolific and a standout performer in front of goal, something he also proved at the World Cup last year.

The talented number nine caught the attention of the world when he replaced his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo in the centre-forward role for Portugal against Switzerland at the World; delivering a stunning hat-trick on his debut in the prestigious competition which led to high praise from ITV pundit Nigel de Jong:

"There was a lot of pressure on his shoulders coming in and replacing Cristiano Ronaldo, but now that's gone,

"What I like about him, he's two-footed. He can play left and right, his touch with his right foot his finish with his left."

With that being said, it would be a no-brainer for Howe to snap up the services of Ramos in the future as he would provide an alternative to Isak and ultimately become the long-term replacement for Wilson.

Incoming Leeds United manager Daniel Farke should look to bring his former players to the club this summer, according to ex-Whites goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

Is Farke heading to Leeds?

Leeds have been pushing hard to find their next boss before their 2023/24 Championship season gets underway, as they return to the second tier of English football for the first time since 2019/20.

Those high up at the club have been working hard on nailing the Whites' new manager, following the expected departure of Sam Allardyce, and numerous names have been thrown into the hat.

It now looks increasingly likely that former Norwich City manager Farke is set to be named Leeds boss, having been in charge of Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach most recently.

A recent report has claimed that the German's arrival could be announced next week, ahead of what is a crucial summer, in terms of signing the right players and ensuring the Whites are back in the Premier League in no time.

Could Farke bring former players to Leeds?

Speaking to MOT Leeds News, Robinson, who contributes for Sky Sports, backed Farke to bring some of the past players he has managed to Leeds, due to already knowing them so well as footballers:

"Managers do that. A lot of managers go back to their old teams. They have players that they have worked with in the past that they know and trust and they like them in the dressing room.

"They know they will do a job for them regardless of who comes in, there’s potential for managers to do that and target players they’ve worked with in the past."

This would certainly be a shrewd approach from Farke if he was to go down that right, with the 46-year-old no doubt well aware of which players could be beneficial to Leeds moving forward.

In many ways, it could make life easier for him from the off at Elland Road, in terms of knowing he has some trusty lieutenants alongside him on the pitch, as he gets to know the Whites squad that he has inherited at the same time.

It is vital that Farke also looks elsewhere for new signings, however, with a number additions needed all over the pitch, especially if key figures move on. Should that happen, Farke needs to spend the money received wisely, ensuring Leeds begin next season as one of the front-runners for promotion.

Newcastle United are still interested in acquiring the services of England international James Maddison, claims transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Newcastle United transfer news – What’s the latest on James Maddison?

It has been a whirlwind 18 months for Newcastle, going from a relegation battle to finishing inside the top four and preparing to embark on their first Champions League campaign in around two decades.

That new-found success has led to more attention from the footballing world and, unsurprisingly, interest from bigger names.

One of those names, AC Milan star and Italian international Sandro Tonali, now looks to be the newest member of the Toon family after Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Friday that the medical is “already scheduled” and that once the documentation is reviewed, the deal would be “completed.”

However, the player that was linked with a move north before there was even so much as a rumour of the Italian donning black and white, is Leicester City’s, James Maddison.

The Foxes star was a part of the team relegated from the Premier League this year, but that hasn’t put Eddie Howe off of the player once dubbed “world-class” by England manager Gareth Southgate.

Despite links to the Magpies alongside the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, the Telegraph have claimed any notion of them being front-runners is premature.

The publication have also revealed that Newcastle will have to stump up a hefty £60m for the player to be sold, more than the previously expected price tag of just £40m.

What has Fabrizio Romano said about Sandro Tonali and James Maddison?

Romano explained that whilst the deal for the AC Milan star was further ahead of the one to get Maddison, the Toon were very much still interested in the Leicester man.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, he said: “It’s true that they want Tonali and they are closing in on him. For sure he was on the list at Newcastle alongside of course Maddison, who remains a target for Newcastle and Tottenham.”

How could Sandro Tonali and James Maddison play together?

The double signing of Tonali and Maddison could be a masterstroke by Newcastle’s recruitment department. The pair already appear perfectly suited to one another’s playing style and could complement each other wonderfully.

Over the Italian’s last 50 games, he has played as a defensive midfielder 39 times and a central midfielder just 11. In contrast, the ex-Leicester “monster” – as once described by journalist Josh Bunting – has played as an attacking midfielder 41 times.

Unsurprisingly, the Milan midfielder’s defensive numbers are fantastic.

According to OptaPaolo, his 56 tackles are the most in the squad across all competitions and add to that his 3983 minutes played – also the most in the squad – and Newcastle could have a real engine at the base of their midfield.

According to FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe’s top five leagues, the 23-year-old is in the top 11% for dribblers tackled, suggesting he has a knack for snuffing out attacks.

With the Lodi-born midfielder at the base of midfield, Maddison will have the opportunity to maximise his best qualities, his attacking threat.

Also, per FBref, the 27-year-old sits in the top 1% of midfielders for non-penalty goals, total shots, assists, expected assists, shot-creating actions and touches in the opposition’s penalty area, all per 90.

The combination of Tonali’s boundless running and defensive nouse with Maddison’s excellent attacking output could turn Eddie Howe’s midfield into one of the best in the Premier League.

Tottenham Hotspur could reportedly be set to rekindle their interest in Galatasaray star, Nicolo Zaniolo, having been heavily linked with a move for the promising playmaker in the recent past.

What's the latest on Zaniolo to Tottenham?

According to journalist Nevzat Dindar – via Turkish outlet Milliyet – the Lilywhites are seemingly the frontrunners in the race to sign the 23-year-old this summer, having suggested a fee in the region of €35m (£30m) for the signing of the Italy international.

Speaking about the midfielder's future, Dindar revealed: “Zaniolo is evolving into a world star. English club are asking €30-35m for Zaniolo. Galatasaray are not taking Juventus’ offers seriously at this point. Tottenham are the closest club to sign Zaniolo.”

This follows reports from back in January which claimed that the north Londoners were in talks to prise the 6 foot 3 ace from Serie A giants, AS Roma, with speculation having also been rife last summer that former Spurs boss Antonio Conte was keen to bring his compatriot to N17.

Would Zaniolo be a good signing for Tottenham?

Previously described as a "frightening talent" by CBS reporter, Ben Jacobs, Zaniolo has thrived since making the move to Istanbul during the winter window, having scored five goals and laid on one assist in just 11 games for the Super Lig side in all competitions in the second half of last season.

Prior to that, the versatile asset – who can feature in an advanced midfield role or on the flanks – had chipped in with 42 goal contributions in 128 outings during his time at the Stadio Olimpico, despite having been cruelly plagued by injury in recent years.

While there had been claims that Conte was looking to bring the 13-cap gem in as a possible wing-back option last year, Zaniolo would likely take on a different role in Ange Postecoglou's preferred 4-3-3 formation, with there a potential for him to line up in one of those two attacking midfield berths.

If Postecoglou is able to get the one-time Inter Milan asset in the door, he could well partner the Italian in the centre of the park with another exciting talent in the form of James Maddison, with Tottenham said to now be leading the race for the Leicester City man's signature ahead of Newcastle United.

That left-foot, right-foot combination could well work a treat at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season, with Zaniolo able to offer a real goal threat in that central role – as his form in Istanbul of late would indicate – while Maddison can be the man to supply the goods as a creative force, having ranked tenth in the Premier League in 2022/23 for chances created (69).

Having a figure such as the Englishman in the side does appear something of a necessity as Spurs have seemingly "still not replaced [Christian] Eriksen" according to BBC Radio London's Phil Parry, while Zaniolo's desire to get forward can also put him ahead of the club's current options, with Rodrigo Bentacur leading the way among his midfield colleagues with just six goals across all fronts last season.

Therefore, the addition of both Maddison and the Galatasaray whiz could be a dream partnership in the making for Postecoglou and co.

Leeds United's manager search has dragged on now, mainly halted by the progress of Andrea Radrizzani's sale of the club.

With new ownership now in place, and a brighter future promised at Elland Road, the 49ers' first move must be to secure a capable boss who can lead them back to the Premier League of which they struggled away from for so long last time.

To make things more beneficial, it would be useful if this new boss could also work towards keeping the top stars of this current squad before they are slowly picked off by various clubs, seeking a cut-price deal for a top-quality player.

One such example of this would be Wilfried Gnonto, who massively caught the eye in what was his debut year in English football. However, as his starts waned near the end of the season, the Italy international would likely have grown frustrated.

Therefore, to perhaps return to an old option they considered following the sacking of Jesse Marsch, Patrick Vieira might be one of a select few that could keep the 19-year-old in Yorkshire, citing his work with Wilfried Zaha and Michael Olise as examples as to why he should stay.

Would Patrick Vieira help Wilfried Gnonto improve?

Whilst the Arsenal hero, and "legend" in the eyes of writer David Ornstein, might have seen his time at Crystal Palace cut short, the 46-year-old remains a man who earned huge success against all the odds during that first term at Selhurst Park.

Many viewed his time at New York City FC and OGC Nice as underwhelming spells, far from the requisite experience to thrive in a league where he dominated as a player. However, shrewd business allowed him to finish 12th and give his fans a trip to Wembley.

Zaha would notch 14 league goals that campaign, with Olise hitting 13 goal contributions in all competitions. It is clear that Vieira's 4-3-3 system is very conducive for wide men, suggesting Gnonto would also thrive.

Not just goal-scoring wide men, the two displayed their creative assets under Vieira too, with the Ivorian registering five assists to Olise's incredibly impressive 13.

By comparison, across all competitions of a tumultuous year for Leeds, Gntono recorded six goals and five assists, dressing his work up in that same flair and outlandish exuberance that has made the Ivory Coast international so loved by Palace fans.

When compared to other wingers across Europe, he even ranks in the top 16% for progressive carries per 90 (4.39) to further emphasise this dynamism, whereas Zaha and Olise registered 3.38 and 3.63 respectively.

Whilst the Italian's performances have understandably drawn interest from across the globe, should he be tempted to stay by this titan of the English game, he could be turned into a truly unplayable star who could propel the 49ers' club straight back into the top flight.

All he needs to do is look at how Vieira's progressed Olise's career at Selhurst Park.

Manchester United still face a waiting game in their search for new owners as 'everything is in the Glazers' hands', according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

What's the latest takeover news involving Manchester United?

As per The Financial Times, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his petrochemicals firm INEOS could perform a 'phased takeover' where all six members of the Glazer family retain shares in the club before being weeded out in the coming years gradually.

The report states that despite fan frustrations over the timeline of any potential deal, no agreement is 'expected imminently' and it may still take some time to get over the line.

Qatari businessman Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani is also in the running to buy Manchester United; however, journalist for The Guardian, Jamie Jackson, has delivered an update on his offer to buy the Premier League giants, stating on Twitter: "As I understand it, Sheikh Jassim is still waiting to hear back from Glazers regarding his last bid for Man Utd".

Sheikh Jassim wants to buy 100% of the club while Ratcliffe is keen to buy an initial 69% of Manchester United, as per BBC Sport.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Romano thinks that the Glazer family still have full control of the destiny of Manchester United.

Romano said: "Both INEOS Group and the Qatari group are still in there and still working on a takeover behind the scenes, but everything is in the Glazers' hands, so we're still waiting."

What next for Manchester United?

Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag will hope his side can recover from the disappointment of their 2-1 FA Cup final to Manchester City last weekend ahead of returning for pre-season following a well-deserved break from action.

The Dutchman will be hopeful of adding some high-profile signings to strengthen his roster, with Chelsea ace Mason Mount and Tottenham Hotspur talisman Harry Kane being identified as key targets, as per The Telegraph.

Football Insider also claim that West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice is someone that is being courted at Old Trafford and it is believed that Manchester United are 'realistic contenders' to sign the England international.

Rice is valued at £100 million by Hammers boss David Moyes and the Red Devils will also need to beat off stiff competition from Premier League rivals Arsenal to secure his services.

Next term, Manchester United will have designs on being able to put together a title challenge; however, matters off the field may have a say on the level of recruitment they can carry out if their ownership debacle is to drag on into the opening stages of the transfer window.

Liverpool are interested in completing a swoop for Juventus winger Federico Chiesa this summer after the Italian's recovery from a long-term injury…

What's the latest on Federico Chiesa to Liverpool?

That's according to Italian outfit Gazzetta dello Sport (via Paisley Gates), who claim that Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool – with competition from Bayern Munich – will attempt to complete the transfer of the 25-year-old Old Lady star for €45m (£39m).

Chiesa has been plagued with injury over the past few seasons and it remains to be seen whether the Reds hierarchy deem it to be an auspicious move.

However, the £155k-per-week gem is one of the most creative wingers in Europe and could create a new dimension to Klopp's system, with just two years left on his current deal too

Should Liverpool sign Federico Chiesa?

Liverpool's recent transfer activity has been harangued by supporters inside and outside the club alike, with the loan signing of Arthur the only central midfield acquisition last summer despite the glaring need for central reinforcements.

The offensive calibre has been rekindled, if not quite at the imperious best of Liverpool's prime period under Klopp's reign, and Darwin Nunez (£85m), Cody Gakpo (£35m), and Luis Diaz (£37m) have all been signed over the past 18 months, yielding more than a few tantalising flashes of a world-class strikeforce.

Despite the emphasis now fixing on the bolstering of the midfield this summer, Chiesa's name continues to churn around the whirring rumour mill, with reports from January tethering the Italy international to links to Anfield.

And what creativity he would bring to Merseyside, hailed as a "wizard" by broadcaster Roger Bennett for his feats on the pitch and registering ten direct goal contributions from just 11 starts across all competitions following his comeback from a detrimental injury layoff that has left him on the sidelines for, incredibly, 62 matches across the past two terms.

It's a gamble, no doubt, but one that might pay off as Klopp crafts a world-class sheen to a team that has fallen from prominence this season, languishing in fifth place in the Premier League as the campaign pulls its drapes closed.

The rich pool of attacking talent at Anfield would allow Chiesa to effectively manage his game time, while still maintaining a "potent" aura – as stated by Rio Ferdinand – ranking among the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for rate of assists, the top 15% for progressive carries and the top 16% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

He could make a resurgence to the very forefront on the alternate flank to Diaz, who has endured a similarly injury-stricken time of late, having sustained an injury against Arsenal in October and missing 31 matches as a result.

Diaz, described as a "livewire" by journalist Peter Hall, is one of Europe's most fleet-footed and enterprising wide vehicles around, himself ranking well despite his hampered year, sitting among the top 12% of positional peers for pass completion and the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90.

With such first-rate driving forces down the flanks, Liverpool could reach their zenith once again; Mohamed Salah, imperious goalscorer and devastating offensive phenomenon, has plundered 30 goals and 16 assists this season despite his outfit's woes, but finds fruit cutting inside and wreaking havoc in the danger areas – ranking among the top 1% of peers for touches in the attacking box per 90, and a wide player more suited to a more traditional wing role could pay dividends.

Injecting the fresh dimension that Chiesa would indeed bring could only enhance Liverpool's prospects of success, with the 40-cap international's dynamism perhaps proving the difference between a rekindling of the fire and a resplendent Anfield renaissance next term.