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Liverpool have held an “internal discussion” regarding the possibility of submitting an offer for Borussia Monchengladbach star Manu Kone, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Who is Manu Kone?

Kone is a central midfielder who arrived at the Borussia Park from Toulouse back in 2021 and he’s since gone on to become a regular feature, clocking up a total of 60 appearances to date. Despite his contract not expiring for another two years, he was Gerardo Seoane’s top-performing defensive player last season so has caught the eye of Jurgen Klopp at Anfield.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, CBS reporter Ben Jacobs revealed that the 22-year-old is a player that is “on the list” of targets for FSG, with The Guardian further reporting that the Reds are pushing to make him their next signing after Brighton and Hove Albion’s Alexis Mac Allister.

The Frenchman further excited supporters and sparked rumours of a switch when he was pictured with Nice’s Khephren Thuram, who the Merseyside outfit have also been heavily linked with, and if the following update is to be believed, it sounds like the duo could both soon be making their way to the Premier League.

Are Liverpool signing Kone?

Taking to Twitter, Romano revealed that Liverpool have been in talks with the representatives of Kone and Thuram while pondering official approaches, with FSG telling both players' clubs they may make a move after signing Mac Allister:

“Liverpool have been in direct contact with both Manu Kone and Khephren Thuram agents again this week. Internal discussion taking place over official proposals. Liverpool asked for some time to close in on Mac Allister deal then decide on new midfielders.”

Should FSG submit a bid for Kone?

Liverpool are in desperate need of new central players following the departures of James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Arthur Melo, and having been dubbed a “one-man army” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Kone is definitely a candidate worth testing the waters for in an attempt to bring him to Merseyside.

The Classico client, who earns only £5k-per-week, is naturally stronger in the defensive aspect of his game having won 39 tackles throughout the previous campaign which was higher than any of his teammates, as per FBRef.

The France U21 international, however, can pose a threat going forward too, as he ranks in the 96th percentile for dribbles by central midfielders and did pitch in last term by scoring one goal and providing the same number of assists, so he’s an extremely well-rounded player and one that would only excel further under the guidance of Klopp.

Glasgow Rangers are reportedly confident of securing an extra £4m in add-ons for Joe Aribo after he departed Ibrox in the summer.

The Lowdown: Aribo’s departure

The Nigerian left Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side for a reported £6m in July, which could eventually rise to £10m with add-ons.

He played 148 games for the Gers over three seasons at Ibrox, scoring 26 goals and supplying a further 25 assists in all competitions (winning the Scottish Cup last term and of course the Premiership title in the 2020/21 campaign.

The Latest: Rangers confident of extra £4m

As per Football Insider, Rangers are now ‘confident’ that they will secure the extra £4m in add-ons from Aribo’s departure.

‘Sources with knowledge of the situation’ believe that those add-ons are dependent on how many appearances he makes for Southampton, with the midfielder playing in nine matches so far for the Saints, scoring twice (Transfermarkt).

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The Verdict: Significant windfall

Getting that extra £4m could well be significant for Rangers in terms of potential future investment.

If they could get the full £10m for Aribo, he would then rank sixth in terms of record fees received by the Ibrox club for selling players.

It is not clear when they would receive that extra money, or how many appearances Aribo needs to make over the course of his contract at Southampton, but the seven-figure haul would nonetheless be welcomed by the Light Blues’ supporters and board.

Everton confirmed another exit yesterday as Brazilian midfielder Allan joined United Arab Emirates club Al-Wahda on a permanent move away from Merseyside, and now Frank Lampard can concentrate on the next few months ahead in the Premier League.

Allan’s future at the club was hanging in the balance after the player failed to make a single appearance over the season so far, and it was clear his days were numbered after the club signed several new midfielders over the summer.

Amadou Onana, James Garner and Idrissa Gana Gueye all joined the Goodison Park outfit to compete for spots in the centre of the pitch in Lampard’s team and now that Allan is out of the picture, it could be the perfect opportunity for former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Gueye to lead the midfield.

Both Onana and Garner are just 21 years old and finding their feet in their positions, so having a senior player in the central role to not only guide them over the season ahead but offer experience and leadership will be an absolute dream for Lampard.

The Toffees boss has already gushed over the signing of Gueye hailing the 33-year-old following the player’s appearance in the Merseyside Derby:

“Idrissa Gana Gueye immediately displayed the experience and quality he will give us in his substitute appearance,” said Lampard.

“He’s fitted in like he’s never been away and will be a big player for us.”

The talented AFCON winner who was dubbed a “machine” by Mauricio Pochettino last season, ranks in the top 3% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for pass completion, as well as ranking in the top 10% for pressures and passes attempted.

With that in mind, it’s hardly a surprise that the Liverpool Echo’s Joe Rimmer once claimed he is “absolutely everywhere,” as he galivants about the pitch in swashbuckling fashion.

Over his two appearances for Everton so far, Gueye has tallied up a 94% pass completion rate in his half, making 2.5 interceptions and one tackle per game, as well as winning the large majority of his ground and aerial duels combined (83%).

With that being said, now that Allan has left the club Lampard must finally unleash Gueye in the team to allow him to build solid midfield partnerships with Onana, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Garner over the season ahead. Indeed, he could be a really effective presence and influence for Everton.

Journalist James Copley admits he is ‘very concerned’ about Sunderland’s squad depth, following their 1-0 defeat to Middlesbrough in the Championship.

The Lowdown: Black Cats beaten at Boro

The Black Cats made the short trip to the Riverside Stadium on Monday evening, looking to continue what has been a promising start to the season.

Unfortunately, Tony Mowbray’s side were never at the races, with Riley McGree’s solitary strike eventually proving to be the difference between the two teams.

The defeat leaves Sunderland seventh in the Championship, and that’s now two losses on the bounce.

The Latest: One key concern…

Writing on Twitter after the game, Copley and a fan agreed on a promising note – all three of the Black Cats’ defeats have come against some of the favourites for promotion – Boro, Sheffield United and Norwich.

However, the Sunderland Echo reporter did note one big concern after Ross Stewart pulled out injured in the warm-up…

“I’m still very concerned about the depth of this squad.”

The Verdict: Potential issue in a long season

Having plenty of squad options is essential in a league as relentless and competitive as the Championship, with fatigue and injuries inevitable during the season, especially with a winter World Cup truncating things this time around.

Sunderland’s lack of depth does, therefore, feel like a concern, with Stewart’s injury absence on Monday perfectly highlighting the difference in quality between him and the backup attackers.

The talisman was a huge loss and the Black Cats were toothless without him, mustering only two shots on target, and there are fears he could miss ‘several weeks’.

It could be that January reinforcements are needed to bolster Mowbray’s squad or it may be tough to envisage them mounting a genuine promotion push this season.

Tottenham Hotspur could dip their toes back into the lower leagues of English football again this transfer window…

What’s the word?

That’s according to Daily Star journalist Paul Brown, who dropped an exciting claim to GIVEMESPORT this week, where he said:

“Daniel Levy quite likes a young player, he got Djed Spence in, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he tried to sign another one from the Championship, just to fit into the squad, but Spurs have a lot of players to get rid of.”

Indeed, the north Londoners signed Spence in a £15m deal from Championship outfit Middlesbrough and have been linked to Ashley Phillips of rival club Blackburn Rovers in the past few days.

Planning for the future

This change in transfer strategy shows that the chairman and his sporting director Fabio Paratici are planning for the long-term and not just the immediate future under manager Antonio Conte.

Of course, there is going to be a ‘win now’ mentality from the trophy-hungry Italian, having clinched some of England’s top accolades over the course of his managerial career, but he has hinted that he’s in it for the foreseeable.

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“This is a young team and we can work for many years together to improve and fight with the best teams in England and in Europe,” he claimed during pre-season.

That’ll be music to the ears of many supporters around the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and their moves in the transfer market are starting to reflect that.

Earlier this month, the Lilywhites confirmed the signing of Destiny Udogie, 19, from Udinese, where he will remain on loan for the 2022/23 campaign, adding to players like Pape Matar Sarr and Bryan Gil, who were signed by Paratici last summer.

Spence is a hugely exciting young talent and one that’s ripe for Conte’s wing-back system.

Last term, he secured promotion to the Premier League, via the playoffs, with Nottingham Forest after a successful loan stint that saw him register three goals and five assists across 46 appearances in all competitions.

He also averaged 1.5 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game, via WhoScored, which highlights his capability to defend, on top of his obvious threat in the final third.

It’s why he was lauded as a “Rolls-Royce” by ex-Arsenal defender Martin Keown and “swashbuckling” by fellow Gunners legend Ian Wright.

As such, Spurs should definitely be on the lookout for more talent in the EFL and whilst Spence is still an unknown quantity, it can’t hurt to sign more young, English gems in preparation for the future.

AND in other news, Spurs could seal perfect Conte signing in “complete” £50m gem, he’s shades of Kevin De Bruyne…

West Ham United are expected to keep chasing Belgium international Hans Vanaken, with Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth making a claim in that regard.

The Lowdown: West Ham in talks…

The Hammers and their manager David Moyes are said to be in talks for multiple players as they seek to bolster their options.

At the outset of what could be a crucial Premier League season, West Ham have started the campaign with two straight defeats, and the east Londoners will be looking to bounce back quickly.

Emerson Palmieri of Chelsea, along with Club Brugge’s Vanaken, are two players who are of serious interest to West Ham before the September 1 deadline, with Sheth sharing some news out of Rush Green on the latter.

The Latest: West Ham expected to go back for Vanaken…

Taking to social media, the Sky Sports journalist has made a claim involving the 29-year-old attacker.

Sheth stated that, after West Ham’s ‘opening bid’ – reportedly €10m (£8.4m) – was rejected, Moyes is ‘expected’ to make another attempt to sign the Belgium international.

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The reporter explained: “Club Brugge have rejected West Ham United’s opening bid for midfielder Hans Vanaken. Offer believed to be €10m. West Ham expected to go back in – growing feeling player wants to go.”

The Verdict: Make the move?

Vanaken has been prolific in Belgium’s top two divisions, racking up 145 goals in total since the 2009/10 season, and has also tallied 21 caps for a star-studded Red Devils national team.

Standing at a colossal 6 foot 4, the attacking midfielder possesses a physicality which seems tailor-made for the English top flight, with Moyes’ interest also justified by Vanaken’s impressive numbers going forward.

It will be interesting to see if West Ham can add the Club Brugge star to their ranks before it’s too late.

CBS reporter Ben Jacobs has offered an update regarding Arsenal’s reported interest in Bayern Munich winger, Leroy Sane…

What’s the word?

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the respected source revealed that while it may prove a “challenge” to prise the 26-year-old away from the Allianz Arena, he is seemingly a player of interest to the Gunners.

Amid reports linking the Premier League outfit to the 45-cap, Germany international,  Jacobs stated: “The Sane links were prior to Raphinha and I think that Arsenal gathered quite quickly, when they turned their attention to Raphinha, that it’s going to be tough to get Sane to move away from Bayern.

“I think Bayern’s preference is still to try and keep Sane, so that one is going to be a challenge, but it’s obvious they admire the player.”

The north London outfit are seemingly plotting an alternative to that of former Leeds United man Raphinha, having appeared keen to land the Brazilian prior to his recent move to Barcelona.

Edu’s next Jesus

A move for Sane could see Mikel Arteta attempt to utilise his Manchester City connections once again – where he was previously assistant to Pep Guardiola – having already seen sporting director Edu move to bring Gabriel Jesus to the club from the Etihad on a £45m deal.

Although yet to take to the field in a competitive game, the 25-year-old has quickly endeared himself to the Emirates faithful, having notably netted a hat-trick in the recent 6-0 thrashing of Sevilla in what was the final pre-season game of the summer.

With that move already looking like a masterstroke, the aforementioned Edu could strike gold again with the signing of his former City teammate, with Sane seemingly the man who can make those at Arsenal forget all about Raphinha.

The 6 foot wizard – who left Guardiola’s side on a £54.8m deal two years ago – is a simply devastating attacking force, combining his sheer relentless speed with an attacking ruthlessness which makes him a simply unique gem.

While struck down by injury towards the end of his previous stint in English football, the £54m-rated sensation still managed to record hugely impressive figures while in Manchester, notably providing 53 goal contributions in just 90 top-flight appearances, winning two league titles in the process.

Although it has proven an at times tricky spell since his return to the Bundesliga for the one-time Schalke man, the “frightening” forward – as described by pundit Micah Richards – still boasts an impressive record for the Bavarian giants, with 25 goals and 27 assists in 90 games across all competitions for the club.

The 2021/22 campaign was particularly fruitful for the £280k-per-week gem as he flourished under Julian Nagelsmann’s watch, scoring 14 goals and providing 15 assists across all fronts, showcasing just why he has been dubbed a “baller” in some quarters.

The new season may only be in its infancy, although the fleet-footed wideman has already got off to a positive start, netting in the German Super Cup triumph against RB Leipzig at the weekend, after entering the fray as a late substitute.

A player capable of producing something out of nothing, Sane would surely thrive under the tutelage of a familiar face in Arteta, with Edu needing to work his magic again – as he did with Jesus – to help add increased firepower to the Spaniard’s ‘arsenal’.

Journalist Andy Sixsmith has said that Chelsea youngster Armando Broja would be ‘another superb signing’ for Newcastle United, and that a deal with Thomas Tuchel’s side ‘could move quickly’.

The Lowdown: Broja linked with Newcastle

According to The Northern Echo journalist Scott Wilson, the Magpies are confident of being able to beat West Ham to the signing of the 20-year-old.

The Chelsea manager will soon make an assessment of the former Southampton loanee as he weighs up whether to take the Albania international on the Blues’ upcoming tour of the United States.

According to a report by The Northern Echo, Broja is valued at between £20m and 25m by the Stamford Bridge outfit.

The Latest: Sixsmith’s claim

Sixsmith has been left impressed by the rumours linking Newcastle with a possible move for Broja, given the youngster’s fantastic potential.

Taking to Twitter, the freelance journalist claimed: “This would be another superb signing for #NUFC Broja is Premier League proven, an excellent finisher & provides a different option to Callum Wilson. Chelsea not far off making a decision on him so things could move quickly.”

The Verdict: Great prospective addition

When analysing the striker’s statistics against positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year, Broja’s potential shines through to the forefront.

As per FBRef, the 20-year-old ranks in the 86th percentile for aerial duels won, the 82nd percentile for interceptions and the 81st percentile for dribbles completed.

With such a wide range of attributes, it is easy to see why Eddie Howe’s side are so keen on the Chelsea youngster, as he would add a hugely promising option to the Toon’s frontline.

Therefore, if Newcastle manage to secure Broja as their next signing, following the impressive £35m arrival of Sven Botman from Lille, these would be two fantastic additions to enhance the Magpies’ summer transfer activity.

Wolves could make a move for Braga centre-back David Carmo in the summer transfer window, according to transfer expert Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Wolves linked with Carmo

Bruno Lage could look to make defensive reinforcements before the start of next season, with the experienced Romain Saiss moving on from Molineux recently.

Carmo is one player with whom Wolves have been linked in recent weeks, following another impressive season at the heart of Braga’s defence.

The 22-year-old won 3.4 aerial duels per game in the Europa League in 2021/22, along with making a monstrous 6.2 clearances per match.

The Latest: Carmo move to Wolves is quite possible

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones claimed that Carmo joining Wolves is more than possible this summer, as other suitors may have abandoned their interest in the defender due to injury troubles.

The report stated:

“David Carmo obviously is a guy that they’re looking at. And the fact that he had a serious ankle problem not too long ago might actually help them land him because there were bigger clubs having a look who might just have lost focus on him.

“And it might be that they get a player like that at a time when he could have been going elsewhere.”

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The Verdict: Great potential signing

While Wolves were secure defensively last season, conceding fewer league goals than any team who finished outside the top four – they can’t afford to rest on their laurels; and fresh blood is required, especially with Saiss leaving.

Carmo looks like a perfect candidate to come in and make Wolves even more resolute at the back – he has been described as ‘fantastic’ by his manager Carlos Carvalhal – with his aforementioned statistics highlighting the presence that he offers at the back.

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At 22, Carmo is also quite young and should only improve even furthe, so Lage could sign someone who could be a mainstay at the club for a number of years. Partnering him with Max Kilman and Conor Coady, assuming they both stay at Molineux, would make for a dominant back three in Old Gold.

In other news, Wolves are reportedly in pole position to sign one player. Find out who it is here.

A Sunderland development has emerged regarding Ross Stewart heading into the summer transfer window… 

What’s the talk?

According to The Northern Echo, the Black Cats are set to make a contract offer to the centre-forward as they attempt to keep him at the Stadium of Light.

Middlesbrough and Rangers have been linked with a swoop for the Scotland international, and the Wearside club are now ready to ward off interest by extending his current terms.

On that note, Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman hinted at potential deals for existing members of the squad as he said: “From our contractual status and planning, we have got players that are on contracts where it’s Sunderland’s decision what happens to those players to a certain degree.

“We are constantly negotiating with players. You want happy players in the club to obviously then perform but ultimately we are putting ourselves in position where we are protecting the club. We are looking after the players and therefore everyone is happy.”

Supporters will be delighted

The supporters will surely be delighted by the prospect of Stewart signing a new deal, as keeping him at the Stadium of Light would be a major boost for Alex Neil.

Sunderland will need to keep their best players to give them the best chance of being able to compete in the Championship next season, and the striker certainly falls into that category.

In the 2021/22 campaign, the Scot scored a whopping 26 goals in 49 games for the Black Cats in League One. He has proven that he can find the net on a consistent basis and is the biggest goal threat in the team by some distance.

Nathan Broadhead’s tally of 10 goals was the next highest in the squad and he has now returned to Everton following the end of his loan deal, illustrating how important Stewart’s goals will be to Sunderland next term.

It is also worth mentioning that the 25-year-old started all 46 games in the regular season and then the three play-off matches for the club. This proves that he is reliable in terms of his availability as well as his goalscoring, and this will be important in another gruelling 46-game season.

Stewart has proven that he can withstand a high volume of matches without breaking down due to injury, and Neil would be buzzing if he can keep hold of a player he can rely upon at the top end of the pitch.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Wright: Neil can land “perfect” Sunderland signing with deal for “superb” brute…