تركي آل الشيخ يثير الجدل حول مستقبل محمد صلاح.. وليفربول يجري محادثات حاسمة

يعد مستقبل المصري محمد صلاح، مع فريقه ليفربول الإنجليزي، أحد موضوعات التكهنات الرئيسية مع اقتراب سوق الانتقالات الصيفي.

ويستعد ليفربول لتغييرات كبيرة مع رحيل المدير الفني الألماني يورجن كلوب، الذي أعلن قراره بالرحيل نهاية الموسم الجاري.

ويرتبط محمد صلاح بعقد مع ليفربول لنهاية الموسم المقبل، وقد ارتبط منذ فترة طويلة بالانتقال إلى اتحاد جدة السعودي.

وأشارت شبكة “Anfield watch” إلى أن روابط انتقال محمد صلاح للدوري السعودي عادت إلى الظهور من جديد.

ونشرت الشبكة تصريحات لترك آل الشيخ رئيس هيئة الترفيه بالمملكة العربية السعودية، في حديثه مع نجم الفنون القتالية المختلطة وكاتب الملاكمة أرييل حلواني في برنامجه الإذاعي “MMA Hour”.

وسُئل عما إذا كان صلاح سينتقل إلى الشرق الأوسط هذا الصيف، ورد: “ليس لدي معلومات (هذا العام)، ولكن لدي معلومات عن العام الماضي”.

اقرأ أيضًا | كلوب: أكره لاعب توتنهام بسبب خسارتنا لقب الدوري الإنجليزي 2018/19

وأضاف: “لقد تم قبول العرض، لكن ليفربول غير رأيه في الثانية الأخيرة، لقد تم قبوله وأعتقد أن هذه إحدى المشاكل التي يواجهها هذا العام مع فريقه”.

وحسبما ذكرت مصادر لموقع “فوتبول إنسايدر”، من المقرر أن يجري ليفربول محادثات حاسمة حول مستقبل محمد صلاح في الأيام القادمة، وستدور المحادثات حول مستقبله وما إذا كان سيبقى مع ليفربول طوال مدة عقده.

وانضم محمد صلاح إلى ليفربول في عام 2017، وسجل 211 هدفًا وقدم 89 تمريرة حاسمة في 348 مباراة، وفاز بالدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز ودوري أبطال أوروبا وكأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي وكأس الرابطة الإنجليزية وكأس العالم للأندية.

Arsenal: Edu Moves For "Beast" After Gabriel Jesus Blow

Arsenal and sporting director Edu by extension have made an approach for Montpellier star Elye Wahi after Gabriel Jesus' injury, according to reports.

Who will Arsenal sign?

A busy summer of transfer business has seen the Gunners seal three major signings so far, which takes their total outlay to north of £200 million.

Winger Kai Havertz, who signed from Chelsea for £65m, was the first with versatile defender Jurrien Timber joining soon after to the tune of £38m.

Their biggest move by some distance, though, was the signing of England international star Declan Rice from West Ham – who put pen to paper on a club-record £105 million.

Given their significant spending spree, you'd think Mikel Arteta's side could be close to being done, but reports suggest they're chasing Brentford keeper David Raya as an alternative to current number one Aaron Ramsdale.

A knee injury to forward Jesus in pre-season, which required surgery, has also come as a "big blow" – with Arteta hinting at further signings after the development.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

"Unfortunately, he had a little procedure this morning," Arteta said a few days ago.

"He's had some discomfort in his knee that caused him some issues so they had to go in. It's not something major but he's going to be out for a few weeks.

"It's a big blow because we had him back to his best, especially with the way he played against Barcelona."

On potential new signings, the Arsenal head coach also dropped a hint to the media.

"We’re in the process," explained Arteta.

"We’re working on a few things. We have to make a few decisions. We’re very happy with the squad we have, that’s for sure. We want a healthy competition in the squad, and we’re working on that."

After Jesus' injury, there have been reports of Arsenal targeting a new striker, and TEAMtalk has some interesting news in this regard.

According to their information, Edu and co have entered the race for Wahi, who's just come off the back of a fine scoring season for Montpellier in Ligue 1.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal are listed as one of the sides to have enquired over signing the 20-year-old, with West Ham and Fulham also making approaches.

Their interest does come following Jesus' surgery, but they'll have to spend, as Montpellier value their star at around £34.5 million.

How good is Elye Wahi?

The promising young attacker bagged a brilliant 19 goals and five assists in 33 Ligue 1 appearances last term, earning praise from members of the media as a result.

Journalist Andrés Onrubia Ramos has called Wahi a "real beast" of a forward, whilst also backing the forward to "definitely explode" in future.

Ramos wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter:

"If he manages to polish the definition, we are facing a striker who is going to exceed ten goals per season. A real beast in space that, in addition, associatively also leaves interesting things. It should definitely explode."

Meanwhile, former Suresnes club president Pierre Ville told GOAL that he saw Wahi's potential from a very early age.

"He was two or three years ahead of his peers in terms of what he could do," explains Pierre Ville,

"He quickly outclassed them. During a tournament that we hosted, I saw him score a volley with the ball falling vertically out of the sky, like watching [Zinedine] Zidane in the 2002 Champions League final, but the boy was just 11 years old!"

Forest Could Sign "Complete" Gem In £17m Swoop

Nottingham Forest have reportedly entered the mix to sign in-demand Dinamo Zagreb defender, Josip Sutalo.

Steve Cooper will continue to eye reinforcements ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, with the opening Premier League fixture against Arsenal just around the corner.

The Reds will aim to steer further away from being relegation candidates for the entirety of the season, however signings must be made should Cooper’s side wish to remain comfortable in the top-flight.

What’s the latest on Josip Sutalo to Nottingham Forest?

As reported by the Express, Forest have entered the race to sign Croatian centre-back Sutalo, who has attracted sufficient interest this summer.

The report names Ajax and West Ham United as those with interest in the 23-year-old, with Arsenal also mentioned in a separate report relayed via Sport Witness. The Eredivisie outfit is said to have even held talks over a potential switch.

Believed to be valued around the €20m (£17m) mark, the battle could be on for one of the hottest defensive prospects in Europe.

How good is Josip Sutalo?

Identified as being a “complete and elegant” centre-back by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Croatian has seen his performances for club and country also lauded as “simply amazing”.

Such praise has been earned by the rising star, who was part of Croatia’s bronze medal-winning World Cup squad, where he played 90 minutes in the third place play-off against Morocco.

At just 23, the 6 foot 3 defender has cemented himself as one of Dinamo Zagreb’s most important players, contributing to 10 clean sheets in 27 appearances during his side’s 2022/23 league-winning campaign, via Sofascore.

For Forest, interest in Sutalo comes at a time when Cooper must seek defensive cover, with star centre-back Felipe entering the final year of his contract at the City Ground.

Josip Sutalo

The 34-year-old veteran was captured by the Reds in January from Atletico Madrid, where he was quickly called into action, making 16 appearances in the Premier League and displayed form that contributed to the club staying up.

Hailed as “sensational” last season by pundit Stephen Kelly, Felipe has quickly become a player of huge importance to Forest, however, at 34 and with his contract up next summer, Cooper must look for a talent to succeed the Brazilian.

In Sutalo, the Welshman could encapsulate the commanding nature of the favoured defender’s game, with the Croatian showcasing similar strengths to the Tricky Trees titan.

For Zagreb last term, the 23-year-old won 54% of his total duels, registering an average of 2.0 interceptions per game, similar to the averages recorded by Felipe in the Premier League, who made 2.3 interceptions per game.

The most impressive area of Sutalo’s game captures the assurance and confidence on the ball, in the new age of ball-playing centre-backs.

As per Sofascore, the towering Croatian maintained an average pass completion rate of 93%, as well as making an average of 86.9 touches on the ball per game in the league.

Felipe averaged just 53.3 touches per game for Forest, with a pass completion rate of only 73%, suggesting just how much of an influence the signing of Sutalo could be long-term for Cooper’s squad.

With interest identified from all over Europe, the Welshman must act fast if he wishes to introduce the 23-year-old into the setting at the City Ground.

Tottenham: Spurs Make "Offer" For "Magnificent" Star

Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo has an "offer from Tottenham" on the table but it is believed he prefers a move to Ligue 1 giants AS Monaco.

Who will Spurs sign?

New manager Ange Postecoglou has already seen a trio of new signings come through the door since the beginning of his tenure, namely goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, playmaker James Maddison and winger Manor Solomon.

The three stars join Pedro Porro, who signed permanently from Sporting Lisbon, and winger Dejan Kulusevski who was confirmed as a permanent Tottenham player after 18 months on loan from Juventus.

Spurs are widely believed to be targeting a new central defender next for Postecoglou, with reliable media sources claiming they want two senior stars to bolster that area of the squad.

Postecoglou, speaking to the media recently, even admitted that is something chairman Daniel Levy and co are currently attempting behind-the-scenes.

"That's definitely our intention, absolutely," said the Spurs head coach when asked about new defenders.

"We've been working on it for a while and we'll definitely try to get it done as quickly as possible.

"I don't think it's any secret about some of the areas we needed to strengthen. Some of it I identified early on. The goalkeeper was one and central defence is another.

"In terms of the other boys, we've got a big squad but my view is I wanted to bring them along and just work with them, get some clarity in my head and give clarity to them."

There have been a wide array of centre-backs linked with a move to north London, a long list which includes

Wolfsburg's Micky van de Ven, Edmond Tapsoba of Bayer Leverkusen, Barcelona's Clement Lenglet, Galatasary's Victor Nelsson, Juventus star Gleison Bremer and, of course, Adarabioyo.

Fulham's latter star, who impressed at Craven Cottage last season under Marco Silva, is at the centre of interest from Spurs as Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna states on Twitter.

Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min in action with Fulham's TosinAdarabioyo

Adarabioyo has an "offer from Tottenham" as Spurs move, but there's some bad news as well. The 25-year-old has also been subject to an approach from Monaco, and it is believed he prefers the Ligue 1 side.

On top of this, an agreement is "almost found" between Monaco and the former Man City starlet.

"Agreement almost found between Monaco and Adarabioyo," wrote Aouna.

"The player has an offer from Tottenham but favors ASM. To date, no official offer from ASM to Fulham. But it should arrive soon. ASM wants Adarabioyo and Salisu."

How good is Tosin Adarabioyo?

The towering 6 foot 5 defender has some very attractive attributes and is proven in the top flight, having made more clearances per 90 than any other Fulham player last season (WhoScored).

Called "magnificent" by members of the media, Whites boss Silva also praised Adarabioyo's quality at playing the ball out from defence and breaking opposition lines.

"And with Tosin, we know what we expect from him," said Silva to the media (via The Boot Room).

“Of course, quality on the ball in the first build-up, to find the players between the lines. Tosin had a good game and did what we expected.”

Everton: Dyche could unearth "breakout" 21 y/o Stones heir

Everton’s summer finally starts to be shaping up after months of worry from the fanbase, however it is actually one player already in Sean Dyche’s camp that could prove to have the biggest effect on the squad next season.

How good is Jarrad Branthwaite?

Having joined from Carlisle in 2020, Jarrad Branthwaite quickly became well-known around the club as a pacey centre-back with a towering frame. He had all the physical qualities to thrive in the Premier League but remained raw. His sending-off against Brentford in 2022 emphasised that.

So, when a one-year loan to PSV Eindhoven was announced, it made perfect sense. The 21-year-old would enjoy a season in a highly technical league, and return ready to star.

That gamble seems to have now paid off.

A 6.97 average rating in the Eredivisie emphasises this, which is a figure buoyed by his 87% pass accuracy, 1.4 interceptions and 3.4 clearances per game, via Sofascore. The latter figure would have made him the fifth-best in that category when he compared against the Toffees’ squad from last term.

sean-dyche

Journalist Paul Brown clearly took note of this rise to prominence in the Netherlands, and would tell Football FanCast exactly what fans have to look forward to come August: “Branthwaite is probably the closest they’ve got to someone who’s looking at a potential breakout year.

“It looks like he’s going to be in pretty solid form and [in the] centre-back rotation. We all saw last season that it only takes a couple of injuries for that position to need to be rotated quite a lot.”

How much did John Stones leave Everton for?

Given he was signed from the lower leagues of English football, rising up to within Everton’s first team, it is hard not to draw comparisons with the prior success earned with John Stones.

He too moved to Goodison Park from Barnsley and would go on to feature 95 times for the club before joining Manchester City in a £47.5m move.

Despite also being initially raw and prone to mistakes, the foundations were there for a truly great defender to be unearthed with the right teaching. Fortunately, that transfer saw him join up with Pep Guardiola, who has since forged him into one of the best in his position, even revolutionising the inverted full-back role.

john-stones

As such, when compared against other centre-backs across Europe, the 29-year-old ranks in the top 4% for pass completion, the top 12% for progressive passes per 90 and the top 8% for progressive carries per 90, via FBref.

He has grown from a similar level to Branthwaite’s current position into the monster he is today, with his Spanish manager praising his development and adaptability: “He has this amazing quality to understand the game, to be calm, to read the next pass.

“He is more mature but he’s still young and it depends on him if he wants to become better. Hopefully he still has the desire to improve because there are many things to improve with and without the ball."

Under Dyche, who knows a thing or two about moulding a solid defence, this young colossus could now emulate that success, growing into a perfect partner for James Tarkowski with the perfect blend of physicality and technical excellence.

Last campaign afforded him the time to grow, and now is the time for him to take his chance with both hands and become the club’s next Stones with the “breakout year” that Brown envisions.

Man United Willing To Make £25.7m Move For "Monster"

Manchester United are reportedly willing to meet Fiorentina’s €30m (£25.7m) asking price to sign midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.

Are Man United signing Sofyan Amrabat?

The Red Devils and Erik ten Hag have already made a start on their summer business by bringing in Mason Mount from Chelsea in a deal worth £60m. The England international has taken the famous number seven shirt at Old Trafford, and a new goalkeeper and forward also appear to be on the agenda.

After David de Gea officially left the club, United have been pushing to sign Andre Onana from Inter Milan, and it looks as if a move is close for the Cameroon international.

Onana may not be the final addition, though, with an offer made for Atalanta’s Rasmus Hojlund. The Red Devils proposed a player-plus-cash move, however, the Serie A side aren’t interested and would only want an £85.5m payment for the Denmark international.

Another new midfielder could also be a possibility, with previous reports this month suggesting that personal terms had already been agreed between United and Amrabat.

The Faithful MUFC relayed a further update from Spain in the last 48 hours regarding Amrabat and a possible move to Old Trafford. It is believed that Ten Hag has personally requested Amrabat’s services in Manchester and sees Amrabat as an ideal partner for Casemiro. The Red Devils are willing to pay Fiorentina’s €30m (£25.7m) asking price.

Barcelona have also been showing an interest in the midfielder as they look to replace Sergio Busquets, however, the La Liga champions seemingly cannot afford Amrabat at this moment in time, leaving the door open for Man United.

Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat.

How good is Sofyan Amrabat?

Amrabat actually worked under Ten Hag at FC Utrecht and has been with Fiorentina since 2020. The 26-year-old has made more than 100 appearances for his current employers and has enjoyed a solid 12 months which has resulted in his Transfermarkt valuation increasing from €10m to a career-high €30m.

As per FBref in the last 365 days, Amrabat ranks in the top 1% of midfielders for long passes completed, top 2% for medium passes completed, top 5% for overall pass completion percentage and top 8% for passes into the final third, showing how he could bring plenty of control and quality to Old Trafford.

Hailed as a "monster" in the media, Amarabat was also praised by former England manager Fabio Capello for his displays at last year's World Cup in Qatar, with the Italian describing Amrabat as the 'Gennaro Gattuso of Morocco'.

"If I have to name one name, besides the well-known Hakim Ziyech and Achraf Hakimi, it would be Amrabat. He is essential for balance and a great runner. I read that he covered more than fourteen kilometres against Spain. I see him as the Gennaro Gattuso of Morocco."

It looks as if United’s focus at this moment in time is to seal a transfer for Onana, but by the looks of things, they could soon make their move for Amrabat, and you could argue that the Red Devils would be getting a player at the top of his game following his form over the past year.

Learned from Chandimal's first-innings knock – Shakib

Shakib Al Hasan has said his century on the third day stemmed from a lot of “thinking overnight”

Andrew Fidel Fernando in Colombo17-Mar-2017Shakib Al Hasan was cagey about what drove him to recklessness on the second evening, but conceded he had done some hard thinking overnight before he resumed his innings where he went on to score a vital hundred on the third day of Bangladesh’s 100th Test against Sri Lanka.Bangladesh had lost two quick wickets and would soon lose a third when he had arrived at the crease yesterday, and though they were in danger of being dismissed well short of Sri Lanka’s 338, Shakib was nevertheless aggressive: he hit 18 off eight balls, and would have been out for 11 had Upul Tharanga held on to a chance at deep square leg.This morning’s session saw a different Shakib, however. He would hit only two further boundaries before lunch, and though he could have been run out on 40, he was largely content to push the ball around for runs into the outfield – relying on the paddle towards fine leg and a back-foot punch through the offside to bring him runs. At lunch he was at 57 off 78 balls, and progressed to his fifth Test century off the 143rd ball he faced.Shakib was unwilling to dwell on why he had been so belligerent on the second day, providing curt answers, or stonewalling the question completely whenever the topic was breached. But he did concede that there certainly had been a change in his mindset.”Yesterday, as I was not out, there was time at night to think about it. And in that time I thought about what approach would be good, especially the way Dinesh Chandimal batted in the first innings,” Shakib said. “I think there was a lot to learn from that knock with respect to how to bat in this innings. That helped. I had to work really hard to get those runs.” Chandimal’s innings had been uncharacteristically measured where he took 300 balls to score 138.Shakib’s century took Bangladesh to a strong position in the Test, as they imposed a lead of 129 at the end of two innings. Bangladesh’s batting saw them move onto unfamiliar territory, having only once earlier taken a first-innings lead after batting second away from home.”If in any situation you can score a hundred, from a personal viewpoint it is a special thing,” Shakib said. “Since there was a big need to score runs here and I could do that, I am very happy. Now the situation is very good, it is in a balanced state.”Sri Lanka cut that lead down to 75 by stumps – their openers combining for 54. In the past, Sri Lanka have overturned two first-innings deficits against Australia last year although they did not have a three-digit deficit in either of those Tests.”I think the first session tomorrow will be the most important session in the whole Test,” Shakib said. “It is very balanced, but if tomorrow if they bat well, the match may get away from us, and if we bowl well and take wickets we will be in the driving seat. A lot depends on that period.”Though there was significant turn on the pitch from the first day itself, there has been less in the surface for the bowlers since. However, Mehedi Hasan and Rangana Herath did get some bite out of the pitch towards the end of day three, which suggests the surface will increasingly begin to favour the slow bowlers as the Test continues.”I think the wicket gives enough assistance, but we have to bowl in very good areas. I won’t say that it is in a very bad state, neither is it in a good state. There is enough help, but for that we have to be patient.”

Chelsea: Boehly "really, really" likes "monster" in "tough deal"

Chelsea "really, really like" AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan and are interested in bringing the player to the Premier League, but the deal itself is "really tough" to get done, claims journalist Ben Jacobs.

Chelsea transfer news – what's the latest on Mike Maignan?

The Blues have been having something of a fire sale in recent weeks, with players like N'Golo Kante and Kalidou Koulibaly joining the Saudi Pro League, whilst Mason Mount and Kai Havertz have moved to Manchester United and Arsenal, respectively.

Chelsea Mike Maignan

Among the players bidding farewell to Stamford Bridge is Champions League-winning goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who has also opted to join the Middle East's burgeoning super league, joining Al-Ahli.

That move has left Kepa Arrizablaga as the club's undisputed number one, but based on recent reports, it appears that the club does not have the most faith in the Spaniard.

According to the Telegraph, Chelsea are 'considering a move' for the French international, despite manager Mauricio Pochettino's 'willingness to start the season with Kepa.'

If the Blues are serious about securing the keeper's signature, they will have to stump up some serious cash, as transfers expert Fabrizio Romano revealed earlier this month that Milan have priced their player at over €55m.

What has journalist Ben Jacobs said about Mike Maignan to Chelsea?

Jacobs explained that the interest and admiration from the West London club is genuine.

Speaking to Football FanCast, he said: "Mike Maignan is someone that Chelsea really, really like, but it's a really tough deal to do with Milan."

Would Mike Maignan be a good signing for Chelsea?

While Kepa has certainly improved for Chelsea over the last 18 months, Maigan would be a brilliant signing for the Blues and a real step up in terms of quality.

According to WhoScored, Milan's shot-stopping extraordinaire had a brilliant season in Serie A last year, averaging a rating of 6.64 across his 22 games.

The Cayenne-born "monster" – as described by journalist Robin Bairner – looks even more impressive when you look at his underlying numbers.

AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

According to FBref, who compare players in a similar position across Europe's top five leagues, the Frenchman is in the top 8% for saved penalty kicks, the top 11% for goals against, and the top 22% for clean.

If that wasn't enough FBref also considers both Alisson and Ederson to be within the five most similar goalkeepers to Maignan, hardly bad company to keep.

If Chelsea can, they certainly should get this deal done, even if AC Milan want a king's ransom.

Klopp Plots Liverpool Swoop For “Top Class” £61m Ace

There is much work to do at Liverpool.

The club will have to postpone its love affair with the Champions League, having missed out on qualification for the competition for the first time since 2016.

On top of this disappointment, the Reds have had to deal with multiple departures in the midfield – James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Naby Keita have all left Anfield upon the expiry of their contracts.

Alexis Mac Allister has already been purchased to soften this blow and Nicola Barella is someone who has been linked to follow his footsteps to Merseyside.

What’s the latest on Nicolo Barella to Liverpool?

According to Sport Mediaset (via FC Inter News), Liverpool, both Manchester clubs and Newcastle are all keenly tracking the 26-year-old.

Last month, Football Insider revealed that Jurgen Klopp’s outfit were the frontrunners for the Inter midfielder, who is open to leaving Northern Italy and could be lured away for a fee of £61m.

Who could Nicolo Barella replace at Liverpool?

Since making his debut for the Neazzurri in 2019, the Italian has been an imperious asset that has made vital contributions to his side’s recent success.

In the title-winning 2020/21 season, Barella recorded 12 goal involvements and then crafted the joint-second highest number of assists (12) in Serie A in the following campaign, as his side also won the Italian Super Cup and the Coppa Italia.

His importance hasn't deterred, as he’s started 11 Champions League games during Inter’s unlikely journey to the final.

He has developed a reputation as a competent all-rounder, with a punishing ability to break up play and dance past opponents.

The box-to-box titan ranks within the top 11% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for progressive carries, non-penalty goals, and shot-creating actions per 90.

Barella’s arrival could spell danger for Harvey Elliot, who fell down in his manager’s pecking during the latter stages of the campaign – the Reds went 11 league games unbeaten, winning eight in a row at one stage, but the former Fulham ace started just once in this period.

harvey-elliott-liverpool

This term, the Euro 2020 winner has averaged 1.4 tackles, 1.6 key passes, and 1.1 dribbles per game, whereas Elliot only manages 0.8, 0.8, and 0.6 for the same metrics.

As Klopp seeks to pinpoint his main creative influence from midfield, it seems that Barella is the stronger, more well-rounded candidate.

Described as a “top-class” player by Klopp, the signing of Barella would be a massive statement of intent and a sizeable indication of the direction Liverpool are intending to head.

Tottenham: Spurs In Pole Position For "Exceptional" Signing

Tottenham Hotspur are in pole position to sign Brentford goalkeeper David Raya amid reports they're closing in, according to Sky Sports.

Who could join Spurs this summer?

After over a decade of serving as Spurs' number one shot-stopper, Hugo Lloris could be nearing a north London departure.

By his own admission, this summer could be the end of an era for Lloris, who has made nearly 450 appearances for Tottenham in all competitions since signing from Lyon in 2012.

Speaking to Nice-Matin recently, the 36-year-old admitted that he is seeking a fresh challenge elsewhere.

"We are coming to an important moment, whether for the club or for me. It's the end of an era," said Lloris.

"I have desires for other things, I will ask myself quietly to study what will be possible. But I don't forget that I still have a year of contract with Tottenham and that in football it is always difficult to predict what will happen."

As a result, the Lilywhites and chairman Daniel Levy are scouring the market for his replacement, leading to links with Everton's Jordan Pickford, Croatia number one Dominik Lovakovic and Raya.

David Raya for Brentford

This comes amid their search for a new centre-back, with Man City's Aymeric Laporte and Wolves defender Max Kilman being targeted, as well as Leicester City star James Maddison.

In terms of their goalkeeper hunt, there has been an update from Sky Sports on Tottenham's pursuit of Raya, coming amid reports that personal terms have already been agreed.

According to the broadcast giant, Spurs are currently "leading the chase" for Brentford's number one, with Man United and Chelsea also in the mix for his signing. However, it is Tottenham seemingly in pole position, though it is believed neither of the interested trio are willing to match Brentford's £40 million valuation.

Who is David Raya?

Standing out as one of Thoma Frank's top five best players last season, at least according to WhoScored, Raya also played more league minutes than any of his teammates.

Called "exceptional" by members of the media, like The Telegraph's Sam Dean, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp is also a big fan of the Spaniard.

Speaking back in 2021 after an encounter with Brentford, Klopp raved over Raya's distribution, even proclaiming he could wear the number 10 shirt.

“The goalkeeper could have the shirt with No 10,” Klopp said.

“He played a few incredible balls but it was the right thing to do against us today.”

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