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Liverpool scouts were in attendance at the Estadio da Luz on Wednesday night to witness Darwin Nunez scoring twice as Benfica thrashed Barcelona 3-0 in the Champions League.

The Lowdown: Young, talented goalscorer

The 22-year-old Uruguayan came through the Penarol academy before moving to Almeria in 2019. In his only season in LaLiga2, he scored 16 goals in 30 league appearances as they were defeated 3-1 on aggregate by Girona in the promotion play-offs.

He became Benfica’s most expensive signing in 2020 for £21.6m and has continued his brilliant form with 20 goals in 51 appearances for the Lisbon club.

His performance against Barcelona would have had scouts licking their lips, with the Uruguay international raising his price tag after his Champions League exploits.

The Latest: 35 clubs had scouts in Portugal

The Independent’s senior football correspondent Melissa Reddy confirmed on her Twitter profile that Liverpool scouts were joined by compatriots from the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund at Estadio da Luz.

As per This Is Anfield, as many as 35 clubs had scouts in attendance to witness Benfica compounding a miserable start to the season for crisis-stricken Barcelona.

Nunez, who is valued at £18m by Transfermarkt, scored twice and Rafa Silva also netted in a convincing win for Jorge Jesus’ side to put them second in their Champions League group.

The Verdict: He could be what the Reds need

At only 22, Nunez is destined for great things. Given the extensive list of clubs who sent scouts to watch him play, he looks set to be at one of the best teams in Europe sooner or later. His current boss Jesus has said that he ‘will be a world-class player’ and the Uruguayan is going about proving his manager right.

With both Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane having their critics in recent months, a new breath of fresh air in attack may be exactly what Liverpool need if they are to reclaim the Premier League title.

Aside from the mercurial Mohamed Salah, a consistent goalscorer is something the Reds have perhaps lacked in previous seasons, with Firmino often deployed in a deeper-lying false nine role. The potential signing of Nunez could add that clinical touch if Liverpool were to follow up on what is sure to be a glowing scout report.

In other news, Liverpool fans have been reacting to this contract news. Find out more here.

West Ham United could revisit their interest in Abdallah Sima before the transfer deadline…

What’s the word?

That’s according to the ever-reliable ExWHUemployee, who made the claim in a fresh transfer update to fans on his Patreon site ‘The West Ham Way’ earlier this week, saying:

“We could explore a deal for him [David Zima] and his fellow teammate Abdallah Sima. Not only do the names sound similar but he is also 20.

“Whilst he is a seen, as a winger as well as a forward, it could mean that he is [a] perfect alternative to [Michail] Antonio.

“In January, I spoke to the club chairman via Twitter and he told me that Sima would not leave in January to West Ham but there is a chance he could in the summer… we are in the summer and his team are no longer in the Champions League. We have dealt with the club before so there is a strong chance we will go in for a move.”

Perfect alternative

With a little over two weeks still to go in the transfer market, the Irons are still yet to find that new striker to pair up with Michail Antonio, which is currently a recipe for disaster considering the 31-year-old’s injury problems.

He has started 24 or more league games in only one season since he joined the East London outfit from Nottingham Forest in 2015.

The Hammers could well play more than 50 matches across all competitions this season, having qualified for the Europa League group stage. If Antonio picks up an injury against Newcastle United on Sunday, David Moyes would be in a hopeless situation.

However, the 58-year-old’s recent transfer success in dipping into the Czech league should provide further encouragement as to why a move for Sima makes the world of sense.

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The Senegalese gem enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season, providing 20 goals and eight assists in 39 appearances. He averaged a direct contribution once every 98 minutes, via Transfermarkt – near enough one every game.

Despite largely playing as a right winger, Sima’s future could lie in the middle, which is why he could indeed be the ideal foil to Antonio, who also started out wide before Moyes’ intervention.

If he’s out injured, then the 20-year-old could take his place up top. If he’s not, and the Hammers boss wants to play both attackers, then there’s still a likely role for him in the squad.

It’s also why he has earned lofty comparisons to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, who also started his playing career as a winger before becoming one of the Premier League’s best-ever centre-forwards.

Sima has also been lauded as a “huge talent” after he impressed during Slavia Prague’s impressive Europa League showing against Leicester City, against whom he bagged a goal in the second leg of their round of 32 tie in February.

Time is running out, so West Ham really must accelerate their plans to secure a new frontman to bolster Moyes’ squad. Sima would be a fantastic and much-needed addition, whatever the cost.

Just as ExWHUemployee explains, he could be the perfect foil for Antonio at the London Stadium.

AND in other news, ExWHUemployee drops frustrating Nikola Milenkovic update…

Manchester United have sacked ‘club legend’ Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as manager with immediate effect.

The Norwegian has led the Manchester side during five seasons, joining the club as manager at the end of 2018.

After a shocking loss of 4-1 to Watford on Saturday afternoon, it was the final nail in the coffin for Solskjaer, and after an emergency meeting held in the hours after the game, the former Manchester United striker was relieved of his duties, with official confirmation on Sunday morning.

There seems to have been a common theme throughout the Manchester United managerial and coaching staff over the last five years, with ex-players taking key roles in important positions of influence to what is being translated onto the pitch every week in the team.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Michael Carrick, Darren Fletcher and Nicky Butt to name a few of the ex-players who have been working behind the scenes of Manchester United, with Carrick or Fletcher being likely to lead the current side out in the upcoming fixtures whilst the board looks for a suitable interim manager.

There have been many names thrown into the conversation to succeed the Norwegian at Manchester United, and one name that has been mentioned is yet another ex-player has been linked with the move, Laurent Blanc.

Blanc has been put into the conversation for the interim manager job that the Glazers and Man United board have outlined as their first priority who they will appoint for six months, until the end of this season when they will then look to appoint a long term solution.

The former Manchester United centre back has been managing in France, starting at Bordeaux, moving into the France job in 2010, and going to Paris Saint Germain following his two-year stint at international level.

Legendary Manchester United manager, Sir Alex Ferguson, hailed Blanc as ‘intelligent’ when he spoke out on the 56-year-old manager’s work with the France international side;

“When Laurent played in Manchester he followed our training methods very carefully.

“That’s very intelligent and obviously he has qualities as a coach because he made Les Bleus a winning team again.” he told RMC Sport.

Blanc is currently managing the football team of Al Rayyan Sports Club in Qatar, but a move to such a high profile club with no long term expectations of success could be an attractive choice for the manager.

Surely, Manchester United and the Glazers would learn their lessons from the nightmare that has unfolded in the most recent months of Solskjaer, however, and avoid the emotive and difficult situation they have put themselves in by appointing another ex-player.

Combine that with his handling of egotistical players and it wouldn’t bode well. Sports Illustrated outlined the following about his spell in Paris: “Upon replacing Carlo Ancelotti, maestro of all things man management, Blanc was criticised for an inability to keep egos in check – a prerequisite for any big team – as well as persisting with a style that lacked verve and panache. He also seemed unable to change a game if it wasn’t going to plan.”

With that in mind, he has to fall low down in United’s list of potential replacements for Solskjaer.

The Red Devils will travel to Spain to play Villarreal in a Champions League decider on Tuesday and will need a win to secure their place in the round of sixteen, losing could be yet another blow in Manchester United’s bad fortune this season.

In other news: Proven winner Lopetegui could save Manchester United

Southampton have a very tough task on the horizon with a weekend trip to Anfield next up for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side to take on Liverpool in the Premier League after losing 2-1 to Norwich City last time out.

With Liverpool scoring more goals (35) than any other top-flight side so far this season, it’s safe to say that this will not be an easy match for the Saints, despite managing to beat them and keep a clean sheet against them in their 1-0 victory at St. Mary’s last season.

However, one player that has contributed to a significant number of those 35 goals that will be on the hunt to add more to his tally is Reds winger Mohamed Salah, who has a particular knack for scoring against the Saints.

In eight appearances against Southampton, Salah has managed to score seven goals and provide two assists.

With a total of 16 appearances under his belt across all competitions so far this season, the emphatic Egyptian has managed to net 16 times and supply six assists along the way, highlighting just how dangerous he has been in front of goal for Liverpool.

That’s exactly why Southampton will have to keep him contained if they want to have any chance of securing a positive result at the weekend to make up for their disappointing defeat at Norwich.

In addition to his incredible goals and assists record this season, the 29-year-old’s performances have earned him an overall season rating of 8.15/10, making him the highest-rated player in the Premier League according to WhoScored.

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Given how there has only been two league games that Salah, who has been labelled as a “top-class” player by Jurgen Klopp, has played in where he hasn’t scored a goal or provided an assist this season, Southampton’s defenders will have to be at the top of their game this weekend.

Assuming that Hasenhuttl will stick with Kyle Walker-Peters at left-back, he will have to make sure he puts in a better performance this weekend than he did against Norwich where he only managed to make one tackle and win 50% of his duels. If he performs like that again, then Salah could have a field day on the right flank.

If Southampton are able to keep their £90m-rated nemesis relatively quiet and off the scoresheet, this will give the Saints a great chance of coming away from Anfield with a positive result.

In other news: Ralph must unleash “quality” Southampton machine, he could give Klopp nightmares – opinion

The Birmingham Mail’s Ashley Preece has revealed Aston Villa have moved on from Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe, and instead turned their attentions towards Bayer Leverkusen flier Leon Bailey.

What’s the story?

Reports in recent weeks had suggested that Smith Rowe was a real target for Dean Smith’s side as they looked to add a bit more creativity to their side, and they had a couple of bids knocked back by the Gunners.

Now, it appears that Villa have finally admitted defeat in their pursuit of the England U21 international, but are instead eyeing up another talented attacker.

Writing on Twitter, Preece said: “Leon Bailey firmly on Villa’s radar now, as per the ace @TomCollomosse. The Jamaican, 23, is bang in form; 15 goals & 11 assists for Leverkusen last season playing predominantly on the right. LB can play across a front three; fits the profile #avfc want. Villa moved on from ESR.”

Fans will be buzzing

While Villa fans may be disappointed that their hopes of luring Smith Rowe to the club may have ended, they will be absolutely buzzing with the news that the scouting department at Villa Park have settled on Bailey as their next option.

The Jamaica international has enjoyed some fruitful campaigns in the Bundesliga with Leverkusen, and was particularly outstanding last season – he scored an impressive 15 goals and provided another 11 assists (out of Villa’s current squad, only Ollie Watkins scored more (16), and only Jack Grealish set up more (12)).

Bailey can play on either flank, and what perhaps sets him apart compared to Smith Rowe, and in fact, anyone else Smith has at his disposal right now, is his blistering pace.

Ajax’s former youth coach, Ronald de Boer, once said of Bailey: “He’s so fast it’s not normal. His speed, combined with his technique, is very rare. Exceptional. He has no weak points.”

Given the creativity that Villa now have with the likes of Grealish and Emi Buendia (the Argentine topped the Championship charts last season for assists with 16), they could do with that extra pace to run in behind and give those two a target to hit.

Smith’s side could be absolutely devastating on the counter-attack with Bailey and Watkins making those penetrating runs into the channels, and it’s exactly why Villa fans will be excited with this latest transfer news.

Meanwhile, Villa could land a transfer bargain in this ace who’s silenced them before…

Crystal Palace are interested in signing Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah this summer.

And, as to be expected, a number of Palace fans have been giving their thoughts to the links on social media.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Palace, Watford and West Ham are all keen on the 22-year-old.

Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen are also pushing to sign the forward, who has actually been offered new terms at the Emirates in recent days.

A deal between the Gunners and Nketiah is yet to be agreed, and it appears as if Palace are keeping tabs on the Englishman’s situation ahead of a potential swoop.

Nketiah, who has just 12 months remaining on his current contract, has scored 13 goals in 65 Arsenal appearances.

Palace fans react

@CPFCtransfersHQ shared the links to Nketiah on Twitter on Monday evening. However, these Palace fans weren’t exactly thrilled over a possible move for the forward, with one describing him as ‘awful’.

“again please no”Credit: @notconnorlmaov2″no thanks”Credit: @luiscpfc”doesn’t even start let alone best player”Credit: @CPFCknighty”unless it’s under 15 mil no”Credit: @CPFC_Ollie_”Loan with option is all I’d take”Credit: @bradhcpfc”He’s awful”Credit: @HAZZAMATTAZZ1

In other news: ‘This is massive’, ‘Great appointment’ – Many CPFC fans erupt as ‘fantastic’ news comes to light, find out more here. 

Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge believes that if Odsonne Edouard departs Celtic, then the Hoops will sign Georgios Giakoumakis. 

The 26-year-old who currently plays for Dutch second division side VVV-Venlo, scored two assists in all competitions last season.

Sky Sports reported that Celtic are set to sign Giakoumakis on a four-year contract, with a fee of £2.5m agreed. The Greece internationals contract at VVV-Venlo expires in June 2022, but it looks like a move to Celtic Park is on the cards.

Sky Sports’ Michael Bridge believes that this deal will happen if Odsoone Edouard departs the club, telling Transfer Tavern: “If Edouard does go it looks like they’re signing Greek international Georgios Giakoumakis, four-year deal signing from VVV-Venlo who got relegated but I think he was top scorer last season.”

Sky Sports reported last night that Premier League side Crystal Palace were close to agreeing a deal for Odsonne Edouard for a fee between £15m and £20m, with Patrick Vieira wanting to bring a striker to Selhurst Park before the window closes.

Celtic have had a bust window signing eight players so far and alongside Giakoumakis, it looks like the Hoops could also add Filipe Jota to their ranks, with Football Insider reporting that he was undergoing his medical yesterday on a loan-to-buy bid.

Many Wolves fans have been left lauding a transfer update involving Duje Caleta-Car.

As per RMC Sport, the Midlands club have now reportedly made an offer to try and sign the Marseille central defender worth €15m (£12.8m).

However, West Ham United are also following him, and could turn up with a bid of their own.

The Croatia international was a key player for his team in Ligue 1 in the 2020/21 term, winning no fewer than 3.7 of his duels per match, while he also averaged 3.9 clearances and 1.3 interceptions per game, keeping five clean sheets in the process (Sofascore).

He would certainly give Bruno Lage another handy option in his squad, but it is not known whether their bid will be accepted with the deadline looming.

Wolves fans on Caleta-Car transfer update

These members of the Molineux faithful lauded the transfer update as it was shared on Twitter, with one WWFC supporter even going as far as to claim that Caleta-Car would be a ‘huge signing’:

“Scenes if we get him and Botman”

Credit: @liambagnall9

“We really are going all out now aren’t we”

Credit: @DaneWWFC

“Yesssssss”

Credit: @Millenwwfc

“Supposedly we’ve been linked with Botman and this lad, either would be a huge signing in an area we need it most”

Credit: @Brokeboi2000

“Obviously would prefer Botman but this would be a great signing too!”

Credit: @FPL_BakedBeans

“Botman is clear but I’d take him as well”

Credit: @Lamela2b

In other news, find out what transfer update has Wanderers buzzing here!

Wolves’ owners Fosun have made an offer to save Ligue 1 side Bordeaux according to Girondinfos. 

Jorge Mendes is said to be leading the project, and if their attempted takeover is successful, Olympiacos’ Portuguese boss Pedro Martins would be appointed manager.

Huge summer ahead for Fosun and Wolves

Wolves themselves are presently without a manager after agreeing to part company with Nuno Espirito Santo.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the club are working to complete a deal for SL Benfica’s Bruno Lage after opening talks last week.

It’s also a key transfer window for the club after they slipped to 13th in the Premier League table, having previously secured back-to-back seventh-place finishes.

The Midlands outfit spent £74.5million on new players last summer, with Fabio Silva and Nelson Semedo the headline recruits.

They banked £71.3million from outgoings as Diogo Jota, Matt Doherty and Helder Costa departed the club.

Fan feed Talking Wolves relayed the Fosun news, and here’s how fans reacted.

Wolves fans weigh in on Fosun’s Bordeaux bid

“They need to sort the mess at molineux 1st. Whoever comes in will need funds so they should forget about investing in others.”

Credit: @robsterj2002

“Why am I not surprised to see Mendes is leading it? The guy makes all the screws turn. Seems Fosun just finance his visions some days, for the better and worst of it”

Credit: @SamclarkUk

“That’s us down, then.”

Credit: @ashleynixon95

“Are we trying to be like city football group”

Credit: @benlin11

“I think they’ll sell Wolves sometimes soon. Maybe Bordeaux will be another project they can do & make money from them also!!”

Credit: @SteveWiles20

“Fosun have more of an interest in football than we first thought huh”

Credit: @FW90

In other news, read Henry Winter’s verdict on three managerial candidates. 

Rangers legend Ally McCoist expected Giovanni van Bronckhorst to give Cedric Itten a chance against Motherwell on Saturday. 

The lowdown

Rangers exercised their recall option to bring Itten back from his loan at Bundesliga outfit Greuther Furth in January.

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He made consecutive starts against Livingston and Ross County at the end of January, but then missed out on nine straight matchday squads, with his only game time coming in the Scottish League Cup against Annan Athletic.

Ahead of the Gers’ trip to Fir Park, though, striker Kemar Roofe joined long-term absentee Alfredo Morelos on the injury list.

That seemed to present an opportunity for Itten, but Van Bronckhorst instead opted to field Fashion Sakala up front.

Itten did feature for the first time since the winter, but only for the final four minutes as a substitute.

The latest

Rangers’ all-time leading goalscorer McCoist, speaking live in commentary for Sky Sports, says it may be a damning reflection that Itten didn’t start even with the injuries Rangers had.

“Interesting, I heard the boys talking before the game,” he said, via Ibrox News.

“Obviously no Roofe, no Morelos, however would it not have been an opportunity for Cedric Itten? Or is he so far down the pecking order [that he didn’t get a chance]?”

The verdict

It’s clear now that Van Bronckhorst simply doesn’t rate Itten all that highly.

It was pretty telling that the Dutchman didn’t even include him in his squad for the Europa League knockout stages.

Itten was called ‘magnificent’ by former boss Steven Gerrard but regrettably, his record for Rangers – just seven goals in 48 appearances – doesn’t live up to that billing.

It certainly wouldn’t be a surprise to see Rangers look to shift the £2.7million-rated, £14,000-per-week frontman from their wage bill come the summer.

In other news, one Rangers player was rated just 4/10.