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Arsenal winger Marquinhos is set for a medical at FC Nantes as the Gunners agree to a season-long loan without the option to buy, according to reports.

Who is leaving Arsenal?

So far, only a few players have departed the north London club, with Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Auston Trusty, Pablo Mari and long-serving midfielder Granit Xhaka standing out as the most noteworthy.

Mikel Arteta is in full preparation ahead of the new season, and after beating last season's treble-winners Man City in the Community Shield final on Sunday, they will be in good spirits.

Arsenal have attempted to back their manager with significant incomings this transfer window, having sealed deals for winger Kai Havertz, defender Jurrien Timber and central midfield star Declan Rice.

The aforementioned trio cost north of £200 million in a real statement of intent from Gunners sporting director Edu Gaspar, but to free up squad space and more funds, certain players will need to make way.

Brentford's David Raya, who could come in to replace Matt Turner, is also closing in on a move to Arsenal as the club seek to provide competition for current number one Aaron Ramsdale.

Read the latest Arsenal transfer news HERE…

In terms of more outgoings, the likes of Folarin Balogun and Nicolas Pepe continue to be linked with moves away, and the former will command a £50 million price tag.

Marquinhos, who found game time difficult to come by last season, is apparently nearing the exit door as Ligue 1 side FC Nantes close in on a temporary deal.

That is according to newspaper L'Equipe, via Get French Football News, who say both Arsenal and Nantes have agreed to a season-long loan without an option to buy for the 20-year-old.

The attacker has featured regularly in Arsenal pre-season, even grabbing an assist against the MLS all-stars, but it appears Arsenal believe a loan move away is best for his development this campaign.

The transfer could happen very quickly, as L'Equipe say Marquinhos' medical at Nantes will happen imminently.

Little is said after that in regards to a loan fee, the wage split or other factors concerning the temporary move.

Who is Marquinhos?

The South American starlet was signed from Sao Paulo on a long-term Arsenal contract last summer.

"We’re delighted to have completed the transfer with Sao Paulo," said Edu in 2022.

"As Marquinhos was a player we had been watching for a while. At 19, he is still very young, so he is a player for the future. We look forward to Marquinhos now joining us for pre-season, making his new home, and continuing to grow and develop with us.”

Marquinhos has represented Brazil at Under-16 and Under-17 level, with Arteta praising him as a "very popular" member of the squad.

Arsenal's boss said:

“He’s very popular, with no English, just with his smile and attitude. He has earned the respect and admiration of everybody here.

“It was a big step for him because he hasn’t played enough minutes with us but we were willing to give him the opportunity. I think he deserved it, I think he took it really well and he’s a player that needs to keep developing and in order to do that we need to give him opportunities.”

He is the man in the World XI squad with most-recent experience of having playing in Pakistan, and he’s happy to share his experience of and enthusiasm for the same with his team-mates

Osman Samiuddin09-Sep-2017Darren Sammy, St Lucian, allrounder, twice world-champion captain, the nicest man in cricket, one of its most popular and now – as the World XI ventures to Pakistan for a potentially pathbreaking tour – Pakistan expert.Sammy is one of five men in the World XI squad with experience of playing in Pakistan – Paul Collingwood, Tamim Iqbal and Hashim Amla have played international cricket there, while Imran Tahir’s first-class career began in the country.Sammy’s is the most current experience, however, having played in Lahore in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) final in March as Peshawar Zalmi’s title-winning – and extremely popular – captain.Sammy spoke to members of the squad as part of a security briefing on Saturday as they began arriving in Dubai, ahead of the flight out to Lahore on Monday. The first of three T20Is is scheduled for Tuesday, at Gaddafi Stadium, the scene of Sammy’s triumph earlier in the year.”I did brief them quickly about my experience in Lahore for the PSL final,” he said. “We’ve had the best security team, who have also briefed them. Like I said before, it’s important. I get to play in front of my fans in St Lucia and around the world and we see how passionate they are, and to get an opportunity after so long, they are all happy to be part of that process.”First thing I said to guys after the PSL final – apart from all the security and the protocol – once I stepped on the field, it felt like playing in St Lucia. That is my honest experience – the crowd were just hungry for cricket, to see their icons and role models play in the game. That is what it felt like. That is what I briefed the players when the coach [Andy Flower] asked me about my experience.”The enthusiasm is unlikely to have been feigned. Even in the uncertainty over which foreign players would attend the PSL final, Sammy was the most eager advocate, an eagerness that has translated into an endearing bond with Pakistani fans. And as soon as he heard about the possibility of this tour, he was in – he would’ve been “disappointed” he said, had he not been called.”We have a reason, a greater cause,” he said. “Everybody here has accepted that they are part of something more important than just their selves. To me, it’s a place where I have a great connection and going back there, like I said through the PSL final, to bring cricket back to Pakistan, if we can be part of history, a greater purpose, it’s a wonderful opportunity.”One of the players interested in Sammy’s experiences would no doubt have been Ben Cutting. The allrounder is one of three Australians in the squad and, alongside George Bailey and Tim Paine, stands a fair shot at becoming the first Australian cricketer to play an international match in Pakistan in nearly 20 years.Australia’s absence from Pakistan dates back to well before the 2009 attacks on the Sri Lanka team which forced international cricket out of the country. They had not toured since a series in 1998-99, choosing to play their away commitments against Pakistan in the UAE, Sri Lanka and England in that time, though an Australia A side did tour in 2007-08.Cutting wasn’t aware of the little bit of history he might create. And some time playing alongside Azhar Mahmood a few years ago is about the breadth of his experience of Pakistan and its cricket.But a passing encounter with a former Australian cricketer who was part of that ‘A’ team tour a decade ago confirmed that this will be an experience to remember.”I did run into Jason Gillespie about a week ago and he said well done,” Cutting said. “I asked him what he knew about Lahore and Pakistan, and he said you’re really going to enjoy it, particularly Lahore itself. He spent some time there. So that was refreshing and good to hear.”

South Africa have suffered a huge blow with Kagiso Rabada being suspended for the second Test against England following a Code of Conduct breach during the opening Test at Lord’s

Firdose Moonda at Lord's07-Jul-2017South Africa have suffered a huge blow with Kagiso Rabada being suspended for the second Test against England at Trent Bridge after he was sanctioned by the ICC for giving Ben Stokes a send-off on the opening day at Lord’s.Rabada was fined 15% of his match fee and handed one demerit point for this incident, in which he told Stokes to “f**k off” after dismissing him for 56 during England’s first innings. Rabada had previously been given three demerit points for an altercation with Niroshan Dickwella during the one-day international in Cape Town in February. The total of four points means he is now automatically suspended for one Test.An ICC statement said: “During the opening day’s play in the Lord’s Test against England on Thursday, Rabada was found guilty of breaching article 2.1.7 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Player and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “using language, actions or gestures which disparage or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batsman upon his/her dismissal during an International Match.””Thursday’s incident related to Rabada using inappropriate language after dismissing England batsman Ben Stokes, which were audible over the stump microphones and also resulted in the batsman to turn before walking off the field.”Stokes was the first of Rabada’s three scalps in the England first innings, during which the 21-year old seemed to lack some of his usual venom. Though he has touched his usual 90mph pace, Rabada has struggled for rhythm throughout this tour but his absence will still rob South Africa of one of their most reputed quicks and will only add to the unsettled feeling around the touring side.South Africa went into the Lord’s Test without captain Faf du Plessis, after he remained at home following the birth of his first child. Du Plessis is expected to be back in time for Trent Bridge, where he will have to manage an attack sans Rabada.In reserve, South Africa have Duanne Olivier, their first-class competition’s leading-wicket-taker who also bowls quickly, has a good bouncer and made his Test debut against Sri Lanka at the Wanderers, as well as allrounders Andile Phehlukwayo and Chris Morris. Olivier is the likeliest replacement for Rabada unless South Africa feel the need to beef up the batting reserves and play Morris. Phehlukwayo, who is uncapped, only has an outside chance of playing.Rabada’s absence will also have a small impact on South Africa’s transformation numbers, which don’t apply from game to game but do add up over the course of a season. South Africa are required to field a minimum average of six players of colour, of which two must be black African.

Leeds United will be craving another promotion hero to crop up sooner than their last.

It took 16 long years before the Whites could make their triumphant return to the Premier League, that which was undone in just three short seasons. Now, the search is once again on to find someone to assume that role.

Daniel Farke is sure to be a key player in any success they earn in the Championship, given his proficiency in getting teams promoted from the level, but he will need to forge a team not only capable of claiming that prize, but ensuring that their top-flight stay is not a short one.

Fortunately, rumours are persisting to link them with one man who could occupy that crucial role, as a creative leader ready to spearhead that charge.

Seeking to tempt those who already have a track record of excelling at this level, few seem more available at this moment than Gustavo Hamer, given how his Coventry City side failed in their playoff push and have since lost star man Viktor Gyokeres.

While transfer insider Dean Jones has suggested any deal might not be that straightforward, the respected journalist did state that the former Netherlands youth international could potentially emulate the success of Leeds legend Pablo Hernandez, in the second tier.

Despite that, he told Football FanCast just how influential the Dutch-Brazilian maestro could be, should the Yorkshire outfit bring him in: "Yeah he could definitely be a Hernandez-type figure for them, but convincing Coventry to sell him after they've just lost Gyokeres isn't going to be easy. I'm sure Coventry will try their best to keep the rest of that team together the best that they can, but he is a great player and at this level, he's really hard to replicate."

How good is Gustavo Hamer?

To liken him to someone of Hernandez's quality should speak volumes for just how good this 26-year-old has been of late.

With nine goals and ten assists in the league last season, Mark Robins' £4m-rated midfield general actually outperformed the figures posted by the Spaniard during Leeds' promotion year.

However, it could be argued that his apex came the term earlier, as the former Valencia man had recorded 24 goal contributions in the league alone to outline himself as a true star despite failing to win the playoffs. His bravery in dropping to their level proved to be a catalyst that ignited their eventual Premier League return, which they could now once again rely on from Hamer.

After all, it would take a degree of courage for the former Feyenoord gem to make this move to a freshly-relegated outfit, even if they are one of the biggest clubs in the division.

To further emphasise the similarities between these two stars, during their two most impressive respective seasons, both would blend technical quality with defensive steel.

The 38-year-old, whilst recording three key passes, also maintained 1.6 tackles per game, via Sofascore. Meanwhile, his potential successor saw his key passes drop to 1.8 per game, but his tackles rose to 2.6, via Sofascore.

If Farke is to assemble the team in his image though, with the quality already at his disposal and more that is hopefully set to come, Hamer could underpin any potential promotion push they make in the coming campaign.

As a consistent performer at this level, and a charismatic character to boot, he would hopefully fill the creative void that has arguably been left since Hernandez departed in 2021, helping to secure an instant promotion at the first time of asking.

Celtic could struggle to pull off a sensational swoop for former star Kieran Tierney according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Scotland international left the club for £25m in the summer of 2019 and has now been linked with a return to his boyhood club.

What is the latest news about Kieran Tierney's transfer?

According to reports, Tierney "won't close the door" to a potential return to the Bhoys this summer, with the return of former manager Brendan Rodgers to Parkhead potentially a major factor in convincing the 26-year-old to return to Scotland.

The report states that despite the Northern-Irishman receiving a £30m transfer budget for this summer, a permanent switch may still prove too costly for the Scottish champions, with a season-long loan a greater possibility.

However, the recent sale of fan-favourite Jota to the Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad for a fee of £25m could have potentially freed up more funds to make a permanent switch a greater possibility

Celtic aren't the only club interested in the full-back, with reports stating both Newcastle United and Premier League champions Manchester City hold an interest in signing Tierney, with the Magpies boss Eddie Howe thought to have been confident of completing a deal in the region of £30m.

According to Football Insider, the defender has still not heard from Arsenal about whether he is in the club's plans for the 2023/24 campaign, with no conversations between Arteta and Tierney having taken place.

According to Jones, whilst Celtic hold interest, they may not be able to fund the return of their former star.

What has Jones said about the potential transfer?

Speaking to FootballFanCast, Jones stated that the North London club's unwillingness to change their asking price could prevent the Bhoys from signing Tierney.

The transfer insider said: "Newcastle were put off by it recently. And it doesn't seem like Arsenal are gonna budge. I just don't know if I could see Celtic getting to those levels right now. Obviously, they have got the Jota money, but [I'm] not sure that that's exactly where it's gonna go."

Should Celtic "break the bank" for Kieran Tierney?

Bringing their former star back to Parkhead this summer would be a major statement of intent from both Celtic and Rodgers.

The 38-time capped Scotland international enjoyed a very fruitful tenure at the Scottish League champions previously, making 170 appearances for the club, scoring eight and assisting 37 from left-back as the club went on to win 11 trophies across his five-year stint, including five league titles in a row.

Since his move to Arsenal in 2019, it has been a mixed bag for the 26-year-old. Under former manager Unai Emery, the left-back shone, earning praise from fans and pundits alike and becoming a leader within the squad. This continued following the arrival of current boss Arteta, under who Tierney won the only trophy of his Gunners career so far in the FA Cup in 2020.

However, following a knee injury he suffered in March 2022 that kept him out for the remainder of that season, the Isle-of-man-born defender has struggled to break back into the starting line-up ahead of Ukrainian Oleksandr Zinchenko, with the left-back not being a natural fit in the inverted role that the manager is employing on that side.

The Bhoys currently have two natural left-back options at the club, in Greg Taylor and Alexandro Bernabei, however, with the latter failing to hit the heights expected last season, the club could pick up their former left-back to offer some incredible competition to Taylor who impressed last campaign.

Should Tierney want to get his career back on track, a move to Celtic, where he could reignite his previous form which secured him his move to the Gunners, may be the perfect first step on that road.

Pinpointing a new midfielder to partner Enzo Fernandez at Chelsea is arguably one of Mauricio Pochettino’s biggest challenges, which he simply must get right.

Getting the perfectly curated protector with a tough-tackling ferocity and keen athleticism is a tricky task.

The club has been incessantly linked to Moises Caicedo, however, Brighton are supposedly demanding around £120m for the Ecuadorian’s services.

Nevertheless, a cheaper, more realistic, and attainable alternative has emerged in the form of Aurélien Tchouaméni, whose signing would be a humongous statement of intent from the West Londoners.

What’s the latest on Aurélien Tchouaméni to Chelsea?

According to reports in Spain, the Blues offered €60m (£51m) for the Frenchman which was immediately rejected, and they are planning an improved bid of €80m (£68m), which will give Real Madrid something to think about.

Although far-fetched and extremely ambitious, the 2021 Champions League winners possess a ludicrously excessive budget, which could be shrewdly sprayed upon this ball-winning machine.

Who can Aurélien Tchouaméni emulate at Chelsea?

The 25-cap international joined the 14-time European Champions last summer for €100m (£86m) and made 50 appearances for Los Blancos.

As per FBref, the former Monaco prodigy has been compared to the current talk of the town, Declan Rice, due to their strikingly similar attributes.

Defensively, both these titans are formidable protectors for their backlines, with Tchouaméni averaging slightly better numbers in most departments as he has more tackles per 90 (2.61 vs 2.17), interceptions per 90 (1.98 vs 1.73), clearances per 90 (1.87 vs 1.59), and aerials won per 90 (1.91 vs 1.02), according to FBref.

The £206k-per-week man also outperforms his positional peers in pass completion (92.9% vs 86.5%), but Rice makes more progressive passes.

Tchouaméni’s compatriot Paul Pogba has lauded the sensation for his quality saying: “Very very good. He's not a boy, he's a man.

“It was a pleasure to play next to him. He brings a lot of energy. A lot of energy, and extraordinary technical and physical quality.”

Indeed, that's a review that could well describe Rice too.

The 22-year-old has started every game for his nation at the 2022 World Cup and scored in the 2-1 quarter-final victory over England.

Sky Sports News chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol has said that Chelsea’s new ownership has targeted the world’s “best young players” and Tchouaméni certainly fits that bill.

The pivot ranks within the best 8% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for interceptions, pass completion, and clearances per 90.

For the West London outfit to get back to where it belongs, this is exactly the type of scintillating Rice-like signing to reinvigorate the fanbase with a new-found belief that its new setup can take the club forward.

Newcastle United could potentially turn their attention to the Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele as a possible option in this summer's transfer window.

The Toon qualified for the Champions League following their takeover by the Saudi Arabian backed PIF, and Bailey believes the club could make some big moves in the summer market.

Newcastle transfers news – Ousmane Dembele

The transfer journalist told the Chasing Green Arrows podcast that fans should monitor Newcastle’s interest in Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele.

Newcastle have already brought in one new face this summer in the form of Yankuba Minteh but he has been loaned immediately out to Feyenoord.

But Bailey has suggested if the Toon are to look at making a marquee signing this summer, they may turn their attention to the 26-year-old France international.

What has Graeme Baily said about Ousmane Dembele?

“Keep an eye on Ousmane Dembele as a marquee signing, especially for Newcastle.” Bailey told host Dean Jones.

“They [Newcastle] have talked to him. He came over if you remember and met the Sunderland chairman, and he did have contacts with Newcastle at that point. He's only got a year left at Barcelona And he does appeal to PIF as well."

“Eddie Howe talks about marquee signings, I think this left forward could be the marquee signing.”

Would Ousmane Dembele be a good signing for Newcastle?

Dembele signed for Barcelona for a fee of an estimated £115 million in 2017 from Borussia Dortmund but has not hit the heights he was expected to.

In his time at the Nou Camp, – the once hailed "wizard" – Dembele has featured 185 times, scoring 40 goals and providing 43 assists per Transfermarkt. Not a bad output but potentially a little underwhelming considering his price tag and what the club expected his potential to be.

The host of the Chasing Green Arrows Podcast, Dean Jones, believes Dembele could be a great signing for the Toon Army.

“I think it Ousmane Dembele is a good marquee signing, because he's not a Neymar, he's not somebody that you're going to have a pile of problems.” Jones said.

“Injuries might be the biggest problem you get with Ousmane Dembele.”

Injuries would be the biggest red flag for potential pursuers of Dembele. The French international has had a recurring hamstring injury that forced him to miss 17 games of the 22/23 season when he tweaked it at the end of January.

The same hamstring injury was a problem in 2020 when Dembele tweaked it in January which forced him to miss 19 games.

In a season where Newcastle have to contend with European football alongside the league, Dembele is a high risk potential signing but one that they could certainly reap the rewards from if he stays fit.

Scorecard and ball-by-ball details2:43

Compton: India have a slight advantage

Fightback followed fightback during an absorbing final session on the second day in Mohali. India closed within touching distance of a lead after England had revived their prospects on the back of two inspired pieces of fielding which highlighted a stirring post-tea response. India lost 3 for 8 in a frenetic passage and their position worsened when Virat Kohli fell for 62, but R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja prevented an all-out collapse to take India to within 12 of England’s total by the close.India had established a position of strength when Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara added 75 for the third wicket, seemingly putting England’s 283 into context. But, two balls into the final session, Pujara pulled a long hop from Rashid towards deep midwicket where Chris Woakes did remarkably well to make the ground then dive low for the catch. Even better, though, was to follow when Jos Buttler pulled off a stunning stop and shy – from his knees – at backward point to send back debutant Karun Nair.Between those two moments of individual brilliance Ajinkya Rahane had failed to pick a googly from Rashid and Kohli edged Ben Stokes, which led to Stokes intimating silence in his celebration following his ICC fine for his verbals towards Kohli when he was dismissed on the second day. India were 204 for 6 and England had visions of batting before the close with a useful lead, but they were thwarted by Ashwin and Jadeja who picked their moment before the second new ball to take on the spinners.Ashwin, who was not moving comfortably between the wickets, went to his third fifty of the series with his seventh boundary and Jadeja went from 8 off 34 to 31 off 59 as the pair reached stumps with an unbroken stand of 67. England will cling to the fact that they are bowling last on the surface, but it has held together well so far, while India will fancy the vulnerability of England’s batting even if the lead is smaller than they would have wanted.

Hameed finger injury causes concern

Haseeb Hameed will have a scan on a finger injury after the Mohali Test finishes and did not field throughout the second day.
Hameed experienced pain in the little finger of his left hand after taking a number of blows during the series, including his first-innings dismissal in this match.
If he is found to have a significant injury which puts him in doubt for the Mumbai Test, England may need to consider calling up an extra player to the squad from the Lions team currently in Dubai. Nick Gubbins, the Middlesex left hander, or Durham’s Keaton Jennings – who both had prolific Championship seasons – would probably head the queue as like-for-like openers.

England were bowled out within four overs of the resumption this morning and, initially, signs were ominous as the new ball did not swing for James Anderson and Chris Woakes. When M Vijay was dropped at midwicket – Buttler unable to cling on to a flick off Moeen Ali – England needed a pick-me-up and, as so often, it came from Stokes. With his fourth ball he draw Vijay into a flat-footed poke outside off and although the umpire Chris Gaffaney did not raise his finger Vijay walked knowing the replay would confirm the edge.It had been a curious, half-hearted, stay for Vijay who was also involved in an intriguing moment when he defended a delivery back to Anderson, who spotted the batsman had held his pose outside the crease. Anderson shied at the stumps and hit Vijay’s pads, leading to a query for obstructing the field, but it was rightly ruled that Vijay had not moved from his position to block the throw.England thought they had removed Parthiv Patel, caught down the leg side when he had 12, but the DRS showed the ball had only flicked his shirt. In his first Test for eight years, and thrust to the top of the order after KL Rahul’s injury, it was an impressive performance from Parthiv to quickly adjust to the challenge.His dismissal was a very modern lbw. Using his feet to Adil Rashid he was beaten by the turn but, having come down the pitch, the umpire understandably said not out. Jonny Bairstow, though, was convinced of the value of the review and he was vindicated when the ball was shown to be hitting leg stump.And so the Kohli-Pujara double-act was back together. They soaked up the pressure of England’s quicks and the ever-improving Rashid, who bowled consecutive maidens for the first time in his Test career, and began to profit towards the end of the second session when Gareth Batty’s brief, and delayed, entry to the attack proved expensive.There had also been a missed chance – albeit a difficult one – to break the stand when Pujara, on 35, glanced Stokes down the leg side but Bairstow could not hold on, low to his left, with one hand. Pujara went to his fifty from 100 balls to continue a golden run which has included two centuries in this series and, as he and Kohli strode in together at tea, a pivotal final session for England’s series prospects loomed.Sure enough, a momentary misjudgment transformed their prospects. In Vizag, Pujara had reached his century with a six over midwicket – to bring comparisons with Virender Sehwag – but on this occasion he will have wished he had left it to Viru. To be fair, though, the ball was there to whack, but he did not connect cleanly. Woakes’ sprint and dive provided the boost England needed.It also took Rashid’s bowling average below 40 for the first time in his career. It was notable how much faith Alastair Cook put in his legspinner: Batty did not bowl until the 47th over and Moeen bowled only nine overs all day. Partly that will have been because of the right-handers being at the crease, but it was not long ago that even that fact would not have elicited trust from Cook. That faith was rewarded again when Rahane, whose series has not got going, was befuddled by Rashid’s googly.It takes a lot to knock Kohli’s equilibrium at the crease, but a combination of the two quick wickets then Buttler’s reflexes at point led him to sell Nair a dummy came closer than most scenarios. Yet it still needed a brilliant piece of opportunism to throw down the stumps. To Kohli’s credit he refocused and reached a 111-ball fifty as he and Ashwin responded with a counter-attacking stand of 48 in 10 overs.By now, Cook had returned to Stokes and he hung the ball just far enough outside off to tempt Kohli who had profited from the glide to third man. In attempting such a shot, he played away from his body to give England the wicket they craved. As his team-mates hooped and hollered, Stokes silenced himself while Kohli made a swift about-turn.India were in danger of conceding a deficit that was more than just an irritant, but not for the first time the depth of their batting – much like England’s – came to the fore. Ashwin timed the ball beautifully despite having to battle discomfort from what appeared to be a leg problem. Like Stokes for England, a shudder is surely felt whenever Ashwin appears in pain. He and Jadeja have kept India on an even keel at worst: it is unlikely to be their last telling contribution of this match.

Liverpool lead the race to secure a surprise swoop for Fulham full-back Kenny Tete this summer, who could be viewed as an interesting replacement for James Milner, who has departed Anfield upon the expiry of his contract.

What's the latest on Liverpool's pursuit of Kenny Tete?

That's according to recent reports, with the Dutch defender's future at Craven Cottage up in the air after failing to agree a contract extension with Marco Silva's side.

Tete has just one year left on his current deal and could be available for as little as £10.5m, with Liverpool sporting director Jorg Schmadtke now in the driving seat despite further intrigue from two anonymous Premier League outfits and one LaLiga side.

The Cottagers made an emphatic return to the top flight this term and cast aside the 'yo-yo' tag as they recorded a tenth-placed finish, with Tete playing a starring role.

Should Liverpool sign Kenny Tete?

With Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson mere weeks away from his 33rd birthday, it is likely that he will be utilised more sparingly next season, maintaining his leadership skills and galvanising the troops, but no longer taking centre stage on the Anfield grass, having started just 23 times in the league.

It could be that the England veteran slowly transitions into the role that Milner played during his twilight phase on Merseyside, a dependable and dynamic utility option.

While primarily a midfielder, the loss of the 37-year-old Milner has left the right-back position depleted, with 12 of the 61-cap former England international's 41 outings for the Reds this term coming in the defensive position.

And while Trent Alexander-Arnold is the undisputed powerhouse in the right-back position at Anfield, Tete's prospective acquisition could pay dividends by bolstering the fold with a perfect alternative.

Hailed as a "great asset" for Fulham by chairman Tony Khan upon signing for the club in 2020, the 27-year-old made 31 appearances in the top-flight this season and scored one goal and supplied five assists, recording a laudable average Sofascore rating of 7.09 and completing 1.7 interceptions, 2.7 tackles and 2.4 clearances per game.

As per FBref, the £50k-per-week ace ranks among the top 15% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for rate of assists, the top 9% for rate of tackles, the top 3% for interceptions and the top 6% for blocks per 90.

The "sensational" defender – as dubbed by presenter Jack Collins – would clearly be a marked improvement on the ageing Milner, who recorded an average rating of 6.68 this term and boasted just 0.8 tackles, 0.4 interceptions and 0.4 clearances per game in the Premier League, branded as "no longer the answer" by talkSPORT's Ade Oladipo in the early phases of the campaign.

For such a paltry fee, Tete would be a wonderful addition to the Reds' team, and could etch his name into the considerable list of shrewd acquisitions to have served as pillars for Klopp's dynasty on Merseyside.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly keeping tabs on Peterborough United sensation, Ronnie Edwards, having previously been linked with a move for the youngster last summer.

What's the latest on Edwards to Tottenham?

According to Football League World, the Lilywhites – as well as West Ham United – are believed to have been watching the 20-year-old for 'some time', with an exit from London Road said to be potentially on the cards for the promising centre-back following the League One side's failure to secure promotion.

This follows a previous report from the Daily Mail last summer which claimed that the north London outfit and fellow Premier League side, Crystal Palace were set to battle it out for the 5 foot 11 ace, with a fee of around £15m having been mooted.

The Sun also noted in the past that Sir Alex Ferguson had urged his former club Manchester United to make a move for the Harlow-born starlet, with that further indication of just how highly-regarded Edwards is.

Who is Ronnie Edwards?

The £2.7k-per-week defender – who joined his current side from Barnet back in 2020 – is regarded as an "incredible talent", according to manager Darren Ferguson, with the Scotsman also hailing his precocious gem as "easily the best young player I’ve managed".

Also described as a "Rolls Royce" by Peterborough chairman, Barry Fry, the England U20 international has been a leading figure for the lower-league side of late despite his relative youth, having kept 15 clean sheets in 42 league games this season, while also averaging two tackles and 1.3 interceptions per game.

That stellar impact has unsurprisingly sparked interest from Levy and co, with there a potential for young Edwards to be the next EFL star to make the jump up to the Premier League, following in the footsteps of compatriot and fellow defender, John Stones.

In the case of the latter man, the 28-year-old began life lower down the footballing pyramid at hometown club, Barnsley, before being snapped up on a £3m deal by Everton at the age of just 18 in 2013.

That move to Goodison Park quickly proved fruitful as the 6 foot 2 ace went on to make 95 appearances for the Toffees over the next three years, with former boss Roberto Martinez describing him as "potentially the best centre-back that England has ever produced" in 2015.

A £47.5m move to Manchester City soon followed in the summer of 2016, with Stones having gone on to claim five Premier League titles since then under Pep Guardiola, notably being praised for his "magnificent" form this season, according to BT Sport pundit, Rio Ferdinand.

Following his relatively humble beginnings at Oakwell, the 66-cap gem is now a key figure for both club and country, with young Edwards no doubt hoping he can emulate that feat if he is to seal his own top-flight move this summer.

Having seen the success that Stones has achieved at the Etihad of late, Spurs may well be keen to find their own version of the City star with the capture of the emerging Peterborough wonderkid.