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Rangers remain in the hunt for Los Angeles F.C star Jose Cifuentes with Michael Beale personally hopeful of more signings after Leon Balogun.

Who will Rangers sign?

It's been a busy, busy summer at Ibrox so far as the Gers prepare for what will be an interesting 2023/2024 Scottish Premiership campaign.

Beale's side watched on as Celtic, then lead by Ange Postecoglou, clinched a domestic treble last season with the Glasgow giants eager to avoid a sad repeat.

So far, Rangers have spent a combined £7.2 million on new signings, with Cyriel Dessers and Sam Lammers coming as their most expensive acquisitions from Italy.

The attacking duo are joined by Jack Butland, Kieran Dowell and Dujon Sterling, who signed on free transfers, while Brighton forward Abdallah Sima has also put pen to paper on a loan move.

Most recently, defender Leon Balogun re-joined Rangers on a one-year deal after leaving Queen's Park Rangers on a Bosman – with the club sealing seven major additions in total.

“Leon is a person that I have full trust in both as a footballer and a man," said Beale after Balogun's return.

“He is extremely well-liked by everyone inside the club, and we are very happy to have someone with his experience and leadership qualities re-joining our squad.

"Naturally he will integrate back into the club very quickly and he understands fully our way of working and style of play."

Despite the flurry of new additions, it is believed Rangers may not be done there, as Sky Sports share news of who could come in next after Balogun.

Indeed, the reliable broadcast giant claims Beale is still personally hopeful of adding more quality to his squad in time for the new campaign, with more signings "expected".

They name Ecuador international Cifuentes as a target, who remains on Rangers' radar following repeated links with a move to Scotland.

The 24-year-old, who featured at last year's World Cup in Qatar, is being targeted alongside Nottingham Forest defender Jonathan Ponzo.

Not much else is said on their move for Cifuentes, but given reports of his imminent move have died down somewhat, it appears a transfer is still very much on the cards.

How good is Jose Cifuentes?

The midfielder has been praised by both members of the press and Los Angeles head coach Steve Cherundolo, who recently said that the "sky is the limit" for Cifuentes.

Cherundolo, speaking to Los Angeles F.C's official website, branded the South American a "complete player" with Tim Vickery also long tipped him to be a success.

Speaking to talkSPORT all the way back in 2019, via Football Scotland, Vickery hailed Cifuentes as a terrific midfielder who previously starred for Ecuador's national youth sides.

Raving over his physical attributes as well, Vickery may have hinted that Gers supporters could witness plenty of quality if Cifuentes does move across the Atlantic.

"He was the beating heart of that [Ecuador U20] side and I think he's a terrific midfielder," said Vickery.

"He's strong, he's got quality, he's got a good engine – he's one of the best all-round midfielders, potentially, that I've seen come out of South America in a while."

After refusing to sign a new deal at Paris Saint-Germain with his contract coming to an end next summer, Kylian Mbappe's relationship with the French club looks all but over.

The star striker has reportedly been sent to train with other players who are not in the club's plans next season, and did not travel to Japan for PSG's pre-season tour.

The Ligue 1 champion's stance remains that, unless he signs a new contract, Mbappe must leave the club this summer.

Coming in a summer dominated by Saudi Arabian club's spending spree on European talent, Al-Hilal have wasted no time in taking advantage of the Mbappe situation.

According to Fabrizio Romano, they have offered PSG a world-record €300m (£259.18m) transfer fee. Meanwhile, as per James Benge of CBS, Al-Hilal have offered Mbappe €700m (£604.75m) in wages over the course of one year.

In what would be the biggest move to the Saudi Pro League yet, we've taken a look at how Al-Hilal could line up.f

CB: Kalidou Koulibaly

After only one difficult campaign in England, the four-time Asian Champions League winners signed Kalidou Koulibaly from Chelsea earlier in the summer for around £17m and his contract will run until 2026.

"I'm here with those who make the glory in the present and the future," the Africa Cup of Nations winner said (via ESPN).

CM: Ruben Neves

Completing the move earlier in the window, Ruben Neves should slot straight into the Al-Hilal side, especially after they splashed out a reported £47m for his signature.

Arriving as a Wolverhampton Wanderers legend, the Portugal international has the chance to write himself into the history books in Saudi Arabia, alongside some of his potential teammates.

RW: Malcom

After playing a key role for Zenit St Petersburg last season, scoring an impressive 26 goals in all competitions, whilst also recording nine assists to have a hand in a total of 35 goals, Malcom looks set to be on the move.

As per Romano, Al-Hilal are set to agree a deal worth €55/60m (£47.55/51.87m) for the winger, in what would be yet another world-class addition to their squad this summer.

If Malcom can replicate his form from the Russian Premier League in the Saudi Pro League, then Al-Hilal will have themselves some player.

ST: Aleksandar Mitrovic

Mbappe could have himself an instant strike partner if he decides to join Al-Hilal this summer, with the Saudi club on the verge of reaching an agreement with Fulham to sign Aleksandar Mitrovic this summer, according to Romano.

The Serbian scored 14 goals in the Premier League last season, and is more than capable of helping to transform Al-Hilal into title contenders, after they finished third in the Saudi Pro League last season.

Mitrovic's power, and subsequent hold-up play, combined with Mbappe's movement and pace, could lead to an incredible strike partnership.

ST: Kylian Mbappe

In the biggest move of them all, for at least one season, Al-Hilal could have themselves arguably the best player in world football.

Their offer could simply be too good to turn down for Mbappe, who has been frozen out at PSG. For one season away from Europe, the Frenchman would earn a reported €700m (£604.75m).

For money like that, there are not many players in the history of the game that would say no.

Mbappe's answer remains to be seen, however.

If he and others do complete the move to Al-Hilal, though, this is how the Saudi Arabian club could line up next season.

Leeds United could be set to repeat a recent transfer success of theirs, should they choose to once again sign from the Bundesliga.

Is Alexander Nubel leaving Bayern Munich?

With Daniel Farke's summer revamp having been kicked off by the signing of Ethan Amapdu, it now finally feels like the 49ers will start to exert their influence on their new club and help forge a brighter future for this struggling giant.

Dropping into the Championship last season was a gut punch to their reputation, having only spent three years back in the Premier League. However, it already seems like the new owners are planning for an instant return, with a fresh report coming from Sky Sports Germany to reaffirm the Whites' interest in Bayern Munich goalkeeper Alexander Nubel.

Whilst VfB Stuttgart seem in the lead for his signature, the report does not discount the pull of the Yorkshire team, who remain in the race despite having yet to make an offer.

The German shot-stopper is valued at €13m (£11m) by FootballTransfers.

How good is Alexander Nubel?

Having spent the last two seasons on loan at AS Monaco, as playtime at his parent club was limited given the legendary status of Manuel Neuer, the 26-year-old has proven himself more than capable of starring as a first-choice option.

After all, his 6.93 average rating last term in Ligue 1 is indicative of this, with his 71% save success rate feeding into the mammoth 3.7 stops he averages per game, via Sofascore. A tally of 24 clean sheets across his 97 appearances for the French club is an admirable one.

However, his talents reach far beyond his ability to keep the ball out of his net, as Germany's U21 coach Klaus Thomforde claimed: "You can only speak highly of Alex – he's an incredibly talented goalkeeper, with the world at his feet. He's got an extraordinary footballing ability, but he's also very down to earth and is a great lad."

In once again returning to the Bundesliga for a signing, similar to how they did by prying Tyler Adams from RB Leipzig, the Elland Road outfit could be set to repeat old successes that would all but assure their promotion next season.

After all, the USMNT international proved to be an instant hit in the engine room despite relegation, having provided a much-needed injection of pace, dynamism and defensive steel.

This was outlined through his statistics, as he posted 1.5 interceptions, 3.7 tackles, one clearance and one key pass per game, whilst maintaining an 82% pass accuracy too, via Sofascore.

His ability to break up and dictate the play was impressive, as his 6.98 average rating in the Premier League made him the club's best performer of those who had started five or more games.

Sky Sports journalist Tim Thornton sought to support this, noting back in September:

"He's done really, really well. He knows his game. When he came in, he said ‘I'm not going to be the man to replace Kalvin Phillips, I’m my own man.’ There are similarities in the way he plays with Phillips in the way that he breaks play up and screens the defence. But he's also very different in a lot of ways. So he's done brilliantly."

Given the immediate success the 24-year-old garnered, translating his form from Germany to England in a flash, perhaps Nubel could seek to emulate this switch and help alleviate an area of huge weakness for Leeds.

Free-kicks, solo goals, 30-yard thunderbolts, headers, penalties, acrobatic efforts. You name it, Lionel Messi has scored it throughout his illustrious career.The Argentine is responsible for some of the most famous goals in football history. Who could forget his dinked effort against Bayern Munich a few years back? Jerome Boateng certainly hasn’t. Or his header in the Champions League final against Manchester United? And that’s not even scratching the surface of what we’ve seen over the years.Things could have been even better, though, as shown by a viral Twitter thread, which details Messi’s greatest ‘nearly goals’.In what could have been a number of spectacular moments, we’ve taken a look at the top five from the thread.

5

Barcelona vs Athletic Bilbao

Athletic Bilbao have fallen victim to Messi’s solo efforts in the past, with the magician scoring one of his best against them back in 2015. This one could have been even better, however.

The Argentine turned his marker inside out, went past another, before nutmegging one final victim. With just the goalkeeper to beat, however, Messi uncharacteristically failed to finish, finding the shot-stopper’s grateful arms.

4

Barcelona vs Espanyol

When Messi goes on one of his famous solo runs, what is left is only comparable to some kind of Renaissance painting, as bodies are left scrambling behind, twisted and turned into oblivion.

Against Espanyol, this was exactly the case, too. Messi dodged challenge after challenge at an impossible speed, with defenders made to look fools with attempted swipes to regain possession.

All that was left to do was finish, but on this occasion, Messi couldn’t find the back of the net – though Luis Suarez was on hand to bag the rebound.

3

Real Madrid vs Barcelona

When it comes to El Clasico goals, no player has scored more than Messi’s 26, with the Ballon d’Or winner finding the back of the net in a range of incredible ways.

He once came closest to what would have been his most unique goal against Real Madrid, however, after hitting the far post directly from a corner.

To this day, it’s hard to know if he would’ve meant it, but we know that he is certainly capable of producing such magic, especially against Los Blancos – so we’ll give him the well-earned benefit of the doubt.

2

Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid

Just like Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid know all too well what it’s like to face Messi at his devastating best, and they could have had the best seat in the house for one of his best goals.

Driving past defenders in vintage fashion, the Barcelona legend attempted to finish things off with a delightful dink, before seeing his effort roll agonisingly past the post.

Leaving defenders for dead on his way to goal, it would have been some effort by Messi.

1

Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid

We told you he liked special moments against Atletico Madrid, didn’t we?

The World Cup winner very nearly netted one of his best once again against the La Liga side, racing past five players, before dropping the shoulder, and sending an effort towards the top left, only to see the ball drift inches wide.

The fact that Messi’s had so many more moments that could have been so special, on top of his current collection, just shows how incomparable his legacy at the top of European football really is.

Everton are reportedly interested in signing Serie A-winning Napoli winger Hirving Lozano this summer, though will face competition from a host of other outfits.

Sean Dyche's side have churned into action after a slow start to the transfer window, and have now completed deals for Ashley Young and Arnaut Danjuma while agreeing to a £13m deal to sign 19-year-old Sporting Lisbon striker Youssef Chermiti.

Who are Everton going to sign this summer?

According to Mexican publication W Deportes, Everton are pursuing a move for Lozano – with English outfits Leeds United and Stoke City also interested – following the breakdown of the 28-year-old's transfer to MLS outfit LAFC.

Read the latest Everton transfer news HERE…

A previous report illustrates the tenuous relationship between the player and the Napoli board, also revealing that a sale might be permitted if the €30m (£26m) valuation is met.

How good is Hirving Lozano?

Everton would undoubtedly open up a whole new dimension to their forward drive by completing a deal for Lozano, with the Toffees' former director of football Marcel Brands even drawing comparisons between the former PSV star and Lionel Messi, who's made quite the career for himself.

"When you look at his playing style, without wanting to compare, you know, Lozano has what Messi also has – a centre of gravity low to the ground, the ball is usually quickly under control, very explosive and agile. Then your opponents automatically force mistakes."

Scoring 21 goals and supplying 12 assists across all competitions in his final season for PSV, Lozano sealed a £36m transfer to Napoli in 2019, and while he remains a useful asset for his side, he only clinched four goals and assists apiece for the Italian side as they secured the Scudetto.

But on Merseyside, in Everton blue, the £122k-per-week gem would find himself presented with a starring role at a proud club targetting an emphatic resurgence, perhaps consequently unearthing a similar vein of prolific form that he boasted in the Netherlands.

With the news of Demarai Gray's possible departure from Goodison Park this summer, Dyche might be inclined to throw the kitchen sink at a deal for Lozano, who would undoubtedly be an upgrade on the mercurial Jamaica international.

Gray has found himself at the centre of transfer attention from both the Premier League and abroad this summer, with the winger tempted by a move away and entering the final year of his contract.

Lozano, who has been described as a "beast" by Pachuca sporting director Marco Garces, would be the perfect replacement and must be earmarked as the optimum target if Gray does depart this month.

The Toffees were the second-lowest scorers in the Premier League last season, and it is hardly surprising that Dyche is looking to reform the frontline, and while Gray scored four times, Everton will be searching for an upturn in productivity in front of goal.

Lozano did only match Gray's goal return but did so second fiddle to his positional peers, only starting 20 league matches, but provided a prominent role at Everton, he could certainly rekindle his prolific edge and spearhead the charge up the Premier League table.

Celtic kicked off their 2023/24 Scottish Premiership campaign with a 4-2 win over Ross County on Saturday and supporters were able to see some of the new signings for the first time.

Who have Celtic signed this summer?

Central defender Maik Nawrocki started the match after his permanent move from Polish side Legia Warsaw and he was joined on the pitch by Hyun-jun Yang and Odin Thiago Holm for their debuts.

Hyeok-kyu Kwon arrived from Busan IPark during the summer transfer window and was an unused substitute on the day, whilst Australia international Marco Tilio missed out on the matchday squad due to an injury.

This means that Brendan Rodgers has made five additions to his first-team squad so far and there could be more on the horizon as the Hoops have recently been touted with an interest in West Ham United centre-forward Michail Antonio.

How good is Michail Antonio?

The £69k-per-week attacker has proven himself to be a reliable Premier League goalscorer for the majority of his time with the Hammers in England and could come in as an upgrade on Hyeon-gyu Oh for the Northern Irish head coach.

Some supporters may be put off by his unimpressive return of five goals in 33 top-flight games last season but the Jamaica international's form in Europe and in previous league campaigns suggest that he has the quality to be an excellent addition to the squad.

West Ham won the Europa Conference League at the end of the 2022/23 campaign and Antonio played a major part in their success. He averaged a phenomenal Sofascore rating of 7.43 across nine appearances in the competition as the 33-year-old marksman scored six goals and provided one assist.

Meanwhile, Oh scored seven times in 21 appearances for Celtic and failed to register a single assist. This came after the South Korea international managed 14 goals and three assists across 53 outings for Suwon Samsung Bluewings prior to his move to Scotland in January.

The 22-year-old striker averaged a Premiership Sofascore rating of 6.81.

This was the 21st-highest score within the Hoops squad and significantly worse than Antonio's rating of 7.43 in Europe, which would have placed him second for the Bhoys – only behind Jota (7.45).

West Ham's number nine may not have enjoyed a prolific 2022/23 Premier League campaign but he did rack up ten goals and eight assists in 36 top-flight clashes during the 2021/22 season, which was his third straight year of scoring ten league goals for the Hammers.

This suggests that Antonio – when you consider he was playing in a major European league – could be an excellent scorer for the Hoops if he can rediscover his best form, whilst his ability to assist his teammates on a regular basis could make him more useful than Oh in build-up play.

The former Nottingham Forest man, who teammate Thilo Kehrer claimed works "like crazy", would also be able to offer a level of physicality that the South Korean finisher is unable to.

Antonio won 1.5 aerial battles per Premier League match last term, whereas Oh only came out on top in 0.6 per Premiership game, which means that he could provide the team with an out-ball in European clashes when they may not be able to dominate possession.

Therefore, the 5 foot 10 gem could be an upgrade on the current Hoops striker in terms of what he is able to offer from a technical – in goals and assists – and physical perspective.

Footage has emerged of Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson in a touchline confrontation with an opposition player during his team’s most recent match.

What’s the latest on Crystal Palace and Roy Hodgson?

Premier League football is back upon us with the 2022/23 season kicking off this season and it has already delivered an Erling Haaland goalscoring clinic, a Bukayo Saka beauty, and much much more.

However, for all the champagne football and poetry in motion, true football fans always love a little bit of argy-bargy and that’s exactly what we got as Palace travelled away to Sheffield United for their first league match of the new campaign.

Playing at Bramall Lane – with the Blades promoted from the Championship last term – the Eagles managed to pick up a narrow 1-0 victory thanks to a single goal from Odsonne Edouard, which he scored in the 49th minute of the match.

Understandably desperate to cling onto their lead as the minutes dragged on, Hodgson – who turned 76 years old this week – did all he could to help his team pick up the points with a touchline tussle on the hour mark.

And this was beautifully captured in the footage being circulated on Twitter and on Sky Sports’ YouTube channel – which you can see below.

As the ball runs out of play, the former England manager stops it with his foot. Sheffield United defender Max Lowe, who is 26, is first on the scene and ends up in an aggressive confrontation with Hodgson who refused to let him pick the ball up and get on with play.

Crystal Palace podcast host Dan Cook, also known as HLTCO, best summed up the incident on Twitter, saying: “Turned 76 this week and still backing himself against someone 50 years his junior. Don Roy.”

Discussing the incident with talkSPORT after the game, Hodgson said: “I don’t think he meant to catch me, chasing the ball to the side. We both smiled about it. My first reaction of course when I received the blow was complain. But I think it was a pure accident, it was nothing.”

Is Roy Hodgson staying at Crystal Palace?

Hodgson only returned back at Palace last season in March – two years after leaving – to help guide the club to safety after things had taken a turn for the worse under Patrick Vieira.

He did a fine job as he led the Eagles to an 11th-placed finish in the league and has kept his job over the summer, as confirmed by the Selhurst Park outfit in July.

He will remain in charge for the 2023/24 season and seems very up for the job – as evidenced by the footage above.

On being confirmed in his current role, he said in a statement shared on the Crystal Palace website: “I am immensely pleased and proud to be extending my time at Crystal Palace, and I would like to thank the Chairman and Sporting Director for their continued faith in me.

“I know what a fantastic squad we have here. It’s a great blend of youth and potential, alongside experienced players with Premier League and international pedigree.

“I have spoken with the Chairman at length and we agreed that we must be ambitious in getting the most out of such talent. As such, we have set ourselves the target of a top-half finish, which we believe is eminently achievable with such a fabulous group of players and the most magnificent supporters who get behind the team, week in, week out.”

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has already bolstered his starting XI with the signings of Andre Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund, but could there be a few more arrivals in the coming weeks?

It’s no secret that the Dutchman is looking at bringing in another defender to Old Trafford, especially if he loses Harry Maguire to West Ham United.

Benjamin Pavard and Jean Clair-Todibo have both been linked with moves to United, yet Ten Hag might be inclined to do his shopping much closer to home…

Who could Man United sign?

Marc Guehi has emerged as a target for United according to Chris Wheeler of The Daily Mail as Ten Hag looks to end his second summer transfer window in charge of the club with a bang.

The Englishman won't come cheap, however, with a price tag in the region of £60m being placed on his head by Crystal Palace.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

It would represent one of their more expensive transfer deals, yet with his potential and the fact he already knows the Premier League, he could be the ideal candidate to replace Maguire.

Who is Manchester United’s best defender?

The Red Devils conceded just 43 Premier League goals last season, a vast improvement from the 57 they let in during the campaign before and this was the joint-second lowest total in the entire top flight.

It clearly demonstrated that Ten Hag’s methods worked wonders, although much of the improvement was down to summer arrival Lisandro Martinez, who was a rock at the back for the club before he got injured.

The Argentinian ranked third for overall Sofascore rating across the whole squad, while also ranking fifth for tackles (two), second for interceptions (1.2) and clearances (3.6) per game.

The defender even showcased his passing skills, ranking second for accurate passes per game (49.1) as he was able to transition the ball from defence to the midfield with ease, fitting in with Ten Hag’s tactical ideologies.

It's clear he was United’s best signing of the season and there is no doubt the Dutchman could land a dream partner for him in Guehi.

The Palace gem also shone during the 2022/23 season and demonstrated similar qualities to that of Martinez. He ranked first out of the Eagles squad for accurate passes per game (50.8) while averaging 1.4 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 3.6 clearances per game.

These figures are almost like for like and suggest they could forge an excellent partnership at the heart of the United defence.

His physicality could also stand him in good stead should he join United, with former teammate at England U21 level, Josef Bursik, describing him as an “absolute tank” and still aged just 23, the best years of his career could come at Old Trafford.

With four senior caps for England, the youngster is heading in the right trajectory to becoming one of the finest centre-backs in the Premier League.

Joining the Red Devils should accelerate this transition, especially if he plays alongside Martinez, who has so far claimed the title of the finest defender at the club.

Glasgow Rangers have announced their Champions League qualifier squad for their clash against PSV Eindhoven and once again, there isn’t a place for Glen Kamara.

The midfielder hasn’t made an appearance for the club this term and with just under two weeks to go before the transfer window closes, manager Michael Beale will be aiming to move him on.

Leeds United look like his most likely destination, but a move has yet to materialise yet.

The Ibrox side have placed a £5m price tag on his head yet the closer it gets to deadline day, the chances of him leaving will narrow.

Will Beale take another dive into the market to sign a replacement for the 27-year-old?

Are Rangers going to make another signing?

The Light Blues have shown interest in a few defenders as of late, with Harry Souttar and Jake Cooper the names linked as the manager aims to bolster his back line.

Sam Field has emerged as a potential new signing, with Rangers showing interest in the QPR midfielder, according to Football Insider.

Read the latest Rangers transfer news HERE…

Premier League outfit Burnley are also keen on luring him away from west London, however, yet the chance to play European football and challenge for trophies will surely be a bigger incentive.

With the player entering into the final 12 months of his current deal, Beale may be tempted to submit a knockdown offer in the hope his former club are looking to move him on for a fee rather than lose him for nothing next year.

Who is Sam Field?

The 25-year-old has spent the entirety of his career in England, enjoying spells at West Bromwich Albion, Charlton Athletic and now QPR, and he also has experience of playing in the top flight during his spell with the Baggies.

Field made 22 appearances in the Premier League, scoring once, and he could be a useful addition to the squad, while also being an upgrade on Kamara in the process.

Last season, the Englishman ranked second in the squad for overall Sofascore rating, fourth for accurate passes per game, first for tackles per game and third for interceptions per game, indicating just how important he was at the heart of the midfield, especially from a defensive viewpoint.

In comparison, Kamara ranked in a lowly 23rd place for overall rating, 14th for accurate passes, 25th for tackles and 14th for interceptions per game, highlighting the gulf between the two players.

Indeed, across the previous 12 months, Field has ranked in the top 2% when compared to positional peers for blocks (1.97) and clearances 2.63) per 90, while ranking in the top 6% for interceptions per 90 (1.97) and top 7% for aerials won per 90 (2.07), clearly showcasing his wonderful defensive attributes in the Championship.

The 5 foot 10 gem was even lauded by former Scotland international Nigel Quashie last season, who said:

“QPR supporters asked me about Sam Field and I said with game time he will prove how good he is.

“He’s been excellent so far this season.

“The thing is it’s always about how you treat your players, especially the ones that come through the club's youth system.”

With Kamara seemingly out of the picture at Ibrox, Field wouldn’t just be a mere replacement – he’d be a major upgrade on the Finnish midfielder.

Liverpool have reportedly made Crystal Palace star Cheick Doucoure a contract offer, but he isn't the only player being considered before transfer deadline day on September 1st.

How old is Cheick Doucoure?

Doucoure is 23 years of age so appears to be entering the prime years of his career which was proven by him establishing himself as Roy Hodgson’s top-performing defensive player last season, and this impressive form has attracted significant interest from Anfield.

The Eagles’ defensive midfielder still has another four years remaining on his contract, but that hasn’t stopped FSG and Jurgen Klopp from trying to prise him away from Selhurst Park having completed background checks on what the conditions of a possible deal would look like.

Merseyside fans were also given a little bit of hope after the Mali international was missing from his side’s matchday squad for their Carabao Cup 4-2 victory over Plymouth on Tuesday night, sparking speculation that he could be on the move in the final days of the window.

RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins previously revealed that the Premier League giants hadn’t yet tabled an opening bid for their target due to his €60m (£51m) price tag being considered too high, but if the following update is to be believed, their stance has now changed.

Are Liverpool signing Cheick Doucoure?

Taking to X, French outlet Sports Zone revealed that Liverpool have tabled a proposal to Doucoure, but admitted that he's not the only candidate in his position that is being assessed in the market by the boss and the rest of the hierarchy. They said:

"FLASH AREA. Liverpool have sent a contract offer to Cheick Doucoure in hopes of striking a deal. Liverpool want to sign a 6 before Friday midnight and are keen to vary their options, Cheick Doucoure is one, for sure, but he is not alone…"

According to reliable journalist Toby Cudworth, Doucoure is a “classy” player to watch, and with Liverpool having yet failed to make progress in their pursuit of Bayern Munich’s Ryan Gravenberch, Crystal Palace’s talisman could be the perfect alternative for Klopp.

The Bamako native currently ranks in the 94th percentile for interceptions and is averaging 1.7 tackles per top-flight game, highlighting how strong he is defensively, but he’s also capable of contributing to efforts in the final third having posted 18 contributions (ten assists and eight goals) since the start of his career.

Read The Latest Liverpool Transfer News HERE…

The SE25 outfit’s £60k-per-week earner also has the ability to operate at centre-back and slightly higher up in central midfield alongside his usual role in front of the backline, so with these being the two positions that arguably need strengthening the most, this versatility would be welcomed with open arms.

Furthermore, Doucoure has never lost at Anfield when part of the visiting side having secured two draws in the fixtures that he’s been involved in, so if he’s good enough to avoid defeat, he may excel if he was to change sides and become a member of the home eleven, making this one to watch.