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Nottingham Forest should pursue a move for Leicester City forward Patson Daka over his teammate Kelechi Iheanacho this summer, according to Daily Express reporter Ryan Taylor.

How well has Patson Daka fared at Leicester City?

Despite the excitement when Daka was brought to Leicester City from RB Salzburg back in 2021 for £23 million, the Zambia international has failed to set the heather alight in his time at the King Power Stadium.

In total, the £75k-a-week earner has registered 15 goals and eight assists in 74 appearances across all competitions for Leicester City and couldn't prevent his side from dropping into the Sky Bet Championship last term, as per Transfermarkt.

Interestingly, the attacker even said himself prior to his move to Leicester that he can "be like" fellow African star Mohamed Salah.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport via The Express, Jose Mourinho's Roma were believed to be keen on raiding Leicester City in a double swoop to try and entice both Daka and Iheanacho to the Stadio Olimpico this window.

Nevertheless, the Portuguese manager will likely need to divert his attention away from Iheanacho, who has opened talks with Nottingham Forest over a potential move to the City Ground, according to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna.

Iheanacho has produced a decent goal return for Leicester City since moving to the Foxes from Manchester City in 2017 for £25 million, netting 55 times and laying on 33 assists, as shown on Transfermarkt.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Daily Express reporter Taylor thinks that Daka would actually be a better fit for Nottingham Forest than Iheanacho.

Taylor stated: "I'd be going for Patson Daka if I was Forest, I think he's the better one. I think he's young. I don't think he was quite the right fit for Leicester, but I still think he's a great striker.

"But it's probably depending on the system Steve Cooper wants to play. I think he does need someone to build around and Daka's not really that player as we've seen at Leicester."

Who else could Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper add this summer?

Steve Cooper will be keen to add some quality additions this summer as he targets keeping Nottingham Forest in the Premier League for a second successive season.

According to 90min, Nottingham Forest are 'monitoring' Manchester United forgotten man Donny van de Beek and could offer him a new environment to get his career back on track.

Manchester City youngster Carlos Borges has also been linked with a move to the Reds and features on a list of potential arrivals; however, there are currently no negotiations taking place between either party, according to The Athletic.

L'Equipe report that Nottingham Forest are frontrunners to bring in free agent defender Alexander Djiku, who is available for no cost after recently leaving Ligue 1 outfit Strasbourg.

Nottingham Forest have made an approach to Atletico Madrid to try and re-sign defender Renan Lodi, who spent the 2022/23 campaign on loan at the club, helping to secure their survival in the English top-flight, as per FootballTransfers.

Lodi is keen to return to his former club on a permanent basis, though it is unclear at present whether they will firm up their approach with a formal bid to sign the Brazil international.

An update has emerged on Liverpool and how their midfield is shaping up ahead of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign…

Is Thiago Alcantara leaving Liverpool?

Journalist James Pearce has revealed that teams from Saudi Arabia are eyeing up a swoop for Reds midfielder Thiago Alcantara.

However, the Spain international is not desperate to depart Anfield, despite having one year left on his deal, and has already rejected a chance to complete a transfer.

The reporter Tweeted: "Thiago is the subject of serious interest from Saudi Arabia and has already turned down one lucrative offer. His current plan is to stay at LFC for final year of his contract. Remains to be seen whether that stance changes in the coming weeks."

This comes after GOAL's Neil Jones reported that Turkish giants Fenerbahce are one of the sides interested in a deal for the ex-Barcelona star this summer.

Who could replace Thiago Alcantara at Liverpool?

Jurgen Klopp must ruthlessly ditch the 32-year-old flop as he has become a liability throughout his time at Anfield due to his lack of availability.

The £20m dud has missed a staggering 66 competitive matches through injury or illness over his three seasons in England, which means that he has not been a reliable option for the German boss.

Klopp must now reignite his interest in Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram, who was dubbed a "monster" by writer Sam McGuire, in order to free up the space to part ways with Thiago.

Journalist Ben Jacobs claimed that Liverpool explored a deal for the Frenchman, who could cost around €60m (£51m), before they decided to move on after the signing of Dominik Szoboszlai.

However, if the manager truly wants to upgrade his midfield this term, then he must reverse that decision.

Thuram, who has no significant injuries listed in his career to date, has made 89 competitive appearances for Nice over the last two seasons, which shows that the French gem is a durable player who Klopp can rely on to be available the majority of the time.

He is also an impressive performer in the middle of the park. The 22-year-old dynamo averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.04 across 35 league outings last season, which would place him eighth amongst the Liverpool squad throughout 2022/23 and ahead of the likes of Fabinho, Jordan Henderson and Curtis Jones.

Thuram, who was hailed as "powerful" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, created 1.1 chances per game for Nice – 0.1 more than any Reds midfielder managed last term – and could use his ability on the ball to open up opposition defences on a regular basis for the likes of Mo Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Darwin Nunez to thrive in the final third.

These statistics suggest that the Ligue 1 sensation has the potential to be an excellent addition to Liverpool's squad and one that would allow Klopp to part ways with Thiago.

Fhe France international is a consistent performer as well as a durable campaigner who does not miss many matches, making him the perfect successor.

Tottenham Hotspur's various transfer interests this summer are wide-ranging, as Ange Postecoglou seeks to usher in a new era. This latest report seeks to only emphasise this.

What's the latest on Harvey Barnes to Tottenham Hotspur?

Coming from journalist Charlie Eccleshare, writing for The Athletic, he detailed a comprehensive list of the numerous options that Spurs have at their disposal for this summer window. Whilst not all will be signed, the calibre of these selections suggests they intend to shop off the top shelf in an effort to kickstart this new dynasty in north London.

However, one example of a smaller club they could poach from is Leicester City, with their two main men seemingly top targets for the Lilywhites. Their interest in James Maddison is well-founded, but it is also noted that winger Harvey Barnes remains on their list too as a potential acquisition.

With a high fee reportedly set to be commanded, given there are two years remaining on the speedster's £35k-per-week deal, his signing would likely still represent better value than the £25m unloaded to tempt Dejan Kulusevski to stay on a permanent basis.

Is Harvey Barnes better than Dejan Kulusevski?

Whilst such a small fee for Kulusevski may have seemed like a coup after his first six months in north London, the following campaign has suggested that the hype has perhaps died down for the 23-year-old dynamo.

After all, it would have been difficult to uphold his 13 goal contributions in just 18 league games, although many likely would have expected a better return than just two goals he scored last season.

Especially considering the impressive year that Barnes enjoyed for a team that fell to the drop. For all the struggles felt at Spurs, it pales in comparison to the Foxes. Yet the 25-year-old still managed to muster 13 league strikes, building on his 25 goal contributions from all competitions the term prior.

It is this gulf in consistent goalscoring that supports the notion that Barnes would mark a better deal than Kulusevski, as he not only has showcased his ability to shine no matter the form of his team but also that he has the experience needed to be a reliable star within English football.

The jury is arguably still out on the Sweden international.

To emphasise the exceptional goalscoring of the Foxes wide man, when compared to other wingers across Europe, he still ranks in the top 6% for non-penalty goals scored per 90. When compared against the same group, Kulusevski's most outstanding asset is his assists, of which he only ranks in the top 21% per 90.

To compare an admittedly unreliable maestro with someone who has instead proven himself as a consistent threat, this "dynamic" finisher, as branded by journalist Adam Goodwin, would mark a much better deal than the aforementioned one with Juventus; especially if they are to tempt him for a figure akin to his Football Transfer value, which sits at €40.4m (£35m).

Manchester United have been dealt a blow as transfer target Adrien Rabiot is now set to stay at Juventus, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed.

Do Man United want to sign Rabiot?

Erik ten Hag is looking for additions to his midfield, and the club are currently in negotiations for Mason Mount, but France international Rabiot was a target.

Conversations for the "immense" talent had taken place over the 28-year-old, and he could have been a serious option should he have elected to depart Juventus on a free transfer in favour of a move to Old Trafford.

However, speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano revealed that Rabiot has received an improved offer to keep him in Turin, and this now looks like the most likely outcome.

"Currently, could be a free agent, Adrien Rabiot, who is out of contract at Juventus. We know there were conversations between Erik ten Hag and people close with Rabiot, because he's always been a big fan of the player, and he's one of the names, of the options considered into the club for Manchester United's midfield," he stated.

"Rabiot has always been one of the players appreciated at Man United, but Juventus made an improved proposal to extend his contract. So to sign a new deal at Juventus for Adrien Rabiot, and now they are confident to get it done.

"So the conversation between Juventus and Rabiot is positive, it is not done yet. But Juventus are really trying to extend his contract. In this case, of course, no Man United or no to any other option for Rabiot, who dreams of Premier League football but didn't receive the right proposal yet."

What do Man United need in midfield?

Whilst Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro have been two of United's better performers, signing a third option to complement both in the middle of the park will be crucial for Ten Hag this summer.

Although Christian Eriksen did well going forward, notching up ten assists in all competitions, the 31-year-old received criticism for his lack of defensive intensity, which often led to Casemiro and the United defence being exposed.

United experimented with Marcel Sabitzer on loan in January, but it appears that neither he nor Brazil international Fred have a future at the club.

If United's pursuit of Mount fails, then they may find themselves back at square one when it comes to reinforcing their midfield, and the lack of clarity over their ownership situation means that they could be held back in the market when pursuing their top targets.

Twitter has reacted in brutal fashion to Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s penalty miss on Tuesday night against Scotland as he fired the ball well over the bar.

What happened in the game between Scotland and Georgia?

Scotland made it four wins from four in their quest to qualify for the 2024 European Championships on Tuesday, as they beat Georgia 2-0 at Hampden Park.

Goals from Callum McGregor and Manchester United’s Scott McTominay sealed the win for Steve Clarke’s side, but Napoli’s Kvaratskhelia had a glorious opportunity to pull one back for the visitors after they were awarded a penalty in the 93rd minute.

Much had been made about the 22-year-old’s influence on the game and his threat, but after a pretty poor performance, things only got worse for the winger as he fired the spot kick well over the crossbar.

As you can imagine, those on social media had a field day with the miss. After all, the Napoli star – who netted 12 league goals and claimed 13 assists on the way to a Serie A title – was far from his best on the night and fans online made that clear.

Indeed, some of the responses on Twitter to the awful penalty were ruthless. Here are some of the best…

A couple of users compared the miss to Harry Kane’s penalty for England against France in the World Cup last year…

One fan even claimed Kvaratskhelia couldn’t perform away from Napoli teammate Victor Osimhen…

A couple of Scottish fans weren’t impressed with the winger after seeing him in the flesh for the first time…

Arsenal could be set to immediately replace an outgoing star, with rumours swirling surrounding their interest in one European gem…

What's the latest on Mohamed Simakan to Arsenal?

That's according to The Guardian, which outlines a number of this summer's biggest targets and the various clubs that are showing interest.

Whilst many will rush to see the future of Victor Osimhen or Kylian Mbappe, it is RB Leipzig defender Mohamed Simakan who has instead caught the eye of Mikel Arteta and Edu.

His versatility is a prime asset that has drawn 'strong interest' from both the Gunners and Newcastle United, yet he will likely not come cheap. Football Transfers value the Frenchman at €33.3m (£28m).

Given Cedric Soares is seemingly being ushered towards the exit door with just one year left on his £75k-per-week deal, this summer would mark the final chance to cash in on the Portuguese defender.

How good is Mohamed Simakan?

At just 23 years old, immediately Simakan marks a better option to have in the squad than the 31-year-old who has never really shone in north London. Arteta has already crafted a squad laden with young talent, with this acquisition sure to add to that.

Having only ever really been a backup, the former Southampton ace has made just 59 appearances across three and a half years with the Gunners.

With 16 starts being the most he has made in one Premier League season at the Emirates, maintaining an underwhelming 6.86 average rating too, the struggles of the man once dubbed a "defensive liability" by writer Mike White have only been exacerbated.

Meanwhile, RB Leizpig's young full-back has shone this year in a term where they claimed the DFB Pokal and once again secured Champions League football for next season.

His role in that cup victory was massive too, with a 7.26 average Sofascore rating feeding into his three goal contributions in just five games.

Current Strasbourg reserve team manager Francois Keller had recognised his talents way before he began shining in Germany though, noting: "We quickly realised that we were dealing with a phenomenon. He tore the place up… I said to myself that we had the new Varane. He was athletic, powerful, assured and calm."

This has led to Simakan, when being ranked against other full-backs in Europe, sitting in the top 3% for aerials won per 90, the top 14% for assists per 90 and the top 18% for progressive passes per 90, via FBref.

When comparing that with Cedric's rankings inside the Premier League throughout the 2021/22 campaign, it's clear just what an upgrade they'd seal. Indeed, the right-back was in the bottom 19% for aerials won and the worst 60% for rate of assists, illuminating his status as a player who rarely contributes to anything of note in defensive or attacking phases.

Thus, given how clearly impressive Simakan is in so many facets of the game, his entrance would prove fine cover across most of the back line, and oust one of their underperforming higher-earners in one fell swoop.

Manchester City are considering signing Nicolò Barella to replace Ilkay Gundogan this summer.

The German is out of contract at the end of the month yet is contributing as much value to Pep Guardiola's side as he did throughout his time at the Etihad.

The midfielder has 11 goals and seven assists this season, bagging three doubles in his last six games. Gundogan put Manchester United to the sword in the FA Cup final, scoring from outside the 18-yard box twice.

So, how can Manchester City replace such a clutch player?

Is Nicolo Barella joining Manchester City?

According to reports in Italy (via Sport Witness), Pep Guardiola wants Barella at Man City to replace the Barcelona-bound Gundogan and could have a very opportune chance to speak to him this weekend.

Inter and City lock horns in the UEFA Champions League final on Saturday (8PM BST) but following the match, there could be the chance to discuss Man City signing Barella this summer.

Guardiola "dotes" on the Italian maestro and could present a "mind-boggling offer to snatch him from Inzaghi". While the report doesn't mention how much it would cost, Inter Live reported in February that Inter want €90-100m (£80-88.5m) to part ways with Barella.

It's noted by Sportmediaset, as per FC Inter News, that Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle United are also following Barella "closely".

How good is Nicolo Barella?

While speaking on commentary for Channel 4 ahead of a Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy in March, Steven Gerrard waxed lyrical about Barella.

He said: “They [Italy] have potential world class players emerging now. Now you have the likes of Barella, Raspadori. These are players who could become world class over the course of their careers.”

Barella, specifically, has continued to demonstrate his class and it's no fluke that he and his Inter teammates have reached the final of the Champions League.

Like Gundogan, Barella is an extremely dangerous midfielder to play against. Not only is he capable of dictating games, playing more passes into the box than 90% of Europe's midfielders, but he is also a threat himself in the 18-yard area. This season, he has nine goals and ten assists, surpassing projections for expected goals and assists.

Replacing Gundogan with Barella would once again highlight Man City's relentless approach in the transfer market. Rarely has there been a club so consistent when replacing key players – Sergio Aguero left and he was soon replaced by Erling Haaland.

Barella could be next for the Premier League champions.

Tottenham Hotspur are set to make an offer for Southampton left-back Thierry Small, having previously failed with an £800k bid during the January transfer window, according to a report from Football Insider.

Who is Thierry Small?

Small came through the youth ranks at West Bromwich Albion and Everton, before becoming the Toffees' youngest player in history when he made his first-team debut against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup back in January 2021.

Later that year, the left-back completed a move to Southampton, signing a three-year professional contract with the club, however, he has so far made just one appearance in the first team, having spent time out on loan at St Mirren this season.

According to Football Insider, Tottenham made a bid of £800k for the 18-year-old during the January transfer window, which was rejected by the Saints, who were holding out for £1.2m, but they are now set to return with a new bid.

Spurs have let the youngster and his representatives know they plan to come back to the table with another offer this summer, but they face competition for his signature from Rangers, who have been in contact with Southampton. St Mirren are also keen on another loan deal, as the starlet has established himself as a first-team regular this season.

Should Tottenham sign Small?

Given his lack of first-team experience, the Englishman is certainly a signing for the future, rather than someone who could make an immediate impact for Tottenham, however, there is plenty of evidence he could become an important player in the future.

Hailed as "very talented" by members of the media, the former Everton man has already got a taste of first-team football with St Mirren, while he has also been very impressive for Southampton at youth level.

In 17 Premier League 2 games last season, the Solihull-born full-back scored four goals and registered one assist, showcasing his ability on the front foot, and earning himself an England call-up, having now made three appearances for the U18s.

It remains to be seen whether Small fulfils his potential, but he is showing very promising signs at such a young age, and he is definitely worth taking a risk on, considering Southampton's asking price is likely to be around the £1.2m mark.

Liverpool have earmarked Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone for transfer this summer, with reliable reports that a concrete proposal could be forthcoming…

What's the latest on Manu Kone to Liverpool?

That's according to Fabrizio Romano, who states that interest is ramping up in the Frenchman following discussions between the Reds and the player's entourage this week.

Gladbach demand €35/40m (£30/34m) for his signature, but 'are prepared to let him leave for that fee' with just two years left on his current deal.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and new sporting director Jorg Schmadtke are focussing on tying up a deal for Brighton & Hove Albion ace Alexis Mac Allister, with everything pointing toward a satisfying conclusion for that transfer, ostensibly shifting the onus on Kone afterwards.

How good is Manu Kone?

James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all departing from Anfield upon the culmination of their contracts this summer; captain Jordan Henderson is 32-years-old, as is the injury-stricken Thiago Alcantara.

There is work to be done on the transfer front to rekindle the verve on Merseyside, but completing a swoop for Kone would only serve to steady the ship and set course for prominence once again.

Liverpool need superlative additions, and while West Ham United's Declan Rice is one of the most highly-sought midfielders in Europe, his signature is believed to require at least £100m to prise him away from east London.

Kone, praised as a "powerhouse" by one member of the Football Khanage team, could very well blossom into one of the Premier League's foremost central cogs at Liverpool.

The 22-year-old is available for a third of the price of Rice and could assume the role that the 24-year-old would fill if he joined Klopp's ranks, with the Reds indeed among the suitors for the Hammers' sturdy midfield anchor.

Once described as a "one-man army" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Kone succeeded with 87% of his passes in the Bundesliga this season, also averaging 2.5 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 0.7 key passes, as per Sofascore.

Also ranking among the top 4% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for successful take-ons, the top 19% for blocks, the top 22% for progressive carries and the top 23% for tackles per 90, his dynamism and energy is clearly evidenced.

Such metrics level up nicely next to Rice's own seasonal performance, with the 24-year-old ranking among the top 14% of positional peers for progressive carries, the top 6% for interceptions and the top 17% for blocks per 90, also completing 88% of his passes and averaging 2.1 tackles per game in the Premier League.

While Rice is "world-class" – as lauded by West Ham's former head of academy recruitment David Hunt – Kone could yet emerge as a first-rate centre-midfielder himself, and under Klopp's sagely tutelage at Anfield, the full scope of his potential might just be realised.

It's less than three weeks until the 2023 summer transfer window opens its gates and awaits the hubbub of whirring activity as clubs seek to plant the roots of a prosperous season with astute movement in the market.

Liverpool need to do just this, and with a lacklustre season and a forthcoming midfield exodus the need to augment the centre with first-rate additions has never been greater, and Sporting CP star Manuel Ugarte could hold the key to unlocking the squad's full potential.

What's the latest on Manuel Ugarte to Liverpool?

The rumours attached to Ugarte's name have shown no sign of abating over the past several weeks, with Le Parisien (via Sport Witness) declaring that Liverpool are 'ready' to trigger the Uruguayan midfielder's €60m (£52m) release clause.

Competition for his signature is fierce, however, with financial powerhouses Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain also vying for a deal.

The report also claims that Portuguese media state that the player desires to play in the Premier League, and with Chelsea failing to qualify for Europe, Liverpool might be well-placed to steer a deal over the line.

Should Liverpool sign Manuel Ugarte?

It is a testament to Ugarte's snowballing presence for Sporting that he has found himself at the heart of attention from some of Europe's most illustrious outfits, who indeed seem enticed despite his £52m price tag.

Turning 22 last month, Ugarte has been entrusted with the role of anchoring the midfield, playing 47 times across all competitions and earning the tag of "midfield machine" by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his feats.

Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are among the centre-midfielders departing Anfield this month, and both have spent their fair share of time in the medical room; signing a replacement with apt quality and a refreshing assurance of reliability is paramount, and Ugarte has missed three games due to injury/illness across the entirety of his career to date, with two absences due to coronavirus.

His fitness strength is partnered by a copper-bottomed will to win, with data-driven site FBref ranking the eight-cap Uruguay international among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 10% for successful take-ons, the top 1% for tackles, the top 3% for interceptions and the top 11% for blocks per 90.

Such superlative skills with the ball at his feet and in prising it away from the opposition are the core of the interest in his name, quite simply, he would fortify Klopp's system with an iron-clad grip, bringing aggression and tenacity to an outfit which has been harangued this season for tactical vulnerability and an inability to stand up against physicality.

Ugarte would eradicate this in a heartbeat. Liverpool's rekindling of the fire in the latter phases of the campaign illustrates the old footballing adage: form is temporary, class is permanent, and seven victories and one draw across the past eight Premier League matches bodes well heading into the new campaign, but Ugarte's skills will only enhance the Reds' prospects of success.

Take, for example, the seasonal emergence of Stefan Bajcetic, the 18-year-old Spanish midfielder who wedged his way into Klopp's plans and dazzled among the dirt, impressing with his intensity and guile in a manner which belied his tender age and inexperience, with his manager hailing him as "exceptional".

The robust enforcer is an energetic and box-crashing midfielder, melding his elegance with the ball with an unrelenting pace that, combined with Ugarte's steely skill set, could craft a dynamic duo to leave competitors bitterly awestruck.

Whether Liverpool will sign Ugarte remains to be seen, but he is a vigorous midfielder with a tested calibre despite still perching in the maiden part of his career, but like Bajcetic, the energy and exuberance could cement Liverpool's foundation for a silver-laden future.