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An update has emerged on Leicester City's search for further reinforcements ahead of their 2023/24 Championship campaign, which kicks off against Coventry City this weekend.

What's the latest Leicester City transfer news?

According to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Foxes are keen on a deal to sign Chelsea central midfielder Cesare Casadei on loan this summer.

The reporter has stated that the club have requested to sign the Italy U21 international on a temporary basis, as the approach has been backed by manager Enzo Maresca.

However, Romano has claimed that the Premier League side would like to test him in the top-flight but Mauricio Pochettino has not made a final decision on the player's future as of yet.

"Understand Leicester City are insisting to sign Cesare Casadei on loan — new request has been made as Italian coach Enzo Maresca wants Cesare," he tweeted. "Chelsea original plan has always been for Premier League loan; Maresca can be key factor in this deal. No final decision yet."

How good is Cesare Casadei?

Leicester would be taking a gamble on how good the 20-year-old maestro is as he is an inexperienced player who is yet to prove himself on a consistent basis at a first-team level.

However, the 6 foot 1 dynamo's impressive academy form over the years suggests that the potential is there for him to be Youri Tielemans 2.0 for the Foxes if the talented youngster can enjoy a breakthrough year this season.

Casadei, who played 15 Championship matches on loan to Reading last term, joined Chelsea from Inter in 2022 and plundered five goals in 13 appearances for their U21 side during the 2022/23 campaign.

That came after he produced an eye-catching 17 goals and five assists across 40 matches for Inter's academy throughout the previous season.

​​​​​​​These statistics suggest that the potential is there for Casadei to offer a huge goal threat from a number eight position, as Tielemans did for Leicester during his time at the King Power.

The Belgian wizard scored 21 goals in 151 Premier League matches for the club and enjoyed two seasons with six top-flight strikes before his move to Aston Villa this summer.

No other Leicester midfielder managed more than two league goals last season and this suggests that Maresca is not blessed with a plethora of goalscoring options in that role.

Tielemans, whose most famous goal came in the 2021 FA Cup final against Chelsea, has left a significant hole in the team in that regard and Casadei could be the man to fill it.

The Blues youngster enjoyed a stunning U20 World Cup with Italy this summer and would arrive at the club full of confidence and ready to take the next step in his career.

He averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.73, which is higher than any Foxes player managed last term in the Premier League, across seven matches as the exciting hotshot scored an outstanding seven goals and created 1.3 chances per game for his teammates.

Casadei also showcased his defensive capabilities with 2.3 tackles and interceptions per match for Italy, although Tielemans managed three per outing for Leicester last term and that could be an area for the Italian talent to develop.

The Chelsea prodigy, who Italy coordinator Maurizio Viscidi described as "unusual" due to his strength in the air, is a work in progress but his form for club and country at youth level suggests that the potential is there for him to be a superb signing for Leicester as a replacement for the now-Villa ace.

Manchester United have endured a rough start to the season.

In the first game, the Red Devils luckily scraped a 1-0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers, who were denied a late penalty when Andre Onana clattered into Sasa Kalajdzic.

In the latest Premier League encounter against Tottenham Hotspur, Erik ten Hag’s men wilted and were overpowered by a more relentless, energetic, and dominant side.

In both matches, a common theme has been United’s disjointed and lacklustre midfield. Casemiro has suffered as a lone pivot and Mason Mount has struggled to adapt to being an advanced eight. There has been an absence of protection and the team is getting overrun, creating the need for a different type of profile in the centre of the park…

What’s the latest Manchester United transfer news?

According to the Guardian, United’s search for midfield reinforcements has prompted an approach for Everton titan Amadou Onana.

It is understood that Ten Hag is keen to address his side’s lack of physicality and has turned his attention to bringing in a commanding central midfielder.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

However, Everton don’t want to lose Onana and insist they are under no financial pressure to make a sale.

The Toffees value the 21-year-old for at least £50m and there is awareness that could be tricky to keep him if United’s interest develops.

Ten Hag wants to add depth and quality to the midfield, feeling that Onana is a worthy candidate.

Would Amadou Onana be a good signing for Manchester United?

After spending one season playing for Hamburg in 2020/21, the club’s director of sport Jonas Boldt said:

“Technically, Amadou has almost perfect prerequisites. He is fast, technically skilled, tall, and strong in tackling.”

This description matches the profile that ten Hag is craving and Onana could be a balancing force between the defensive Casemiro and the free-roaming Bruno Fernandes.

Last season in the Premier League, the 6 foot 4 mountain registered 84% pass accuracy, averaged 2.2 tackles per game, made no errors leading to a shot or a goal, and won 57% of his duels, as per Sofascore.

Described as “superb” by reporter Richard Buxton, Onana occupies a far more opposing and domineering presence than Mount, whilst also displaying a commendable level of technical ability.

United are also said to be interested in Fiorentina powerhouse Sofyan Amrabat, but similarly to Onana, no deal can progress until the club makes more sales.

The 27-year-old was labelled “the Gennaro Gattuso of Morocco” and someone who is “essential for the balance” by former England boss Fabio Capello – something that is a key point of interest for ten Hag.

Last term in Serie A, the North African managed 90% pass accuracy, completed 75% of his dribbles, and averaged 1.3 tackles per game.

Both players possess intoxicating athleticism, are technically astute, and are able to protect the backline. However, with Liverpool reportedly tracking Amrabat, it may be easier to pursue a deal for Onana, who is brimming with potential.

Given the current state of affairs at Everton, who look destined for another perilous relegation fight, if United initiate a more formal approach for the youngster, it would be tricky for him to decline.

Chelsea will take on Liverpool in the opening game of their Premier League season. This is arguably the most mouth-watering clash of the first round of fixtures, with the rivalry heightened by both clubs' joint pursuits of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.

It will be Mauricio Pochettino’s first domestic game as the new manager.

Last season, Chelsea endured a dismal season as they finished 12th, only winning six of their 19 home games. They also netted just 38 goals in as many league games, as their dysfunctional and misfiring attack plagued their campaign.

But, it is a new era as Pochettino is armed with a fresh set of players, who have been tasked with wrestling the club back from midtable mediocrity.

What’s the latest Chelsea team news?

The West Londoners will be without summer signing Christopher Nkunku, who could be out until January with a knee injury. Wesley Fofana is also a long-term absentee, whilst the game comes slightly too soon for Benoit Badiashile, who is still recovering from a hamstring issue.

Pochettino has reacted to the massive change that has occurred, preparing the fans for an exciting season, saying: “When change is big people need time to settle at a big club like Chelsea. Now it is about working to create a different vision and for the people to trust in the club again. To get the results and try to play good football for the fans because we are selling entertainment and they come here to enjoy the team.”

In pre-season, one of the brightest Nicolas Jackson, who looks set to be handed his competitive Chelsea debut…

Will Nicolas Jackson start for Chelsea?

The 22-year-old, who has been described as "extraordinary" by Jacek Kulig, featured prominently during Chelsea’s tour of the USA, scoring once and creating three assists in five games, as per Sofascore.

Whilst there is the caveat of it ‘only being pre-season’, the striker demonstrated an electric turn of pace, physical dominance, and an ability to link the midfield and attack – three traits that the Blues desperately lacked last season.

His role as a dynamic and unselfish focal point was displayed in the victory against Brighton last month, in which he deliciously linked up with Mykhailo Mudryk for the second goal and battled in the box to tee up Conor Gallagher for the third.

In the next match against Newcastle, he showcased his blistering pace to latch onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Ian Maatsen, in which he coolly finished the chance.

It was an impressive sign of what could follow and was a replica of the form he displayed at Villareal. Last term, in 26 La Liga appearances, he recorded 16 goal contributions and was the club’s top scorer, as per WhoScored.

As well as this potency, the 6 foot 1 phenom also ranks in the best 21% in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers for assists per 90, progressive carries per 90, and successful take-ons per 90.

Chelsea fans have been dreaming of possessing a consistent and loveable focal point, having been disappointed by a series of underwhelming attackers. With Nkunku and Armando Broja not fit, it leaves the door wide open for Jackson to announce himself to English football and become the new blue-blooded god in West London.

Tottenham Hotspur are close to a full agreement with Wolfsburg to sign defender Micky van de Ven, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Who will Spurs sign this summer?

New manager Ange Postecoglou, much to his delight, has already watched the likes of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, playmaker James Maddison and winger Manor Solomon come through the door at Spurs.

The aforementioned trio will boost Tottenham's options defensively and further forward as the Lilywhites attempt to spark some life back into their side after a disappointing 2022/2023 campaign under Antonio Conte.

Postecoglou, who is aiming to bring back a more attacking style to Hotspur Way, is overjoyed at the signings of Vicario and Maddision in particular – with the Australian having praised their personality profiles.

“It’s not just about the talent they bring as footballers," said Postecoglou.

“Both those guys have got it in abundance. I could hear it in their voices when I spoke to them. I had a couple of chats with both of them before we signed them and I knew that they were the right types to bring into the dressing room."

After Maddison, Vicario and Solomon, attention now turns to the signing of a star centre-back or two – coming after Tottenham leaked more league goals than any other side above 15th last season.

Reports suggest Tottenham could make multiple central defensive signings this summer, leading to interest in Bayer Leverkusen's Edmond Tapsoba, Max Kilman of Wolves and Ecuador international Piero Hincapie as well.

However, it appears that they're making the most headway in their bid to sign van de Ven from Wolfsburg, with Romano dropping a promising update for Spurs supporters.

Writing on Twitter, Romano claims that Tottenham are edging closer to an agreement for the 22-year-old.

"Tottenham are advancing in talks with Wolfsburg for Micky van de Ven — told the agreement between clubs is now close," said the reporter.

"#THFC Negotiations are underway and talks on Monday were really positive, waiting for key details. More to follow."

How good is Micky van de Ven?

The Netherlands international has really excelled for Wolfsburg under Niko Kovac in the last 12 months, averaging a higher passing accuracy percentage than any other regular in their squad (WhoScored).

Indeed, only goalkeeper Koen Casteels has played more Bundesliga munutes than van de Ven, highlighting his real importance for Kovac (WhoScored).

Meanwhile, the Bundesliga website have also heaped praise on him for an extraordinary gift of speed and tenacity – likening him to Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk.

"Much like Liverpool’s Dutch centre-back, Van de Ven can be a nightmare for attacking players with his immense strength, determination and precision tackling scuppering the most promising of forward moves," wrote the site.

"With incredible pace and passing ability among his many assets, the Netherlands U21 international – who captained his country at the 2023 UEFA Europan Under-21 Championship – is on course to become a regular for the senior Oranje in the near future."

Wolverhampton Wanderers will be hoping to return to winning ways against West Ham United this afternoon following their recent 1-1 Premier League draw against Nottingham Forest.

Gary O’Neil’s men couldn’t add to Matheus Cunha’s equaliser against Forest and the 40-year-old will be looking for his side to be much more clinical against a team who have conceded 30 goals in the top flight this term – the joint fourth-worst defensive record.

The Old Gold will also need to improve defensively against West Ham and this could suggest that O’Neil may make a change or two to his backline.

O'Neil could ditch Jonny in Wolves swoop for "uncatchable" £10.3m "animal"

Wolves could make a few signings in the January transfer window to bolster their squad.

ByRoss Kilvington Dec 14, 2023

Hugo Bueno didn’t enjoy the finest of matches last weekend and the former Bournemouth manager might boldly ditch him for the match today.

Hugo Bueno’s game vs Nottingham Forest in numbers

The youngster was deployed on the left side of the midfield as O’Neil started the game with a 3-4-3 formation, and he was looking for Bueno and Nelson Semedo to provide some attacking output from the flanks in order to support the front three.

While the defender did show eagerness at getting on the ball, taking 69 touches during his time on the pitch, his end product was often wasteful, and he registered a pass success rate of only 70%.

Bueno also lost possession of the ball on 20 occasions while winning just three of his eight duels contested, showing his weakness in one-on-one battles during the match.

With O’Neil looking for him to get forward as often as possible, the Spaniard only delivered one successful cross, and he succeeded with 33% of his dribble attempts, indicating that he didn’t exactly provide a reliable attacking source.

The 21-year-old received a match rating of just 6/10 for his performance by journalist Liam Keen from the Shropshire Star and there will be a change for the clash against the Irons.

Rayan Ait-Nouri could replace Hugo Bueno

The Algerian has been missing since suffering an injury against Fulham last month, yet he could be fit for the tie against the Irons today and this would be a major boost for the side.

The 22-year-old has started 12 Premier League matches so far this season, averaging 0.8 key passes per game along with succeeding with 1.5 dribbles per game and being dribbled past just 0.4 times per game, indicating that he has impressed across a range of performance metrics.

With fixtures coming up against West Ham, Chelsea, Brentford and Everton, O’Neil will be aiming for at least two or three wins and this could significantly bolster their top-half ambitions.

Ditching Bueno today would be a wise move and while Ait-Nouri is fighting back to 100% fitness, he could be given a start against David Moyes’ men.

The Molineux outfit have been impressive in spells across the top flight this term, enjoying excellent wins over Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, yet consistency issues have plagued their campaign.

If the Algerian left-back is ready to be unleashed in the starting XI this afternoon, O’Neil must give him a chance to start from the first whistle and boldly drop Bueno to the bench.

Newcastle United have only gone from strength to strength since Eddie Howe replaced Steve Bruce at the helm in November 2021, currently preparing for their second Champions League campaign in three years.

Last season, the Magpies also won the Carabao Cup, ending 70 years of desperate searching for domestic silverware. The club are riding the crest of a wave, but need to consolidate their enviable position by making impactful summer signings ahead of a crucial year.

However, there’s no denying there have been several setbacks for Howe and co to contend with since wrapping up a successful 2024/25 season.

Joao Pedro has signed for Chelsea for £60m after being locked in United’s sights. Compounding this, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo has informed his club he will only leave for Manchester United this summer, in spite of Newcastle’s interest.

While this has rocked a transfer window that fans awaited with fervour as the season wound down, a big effort is now needed to prove to the faithful that they will watch several exciting new stars plying their trade in black and white soon.

And there’s one in particular who the outfit are pushing to sign.

Premier League star wants to join Newcastle

Newcastle cashed in on Miguel Almiron in January, selling the 31-year-old winger back to Atlanta United in the MLS for around £8m.

Though Jacob Murphy has been exceptional on the right flank, it’s clear that the Toon need more depth, and that they have indeed been pushing to sign a fitting upgrade on the departed Paraguayan.

Well, Newcastle’s persistence might just pay off, in regard to Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga, that is.

According to i News, Newcastle are aiming to kickstart their window with the acquisition of the Sweden international, who is thought to want the move.

Newcastle are still in dialogue with the Tricky Trees after seeing an opening £45m offer knocked back in June.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Forest qualified for the Conference League after an extraordinary season, and have made it known that they will only consider offers in excess of £60m.

What Anthony Elanga would bring to Newcastle

Two years ago, Nottingham Forest signed Elanga from Manchester United in a deal worth just £15m.

Having struggled for minutes at Old Trafford, the wideman’s decision to move has been vindicated and then some, having settled into his role as a key part of an ambitious project.

Across his two seasons at the City Ground, the 23-year-old has scored 11 goals and assisted 21 more, racking up 17 goal involvements across Forest’s recent Premier League season alone, earning praise for his “special” ability from his manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

You can only imagine how effective the forward’s playmaking might be under Howe’s wing. As per FBref, Elanga finished the 2024/25 Premier League campaign ranked among the top 6% of attacking midfielders for assists and the top 3% for crosses per 90.

Paired with Anthony Gordon on the attacking flanks, Newcastle might just find themselves in with the ideal attacking duo to dynamise a frontline that is already so proven, so fluent.

Matches (starts)

38 (31)

34 (28)

Goals

6

6

Assists

11

5

Shots (on target)*

1.2 (0.6)

1.7 (0.6)

Big chances missed

6

10

Pass completion

78%

81%

Big chances created

9

6

Key passes*

1.3

1.5

Dribbles*

0.7

0.

Ball recoveries*

2.3

2.9

Tackles + interceptions*

0.7

1.1

Duels won*

3.0

4.4

Gordon and Elanga actually bring similar attacking qualities to their respective flanks, with both being positionally versatile too. Howe’s tactics are tuned toward swift transitional play, and this is something the Forest star excels at, declaring himself to be “one of the fastest players in the Premier League”.

Though his meagre dribble return across the 2024/25 campaign fails to illustrate this quality, the eye test proves that he is indeed perfect for the brand of football Howe implements on Tyneside. Gordon is a testament to that.

The England international utilises his rapidity to a similar effect, claiming on Three Lions duty last summer that he’s a “nightmare for anyone” he comes up against due to his electric movements and tenacious attitude.

Though Gordon produced a campaign that left plenty to be desired, struggling to replicate his incredible 2023/24 term, notching 26 goal contributions and winning United’s Player of the Year, he could be back to his rip-roaring best if fielded alongside a maverick like Elanga.

With all-consuming striker Alexander Isak set to stay put, The Athletic’s David Ornstein even claiming there’s “no chance” he leaves St. James’ Park this summer after Newcastle got their feet back under Europe’s elite table, this could be a strike-force to be feared, such dynamic skills and blistering speed combining with the striker’s devastating finishing ability and rounded game.

While Newcastle have been dealt several blows across the window so far, Howe still has a clear vision in mind and will raise his team’s attacking level by adding Elanga to the ranks. After all, he hoped to complete a deal for the winger last year, only to see a late-stage offer rebuffed.

In any case, United’s perseverance might just seal the deal here, giving the manager a vibrant wide duo to propel the club even further forward.

Next Ben Arfa: Newcastle set to bid £50m for "electric" Elanga alternative

As Newcastle chase Anthony Elanga, should they instead go for an “electric” winger, one who is reminiscent of former fan’s favourite Hatem Ben Arfa?

Jul 3, 2025

Manchester United’s summer signings have yet to make a proper impression, with only really Andre Onana settling in at Old Trafford well.

Mason Mount was poor against Tottenham Hotspur, making just 15 accurate passes during his time on the field and Erik ten Hag may be looking to delve back into the transfer market for another signing or two.

It looks as though a defender is on his wish list, showing interest in Jean Clair-Tobido and Marc Guehi as of late, yet could his next arrival be another midfielder?

Who could Manchester United sign next?

Whatever Ten Hag decides to do, he must act swiftly as the transfer window shuts a week on Friday and the Red Devils have been linked with a move for Bayern Munich midfielder Ryan Gravenberch.

According to reports, United have made enquiries for the young Dutchman – who played under Ten Hag during his spell at Ajax – and he could be available for an affordable fee.

Read the latest Man Utd transfer news HERE…

The Bundesliga outfit value him at €25m (£22m) and this could turn into a stunning bargain for the Old Trafford side, especially if he could replicate the form he displayed at Ajax under Ten Hag.

What could Ryan Gravenberch offer Manchester United?

Last summer, Ten Hag aimed to bolster his midfield options at United and went out and purchased Casemiro from Real Madrid for a fee in the region of £70m.

The Brazilian had won all there was to win during his trophy-laden spell in the Spanish capital yet at the age of 30, it was perhaps seen as an inflated fee for someone who had arguably already enjoyed the peak years of his career.

In the Premier League last season, Casemiro proved a lot of people wrong as he ranked second for overall Sofascore rating (7.21), while also ranking second for big chances created (seven), first for tackles (3.2) and third for interceptions (1.2) per game, showcasing his strengths across a wide range of metrics.

Gravenberch could be an ideal partner for him at the heart of the United midfield, with his traits complementing the former Madrid gem rather well.

Despite starting just three Bundesliga matches for Bayern last term and averaging 24 minutes per game, the young Dutchman ranked in the top 7% when compared to positional peers for shot-creating actions (4.03) per 90 while also ranking in the top 18% for successful take-ons (1.3) and top 19% for progressive passes (6.64) per 90.

Given just how few opportunities he had to shine last season, these statistics are solid, and Ten Hag would likely give him more game time should he join United.

Casemiro ranked in the top 4% when compared to positional peers for tackles, blocks, clearances and aerials won per 90, demonstrating just how effective he is defensively and this could allow the 53-year-old to form a wonderful midfield duo.

Gravenberch was lauded as the Netherland’s “greatest talent” by former Ajax forward Wim Kieft and his attacking qualities combined with the defensive skills of the Brazilian would give the Red Devils a formidable partnership in the middle of the pitch.

Alex Crook believes that the interested Qatari group are now the favourites to purchase Manchester United.

The Lowdown: Deadline is looming

The Raine Group – who are assisting the sale of Man United – have set a soft deadline of 10 pm this evening for interested parties to register their bids and interest in taking Man United off of the Glazers’ hands.

There are said to be several interested parties in buying Man United with groups from both Qatar and Saudi Arabia being linked as well as the Red Devils fan himself, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

It has been reported that the Qatari group are going to indeed bid for Man United at some point today which could well put a marker down as to whether or not other interested groups can compete financially with them.

The Latest: Qatari group favourites

Crook has been speaking on TalkSPORT about the interest from Qatar and how they are now firmly favourites to buy Man United given their sheer wealth.

He said: (0:30) “You mentioned Sir Jim Ratcliffe, he was the first really to come out publicly and say that he wanted to buy the club, we’re expecting a big-money bid from Qatar to come in today as well.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-man-utd-news-11/” title=”Latest Man Utd news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

“I say big-money, I don’t think it will meet the Glazer family’s £6 billion valuation I think it will be less than that so it’ll be interesting but I think a lot of people who are showing an interest and a lot of people who are maybe considering a bid do believe the Qataris are favourites just because of the sheer volume of wealth in that country.

“I think what’s important to stress is this is a private group of individuals we know the emir of Qatar is actively encouraging people to invest in football clubs following the success of the World Cup at the end of last year but it is a separate company from that who own Paris Saint-Germain.

“That’s crucial because under UEFA rules you can’t own two clubs who compete in the same competition so I would make the Qataris favourites.”

The Verdict: Huge moment in Man United’s history

Given the constant protests and discontent towards the Glazers, if they can attract a number of potential bidders by 10 pm this evening it would be a huge moment in the history of Man United as they may well get their club back.

However, if they were to be taken over by either a group from Qatar or Saudi Arabia it would indeed bring up a huge number of issues including human rights violations that were also fired the way of Newcastle United during their takeover process.

The deadline of 10 pm this evening forces parties to show their hands and prove they’re serious about buying the club and allows the Red Devils to get a deal ironed out prior to the summer transfer window opening.

Liverpool have taken one step further in their pursuit of Ryan Gravenberch this week, with The Mirror reporting that FSG will back Jurgen Klopp in his pursuit of the player.

Are Liverpool signing Ryan Gravenberch?

The midfielder has only just joined current club Bayern Munich, having made the switch to the German giants at the beginning of the 2022/23 campaign, racking up 72 appearances for Ajax prior to that. He was viewed as hot property when the Bundesliga outfit decided to snap him up, but the youngster has been unable to break into the first-team fold on a regular basis.

He's played 24 times for Bayern in the league over the course of the season and did help the side to claim another division title. However, only three of those fixtures saw Gravenberch start and he bagged no goals or assists either – his worst career totals to date.

The player though has previously proven he can produce the goods, managing seven and eight goal contributions during his last two seasons in the Netherlands. Both of those returns came as the player featured in over 30 league games – showing that if he gets minutes on a frequent basis, he can produce the goods.

With the midfielder out of favour in Germany, it means he could be available on a deal this summer and it is Liverpool who seem to be leading the race to sign Gravenberch, and it seems as if the man himself fancies a switch to Anfield over other suitors according to a recent report.

Now, The Mirror are reporting the latest update in this transfer saga – with Klopp eager get a deal done, the Reds are set to support his call to bring in the 21-year-old and support him in the transfer. It also adds that they are more "advanced" in terms of a potential transfer when compared to other interested Premier League parties and are "pushing" to get it done.

What is the value of Ryan Gravenberch?

No fee or official bid is mentioned yet but CIES Football Observatory suggest that the player's value would be around the 30 million Euro mark (or £25m). It's unclear if this is how much Bayern value him at but if it is, then it would be a bargain deal for Liverpool.

He's also highly regarded thanks to his time at Ajax, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig admitting that Gravenberch has a "huge future" in the game. He has yet to realise that since his switch to Bayern but it has only been one season and he barely ever got a chance. Given that chance at Liverpool, Gravenberch could thrive and live up to that potential with the Reds.

Everton are in desperate need of another new attacker, and time is running out to find one before they begin their Premier League campaign at home to Fulham in two-and-a-half weeks' time.

Who are Everton's current forwards?

The Toffees already have a hugely talented forward in Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but the England international's fitness problems were once again a major issue last season as he was restricted to just 15 Premier League starts.

Neal Maupay, a £15m signing from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer, was tasked with filling in for Calvert-Lewin but ended the campaign with one goal and no assists in 27 league appearances.

Dwight McNeil offered some much-needed quality out wide during the run-in, which ultimately ended with the Toffees avoiding the drop, while Arnaut Danjuma has recently joined on loan from Villarreal to provide further competition to Demarai Gray.

It is clear to see why Sean Dyche is eager to bring in another forward, and with a move for Almeria's El Bilal Toure now looking bleak, it may well be that Salernitana's Boulaye Dia is the Merseyside outfit's priority target.

According to reports from La Citta di Salerno this week, Everton are ready to offer €25m (£21m) and Maupay for the Senegal international in a player-plus-cash offer, which could be enough to tempt the Serie A side to cash in.

How many goals has Boulaye Dia scored?

Dia has played – and scored – in three of Europe's top five leagues, having netted 24 times in Ligue 1 for Reims, five times for Villarreal in LaLiga and 16 times in 33 Serie A games for Salernitana last season.

It was during his time at Reims that Dia first caught the attention of many, with Senegal team-mate Sadio Mane stating two years ago that he had been "really impressed" by his compatriot and did not expect him to stay with the French club for long.

So that proved, and after a short spell in Spain, Dia is now doing his thing in Italy. The 26-year-old scored 16 goals in 33 Serie A games last season, seeing him ranked among the top 16% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues for non-penalty goals scored in 2022-23, as per FBref.

Dia also set up six goals, ranking him in the top 14% for assists, showing that he is more than just a goalscorer – something that could see him form a solid partnership with Calvert-Lewin, assuming the latter can stay fit.

Interestingly, the one area Dia lacks is where Calvert-Lewin thrives, meaning they could easily feed off each other. The Salernitana star was among the bottom 14% of forwards in terms of aerial duels won last term (0.71 per 90); Calvert-Lewin was in the top 8% (5.10 per 90).

Some may suggest Dia and Calvert-Lewin simply cannot be shoehorned into the same side, but it would be a similar dynamic that fierce rivals Liverpool used so well for many years with Roberto Firmino, Mohamed Salah and Mane in attack.

Indeed, Dia is very alike Mane in a number of areas, not least their ability to score regularly. For example, Mane bagged 16 goals in 34 league games in his final season with Liverpool – the same number that his compatriot scored in one game less for Salernitana last time out.

As Dean Jones told GIVEMESPORT last year, Dia is a "handful" for defenders and a forward with "real goal potential", which has earned him strong comparisons with Mane.

Having shown he can score in France, Spain and Italy, Dia may now be given the chance to follow further in Mane's steps by doing so in the Premier League.