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Liverpool have been rocked by what could prove to be a devastating injury blow for Jurgen Klopp during the latest instalment of the international break, according to fresh reports.

Liverpool updates: Andre, Hincapie, Kone transfer links

According to a Liverpool transfer update from Football Insider reporter Pete O'Rourke, the Reds have held contact with Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie's entourage; however, the report states that they are unlikely to make a move for the Ecuador international in the January transfer window.

Fluminense midfielder Andre is a more likely target as Klopp looks to strengthen his midfield and it is believed that Liverpool aren't expected to make moves in both positions. Liverpool are in 'pole position' to sign the Brazilian midfielder; nevertheless, they will face competition from high-profile clubs around Europe for the 22-year-old's signature.

In further Liverpool transfer news, SPORT BILD journalist Christian Falk has issued an update on social media platform X claiming that the Reds are still keen on summer target Manu Kone of Borussia Monchengladbach, as he stated: "True Bayern is interested in Manu Koné (22). Also Liverpool is still watching the midfield player of Monchengladbach."

Cited by Liverpool's official website, Egypt international Mohamed Salah has found out who his native country will take on in next January's African Cup of Nations in Group B, as the draw pitted the Pharaohs against Ghana, Cape Verde and Mozambique.

Liverpool are patiently waiting for the international break's conclusion before returning to action against arch-rivals Everton in the Premier League on October 21st at Anfield.

Liverpool injury update – Andy Robertson

The Athletic have issued a major Liverpool injury update involving Andy Robertson following news emerging that the 29-year-old has dislocated his shoulder on international duty with Scotland in a EURO 2024 qualifying clash away to Spain in Seville.

Robertson has flown back to be assessed by his club and may be out for a period of three to six weeks if he doesn't require surgery to rectify his shoulder issue.

However, if he does need to go under the knife, the former Hull City man could be sidelined for up to six months and therefore potentially out of action until next April, which would be a horrifying scenario for Liverpool boss Klopp.

Klopp has previously labelled Robertson as "absolutely exceptional" and he is one of his first names on the teamsheet at Anfield, with the Scot racking up nine goals and 63 assists in 275 appearances for Liverpool across all competitions (Robertson statistics – Transfermarkt).

Despite this, Robertson may be set for a lengthy period on the sidelines, which will likely lead Kostas Tsimikas, who has played just four minutes of Premier League football this term, to take his place in the starting line-up for the time being.

Arsenal say Frida Maanum is "talking and in a stable condition" after collapsing worryingly in Sunday's Conti Cup final against Chelsea.

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• Maanum went down off the ball
• Norwegian had to be stretchered off
• Arsenal issued positive update

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Norwegian went down off the ball and under no challenge, sparking immediate calls for medical treatment. The 24-year-old had to be stretchered off in the late stages of the Conti Cup final against Chelsea on Sunday.

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  WHAT ARSENAL SAID

  Arsenal issued a positive update shortly after the incident, confirming that the player is in stable condition. A social media post read: "Frida is conscious, talking and in a stable condition. She will continue to be monitored closely by our medical team."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The London rivals could not be separated by 90 minutes at Molineux Stadium. Maanum was replaced by Alessia Russo in stoppage time and the match went into extra time to declare a winner. This year's final is a replay of the 2022-23 decider, which Arsenal won 3-1.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Following the update from Arsenal, football fans will breathe a sigh of relief but will hope for further news about Maanum's condition after the two teams play out the final of the FA Women's League Cup.

Liverpool are much-improved across all departments after Jurgen Klopp restored the engine room this summer with multiple exciting additions, replacing the bulk of last season's sapped midfield.

Last year, Liverpool finished fifth in the Premier League, with the squad's stark decline from former fluidity and intensity – hallmarks of Klopp's illustrious reign – exposed, but Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and co have settled the equilibrium and success is on the cards once again.

There is further work to be done on the transfer front, however, and the Reds appear to have an assortment of targets lined up ahead of what could be a busy winter transfer market at Anfield.

Liverpool transfer targets for January

According to Italian publication Calciomercato, a 'great frost has fallen' in Naples, with star striker Victor Osimhen disconcerted at Serie A champions Napoli and starting to fix his gaze on an exit.

Liverpool are among the contenders should the Nigerian sharpshooter become available next year, though the finances involved in a deal would be astronomical.

Elsewhere, TEAMtalk report that Chelsea defender Ian Maatsen is set to leave Stamford Bridge as owner Todd Boehly looks to continue the staggering spending spree since taking ownership of the club in 2022.

Maatsen, aged 21, is considered one of the most exciting young prospects at the outfit but manager Mauricio Pochettino has yet to start him in the Premier League and several sales will be required to facilitate the upcoming activity.

Burnley enjoyed the Dutchman's services on loan last season as Vincent Kompany's side blitzed the Championship, and while efforts were taken to secure his signature on a permanent basis in the summer, with a £31.5m offer accepted, he remained in west London after rejecting the Clarets' advances.

Liverpool and Manchester City are poised to compete for the left-back, the report states, with Klopp earmarking Maatsen as a possible option should the Merseyside outfit choose to bolster the left side of the backline in January.

The stats that show why Liverpool should sign Ian Maatsen

When Maatsen signed for Burnley on a short-term deal in January 2022, Kompany praised his qualities, saying: "We’re pleased to add Ian to our team, he’s a talented, energetic and pacy player, who can defend and get forward well. Ian will be a great addition to our team on and off the pitch."

Some effusive remarks for an exciting new addition, but Maatsen surpassed all expectations with his blistering performances, racking up four goals and six assists across 39 Championship appearances last term.

The electric full-back complemented his direct return with sustained and impressive displays across the year, creating 11 big chances, averaging 1.0 key passes, 1.9 tackles, and 1.4 interceptions per game, also completing 83% of his total passes, as per Sofascore.

These statistics show that the talented whiz made an impact at both ends of the pitch. He was able to contribute with attacking quality whilst still being able to win possession back for his team on a regular basis to cut out opposition attacks.

While he is inexperienced at the highest level – Maatsen has played six times in the Premier League for the Blues this season but has started from the bench on every occasion – there is plenty to work with and his high-octane, offensive approach fits perfectly with the way that Klopp sets his teams up to play.

And given the "dangerous" approach to his game, as was once said by manager Peter van der Veen, he could be the perfect heir to Andy Robertson's position in the Liverpool squad, with the 29-year-old Scotland captain currently out injured and not expected to return until after Christmas.

Robertson has been a reliable option for Klopp's side since signing from Hull City for a bargain £10m in 2017, making 275 appearances in total and winning the whole gamut of silverware under the German's tutelage, but his presence will not last forever and an heir must soon be established.

Kostas Tsimikas has served as his understudy for the past three years since arriving from Olympiakos for around £12m, but the Greek ace has never managed to usurp Robertson's starting position and has only made 66 displays for the Reds, assisting 12 times.

While Tsimikas is deputising in the Scotsman's absence right now, it certainly does not look like he is the long-term solution at left-back, and while Maatsen is a raw talent, he does boast quality in abundance and could be shaped to Klopp's own creation.

While the statistics show that Tsimikas is more creative with his ball-playing, Maatsen is clearly more energetic and marauding in his play, with an innate eye for goal that the Greece international, who has never scored for Liverpool, lacks.

Given Maatsen's youthful age and the fact that he is largely an untested commodity on the major stage, there would be a slight risk in taking on the left-back.

However, there is so much potential there and some discernible core qualities that would be well worth the venture, especially considering Robertson is set to retain his starting spot in the Anfield side for several years yet.

Maatsen would be a long-term project, and the dynamic Dutchman could take inspiration from his compatriot Ryan Gravenberch in making the move to Merseyside.

Gravenberch had languished on the fringe with Bayern Munich before Klopp pushed for his signature in the late days of the summer transfer window, signing the 11-cap Netherlands star in a £34m deal.

And he is already proving to be quite the acquisition, with Gravenberch, also aged 21, already posting two goals and assists apiece and earning praise from his manager for his "incredible" talent.

Maatsen too is a top-tier prospect, and indeed evidenced his glittering qualities during an immense loan spell with the Clarets last term, albeit at Championship level, and he still has plenty of time left to develop and improve at his young age.

Given that Chelsea were all too willing to ship him on in the summer, Liverpool would likely be able to prise him away from Stamford Bridge in 2024, with Ben Chilwell and Marc Cucurella both contesting for the starting spot in Pochettino's team.

Therefore, the transfer rumours surrounding Klopp's interest might hold some weight, and Maatsen would be the perfect protégée to serve underneath Robertson, transcending the role that Tsimikas plays for the Reds at present.

Celtic are seemingly looking to broaden their relations with another club off the field after the pair held talks over deepening their relationship, according to a fresh report.

Celtic updates…

Despite holding pride of place at the top of the Scottish game, Celtic have struggled over recent years to bring through youngsters from their academy base in Lennoxtown and subsequently develop them into first-team regulars at Parkhead. In Brendan Rodgers' current squad, club captain Callum McGregor, James Forrest, Anthony Ralston, Stephen Welsh and peripheral figure Mikey Johnston all fall under the umbrella of Lennoxtown graduates; meanwhile, young stars such as Rocco Vata and Ben Summers have also had brief involvement at senior level over the past year.

Nevertheless, there is a feeling among some supporters that more could be done to facilitate a pathway for youngsters at Parkhead, which is a sentiment Rodgers seems to share, at least if his pre-season interview in early July is anything to go by. Speaking about some of Celtic's young players training with the senior squad during pre-season, the Northern Irishman said: "They’ve been pleasantly surprising. They’ve been really, really good. Sometimes a young player can come in and suffer with the intensity of the training with the first team, but they’ve all coped really well. So that’s been pleasing."

Other avenues of helping Celtic prospects gain experience have also begun to come to fruition for the Scottish Premiership holders, such as their decision to send Adam Montgomery and Bosun Lawal to Fleetwood Town on loan amid tentative suggestions of an off-field link between the two sides.

Celtic also announced a tie-in with Austrian second-tier side Admira Wacker this year and farmed out talented duo Matthew Anderson and Tobi Oluwayemi on loan to the Modling-based outfit to gain first-team exposure. Now, it seems that Celtic and Admira Wacker have moved to deepen their relationship with each other following new reports relating to their connection.

Celtic and Admira Wacker partnership

Cited by The National, Admira Wacker sporting director Peter Stoger and his staff members formed part of a delegation that travelled to Parkhead last week to take in the Hoops' Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid and also discussed formalising their link status, even holding a meeting with Celtic boss Rodgers during their time in Scotland. Stoger spoke about the visit, stating:

"It was about discussing how we can continue to develop cooperation between the clubs. You look for win-win situations where everyone benefits. And Celtic are really very interested in the partnership.

"There’s a good chance we can expand the partnership, but it won’t happen overnight. We also had a meeting with Brendan Rodgers. The Atletico game was fantastic and Celtic Park is definitely one of the best stadiums in Europe with an incredible atmosphere."

In a footballing climate where the threat of young stars being poached by English clubs continues to threaten Celtic's ability to keep hold of prodigious talent, outlets such as partnerships with other sides are becoming an increasingly valuable resource nationwide, making this one to watch.

The football icon goes undercover in the city he calls home as he chats to GOAL about his career, future Real Madrid stars and snubbing Liverpool

Luis Figo is one of the most recognisable players on the planet, but especially in Madrid.

The Portuguese star kickstarted the so-called 'Galacticos' era in the Spanish capital with a transfer so controversial it made waves around the football world. He may have started out a Barcelona great but these days he is a certified Real Madrid legend. Indeed, it's that sort of status that makes navigating the city all the more challenging.

GOAL are in Madrid to speak to the iconic midfielder, and before we've even met, we spot his face on a giant billboard above the Plaza de Colon. Figo is one of the most recognisable Galacticos of his time, meaning he usually can't go anywhere in the city without being mobbed. But there is one way to bypass that problem.

Donning a cap and fake moustache, Figo has teamed up with Expedia Live to roam Madrid with some anonymity ahead of a huge UEFA Champions League night. That feat wasn’t so easy for him when he was a player, as despite travelling frequently he rarely got the time to explore beyond a city’s airport or the team’s stadium. When we sit down with the footballing great in the back of a taxi, he has already spent several hours seeing the city from a rare point of view – that of a fan.

From travel tips to UEFA Champions League memories, Jude Bellingham to Kylian Mbappe, Figo chats to GOAL in an exclusive interview.

• Expedia
  

  Undercover mission in Madrid

  Figo's five years in Madrid were certainly not short on success. The Portugal international helped Los Blancos to their ninth European crown in 2002, eventually leaving the Spanish capital with two league titles, two Copas del Rey, two Supercopas de Espana and, of course, the 2000 Ballon d'Or under his belt. He brought unbridled joy to so many fans in Madrid, but Figo is yet to experience the city through their lens – until now.

  With the city buzzing heading into Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League last-16 second leg clash against Leipzig, he admits the feeling is a unique one. "It’s always interesting to see it from the fans’ point of view because normally you don’t have the chance," he tells GOAL. "For someone who lives in the city, it’s easier to understand and to know the culture and the habits of the fans here. But I [still] think it’s very nice to see it from another point of view.”

  Asked if this is his first time undercover in Madrid, where he has called home since retiring in 2009, Figo sees the funny side. "No," he laughs, "it’s the first time in these places. For me it is new. To discover these places is sometimes not easy. Of course, [as] it’s crowded these days it is difficult to see [them]. So it was nice.”

• Expedia
  

  Figo's guide to visiting the city

  Across a glittering career Figo played in some of the finest cities in Europe. Starting in Lisbon with Sporting CP's academy he moved to Barcelona as a 22-year-old. He then made that infamous switch to Madrid five years later before finishing his career in Milan with Inter.

  So, then, having had a taste of several European landmarks, why choose to retire in Madrid? For Figo the decision was simple. "I like Madrid a lot," he says. "I’ve lived here for almost 20 years. I decided to come back because I was building my house when I left, it was a family decision. I’m very happy with the way the people receive me, and the city too.”

  After a combined 20 years in Spain's capital, Figo is somewhat of an expert on what to do – either as a travelling fan or a curious tourist. "I think Madrid as a capital city is special for all the offerings and environment it has," he tells GOAL. "Of course, sports are one of the biggest event days in the city, but for those who aren’t just focused on football they have a lot of other options. Right now, there is the opening of the ARCO [2024] art fair. You always have a lot of options with restaurants, music, things to see."

  However, Madrid is also tailor-made for the football fanatic, as Figo explains: "For football fans, I would recommend the Legends Museum which they opened a few months ago. It’s in the city centre, close to the Plaza del Sol, and is all about the history of football. Madrid is one of the most visited [places] for museums, [whether] you like art, football – it has whatever’s good!”

• Expedia
  

  Tips for travelling Spain and his dream European destination

  You don't rack up almost 800 career appearances, playing across a combined five World Cups and European Championships, without having a feel for travel. And it is clear when talking to GOAL that this aspect is still prominent in Figo's life, even if a lot of it is work-induced. "I travel a lot, almost every ten days. Recently I was in London, Paris, Prague, all these nice cities with a different atmosphere and culture. But if it’s in free time, that’s better than work!” he jokes.

  When he does get some time off, though, Figo is knowledgeable on how to escape the hustle and bustle of Madrid, reeling off countless locations a stones throw away from the city. "You have a lot of nice cities around, like Avila, Segovia, Toledo, in the mountains for skiing," he notes. "You have plenty of places you can visit at the weekend when you’re not working, and to get away from the cosmopolitan city. You have the countryside too, not far from here, one hour more or less."

  And outside of Spain? Figo eyes a return to Italy – but slightly further south from where he used to call home. "I would like to do a tour in Tuscany," he explains. "I like Italy, I think it’s a nice place to visit, to eat, and [has good] sights.”

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  Figo's favourite stadium – and it's not the Bernabeu!

  As a player, travelling for Figo was mostly associated with UEFA Champions League nights, jetting out to European cities far and wide to feature in Europe's premier competition. The Portuguese has therefore compiled his fair share of iconic stadiums – none more so than the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Camp Nou or Stadio San Siro he used to call home.

  But from the stadiums he's played in, Figo ignores those three and reveals a surprising favourite, taking GOAL back to Barcelona's UEFA Champions League group-stage match away to Arsenal in October 1999. "I had the chance to play in the stadiums of the big teams in Europe, so I’m familiar," he says. "Maybe the old Wembley Stadium [is the most impressive]. I played once in a charity game in the new one, but maybe the old one because of the history of the stadium."

  The 'new' Wembley Stadium will host this year's UEFA Champions League final, with usual suspects Real Madrid still in the mix for an incredible 15th European crown. Figo backs his former side to go all the way but admits it's too close to call, especially after drawing Man City in the quarter-finals. "We are heading for a round with all the big ‘sharks’, so I think they will be very nice games to watch," he tells GOAL. "For sure there will be two big clubs in the final that will fight for the cup. It’s difficult to say [who will be in the final] because Real Madrid have a big history, Man City are strong. Surprises can always happen, like Inter being in the final last year. We have to wait a bit, but for sure there are a lot of big games coming.”

Oliver Kahn has backed Julian Nagelsmann to succeed Thomas Tuchel at Bayern and admitted that he handled the manager's sacking in 2023 "very badly".

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• Nagelsmann was fired after falling behind Dortmund in the Bundesliga
• Kahn wielded the axe along with Hasan Salihamidzic
• Former keeper remains embarrassed with how the sacking was carried out

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The decision to part ways with Nagelsmann in March 2023 came after a series of disappointing results, with Bayern trailing Borussia Dortmund in the league by just one point. Tuchel was appointed as his replacement at that time. However, it seems that life has come full circle for Nagelsmann as he is considered the favourite in Munich to replace Tuchel, who is leaving at the end of the season. Despite this, the German Football Association is attempting to retain Nagelsmann until 2026 by extending his contract with the national team beyond the upcoming European Championship this summer.

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  WHAT KAHN SAID

  Reflecting on his handling of Nagelsmann's departure, Kahn told You always have to see decisions in the temporal context in which they were made. We saw sporting success at risk at the time and therefore made this decision, which was definitely not an easy one. I have said many times that I did it very badly. I found how this decision was then implemented. It didn't go well, and that still concerns me today."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Kahn attributed Nagelsmann's growth and development to his experiences at Bayern Munich as he urged the club to "discuss" bringing him back. "The experiences at FC Bayern have certainly helped him further," he said. "There is no question that Julian has a lot of abilities and there is no need to discuss it. The European Championships will be a real endurance test. Afterwards, we can say more."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  During his tenure at Bayern, Nagelsmann achieved notable success, including winning the Bundesliga, two DFL-Supercups, and boasted of an impressive win percentage of 71.4%. Subsequently, he assumed the role of Germany's national team coach and is poised to lead the squad at the upcoming Euros. While other candidates such as Roberto De Zerbi and Antonio Conte have been linked with Bayern, it appears that the club may prioritise Nagelsmann.

Leeds United made an impressive managerial appointment over the summer as they swooped to bring in German tactician Daniel Farke, who had left Borussia Monchengladbach earlier this year.

The 47-year-old head coach arrived with an exceptional record at Championship level as he won the title twice during his spell with Norwich City; once in 2019 and then again in 2021.

Alongside his superb results in the second tier, the ex-Canaries boss also came in with a proven track record for developing and bringing through young players.

The likes of James Maddison, Max Aarons, Ben Godfrey, Emiliano Buendia, and Jamal Lewis, among others, all hit their stride at first-team level under Farke's management.

Maddison (to Leicester for £24m) and Buendia (to Aston Villa for £38m) left Norwich for a combined £62m during the German's tenure in Norfolk, which illustrates his ability to get the best out of young players to increase their value.

He has already displayed this at Leeds by unearthing Archie Gray from the academy at the age of 17. The England U19 international has already had a valuation of £40m reportedly placed on his head amid interest from Liverpool.

Gray has already racked up 15 Championship appearances, including 13 starts, so far this season – as a central midfielder and right-back – despite only turning 17 in March.

Farke has placed his faith in the teenage Thorp Arch prospect and been rewarded as the English dynamo has earned himself a regular spot in the team this season.

Supporters may now have one eye on the academy to see who could be the next talented ace to follow in Gray's footsteps to make an impact at first-team level.

With this in mind, here are three young Leeds gems who could make the senior squad if they continue to develop at an impressive rate…

1

Luca Thomas

The versatile academy teen – Luca Thomas – has made an impressive start to life with the U21s after being promoted from the U18s for his phenomenal form at that age group.

He has played the majority of his matches as a centre-forward but has showcased his versatility by being able to play out wide on either flank as well as in a number ten position.

Thomas burst onto the scene with the U18s during the 2021/22 campaign as the exciting youngster plundered an eye-catching 15 goals and two assists in 17 U18 Premier League matches.

The Whites prodigy followed that up with eight goals and one assist in 14 games at that age group throughout the following season, which took him to a total of 23 goals in 32 outings.

He has been a regular for the U21 side so far this season, after his incredible exploits for the U18s, and has hit the ground running with three goals and one assist in six Premier League 2 appearances.

Having scored and assisted goals at a superb rate at academy level, the next step for Thomas is to impress Farke enough to earn a shot with the first-team.

2

Mateo Joseph

One player who is close to making his first-team breakthrough is U21s star Mateo Joseph, who has already been given a taste of senior action at Elland Road.

The 20-year-old prospect has made six appearances for Leeds, including three in the Premier League last season, and has been on the bench for two Championship matches this term.

Joseph has enjoyed a strong start to the 2023/24 campaign with two goals and one assist in two Premier League 2 outings, along with a goal and an assist in one Premier League International Cup clash.

The England U20 international came into this season off the back of a return of 17 goals and two assists in 24 U21 matches for the club last term.

This means that the Spanish-born dynamo has racked up 20 goals and four assists in his last 27 U21 appearances for the Whites since the start of the 2022/23 campaign.

Joseph's phenomenal form for the academy has not gone unnoticed as Farke did include him on the bench twice earlier this season, which suggests that the young gem is on the German tactician's radar for a first-team inclusion.

It is now down to the Leeds game to prove to the ex-Norwich boss that he has what it takes to translate his outstanding goalscoring form over to the senior side in the coming months or years to follow in Gray's footsteps.

3

Sean McGurk

Finally, the third Thorp Arch academy prospect who could be the next young talent to burst onto the scene at Elland Road is 20-year-old winger Sean McGurk.

Signed from Wigan in 2021, the winger did not catch the eye with consistently impressive displays for the U21s across his first two seasons with the Whites.

Despite being described as a "whizz kid" by journalist Alan Nixon at the time of his move to Yorkshire, McGurk only managed three goals and one assist across 22 U21 matches for the club during the 2021/22 campaign.

The Liverpool-born wizard followed that up with a return of three goals and three assists in 18 U21 appearances throughout the 2022/23 season.

These statistics did not suggest that Leeds had a productive winger who could deliver goals and assists on a regular basis. However, his form this term has reflected his development in recent years.

McGurk has managed four goals and two assists in eight Premier League 2 matches, alongside four goals and two assists in five Premier League Cup and International Cup clashes.

This means that the 20-year-old magician has racked up eight goals and four assists in 13 U21 games so far this season for Leeds, whilst no first-team player has managed more than six league strikes so far.

He has finally hit his stride in the final third and is now thriving as an excellent winger who can chip in with goal contributions at an impressive rate, which suggests that a first-team promotion is not completely out of the question.

McGurk must now remain consistent and show Farke that he has the quality to deliver big moments at senior level for Leeds to become the latest gem to follow in Gray's footsteps under the German tactician.

Off the back of a historic treble win last season, Manchester City have picked up where they left off in the Premier League once again this season. As ruthless as ever, Pep Guardiola is on course to make it four consecutive titles in England's top flight and is already looking ahead to the future regarding City's transfers.

Reports suggest that the Citizens are among a number of top European clubs chasing one particular gem, who could rise to stardom in the years to come in the Premier League or elsewhere around Europe's top leagues.

Man City transfer news

Manchester City didn't simply rest on their laurels after winning the treble last season. Instead, they searched for even more improvements, welcoming the likes of Matheus Nunes, Jeremy Doku and Josko Gvardiol – the latter of whom have enjoyed successful starts at the Etihad, whilst the former continues to find his feet.

Man City send scouts to watch "magician" who doesn't have a weak foot

The Sky Blues have set their sights on a new attacking target ahead of January.

By
Chloe Chadwick

Nov 22, 2023

When the January transfer window swings open, Guardiola and co may well dive into the market yet again as they look to solidify their path towards yet another title. And that could include a star for the future of the club.

According to 90min, Manchester City have made contact with Francesco Camarda's family over a potential move. The 15-year-old is not yet eligible to sign a professional contract at AC Milan, who are at risk of losing him until March as a result. The Milan man has also reportedly attracted interest from Real Madrid, Chelsea, Liverpool, Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund in a tight race for his signature.

However, it remains to be seen whether Camarda can be convinced to make the move away from AC Milan, given that he has reportedly been promised a huge role in their future. Reports also suggest that the teenager's family are comfortable in Milan and it is likely that he puts pen to paper on a professional deal at the Italian club.

Man City in race to sign "great" Camarda

Camarda certainly looks like one to watch for Milan and manager Stefano Pioli has had nothing but good things to say about the forward. The manager said (via 90min): "Talent has no age, and he has a lot of it. Destiny sometimes creates opportunities for you, we will need to be good at accompanying him in his growth because we are talking about a very young boy. From a character point of view, Camarda is very mature, he is ready to give us a hand if needed, in these days he has done very well. I'm sure he'll have a great future."

A player who has become the youngest player in AC Milan and Serie A history following his appearance against Fiorentina at the weekend, it's no wonder there are so many clubs reportedly looking to land Camarda, particularly before he signs his first professional contract. City are an exciting side for any player to become a part of, too, given their recent history of silverware. And that could hand the teenager quite the decision to make in the near future.

Marcus Rashford is among the players Man Utd could be willing to sell this summer in order to increased an otherwise limited transfer budget.

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• Man Utd to consider offers for players
• Only three youngsters not for sale
• Club must boost summer transfer budget

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  United are described as keeping an "open mind" with regard to sales as the Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS era begins in earnest. The explains that agents and rival clubs believe offers for players will be judged individually. No one, other than Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, is believed to be be off the table. Although there no intention to actively offload players like Rashford, a "credible" offer would receive "genuine consideration," especially if he indicated a willingness to pursue a fresh challenge elsewhere.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Manchester United are thought to be prioritising a striker, central midfielder and right-sided centre-back in the summer transfer window. But failure to qualify for next season's Champions League will hit the budget. Were they to finish lower than seventh in the Premier League and not qualify for European football of any kind, the notes the club would be pushed towards a "sell to buy" policy when it comes to recruiting. Not actively checking themselves could lead to problems further down the line with the Premier League's Profit & Sustainbility rules.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The absence of Champions League football in 2024/25 will result in United players taking a 25% pay cut as outlined in their contracts. That will at least help offset the drop in revenue.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

  A top four Premier League finish and Champions League qualification is mathematically out of the question for Erik ten Hag and his team. They are currently sixth, one point ahead of Newcastle and five in front of West Ham. Top six – or winning the FA Cup final next month – would equate to Europa League qualification. If they finish seventh and don't win the FA Cup, it would be the Europa Conference League. Eighth or lower, which seems unlikely now, could mean missing out on Europe altogether. United's Premier League campaign will wrap with fixtures against Crystal Palace, Arsenal, Newcastle and Brighton within the next three weeks.

Manchester United have been given a massive injury boost as they return from international duty ahead of their trip to face Everton on Sunday, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.

Manchester United injury news…

This term, Manchester United have suffered some alarming injury worries that have left Erik ten Hag's men in depleted shape as they try to climb the Premier League table. Facing a trip to take on Everton this Sunday at Goodison Park, Manchester United will be looking to claim their fifth league victory inside six matches; however, Dutch boss Ten Hag will be without a plethora of first-team players as he looks to navigate a potentially difficult tie.

As cited by 90min, Christian Eriksen, Rasmus Hojlund, Casemiro, Jonny Evans, Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia are all currently injured at the moment and it is unclear when they will be cleared to return to contention at Old Trafford. Andre Onana was also withdrawn on international duty with his native Cameroon during the break; nevertheless, the shot-stopper is expected to feature against Everton and will undergo assessment after fears of him suffering a muscle strain are said to have eased.

Full-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka could also be included this weekend on Merseyside after pulling out of featuring against Luton Town before the international break due to illness, as per The Manchester Evening News.

Despite struggling in the early portion of the campaign, Ten Hag will hope that his side can continue their positive run of domestic form across the festive period, though he will be aware that the Red Devils will need to be at their best to take results over their next few encounters.

Following their trip to Everton, Manchester United will then take on Galatasaray, Newcastle United and Chelsea in quick succession, and they could be boosted by the return of another key man from a spell on the sidelines.

Luke Shaw injury update

Taking to social media platform X, transfer insider Romano has revealed that Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw is now back in first-team training after being out since August with a muscle concern.

Romano stated: "Luke Shaw returned to training as he’s now set to be back with the first team. Crucial player for Erik ten Hag, great news for MUFC."

Becoming a key player over the years at Old Trafford, Shaw has made 262 appearances in all competitions for Manchester United, registering four goals and 28 assists in all competitions (Shaw statistics – Transfermarkt).

His injury – alongside Malacia's issues – inspired Ten Hag's move to acquire Sergio Reguilon on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in the latter stages of the summer window. At the same time, Sofyan Amrabat and Victor Lindelof have featured in an unfamiliar left-back role to compensate for Shaw's absence.

Nevertheless, Shaw returning to action for Manchester United will be a major boost for Ten Hag once he determines that the England international is ready to feature again.