All posts by h716a5.icu

It is no secret that Glasgow Rangers are looking to sign a midfielder this transfer window and this has seen them heavily linked with Preston North End player Daniel Johnson.

Negotiations between the two sides are nowhere near completed yet, but it looks like the Gers finally know the sort of fee they will have to pay following the latest news.

According to Football Insider, Championship side Preston want £4million for Johnson. The Glasgow giants have only submitted a £2 million offer for the 27 year-old, so we will have to see if they match the price-tag.

The 27-year-old has a decent goal contribution record as a midfielder as he has scored 65 goals and provided 43 assists in 321 career appearances, per Transfermarkt, and any club would like to have such a creative midfielder. He recorded 12 goals and seven assists in the Championship last season, managing on average 1.4 key passes, 1.3 shots and 1.7 tackles per game, via WhoScored.

These figures suggest that he would be a very good signing for the ‘Gers if they pull it off and it would give Steven Gerrard an injection of talent as well as some much-needed squad depth in midfield.

Hopefully the ‘Gers look to finalise this deal sooner rather than later, even at the price of £4 million, as he definitely looks to have the quality to succeed and with his age, he can definitely have an impact at the Scottish side for many seasons to come.

Glasgow Rangers fans, what are your thoughts on this news? Comment below!

The return of the Premier League is only around the corner, with just over three weeks until the season kicks off again. Last time out Liverpool were crowned champions for the first time in 30 years, but it is likely that this next season will be as competitive as ever with other clubs gunning to try and contend for the title one more.

The Reds will be hoping to win back to back titles for the first time since 1984 – and will have a task on their hand given the quality and competition that the Premier League possesses. There will also be plenty of action at the other end of the table, with new boys Leeds, West Brom, and Fulham all hoping to stay up in the league.

The wait for the kit releases is no more, with almost all the clubs having promoted their new away kits – but how well do they rank against each other across the league?

Burnley, Brighton, Fulham, and Wolves – Unclassified

Sadly the four clubs haven’t released their away kits yet, nor has there been any leaked images – so automatically they go joint last due to this.

It is rather late into the kit calendar as well so let’s hope we get to see them soon.

16. West Bromwich Albion

I don’t even know where to start, what even is it? Doesn’t look like a football kit.

I’m desperate to put it behind the four aforementioned clubs as it would be very impressive to make a kit as bad as this one. The design worked okay for the colours of the home shirt, but this is atrocious and lazy for Puma to just use the same template and just change the colours. The green and yellow just slap you in the face, it’s even worse than Norwich’s away kit from last season – this needs to go straight in the bin, and maybe burnt as well.

15. Leicester

The reported Leicester away kit is just a bit average. It’s not horrible, it’s just really boring. Typical white with a bit of Adidas three stripes gold trim down the side – not a fan.

A lot of the other clubs in the league have been daring with their away kit designs which is why Leicester goes straight at the back of the pile – dull.

14. Newcastle United

The print and style are great – just the colour lets it down. I like the button collar and the pattern across the shirt is really nice, I’m not sure the colour works with it though.

I can handle a bright vibrant colour but just not sure on this shade of neon yellow – not awful but not amazing, just meh.

13. Aston Villa

Again it’s just a bit plain – the pinstripe pulls it up above the previous however, and the colour scheme works moderately well. The button collar works well just like the Newcastle kit, but if the leaks are true then Villa fans will ikely forget about this kit after this season.

Kappa usually do a nice job – but this doesn’t hit the mark in my opinion.

12. Everton

Hummel are great, and often outside the box. The kit takes inspiration from the clubs 1970’s amber/yellow away kit – and it actually. It’s not my most preferred colour scheme, but it works for the club and the design of the kit.

The striped/faded Hummel V across the shoulder pannels looks good rather than the block like it is on the home strip.

Just get rid of the awful sponsor and you’re on to a winner.

11. Manchester United

The club has differed a little from last seasons away kit – the colour shceme has changed to bulk black witht the white Adidas stripes, and features a sort of ripple effect across the kit which works with the colour.

It’s not a barnstormer of a kit but it sure is a lot better than their home jersey for this season, and the United fans should maybe opt for this purchase rather than that bus seat inspired home strip.

10. Leeds

Leeds back where they belong – with an away kit that isn’t half bad.

I like the colour scheme used for the kit, and it works in a stripe pattern. The typical Adidas tenplate has been used as expected, but the gold three stripes across the shoulder pannels really works, and the club badge ties in really well with the design and colour scheme of the kit.

Let’s just hope the kit isn’t ruined by a giant awful sponsor right in the middle of it.

9. Southampton

Not bad at all from the Saints.

The sponsor is a letdown but it’s sports-related for a change, but I love the deep rich blue with the yellow trim here and there. The shield style badge works well as it does on the home kit too – and again with the scarf detail and the phrase ‘We March On’ on the inside of the collar. Southampton and Under Armour have produced a smart one here, well done.

8. Crystal Palace

C’est manifique.

This is as France as it can get – but I really like it. It takes the same design as the home kit, but unlike the West Brom away kit the colour scheme actually works. The sponsor is okay and stands out well against the kit – I can easily get behind this kit, it’s a great addition by Puma and the Palace faithful will surely be happy.

7. West Ham

Smart as they come. It’s a simple design but it looks great.

The club has changed the colour scheme compared to last seasons away kit, and this one is almost as good as it. The two claret stripe panels either side of the sponsor work really well, and the 125-year anniversary badge adds to the simplicity of the kit.

I often enjoy a lairy away kit, but when they’re done simply like this you can’t help but admire.

6. Sheffield United

It’s pink!

Very happy with this one, and much better than their strange home strip. There’s a faint army type print that features across the whole of the kit in a shiny and lighter pink – and I really like it.

It’s a brave and bold move to go for a pink kit and it has to be done well to pull it off, much like Leicester’s away kit from last season. The slight black detail on the trim of the sleeves and the three stripes on the shoulder panel suits too.

Blades fans, you lucky bunch.

5. Arsenal

Funky, Fresh, Vibrant, MARBLE.

I like this one, I like it a lot. The club has gone bold once again after them and Adidas revisited the bruised banana last season, and this is a lovely follow up to such an iconic design.

The off-white colour goes fantastic with the sharp red marble print that runs across the kit – and the sponsor, kit manufacturer badge and club badge work best in just the plain back to match the trim details on the shoulders. The Gunners will be skipping around the Emirates with this one.

4. Tottenham

Finally, Spurs have another top-four finish. I’m not usually a fan of green, but Nike has pulled off a dead ringer for Spurs this season.

The neon pink trim with the contrast side panel on each side of the kit works wonders, and if you are able to see closely enough the club and Nike badges are 3D with a slightly peachy pink layer across the bottom – a nice touch.

It is a fantastic kit and will look great next season alongside the club’s equally great home kit.

3. Chelsea

Now we’re getting to the big guns.

Nike again has pulled it off with this Chelsea away strip for this season – I love the sketchy little zig-zag pattern across the kit in the different shades of blue. The colour scheme works so well, and to have the badges and sponsor in the same colours just adds to the classiness of it all.

It’s just a great kit, simply put, and Chelsea fans are over the moon with it.

2. Liverpool

It’s such a close call, but unlike this year the Reds have just missed out on the top spot.

This has to be one of the most out-there away kits that Liverpool has had for years – and it’s beautiful. The pattern across the short looks a little like some sort of torn French Renaissance Wallpaper, and I’m all here for it.

The bright blue with the black trim on the sleeves and around the collar of the shirt just enhances the whole design, but the white trim on the badges and sponsor helps to make them pop against the pattern and colour of the whole top.

Nike has truly started their journey with the Reds in a good place.

1. Manchester City

As a Liverpool fan, it pains me to say it – but this kit is incredible.

The design that Puma has used looks unbelievable, along with the bronze used for the badges and the sponsor just plays off of it so well. They’ve used a base standard black, but it all just looks so good with the print, which looks like a type of blue colour but is hard to make out unless you were to have the kit in your hands.

Puma let the club down with their home kit – but all has been settled with this masterpiece, a truly remarkable away kit.

Wolverhampton Wanderers could soon have the solution to their ongoing nightmare at right wing-back, potentially thanks to the help of Jorge Mendes, who would’ve guessed it…

What’s the word?

According to Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), the Midlands outfit are a potential destination for Barcelona defender Nelson Semedo this transfer window.

They claim that Mendes has an offer from the Premier League and that Wolves are interested, though the La Liga giants value the Portuguese international at €40m (£36.5m).

Barcelona will only sell him for a fee of this value but until then, he’ll remain as part of the first-team setup at the Nou Camp.

The new Alves?

Wolves evidently need a new option on the right-hand side of defence following the departure of the long-serving Matt Doherty to top-flight rivals Spurs.

Nuno Santo has opted for both Adama Traore and Oskar Buur in their opening two matches of the new campaign but the former’s talents are better served up the pitch whilst the latter is merely a young prospect coming through.

Semedo has been likened to Dani Alves in the past because of the way he “loves to attack the wing, get behind defenders and latch on to through balls. He’s incredibly quick and his skilful feet allowing him to beat a man.”

The 26-year-old played 39 times last season for Barca where he averaged 2.3 tackles, 2.1 dribbles and two long balls per game in both domestically and in Europe, via WhoScored.

It’s clear to see that he’d be a very good fit for Nuno’s wing-back system as he very much likes to get up and down the flank, but can also do his defensive duties too.

Ex-Barca goalkeeper Vitor Baia waxed lyrical about Semedo back in 2017 and said:

“With time I’m sure he’ll improve. Physically he’s very strong and I think Barcelona have made a great signing with him. He’s young, he has the quality to reach Dani Alves’ level. 

“However, he needs time to be able to reach his level. But he has it all to become like Dani Alves.”

Portuguese, Mendes client and a position of need. It’s the Molineux outfit all over, isn’t it?

AND in other news, Wolves could land midfield upgrade in £30m “monster”…

Having secured Champions League football for their upcoming campaign, Chelsea have been linked with many top players to improve their title-challenging squad – and Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, Ben Chilwell and Jan Oblak remain on Frank Lampard’s transfer radar.

The Blues have already signed Hakim Ziyech from Ajax and Timo Werner from Bayer Leverkusen, and they are not stopping there. Frank Lampard has ordered his recruitment team to find world-class players in order to catch up with champions Liverpool and giants Manchester City next season.

Frank Lampard has underplayed rumours linking 21-year-old German superstar, Kai Havertz, with a move to the Blues this summer; however, according to the Evening Standard, Chelsea have stepped up their pursuit of the young midfielder after finishing in the top four of the Premier League.

The club are in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over Havertz who is set to leave for big money, speculated to be over £70m.

Atletico Madrid goalkeeper, Jan Oblak is another transfer target identified by Frank Lampard. Since dropping £70m keeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga for their make or break last game of the season against Wolves, it looks ever so likely that the Blues will make a move for the world-class Slovenian shot-stopper.

Throughout the season, Chelsea have shown interest in England international duo, Ben Chilwell, and Declan Rice. Chilwell looks certain to leave Leicester during this summer transfer window, with interest from many top clubs.

Declan Rice has also been linked with a move away from West Ham for quite a while, and it is thought that Lampard is keen on signing a new centre-half to play alongside N’golo Kante.

Verdict

It would make sense for Chelsea to bring in Ben Chilwell as they have been struggling with their left-back position for some time, and the addition of Declan Rice would not be a bad transfer for Chelsea, though their midfield is notably one of, if not the strongest area in their team currently.

Jan Oblak would not make sense unless Kepa is offloaded for near to the price they paid for the Spaniard, and this does not look likely.

Despite this, if the Blues have the money to spend then securing a world-class goalkeeper would be a good signing, having conceded 54 goals in the Premier League last season.

Again, Kai Havertz would be a phenomenal signing, and he would play brilliantly alongside fellow countryman Timo Werner, but do the Blues really need another attacking-midfielder to add to the depth of that position already?

[ad_pod ]

Newcastle United supporters have been delighted with the quality of Sean Longstaff’s performances since he broke into the side against Chelsea, and a recent report suggests that his growing reputation extends beyond the North East.

What’s the word?

According to a recent report published by The Chronicle, Longstaff is being monitored by England after impressing in recent weeks, with his success in nullifying the threat of Christian Eriksen cited as an indicator to illuminate the standard of his performance on Saturday.

England’s U21 team are set to face Poland and Germany during the next international break, and Aidy Boothroyd could be inclined to call him up for the very first time.

The same report claims that Ireland and Scotland have looked into his family history in the past to assess his eligibility, but he is only available to represent England at international level.

Mature and game-changing performance against Man City could be the key

Longstaff has been impressive in a handful of outings so far this season, but it was his ability to restrict a typically fluid Man City side from building any momentum which particularly impressed.

The 21-year-old academy product was a relentless worker alongside Isaac Hayden in midfield, depriving City of expressing their flair and creativity in condensed central areas.

His moment of genius, though, arrived with the score tied at 1-1 as he showcased a maturity beyond his years to sniff out the opportunity to dispossess Fernandinho and ultimately win the penalty which enabled Newcastle to claim all three points.

The manner in which Longstaff outsmarted the Brazilian lynchpin – comfortably the best midfield anchor in the Premier League right now – was indicative of his enormous potential to grow in the game; the awareness and anticipation of the interception was outstanding for a player of his limited experience.

The faith Rafa Benitez has placed in Longstaff’s ability has clearly provided him with the confidence to express himself at the top level, and an international call-up would represent just reward for his fine start to life in Newcastle’s senior squad.

Former Arsenal and England forward Jodie Taylor has announced her retirement after 21 years in the game.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Taylor retires at 37Made 51 appearances for EnglandWon Champions League with LyonWHAT HAPPENED?

At the age of 37, the forward has decided to call time on a career that saw her play in six countries and represent her country 51 times.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Taylor's senior career began at Tranmere Rovers in 2002 and took her to the United States, Canada, Australia, Sweden and France before she returned to England to join Arsenal this year.

She won trophies with Birmingham, Goteborg and Melbourne before helping Lyon to Champions League success in 2020.

The forward was also a World Cup finalist with England in 2015 and won the Euro 2017 Golden Boot before claiming the SheBelieves Cup two years later.

WHAT THEY SAID

"I am at peace with the decision to retire and it's my choice. I think [that] is really important. [It's] really fortunate that I'm in the position to make that decision for myself," she said.

"I think before I even stepped foot on the plane to go to Arsenal at the end of last season I kind of knew it was going to be my last stint playing.

"It's a club that I love so much and respect so much, and to have the opportunity to be back there and them to welcome me knowing it was going to be my last game, it's pretty special."

Taylor added: "I'm happy that the time has come now – it's the right time."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Taylor has not revealed what she will do after bringing an end to her playing career.

Cristiano Ronaldo has been labelled "The GOAT" by his ex-Premier League rival Steven Gerrard, who has explained why he moved to Al-Ettifaq.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in JanuaryGerrard followed CR7 to Saudi Arabia in the summerPair enjoyed fierce Liverpool-Man Utd rivalry WHAT HAPPENED?

Ronaldo shocked the football world when joining Al-Nassr in January, less than two months after seeing his final contract at Manchester United terminated by mutual consent. A host of top players and managers have since followed the five-time Ballon d'Or winner to Saudi Arabia, including Liverpool legend Gerrard, who became Al-Ettifaq's new manager in July.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

During Ronaldo's first spell at Old Trafford between 2003 and 2009, he enjoyed a fierce rivalry with Gerrard as United and Liverpool competed at the top end of the Premier League table. The former England international holds no ill-feeling towards the Portuguese striker since hanging up his boots, though, and credits him for inspiring his decision to take up a new coaching challenge in the Middle East.

WHAT STEVEN GERRARD SAID

Gerrard also admitted that he and his staff at Al-Ettifaq consider Ronaldo to be the greatest player of all time, and suggested the striker wouldn't have moved to Saudi Arabia if he believed he was past his best. “The arrival of ‘The GOAT’ as we call him, Cristiano (Ronaldo), him arriving in January obviously (was) a huge signing,” the former Liverpool midfielder said in an interview with the . “He still had a lot of football to offer. So, from afar, for six months, I was looking in at Cristiano Ronaldo’s results, at the league, watching some games and watching some highlights. I think from that moment, the league around the world had become a very popular talking point for everyone. After Cristiano’s arrival, even more big-name signings, talents and skill sets were joining the league. At the time it coincided with me being out of the game and looking for my next opportunity, so I was fascinated from afar looking in, and when my agent brought a couple of opportunities in the gulf area at the time, I was fascinated to explore them.

“The Ettifaq proposal and opportunity was the most exciting for me because I’ve signed up to a club where the board are very passionate. They understand where the club is at, they understand it’s something that’s going to need building, and it’s going to take time. That’s the reason why I was very interested to analyse this one, because in my job you need time. Especially when a club has finished seventh in the league and so many points behind the top four. That’s not an easy fix; it’s not something you fix in a week, a month, or six months. It’s a project to build on the pitch, which is obviously the priority, but also a lot of things needed to change around it to give the first team the support it needs.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

WHAT DID HE SAY ABOUT JORDAN HENDERSON?

Gerrard also explained why he worked so hard to bring his former Liverpool team-mate Jordan Henderson to Al-Ettifaq in the summer window. “I think when you’re the coach, the manager, you want players going into games that can be an extended version of the staff,” he added. “People, who can really help on-pitch coaching; where the team needs to be in terms of distances, to make on-field decisions. Myself and Jordan (Henderson) we have that trust. We played together and he’s a fantastic player still, a fantastic human being. For us, to execute that signing was key and very important and I think a lot of the other signings we made came on the back of Jordan agreeing to come here. I think he wanted to still play, I think that was the key. He was at Liverpool at the time, he’s had a fantastic career, he’s achieved everything at that club, he’s been a fantastic servant to Liverpool Football Club. And when we knew it was a possibility, I wanted to be aggressive and wanted that to be my first signing, because for me it was a no-brainer."

The Frenchman's potential has never been up for debate, but his attitude has always been a disgrace, as underlined by his decision to leave for PSG

At the end of July, both and claimed that Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain were at "war" over Ousmane Dembele – which felt a little strange, given the Frenchman is not a player worth fighting for, at least not from the Blaugrana's perspective.

PSG's interest was understandable, of course. Dembele is an immensely talented footballer. If Luis Enrique can get him fully fit and firing, the 26-year-old still has it inside him to become a genuine superstar. Xavi knows that too, and is said to have pleaded with the player to "think of Neymar", who has long regretted quitting Camp Nou for Parc des Princes in 2017.

"I am a little disappointed with Dembele," the Barca boss admitted after the friendly with AC Milan. "He has decided to go to PSG. There is nothing we can do."

Some Blaugrana fans have been left enraged by Dembele's perceived betrayal – and that makes sense too, given the majority of them stood by the winger throughout a desperately trying six-year spell at Camp Nou. The mere fact he'd already agreed personal terms with PSG weeks ago seriously stung – even if allegations of a lack of loyalty are arguably a little harsh in light of reports that Barcelona unsettled Dembele by trying to use him as a makeweight in their efforts to sign Kylian Mbappe.

However, fury should soon give way to relief – because Barca really are well rid of one of the most frustrating figures in football.

Getty Images'The boy is special'

Dembele's ability has long been obvious. Former Rennes sporting director Mikael Silvestre described him as the most naturally gifted teenager he'd seen since his time playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo at Manchester United, Thomas Tuchel said it was a pleasure to watch his "amazing skills" in training at Borussia Dortmund, while Martin Braithwaite admitted that he was blown away by Dembele when he joined Barcelona in 2020.

"I have never seen someone with his talent. I'm serious!" the dumbfounded Dane told . "Messi is something else but, after him, I haven't seen any player like Dembele. The boy is special."

But he's also proven terribly unprofessional and horribly inconsistent.

AdvertisementGetty'No structure around him'

There were concerns over Dembele's attitude even before he arrived in Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund for an initial €105 million (£90m/$116m), with the Frenchman accused of trashing the apartment he had been renting in Germany from Jurgen Klopp.

It's also worth remembering that while former Barca president Josep Maria Bartomeu publicly claimed that Dembele was better than the man he had effectively replaced, Neymar, the club were actually considering cutting their losses on the forward as early as October 2018.

By that stage, it was clear that Dembele was dreadfully ill-disciplined. He was repeatedly late for team meetings, with his tardiness attributed to his fondness for playing video games until the early hours of the morning, while his diet was a disgrace for a professional athlete. One source told GOAL of countless fast food cartons found at his house, while a healthy fish dish prepared by his former chef had been discarded.

"It's a messy life," Michael Naya told . "I've never seen alcohol but he doesn't respect the rest periods at all. There's no structure around him." And his lifestyle was viewed as a key contributing factor to the umpteen muscular injuries Dembele suffered throughout his time at Barca.

(C)GettyImages'I didn't work has hard as I do now'

Even Dembele has confessed that he was "very frail" during his first few seasons in Catalunya because of his poor diet, but insisted in 2022 that he had seen the error of his ways and completely changed his mindset

“Now I see that it's essential to work hard on and off the pitch,” he told and . "The injuries came because, when I was 20, I didn't work as hard as I do now. It's clear that if you don't work, you can't enjoy football, you're not going to play much and you're going to get injured. Now, I'm stronger."

He's not, though. In any sense. Dembele missed three months of last season with a hamstring problem and even when he was available, he sparkled only sporadically, scoring just five goals in 25 Liga appearances.

He was a starter for France at the 2022 World Cup and he tormented several full-backs with his genuinely breath-taking bursts of speed – but, as always with Dembele – there was so little end product. In a team that reached the final, he managed just two assists and zero goals, while his performance in the final was embarrassing, with Didier Deschamps deciding to take him off four minutes before the break.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyDembele over Mbappe

The contrast with the efficiency and quality of Mbappe on the opposite flank was stark – and, from a Barcelona perspective, pretty painful. According to agent Junior Minguella, Barca had a €155m (£134m/$184m) deal in place to sign Mbappe before he moved to PSG in the same summer as Neymar, but ultimately decided that Dembele was "better suited to the team's style of play".

When Minguella recounted this story on in February 2021, there was widespread incredulity, so he subsequently produced WhatsApp messages to verify his claims, tweeting: "A gift for the haters and unbelievers."

With Mbappe set to stay at Paris Saint-Germain for at least one more year, Real Madrid may have to look elsewhere

It wasn't supposed to be like this for Real Madrid; they were going to wait patiently for Kylian Mbappe to be exiled this summer, readying themselves for a last-minute bid, coaxing the France captain to the Santiago Bernabeu at a cut price. Mbappe, they assumed, would diligently wait for his long-anticipated Madrid move.

Instead, the striker has tentatively agreed to stay in Paris for at least one more year. The specifics of his deal are clouded, but it seems that the winger will make some kind of concession in order to stick around — and ensure that PSG will get an agreeable fee for him when he inevitably leaves next summer. This is a very kind thing for a player who has spent six years holding his club hostage.

Meanwhile, Madrid are left with a conundrum. Although they scored twice against Athletic Club to open their season, chances came at a premium. They were, as perhaps expected, worryingly lacking a central striking presence. It always figured that Mbappe would fill that void for the 2023-24 season. But now, Madrid are left with 33-year-old Joselu as their sole striking option — which hardly inspires confidence for a side hoping to compete for the league title.

So, Madrid might have to make a foray into the transfer market. And who to get? It's a suddenly dwindling talent pool, with some of the big names already making moves. Still, there are some options out there. GOAL takes a look at who Madrid might be able to sign with Mbappe out of the question…

(C)Getty ImagesRandal Kolo Muani (Frankfurt)

This would be an interesting acquisition on multiple levels. First of all, Randal Kolo Muani would give Madrid some much-needed versatility in attack. He is not exactly one to drop deep like a certain Karim Benzema, but he's a reliable enough link-up player and passer to serve as a focal point. Furthermore, his experience playing alongside Mbappe for France's national team has ensured he can work effectively with pacey forwards who like to get in behind — something Vinicius Jr could benefit from. Add his 15 goals in the Bundesliga last year, and you have a well-rounded forward.

The added bonus here is Kolo Muani has been one of PSG's main targets for some time now. The Parisians were expected to sign him this summer, but elected to bring in Gonaclo Ramos instead. There could still be room for him at Parc des Princes — Mbappe might insist on it — but he doesn't seem like a surefire addition anymore. The transfer market can be a petty thing, especially for Madrid. They might just take some satisfaction in stealing PSG's top target.

Advertisement(C)GettyImagesRomelu Lukaku (Inter)

Romelu Lukaku could've sorted his next club by now. Inter seemed ready to negotiate with Chelsea for the striker, but he entered personal negotiations with Juventus when he was on the verge of sealing a move to his former club — something that didn't sit well with any of the parties involved. That move has failed to materialise as of yet, with Chelsea's €50 million (£43m/$55m) asking price proving too high for the Bianconeri.

It leaves room for Madrid to swoop in. Los Blancos were briefly linked with the Belgian earlier in the summer, including him on their shortlist to replace Benzema. And with other suitors dwindling — rumours of a Tottenham switch have been quashed — there's certainly an opportunity here.

He might be something of an awkward fit, though. Lukaku isn't the playmaking forward that Madrid covet and typically functions more effectively in a two-striker system. Asking him to play with his back to goal would be an immense waste of his talent. Still, some Carlo Ancelotti magic could be worked here.

Getty ImagesDusan Vlahovic (Juventus)

Dusan Vlahovic has never quite worked out at Juventus. The Serbian sealed a €70m (£61m/$75m) move from Fiorentina back in January 2022, and has only scored 17 goals in 42 games since then. But there's clearly a player in there.

It seems strange, in that sense, to suggest that a 23-year-old needs a change of scenery to start banging them in. In this case, though, it might just be true. Vlahovic is an ideal central striker at his best, and feasts inside the box. With Vinicius and Rodyrgo either side of him creating chance after chance, he could thrive.

Price might be an issue, though. Juventus repeatedly rebuffed Chelsea in player-plus-cash talks over Lukaku, and will look to recoup a hefty chunk of their investment — if they do indeed elect to let him go at all. Their economic situation may necessitate his exit.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyVictor Osimhen (Napoli)

Victor Osimhen was arguably the best striker in Europe last year, leading the line for a Napoli side that battered its way to Serie A and captured a historic Scudetto. The Nigerian striker scored 26 goals in the league and added a further five in the Champions League. Add the fact that he is still only 23 — and poised to improve — and this would be incredibly difficult to make happen.

But it would also be a dream addition. Osimhen became a more well-rounded attacking presence last season, serving as a valuable playmaker, and combining effectively with Napoli's pacy wide players. Kvara Kvaratskhelia may have grabbed the headlines, but Osimhen's five assists are nothing to be sniffed at. It all amounts to a player Madrid would love to have. Whether they can afford him, though, is an entirely different question. Consider it unlikely – especially as he is finally about to sign a new contract.

La Celeste's goalscoring chart features an illustrious roll-call of some of the best players have represented the national team

Uruguay might not quite have the same reputation as their illustrious neighbours Argentina and Brazil, but the two-time World Cup winners have still produced a wealth of talent.

Luis Suarez doesn't need any introduction and neither does Edinson Cavani or Diego Forlan.

But there have been many more attacking greats representing La Celeste.

Just think Pablo Dorado or Hector Castro, the heroes of the 1930 World Cup final against Argentina.

Or Hector Scarone, who led Uruguay to two World Cup wins.

Who is Uruguay's most lethal attacker ever, though?

Let's take a look at the men leading their all-time goalscoring charts!

Getty Images1Luis Suarez | 68 goals

Luis Suarez is not just one of the greatest footballers Uruguay has produced, but he is also their highest-ever goalscorer on the international stage.

Suarez made his international debut against Colombia back in 2007 in a game that was oddly memorable as he was shown a red card by the referee in the 85th minute.

He won the Copa America with Uruguay in 2011 and has scored 68 goals.

AdvertisementGetty Images2Edinson Cavani | 58 goals

Edinson Cavani has proved himself as one of the most lethal strikers around on the international stage.

He made his Uruguay debut in 2008 as he scored in a 2-2 draw against Colombia, and has never looked back since, scoring 58 goals in 133 games for his country.

El Matador featured in the 2011 Copa America final in Argentina as a substitute and was involved in Uruguay's last goal as they beat Paraguay 3-0 to win their record 15th title.

Getty Images3Diego Forlan | 36 goals

Diego Forlan scored on his debut for Uruguay in a friendly defeat against Saudi Arabia in 2002 to get his international career off to a flyer and it soon became apparent they had another attacking gem on their hands.

Forlan went on to score a total of 36 goals in 108 international games across all competitions for his country, with his most memorable goal being a right-footed long range effort against hosts South Africa at the World Cup in 2010.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Archivo4Hector Scarone | 31 goals

An inside forward with immense goal-scoring appetite, Hector Scarone was considered one of the best players in the world in his prime.

Scarone, who featured for Barcelona in Europe, won the South American Championship four times, in 1917, 1923, 1924 and 1926.

He led Uruguay to glory in the 1930 World Cup before retiring from the game.

El Mago scored 31 goals in 52 international games for his country.