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Liverpool's appointment of Jorg Schmadtke as their new sporting director is now thought to be "imminent", according to a fresh update.

What's the sporting director situation at Liverpool?

It has been a tough season for the Reds, with Premier League title aspirations existing back in August, but a fifth-place finish eventually coming their way after a string of poor results. It is a campaign that has seen a number of players struggle, including the likes of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson, but there have also been issues off the field.

The influential Michael Edwards left his role as sporting director last year, having been the mastermind behind the signings of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, among many others, and he was replaced in the role by Julian Ward. It was then announced late last year that he would step down at the end of this season, potentially suggesting that all is not running as smoothly as it once did at Anfield.

The search has been on to find Ward's successor and Schmadtke has emerged as a front-runner in recent weeks, having most recently been sporting director at Wolfsburg. Now, a significant update has emerged – one that suggests his appointment is now a matter if when, rather than if.

Is Schmadtke set to become Reds' sporting director?

According to Sky Sports Germany [via Sport Witness], "nothing can go wrong" with regards to Schmadtke heading to Liverpool, with an announcement now believed to be "imminent". The Reds want him in charge as soon as possible, in order to bring stability to the club before the summer transfer window opens.

It is stated that he will work closely with Klopp on potential signings, with his main area of focus being the Bundesliga, given his experience in that league.

Nailing the right replacement for Ward is absolutely essential for Liverpool this summer, with the role of sporting director such an important one in football these days, not least their eye for new signings and the relationship they have with the manager.

While Schmadtke is reportedly a controversial character at times, with a penchant for falling out with people, Klopp has picked him out for a reason and he is to be trusted with such decisions, as something of a new era begins at Anfield, following the departure of the likes of Roberto Firmino, James Milner, Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain at the end of the season.

Manchester United are believed to have been given the chance to sign Christian Pulisic from rivals Chelsea this summer, with the United States international facing an uncertain future in west London.

What's the latest on Pulisic to Man United?

According to ESPN, the Red Devils are among a host of clubs who have seemingly been 'approached' about the prospect of signing the 24-year-old ahead of next season, having been notified as to what the winger's salary demands and asking price would be.

The report suggests that the former Borussia Dortmund ace – who was joined the Blues on a £58m deal back in 2019 – could be up for grabs for as little as £20m, with just 12 months left to run on his existing deal at Stamford Bridge.

While the piece does add that it is Serie A giants, Juventus who are currently the frontrunners in the race to sign the 58-cap dynamo, United have evidently held a long-standing interest in the player, having reportedly been contemplating a loan swoop last summer.

Should Man United sign Pulisic?

It is hard to deny that it has been a truly dismal season for Pulisic, with the £173k-per-week asset having scored just once and provided only two assists in 30 games in all competitions, albeit while making just ten starts in that time.

That being said, the Hershey-born magician did showcase his talents on a global stage at the World Cup last year, with the fleet-footed "leader" – as hailed by former USA boss, Jurgen Klinsmann – having provided three goal involvements in just four outings in Qatar.

That impact saw the wide man hailed as a "massive talent" by United legend, Gary Neville (ITV, 25/11/2022, 18:36), while another Old Trafford icon – Paul Scholes – has previously suggested that the American "looks the closest thing to Eden Hazard".

That glowing praise is an indication of the real diamond that Erik ten Hag could have on his hands if a deal is to be secured this summer, with such an addition potentially set to prove the final nail in the coffin for current Red Devils dud, Jadon Sancho.

While the Englishman has provided two goal involvements in his last two outings, it has largely been a tale of frustration since his £73m switch from Dortmund, with the 23-year-old bagging just 12 goals and six assists in 78 games across all fronts to date.

That lack of consistency has led to suggestions from treble winner Dwight Yorke that the London-born trickster is now on "borrowed time", with further reports claiming that the forward could be shown the door ahead of next term.

As such, turning to Pulisic – who has the benefit of having won the Champions League in 2021 – could allow Sancho to find pastures new, with the Chelsea man having racked up 47 goals and assists in 145 games for his current side.

One notable benefit that Pulisic would offer is his superior work ethic having averaged 1.25 tackles and 0.58 interceptions per 90 across the last 365 days, while the United man has averaged just 0.99 and 0.41 for those same two metrics, respectively.

That ability to put in the hard yards defensively on the flanks will likely be appealing to Ten Hag, hence the prospect of the Blues ace replacing Sancho in the squad next season.

Manchester United are believed to be eyeing a summer move for Monaco defender, Axel Disasi, with manager Erik ten Hag seemingly keen to strengthen his centre-back options ahead of next season.

What's the latest on Disasi to Man United?

According to journalist Santi Aouna, the 25-year-old has emerged as a leading target for the Red Devils for the upcoming window, with the towering Frenchman seemingly viewed as an alternative option to that of Napoli's, Kim Min-jae.

Writing on Twitter, the transfer insider stated: "As mentioned in March, Disasi is at the very top of MU's list. The Red Devils have already met his entourage. Kim Min-jae is also there and a verbal offer has already been made to the player."

This follows a previous report from Aouna which revealed that the 6 foot 3 rock could be sold for a fee of around €50m (£43m), albeit with other Premier League clubs also said to be showing an interest.

Who is Axel Disasi?

The former Reims ace – who made the move to Stade Louis II back in the summer of 2020 – could well represent a suitable replacement for Harry Maguire in Ten Hag's side, with the United captain having been mooted for an exit from Old Trafford of late.

While Disasi is yet to ply his trade outside of his native France, the three-cap machine would seemingly be an "amazing signing for any top Premier League club" as he is simply "born to play in England", according to talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Also hailed as "dominant" and "completed" by Kulig, the one-time Paris FC ace has also earned notable comparisons to Liverpool star, Virgil van Dijk, with the hope being that he can replicate the success that the influential Dutchman has had at Anfield in recent times.

Van Dijk – who is also an imposing defensive presence at 6 foot 5 – has helped the Merseysiders to Premier League and Champions League glory since his £75m switch from Southampton back in 2018, with pundit Jamie Carragher suggesting that no centre-back has "ever had" the "impact" that the ex-Celtic ace has had on a top-flight team.

Also lauded as the "best centre-half of all time" by one-time United man, Michael Owen, the 31-year-old is certainly a difficult figure to try and emulate, although Disasi appears to have the quality to potentially be Ten Hag's own version of the Netherlands international.

That likeness between the pair is notably showcased by their dominance in the air, with Disasi having won 70% of his aerial duels in 38 league games this season, while Van Dijk is only just ahead having won 74% of his aerial duels in 32 outings.

The duo are also alike due to their ability to effectively play out from the back, with the Reds man averaging 4.05 progressive passes per 90 across the last 365 days, as per FBref, while his younger counterpart has averaged 5.80 per 90 for the same metric – thus ranking in the top 4% among his European peers in that regard.

One added bonus of the latter man's arrival would be his menacing threat in the final third having also chipped in with three league goals in 2022/23, with that record matched by Van Dijk in the Premier League.

Those shared strengths would suggest that the Red Devils could be on to a winner if they are to sign Disasi over the coming weeks and months.

Rangers are now keen on signing Chicago Fire midfielder Brian Gutierrez, who is attracting the interest of several top European clubs, according to a recent report from The Daily Mail.

Who is Brian Gutierrez?

Despite being just 19-years-old, Gutierrez already has a great deal of first-team experience under his belt, making a total of 71 MLS appearances over the past three seasons, cementing himself as a very important player for Chicago Fire.

Not only that, the young midfielder has also started to make a name for himself at international level, making a total of seven appearances for the USA U20 side, scoring two goals in the process.

Throughout his career so far, the starlet has featured on both wings, and in the centre of midfield, which could make him an ideal target for Rangers, who need to replace the likes of Ryan Kent, Scott Arfield and Steven Davis, with the trio out of contract.

The Daily Mail report the Light Blues are one of the clubs keen on signing the Chicago Fire ace, having been impressed with his performances, with Manchester United, and other unnamed Premier League sides also being named as potential suitors.

However, the British sides may struggle to secure a work permit for the American, and a number of other European sides are also keen to take him, including the likes of Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Girona.

Should Rangers sign Gutierrez?

Hailed as a "special player" by members of the media, the starlet has impressed both defensively and on the front foot over the course of the past year, ranking in the 86th percentile for blocks, and in the 80th for assists per 90 compared to his positional peers.

As previously highlighted, the 5 foot 10 midfielder is capable of playing in a number of different positions, however he has most commonly been utilised at left midfield, impressing Sun Times Sports reporter Brian Sandalow in the process.

Although Sandalow stresses that the Illinois-born ace needs a "smidge more polish", he also adds that he has "taken quite a step forward this season", indicating that he is ready to take the next step in his career.

An average of 1.5 dribbles per game this season ranks Gutierrez second in the Chicago Fire squad, further demonstrating his attacking threat, and he could be a very exciting signing for Rangers, if they are able to secure a work permit.

Newcastle United will need to bolster the ranks this summer despite finishing in the top four under Eddie Howe's stewardship and ending a two-decade absence from the Champions League this year.

It's been an incredible season for the Tyneside club and the impact of the affluent PIF takeover has been felt with considerable might, sending tremors across the rest of the Premier League as the Magpies swiftly crafted a team capable of competing against the most imperious outfits both domestically and abroad.

Now, having revelled in the success of the campaign, the Magpies must turn their attention to the summer market with haste, making astute moves to enrich the squad's collective talent ahead of an important season that will focus on sustaining the newfound stature, and swooping for someone like Adrien Rabiot could bear fruit.

Indeed, the Juventus midfielder is out of contract this month and has attracted attention from Newcastle and divisional rivals Manchester United, who failed in an attempt to sign the Frenchman last year.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Manchester United are 'leading the race' for the 28-year-old, but despite this, further reports from the likes of Calciomercato claim that Newcastle technical director Dan Ashworth is ready to return for the Old Lady's midfield general this month, with a battle for his services potentially forthcoming.

Should Newcastle sign Adrien Rabiot?

Newcastle's balance across the park was one of the main reasons behind their ascent to European qualification this season, and while the midfield department is oiled and whirring at full throttle, Rabiot's prowess as a "complete midfielder" – as he has been described by France manager Didier Deschamps – could allow him to slot into the system without seam.

Indeed, having scored 11 goals and provided a further six assists from 48 club appearances, the £150-per-week machine has also averaged two tackles and 1.2 clearances per game in Serie A, as per Sofascore.

Metrics provided by FBref also rank the 36-cap international among the top 16% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and aerials won per 90, illustrating his dynamism.

Hailed as a "wardrobe" for his imposing physicality by Gianluigi Buffon, the 6 foot 2 titan could be the perfect partner in the midfield for Joe Willock, whose own dynamism and progressive prowess could provide Howe's attacking third with devastating support from deep.

The £80k-per-week Englishman ranks among the top 9% of positional peers for rate of assists, the top 4% for progressive carries and the top 4% for rate of blocks per 90, and with Bruno Guimaraes pulling the strings from the centre, it could be a system to leave opposition quaking.

Considering this, securing Rabiot's services this summer might be the perfect way to provide the Toon midfield with the sheen needed to continue the resounding success under Howe's tutelage.

With plenty of experience at the World Cup, in Europe and domestically, at the highest level, the one-time Paris Saint-Germain star can bring a winning mentality and midfield tenacity to help Newcastle achieve their goals.

Glasgow Rangers target Los Angeles FC midfielder Jose Cifuentes is ready to sign an Ibrox contract at the end of the month, according to reliable reporter Alan Nixon.

What’s the latest Rangers transfer news?

Michael Beale and Rangers have been busy in the transfer window already this summer, with four new faces already brought in.

Dujon Sterling, Kieran Dowell and Jack Butland have all arrived in Glasgow on free transfers, whereas Sam Lammers signed from Serie A side Atalanta for a fee in the region of £3.5m.

It doesn’t look as if the club will stop there, though, with Cifuentes heavily linked with a move in recent weeks. Reports suggested that at the beginning of the week that there was a breakthrough in talks to sign the LAFC man, but there has been a new update.

According to reliable journalist Nixon, via Ibrox News, Cifuentes is ready to sign a Rangers contract at the end of the month, despite the fact a Premier League club showed late interest in his services.

He adds that Rangers still need to agree on a low fee with LAFC to bring the player to Scotland in time for the new season.

“Ecuadorian star Jose Cifuentes is ready to sign a pre contract with Rangers at the end of the month despite late English Premier League interest.

“Rangers will have to agree a low fee with the Americans to have him over in time for their domestic and European campaigns.”

Who is Jose Cifuentes?

Cifuentes looks like he could be the next through the door at Ibrox, and he should bring plenty of versatility to Beale’s midfield options, with the player capable of turning out in holding, central or attacking midfield roles.

The 24-year-old appears to be at the peak of his powers with a career-high €12m Transfermarkt valuation, a figure which is higher than any Rangers player, so could be a smart signing in the long run.

Ecuador football expert Benedikt Duda has previously described Cifuentes as a “physical” player, saying he models himself on Paul Pogba, wit the player earning 15 caps at international level.

“Cifuentes is a no.8, who is physical and strong in defence with a tendency to get involved in the attack. There is a good reason he wears the no.11, and footballing-wise, he models himself after Paul Pogba.”

All in all, it looks as if Rangers could be about to make a shrewd addition, and it is good to see that the club are still in pole position despite interest from a side south of the border.

In what has been a slow start to the summer transfer window at Old Trafford, Manchester United may be about have a breakthrough in their pursuit of Chelsea attacking midfielder Mason Mount.

Mount has just one year left on his contract at Stamford Bridge in which he is believed to earn £80,000 a week, per Spotrac.

In a boost to United’s pursuit, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has stated that Chelsea have lowered their demands in terms of the fee they require to let their youth academy graduate go to Old Trafford.

Man Utd transfer news – Mason Mount

United were left frustrated again after a second bid for Chelsea’s number 19 was rejected this week. The bid was believed to be worth up to £50m.

However, according to The Athletic, Chelsea look to hold out for a fee closer to £60m for the England international with £5m in add-ons.

Mount is one of three main targets for Erik ten Hag this season, which includes fellow England internationals Declan Rice and Harry Kane according to Sky Sports.

Romano believes that a middle ground can be found between the two clubs to allow Mount to move north to Manchester.

What has Fabrizio Romano said about Mount?

Romano believes United will still have to up their current offer if they have a realistic chance of signing Chelsea’s wantaway star.

The transfer expert believes a bid from the Red Devils of around £60m-£65m could get the deal over the line.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Romano stated: "The situation with Mason Mount is a second bid was submitted for £50million. It was £45million, plus £5million in add-ons.

"Chelsea immediately rejected that bid as they want more than £60million. They started at £70million for Mason Mount, but now, from what I understand, I think the deal could be done for around £60million to £65million."

Should Man United sign Mason Mount?

Mount’s 22/23 season was hampered by injury. The 24-year-old missed a total of 13 league games in the tale end of the season, but his injury record doesn’t seem to have knocked United’s confidence in him as a target or Chelsea’s valuation of the player.

The player has been subject to serious praise from former United defender and legend, Rio Ferdinand.

Rio defined the United target as a ‘mad player’ during his stellar 2021/22 season in which he was able to stay fit.

Ferdinand said: "Young players watching the game, if you watch Mount, he’s efficient with it, and he can bang, but it’s the work ethic and the positions he takes up defensively.

"That’s why he’ll always play for England because I think you can rely on him.”

United will be hoping he’s a player they can rely on the upcoming season.

Leeds United “hope to keep” Wilfried Gnonto beyond the summer transfer window, according to reliable journalist Graham Smyth.

When did Wilfried Gnonto join Leeds?

Gnonto only arrived at Elland Road last summer from FC Zurich and throughout the reigns of Jesse Marsch, Javi Gracia and Sam Allardyce, was a regular feature of the first-team having made a total of 28 appearances during his debut season.

The Italy international still has another four years remaining on his contract, but having impressed in his opening campaign in Yorkshire, The Mirror report that he has attracted the attention of Crystal Palace, Brighton, West Ham and Everton in the Premier League.

However, after suffering relegation to the Championship, Claudio Vigorelli, the winger’s agent, has confirmed that his client will hold “talks” regarding his future with the Whites and stated that there will be plenty of “options” on the table should he not want to remain.

Is Gnonto leaving Leeds?

Taking to Twitter, Smyth revealed that despite interest, Leeds are yet to receive any offers for Gnonto and claimed that the 49ers are looking to retain his services ahead of the 2023/24 campaign. He wrote:

“Willy Gnonto is off making headlines with Italy Under-21s, while headlines get written about him in England. Leeds United have had no bids for the winger and hope to keep him at Elland Road this summer.”

Should the 49ers keep or sell Gnonto?

Leeds will know that most of their prized assets will likely want to leave and join a club that are competing at the highest level but Gnonto has been an exciting addition to the squad since his arrival so the hierarchy need to do everything they can to hold onto him beyond the summer.

The LS11 outfit’s “unpredictable” left-sided winger, as lauded by journalist Josh Bunting, posted six goal contributions (four assists and two goals) in 24 Premier League outings last season and over the course of the term, recorded 50 shot-creating actions which was the fourth-highest throughout the whole of the team, as per FBRef.

The Verbania native, who has the versatility to operate in seven different positions across the grass, also only pockets £20k-per-week so he’s not a big earner to keep on the books compared to the likes of Rodrigo who receives the highest on a whopping £100k-per-week, via Capology, therefore making this a decision that the board shouldn’t even have to think twice about.

An update has emerged on Manchester United and their chances of adding a new goalkeeper to their squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign…

What's the latest on Diogo Costa to Manchester United?

According to 90min, the Red Devils have now been offered the chance to sign Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa as the Primeira Liga outfit are in need of funds to comply with Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.

The report also claims that fellow Premier League side Chelsea have also been given the opportunity to snap the Portugal shot-stopper up this summer, as both English teams had already placed him on their shortlist of targets.

It states that the 23-year-old international has a release clause in his contract that would allow him to move on for a fee in the region of £65m, although it remains to be seen whether or not Porto would be willing to accept a lower figure due to their financial concerns.

Would Diogo Costa be a good signing for Manchester United?

Erik ten Hag could secure something of a transfer masterclass by taking advantage of this situation to secure a deal for the shot-stopping colossus in the coming weeks.

David de Gea is reportedly likely to move on at the end of his contract this summer, after the club attempted to go back on their initial contract offer to the Spaniard with a proposal that would have seen him earning even less, which would leave the number one shirt at Old Trafford vacant.

Bringing Costa in would be a terrific piece of business by the Red Devils boss as the Swiss-born titan has the potential to be a big upgrade on the soon-to-be free agent.

De Gea made three woeful errors directly leading to goals for the opposition across the Premier League and Europa League in 2022/23. In contrast, the Porto gem did not make a single mistake directly leading to the ball flying into his net throughout the Primeira Liga or Champions League campaign last term.

As a shot-stopper, Costa saved his team a whopping 6.1 league goals based on the post-shot expected goals (xG) of the shots against him last season, which essentially means that he prevented six goals that the average player in his position would have been expected to concede.

Meanwhile, United's number one conceded 0.7 more goals than the post-shot xG suggested the average goalkeeper would allow past them.

This would indicate that the experienced Spaniard underperformed between the sticks and does not offer as much quality, in terms of keeping the ball out of the net, as the £65m-rated tank.

Costa has also stopped a higher percentage (7.5%) of crosses into his box than de Gea (3.1%) over the last year, and this implies that United would have a greater presence at the back to alleviate pressure from the defence when dealing with an aerial bombardment.

Therefore, ten Hag would be sealing a masterclass by replacing his current no.1 with a summer swoop for the Porto star, who was once hailed as a "Superman" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, as the aforementioned statistics indicate that he would be a big and long-term upgrade on the struggling 32-year-old dud.

Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be stepping up their interest in Fulham defender, Tosin Adarabioyo as manager Ange Postecoglou seeks to overhaul his centre-back ranks this summer.

What's the latest on Adarabioyo to Tottenham?

According to journalist Santi Aouna, the Lilywhites are seemingly ready to make an approach for the 25-year-old in the near future, with the former England youth international potentially set to be up for grabs with his current contract set to expire next year.

Writing on Twitter, the transfer insider stated: "Tottenham will ma[k]e action over Tosin Adarabioyo. The Spurs are expected to contact Fulham this week to know the conditions and terms of a permanent transfer. Many clubs are interested".

This follows a previous claim from football.london's Alasdair Gold, with the respected source revealing that the former Manchester City asset – who has been valued at around €15m (£13m) – is "high on Spurs' list" of centre-back targets.

Will Tottenham sign Adarabioyo this summer?

As Gold has also revealed, Postecoglou is believed to be plotting to sign at least two new central defenders ahead of next season, with the north Londoners set to decide between a move for Wolfsburg's Micky van de Ven or Bayer Leverkusen ace, Edmond Tapsoba.

At present, the belief is that the Premier League outfit are closing in on a £30m deal to prise Van de Ven from Germany, with there a potential for Tapsoba's £50m fee to prove something of an obstacle.

The bargain addition of Adarabioyo instead of the latter man could then prove to be an astute move, particularly with the 6 foot 5 rock also providing the benefit of his homegrown status, as well as his prior experience in English football.

The "highly rated" giant – as hailed by journalist Fabrizio Romano – could prove to be a fine partner to Van de Ven at N17 moving forward, with that left-foot, right-foot combination potentially set to help ease the club's defensive woes, having shipped 63 league goals last term.

Noted for his "extreme speed" – according to Wolfsburg’s managing director, Marcel Schäfer – Van de Ven also represents an ideal fit due to his ability to play out from the back, showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 10% for progressive carries and the top 7% for successful take-ons among his European peers.

While also a towering presence at 6 foot 4, the 22-year-old Dutchman does not appear to be the most dominant presence in the heart of the backline, however, showcased by the fact that he ranks in just the bottom 4% for aerial duels won.

That could be where Adarabioyo comes in, with the one-time Blackburn Rovers loanee far more of a commanding figure as he ranks in the top 24% in that regard, as well as in the top 2% for clearances made, showcasing his knack for sniffing out danger.

Although the Manchester-born powerhouse is far less likely to carry the ball out from the back – as he ranks in just the top 39% for progressive carries and only the top 43% for successful take-ons – the £40k-per-week asset is certainly no slouch in possession, illustrated by the fact that he ranks in the top 23% for progressive passes.

As such, the differing strengths and traits of the two men could then make them a dream duo for Postecoglou to work with next term, with the former Celtic boss needing to strongly consider firming up his interest in the impressive Adarabioyo.