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Liverpool's signing of Alexis Mac Allister brings an intangible that will help the club return to title challengers according to Redmen TV presenter Ste Hoare.

The midfielder has joined the Reds from Brighton & Hove Albion for an undisclosed fee, and Hoare believes it's "important" that the club is getting in a player who "knows the league".

Has Mac Allister joined Liverpool?

Mac Allister has officially signed for Liverpool after a three-and-a-half-year spell on the South Coast with Brighton.

Both clubs have stated that the fee is undisclosed, however, Fabrizio Romano reports that the Reds triggered a release clause in the World Cup winner's contract for just £35m.

The 24-year-old, who will take the number 10 shirt previously worn by Sadio Mane, signed a five-year deal at the club and is the Merseyside outfit's first transfer of the window.

Manager Jurgen Klopp was delighted to get the deal over the line, stating to Liverpool's official club website: "We are adding a very talented, very smart, very technically skilled boy to our squad and this is super news, really it is."

What has Ste Hoare said about the signing?

The Redmen TV presenter was pleased about Mac Allister's arrival, praising the fact that the player is Premier League proven, so most likely won't need a "bedding in period"

Speaking to Football FanCast, Hoare said: "I’m delighted with Mac Allister, Liverpool needs players who can come in and play straight away, we haven’t really got time for a bedding in period.

"Especially if they want to be title winners again and Man City don’t give you a chance they are relentless, so you’ve got to be. I think it’s important we’re getting someone who knows the league coming in."

Can Mac Allister help turn Liverpool back into title winners?

Liverpool had a disappointing 2022/23 campaign, finishing outside the Champions League positions for the first time since the 2015/16 season.

The club has since identified that a midfield overhaul is required to return to their previously high levels, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the Reds have scheduled talks with the agents of French midfielders Khephren Thuram and Manu Kone.

Mac Allister brings something that those names mentioned do not possess, which is Premier League experience. The Argentine made 112 appearances for Brighton during his time there, scoring 20 goals and providing nine assists.

The midfielder also made six appearances for Argentina en route to the World Cup final, where the diminutive maestro recorded the assist for Angel Di Maria's goal in the first half.

The Europa League side will be hoping that this wealth of experience in not just the Premier League but in high stakes, pressure competitions will mean the 24-year-old can come straight into the starting midfield, which had been a problem position all season due to injuries and poor form.

If Liverpool want to challenge Manchester City for the title next season, they will have to return to their relentless best, and Mac Allister can be a key piece in achieving that.

Hearts finished fourth in the Premiership last season, securing another crack at European football, however, question marks remain over who will be leading the side once the campaign begins.

Interim boss Steven Naismith guided the club to just two wins from six games following the sacking of Robbie Nielson in April, and he failed to win either of his Edinburgh derby ties.

Last week, the Daily Record claimed that the former Scotland international was set to be appointed as the manager on a permanent basis, however, Hearts have since held talks with current Hammarby coach Marti Cifuentes, and he remains someone who is under consideration for the role.

He certainly has slightly more experience than Naismith and judging by his results during his role in charge of the Swedish club, Cifuentes could potentially be Hearts’ own version of Graham Potter.

Could Hearts appoint Marti Cifuentes?

The 40-year-old is facing a tough second season at Hammarby following his impressive debut campaign, where he led the side to third in the league while coming up just short in the Swedish Cup, however, it could take a compensation fee in order to secure the Spaniard as their new manager.

The chief executive of the side, Richard von Yxkull, wants Cifuentes to stay despite fan unrest among the support, saying: "We have 100 per cent confidence in him, and we want to keep him as our head coach. If we were to end up in negotiation with another club, then yes. He is under contract with us."

Potter built up his reputation in Sweden, leading Ostersund to the Swedish Cup and into Europe during a seven-year spell, before breaking into the Premier League with Brighton and Hove Albion – following a stint at Swansea City – and then Chelsea, although he was sacked following just six months in charge.

Cifuentes has also forged his career in Scandinavia, taking charge of Sandefjord and Aalborg BK before landing the top job at Hammarby, where he has averaged 1.81 points per match, a similar figure to Potter during his spell in Sweden, who achieved 1.71 points per game, albeit playing more matches.

Naismith would be the cheap option for Hearts, however, taking a risk on a coach such as Cifuentes could very well pay dividends, especially as they aim to reach the Europa Conference League group stage for the second year in a row.

Potter’s career took off once he landed in England and Cifuentes could certainly follow in his footsteps should Hearts make their move for the 40-year-old, and he’d be an upgrade on Naismith in the process.

Arsenal could be set to pounce on the misfortune of a former Premier League rival, capitalising on one of the three relegated clubs.

What's the latest on Wilfried Gnonto to Arsenal?

That's according to Italian publication Calciomercato, who claim that the Gunners are one of the numerous suitors seeking to pry Wilfried Gnonto from Championship-bound Leeds United.

Amongst the suitors are Manchester City, who will also battle with plenty of Italian clubs who want to bring the electric wide man back to his homeland, although the north London outfit are noted as following him particularly closely.

With a price tag expected to reach as high as €40m (£35m), the Whites will likely still be frustrated to see their brightest prospect exit Elland Road. However, their loss could be Mikel Arteta's gain, with another skilful young winger for him to mould in Bukayo Saka's image.

How good is Wilfried Gnonto?

Given it is just his first full year in England, the 19-year-old has acclimated to the power and pace of the Premier League with relative ease. This is likely aided by his own physical assets, which have seen the 5 foot 5 powerhouse feature 24 times in the league and a further four times in domestic cup competitions.

Whilst eight goal contributions across those 28 appearances might not be the most eye-catching, he is a teenager who offers much more than just statistics.

His ability to beat a man is thrilling to watch, with his lightning-quick feet making viewers feel like he is always capable of the spectacular – talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor lauded such quality back in March, noting:

"He’s a top player. He might not be on Raphinha’s level just yet, as he’s only 19 – but he’s got that directness, that scary pace.

“He could do better with his final ball or with his finishing – but that will only get better and better in the future. I can see him being at that Raphinha level in the next couple of seasons."

Meanwhile, Football Insider pundit Tam McManus supplemented this by branding him a "pocket rocket" too, and when compared to other wingers across Europe he ranks in the top 16% for progressive carries per 90 to emphasise this superiority with possession.

Given the Gunners have been in for the 26-year-old Brazilian in the past, who notched 11 goals last season in the league, this could mark a fine investment into an asset who could easily surpass the Barcelona man.

Watching Saka occupy the right flank with a similar dynamism, adding many more goals and assists to his name, placing them in the same squad under the tutelage of Arteta could help elevate them both to new levels.

The England international recorded 14 goals and 11 assists in the league this season, but just two years earlier, when he was a teenager himself, he only managed nine goal contributions. The pathway for Gnonto's progression is therefore clear.

Arsenal's transformative manager could work his magic on an exciting winger once again, and in doing so form one of the division's most petrifying wide combinations.

Yerry Mina has reportedly now been ‘told’ by Everton that he is ‘leaving’ this summer.

The Lowdown: ‘Big player’

Frank Lampard has previously admitted that Mina is a ‘big player’ for him and the Goodison Park outfit, and they tend to perform better when he is in the team, as they lost a whopping 19 out of the 30 games where he did not play last season, compared to just four in the 14 matches that he did (Transfermarkt).

However, his contract on Merseyside is set to expire in 2023, and there has not been any talk of a renewal as of yet.

The Latest: Leaving…

Taking to Twitter, TUTTOmercatoWEB journalist Raimondo De Magistris has revealed that Mina has now been ‘told’ by the Toffees that he is ‘leaving’ this summer:

“Yerry Mina is leaving Everton this summer. One year before the expiration of the contract, the Toffees told the Colombian defender that he is not part of future plans.”

The Verdict: Big blow

We feel it will be a big blow to lose a key player in Mina, especially given the fact that he could end up leaving for a relatively cheap price with only one year left on his contract.

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However, it looks as if central defender James Tarkowski is set to arrive on a free transfer from Burnley having reportedly had a medical at Finch Farm, which would soften the blow.

Nonetheless, the Blues should be looking to tie Mina down to a new deal if possible, instead of willingly letting him go this summer with just 12 months of negotiating power.

In other news, find out which ‘quality’ starlet EFC are now eyeing here!

Leeds United director of football Victor Orta could repeat his Joe Gelhardt masterclass as the Yorkshire giants look to continue their investment in the club’s impressive academy set-up.

According to The Athletic’s Phil Hay earlier this week, the Whites are targeting a move for West Ham forward Sonny Perkins, who has been a standout for their development squad this season, earning a professional debut in the Europa League.

The 18-year-old was recently named April’s Premier League 2 ‘Player of the Month’ and he ended the 2021/22 campaign with back-to-back braces, taking his total to 14 goals and two assists for the Hammers’ youth sides.

Perkins is widely believed to be one of the hottest prospects coming through the system at the London Stadium, at least as per club insider ExWHUemployee.

“One thing to also pay attention to is a West Ham youngster called Sonny Perkins,” he revealed to his ‘The West Ham Way podcast. “This is someone I’ve spoken about on the podcast before as a talent, and he’s really beginning to stand out now at academy level, really getting rave reviews.”

“From what I’ve heard in the academy circles, he could be the next Declan Rice. So just keep your eye out for his progression within the next few years.”

Given the success the Whites have had in recent times, improving their academy with additions like Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood, it certainly makes sense for Orta and co to continue to make great strides for the long-term future.

Signed on the cheap from Wigan Athletic last summer, ‘Joffy’ has quickly emerged as a fan-favourite at Elland Road after he announced himself on the big stage with an assist from the bench against Wolves in just his second appearance before an eye-catching consolation goal against the then Champions of Europe, Chelsea.

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The 20-year-old then found the net a second time in Leeds’ crunch match with Norwich City, a goal that ultimately saw them over the line with safety.

Perkins, capped at England U18 level, could easily be the next to follow Gelhardt’s lead, should the Whites manage to prize him away from east London.

Whilst he would not be a signing for the immediate, he is certainly an exciting prospect and one that could play a part in the club’s long-term future.

Orta must look to repeat his recent success with youth signings by signing the 18-year-old prodigy this summer.

AND in other news, “On the agenda”: Phil Hay drops exciting Leeds transfer claim, supporters will love it…

Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino is now ‘closing in’ on an Anfield exit and it could be done ‘quickly’, according to reliable journalist David Lynch.

The Lowdown: Bit-part player

The 27-year-old first made the switch to the Premier League when he joined the Merseyside outfit from Red Bull Salzburg back in 2019, where he’s since gone on to make 55 first-team appearances for the club to date.

Having only played 11 times in the top-flight this season however, there is plenty of speculation that the Japanese gem could be looking for a move elsewhere during the upcoming window, and following a fresh update, it appears as though that is exactly what he’s doing.

The Latest: Lynch drops Minamino update

In a new post on his personal Twitter account, Lynch revealed that Minamino’s agent has travelled to Europe to find out more information about the interest that multiple clubs have registered in his client. He wrote:

“Takumi Minamino closing in on an LFC departure with his agent having flown to Europe to field interest from Leeds, Southampton, Wolves, Fulham and Monaco. Situation likely to be resolved quickly – Liverpool hoping to secure £17m.”

The Verdict: Ward not messing around

After making just one start in the Premier League for the Reds this campaign, it comes as no surprise to see the 40-cap international seriously considering his next steps.

Even though he’s been pretty low down in the manager’s pecking order, the former Salzburg maestro was once hailed an “unbelievable” player by teammate Joe Gomez. He has also shown how prolific he can be in the final third when given a proper run in the starting XI, having racked up four goals and one assist in just five EFL Cup games, as per Transfermarkt, and he deserves to be a regular starter somewhere.

And new sporting director Julian Ward will need to get to work on sales as the Reds close in on the expensive capture of Darwin Nunez. Ward is expected to cash in on Neco Williams for around £15m, Sadio Mane for £42.5m and now Minamino for £17m, which would go a considerable distance to covering most or even all of the Nunez fee.

Assuming the Reds can bank an eight-figure fee for his services, this feels like a win-win for both player and club, and the first step in Ward proving he can bank huge money from sales just like his predecessor Michael Edwards.

In other news… the Reds are now ‘close’ to reaching an agreement to sign a new attacking addition to their squad.

Liverpool should swoop for “clinical” Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah this summer. He would be available on a free transfer and would make the perfect replacement for Divock Origi.

According to a report from 90min earlier this month, Liverpool are monitoring the situation of Nketiah who hasn’t signed a new deal with Arsenal as he wants to explore all of his options ahead of next season.

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Their interest comes as Origi is set to leave Anfield when his contract expires in the summer, with it looking increasingly likely he will move to Serie A side AC Milan. Journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed last week that the player had informed Liverpool of his decision to leave and it was likely he would end up in Italy.

Nketiah would represent the perfect replacement for him, but The Reds aren’t the only team interested, with fellow Premier League club Chelsea also keeping a close eye on his future. The player could be tempted by a move to West London given he already plays for a club in the city.

However, Jurgen Klopp will be hoping that Nketiah can become his next Origi, and be a vital squad player for Liverpool who can step up when needed. If he moved to Merseyside he might not start a huge amount of games, but he would get to work with one of the world’s best coaches and likely win a lot of silverware in the process.

He’s rated at £9m, but the fact he would be available for nothing makes it even more appealing, and gives him a lot more options. The 22-year-old has featured 20 times for The Gunners this season the majority of which have come from the bench.

If you compare him to Origi over the course of the campaign it’s clear to see that he would be capable of taking his place. Nketiah has made double the number of goal creating actions than the Belgian this season, and has a higher percentage when it comes to successful dribbles at 38% compared to Origi’s 33%.

Liverpool seems to be the perfect place for young players to go, with Klopp being notorious for getting the most out of them.

Whilst Nketiah, who has 28 senior goals to his name, might not get as much game time if he moved, we think he would be better off for it, and could eventually become a regular when he’s had more time to develop.

IN other news: Exciting news: FSG’s new summer plan for Liverpool will leave supporters buzzing…

Jesse Marsch could go back to his roots in a bid to bolster Leeds United’s playing squad this summer…

What’s the word?

According to Transfermarkt, the Whites are interested in signing Philadelphia Union left-back Kai Wagner, who has emerged as one of the best in his position in the MLS

It remains to be seen how much the 25-year-old German would command, though the Yorkshire giants are also facing competition from relegation rivals Burnley, as well as Championship outfit Middlesbrough.

Transfermarkt value him at £2.7m.

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Firpo flop

Part of the MLS All-Star team in 2021, the 6-foot dynamo could be quite an upgrade for the American head coach at Elland Road.

Across 104 appearances in Delaware, Wagner has delivered four goals and 13 assists, averaging a direct contribution once every six games, which is a pretty respectable return for a full-back.

Meanwhile, the former Wurzburger Kickers ace ranks favourably compared to his peers in the division. He is amongst the top 3% for key passes (1.88 per 90), top 4% for passes into the final third (4.35 per 90) and top 4% for goal-creating actions, so whilst he may not always get an assist, he’s evidently a threat in attack.

Also via FBRef, Wagner is pretty solid defensively, having averaged 2.43 blocks and 9.61 ball recoveries per 90, too.

His arrival in west Yorkshire could finally allow Marsch to axe struggling first-choice Junior Firpo, who has often looked lost down that left flank for the Premier League strugglers this campaign.

The former FC Barcelona man ranks outside the top 11 of Leeds’ best performers and has often been criticised for his inconsistent performances.

During a thrashing by Manchester City, Firpo’s defending was described as “schoolboy” by ex-goalkeeper Paul Robinson, whilst the Mirror’s David Anderson dubbed the £10.8m-rated flop a “liability” to GIVEMESPORT recently.

Instead, Wagner – who has been described as a “fighter” by ex-Union defender and mentor Aurelien Collin – could be an instant upgrade on the 25-year-old.

Victor Orta and co must look to make this move.

AND in other news, Radz set for Leeds disaster on £18m-rated “machine”, it’d be an unforgivable decision…

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte is ready to sell Giovani Lo Celso this summer, according to a report from TNT Sports in Argentina. 

The lowdown: Struggle at Spurs

Signed from Real Betis for £27.2million in 2020 following an initial loan spell under Jose Mourinho (BBC), the attacking midfielder struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League before heading back to La Liga on loan.

Lo Celso made 84 appearances for the Lilywhites, directly contributing to just 14 goals before joining Villarreal on a loan deal until the end of the 2021/22 campaign in January.

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Due to return to N17 in the coming weeks, the Argentinian international may already be deemed surplus to requirements…

The latest: Conte cuts Lo Celso

As per TNT Sports, Tottenham boss Conte has informed the 26-year-old that he is not part of his plans for next season.

It’s claimed that Spurs ‘intend’ to let Lo Celso go on a permanent basis despite the man hailed as an ‘amazing player’ by Mourinho being under contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium until 2025.

This will be part of a big overhaul, with Steven Bergwijn and Tanguy Ndombele also likely to leave the club during the summer transfer window.

The verdict: The time has come

Clearly out of favour under Conte, selling Lo Celso appears to be the best option for all parties, particularly if there is a deal to be done with Villarreal that may involve sought after centre-back and reported Tottenham target Pau Torres.

Despite playing an integral part in Unai Emery’s plans with the unlikely Champions League semi-finalists, the 38-cap Argentina ace has still only managed two goals and three assists in 38 competitions this season, failing to complete 90 minutes in the Premier League prior to his loan switch.

Holding a market value of £19.8million – albeit down from £45m when he joined, a 56% decrease – and with three years remaining on his contract (Transfermarkt), Daniel Levy will be confident of cutting a lucrative deal for Lo Celso that could see Conte and transfer chief Fabio Paratici’s own transfer coffers boosted handsomely.

In other news: Conte admits one thing this season left him ‘very angry’, find out more here

Illan Meslier’s error in Leeds United’s Premier League defeat against Arsenal on Sunday left BBC Sport pundit Stephen Warnock ‘astonished’.

The lowdown

Leeds slipped into the relegation zone as they fell to a 2-1 loss at the Emirates Stadium while positional rivals Everton won away to Leicester City.

It was a disastrous start for the Whites as Eddie Nketiah pounced on a heavy touch from Meslier following a back pass from Luke Ayling and lunged in to score the opener after just five minutes. Nketiah then doubled the home side’s lead on 10 minutes before Ayling saw red inside the opening half-hour.

Diego Llorente halved the deficit midway through the second half, but the visitors were unable to find an equaliser.

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The latest

Warnock rates Meslier’s highly but says that there was no excuse for failing to ‘put his foot through’ the ball in the lead-up to Nketiah’s first goal. The 40-year-old also questioned Jesse Marsch’s insistence on playing out from the back, claiming that it left Leeds vulnerable.

“Illan Meslier is an incredible shot stopper but you can’t defend him there,” he said on BBC Radio 5 Live [8 May, 2:12pm], as quoted by MOT Leeds News.

“Put your foot through it, this is the problem when you get these managers or players who want to play out from the back so often.

“I’m just astonished the way Leeds are approaching this game. They keep on trying to play out and they are caught again.”

The verdict

Marsch might argue that this strategy was designed to ensure that Leeds had a foothold in the game. By kicking it long, they may simply have given the ball straight back to Arsenal and invited waves of pressure, whereas they could retain possession if they were more patient.

The problem with that tactic, though, is that there is no room for error, particularly against a Champions League-chasing team like Arsenal, and Meslier’s poor touch was all it took for Arsenal to score.

The Frenchman, who joined Leeds on an initial loan basis in 2019 (he signed permanently a year later) while Marcelo Bielsa was manager at Elland Road, was his team’s Young Player of the Year last season but has actually endured a difficult campaign this time around.

Data from FBRef shows that the £22,000-per-week stopper has conceded seven goals more than he ‘should’ have this term, based on post-shot xG.

Perhaps that’s a small part of the reason why his team has struggled throughout the 2021/22 campaign.

In other news, one Spanish outlet has dropped a further update on Raphinha’s future