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For all the talk of Liverpool chasing Romeo Lavia, Joshua Kimmich and even Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe, it may well be a player many have never heard of who is next to arrive at Anfield.

What players have Liverpool bought?

Following the departures of Roberto Firmino, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner – plus the reportedly imminent exits of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho – it is important Jurgen Klopp replenishes his squad before the September 1 deadline.

Signing Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai has certainly provided some freshness on the back of an underwhelming campaign last time out, while one or two others will surely follow in the coming weeks.

Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu is one of those who has previously been touted as a target for the Reds, and his agent Kingsley Ogbodo has confirmed in recent days that Liverpool have already showed "so much interest" in the young defender.

Ogbodo also informed Sportitalia that, while it would be his preference for Dorgu to remain where he is for now and further develop, interest from other clubs such as Barcelona and Manchester City means he will leave sooner rather than later.

Who is Patrick Dorgu?

Denmark youth international Dorgu joined Lecce from Nordsjaelland on a permanent deal earlier this month after spending last season on loan with the Italian club.

The 5 foot 7 ace did not play any senior games for Serie A side Lecce, but he was used 35 times for the U19 side, scoring four times and picking up six yellow cards.

With his 19th birthday fast approaching, Dorgu could well challenge for a starting spot with the Giallorossi next season and may soon be in contention for a senior call-up to the Denmark national side.

Premier League heavyweights Liverpool have had a number of Danish players on their books down the years, including the likes of Christian Poulsen, Jan Molby and Torben Piechnik.

Molby was a regular for Liverpool for a number of years, as was Daniel Agger, who played 232 times for the Reds across an eight-and-a-half-season spell at Anfield.

Agger was a centre-back by trade, but he could also play out on the left like up-and-coming Dorgu. Indeed, as Danish Scout pointed out, Dorgu is an "extremely dynamic" full-back – one who may well change position once his game develops, as is the case with a lot of players still finding their feet.

Like Dorgu, Agger was also relatively unheralded as he had only played a couple of seasons for Danish side Brondby prior to being snapped up by the Reds, who were Champions League holders at the time.

Fast forward eight-and-a-half years and Agger left Liverpool as a fan favourite who climbed his way up the ranks to become vice-captain following Jamie Carragher's retirement in 2013.

It goes to show that, for all the Kimmich's and Mbappe's out there, Liverpool are more than capable of finding a bargain that can stand the test of time.

Should that prove to be the case with Dorgu, he may well prove to be the long-term successor to Andy Robertson that Liverpool crave.

Nottingham Forest are reportedly plotting an audacious swoop for Bayer Leverkusen ace Piero Hincapie, as Steve Cooper aims to add star quality to his side.

Forest left it to the penultimate game week of the 2022/23 campaign to confirm their safety in the Premier League, however, the Welshman must make sufficient reinforcements this summer to continue the Reds’ stay in the top-tier.

Could Nottingham Forest sign Piero Hincapie?

According to Bolavip, there are three clubs from the Premier League interested in Hincapie, with Forest named as a potential suitor alongside Tottenham and Newcastle.

The report states that the Bundesliga outfit would want a fee in the region of €40m (£34m) for the centre-back, who signed a new deal in February to extend his stay to 2027.

How good is Piero Hincapie?

Having been tipped to become “one of the world's best” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the 21-year-old titan has gained the attention of the Premier League for his level of performance in the Bundesliga.

Signed by Leverkusen in 2021 from Argentinian side Club Atletico Talleres, the Ecuadorian defender has made a name for himself in Europe with rapid development.

Playing on the left side of a back three under Xabi Alonso has revealed the versatility of the youngster's game; also seeing him hailed as an “absolute beast” by Mango last year.

Such praise is supported by the numbers obtained by the defender over the past year, seeing him rank in the top 3% in Europe’s top five leagues in terms of his rate of progressive carries, averaging an impressive 1.85 per 90, via FBref.

The ball-carrying expertise of the 21-year-old warrior is balanced by him also ranking among the top 10% of centre-backs in Europe for his tackling, recording an average of 2.32 tackles per 90 over the past year.

A versatile defensive presence is integral for Cooper to add to his side ahead of next season, with Hincapie suggesting that he could be the ideal successor to current Forest dominator Felipe.

Once hailed as “sensational” by BBC pundit Stephen Kelly, the former Atletico Madrid star has become a hero during his short time at the City Ground but will see his contract expire next summer, when he'll be 35 years of age.

It’s essential that Cooper recruits a long-term figure as reliable at the back as Felipe, who averaged a monstrous 2.67 tackles and 2.28 interceptions per 90 since his arrival in the Premier League, via FBref.

The rumoured Forest target could be the perfect man to take the throne from the Brazilian colossus, with him being a trusted source in central defence for Leverkusen just as the 34-year-old has been in England.

Across 30 Bundesliga appearances, the 21-year-old gem averaged 1.87 tackles and 1.14 interceptions per 90, as well as challenging 1.39 dribblers per 90 and contributing to five clean sheets.

The youthful spark of the in-demand defender could benefit Cooper’s side in a host of ways, providing them with a new outlook in progressive play with his impeccable ball-carrying attributes on board.

At £34m, the South American sensation will be an ambitious, yet testing, acquisition for Forest to grasp, however, the calibre of the 6-foot centre-back could be the difference between the Reds remaining or bidding farewell to the Premier League come the end of next season.

West Ham shouldn’t let their historic Europa Conference League distract them from what was a worrying and tumultuous campaign.

The Hammers battled to an underwhelming 14th place in the Premier League, and it is understood that David Moyes is targeting four new signings in the club’s first wave of summer business.

Much of this is to be financed by the impending departure of Declan Rice, who is set to join Arsenal for £105m.

One of the most damaging drawbacks for the Irons has been the underperformance of their current crop of strikers.

In the 2021/22 campaign, the Irons netted 60 times, but last term they only managed to score 42 goals as a reconfiguration and revamp of their frontline is desperately required.

One man tipped to do this is Habib Diallo…

What’s the latest on Habib Diallo to West Ham?

According to Football Insider, West Ham has registered their interest in Diallo as Moyes targets a new frontman to lead the line.

Alongside the east Londoners, their cross-city rivals Brentford and Crystal Palace are also pushing to sign the 27-year-old.

Why should West Ham sign Habib Diallo?

The striker has been at Strasbourg since 2020 and established himself as the club’s most clinical and reliable asset.

Last season, Diallo was an indispensable component of the French outfit as he scored 20 goals at a rate of 0.63 per 90 to be the division’s sixth-highest scorer. Impressively this tally came from 17.76 Expected Goals to underline his prolific nature.

Moreover, in Europe’s top five leagues among his positional peers, the £10k-per-week Senegalese ranks within the best 17% for non-penalty goals per 90 and aerials won per 90.

His former coach Vincent Hognon has hailed the 18-cap international and said: “He's a guy with every quality going. You know how much I love him. I see his quality in his movement, the way he keeps the ball, in a huge amount of things."

From a West Ham perspective, signing this type of player could be the catalyst to improving their domestic position. Gianluca Scamacca, Michail Antonio, and Danny Ings are the current striking options within the first team, but this trio has mustered a measly ten Premier League goals between them.

Another Hammer who could seriously benefit from this transfer is Said Benrahma. Last term, the Algerian was inconsistent – at times he was untameable, buzzing around the pitch with dazzling inventiveness, but he can also be accused of anonymity, drifting out of proceedings.

Once described as "unplayable" by BT Sport pundit and ex-West Ham man Joe Cole following his performance against Genk in the Europa League a few seasons ago, the 27-year-old has also been criticised for the way he "drifts out of games" at times by Gabby Agbonlahor, proving just what an undoubted "enigma" he is – in the words of journalist Paul Brown.

Nevertheless, in all competitions last season, the former Brentford man made 50 appearances in all competitions and created 62 chances at a rate of 1.24 per 90. These two figures are the highest within the West Ham side to underline much of the creativity is channelled through the tricky winger. It is almost criminal that Benrahma only managed to record four assists, but this is largely owed to the discrepancies of his teammates.

Furthermore, the 5 foot 8 ace ranks within the highest 19% for successful take-ons per 90 and progressive carries per 90, and if rewarded with a more dominant focal point, he could hit even more impressive heights.

As such, having a prolific presence ahead of him like Diallo could well help to make Benrahma even more 'unplayable' next season.

Arsenal want to "start their efforts" over signing Man City defender Joao Cancelo "shortly", according to reports out of Germany in the last 48 hours.

Who are Arsenal signing?

After officially competing a deal to sign forward Kai Havertz from Chelsea, in a deal worth around £65 million, the Gunners are certainly not resting on their laurels.

It's widely reported that Arsenal are closing in on a deal for West Ham United star Declan Rice, after agreeing to pay a total £105 million fee (£100m + £5m in add-ons) for the England international.

Talks are apparently ongoing over payment structure, but it would appear he is edging closer and closer to north London, while Ajax defender Jurrien Timber is also expected to make the move.

Arsenal are reportedly nearing the capture of both men, with reports suggesting both deals could take their spending over £200 million for this summer transfer window.

The Gunners are tipped to sign a new full-back before the start of 2022/2023 as well, as Galatasary defender Sacha Boey and Cancelo have been repeatedly linked.

The latter player, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Bayern Munich, is reportedly surplus-to-requirement at Man City despite once being a key member of Pep Guardiola's starting eleven.

A report out of Germany has shared the latest on Arsenal's pursuit of Cancelo, with magazine Kicker claiming he is right at the top of Mikel Arteta's wish list.

They apparently see the Portugal international as an "ideal" solution to Arsenal's full-back problems, and wish to commence efforts over his signing "shortly".

Kicker wrote:

"The Londoners, who had good experiences with former Man City pros in the form of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Gabriel Jesus last season, see him [Cancelo] as the ideal solution on the defensive flank and want to start their efforts for the technically fine footballer shortly."

However, they also add that he may cost a marquee price, with City set to demand a "high" transfer fee given Cancelo's contract length.

What's been said about Joao Cancelo?

The £250,000-per-week defender was indispensable to Guardiola until the last 12 months, as former Blues striker Paul Dickov explained in 2021.

“He’s been outstanding. He’s assisting and scoring goals himself and for me he’s the best full-back, in terms of creating stuff, and how important he is to the team,” Dickov said.

“We’ve got some of the best players in the world in their positions and to not be relying on one player is remarkable. With the ability to finish too, that's unique."

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly among a raft of clubs who are interested in signing Red Bull Salzburg sensation, Oscar Gloukh, according to the latest reports.

What's the latest on Gloukh to Tottenham?

As per The Guardian's Ed Aarons, the Lilywhites – as well as the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United – are believed to have made an enquiry regarding the prospect of signing the 19-year-old this summer, with the Israeli international having only joined his current side on a €7m (£6m) deal back in January.

Writing on Twitter regarding that hefty Premier League interest in the teenager, the transfer insider stated: "Understand there is interest from around Europe in Israeli attacking midfielder Oscar Gloukh, who will face England in the semifinals of European Under 21s tomorrow. Arsenal, Man City, Man United and Spurs have all enquired about 19-year-old, who plays for Red Bull Salzburg."

The former Maccabi Tel Aviv wonderkid has seemingly been a long-term target for Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou, with the 57-year-old having reportedly been eyeing a move for the playmaker during his time in charge at Celtic.

Who is Oscar Gloukh?

The "Israeli maestro" – as lauded by respected source, R.D Football Scout – has caught the attention as a result of his standout form for both club and country over the past year or so, having already contributed 11 goals and ten assists in just 50 club career games at first-team level to date – as well as scoring twice in just six senior outings on the international stage.

That included a standout haul of 17 goal involvements in just 33 games during his prior stint in Tel Aviv, while the 5 foot 7 starlet has thus far shown flashes of his quality in Austria with two goals and two assists in the second half of last season.

Such a promising early impact with the Bundesliga side has led talent scout Jacek Kulig to suggest that the £5m-rated ace is set to be "another Jewel in Salzburg's collection of talents", having also lauded the youngster as a player with a "huge future ahead".

Having been categorised as a "modern advanced playmaker" by Kulig, young Gloukh could well slot in nicely into Postecoglou's preferred 4-3-3 formation next season, taking up one of the two attacking, number eight berths in that midfield three.

As The Athletic's Charlie Eccleshare noted last month following the Greek-Aussie's arrival at N17, the experienced tactician 'likes to play with two No 8s who are comfortable moving into wide areas to take up some of the space vacated by inverted full-back's', hence why Gloukh would be a dream fit as someone who can also feature on the flanks.

The highly-coveted asset would then be able to mirror the role that recent addition James Maddison is set to take up in that other advanced midfield berth, with the £40m signing also a figure who can move into a wide berth if required.

The signing of Gloukh could well prove to be a perfect acquisition as far as Maddison is concerned, with the fleet-footed machine able to ease the possible creative burden on the Englishman in the centre of the park.

While former Leicester City talisman is evidently a master at supplying quality service – having finished tenth in the division for chances created last season – the precocious teen is also adept at finding his teammates, having contributed five big chances in just eight league starts in the second half of 2022/23.

That would ensure that the north Londoners are not solely reliant on Maddison to be the chief creator in the side next term, hence just why a move could be a dream for Postecoglou, the Three Lions ace and for Gloukh himself.

West Ham United target Alex Scott has 'huge potential' and could help to fill the void that Declan Rice will leave once he completes his move away from the London Stadium, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Alex Scott and Declan Rice?

According to The Daily Mail, Arsenal have booked in a medical for Rice as they look to seal the signature of the England international for a fee in the region of £105 million.

The 24-year-old looks likely to be joined by Ajax defender Jurrien Timber and there is hope that both transfers can be officially announced by this weekend.

As per the same outlet, West Ham United are keen to add some personnel to their squad that may take the form of younger players and Bristol City playmaker Scott has been touted with a potential £22 million switch to the London Stadium.

Discussions are underway over a swoop for the player at the figure mentioned. At the same time, the likes of Denis Zakaria, Tyler Adams and James Ward-Prowse have been earmarked as David Moyes aims to strengthen his midfield.

Football London claim that Tottenham Hotspur have asked to be kept informed regarding Scott's situation this window and the race for his services continues to gather momentum.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Jones believes that Scott could be an exciting replacement for Rice in east London if he was to join West Ham United.

Jones said: "The saga is over and now West Ham are looking for their new Declan Rice. They will sign two midfielders with the right level of experience and quality to go straight in at the beginning of the season, but also they are interested in players that can make a big breakthrough with them. In that sense, one that really interests them is Alex Scott at Bristol City.

"He’s got huge potential. He’d be a player the fans can really get behind and watch grow, similar really to how they have with Rice on this stage. He’s only 19 and I think his £25m price tag is considered a little too high right now, but if they can find a way around that, they could have a new gem on their hands that grows into a Premier League star."

Would Alex Scott be a good addition for West Ham United?

Scott established himself as a shining star in the Sky Bet Championship last term and it is easy to see why Premier League clubs would be interested in his services.

In 2022/23, the 19-year-old amassed 49 appearances in all competitions for Bristol City, registering two goals and five assists, as per Transfermarkt.

Earlier this year, Manchester City star Jack Grealish took to Twitter to praise the starlet following Bristol City's 3-0 FA Cup fifth-round defeat at home to the eventual winners of the competition, labelling him as a 'top top talent'.

As per FBRef, Scott also successfully carried out 87 shot-creating actions in the English second tier, showcasing his exciting potential as a creative midfielder.

With club captain Rice set to exit the London Stadium this summer, Scott could help to soften the blow and could become a star of the future for West Ham United.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is keen on signing Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot this summer, according to reports from Italy.

What's the latest Man United transfer news?

Man United are looking to bring in at least one new central midfielder, with Chelsea's Mason Mount emerging as a key target, having made multiple bids for the England international, although their most recent £55m offer was rejected.

The Red Devils are willing to walk away from negotiations if the Blues do not come to an agreement, meaning they could move on to other targets, including West Ham United captain Declan Rice, who they have recently submitted an enquiry about.

Earlier this month, it was reported that United are the favourites to sign Rabiot, whose contract with Juventus is set to expire at the end of June, and there has now been a new update regarding the midfielder's future.

According to reports from Italy (via Sport Witness), Man United are waiting to make a move for the France international, with Ten Hag eager to make a deal happen, having come very close to signing him last summer.

The player himself is attracted by the prospect of playing in the Champions League next season, however, he does have other offers on the table, with Juventus keen to tie him down to fresh terms.

The former Paris Saint-Germain man is expected to make his final decision shortly, given that his current deal will come to an end in a week's time.

Is Adrien Rabiot joining Man United?

With Juventus finishing seventh in the Serie A last term, there will be no Champions League football on offer at the Allianz Stadium, meaning a switch to Old Trafford could be very attractive option.

If the Juventus star does make the move to the Premier League, there are indications he could be a very solid acquisition for the Red Devils, as he poses a real threat on the front foot, while he is also competent defensively.

Last season, the £148k-per-week maestro recorded 11 goals and five assists in all competitions, the second-highest number of goal contributions in the Juventus squad, and he is also in the 84th percentile for clearances per 90 over the past year.

Hailed as "sensational" by members of the media, Rabiot is a very well-rounded central midfielder, and it is very exciting news that he could be on his way to Man United, particularly considering he will be available on a free transfer.

Sunderland have put their Championship play-off disappointment firmly behind them by making a swift start to their summer transfer business.

Luis Hemir Semedo became the latest player to arrive at the Stadium of Light on Sunday, the Benfica B talent following in the steps of Nectarios Triantis and Jobe Bellingham.

After fielding the youngest team in the Championship last season on average, it says a lot that Sunderland's three new recruits are aged 19, 20 and 17.

Tony Mowbray did a superb job last season of bedding in youngsters, with Ellis Simms among them. Aged 21 when brought in on loan from Everton, Simms scored seven times in 14 Championship starts before returning to his parent club in January.

However, according to The Northern Echo, Sunderland are still in the running to bring Simms back to the club next season. Ipswich Town are reported to have bid £3.5m for the striker, so the Black Cats will at the very least have to match that offer.

Should Sunderland sign Ellis Simms from Everton?

Simms' impact at the Stadium of Light last season was huge. The youngster was involved in 0.72 goals per 90 minutes, as per FBref, which was bettered only by Ross Stewart (1.12) among Sunderland players.

What made Simms' Everton recall all the more frustrating is that he started only two Premier League games after returning to Goodison Park on January 1, though he did make his presence felt with a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw away at Chelsea.

Michael Owen hailed Simms' display at Stamford Bridge, describing him as a player with "great ability" who could potentially "lead the line for Everton in months and years to come".

As it is, the Toffees may instead look to offload the Englishman if the right offer is made, and Sunderland will not want to miss out on the chance to sign him permanently.

With Semedo now on board, Stewart returning from a long-term injury and Jack Clarke still at the club – for now, at least – Simms can be the final piece in the jigsaw.

Semedo, who is also known as just 'Hemir', scored 28 goals in 61 appearances for Benfica B and their U23 side across the past two seasons. That return of a goal around every 2.2 games is fairly prolific, but it must now be replicated at a higher level.

Sunderland's latest recruit is also a "towering presence", as the club's official website put it, which could make for an ideal link-up with Simms up top – a player who likes to get in behind.

If that proves to be the case, there is no reason why Sunderland cannot go a step further than last season and earn a return to the Premier League. Indeed, Simms simply has to be signed in order to help make that a reality.

Liverpool are working on a midfield rebuild this summer with the signing of Alexis Mac Allister already confirmed, and now a new update has emerged on the club's next move.

What's the latest on Liverpool's interest in Tyler Adams?

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are one of the clubs interested in signing Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams this summer.

As per the report, the player has told his recently relegated club that he wants to play in the Premier League next season and the Reds are one of the top-flight clubs who have checked on Adams' situation.

It is claimed that Manchester United and Newcastle United also have the midfielder on their radar and Leeds will command a £40m fee to part ways with one of their biggest assets.

Would Tyler Adams be a good fit for Liverpool?

It is no secret that Liverpool desperately need reinforcements after a difficult and disappointing season with the club failing to qualify for Champions League football for the first time since 2016.

Not only that, several mainstays will leave the club when their contracts expire next month as Naby Keita, James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Roberto Firmino all move on, paving the way for Jurgen Klopp to build the next generation of success at Anfield.

As a result, the Liverpool boss could repeat the same transfer masterclass he performed with Andy Robertson by saving Adams from his relegated side and turning him into a player who can take his career to the next level by winning trophies.

Robertson's incredible journey from being relegated with Hull City in 2017 to becoming a Champions League and Premier League winner in just three years would surely inspire any player and if Adams could seal a move to Merseyside he could emulate the left-back's fairytale.

Despite Leeds' struggles, the American midfielder has been a standout performer at Elland Road this season and boasts a clear ability to play top-flight football.

Over 24 Premier League appearances, the 24-year-old ace – once hailed "top-class" by journalist Josh Bunting – tallied up an 82% pass completion rate and created one big chance, as well as averaging one key pass, 1.5 interceptions, 3.7 tackles, one clearance and six duels won per game, proving that he is a solid and reliable defensive presence in midfield.

Not only that – to highlight just how impressive Adams has been for the West Yorkshire outfit – the prolific defensive midfielder matched Casemiro for tackles won in the top flight this season (89), which is made even more impressive when considering he played four fewer league games than the Manchester United superstar. Impressively, he also came second for tackles completed per minute in the entire league (22).

The opportunity to sign Adams could not come at a better time for the Reds with Thiago Alcantara in the last year of his contract next season and Brazilian midfielder Fabinho starting to show signs of a decline this season. That means the USMNT star could not only provide strong competition in the deeper midfield roles but could succeed either.

With that being said, if the club's hierarchy strikes up a cut-price deal for Adams it would be a no-brainer to snap up his services this summer, as the American could be a real asset in midfield for many years to come.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking at signing AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan as a possible alternative to Brentford's David Raya, according to reports.

Which goalkeepers could Spurs sign this summer?

Long-serving Spurs shot-stopper and France number one, Hugo Lloris, could be nearing a departure from north London after over a decade at the club.

The 36-year-old has gone on to make nearly 450 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham, captaining them for a significant period, but his recent interview with Nice-Matin indicates a Spurs exit is around the corner.

"We are coming to an important moment, whether for the club or for me. It's the end of an era," said Lloris.

"I have desires for other things, I will ask myself quietly to study what will be possible. But I don't forget that I still have a year of contract with Tottenham and that in football it is always difficult to predict what will happen."

Spurs have been targeting keepers step into Lloris' shoes, with the likes of Jordan Pickford (Everton) and Croatia nunber one Dominik Livakovic attracting interest from chairman Daniel Levy.

However, perhaps the most prevalent among these links is Brentford's Raya, with some reports even suggesting that terms have already been agreed with the Spaniard.

It appears the Bees star is a firm target for Tottenham, as also backed by The Athletic, but they also say that Milan's Maignan is a wanted man in N17.

The Frenchman, who helped his side to a Champions League semi-final last season and title win the campaign before, is apparently a target for Spurs as they hunt for new keepers.

While Raya is firmly on the agenda, according to this report, Spurs continue to weigh other options as a deal for the 27-year-old proves more complicated.

As a result, while Tottenham have set their sights on Raya, they are also "looking at other options" with Maignan being one of them.

However, he would cost "far more" than Brentford's shot-stopper, and it's clear to see why.

Who is Mike Maignan?

The 27-year-old is a mainstay for Milan and key player, starting every league game for them last season until his calf injury midway through 2022/2023.

Maignan has been revered by sections of the Italian press, like Carlo Garganese, who even called him the "world's best" goalkeeper back in April – after Milan knocked Serie A champions Napoli out of Europe.

France boss Didier Deschamps is also a huge fan, calling him a "great leader" and "great player" after a brilliant Euro 2024 qualifying performance against the Republic of Ireland.