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Newcastle United have identified Wolfsburg's Felix Nmecha as a transfer target, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

The latest Newcastle United transfer news – Felix Nmecha identified

Having qualified for Champions League football for the first time in 20 years, Eddie Howe's men have a crucial transfer window ahead of them as they look to bolster the side ready for their return to the promised land.

The Magpies have already been linked with AC Milan's Sandro Tonali, and they're also currently the favourites to land want-away Leicester City superstar, James Maddison.

With Champions League football on the horizon, they won't stop there, though, and the club are keen to continue adding depth to their attack, with Wolfsburg's Nmecha the latest name reported to be on their radar.

"Newcastle has entered the race for Felix Nmecha – confirmed," revealed the German journalist, adding that it was an "open race" to sign him. with Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund also mentioned with interest.

The Telegraph, meanwhile, believe Nmecha is available for around £15m.

How does Felix Nmecha compare to Zinedine Zidane?

The former Manchester City prospect has shone since joining the Wolves, with eight goal contributions in 30 Bundesliga games this season and has caught the attention of Newcastle who join Borussia Dortmund in their pursuit of the talented 22-year-old.

As he has made his name in Germany, Nmecha has been favourably compared to the legendary Frenchman, Zinedine Zidane.

While he hasn't come close to matching the former Real Madrid hero's incredible feats in the game, he plays a very similar style of football to Zidane.

Known for his strength on and off the ball, the 22-year-old gem resembles the former Ballon d'Or winner in that sense, with the former Real Madrid and Juventus superstar known for out-muscling opponents and steamrolling through the centre of midfield.

The 22-year-old gem, who was described as an "advanced playmaker" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has fantastic close control that is also similar to the Frenchman's, as well as his calm composure on the ball and his nonchalant ball delivery.

While he's known for his offensive output, Nmecha also likes to get stuck in as well, averaging 1.4 tackles a game in Germany last season, another striking resemblance to Zidane who never shied away from a tackle in the heart of midfield.

Zidane was also known for driving forward with the ball at his feet, and at just 22 years old, the Wolfsburg man has already shown glimpses of that ability, completing 22 progressive carries into the final third of his opponents' areas last season.

According to The Guardian's Rob Smyth, the former Real Madrid man's ball retention skills are probably the best we've ever seen, and while Nmecha certainly isn't as polished or as accomplished as Zidane in that sense, he has shown an ability to carry the ball, and drive through the channels while holding onto possession at an astounding rate. In fact, the German was dispossessed just 13 times last season, a number that will likely only improve as the years go by.

If Newcastle are to make an impact in the Champions League next season and really push forward, signing a player like Nmecha, who has clearly shown shades of what made Zidane such a special talent, would go a long way towards helping Howe's side realise that goal.

Everton are in the market to make much-needed improvements to their attacking threat this summer and now a new update has emerged on the club's pursuit of a potential transfer target.

What's the latest on Everton's interest in Jack Harrison?

According to one journalist, Everton are in talks with Leeds United over a potential deal to sign Jack Harrison.

As per the report, the Toffees are interested in the midfielder who has a £16m release clause and the player would be very much open to a move to Merseyside due to having family connections in the North West.

Would Jack Harrison be a good fit for Everton?

After losing both Richarlison and Anthony Gordon over the last 12 months, Everton's presence in front of goal has been significantly weakened after scoring just 34 league goals last season, having further suffered due to Dominic Calvert-Lewin's constant injury issues.

Sean Dyche will surely be making it a top priority to improve the attacking presence in the team to ensure that his team don't fall into another Premier League relegation battle next season or worse, fall into the Championship.

As a result, the signing of Harrison would be a major coup for the club as the Premier League-proven attacker could not only provide a real threat in front of goal but could even be Everton's next Steven Pienaar.

The former Toffees talisman tallied up 229 appearances, 26 goals and 48 assists in his selfless versatile role at Goodison Park; predominantly deployed in an attacking left midfield position in a time when strikers would often be deployed alone in the final third, he played 37 times in a left-winger role and was also found occasionally in right or attacking midfield positions too.

Now Harrison could emulate Pienaar's strong presence across the Everton attacking threat as, just like the retired South African, the Leeds left-winger also offers huge versatility in his positioning and has often been deployed in a left midfield role, on the right flank and in a central attacking midfield role too.

Over 206 appearances for the West Yorkshire outfit, the 26-year-old whiz – hailed "phenomenal" by YouTuber Conor McGilligan – has scored 34 goals and registered 32 assists, again similarly to Pienaar offers a great balance of both goal-scoring ability and a keen eye for providing goal-creating opportunities for his teammates.

With that being said, if the powerbrokers at Goodison Park can strike up a deal for Harrison this summer it would be a great statement of their ambitious intent to form a much stronger attacking presence against opponents next season.

Arsenal are in pole position to sign Fenerbache attacker Arda Guler over Newcastle and are "seriously looking into a deal", according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Who else could Arsenal sign this summer?

The Gunners, as widely reported, have already agreed a deal to sign West Ham United star Declan Rice after seeing their third bid of £105 million (£100m + £5m in add-ons) accepted.

Rice looks set to become the most expensive British signing ever, two years after Man City previously broke the record for Jack Grealish, but both West Ham and Arsenal are still discussing payment structure as of now (Sky).

Mikel Arteta's side are also attempting to reach an agreement for Ajax defender Jurrien Timber, who is apparently "waiting" to join the club and a deal is "expected to advance" after Rice (Fabrizio Romano).

Arsenal haven't yet ruled out making more midfield signings, either, with links still surrounding Southampton starlet Romeo Lavia and some other reports suggesting they could make a move for Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni.

Guler, who is attracting serious interest from a plethora of clubs across Europe, is also said to be on Edu's radar with Newcastle United, Manchester United, PSG, Borussia Dortmund, Milan, Sevilla, Barcelona and even Real Madrid eyeing a move.

Reports out of Spain earlier this week detailed that Arsenal are willing to pay the player's release clause of €17.5million (£15m) with O'Rourke sharing an update of his own in a column for Football Insider.

The north Londoners, according to his information, are in pole position over Newcastle to sign Guler this summer and are "seriously looking into a deal" for the starlet.

However, if Arteta and co wish to benefit from his cheap exit clause, they'll need to act fast, as Fenerbache are attempting to hand Guler a new deal to remove it.

Who is Arda Guler?

The attacking midfielder was one of Fenerbache's standout players during the last Turkish Super Lig campaign – even making more key passes per 90 in the final third than anybody in their squad (WhoScored).

He was also rated as their second-best performing player per match, according to WhoScored, with Guler also managing to rack up four goals and three assists in 20 league appearances.

Former AC Milan and Juventus star Andrea Pirlo is a big fan of the 18-year-old, calling him a "quality" player with sky high potential.

"Arda Guler is a very talented player,” Pirlo said.

“He has the potential to play anywhere in the world. He has quality, he can read the game well, and he has great technique. If he keeps developing his game, there is no limit to his potential.”

Manchester United have reportedly made a bid to sign Fenerbahce goalkeeper Altay Bayindir.

What’s the latest Man United transfer news?

The Red Devils and Erik ten Hag appear to be on the hunt for more signings this summer after securing a move for Mason Mount.

The England international has become the first player through the door at Old Trafford ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, joining in a deal worth an initial £55m plus a further £5m in player performance add-ons.

With a new midfielder brought in, attentions now appear to be turning towards a new goalkeeper after David de Gea’s contract expire at the end of June.The Spaniard’s future remains up in the air, with Inter Milan’s Andre Onana appearing to be a key target to come in and take over as first choice.

Reports have suggested that personal terms have been agreed with the Cameroon international and a new verbal €45m offer has been made to the Serie A side, although Inter are thought to be holding out for €60m.

Should De Gea move on and Onana arrive, another goalkeeper could still be of interest to those at Old Trafford, especially with Dean Henderson wanted back at Nottingham Forest, this time on a permanent deal.

Therefore, Onana and Tom Heaton could eventually be the only senior options for Ten Hag, but another new target appears to be Bayindir.

The Daily Express relayed reports from Turkey over the past 48 hours regarding Man United and Bayindir. It is claimed that the Red Devils have launched a shock swoop to sign the Turkey international, with a €3m (£2.5m) bid submitted.

Bayindir is ‘widely recognised as one of the best goalkeepers in the Super Lig and he could yet reach new heights if he was to seal a move to Old Trafford, although it's highly unlikely he would be coming in as the No.1’.

Who is Altay Bayindir?

Bayindir is 25 years of age and has been with Fenerbahce since 2019 after leaving Ankaragucu. Valued at €11m by Transfermarkt, Bayindir is under contract until 2027 and is named as Fenerbahce’s club captain. He has made 141 appearances for the club in all competitions, keeping 42 clean sheets and conceding 160 goals.

A five-cap Turkey international, Bayindir was once praised by former Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil when the German was playing alongside the goalkeeper for Fenerbahce.

As per FBref, Bayindir has been compared to Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale and Newcastle United’s Nick Pope, so he could be a smart signing in a relatively cheap transfer. He stops more crosses than De Gea and his average length of goal kicks is shorter than the Spaniard, so he could be viewed as a shrewd addition at Old Trafford, potentially playing second choice to someone like Onana.

There should be plenty of chances for Bayindir to feature in domestic cup competitions, though, with Man United in four competitions, including the Champions League, and it looks as if a deal is one to keep a close eye on following this update.

Leeds United are interested in signing former Thorp Arch youngster Charlie Taylor in the summer transfer window, according to an update from reliable journalist Phil Hay.

When was Charlie Taylor at Leeds?

The Whites are looking to turn their fortunes around after the disappointment of being relegated from the Premier League back in May, with the arrival of Daniel Farke as manager hopefully a positive step in the right direction, in thay respect.

The new boss also needs to be backed in the transfer market for their improvements to continue, though – hopefully, 49ers Enterprises' takeover of the club will be completed in the near future, generating more money – with additions required all over the pitch.

One player who could be a contender to come in is Taylor, who spent many years at Elland Road early on in his career, firstly in the youth team and then making the grade in the senior setup. The 29-year-old made 104 appearances for Leeds in total, scoring three goals and registering 13 assists in that time, before joining Burnley in 2017.

Taylor remains with the Clarets currently, but with his current contract at Turf Moor expiring next year, they may feel that now is the best time to sell him, instead of losing him for free in 2024.

With Junior Firpo moving on after a really poor spell as a Whites player, a new left-back will be required, and it looks as though the former Leeds man is a candidate to come in.

Are Leeds signing Charlie Taylor?

According to The Athletic's Hay, the Whites could look to bring Taylor back to the club this summer, as he provided a fresh update on potential transfer targets in that area of the pitch:

"Defensively, Leeds require a left-back having decided to listen to enquiries for Junior Firpo. They have been repeatedly linked with Ryan Manning, who is on a free transfer after parting company with Swansea City, and they are pondering bidding for Burnley’s Charlie Taylor, the defender who came through the academy at Elland Road."

Taylor could be a really shrewd investment by Leeds this summer, with the Englishman knowing the club inside out, and therefore unlikely to take time to settle in as Farke's first signing.

At 29, he is now an experienced head who has become accustomed to life in the Championship, appearing 126 times in the competition down the years, and he could bring a mix of defensive stability and attacking nous, with the latter highlighted by his aforementioned assist tally for Leeds.

He also impressed Burnley manager Vincent Kompany in a centre-back role last season, with his boss saying: "If he has never played there, I can’t say why. But he looked like a centre half. I have been in the position for a few years of my life, and I saw a centre half.”

That level of versatility could be an added bonus for Farke moving forward, giving him more options in his squad, so it is a move that makes a lot of sense, especially as the Clarets could be willing to sell for a cut-price amount, given Taylor's contract situation.

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing for the potential exit of free-scoring talisman, Harry Kane, with the Lilywhites believed to be showing an interest in Lille striker, Jonathan David.

What are the latest Tottenham transfer rumours?

With Kane now into the final year of his contract, the likes of Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are believed to be eyeing up a possible summer move, with it yet to be seen if the Englishman will be leading the line for Ange Postecoglou's side next term.

As a result, French outlet L'Equipe (via Sport Witness), are reporting that the north London outfit are eyeing a possible successor to the 29-year-old in the form of David, with the Premier League side said to be 'observing' the Canadian international.

If Spurs are to strike a deal for the former Gent starlet, the belief is that the Ligue 1 side have slapped a €60m (£51m) asking price on the 23-year-old, with the likes of Newcastle United, Chelsea and PSG all showing an interest at present.

How good is Jonathan David?

Lauded as a "phenom" by journalist Tony Marinaro, the Brooklyn-born marksman has undoubtedly sparked some real excitement due to his displays in France of late, having netted 58 goals in just 136 games for his current side.

The 5 foot 9 ace – who also boasts 25 goals in just 42 outings for his country at senior level – had also previously sparkled during his time in Belgium after bagging 37 goals in only 83 appearances in all competitions, proving that he can offer a clinical presence in attack.

That being said, however, transfer insider Dean Jones recently suggested that top-flight rivals Manchester United had been left rather unimpressed after watching David in action, having not been "wowed" by the in-demand hitman.

That may be a cause for concern for Postecoglou and co, as should the fact that the Lille man is also said to share a number of stylistic and statistical similarities with former Chelsea flop, Timo Werner, according to FBref.

That likeness is notably seen by the pair's inability to offer a real physical focal point in attack, with the RB Leipzig asset ranking in just the bottom 2% among those in his position in Europe's top five leagues for aerial duels won, while his Canadian counterpart ranks in just the bottom 4% in that regard.

The two men are also alike due to their desire to run in behind at any given opportunity, rather than dropping deep to link play, with David ranking in the top 10% for progressive passes received, while Werner is only just ahead as he ranks in the top 5% in that regard.

In the case of the latter man, that desire to rely on his speed and ability to stretch a defence ultimately failed to prove fruitful during his time at Stamford Bridge, with the German hotshot scoring just ten goals in 56 Premier League games after signing from Leipzig on a £45m deal in 2020.

Despite being a player who can "devastate with his pace" – according to talkSPORT's Tony Cascarino – Werner was unable to match his prior goalscoring exploits in the Bundesliga, having scored 28 league goals during the 2019/20 campaign, prior to moving west London.

Much like the "erratic" 27-year-old – as described by pundit Gabby Agbonlahor – David has also blossomed outside of England thus far, although his reliance on utilising his speed may not pay off in the Premier League, having been noted for his "directness" by ex-Arsenal man, Thierry Henry (CBS Sports, 22/02/2022, 19:45) – who also suggested not to "ask him to come to play or assist", as that doesn't appear to be his game.

For the £51m fee that has been suggested, Spurs may wish to acquire a more proven, all-round option to lead the line next term, with it yet to be seen if David could truly be a worthy successor to Kane at N17.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly interested in Brazilian defender Lucas Beraldo, as the Old Gold prepare for a squad rebuild this summer.

Julen Lopetegui has bid farewell to seven players already this transfer window, in both sales and expirations of contracts at Molineux.

With almost £80m accumulated in sales, the Spaniard can set his focus to replenishing his squad ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, as Wolves hope for an improvement on last term.

Could Wolves sign Lucas Beraldo?

As reported by GOAL Brazil earlier this week, Wolves have Sao Paulo centre-back Beraldo in their sights.

The report claimed that the Midlands club are interested in the Brazilian, with it noted that they could offer Sao Paulo a fee in the region of €7m (£6m) despite no formal proposal sent as of yet.

Contracted until 2026 with the Brazilian side, Wolves’ valuation of the defender could be deemed too low, with his release clause reported to be set between €40m and €50m (£34m-£43m).

How good is Lucas Beraldo?

Lopetegui could snatch a bargain for the 19-year-old at a critical time at Molineux.

Having just sold centre-back Nathan Collins to Brentford, and Max Kilman’s future uncertain, it’s integral that the Spaniard hires in the central defence department this summer.

In 10 Brazilian Serie A appearances this year, the teenager has asserted his dominance on the back line in winning a monstrous 67% of his total duels, via Sofascore.

At just 19, the "gem" has been lauded as being a "superb ball-playing" centre-back by Kulig, signifying that he could be just the player that Lopetegui requires to rejuvenate the defence at Wolves.

Such praise is supported by his numbers, with FBref revealing the extent of the luxury Molineux could add to their ranks, with Beraldo averaging an impressive 5.85 progressive passes per 90 over the past year.

To highlight what the Brazilian could offer to Lopetegui, fellow centre-back Max Kilman averaged 3.46 progressive passes per 90 in the Premier League last term, suggesting that the Spaniard could unlock a new dimension of play from the back.

While filling numbers are integral this summer ahead of the new season, Wolves must introduce added quality to make up for those lost in the transfer market.

Nathan Collins fell out of favour with the manager which subsequently paved the way for his departure to Brentford, however, Lopetegui could land himself a player of the Irishman’s calibre in his replacement.

As per FBref, the 22-year-old averaged 3.18 progressive passes per 90, as well as averaging 1.34 tackles and 4.17 clearances per 90 in the Premier League last term.

While the teenager’s progressive outlet was an improvement on Collins’, his defensive stability over the past year suggests that he could be a talent of similar force to the Brentford man at Molineux.

As told by FBref, the Piracicaba-born gem averaged 1.75 tackles and 4.72 clearances per 90 for Sao Paulo, as well as making an average of 1.14 blocks and winning 1.75 aerials per 90.

At just 19, Lopetegui could integrate an influential talent to his back line, in a player that has the numbers to suggest he could adequately fill the boots of the departed Collins this summer.

Crystal Palace have made a verbal offer to sign Montpellier striker Elye Wahi and these next few days could be "decisive", according to reports.

Who will Crystal Palace sign?

It was a mixed 2022/2023 Premier League campaign for the Eagles, with relegation comfortably avoided but little progress made in terms of mixing it with England's elite.

Palace also sacked former manager Patrick Vieira with the Frenchman leading them into dangerous territory at the time, leaving them to turn to fan and club favourite Roy Hodgson.

After he guided them to safety, the Eagles saw fit to award Hodgson with the permanent job for next season, and a top half finish is now being targeted.

"I know what a fantastic squad we have here," Hodgson said a fortnight ago (via the BBC).

"It's a great blend of youth and potential, alongside experienced players with Premier League and international pedigree.

"As such, we have set ourselves the target of a top-half finish, which we believe is eminently achievable with such a fabulous group of players and the most magnificent supporters who get behind the team, week in, week out."

To strengthen further this summer will be imperative to that ambitious goal, with Jefferson Lerma already making the move to Selhurst Park on a free transfer.

Palace have been linked with a succession of more signings, including Arsenal forward Folarin Balogun, AC Milan's Charles De Ketelaere, Netherlands international Donny va de Beek and Torino defender Perr Schurrs recently (footballtransfers).

However, after the departure of star forward Wilfried Zaha, it's perhaps most important they add quality to their attacking ranks.

As such, the south Londoners have been linked with red-hot Ligue 1 striker Wahi, with reliable French newspaper L'Equipe (via Sport Witness) revealing as much.

According to the paper, Palace have made a verbal offer for the 20-year-old, with Hodgson's side having "invited themselves to the talks".

As well as them, it is believed La Liga giants Atletico Madrid have done the same, and these next few days could be "decisive" in determining Wahi's future.

The forward remains on holiday at this moment in time, but according to L'Equipe, he hopes to return and start training with his "new club" – whoever that may be.

How good is Elye Wahi?

Montpellier's star player bagged a brilliant 19 goals and five assists in the league alone last season, ranking as one of their best-performers per 90 in the process according to WhoScored.

Wahi was a consistent threat in the final third and that is exactly what Palace need if they're to achieve their goal of a top half finish next season.

The young attacker has also been praised by members of the media for his displays across the channel.

"If he manages to polish the definition, we are facing a striker who is going to exceed ten goals per season," said journalist Andrés Onrubia Ramos on Twitter.

"A real beast in space that, in addition, associatively also leaves interesting things. It should definitely explode."

Fresh from having sealed a deal for Andre Onana last week, Manchester United are reportedly still interested in making a move for Feyenoord stopper Justin Bijlow, as Erik ten Hag seeks to strengthen his goalkeeping department this summer.

What's the latest on Bijlow to Man United?

According to Dutch outlet, 1908.nl, the Red Devils are 'still exploring the market' in their search to find a backup option to £47.2m signing, Onana, with Bijlow a player that remains on United's radar after previously being linked with a move earlier in the window.

As per the report, the Eredivisie side are hoping to have the 25-year-old – who has been valued at around £20m – still on the books for the 2023/24 season, with a new contract offer seemingly in the works.

The need for a new reserve 'keeper comes amid real uncertainty surrounding a number of the goalkeeper's currently at Old Trafford, with Dean Henderson and Nathan Bishop having been heavily linked with moves to Nottingham Forest and Sunderland, respectively, while Tom Heaton has also been the subject of interest from newly-promoted side, Luton Town.

Who is Justin Bijlow?

With those potential departures in the works, it could well be all change for United in the goalkeeping ranks, with the Premier League giants having already allowed long-serving Spaniard, David De Gea to move on after 12 years in Manchester.

While fresh faces are seemingly needed to help provide cover to Onana, it remains to be seen if Bijlow is the right option, despite the 6 foot 2 ace having previously been lauded as "brilliant" by ESPN's Cecilia Lagos.

Ten Hag's desire to look to the Dutch market to find new recruits has not been an overriding success during his time at the Theatre of Dreams, with Lisandro Martinez – who has been dubbed an "absolute monster" by teammate Luke Shaw – arguably the most successful Eredivisie arrival.

Martinez's Ajax colleague, Antony, endured a muted start to life in England after scoring just four league goals last season, while Rotterdam native Tyrell Malacia – who played alongside Bijlow at Feyenoord – has been a useful, albeit unspectacular squad option, having started just 14 top-flight games last term.

Amid those mixed fortunes, United were also seemingly stung by the arrival of another Dutch asset in the form of Wout Weghorst, with the 30-year-old striker having joined on loan from Burnley in January to help provide further depth to the forward line.

While previously rather prolific earlier on in his career – having notably bagged 45 goals in just 86 games for AZ Alkmaar – the 6 foot 6 marksman was unable to successfully replicate that impact in the Premier League, having failed to score a single top-flight goal in the second half of last season.

With just two goals to his name in total in 31 games in all competitions, the one-time Wolfsburg man undoubtedly failed to have the desired effect, having been described as "not good enough" to play for the club – or for his country – by legendary compatriot, Ruud Gullit.

The fear then will be that United may repeat that transfer howler by bringing in another Netherlands international in the form of Bijlow, with the latter man having also been the subject of criticism for his displays for Oranje, as pundit Willem van Hanegem recently stated:

"I just thought he was very bad at goalkeeping with the Dutch national team. For him, it was blunders. You have to be honest. If he doesn’t keep (the goal) well, he’s not good."

That stinging assessment should have alarm bells ringing back at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils unable to afford a repeat of their Weghorst mistake.

Liverpool are interested in signing Moises Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion despite Premier League rivals Chelsea's unremitting pursuit of the Ecuador international.

Who will sign Moises Caicedo?

That's according to Football Insider, who claim that Jurgen Klopp's Reds are the side to have joined Chelsea in the race for 21-year-old midfielder, who is valued at £100m by his outfit.

This follows a report from The Athletic revealing an unnamed club have seen an £80m offer rejected this week, surpassing the Blues' latest bid of £75m plus add-on.

Read the latest Liverpool transfer news HERE…

Liverpool have been pushing for a move for Southampton's Romeo Lavia but appear reluctant to meet his side's £50m valuation; while Caicedo eclipses Lavia's price tag, he is an established, high-profile destroyer and Klopp could yet further negotiations.

How good is Moises Caicedo?

A few dubious eyebrows will undoubtedly have arched following the report that Liverpool are the mystery club looking to enter the race for Caicedo's signature, and while further reports will need to materialise to convince the fanbase that such claims could bear fruit, it's an indication that sporting director Jorg Schmadtke is working diligently behind the scenes.

The struggle to find common ground in the bid to sign Lavia from Southampton is not for lack of funds, rather, an inflexibility in strategy, an unwillingness to pay in excess of what the club internally consider an appropriate fee.

Caicedo was unquestionably one of the Premier League's standout stars last term and his unrelenting intensity and industrious work-rate was a crucial factor behind Brighton's momentous sixth-place finish, qualifying for the Europa League.

As per Sofascore, the £60k-per-week gem recorded an average match rating of 7.08 in the English top-flight, completing 89% of his passes, averaging 1.2 key passes per game and winning 2.7 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per outing, praised as a "machine man" by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Once dubbed as "strong, quick, intelligent and cool" by Tim Vickery, the effect that he would have on the Reds team would be extreme, instilling a deep-rooted winning mentality as he threads the team together and charges the engine.

He would play a big part in the restoration of the squad's backline, which has seen defensive imperiousness dissipate into the wind and was probably the crux of Liverpool's demise last term, enhancing the likes of newly-appointed captain Virgil van Dijk.

The 32-year-old Dutchman has made 222 appearances since arriving from Southampton on a £75m deal in 2019, winning the whole gamut of silverware under Klopp's stewardship at Anfield, but he has been branded "nonchalant" by Dave OCKOP for his languid defending and part in Liverpool's issues.

But, as The Athletic illustrated, the underperforming and sapped midfield's inability to protect the defence compounded the problems, and Caicedo can be the icing on the cake following the summer arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai – who will undoubtedly improve the Reds centre.

Caicedo can combine the tenacity of the defensive energy with the crispness of his composed passing, with FBref ranking the Ecuadorian among the top 6% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 13% for tackles and the top 11% for interceptions per 90.

This would play into Van Dijk's favour, with the £220k-per-week colossus ranking among the top 12% of defenders for pass completion and the top 4% for passes attempted per 90, requiring a conduit through which the attacking flow can be channelled.

Caicedo would be Liverpool's "crown jewel" – as once heralded by Ecuadorian football expert and historian Enrico Castro-Montes – and Klopp must now monitor the player's situation over the coming weeks attentively, ready to pounce if the opportunity arises.