Liverpool are on course to become the new kings of English football and are edging closer to clinching just their second league title of the Premier League era, with Arne Slot vying to join Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Manuel Pellegrini, Claudio Ranieri and Antonio Conte in the list of first season winners.
However, it could be argued that the hard work has barely got started at Anfield, as Slot is tasked with putting his stamp on a well-oiled Jurgen Klopp team which he is yet to full tinker with after a subdued opening two windows.
Liverpool are expected to lose Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free to Real Madrid, while they are also sweating over the futures of Mohamed Salah and club captain Virgil van Dijk. These are key issues which will need to be resolved in the near future with both players in their 30s, even if new deals are agreed. However, that’s not the only thing on Slot’s mind as he scours the market to find a long-term successor, the ever-reliable Andrew Robertson.
TeamTalk claim that Liverpool see Bournemouth full-back Milos Kerkez as the ideal heir to Robertson and, add that an offer in the region of £45m could be enough to get the deal over the line, particularly if the Cherries are unable to give the Hungarian international some form of European football.
The 3AM Verdict: Robertson has been and remains a top quality defender but at 31-years-of-age is approaching his twilight years and is perhaps a player that Liverpool are overly reliant on, given the workload of a title campaign and European football. He found it tough against PSG in the Champions League and it is clear the Reds may need an upgrade in that department.
Kerkez is a whole decade younger than Robertson and is blessed with exceptional sprint speed, attacking qualities and the ability to bomb forward and make overlapping runs. His two goals and five assists this term show he has the qualities to be a real asset for the Reds, if they can get a deal over the line. £45m seems a reasonable figure that both clubs should be more than happy with, too.
Man Utd ‘want’ £45m West Ham ace
Manchester United are expected to return to the table with a fresh effort to sign Jean Clair-Todibo after missing out on the Frenchman last summer.
Manchester World understands that the Red Devils wanted Tobido in the summer but were unable to do business with OGC Nice due to Jim Ratcliffe’s ties with the club. It is claimed that this resulted in West Ham winning the race for the centre back’s signature in a loan move, which includes a £35m obligation to buy come the end of the season.
Tobido experienced a slow start to life at the London Stadium but has made huge strides under Graham Potter since January to justify the club’s decision. According to the Athletic, United have not lost interest in Tobido and the report adds that the club could make an immediate bid of around £45m to West Ham once his move to the capital becomes permanent - thus securing Man United their key target, and giving the Hammers an immediate £10m in the bank.
The 3AM Verdict: This is another example of the Red Devils struggling to land the correct deals in the transfer market while making rookie errors. West Ham are just starting to see the best of Tobido and are short on centre-back options, which means they could in theory charge even more for the Frenchman.
Meanwhile, United, after already signing Leny Yoro and Mathjis De Ligt, still can’t seem to find a settled defensive partnership. United’s main struggles lie further up the pitch and while a centre back could be needed, the bulk of the money must be spent on signing a proven goalscorer if they are to challenge for European football next season.
Arsenal in pole position to seal £63m move
Premier League heavyweights Arsenal are hoping to sign a proven goalscorer with the potential to be the final piece of their title jigsaw puzzle after a frustrating league campaign.
The Gunners were forced to settle for silver in both of their previous title pushes against an imperious Manchester City - and despite looking likely to finish above Pep Guardiola’s side this time around, they have been nowhere near consistent enough to sustain a genuine title threat to league leaders Liverpool.
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