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Chelsea have made an offer for Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic ahead of the summer transfer window, journalist Julien Laurens has revealed.

What's the latest on Vlahovic and Chelsea?

The forward has previously been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, and with Chelsea in need of a striker this summer, it seems that they have targeted the 23-year-old for a potential transfer.

The Serbian earns £216k per week at Juventus, and it may be an expensive deal for the striker, who has scored ten league goals this season.

A potential move could also confirm that Romelu Lukaku's future lies away from Stamford Bridge. The Belgian is on loan at Inter Milan, with it unclear whether he could be offered a fresh start in West London under incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Speaking on The Byline Podcast, Laurens revealed that an offer has already been made for Vlahovic, with Chelsea seemingly keen on getting their business done early.

"I was told today like by someone that Chelsea are in for Vlahovic, Chelsea have made an offer already for Vlahovic, and I think he's maybe better technically than Lukaku, but he is still really a goalscorer," he stated.

"There is not much of an all-round game about him like you can see with Harry Kane, that by the way, Pochettino made him what he is now, like a number nine and a number 10. That might have changed, and he might just want a proper number nine in Vlahovic, who I think will do that very well.

"The fact that Chelsea are in for Vlahovic shows that they're not counting on Lukaku, I think Lukaku will go back to Inter eventually on loan, and then Pochettino will be able to get a striker that he wants to work with more, if that's Vlahovic then fair enough."

Should Chelsea buy Vlahovic?

The 23-year-old presents a much younger option than if Lukaku was to return, but it is arguable that he does not represent an upgrade on the Belgian.

Lukaku has a higher scoring rate, significantly better passing and dribbling statistics, and is more dominant in the air than Vlahovic as per FBref. He has scored just two goals less than the Serbian in 400 less minutes in Serie A, and has also helped Inter reach the Champions League final whilst Juventus continue to struggle.

Given that Vlahovic joined Juventus for a hefty fee of around £66m, it may take a large fee to convince the Old Lady to part ways with their striker, and he may need some convincing to join, with Chelsea not competing in any European competition next season.

Unless a big offer arrives for Lukaku which could see them effectively swap the strikers for a similar fee, a move for Vlahovic may not be the solution to Chelsea's problems this summer.

Liverpool's admiration for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is no secret, and the Merseyside outfit are now said to be closing in on the World Cup winner following recent reports.

What's the latest on Alexis Mac Allister to Liverpool?

According to Football Insider, the Reds' recruitment team is 'progressing with talks' to sign the Argentinian dynamo, who has emerged as one of the Premier League's hottest commodities this season.

The 24-year-old is reportedly valued at £70m by Albion, who are reluctant to let their prized asset go but are increasingly resigned to allowing him to depart, with a release clause in his contract supposedly enabling this summer.

While Liverpool are in pole position for a prospective transfer, Chelsea and Manchester United are said to be right behind Jurgen Klopp's outfit and will certainly pounce if negotiations hit a bump in the road.

What is Alexis Mac Allister's style of play?

The £50k-per-week South American has been part of a wave of remarkable recruitment from Brighton over the past few years, the centrepiece of the club's ascension to prominence over the past few seasons.

Signing from Argentinos Juniors on a four-and-half-year deal in 2019, Mac Allister has made 109 appearances for the Seagulls, scoring 20 goals and providing eight assists.

This season, he has scored 12 goals and served two assists from 37 matches across all competitions for Albion, who are currently sixth in the Premier League with a game in hand on their European-chasing rivals as the season approaches its culmination.

The 16-cap Argentine played a definitive role in his nation's triumphant 2022 World Cup campaign in Qatar, starting matches and recording an average rating of 7.05 – as per Sofascore – scoring once and registering an assist, completing 89% of his passes and averaging 1.5 tackles per match, hailed as "very intelligent" by his compatriot Sergio Aguero.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 2% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues for total shots, the top 24% for shot-creating actions, the top 22% for progressive carries and the top 17% for successful take-ons per 90, heralded as Brighton's "golden boy" by content creator Ryan Adsett for his burgeoning role.

Klopp will be seeking to utilise his transfer funds aptly this summer and seek to narrow the gulf that has formed between his outfit and that of Manchester City, who are very much on course to complete a historic treble this season.

By signing Mac Allister, the German gaffer could emulate the success of Citizens star Ilkay Gundogan, who has been instrumental in his side's illustrious success since signing for £21m in 2016 and has been in fine fettle of late, at the term's defining stage.

The industrious German midfielder, also described as "intelligent" by Pep Guardiola, played 117 times under Klopp's wing at Borussia Dortmund and won the Bundesliga and DFB Pokal, now one of Europe's most prominent midfield names.

Gundogan ranks among the top 1% of midfielders for non-penalty goals, the top 20% for progressive carries and the top 16% for shot-creating actions per 90, with discernible similarities to Mac Allister's own game.

Liverpool must sign Mac Allister, reigniting the relentless core that has somewhat waned at Anfield this season and cementing himself as the nucleus of his outfit's endeavours.

A vintage Peter Trego century helped Somerset stay firmly on course for the Royal London Cup quarter-finals with a four-wicket South Group win over Middlesex at Taunton

ECB Reporters Network26-Jul-2016
ScorecardPeter Trego’s hundred set the platform for Somerset’s successful chase (file photo)•Getty ImagesA vintage Peter Trego century helped Somerset stay firmly on course for the Royal London Cup quarter-finals with a four-wicket South Group win over Middlesex at Taunton.The visitors posted 296 for 9 after losing the toss, Nick Gubbins making 89 off 78 balls, with four fours and three sixes, Paul Stirling 58 and James Fuller a rapid 42 not out. There were two wickets each for Trego and Roelof van der Merwe.In reply, Somerset reached 297 for 6 with an over to spare, Trego hitting nine fours and a six in his 104, while Lewis Gregory contributed 69 and van der Merwe 41. Ollie Rayner was the pick of the Middlesex attack with 2 for 40. The result put Somerset on nine points from six group games, while their opponents remain on six.Middlesex had been given a solid start by Stirling and Ryan Higgins, who took the total to 83 in the 18th over before Higgins, on 39, drove a catch to cover off Trego. Stirling moved to his half-century off 60 balls, with six fours, before being second man out in the 24th over, caught at deep cover off Trego, who strangely bowled only six overs for figures of 2 for 27.Gubbins hit the first six of the innings off Craig Overton in the 25th over, but Middlesex could never put a charge on against some accurate Somerset bowling. It was 143 for 3 in the 30th over when Eoin Morgan was caught at mid-on by Trego after top-edging a pull shot off Gregory and 173 for 4 when George Bailey drove a catch to cover off van der Merwe.By then Somerset had used eight different bowlers. Gubbins reached his half-century off 47 balls, with three fours and a six and shared a fifth-wicket stand of 58 with John Simpson, who was bowled for 27, looking to reverse sweep van der Merwe.James Franklin went quickly to Overton before Gubbins’ innings ended when he guided a Tim Groenewald full-toss straight to James Hildreth at short fine-leg. Fuller provided some late acceleration with successive sixes off Groenewald, but a couple of late run-outs left Middlesex short of the 300-mark.Somerset would have been happy at the halfway stage. But skipper Jim Allenby went for a duck to James Harris when they replied and Johann Myburgh, having looked in prime form moving to 22, had to retire hurt with a side injury.Mahela Jayawardene (28) helped Trego add 63 before being well caught one-handed above his head by Morgan at midwicket off Rayner, and it was 117 for 3 when Hildreth, on 9, tamely chipped a catch to midwicket off Higgins.Trego reached a 53-ball half-century, with seven fours, against a Middlesex attack deprived of Fuller because of a side strain. Gregory provided excellent support in a fourth-wicket partnership of 86 in 15 overs and the hosts looked well placed when 35-year-old Trego moved confidently to three figures off 106 balls in the 36th over.He was bowled, advancing down the track to Rayner. But Gregory and van der Merwe were both dropped in the 41st over, bowled by Harris, Morgan and Tim Murtagh the culprits.They proved expensive errors as Gregory reached his half-century off 64 balls, with three fours, and the pair took their side to the verge of victory with a stand of 71 in 8.5 overs before both fell in the closing overs. Josh Davey and Craig Overton completed the job.

Chelsea are eyeing a move for Barcelona midfielder Gavi this summer, with manager-elect Mauricio Pochettino driving the deal, according to reports from Spain.

What's the latest Chelsea transfer news?

With the Blues now seemingly poised to appoint Pochettino as their new manager, they have now started to look at potential summer signings, recently being linked with a move for Bayern Munich winger Sadio Mane.

Another wide option is Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar, with Chelsea said to be interested in signing the Brazilian, and he is willing to leave the Parc des Princes this summer.

Attacking options appear to be the main priority for Todd Boehly, also being strongly linked with Brentford's Ivan Toney, however Pochettino has made it clear he wants to strengthen in a number of areas, including midfield.

According to reports from Spain (via Sport Witness), the former Tottenham Hotspur boss is the strongest candidate to take over at Stamford Bridge, with Graham Potter's successor set to be named in the next few days.

The Argentine is said to have "very clear" plans to rebuild the Chelsea squad, and wants to start by bringing in Gavi, who he "really likes", although it will not be easy to orchestrate a transfer.

The 18-year-old has no intention of leaving Barca, despite the fact he is currently on a youth contract, with his proposed contract renewal being rejected by La Liga due to the club's financial issues.

Would Gavi be a good signing for Chelsea?

If the Blues are able to convince the midfielder about a move, then he could be a very exciting signing, given that he has already emerged as a vital first-team player for Barca, despite his age, making 45 appearances in all competitions so far this season.

Hailed as "sensational" by journalist Josh Bunting, the maestro is also versatile enough to play on the wing, having featured on the left side 13 times this season, weighing in with two goals and three assists when played in that position.

Teammate Sergio Busquets has raved about the starlet, telling Movistar TV (via The Athletic): “He is at an incredible level, goals, assists, he has a brilliant future, but still many things he can improve."

That said, even though the £124k-per-week youngster undoubtedly has a great deal of potential, Chelsea already have the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Mason Mount and N'Golo Kante to choose from at central midfield.

Given that the Blues are among the lowest-scorers in the Premier League, a new striker must remain the priority, and it would not be the end of the world if they missed out on Gavi.

George Dobell at Edgbaston01-Jul-2016
ScorecardRichard Gleeson claimed three cheap wickets for Northants•Getty ImagesSuch is Northants’ dominance in T20 cricket this year that it might take until the winter for them to face a real challenge.Certainly they encountered little resistance at Edgbaston. Although the teams went into the match equal on points at the top of the North Division, Birmingham were 25 for 5 after 37 deliveries and there is no way back from that. It’s a little premature to suggest Northants have one foot in the quarter-finals, but they are very handily placed.But, by the time winter comes, the discussion over the future shape of the domestic T20 tournament will be coming to fruition. As things stand right now – and these things change like manifesto promises – the most likely result of those discussions is a two-division competition involving all 18 first-class counties and a system of promotion and relegation. It could start as early as next year, though 2020 and the advent of a new TV deal remains a more likely timeframe. The broadcasters would focus on the top division.Which all sounds pretty simple, doesn’t it?Except such is the desire to ensure the product – yes, it’s a horrible word, but we have to be realistic – looks right, that the argument over how to populate the top division could become complex.While you might think that simply picking the quarter-finalists of the previous season was the most meritocratic solution, there are those who think the division should be decided by ground size. That way, they argue, the product will appear more glamorous on TV and the potential for extra revenue from ticket sales increases. It is, in essence, a way of introducing city cricket through the back door.But if the new-look competition does start next year Northants, in particular, cannot be denied. So consistently impressive has their T20 form been over the last few years – they won the competition in 2013 and reached the final in 2015 – that any formation that does not include them (and the other ‘small’ counties who are out-performing their city neighbours with big grounds and even bigger senses of entitlement) will lack integrity. Merit must remain the only method for qualification.A similar discussion occurred ahead of the first year of the Premier League. Cambridge United were, at the time, the club with the small stadium that threatened to win promotion. As it was, they fell away and most of their best players were cherry-picked by bigger clubs. Northants supporters will be familiar with the sensation.Northants do have an issue with ticket sales, though. While Surrey, who could find themselves in the lower division, have sold 122,247 NatWest Blast tickets this season, Northants have sold just 16,477. Not for the first time, the cricket side of the club is being let down by the business side.Ticket sales have fallen off drastically around the country in the last couple of weeks. From a high point, a month ago, where they were up 26 percent on 2015 levels (which was, in itself a record year), the relentlessly wet weather (and, perhaps, the rival attraction of the football) has reduced this figure to 8 percent. The plan to start the competition several weeks later in 2017 may help, but the last few weeks might prove a reminder that, if this competition is held in a window, it is a hostage to fortune. It could be ruined by a spell of wet weather the like of which we have just experienced.What Northants provide – in T20 cricket, at least – is a glorious reminder of the ability of sport to transcend financial muscle. So here, despite fielding a makeshift opening attack of part-time pros (Richard Gleeson combines his playing role with a community coaching role at the Lancashire Cricket Board, while Moin Ashraf has been signed on a short-term contract to cover for injuries to Rory Kleinveldt and Stone), they thrashed a side with a budget the like of which they can only dream.Birmingham, remember, have such a strong squad that they feel able to leave out players of the class of Varun Chopra (who scored an unbeaten 97 in his only T20 innings this season) and Jonathan Trott (who remains the highest T20 run-scorer in the club’s history, despite hardly having played for several years). Indeed, if you added up the salaries of those left out – and you could include Boyd Rankin, Tim Ambrose, Ian Westwood, Keith Barker and Chris Wright – it might not fall far short of the entire Northants’ salary bill.The better side won here. While Northants produced some moments of great skill – Richard Levi seemed to defy gravity as he leapt high into the air to take as sharp a slip catch as you could wish to see to dismiss Laurie Evans – Birmingham had what might politely be called a shocker: Jeetan Patel’s drop at cover to reprieve Josh Cobb on 1 was museum-quality awful.Perhaps they were a little unfortunate. Batting first on a pitch that had been under cover for much of the time since it was used for last week’s ODI, Gleeson gained just enough movement to trouble the batsmen. Luke Ronchi edged a beauty that left him, Ian Bell missed one that may have nipped in and Sam Hain, frustrated at his lack of progress, top-edged a desperate heave. Had the match not been reduced to 16 overs a side due to rain, Birmingham may well have struggled to see out their overs.Northants, recognising the tricky conditions, did not try to win with overs to spare. Instead Ben Duckett – a home-grown player who could well go on to represent his country – and Cobb, the third-highest scorer in the competition this season, played intelligent, mature innings. There were 21 balls to spare when Cobb clipped the boundary through mid-wicket that clinched the win. Cricket’s version of the Leicester City story continues.

Shiv Thakor and Tom Taylor achieved personal milestones to put Derbyshire in a strong position on a rain-shortened second day of the Division Two match with Kent at Derby

ECB Reporters Network23-May-2016
ScorecardShiv Thakor’s century lifted Derbyshire (file photo)•Getty ImagesShiv Thakor and Tom Taylor achieved personal milestones to put Derbyshire in a strong position on a rain-shortened second day of the Division Two match with Kent at Derby.Thakor’s 130 was his first century for Derbyshire and his highest score in the Championship while Taylor made a career-best 80 as the pair added 150 in 31 overs to set a new club record for the seventh wicket against Kent.Matt Coles was the pick of the Kent bowlers, finishing with 5 for 116 from 34.5 overs and, in reply to Derbyshire’s 492, the visitors were 79 for 1 when a downpour wiped out most of the final session.Kent’s hopes of quickly polishing off the Derbyshire innings soon faded as Thakor and Taylor continued to play with freedom on a pitch which offered little encouragement for the bowlers.Thakor survived a confident appeal for a catch behind down the leg-side off Calum Haggett on 92 but there were few alarms as the pair batted through the first 20 overs of the morning. Taylor again looked the part with the bat, cutting Haggett for four to reach his maiden first-class 50 and take Derbyshire to maximum bonus batting points for the first time this season.But all the attention was on Thakor, who this season has started to show the quality that marked him out as such an exciting prospect at Leicestershire, and his celebrations when he square cut Haggett for the four to go to three figures showed just how much it meant to him.It was his second Championship century against Kent and he was only four short of his highest first-class score when he gave James Tredwell the charge and was stumped by Adam Rouse.”It was nice to get that hundred but more importantly a very good first innings total,” Thakor said. “We’ve got 19 wickets to take now and that’s the most important thing. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a lovely feeling but it will mean a lot more if we get those wickets over the next two days and get a win.”Taylor had gone five overs earlier, chipping Adam Ball to cover, but their partnership had swung the game in Derbyshire’s favour and left Kent with a lot of batting ahead of them to stay in the game.Although the pitch had flattened out, the new ball was always going to be a test for the Kent openers and Derbyshire were rewarded for sustained accuracy when Ben Cotton removed Daniel Bell-Drummond in the 10th over. He was squared up by a ball that bounced and left him but it still needed brilliant reactions and agility from Tom Poynton who changed direction to take the catch diving across in front of first slip.Another wicket then would have left Kent on the ropes but Sean Dickson and Joe Denly showed sound judgement and application to bat through the rest of the afternoon. Dickson pulled a loose ball from legspinner Matt Critchley for six but Derbyshire’s bowling was disciplined and the second wicket pair scored only 61 in 24 overs and when the rain arrived shortly after tea, Kent were still 412 runs adrift.Tredwell said: “They played really well, perhaps we didn’t bowl as well as we would have liked, and they started pretty well and made it hard for us to score so the morning session becomes crucial tomorrow. If we can get through that first hour and then start to build a good score then we’ll see how the game pans out after that.”

Sam Allardyce has not been at Leeds United long but has already brought in two members of staff to aid him in the Yorkshire outfit's fight against relegation.

Former MK Dons and Oxford United boss Karl Robinson joined the club as his assistant, but it is the intriguing appointment of Robbie Keane as a first-team coach which could end up having the most impact.

What impact will Keane have at Leeds?

The addition of Keane is certainly an interesting one when you consider he has worked in just three coaching roles as a player-coach at Indian side ATK, as well as assistant manager gigs with Ireland and Middlesbrough.

His last job came in 2020, but Allardyce seems confident that the former striker can have a big impact with the Yorkshire club ahead of four crucially important games.

He said: "I've known Robbie for quite a while, and we've talked on many occasions about him getting into coaching, and I've worked with him at Soccer Aid a few times and all that, so I really, really liked his personality.

"In my mind [he is here] to come in and give everybody a lift, not just by his coaching methods for the front men particularly and the strikers, because obviously goals are very important, but also the fact that he is Leeds through and through – he loves the place."

Keane certainly knows his way around Elland Road, having scored 18 goals in 56 appearances for the club between 2001/02, so shouldn't have any trouble adjusting to life back at the club.

His impressive goalscoring record across his career, which saw him hit over 300 career goals across spells with Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and LA Galaxy among others, suggests that he could be the man to revitalise Patrick Bamford, who has struggled for consistency across the last two campaigns.

Could Keane revitalise Patrick Bamford?

After hitting a phenomenal 17 goals and seven assists in his debut Premier League campaign with Leeds in 2020/21, which saw him earn an England call-up, fans will have been hoping to see Bamford kick on and become a consistent goalscorer at the top level.

Unfortunately, injuries and poor form have plagued the former Chelsea youngster across the last two campaigns, with just six goals to his name in a combined 34 Premier League appearances.

This season has seen him average a shocking 6.40 rating from WhoScored for his performances, while Understat suggests that he has underperformed on his expected goals by a worrying 4.73, which is comfortably the worst return of his career.

Allardyce's main focus may be on fixing Leeds' leaky defence but if Keane can pass on some of his goalscoring nous to Bamford and get him firing again, then his goals could be the difference between survival and relegation.

Tottenham Hotspur are 'dealing' with Julian Nagelsmann and have asked him for a summer commitment, according to Sky Sports Germany.

What's the latest on Nagelsmann?

The 35-year-old is a hot property and major target for Spurs, with reports suggesting that he is their number one priority to replace Antonio Conte.

Chairman Daniel Levy is still on the lookout for Conte's successor well over a month after both the club and Italian parted company, but it is believed the likes of Vincent Kompany and Arne Slot are also in their thinking.

After being surprisingly sacked by Bayern, Nagelsmann is a free agent and readily-available for hire, and Spurs could even have a free run at trying to hire him after his talks to join Chelsea fell through.

The Premier League top four outside hopefuls must get their next appointment right or potentially risk more backlash from the fanbase, who have already protested the ownership of ENIC and Levy.

Spurs have seen two interim managers take the reins since Conte's departure, with Cristian Stellini being relieved of his duties after a 6-1 humiliation against Newcastle United.

Ryan Mason is overseeing the squad until the end of this season as Levy works on a permanent managerial appointment in the background – and Sky Germany have shared an update on their pursuit of Nagelsmann.

The reliable broadcaster claims Spurs are 'dealing' with the ex-RB Leipzig coach behind-the-scenes have 'asked' him for a summer commitment as they make an approach. There have not yet been concrete negotiations, though, and Nagelsmann apparently wants clarity over his role and in terms of control over transfers.

It's reiterated that he will not go to Chelsea, but the unanswered questions at Spurs means Nagelsmann is 'waiting' to fully commit.

What could Nagelsmann bring to Spurs?

As well as being one of the most exciting managers in Europe, having already clinched a league title at his young age, he's also been called 'crazy' by members of the media like BBC Sport Writer Raj Chohan for some of his in-game tacticial decisions.

Just before Bayern relieved Nagelsmann of his duties, Joshua Kimmich raved over the manager, claiming he is among the best coaches he's ever had, explaining to the media:

"I can only say that Julian Nagelsmann is an outstanding coach. Really, I’ve had a lot of coaches and a lot of top coaches and despite that, I’d say he’s easily in the top three of my best coaches."

He would also bring an intense, attacking style to Tottenham which would surely excite supporters.

Liverpool have struggled to maintain their high standards this season with months of inconsistent performances and injuries to key players plaguing their ability to challenge both domestically and in Europe.

The Reds were quickly knocked out of every opportunity to add another trophy to their illustrious collection and are now struggling in the Premier League too, with the side currently nine points adrift of a Champions League qualifying spot inside the top four with just seven games remaining.

Indeed, Jurgen Klopp has had to contend with a number of injuries this season, as the likes of Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, Thiago Alcantara and Naby Keita have all sustained long-term injuries at various stages of the campaign, and now the German coach has been dealt another blow ahead of the final few weeks.

The Liverpool manager took to his pre-match press conference ahead of the Nottingham Forest clash at Anfield to reveal that Roberto Firmino has suffered a muscle injury and will miss at least three fixtures:

“Unfortunately, Bobby picked up a muscle issue a little bit,”

“We will see how long that takes. It’s not too serious but he is definitely out for tomorrow and next week we have two more games, I would say they are impossible as well and then we will see. We have to take it day by day.”

Whilst the Brazilian's contributions will be sorely missed over the upcoming week of congested fixtures for the Reds, it is a massive opportunity for Cody Gakpo to settle into Firmino's famous false nine role over the remainder of the season.

Is Cody Gakpo the rightful Firmino heir?

The versatile Dutchman has had a slow start since his arrival on Merseyside in January, considering he was one of the most prolific forwards in Europe with 13 goals and 17 assists tallied up for PSV Eindhoven in all competitions in the first half of the season.

However, it would be unfair to criticise Gakpo's impact as he has had to settle into a team that was already struggling for consistency in their performances, and Klopp's strong desire for the player to take on a slightly different role than he was used to in the Netherlands has perhaps hindered his ability to hit the ground running.

Despite earning most of his experience on the left flank over his career so far, the £120k-per-week ace – hailed "impressive" by journalist Declan Carr – has been mostly deployed in the centre-forward role for Liverpool and started to make the role his own in the monumental 7-0 victory over Manchester United last month.

His pressing skills in the three-man press against the Red Devils' defence helped him to become massively disruptive out of possession and seek out pockets of space in progressive areas of the pitch, which led to him finding the back of the net twice with his opener in the seven-goal thriller unravelling his opponents.

This snippet of Gakpo's style of play at Anfield mirrors that of Firmino, who has become famously renowned for his selfless yet impactful style of play in the false nine, which has been a key component to the outstanding success that Liverpool have achieved in the last half a decade.

Now with Firmino unavailable for selection and out of contract this summer, it is the perfect chance for Gakpo to make the role his own and mould his skillset to become a real force of nature in the position ahead of next season.

Not only that, but Gakpo's Netherlands team-mate Virgil van Dijk revealed that Firmino has been working with the newly-signed player to help him to understand the important role:

"It’s a very difficult position to play, but he learns from one of the best each and every day with Bobby Firmino,"

"The winter isn’t an easy time to come to a club but Cody is settling in very well. He has to keep going, keep the confidence, keep the belief. I think he will be fine for this club. He’s a fantastic player."

With that being said, it will be interesting to see whether Gakpo will completely clone Firmino's difficult-to-grasp position or instead put his personal touch on the attacking threat with a less selfless approach in front of goal than his predecessor.

Either way, it is a bittersweet time for Liverpool supporters as they bid farewell to a club legend after nine years of impeccable service and welcome the next generation of talent who will hopefully bring more success to the red side of Merseyside.

Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney has won even more fans after he took BT Sport to task with a funny online post ahead of the club’s recent match.

What’s the latest Wrexham news?

The Red Dragons managed to secure promotion back into the Football League tonight when they managed to Boreham Wood 3-1.

Opposition player Lee Ndlovu scored inside the first minute but Elliot Lee managed to equalise for Wrexham before Paul Mullin scored twice to secure the 3-1 win.

Ahead of the game, however, BT Sport shared a tweet which showed McElhenney and fellow co-owner and Hollywood A-lister Ryan Reynolds in prominent positions.

Evidently not wanting to take any of the credit away from his players, McElhenney playfully scolded BT for not putting all the focus on the likes of Luke Young, Ollie Palmer, Ben Foster and Mullin.

Indeed, he replied with an edited image to include the four Wrexham stars as he wrote: “Fixed it for you.”

​​​​It seems the club has never been far from the drama in recent times and this was well summed up in their draw away at Barnet last week.

Indeed, defender Callum McFadzean and manager Phil Parkinson were both sent off – which drew plenty of reaction from fans online.

That 0-0 draw left them one point closer to promotion and they completed their task with three points against Boreham Wood tonight.

Regardless of what happened, though, it seems as if their owners are doing things the right way and this was brilliantly summed up by McElhenney’s recent post.

Supporters on Twitter certainly seemed to agree. Here are some of the best reactions…

The praise didn’t stop there…