All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

West Ham responded to their Europa League disappointment on Thursday evening against Eintracht Frankfurt by defeating Norwich 4-0 which boosts their top seven ambitions and a return to European competition next season.

A double from Said Benrahma and further efforts by Michail Antonio and Manuel Lanzini eased the Hammers to another three points, although there were a few injury scares during the match.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-this-weeks-latest-west-ham-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-more” title= “Read the latest West Ham news!”]

Both Antonio and Benrahma had to come off during the contest and there were initial fears of their involvement in the next few Premier League matches.

David Moyes reveals injury update

Moyes spoke after the routine victory and revealed some good news that will much give the supporters a boost.

“Mick’s got a bit of a knock on his hip. Dawson took one in the calf, and Saïd’s could have been his ankle – I’ve not had the chance to see it yet,” said Moyes

“So hopefully they’ll all be okay. I don’t think they looked that serious.”

With the news that nothing look too serious on the injury front, it could be massive as Moyes and his side currently sit just three points behind Manchester United in sixth place, with a game in hand, so they have an excellent chance to secure Europa League football again.

Benrahma has arguably been one of the side’s key performers this season, scoring 11 goals and producing a further six assists in all competitions.

The winger has an average score of 6.87 on WhoScored which ranks him fifth in the West Ham squad, proving his importance to the team.

His performance against already relegate Norwich drew him praise from the Athletic’s West Ham correspondent Roshane Thomas, who declared that the Algerian winger has “definitely improved this season” when talking about his goal involvement stats.

The 26-year-old only bagged three times last season and this rapid increase in offensive productivity this campaign will have done his confidence the world of good.

Hopefully, he can feature in the last two matches of the season and propel West Ham to sixth place.

AND in other news, Imagine him & Said: West Ham set to move for 22 y/o “hurricane”, he won’t cost a penny…

A major claim has emerged on Premier League side Newcastle United and their interest in French striker Hugo Ekitike…

What’s the talk?

Northern Echo journalist Scott Wilson has revealed that the club will step up their pursuit of the 19-year-old in the summer as they attempt to bolster their attacking options. Stade Reims are prepared to cash in on the young talent and PIF are now looking to take advantage of the situation.

The reporter Tweeted: “NUFC will make a new move for Hugo Ekitike this summer – with Reims ready to sell the teenager. January’s deadline-day events won’t stop Newcastle going back in for Ligue 1 striker…”

This comes after Pete O’Rourke recently claimed that the Toon are set to be the ‘favourites’ to land him in the upcoming window after missing out on his signature in January.

Supporters will be delighted

The Magpies supporters will surely be delighted with this latest update as it means that the club will be making a bid/attempting to sign Ekitike in the coming months. Couple this with O’Rourke’s claim and you are left with the exciting prospect of the attacker landing at St. James’ Park ahead of next season.

After PIF failed to get a deal over the line on deadline day, as Wilson hinted at, the fans will be buzzing with their willingness to go back in for him. It shows that the owners do not want to settle for second best and are determined to get their number one target through the door to improve Eddie Howe’s options at the top end of the pitch.

This is an impressive mentality and shows that the club will not be easily deterred when chasing targets, lessening the chances of them moving further down their list of potential signings and bringing in someone who may not be as good as they hoped.

The supporters will, therefore, be pleased with the club’s approach and they will be delighted if it ends up working in the pursuit of Ekitike. In Ligue 1 this season, he has scored nine goals and provided two assists in just 14 starts for Reims, which shows that he has the quality to score goals on a consistent basis at the top level.

He also has the potential to improve further and develop over time. At the age of 19, he is a player Howe can work with in the years to come and supporters will surely be excited to see such a promising, young, gem join the club.

AND in other news, “NUFC want..”: Mark Douglas drops big Darsley Park transfer claim that’ll delight Howe…

West Ham United have gone through this latest Premier League season with Michail Antonio as their only predominant centre-forward.

Having sold Sebastien Haller to Ajax back in the 2021 January transfer window, the Hammers have not been able to bring in a replacement striker.

Another attacker that the east London club sold in recent memory is Marko Arnautovic.

After scoring 22 goals in 65 appearances for West Ham across all competitions, the Austrian moved to China in the 2019 summer transfer window.

Now that the upcoming summer transfer window is on the horizon, it seems as though the London Stadium outfit have the chance to bring a new version of Arnautovic to the club and add a bit of depth to their attack.

According to journalist Christian Falk, West Ham are interested in signing Union Berlin and former Liverpool striker Taiwo Awoniyi.

With 40 appearances under his belt for the German club across all competitions so far this season, the 24-year-old has found the net 18 times and provided four assists.

This shows how much of a prolific goalscoring threat he is becoming and backs up why he was described as a “dangerous” player by Steffen Baumgart.

In comparison to Arnautovic, who has scored 12 goals in 29 Serie A appearances for his current club Bologna this season, Awoniyi has had just two more shots on target than the former Hammers star as well as the same number of big chances.

This highlights just how similar the duo are in terms of their prowess in front of goal.

The 24-year-old, however, has been able to rack up a higher average of shots on target per 90 minutes (1.2) in this campaign, showing that he is more clinical in terms of his attempts at goal than the Bologna attacker (0.96).

It isn’t just in terms of offensive prowess where the pair are similar, however, with the duo progressing the ball at a similar rate too. Arnautovic has registered progressive passing yardage of 53.7 per 90 and 28.1 progressive carries per 90 minutes with the ball at his feet.

Awoniyi, in comparison, has managed 54.4 progressive passing yards and 24.1 progressive carries. Furthermore, they have both completed 77% of their short passes throughout 2021/22 via FB Ref.

With all of this in mind, securing a deal for Awoniyi should be at the top of GSB’s priority list when it comes to incoming transfers this summer.

Having a reported price tag of £21m, this could be a great piece of business if the east London club were able to get their hands on the former Liverpool starlet and he’s able to continue his development as a deadly goalscorer.

In other news: WHU plot bid for 42-cap ace with an “instinct for goals”, he’s better than Antonio

AC Milan have been linked with a move for a Manchester United ace who Ruben Amorim rates and now a new update has dropped regarding their pursuit.

Joshua Zirkzee has struggled to fully ignite in a Red Devils shirt to date, with Fabrizio Romano recently talking up his potential exit, even though Amorim values him as a player.

“Yeah, we have to follow the situation closely in the next weeks because the calls have started. First was West Ham, now also Roma have made some calls to understand the situation of Joshua Zirkzee. So the market is moving around the Dutch striker again. Let’s see what happens with Sesko because now with the Sesko injury, again, it’s not a super serious one probably.

“Let’s wait for Manchester United statement. But obviously when you have a player like Sesko injured, there is still the opportunity to have a player like Zirkzee who can cover cover several positions as number nine, as number 10. Ruben Amorim according to my sources never wanted to let Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee leave because he believes that also Zirkzee can cover several positions and can be very important.”

Now, a fresh update has appeared over Zirkzee’s next step in his career, with a move away from United in 2026 still potentially looking on the cards.

AC Milan make contact over Zirkzee signing

According to a report from Corriere dello Sport [via Caught Offside], Milan have held talks with Zirzkee’s representatives over a move from Manchester United.

The January transfer window will be a chance to get a deal over the line, with the Red Devils striker in need of more regular playing time, in order to boost his 2026 World Cup chances with the Netherlands.

It has been a tough spell for Zirzkee at United, scoring just seven goals in 54 appearances, so it is only natural that a move away could be best for all parties.

The 24-year-old remains a popular figure among United supporters, always giving his all, but the summer arrival of Benjamin Sesko has pushed him further down the pecking order.

As mentioned, the World Cup is only around the corner, so warming the substitutes’ bench most weeks is going to do little to aid his chances of being a fixture in the Netherlands’ team, as he battles former Red Devils striker Memphis Depay to lead the line for his country.

Man Utd join race to sign "underrated" Arsenal target in bargain Baleba alternative

United could get one over on the Gunners.

ByTom Cunningham Nov 15, 2025

If Zirkzee does leave permanently, it will be yet another attacking signing that hasn’t worked out for United, but equally, if a move doesn’t materialise, Amorim will surely be content to have him around until at least the end of this season.

Amorim's "modern-day Berbatov" is now already on borrowed time at Man Utd

Celtic did not enjoy a successful and to the summer transfer window on paper after they failed to bring in the centre-forward recruits that they wanted.

The Hoops wanted to bring in two new strikers, as they allowed Adam Idah to sign for Swansea, but failed to sign any before they snapped Kelechi Iheanacho up on a free transfer the day after deadline day.

Such was the level of frustration from sections of the fanbase, Celtic felt they needed to put out a lengthy statement explaining why they did not land their targets and why they did not invest before the Champions League qualifying clash with Kairat.

That is all in the past, now, though, and supporters may end up looking back on the summer transfer window more favourably if some of the signings continue to shine on the pitch.

For example, the signing of Sebastian Tounekti from Hammarby on deadline day is already looking like a fantastic piece of business by the Hoops.

The Scottish giants reportedly splashed out a fee of £5.2m to sign the winger from the Swedish side, and that looks like a bargain on early evidence.

Why Sebastian Tounekti looks like a bargain signing for Celtic

The speed at which Tounekti has settled into life in Glasgow has been astonishing, as he looks like he has been playing in Scottish football and in hoops for years.

His performances in training must have been as impressive as what the forward has shown on the pitch, because Brendan Rodgers was willing to chuck him straight into the starting line-up against Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.

Tounekti signed for the club on deadline day, jetted away to play for Tunisia, then returned to start against Kilmarnock after only a few training sessions with his new teammates.

Minutes

88

58

Touches

67

34

Shots

5

0

Chances created

4

1

Dribbles completed

5/9

0/1

Duels won

6

1

That is why his performance, which was significantly better than fellow new signing Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s, was particularly impressive on his league debut.

The electric winger was a constant threat down the left flank for the Hoops with his willingness to drive at and take on defenders with the ball at his feet, as illustrated by his five completed dribbles in comparison to Balikwisha’s none.

That impressive display from the Tunisia international left him undroppable for the League Cup clash with Partick Thistle, irrespective of the fact that they were up against Championship opposition and could have rested him.

Tounekti left supporters excited to see more of him and Rodgers obliged. The winger did not let him down. He grabbed his first goal for the club in a 4-0 win for the Hoops on Sunday.

The 23-year-old dynamo, after just two appearances for the club, already looks like a bargain signing because of the quality that he has produced on the wing.

He also has the left wing position locked down and appears undroppable on current form, which may have a knock-on effect for other players in the squad.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

The Celtic star who currently looks like the biggest loser from Tounekti’s rapid rise to stardom at Parkhead is the 2024/25 Premiership Player of the Season, Daizen Maeda.

Why Maeda is the biggest loser of Tounekti's Celtic form

As aforementioned, the Tunisian star has shone on the left flank for the Hoops in their last two games, which means that the position is his for now.

Meanwhile, Kelechi Iheanacho has delivered a last-minute winner, albeit from the penalty spot, and an assist in his first two appearances for the club as a centre-forward, which was clearly a position that the club wanted to strengthen in.

This has left Maeda in a bit of an awkward spot, because he mainly played as a left-winger last season and has mainly played as a centre-forward this season, per Transfermarkt.

The Japan international, was hailed as “phenomenal” and “built like a brick” by former Rangers boss Barry Ferguson, delivered an unquestionably outstanding return of 33 goals and 12 assists in 51 appearances in all competitions, per Transfermarkt, whilst starting as a left winger in 36 of those matches.

However, it remains to be seen whether that season was just a flash in the pan for Maeda. He only managed ten goals and four assists in 36 games in the 2023/24 campaign, per Transfermarkt, and has not a blinding start to the current term.

Appearances

34

5

Goals

16

1

Goals per game

0.5

0.2

Big chances missed

17

2

Conversion rate

28%

20%

Minutes per goal

160

372

As you can see in the table above, the Japanese forward has only scored once in the first five games of the current league season, missing two ‘big chances’ on the way.

Maeda’s inconsistency in front of goal throughout his Celtic career, taking his 11 goals from 49 matches from the 2022/23 season into account, suggests that supporters should not expect him to score 33 goals again this year.

This is why it should not be out of the question for Rodgers to unleash the 27-year-old star in a different role, as a right winger with Iheanacho through the middle and Tounekti on the left.

Maeda has started 22 matches as a right winger in his Celtic career, per Transfermarkt, which shows that he is capable of playing out wide on that side of the pitch.

As good as Tounekti: 7/10 Celtic star is now a player "to be excited about"

This Celtic star was as good as Sebastian Tounekti in the comfortable win over Partick Thistle.

ByDan Emery Sep 21, 2025

So, for now, the Japan international appears to be the biggest loser of Tounekti’s rise to stardom because the reigning Premiership Player of the Year may have to play in a different position that is not his favoured one to be in the starting line-up in the short term.

West Ham United boss Graham Potter is under serious pressure after a torrid start to the Premier League season, and Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna has emerged as a reported candidate to replace the under-fire tactician.

Potter has recorded the second-worst win percentage of any West Ham boss in Premier League history since he took charge, with only the infamous tenure of Avram Grant overshadowing his poor record thus far.

9. Sam Allardyce

30.7%

10. Julen Lopetegui

30%

11. Gianfranco Zola

27.8%

12, Graham Potter

27.3%

13. Avram Grant

18.9%

via StatMuse

Grant was in the dugout for West Ham’s relegation at the end of 2010/2011, and was sacked hours after their drop to the Championship was confirmed. The Hammers would’ve rued their decision not to hire a replacement for the Israeli before they reached that point, and if they’re not careful, history could be repeating itself with Potter.

Since the former Chelsea and Brighton boss took charge, West Ham have the worst Premier League record of any side apart from last season’s relegated three, and only Grant’s West Ham conceded more goals at this stage of the season than any other Irons side in the competition’s history.

Potter watched on as his men were dismantled 3-0 by London rivals Tottenham in what was a dominant second half by the Lilywhites on Saturday, with goals from Pape Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Micky van de Ven rounding off a night to forget.

Tomas Soucek was also sent off for a desperate lunge on 54 minutes, so West Ham are expected to be without the Czech fan favourite for their crucial games against Crystal Palace, Everton and Arsenal through suspension.

These are matches which could well determine Potter’s immediate future too, as reports suggest that David Sullivan and co are weighing up potential replacements for the 50-year-old.

Sullivan is personally a fan of Nuno Espirito Santo, according to journalist Alan Nixon, with the tactician also available for hire after being sacked by Nottingham Forest and replaced by Ange Postecoglou.

Coventry City boss Frank Lampard and José Mourinho have also been linked to the West Ham job, as has McKenna.

Wayne Veysey told Football Insider this week that McKenna was a guest of the West Ham boardroom during their 3-0 loss to Spurs last weekend, which will fuel speculation that the 39-year-old is a favourite for the role.

West Ham insider shares 11-word message on McKenna replacing Potter

However, according to West Ham insider Claret & Hugh, quoting their “top transfer source”, it is believed that a move for McKenna is unlikely.

Sharing an 11-word message, the informant simply laughs off links to the Ipswich boss who guided the Tractor Boys to successive back-to-back promotions before they were relegated last season.

They were quick to dismiss McKenna as an option, but would that be a mistake by the West Ham board?

Why West Ham should consider Kieran McKenna

McKenna is young, ambitious and would likely seize the chance to make a return to the Premier League.

He seems to develop players, get the best from limited resources and maintain high standards, as evident by his rise through the lower leagues with Ipswich these last few years.

That kind of leadership could help reset morale at West Ham, unite the dressing room and stabilize performances. While McKenna suffered a relegation last campaign, the gap between the Premier League and Championship is crystal clear by the fact all three promoted teams have gone straight back down in each of the last two seasons.

If the board decide change is needed, McKenna appears ready for a step-up, especially considering he was once a reported managerial target for Tottenham and Chelsea.

Burnley are plotting a summer move for a Premier League player who was “on fire” last season, according to a fresh transfer update.

Burnley sign Weiss but Trafford exit close

The Clarets are still looking to bring in ideal new signings ahead of next season, with Scott Parker well aware that improvements will be needed in his squad to avoid the fate of recent promoted sides.

On Thursday, Burnley officially completed the signing of young goalkeeper Max Weiss from Karlsruher SC, with the German speaking of his happiness at moving to Turf Moor.

“I’m really excited to be here. It’s an amazing Club with a big ambition and all the conversations I have had with people from here have been so good and very positive. The training ground facility looks amazing, the pitches are so nice and I can’t wait to get in for pre-season and meet the rest of the team.”

That said, it looks as though James Trafford’s time as a Burnley player is close to its conclusion, with journalist Fabrizio Romano claiming the goalkeeper has “fully agreed personal terms” with Newcastle United.

Burnley plotting move for Premier League ace

Now, according to a new report from Football Insider, Burnley are “interested” in signing West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek this summer, with the Czech out of contract with the Hammers in 2026.

It is stated that the 30-year-old is not seen as a part of Graham Potter’s future plans at the London Stadium, but the Clarets “could find it hard to afford a deal” for the £90,000-a-week star, perhaps due to his wages.

Soucek could be an astute signing for Burnley this summer, with the West Ham man now a proven Premier League player who has scored 36 goals in 194 appearances in the competition.

He is also an 81-cap and 15-goal Czech Republic international, while Joe Cole hailed his performances for the Hammers last season.

At 30, Soucek isn’t getting any younger, but he isn’t a player who relies on pace, and his physicality and eye for goal in the middle of the park can be a great asset for Burnley for several years, should they be able to afford him.

Still reeling from their failure to qualify for the Champions League, Aston Villa have instantly set their sights on summer upgrades which could reportedly include a defender who has won it all in English football.

Aston Villa may still face PSR consequences

It’s fair to say that Aston Villa went all in on Champions League qualification, knowing that failure would have its consequences – that failure simply couldn’t be an option. So, the reaction when Manchester United sealed a shock victory on the final day after Morgan Rogers’ goal had controversially been disallowed was always going to be strong.

Villa slammed the decision, which they feel cost them their Champions League place, citing that a more experienced referee should have been in charge of such an important game, rather than 35-year-old Thomas Bramall.

Whether the blame truly lies with Bramall or Villa, themselves, for missing out on a place in the top five is not the question those in the Midlands should be answering, however. Instead, they should turn their focus towards how they’re going to navigate their way past increasing profit and sustainability concerns.

Already, the likes of Emiliano Martinez have been linked with moves away from Villa Park in a shock exit which is becoming more and more of a possibility. The Argentine is undoubtedly one of Unai Emery’s key men, but could be shown the door as they look to balance their books this summer.

Perhaps in a defiant attempt to welcome upgrades even in the face of PSR concerns, Aston Villa could still welcome fresh faces in the coming months. The likes of Lucas Chevalier is one name on their reported shortlist to replace Martinez, whilst those in the Midlands have also seemingly set their sights on signing a Premier League champion at a bargain price this summer.

Aston Villa informed about Joe Gomez deal

According to Empire of The Kop, Aston Villa have now been informed about Joe Gomez’s situation at Liverpool and are one of eight Premier League clubs currently keeping an eye on the defender who will be allowed to leave Anfield this summer.

The veteran centre-back, who can also play as a left and right-back, will reportedly cost any potential suitor just €30m (£25m) in the coming months in what is a bargain deal for such an experienced player. After becoming a two-time Premier League winner in recent months too, Gomez himself is reportedly open to an Anfield exit in pursuit of a starting place elsewhere.

He's Grealish 2.0: Aston Villa keen on £55m star who has the "X Factor"

Aston Villa are looking to upgrade their attacking options this summer

ByJoe Nuttall Jun 3, 2025

Whilst the 28-year-old has endured his fair share of injury problems, there’s a reason why he’s Liverpool’s longest-serving first-team player and Arne Slot recognised his quality earlier in the season, telling reporters: “Joe is patient in a good way, he always makes sure he is ready whenever the club or his teammates need him, and that is special when it comes to his mentality because not many players can do this for so many years that he has done this.”

If Aston Villa want to get back into the Champions League next season, then to say they could do a lot worse than signing a defender who’s won the competition would be a major understatement.

Leeds United’s attack has played a vital role in their success throughout the Championship title-winning campaign, producing the goods on countless occasions.

Daniel Farke’s side registered a total of 95 goals in the 46 appearances, the most of any side in the division, undoubtedly playing a key role in their ability to finish top of the table.

Joel Piroe scored 19 times, the most of any player in the division, proving his worth at Elland Road after joining the Whites for a fee in the region of £10m in the summer of 2023.

However, despite the impressive form of numerous players in 2024/25, added reinforcements are needed in such a department if they are to secure survival next time around.

With the transfer window just around the corner, the hierarchy have wasted no time in identifying targets for Farke, as the German looks to establish the club as a Premier League outfit once again.

The latest on Leeds’ pursuit of new attackers this summer

In recent days, Leeds have been in the race to sign Newcastle United forward Callum Wilson this summer, with the 33-year-old’s deal set to expire at the end of June.

They’re not alone in their pursuit of the Magpies centre-forward, with West Ham United just another team in the race to land the striker, who’s scored 49 times in his 130 appearances for the club.

However, he’s not the only forward-thinking option currently on their radar, with Sheffield United star Gustavo Hamer another option considered by Farke, according to talkSPORT.

The report claims that the 27-year-old is set to depart the Blades this summer after their play-off final defeat, with the Whites just one of the sides mooted as a possible destination.

It also states that the hierarchy at Bramall Lane are resigned to losing him in the coming months, but it doesn’t say how much they will demand to part ways with him this summer. That said, Transfermarkt value him at around £13m.

Why Hamer could be Farke’s next Summerville

Winger Crysencio Summerville captured the hearts of the fanbase during his stint at Leeds, producing numerous moments of magic during his three-year stint in Yorkshire.

The Dutchman joined the club in 2021, originally linking up with the youth setup, before making the jump up to the first-team and being a monster hit at Elland Road.

He scored the winner against Liverpool at Anfield back in the 2022/23 campaign, but it wasn’t enough come the end of the season as the club dropped into the Championship.

Relegation would be a blessing in disguise for his career, registering 20 goals and nine assists for the Whites last season, leading to a £25m move to join West Ham United.

The supporters must wish they were able to keep hold of the 23-year-old, but they could land their next version of the Dutchman in the form of his compatriot, Hamer.

Like Summerville, he’s enjoyed his latest spell in the second tier, registering 18 combined goals and assists, possessing a similar playstyle to the departed attacker, with both liking to cut inside off the left onto their right foot.

Games played

41

43

Goals & assists

16

28

Progressive passes

6.4

4.4

Passes into final third

4.4

1.7

Passes into 18-yard box

2.2

1.7

Take-on success

54%

53%

Times dispossessed

0.7

1.8

The Blades star, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by former teammate Ollie McBurnie, has managed to match or better Summerville in numerous key areas from his previous year in Yorkshire, showcasing how much of an excellent addition he would be this summer.

Whilst it remains unclear how much a deal would set the hierarchy back in the coming weeks, it would be a superb piece of business that would inject added quality into the front line.

If he manages to get anywhere near close to the levels produced by the departed Dutchman at Elland Road, he would be a potential bargain, strengthening their ambitions of staying in the Premier League.

He's the new Coutinho: Liverpool set to sign "generational" star very soon

Liverpool are moving quickly to make new signings for Arne Slot’s side.

ByAngus Sinclair May 27, 2025

A £150k-a-week Liverpool player is now on the verge of sealing a move elsewhere, with the deal at a very advanced stage, according to a report.

Important summer ahead for the Reds

Few would have predicted Arne Slot securing the Premier League title in his first season as manager, but the Reds have defied all expectations to secure top spot, with captain Virgil van Dijk set to get his hands on the trophy on May 26th.

However, despite the success this season, Slot is set to have a big job on his hands this summer, as the manager will be tasked with bringing in a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is set to join Real Madrid at the end of his contract.

Clubs from across Europe are also queuing up for Darwin Nunez, with the Uruguayan falling short of expectations this season, meaning a replacement is likely to be needed at striker, with Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak believed to be the dream target.

More exciting than Frimpong: Liverpool make enquiry for "world-class" star

Liverpool could be about to make a move for a star who could be more exciting than Jeremie Frimpong.

ByEthan Lamb May 14, 2025

One of the only additions Slot has made to his squad is Federico Chiesa, with the winger being handed a £150k-a-week contract last summer, but it appears as though the Italian’s time at Anfield could be coming to an end.

According to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), Chiesa’s prospective move to Napoli is now at a ‘very advanced’ stage, with the forward excited by the opportunity to return to his home country after a disappointing spell on Merseyside.

The Serie A side are now stepping up their pursuit of the forward, having already submitted an offer, and a deal is close to completion, with Napoli keen to bring him in on a loan deal initially, with the option for a permanent purchase.

Slot should cash-in on Chiesa this summer

Rather than agreeing to an initial loan deal, the Reds should look to get the 27-year-old off the books permanently if possible, given that he has failed to adapt to life in the Premier League since arriving from Juventus.

While injuries have not helped the Italy international, he has made just five appearances in the Premier League, featuring for just 41 minutes in total, having been unable to make a name for himself on Merseyside, despite his previous exploits for club and country.

The former Juventus man’s only notable moment in a Liverpool shirt came in the EFL Cup final, scoring a late goal against Newcastle United, but his side were unable to force their way back into the game.

Liverpool’s Premier League title triumph underlines the fact they do not need Chiesa, so it is good news they are looking to get him off the books this summer.